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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), 2008.
Looks at the operations approaches that made Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) a leading global manufacturer.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, of all the factors that have lead to Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) becoming one of the leading global manufacturers, their approach to managing their supply chain using the Toyota Production System (TPS) to synchronize with suppliers and production centers is the most significant. The author points out that Toyota dominates the global auto market due to their ability to quickly have suppliers respond to the demands they are under for fulfilling production levels based on unique customer requirements. The paper relates that the collaborative aspects of the globally deployed TPS make it possible for Toyota to maintain a consistently high level of supplier quality throughout the production processes of dozens of models globally.
Table of Contents:
Change That Made TMC a Very Successful Global Player
Order-to-Cash Fulfillment Cycles
Supply chain Synchronization with Sources of Demand Standardization of Customer Service Processes
Redefining Inventory Strategies
Best practices in Service Lifecycle Management
Best Manufacturing Practices: Accurately Sensing and Responding To Demand
Table: Lean Manufacturing Product Customization Strategies
Table: Measuring Lean Manufacturer's Contribution to Customer-facing Strategies
Summary
From the Paper
"By Toyota combining lean manufacturing concepts and their TPS system, six major process areas emerge as the core strengths of their unique sourcing and production strategies. The following are six process areas where best practices-level performance is being attained by Toyota. In focusing only on these areas, Toyota is looking to increasing the speed and flexibility they fulfill the demand for their product and services which is by definition the essence of accomplishing lean manufacturing strategies."
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The Boise-Cascade/OfficeMax Acquisition, 2008.
This paper examines Boise-Cascade's strategic acquisition of OfficeMax, the paper products retailer.
1,064 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that the merger of the two companies Boise-Cascade and OfficeMax improved the images and stock prices of both companies. The paper also explains that by possessing the name and the brand loyalty of OfficeMax, Boise-Cascade acquired new consumer capital and expanded its distribution arm. The paper explains further that for OfficeMax, being acquired by a company of the size and purchasing power of Boise-Cascade gave it the revenue, platform and impetus to improve its image and rival other fierce competitors.
From the Paper
"Boise Cascade or OfficeMax? What name is more resonant to your consumer-savvy ears? Very likely, the latter, brand name of the famous office supply retailer is more familiar, even though it is a relatively smaller company. In fact, OfficeMax was acquired by a giant paper manufacturing and timber milling corporation in 2001, according to the Idaho Business Review. According to the homepage of the behemoth, acquiring entity, "Boise manufactures engineered wood products, plywood, lumber, and particleboard and distributes a broad line of building materials. The company also manufactures specialty and premium paper products, printing and converting papers, containerboard and corrugated boxes, newsprint, and market pulp" (Boise Cascade, Homepage, 2007). On the eve of the acquisition, Boise Cascade's stock price was strong for a company of its size and type. It was trading in the $24-to-$25 range, but there were fears that the company was slowly faltering."
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Culture in Brand Building in the Chinese Market, 2008.
A brief insight regarding the influence of culture on brand building in the Chinese market.
2,198 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 23 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Chinese market which is rapidly changing in light of the increasingly global market place. The paper states that the economic boom in China's urban areas is creating a new consumer culture where the consumer has more disposable income, which has affected consumer preferences within the Chinese marketplace. The paper states that the result is that a sophisticated Chinese consumer is emerging and foreign companies need to market to their sophisticated needs, while at the same time marketing to the general population's needs. The paper states that the most effective way for a company to build a strong brand name in the rapidly emerging Chinese market is to adapt itself to the rapidly changing Chinese culture. The paper concludes that despite the numerous challenges that the Chinese market presents, a company can be successful if it spends the time and resources necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture and the Chinese consumer's attitudes and thus becomes prepared to cope with the many unexpected intricacies of the Chinese marketplace.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Cultural Issues
Collective Society
Brand Perception
Language
Aesthetic Sense
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Chinese people carry with them a strong aesthetic sense, based on their perceptions of nature. To the Chinese consumer, in general, images of the natural form are highly attractive. For example, mountains and animals are often used in association with brand names in order to create attractive brand imagery and visual displays. On the other hand, abstract symbols are not favored as they are inconsistent with the Chinese cultural preference for natural aesthetics. Further more, the marketer needs to understand that the Chinese people enjoy complicated forms and shapes and certain colors. For example, the color red is seen as being the most cheerful color and thus can be successfully used to attract people's attention. Another example is the Chinese preference for peaceful imagery, largely a result of the influence of such religions as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. When a company is designing a strategy for marketing their brand in the Chinese marketplace, all of these aesthetic considerations must be made. Therefore, it is important to use specific colors and imagery in order to strengthen the brand's market presence and thus increase overall company profits."
