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(2008, 2500 words)
The paper proposes research into the requirements of the airline sector and the core competences of low-cast airlines with the focus on easyJet. The objectives of the study are formulated; the methods of research are described as secondary research with quantitative and qualitative data assessment. The ethical issues of the research, its timescale and resources are identified.
(2007, 16 700 words)
This dissertation focused on the contentious issue of ethical purchasing behaviour in the Norwegian oil industry. It aimed to examine why consumers, despite having the sovereignty to enforce ethical behaviour amongst oil corporations, choose not to enact this power. The dissertation drew on detailed narratives from consumers, oil corporations and environmental groups in Norway. The dissertation would be useful for anyone interested in the issues of CSR and consumer sovereignty.
(2006, 10500 words)
Morrisons was the fifth largest supermarket chain in the United Kingdom, judged by its market share. In 2003 Morrisons revealed a Ú2.9billion takeover bid for the fourth largest supermarket in the UK Safeway. There have been mounting concerns raised over the way in which Morrisons carried out the acquisition, resulting in the subsequent profit warnings. This dissertation examines what are said to be the Ëkeys to successes of acquisitions and how closely, if at all Morrisons followed them. The focus of this investigation is to establish where William Morrisons PLC acquisition of Safeway PLC went wrong and was it due to a lack of both consideration and planning. The author will review the opinions expressed by experts in the area of acquisitions and investigate what they think are the most important things to consider, in order to achieve a successful acquisition. These considerations will then be applied to what Morrisons did in their acquisition of Safeway and outline the mistakes they made.
(2005, 7000 words)
The dissertation reports on Cadbury Schweppes beverage and confectionery company focusing on their operations in the UK and applying a deductive research approach to the analysis of secondary data presented in the review of literature. Theoretical underpinnings of the research include a review of analytical models, i.e. PEST, PorterÌs Five Forces, Value Chain, Ashridge Mission , AnsoffÌs model, etc. applied to the study of the chocolate confectionery industry and Cadbury. The issues of CadburyÌs corporate social responsibility (CSR) are discussed; trends in their future development are identified and provided with strategic and practical recommendations.
(2006, 11 500 words)
The dissertation investigates the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in modern business and CSR perceptions in society. The review of literature touches on the theory of CSR, the evolution of the CSR concept, the issues of corporate ethics, the responsibilities of business, etc. Case studies of The Body Shop and Ben & Jerry are conducted evaluating their practices along the lines of social responsibility and irresponsibility. Conclusions are made about the role of CSR in strategic planning and the methods of enforcing CSR practices.
(2006, 10800 words)
The music industry in the U.K has, in recent years, experienced a dramatic slump in profits. It has widely accepted that this is as a result of piracy and more specifically the illegal sharing of copyrighted material via p2p networks such as Kazaa. Whilst the industry long considered the Internet to be a threat to its ability to protect its copyrights and therefore its profits, it has, over the last year or so, seen how legitimate on-line music selling has the potential to be a profitable revenue stream. It has been argued that the drastic slump in industry profits has been the result of the industry’s slowness to react to the possibilities of the internet as a new distribution medium. This study intends to examine the impact of digital downloading on the music industry in the U.K, playing close attention to developments in the U.S which, as usual, is one step ahead of the U.K industry in terms of how the industry there is tackling on-line developments. The U.S and U.K music industries are world leaders and lead the world in terms of both domestic and export sales (IFPI 2005). The two industries are closely linked, with artists from both sides of the Atlantic featuring heavily in both respective charts. In addition, both markets are dominated by an oligopoly of five major record labels (‘The Big Five’) that all operate on a major international and global level. Many of the Internet entries referred to in this study, by their very nature, also have a global reach. So while this study focuses on the industry the U.K, is must be recognised that the U.K industry cannot be seen as entirely independent of a larger, international and global industry network. This paper has the following objectives: To investigate the cause and effects of illegal digital music downloading in the U.K; To research and investigate, with the basis of the progress in U.S markets, how the U.K music industry will evolve to be able to adapt to the changes caused by digital downloading.
