Business Commons^™

The Downsizing Of American Corporations: Have They Gone Too Far?, Patricia A. Sturm

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of corporate downsizing and its impact on Americans and American businesses. Has it really been the cure-all that most top executives believe it to be, or is it simply a temporary fix that creates additional problems? Whatever the answer, this phenomenon, which began in the early eighties and still exists today, has changed the way corporations do business and the way Americans feel about their jobs.

Over the years executives have made many mistakes as they took a slash and burn type of approach toward eliminating jobs. They found that although this method …

The Use Of The Federal Concept On The Before And After Techniques In Partial Takings For Privatization, James Lamantia

Theses

The concept of valuation is legally supported in the Constitution of the United States. The federal area of Eminent Domain has created a field of use through case law and federal administrative policies and requirements. The federal case law and court decisions have created a whole field of legal terminology. The areas of Eminent Domain and its Just Compensation requirements have developed legally accepted methodology. One of the required methodologies for partial federal takings is the "Before and After" concept. The "Before and After" methodology is used to measure the difference between two sets of valuation facts. This concept when …

Administrative Quality Planning, Carolyn Joan Costello Baker

Theses

The quality movement in American businesses is becoming increasingly popular. American businesses are now competing internationally for market and the Japanese are winning. American businesses have adopted various quality systems to help them become customer driven, assisting in the regaining of lost market share. Some companies have been successful in implementing a quality system, but most have fallen short of achieving the desired a quality operation.

Most of the successful quality programs have come in manufacturing plants, but quality in the support services of the administrative levels have fallen short. Many manufacturing organizations approach quality implementation for the plant and …

The Making Of A New Product Development Process, William Scott Robertson

Theses

The core process that almost all manufacturing organizations are built on is new product development. It is the new product development process that determines how the Technical Operations, i.e., Engineering, Manufacturing, etc., of a particular company will be organized.

In 1993, Michael Hammer and James Champy wrote a revolutionary book entitled 11Reengineering the Corporation." In this book, they tell businesses to forget most of what they know about how business should run -- because it is all wrong.

They say that businesses must learn to reinvent themselves in order to compete in the ever-changing business climate of the 1990s and …

Corporate Image: The Role Of Communications In Development And Maintenance, Michelle L. Warner

Theses

This thesis will focus on corporate image - what it is, what it does, why it is necessary and how to develop and maintain it.

The term "corporate identity'' was first coined in the 1960's by Walter Margulies. Corporate identity is the term most commonly used to define a corporation's "sense of self." Corporate image is a direct offshoot of identity. Corporate image is the picture that an audience has of an organization through the accumulation of all received messages.

The bridge between corporate identity and corporate image is corporate communications. The most effective way to manage corporate image is …

The Implementation Of Cellular Manufacturing On To A Functional Factory Floor, Todd E. Richter

Theses

This thesis will focus on the implementation of cellular manufacturing and the issues that must be addressed for the successful transformation from a traditional functionally partitioned manufacturing environment .

A large percentage of companies who attempt to transform a functionally partitioned factory into a cellular layout fail to obtain the benefits that it can bring. Research has attributed this to the lack of planning for all the issues involved in cellular manufacturing . It is necessary to address all the issues, not just one or two, or the negative effects of partitioning a factory floor (the loss of pooling synergy) …

The Investigation Of The Needs Of Contemporary Woman And Development Of The Business Plan For Time For You, Ltd., Paula P. Macmann

Theses

This project focuses on the changing roles - and subsequent needs - of today's women.

Society slowly adapts to change; consequently, the responses to women's needs result in some being met, some only being addressed while others are completely ignored.

Still. changes in society have afforded unique opportunities for today's woman. Associated with these opportunities comes challenges. Segments of society continue to hold gender based stereotypical beliefs limiting women to traditional roles. But a new version of women's potential has emerged in the last quarter century. These new attitudes open up a more expanded scope of roles. They also result …

An Investigation Into The Development, Design, And Feasibility Of A Comprehensive Breast Diagnostic Center, Kelly W. Emrick

Theses

This thesis will focus on the feasibility of implementing, operating, and managing a free standing comprehensive breast diagnostic center for the detection of breast disease.

