Abstract
Japan is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the global business environment. It is imperative to gain an understanding of this nation's unique and intricate culture in order to facilitate success business ventures with its people. This paper first discusses an overview of the Japanese culture, including basic facts, history, government, religion and economy. An in-depth analysis is then performed on Japanese business practices, including Japanese values, meeting etiquette and protocol and women in the business world. Lastly, implications for domestic and international managers within Japan are examined. Also included are numerous interviews with businesspeople who have or are working in Japan to contrast their perspectives with those of North Americans.

Table of Contents:

Basic Facts
A Brief History
Japanese Government
Religion
The Japanese Economy
Japanese Business Practices
- Values in Practice
- Meeting Etiquette and Protocol
- Women in the Business World
Management Implications

Appendices:

Appendix I
Interview Results
Appendix II
Japan's Placement on
Indices in the Text
Appendix III
Top 15 Important Lessons Every Business Person Must Know Before
Doing Business WITH or IN Japan!
Appendix IV
How Culture Affects Management Approaches: Cultural Dimensions
Appendix V
A "Must-Know" List of List of Japanese Culture and Customs
Addendum
Article Summary: Current Intercultural Issues and Challenges

From the Paper
"The Japanese have a deep-rooted culture and value system that helps to dictate their daily business dealings. Primary to these values is the concept of trust and of establishing long lasting relationships. The Japanese will go to great lengths to get to know their business counterparts in order to feel at ease with them. Thus, when Western managers first meet their Japanese counterparts, they should be ready to participate in discussions that cover topics such as personal hobbies and family life. Moreover, after creating a bond of trust between the two parties, it is expected that the relationship will last for some time as the Japanese value long lasting relationships that are of mutual benefit. This concept is based on the Japanese heritage of being an isolated nation where people stayed in one place for a long time and thus formed long lasting relationships."

Tags:akihitu, emperor, hokkaido, honshu, kyushu, shikoku, yen

Abstract
This paper examines and compares the accounting systems used in the operating of the two European telecommunication giants - French Telecom and Deutsche Telekom. It looks at how each of these systems work best for the specific company and how it suits the needs of the economy of France and Germany. Includes appendixes of a comparison of financial reports.

Preface
Introduction
Different Accounting Systems
Classifications
Accounting Measurement Techniques
Corporate Governances
Foreign Currency Translation
Segmental Reporting
Financial Ratio Analysis
Conclusion
Reference
Appendix

From the Paper
"The telecommunication market is expanding rapidly in European countries. France Telecom as one of the outstanding telecommunication operators both in Europe and the rest of the world. In year 2000, France Telecom had a great score which have 77 million worldwide customers; 33.7 billion Euros in revenues by the end of the year. Such great achievements create solid foundations to support the strategy they have used, which is focus on high growth business to continue to expand in France and develop the businesses in the rest of Europe. France Telecom has modified the presentation of its accounts for better reflect its operations and wireless activities."

Tags:analysis, classifications, corporate, currency, foreign, governances, measurement, ratio, reporting, segmental, techniques, translation

Abstract
This paper explains that, while being exemplary on the domestic front in terms of social and environmental issues, its labor practices are less than admirable. The author points out that Nike's many environmental and social projects demonstrate its commitment not only to its shareholders but also to the community from which it was founded; Nike has adopted the goal of sustainability into many facets of the manufacturing and production of its products. The paper relates that, although Nike has adopted a so-called Code of Conduct concerning its labor practices, which is supposed to endorse the health and safety of all its workers, in real life situations, this dogma appears to be less than true as observed in its factories in Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and China.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Executive Summary
The History
Social and Environmental Commitments
Labor Practices and Allegations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In February 1993, the Nike Environmental Action Team (NEAT) arose out of Nike's efforts to coordinate specific environmental efforts in its business practices around the world. The team's mission was to develop answers to the problems that Nike's business posed to the environment. Since then NEAT has implemented many changes in Nike's fundamental goals and objectives concerning their impact on the environment. At the center of the team's work are the issues of pollution prevention and sustainable development. Every year changes are made to the materials and compounds used in creating Nike footwear and apparel. New technologies have enabled Nike to reduce the amount of basic materials required to manufacture each pair of shoes. Also, these technologies have led to other improvements such as a widespread reduction of PVC content in rubber; and recently, the development of new eco-friendly water-based adhesives as opposed to traditional chemical adhesives which are toxic and pollute the environment. In terms of environmental aid and awareness Nike's greatest innovation has been the invention of Nike REGRIND, made possible by the Reuse-A-Shoe program. Similar to how Xerox inc. refurbishes and reuses high quality parts from leased copiers, Nike reuses the rubber soles from used runners it collects and grinds it up to be reused in other products."

