| Papers [321-336] of 14487 :: [Page 21 of 906] | | Go to page : <— 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 —> | |
|
|
Starbucks Strategy, 2008.
A review of the mission of Starbucks to make the company the most recognized and respected brand in the world.
3,201 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 148.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper relates that Starbucks does not just sell the product but it also sells the ambiance which comes in the form of a European style coffee shop, a place where people can relax at any time of the day. The paper states that Starbucks has created a culture of making regular coffee drinking a sophisticated act for the American public. The paper also discusses how Starbucks made the company the most recognized and respected brand in the world.
Outline:
What are the main elements of Starbuck's differentiation strategy?
How did this strategy fit in the environment originally, and which resources and capabilities supported this strategy? What was the role of vertical integration?
How did this strategy evolve over time (US and internationally)?
The case ends in 1997, what happened after that? Describe the major changes that happened afterwards?
From the Paper
"Deming was of the opinion that quality was an ongoing process and had to be constantly evaluated with reference to both internal and external environments affecting the organization. (DeVor, Chang, & Sutherland, 1992) The training of the workforce for instance has ensured that the quality of the coffee is always consistent. More important however, is that the employee can "educate" the customer about the coffee and the processes used to make the coffee. Trained employees are also able to instruct the customer about duplicating the coffee making experience within their homes. The average gourmet coffee drinker is also becoming more knowledgeable about brands, products and supporting accessories (espresso and gourmet coffee brewing machines) and Starbucks is probably responsible for this newly educated American customer."
| |
|
Green Logistics, 2008.
An analysis of how companies are looking towards green logistics.
1,414 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 76.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper relates that in the attempt demonstrate stewardship and corporate social responsibility, many organizations are attempting to green their business. The paper then relates that these organizations tend to focus the greening process on procurement and manufacture and forget to include logistics. Thus, much of the efforts of these companies is wasted when logistics enters the situation and is not environmentally conscious. The paper then goes on to discuss methods of implementing green logistics, noting that the shift to looking at green logistics as not only responsible but essential to healthy business.
From the Paper
"Either way there are many things that companies can look for either in a logistics contractor or in their own logistics/transportation/shipping department. In short each company must make the best decision for itself and its products based upon the logistics needs of its products. (Colby, Kingsley & Whitehead, 1995, p. 132) Part of doing this in a greener manner is to research the green options for logistics, what forms of logistics are more green than others and what kind of logistics decisions can be made to green those which are currently less green than others. Obviously if timely delivery of volatile goods is at stake and overseas transportation is required then flight is unavoidable, while if products can be sent via surface, because they are non-perishable and needed for warehouse rather than direct and current consumer demand than surface methods could be more green, depending on the methods used and the actions of the logistics professionals."
| |
|
Strategic Human Resource Management, 2008.
A literature review to discover the factors that shape strategic human resource management (SHRM).
3,400 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 50 sources, APA, AU$ 155.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, although human resource management is not a new field, strategic human resource management (SHRM) has changed the role of human resources from being supportive to being a strategic part of the organization.The author points out that the core issues of SHRM are recruiting and hiring new employees, training and education of existing employees, motivating and retaining employees, compensation and benefits, workplace laws and regulations, diversity management, succession planning and finally the challenge in finding just the right combination for the specific company. The paper identifies salient literature relating to each of these factors
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Recruiting and Hiring New Employees
Training and Education of Employee
Motivating the Workforce
Compensation and Benefits
Diversity, Workplace Laws and Regulations
Succession Planning
Conclusion
From the Paper
"A periodic evaluation will also help determine if any trends of worker burn out or disillusionment in the employee. When new positions and jobs open up within organizations, managers and supervisors that advertise this position should have a clear expectation of the needs of the position and the long-term viable options that the position will provide to the success of the goals and missions of the organization. Training is also needed to ensure that new workers are not overwhelmed by the task expected of them."
| |
|
Procurement Strategy, 2008.
An analysis of the advantages of a strong procurement strategy with a focus on the Maritime shipping industry.
1,600 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 84.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how procurement strategy has become an important means by which firms can build a sustainable competitive advantage. It looks at how factories are reducing inventories by using just-in-time delivery models and how other manufacturing firms are moving production offshore to reduce costs. Whether the issue at hand is getting the goods to the right place at the right time, or simply getting them their in the most cost-effective manner possible, firms are developing innovative procurement strategies in order to compete more effectively.
