Business 11th edition William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor - Solutions

Based on this case and the two previous Graeter's cases, what are the company's most important strengths? Can you identify any weaknesses that might affect its ability to grow?
Can you think of other ways that corporate executives at Starbucks can gauge customer interest in their products and experience using socialmedia?
Do you think this is an effective way to gain customer ideas for new products? Why or why not?
One production team suggested changing the sequence required to paint parts and saved 10 minutes per employee per job in the paint job. How do suggestions'even those that result in small improvements in the production process'improve the company's ability to meet customer demand, improve quality,
Do you agree that a just-in-time inventory system is appropriate for Boeing's 787 production? Explain your answer.
Currently, Boeing has a big backlog of orders for both 737 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.How does the backlog affect its plans for production? What could the company do to increase production without sacrificing quality?
Can you reconcile the company's focus on product quality with its decision to concentrate manufacturing in a place where it's less expensive to operate?If so, how, and if not, why not?
Do you think there will be an impact on quality when the design and development staff is separated from the factory floor by so many miles?Why or why not?
About 40 people lost their jobs when Burton closed its Burlington manufacturing factory.How do you think the factory closing might affect the productivity of the remaining headquarters staff?What impact could it have on product quality?
What steps have U.S. firms taken to regain a competitive edge in the global marketplace?
Before accepting a job at your"dream company," how will you find out about the company's corporate culture?
What are the major corporate culture dimensions of your dream company?
How do they approach customer service?Do you think it works?Why or why not?
Take a look at this blog.What can you tell about the corporate culture of Zappo's?
Analyze HP's approach to delegation and decentralization. Are its choices appropriate for a technology company? Why or why not?
Analyze HP's use of departmentalization. Why are its choices appropriate for a technology company?
How do decisions concerning span of managementand the use of committees affect organizational structure?
How does the corporate culture of a local Best Buy store compare to that of a local McDonald's?
The structure of the two spinoffs is geared toward location, for responsiveness to local needs. How can each of the spinoffs use this structure as a global strength, not just a local strength?
Would you expect the two spinoffs to be flatter or taller, compared with the structure of Kraft Foods before the split? Why?
Would you recommend that IBM use its closest competitors as the models for benchmarking technological innovation? Why or why not?
Virginia Rometty worked for IBM for more than 30 years before she was named CEO. How do you think this experience affects her ability to plan, organize, lead, and control as CEO? Explain your answer.
Graeter's hired management consultants to help improve its training procedures and expand distribution. "I think my cousins and I all have come to realize we can't do it alone," says the CEO. Why do you think the management team made this decision? Does the involvement of outside consultants move
Graeter's current management team bought the business from their parents, who did not have a formal succession plan in place to indicate who would do what. Do you think the current team should have such a plan specifying who is to step into the business, when, and with what responsibilities? Why or
Make a list of possible advantages and disadvantages of the franchise you are considering. What are your rights and your obligations as a franchisee?
Identify issues you need to be aware of as a franchisee.
List at least five reasons why you should choose franchising rather than starting a new, independent business.
Assume that after evaluating your skills, experience, and financial situation, you have determined to purchase a franchise in your community. Identify and describe sources where you can obtain information on what the franchise package should contain.
Develop a list of five issues or topics that you feel illustrates how American Express does an effective job of presenting information on this Web site.
What questions can Open Forum answer for business owners?
Do you agree with Warby Parker's decision to open showrooms inside trendy boutiques in addition to operating on the Internet? Explain your answer.
Why would Warby Parker have eyeglass frames made in China but optical lenses made in America?
If you were writing a business plan for Warby Parker, what critical risks and challenges would you mention? What are the business implications of each risk or challenge?
If you were writing a business plan for Locker Lookz, what would you recommend as an exit strategy? Explain your answer.
When Locker Lookz needed to raise money quickly, why do you think the founders sought financing from family, friends, and a church investment group rather than talking with banks?
Now describe where and how you could obtain the skills and experience you need to be successful.
