Abstract
This paper analyzes the concept of "change", theories behind it, why it is necessary and how organizations need to cope with change in order to survive.

From the paper:

"Change requires change. Organizations today are making abundant changes internally to cope with a highly turbulent external environment. With frequent reorganizing, downsizing, rightsizing, delayering, flattening the pyramid, teaming and outsourcing taking place, careers and career opportunities are in pandemonium resulting from the progressive destabilization of relationships between people and organizations."

Tags:career, management, motivation, commitment

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines of a Harvard case study involving Alden Products Inc. (A.P.I.) The writer looks at the question of whether the company should expand an existing manufacturing facility. The writer examines the increase in sales of A.P.I. products and discusses whether a new plant should be built in Europe.

From the Paper
"The A.P.I. plant in Holland should be expanded again to accommodate the expected increase in sales in the E.U. which are expected to double in the next ten years There are several reasons for this recommendation. The first is that there is every reason to believe that expansion is necessary and that demand for A.P.I. products will double over the next ten years. One of the reasons that demand is so robust in the E.U. is the fact that the E.U. is an unqualified success and with the ..."

Tags:Harvard case study, Alden products, manufacturing decision, buy, build new or expand.

Abstract
This paper is an analysis of a case analysis of Starbucks by Ariff Kachra and Mary Crossan. It introduces the topic, provides a background of the company, and current issues facing the company. The paper presents an analysis of the coffee industry and Starbucks itself, including a brief SWOT analysis. Alternatives and recommendations based on the case study follow. The paper includes an appendix and an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper
"Based on the assessment provided by the case study, Starbucks has reached the limits of its growth domestically and must now look abroad to continue its growth. The authors say that over the last 20 years, the coffee market in the United States has been characterized by a decline in basic coffee consumption paralleled by an increase in consumption of specialty coffees. The specialty coffee market has become increasingly competitive during this period as well, with the entry of several minor but significant and a few major players. The company's prior effective marketing and diversification of Starbucks' product line in this setting has resulted in a healthy growth for the company in the United States, but the saturated domestic market has required the company to aggressively look abroad to Asia and the Pacific Rim for additional markets."

Tags:monopsony, specialty, international, marketing

Abstract
This paper examines the issue of strategic planning for a company specializing in plastic injection molding and design, Riordan Manufacturing. The paper points out that strategic planning is the very essence of long-term survival for a business. Since publicly-owned corporations like Riordan Manufacturing have the primary goal of maximizing shareholder wealth, strategic planning centers on the long-term growth in a company's financial position. Also, Riordan Manufacturing must constantly keep abreast of local, state, federal, and international laws, since a simple legislative act could affect them in any number of ways. Another primary concern is that of competition. The paper also suggests that Riordan Manufacturing should construct much of its budget based upon its economic forecast. The paper concludes that Riordan Manufacturing seems well-poised to continue its growth in the plastic injection molding industry, and appears to adhere to sound financial planning strategies, leaving little doubt that its shareholders are being appropriately represented.

Outline:
Strategic Planning
Economic Forecast
Master Budgeting Process
Assumptions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The formulation of any projected financial data must naturally include some assumptions. In the case of cash budgets, one important assumption of that of sales compared to collections from sales. Riordan quite clearly expects to collect revenue from sales during the month following the actual sale. For example, projected sales for July total $5,350,200 whereas projected collections from those sales are expected to be received in August under the cash budget.
"Another assumption appears evident in interest income. Given that collections from sales occurs up to a month--and possibly later--after the actual sale, Riordan has anticipated the interest income to be a fairly steady amount; as the figure does not change at any point throughout the fiscal year."

Tags:shareholders, stockholders, investors, plastic, injection, molding, industry

Abstract
This paper examines the furniture company, Guillermo. It specifically looks at ways that Guillermo can improve its product and make it stand out amongst his competitors. The paper also examines the cost drivers within the company such as labor, supplies and material and building and equipment cost and discusses how understanding these issues will allow better management and control of these resources within the company.

Table of Contents:
Break Even Analysis
Measures of Profitability and Performance
Conclusion

From the Paper
"By decentralizing decision making authority, more sophisticated tools must be incorporated to measure profitability and performance. Guillermo's previous management control system emphasized net operating income while the investments associated with generating that income is ignored. A stronger measure of profitability is the rate of return on investment (ROI). The return on investment equation is income/profit divided by the investment required to obtain that income or profit, and is expressed as a percentage. Return on investment consists of the products of return on sales (income divided by revenue) and capital turnover (revenue divided by invested capital). Return on investment does not depend on the size of the various segments, or the size of the investment, which will be useful to Guillermo Furniture as it expands products and services. (Horngren, et.al, 2008)"

Tags:ROI, investment, income, labor

Abstract
This paper looks at the they way three companies in the mobile telephony industry - Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola - have structured the workings of their organization. It shows how these organizations are divided and how their operations run. The paper concludes that all three organizations constantly endeavor to review their organizational structures regularly, along with other management strategies and performances, so as to maintain the leading positions in their respective core business areas.

