Abstract
This paper represents a teach and program evaluation on a home safety education program presented to 5th and 6th grade students at Mary Law Private School in Oxnard, California. Results from students, parents, teachers and the administration are reported. A personal and professional self-evaluation of the program, teacher qualities, style and effectiveness and areas for improvement are noted along with citations from relevant research.

From the Paper
"The home safety education program presented to the 5th and 6th grade students at Mary Law Private School in Oxnard, California met with extremely positive results from students, parents, school teachers and administration. This paper presents an evaluation of the program, the process and the product through formal and informal evaluation methods. According to Anderson and Mercer (2004) evaluation must take place throughout the process to assure comprehensive development as well as implementation of the course. According to King, Sebastian, Stanhope and Gibbons (1997) evaluations can determine the effectiveness of a process, relevance of course objectives and help provide insights for revision. Kaluzney and Veney, (as cited by King et al., 1997) tell us evaluations are a way to determine the "long term implications of the program ... and whether program outputs have the desired effects on the fundamental problems the program is..."

Tags:evaluation, teaching, project

Abstract
This paper discusses quality management and productivity as it applies to the small business enterprise and particularly a small family-owned funeral home. The quality tool Six Sigma is used to demonstrate how it can improve several business processes within the funeral home's daily tasks. These are illustrated through the application of an as is and to be flow chart.

From the Paper
"Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home is implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) program with the specific intent of improving its internal operating processes. While the target of this implementation plan is a specific process, the overall impact on the organization due to this particular process improvement, in combination with the TQM program itself is expected to affect a 20% increase in profit margins. While revenues are expected to increase as a result of the overall improvement in quality of service and customer satisfaction, the majority of the increase in revenues is expected to be a result of the increase in process efficiencies led by this particular implementation plan. Quality research stipulates that executive leadership must champion the need for change which is spearheaded through the TQM program and Stroud-Lawrence is no exception (Avery & Zabel, 1996). The TQM implementation project follows the standard DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) format in both structure and..."

Tags:total, quality, management

Abstract
This paper explains that Home Depot has more than double the market share over its closest competitor, Lowe's, and more than eleven times the market share of the second largest competitor, Menard, Inc. The author points out that Home Depot's most important strengths are its size, variety, and range of products, but technology and customer service are its greatest internal weaknesses. The paper relates that the most significant opportunity for the long-term health of Home Depot is globalization, especially in China, where Obi, the second largest home improvement retailer in the world, plans to build 100 home improvement centers over the next ten years.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Company Background
Current Position
Market Share
Sales Growth
Return on Equity
ROE: Industry Leader Comparison
Profit Margin
Internal Strengths
Company Size
Products
Internal Weaknesses
Technology
Customer Service
External Opportunities
Women: A New Market
Globalization
External Threats
Domestic
Sales Growth as a Percentage: Home Depot v. Lowe's
Foreign
Competitive Advantages
Major Strategic Issues

From the Paper
"The Home Depot was created in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank and was formed as MB Associates. The first three stores opened in Atlanta and together posted sales of $7 million in 1979. The following year, Home Depot opened another store and posted sales of $22 million, an increase of 214% in one year. Home Depot continued to grow and in 1981, raised an extra $4.1 million when it went public. By 1985, Home Depot expanded to California and established a West Coast division. The next year, The Home Depot Inc. experienced its first $1 billion sales year and would never look back."

Tags:self-checkout, lowe, obi, globalization, growth

Abstract
This paper explains that Home Depot is a customer driven company known for its excellent customer service, helpful employees, professional clinics and in-store clinics, which build lasting relationships with customers by helping them solve their problems. The author points out that Home Depot's prices run 20 to 30 percent below those of local hardware stores; however, there are certain categories in which it charges premium prices such as home construction supplies. The paper reports that Home Depot has entered successfully the Canadian and Mexican markets, has acquired an already established Chinese home improvement retailer, The Home Way, and is evaluating major European markets and other countries.