(2004, 16000 words)
The aim of the dissertation is to examine UK banking system as a service industry in the conditions of globalisation and demand for faster transactions. The objectives are to research the case study of HSBC (Honk Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation) in terms of its technological advancement. The methods of data collection are both primary (an interview with a senior HSBC employee) and secondary (survey of books, journals, websites, etc.). The review of literature focuses on the works of Mintzberg (2001) and Potter (1998) defining competitive strategy; Kotler (1990, 1991) and Lambin (1993) defining marketing; Bose (2002) defining CRM; Turban et al (2002) defining e-commerce and business models, etc. The paper gives an overview of banking history covering the period from 1845 to 1995 with the focus on the increasing use of information technology (IT) over the period, and outlines the recent trends characterising the period from late 1990s up till early 2000s. The profile of HSBC activities is presented; SWOT analysis, Application Portfolio analysis, etc. are conducted. The conclusion is made that the use of innovative technology is the key to HSBC success. The paper gives recommendations regarding the work with customers, reduction and staff retention issues, relocations of employees and modification of corporation's philosophy.
(2004, 10 000 words)
The dissertation investigates the role and importance of trust in modern business examining the presence of trust in the customer relations in British biotechnological companies. A review of literature is offered touching on the failure of Enron, the theoretical underpinnings of customer relations, the current understandings of trust, the types and levels of trust, contractual relations, the models of trust formation, biotechnological industry in the North-East of England, etc. Research methods include secondary data analysis and primary research based on qualitative data (semi-structured interviews). Conclusions are made about customer relations in the three analysed companies highlighting the importance of personal trust.
(2006, 12 000 words)
The dissertation investigates the issues of outsourcing public services in the UK reviewing its financial and historical background, theoretical definitions, etc. Cost analysis of outsourcing is conducted with reference to various groups within the public sector (white collar, blue-collar, two-tier workforce) highlighting the benefits of outsourcing, using Porter’s five forces model in analysing the outsourcing market, discussing the implications of private financial initiatives (PFI) for outsourcing public sector service provisions, etc. The application of the Business Process management (BPM) matrix in outsourcing analysis is discussed. Conclusions are made about the ways of achieving best value through outsourcing.
(2006, 8000 words)
This dissertation examines the organizational failure and crisis that Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been experiencing, in particular, around the period of 1998 onwards. It makes a strategic assessment of M&S’ performance using the industrial organization and organization studies literature as a framework. These perspectives view the causes of organizational failure and crisis as external and internal to the firm. The dissertation would be useful for anyone interested in organizational failure and crisis and the performance of M&S over time.
(2006, 11000 words)
The dissertation investigates the strategic and financial position of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a global pharmaceutical company, examining the options for their future development and advising which of the options is best. Literature is reviewed on the subjects of merger and acquisition, profitability studies, divestiture, etc. The global pharmaceutical industry is analysed using Porter’s 5 forces model. Financial reports of GSK are studied; the history of the company’s mergers and acquisitions is reviewed; the key issues currently affecting GSK are analysed using SWOT; strategic options for GSK further development are discussed offering recommendations about the company restructuring.
(2005, 3000 words)
The paper contains a dissertation proposal to study the causes and implications of management failure. Literature related to business failures is reviewed including the analysis of the share collapse of Marconi, the practices of Marks and Spencer, etc. Research methods and tools are outlined; theoretical underpinnings of business success and failure are discussed reviewing the theories of Maslow, Herzberg, etc. The timetable of the research work is presented.
(2005, 11000 words)
The dissertation investigates the role of entrepreneurial behaviour and attitudes to innovation in the UK food retail SME. A literature review provides definitions of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial attitudes, entrepreneurial process, opportunity identification, innovation, etc. UK food retail industry is reviewed. The methods of secondary research are combined with primary research based on interviews conducted in a selected sample of London’s food retail shops. Conclusions are made about the data fit between the theory and the research findings; recommendations are offered for the successful operation of the small businesses in UK food retail sector.
(2006, 9000 words)
The dissertation investigates the reasons behind the global popularity of football reviewing its history and conducting secondary research on the basis of literature related to the globalisation of modern football. Primary research is conducted (using questionnaires and an interview) to study the attitudes of football fans towards the internationalisation of football, i.e. player migration, globally directed football clubs, etc. Conclusions are made about the local and global aspects of football.