Assume that you are now age 25 and have graduated from college. Would you prefer to work in someone else's business or one that you would start? Explain your answer.
How much influence are Berkshire Hathaway's stockholders likely to have (or want) over the management of the conglomerate or one of the conglomerate's companies? Explain.a.Take a minute to explore these sites and view some of the projects up for funding. How are these projects organized? Do you
Do you think Berkshire Hathaway should allow stockholders to suggest or vote on potential acquisitions via proxy or at the annual meeting? Why or why not?
Why would Berkshire Hathaway own a number of furniture retailers? Outline the possible advantages and disadvantages.
Name some other examples of horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate mergers you're aware of. Considering the impact of mergers on competition, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of merger?
What do you think the pros and cons of acquiring a competing company are? Create a list of each.
Did the Department of Justice make the right decision when it blocked the merger of T-Mobile and AT&T? Why or why not?
Why are not-for-profit corporations and cooperatives formed? Explain how they operate.
Kimpton sometimes buys individual hotels from other companies, renovates them, and reopens them under a new name.Why would Kimpton do this rather than grow through a merger with a larger, more recognized hotel?
Based on the information in the videos you watched, do you believe that Nike is a good corporate citizen because of its efforts to sustain the planet?Why or why not?
What downsides might Brazil experience by implementing quotas, tariffs, and measures to devalue its currency?
Do you think the efforts of Brazil's government to keep the economy growing will be successful? Why or why not?
Do you agree with Volkswagen's CEO's statement that a car company has to be successful in the United States if it wants to be number one in the industry? Why or why not?
Can Volkswagen be considered a multinational firm? Explain your answer.
Suppose that you blow the whistle and get fired. Which law might protect your rights, and how would you proceed to protect yourself?
Assume that your manager refuses to incorporate any of your suggestions. Would you blow the whistle? Why or why not?
Assume that you are an accountant at ABC Corporation, where you question the company's accounting practices. What legal and managerial changes would you suggest to prevent the use of accounting tricks to manipulate corporate earnings?
How does this CSR example for Pepsi compare with that of its main rival Coca-Cola (see http://www.thecoca- colacompany.com/citizenship/index.html)?
Do you think this is a good example of corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Pepsi Refresh Project was not as successful as the company hoped?
Do you agree with Unilever's approach of promoting its Lifebuoy soap brand in programs to teach consumers about hand-washing? Explain your answer.
Is Unilever applying the economic or the socioeconomic model of social responsibility? How do you know?
Every year, Unilever posts on its web site and distributes to the media a report detailing its progress toward the 2020 sustainability goals. Why would the public be interested in such a report?
What ethical issues are raised by the idea of expecting some people to pay more for a Panera meal so that others can pay less?
How does Panera Cares fit into the socioeconomic model of social responsibility?
Assume that you are now 25 years old and are interviewing for a position as a management trainee in a large corporation. Also assume that this position pays $45,000 a year.1. Describe what steps you would take to prepare for this interview.2. Assuming that you get the management trainee
Today, many companies have a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and other sites beyond their corporate Website. Think of three of your favorite car companies and conduct a quick search using a search engine like Google or Yahoo! Answer the following:1. Name the social
Which of the factors in the business environment seem to be exerting the most influence on Disney's ability to grow? Explain.
What is Disney's competitive situation, and what are the implications for its future expansion and profitability?
How is the Walt Disney Company combining human, informational, material, and financial resources for business success?
Is government participation in our business system good or bad? What factors can be used to explain your position.
Of the four environments that affect business (competitive, global, technological, and economic), which do you think will help and hurt Zynga's long-term profitability?
Of the four resources (material, human, informational, and financial) that businesses combine and organize to be successful, which had the most significant effect on Zynga's growth'and why?
How would you determine whether investing in securities should be part of your personal financial plan at this time in your life? Would you prefer to manage your own investments, or to invest in a managed portfolio like the one that E*Trade offers?E*Trade focuses on two different types of
Take another look at Figure 20.5 (Mergent’s research report for The Coca-Cola Company). Based on the research provided by Mergent’s, would you buy stock in Coca-Cola? Justify your decision by providing specific examples from Figures 20.5.
