Business

Maverick’s story refers to a series of changes occurred to SEMCO, a Brazilian manufacturing company, initiated by the founder’s entrepreneur son, Ricardo Semler, turning it into one of the worlds most unusual and admired workplaces. SEMCO, whose headquarters is located in São Paulo, started in 1952 by Ricardo’s father, Antonio Semler, with a small patent for a centrifuge that could separate lubricating oil from vegetables, later growing under the entrepreneur’s hands into one of that countries most successful companies.

Ricardo Semler’s concise and efficient form of writing lay way to a textbook that reads like a novel and yet manages to render the vision under which his company should be run, a company who has proven itself a definitive success in business and economics. Certainly Maverick is a book for more opened-mined readers, an unquestioningly beneficial and stimulating novel, and a necessary narrative.

Electronic Human Resource (e-HR)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion and Analysis
Conclusion
References

Abstract

E-Business Strategies and Solutions - Distribution Systems Computer Reservation Systems and Global Distribution Systems

Abstract
Global Distribution System is a new kind of e-commerce network which developed fast in recent 10 years. It represents the combined system that including international technology and internet service, and aims to providing the distribution service to agents of airlines and tourism products. It is the mature system of Central Reserving System which has been playing important role in the tourist operation. The rapid development of the internet and e-commerce not only brings challenge to the GDS of tourism but also expose some problems of GDS. In this paper, we will briefly talk about the development history of GDS and relative systems, and then give a SWOT analysis of GDS in deeply to see how it goes in the future.

Key words: GDS, tourism, SWOT, future

Table of Contents
Introduction
Four main systems of GDS
History
Airline Reservation System
Computer Reservation System6
Global Distribution System
Main functions of GDS
SWOT Analysis
Strength
Weakness
Opportunity
Threat
Future of GDS
Reference

Introduction

Thought Paper: A Comment on F.W. Scharpf's Strategic Options for the Sustainability of European Welfare States

In this article F.W. Scharpf calls for exploring “whether and how it is still possible to pursue the aspirations of the welfare state “ in the current international economic setting and suggests five “strategic options” still available at the national level. As will be seen, these proposals seek to accommodate the welfare state to the functioning of the market. Since each proposal is spelt out very briefly professor Scharpf does not address the potential problems associated with each one. The purpose of the following pages is to comment on each proposal’s viability and limitations. Even if a critical tone is maintained throughout the paper, one must praise the effort of advancing policy alternatives, which is not an easy task.

Types of Bank Accounts

There are many questions related to the economy when one is barely starting to live life. How does one file taxes, where do you pay bills, etc? There are also many questions related to banks. Banks are made to put ones money into it to keep it safe or to save it and earn interest. There are many accounts that one could put it in, such as savings or checking. There are many that may wonder when they get married, do they keep their money separate or do they join it together? Well, there are simple answers for that.

The Impact of Customers Satisfaction on Share-of-Wallet in a Business-to-Business Environment

The paper of Timothy L. Keiningham and Tiffany Perkins-Munn describes the problems concerning the lack of research when it comes to the relation between customer satisfaction and share-of-wallet. The defined problems include inability to collect the share-of-wallet data and the lack of definitions and metrics regarding share-of-wallet.

The authors describe the importance of making such measurements and what kind of forces which have an impact on customer satisfaction. According to the authors, there is a clear correlation between customer satisfaction (and therefore also customer behavior) and business result. Forces which affect customer satisfaction are for example purchase intention, customer retention, financial performance and word of mouth.
The definition of share-of-wallet is, according to the authors, the “the percentage of the volume of total business conducted with the firm by a client organization within a period”, i.e. it should help managers to understand the amount of business a company gets from a specific customer.

The Growing Integration of World Markets - Generating Both Opportunities and Challenges to International Firms

In the increasingly globalized economy, the growing integration of world markets generated both opportunities and challenges to the international firms. Facing the world wide range competition, multinational firms have to seek for strategic resources in order to enhance global competitiveness. As a result of this, offshore outsourcing is increasing its importance of firms and industries. On one side companies acquire more profits, decrease costs and mitigate risk by outsourcing, furthermore, outsourcing bring fairly large amount of employment opportunities to the contractor country. On the other hand, to some extent, subcontracting also causes some social responsibility problems such like workers endure the bad working condition. Even though some people hold the opinion that society should focus on human rights more than the economic profit, we can not deny that, establishing an international network of subcontracting is a win-win strategy. International companies’ outsourcing is a good model to follow; it facilitates the development both of contractual parties.