The important concern for diagnosis, treatment, and management of breast cancer in women is no new theory to the health care industry. Current public awareness of breast cancer is at an all time high. Every day the American public hears some aspect on the subject, whether it is on the evening news, TIME magazine, or just by word of mouth at the office.

This business plan will provide an all encompassing prospectus for potential investors …

Empowering The Survivors Of Downsizing, Marian W. Guidry

Theses

Downsizing, a term relatively new to the business world just a few years ago, has now become a house-hold name. In an effort to trim the budget, companies are reducing their personnel at an alarming rate.

The recent downsizing is having a devastating effect on employee morale. Downsizing threatens the security and self-esteem of survivors and victims. It causes turmoil and shatters the morale inside of organizations.

Survivors of downsizing are faced with the challenge of remaining loyal to the organization, even when feelings of insecurity and cynicism are dominating. Fear is permeating the workplace. Lack of mobility and advancement …

Empirical Research Study Of Rates Of Return On Earnings And Cash Flow, Joseph A. Agiato

Theses

Business valuation texts and reference sources all seem to indicate that the rate of return on cash flow should be between 300 and 600 basis points lower than the rate of return for earnings. Thus, when using a build-up approach to determine the rate of return on cash flow, an addition of between 3 percent and 6 percent is necessary to arrive at a rate of return on earnings. This thesis analyzes the relationship between earnings and cash flow (as dividends) over a two year period from 1993 to 1994.

The purpose of this study was to study the relationship …

The Importance Of Utilizing Older Workers As They Become A More Significant Factor In America's Work Force, Marilyn K. Brown

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of how America's companies are beginning to realize what a valuable asset their older employees have become. These people bring years of experience, knowledge , skill and loyalty to the work place. Contrary to stereotypes of older workers being slow, inflexible, unproductive, costly, uncreative and not adaptable , organizations are discovering that these people in general do not fit this "mold."

Throughout history there has been a change in attitudes toward older individuals. During colonial America, age represented authority, power , arrogance and greed. Around the time of the American Revolution, equality among …

Evolution Of The Workplace: Where Do We Go From Here?, Patricia L. Brockmeyer

Theses

This paper will take the reader on a fascinating journey through the workplace from colonial times to the decade of 2000+. It will be a tumultuous roller coaster ride with victories and sacrifices for both employees and employers. It will begin with the birth of our country when labor was largely concentrated either in agriculture, or people were self employed in retail, or skilled trades. It will identify the somewhat nefarious methods for obtaining servants, from Europe and Africa when indentured servants and slaves provided cheap labor.

Soon the industrial revolution invaded the shores of the new nation and workers …

The Impact Of Corporate Training Programs And Business/Education Partnerships On The Skills Gap Of The American Workforce, Clare G. Romeo

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of the impact of corporate training programs and business education partnerships on the skills gap of the American workforce.

Research indicates that there is an emerging crisis in the American workplace. Increased demand for highly skilled workers, combined with an aging workforce, has created shortages of skilled workers, shortages that are predicted to grow for many years to come. This shortage of skilled workers required by employers is defined as the skills gap.

Some of the causes of the skills gap are demographic trends, technological change and increased international competition. One major factor …

Marketing Student-Athletes, Susan Emilie Sagara

Theses

This thesis explores the increasingly strategic role of parents and student-athletes in marketing themselves for collegiate athletic scholarships. Focusing primarily on high school athletes aiming to secure positions in college athletic programs, Sagarra argues that recruiting is not just the domain of coaches and scouts—it is a business-like endeavor that requires active family involvement. The project examines how athletes and their families can take initiative to promote both academic and athletic qualities, navigate NCAA and NAIA recruiting rules, and leverage external resources such as coaches, scouting services, and media. It discusses the pressures athletes face—emotionally, academically, and socially—and how informed …

The Impact Of Self Directed Work Teams On Organizational Performance, Wanda M. Roane

Theses

This is an expository study that will examine organizational problems that have contributed to the declining health of north American businesses. It will further identify a treatment approach, that when strategically applied can improve a business' performance and ultimately its ability to compete in global markets.