From the Paper
"The company adopts a more flat organizational structure compared to Nokia and Ericsson and grants more authority to the second level management. Within divisions,the Vice Presidents of the respective segments are authorized to adopt the ideal organizational pattern as an example, matrix approach for new product development divisions/departments,whereas a line or staff structure for production area. The company favors interdepartmental and cross functional teaming of employees and also adopts employee empowerments schemes to make good the lacunae in organizational structure, caused due to centralization of functions. The flat organization of Motorola enables the implementations of management decisions at a faster rate."

Tags:telecommunication, Phones, Communication

Abstract
This paper presents a marketing plan for the Apple iPhone which defines the company's market specialisation. The paper specifically examines the company's ability to reduce costs incurred, improve operations to become more efficient and to achieve customer satisfaction and customer service excellence. It looks at reducing operational costs to extend profit margins while combining this with a product price discount to increase sales volumes. The paper provides a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Objectives
Target Market
Marketing Mix
Product Strategy
Distribution Strategy
Promotion Strategy
Price Strategy
Implementation
Control
Sales Analysis
Cost Analysis
Performance Analysis
Recommendations

From the Paper
"A very important technique for managers, it is a detailed breakdown of Apple's sales records. These must be performed at the least quarterly (or sooner) in order to properly track sales volumes. This will allow Apple's managers to stay in touch with the market. We recommend that a 'sales variance analysis' be used as this measures how much is actually being sold compared to projected targets. Micro-analysis combined with a Sales Variance Analysis, to measure sales relating to class of trade, geographic region (country, state or city), retail stores, online, etc measuring average sales per area highlighting sales strengths and weaknesses within those selected regions."

Tags:product, sales, efficiency, costs

Abstract
The paper explains that ERP systems are supposed to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain and connect the organization with all its partners in the supply chain. The paper points out that while there are numerous benefits to these systems, ranging from inventory management to enhancing customer service, their implementation is critical. The paper discusses how the selection of the right vendor and acceptance by the top management and employees is critical to the systems' success.

From the Paper
"To reduce costs and improve products and services technology has advanced in every sector. Supply chain processes had great inefficiencies and these inefficiencies were supposed to be eliminated by the implementation of the enterprise resource planning (ERP). Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) technology is widely used by organizations. This software integrates data from the entire company and all the third parties involved, which includes suppliers and distributors. Through the integration of ERP, internal and external transactions can be managed through a horizontal, by-process approach rather than a traditional vertical and functional one. ERP systems have evolved into strategic tools for supply chain integration as it connects all the business functions and information can be shared by all in the chain right from the suppliers to the end consumer. ERP can effectively manage the flow of materials and information according to Bertolini (2004) but Biehl (2005) contends that it is not clear whether ERP systems offer significant payoffs."

Tags:suppliers, distributors, consumers, software, database, information

Abstract
This study examines the need for market segmentation in market-oriented organizations that is caused by unique market characteristics and demand. The paper discusses this from an international context where the heterogeneity of customer demand expands and deepens and where global organizations differentiate their products and services in order to create and retain customers and excel in competition. The paper also points out that the costs incurred as a result of this process need to be positively off-set, examines the concepts of mass customization and postponement, respectively, and analyzes the relationship between the two concepts in terms of their interdependence, interaction, and effects on costs. The global perspective of the paper is supported with empirical case studies.

From the Paper
"However, the buyer and the manufacturer perceive MC differently. From the buyer's perspective, MC simply means that products will arrive on time, on budget, and meet customer specifications; from the manufacturer's perspective, it typically means that putting together a sophisticated infrastructure that gets involved suppliers, customers, and themselves, almost as co-developers of the product and the system should be able to allow the manufacturer to communicate in real time with the customer to ascertain requirements, and with suppliers to learn what's doable within an allotted period. (Ruddy, 2002) The different perceptions direct our attention to both the internal and external emphasis at the implementation level."

Tags:3pl, added, antwerp, benetton, cost, distriparks, european, gateway, inventory, lead, logistics, port, telecom, time, total, tpl, val, value

Abstract
This essay is written in an Action Plan format "For implementing an improvement to customer service levels in an organization;" and it comprehensively covers all the necessary areas that involves Customer Service within an organization. The essay is based on an organization, where a lot of information is revealed about the organization to create a greater feel for its operations and employees: two organizational structures (before and after change are implemented) are also revealed. The problems are explained in full, and analyzed, strategies for change are created and an implementation processes is included.

Tags:business, improving, marketing, sales