Abstract
This paper presents a case study of the company, Comfort Homes. It identifies two new market ventures Comfort Homes could potentially
enter and assesses the performance of Comfort Homes' owner-manager. The paper also looks at developing a strategy that will help direct Comfort Homes' future. The paper provides a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis and a Porter's five forces analysis of the company.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Owner-Manager Performance
Positives
Vision and Commitment
Financial Control
Quality Control
Risk Taking
Room for Improvement
Marketing Inexperience
Delegation Issues
Human Resource Issues
Strategic Plan
SWOT
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Current Strategy
Revised Strategy
New Market Venture
Porter's Five Forces
Government Housing Commission
Rural Farm Market
Conclusion

From the Paper
"James will have to overcome the communication issue within Comfort Homes in order to realise cost improvements and future expansion in the business. In sharing the knowledge James holds about the business he can effectively transfer his individual knowledge to an organizational level (Endres et al 2007). By informing his employees about the strategic direction Comfort Homes is taking, i.e. being an integrated cost leader and differentiator, staff can share suggestions and look for ways to reduce costs in the business. James could possibly even share the business financials with the staff under an open book policy, which has help many companies save on costs and improve their margins (Robbins et al. 2001). Last but not least Comfort Homes should keep in mind that as it grows it can take advantage of economies of scale, which will be a significant cost cutter. Therefore Comfort Homes will have to look to grow and expand, as will be discussed next in the new market analysis section, in order to gain greater buying power from suppliers."

Tags:strategy, owner-manager, market

Abstract
This paper examines the Solar Sailor, a Hybrid powered watercraft which utilizes its sails as a means of also collecting solar power, so while the boat is being propelled by the wind the energy collected via the solar panels run the two extremely efficient electric motors. The Solar Sailor is very ecologically and environmentally friendly since the cost of running it is very low when compared to the cost of running a diesel-powered boat. The paper looks at potential uses of the craft and discusses relevant ethical issues such as the cost of the craft itself over the environmental advantages. It concludes with the impact of the Solar Sailor on society, particularly in Australia where it was invented such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and landscape protection.

From the Paper
"A 21 meter Solar Sailor costs around $3 million compared to $2 million for an equivalent diesel engine model. Even though over a 15 yr period taking into consideration fuel and maintenance costs the Solar Sailor works out to be considerably cheaper. The only thing that is stopping the Solar Sailor from becoming a worldwide success is the fact that the older style propulsion technologies enjoy a huge comfort zone, which is bolstered by the world's fiscal policies and risk-averse conservatism. The view of Dane is that "Until we start taxing people for carbon emissions, or taxing diesel for the costs it imposes on the environment, the attractions of these kinds of technologies will increase only slowly". Over time he hopes that his patience, hard economic numbers and the day-to-day performance of his Solar Sailor will win buyers over."

Tags:australia, boats, design, environment, technology

Abstract
The purpose of this writing is to critically analyze the Community Bank Model in terms of the service product, markets, service quality and provider capabilities, in order to complete a situation analysis. The paper analyzes the community bank in Bendigo and shows how while other banks were closing local branches and abandoning communities, Bendigo Bank identified an opportunity from this broader re-structural trend and devised the Community Bank Model. The paper provides a brief background on the banking industry in Australia and then looks at how the Bendigo bank structured and strategised to succeed for its customer base.

From the Paper
"As part of the deregulation of the banking industry that took place during the 1980's, building societies came under greater competitive pressure and many, including then Bendigo Building Society, became a bank (Viney, p100, 2000). In 1998, Bendigo Bank introduced their Community Bank model, which could be said to reflect their previous "friendly" building society image. The Community Bank model was mainly a response to the closing of 2030 bank branches across Australia (Wilmot, 2002). The model is based on a franchise-type arrangement. The arrangement is that Bendigo Bank provides capital, technology, training, and continuing support (Borham, 2000). The local community, consisting of individuals and small business operators, is required to contribute equity capital of about $350,000 to establish the community branch."

Tags:closures, community, situation, strategy

Abstract
This paper explains that introducing computers into the learning environment does not necessarily improve learning outcome; the role of the teacher to manage content and workflow is critical to the effective use of computers for learning and a prerequisite for the successful and meaningful design of lessons. The author presents a work plan for seven class periods including lectures for grade 6-8 students in the Life Science subject area with three topics: 1) What's New with Dinosaurs? 2) Dinosaur Detectives and 3) Dinosaurs in Argentina. This paper concludes that, although information technology can be a powerful medium for learning at all levels of education and training, learning experiences need to be meaningful, relevant, holistic and should be applied in a flexible learning environment

Table of Contents
Introduction
Analysis of Unit of Work
Definition
Description
Theoretical Perspectives
Constructivism
Behaviorism
Strategies
Provision of Meta-cognitive Experience
Teacher Instructions
Fostering of Cooperative Learning
Direct Instruction and Scaffolding
Increasing Adoption of an e-Learning Environment
Observation and Implementation
Impact on Teachers and Learners
Teachers
Learners
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Active construction of learning is generally accepted in contemporary education acknowledging that it is important for students to construct their own knowledge rather than acting as passive learners. Students should be encouraged to recognize this importance and should be allowed to construct their own learning. Guiding principles for constructivism are; 1) pose relevant problems, 2) secure lesson around 'big' concepts, 3) value students' point of view, 4) adapt curriculum to students' prior knowledge, and 5) assess authentically. The concept of self-directed learning brings about a changed perspective in respect instructional strategies."