Tags:code, commitment, sustainability, pollution-prevention, allegations

Abstract
This paper explores globalization, intuition and diversity and discusses how they are transforming the role of organizational managers and placing significant pressure on business leaders. It examines the varying management challenges and remedies that continue to evolve in establishing and maintaining a competitive place amidst uncertainty in the global market.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Globalization
Intuition
Diversity
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Globalization, intuition and diversity will continue to impact the manager's role in business growth in a substantial way. Their roles have been transformed to accommodate a new consumer base, employee base, and societal base. The global market is consistently an environment in which businesses eat or be eaten, placing significant pressure to maintain a cutting edge lead at all times. Managers must be adaptable to a wide range of conditions and circumstances, and they must be equipped to respond rationally and intuitively to situations that arise. They must match power with knowledge and be open to learn about cultural diversity and local issues in the global market. They must balance their attention between global growth and social responsibility by building and nurturing human capacity. The role of managers will continue to evolve as new doors open through global enterprise and diversification."

Tags:leaders, competition, employee

Abstract
This paper discusses globalization and uses three theoretical perspectives from which the phenomena can best be described - institutionalism, pluralism and Marxism. It examines each of these theories in depth in order to establish which offers the best explanation for globalization. The paper concludes that no theory is adequate to explain the effect of globalization, but that pluralism offers the best chance to ward off some of the negative affects of globalization.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the most meaningful explanation of these diverging interpretations of what globalization is and how it should be defined is the result of the varying theoretical stances of academics on how best to conceptualize a nation-state. Specifically, the nature of the challenge that that globalization will have on a state, and the correct prescription for action, depends on what theoretical interpretation of the state to which one subscribes. Institutionalists note the proliferation of private and often oligopolistic networks of trans-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the issues which they both address, and fail to address. For Marxists, globalization is a process of "hollowing-out" the state and enhancing the power of trans-national capital. Finally, the closed and intergovernmental model of trans-national relations appears to frustrate attempts at plural influence, removing many issues for the preview of domestic democratic governance. It will be suggested that no theory is sufficient to solve the problems associated with globalization, but that pluralism offers the best prospect for incremental progress."

Tags:governance, national, democratic

Abstract
The following paper gives an analysis of adidas supply chain management and discusses what Adidas' current position is in terms of the supply chain . The writer further examines what actions Addidas are taking to deal with the suppliers and buyers. Finally this paper investigates the relevant globalized drivers such as: market drivers; cost drivers; competitive drivers and government drivers and integrates all of these products into three specific consumer-group targeted divisions: FOREVER SPORT, ORIGINAL and EQUIPMENT.

Introduction
Overview of the footwear industry
Introduction
German market

Company information
General information
Strategic Business Unit (SBU)

Strategy
Brand Strategy

Global Market
"Street Ball" and Common customer needs
World Cup "Multinational company" battlefield
"Feel the Breeze"

Cost Management Manufacturing Strategies
Technologic innovation

Government Forces
Political Risks
Say NO to Indian Leather

Global Competitors
Nike
Global Challenges

From the Paper
"Adidas have become successful because of the brand strategy they are using, also the focus on the quality of the products, which they produce. adidas feels that it can gain an advantage over competitors by making a product that which is extremely technologically advanced. While many companies in the shoe industry try to gain an advantage-using price such as Nike and Reebok, however, that the quality of their footwear make customers return. For the future, adidas look to expand the manufacturing to satisfy the large the demand for its products. The desire to increase its share in the market requires it must lower the cost of producing the products making the company more efficient.Furthermore, adidas must diversify to maintain high-level of trade and strength in order to have a bright future in the athletic footwear market. The strength of this market but will have to improve their products to retain the strong demand for their products."

Tags:advertisement, management, nike, reebok, strategy, modernising, restructuring, international, competition, technologies, quality, products, value.

Abstract
The author of this paper has divided it into two parts to gain a better understanding of the Japanese wine market. The contemporary aspect of the general Japanese market has been presented within the first part. It comprises the domestic production trends, the importer trends, a consumption analysis and the legislative laws which influence the wine market. The second part of this article looks at the vehicle to enter and the distribution channels of this product. It discusses how wine be sold successfully and how it competes with the local wine industry. It also discusses importation tips for importers.