Table of Contents:
Competitors
Target Market
Products
Pricing Strategy
International Presence
Marketing Strategy

From the Paper
"Lowe Companies Inc. is the direct as well as major competitor of Home Depot. Lowe started as a regional hardware store and today has become the number two home improvement chain. Lowe over the years has given stiff competition to Home Depot resulting in the resignation of its CEO Robert Nardelli this year due to the stock's poor performance as compared to Lowe's. Though Home Depot is the No. 1 home-improvement retailer, No. 2 Lowe's has been growing faster."

Tags:lowe, service, international, customer, products

Abstract
This paper discusses how Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement retail industry by combining the economies of scale inherent in a warehouse format with a level of customer service unprecedented among warehouse-style retailers. It suggests strategic alternatives to keep Home Depot ahead of the competition. The paper also provides strategies that can be employed by Home Depot for further growth in the industry.

Outline:
Introduction
Value Chain Analysis: Inbound Logistics, Operations, Marketing and Sales, Outbound Logistics, Service, Human Resources, Technological.
Strategic Themes for Home Depot: Product Strategy and Target Customers, Market Focus, Information Systems and Research.
Strategic Alternatives to Keep Home Depot Ahead of Competition
Strategies for Growth
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia, The Home Depot(r) is the world's largest home improvement retailer. The Home Depot is committed to offering the ultimate home improvement shopping experience. With about 35,000 different products, trademark customer service and guaranteed low prices, Home Depot stores cater to do-it-yourselfers (DIY), as well as home improvement, construction and building maintenance professionals. (Home Depot Inc.) Mission statement of Home Dept is "is to form mutually beneficial partnerships with diverse businesses that allow us to deliver superior products and services and superb customer service, which ultimately increases shareholder value." (Home Depot website)"

Tags:marketing, sales, product, strategy

Abstract
This paper discusses the financial state and performance of Home Depot and Lowe's home improvement stores. The criteria utilized consist of ROE, ROA, debt ratios, stock performance and price along with a host of other criteria. While Home Depot is the industry leader, Lowe's is a strong performer. The paper points out, however, that both competitors are highly susceptible to market downturns in the housing industry.

From the Paper
"Home Depot is a home improvement retailer and is the current industry leader. Home Depot operates over 1500 store locations throughout North America and Latin America although the majority of its locations are in the United States (Home, 2005). The company's headquarters is in Atlanta, Georgia and sales for its fiscal year 2005 exceeded $81.5b while its net income for that same period was $5.8b, which represents an approximate 8% increase over the previous period (Leading, 2005). Home Depot is classified as a big-box retailer which operates its line of business out of warehouse style locations and sells a variety of building materials, home improvement supplies, lawn and garden supplies targeting the do-it yourself-er customer as well as the small, independent contractor."

Tags:homedepot, lowe's, financial

Abstract
This paper explains that, although the study could not determine if single-parent status is a sole cause, it does conclude that single-parent household status is linked inextricably to a low-income status and the propensity for the student to be involved in crime. The author states that data was gathered from secondary sources, such as textbook, journal, periodical and reliable internet sources, with an emphasis on establishing correlations through quantitative data and on suggesting policy and funding initiatives through qualitative data. The paper recommends that (1) teacher awareness of single-parent status is critical, (2) peer counseling helps to improve grades for students from single-parent homes, (3) administrative sensitivity to single-parent status of a school district's students is key, but confidentiality must be maintained throughout and (4) extracurricular activities help improve academic performance for students from single-parent households; therefore, funding for these activities must increase.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Introduction
Overarching Challenges Facing Single-Parent Students
Single-Parent Household Children's Challenges in School Districts
Teacher Awareness of Single-Parent Status of Student
Careful Student Peer Counseling is a Critical Necessary Component
School Districts Must Encourage Confidential Journal Writing Programs
Managing School District Administration's Sensitivity While Maintaining Confidentiality
The Effect of Extracurricular Activities
Trained Professional Counselors
Scholarships to Incentivize At-Risk Students to Perform Better Academically
Methodology
Approach
Data Gathering Method
Database of the Study
Validity of Data
Originality and Limitations of Data
Summary of Chapter
Data Analysis
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"And, needless to say, the missing parents are often not at all involved in their children's lives. According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, nationally, 40 percent of children whose fathers live outside the home simply have no contact with them. And it is not as though those fathers who do have contact with their children are generally integrally involved. Specifically, the other 60 percent had contact with their children an average of 69 days during the year.Perhaps this is because fathers often are not geographically close to their biological children -- 26 percent of absent fathers live in a different state than their children, according to the Department of Human Resources at Alabama in 2005."

