...Abstract: This paper works out a conceptual framework for studying the performance of franchising networks. Franchising networks, which originally developed in the context of Western economies, are currently operating in transition economies as well. Some franchising networks fail and some succeed. The paper views performance of networks as a complex process of adaptation to the environment. Characteristics of networks, which appear due to the environment, influence the drivers of performance, i.e. the factors that are responsible for the networks’ success or failure. The paper is theoretical and makes use of different sources of evidence: empirical and theoretical studies on franchising and inter-organisational networks. The conceptual framework is finally tested on a small case study of two franchising networks operating in Russia. JEL-code: Franchising Networks, Performance, Flexibility, Information Exchange, Innovation and Learning Outline I. Introduction 3 II. Definition of franchising networks 4 III. Institutional environment of a transition economy 5 IV. Performance of franchising networks 7 A. Flexibility 7 B. Information exchange 10 C. Innovation and learning 12 IV. Conceptual Framework 15 A. Sociological and Economic Traditions of Network Research 15 B. Economic Theories for the Study of Networks 16 C. Sociological Theories for the Study of Networks 17 D. Conceptual Framework for the study of Performance of Franchising Networks 20 ...
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...New Nationalism and Teddy Roosevelt: The new ideals of federal intervention, social justice and economic welfare for the Nation. Abstract In 1901 when President McKinley was assassinated, Roosevelt confronted sentiment, especially from the older members of the Republican Party, that he was not the right person to lead the country, often referring to him as “His Accidency.” Roosevelt was interested in quickly changing the mood of the country and establishing his legitimacy to his new position. He did so by introducing a “New Nationalist” form of Progressivism. When Roosevelt was sworn in, the Progressive Party had already been developing and growing since the end of the 19th century. It advocated for reforms and the lead of the government in changing society’s problems in response to socio-economic and political imbalances. Such thinking was a radical change in the country’s mindset, with earlier efforts supporting private efforts to solve the nation’s ills. The Progressive party had a broad platform, but the overall goal was for government to implement and lead efforts to alter societal inequalities. The Progressives called for eliminating corruption in the federal government as well as supporting a social welfare program, the women’s vote, penal system reform, and prohibition. Although the issue of civil rights for African-Americans was of concern of some members, this issue was not formally included in any of the Progressive party’s literature. With the support of...
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...___________________________________________________________________________________ 2 __________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract This essay looks back at the development of citizenship education and Britain’s position as one of the last democratic countries of the western world to introduce the subject into its National Curriculum. Since its introduction as a statutory subject in 2002 it has been beset by a lack of content, clarity and identity leading to a perception of low status by teachers and pupils alike. The “light touch” implementation by the government of the day has contributed to its lack of standing against other National Curriculum subjects. It is in danger of being perceived as a political “Clothes Horse” for the government to use to promote fundamental British values as a means of countering extremism and radicalisation. This essay contends that the requirement to teach fundamental British values as part of citizenship education will have a detrimental effect on the perception of its value as a statutory subject. ___________________________________________________________________________________ 3 __________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction It can be argued that citizenship education as it currently stands, has developed out of the general concept of citizenship...
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...diffuse new technologies rapidly, to enter a new market, to bypass governmental restrictions expeditiously, and to learn quickly from the leading firms in a given field. However, strategic alliances are not simple or easy to create, develop, and support. Strategic alliances projects often fail because of tactical errors made by management. By using a well managed strategic alliances agreement, companies can gain in markets that would otherwise be uneconomical. Considerable time and energy must be put forth by all involved in order to create a successful alliance. It is essential that corporations enter into strategic alliances arrangements with a comprehensive plan outlining detailed expectations, requirements, and expected benefits. ``How can this be?'' you ask. These companies, like many other companies these days, have entered into strategic alliances with their suppliers to do much of their actual production and manufacturing for them. A strategic alliance is ``an agreement between firms to do business together in ways that go beyond normal company-tocompany dealings, but fall short of a merger or a full partnership'' (Wheelen and Hungar, 2000, p. 125). These alliances...