Outline:
Advantages to Strong Procurement Strategies
Procurement Best Practices
Implications for the Maritime Shipping Industry
From the Paper
"Procurement strategy can lend a company a competitive advantage. One of the ways is by reducing costs. The quest for the right mix of cost and quality has led purchasing agents all over the world. Western consumers have an expectation that costs will remain low and quality will not be sacrificed. Governments in developing markets seek to create jobs for their citizens. When these two basic facts come together, it creates opportunities for companies to reduce their costs by procuring supplies or finished goods overseas. By reducing factor costs, a company can either improve its profitability or be in a stronger position to compete on the basis of price. Many firms also reduce costs by reducing inventory. This can be done by shortening delivery cycles, and has been demonstrated to be a an effective procurement strategy across many industries. Ford, for example, set up a supplier park, based on the European model, in order to reduce inventories and enhance flexibility by having their key suppliers in the immediate vicinity of their manufacturing plant."
| |
|
Workplace Drug Testing, 2008.
Argues in favor of random workplace drug testing.
1,005 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, because employee performance is directly related to productivity, organizations have the right to introduce drug testing to find out if drugs are a cause of an employee's poor performance. The author points out that, if employees are chosen for testing by some specific method, they can easily test negative on that particular day because they can avoid their regular drug use for a week or so before the test. The paper stresses that billions of dollars are lost yearly because of employee drug use.
From the Paper
"The workplace is an environment where people from many different places gather and want to work in a stimulating environment. If the place has no policy on dug use, the employees would not take the workplace or anti-drug lectures seriously. Employers should have a proper anti-drug policy because stern lectures or warnings are never as effective as a clearly written policy."
| |
|
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 2008.
A review of how the Sarbanes-Oxley Act keeps the corporation's audit committees on track so that illegal activity cannot cause the business financial distress.
2,630 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 127.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper states that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on corporation's audit committees has become more structured. The paper discusses that the audit committees should be composed of individuals who are not compensated for their service on this committee or involved in any other conflict of interest with any entity doing business with the organization, since most nonprofit organizations have volunteer board members. This paper demonstrates the many changes that an audit committee will experience through the Sarbanes Oxley Act in order to be successful.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"From there, the board and senior management team have been trying to relocate the company into a better position so that the future of the company will be secured. This promising future will be able to support jobs that are available at the present time and create others. "The audit committee, primarily composed of members of the board of directors, plays a critical role in providing oversight over and serving as a check and balance on a company's financial reporting system. The audit committee provides independent review and oversight of a company's financial reporting processes, internal controls and independent auditors. It also acts as a forum separate from management in which auditors and other interested parties can candidly discuss concerns" (Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Audit committee effectiveness = good company management). Along with that, the union has bees trying to characterize the employees in a losing situation due to the fact that it has not a part of the decisions of the senior management team. In the past, they have given up certain benefits to create an atmosphere of give and take; however they have been feeling that they have been taken advantage of by not being included in the current company decisions."
|
| Essay # 106815 |
temporarily unavailable
|
|
|
|
Theories of Leadership, 2008.
This paper discusses the wisdom and advice of Peter Drucker and Rosemary Stewart for managers today.
1,373 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses the advice of Peter Drucker and Rosemary Stewart, professional management theorists, on how to implement the five basic functions of leadership in an effective manner. The paper looks at the functions of planning, leading, organizing, coordinating and controlling. The paper highlights the relevance of these ideas for organizations in the 21st century.
Outline:
Introduction
Function 1: Planning
Function 2: Leading
Function 3: Organizing
Function 4: Coordinating
Function 5: Controlling
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Look to the long-term, not the short term. Do not ask what your major competitors are doing now, rather ask what your customers desire, and will desire in the future. This idea flies in the face of the ethos that drove the dot.com boom, where businesses were begun with 'cool ideas' without a clear sense that customers actually desired to shop at such enterprises. Drucker lived to see the explosion of e-commerce, and embraced it, despite his advanced age, but stressed that it must be viewed from a customer-driven perspective. "In the mental geography of e-commerce, distance has been eliminated...There is only one economy and only one market" (Andrews 1997)."
| |
|
Literature Review of Business Intelligence, 2008.
A review of how information technology assists managers in dashboard or scorecard created businesses.
