n order to address the course learning objective. "...demonstrate your ability to preform 'internal analysis' on a firm..."

Another key objective for a firm is to "Retain Human Capital". Given this, please read the passage below and answer the 2 questions that follow.

-The Blurring Boundaries Between Work and Home

One of the most interesting transformations taking place in the work place today is the rapid blurring of the boundaries between home and office. The following numbers, based on a survey of large companies that employ more than 500 employees, tell an interesting story.

40 percent of large companies allow part-time telecommuting.

16 percent of large companies offer child care centers, some even subsidized by the company.

3 percent of large companies allow employees to bring their pets to work.

1. Do these numbers surprise you?

2. Why do you think companies permit such flexibility, even in an environment where unemployment is high?