"Corporate Japan Says Consumers Will Drive Economic Recovery," - discuss

The article which I have chosen "Corporate Japan Says Consumers Will Drive Economic Recovery," manifests an improvement in consumer spending levels in Japan. In my analysis, I will make an attempt to identify the causes for a boost in consumer confidence levels, and how it affects the national income of Japan, thus revealing an overall effect on the economy. Corporations in Japan have started to breathe easier due to a higher demand for their products by Japanese consumers. In this view, economists and corporate executives are reckoning that this is an indication of economic recovery, also doubling their forecasts to 3.5%. Bigger pay bonuses and improved capital spending is spurring demand for air conditioners, beer, flat panel televisions sets, and many other consumer electronics. Capital spending is the non-residential fixed investment in the Gross National Product (GNP); consists of business outlays on fixed assets like office buildings, as well as purchase of long lived items as trucks, office and farm equipment. Capital spending is one of the major components of economics growth, the other being consumer spending. An economic model of the flow of money in the economy becomes significant when such a situation is being analyzed. A simplified version of the flow of money is shown below: From the above mentioned situation we can tell that as households start to spend

  • Word count: 970
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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"If management accountants are to remain useful to the organisations within they work, they need to keep current with changes in management practices" (Horngern, 2002) Management accounting was evolved from financial accounting in the 19th century

"If management accountants are to remain useful to the organisations within they work, they need to keep current with changes in management practices" (Horngern, 2002) Management accounting was evolved from financial accounting in the 19th century, due to the escalated need for more detailed and timelier information for stock control, product costing and decisions affecting the future. The main aim of it was to "provide timely and accurate information which can help create value" (Atkinson et al). I am going to investigate how management accounting has developed over time and whether it still provides a useful tool to managers. Accounting is now facing new challenges, "business people must increasingly recognise that the challenge now is to help to deliver simultaneously economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity" (Elkington, 1998), which is causing mangers to re-evaluate the practises that are currently conducted. Traditionally management accounting systems were concerned with providing financial information. However in respond to the changing environment an immense emphasis is now on gathering and reporting non-financial quantitative and qualitative information. This resulted in a movement; treating financial figures as part of a broader set of measures instead of foundations of the practise. In the 1950's efforts were made to calculate the total costs

  • Word count: 1709
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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"Is HRM in Crisis".

HRM ASSIGNMENT To critically appraise the statement "Is HRM in Crisis" we need to define HRM. The most commonly used definition of HRM is given below. Meaning of HRM • HRM can be defined as the field of management which relates to planning, organizing, directing & controlling the functions of procurement, development, maintenance & utilization of labor force with a view to attaining organizational goals economically & effectively. Various thinkers have got various views as to what is the function of HRM in the workplace. Presented below are two models: HRM Models Walton views HRM as promoting the feeling of mutuality between management & employees; • Mutual Goal • Mutual Influence • Mutual Respect • Mutual Rewards • Mutual Responsibility Karen Legge views HRM as; • Tool to integrate people with strategic business plan • Tool to integrate people into an appropriate organization culture • Tool to obtain & retain people & use it as a competitive advantage Need For HRM • Increased complexity of organization & employment communication & a distinction between owners, managers & workers. • Decreased number of employers and self employed and enlarged size of work force • Enhanced need for training in view of increased requirement of specialized skills • Public interventions & legal complications in employer - employee relationships IS

  • Word count: 3187
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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"Labour market inflexibility in Europe is the main reason why Europe is not as dynamic an economy as the United States" Critically discuss

