...Week 4 University of Maryland University College 1. What are the differences in the design models? Compare and contrast the standard airline organizational functional structure model with the hybrid structure based on independent business units Functional Structure: • All functions report directly to a CEO (centralized authority) • People with the same set of skills are group together (individual specialization) • Characterized by horizontal differentiation • Peers in the same function can supervise each other (as per Jones, chapter 15) • Likely to develop norms to increase effectiveness and develop core competencies, and to use standards as a measure of productiveness. • As business becomes more differentiated, the functional model can develop problems with effective communication, measurements, locations, new customer groups, and strategic problems. Hybrid/Business Unit Structure: • Each “unit” reports to a manager, who is then responsible to the corporate center and CEO (decentralized authority) • People are grouped into “functions” according to market/customer demands, and work to achieve goals together (joint specialization) • Characterized by an increase in both vertical AND horizontal differentiation from the functional model. (vertical is 3 levels instead of 2, horizontal is 12 functional groups instead of 9) • Tasks are coordinated through mutual adjustment, with the different business units working together to increase efficiency between units. • The...
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...as earnings forecasts error, agency problem and earnings management that relate to cost stickiness. The objective of this paper is to review and synthesize the growing body of research on cost stickiness. Lack of theoretical support, merely insights provided by the literature and some inconclusive findings suggest that there are ample research opportunities to improve the understanding in this area. Keywords: Cost stickiness; Asymmetric cost behavior 2 1.0 Introduction The significant role of cost accounting is to analyze the cost of inputs and the value of outputs provided by those inputs. Cost accounting system helps managers to make better decision that leads to cost efficiency and improved profitability. Conventional model of cost accounting assumes that costs are proportional to the cost drivers. Activity based costing posit a simple linear relationship between costs and activity levels. However, some studies investigate the complexity between costs and activities. In contrast to the traditional view, these studies document...
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...Business Analysis and Valuation Report Prepared By: Version # Updated on ------------------------------------------------- Acknowledgments ------------------------------------------------- If applicable, include acknowledgement to contributing individuals: ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Analyst’s Name | Number | E-Mail Address | | | | Document Name | | Date Created | | Milestone 1 date submitted | | Milestone 2 date submitted | | Milestone 3 date submitted | | Finalization date | | | | | | | | REPORT VERSION RECORD The Business Analysis and Valuation Report is a managed document with tracking of versions, changes, and release dates for each of the three milestones. Version Name | Version Number | Date | Author(s) Name(s) | Change Description | | | | | Document created | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Milestone versions of the report are issued including the complete document with the sections completed to date to reflect the work to date by the analyst team. The milestone versions of the document are authorized for release only after the analyst’s signature has been obtained. Milestone 1 PREPARED: DATE:___/___/___ (for acceptance) (, signature) POSITION: ___ Milestone 2 PREPARED: DATE:___/___/___ ...
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...| | |CONSOLODATION: | |US GAAP vs IFRS | | | | | For decades the US financial market has stuck to accounting rules known as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, commonly abbreviated as U.S. GAAP, or simply GAAP. Just less than a year ago, there was the groundbreaking elimination of GAAP requirement for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting foreign issuers, due to a strong global support for IFRS. Then on August 27th 2008, the Securities Exchange Commission voted to publish for public comment a proposed Roadmap that could lead to the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by U.S. issuers beginning in 2014. Currently, U.S. issuers use U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The Commission would make a decision in 2011 on whether adoption of IFRS is in the public interest and would benefit investors. The proposed multi-year plan sets out several milestones that, if achieved, could lead to the use of IFRS by U.S. issuers in...
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...automobile companies continue to deepen and join with international brand cooperation; independent research and development of the independent brand production, and their technical also get greatly strengthened. Similarly, in the tide of industrial upgrading and international acquisitions, strategic transformation era of Chinese automobile industry has gradually started. This paper based on the world economic crisis brought both challenge and opportunity to the automobile industry in China, comprehensively analysis China's automobile industry development present situation and development trend in the transformation era, with case analysis of China's automobile companies, and then gives some suggestions on China's automobile industry strategy adjustment in transformation. Keywords: Strategic transformation, Automobile industry, China automobile development 1. Introduction Changing is the eternal theme of enterprise development. The strategic change is not only the result of...
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...Marketing Products Student: Jennifer McLaughlin Professor: Dr. Brett Gordon Course Title: MKT 500 Date: April 29, 2012 SoMatic dispensers are a tangible good that were developed for people seeking to simplify and automate the cleaning process. It is a hands-free device that automatically dispenses cleaning products into the wash cycle for a more efficient and automated process. The SoMatic automatic dispenser will save customers both time and money. Built primarily of on the finest recycled materials, they are of high quality, built to be used with the highest standard washing machines on the market. They are new and the only ones on the market so the initial, basic units will be a specialty purchase for the customer and will require research. The success of many products on the market depends on how customers learn to use them and the experience that they gain then provides the basis to build brand awareness and loyalty (Lakshmanan, A., & Krishnan, H., 2011). Until the brand gets established in the market the devices, although costing under $100, may be viewed as an additional cost to the laundry products so the purchase will require involvement from the customers. The products are also designed to be used with only the top brands of appliances so will have to be built to last, be high quality and will have a somewhat limited distribution. The purchase of the refills and the option of having automatic shipments are more of a convenience because the customers will...
