Business Commons^™

Baseball Cards As An Investment, David L. Jackson

Theses

Baseball card manufacturing began in the late 19th century. Collecting those cards soon followed . This child's hobby continued largely unnoticed until the late 1970's. At that time the hobby started a period of exponential growth. In 1979 there was one baseball card manufacturer, in 1989 there are six. Because of this extra demand, baseball cards became an investment vehicle .

This project will examine baseball cards as an investment. It will attempt to discover what motivates those involved with the hobby, why they entered the hobby, their present activity in the hobby and their opinions about baseball cards as …

The Alcohol Industry: Can It Survive The Next Round Of Price Wars? Or, Is It Time To Focus On Price Quality Relationships, Timothy Angus Mccreery

Theses

Unavailable.

Situation Analysis And Promotion Plan For Cushman Interiors, Caroline Mclver Pendleton-Hillmar

Theses

The quality, price and availability of a product (or company) are only important to consumers if they have a need for that product and if they are aware that the product exists. Advertising and promotion make the consumer aware that something is offered to them. Without consumer awareness nothing is sold.

In order to effectively create consumer awareness, an advertiser must know the mood of the buying public, the competitors, and the industry. Through organized gathering of information advertising and promotion may be developed so that consumers may be reached, advertising created, and products sold. This is true of any …

Product Innovation: The Internal And External Factors That Affect The Revival Of A Medical Diagnostics Product, Jonathas K. Tchen

Theses

This culminating project will focus on product innovation. A product reaches the inflection point of the life cycle curve when the product moves from the growth stage to the maturity stage.

Industrial products are reaching product maturity as fast as technology permits. Its is real world situation for product to reach their maturity stage and either find new growth paths or be deleted, from a companies portfolio.

Product managers are the specialists that are responsible in providing the direction necessary to innovate an industrial product. They must be learn how to coordinate internal factors such as shipping, finance, inventory, marketing, …

An Analytical Review Of The Events Leading To The Stock Market Crash Of October, 1929 Versus The Stock Market Crash Of October, 1987, Barbara Lee Peoples

Theses

Investors, scholars, and economists are still arguing about what caused the October, 1929 stock market crash, and the probability is that decades from now, their successors will remain in disagreement about what caused the October, 1987 crash.

As a result of the stock market crash of 1929 , the Great Depression began. Conventional dating of the downturn based on evidence from a variety of sources puts the slump of our economy near the middle of the year. In the popular consciousness - then and now - nothing happened until the stock market crash in the fall of the year. Stock …

Implementation Of A Robotic Workcell, John J. Rogers

Theses

This thesis is intended to provide the reader with some insight into the implementation of robotics technology into an organization. A seven step approach to implementing robotics into an organization was used. The seven steps consist of the following:

1) Initial familiarization with the technology.

2) Plant survey to identify potential applications.

3) Selection of the application.

4) Selection of the robot.

5) Detailed economic analysis.

6) Planning and engineering the installation.

7) Installation.

These steps were applied in an actual organization, the IBM Corp. Real-life processes and operations were utilized in proceeding with the seven step approach. Included in …

The Design And Implementation Of An Information System For A Consumer Product Company Distribution Center, Richard C. Gilormo

Theses

The purpose of the thesis is to design an information system for a consumer product company distribution center from the MIS and distribution center staff perspective.

The design of the information system is based on the steps involved in the project cycle which are necessary for the successful completion of a project. The steps range from requirements gathering to project completion. Each step in the project cycle identifies key areas that must always be addressed, including the pitfalls that must be avoided.

This thesis can be used as a tool for the development of any distribution center information system project …

The Strategic Planning Dilemma In American Manufacturing, James Andrew Kiray

Theses

The decline of American manufacturing competitiveness is a highly publicized and controversial issue. This publicity has led to a panacea of solutions being offered to this problem. As a result, many conflicting viewpoints have emerged, which have aided in making any solution to this problem extremely difficult. Top executives have been inundated with recommendations for change, causing confusion at all levels of management.

In an effort to define the underlying problems existing within the American strategic planning process, this author has selected current literature which supports his own views, and has expended upon these views.

Once these underlying problems are …

Development Of A Knowledge-Based System For Human Error Analysis, Bang-Chiang Sung

Theses

Human Factors is one of several essential issues in a discussion of system productivity. Its consideration must be included in the design, development, operation, and maintenance of any human-machine system. In order to maximize the system productivity, humans must perform with their maximum possible efficiency. To achieve this, all human-related activities must be evaluated to determine their possible causes of errors and the consequences. Then, if unable to completely remove, the causes of human errors must be minimized.

This thesis integrates a knowledge of expert system into an analysis of human errors. Its objective is to develop a knowledge-based system …

The Comparison Of Different Quality Of Working Life Among Countries From A Cross-Cultural Perspective, Jih-Ping Ouyang

Theses

The objective of this study is to focus on the factors underlying the prosperity of Taiwan from a cross-cultural perspective by utilizing Hofstede's (1980) theory and England's (1983) theory. It presents the scores on Hofstede's four indices (Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism and Masculinity), using it to compare with countries, and touches upon England's eleven work goals.

