Abstract This paper examines the life of Henry Ford, considering both his positive contributions to American life and his negative characteristics and outlooks. The paper credits Ford with being an innovator in his work. The history of his inventions is presented along with the background and ethics behind the companies he founded. The writer also expounds on Ford's virulent anti-Semitism, and how his beliefs as a notable American industrialist influenced intolerance toward Jews in the Midwest. The paper concluded by stating despite Ford's negative attributes he made tremendous positive contributions to American society.
From the Paper "Henry Ford may be the most famous American innovator. From his development of the Ford Model T, to the introduction of assembly lines, Ford helped usher in a technological revolution. Ford's impact was not limited to technology; he was widely renowned as a champion of his workers, and was the first major manufacturer to ensure that his workers were paid a living wage. Of course, like most people, Ford had his faults. For example, Ford was virulently anti-Semitic, and is credited with much of the spread of anti-Semitism throughout the Midwest. Furthermore, while technologically brilliant, Ford was not highly educated in other areas; this became problematic because he was viewed as a leader by many Americans. Because Ford had a tremendous amount of influence on American people, both his good and bad characteristics helped change the face of American history."
Abstract This paper discusses Ford Motor Company's supply chain. Referenced is the Harvard Business School case study that examines Ford's quest to implement a supply chain network reminiscent of Dell Computer's supply chain. The conclusion of this analysis is that Ford should not overlay Dell's supply chain model because Ford's business model and structure is completely different than Dell's business model and operating structure.
From the Paper "Ford Motor Company (Ford) is faced with the dilemma of dramatically altering its supply chain to take advantage of technological advances that have made supply chains in other industries virtual, real-time and completely transparent. In particular, Ford is examining the possibility of restructuring its supply chain to resemble a technology manufacturing and distribution model; specifically that of Dell where inventories are kept to a bare minimum and build to order methodologies the norm."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the controversy surrounding the Firestone - Ford Explorer disintegrating tire issue. The author discusses the three parties involved - Ford, Firestone, and the victims - in an attempt to pin down the motivations of each. The author demonstrates how each side is shifting blame since the cause is not entirely clear. In analyzing the developments of this case, the author shows how both Ford and Firestone want to avoid taking blame and retain public confidence, while victims and consumer advocacy groups want to ensure corporate responsibility.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of strategic planning and global management at Ford and Honda. It looks at Honda's long-term approach to its strategy of independence, conservative expansion and a dedication to maintaining its core competencies. The paper compares Honda's strategy with that of Ford's and Ford's far-reaching expansion into markets ranging from military tanks to consumer credit.
Abstract This paper explores the ethics of the decision by Ford Motor Company not to redesign and not to recall the Ford Pinto in the 1970s to correct a design flaw in the gas tank that caused these vehicles to explode at relatively low speed rear impact collisions.
From the Paper "An article in Automotive News notes that in April the Center for Auto Safety petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall Ford Pintos due to defects in the design of the strap on gas tank which made it susceptible to leakage and fire in low speed collisions. The petition was based upon reports from attorneys of three deaths and four serious injuries in such accidents. This petition languished in the NHTSA offices ..."
Abstract This paper examines the dramatic restructuring and downsizing initiative currently gripping Ford Canada. The paper looks at the factors which made such moves inevitable, and also examines what the company is doing to both soften the impact of downsizing upon its employees and what it is doing to see to it that this sort of downsizing leads to greater success in the future. In the end, while the challenges facing Ford of Canada are considerable (and not things which can be rectified via quick fixes), this writer believes that cautious optimism about Ford's future in Canada is well-warranted.
Abstract Using the Ford Motor Company as an example, this paper looks at the concept of management of change and the future. It studies the current management trend that will shape Ford, manufacturing trends and globalization. It concludes by making proposals for the company's future.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most catastrophic incident in the life of the Ford Motor Company has been the bad publicity of Firestone fiasco. As a result of the discrepancies of claims, the poor quality of the products as well as the neglect of management at all levels, the company had to recall thousands of units. This is not mention the scandal that resulted in loss. According to one author, while the company had been busy promoting, there was no one who would take care of the product."