2,694 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 21 sources, APA, AU$ 129.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper evaluates the competitive advantage of organizations that focus on dashboard and scorecard technologies, through the use of business intelligence (BI) processes. The paper states that companies from service industries rely on an analytics platform that unifies all their databases and systems into a single BI strategy. The paper highlights the fact that dashboards and scorecards are used for organizing the metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) within Web-based applications that are viewed in all organizations. The paper then concludes that, as a result of their pervasive reporting, functionality and increase in accountability over results, dashboards and scorecards are changing the culture of many organizations.
Outline:
Synopsis
The Return on Investment (ROI) of Dashboards and Scorecards
Competitive Advantages of Dashboards and Scorecards
More precise supply chain planning and management alleviating out-of-stock conditions and more optimal inventory management
Manufacturing performance transformed from being a cost center to a source of competitive advantage through the use of dashboards and scorecards
Measuring the impact and ROI of marketing and sales strategies in real-time for competitive advantage
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The unmet needs that dashboards and scorecards are created to address often serve as the catalyst for line-of-business managers asking for them to be created in their organizations. Yet to get a dashboard or scorecard created, line-of-business managers nearly always must rely on their Information Technologies (IT) department to analyze the underlying processes that the dashboard will be used to provide information for, then a systems analysis and development plan must be created to integrate systems that may not be interlinked or integrated today (Hedgebeth, 2007). This second step is essential for getting the necessary data into a single system of record (Pestorius, 2007) so that the necessary metrics and KPIs can be calculated and then published into the dashboard or scorecard. Software companies that produce BI applications and tools have continually been adding to the feature set of integration utilities, beginning to offer Business Process Management (BPM) and Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) workflow tools that are used to streamline the underlying processes dashboards and scorecards are used for reporting from (Burns, 2005). As a result of these developments in integration functionality, feature sets, and the use of BI applications to streamline processes through BPM and BPR functions, the costs of BI applications that are used for creating dashboards and scorecards has dropped significantly in the last three years (Gantovich, 2007) and is now hovering in the $100,000 range for entire BI suites of applications that make it possible to create dashboards and scorecards relatively quickly. The integration of BPM, BPR and BI, including the ability to quantify the pay-off of redefining key processes that accounting, financial, operations, marketing, sales and service departments of an organization rely on is becoming the new standard by which companies measure their dashboard and scorecard projects (Floyd, 2003). The underlying platforms used for supporting BPM and BI integration also include portal-based technologies at the presentation layers of their architectures, which also minimizes the time required on the part of IT staffs to implement dashboards and scorecards on the part of line-of-business managers (Politiano, 2007). Examples of these platforms includes Microsoft's SharePoint Services platform, oracle's Fusion platform that incorporates that company's acquisition of Hyperion BI applications, and SAP's NetWeaver Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), all of which support analytics functionality as a foundational part of their architectures (Howson, 2007). Dashboards are proliferating throughout organizations globally due to the economies of BI applications and the opportunity IT departments see for being able to re-define processes that have been need in improvement (Williams, 2007). The impact of this proliferation of dashboards within many organizations is an accentuated level of accountability and performance measurement, in addition to urgency around tactics that increase the KPIs performance of interest in the short term (Dover, 2004). The competitive advantage that emanates from the rapid ROI which is attainable through the development, deployment and use of dashboards are discussed in the following section of this paper, yet the immediate gain is averting risks from making decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information versus the use of real-time data. "
| |
|
Database Security, 2008.
A review of the concepts, approaches, and challenges facing database security.
6,219 words (approx. 24.9 pages), 19 sources, APA, AU$ 233.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper states that organizations depend on distributed information systems for discharging routine business needs. The paper then discusses their susceptibility to security compromises increases, although they achieve output and competence. The paper states that methods like electronic signatures and encryptions are presently accessible for safeguarding data at the time of its transmission. The paper further stresses the importance that a practically broad strategy for data protection should cover methods for putting in place access control policies which are dependent on subject qualifications.
Outline:
Introduction
Most Relevant Concepts Underlying the Notion of Database Security
and the Well Known Techniques
Current Challenges for Database Security and Some Preliminary
approaches that Address Some of Chese Challenges
Access Control Systems, and Description of the Key Access Control
Models, Namely, the Discretionary and Mandatory Access Control
Models, and the Role-based Access Control (RBAC) Model
Additional Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Keeping a repository of centralized data is of utmost significance for the information management. Because of this, it is important to build a database concept which outlines the readiness needed for functioning of the database. It must always cover a database security concept that concentrates on the operation of the database. Improper safeguarding of data might compromise database confidentiality, its availability and integrity. In order to prevent this, it is very important to form a comprehensive 'database security' concept. For ensuring the security of a database, an appropriate database management system -- DBMS is required to be functional. For successful protection, the database management system must compulsory fulfill the necessities stated below.''
| |
|
International Communication Case Analysis, 2008.