Through research and analysis comparisons of the differences and similarities between Taiwan (Republic of China) and the other countries are found and based on these, the modifications can be made to improve the current managerial pattern. For the past few years, there has …

Computerizing The Human Resource Information System, Dur-Chih Wang

Theses

In the past twenty years we have moved from an industrial society to an information society in which 60% (Personnel, 1985) of the work force is occupied with the creation, processing, and distribution of information. Because of this change in work distribute effective management of information is now and continue to be the key to employee productivity, competitive strength, and economic achievement. The business community is coming to realize that after people, information is its most important asset. At the same time, many aggressive firms are learning to use information technology and their people as strategic weapons to gain a …

Team Development Is An Industry Management Tool Whose Time Has Arrived, Jacquelyn Jean Smith

Theses

This study examines the evolution and practice of participative management within the General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center, with a focus on team development, labor–management relations, and organizational communication. The research situates the Wentzville plant as a case study in the broader context of the U.S. automotive industry’s efforts to implement participative programs during the late 20th century, including quality circles, team-based structures, and employee involvement initiatives.

The thesis highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by both management and the United Auto Workers (UAW) in adopting cooperative approaches to decision-making and problem-solving. Key themes include the role of trust and transparency …

The Changing Role Of The Electric Utility Rates Manager, Richard J. Tutela

Theses

The Changing Role of the Electric Utility Rates Manager will examine the rapidly changing functions of the electric utility rates and regulatory affairs executives. It will explore the changing attitudes, responsibilities, concerns, and required resources of the incumbents. Moreover, it will project and examine the issues which will be of major concern before the turn of the century.

Expectations are that the future functions associated with managing electric rates will soon be significantly different than those in recent past. Further, expectations are to find that if some specific issues which are projected to be of major concern are not properly …

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

The State And Future Of Televised Professional Training Systems, Robert Michael Brady

Theses

This paper investigates the topic of televised professional training -- that is training and educating managers and technical professionals via live or videotaped television broadcasts. The investigation begins with a description of how some typical educational networks operate; it then goes on to analyze in a strictly theoretical sense, some of the advantages and disadvantages that such a system would have compared with the traditional methods of offering continuing education; it then discusses the results of two specially prepared surveys -- one addressed to the administrator/manager, and one addressed to the student. These areas are then united in a final …

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Utilization Of The Theory Of Constraints Approach For Improving A Manufacturing Enterprise Profitability : A Case Study, Yaron Chaut

Theses

The past two decades have been a difficult period for the U.S. as it lost its dominant position in one manufacturing industry after another to Japan. The American worker was initially blamed for this phenomenon - he was too expensive, was less productive, and produced lower quality products then the Japanese worker. The opening of factories in the U.S. managed by Japanese with American workers proved this claim to be wrong, as their products were competitive and often even better then the original Japanese products. It also indicated that the Japanese production planning and control methods are the primary reason …

A Methodology For Evaluating Prospective Investments In Flexible Automation, Werner A. Eikenbusch

Theses

The flexible automation of production systems (FA) provides the technology necessary for competitive success. However, the use of traditional budgeting methods has proved unsatisfactory when evaluating this type of investment, primarily because of the inadequate consideration being given to the resultant strategic benefits.

A methodology considered suitable for evaluating FA investments is proposed together with an illustrative application. To determine its industrial usefulness, manufacturing managers of North American and West German companies were surveyed both via interviews and via questionnaires. Their response confirms the merit of the procedure, despite the differences in competitive foci found between the American and the …

Exploring The Public Administration Of Police/Security Interface, John Richard Carroll Rundel

Theses

Was there a relationship between local police control of private security and tension and misunderstanding between them? Did the above tension and misunderstanding interfere with positive police/ security interface? It was hypothesized that there was a relationship between local police control of private security, tension, and misunderstanding between them which interfered with positive police/security interface.

The central idea of this thesis was : tension and misunderstanding between police/security could be lessened or eliminated by the passage of uniform state legislation. One purpose of this paper was to provide food for thought and further research in contrast to providing definitive answers. …

A Study Of The Rubber Tire Industry, Ronald D. Owens

Theses

The thesis, "A Study of the Rubber Tire Industry," provides an in-depth analysis of structural changes and technological innovations within the tire industry. It examines the evolution of the industry's structure, particularly over the past 50 years, highlighting trends in firm concentration, market behavior, and technological advancements. Key themes include the decline in the number of firms due to mergers, bankruptcies, and acquisitions, as well as the dominance of a few major players like Goodyear and Firestone.