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...Millions people in the world live with some type of disability, and nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. are living with physical or mental disability.The oxford dictionary disability describes a disability as a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It can divided into physical or cognitive disability and then divided even further. A study conducted by Dinsmore allowed patients to reveal their concerns about their hospital care. As a result of this survey, a focused piece of research was commissioned to assess the levels of service being delivered to hospital patients with learning disabilities.Hahn conducted a study with advanced practice nurses and the interventions they use for older adults for preventive intervention model for adults aging with developmental disabilities. Healthcare organizations are expected to meet the needs of this diverse population and sensitive to patients with healthbased challenges and disabilities (Hahn 2014) . In the study conducted by Dinsmore and Higgins, the group for the study was recruited from a charity organization for people with disabilities. They wanted to help the conductors of the study with the project. The participants interviewed had to have a disability and had to have some type of experience being in a hospital setting.Thirteen interviews with this group were conducted and members of these people’s families were also interviewed and they provided a different vantage point for the disabled family ...
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...What are he Impact of IT (good, bad, and ugly) on Individual, Organization, and society. 1. What is SIS? Strategic Information Systems (SIS) is basically a viable strategy that seeks to obtain competitive advantage in an industry. Now more than ever with frequent changes in technologies in a global market; new business models are created or modified. All this idea entangles, changing customer’s demands, online competitors, pressures for better quality products and services, higher supplier cost,, demands for superior customer service, etc. SIS changes the way a company competes in the market, it seeks to be innovative, and it also accompanies some degree of risk when implemented. 2. What happens if SIS is not aligned with Organization Mission and goals? One thing for sure, the core of business has not changed and that is to make a profit and survive. The goal is to link organizational goals with its systems. The question is not what if SIS are not aligned; the statement is, both should be related. Implementation of SIS should be treated as an investment. It should be perceived as the step needed to achieve competitive advantage. In many instances the mission and beliefs of an organization reflect the values of its top management. In all, the objective of a company should always contribute to its mission and it should not compromise it. The consequences can be devastating. For a good example we can refer to the case of Xerox and CEO, Anne Mulcahy. Mulcahy took over Xerox...
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...Since Harley Davidson prides their brand equity on providing the consumer with a sense of independence, expression, and adventure they ultimately must focus on consistency without much deviation from their core products. For this reason Harley Davidson must identify opportunities for growth within their current business, or intensive growth. In intensive growth it is the goal of Harley Davidson’s management to review any opportunities for improving existing business. To do this they use the product expansion grid, which considers growth opportunities for current and new markets and products. Within the expansion grid there are three strategies that include “market penetration”, “market development”, and “product development.” Harley Davidson utilizes all three intensive growth strategies to increase their sales and profits. Harley Davidson uses the “market penetration strategy” to gain more share with its current products in its current markets by doing what they do best and sticking to it. Harley management applies their marketing appropriately in accordance with their customer’s needs, and nothing more. They market to passionate riders who immediately feel an “attitude adjustment” upon starting up their hog. Through the sub culture that Harley Davidson products have created over the years they must encourage current customers to buy more by offering products other than motorcycles such as clothing, events, museums, and community gatherings that all help them obtain...
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...Groupon is a global leader of local commerce. The company offers its consumers thousands of discounted deals tailored to their individual needs. Groupon offers discounts on products ranging from electronics, food, miscellaneous services, luxury items, to even exquisite “Groupon Getaway” vacations. The organization has successfully dominated the market at capturing 53% market share with its well-known rival, Living Social trailing behind at an estimated 22% market share. Both companies have found strategic criteria that work well for them. One key strategic criteria that Groupon has been using is to adjust their model and offerings to meet the market and consumer demand. According to an article published by NASDAQ, “Groupon has been building up its website to offer a far greater range of products and services, national and local.”1 By using the adjustment as part of their strategic criteria, Groupon has been able to remain at number one in the industry. Groupon has also use promotion and promotional offerings as a strategic criteria. An example of this would be the offering to the consumer of “one day only” deals. For example, the organization is currently offering (as of May 21, 2014) an extra 10% fitness wear or fitness classes purchased by the consumer with a special offer code applied at the end of purchase. They also have their referral promotion of giving the consumer ten Groupon dollars if they refer a friend and the friend makes a purchase. A third strategic criteria...