Tags:crime, poverty, journal-writing, scholarship, sources

Abstract
This paper is a complete marketing communications plan for U.K. Black & Decker (B&D) to expand its do-it-yourself (DIY) tools sales to women, especially in this period of economic downturn. The suggested key communication messages to this target audience is that women using B&D tools are the epitome of strength, power, independence and control and that there is nothing a woman cannot do. The paper discusses a complete project from the situation analysis to media scheduling and campaign evaluation. A cover illustration and table are included.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Contents
Situation Analysis
Competitor Analysis
Consumer Analysis
Market Analysis
Product Analysis
Communications Analysis
Target Market Profile
Objectives
Marketing Objectives
Communication Objectives
Marketing Communication Strategy and Tactics
Communications Strategy
Creative Strategy And Execution
Creative Positioning
Key Messages/Propositions
Variations in Creative Executions by Proposed Media Channel
Media/Channel Strategy
Objectives
Media Strategy
Media Vehicles Recommended
Tactics
Timing and Estimated Budget Breakdown
Campaign Flow
Briefing
Scheduling
Campaign Evaluation

From the Paper
"Based on the research highlighted above, B&D will package a range of tools that will be combined into a toolkit specifically aimed at women, and will contain basic DIY and home maintenance tools, proven popular with women, such as; screwdrivers of several sizes and types, pliers, a hammer, monkey wrench, several common spanners, and a power drill/screwdriver. This range of tool will be designed to meet the needs of the consumer, namely, new, sleek, ergonomic and lighter tools."

Tags:symbol, home improvement, psychographics colors channel

Abstract
This project examines the importance that the availability of quality food products and quality of service issues related to food delivery and availability has on organizational effectiveness. The paper looks at numerous reports that point to the effectiveness that improving employee health can have on an organization's productivity as well as its increased margins from saving on employee medical expenses (Mahoney). The paper demonstrates how food and general eating habits are at the core of individual health and this is certainly as true in the workplace as it is in the home environment.

From the Paper
"This project examines the importance that the availability of quality food products and quality of service issues related to food delivery and availability has on organizational effectiveness. Numerous reports are available that point to the effectiveness that improving employee health can have on an organization's productivity as well as its increased margins from saving on employee medical expenses (Mahoney). Food and general eating habits are at the core of individual health and this is..."

Tags:importance, food, organizational

Abstract
The paper is a business plan for "Designonline", an online interior design company with a potential client base of millions. The paper analyzes how the company makes use of two trends in American society: the trend toward do-it-yourself projects and the trend toward improving interior design in residential buildings. The company also makes use of the increasing power of home computers by offering simulation iconography and three-dimensional design that is both powerful enough to create designs with our tutorials, and simple enough for the average computer-literate consumer to use successfully.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Description of Company
Industry Analysis
Objectives
Mission
Competitive Comparison
Technology and Challenges
My Role in the New Company

From the Paper
"Those with large incomes generally hire an interior designer to assist them; those without that level of income have fallen between the cracks, unless they opted for the one-stop Ethan Allen method. Designonline's challenge will be to successfully market to those with "Ethan Allen" incomes who do not wish to be locked into Ethan Allen products, and but are willing to do it themselves to create a more attractive home."

Tags:American, Society, of, Interior, Design