"Labour market inflexibility in Europe is the main reason why Europe is not as dynamic an economy as the United States" In not more than 2500 words and not less than 1500, critically discuss the above statement. Introduction Today labour markets in Europe and the USA are often compared and discussed. The general view seems to be that the US has a more dynamic economy, people tend to believe Europeans are worse off than Americans. The main reason given for Europe lagging behind the USA economically is "Labour market inflexibility" other reasons why the European Economy is not as dynamic, include labour rigidities, high taxes, and too big an emphasis on the welfare system. This essay will discuss why US labour markets are considered dynamic and superior, in doing this unemployment, employment and wages. A Historic Explanation Historically the USA and Europe are very different. The USA is a relatively modern country and Europe consists of many countries each with its own individual past. Differences within Europe are a major factor when critically discussing why Europe is behind the USA on an Economic basis. The EU is a group of countries with very diverse countries. Each has varied economic, and to an extent political circumstances. Historically, the Second World War changed the countries in Europe a great deal the effect on the USA was little in comparison. European

  • Word count: 1304
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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"The British Government made a major mistake in not joining the Euro at its outset" Do you agree?

"The British Government made a major mistake in not joining the Euro at its outset" Do you agree? With the beginning of the EMU project in 1999, the British government decided it best for the country to remain outside this controversial and arguably risk bearing project. Many have criticised this decision as part of the ongoing saga whereby the UK remains outside a European project and eventually seeing the benefits decides to join. This was the case with both the economic community and the ERM and when we did join the structure of the project had already been established. However the clear failure of the ERM on white Wednesday, reflecting in essence the failed preparation for monetary union, illustrates how volatile such a project can be. The UK government lost billions of pounds worth of foreign currency reserves in the ERM project and it should never make the same mistake again. Furthermore, the economic community project has not been anywhere near as successful as predicted. With the loss of our free trade with our Commonwealth partners, the UK effectively sacrificed the last remaining threads of not only our cultural history with those nations but our sense of dignity in supporting those nations economically that once made the UK a great power of the world. Now we are effectively stuck inside the European project with a common external barrier to all imports from the

  • Word count: 2505
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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Paul Cronan Case - Ethical Analysis This case involves a corporate response to AIDS in the workplace. The return to work of Paul Cronan, a person with AIDS, after a much-publicized lawsuit, led to a walkout of his coworkers

Paul Cronan Paul Cronan Case - Ethical Analysis This case involves a corporate response to AIDS in the workplace. The return to work of Paul Cronan, a person with AIDS, after a much-publicized lawsuit, led to a walkout of his coworkers. This case documents the circumstances, which preceded the work stoppage. Analyzing this case from Paul Cronan's supervisors point of view there are three main ethical issues to be considered: duty to protect the interests of the company, New England Telephone (NET); obligation to maintain the rights of the other employees; and duty to provide for the safety and privacy of Paul Cronan. There are ample examples throughout the reading to support identification of these three issues. It is evident that there is substantial interaction between Cronan and his supervisors in the early stages of his illness. Cronan contacted his first boss, Charlie O'Brian, asking for permission to leave work for a doctors appointment on three occasions. Cronan disclosed his illness to O'Brian on the third attempt to leave early from work. On his return to work he was instructed by his boss to see the company doctor. Later he contacted O'Brian, asking to be put on medical leave. Months later when he was well enough to return to work he contacted his new supervisor, Richard Griffin, who informed him that he needed a medical release to return to his job. He also asked

  • Word count: 6870
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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There are three main types of management styles. These are autocratic, consultative and democratic.

Management styles There are three main types of management styles. These are autocratic, consultative and democratic. Autocratic The autocratic management style is one where the manager is used to give instructions. They tell people what to do instead of asking for their opinion on the matter in hand. The manager is the only person contributing to the decision making process in the business. Consultative The consultative management style is where managers consult other people before making a decision. This management style is the opposite to autocratic. This type of management style wants to collect more sources of information and opinions before any final decision is made. To do this successfully the business will have good communication channels so that the employees are able to give their opinions easily. The consultative manager will have to have listening skills and also the ability to create the right sorts of channels to consult other people. Things such as newsletters team briefings or suggestion boxes could be introduced to gather employee's ideas and opinions. Democratic The democratic management style involves empowerment. Individual employees and teams are given the responsibility to make their own decisions. The individuals or team is then held responsible for the decisions that it chooses to make. The manager will have to feel comfortable with their

