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New Dissertations January 2012

2012-01-22T19:12:00.001Z

Modeling Internet Penetration: A System Dynamics Approach

The Development of a Customer Query Tracker for UK B2B

The Development of a Vehicle Registration System

To What Extent Does Colour Influence the Purchase of Clothes?

A Study on How to Improve Customer Satisfaction in the UK Mobile Phone & Network Industry

A Study into Consumer Attitude and Perceptions towards a Brand during the Course of an Acquisition

An Investigation into the Growth and Perception of Ethnic Food at ASDA

An Analysis into the Importance of Advertising in the Retail Industry

An Exploration into the Levels of Financial Under Pricing and Indian IPO’s in the UK Equity Market with Focus on the London Stock Exchange

A Study into the Feasibility and Deployment of the Four-Factor Asset Pricing Model in the UK Stock Market

An Investigation on How Innovative Companies Gain a Competitive Advantage through Effective Management of Technology

What is the Criterion for Successful Flexible Working Arrangements? An Analysis into Flexible Working Practices at PricewaterhouseCoopers UK

An Analysis into the Place of Ethnic Minorities in Nursing and Midwifery NHS Workforce - Using a Systematic Review Approach

A Study into Recruitment and Selection Methods Deployed In the Growing Indian Information Technology

New Economics Essays

Economics Essays

HRM Essays

New Dissertation Titles

2011-11-14T13:36:00.002Z

Samsung Corporation and the IT Compatible Supplies Industry: An In-Depth Analysis of the Impact of Brand Image and Its Relevance to Consumer Choice

External Finance and Firm Performance : Evidence From China

Organisational Decision Making Assessment and Improvement

A Study into the Effects of Organisational Culture on Employee Motivation

A Review into Project Theoretical Concepts and Models in Regards to the Management of Change and Conflict

An Examination into the Deployment of Supply Chain Management at Sony Electronics: Does It Increase Productivity and Customer Satisfaction?

A Study Into The Importance of OFR Reporting In Annual Reports of Companies

A Study into the Effectiveness of Private Finance Initiative

An Analysis into Harmonization issues of CAS and IFRS - A Critical study of A-shares and B-shares issued in Stock Exchanges By Listed Companies

The Prospectus Directive – A Study into the Impact of European Regulation on the Public Regulated Markets of Poland and the United Kingdom

The Importance of Marketing Metrics and Measurement Tools

Corporate Marketing in the Context of the Network Economy

Employee Branding as a Source of Sustainable Competitive Advantage A Study of Two UK Airlines

Applying the Framework of Demand Chain Strategy in the Context of SMEs

Impact of Online Marketing on Small Organisations

The Effectiveness of Relationship Marketing: To what Extent Does David Lloyd Currently Use Relationship Marketing in its Member Retention Programme

Internet Marketing

The Impact and Influence of Social Media on Consumer Branding and Relationships

Written Formal Communications Procedures Including Some Form Of Accountability Will Reduce The Barriers To Communications Which Occur Within The Chain Of Events Leading To A Mistake Of Significant Consequences

Celebrity Salvation of Heat Magazine: A Critical Discussion about the Appeal of Celebrities

An Examination into the Concept and Theory of Public Interest Litigation

A Study into Debt and Equity Classification the UK Tax Deployment of Hybrid Securities

The Implementation and Adoption of Photovoltaics (PV) in the UK

Analyse and Evaluate the Future of Photovoltaic's on Domestic Buildings in the UK

An Analysis into the Government’s Recent Implementation of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) And Its Impact on the Rental Property Market

A Study into the use of Dispute Boards in the Construction Industry

Marketing Research

2011-03-18T14:13:00.001Z

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Marketing Research

View more presentations from Steve Jones.

New Dissertation Titles

2011-01-03T11:51:00.006Z

An Analysis into the Use of Sports Marketing As an Effective Marketing Tool and Its Importance to the Marketing Communication Mix

Inventory Optimization Techniques: A comparative Study of the Inventory Optimization Technique Used by Telecom Retailers

Development and Promotion of Tourism in Saudi Arabia

MBA - E-Business Strategy Review Report for Tesco.com

A Study to Highlight the Importance of Brand Awareness in Brand Choice from a Cultural Perspective

An Investigation on How Effective Strategic Partnering is within the UK Construction Industry

MBA - E-Business Strategy Review Report for Tesco.com

A Comparison of the Marketing Mix in a Developed and a Developing Country

How Do Supplier Collaboration Practices Improve Quality and Competitiveness in the Automotive Industry?

An Analysis into Drinking Patterns of University Students

Energy Efficiency Compliance with Building Regulations 2006, for a standard House Type From a Private House Builders Perspective

Barriers to Construction SMEs (Contractors) in Implementing Sustainable Construction

An Investigation about Collusion within the UK Construction Industry

Applying the Framework of Demand Chain Strategy in the Context of SMEs

Employee Branding as a Source of Sustainable Competitive Advantage A Study of Two UK airlines

Corporate Marketing in the Context of the Network Economy

The Importance of Marketing Metrics and Measurement Tools

What Opportunities Has Broadband Technology Brought To Teleworkers?

An Investigation into Motivational needs and their influence on Social Identification and Behaviour - An Organisational Context

Brand Driven Acquisitions: Do They Create Shareholder Value?

Causes of Asian Financial Crisis - Weak Fundamentals or Investors’ Panic

About Us...

2010-10-16T13:24:00.001+01:00

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How To Write A Good Dissertation

2010-09-25T14:41:00.004+01:00

A good dissertation will:

•Have a clear objective, based on a well worked out thesis or central question.
•be well planned and widely researched.
•show that the student has a good grasp of relevant concepts and is able to apply these in their own work.
•include analysis, critical evaluation and discussion, rather than simple description.
•contain consistent and correct referencing.
•be structured and expressed in an appropriate academic way.
•show your tutors that you have learnt something on the course and have been able to use this to produce a well argued extended piece of academic work.

A mediocre dissertation will:

•have a very general or unclear title.
•be poorly planned, with a narrow field of research.
•rely heavily on source material, with little or no attempt to apply this to the student’s aims.
•be mostly descriptive.
•contain little or no referencing, perhaps in an incorrect format.
•be poorly structured, with possible plagiarism of source material.
•not convince your tutors that you have learnt much.

Some tips on how to produce a good dissertation

Your topic
Start thinking early on about what you would like to write about. Consult as soon as possible with your supervisor for advice on the expected scope of your dissertation. Remember that you will not simply be writing about “IT in Primary Education”, but instead will be focussing on specific aspects, perhaps trying to solve a problem, querying currently held beliefs, or arguing a particular case or “thesis”. Your final title may instead be something like:
A computer for every pupil?

A critical analysis of the over-reliance on Information Technology in current UK primary education.

This title will therefore probably need to be refined over the weeks before you agree the final version with your supervisor.

Planning and research
Your dissertation is a major commitment and will be a long way to deciding your final award. It is obviously very important, therefore, to plan meticulously. Work out a timetable and stick to it. You really have no excuse to leave things to the last minute. There will always be problems: difficulties in obtaining books or materials; delays in receiving replies to letters or questionnaires; temperamental printers and floppy disks; mysterious dissertation-eating dogs. You must allow for these, however: none is an excuse for not handing in your work on time.

In consultation with your supervisor, draw up an initial reading list, making sure that this is wide-ranging, relevant and as up-to-date as possible. Approach this reading with specific questions in mind; if not, you will waste a lot of valuable time reading irrelevant information.
If you’re going to include some sort of survey or questionnaire, make this as wide as possible, but remember that companies and organisations are swamped with this sort of thing and the response rate will probably be very disappointing.

Most of your writing will probably need redrafting several times, and you must carefully proofread everything you write, or perhaps get someone else to do this for you. Any revisions needed, will of course take time, as will the binding of your finished dissertation, if this is necessary.

Structure of dissertation
As stated, you must check with your supervisor and with course literature what the required structure is, as there are many variations. A basic framework would be:

Title page
Title, your name, course name, date, name of supervisor

Abstract
One paragraph summarising the whole dissertation

Acknowledgements
Thanks to those who have assisted you

Table of contents
Chapters and/or sections & sub-sections with page numbers

Table of figures
If appropriate

Introduction
A presentation of your question/problem/thesis, with a brief outline of the structure of your work

Main body/discussion
The facts, evidence, analysis, evaluation and discussion. All very well structured: arts/social sciences tending towards paragraphs; sciences/engineering towards sections; business a mixture of the two.

Conclusion/findings
Where you bring it all together, stating very clearly your answer to your central question and if appropriate making recommendations, suggestions etc.

Bibliography
A complete list of your sources, correctly formatted.

Appendices
Any information not central to your main text or too large to be included:
for example, complete questionnaires, copies of letters, maps etc.
Other sections you may be asked to include could be terms of reference, procedure, methodology, executive summary, literature review or recommendations.

Avoid footnotes, unless you’re using a numerical referencing system. Avoid too many brackets. Use bold and italics sparingly and consistently. Avoid underlining. Avoid using “etc.”

Content and style
Your dissertation is a piece of academic work; an intellectual achievement. You are not expected to produce something completely original, but instead, to should show understanding of key issues and theories; evidence of thought and insight; critical analysis and evaluation, and a demonstration that you have been able to research a topic within your professional domain and present your findings appropriately. Simple description is not enough, and will result in a low mark.
You should write in an appropriate academic style, avoiding colloquialisms, contractions, phrasal verbs and vagueness. You do not need, however, to use long, over-formal vocabulary: you should aim at all times for clear and concise expression.

You should normally avoid too much personal language (“I”, “my” etc), although opinions on this vary. As a rule of thumb, only use it when you are describing what you actually did and when you are expressing personal opinions, probably in your conclusion. Don’t refer to yourself as “we” unless you are describing some sort of groupwork, and don’t refer to yourself as “the author”: it’s pompous and confusing.

Avoid using “he/she”, “her/his” etc. The best way to avoid this and still be non-sexist is to make the subject plural whenever possible. (For example, “Teachers should always be in control of their class”.)

In your conclusion, don’t start undermining your work by apologizing for poor results or complaining about lack of time. Always be positive. If there were problems, analyze these objectively in an appropriate place. Any research has weaknesses; they’re part of the process.
Sentences should be well-punctuated, complete but not over-long. Paragraphs should be adequately developed, with normally at least five or six sentences. You should use linking words or phrases to guide your reader through your writing. Make sure all figures are integrated into your text and referred to.

And remember to consistently and correctly make references to your sources.

Referencing
Acknowledgement of your sources is a vital and integral part of the academic process. If you do not do this, particularly at dissertation/postgraduate level, you could be accused of plagiarism.
By the time you do your dissertation you should be very clear on how to do this. If not, check with course tutors or in course literature what the preferred method is (normally at UCE it is the “Harvard Method”) and make sure you know how to use it. It can be a complicated area, but there are many guides and staff to help you (us, for example).

Little or no referencing and a short bibliography indicate little research carried out, a generally un-academic approach and maybe even copying from source material.
Extensive referencing and bibliography indicate wide research, a correct approach and the use of these sources as evidence to back up the student’s argument.

Source: http://www.study-aids.co.uk

Inventory Optimization Techniques: A comparative Study of the Inventory Optimization Technique Used by Telecom Retailers

2010-07-16T18:28:00.002+01:00

A key concern for retailers today is reducing inventory and inventory driven costs across their supply and distribution networks. Pressure to cut inventories continues to build for several reasons. Manufacturers no longer manage linear or stable supply chains. In the last few years a new paradigm has emerged: where one finds operations teams and planning teams of the manufacturer applying the latest techniques and technologies to improve inventory visibility, control and management across the extended supply network. We call this collection of efforts as Inventory optimization. Inventory optimization helps retailers control inventory driven costs and address today’s demand volatility and the uncertainty of demand. We discuss several trends in inventory optimization including opportunities to apply this new technology to solve more than just high inventory costs. Inventory optimization can enable smarter product launches, lower direct material cost of goods and faster manufacturing and distribution execution. The objective of this dissertation report is to find out the inventory optimization techniques used by the telecom retailers. The objective is to find out the inventory optimization technique used by retailers for AIRCEL and AIRTEL and then to do a comparative analysis of both the inventory optimization technique, to find out the best inventory optimization technique The aim of this research is to study about the inventory optimization techniques that are available to optimize the inventory. This will definitely give me knowledge about the insights of inventory optimization and about the model that may be used in inventory optimization. The objective of the dissertation is: (1) To find out the inventory optimization technique, used by telecom retailers for AIRTEL and AIRCEL SIM cards. (2) To do a comparative analysis of the two techniques to find out the best technique of inventory optimization for telecom retailers.

Executive Summary

1.0 Introduction
Inventory Optimization
Need for Optimizing Inventories
Introduction to inventory optimization practices
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
The Total Cost function
Profit Driven Analysis
Inventory Misconceptions
A New Opportunity for Inventory Savings
Critical Role of Technology in Inventory Management
Pressures, Actions, Capabilities, Enablers (PACE)
Benefits of Inventory Optimization

2.0 Statement of Research Question

3.0 Research Design

4.0 Research Methodology
Scope of the Study

5.0 Sampling
Universe

6.0 Design of Instruments

7.0 Procedure

8.0Discussion
Questionnaire with Answer of Respondents

9.0 Conclusion
Parameters for comparison

10.0 References
INTERNET
Books

11.0 Annexure
Inventory Questionnaire

12.0 Timescale
GANTT chart

Download Here: Dissertation

China’s Grand Oil Strategy in a Post-Peak World

2010-07-16T18:27:00.001+01:00

This is a tale about energy and power. At the heart of this narrative is the historic re-emergence of China which has undergone revolutionary changes since the Maoist era of Communist austerity and energy self-sufficiency. President Nixon’s ‘opening up’ of Communist China in the seventies started a process of engagement with the capitalist world for China’s oligarchs. The resulting transformation into a super-charged globalised economic powerhouse has transformed the lives of millions of people. Hundreds of millions of Chinese are pursuing a Chinese Dream; of cars, modern flats, TVs, designer clothes, refrigerators, electricity, and a western-style diet. Along with materially aspirational Indians and Arabs, the Chinese middle classes have led an explosion of energy demand. Global supply of oil and gas production has risen to new heights to sustain the growth of energy consumption in the developing world by the private oil majors and the state-owned oil companies. Economists have argued that rising demand will lead to technological improvements and development of suitable substitutes which will ensure that supply will always keep up with demand. However, a closer reading of the statistics suggests some worrying trends in the global petroleum industry. Robert L. Hirsch, a leading energy expert was paid by the US government to investigate the potential implications of a global peak in world oil production. The Hirsch Report came to some startling conclusions regarding future supplies of petroleum. Contrary to the claims of economists and based on the history of domestic US oil production ‘higher prices and improved technology are unlikely to yield dramatically higher conventional oil production’.2 Moreover, conventional, ‘cheap’ petroleum fields are startling to deplete, and will accelerate in the coming decades. New fields coming on-stream tend to be in geographically and geopolitically ‘hard’ locations, for example the Arctic or Siberia. Not only it is capital and energy intensive to develop these fields and the needed infrastructure (pipelines etc), the energy ‘return’ from these fields is a fraction of the older larger fields in the Middle East. Energy experts call this the EROEI, Energy Return on Energy Invested. The depletion rates on the newer unconventional oil and gas fields are far higher than the old, larger fields meaning that it is only economically for the major oil majors to finance these developments if petroleum prices are very high. Forecasting future projections of oil and gas supply is a problematic science, but a consensus has emerged that at some point in the next five years, the global production of oil and gas will start to contract and this will accelerate in the coming decades. The era of cheap energy is over.

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Literature Review

Chapter 3. The emergence of the Dragon
Russia
Central Asia
Greater Middle East
Africa
Latin America
Grand Strategy in international relations

Chapter 4: Historical Materialist framework to Peak Oil and China

Footnotes & References

Download Here: Dissertation

Cultural Differences and Aspects of Internet Privacy

2010-07-16T18:26:00.001+01:00

This final year research project has been derived from the initial research phase of the project whereby the problem of privacy was examined in the context of globalisation, that current approaches to privacy are culturally biased, reflecting only one of a number of possible standpoints. Substantial research conducted on internet privacy resulted in countless cultural standpoint theories but few studies focused on the consumer’s expectations which are the key to gaining a successful competitive advantage in the global business market. In recent years there has been some interesting debate about privacy; particularly interest in storage of personal data; that has several social, cultural and economic implications attached along with apprehension towards the information society. Current philosophy focuses the problem of privacy mainly on Western society’s expectations that is shown to be limiting growth and development of e-commerce businesses. Results based on surveys are used to demonstrate this point, comparing the privacy perceptions in the Asian culture to the Western culture. This paper pursues the following research question: does the Internet’s current system for protecting individual privacy cater for differences between cultural perspectives?

Summary of IP Research
The Critical Evalaution
Introduction
Aims and Objectives
Why is there a need for further research?
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the processes followed
Response Rate
Methodology
Survey Results
Literature Search
Summary
Assessment of whether the research has met the requirements
Alternative approaches
Recommendations for any Further Development of the Work

Research Report
Introduction
Literature Review
Introduction
Defining Culture
Cultural Differences
Conceptualisations of Privacy
Cross-Cultural Differences in Privacy
The ‘Great Firewall of China’
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Model
Summary
Methodology
Introduction
Method
Questionnaire Design
Sample Size
Response Rate
Disscussion
Introduction
Discussion
Summary
Conclusion
Futher Work
References
Bibliography

Statistical Analysis
Online Survey
Statistical Analysis
Results of UK Survey
Results of China Survey

The Project Log
Project Log
Project Plan
Development Stage Gantt Chart
Revised Research Gantt Chart
Supervision Meetings Records
Professional Development Log

Download Here: Dissertation

The Affects of Illegal Music Downloads on Music Retailers

2010-07-16T18:25:00.001+01:00

This project describes how music retailers have been affected by the upsurge of illegal music download. In the presence of illegal music downloads, which are accessible when using the Internet, users are in fact downloading as many music files as possible for their personal use and furthermore for the event of trading, these files are copied into disc and are being sold illegally as pirated copies. Record companies need to unite with their buyers (i.e.) music retailers and use the authority of law in order to prevent such illegal activity to continue and use alternative ways to expedite the process to legality. Throughout the course of this research the above menace will be examined, as questionnaires and interviews are used with the eventual verdict presented in the conclusion. Not only is today’s life vast and improving for illegal traders, but also there exists the possibility and hope that one day this will stop, which will then allow the much needed relief to the legal traders to carry out their business.