The research delves into how market dynamics, such as the original equipment (OE) and replacement tire markets, influence industry structure. The thesis also …

The Effects Of Motor Carrier Deregulation, Michael J. Scannell

Theses

The Motor Carrier Deregulation Act was brought about by consumer groups that created pressure on Congress to deregulate several protected industries. The airline, telephone, and motor carrier industries that were regulated or governed by Federal Departments were deregulated approximately at the sane time due to the national consumerism of the late 1970's.

The Motor Carrier Deregulation Act appears to have been successful on the surface by lowering the price of transportation; however, in reality it has had a negative impact in certain smaller communities where the lack of service and higher cost has deterred future growth of the community. Smaller …

A Faster Way: A Recommendation To Machinery And Equipment Appraisers, Gerald L. Huether

Theses

Unavailable.

Management Stress And Its Impact On Marital Dysfunction, Thomas J. Kemper

Theses

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the occupational and life stressors suffered by managers and the relationship between this stress and the marital dysfunction of these managers.

The relationship between employee's work lives and their nonwork lives has undergone a number of investigations over the years . One area that has received particular attention is the area of occupational stress, its causes and effects. Occupational stress is something that is no longer suffered by air traffic controllers and top executives Lower level managers are becoming distressed because of the pressures placed on them by corporations to perform, and …

A Synthesized Approach For Data Base Life Cycle Design, Philip J. Morales

Theses

This thesis examines the human and technological issues that are often encountered during the application-driven system design and recommends a synthesized life cycle approach to data base design. The aerospace industry is emphasized due to the highly competitive and regulatory operating environment. Special attention is given to the strategic business planning and end-user involvement in the requirements definition phase of system development. The research consists of reviewing of current literature concerning tools, techniques, and available Information Engineering (IE) methodologies that are the basis for managing data as a resource. The benefits offered by these methodologies along with the experience gained …

Evaluation Of Word Processing Cost Effectiveness, Nicholas E. Tedesco

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to examine the use of word processing technology to determine if its implementation is a cost effective investment. This will be accomplished by comparing the cost of a typewritten page before and after the implementation or upgrade of word processing equipment. The degree of utilization and the impact of utilization on standard costs will also be examined.

Significant difficulty was encountered attempting to locate and compile statistical information on word processing. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 100 largest public and 100 largest private companies headquartered in New Jersey, requesting information …

Application Of Robots In Developing Countries, Badi Uddin

Theses

The increasing versatility of robots has led to their use in a widening range of applications. The robot population is growing at a remarkable pace. The increase in the use of robots in industry has changed the standards of productivity and quality. During past years, as labor costs has risen, safety and environmental regulations have been changed to provide more benefits to workers and capabilities of robots became more sophisticated. Therefore, robots became a valuable piece of production equipment.

Now, robots are able to perform all kinds of hazardous and heavy duty jobs which are harmful to human life or …

A Prognostication Of Just-In-Time Efficacy In American Manufacturing, Mark L. Kahan

Theses

"Just-in-time" is a Japanese philosophy of business management which has as its ideal the complete elimination of waste in the process of adding value to a product. Some experts have contended that its basis is not cultural, but technical, and is thus applicable to American manufacturing concerns. After an initial exploration of economics and productivity concepts, and of U.S. logistics, inventory, and purchasing practices, the matter of Just-in-time will be addressed, both theoretically and in terms of Japanese business and labor relationships and culture. Then, based upon a case study consisting of observations made at a traditional American manufacturer, this …

Process Hazard Review For Drug Development, Rudolph R. Schwarz

Theses

The development of drugs has become increasingly complex, requiring the use of a wide variety of pharmaceutical actives and isolated intermediates, a majority of which are not always completely characterized with respect to their hazard potential. This can present a source of potential exposure to those who handle these substances during initial drug development, manufacturing of the drug active and ultimately the finished pharamaceutical product. It is, therefore, essential that safety and health information be documented and communicated during the entire drug development process.

The need for application of process hazard review techniques to the development of new drug materials …

Recruitment Of Engineers In A Small Company, Robert Cohen

Theses

With most recruitment techniques written for large companies, recruitment of engineers in a small company may be a large problem. A detailed analysis of the engineering employer and employee is constructed making note of large and small company differences. A survey was taken and the results are presented in support of the authors opinions. A generic recruitment technique is also presented, followed by modifications or other considerations to that technique. This should increase the available applicant pool and optimize quality levels of the engineering candidates for the small company.

Management Controls And Modeling With Personal Computers (Pcs) For Material Procurement Within The Department Of Defense (Dod), Stefano Coppola

Theses

As an inevitable fallout of the microcomputer explosion, micro-to-mainframe links have been praised as an effective means of satisfying microcomputer users who insist for more processing power and less dependence on mainframe data processing. Personal Computers used to emulate terminals offer local storage capabilities as well as financial analysis and graphics.

Using a Personal Computer, Lotus 123, and a simulated PC-Link, a management control system was designed to satisfy the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 7000.2 for material procurement.

The resulting model provides both the Government and the contractor's management control system with a reliable, timely, and auditable system that …