Supporting Good Practice in Managing Employee Relations

Aim
The aim/objectives of this assignment are to explore employee relations in detail, including the psychological contract, differences between fair and unfair dismissals, redundancy, and the direct link to my organisation. Pershing is a medium sized financial services company, who has seen strong growth over the last two years during the economic downturn.

1.0 Internal and external factors that impact on the employment relationship

1.1 When an employee starts a new company, there are many external and internal factors that impact on the employment relationship. One external factor is the state of the economy, in recent years the economy has experienced a recession. This has impacted businesses in many ways; one example is the case of redundancies, less capital means companies can no longer afford to keep all staff.

Brand Management after Merger and Acquisition of Second-Line National Brands

Abstract: In recent years, more and more national brands join the team of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Among those brands, there are first-line national brands like Lenovo, and there are second-line national brands such as Foshan Lighting and Panda. It is especially easier for those second-line national brands, which have certain brand awareness and reputation in domestic market yet not strong enough to take a stable market share, to be kicked out of the market after M&A. This research analyzes the characteristics of second-line national brands, studies the reasons and problems of M&A of second-line national brands, and then tries to suggest strategies to manage the brand portfolio after M&A in the perspective of the acquiring parties.

CONTENTS
ABSTRACT:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF SECOND-LINE NATIONAL BRANDS
2.1 DEFINITION OF SECOND-LINE NATIONAL BRANDS
2.1.1 National Brand
2.1.2 Second-line Brand
2.1.3 Second-line national brand
2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SECOND-LINE NATIONAL BRANDS
2.2.1 Characteristics of first-line national brands

Essay on Events That Occured When Hokuetsu Paper had to defend itself from a Hostile Takeover Bid by Oji Paper

What were some of the strengths Hokuetsu Paper demonstrated in this effort? Why did they work?
A key strength demonstrated by Hokuetsu Paper, in defending itself from a hostile takeover bid by Oji Paper, was its ability to formulate and implement a strategic communication plan in a timely manner that included all of its shareholders and stakeholders. Hokuetsu Paper was able to gain the support of the local and business communities by demonstrating the value of keeping Hokuetsu Paper independent. The communication plan was successful because it was concise, culturally conscious and integrated with the legal and financial aspects of the defense. The Niigata community as well as Japanese culture value harmony, relationships, and collectivism. By hiring the communication advisory firm, Media Gain, Hokuetsu Paper was able to ensure their messages were effectively distributed and interpreted; which proved to be invaluable in their efforts.

What were some of the drawbacks deployed by both companies? What could have been done differently?

Taking a Look at the Background, Strategic Analysis, External and Internal Environment, Problem Statement, Alternative Solutions and Recommendations of Wal-Mart

INTRODUCTION
Wal-Mart Company is one of the most successful companies in the world. The founder, Sam Walton, opened his first Wal-Mart discount store in 1962. Today, there are 670 stores offering a pleasant and convenient shopping experience across the United States. The size of an average store is 108,000 square feet. Each store employs about 225 associates. (Kirklin, 2006)
In the current environment of business, having a reliable and sound strategy is an indispensable requirement. However, in order to achieve this, an in-depth strategic analysis is necessary to establish the actual controversies and possible potentials of the held by the organization. This is the intention of this paper, to provide a strategic analysis on a particular player in the market. (Zook, 2006)

Human Resource for Wells Fargo Bank

Human Resource for Wells Fargo Bank
When analyzing Wells Fargo Bank as an organization, I found that it is one of the world’s largest employers and America’s 12th-largest private employer (Wells Fargo, 2011). In addition, Wells Fargo stock market value exceeds $130 billion (Wells Fargo, 2011). With Wells Fargo’s merger with Wachovia coming to its final stages, we will cover some the issues Wells Fargo’s human resources will be facing and the strategic plans that will need to be implemented to ensure success in a highly competitive environment.

Developing luxury fashion clothing products in India and China - Business Development Professional Dissertation

Short summary of contents

This essay aims at comparing the luxury clothing market in the two fastest growing countries that are India and China. I’m dressing the panorama (market characteristics, consumer behavior and segmentations, challenges and opportunities...) of both markets and then I try to find similarities and differences. Case studies and real life examples illustrate my conclusions along the essay. In addition, I also devote a part on the current issued of the luxury clothing segment in India and China. Eventually, I provide some recommendations and useful key points for brands willing to operate in India or China.