(2005, 11900 words)
At the time of writing, despite a 4.9% fall in underlying sales on a comparable trading basis (Financial Times, 2005), Marks and Spencer remain adamant their recovery is still on track. This exploratory case study of the prolific organisation explores the relationship between effective strategic management and perceived increased organisational performance. An array of research methods, including focus groups with stakeholder participants were used to gain an up to date perspective on the organisation’s performance. The type of market the organisation operates in demands an emergent strategy to deal with the changing aspirations of stakeholders, which is at odds with its current planning procedures and cost cutting maximization. This study concludes that if Marks and Spencer is to achieve its statements of intention and its desired performance level it will have to start listening to its stakeholders. Indeed the organisation must stop trying to be everything to everyone and truly go back to concentrating on its core competencies. Ideally this will go hand in hand with exploiting the potential reservoir of goodwill at its disposal from stakeholders alike. Fundamentally, Marks and Spencer must concentrate its efforts further in displaying effective strategic management.
(2005, 10500 words)
The dissertation investigates the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing for IT departments in public agencies. Literature is reviewed on the evolution, types, functions and risks of outsourcing, the issues of outsourcing technology, public sector outsourcing, etc. The analysis is based on secondary and primary research data using questionnaires and case studies of outsourcing strategies developed by IT managers from local government bodies. Conclusions are made about the role of management in outsourcing. Recommendations for further study are offered.
(2004, 16000 words)
The dissertation examines the performance of low cost airlines focusing on the strategies that make low fares possible and offering an overview of the air traffic industry including regulations on its liberalisation, the European single market, the Third Country routes, the strategy of flag carriers, the development of the European low cost carriers, etc. Comparison is made between direct and indirect operating costs of easyJet and British Midland airlines (BMI), and between the current fares of Ryan Air and BMI. Research methods include primary data collection through a questionnaire and a consumer survey. Conclusions are made about the competitive advantage of the low cost airlines and their leadership strategies.
(2006, 3000 words)
The paper offers a research proposal investigating the opportunities for investment in a new electric transport system for the city of Preston in order to attract international students and visitors. Potential customers of the business are evaluated, research methods are outlined; the framework of the report is identified.
(2005, 18500 words)
The dissertation aims to investigate the validity of Michael Porter’s theory in the airline industry conducting a case study of EasyJet. The review of literature includes Porter’s generic strategies (GS), GS critique, contingency and transaction-cost approaches to GS, the ‘value for money’ paradigm, the threats of specialised strategies, etc. Research methodology is described using ‘research process onion’ including research philosophy, approaches, strategies, data collection methods, etc. Primary data is used to collect information (through a questionnaire) on British Airways (BA) and EasyJet’s operations. Conclusions are made about the advantages in the strategy and performance of EasyJet as compared to BA.
(2006, 9000 words)
This dissertation examines the organizational failure and crisis that Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been experiencing, in particular, around the period of 1998 onwards. It makes a strategic assessment of M&S’ performance using the industrial organization and organization studies literature as a framework. These perspectives view the causes of organizational failure and crisis as external and internal to the firm. The dissertation would be useful for anyone interested in organizational failure and crisis and the performance of M&S over time.
(2006, 17000 words)
Performance measurement and management has become increasingly important in the public sector in recent years due to the Governments desire to improve quality and value for money for the taxpayer. In a Social Services setting, Local Authorities are now ranked according to a Star Rating System, which places them along a continuum from the poorest performers (a zero star authority) to the best performers (a 3* authority). This dissertation asked how a Local Authority could use performance measurement and management systems to improve its star rating. In so doing, the performance measurement and management systems of seven Local Authorities were investigated and contrasted to look for best practice. The results of this analysis were then applied to a single Local Authority to suggest how it could improve its star rating. This dissertation would be useful for any student who wants to know how to tackle a large dissertation with multiple methods (both qualitative and quantitative), produce a solid methodology or know more about performance measurement and management.