A look at recommendations for alleviating the risk of an American company establishing operations in France.
1,261 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses the communication factors present in the business cases of American companies expanding their marketing, pricing strategies, and aftermarket services businesses into France. The paper analyzes the five cultural dimensions of power distance index (PDI), individualism (IDV), masculinity (MAS), uncertainty avoidance index (UAI), and long-term orientation (LTO), which are used as the basis for comparing communication proprieties and strategies for attaining collaboration leading to goal attainment.
Outline:
Synopsis
Business Cases
Conclusion
From the Paper
"For any American company looking to expand into the France the business cases of marketing, distribution, pricing strategies and aftermarket services all need to be based on a solid foundation of understanding how the communication styles, patters and approaches are significantly different between each country. Using the five cultural dimensions (Hofstede, 525) of Personal Distance Index (PDI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), and Long-Term Orientation (LTI), an American company would quickly realize that all aspects of the businesses cases need to respect the significant differences between each nation on the PDI, UAI and LTO indices of the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Model. In general the U.S. also has a higher value on the IDV index, indicating more of a loosely structured set of relationships between individuals. The higher the IDV value in the Cultural Dimensions index, the greater the expectation in a culture of the individual being autonomous and taking care of their immediate family, independent of a more collectivist approach. This has major implications in the development of marketing, distribution, pricing, and aftermarket services strategies on the part of an American company looking to expand into the French market. Figure 1 shows the comparison of the U.S. and French cultures along Hofstede's five cultural dimensions."
| |
|
The Ethical Issues of Personal Air Miles Usage, 2008.
Discusses whether House of Commons member Michael Martin's use of business accumulated miles for his family is valid.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper questions whether it is ethical to use business perks in a personal situation. In particular, the paper discusses a case in which the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, utilized for personal use, business orientated air miles. The paper highlights that, in Martin's case, there were specific codes ad rules condemning such use, which made using business air miles for personal use unethical. After much discussion on the issue, the paper concludes that this is a direct case where using air miles for personal use is completely unethical. The paper also highlights that there are many cases, however, in which use of company air miles may be ethical such as in cases where people were not directly told not to do so by their companies.
From the Paper
"However, in the case of the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, there were several key factors which his case much different than those previously mentioned. In February 2008, a scandal broke out in regards to his own personal use of business accumulated air miles. According to the article "Pressure Mounts on Speaker Amid Complaints over His Expenses," written by Nicholas Watt, Martin flew his wife and family in business class, using his air miles, knowing that this was condemned by the very organization which financed his initial trips. Particular rules, as outlined by the Members Estimate Committee, state that these air miles should be reinvested into future business travel expenses. This was well known by Martin at the time of his personal use, for he actually sits as chair of this very organization. Along with these allegations, Martin is also being accused of spending around 4,000 pounds to cart around his wife in a private car at the business expense."
| |
|
Demand for Children's Toys, 2008.
A research proposal to analyze the demand for children's toys, concentrating on price versus product.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 89.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that TR Toys is a producer/distributor of children's toys for the mass retail market. The writer points out that recently, sales of their brands have been declining for two consecutive quarters, when compared to the past two trailing years. The board has expressed concern that TR Toy brands may not be what the customer wants. Based on personal experience, the writer feels that the reason for the decline is a matter of price, rather than product. Several competitor brands are selling well, indicating that there is still a demand for those toy categories. This paper outlines a research proposal to help determine if it is product or price that is driving consumers away and towards competitors. The writer maintains that this research will help to determine what corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation and increase sales in the future.
Outline:
Topic Overview
Statement of the Research Problem
Purpose of the Study
Hypotheses
Research Questions
Significance of Research
Definition of Terms
Summary
Methodology
From the Paper
"However, there are other factors besides price that can influence a customer's buying decision. For instance, if a product offers greater educational value, greater safety features, or had great reviews by other parents, the purchaser may choose that product, even if it does come at a higher price. The number of substitute products available is a key factor in the purchase decision. When comparable products are available, then price becomes a more important factor. However, the customer must view those other products as truly equal in all aspects that are important to them. If a company is able to differentiate their products on another factor other than price, it is possible to retain higher sales, even in the presence of competition. Product, price, and the number of available substitute products will play an important role in this research project."
| |
|
Employee Ethics, 2008.