From which company (ies) did you get your information?
I have not completed this project in interaction with any specific company. I have based my researches on secondary data. The company which has helped me the most in the redaction of this report has been KPMG. Indeed, I have used their annual reports on the evolution of the luxury market in Asia and specifically China.

“Luxury is a necessity that begins where necessity ends”

Intercultural Negotiation

In “Anne Burn’s Personal Jihad,” Charles A. Rarick presents us a story of an American expatriate working in Jordan. The issues presented, how Anne Burn handles those issues, and the alternate strategies she could have used are relatively mundane, at least superficially. The significance, however, lies in how this particular case study serves as a segue to a conversation about cross-cultural communication in the larger context. In utilizing both Rarick’s case study and the factors and phases of international negotiation highlighted by Lewicki, Barry, and Saunders (2007) we will attempt to breakdown how Americans deal with business people from other nations as well as offer suggestions as to how they should conduct such business. Let us first begin by breaking down “Anne Burn’s Personal Jihad.”

What are the major issues in this case?

Example Consulting Firm Letter

Dear Mr. Nyenhuis,

In my opinion, no matter which industry the consultant focuses on, he or she has one thing in common: this person must be an exceptional problem solver. I believe that to be a successful consultant, intellectual curiosity and a passion for making real changes and benefits to community and environment are required to discover each new challenge and develop a proper solution to each problem.

Great teamwork has a positive effect when working as a consultant as well. Since a consultant group usually has professionals coming from different backgrounds, it can come to better answers. So consultants do not compete against each other in a team, instead, they share a structured problem-solving approach, where all opinions and options are considered, researched, and analyzed carefully before recommendations are made. Being supportive and dedicated to mentoring and coaching others and clients is a very important characteristic for a successful consultant.

Privatization: A New Approach to Private Ownership

Introduction:

The privatization process started in Morocco with the Royal Speech of April 8th 1988. (Privatization) Conducted by King Hassan II, father of current King Mohamed VI, this speech provided a political signal and wake up call that marked the beginning of a new approach to modern day entrepreneurship. This privatization plan included a list of about 114 entities earmarked for divestiture, however the privatization plan wasn’t approved until 1990. (Kaufmann,2007,p.25) It defined the social and economic objectives of privatization and stimulated the emergence of alternative methods of investments.

The Ideological Fantasies of Market Discourse

“DON’T THINK OF THEM AS TERRORIST STATES. THINK OF THEM AS TERRORIST MARKETS”

Introduction
“Don’t think of them as terrorist states. Think of them as terrorist markets,” a cartoon stated recently in the New Yorker (May 12, 2003). It depicts a board room of some sort with people sitting around a table conducting a meeting chaired by the person at the head of the table. Through the window, outside of the board room one sees the dome of Congress, flying a flag. I find this cartoon funny and certainly fascinating, even if I am not sure whether I fully understand it. I take the sheer fact that this cartoon has appeared, that it is possible to express what it says and have it published, to be indicative of the condition of contemporary discourse. The fact that this cartoon and the joke it conveys can come into being, sheds light on the make-up or constitution of contemporary discourse, and in particular existing discourse about the market. That discourse namely forms the condition of possibility for producing this cartoon. This cartoon thus offers a singular view at the state of market discourse.

Dealing With the Market: The Market in the Discourse of Policy Think Tanks in the Netherlands

Introduction
… a change had occurred. Suddenly, the public debate was dominated by the market and the benefits of the market mechanism. […] The political tide has turned and the search was for “a new mix between the government and market as coordination mechanisms (Bovenberg 1999: 6). Put differently: a reorganization took place of public and private responsibilities. Abroad, this turnaround was sometimes accompanied by a great uproar (Thatcher, Reagan). In the Netherlands however, there hardly appeared to be a debate (Ter Bogt 1995). This did not mean nothing happened. Quietly, dramatic changes have been brought about in a variety of areas. (WRR Het Borgen van Publiek Belang 1999, 17)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Exchange Rate in the Baltic States

Fixed exchange rate is exchange rate regime of country under which central bank or government fixes the exchange rate to another country’s currency or the price of commodity, for example gold. The main objectives of fixed exchange rate are to keep currency value of country within narrow bands and maintain low inflation level. Based on theory country should choose the mechanism of currency based on several criteria such as size of national economy, trading partners, openness of its economy, inflation level, flexibility of inside prices, development level of the country, etc…
In the last two decades all Baltic countries have been maintaining fixed exchange rate regime. At the moment Baltic countries have fixed their national currencies to the euro. Supposedly, fixed exchange rate in Baltic countries is more suited than a floating one, because of small markets and sizes of their economies. In this paper we would like to discuss fixed exchange rate advantages and disadvantages in Baltic countries.