Chapter One: Introduction
Introduction
Statement of problem
Project detail
How the topic has been chosen
Project Aim
Objectives

Chapter Two: Literature Review
Introduction
Law and Copyright
Who is BPI?
About the illegal industry
The start and stop of illegal download
The affect on music retailer’s
The users behind illegal download
Actions taken against illegal sites
The type of retailers that sells online music
Cost of Online music
The success for record companies and retailers
The loss on UK music industry
The benefit of the online market
Ansoff’ Matrix
The Micro Environment
The PEST Analysis
Porter 5 Forces
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Methodology
Introduction
Methods which are used
Quantitative and Qualitative methods
Primary sources
Secondary sources
The Refinements
The Refinement of the Aim
The Refinement of the Objectives
Refined Research Questions
Proposed Methodology
How retailers have been affected in terms of financial matters?
How retailers can make profit in the presences of illegal music?
How music retailers/record companies reduce illegal music?
Selection of sample
Data analysis

Chapter 4: Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
Questionnaire results
Analysis of Questionnaires (1 to 20)
Interview results
Interview One
Interview Two
Interview Three

Chapter 5: Findings and Interpretation
Introduction
Findings from Questionnaire results
Findings from Interview results

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations
Introduction
Conclusion
Recommendation

Chapter 7: Appendix
Questionnaire
Cost of a CD
UK Music Retailers Sales Performance (2002 to 2007)

References

Bibliography

Download Here: Dissertation

Consumer Expectations and Perceptions in the Retail Property Market in London

2010-07-16T18:24:00.001+01:00

In this research we analyzed thе consumer perception and expectation in the retail property market in London. The methodology allows us identify thеmain independent concepts оr attributes which describe thеcustomer perception of a specific property expressed in his own wоrds. Thеse attributes are accоrding to the influence of the consumer on thеoverall opinion in оrder to quantify thеir relative impоrtance. A quantitative model fоr forecasting an overall aѕsessment from symbolic attributes could be obtained. Thеresearch also provides a quantitative way of predicting thеsuccess of a specific property on sale by evaluating thеmain factоrs that condition it. Mоreover, an elaborated comparative analysis of thеstrengths and weaknesses of different competing properties could also be made.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Rational Fоr thе Research
Objective of thе Research
Outline of thе Paper

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Significance of Retail Property
Оrganisations and Thеir Goals
Оrganisations and thеir Stakeholders
Perfоrmance Meaѕurement Systems

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Rationale of thе Methods
Instrument
Participants
Reliability and Validity
Ethical Issues
Confidentiality
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Aѕsumptions & Limitation
Summary

Chapter 4: Results and Findings
Demographic Distribution
Analysis of thе Questionnaire
Identifying Semantic Axes
Comparative Analysis: Semantic Profiles

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

Appendix

Questionnaire

Download Here: Dissertation

Expectations and Perceptions of Consumers in the Banking Industry: The Case of NatWest

2010-07-16T18:23:00.004+01:00

Nowadays, there is intense competition in the world economy. In this competition, the service sector becomes more and more important when considering the standardisation and globalisation of the products. This may be the reason that many studies investigate the service sector. Most of these studies aim to evaluate the quality of service through comparing customers’ expectations and perceptions. This is because there is a relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction and service loyalty. In fact, the satisfaction and loyalty of customers are factors enabling service providers achieve successes. From this point of view, the expectations and perceptions of customers to the service quality are determined as the core of a marketing channel. To evaluate this core, a measurement of expectations and perceptions of customers needs to be implemented. However, according to different core characteristics of services, each service sector can apply different methods to measure quality in order to have the best solution to convey to consumer, attracting more customers and encouraging loyalty.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background of the research
Research aims and objectives
Rationale for the research
Outline of the research

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
Definition
The importance of service quality
Measuring service quality
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction
The aims and objectives of research
Research approach
Research philosophy
Deductive or inductive approach
Research design
Data collection method
Secondary data
Primary data
Survey design
Sampling considerations
Sampling techniques
Sample size
Questionnaire design
Data analysis
Limitation of research
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Company Background
Introduction
Company background
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Findings and Discussion
Introduction
Demographic
Gender
Nationality
Consumer expectation of Banks’ service quality
Consumer perception of NatWest’s’ quality of service
Gap between Expectations and Perceptions of customers
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Conclusion
Introduction
Summary of key findings
Recommendations
Direction for future research
Conclusion

Appendix 1 – Questionnaire

References

Bibliography

Download Here: Dissertation

An Analysis and Evalutaion of Investement Strategies

2010-07-16T18:23:00.003+01:00

Efficient Markets Hypothesis has been recently more often challenged on base of the empirical evidence which was suggested not be consistent with the theory such as excess volatility, market seasonalities, autocorrelation and predictability of equity returns. There is still ongoing discussion on relevancy and interpretation of these phenomenons and its consequences in investment strategy. This work link empirical data gathered from equity markets to equity markets theory and investment strategy framework. Importance of the work lies in providing guidance to investors on capital allocation on equity markets. Utility of three investment strategies was evaluated in this work which were buy&hold (index), contrarian and momentum. Research is focused on research of mutual funds and custom portfolios in regard to their returns and investment strategy. In mutual funds research the funds were categorized on base of their investment strategy and performance parameters were evaluated to generalize which strategies provided the best results. In research of stock returns three portfolios were constructed and returns analyzed in search for mean reversion and autocorrelation patterrns. Using automation of some calculations provided by VBA programming language enabled processing of large data sets for more than 70 stock with daily trading data mostly back to 1990. Research output suggests superiority of buy&hold strategy which is linked to Effcient Market Hypothesis. Buy&hold was shown to produce best risk-adjusted returns. This apply to both mutual funds and stock portfolios returns. Some less common patterns were observed in stock portfolios and possible explanation suggested within Efficient Markets Hypothesis framework.

Introduction

Critical Review of Literature
Efficient Markets Hypothesis
Seasonalities and Excess Volatility
Behavioral Finance and New Views on Market Efficiency
Technical Analysis
Portfolio Theory and Risk Measure
Investment Strategies
Mutual funds

Methodology and Data Collection
Mutual Funds Investment Strategies
Portfolios Returns and Mean Reversion
Economic Background of the US Equity Market 1990 - 2008

Research Findings and Analysis
Mutual Funds Investment Strategies
Analyses of Funds with Distinctive Investment Strategies
Portfolios Returns and Mean Reversion
Conclusions and Recommendations

Abbreviations

Bibliography

Appendices

Download Here: Dissertation

Investigation of the Underlying Principle for Team Working Techniques and Team Working Effectiveness

2010-07-16T18:22:00.000+01:00

Different techniques and skills are used to achieve an organisation’s goals and objectives. One of the techniques used by organisations is team working. This research paper presents an empirically based case study on an organisation’s team working techniques and also investigates the effectiveness of team working in the men’s apparel department. The organisation that has been examined for the purpose of this research is Company Z, a chain of departmental stores situated in Mumbai. Questionnaires were developed and sent to both, the staff and managers to analyse the team working effectiveness and techniques adapted to form and develop teams respectively. Structured interviews were also conducted among five (5) managers to understand the organisation’s rational for team working and techniques adapted to form and develop teams. Finally conclusions and recommendations have been presented in the end and areas for further research have also been suggested.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background
What is team working?
Organisation chosen for the research
Research objectives
Significance of the study

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW & CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Virtual teams
Single discipline & Cross functional teams
Multi cultural teams, multi disciplinary teams and multi Professional teams
Tuckman’s model of team development
Conceptual Framework

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
Research methodology
Qualitative method
Quantitative method
Methods of data collection
Questionnaires
Data collection and sampling
Structured interviews
Secondary data
Research approach
Triangulation
Cross mapping matrix
Data analysis
Research credibility
Resources

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Findings
Research population
Administered questionnaires
Feedback on staff questionnaires
Feedback on manager’s questionnaires
Structured interviews
Response to find out why the introduction of team working
Response to know if team working improves performance
Response to determine the underlying principle/rational for team working and the techniques adapted to form and develop teams

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
Limitations of the study
Recommendations
Feasibility, suitability and acceptability of this research

Bibliography

Appendices

Download Here: Dissertation

MBA Project on Customer Relationship Management CRM

2010-07-16T18:21:00.000+01:00

CRM is an integrated effort to recognize, maintain, and build up a network with individual consumers and to constantly strengthen the network for mutual benefit of both sides, through interactive, individualized and value-added contacts over a period of time. The core theme of all CRM is its focus on co-operative and collaborative relationships between the firm and its customers, and/or other marketing actors. CRM is based on the premise that, by having a better understanding of the customers’ needs and desires we can keep them longer and sell more to them. An important facet of CRM is “customer selectivity”. Several research studies have shown not all customers are equally profitable. The company must therefore be selective and tailor its program and marketing efforts by segmenting and selecting appropriate customers for individual marketing programs. In some cases, it could even lead to “outsourcing of some customers” so that a company better utilize its resources on those customers it can serve better and create mutual value. However, the objective of a company is not to really prune its customer base but to identify appropriate customer programs and methods that would be profitable and create value for the firm and the customer.

Executive Summary

The Customers
Who are the customers?
Knowing the customers
Five New Approaches to Customer Value

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
What is CRM?
How it works?
CRM’s Evolution
Key Principles of CRM
Reduce operational cost
Enhance the service
Sell more services in the same package
Empower the customer

Benefits
Benefits for Organization
Benefits of CRM to Customers

CRM Status
Introduction
A Peep into the Past
The Present
The Future
Future Advantages of CRM

e-CRM
What is e-CRM?
e-CRM Vs CRM
Why employ e-CRM?
The six “E’s” of e-CRM
e-CRM Architecture

CRM – IT or Management
The New Face of Marketing
Integration of IT and Management for implementing successful CRM

Key Areas of CRM
Major areas of CRM
Marketing Automation
Sales force Automation:
Customer service

Implementation of CRM
Implementation of CRM
Call Centre
CRM Interaction Cycle

CRM and The Internet Age
CRM --In the Internet Age
Looking back: The Industrial Era Model
Looking beyond: The Internet Era Model

Integrated CRM
Integrated Customer Relationship Management

Myths About CRM
Myths of CRM- The 4 Deadly Sins
Myth-1: CRM is just about technology
Myth-2: CRM is just about improving sales
Myth-3: You can just buy a CRM package and bolt it onto your existing systems
Myth-4: A midsize company's best bet is to use the same CRM package its larger competitors do

CRM at ICICI Bank
CRM Roadmap
Need for CRM
How CRM changed the processes in ICICI?
How organizations optimize cost in CRM?
Loopholes
E-CRM
CRM at HDFC Bank
CRM Roadmap:
How CRM changed the processes in HDFC?
Benefits of CRM
Loopholes
CRM Conclusion
CRM at CORPORATION Bank
Benefits of CRM
CRM Roadmap
CRM at CITI Bank
Benefits of CRM
CRM Roadmap:
Loopholes

CRM Report Analysis
Report Analysis

Conclusions

Recommendation

Bibliography

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Analysis Into No Frills And Low Cost Airlines In India: Accounting For Growth, Performance & Comparison

2010-07-16T18:20:00.000+01:00

Traveling by air had always been like an inspirational factor for the common Indians. Air – travel even a year back used to be like a distant dream to many of the India’s 200 million middle class community. The industry was always looked down once upon a time with only state-owned players enjoying a monopoly. In the last couple of year, the Indian Aviation sector has metamorphosed in a big way. A cluster of new airlines rolling out the warm hospitality of red carpets to the Indians, for who air travel was simply an Aspiration and a distant dream. These airlines are called the No-frills or low cost Airlines, the new buzz in the Indian Aviation sector. As the name suggest, the no-frill airlines are the de-glamorized version of the conventional or full service Airlines. In today’s scenario, venture capital of $10 million or less is enough to launch an airline. Private airlines are known to hire foreign pilots, get expatriates or retired personnel from the Air Force or PSU (Indian Airlines, Air India) airlines, in senior management positions to run the show. Further, they outsource such functions as ground handling, check-in, reservation, aircraft maintenance, catering, training, revenue accounting, IT infrastructure, loyalty and program management. The main hypothesis that the thesis revolves around is whether Indians are ready for frequent air travel thereby substituting railways after the introduction of No-frill airlines in India.

1. Introduction

2. Critical Review of Literature
Overview of the present Scenario of the Airline Industry in India
Key Players in the Civil Aviation Sector
No-Frills Low Cost Airlines in India
Business model of no-frills low cost airlines vis-à-vis full service airlines in India

3. Research Methodology
Objectives
Nature of Research
Research Hypothesis
Research Design
Key Target Respondents
Sample Size

4. Consumer- Insights from the Air Travelers

5. Research Process with Airline Officials

6. Factors influencing buying decision for No-frills airlines

7. The Most Popular Low-Cost Airline in India
Reasons for Kingfisher to enjoy a high Brand Equity
Marketing strategies of Air Deccan
Operational and Marketing strategies of Spice-Jet

8. Conclusion

9. Recommendations

Appendices

Bibliography

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To What Extent Do Retained Executive Search Firms Contribute To An Organisation's Business Performance?

2010-07-16T18:19:00.000+01:00

The last two decades have been characterised by trends such as globalisation, technological breakthroughs and consequently an increasing competition for organisations of all shapes and sizes. Especially organisations that operate in a constantly changing environment have to work hard in order to keep up with their competitors. At the same time they have to face retiring baby-boomers and enormous geographic changes which basically create a war for talent. Selecting and recruiting talented C-level staff is crucial to an organisation‟s future and must be therefore deliberate and well arranged, whereas often time and money determine the decision. Executive search firms (ESF) could offer help and act as an external consultancy to find people who fit with the needs of the organisation. These third-party advisors, who are also known as head-hunters, could bring in the right balance of objectivity, comprehensive knowledge about a particular industry and help organisations to focus more on their core business. Apart from the fees ESFs charge, they could play an important role in terms of an organisation’s future and its business performance. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of retained ESFs who exclusively asked for advice when it comes to the recruitment of senior-level or rather C-level positions. The research shows that ESFs could indeed contribute positively to an organisation‟s business performance, provided that not only the external advisor is well chosen and assessed, but also that the organisation knows its own culture and needs.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Megatrends And Their Impact On Organisations
Research Objectives
Structure

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Definitions and Delimitation of Relevant Terms
Executive Search/Headhunting
Executive Search Consultants
Executive Search From A Broader Perspective
In-house vs. external
Rationale for Outsourcing
The Input of Headhunters to a Company
Concerns about Executive Search Firms
Money, Expertise and Time
Ethics in Executive Search
Summary

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research Method
Data collection
Primary Data Collection Through Qualitative Research
Questionnaire
Procedure
Choice of Respondents
Secondary Data
Ethical Implications

CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS & ANALYSIS
Introduction
Discussion
Benefits
Major Concerns
People as Differentiator
The Impact of C-level Staff
Reducing Risk
Impact on Business Performance
Summary

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION
Further Research
Limitations

References

Bibliography

Appendices

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Has European Union Assistance In Terms Of Better Regulations Improved For Small And Medium Sized Enterprises (SME’S) Since The Introduction Of The Mod

2010-07-16T18:18:00.000+01:00

The consumer decision-making process illustrates the certain stages consumers experience before making a final purchase decision. In general, this decision-making process is acknowledge to be an extraordinarily complex model which is affected by numerous factors, such as personal, situational and socio-cultural influences. However, the decision-making process also varies according to the type of product (hedonic or utilitarian) and to the degree of involvement. This project provides an insight into the different stages of the consumer decision-making process and identifies possible factors which might influence this process. Moreover, the increasing significance of the Internet has considerably affected the consumers‟ decision-making process, in particular their pre-purchase behaviour. This can be mainly attributed to the wide variety of product information online available as well as to interactive decision aids, which allow consumers to compare different products in-depth. However, despite all the means provided by the Internet, there are still concerns associated with its use for information search or online purchase which might affect consumers‟ attitudes towards the use of the Internet in a negative way. When deciding which information sources to consult, factors such as trust and believability play an important role in the consumers‟ decision-making process.However, the study also demonstrates that event tough consumers regard certain information as credible, they prefer to consult a variety of information sources in order to minimise the risk associated with the purchase. Nevertheless, it has to be taken into consideration that the stages of the decision-making process vary according on the consumer‟s level of involvement, as consumers devote more effort to their information search and the different evaluation stages if the purchase is considered to be of high risk.

Introduction
Overview of the project
Aims and Objectives
Chapter Outlines

Literature Review
Introduction
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Definition
SMEs in the European Union (EU)
The Importance of SMEs for the European Economy
SME Barriers to Start-Up
SME Barriers
The Effect of Barriers on Entrepreneurship
Regulatory Burdens
Defining Regulation
Better Regulations in the EU
Reducing Administrative Burdens
Developing Future EU Legislation
Concluding Comments

Research Methodology
Introduction
Research Philosophies
Secondary Data
Advantages and Limitations of Secondary Data
Choice of Secondary Data
Primary Research Considerations and choices
Interview Advantages
Interview Limitations
Conduct of Research and Limitations
Ethics

Analysis and Findings
Introduction
Interviews - Background
Main Findings
Summary
Strategic Review of the Modern European SME Policy – Background
Main Findings
Summary

Conclusion
Introduction
Main Findings
Limitations of Research
Recommendations for Further Research

References

Bibliography

Appendices

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To What Extent Does The Internet Influence The Consumer Decision-Making Process?

2010-07-16T18:16:00.000+01:00

The consumer decision-making process illustrates the certain stages consumers experience before making a final purchase decision. In general, this decision-making process is acknowledge to be an extraordinarily complex model which is affected by numerous factors, such as personal, situational and socio-cultural influences. However, the decision-making process also varies according to the type of product (hedonic or utilitarian) and to the degree of involvement. This project provides an insight into the different stages of the consumer decision-making process and identifies possible factors which might influence this process. Moreover, the increasing significance of the Internet has considerably affected the consumers‟ decision-making process, in particular their pre-purchase behaviour. This can be mainly attributed to the wide variety of product information online available as well as to interactive decision aids, which allow consumers to compare different products in-depth. However, despite all the means provided by the Internet, there are still concerns associated with its use for information search or online purchase which might affect consumers‟ attitudes towards the use of the Internet in a negative way. When deciding which information sources to consult, factors such as trust and believability play an important role in the consumers‟ decision-making process.However, the study also demonstrates that event tough consumers regard certain information as credible, they prefer to consult a variety of information sources in order to minimise the risk associated with the purchase. Nevertheless, it has to be taken into consideration that the stages of the decision-making process vary according on the consumer‟s level of involvement, as consumers devote more effort to their information search and the different evaluation stages if the purchase is considered to be of high risk.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Introducing the topic
Aims and Objectives
Summary of chapters

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction: Understanding the consumer decision-making process
The consumer decision-making process
Problem recognition and information search
Evaluation of alternatives and purchase
Post-purchase evaluation
The degree of involvement
The influence of hedonic and utilitarian goods on consumer's decision-making process
Other influences on the customer decision-making process
The influence of the Internet on the consumer decision-making process
Reasons for online shopping
The impact of interactive decision making aids on the consumer decision-making process
Advantages of online shopping
Constraints of online shopping
Conclusion

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
Research approach
Data sources and collection method
Secondary data
Primary Research
Research type
Data collection
Questionnaire design
Advantages of questionnaires for primary data collection
Limitations of primary data collection/ questionnaires
Sample
Pilot testing
Ethical implications

CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Profile of the sample
Consumer‟s decision-making process: Use of information sources
Believability of information sources
The media
Recommendations from friends / family members
Salespeople/ Experts
Review in consumer reports
Online recommendations
Influences of information sources on the consumer decision-making process
Word of mouth (WOM) recommendation
Newspaper advertisements and TV commercials
Review in consumer reports
Online recommendations
General online shopping behaviour
Consumers online purchase behaviour
Product recommendations
Reasons and perceived advantages of online shopping
Time-saving and availability
Convenient and increased choice
Price
Constraints of online shopping
Security issues and financial risk
Lack of physical contact
Other constraints
Conclusion

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS
Concluding statement
Limitation of the study
Further research

References

Bibliography

Appendices

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The Influence Of Culture On Negotiations In The Context Of International Business

2010-07-16T18:15:00.000+01:00

International trading and business are becoming a more and more important part of nowadays globalising world. It seems to become easier to do international business thanks to technology but the main problem persists: misunderstanding due to cultural differences. This dissertation discusses the effects of culture on negotiations in an international business context and identifies which areas of negotiations are influenced by culture and to what extent. The study reveals that this topic is multi-layered and that culture affects negotiation in many ways, covering all areas involved in negotiations. It suggests that cultural influences persist during the entire negotiation, from preparation to after-sales contact. It also highlights that knowledge about this is mostly gained through experience and observation. Furthermore, this study discusses more detailed the influence of culture during the interaction of parties by using a framework. This discussion leads to the suggestion that at this stage, cultural influence is very strong as in influences not only the inter-personal behaviour of the parties but also the more business related factors. This study concludes that culture influences international negotiations and that it plays a major role. It influences the entire process of negotiation and is subject of misunderstandings as it is difficult to learn how to deal with it.