This research paper discusses employee ethics and looks at how to change the ethical culture within the organization.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 110.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer of this research paper explains that employees of the company in this work have been observed by a fellow employee who has noted unethical issues in the workplace and specifically that employees are not honest with one another or with customers and moreover, recently employees of the company have sold products and services with known flaws. The writer points out that the company's decision-making appears more focused on avoidance of reprimands than on pursuing the 'right' or ethical behavior. The researcher has spoken with the company CEO concerning this issue in the organization with the CEO asking the researcher in this work what might be done to improve the situation. The writer justifies the need for the ethical response of employees and organization and secondly develops and defends measures that would be effective in bringing about an improvement in the organization's ethics and ethical decisions. Finally, this work also explains how the ethical climate of the company might be improved.
This paper includes figures.
Outline:
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings of the Study
Recommendations for More Research
From the Paper
"The findings of the foregoing review of literature include the finding that ethical behavior in an organization does not 'just happen' but is intentional, incorporated, integrated, disseminated, communication, and woven into the very fabric of the organizational culture. Ideologically, ethics are demonstrated by those in leadership roles and younger employees are able to follow by the examples set in leadership. Ethics are existent or absent in an organizational culture are rarely in reality in what is commonly known as the gray area of what is acceptable. Ethical or unethical behavior is interwoven into every nook and cranny of the organization including purchasing, and sales, upper, middle and lower management levels. Ethical behavior either 'is' or 'is not' within the organizational behavior framework. Changing of the ethical culture of an organization requires training older and younger employees differently and requires individualization for different types of individuals in the organization. The findings that are considered key in this review of literature is as related that ethical behavior integrated into the organizational culture through leadership role models in ethical behavior. Finally, this work has reviewed the roles of Top- and Middle-management in supporting ethical behavior in the organization's culture as well as has this work related the roles of supervisors, coworkers and employees toward changing the organizational ethical culture."
| |
|
Nike Manufacturing, 2008.
This paper discusses operations and manufacturing at the Nike company.
854 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 49.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Nike has for years now been subjected to harsh criticism for the poor working conditions in the firms it contracted across the globe to manufacture its products. The writer discusses however, that their role in these conditions is only limited. The writer maintains that in this particular sense, the foreign organizations are Nike's partners, not their employees; they have the choice to accept or deny the poor conditions; they have the possibility to speak their mind and make more demands; the American company did not force them to work nor did it impose these conditions. Therefore, the writer maintains that the main players to be blamed are the administrators and managers in the foreign companies, for they are unable to protect their employees, and not the American corporation.
From the Paper
"In regard to the working conditions, Nike should implement those that stand and are legal within the country where the secondary companies activate. The main purpose of contracting foreign workers is that of lower personnel expenditures, and if they were to implement the U.S. policies, they might as well work with American contractors.
"In Indonesia for instance, the average worker in a Nike contractor earns double the mean wage as compared to an Indonesian farmer. In these circumstances, it is rather unfair to criticize the company that offers its employees more money than those earned by the average individual. It is also true that the wage is extremely low as compared to the American requirements, but then again, the plant operates based on the Indonesian laws, rather than the U.S."
| |
|
The U.K. Housing Market, 2008.
A research study analyzing the relationship between interest rates and the housing market in the United Kingdom.
10,328 words (approx. 41.3 pages), 28 sources, APA, AU$ 332.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper aims to identify the relationship between changes in interest rates and their impact on the UK housing market. The paper presents the hypothesis that the lower the prevailing interest rate, the more non-homeowners will seek out mortgages for their own homes, but that there would be other mitigating factors involved as well. The paper provides a summary of the findings in the concluding chapter, together with limitations of the research encountered and a discussion of the hypothesis confirmation based on previous research.
Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Interests Rates and the UK Housing Market
Chapter 4: Methodology
Chapter 5: Data Analysis, Tests and Results
Chapter 6: Discussion and Evaluation
Chapter 7: Conclusions, Limitations of Research, Hypothesis and Previous Research
From the Paper
"During the past two decades, the United Kingdom has been transformed from a nation of renters and leasers into a nation of home-owners. While the analysts differ on the opinions concerning the precise reasons for this transformation, the fact remains there was a significant increase in home ownership experienced during the period between the early 1980s and the late 1990s. During this same period, interest rates have varied sharply, but their precise impact on the UK housing market remains understudied and nebulous."
|
|
|