For many years North American Business have operated under a paradigm that embraced the belief that bureaucracy was the best organizational form to achieve business success. Research indicates that bureaucracy, and its failure to focus on people and the role that they play has been a leading cause to the decline in business. Many …

Achieving Complete Customer Satisfaction, Marilyn K. Haag

Theses

The term customer service has changed in meaning over the years. There was a time when it suggested an unpleasant experience for both the customer and the business. Employees tried to avoid complaints because they weren't educated in how to handle them. Over time, customer service evolved into a much broader meaning as companies noticed that the leaders in their industry provided service as part of the sale. When companies began to change their own way of doing business, they began to see profits associated with offering service with the sale, and they found that it can be the "secret …

Self-Directed Work Teams: The New Wave For American Corporations, Janetta K, Cole

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of self-directed or empowered work teams and on preparing a plan to implement the empowered work team in the customer Contact Center in Wentzville, Missouri.

Self-directed work teams are a relatively new concept in the workforce and could be the 90s version of the total quality concept. The philosophy is that first line management takes a step backward and the workgroup virtually leads themselves. Employees are empowered to make the decisions and then act on those decisions to produce a better quality product than before. The concept is designed around teamwork both from …

A Study Of The Internal Restructuring Of A Major Organization, Cynthia Diane Birkner

Theses

This project deals with a study of the internal restructuring of a major organization. It looks at customer service as a whole and how it is effected if internal communication is not at its very best.

Chapter one covers the basics of good customer service and establishes that, if done correctly, good customer service positions a company for success. A key point is that good customer service stems from a positive self image within the company, among all segments of the work force; and that this self image depends on good internal communications dynamics.

Chapter two reviews the literature of …

House Bill 564, The School Health Initiative: An Implementation Manual For St. Charles County, Anne F. Zerr

Theses

This thesis project will be an Applied Learning Expository Study, creating an Implementation Manual for the provisions set forth in House Bill 564, the School Health Initiative.

The manual will be specific to St. Charles County. It will take into consideration the needs of the St. Charles community relative to the health of its school children.

Passed by the Missouri legislature and signed into law by Governor Mel Carnahan in the summer of 1994, House Bill 564 aims to improve health care access for Missouri's children by creating an innovative infrastructure for primary care delivery. It is a multi-faceted bill …

Rational Bias And Its Relationship To The Glass Ceiling, Kelly A. Levengood

Theses

This thesis will focus on the affect of rational bias to the "glass ceiling." Research has suggested that a "glass ceiling" exists in corporate America . It attributes the lack of women in middle and upper management to the "glass ceiling."

Some theorists acknowledge that not all women want to be at the top in management due to the "mommy track" or general lack of interest for that position. However, for those women who desire a position in upper management, some theorists believe women are blocked from upper management positions by the "old boys network" . . . the "glass …

The Conservative And Liberal Debate Over The Success Or Failure Of Welfare Programs In The United States, John L. Rhoads

Theses

This thesis will focus on the debate between liberal and conservative authors concerning the success or failure of the welfare state in the United States of America .

During the 1960's, government involvement expanded greatly through President Lyndon Johnson's great society programs . These programs were designed to alleviate poverty and promote self reliance amongst the poorest segments in society. Overall these programs were accepted by both the general populus and those in government as the morally "right" thing to do.

As time went by, and expenditures and involvement increased, debate surfaced as to how well these programs were doing …

Leadership: Changes Necessary To Remain Globally Competitive In The Twenty-First Century, Donna M. Ludewig

Theses

Ibis thesis will focus on the study of leadership, and modifications a leader must make in leadership direction so that corporations' leaders will empower their employees to perform each task successfully.

Research has suggested many people do not understand the meaning of the term leadership, because it is difficult to measure objectively and define. Leaders normally are not born with leadership skills, but leadership is learned through classroom studies and monitors who possess excellent leadership talent. Organizations must develop new leaders who enhance new ideas. Leaders must communicate effectively, manage the performance of others, analyze situations and use good judgement. …

Empowerment Through Motivational Tactics, Kathleeen M. Bruno

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of empowerment and motivation tactics that are used to increase the action and interest of employees to improve performance. Empowering and motivating others in the pursuit of organizational objectives is one of the most challenging roles of management in today's workforce. A look into past. present. and future methods will be traveled to provide a better understanding of which motivators are the most successful and what tactics are most useful in empowering employees from management's point of view, while at the same time fulfilling the physical and psychological requirements of the employer.