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...Strategic Alliance Abstract Organizations are facing exciting and dynamic challenges in the 21st century. In the globalized business, companies require strategic thinking and only by evolving good corporate strategies can they become strategically competitive. A sustained or sustainable competitive advantage occurs when firm implements a value – creating strategy of which other companies are unable to duplicate the benefits or find it too costly to initiate. Corporate strategy includes the commitments, decisions and actions required for a firm to achieve strategic competitiveness and earn above average returns. The goals of corporate strategy are challenging not only for large firms like Microsoft but also for small local computer retail outlets or even dry cleaners. I hope to offer a concise description of strategic alliances as well as a picture of who is participating in them and why. The states of affairs that encouraged this “rising era of collaboration” will be reviewed and the necessary steps in formulating alliances. Examples of companies that are or were involved in strategic alliances will be discussed, others of which were thriving and the others of which they were not. This paper is not intended to serve as a comprehensive study of strategic alliances. Introduction Corporate alliances, which are now called “strategic”, are in fact not new. Westinghouse Electric and Mitsubishi were allied for seventy years. The alliance between Ford and Mazda dates...
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...diffuse new technologies rapidly, to enter a new market, to bypass governmental restrictions expeditiously, and to learn quickly from the leading firms in a given field. However, strategic alliances are not simple or easy to create, develop, and support. Strategic alliances projects often fail because of tactical errors made by management. By using a well managed strategic alliances agreement, companies can gain in markets that would otherwise be uneconomical. Considerable time and energy must be put forth by all involved in order to create a successful alliance. It is essential that corporations enter into strategic alliances arrangements with a comprehensive plan outlining detailed expectations, requirements, and expected benefits. ``How can this be?'' you ask. These companies, like many other companies these days, have entered into strategic alliances with their suppliers to do much of their actual production and manufacturing for them. A strategic alliance is ``an agreement between firms to do business together in ways that go beyond normal company-tocompany dealings, but fall short of a merger or a full partnership'' (Wheelen and Hungar, 2000, p. 125). These alliances...
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...Strategy Writings[1] Dr. Mary A. Hamilton MBA, Ph.D. University of Rhode Island http://www.cba.uri.edu/faculty/hamilton/ Dr. Mark Lehrer Ph.D. University of Rhode Island Module #1: Introduction by Mark Lehrer 3 Module #2: Industry Analysis by Mark Lehrer 6 Rivalry 8 Entrants 9 Bargaining Power of Suppliers / Buyers 9 Two Cases: Breakfast Cereal and Personal Computers 9 Module #3: Value Chain Analysis by Mark Lehrer 12 Module #4: Industry Value Chains by Mark Lehrer 16 Module #5a: Generic Strategies (by Mary Hamilton) 16 Module #5b: Resource-Based View (by Mary Hamilton 16 Module #6: Industry Life Cycle (by Mark Lehrer) 16 Module #7: Competitive Strategy by Mary A. Hamilton 16 Theory 16 Types of Competitive Strategy 18 Offensive strategies 18 Defensive strategies 19 Collusive Strategies 19 Strategic alliances 20 Application 21 Module #8: Business Models by Mark Lehrer 23 Beyond Strategizing 23 Business Models: A Typology 23 Business Models Beyond the Internet 25 Module #9: Corporate Level Strategy by Mark Lehrer 28 Module #10: International Strategy by Mary A. Hamilton 28 Global Opportunities 28 International Strategic Orientation 29 National Advantages 31 Mode of Entry 32 Competitive Performance 33 Module #1: Introduction by Mark Lehrer How can one introduce such a multifaceted subject as strategy? What is strategy? Why does it matter? The concept of strategy comes from...