Suppose that you have just inherited 500 shares of IBM common stock. What would you do with it, if anything?
How do you think that asset allocation, the time your investments have to work for you, and your age affect the choice of investments for someone who is 25 years old? For someone who is 59 years old?
Would you use a full-service or a discount brokerage firm? Explain your answer.
Darden is spending heavily to upgrade the interior of many of its Red Lobster and LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants. How would you suggest that the company measure the financial results of this remodeling program?Why would Darden issue corporate bonds that mature in 5, 10, and 20 years?If Darden
Here’s what Nederlander’s chief operating officer has to say about its business model: “A show has a short lifetime. You go and sell two months out, and the tickets have no value on any day but the day of the show. So it’s a very interesting model in that sense.” How do you think the
If you were the financial manager of Stars and Stripes Clothing, what would you do with the excess cash that the firm expects in the second and fourth quarters? (See Figure 19.5.)
How does an investment banking firm help a corporation sell stock in the primary market?
What is zero-base budgeting? How does it differ from the traditional concept of budgeting?
For a business firm, what type of activities does financial management involve?
Why would Ford rely on both debt and equity financing to fund its turnaround?Ford suspended stock dividends in 2006 and did not resume them even when it had gained access to billions of dollars in credit. Do you agree with this decision? Why or why not?
Use the Internet to obtain information about how to prevent identity theft. Then, according to the professionals, describe the steps someone should take to protect his or her identity.Complete a “security audit” of your personal information and financial records. Based on your audit and the
Lenders generally are reluctant to extend credit to individuals with no previous credit history (and no outstanding debts). Yet they willingly extend credit to individuals who are in the process of repaying debts. Is this reasonable? Is it fair? Explain your answer.
Based on what you know at the time you are answering this question, how would you describe the financial health of the U.S. economy? Of the global economy?
The Federal Reserve is responsible for enforcing the Truth-in-Lending Act. How does this act affect you?
Describe the actions the Federal Reserve took to maintain a healthy economy during the recent economic crisis. In your opinion, were the actions necessary? Were the Fed’s actions effective?
Do you think a fairly small company like The Little Guys still needs a professional accountant after its owners have had so much experience running a successful business? Why or why not?Do you think The Little Guys is doing a good job of managing its cash flow? If so, why, and if not, how can the
Why do you think there have been so many accounting scandals involving public companies in recent years?
How can accounting information help you evaluate a potential investment?
Why would the Recording Academy hire Deloitte instead of having its own employees count votes for the Grammy awards?
Each year E*Trade helps millions of individuals evaluate and invest in publicly traded companies. It also operates a Corporate Services business that helps firms, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, manage their stock plans. What type of business model(s) is E*Trade using?What are some of the
Give an example of an unethical use of computer technology by a business.
What are the characteristics of Columbia’s target audience, and how do these appear to be affecting its advertising?
What are the ingredients of L.L.Bean’s promotion mix?L.L.Bean is reaching into “alternative” promotions, including outfitting Weather Channel meteorologists around the United States and emblazoning its name on the tarp used by the Red Sox baseball team to protect the field during rain delays.
Which kinds of retail outlets or products require mainly order-taking by salespeople?
Is promotion deceptive? What is your evidence that it is or is not deceptive?
Why would a firm with its own advertising department use an ad agency?
What is Panera’s promotion mix, and why is it appropriate for the company’s situation?How would you suggest that Panera evaluate the effectiveness of its advertising? Be specific.
How would you classify Costco as an in-store retailer? Why?Evaluate Costco’s objective of achieving a 14 percent profit margin. Explain your answer.How do you think physical distribution affects Costco’s ability to satisfy its customers?
Which distribution channels does Taza use?If Taza wanted to grow its sales by broadening physical distribution of its products, do you think it should work more closely with its wholesalers or with its distributors? Why?

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Business 11th edition William M. Pride, Robert J. Hughes, Jack R. Kapoor - Solutions

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