1 Introduction
Reason for choice of topic
Academic objectives of dissertation
Outline of chapters

2 Literature review
Definitions
Who is supposed to adapt?
Choice of the international negotiator
The actual negotiation
Non-task interaction
Status distinction
Impression formation accuracy
Interpersonal attraction
Task-related interaction
Exchange of information
Persuasion and bargaining strategy
Concession making and agreement
Comments on the interactive part of negotiation process framework
Non-task related interaction: respect of business protocol
Task-related interaction: persuasion and bargaining strategies

3 Methodology
Scope of concern
Secondary research
Advantages of secondary data
Limitations and disadvantages of secondary data
Primary research
Why using non-standardised or semi structured interviews?
Design and implementation
Choosing the interviewees
Writing the interview guideline
First contact and implementation of the interviews
Disadvantages of administering interviews by phone
Sources of bias
Ethics of research

4 Findings
What makes a good negotiator?
To what extent are language skills important?
How do you prepare the negotiation?
To what extent do you decide the strategy you are going to use with regard to the culture of your counterpart?
Assuming the relationship is long-term, how do you cultivate the relationship?
Problems encountered during international negotiations
Does culture influence negotiations?

5 Analysis
The golden rule: the buyer adapts to the seller
The international negotiator: skills and selection criteria
Discussion of the framework “the interactive part of the cross-cultural sales negotiation process”
Status distinction
Interpersonal attraction
Criticism: respect of the business protocol
Criticism: persuasion and bargaining strategies

6 Conclusion
Review of objectives
Research conclusions
Limitations of the study
Further research possibilities

Reference list

Bibliography

Appendices

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Segment The Chinese Consumers Who Are Willing To Pay More For Greenfood

2010-07-16T18:14:00.000+01:00

Since 1992’s economic reform, China’s retail sales has kept rising and a large number of western supermarkets have been built up in this country. However, after more than ten years’ expanding and developing, western supermarkets fail to win the major share in China’s retailing market. A substantial proportion of total revenues are still accounted by traditional wet markets. This fact may be unbelievable to most people. This paper attempts to provide a understanding of Chinese consumers, find out the reasons why they prefer wet markets rather than western supermarkets. Literature review provides the concept of consumer behavior as well as the models on consumers’ decision making. The primary research focuses on the population in south-eastern China and attempts to find out how the internal and external factors would influence their decisions. The findings suggest two main reasons why Chinese consumers favor wet markets over supermarket: western supermarkets can not fit Chinese consumers’ needs well because of cultural differences; customers are difficult to access to these large supermarkets duo to the limitations of distribution. The limitations of research caused by the sample and research area should be in consideration for further study.

Chapter One: Introduction

Chapter Two: literature Review
Demographic characteristics: age, gender, income and education
Psychographic characteristics: knowledge/ecoliteracy
Psychographic characteristics: values
Psychographic characteristics: attitudes
Behavioural variables
Factors that affect the willingness to pay for environmental protection and food quality and safety
Segmentation by environment attitudes
Possible demographic differences
Green consumption behaviour
Chinese culture value

Chapter Three: Research Methodologies and Methods
Quantitative research versus Qualitative research
Questionnaire
Sampling & sample size
Questionnaire design
Translation questions

Chapter Four: - Findings
Sample profile
Sample knowledge/ecoliteracy
Sample attitudes/preference
Sample values
Sample behaviours
Sample price sensitivity

Chapter Five: - Discussion
Comparison of the two demographic profiles
Comparison of the two psychological profiles
The impact of behaviors

Chapter Six: - Conclusion

Reference

Appendix

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Supermarkets Versus Wet Market: An Investigation Into Chinese Consumerism

2010-07-16T18:13:00.000+01:00

Since the 1990s economic reform, China’s retail sales has kept increasing exponentially and a large number of western supermarkets have been built up in this country. However, after more than ten years‟ expanding and developing, western supermarkets fail to win the major share in China’s retailing market. A substantial proportion of total revenues are still accounted by traditional wet markets. This fact may be unbelievable to most people. This paper attempts to provide an understanding of Chinese consumers, find out the reasons why they prefer wet markets rather than western supermarkets. Literature review provides the concept of consumer behaviour as well as the models on consumers’ decision making. The primary research focuses on the population in south-eastern China and attempts to find out how the internal and external factors would influence their decisions. The findings suggest two main reasons why Chinese consumers favour wet markets over supermarket: western supermarkets can not fit Chinese consumers’ needs well because of cultural differences; customers are difficult to access to these large supermarkets duo to the limitations of distribution. The limitations of research caused by the sample and research area should be in consideration for further study.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Why to choose this topic
Wet market versus supermarket
Chapter outline

Chapter 2 Literature Review
Definition
Reason for studying consumer behaviour
Models of consumer behaviour
The factors that influence consumer behaviour
Previous research
Conclusion

Chapter 3 Methodology
Introduction
Secondary research
Philosophy of science
Primary research
Limitations of research
Further research
Ethical consideration

Chapter 4 Findings
Introduction
Sampling
Internal factors
External factors
Some comparisons

Chapter 5 Discussion
Introduction
Similarities and differences with previous research
The internal influences
The external influences
Identify the most significant influences
Conclusion

Chapter 6 Conclusion
Conclusion
Final points
Further study

References

Bibliography

Appendix

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A Cultural Exploration of Slovenia in General and in Terms of Business Affairs

2010-07-16T18:12:00.000+01:00

This text deals with Slovenia's culture in general and in terms of business affairs. Literature of contemporary culture theorists is critically discussed. Focus is set on Geert Hofstede´s cultural dimensions and Edward T. Hall‟s theory of high –and low-context cultures. Slovenia has been evaluated or respectively, re-evaluated according to these theories and consequently an original theory of Slovenia‟s culture has been designed. For this purpose, a small and thus not representative sample of the Slovenian population has been interviewed and these findings have been analysed on the basis of Hall's and Hofstede's work. The outcome of this work differs from Hofstede´s results and provides an end result of Slovenia being mainly low-context.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Topic and Purpose
Context
Boundaries – Focus of the Study
Aims and Objectives
Constraints
Outline of the Chapters

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Geert Hofstede´s Work
Further Notes to Hofstede´s Dimensions
Critics on Hofstede´s Work
Justification for Using Hofstede´s Work in this Study
Edward T. Hall’s Work
Critics on Hall‟s Work
Justification for Using Hall‟s Work in this Study

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
Ethics
Informed Consent and Explanations of the Interview
Writing up the Findings
Language and Translation
Intellectual Property Rights
Selection, Explanation and Justification of the Research Methods
Primary Research
Qualitative Method
Interpretivist Philosophy of the Research
Deductive Approach to the Research
Snowball Sampling Method
Method: Semi-Structured, In-Depth Interview
Procedure of the Interviews
Initial Interview and its Failure
Design of the Actual Interview
The Actual Interview
Limitations and Advantages of the used Methodology
Representativeness
Telephone Interview
Field-Notes
Translation and Amateur Research
Bias

CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS & ANALYSIS
Power Distance
Collectivism
Uncertainty Avoidance
Long-term Versus Short-term Orientation
Masculinity Versus Femininity
High-context Versus Low-context
The Openness of Messages
The Locus of Control
Appliance of Mimics and Gestures
Expression of Reactions
Attitudes towards Family
Attitudes towards time

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION
Conclusion from the Data Analysed
Hofstede´s Dimensions
Hall‟s Cultural Factor‟s
Application of Relevant Theory to the Data Gathered
Conclusion from Data Related to Prior Research of Others

Has the Aim Been Achieved?
Need for Further Research
Reference List

Bibliography

Appendices

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To What Extent Do Companies In The Solar Electricity Sector Apply Corporate Philanthropy

2010-07-16T18:11:00.002+01:00

The commitment for Corporate Social Responsibility is voluntary and exceeds obligations imposed by law or expectations of society with the aim to improve the welfare of the community. Its importance is reflected in the fact that highly recognised institutions like the EU or UN have addressed this issue. Corporate Philanthropy, an element of Corporate Social Responsibility, represents in this context the opportunity for companies to return something to the community or society in which they are operating by giving direct donations or conducting a range of other philanthropic initiatives. Thus they behave like corporate citizens and can improve the company’s image. If applied in a strategic way, Corporate Philanthropy can even become a powerful instrument in order to satisfy the company’s stakeholders or create competitive advantage. This study aims to provide an insight into the application of Corporate Philanthropy in the PV solar electricity sector. Therefore, the primary research concentrates on companies in this sector. The aim hereby is to elaborate firstly if these companies get involved with philanthropic initiatives in general and secondly if they apply Corporate Philanthropy in a strategic way. In this context an illustration of the companies’ philanthropic initiatives as well as motivation for their philanthropic commitment will be outlined. The research shows that Corporate Philanthropy is applied by the majority of the companies in the PV solar electricity sector and hence they use this opportunity to return something to the community or society. However, there remains ambiguity concerning the clear strategic approach used when implementing the philanthropic initiatives. Further research is recommended in order to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation of Corporate Philanthropy in the PV solar electricity sector.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Corporate Philanthropy & Corporate Social Responsibility
Purpose of dissertation
Aims and objectives
Summary of chapters

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Corporate Social Responsibility
Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility
Necessity for applying Corporate Social Responsibility
Opponents
Advocates
Corporate Philanthropy
Definition
Why do companies apply Corporate Philanthropy?
The financial debate
Strategic philanthropy
Motivation for a strategic approach
Conditions for success
Summary

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Secondary data
Advantages
Limitations
Primary Research
Questionnaire
Questionnaire design
Sending the questionnaire
Processing of the data
Sample
Advantages of questionnaires
Limitations of questionnaires
Ethical implications

CHAPTER 4 PRIMARY RESEARCH: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
Profile of the respondents
Corporate Philanthropy in the PV solar electricity sector
Application of Corporate Philanthropy: Yes or no?
Duration of philanthropic commitment
The components of Corporate Philanthropy
Philanthropic initiatives
Cooperation with institutions
Communication of philanthropic initiatives
Philanthropic commitment and economic performance
The decision-making process
Decision makers
Determination of budget
Criteria for selection of philanthropic initiatives
Stakeholder approach
Underlying motivation
Examples of philanthropic initiatives
Summary

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION
Further research
Limitations
References

Bibliography

Appendices

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The Rivalry And Integration Strategies Of Global Stock Exchanges

2010-07-16T18:11:00.001+01:00

The increase in competition of stock exchanges, due mainly to the transformation of the securities markets, has led to mergers, technological agreements among existing exchanges, price wars, takeovers, and the creation of new exchanges, even within the
same country. Recently, exchanges have also faced competition from quasi-exchanges, which are also known as ECNs. They not only free-ride on the process of listing given that they generally trade only securities listed on other exchanges, but also on the price-discovery process facilitating members of exchanges to direct trade to them. ECNs are increasingly cannibalizing the businesses of the existing stock exchanges. The evolution of new financial instruments, the falling monopoly of banks as a source of direct funding to borrowers and of direct investment for investors, the tremendous improvement in information technology, and a greater financial culture among common people as well as the fluctuations in interest, price, and exchange rate due to the oil crises have caused the increasing importance of securities markets in the financial system. As the capital markets become increasingly globalized, investors have more choices and are demanding better trading facilities, market efficiency and quality from stock exchanges. To meet challenges, exchanges have to accelerate the construction of the market information infrastructure, rivalry among Europe’s stock exchanges emphasizes more on cooperation of trading technology than anything else. In Asia, the concept of forming a full financial service group within each market is the main consideration. Exchanges have recognized that faced with the challenge to respond commercially to competitors, they needed to become traded companies themselves. The underlying assumption is that, in the long run, only the most efficient exchanges should survive, trading stocks from other European countries and offering the most innovative and competitive financial instruments.

1. Introduction

2. Review of Literature
What is an Exchange
Globalisation of Financial Markets
Nature of Competition of Stock Exchanges
The Effects of Increasing Competition among Stock Exchanges
Revolutionary changes of Technology in the Securities Market
Integration of Stock Exchanges
Theoretical Influences

3. Methodology
Aim of the Project
Objectives of the Project
Why I am Interested in this Topic
Background
The General Approach
Data Collection
Criticisms of the Sources
Validity
Reliability

4. Qualitative Analysis
Analysis of Industry Dynamics
Case Studies
International Exchange- LSE- A Prototype of Horizontal Merger
Hong Kong Stock Exchange – A Typical Model of a Vertical Merger
Implications and Discussion

5.0 Conclusion

Appendices
Appendix 1 – Interviewees & Questions
Appendix 2 – Interview Key Points
Appendix 3 – Future Strategies of LSE & HKSE

Bibliography

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The Influences on Students when Choosing a Bank Account

2010-07-16T18:10:00.000+01:00

When first deciding on what topic to research it was logical to choose a topic that had relevance and an interest to the author. In today‟s society it is almost the norm for everyone to have a bank account and so it is a vital sector in the UK Economy. However, one thriving aspect of the banking sector is the student market. This market is continually growing and banks are competing to gain customers whilst they are young. Almost every student has had some contact with banks and their attempts to gain customer loyalty. However, in the academic world there is a lack of research on the decision-making process that students go through when deciding on their bank account. This study is an attempt to build on the current research available and make relevant comparisons. There are several objectives attached to this study. The first task is to review and analyse the current literature on the student market and their decision-making process with regards financial institutions. Once this has been achieved hypotheses will be made and a methodology drawn up in order to conduct further research. Primary research will conducted in the form of questionnaires to analyse the decision-making process of undergraduates and graduates. From this research the findings will be discussed and conclusions will be made.

1. Introduction
Why This Subject?
Objectives
Chapter Summary

2. Literature Review
Introduction
Student Market
Past Research
Recent Research
Student Packages
Effect of Debt Levels
Importance of Loyalty
Graduate Research
Graduate Packages
Consumer Behaviour
Hypothesis

3. Methodology
Primary Research
Data Collection
Questionnaire Design
Sampling
Graduate Research
Secondary Research

4. Findings and Analysis
Undergraduate Results
Regional Results
Graduate Findings and Analysis

5. Conclusion
Findings
Undergraduates
Graduates
Limitations
Further Research

References

Bibliography

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Are Entrepreneurs Born Or Are They Made?

2010-07-16T18:09:00.000+01:00

The aim of this study is to develop and support previous theory as well as answer the question Are Entrepreneurs Born or Are They Made? In progressing this, the author researched into a variety of different sources including both primary and secondary data. The secondary information led the author to comprise a number of different hypotheses where the primary research was then focused. The research concluded that entrepreneurs are mainly born rather than made, stating that entrepreneurial characteristics are more visible in the entrepreneur‟s personality in comparison to others. The findings portray this general understanding but also states for these results to be completely reliable then further research may be needed.

Chapter 1 – Introduction
Background
Focus of Study
Aims and Objectives
Structure

Chapter 2 – Literature Review
Introduction
Entrepreneurs Defined
Can we define the entrepreneur’s characteristics?
A more sociological approach to entrepreneurship
Impetus for entrepreneurship characteristics
Impetus for Entrepreneurship
Situational Characteristics
Can we teach entrepreneurship?
Are Entrepreneurs born or made?
Conclusion

Chapter 3 – Methodology
Introduction
Research Methods
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Primary vs. Secondary
Procedure
Self Completion Questionnaire
Questionnaire Development
Semi Structured Interview
Sample Group
Bias
Ethical Issues
Conclusion

Chapter 4 – Findings and Analysis
Introduction
Initial Findings
Hypotheses Testing
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 5
Questionnaire Summary
Interview Summary
Limitations

Chapter 5 – Synthesis
Introduction
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 5
Conclusion

Chapter 6 – Conclusions
Introduction
Recall of Objectives
Investigation Findings
Limitations of the Study
Recommendations for Further Research

References

Bibliography

Appendix Section

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The Revised Combined Code And Corporate Governance – An Empirical Study Of FTSE 350 Companies In The Travel And Leisure Industry

2010-07-16T18:08:00.000+01:00

The author seeks to identify trends in compliance with the revised Combined Code of Corporate Governance in 2003 with emphasis on provisions regarding NEDs through the study of annual reports published for the 3 consecutive years after the implementation of the revised Combined Code of Corporate Governance. The compliance with revisions made to the Code in 2006 regarding the composition of the remuneration committee will also be accounted for. The results gathered will be discussed against theoretical frameworks to indicate whether companies are pursuing an agency theorist‟s perspective or a resource dependence theorist‟s perspective to the role of NEDs.

1. Introduction
Research overview
Research objectives
Research question
Research outline
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Methodology and methods
Chapter 4: Analysis and discussion
Chapter 5: Conclusions
Summary

2. Literature review
Introduction
Agency theory
The revised Combined Code of Corporate Governance 2003
Separation of the roles of Chairman and CEO, and the independent Chairman
Board composition
Subcommittees
Resource dependence theory
CEO duality
The role of NEDs
Conclusion
Summary

3. Methodology and methods
Introduction
Methodology
Phenomenology versus positivism
Inductive versus deductive
Primary versus secondary data
Importance of secondary research
Methods
Sampling
Data collection
Data analysis
Disambiguating rules
Ethical issues
Limitations
Summary

4. Analysis and discussion
Introduction
Overall analysis of the 6 key provisions
Separation of the roles of Chairman and CEO
The independent Chairman
Board balance
Subcommittees
Nomination committee
Remuneration committee
Audit committee
Conclusions
Summary

5. Synopsis and conclusions
Introduction
Final comments
Provision A.2.1 – Separation of the role of Chairman and CEO
Provision A.2.2 – The independent Chairman
Provision A.3.2 – Board balance
Provision A.4.1 – Nomination committee
Provision B.2.1 – Remuneration committee
Provision C.3.1 – Audit committee
Overall
Limitations of research
Further research

6. Appendices
Non-compliant companies
Sample companies
NED independence test
Data tables
Data tables: company specific
Notes to data
Disambiguating rules
Statement of learning

7. References

8. Bibliography

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To What Extent Does The Country Of Production Dictate The Pricing Strategy Employed By A Small Wine Company When Selling To The UK Market?

2010-07-16T18:07:00.000+01:00

The UK wine market has reached the maturity stage of the business life cycle. Despite this, it continues to experience change as a result of a shift in wine importer patterns and consumer tastes. These factors, exemplified by the effects of reduced barriers to entry, serve to provide a dynamic environment incorporating copious areas ripe for investigation. Producer pricing strategy is at the core of the change in the wine market, consequently it has been selected as the focus of this dissertation. The purpose of this dissertation is to establish and analyse the rationale of small wine producers when determining the price at which to sell their wine to the UK market. Moreover, it aims to discover the degree to which producers from different countries use origin as the primary determinant in devising a pricing strategy. Profit is the direct financial consequence of the pricing decision, either in the long or short term (Cannon and Morgan, 1990). Hence, this project will also determine the potential profitability and longevity of the producers under study.