(2005, 10000 words)
This dissertation examines the effect that advertising has on obesity in children using both quantitative and qualitative measures. This issue has received considerable attention in recent years as the fast food giants have come under increasing pressure to change their menus to include more healthy and nutritious options. Whilst the likes of McDonalds have received the brunt of the criticism, the literature examining child obesity and the effect that advertising has on children has been relatively weak in arguing that food advertising plays a significant role in child obesity. Rather, other genetic and environment factors, including parental influence, exercise, education and socio-economic background have been shown to have the greatest influence on child obesity. Drawing on primary research of some 200 McDonalds customers, this dissertation aims to examine the potential effect that advertising is having on child obesity. It would be particularly useful for students wanting a comprehensive literature review on child obesity and the effect of advertising on children and food choice, as well as those wanting to know how to perform, analyse and discuss primary research.
(2005, 14500 words)
The dissertation investigates football financing in Europe, Manchester United (UK) and Besiktas JK (Turkey). The background of the European major leagues and the English Premier league, is described comparing their revenue sources, wages, turnover ratios, operating profits, etc. The impacts of premiership are discussed. The background of Manchester United is reviewed outlining their strategic goals and financial operations and comparing their performance to that of Besiktas LK.
(2003, 9000 words)
The paper examines the strategic significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) providing a review of literature on the theory of CSR, Maslows hierarchy of needs, definitions of SME, CSR at SME, etc. A case study of the screen and digital printing Company is conducted on the basis of primary research methods (interviews) and secondary data interpretation. Conclusions are made about CSR in respect to employees, customers, suppliers and the community at large.
(2005, 11500 words)
The dissertation aims to investigate the process of post-merger integration providing theoretical information on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), examples of M&A in Europe and the USA, the issues of organizational culture, HRM, communication, etc. Types of integration are identified; the issues of the post-merger integration process are addressed. The research focuses on M&A in the information technology (IT) industry providing the description of the industry background and identifying the features of M&A specific to IT industry.
(2005, 11000 words)
Nowadays organizations, their strategies and management become ever more complex. The study of this dissertation is based on the case study of Nokia Corporation and its strategic performance in the mobile handset industry. The paper consists of executive summary, introduction, literature review, methodology, analysis, conclusions and managerial recommendations on implementation. The Literature review outlines the concept of strategic management and the importance of strategic analysis of the environment, organizational performance and competence. The methodological part justifies and explains the use of PEST analysis, Porters five forces and SWOT analysis as the means to investigate strategic situation of the firm and draw conclusions. The analysis also involves the internal review of Nokia, its corporate culture, mission, objectives and values; considers the strategy formulation and strategic management processes of Nokia. The analysis part shows the way different external and internal factors that have a great impact on Nokias operations and strategies. Managerial recommendations suggest various approaches, as for instance, diversification, in order for the companys to win back its leading positions in the marketplace.
(2005, 17500 words)
The dissertation reports on the strategic position of SAA (South African Airways) offering the companys profile and conducting SWOT and PESTEL environmental analysis, internal analysis, competitor analysis, consumer analysis, market segmentation, positioning, etc. The challenges facing SAA in the past and at present are highlighted; their prospects for going global are discussed and evaluated: the appraisal of former, current and future strategies is made. The paper reviews the relationships between SAA and travel agencies pointing out advantages and disadvantages of the reduced commissions strategy. The issues of passengers luggage safety and staff satisfaction are discussed. Recommendations are made to improve the companys financial viability are contribute to their current growth strategy.
(2004, 16000 words)
The dissertation provides a comparative analysis of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies in the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), and the Confederation of Norwegian Industry (NHO). A literature review touches upon the models of societal behaviour, society structures in UK and Norway, CSR initiatives, UN provisions on Human Rights, international labour standards, organizations roles in society and their relationships with governments, etc. The profiles of CBI and NHO are given highlighting their CSR activities in oil industry (compared through the practices of British Petroleum and Statoil), and in tobacco industry (compared through British American Tobacco and Tiedemanns). Conclusions are made on the findings of the analysis.