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Assessing Microsoft's Future, 2008.
This paper provides an assessment of Microsoft's future, looking at its strengths and weaknesses.
881 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Microsoft today is more challenged than ever before in several major areas of its business. The most significant risk is in its server and enterprise divisions due to the widespread adoption of open source operating systems throughout enterprise accounts, which is the main source of revenue for Microsoft in their operating systems business. The writer also points out that the several threats that Google poses to Microsoft are just as significant yet have implications for the company's search, advertising revenue and increasingly, office productivity products including Microsoft Office. In addition, the writer discusses that Microsoft's lack of ability to deliver products on schedule and the scrapping of the early edition of the Windows Vista operating system in 2005 only to completely re-write and release it by 2007 illustrates the company's difficulty in synchronizing the efforts of thousands of developers. The writer maintains that Microsoft is clearly at a crossroads in its future direction based on the escalating competitive threats externally and the apparent lack of synchronization internally. All of these factors contribute to an uncertain future for Microsoft today. This paper includes PDF links to references.
Outline:
Still Strong in Core Businesses
Microsoft's Weaknesses
Microsoft's Critical Decisions
Summary
From the Paper
"First and foremost the lack of adoption for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, and the lack of consistent adoption across all customer segments, is a major concern within the company today. Microsoft has not successfully positioned Windows Vista as fulfilling the integration and interoperability needs of enterprises; yet it has successfully communicated security features as part of the unique value proposition of the Vista operating system. Second, both the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista product development cycles were each delayed, eroding consumer confidence in the gaming system and leading to longer evaluation cycles for the operating system in enterprise accounts globally. Third, the company's struggles in the areas ensuring its pricing models are specifically how difficult they are to implement in enterprise accounts is an area that needs to be addressed. Finally both the geo-political stance of the European Union and the U.S. Department of Justice have created difficult competitive dynamics for Microsoft, as have what appears to be organizational entropy, or the lack of being able to stay as agile as the company once was, according to Credit Suisse."
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BHP Billiton, 2008.
A look at strategic management and business policy for BHP Billiton.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, in strategic management, mergers and acquisitions are generally done with the motivation of company and revenue growth. The paper then looks at how, for this reason in particular, BHP Billiton, already significant in size as the world's largest mining company, offered Rio Tinto an initial takeover fee of $127 billion. The paper also discusses how a merger would significantly increase not only BHP's size, but also its worldwide power and control over commodity markets. The paper then examines the implications of such a takeover for both stakeholders and investors.
From the Paper
"Indeed, there has been considerable controversy relating to the offer in terms of the global commodities market, with particular focus on the iron ore market, precisely because of the monopoly issue. BHP needs to obtain approval from antimonopoly authorities for the planned merger, as BHP and Rio already control about three quarters of global iron ore exports. With news of BHP's offer to Rio Tinto, Iron ore buyers in China, Japan and South Korea have suggested that regulators should block the proposed deal. On the other hand, it is also suggested that iron ore shortages are likely to result in price increases of more than 50 percent for the steelmaking companies involved (Arnold). Mr. Kloppers traveled to the three objecting parties to attempt to negotiate approval with them."
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Introduction to Sustainability, 2008.
This essay gives an overview to sustainability by defining it, providing examples and showing the importance of 'going green' in current society.
1,847 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper gives an introduction to sustainability. It defines some of the major terms relating to sustainability and discusses the benefits of going into sustainable practices. The paper relates, for example, that in many instances using sustainable practices can save money and allow the reuse of materials that in the past were discarded and sent to the landfills. It also discusses the certification process of becoming a qualified sustainable business and gives business profiles of certain companies that are 'going green'.