1. Terms of Reference

2. Generic Information
Consumption in the UK wine market
Problems facing small wineries

3. Case Study Methodology

4. Case Studies
Hamble Valley Vineyard: England (UK)
Earl Jonqueres d’Oriola: France
Imperial Order Limited: Georgia

5. Discussion and Conclusion

6. References

7. Bibliography

8. Appendices
Ansoff’s Matrix
Cost and mark-up data
Graph illustrating cost and mark-up data
Questionnaire issued to owners

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Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping Solution For Job Task Management

2010-07-16T18:06:00.000+01:00

In today’s era, different facilities have become available for building customized application that uses available maps and its extensive database. In this perspective, it would be very helpful if a commercial application could have been developed using an easy to use Maps API. The customized application can be developed that is easy to use for general public to request their job tasks and field operatives to get and maintain allocated job tasks details easily. A successful creation of application should provide the easy to use interface for public to find the required location on the map and submit job task request specifying its location and few details to city council. It should also facilitate the field operatives to login their own account and allow them to view allocated job tasks and maintain updated details related to allocated job tasks. The application has been developed in such a way that it provides user friendly interface for job task requester and all functionalities which are easy to use and available in worker’s log in for maintaining job task details.

1. Introduction

2. Relevant technologies and concepts
Google Maps API
Google Ajax Search API
Yahoo Maps API
Microsoft Virtual Earth API
PHP
Perl
ASP
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Oracle Database
JavaScript
DHTML
Summary

3. Design and Implementation of application
Design of the application
Database design of the application
Submitting the job task request form
Allocating the job tasks
Viewing the allocated job tasks
Viewing the completed job tasks
Updating the location and details related to job tasks
Updating the job task status
Implementation of different web pages involved in application
The web page to submit job task requests
The web page for job task allocation to workers
The web page to add different workers
The web page to view different allocated job tasks to different workers
The web page to update the location and details of allocated jobtasks
The web page to update the allocation status of job tasks
The web page to view completed job tasks
The web page to login the application as a user
The web page to view different allocated jobtasks to worker
The web page to update the location and details of allocated jobtasks
The web page to update the status of allocated job task
The web page to view the completed job tasks

4. Illustration of Geographic Information System Mapping Solution
Demonstration of `Request Job task` web page
Demonstration of `User Account Login` web page
Demonstration of `Allocate jobtasks to workers` web page
Demonstration of `Worker Information Input Form` web page
Demonstration of `View Allocated jobtasks’ location and details` web page
Demonstration of `Update the location and details of jobtask` web page
Demonstration of `Update the status of allocated jobtasks` web page
Demonstration of `View Completed jobtasks’ location and details` web page
Demonstration of `View Allocated jobtasks’ location and details` web page
Demonstration of `Update the location and details of jobtask` web page
Demonstration of `Update the status of allocated jobtasks` web page
Demonstration of `View Completed jobtasks’ location and details` web page
Evaluation of the application

5. Future Work

6. Conclusion

References

Appendix A - Source code example

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Comparative Analysis of Banks and Market Potential of Savings Accounts in India

2010-07-16T18:05:00.002+01:00

The Indian banking industry is going through turbulent times. With the lowering of entry barriers and blurring product lines of banks and non-banks since the financial sector reforms, banks are functioning increasingly under competitive pressures emanating from within the banking system, from non- banking institutions, and from the domestic and international capital markets. India’s banking sector is growing at a fast pace. India has become one of the most preferred banking destinations in the world. The reasons are numerous: the economy is growing at a rate of 8%, Bank credit is growing at 30% per annum and there is an ever-expanding middle class of between 250 and 300 million people (larger than the population of the US) in need of financial services. All this enables double-digit returns on most asset classes which is not so in a majority of other countries. Foreign banks in India achieving a return on assets (ROA) of 3%, their keen interest in expanding their businesses is understandable. Indian markets provide growth opportunities, which are unlikely to be matched by the mature banking markets around the world.

Currently, India has 88 scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) - 28 public sector banks (that is with the Government of India holding a stake), 29 private banks (these do not have government stake; they may be publicly listed and traded on stock exchanges) and 31 foreign banks. They have a combined network of over 53,000 branches and 17,000 ATMs. According to a report by ICRA Limited, a rating agency, the public sector banks hold over 75 percent of total assets of the banking industry, with the private and foreign banks holding 18.2% and 6.5% respectively. In order to gain further access to the global trade, the government is expanding the Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) with many countries (like Singapore, Thailand, and other ASEAN members). After the Comprehensive Economic Co-Operation Agreement (CECA) with Singapore, the government is now planning a similar deal with the 25-member European Union. The EU is also likely to ask India to liberalize its financial sector on the lines of the India-Singapore CECA.

1. Executive Summary

2. Background of the Study

3. Company Analysis
Company Profile
SWOT Analysis

4. Problem Definition

5. Objective

6. Scope

7. Research Methodology

8. Market Profile
Delhi
Gurgaon
Noida
Greater Noida

9. Primary Data Collection Methods

10. Findings & Analysis
Graphical Analysis
Test Estimation of Market Potential Using z-Test

11. Conclusion

12. Recommendations

13. Limitations

14. References

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A Strategic Analysis Of The UK E-Retail Industry

2010-07-16T18:05:00.001+01:00

This dissertation is concerned with the strategic analysis of UK E-retail industry. It contains information about UK E-retail industry and is very basis of this dissertation. E-retailing occupies an eminent in the economies of all modern societies. The E-retail sector changing at an ever-increasing rate and this is leading to greater competitor activity. Such activity leads to need to improve the way companies approach E-retail marketing.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
Background
Online Retailing in the UK: An Overview
Research Area
Objective
Limitations

Chapter 2: Research Methodology
Introduction
Research Methodology
Purpose of Research
Exploratory Research
Descriptive Research
Explanatory Research
Research Approach
Research Strategy
Primary Data Collection
Case study Method
Steps in Case study Method
Advantages & Disadvantages of Case study
Questionnaires
Secondary Data Collection
Data Analysis

Chapter 3: Literature Review
Introduction
Growing Importance of E-retail Industry
E-marketing Defined
Online Retailing
E-retailing
The Features of E-retailing
E-retail mix
Process of Internationalization
International Development Position
Trends in Retail Internationalization
The Strategic Dimension
Consumer Behaviour
Customer Satisfaction
Buyer-Seller Relationship
Competitive Analysis
Innovation
Strategic Perspective
Brand Perspective
Brand Extension

Chapter: 4 Secondary Research
UK: E-retail Sector- Scale & Scope
PEST Analysis
Political Structure & Trends
Economic Structure & Trends
Socio-Cultural & Life style Aspirations
Demographic Structure & Trends
Product & Process Innovations
Case-Study Analysis
Company1: J Sainsbury
Company2: Tesco

Chapter: 5 Primary Research Analyses

Chapter: 6 Generic Findings and Conclusions
Conclusions
Secondary Research Findings
Primary Research Findings

Chapter: 7 Conclusion & Strategic Options
Conclusion & Recommendations
Future of E-retailing

Bibliography & References

Appendix
Questionnaire

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Evaluate the effectiveness of Absence Management Policies & Procedures In Private And Public Sector Organisations

2010-07-16T18:03:00.000+01:00

The research in this dissertation will highlight and achieve the aims and objectives as set out below. The aim and objectives were achieved through carrying out effective desk and field research. The aim will be achieved by meeting the following objectives;

* Evaluate Absence Management Theories through carrying out effective desk research.
* Evaluate and Discuss the Private sector’s Absence Management Policies and Procedures.
* Evaluate and Discuss the Public Sectors Absence Management Policies and Procedures
* Discuss Public Sector Absence Management theories in comparison to Theory.
* Discuss Private sector’s Absence Management theories in comparison to Theory.
* Analyse findings from interviews and discuss different HR manager’s views on effectiveness of Absence Management Policies and Procedures.
* Draw conclusions on effectiveness of Absence Management Policies

In order to achieve the above aim and objectives, a specific research methodology was chosen. A broad literature review will be conducted in order to draw out the key issues in “Absence Management” and to meet the objectives through the use of secondary data.

Chapter 1- Introduction
Aims and Objectives

Chapter 2 – Review of Literature
Introduction
Managing Absence
Managers Role in Absence Management
Return to Work Interviews
Differences between Public and Private Sectors
Dismissal for Short-term Absenteeism
Issues within Absence Management
Conclusion

Chapter 3 - Methodology of Field Research
Introduction
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Selection of Field Research
Samples
Analysis
Difficulties and Limitations
Conclusion

Chapter 4 - Field Research Analysis
Introduction
Surveys
Findings
Findings from Employee Survey
Findings from Line Managers Survey
Findings from Interviews with Human Resource Managers
Conclusion

Chapter 5 - Conclusion
Conclusion
Recommendations

Chapter 6 – References

Chapter 7 – Bibliography

Chapter 8 - Appendix
Appendix 1 – Employee Survey
Appendix 2 – Line Manager Survey

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Stock Market Reactions To Merger & Acquisition Announcements: UK & US Evidence

2010-07-16T18:02:00.000+01:00

There have been many studies observing the effects of mergers and acquisitions on the stock price of target and bidding firms. This paper investigates returns to UK and US firms announcing mergers and acquisitions between 2002 and 2004. The returns to both bidder and target firms are examined. Further to this, variables explaining the returns are investigated. The study employs event study methodology, and uses the market model to observe abnormal returns to firms on the announcement day. As anticipated, the findings suggest that target shareholders in both the UK and US earn significant positive returns. However, the returns to bidders in the UK and US vary. UK acquirers earn zero adjusted returns while US acquirers suffer significantly negative returns on announcement. With regard to the method of payment, US targets receiving pure cash offers experienced the highest returns, followed by mixed deals and pure stock deals; this evidence supports the information content hypothesis. Unexpectedly, in the UK, targets receiving bids compromising of cash and stock (mixed) observed the highest returns. A cross section regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of abnormal returns on announcement. The findings show that UK targets benefit from higher returns when offered larger premiums. Meanwhile, US targets achieved higher returns when involved in pure cash and hostile bids. Furthermore, acquirers in the UK and US both experience positive wealth gains when involved in pure cash bids, the evidence also suggests that related acquisitions are not value creating.

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Literature Review and Hypothesis Setting
Forms of Acquisitions
Classification of Mergers and Acquisitions
Motives for Mergers & Acquisitions
Failure of M&A’s

3.0 Data Collection and Sample
Data Collection
Sample Characteristics

4.0 Methodology
Efficient Market Hypothesis
Event Study Methodology
Regression Methodology
Limitations

5.0 Results
Targets
Acquirers

6.0 Conclusion

7.0 Appendices

8.0 References

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An Examination of Brand Management in the Global Economy with Specific Reference to Sports Brands and Sponsorship

2010-07-16T18:01:00.002+01:00

Due to the growth in competition in contemporary media environments sports organisations are becoming more and more preoccupied with their image. As a result of the high profile and fame that a sports personality attributes, they are utilised to help brands create a competitive advantage, allowing their advertisements to stand out in today’s cluttered media environment. It is recognised that this integrated communication strategy has the power to influence consumers, leading to the change in perception of a brand’s corporate identity and image by sustaining loyalty through purchase behaviour. The aim of this dissertation is to distinguish transnational purchase intentions as a repercussion of examining consumer perceptions towards celebrity endorsements between Italy and the UK. Secondary research was derived from an amalgamation of Internet sources, online databases, newspaper articles as well as academic journals in which a critical review of the current literature was examined. In order to grasp contemporary consumer behaviour and substantiate secondary sources, primary research was carried out in the form of triangulation using interviews, questionnaires and focus groups.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background
Research Aims and Objectives
Research Questions
Rationale for Research Topic
Design of Research Topic

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Source Endorsements and the Brand
The Positive Effects of Source Endorsements
The Product Match Up Hypothesis
The Negative Effects of Source Endorsements
Source Endorsements and the Consumers
Source Credibility Model
Expertise
Brand Slam
Trustworthiness
Source Attractiveness Model
F.R.E.D.
Social Identity Theory
Image Transfer Model
Meaning Transfer and Cultural Foundations
Conclusion
Conceptual Framework
Consumer Antecedents

Chapter 3: Research Design
Research Approach
Research Philosophy
Research Strategy
Data Collection Methods
Interviews
Pilot Interview
The Interview
Data Captive & Analysis of Interview
Focus Groups
Rationale behind the Focus Groups
Size of the Focus Groups
Composition and setting of The Focus Groups
Plan for the Focus Groups
Content of the Focus Groups
Data Capture and Analysis
Limitations
Questionnaires
Pilot Study
On-line questionnaires
Content of Questionnaires
Data Capture and Analysis
Limitations

Chapter 4: Analysis
Analysis of Results
Biographical Findings from Questionnaire
Research Question 1
Advertising Recall and Recognition
Focus Groups
Questionnaire
Brand Awareness
Publicity
Attitudes towards ‘Source Endorsement Campaigns’
Research Question 2
Social Identity Theory
Research Question 3
Social Credibility Model
Attractiveness
Expertise
Credibility
Familiarity
Trustworthiness
Sports
Media
Research Question 4

Chapter 5: Conclusion
Introduction
Summary
Research Question 1
Research Question 2
Research Question 3
Research Question 4
Personal Reflection

References

Further Reading

Appendices

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Is Culture Management A Symbol Of Management Progression Or Merely Another Form Of Management Control?

2010-07-16T18:01:00.001+01:00

This research paper examines the importance of culture management within the financial services industry. The research uses a case study approach to discover whether culture management is prevalent in the UK banking sector. The comparative analysis focuses on the retail and investment banking sectors in particular. It reviews culture literature to identify key relationships between culture management, emotional intelligence and knowledge management. It examines the extent to which organisational structures and policies impact on the management of organisational culture. The paper analyses the key themes within cultural literature and demonstrates the importance placed by the banks on processes such as recruitment, training and development. The paper finds that managing culture is seen as a source of competitive advantage at investment bank ‘Y’ (IBY) whereas retail bank ‘X’ (RBX) primarily focuses on maximising customer service and meeting sales targets.

Research Objectives:

1. This research will aim to investigate whether culture management is merely a popularised theory that has a limited role within financial institutions or whether it is a concept that has been adopted by senior management within their recruitment, training and retention programmes.
2. The primary research will provide evidence into whether the individuals’ careers and/or social lives are managed by their respective places of work. This will either reinforce or dispute the view that culture management has led to a ‘blurring of boundaries’ whereby employees feel a sense of loyalty and obligation to their employers. The significance of such a feeling is that work ends up consuming almost all of their leisure time.
3. There are also vital links that will be explored between the development of management and the evolving structure of societies and organisations.

1.0 Introduction
Research Question
Research Objectives
Research Site
Investment and Retail Banks
A Preface to Culture Management
A Preface to Organisational Culture

2.0 Literature Review
Defining Culture
Cultural Change within Organisations
Strategic Implementation Of The Cultural Change Processes
Culture and Managerial Control: A Neglected Area Within Cultural Literature?
The Importance of Evolving Organisational Structures
The Blurring Of Boundaries
The Resistance of Cultural Controls
The Importance of the Consultancy Case Study
The Typology of Organisational Culture: Knowledge Management
The Typology of Organisational Culture: Emotional Intelligence
Culture as A Source Of Competitive Advantage
Culture: Not So Important?

3.0 Methodology
The Philosophy of Research Design
The Choice of the Research Method
Critique of Interviews
Alternative Methods
The Research Sample
The Thematic Construction of the Interview Schedule
The Case Study Approach to Research
Limitations
Ethical Considerations
Pilot Study
The Conducting Of Interviews
Problems with the Implementation of the Research

4.0 Analysis of Findings
Human Capital Management & Training
Teamwork
The Importance of the Social Network
Organisational Environment
Rewards
New Cultural Principles
Organisational Structure
The Recruitment and Induction Processes
Summation of the Research Findings

5.0 Conclusion
Project Limitations
Recommendations

References

Appendices

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A Study Of Factors Influencing Organisational Changes: A River Island Study

2010-07-16T17:59:00.001+01:00

The study assesses employees’ perceptions on factors influencing organisational changes and the internal and external factors causing these changes. A study conducted on the retail store River Island, located in a major UK city was undertaken to gain a more in-depth study on organisational changes within a specific retail store, where the literature to date serves to fail. The study researches literature on key internal and external factors influencing organisational changes, giving the reader a better understanding on the reasons for organisational changes and its effects upon organisational structures. Literature examined consists of various studies on organisational changes in a range of industries. An investigation was carried out at the River Island store to establish employee perceptions on organisational changes within their working environment and the effects it has had on them. This investigation is undertaken via interviews of managers and frontline employees to give a variety of views and opinions. Findings of the study are discussed and comparisons made. Limitations and further recommendations for research are also examined.

The aims of the study are:

* To assess employee’s perceptions on factors influencing organisational changes
* To investigate the internal factors influencing organisational changes
* To investigate the external factors influencing organisational changes
* Recommendation for practitioners and researchers for future research

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background
Research Aims
Justification of Study
Scope of the Study
Summary

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
Internal Factors Influencing Organisational Changes
Performance of employees
Customer Focus
Costs
External Factors Influencing Organisational Changes
Environmental Factors
Technological Factors
Cultural Factors
Competitive Factors
Summary

Chapter 3: Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Case Study
Data Collection Methods
Primary Data
Secondary Data
Sample
Data Analysis
Summary

Chapter 4: Findings
Introduction
Table 1: Findings of interviews carried out at River Island
Employee’s perceptions on factors influencing organisational changes
Managers Perceptions
Frontline Employees Perceptions
Internal Factors influencing organisational changes
Managers Perceptions
Frontline Employees Perceptions
External Factors influencing organisational changes
Mangers Perceptions
Frontline Employees Perceptions
Summary

Chapter 5: Conclusion
Introduction
Key Findings from the research
Employees perception on the influences of organisational changes
Internal Factors influencing organisational change
External Factors influencing organisational change
Summary
Limitations and Recommendations
Limitations of study and recommendations for practitioners and researchers
Recommendations for River Island

6: References

7: Bibliography

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Investigation Into The Impact Of Merger And Acquisition Activities On Acquiring Companies

2010-07-16T17:58:00.000+01:00

The primary focus of this research study is to investigate the impact of M&A activities on the shareholders of acquiring companies, by examining M&A that occurred in the UK Pharmaceutical sector in the period 2002-2006. To date most of the available knowledge on M&A comes from researches on US markets, with little research on UK markets. With references to M&A activities in the pharmaceutical sector, existing empirical literature tend to cluster exclusively on the US market or European market. This research attempts to broaden the scope of existing literature by going beyond the US and focusing on the UK.

This research aims to:

1. Critically evaluating if the shareholders of acquiring companies experience wealth effects as a result of M&A.
2. Replicate test that have been done on US data, to see whether similar result emerge for the UK. Each countries result may be unique because of different organizational and regulatory conditions. On the other hand similar results may occur if the market for corporate control is reasonable competitive in both countries and robust to definite institutional distinction.
3. Evaluating the impact of merger announcements on acquiring firm’s stock price using the UK Pharmaceutical sector.