From the Paper
"It is often said that Japan is one of the most difficult markets for a foreign company to penetrate. The lack of understanding of Japanese business culture and complexity of the market are seen as barriers to entry. Before we make clear why we choose wine to get in the Japanese market, we need to know what is the environment within and how we use the strategy to enter this market."

Tags:asia, direct, fdi, france, french, italian, italy

Abstract
This report consist of six parts -
The first part briefly analyzes the market position of sample cross-border acquisition companies: France Telecom and Orange Plc and finds out their pre-acquisition industry aspect.
Second part determines the motives for merger and acquisition of these two companies. How synergy plays an important role in this stage.
Third part finds out the respective strategies each company adopted, how acquirer uses proper tactics to takeover other one and how the vulnerable company defenses its position. Within this, the report also presents the decision making that why the Board of Directors of the target company would accept the bid.
Fourth part reviews the possible methods that the companies could use to finance the merger or acquisition.
Fifth part analyzes the market share movement in terms of pre-merger, during merger, and post-merger. And also according to the chart to find out if the merger or acquisition benefits to shareholders.
Final part discusses the possible factors besides the market share movement that influence shareholder wealth. In some extent analyze if the merger or acquisition served to help the maximization of shareholder wealth.

Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction
An overview of the pre-merger market positions
Motives for the merger and acquisition
The defenses and attack strategies
Financing methods of merger and acquisition
Share price analysis
Evaluation of merger and acquisition
Conclusion
Reference
Bibliography

From the Paper
"Market power exists when the firm can sell its products over the existing competitive market price or when its manufacturing, distribution, and service costs are lower than competitors?. Michael A. H. Jeffrey S. H. R. Duane I. (P151, 2001) argued that the effectiveness of decisions made and actions taken result in the firm developing market power in terms of both revenues and costs. Market power is a product of the firms' size, the degree of sustainability of its current competitive advantages, and its ability to make decisions today that will yield new competitive advantages for tomorrow."

Tags:acquisition, deutsche, finance, financial, financing, france, management, merger, orange, share, telecom, telecommunication, telekom

Abstract
This paper looks at the privatization of healthcare in Canada. Under the NAFTA, health care in Canada cannot be preserved if there is private operation. Once a province has decided to allow the operation of private health care and HMO?s, then under the NAFTA every province in Canada is obliged to do the same. This is irreversible since by allowing the change toward privatization an alteration has been made to a NAFTA reservation.

From the Paper
"One of Canada's greatest legacies can be considered to be its socially funded Medicare system, founded by Saskatchewan Premier T.C.Douglas in 1947. Ongoing conflict in 1984 between the federal and provincial governments over health care expenditures eventually led to the passing of a new legislation identifying the five basic principles of the Canadian public health care system. This legislation was the Canadian Health Act of 1984, and it was strongly lobbied for by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). "The federal government took the position that extra-billing and user fees were eroding Medicare, and further that if those practices were allowed to continue and increase, a two tiered system of health care would develop, one for the rich, and another for the poor" (Kerr, J.R., & MacPhail, J., 1996)."

Tags:11, agreement, alberta, american, bill, canada, care, free, gats, health, north, nursing, trade, wto

Abstract
The following paper offers an overview of the impacts of globalization on developing countries, the arguments made against globalization, as well as corresponding rebuttals. Also identified are methods by which countries can reap the rewards of this process, while remaining realistic about its potential and its risks.

From the Paper
"Globalization offers extensive opportunities for worldwide development, but this process is not progressing evenly. The richest 225 people in the world have a combined wealth equal to the annual income of the poorest 47% of the world s individuals. (Crafts 2) Countries that have been able to integrate with other nations are seeing faster growth and reduced poverty. However, many nations have not been so fortunate, especially in developing areas. One in four individuals across the world lives in abject poverty, without access to adequate food, clean water, sanitation, essential healthcare or basic education services. This is both the principal moral issue facing the world as well as the utmost menace to the future security and stability of the planet. Many of today s problems, such as war and conflict, mass migration, and environmental degradation are rooted in poverty and inequality."

Tags:access, adequate, annual, areas, basic, beneficial, capital, causes, circulation, clean, competition, complex, conflict, countries, country, critics, degradation, develop, developed, developing, development, direct, earth, economic, education, employment, environmental, equal, essen