Reactions of the Institutional and Individual Investors in the Volatile Stock Market

1 Brief introduction of this paper
This paper just discusses the reactions of the institutional and individual investors in the volatile stock market. They are interested in who sells during large market swings. The authors address this question by investigating the relationship between the ownership structure and returns of firms on days when the absolute value of the market's return is two percent or more. They find that a firm's abnormal return on these days is related to the percentage of institutional ownership, that there is abnormally high turnover in the firm's shares on these days, and that this abnormal turnover is significantly related to the percentage of institutional ownership in the firm. Taken together, they come to a conclusion that institutions herd together and trade with the momentum of the market on days when there are large moves in the stock market, particularly mutual and pension funds.
2 Discussion about the research problem
2.1 The propose of the question

Pay-for-Performance: An International Comparison - Bachelor of Science Business Administration Thesis

Table of Contents
Table of Contents II
List of Abbreviations III
List of Figures IV
List of Tables V
1 Introduction 1
2 Pay-for-Performance: an Overview 2
2.1 Pay-for-Performance and Variable Compensation Defined 2
2.2 Types of Pay-for-Performance 3
2.3 Pay-for-Performance: Controversies 5
3 Theoretical Framework 7
3.1 Introduction to G. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions 7
3.2 Propositions of R. S. Schuler and N. Rogovsky 9
4 Pay-for-Performance in Germany 9
4.1 The German Culture: Description 9
4.2 Description of Pay-for-Performance in Germany 10
5 Pay-for-Performance in the USA 13
5.1 The Culture of the USA: Description 13
5.2 Description of Pay-for-Performance in the USA 14
6 Pay-for-Performance in China 17
6.1 The Chinese Culture: Description 17
6.2 Description of Pay-for-Performance in China 19
7 Conclusion 22
References VII

List of Abbreviations
e. g. exempli gratia
ed. editor
eds. editors
et al. et alii
etc. et cetera
i.e. id est
Iss. issue
p. page
pp. pages
URL Uniform Resource Locator
Vol. volume

1 Introduction

Human Resource Management - The History of Wal-Mart

Table of Content
Executive Summary
Introduction
History of Wal-Mart
Recognizing and Rewarding Employees
Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining
Conclusion
Bibliography

Executive Summary

Non-Profit Organization Staffing History and Overview

While the staffing of non-profit organizations is different in many ways to traditional, for-profit businesses, there are more similarities than differences. Historically, for-profit structure and staffing has been based on the needs and the drive of market factors. The history of non-profit organizations in the United States however, is rooted in both religious and educational needs. On colonizing the New World, the colonists recognized the need for an education system that would support the growing population in America. This was the start of such centers of colonial education such as Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth (Dobkin). These non-profit organizations established the framework for non-profits in America, and the United States, a framework that lasted throughout the 18th and 19th centuries (Dobkin).

I strongly believe that all human services organizations should have a reward program that employees really need to earn. There are many programs that simply give hand outs to employees that do not necessarily deserve. My rewards program will be constructedof goals and tests for my employees. First off, all employees will need to abide by certain rules and regulations. They will be given asks to achieve and will need to achieve them well. At the end of the “goal period” all employees will need to prove to me that they exceeded all goals by taking a test and passing. If they do not pass the test then I will know that they did not put 100% effort into the tasks that were given.

South African Breweries
Achieving Growth in the Global Beer Market

Group Research

Market – Global Beer Industry

The opportunity for South African Breweries (SAB) is to leverage their expertise and expand into new international markets.

Facts
SAB held a 98% share of beer in 1999 in South Africa
4th largest brewer in the world by volume
50% in the African continent
Their biggest share is in Europe
Beer is local

Assumptions
SAB had long been the dominate player in Africa and growing rapidly in emerging markets
At one time they had a negative brand image in the United States
The company’s vision was to be rated one of the top 5 brewing companies in the world
Beer was forecasted to increase from 18 billion to 28 billion by 2010

Core Competencies
SAB strength drives from its abnormal skill at cooping with the demands of a highly abnormal market
Geared towards emerging market economies:
Understanding developing world conditions
Understanding how to utilize assets
Cost Management
Delivery of a product that was both high quality and low cost.