Chapter One
Introduction
Aims Of The Research
Scope And Limitation Of The Dissertation
Pharmaceutical Industry
Structure Of The Dissertation
Overview
Definition Of Key Terms
Types Of Mergers And Acquisition
Regulatory Bodies Involved In Takeovers And Mergers In The UK

Chapter Two
Literature Review
Distinction Between Mergers And Acquisition
Motives behind mergers and Acquisition
Growth
Synergy Motive
Taxes Motive
Managerial Motive
Diversification Motive
Efficiency
Driver Of Mergers And Acquisition
Globalization
Deregulation
Cost of finance and stock market
Technological Advancement
Drivers of M& A in Pharmaceutical Sector
Mergers and Acquisition Trends
Effect of Mergers and Acquisition on Shareholder’s Value
Effect of Mergers and Acquisition in The Pharmaceutical Sector
Reason For Positive or Negative Merger and Acquisition Effect on Shareholders Value
Summary

Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Method
Research Philosophy And Approach
The Even Study Approach
Assumptions Of The Event Study Method
Procedure When Using The Even Study Approach
Limitation of the Event Study Approach
Market Model Methodology
Sample Selection/Design

Chapter Four
Findings and Analysis
Abnormal Returns (Residual)
Cumulative Abnormal Returns

Chapter Five
Conclusion
Comparing Research Findings And Earlier Literature
Summary
Reliability and Validity of research work
Limitation And Suggestions For Further Research
Reflective Writing

References

Appendix Section
Appendix 1: Abnormal return for the Acquiring firm and the Average abnormal return for each day in the event window
Appendix 2: Estimation Of α And β For Cambridge Antibody Tech Group
Appendix 3: Abnormal Return Calculation For Cambridge Antibody
Appendix 4: Estimation Of α and β For Vernalis
Appendix 5: Calcualtion Of Abnormal Return For Vernalis
Appendix 6: Estimation Of α and β For Boots
Appendix 7: Calculation Of Abnormal Returns For Boots
Appendix 8: Estimation Of α and β For Ventura
Appendix 9: Calculation Of Abnormal Returns For Vectura
Appendix 10: Estimation of α and β For Celltech
Appendix 11: Calculation of Abnormal Returns for Celltech
Appendix 12: T- Stat Calculations

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TQM And Its Impact Among Various Sectors Of The Cyprus Tourism Industry

2010-07-16T17:57:00.000+01:00

Total Quality Management generally provides the fundamental core of the leadership and management process within an organisation so as to face the challenges posed by the new age environment. In recent years, many organisations in an attempt to survive and regain competitive advantage have embarked within the long journey of quality. As the needs and expectations of the customers in the tourism industry become more challenging, the Cyprus Tourism Industry in order to cope with these expectations have in the last few years focused on the quality. Methodologies like Total Quality Management systems and ISO 9000 quality systems standards can assure quality within the several sectors of the Cyprus Tourism Industry and help it in general to regain competitive advantage.
This dissertation examines the concepts of Quality and Total Quality Management and its impact on the four different sectors of the Cyprus Tourism Industry. The examination and analysis of the quality concept and total quality management framework in relation with the four sectors, provides the reader with an overview of how the Cyprus Tourism Industry copes with this field. During the conduct of the project it became apparent that the four sectors encapsulate the TQM framework in a most effective way bringing the Cyprus Tourism Industry to a new era of competitive improvement.

CHAPTER 1: QUALITY AND TQM
Introduction
The Meaning of Quality
The Economic War and Quality
The Quality Gurus
The Transformation of Quality Management
Inspection
Quality Control (QC)
Quality Assurance (QA)
Total Quality Management (TQM)
The Concept of TQM
The TQM Model used by the Cyprus Tourism Industry
Teams
Systems Tools
The TQM Framework
Vision
Involvement of everyone and everything
Continuous Improvement
Training and Education
Ownership
Recognition and Rewards
Yearning for success
ISO 9000 Quality System
Summary of the Chapter

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Primary Data Collection
Secondary Data Collection
Sample Selection
Questionnaire Design
The Structure of the Questionnaire
Limitations of the Survey
Summary of the Chapter

CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
Companies’ Details
Customers and Quality Details
Gaps in Service Quality
Total Quality Management Details
Training and Education
Recognition and Rewards
Ownership
Benefits from the Adoption of TQM Framework
Summary of the Chapter

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION

References

Bibliography

Appendices
Statement of What Has Been Learned
The Cyprus Tourism Industry in the 21st Century
The Quality Gurus
Deming’s 14 Points
Involvement of Everyone and Everything
Continuous Improvement
Rewards and Recognitions
Standards make up the ISO 9000 Family
Questionnaire
Companies’ Profiles
Gaps in Service Quality
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

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Understanding Superior Customer Value As Basis For Competitive Strategies In The Malaysian Automobile Market

2010-07-16T17:56:00.000+01:00

In this research study, the aim is to identify and describe the attributes of superior customer value, which formed an important basis of building competitive strategies in Malaysian automotive industry. Art and William (1999) quoted that the attributes of superior customer value are fundamentally a blend of quality, services, and price (QSP).From consumer’s perspective, QSP have been identified as superior customer value with the resulting experiences about the goods or services provided by the Malaysian car companies. The values of QSP have been embedded in the brand image, which will influence the buying decision. It is highlighted that consumers have always craving for satisfaction in the form of promising QSP and brand that drive them in their purchasing decision-making. Most of the Malaysian car companies have their priority over their customer’s satisfaction in their organisation’s philosophy and having their success vision behind the concept of marketing. However, the research has concluded that Malaysian car companies have inclined more towards selling concept than developing a customer-oriented organisation. There are always implications that Malaysian car firms need to adopt the concept of marketing via QSP to formulate their business strategies in order to outperform their competitors in view of the liberalisation of automotive industry in Malaysia. A self administered questionnaire – to measure the respondent’s attitude, is the method of gathering information from the two separated groups of respondent in order to analyse the respondent’s attitude from consumer’s and Malaysian car firm’s perspective respectively. The descriptive research designed will be adopted in the study. Hypothesis testing and linear correlation analysis will be preformed to support the research questions. All weaknesses of the survey methods will be identified and priority is set in to omit any ineffective methods of data collection.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Objectives of the study
Research methodology
The market structure of automobile industry in Malaysia
Industry outlook
Strategic insight into communicating consumer value

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Purpose of literature review
Definition of superior customer value
The heart of customer value
Defining value proposition from firm perspective
Refining customer value triads
Quality attributes
Quality from the consumer’s perspective
Dimension of product quality
Dimension of service quality
Managing service quality
Strategic implications of quality
Price attribute
Communicating value through price
Valued-based pricing strategies
Role of Branding
What is a brand?
Branding customer experiences
Factors influence product decision
Superior customer values as bases of competitive Strategies
Price based strategies (Route 1 and 2)
Hybrid strategy (Route 3)
Added value, or differentiation strategies (Route 4)
Focused differentiation strategy (Route 5)
Failure strategy (Route 6, 7 & 8)
The marketing concept vs. selling concept

Chapter 3: Research Design
Research objectives
Hypothesis testing
Bivariate correlation analysis
Ranking analysis
The role of research design
Type of research design
Data sources
Secondary data research
Primary data research
Methods of collecting respondent data
Communication method
Self-administered questionnaire
Personal interview
Telephone interview
Observation method
Selecting an optimal method
Sampling design
Sampling method
Sampling size
Measurement of quantitative survey
Nominal scale
Ordinal scale
Interval scale
Rating scale method
Construction of questionnaires
Survey questionnaires (consumers)
Survey questionnaires (organisation)
Administration of Questionnaires
Survey questionnaires (consumers)
Survey questionnaires (organisation)
Piloting and pre-testing questions

Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Test of reliability
Hypothesis testing
Hypothesis 1: Quality is one of the core components of superior customer value
Hypothesis 2: Price is what customers pay in exchange for superior customer value
Hypothesis 3: Branding plays an important role in delivering superior customer value
Hypothesis 4: The value triad of QSP and branding can influence customer-buying decision
Hypothesis 5: The Malaysian car companies understand the importance of marketing concept
Hypothesis 6: The Malaysian car companies are not practicing marketing concept to create customer value
Bivariate correlation analysis
Ranking analysis
Other analysis
Demographic analysis
Demographic profiling Survey questionnaires (consumers)
Demographic profiling Survey questionnaires (organisation)
Important of product and service quality as one of the core components of superior customer value
Important of product Quality
Important of Service Quality
Price is what customers pay in exchange for superior customer value
Perceived benefits and price
Price as a quality cue
The role of branding from consumer’s perspective
Factors influencing consumer’s buying decision
Importance of marketing concept to formulate business strategies
Importance of marketing concepts
Bases of business strategies
Practising marketing or selling concept
Analysis of research findings
Hypothesis testing result
Bivariate correlation analysis
Ranking analysis
Other findings
Quality dimension (product and service)
Price dimension
Branding from consumer’s perspective
Factors influencing consumer’s buying decision
Importance of marketing concept as basis of business strategies
Practising marketing or selling concept

Chapter 5: Conclusion
Conclusion
Implications
Recommendation
Limitations of research study

Bibliography

Appendices
Sample survey questionnaires (consumers)
Sample survey questionnaires (organisation)
Sample covering letter

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Impact Of Economic Liberalization On Indian Textiles Industries: Cotton Sector

2010-07-16T17:55:00.000+01:00

The issue of Liberalization is of utmost importance with implications on the global world and industry. This research study has critically attempted to examine the impacts economic liberalization has globally and Indian cotton textile industry specifically. According to the theory the cotton textile industry has been intensely affected by trend of Liberalization and the findings suggest whether liberalization has been beneficial to the Indian textile industry.

There is a lot of controversy about this subject, which is why this subject was investigated. One of the purposes of this dissertation was to do a research about whether globalization in terms of economic liberalization is beneficial to the Indian cotton textile industry and does liberalization give rise to competition and how can the textile industry in India over come problem of technological obsolesce. Another objective of this study was to research about the effects of end of MFA because of economic liberalization trend. And finally the last objective of this research was to project the future of Indian cotton textile industry. The methodology used was qualitative because of the theoretical framework. Open ended questionnaires were distributed through email and responses collected were compared with theory to analyse the research questions and objectives. The conclusion of the dissertation was that the impact of globalization is intense and liberalization is beneficial for the global trade and also cotton textile industry in spite of few disadvantages.

1.0 Introduction
Overview
Research questions and Objectives
Outline of study

2.0 Literature Review
Meaning of globalization and prior literature
Concepts of globalization and current debate
Impact of globalization on developing countries
Meaning and prior literature of Liberalization
Liberalization policies and its impact on Indian economy
The cotton world
Impact of economic liberalization on Indian cotton and textile industry
PostMultiFibre Agreement
Competition
Current debates and problems
Success and steps taken by government
Solutions and future
Summary

3.0 Methodology
Research philosophy
Data collection
Data sources and Justification
Sample
Procedure
Ethics
Issues during research

4.0 Results and data analysis
Findings and Analysis in relation to literature review
Research Objective one
Research objective two
Research objective three
Summary

5.0 Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendices

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A Study On The Future Of E-Commerce As Opposed To The High Street

2010-07-16T17:54:00.000+01:00

Interactions in the real world of shopping are mainly based on face-to-face activities between consumers and service personnel’s, but with the emergence of the Internet, retailers are beginning to offer consumers a different approach to shopping. This study illustrates how shopping patterns have changed with the emergence of the Internet and how retailers and consumers have adapted to the change. Consumer perception towards online shopping was explored via a survey, with results showing that Internet shopping is a part of many peoples life. Retailer interviews showed that online shopping was the way forward, but barriers will need to be overcome, such as security and consumer confidence. Quite simply, this study examines attitudes towards online shopping and provides a better understanding of the potential of electronic commerce.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction
Research Objectives

Chapter 2: Literature Review
UK Retail Market
The Internet
Internet Retail Market
The Internet’s Potential as a New Retailing Channel
Internet Retailing: Threat or Opportunity

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction
Scope and Research Objectives
Secondary Data
Primary Data
Criticisms & Limitations

Chapter 4: Analysis & Discussion of Research
Consumer Survey
Qualitative Research: Interview

Chapter 5: Conclusion
Conclusion
Recommendations

Bibliography & References

Appendices

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Drivers And Barriers For Internet Banking: A Cross Sectional Study In The UK

2010-07-16T17:53:00.000+01:00

For online banking background, the advent of the Internet and the popularity of personal computers presented both an opportunity and a challenge for the banking industry. For years, financial institutions have used powerful computer networks to automate millions of daily transactions. The aim of the research is to investigate the driving forces and barriers for using online banking in the U.K. A detail literature review of literature suggested that online banks should build the customer confidence by creating security and trust. Trust has a more direct effect on an individual’s behaviour than perceived ease of use in the online banking context. Banks must tackle online fraud and do more to promote security among their online customers. The researcher chose 10 respondents who have extensive experiences, for at least 5 years, in using online banking services to evaluate the customer perception of online banking in the U.K. An in-depth interview method was selected to collect data. The researcher used a computer program, MaxQda (Qualitative Data Analysis Software) for coding data and identifying the key themes.

1. Introduction
Aim
Objectives
Justification

2. Literature Review
The literature review
The motivations for customers using online banking
The driving forces and attractions of online banking
The positive attributes of online banking
The reasons for customers not using online banking
Barriers of online banking
The negative attributes of online banking
The comparison between online banking and high street banking
Why customers perceive online banking as better than high street banking
Why customers perceive high street banking as better than online banking
The expected services of online banking
The features of online banking
Preparing the strategy for customers by online banking service providers
Retaining online banking customers
Creating the customer loyalty
Building the customer confidence on online banking
Meeting customer expectations (customer service satisfaction levels) by service providers

3. Methodology
Research philosophy and approach
Interpretivism
Social anthropology
Collaborative social research
Research strategy
Research design
Building a conceptual framework
Design of interview questions
Scope of this research
Respondents
Sampling
Research instrument
Research design issues
The interview
The structure of the interview
Reliability
Validity
Generalisability
Focusing qualitative data
The data analysis
Use of Qualitative Data Analysis Software (MaxQda)
Data management
Formatting
Coding (the generic term)
Abstracting
Time planning

4. Data Analysis And Findings
The data analysis and findings
Why do the customers use online banking?
Driving forces
Bank attractions
Positive attributes (factors)
Why do customers feel reluctant to use online banking?
Barriers
Negative attributes (factors)
Why is online banking better than high street banks?
Comparison the online service’s quality with high street banks
Why is online banking worse than high street banks?
Comparison the high street banking with online banking services
What do the customers expect from online banking?
How is the online banking function in customer’s point of view?
What does online banking attempt to rehearse improvably for their online customers?
Retaining online customers
Creating the customer loyalty
Building client confidences
Meeting client expectations
Summary

5. Conclusions

6. Research Reflections And Limitations

Bibliography

Appendices

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Strategic Information System Planning In Investment Banks

2010-07-15T22:28:00.000+01:00

Even though there is a wealth of published literature on SIS planning, not many experimental studies have been carried out and the few that are still here today are non-industry specific. This study looks at the practice of SIS planning in investment banks located in the city of London and also on a study carried out in Singapore in the 1990s. The way the data was collected was by using a questionnaire that was sent to all experts involved in the SIS planning with the exceptions of CIOs. I decided to choose three of the top ten investment banks in the city to take part of this study. I sent out 10 questionnaires via email and all 10 were received back, but only 6 of these were usable. Most of the participants involved showed that Strategic IS planning were used by their companies; but the level of top management involvement was average (50%). This finding is quite confusing because, of the number of studies and other literature that carried out puts pressure on the link between the top levels of management involved in the SIS process and the levels of success/achievement gathered.

1. Introduction
What are Strategic information systems?
Strategic information systems planning

2. Literature Review
SISP & Porter's five forces model
Criticism of SISP
Competitive advantage
Maintain competitive advantage
Successful strategic information system planning
Role of SISP in choice of strategy
Concerns & barriers
Conclusion

3. Research Methodology
Research strategy
Questionnaire
Interviews
Subjects
Limitations

4. Discussion Of Research Findings
IT intensity
Development & update
Executive responsibility and level of plan approval
Planning methodologies, participation & satisfaction
Degree of participation
Contents if SIS plan
Planning objectives and other objectives and their perceived attainment
Summary of findings
The strategic IS plan and Porter’s five force model
SISP success

5. Conclusions And Recommendations
Conclusions
Recommendations
Areas for future research

Bibliography

Appendices

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A Study Of The Extent To Which Small To Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Effectively Use Strategic Planning & Its Impact On Organisational Performance

2010-07-15T22:27:00.000+01:00

Using a sample of Small to medium size enterprises (SME’s) in the London area, this study investigates the extent to which SME’s make effective use of strategic planning and its impact on organisational performance.This study will examine the extent to which strategic planning is prevalent in small firms, the content of strategic plans and the planning techniques used. The study will seek to determine whether a relationship exists between strategic planning and organisational performance. Other hypotheses will test whether relationships exist between various aspects of strategic planning such as frequency of meetings, formality of strategic plans, how strategic plans are monitored and organisational performance. Multiple measures such as the achievement of organisational objectives and organisational performance based on industry average are used to measure whether such relationships exist relationship. While no significant relationship emerges between the performance measures and the use of strategic planning, other relationships between the various variables emerge. The findings of this research contradict the findings of previous researchers who have made positive links between the effective use of strategic planning and improved organisational performance. Despite evidence of increased strategic planning among SME’s the study illustrates that the planning behaviour of these firms is significantly informal. Evidence suggests that micro small firms are more likely to engage in less formal planning procedures.

1. Introduction
An Introduction
Research Aims
Research Motivation
Structure of Report

2. Critical Literature Review
Introduction to Strategic Planning Literature Review
Strategic Planning Defined
The Strategic Planning Process
The Value of Strategic planning
Prevalence of Strategic Planning in Small Organisations
Formal versus Informal Planning
Strategic Planning and Organisational Performance
Strategic Planning in Growing Organisations
Conclusion to Literature Review

3. Research Methodology
Introduction to Research Methodology
The Research Concept – Dissertation Question and Objective
Research Questions
The Research Process ‘Onion’
Research Paradigm
Positivism and Phenomenology
The Research Theory
Inductive and Deductive theory
The Research Strategy
Questionnaire Design
Questionnaire Content
Sample Characteristics
Hypothesis Testing
Data Analysis Techniques
Ethics of Research
Reliability and Validity
Pilot Research
Limitations

4. Presentation Of Data
Introduction
Survey Responses
Sample Demographics
Prevalence of Strategic Planning and barriers to Implementation
The Strategic Planning Process
Strategic Content
Planning Sophistication
Benefits of Strategic planning
Effectiveness of Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning and Organisational Performance
Hypothesis Testing

5. Discussion Of Results
Introduction
Prevalence of Strategic Planning and barriers to Implementation
The Strategic Planning Process
Strategic Content
Strategic Planning and Organisational Performance
Attitudes towards Strategic Planning
Hypothesis Testing
Limitations

6. Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendices

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The Future Bases For Competitive Advantage in the Telecommunications Industry

2010-07-15T22:26:00.000+01:00

Over the past decade, the communications industry has changed dramatically due to deregulation, technological changes, increasing convergence of previously unrelated services and, more recently, rapid advancements in Internet, broadband and wireless technologies.

The global telecommunications market went through a fundamental transition from national state owned monopolies to privatised, deregulated competitive markets. Simultaneously, the new technologies made possible new, innovative services, created new markets and reduced the barriers to entry. Together deregulation, competition and new technology created strong downwards pressures in prices. In essence, there was a new paradigm - a significant change in the balance between Porter’s Five Forces, producing a high degree of dynamism and complexity in the telecommunications industry. Together this created one of the largest ‘booms’ of modern times and utterly transformed the telecom landscape by introducing a host of new players.

