Abstract
This paper examines the history of General Motors and its current economic status. The writer explains the four geographical regions that GM operates in, and compares the results of each of these. It then looks at GM's sales - its major successes and its less popular cars. The current economic slump in the United States has also had its effect on GM and this problem is analyzed, including examining the latest financial reports of the company.

From the Paper
"General Motors was founded in 1908 and has been the largest manufacturer, designer, building and marketer of cars and trucks throughout the world since 1921. It sells vehicles in more than 200 countries worldwide and maintains assembly, manufacturing, distribution or warehousing operations in 53 of these countries. In 2000, it sold 8.6 million cars and trucks constituting 15.1% of the entire world vehicle market (the world's biggest share) at $4.5 billion net sales and $184.6 billion in revenues. (General Motors). It envisions itself as the enduring world leader in transportation products and related services, whose goal is "to maintain this position through enlightened customer enthusiasm and continuous improvement, driven by the integrity, team work and innovation" of its employees. (General Motors)"

Tags:motor, vehicle, transport, market, global, ford, loss, manufacture, car

Abstract
This paper uses the hypothesis statement, "The typical American drinks on average 3 or more 8 oz. caffeine beverages a day" to demonstrate hypothesis testing. The author points out the steps in the five-step hypothesis test: (1) formulate a null and an alternative hypothesis; (2) select a level of significance or risk for the research; (3) identify the test statistic; (4) formulate a decision rule and (5) do the calculations and make a decision. The paper relates that hypothesis testing can be used to test any claim about a parameter.

Table of Contents:
Research Issue
Hypothesis
Five-Step Hypothesis Test
Results
Other Uses of Hypothesis Testing
Excel Spreadsheets
Hypothesis Test: Mean vs. Hypothesized Value

From the Paper
"A one-tail test is a test that indicates a direction. This direction can be indicated by the use of words such as less than or more than, or it can be indicated by the use of the greater or less than mathematical signs. The direction of the tail is determined by which direction the alternate hypothesis points. A two-tail test is needed when the words or signs equal and not equal are used. By looking at the hypotheses, Team B determined that they will be conducting a one-tail test to the right."

Tags:tail, test, test, alternative, null, population

Abstract
This paper uses key marketing tools such as PEST, SWOT, Ansoff Matrix, Five Forces Model and Product Portfolio Balance throughout its analysis. These tools help show where Tesco is at currently and where they will be in the future. The final section includes recommendations and cautions in making a decision to pursue investment opportunities with Tesco.

From the paper:

"Tesco has a very strong presence in the UK and is quickly expanding internationally. In fact, they recently received the distinction of being named as one of the top ten grocery retailers. With this distinction, the board decided it was worth investigating Tesco as an investment opportunity. The investigation must take a good look at Tesco?s ICT configuration. Their configuration and potentially future configuration is important due to the role technology plays in keeping a company organized and serving its customers."

Tags:profit, growth, company, case, study, supermarket, marketing, tools, investment

Abstract
The paper discusses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. These attributes are first discussed textually and then graphically illustrated in factor evaluation matrices. Finally, these issues are assembled in a table for composite viewing. The paper notes that Harley Davidson is intent on growing organically but risks sacrificing its brand equity to do so.

From the Paper
"The existing vision at Harley-Davidson, first enunciated in 2004, is to develop a sound policy of sustainable growth in the long-term and its mission is to develop a balance between supply and demand in the market. In order to adhere to these vision and mission imperatives, Harley-Davidson has articulated a strategy based on the following objectives: establish core growth rates year on year of between 7-9%, increase revenue from the Parts & Accessories division and ship no less than 339,000 units worldwide yearly. (We, 2004). Opportunities and Threats: Harley-Davidson actually has more success selling its higher end products than its low-end products. Harley-Davidson can therefore target its high-end, high-margin products for additional advertising and marketing."

Tags:harley, davidson, swot

Abstract
As Internet usage for both personal and professional purposes continues to increase, it is essential that e-based businesses keep a close eye and open mind on the evolvement of web-based technologies. E-business is booming, but without a strategic plan in place that provides flexibility, many companies will miss the E-business train. The author of this paper feels that the key to ensuring that a company will emerge stronger and more successful in the struggle for e-survival will come from its ability to use new Internet business tools, and not to completely abandon them. One of these tools is the many Internet surveys now available. They can provide organizations with the ability to monitor, analyze and identify trends as to where their customers are coming from (e.g., both geographically and intellectually), who they are in relation to demographics, and what their preferences are. This report reviews survey methodologies and results from the Graphics Visualization and Usability (GVU) Center of Georgia Institute of Technology, and from the Survey.Net of the InterCommerce Corporation.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Differences in Data Collection Methods
Strengths of GVU and Survey.Net's Methodology
Limitations to GVU and Survey.Net's Methodology
Overall Differences in Findings
Conclusion
Appendix A (Research Methodology Chart)
References