From the Paper
"Just about any day of the week a person can pick up the daily newspaper or go online and find articles about companies that are showing signs - directly or in terms of strategic planning - of supporting sustainability within their own corporate framework or elsewhere in the world. For example, in April, 2008 Marriott Corporation announced that it has pledged $2 million in order to protect a rainforest in Brazil. This money will go to the 'Amazons sustainable Foundation,' which oversees the protection efforts of 1.4 million acres of the rainforest.
"The article appeared in GreenBiz.com and points out that hotel guests ad Marriott Hotels will soon have technologies in their rooms that will allow them to calculate and pay the cost of the greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with their hotel stay, the article explains. The money they elect to contribute - based on their carbon footprint during they stay - will go into the fund to support the rainforest sustainability efforts."
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Project Management in the Oil Industry, 2008.
This paper analyzes how to accomplish successful project management in order to create a smooth transition of an oil refinery company's operating activities into a newly created subsidiary.
1,463 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance and implementation of successful project management in order to transfer an oil refinery company's operating activities into a newly created subsidiary as well as to transform the crux of the business activity from cost to a profit center. In general, this paper describes project management as the discipline of organizing and managing resources, including people, in a manner that allows for the project to be completed within a defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints. Specifically, this paper defines the specific objectives of project management, such as ensuring optimized allocation and integration of all the inputs needed in order to meet the previously defined objectives, including the previously defined constraints. Also, the paper looks at successful methods of management, such as the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) method, in which the project manager is responsible for supervising the activities and resources of the project to ensure that it is completed within the given constraints. Further, it examines Tom Robinette's equal triangle approach for working with the constraints of budget, project scope and timeline.
Outline:
Introduction
Project Integration Management
Basic Requirements
PMBOK
The Project Manager
Traditional Approach
Core KA
Functional Control
Human Resources
Project Management Essentials
Facilitating KA
Competing Constraints
Equal Triangle Approach
Role of Technology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"To do this, the project manager must understand the real business problem that is being solved, create a solution for the problem, and then create a project team capable of implementing that solution. Further, it is essential that the project manager ensure that his or her team is committed to the project. To do this, the project manager must work with the team member's individual manager and take the necessary steps to ensure that all milestones and deliverables are being met. More so, using such external motivators as cash, especially when connected to performance reviews, is, according to Robinette, 'always a great motivator'."
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The Lukoil Company, 2008.
This paper examines the Russian based Lukoil petroleum company.
1,644 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the establishment of the Russian Lukoil company and their entry into the North American market. The paper first explains the great strategic importance of petroleum and America's dependence on foreign oil. The paper then describes Lukoil's production in Western Siberia and then shows the competition in the American market. The paper points out that although Lukoil is a relatively new operation, the company has made significant strides in consolidating its operations in the US.
From the Paper
"Lukoil resulted as a result of a decree from the Council of Ministers of the former Soviet State USSR on November 25, 1991. This decree was titled No.18. Lukoil was incorporated as a state-owned oil concern. The Russian term "LangepasUraiKogalymneft" was abbreviated to Lukoil. In 1992, with the opening and privatization of Russian markets becoming more commonplace, Lukoil became an open joint-stock company. Between 1992 and 2000, Lukoil got actively involved in many small ventures with local oil companies in the Eastern block countries (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Romania & Ukraine) and soon ended up acquiring many of these interests."
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Public Relations Campaign, 2008.
A proposal for a public relations campaign for the L'Oreal group of summer products.
2,370 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper describes a public relations campaign proposal for L'Oreal's summer products launch and focuses on continuing the relationship between L'Oreal and its clients, as well as building relationships with new clients. The paper sets forth the specific goals and objectives that must be attained based on an analysis of the marketing and communication situation at L'Oreal. The paper presents a plan of action using mass media, messages, and budgets.