This dissertation evaluates the hypothesis that successful operators will meet customer needs through solutions and services not technology and that key success factors will include speed, flexibility and outstanding quality and reliability. The purpose of the dissertation is (a) to make sense of the forces driving change in the telecom industry and (b) identify future areas of opportunity for industry players and the key success factors that will be necessary to enable them to compete. Primary data was collected through customer questionnaires and interviews with managers associated with the companies that were the subject of the case studies. Secondary data was collected from sources such as relevant literature, trade, business and academic journals, informal discussions, market research, the media and the internet. The current position and strategies of Vodafone and Cable & Wireless were examined with a view to determining how they intend to best meet market demands – and develop sources of competitive advantage. The fieldwork and case studies were compared in Section 6 with the theoretical framework derived from the literature review and conclusions drawn about the validity or otherwise of the hypothesis. The hypothesis was considered proven.

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Managing Supply Chain Vulnerability: Lessons in Addressing Variability and Discontinuity Risks from the Personal Computer Industry

2010-07-15T22:25:00.000+01:00

Since the vulnerability of supply chains has been exposed to everyone by recent catastrophes, the importance of managing supply chain risks cannot be overstated. However, companies tend to lack of understanding about this issue and most of them ignore how to deal with it. In the present dissertation, a comprehensive literature review is carried out with the aim of exploring the recent concepts of supply chain vulnerability, supply chain risks and supply chain risk management. After a review of strategies that can be employed in order to reduce supply chain vulnerability, the case of the personal computer industry is examined through three case studies. This research provides examples of pioneering initiatives and results suggest the linkage of supply chain risk management with product uncertainty. This paper contributes to further the supply chain risk management research via the development of a definition of supply chain risk. The distinction between variability and discontinuity risks represents the underpinning of a theoretical framework for the management of supply chain vulnerability. The author also introduces the concept of convergence so as to describe the relationship between risk management and supply chain management. Additionally, the notion of risk management strategy is studied in the context of the supply chain.

1. Background
The evolution of supply chains and its impact on vulnerability
The reality of supply chain risks
Uncertain times and the need to adopt a new mindset

2. Supply Chain And Vulnerability
Supply chain management
The concept of vulnerability in supply chain management
Defining supply chain risks
The concept of risk in supply chain management
Supply chain risks categories
A proposed distinction between variability and discontinuity

3. Supply Chain Risk Management
The convergence of supply chain management and risk management
Risk management
A new research area: supply chain risk management
The convergence of two fields
The management of risk in the supply chain
The complexity of the task
The need for a proactive and collaborative approach
The tradeoffs between risk management and efficiency
Tackling supply chain vulnerability
A change management approach
Supply chain risk management strategy
Addressing supply chain vulnerability: a chosen approach

4. Reducing Vulnerability To The Variability Risk
Align supply chain strategy with product uncertainty
Uncertainty and supply chain strategy
The uncertainty framework
Address international risks
Global supply chain management and the operating exposure
The limits of agility in an international context

5. Reducing Vulnerability To The Discontinuity Risk
Increase supply chain security
The range of security measures
Combining security and effectiveness in the supply chain
Improve supply chain resilience
Resilience and the organisation
Resilience and the network

6. Research Objectives And Methodology
Purpose of the research
Reflections on the literature review
Research focus and objectives
Research design
Research methodology
Research strategy
Time horizon and sample
Data collection method
Assessment of the research design

7. The Case Of The Personal Computer Industry
Presentation of the PC industry
History
Industry features
Industry supply chain strategies
The management of supply chain vulnerability in the PC industry
Dell Computer Corporation
Apple Computer Products
Hewlett-Packard Company

8. Analysis
Reflections on case studies
Reducing supply chain vulnerability to variability
Product uncertainty in the PC supply chain
Initiatives implemented to address the variability risk
Reducing supply chain vulnerability to discontinuity
The impact of the earthquake
The resilience of PC supply chains
Conclusions on the PC industry

9. Recommendations
General recommendations
Adopt a new mindset
Avoid typical mistakes in supply chain risk management
Distinguish variability and discontinuity risks to refine your approach
Understand how to reduce supply chain vulnerability
Lessons from the personal computer industry
Manage the variability risk to optimise supply chain efficiency
Align supply chain risk management initiatives
Beware of the discontinuity risk
Recommendations for future research
Build an empirically grounded definition of supply chain risk
Test the convergence between risk management and supply chain management
Investigate other industries

Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendices

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Analysis into Global Offshoring and Outsourcing Activities - A Measurement of National Competitiveness

2010-07-15T22:24:00.002+01:00

Within the modern framework of globalization and competition, one of the main problems faced by companies is that of outsourcing activities. Offshoring services, because of skill shortages and rising salary costs have become a vital sourcing delivery model. Strong market growth together with increasing demand in the IT sector in the 90s created scarcity in the skilled manpower in order to support IT projects and infrastructures. This scarcity and difficulties in managing employees with desired skills resulted in a rise in IT salary levels. In addition to this, new technologies with highly demanding customers force companies to outsource part of their activities. Moreover, willingness for better quality service offer and search for flexibility in management are forcing firms to concentrate on their core competences and pushing them to outsource those areas of business. All these factors push companies in order to move to offshore destinations to be able to benefit from different advantages Today, companies may prefer many different outsourcing destinations. Among the more important offshore locations are India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe, The Philippines, South Africa, Russia and Canada. Companies, before intending outsourcing activities one should determine the exact objective and accordingly try to find out the most appropriate destinations so as to reach their aim.

1. Introduction
Area of Project
Background
Concept of Outsourcing
Outsourcing Destinations
Problem Definition
Aim of Project
Project Objectives
Structure of the Report

2. Methodology
Primary Research
Unstructured Interviews
Advantages & Disadvantages of Interviews
Secondary Research

3. Literature Review
The significance and Growth of Offshore Outsourcing
Offshoring: Is It a Win-Win Game?
Offshore Outsourcing to India
How to Tap the Opportunities for Outsourcing
Offshore Destination Assessment
Making Offshore Decisions
Challenges with Offshore Business Process Outsourcing
Impact of Global Sourcing on the UK Economy
Mapping Offshore Markets
Specific Methodologies for Destination Comparison
PEST Analysis
SWOT Analysis

4. Theoretical Concepts
Offshore Outsourcing
Economic Benefits of Offshore Outsourcing
Offshoring Countries & Destinations
What Services Can Be Offshored
The Debate of Offshoring
Selecting the Offshore location
Cost Related Factors
Cost Advantage
Process Maturity
People Related Factors
Labour Pool
Language Proficiency
Cultural Compatibility
Education
Supportive People Factors
Location Related Factors
Government Support
Geopolitical Environment
Infrastructure
Security
Physical and Time Zone Factors
Decision and Risk Analysis

5. Country Competitiveness
India
China
Russia
Philippines
Canada
Central and Eastern Europe
Mexico
South Africa

6. Comparative Analyses of Offshore Outsourcing Destinations

7. Conclusions

Bibliography

Appendices

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Comparative Analysis Into India and China as I.T. Outsourcing Destinations

2010-07-15T22:24:00.001+01:00

Globalisation of economies over the past decade has given rise to intense global competition and has compelled business managers to improve their quality and to reduce the cycle time in introducing new products and services. Improvement in the field of telecommunication and data transmission has fostered the growth of the phenomenon of Outsourcing in which corporations are seen to outsource their non core processes to low wage economies like India and China. This is done on a very large scale by global corporations, not only to take advantage of the labour arbitrage but also to enable them to concentrate on their core processes, thereby resulting in reduced lead-time in the introduction of new products.

The main research problem is to compare the two countries with an aim to finding out which of these economies is better poised to seize an increasing share in the global IT-ITES operations. The research problem is divided into two sub problems:

SUB- PROBLEM 1
H1: Can India succeed in capturing a larger share than China in the global IT-ITES operations?

SUB-PROBLEM 2
H2: If the answer to the first sub problem reveals that India is indeed better poised to capture a larger share than China in the global IT-ITES landscape, would established providers of ITES services in India be able to migrate to the higher end Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) operations in the future?

1. Introduction
Research Problem And Objectives
Research Limitations

2. Literature Review
Economies of India and China
China
India
India And China
IT Industry In China
The Future Of The IT Industry in India and China
IT Industry In India
Strategic Review 2005: The IT Industry In India by: NASSCOM
Transition From BPO to KPO
Outsourcing Theory

3. Methodology
Methodology For The First Research Sub Problem

4. Findings
The Flow Of Foreign Direct Investment In India And China
Percentage Share Of The IT-ITES Industry In The Nation’s GDP
The Share Of ITES Sector In The Total It Industry Of The Two Countries
Wage Differentials And Wage Inflation Levels In The Two Countries
Availability Of Skilled It Professionals
Taxes And Import Tariffs In The Two Countries
Infrastructure
Intellectual Property
Scale Of The It Industry In The Two Countries And Degree Of Consolidation
Stability Of Economies In The Two Countries
Country Rating Model
Swot Analysis
Swot Analysis For India
Strengths - India
Weaknesses - India
Opportunities - India
Threats - India
Swot Analysis For China
Strengths - China
Weaknesses - China
Opportunities - China
Threats – China

5. Conclusions
Conclusion To The First Research Sub Problem And Preface To The Second Research Sub Problem
Growth Potential Of The High End KPO Operations
Drivers Behind The Shift From The Low End ITES To The Higher End KPO
Methodology For The Second Research Sub Problem
Sample Size
Aviva India
GE Capital International Services (GECIS)
Affinity Express India
Questionnaire Feedback Analysis
Conclusion To Second Part Of The Research Problem

Appendices

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The Impact of TQM on the Service Industry

2010-07-15T22:23:00.001+01:00

In the past decade the service industry has changed dramatically. It has moved towards a focus on Total Quality Management (TQM) and a ‘do it right the first time’ approach. The principal organisational objectives are to ensure customer satisfaction, retention and subsequently the generation of profit. The main reason for this change is that services are intangible. It is therefore, more challenging for marketers of this industry (than in the consumer goods industry) to ensure 100% quality. Evidently, customers are more than likely to experience dissatisfaction with a service at one point. As a consequence, customer complaints are common, with the number of recorded complaints increasing (Office of fair trading report, 2006). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of service recovery on customer satisfaction and loyalty levels. In order to meet this aim, the following research objectives have been proposed:

* To define service recovery and the paradox
* To assess how customers feel when organisations react to complaints, in terms of fairness and justice
* To investigate customer attitude and satisfaction levels after the recovery actions have been undertaken
* To discover how specific aspects of the service recovery method affect customer satisfaction levels
* To evaluate the effect of service recovery on loyalty levels of customers

1. Introduction
Background
Rationale
Research Aims And Objectives
Research
Dissertation Structure

2. Literature Review - Service Failure & Service Complaints
Background To Complaint Culture
Why Do Customers Complain?
Why Do Customers Not Complain?
How Do Customers Complain?
What Do Customers Expect From Complaining?
What Are The Implications Of Complaining On Satisfaction Levels?
Conclusion

3. Literature Review - Service Recovery
What Is Recovery And It’s Paradox?
Why Is Recovery Important For Organisations?
What Recovery Methods Are Organisations Using To Recover?
Are Companies Successful In Undertaking Recovery?
What Methods Can Be Recommended?
Conclusion

4. Methodology
Introduction
Research Rationale
Research Aims And Objectives
Marketing Research
Primarily Versus Secondary Research
Quantitative Versus Qualitative
Discussion Of Methods
The Research Method
The Individual In-Depth Interview As A Research Method
The Sampling Method
The Sample
Limitations
Analysing The Results
Conclusion

5. Findings
Introduction
Customers’ Feelings Before Recovery
Customers Feelings During Recovery
Customer Feelings After Recovery

6. Conclusions
Introduction
Recommendations
Limitations And Future Research

Bibliography

Appendices

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Analysis into UK Mergers and Acquisitions

2010-07-15T22:22:00.000+01:00

Mergers and acquisitions are going to be a part of our business scene for many years to come and for a good reason. The late 1990s can be characterised as the largest wave of acquisitions in terms of the number and total value of deals that the world has ever experienced. We are probably entering a new business cycle of corporate acquisitions Everywhere around us companies are combining their resources, whole industries are being restructured, market leaders and market followers interchange positions with great speed. Companies that were once the leaders of the game are left behind and forced to find new bases on which to compete.

Some firms see acquisitions as a “quick fix” for what they feel is missing from their company. This “mad dash” to find a partner, prompts companies to enter into an “unknown world” where they may not have the ability to extract, never mind identify, the potential benefits. This rush to comply with the demands of the ever-changing markets not only leads to acquisitions that should never have taken place but also to the failure of acquisitions that were undertaken under the best circumstances.

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review
Introduction to Mergers and Acquisitions
Merger Waves
The Case of Success
Acquisition as a Process

3. A Framework for Analysing Underlying Acquisition Processes
Business Interests
Strategic Motives
Seller’s Perspective
The Screening Process
The Approach and form of the agreement: Auctions and Negotiations
The Process of the Deal
The Approach: Auctions and Negotiations
Auctions Versus Negotiations
Auctions
Negotiations
Method of Payment
Payment in Cash
Payment in Stock
Alternative Methods of Payment
Cash Versus Stock Acquisitions
Integration

4. Decision of the Stages
Business Interests
Approach: Negotiations and Auctions
Method of Payment

5. Conclusions

6. Limitations and Further Research

Bibliography

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Has Online Shopping Contributed Towards The Recent Decline In UK Retail Sales

2010-07-15T22:21:00.000+01:00

Shopping is a leisure time activity carried out by individuals in economies around the world. Purchasing goods is the fundamental underlying concept of the supply and demand theory. Consumers are willing to pay the price for goods and services they demand.

Over time the channels for distribution of such goods and services have changed, consumer preferences have changed as too has technology. As individual’s life styles become more hectic, consumers aim to become more rational and seek to maximise their utility. There exists a desire to become more efficient. What if changes in technology allowed for this? Would there be a shift of demand from one channel to another?

This study attempts to answer this question by looking closely at the determinants of retail sales and whether the downtrend of late is related to the rise of consumers shopping on the internet. Findings from this study will endeavour to answer the questions and concerns expressed by the media and retail sector.

1. Introduction

2. Literature Review
Demand for retail shopping
Demand for online shopping
Comparing online and retail shopping

3. Methodology
Retail Sales and Congestion Charge Econometric Study
Data Sources
Retail Sales
Internet connectivity
Overseas Visitors to the UK
Inflation
The Economy (Unemployment)
Exchange rate (UK £ to US $)
Seasonal Dummy Variables

4. Empirical Analysis
Diagnostic Tests
Results from the analysis

5. Conclusions

6. References

7. Appendix Section
Appendix 1 – Summary statistics in Congestion Charging Model
Appendix 2 – Summary Statistics in Empirical Model
Appendix 3 – Linear Regression
Appendix 4 - Log-Linear Regression
Appendix 5 – Differenced Log-Linear Regression
Appendix 6 – Correlation Matrix
Appendix 7 – Regression Excluding Unemployment
Appendix 8 – Regression Excluding CPI
Appendix 9 – Regression Excluding Seasonal Dummies

Bibliography

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Change Management Within The Retail Banking Sector

2010-07-15T22:20:00.000+01:00

This dissertation addresses the people issues around the subject of technological change within the UK retail-banking sector. The objective was to study technology within the retail-banking sector, highlighting its advantages, but primarily addressing the major problems in the sector that result from technological change. In order to achieve this it became necessary to identify employee attitudes towards technological change, and furthermore to focus on how the retail banks are currently dealing with the employee attitudes.

The research conducted revealed that retail banks have been subject to rapid technological change, which has presented the banks with a wide range of opportunities, and also the challenge to adapt. Technology provides benefits to the retail banks in terms of the provision of more detailed and precise information, which enables, banks to effectively compete within an increasingly sophisticated operating environment. The findings also indicated that the implementation of technology has consequences for task arrangement, structures and people.
Aim Of The Study: (1) Will evaluate technological developments in UK retail banking sector (2) Identify the impact of application of technology and the employee (3) Focusing upon the factors that influence employee behaviour during the change process, and (4) Use models, strategies and techniques that management adopt to help minimise resistance.

1. Introduction
Introduction
Research Methodology
The Advantage and Disadvantages of Questionnaires
Data Gathering Context

2. Technical Developments in Retail Banking
Introduction
Technological Developments
Supplementary
Relationship Orientated Banking Structure
Summary

3. Changes and Technological Implcations in Banking
Introduction
Advantages of Technology
Service Quality
Increased Flexibility
Effect on Organisation
Organisation and Technological Interrelationship
Evolution from the Traditional Bank to the Modern Bank
Internet and Telephone Banking
Effect of Technology on Employee
Summary

4. Atitudes Towards Change
Introduction
Employee Attitudes Towards Technological Change
Employee attitudes as to whether Technology is more beneficial to the Organisation or to the Employee
Employee Attitude Towards Technological Change
Employee Attitudes Towards Organisational Change
Description of Change
The effect of Technological Change on Employee Attitudes
Impact of Change
Resistance to Change
Self-Interest
Lack of Trust and Misunderstanding
Conflicting Assessment
Low Acceptance of Change
Summary

5. Management of Change
Introduction
Deal with Technological Change
Adhering to Force Field Analysis
Systems Approach to Change
Behaviour Modification
Six Strategies: Addressing Resistance to Change
Approaches used to introduce Technology within the Branches
Education and Communication
Involvement and Participation
Support and Facilitation
Negotiation and Agreement
Manipulation and Cooptation/Explicit and Implicit Coercion
Summary

6. Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
Recommendations

References

Bibliography

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How Do Automobile Companies Use CRM To Improve Customer Loyalty? A Study Of Volkswagen

2010-07-15T22:19:00.002+01:00

As the cost of acquiring a new customer is five times more than retaining an existing customer, encouraging brand loyalty is an ultimate goal for any business. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a newly evolved phenomenon that, if applied correctly, can transform an organisation’s outlook on the customer and improve their loyalty to the brand enormously.

Volkswagen is currently Europe’s number one automobile brand and is a globally renowned distributor of motor vehicles. In fact, one in five cars on the road in Europe is a Volkswagen. However, Toyota are emerging as a major threat, and the dominance of Volkswagen is beginning to diminish slowly but surely.

This study seeks to establish what CRM procedures Volkswagen have in place (whether intentional or without actually realising it), with an evaluation of current customer loyalty in the UK among Volkswagen consumers. This was done by using a combination of primary and secondary research, with the primary techniques being focus groups, interviews and questionnaires.

The outcome of the research was that Volkswagen has plans to bring in a refined CRM approach to improve customer loyalty rates. The construction of a sophisticated database to record all consumer behaviour is well underway and will bring a tailored approach to each consumer, which is a key indicator of a successful CRM strategy. However, at the time of the study the organisation was doing very little along the lines of CRM intentionally, although basic models (such as the 4 P’s) grasped certain elements of CRM.