From the Paper
"The latest GVU survey (Survey #10) was completed in May 1999, and the latest Survey.Net survey was completed in March 2001. Although the increase in time from one survey to the other undoubtedly has some effect to the results, for the purposes of this report, we will eliminate the date factor.
The GVU survey and the Survey.Net utilized the same basic data collection method. They both relied strictly on online responses. Survey.Net did not specify the criteria used to collect data, but GVU went into a little detail. The company placed announcements on Internet related newsgroups; it sponsored banners that were randomly rotated through high-exposure sites and advertising networks; it placed announcements in popular newspapers and trade magazines; and it distributed announcements of the survey to its survey mailing list. I'm guessing that although GVU used another form of media (i.e., newspapers and magazines) to advertise the survey, participants were still required to post their responses via the Internet."

Tags:business, commerce, customers, gvu, market, net, survey

Abstract
This paper describes a business research problem on a theoretical business, the methods for testing the hypothesis, the data collection method, sample size, assumptions, levels of measurement, and the descriptive statistics that will be needed. The study uses statistical data gathered from initiating research in a business, examining problems related to customer retention in a retail environment. The business is a large chain of bicycle shops in the Northwest United States.

The Business Research Problem
Methods for Testing a Hypothesis
Data Collection Method
Sample Size
Assumptions
Levels of Measurement
Descriptive Statistic Needed

From the Paper
"The business research problem is how to retain first time customers and bring back former bicycle shop customers. The bicycle shop carries a database of 6,000 total customers. Of the 6,000 customers, 2,000 are current customers. The bicycle shop's new customers are approximately 23 per week. The percentage breakdown for all categories is 65% men, 35% women. A current customer is someone who has used a bicycle shop service in the past six to eight weeks. A former customer is someone who has not used any of the services offered in the past year. The hypothesis to be tested is as follows: New customers and former customers will be retained and visits increased by mailing customer service oriented surveys. Through mail-in surveys over a period of time, analysis will be able to prove if this is correct."

Tags:multiple, regression, Likert, technique, z-test, t-test, ex, post, facto, design

Abstract
This paper examines how technology has enhanced significantly the accessibility for researched information. It looks at how market research is used as a tool in every business, providing the managerial role with useful and accurate information, and how its use is important in making accurate and effective decisions. The limitations of the research are also discussed with reference to secondary market research via the Internet.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Method
Personal Banking Market (Internet)
Measurement
Discussion of Results
SWOT Analysis of the Banking Industry
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The smaller industrialized companies use secondary research: seeking a preliminary look at what is going on in the market. It is certain that big companies will use primary research as an essential means, then go out and commission the research. Companies like Pfizer, Nokia and Coca-Cola, which have outlets in many countries will take huge primary research projects when needed "which can cost up to 30,000." Primary research consists of surveys + quantitative methodology and an advantage of this research is that it can be used to find out whether a products' price can be increased."

Tags:information, performance, technology, market

Abstract
This paper analyzes five of the most commonly used methods of risk management, establishes the differences, similarities and effectiveness among the given methods. and then draws conclusions regarding the effectiveness of each method.

From the Paper
"Project development, especially in the software related field, due to its complex nature, could often encounter many unanticipated problems, resulting in projects falling behind on deadlines, exceeding budgets and result in sub-standard products. Although these problems cannot be totally eliminated, they can however be controlled by applying Risk Management methods. This can help to deal with problems before they occur. Organizations who implement risk management procedures and techniques will have greater control over the overall management of the project. "

Tags:boehm, company, development, engineering, framework, methodology, organization, organization, personal, policy, problem, project, riskit, serim, serum, software

From the Paper
"Statistics is a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, organization and analysis of numerical data the application of this information to make informed decisions in a variety of applications. Statistical results may be used to forecast business trends, define the extent of prevailing opinion throughout a given population, changes in availability of resources or assets, and provide quantifiable answers to questions in almost every type of business, social or political area. (Encarta) Professor Edwards of the Andover Theological Seminary defined statistics as "the ascertaining and bringing together of those facts which are fitted to illustrate the conditions and prospects of society.""

Tags:history, probability

Abstract
This paper explores e-commerce and the legality of such translations that are increasing so rapidly. The paper examines the formation of electronics contract and discusses the position it holds in law. Case studies are included in the paper.

From the Paper
"Amazon.co.uk is a web site company that sells books, DVDs, CD's, software and video games. In their terms and conditions, it says: Acceptance will be deemed complete and will be deemed for all purposes to have been effectively communicated to you at the time Amazon.co.uk sends the e-mail to you (whether or not you receive that e-mail)? " As in the postal rule " whether or not acceptance is received, it will be deemed to be an effective contract."

Tags:commerce, cases, contract, electronic, law, legal, postal, registration, rule, web, site, e-commerce, e-mail, trade, transactions