  • Word count: 2137
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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Phones Galore Ltd Business Case Study

The Culture of Phones Galore Ltd Phones Galore Ltd has adopted a very autocratic style of leadership and has not been accustomed to the modern ways of running a private limited company. The current Managing Director of Phones Galore believes that the company is "one happy family". Contrary to this statement, the staff turnover is very high and the employees believe that the business is run very autocratically. There are five main branches within the company: * Production * Engineering * Accounts and Purchasing * Quality * Administration Arthur Dawley is the Managing Director and Head of Sales. However, currently Arthur has asked his nephew to take the role as Head of Sales. This is the first sign that the company's environment is in disorder. The Production and Quality managers have put forward ideas for improvements but have been ignored. Arthur from what the Production and Quality managers have said, only listens and consults to Walter the Accounts and purchasing manager. Arthur is believed to be autocratic but fair simultaneously. Walter was appointed Production manager when Phones Galore became and Private Limited Company. The involvement of staff is very limited as only Walter has an active part. The Managing Director does not involve staff when asking for improvements his methods are of a recluse. Currently he wants to improve the quality of the products but

  • Word count: 2247
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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PPF Economics

Economics - Health Care Questions . The demand for health care is increasing for several reasons. One reason why the demand for health care is increasing is due to the overall increase in life expectancy of people in the UK, as people are living longer the population is increasing and therefore more people are dependent on the health care. Another reason why the demand for health care is on the rise is that people are getting richer and therefore wanting and undergoing more cosmetic surgery which is part of the health care. In addition to this, improvements to technology and the range of treatments available mean that more people are seeking a cure thus the demand for health care is increasing. Finally demand for health care is increasing as a result of higher birth rates and immigration which means a population increase. As more people are brought into the UK they all need health care whether it is private or the NHS however there is an increase in demand. 2. The market for health care clearly illustrates the concept of scarcity. Scarcity literally means that economic agents can only obtain a limited amount of resources at any moment in time; in this case the economic agents represent the NHS and the allocation of their resources e.g. doctors, treatments, etc. The want for health care is infinite as people are in constant demand for it in order to live; because if they are

  • Word count: 873
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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This report sets out to first define what knowledge management is, Secondly show an overview of knowledge management tools and finally describe in detail the intranet ( as a Knowledge management tool) and evaluate its effectiveness in supporting

Knowledge Management Knowledge Management Tools Created by Miss Belete Contents Contents 1 . Introduction 2 2. Knowledge management 2 2.1 Knowledge management definition 2 2.2 Categories of Knowledge 2 3. Knowledge management tools 3 3.1 knowledge management tools definition 3 3.2 Goals of Knowledge management tools 3 3.3 Examples of Knowledge management tools 3 3.3.1 The distance learning information sharing tool (DLIST) 3 3.3.2 Web portals 4 3.3.3 Information retrieval engines 4 3.3.4 Intellectual Capital (IC) 5 3.3.5 Groupware 5 3.3.6 The Internet 5 3.3.7 Intranets 5 3.3.8 Data warehouse 5 4. Detailed description of Intranet as a knowledge management tool 6 4.1 Reasons for my choice 6 4.2 Definition of Intranet 6 4.3 Different uses of Intranets 6 4.4 Content of Intranet which assist in sharing knowledge 7 4.5 Advantages of Intranets as a Knowledge management tool 7 4.6 Disadvantages of Intranets 8 5. Conclusion 9 6. References 10 7. Appendix A, Evidence of referred journal materials 11 7.1 Figure 2, example of reference 1 11 7.2 Figure 3, Example of Reference 2 12 7.3 Figure 4, Example of Reference 3 13 7.4 Figure 5, Example of Reference 4 14 7.5 Figure 6, Example of Reference 5 15 7.6 Figure 7, Example of

  • Word count: 2674
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Business Studies
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