The questionnaire results provided sufficient evidence from Volkswagen consumers that loyalty is not as high as you would expect for Europe’s leading automobile supplier.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Insight into this Paper
1.2 Reasons for Research Topic
1.3 Academic Objectives of the Paper
1.4 Chapters Overview

2.0 SETTING THE SCENE
2.1 Volkswagen Background

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Definitions of CRM
3.3 Reasons for the Emergence of CRM
3.4 The Growth of CRM
3.5 CRM in the 21st Century
3.5.1 The Emergence of the Internet – Opportunities and Challenges
3.6 The Use of a Database in CRM
3.6.1 The Database and Resulting Analysis
3.6.2 Measuring the Success of the Database
3.7 Criticisms of CRM
3.8 The Effects of CRM on Customer Loyalty
3.8.1 Loyalty Defined
3.8.2 Positive Aspects of Customer Loyalty
3.8.3 Ways in Which CRM Can Achieve Improved Customer Loyalty
3.9 Conclusion of Literature

4.0 METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Case Study Approach
4.2 Research Methods
4.2.1 Secondary Research
4.2.2 Primary Research
4.3 Quantitative Research – Questionnaires
4.3.1 Pilot Questionnaire
4.3.2 Final Questionnaire
4.3.3 Limitations of Questionnaires
4.4 Qualitative Primary Research – Interviews
4.4.1 Limitations of Interviews
4.5 Ethical Considerations

5.0 ANALYSIS & FINDINGS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Interview A
5.2.1 Question 1
5.2.2 Question 2
5.2.3 Question 3
5.2.4 Question 4
5.2.5 Question 5
5.2.6 Question 6
5.2.7 Question 7
5.2.8 Question 8
5.2.9 Question 9
5.2.10 Question 10
5.2.11 Question 11
5.3 Interview B
5.3.1 Question 1
5.3.2 Question 2
5.3.3 Question 3
5.3.4 Question 4
5.3.5 Question 5
5.3.6 Question 6
5.3.7 Question 7
5.3.8 Question 8
5.3.9 Question 9
5.4 Questionnaires
5.4.1 Question 1
5.4.2 Question 2
5.4.3 Questions 3, 8 & 9
5.4.4 Question 4
5.4.5 Question 5
5.4.6 Question 6
5.4.7 Question 7

6.0 CONCLUSION
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Focus Group (Interview A)
6.3 Interview B
6.4 Questionnaires
6.5 Limitations
6.6 Possible Areas of Future Study and Recommendations

REFERENCES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES
A Statement of Learning
B Interview A (Focus Group) Transcripts
C Interview B Transcripts
D Pilot Questionnaire
E Covering Letter
F Final Questionnaire
G Questionnaire Results
H Setting the Scene
I Validity & Reliability
J Case Study
K The Likert Approach

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MBA dissertation written on the UK Venture Capital Industry

2010-07-15T22:19:00.001+01:00

The 1990’s were boom years for the Venture Capital (VC) industry as a sizeable number of business proposals were accepted by VC firms (VCF’s). A very large amount of proposals financed by VCF’s went on to become successful initial public offerings (IPO’s) which benefited both the VCF and the investee. However, these experiences ended in 2000 when the “Dot.com bubble” as it had become known (so called due to the number Internet companies financed by VCF’s), burst. As a result of this, many VCF’s became very conservative and the industry went into decline. The lack of confidence in IPO’s made their exit strategy limited (Mason, Harrison 2004). As VCF’s like to realize their investment as soon as possible, the exit strategy (how they realize their returns) for their investment is crucial.

Through this dissertation the research question being asked is: “Have traditional formal multi-stage investment decision-making methods for VCF’s in the UK become outdated, being replaced by new methods more appropriate to the industry?” A good research question is one that has not been examined in previous research, therefore indicating the value of conducting the research. As the researcher is unaware of any research covering this topic in recent years, it suggests that the findings of this study would be beneficial to the VC industry, and may assist future research. It should be mentioned that the fact of multi-stage models usage is not in question, merely the manner in which they are used.

As the research question and research objectives should be related, the objectives of the research complement the research question. For this dissertation the research objectives are as follows:

1. To illustrate the investment decision-making methods evident with UK VCF’s.

2. To examine the variety of investment decision-making methods evident with UK VCF’s.

3. To establish the manner in which UK VCF’s establish Deal Origination in terms of receiving proposals and evaluating them.

4. To examine the importance given by UK VCF’s towards different factors in the investment decision making process.

Chapter One
Introduction
Research Problem
Research Question
Research Objectives
Dissertation Structure

Chapter Two
Literature Review
Introduction to VC Industry
Typical Characteristics of a VC Firm
Venture Funding
Venture Capital Investment Decision Making
Agency Costs-The Pitfalls of a Venture Capital Firm
Moral Hazard
Information Asymmetry
Traditional Methods of Venture Capital Investment Decision Making
Formal Multi-Stage Investment Decision Making
Berger and Udell Model
Tyebjee and Bruno Model
Fried and Hisrich Study
Traditional Behaviour of VCF’s in Deal Origination
Traditional VCF Operations-General
Alternative Theories of Venture Capital Investment Decision Making
New Research on VCF’s Investment Decision Making
Deal Origination-New Methods
Post-2000 VC industry Practice
Evidence of UK Venture Capital Investment Decision Making
UK Venture Capital Firms-A Profile in behaviour
UK VCF Espoused Behaviour
UK VCF Behaviour In Use
The Dragon’s Den
Make Me A Million
Conclusions
Literature Gap

Chapter Three
Research Strategy and Methodology
Introduction
Research Problem and Research Question
Research Approach
Hypothesis
Research Strategy
Research Design
Research Methods
Data Collection, Editing & Coding
Qualitative v Quantitative Approach
Quantitative Research as appropriate to this Dissertation
Questionnaire
Questionnaire-Pilot Testing
Questionnaire-Final Version
Methods of Sampling Applied
Sampling-Purpose/Objectives
Sampling Technique
Sample Size

Chapter Four
Research Findings/ Analysis of Data
Introduction
Quantitative Data Analysis
General Respondent Data
Investment Decision-Making Process
Investment Policy
Typical Venture Capital Firm
Deal Origination
Investment Factors
Research Limitations

Chapter Five
Discussion/Recommendations
Introduction
Core Recommendations

Chapter Six
Conclusion/Testing of Hypothesis
Introduction
Research Objectives
Objective 1: To illustrate the investment decision-making methods evident with UK VCF’s
Objective 2: To examine the variety of investment decision-making methods evident with UK VCF’s
Objective 3: To establish the manner in which UK VCF’s establish Deal Origination in terms of receiving proposals and evaluating them
Objective 4: To examine the importance given by UK VCF’s towards different factors in the investment decision making process
Hypothesis-Described
Hypothesis-Conclusion
Future Research

Chapter Seven
Reflections of Learning & Skills Development
Reflections on learning
Skills Developed
Communication
Take Part in Discussions
Produce Written Materials
Use Images
Read and Respond to Written Materials
Working with Others
Identify Collective Goals
Work to Collective Goals
Improving Own Learning and Performance
Identifying Targets and Action Required
Follow Plan to Meet Targets
Summary of Learning

Bibliography

Appendices

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Performance Measurement Concepts and Practises in a Supply Chain Context: A Study of Intel Corporation

2010-07-15T22:18:00.001+01:00

The scope of this report is to discuss contemporary supply chain concepts being combined with the presentation and analysis of the distribution network of a leading manufacturing company. Furthermore, focus has been placed on the delivery aspect of the supply chain, which has been simulated through the use of a case study. Also, this reports intends to highlight frequent delivery inefficiencies and how these problem areas can be deteriorated and/or potentially solved. On a philosophical point of view, this study attempts to examine existed practises of a leading organisation in its field. But is this a ticket to success? Having vast amounts of resources, experience and business know-how imply that the company would operate flawlessly. However, in a real world context, a lot of factors can significantly influence and completely change the normal state and create problems that even multinational corporations may find it difficult to respond.

The four main objectives of the dissertation are:

1. To highlight the importance of supply chain management: The importance of efficient supply chain management for businesses, its relation with customers and how it has been evolved over the recent years
2. To link supply chain theory with practice: To examine an action oriented case (Intel) where theory is put into practice
3. To evaluate the supply chain performance measurement system of the given organisation: To produce evidence of the efficiency level that Intel’s delivery performance possess
4. To make recommendations of how this system and performance can be further improved: Data analysis, problem-solving methodology, define problem, identify causes & formulation of recommendations

Chapter 1: General supply chain trends & characteristics
Introduction
Supply chain management overview
Delivery management overview
Supply chain management & consumers
Supply chain management background
Supply chain management nowadays
Supply chain trends
Conclusion

Chapter 2: Supply chain management at Intel Corporation
Company background
Operational overview
Principal products & services
Greater European Distribution Network Services (GE DNS)
GE DNS staff structure
Intel DNS demand driven supply chain strategy
GE DNS facilities
GE DNS IT applications
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Implementing distribution at Intel from start to finish
Introduction
Customer places an order
Inbound leg
Cross-dock
Outbound leg
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Supply-chain measurement
Introduction
The importance of supply-chain measurement
Delivery performance measurement
Map the supply chain
Benchmarking
SCOR card
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Data research and analysis process
Introduction
Description of the data analysis process
Data collection
Data processing & analysis
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Summary of the findings & problem solving methodology
Introduction
Problem solving methodology
Define the problem
Document current situation
Identify causes
Develop solutions / Recommendations

Bibliography

Appendices

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MBA in International Management Dissertation B2B

2010-07-15T22:17:00.000+01:00

The purpose of this research is two-fold. The first is to identify the range of e-commerce strategies available, whether to an existing manufacturing or retailing firm or for a pure virtual company. Such an understanding would enable a company to select an e-commerce business strategy that is an appropriate for its circumstances and markets. The second is to identify and compare the business models for e-commerce companies, ranging from "clicks and bricks" to "B-2-B" and to direct "e-tailing" to end customers. Such an analysis should help companies considering the move to e-commerce understand the strengths and weaknesses of various models, and make a better-informed selection of e-commerce strategies and systems.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background and Context
Purpose of the study
Methodology

Chapter 2: The New Business Environment
Introduction
The History of Internet
The ARPANET and the NSFNET
The Commercial Internet
What is Internet?
The New Economy
How the Internet Changes Business
Power shift to the customer
Global sales channel
Reduced costs of buying and selling
The new retail organisation
Reduced time to market
Customisation
Forces for Change
Globalisation
Digitalisation
Summary

Chapter 3: Electronic Commerce Applications
Introduction
Electronic Commerce
Analyses of Electronic Commerce Systems
Cost advantage
Product differentiation
Focus
Five forces model of competitive threats
Buyer Power
Competitors threats
Potential entrants
Supplier power
Product substitution
Categories of Electronic Commerce
Business to Business E-Commerce
Business to Consumer E-commerce
One way marketing
Relationship marketing
Purchasing over the Web
The scope of Internet Business
Basic Characteristics of Electronic Marketplaces
Key Issues of Electronic Commerce
Connectivity
Privacy and Security
Global E-Commerce Trends
Summary

Chapter 4: The Case of IBM
Introduction
IBM’s Century of History
Customer Segmentation and E-Business
Most Recent Developments
Competitive Threats
Threat of intense segment rivalry
Threat of new entrants
Threat of substitute products
Threats of buyers’ growing bargaining power
Threat of suppliers’ growing bargaining power
Competitive strategies
Cost advantage
Product differentiation
Familiarity/Confidence Check
Focus
B2B and B2C strategies
IBM’s understanding of global trends
IBM’s 4Cs Model
Market Drivers
Summary

Chapter 5: The Case of Dell
Introduction
Dell’s 18-Year History
Dell Today and Customer Segmentation
E-commerce and the Internet
Competitive Threats
Competitive strategies
Cost advantage
Product differentiation
Focus
B2B & B2C Strategies
Dell in the Face of Global Trends
Problems
Summary

Chapter 6: Summary & Conclusion
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations

Appendices
Appendix A: Hardware Industry-Main Players
Appendix B: Defining the Internet Economy
Appendix C: Porter’s Five Forces Analyses

Bibliography & References

List of tables
Table 1-1: Comparison of the Traditional and the New Economics
Table 2-1: The Old and New Retail Organisations
Table 3-1: SWOT Analyses for Online Sales

List of figures
Figure 3-1: B2B vs. B2C E-Commerce
Figure 4-1: Familiarity/ Confidence Check
Figure 4-2: IBM’s 4 C s
Figure 4-3: The Sigmoid Curve of Digital Technology

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"What Makes A Successful Organisation?" A Search And Review Of The Concepts, Tools & Approaches That May Contribute To The Success Of An Organisation

2010-07-15T22:15:00.000+01:00

This report highlights the key characteristics, which appear to define success to an organisation and the characteristics, tools, concepts or practices that are perceived to be the important underlying contributors to that success. The basis of this report is a purposely-designed questionnaire (Primary data), information from published literature and options obtained from several other secondary sources including web pages and magazines (Secondary data). The report defines success as Competitive advantage, Financial performance, Flexibility, Resource utilization, Quality of service, Profitability, market share, staff turn over, Long term survival and high productivity.

And the contributing concepts, tools and factors and factors to be Innovation, Market orientation and T.Q.M incorporating many principles and characteristics of benchmarking, Quality assurance, B.P.R, Integrated business systems and the Internet, in terms of links, conflicts and relationships between these factors the report summaries that they are many. These are highlighted, interpreted and presented in the report.

1.0 Abstract

2.0 Acknowledgements

3.0 Introduction

4.0 What is “success” to an organisation?

5.0 Literature Review
5.1 Conclusion

6.0 Methodology
6.1 Secondary Research
6.2 Primary Research

7.0 Origins of Organisational management – (The Guru’s)
7.1 Fredrick. W. Taylor
7.2 Dr. W. Edward Deming
7.3 Dr. Joseph. M. Juran
7.4 Philip.B.Crosby
7.5 Dr. V. Feigenbaum
7.6 Kaoru Ishikawa

8.0 Benchmarking
8.1 The process of benchmarking is divided into seven phases
8.2 How Benchmarking contributes to a companies success
8.3 Conclusion

9.0 Innovation
9.1 Elements of Innovation
9.2 Application of Innovation
9.3 Organisational development based on Innovation
9.4 QUOTES. – (That captures the essence of innovation)
9.5 Conclusion

10.0 TQM - Key requirements and objectives 10.2 Limitations
10.3 How Total quality management and Quality focus can contribute to the success of an Organisation
10.4 Conclusions

11.0 Quality assurance systems

12.0 Business Process Redesign
12.1 How BPR Differs from TQM
12.2 Table 1. Process Improvement (TQM) versus Process Innovation (BPR) From Davenport (1993)
12.3 Conclusion

13.0 Integrated Business systems a.k.a. E.R.P
13.2 Conclusion

14.0 The Internet
14.1 E-commerce

15.0 Core Competencies and Capabilities Focus
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Definitions
15.3 Examples and cases
15.5 Conclusion

16.0 Marketing orientation
16.1 Example
16.2 Conclusion

17.0 Analysis and Evaluation – (Primary research – Questionnaire)
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Conclusion of Primary research

18.0 Links, conflicts, similarities and relationships that appear occur between the various concept, tools and approaches highlighted by the literature review
18.1 Summary of Relationships
18.2 There appear to be no links between the following concepts
18.3 Matrix of support and conflict
18.4 Conclusions

19.0 Recommendations
19.1 Identifying Best practice. –What does make a successful organisation?
19.2 Conclusions

20.0 Final Conclusion

21.0 Bibliography and references

22.0 Appendix 1
22.1 Aim of questionnaire
22.2 Interpretation of scores
22.3 Prompt list

23.0 Appendix 2
23.1. Cover letter
23.2. Phone approach script
23.3. Questionnaire approach list

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How Will The Olympic 2012 Benefit London’s Image As A Major Tourist Destination?

2010-07-15T22:14:00.000+01:00

The coveted bid for hosting the Olympics 2012 was awarded to London. As big investments poured into winning the bid, the hard part comes as the whole of London led by its Prime Minister begins mega preparations for the mega event. To understand the many concepts underlying destination branding, this study was geared towards knowing how the Olympics 2012 will benefit London to become a sustained major tourist destination in the world.

Learning’s from past Olympic and sports committees and researches were gathered. Destination branding concepts were taken from these studies and analysed how it will affect London or help London in its preparations for the Olympics.

The research concluded that London will benefit from the Olympics as it tries to maintain its status as a major tourist destination. There will be obstacles in terms of security and much work is needed such as preparations not only to London but preparation that the whole country must undertake. Global destination branding will reap its long-term rewards if London can maximize the Olympic Games as a successful marketing vehicle for the city.

Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Introduction
1.2 Aims and Objectives
1.3 Case study
1.3.1 Limitations & Approaches
1.4 Methodology
1.4.1 Limitations & Approaches
1.5 Structure

Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.1. Branding
2.2. Image
2.3. Destination Branding
2.4. Marketing a Destination Brand
2.5. Olympics as a marketing vehicle
2.6. London as a destination brand

Chapter Three: Methodology
3.1. Introduction to methods/combination of methods
3.2. Deductive theory
3.3. Methods available and chosen methods

Chapter Four: Results and Analysis
4.1. Results of questionnaires
4.1.2. Analysis of data
4.2. Case study of Sydney 2000 Olympics

Chapter Five: Findings and discussion
5.0 Impact on destination image
5.1 Market segment attraction
5.1.1 Media participation
5.1.2 Local Government Units involved in promotion for 2012
5.1.3 Sports Agencies Olympics promotions
5.1.4 Tourist agencies Olympics promotions
5.1.5 Countrywide promotion plan for 2012 Olympics

Chapter Six: Conclusion and Recommendations
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Reflection on research
6.3 Recommendations

Bibliography

Appendices
(TALC) model
Map of Olympic Village
Sample Questionnaire
London Tourism Action Plan

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MBA International Management Strategy Assignment

2010-07-15T22:13:00.000+01:00

Ideal for students studying International Management Strategy.
This report will look at the strategic issues of mergers and acquisitions in the global automotive industry.

The report focuses on:

(1) The external environment of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler
(2) The emergence of mergers and acquisitions as growth strategies
(3) The strategic planning involved with achieving a cultural fit
(4) How the merger affected stakeholder and shareholder value
(5) The report will also highlight the pitfalls of the DaimlerChrysler merger strategy

1: Terms of reference

2: Executive summary

3: Introduction

4: Findings
Industry overview
The activity of mergers and acquisitions
Types of mergers
Why companies acquire
International alliances
Company background
Porters Five Force Analysis
Threat of potential entrants
Threat of substitutes
Threat of buyer's strengths
Threat of supplier's strengths
PESTEL analysis
Environmental factors
Political and legal factors
Economic factors
Socio-cultural factors
Technological factors
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Business and technical drivers
Business drivers
Technical drivers
The merger process
Currency and topicality of research
Stakeholders
Shareholders
Different origins
National culture
Organisational culture

5: Conclusions and final thoughts

6: Bibliography

7: Final thoughts

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MBA Assignment in Global Business Strategy

2010-07-15T22:12:00.000+01:00

This paper discusses the impact of a merger between two motor giants taking 'Global Business Strategy' into context. Contemporary business models are used and all material is referenced throughout. This assignment will prove very useful if you have an interest in Business Strategy.

1: Background

2: World automotive market characteristics
Globalisation
Major changes in the global automotive industry
Recent technological developments in the automotive industry
Figure One: Disintermediation
Key players
Environment
Figure Two: Five-force analysis for the global motor industry
Bargaining Power of the Buyers
Bargaining Power of the Suppliers
Threat of New Entrants
Pressure from Substitutes

3: Stakeholder expectations
Figure Three: Stakeholders to a business
Figure Four: Stakeholders and their expectations

4: Weighing up mergers and acquisitions
Mergers
Figure Five: Four possible ethical stances
Acquisitions

5: Evaluation of the merger strategy
Implementation
Synergy
Figure Six: DaimlerChrysler European performance

6: Final thoughts

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Clash of Two Cultures: The Daimler-Benz Chrysler Corp. Merger

2010-07-15T22:11:00.000+01:00

This is a Masters paper / assignment written on the merger of Daimler-Benz & Chrysler.