(2005, 10000 words)
This dissertation examines the appropriateness and effectiveness of KFCs internationalization strategy in helping it to achieve competitive advantage within Chinas fast food market. Unlike internationalization into other Asian countries, China represents a more complex and uncertain environment for foreign firms. This is the result of a very distinctive political, economic and socio-cultural make-up, which has traditionally been hostile to foreigners. This dissertation helps to unravel these complexities, using the SLEPT approach to outline and discuss the international marketing environment facing firms wanting to enter the Chinese market. Here, socio-cultural, legal, economic, political and technological issues help to provide a framework that highlights why some firms are more successful than others. The literature review also focuses on key cross-cultural marketing issues that firms, planning to engage in marketing campaigns in China, need to take into account. These cross-cultural issues cover issues of differing customer needs, individualism versus collectivism, the independent versus interdependent self, institutions, social conventions, habits and customers, as well as language. In the analysis and discussion that follows, the appropriateness and effectiveness of KFCs internationalization strategy in helping it to achieve competitive advantage within Chinas fast food market is assessed in light of the international marketing environment and literature review, already discussed. Last pages of the file contain 2000 words project proposal for this dissertation
(2005, 12000 words)
The dissertation aims to investigate IT outsourcing looking into the reasons behind it and analysing types, problems, strategies, advantages and disadvantages of IT outsourcing in SME. The study offers a review of literature on the use of information technology in organisations, outsourcing contracts, IT outsourcing in SMEs, IT system viruses, approaches to choosing IT outsourcing service providers, satisfaction evaluation, etc. Research methods include primary data collection (a questionnaire) and secondary data analysis of textbooks, magazines, journals and Internet web sites. Conclusions are made about the use of new IT systems by SME managers and the potential of IT outsourcing.
(2005, 16000 words)
Disabled people remain one of the most discriminated against and unprotected social groups. This has in part resulted from their treatment as second class citizens, protected under social welfare and charity law. However, major pieces of legislation, including the US Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, EU Framework Employment Directive and UK Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 have helped to herald a way forward. Measures have been put in place to enforce countries and businesses to comply with legislation aimed at preventing employment-related discrimination and equality for disabled people. Using the medical (personal tragedy) model and social (or rights-based) model of disability as a framework, this dissertation investigated the issues of disability and employment in the UK and US, providing a critical review of the literature and law.
(2005, 14500 words)
As the competitive environment that firms face intensifies, firms find it more difficult to recruit and retain employees. Once employed, firms need to manage the psychological contract that exists between themselves and their employees. This contract consists of a number of organizational and employee obligations that must be meet. Where the firm violates the contract, it can result in decreased levels of trust, employee commitment and motivation, as well as higher staff turnover. Where the employee violates the contract, the firms performance will suffer. To combat the competitive environment within which firms now compete and the need to retain employees, firms are increasingly employing flexible working practices, including flexi-time, time off in lieu, job-sharing and working from home. In this content, this dissertation aimed to investigate whether these flexible working practices had an impact on the psychological contract; in other words, it aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between flexible working practices and the psychological contract. The dissertation contains an extensive literature review that examines the UK working environment, flexible working practices, the psychological contract and power relationships within firms. Following a comprehensive methodology, a study is conducted examining the working practices and psychological contract of some 200 employees a major UK bank. The result are statistically analysed and presented before conclusions and recommendations are made.
(2004, 9500 words)
The dissertation aims to analyse the divergence between managers and shareholders interests reviewing literature on the role of the finance function in companies, agency theory, corporate governance, shareholder and managerial power, etc. Fundamental research is used in combination with inductive research methods to draw conclusions from specific examples. Recommendations are made about the ways of overcoming agency problems in corporate governance.
(2005, 8500 words)
This dissertation focused on the area of strategic management within the Indian oil industry, based on the case of the Indian Oil Corporation, which is the 17th largest oil company in the world and the No. 1 oil company in India. The literature reviewed examined the key literature on business strategy, competitive advantage and the organisation, the internal and external context of the firm, and the industry life cycle and spectrum of market competition. These areas of theory were used to analyze the performance of the Indian Oil Corporation within the Indian oil industry. This dissertation would be useful for anyone who wants to know about the strategic management literature or know how to apply strategic management concepts to an actual case example. It is also useful in highlighting the general competitive structure of the oil industry.
(2005, 12500 words)
The dissertation aims to investigate intrapreneurial activity within larger organizations identifying obstacles to its existence. An ext |