Outline:
Introduction
Problem/Opportunity Statement
Situation Analysis
Internal Factors Analysis
External Factors Analysis
Establishing the Objectives
Identifying the Target Customer Segments
Establishing the Strategies and Tactics to be used in the PR Campaign
Communication Channels
Activity Calendar
Budget
Control and Evaluation of the Results
From the Paper
"Organizing special events. The company will organize a special event for launching the new line of products for summer. This will be the central piece of the PR campaign in our case. The entire campaign relies on successfully organizing this event. Given the fact that we are dealing with products addressing summer use, the event must have a strong connection with the concept of summer. The scenery the event will take place in must be in complete accordance with the concept of summer. Therefore, it I recommended to organize the event on a beach, whether it is a real or an artificial one, since the beach represents best the idea of summer. If possible, the event should be organized on a real beach, in areas that allow this. Of course, most locations will not allow this, therefore it is recommended to create, design, and construct an artificial beach. The artificial beach will however contain real palm trees and real sand, an artificial ocean, which is not very hard to build, since it is widely used in movies. The guests invited at the event will wear beach clothing. It is recommended to serve exotic dishes and drinks. The new product line to be launched is named Sublime Summer. The event, which will take place during the evening and night, should be named A Sublime Night for a Sublime Summer."
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Prescription Drugs and the Health Care Industry, 2008.
An examination of the rising costs of medicine and its effect on the health care and medical aid programs.
1,534 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the growing concern over the increase in prices and the reduction in the affordability of prescription medications. The paper highlights the fact that the FDA has proposed reviewing prescription drug advertising material before they are allowed to be viewed by the public. In addition, the paper recommends that clinical trials used to support advertising claims, be approved by them. The paper confirms that the research shows that pharmaceutical companies have to be made more accountable for their products and advertising promises.
From the Paper
"Another possibly even more disconcerting criticism of the prescription drug industry is the numerous allegations of manipulation and even false information. As the saying goes, with power comes corruption and there have certainly been assertions in the media and in many research studies that the drug companies are exploiting the health care market to a great extent. For example, there is the allegation that the drug companies are manipulating the public through their advertising campaigns and are in fact influencing the way that doctors and other health care professionals prescribe drugs."
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Business Ethics, 2008.
This paper explores three notable business scandals; Enron, WorldCom and Tyco.
2,013 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the accounting scandals of Enron, WorldCom and Tyco and looks at how these financial frauds occurred as a result of monitoring failures at different levels. The paper explores ethics and moral judgements in general and discusses how if one is not comfortable telling one's family about a decision, then the decision is likely unethical in one's business.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Enron
WorldCom
Tyco
Analysis & Conclusion
From the Paper
"In the past decade, several scandals involving the improper management of financial data have emerged, bolstering the importance of business ethics to the forefront of many industries. The most notable accounting scandals in the 2000s consisted of Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. In just 15 years, Enron grew from nowhere to be America's seventh largest company, employing 21,000 staff in more than 40 countries. WorldCom achieved its position as a significant player in the telecommunications industry through the successful completion of 65 acquisitions. From 1997 through 2001, Tyco's revenues rose by 48.7% a year. These three significant accounting scandals that occurred in the past decade led to the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, an act that requires that the management of a company certify that a system of internal controls is in place that is adequate to report a fair representation of the financial condition of the business in financial statements."
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Finance and Growth Strategies, 2008.
A discussion on methods of evaluating potential acquisitions for companies.
2,917 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 18 sources, APA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper provides relevant definitions, comparisons and an analysis of the effectiveness of three different investment evaluation methods that are commonly used to value companies: (a) net asset value, (b) price: earnings (P:E) ratio, and (c) discounted cash flow. The paper records a summary of the research and salient findings.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Discounted cash flow. According to Hussey (1999) the discounted cash flow (DCF) is, "A method of capital budgeting or capital expenditure appraisal that predicts the stream of cash flows, both inflows and outflows, over the estimated life of a project and discounts them, using a cost of capital or hurdle rate, to present values or discounted values in order to determine whether the project is likely to be financially feasible" (p. 131). A number of appraisal approaches incorporate the DCF principle in their analyses, such as the net present value, the internal rate of return, and the profitability index; in addition, most computer spreadsheet applications include a DCF appraisal routine (Hussey, 1999). On the downside, though, Lippitt and Mastracchio (1993) report that "the discounted cash flow method ... is infrequently used, as it superficially appears to be a difficult procedure to perform," a reference to the complexity of the calculations involved; the authors also note the infrequency of the use of the DCF method, but suggests that the problem is not just complexity of calculations, but rather the speculative nature of the projections necessary to employ DCF. "
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