The paper contains many contemporary business models and fully referenced literature content.

This is essential reading for any Business students studying "Change Management" at BA or MA levels.

1: Introduction
Figure One: Change versus transition
Figure Two: Transition model

2: DaimlerChrysler Background

3: Rationale behind the change
Globalisation
Major changes in the global automotive industry
Porter's Five-force analysis
Figure Three: Five-force analysis for the
Global motor industry
Bargaining Power of the Buyers
Bargaining power of suppliers
Threat of new entrants
Pressure from substitutes

4: Description of the process
Figure Four: Key dates
The 'hard/soft' approach to change management
Figure Five: The 'hard/soft' approach to change management

5: Roles and perspectives of the key players

6: Critical analysis and evaluation
Lewin's forcefield analysis
Figure Six: Lewin's forcefield analysis
Communication
Alignment
Cultural fit
Workforce
Governance
Lewin's change model
Figure Seven: The management of change (Lewin)
Unfreezing
Moving
Refreezing
Structure
Culture
Figure Eight: Cultural differences in values
Strategy
Cultural web analysis
Figure Nine: Cultural web analysis
Symbols
Power structure
Organisational structures
Figure Ten: Chrysler Corp. organisational structure
Figure Eleven: Daimler-Benz organisational structure
Control systems
Rituals and routines
Stories
Figure Twelve: Differences in culture
Paradigm
Rectification
Figure Thirteen: Strategies for strengthening
DaimlerChrysler's culture
Actions of founders and leaders
Introducing culturally consistent rewards
Maintaining a stable workforce
Managing the cultural network
Selecting and socialising employees

7: Change Agents
Fifteen key competences of the change agent
Goals
Roles
Communication
Negotiation
Managing up

8: Conclusions and final thoughts

9: Lessons learnt

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MBA Dissertation on Management Strategy

2010-07-15T22:10:00.000+01:00

Includes contemporary models and full bibliography in Harvard style of referencing.

1: Objectives

2: Early model of Management Control-Strategy Relationship
Anthony's Legacy

3: Strategy Literature Review
Structure-Strategy Debate
Planning School versus Emergent School
'Grass-roots' Model
Role of the Middle Manager in Strategy Making
Floyd and Wooldridge Typology
Summary

4: Belated Developments in Management Control Literature
Conventional Wisdom
Robert Simons' Contribution
Control of Strategy as Perspective - Beliefs Systems
Control of Strategy as Position - Boundary Systems
Control of Strategy as Plan and Pattern - PMS
MC-Strategy Interplay
Summary

5: Issues/Evidence at Middle Levels
Learning
Social Control
Participation, Empowerment and Accountability
Summary

6: Conclusion
Dissertation Synopsis
Discussion and Future Research
Summary

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MBA Dissertation - Chinese Business Culture

2010-07-15T22:09:00.000+01:00

This dissertation analyses and creates an understanding of the nature and pace of change in China's business culture and the implications of such change for the country's business environment.

1: Introduction
Background
Research methodology
Critique of research methodology

2: The Chinese legacy: from the past to the present
The Confucian heritage
The decline and disintegration of imperial China
From imperial China to communism
China's economic reforms
Economic reform without political reform

3: Theoretical analysis framework
Perspectives on bedrock
The new left
New liberalism
Perspectives on superstructure
Cultural orientations
The influence of context
Dimensions of national cultures
The Chinese Value Survey

4: Secondary data analysis: bedrock trends
State-owned enterprise reform
The private sector
China's integration into the global economy
The challenges to China's political system

5: Secondary data analysis: superstructure trends
Work systems
The wealth effect
Improving educational opportunities
Demographic change
Technological change
Behaviour patterns
Increasing shortage of skilled labour
Fragmentation of urban Chinese society
Rural discontent
Lack of well-enforced health care and social security provisions
Review of findings of primary data survey

6: Methodology of the Triangle Test
Work systems culture analysis
Behaviour culture analysis
Bedrock culture analysis
Summary of findings

7: The barriers to business culture change
Lack of rule of law
The role of the state in China's economy
The persistence of mercantilism
Obstacles to further development of the private sector
Backwardness of China's financial system
A relationship-based approach to business

8: The "globalisation debate" and China's recent development
The globalisation debate
The hyperglobalisers' perspective
The sceptics' perspective
The transformationalists' perspective
Summary

9: Conclusion
Bibliography and references

Appendix 1: Profile of respondent population for Triangle Test survey
Appendix 2: Work systems analysis
Appendix 3: Behaviour culture analysis
Appendix 4: Bedrock culture analysis
Appendix 5: The notion of guanxi

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The Multicultural Project Manager: Exploring Linkages Between National Culture and Conflicting Styles of Management

2010-07-15T22:08:00.000+01:00

Many modern business management / culture models used throughout including:

Kolb's Learning Cycle
Hofstede's Culture Triangle and Onion Model of Culture
Garrison's Model of Business Culture and Triangle Model of Culture
Maslow's Value Pyramid
Rahim's Conflict Management Styles
Dulewicz and Higgs' Model of Emotional Intelligence
Turner's Model of Project Management
Law's Framework for Multi-Cultural Project Management
Table of contents
List of Tables
List of Figures

1: Introduction
Competitive Advantage Gained
Objectives
Research Approach

2: Literature Review
Culture
Conflict Management
Emotional Intelligence
Multi-Cultural Project Management
Development of Competencies
Summary of Literature Review

3: Field Research Project
Objectives and Scope
Fieldwork Methodology

4: Results by Country
Great Britain
South Africa
Denmark
Canada

5: Correlations with Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
Individualism and the Avoiding Conflict Management Styles
Uncertainty Avoidance and the Conflict Management Styles
Individualism and the Accommodating Conflict Management Style
Conclusion of the Findings

6: Analysis, Discussion and Recommendations
Profile of the Multi-Cultural Project Manager
Development of the Multi-Cultural Project Manager

7: Final Conclusions
Personal Learning Review

Appendix 1: Conflict Management Survey
Appendix 2: Survey Results by Nationality

Glossary of Terms

Bibliography

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Critical Success Factors of Customer Relationships Management

2010-07-15T22:07:00.000+01:00

The overall objective of this study is to present new insight into the methods that need to be followed in order to achieve the successful implementation of CRM. This research delves into specific profiles of Critical Success Factors for Customer Relationship Management implementation, and namely, customer-focused business strategy, CRM-friendly organisation structure, CRM-savvy organisation culture, CRM success measurements and top management commitment. This study is based, on 'The Seven-S framework', which combines seven groups of characteristics that can ensure an organisation's effectiveness: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Style, Staff, Skills, and Superordinate goals/ Shared values.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction to the Literature Review
CRM definitions
History of CRM
Fundamental concepts on CRM
The concept of 'customer'
'The Bad and the Good' customer
Valuable customer
Profitable customer
Loyalty and Customer Relationship Management
Customer Loyalty and Profitability
Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction
Loyalty and Customer Value
Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of CRM
Introduction to CSFs
Customer-focused business strategy
CRM-friendly organisation structure
CRM Technologies
Data Warehouse
Data Mining
CRM-savvy organisation culture
CRM Success Measurements
Top management commitment

3. METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Secondary data analysis

4. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Introduction to the framework and reasons for its selection
Description of the Seven- S Framework

5. ANALYSIS
Introduction to the Analysis
Application of the Seven- S Framework to the CSFs of CRM
Strategy - CRM
Style - CRM
Skills - CRM
Staff - CRM
Systems - CRM
Structure - CRM
Shared Values - CRM

6. CONCLUSION
Appendix 1: Customer Types
Appendix 2: Valuable customer
Appendix 3: Customer classifications according their profitability
Appendix 4: Loyalty definitions
Appendix 5: Customer Loyalty and Profitability
Appendix 6: Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction
Appendix 7: Loyalty and Customer Value
Appendix 8: Graphical illustration of CRM post-implementation measurable benefits
Appendix 9: Graphical illustration of identifying targeted customers
Appendix 10: Graphical illustration of Customer Value Management
Appendix 11: Reciprocity model
Appendix 12: Example of CRM marketing organization
Appendix 13: Operational - Analytical-Collaborative CRM
Appendix 14: Data warehouse
Appendix 15: Data mining tasks
Appendix 16: Corporate Information Factory
Appendix 17: BSC/CRM example

Dissertation

MBA Dissertation written on the theories behind Outsourcing

2010-07-15T22:06:00.000+01:00

There is evidence that a firm’s organisational model to maximise the use and benefits from Information Technology (IT) varies across business sectors. Each model will have an impact on overall organisational effectiveness and the delivery of core competence to the market. A review of two Divisions within of the Co-operative Group suggests that information technology has great potential to improve the financial performance of these Divisions and offer synergies across the Group as a whole. A study of academic and business literature highlights that whilst a number of organisations have insourced their IT delivery and others may adapt total outsourcing, most organisations adopt a selective approach to IT outsourcing. There are risks with both extremes; keeping everything in-house can be expensive and inflexible, while going outside can involve unanticipated overhead costs. Evidence presented shows that cost reduction, efficiency and improved service continue to drive many sourcing initiatives.

1: Abstract

2: Introduction

3: Research Method

4: Evolution of IS/IT within Organisations

5: Organisational Structure - Outsource or Insource?
Outsourcing
Total Outsourcing
Selective Outsourcing
Transitional Outsourcing
Off shore Outsourcing
Mutual Value Outsourcing
Application Service Provider
Analysis
Insourcing
Analysis
Conclusions from Research

6: Case Study
Introduction
Commercial Division
Commercial Division IT/IS
IT/IS Design Principles
Organisational Design
Internal IS Function
Mission
Architecture
Outsourced Service Providers
Co-operative Bank
Organisational Design
Managed Services Organisation
Strategic Actions
Service Delivery
Summary

7: Comparative Analysis

8: Key Findings & Conclusion

References

Appendix

Dissertation

Cultural Issues in Strategic Alliances

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000+01:00

The purpose of this dissertation is to look at the concept of strategic alliances, in the context of factors that contribute to the possibility of success in the alliance. The alliance between Honda and Rover will be investigated and management strategy and culture will be brought to the forefront and analysed.

1: Literature Review
Strategy and Strategic Alliances
The Elements of Strategy

2: What is a Strategic Alliance?

3: Types of Strategic Alliances - Variations on a Theme
Ad Hoc Pool Alliances
Consortium Alliances
Shared- Supply Alliances
Quasi-Concentration Alliances
Complementary Alliances

4: Reasons for Strategic Alliances

5: Culture and its Influence on Strategic Alliances
What is Culture?
The Layers of Culture
Religion as a part of Culture
National Culture
The Four Dimensions of National Culture
The Six Dimensions of Cultural Differences in Organisations

6: Strategic and Cultural Fit in Alliances
Cultural Profiling

7: Research Methodology
Research Diagram
Research Discussion
Secondary Data

8: Findings and Evaluation of Primary and Secondary Research
A Short History of the Honda-Rover Alliance
The Honda-Rover Strategic Alliance
Cultural Fit as an Element of a Strategic Alliance
Learning from Honda
Manufacturing Techniques
The Design and Development Process
Supply Chain Management
Human Resource Structures & Techniques
Production Employees
Team Leaders
Cooperation at a Higher Organisational Level
Learning From Rover
Marketing Research and Certification Requirements in Europe
Supplier and Manufacturing Networks in Europe
Rover's expertise
Working Together

9: Summary and Conclusions
Summary - A Strategic Success?
Rover
Honda
Conclusions

Bibliography

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Constructing and Implementing the Balance Scorecard

2010-07-15T22:04:00.000+01:00

The balanced scorecard is a management system (not only a measurement system) that enables organisations to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. It provides feedback around both the internal business processes and external outcomes in order to continuously improve strategic performance and results

The balanced scorecard suggests that we view the organization from four perspectives, and to develop metrics, collect data and analyse it relative to each of these perspectives:

* The Learning and Growth Perspective
* The Business Process Perspective
* The Customer Perspective
* The Financial Perspective

1: Theory behind the Balanced Scorecard
Background of the Concept of Balanced Scorecard
Balanced Scorecard as Complementary Tool for Management Accounting
Balanced Scorecard as a Measurement Tool
Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System

2: Constructing a Balanced Scorecard
Establishing Strategy by Building up a Balanced Scorecard
Clarifying and Translating the Vision and Strategy
Communicating and Linking Strategic Objectives and Measures
Planning, Setting Targets and Aligning Strategic Initiatives
Enhancing Strategic Feedback and Learning
Defining Critical Success Factors and Measures
Financial Perspective
Customer Perspective
Market and Account Share
Customer Retention
Customer Acquisition
Customer Satisfaction
Customer Profitability
Beyond the Core: Measuring Customer Value Propositions
Internal Business Process Perspective
Learning and Growth Perspective
Conclusions and Recommendations - How Many Measures to Choose?
Testing the Balanced Scorecard
Analysing Outcomes and Performance Drivers
Analysing Cause and Effect
Establishing Action Plan
Setting up Catalytic Mechanisms

3: Implementing a Balanced Scorecard as a Management System
Case Studies on Implementing a Balanced Scorecard
Practical Aspects of Setting up Balanced Scorecard in a Service Company
Using the Balanced Scorecard at Metro Bank
Using the Results of a Balanced Scorecard at Sears Company
Conclusions and Recommendations on Implementing a Balanced Scorecard

4: Summary

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Project Management Techniques within the UK and Indian Construction Industry

2010-07-15T22:01:00.000+01:00

The report is divided into 5 Chapters. Chapter 1 providing background information on Project Management, the various tools and techniques of Project Management and its relevance to the construction industry in India and UK. An overview of the construction industry is provided in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 comprises of the main research and studies from existing literature with particular emphasis on PM tools and its relevance to the construction industry. Chapter 4 describes the research methodology deployed for this research. In Chapter 5 the analysis and the findings of the survey is presented. The report ends with Chapter 6 where the discussion and the conclusion of the report are given with some recommendations for further research also presented.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Background
Purpose
Scope
Project Overview

Chapter 2: Overview of the Construction Industry
Overview of the UK Construction Industry
Overview of the Indian Construction Industry

Chapter 3: Literature Review
Chapter overview
Introduction
Definition of Project Management
Functions of the project management in the construction industry
Relevance of Project Management tools in Construction Industry
Project Management tools
Definition and Description of Gantt Charts
Critical Assessment of Gantt Charts
Network Analysis Technique
Definition and Description of CPM
Critical Assessment of CPM
Definition and Description of PERT
Critical Assessment of PERT
Project Management Software
Microsoft Project
PRINCE
Primavera
Implications of Cultural differences on Project Management approaches in UK and India
Previous Surveys on the use of Project Management tools and techniques

Chapter 4: Research Methodology
Methodology
Nature of Data gathered
Research Planning
Data Sources
Secondary Data Research
Primary Research
Exploratory research
Conclusive research
Primary Data Collection Techniques
Qualitative Research
Advantages of qualitative research
Disadvantages of qualitative research
Quantitative Research
Advantages of quantitative research
Disadvantages of quantitative research
Methods of Data Collection
Interviews
Telephone interviews
Questionnaires
What can questionnaires measure?
Pilot Testing
Sampling
Target Organisations
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Findings and Analysis
Introduction
Theory of Questionnaire Analysis
Findings and Analysis of the UK based construction companies according to their sizes
Interviews conducted for the India based construction companies
Interviews Conducted for the UK based construction companies
Comparison of Findings and analysis of India and UK based construction companies

Chapter 6: Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations for further research

References

Appendix 1 Questionnaire
Appendix 2 Interview Questions
Appendix 3 Questionnaire Analysis 1
Appendix 4 Questionnaire Analysis 2
Appendix 5 Interview - Indian companies
Appendix 6 Interview - UK companies
Appendix 7 Key Learning Objectives

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To What Extent Is The Stock Market Behaviour Rational?

2010-07-15T21:59:00.000+01:00

Many studies have been made by economists to understand the exact behaviour of financial markets through macro-economic variables. This study would try to reveal the extent to which the behaviour of stock market can be predicted. It would aim to provide the reader with a solid grounding in the dynamic environment of the stock market and would discuss the different strategies and tactics used by analysts to predict stock market for stock purchases and sales. It also covers the fundamental, technical, stock picking and investment theories and different practices in predicting the performance of stocks

The main objective of the study is to reveal the extent to which the behaviour of stock market can be predicted. It will also compare the theories and different practices used in predicting the performance of stocks. This research would not try to device a new theory as lot of researches have already been made on the topic. The research would discuss how the financial market behaves and the influence of the different factors on the market.

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
Background of Subject Matter
Statement of the Problem / Research Issue
Scope and Limitations
Aims and Objectives
Research Structure

Chapter 2: THEORETICAL REVIEW AND RELATED LITERATURE
Market Behaviour
Rational Expectations
Market Volatility
Company Valuation Methods
Asset Based Valuation
Revised Asset Based Valuation
Price / Earnings (P/E) Basis
Cash Flow Method
Discounted Cash Flow
Profit Based Valuation
Berliner Method
Dividend Valuation Method
Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)
Share Holder Value
Predicting Corporate Health and Measuring Corporate Failure
Z Scoring Model
Taffler Model
Robertson Financial Change Model
Argenti’s Model
Investment Theories
Efficient Market Hypothesis
Modern Portfolio theory
Random Walk Theory
The Capital-Asset pricing model
The Kondratiev Wave
Neural Networks
Corporate Ratios
Earnings per Share (EPS)
Price / Earnings Ratio
Return on Total Assets
Asset Turnover / Sales Generation
Gross Profit Margin
Return on Equity
Current Ratio
Acid Test / Liquid Ratio
Gearing Ratio
Key Technical Indicators
Moving Average
Bollinger Bands
Relative Strength Index (RSI)
Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)
Volume Oscillator
Money Flow Index (MFI)
Support and Resistance
Predictive Models
Fundamental Analysis Approach
Technical Analysis Approach
Stock Charts
Pivot Point Analysis
Cup and Handle
Head and Shoulders
Rounding Tops and Bottoms
Double Tops and Bottoms
Elliot Wave Theory
Stock Picking Strategies
CANSLIM
Value Investing
Growth Investing
Momentum Investing
Income Investing
GARP Investing

Chapter 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Philosophy
Positivism
Realism
Interpretivism
Research Approaches
Deductive Approach
Inductive Approach
Research Strategies
Interview Design
Questionnaire Design
Case Studies
Time Horizons
Cross-sectional
Longitudinal
Data Collection Methods
Collection of Secondary Data
Collection of Primary Data
Data Analysis Method
Sample of Case Study Companies
easyJet (EZY.L)
Centurion Energy International (CUX.L)
Marks and Spencer (MKS.L)

Chapter 4: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Case Studies of Companies
easyJet (EZY.L)
Discussion on easyJet(EZY.L)
Centurion Energy International (CUX.L)
Discussion on Centurion Energy International (CUX.L)
Marks & Spencer (MKS.L)
Discussion on Marks and Spencer (MKS.L)
Interview and Questionnaire Findings

Chapter 5: CONCLUSION
Inference
Recommendation

Appendix: Questionnaire Used for Primary Research

Bibliography:
Books
Journals and Magazines
Websites & Articles

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