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...Tutorial - Full Throttle Engine Most gas R/C models use a 2- or 4-stroke glow engine, sized specifically for that model. Most glow engines have a simple ignition system that uses a glow plug rather than a spark plug so there's no coil, magneto or points. The glow plug is heated by a batteryoperated glow starter. When fuel enters the combustion chamber, it's ignited by the heated glow plug and with that, the engine springs to life, instantly gaining the momentum to continue running after all the starter accessories are removed. The engine's carburetor supplies the fuel and air needed for combustion. It has several adjustments. A rotating throttle arm controls the AMOUNT of fuel and air that enters the combustion chamber. The high- speed needle valve controls the MIX or proportions of fuel vs. air at mid- to high-speeds. The idle mixture screw is similar to the high-speed needle valve, except that it controls the mix of fuel and air when the engine is only idling. When you've adjusted the highspeed and idle mixtures properly, your engine should operate smooth and steady throughout its speed range. Glow plugs A gasoline combustion engine uses a spark plug to ignite the fuel- air mixture within the compression chamber, so a glow or nitro engine uses a small glow plug. Although the plug needs to be heated up using a glow plug igniter initially, once the engine is running, the heat generated within the combustion chamber keeps the plug glowing constantly and is...
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...the changes in the organization that will need to take place in order to implement it. Without a grasp of these concepts the operations manager will not be able to use the tools of operations management to help his or her firm establish a presence in new markets. How OM Techniques can help International Consultants to become better Managers The operations aspect of international consulting should start with a SWOT analysis, an examination of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The analysis should be done on the firm that is seeking to move operations abroad, the countries that the firm is considering expanding to, and firms competing for the same market around the world. An analysis of the target firm will reveal its core competencies, areas of vulnerability where breakdowns could occur, opportunities for expansion, and threats...
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...------------------------------------------------- Strategic Innovation 1231.3635.01 Case Questions: (1) How did DoCoMo create distinctive value at low cost? How did DoCoMo combine the strength of the mobile phone and the PC-Internet? How did the value curve of DoCoMo’s i-mode differ from those of the mobile phone and PC-internet? (2) Where and how did i-mode create new buyer utility? What is i-mode’s business model? (3) How did NTT DoCoMo make profits out of its i-mode service? (1) DoCoMo broke "Red Ocean" by ignoring the technology race and price competition in highly crowded voice-based market. The industry has reached a maturity stage and by taking a Breakaway positioning approach DoCoMo succeeded to reposition a mature product for growth and to redefine a fierce competition. It created a “Blue Ocean” strategy by inventing new ways of using mobile services. This value innovation enabled to increase the value to customers and to reduce the costs at the same time. * Distinctive Value: DoCoMo created new uncontested market space by bringing Internet Services to cell phones and playing the role of the gateway (concierge) to the Internet. * In order to break the value-cost trade-off the business concept was changed. “Telecom worldview” (structuralist view) of closed environment controlled explicitly by content providers and carriers was replaced by “Internet worldview” (reconstructionist view) that opened the mobile data services environment for multiple...
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...2013 INVESTOR HANDOUT KEY MESSAGES We have global, category-leading brands with high emotional content that generate substantial income and cash flow Our overriding focus is on the substantial growth opportunity in North America We believe there is substantial opportunity for international growth and expect it to be accretive to the total company operating margin We are targeting 10% annual operating income $ growth (or better) and an operating income rate in the high-teens We continue to emphasize maintaining a strong cash and liquidity position while optimizing our cost of capital We will continue to manage inventory, expenses and capital with discipline We remain committed to returning excess cash and generating superior returns for shareholders 2 SUPERIOR RETURNS TO SHAREHOLDERS 3-year Total Return 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Fast Retailing TJX Home Depot L Brands Foot Locker Inditex Gap Giordano Ascena Retail Group Buckle Chico's Ralph Lauren Bed Bath & Beyond Wal-Mart Stores Walgreen Co. Tiffany & Co. H&M Ann Inc. Best Buy American Eagle Children's Place Target Coach bebe Staples Abercrombie & Fitch Esprit Holdings Li & Fung Aeropostale S&P 500 S&P Retail Index 51.7 43.7 35.9 35.5 31.4 30.9 23.7 20.7 19.6 19.4 18.8 17.9 17.9 16.3 16.3 16.1 14.7 12.2 8.9 6.0 4.5 4.2 2.4 0.1 (8.7) (15.8) (21.1) (21.7) (28.1) 15.8 24.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28...
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...This week’s paper will provide an overview into the world of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), and how they are used together in business and telecommunications. Frist, the current TCP/IP offerings as, as they apply to the OSI model, will be discussed. Second, the future of TCP/IP will be discussed with relevant research support as well as recommendations for new software and equipment. Finally, an overview of different methods for reducing network congestion through the use of equipment, software and multiplexing will be given. Current Offerings of TCP/IP In business, the OSI and TCP/IP have been the standard method of network classification for many years. The Open Systems Interconnect Model (OSI) can be thought of as an idea or guideline, while TCP/IP more closely relates to reality. Both models do mostly the same thing, but TCP/IP is a more efficient method, and usually matches up directly with the network. Because OSI is more of an idea, it is not utilized as much as TCP/IP. With the creation of smart switches and other advanced network equipment and functions, more layers can be combined and a more streamlined process can be gained. Because of this, TCP/IP is the most used model in modern networks, while OSI is used for describing network activity. Improving TCP/IP As TCP/IP ages and new technology comes about, there is a need to upgrade software and hardware to keep up with the demands of modern networking. Below we will discuss the...
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