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...Over the past few decades, there has been a surge of interest in the relationship between economic interdependence and political con›ict. One view that has gained considerable popularity and empirical support is that heightened interdependence fosters cooperative political relations. Voiced with increasing regularity in both academic and policy circles, this claim has been used to help justify the formation of the European Economic Community, Richard Nixon’s opening to China, Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik, and Henry Kissinger’s conception of détente with the Soviet Union. Nonetheless, critics of this argument have not been stilled. Some observers maintain that, rather than fostering cooperation, increased interdependence generates political discord. Even more widespread is the argument that economic exchange has no strong bearing on the high politics of national security. This debate is hardly new. For centuries, the nature and strength of the links between interdependence and con›ict have been the subject of heated disagreement. Until lately, however, these links remained the subject of remarkably little systematic scrutiny. In recent years, a growing number of studies have attempted to ‹ll this gap in the literature, but they have yet to resolve various crucial questions. Most important, how and to what extent does interdependence in›uence political antagonism? What are the causal mechanisms driving this relationship? And what is the most appropriate way to test this ...
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...Federal Government Exam 1 Review: The first exam will consist of questions generated from the following review sheet. Make sure you understand each of these topics before proceeding to the test. The exam will be timed so you will not have the ability to peruse your notes or retake the exam. The exam itself will consist of 30 multiple choice questions and you will have 35 minutes to complete the exam. Federalism: The Basic elements of a Federal system of government (i.e. how is it structured/how power is shared) • Layers of gov • Equal power • Distinct powers Powers of the federal government: delegated powers, implied powers (necessary and proper clause), and concurrent powers. • Delegated Powers: (expressed/enumerated powers) powers given to the federal government directly by the constitution. Some most important delegated powers are: the authority to tax, regulated interstate commerce, authority to declare war, and grants the president role of commander and chief of the military • Implied Powers: Powers not expressed in the constitution, but that can be inferred. “Necessary and proper clause” • Concurrent powers: powers shared by both levels of government. Ex: Taxes, roads, elections, commerce, establishing courts and a judicial system • Reserved powers: powers not assigned by the constitution to the national government but left to the states or the people. Guaranteed by the 10th amendment. Include “police power”-health and public...
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...Sustainability Research Sustainability is of increasing significance for businesses, communities, and national economies around the globe. Sustainability addresses economic, environmental, and social issues, but it also incorporates cultural dimensions. In the face of globalisation, societies seek to preserve their cultural values and community identity, while still participating in the global economy. In New Zealand the importance of sustainability issues has been recognised by central and local government policies, environmental and economic development agencies, and business leaders. Two of the active business groups focusing on these issues are the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (NZBCSD) and the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). Waikato Management School is working in partnership with both of these key business groups on sustainability projects and events. The aim of these initiatives is to develop and share insights on sustainable economic development and sustainable enterprise success. The Waikato Management School is distinctive in its commitment ‘to inspire the world with fresh understandings of sustainable success’. These fresh understandings will be achieved through our high quality research that can influence policy makers, excellent teaching, through the knowledge and values our graduates take into the workforce, through our continued consulting with business and the outstanding experiences offered to everyone who connects...
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...Would free trade agreements improve international trade by encouraging foreign direct investments and opening new markets (Name) (University) Table of contents 1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………...3 2 Literature review………………………………………………………………………………..3 2.1 The Changing Landscape of Regional Trade Agreements ……………………………...……3 2.1.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….3 2.1.2 Evolution of the RTAs Landscape………………………………………………….……….4 2.1.3 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………...6 2.1 Integrating Free Trade Agreements and the politics of Free trade Agreements…………….7 2.2.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………7 2.2.2 MENA Region………………………………………………………………………………8 2.2.4 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………...9 2.3 Arab Free Trade Area: Potentialities and Effects and the Impact of regional Trade Agreement and Trade Facilitation in the Middle East North Africa region…………………….10 2.3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..10 2.3.2 The Past……………………………………………………………………………………11 2.3.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………13 2.4 The North American Free Trade Agreement:Economic impacts of the agreement on United States of America and Mexico in comparison…………………………………………………14 2.4.1Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..14 2.4.2 About NAFTA……………………………………………………………………………15 2.4.3 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………….16 2.5 Effects of changes to USA-Korea Free Trade Agreements[FTA] On The Passenger Vehicle sector……………………………………………………………………………………………17...