Abstract This paper discusses the legal implications of SUV rollover with regard to Ford Motor Company. It looks at the 2004 personal injury award and the arguments of the plaintiff and of Ford.
From the Paper "This was one of the largest personal-injury awards ever against an automaker in U S history. The verdict was Ford Motor Company's first loss in twelve rollover lawsuits concerning the Ford Explorer, the nation's best-selling SUV". The company said that it plans to appeal the verdict. The plaintiff swerved to avoid a metal object in the road and lost control of her Explorer which ..."
Tags: legal issues, Ford, lawsuits, rollover, safety, car safety, firestone, tires, personal injury
Abstract The paper focuses on Steven Forde's review and interpretation of Benjamin Franklin's writings. The paper discusses the concepts of Forde and his thesis in analyzing the work and his approach to conducting research. The paper also includes his structure of debating the issues set forth by critics in the past and his perceptions of Franklin's underlying meanings in the literature.
From the Paper "In the article "Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and the Education of America," Forde discusses his theories on the writings of the historical figure Benjamin Franklin. It is evident from the thesis statement that Forde has researched the ideas presented by former critics of Franklin's writing and that he finds fault in their theories of interpretation. Furthermore, Forde states "neither friend nor foe, has taken a sustained look at the Autobiography itself to explore its teaching..." (357). Drawing this conclusion, the author stipulates that if previous critics had sought to find the true reasoning behind Franklin's writing there would have been other conclusions drawn in regard to the piece."
Abstract Richard Ford's "Great Falls" and Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" are two excellent short stories with little in common except that both contain masterful, but under-stated, portrayals of deeply selfish men. A comparison in this paper of how this selfishness is evoked provides insight into the literary techniques of the two writers. In the case of Ford's story, it also shows how characters can evolve, even in a short story.
Abstract This paper analyzes sales promotion of the Ford biodiesel vehicle. It defines and describes the psychological validation and tangible factors that exist to justify the immediate launch of the biodiesel line. The paper also develops a schedule for designation and development of the Ford biodiesel vehicle over the next twelve months.
From the Paper " Initial Sales Promotion Schedule for Ford Biodiesel Vehicles Sales promotion of the Ford biodiesel vehicles needs to take advantage of several critical factors that have the potential to influence the general consumer population. Ford could not, however, ask for a better time in which to announce a new product line. There are currently a number of factors that support both the psychological validation of investing in a biodiesel vehicle in addition to tangible factors. This paper shall define and describe these factors to justify the immediate launch of the biodiesel line, as well as develop a schedule for designation and development over the next twelve months. The current environment strongly favor the development and use of vehicles powered by biodiesel fuel. Highly publicized events have made alternatives to conventional fossil fuels a viable option for consumers. The rising cost of gas helps justify the purchase on an economic level. "
Abstract The idea of 'Fordism' being the defining feature of the modern economy is a contentious one. While few can deny that the Fordist method of production and its various attributes have greatly affected economic progress in the 20th century and the post-war years in particular just how much genuine importance can be ascribed to it remains in question. Some suggest that it encompasses 'all things' modern about an economy. Others suggest that its role is far less subdued. This paper will probe into these issues in an attempt to answer the question of how, and if, the Ford model of production is a distinctly 'modern' organization of work.
Abstract This paper analyzes the stock information of the companies Ford Motor company and Walt Disney company. The paper makes reference to the stock price from 10/29/01 through 12/10/01.
Abstract The paper presents case studies on recent problems at each of these organizations: Ford Motors, Cisco Systems and Apollo Hospital. The author clarifies the situation. The paper includes an executive summary, analysis and recommendations.
From the Paper "Cisco Systems implemented an Oracle ERP system when it made the decision that its existing legacy software program was not reliable enough to handle existing operations and not sophisticated enough to allow Cisco to continue to expand and when management determined that every effort to fix the existing system was in effect putting one bandage on top of another. Ultimately the cost of the project exceeded ... million. The scope of the product expanded dramatically. The implementation team grew to more than ... people."
Abstract The writer discusses Henry Ford's invention of the Model T. The writer looks at the profound impact on the economy and urbanization of America. This paper examines the many facets of that impact from the creation of a middle class to the integration of the automobile into the fabric of American life.