Empowerment …

Graphical Oodb Modeling For Medical Information Standards (Gommis), Jiping Liu

Theses

The graphical representation of database schemata has been a useful tool for the designer and users of database systems. Such a tool for OODB schemata should incorporate a wide variety of symbols which cover most concepts of existing Object-Oriented Database (OODB), so it is sufficient to support a diverse group of object-oriented data models.

In this paper we created a. graphical representation, using the OOdini system and language, of the European Prestandard for Medical Informatics on Message Exchange of Laboratory Information. This European Prestandard describes a standardized format for messages to be exchanged between a. health care provider and a …

Healthcare Reform Through Redesign, Alanna D. Runge

Theses

This thesis will focus on the study of a complex redesign plan that healthcare organizations can utilize through healthcare reform.

Research has indicated that there are numerous individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. In addition, research has supported the rising costs of healthcare today . Because of these two elements, the federal government has launched a healthcare reform campaign. Therefore, healthcare facilities must be able to reengineer the way they currently conduct business.

There have been several redesign plans developed through research. However, the five common components are the delivery services, financial management and cost containment, marketing development, physician relations, …

A Fund Raising Program For An Under Or Non Insured Critically Ill Child, John O'Mara Thompson

Theses

Research shows that fund raising for public or private uses has existed for centuries. Since the 1900's, fund raising efforts have become more organized with specific goals, plans, and time limits, yet they still generally serve the public and not individuals.

Life saving medical treatments that were once regarded as experimental are now readily available yet are not without financial constraints. Unfortunately, the very people who need health insurance to support such treatments find themselves unable to get insurance at any price. Thus, an urgent need for fund raising by private families to finance non compensated health care bills are …

Using Public Relations To Effectively Communicate A Desired Corporate Image Of The United States Postal Service, Dianne Holloway Williams

Theses

The United States Postal Service is a 219 year old American institution that for the majority of those years enjoyed the approval and confidence of the American people. Now, newspaper articles regularly ask whether this public service would be better managed as a private industry.

Sometime after World War II Americans began to lose faith in big business and in the government. The Postal Service was included among those institutions that began to lose public trust. More recently, numerous news reports point to an agency delivering poor service through unconcerned, perhaps even violent employees . This general distrust of government …

Child Care: A Contextual Study And Comparison Of Parental Anxiety At Corporate And Off Site Facilities, Patricia Turner Marsh

Theses

The purpose of this study was to discuss some developmental aspects and trends in day care and to compare the anxiety levels between parents for whom the center was on the work site with those for whom the center was off the work site. The rationale for this study came from the suggestion in the literature that work site day care might be a viable solution to many difficulties dual income families encounter. Thirty-seven individual parents were sampled as they presented their children to a day care center at a hospital in a large midwestern city. The parents were from …

The Development Of A Pollution Prevention Plan, Bruce H. Litzsinger

Theses

This study focuses on the reasons for implementing a pollution prevention program, and the format that such an effort should take . The numerous laws and regulations created by government place a significant burden on the manufacture, handling, and use of hazardous substances, and significant resources are required of industry as a result.

Preventing pollution makes economic sense by increasing operating efficiencies and reducing the costs associated with pollution . Congress and the EPA have made pollution prevention a current priority. The EPA is incorporating pollution prevention into all aspects of the Agency's activities . With regard to industry, the …

The Divestiture Of At&T: Financial Benefit Or Financial Harm To Its Owners, Marla S. Martin

Theses

This thesis examines the history of AT&T, the divestiture of its operating companies in 1984 and the subsequent impact on the parent company, its offspring and the telecommunications industry. The focus is on the impact to AT&T's original owners.

The Bell Telephone Company which spawned AT&T was formed in 1877 with Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone. AT&T became the largest telephone company in the world and one of the most powerful economic forces within the United States. However, over the course of its history, it fought three separate antitrust suits filed by the U. S . Justice Department …