Tags:content, workflow, dinosaur, environment, active

Abstract
This paper examines the leadership qualities of Doug Ivester during his time as CEO of Coca Cola. Key issues are pinpointed from which recommendations are made in regard to the selection of a new leader for the Coke board. Key issues addressed include management vs leadership skills, flexibility and interpersonal and motivational skills.

Outline
Introduction
Background
Management vs Leadership Skills
Characteristics of a Good Leader
Flexibility
Delegation
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Strategies
Interpersonal Skills: Staff Unrest
Sensitivity
Perspective
Recommendations
Manager vs Leader
Job Competency
Recruitment
Induction
Future of Company
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"At the start of Ivester's tenure, none would have predicted his downfall. Some even predicted a greater performance than that of the highly respected Goizueta (Cottrill 1998). Ivester was a dependable man, a former accountant and 'number-cruncher supreme'(Bennis and O'Toole 2000, p.172) who had slowly worked his way up the hierarchy of Coke to eventually hold the position of CEO. What Ivester failed to realise was that his steadfast managerial skills wouldn't automatically translate into solid leadership, and that his preference for stability and order didn't necessarily translate well into an insecure market environment in which he found himself."

Tags:interpersonal, management, competency, delegation

Abstract
The paper relates that Hewlett-Packard's Kittyhawk project for the emerging handheld computing market never succeeded in the commercial market due to unforeseen events and mistakes. The paper explains the main reason for the failure, which involved the handheld computing market, project expectations, the design limitation and the project's resource allocation. The paper then discusses the actions that the Disk Memory Division (DMD)and the Kittyhawk team could have taken to prevent the failure of the project and the department.

Outline:
Introduction
Reasons Leading to Failure
Avoiding Failure
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Kittyhawk project was initiated to help HP become a major player in the hard disk industry in the long run. Although HP has been selling disk drives since 1984 it was still a niche player in the industry by 1991. Bruce Spenner, the general manager of HP's Disk Memory Division (DMD), believed that HP needed to develop a new hard disk that would "take the computing market by storm" (Rogers 1997, p 51) if it was to achieve its goal of becoming a big player in the hard disk industry. Therefore the Kittyhawk project set out to develop a new small and robust hard disk for the emerging handheld computing market. Although the hard disk was completed, it never succeeded in the commercial market due to unforeseen events and mistakes."

Tags:handheld, computer, disk, hard, drive, resources, design

Abstract
This paper looks at how Google has revolutionized the search engine market around the world. It presents a case study to discuss the success of the Google phenomenon, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.

Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Customer Protection
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Google, named after the mathematical term googol (one followed by 100 zeros), began in 1998 after two Ph. D. students from Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brit, decided to merge their graduate projects together on search technology. When the search engine was first developed, 10,000 students and professors at Stanford University started using it regularly. Larry Page and Sergey Brit knew they were onto a winner product. Google will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on September 7 and currently handles 200 million search requests per day (Graham, 2003). Analysts estimate revenues from $940 million to $1.25 billion this year from advertising and licensing fees (Graham, 2003). This case study will examine some of the key factors in Google's business."

Tags:search, engine, technology

Abstract
It presents a case study to discuss the success of the DoubleClicks business, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations for the future.

Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Privacy
Local Presence
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"DoubleClick was founded in 1996 and is the leading provider of tools for advertisers, direct marketers and web publishers to plan, execute and analyse their marketing programs (Rappa, 2003). Based in New York City, DoubleClick operates in 21 countries around the world. DoubleClick's second quarter revenue for 2003 was $US63.6 million and currently employ 1,082 people. Last year, DoubleClick produced more than $US300 million in annual sales (DoubleClick, 2003). This case study will examine some of the key factors in DoubleClicks business."

Tags:revenue, future, model, technology

Abstract
The paper is presented as a work group case study of an end-of-year meeting. The paper covers and analyzes several task and maintenance issues such as determining membership, goal setting and group environment. The paper then evaluates the outcome of the meeting and presents several suggestions for improving on further meetings.

From the Paper
"Today's organizations are realizing the synergistic power of groups and are increasingly introducing teams into normal work life. With the emergence of project teams, self-directed work teams and other work groups good leaders are vital to maximize their effectiveness as they seek to achieve organizational goals. For an organization optimum team performance could become a source of competitive advantage."

Tags:managing, processes, teams, work, Manager, icebreaker

Abstract
This case study discusses the failure of Boo.com, its business model, competitors, alliances, technologies and recommendations.
Introduction
Business Model
Technologies
Competitors
Acquisitions and Alliances
Advertising
SWOT Analysis
5 Force Analysis
Recommendations
Summary
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Boo were probably one of the most publicised victims of the Dot.com crash. Boo's concept was to sell top fashion clothing over the Internet at retail price with the aim of creating a global brand. Boo launched in November 1999 and on May 17 2000 Boo had gone out of business. In six short months, Boo had spent $US135 million dollars. Boo has since been purchased by fashionmall.com Inc. in New York, which bought the boo.com domain name, trademarks and other assets. Boo.com has since reopened under the fashionmall.com banner. This case study will examine some of the key factors in Boo's failures."

Tags:swot, market, crash, dotcom