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...Section 4: Party Organization A. Structure Federalism, nominating B. Organization at the National Level 1. convention 2. chairperson C. State and Local Organization 1. election, caucuses 2. wards Prereading and Vocabulary 2 1. should cut back on expensive government programs Sample definition: Conservatives believe in cutting costs and government programs. 2. came to vote Sample definition: The electorate is the group of people who are allowed to vote. 3. voted at the polling place, elementary school Sample definition: A precinct is a small area from which all the residents report to vote at one location. 4. wards 5. bipartisan 6. nominate 7. Liberals 8. resign CHAPTER 5 Section 1 Reading Comprehension 3 1. Answers for rankings will vary. Historical basis: The two-party system is rooted in the beginnings of the U.S., when the ratification of the Constitution gave rise to the first two parties. Tradition: Most Americans accept the idea of a two-party system simply because there has always been one. Electoral system: Since only one winner per office comes out of each election, voters have only two viable choices—the candidate of the party holding office or the candidate with the best chance of replacing the current officeholder. Voters tend to think of a vote for a minor party candidate as a wasted vote. Republicans and Democrats work together in a bipartisan way to write election laws to make it hard for a minor party or independent ...
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...Contemporary Developments in Business and Management Kenneth Fee The University of Sunderland © 2013 The University of Sunderland First published September 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission of the copyright owner. While every effort has been made to ensure that references to websites are correct at time of going to press, the world wide web is a constantly changing environment and the University of Sunderland cannot accept any responsibility for any changes to addresses. The University of Sunderland acknowledges product, service and company names referred to in this publication, many of which are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks. All materials internally quality assessed by the University of Sunderland and reviewed by academics external to the University. Instructional design and publishing project management by Wordhouse Ltd, Reading, UK. Contents Introduction vii Unit 1 The contemporary world of business and management Introduction 1.1 1.2 The global business environment The importance of developments in the global environment Case Study 1.3 Organisational decision making and performance vii 1 3 10 14 17 19 19 20 Self-assessment questions Feedback on self-assessment questions Summary Unit 2 Globalisation Introduction 2...
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...The Maritime Strategy of China in the Asia-Pacific Region Origins, Development and Impact HUANG, AN-HAO Submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy August 2009 School of Social and Political Sciences Faculty of Arts The University of Melbourne Produced on archival quality paper ABSTRACT This thesis aims to examine how and why a continental-oriented China has shifted its maritime strategic orientation and naval force structure from its coast toward the far seas in an era of interdependent international system. Generally, China is an ancient continental land power with an incomplete oceanic awareness. With the transformation after the Cold War of China’s grand strategy from landward security to seaward security, maritime security interests have gradually become the most essential part of China’s strategic rationale. Undoubtedly, the quest for sea power and sea rights has become Beijing’s main maritime strategic issue. Given China’s escalating maritime politico-economic-military leverage in the Asia-Pacific region, its desire to become a leading sea power embodying global strategic thinking means that it must expand its maritime strategy by developing its navy and preparing for armed confrontation in terms of international relations realism. Conversely, Beijing’s maritime policy leads at the same time towards globalization, which involves multilateralism and strategic coexistence of a more pragmatic kind. This research...
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...continent and the unities of a civilization”. Such is the measure of the magnitude of the nature of diversity in Indian society whose features Indian industry had inherited. Societal diversity is not an unmixed blessing for corporations and their management. It is argued that in India, generally speaking, the weaknesses of societal diversity such as caste, for instance, are superimposed on its business and industrial organizations and exacerbated. The marketplace and workforce in India are becoming more diverse every day. In fact, workplace diversity is considered a major challenge and opportunity for human resource management. It makes integration both difficult and easy depending on how diversity is viewed and used. The sources of diversity and its uses make a difference to what it means and how it impinges on organizational purpose and human behaviour at the workplace and beyond. Workplace diversity in India may have been partly inherited from centuries of customs and practices, partly imposed from colonial heritage and largely acquired through corporate omissions and commissions. They have implications for global competitiveness and for managing human resources/ industrial relations (HR/IR). The next section presents an exploratory analysis of the sources of diversity in India and its implications for human resource management. The third section reviews the experiences of select organizations. The final...
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