Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Vol. 02 (September 2009)
Permanent URI for this collection
This issue was originally published September 12th, 2008.
Copyright Policy
Authors retain copyright of their work. By submitting their article to BCOM Best Business Research Paper, the author grants the journal the rights for first publishing. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Note from the editor(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Goerzen, AnthonyItem Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Volume 2 (September 2009)(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009)Complete issue for Volume 2, September 2009Item Singapore's small business sector and the financial crisis: Is the small business sector positioned to survive?(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Cameron, HeatherGlobal financial distress caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis has created several difficulties for the nations of the world. One of the most prominent of those areas affected is the small business sector, as businesses struggle to receive access to credit and demand for products and services. Singapore, one of Southeast Asia’s most thriving economies, has been heavily impacted by this crisis. This paper discusses the topic described above and focuses on the nation of Singapore. The information presented has been sourced from online newspapers, government and company websites, personal interviews, and academic literature. This paper will examine how small businesses have been aff ected by the crisis, what assistance the government has provided to support the small business sector, and what strategies small businesses should adopt in order to minimize risk and ensure competitiveness. Several accounting concepts will be applied to illustrate how businesses can mitigate risk. This paper proves that the small business sector in Singapore is fairly well-positioned to recover from the financial crisis. It illustrates that despite the impact of the crisis on the Singaporean economy, small businesses have been equipped with extremely supportive government assistance programs and other external sources of support. However, it is suggested that small businesses must also examine their internal operations and adopt the necessary changes in order to survive. This paper concludes that small businesses in Singapore who are able to adapt to changes inherent in the marketplace have the opportunity to derive a competitive advantage over those who resist change.Item The influence of culture on business and corporate social responsibility in France(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Weberg, HeatherIn today’s global marketplace, corporate social responsibility has become essential to longevity and success of the business model. With emergence of the triple bottom line approach to management, corporations face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable business practices, promote transparency in financial reporting and acknowledge stakeholder interests. This paper attempts to utilize the theoretical framework based on the triple bottom line to examine French business practices and gain a better understanding of the profound impact that culture has on corporate social responsibility. In this context, analysis of three cultural elements that have influenced corporate policy in France for centuries: dignity, honour, and patrimony, provide an international perspective on business. While corporate culture in North America has been criticized for its obsession with profit maximization in the short run, French businesses have respected cultural values in promoting a holistic, long-run approach to social responsibility. Therefore, valuable lessons can be learned from the French whose approach to corporate social responsibility hinges on the intrinsic link between consumers, fi rms, a market economy and the realization that in order to achieve sustainable development, a model of growth must embrace all elements of the dynamic business environment.Item Small but mighty: Environmental sustainability in Singapore(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Casey, TerraThis research paper’s objective is to identify the ways in which Singapore is a global leader in environmental sustainability. Focusing on water conservation, reclamation and waste management, this paper describes the initiatives that Singapore has successfully implemented, the ways in which it has done so, and suggestions on how other developed countries, such as Canada, can become more environmentally responsible through the integration of government initiatives and policies. Results indicate that Singapore is successfully meeting its various goals, and is striving to further its development of initiatives in an effort to continue to be a global leader in environmental responsibility.Item A sui generis system: An in depth analysis of European Union governance and political innovation and its effect on business(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Spicer, MikeThe formation of the European Union (EU) just over 50 years ago signalled the beginning of a new era for European businesses. The eventual removal of trade barriers and increased co-operation between members along with the more recent eastern expansion has led to a more interdependent system where some firms are struggling to sustain their competitive advantage. This paper attempts to clarify the EU’s unique blend of capitalism, governance and corporate lobbying as an example of Europe’s history of political innovation. Secondarily it investigates the effects these factors have on business within the EU, with emphasis placed on the Dutch business environment. Indeed, the EU is a constantly evolving political structure that highlights the increased pressures of globalization and economic interdependence. Furthermore, the greater liberalization associated with the EU has encouraged the Netherlands to pursue a strategy of more strict market capitalism, a departure from its social welfare roots. The establishment of multi-issue politics participation in multiple trade associations and interest groups, as well as more informal networks, has become a source of competitive advantage for Dutch firms. Due to their ability to maintain high positions within these associations and create a standardization of group actions, firms can influence the outcome of the EU’s decision-making process. Although the EU has brought about many changes within the structure of its members’ business systems, it is also reflective of the trend of globalization. This paper illustrates the interdependence and interaction between firms and political institutions within the European Union.Item What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: China and the global financial crisis(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Manson, MalcolmThe financial crisis of 2008 has caused serious problems around the world. Recent developments indicate that China has and will be affected. However, if China acts quickly and effectively, it may be able to come out of the crisis stronger than before. The Chinese strategy to combat these effects is to attempt to boost domestic demand through an economic stimulus package. This paper highlights some of the weaknesses of the Chinese economy that will be amplified by the crisis. Specifically, the underdevelopment of its financial system, social security system, and the size of its saving rate will play a role in the way that China is affected by the crisis. In addition, it also makes recommendations on how to lessen the impacts of the financial crisis. Recommendations include improving the current financial and social security systems, a campaign to educate rural citizens, rural business incentives, and increasing the financial stimulus package.Item How businesses in the Czech Republic are benefiting from its integration into the European Union(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Starke, KevinThis paper will explore how businesses in the Czech Republic have benefited from its accession into the European Union (EU). Both the process of accession and the necessary changes that the Czech Republic had to make will be outlined. The costs and benefi ts associated with EU membership will be described. Recommendations will be made for changes to the government and their policies regarding human resource development, tertiary education and innovation so that the country can overcome current challenges. The current opinions of Czech citizens will be stated and analyzed showing both their support for the EU membership and their fears of losing autonomy. Costs and benefits will be broken down into two groups, those arising from the EU market and those related to central decision-making and governance. Both groupings will be evaluated to show that most costs occur in the short run, and that the long-run benefits are much greater.Item Chilean wine: A short- and long-term assessment of one of South America’s oldest industries(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2009) Bradley, JonathanThis paper will begin by taking the reader through a brief history of the Chilean wine industry and more specifically, the largest producer within that industry: Conchay Toro. My goal is to examine the current state of the global wine industry, and the selected company, to gather a greater understanding of where the company is and where it needs to go to remain competitive in the future. Using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, the paper determines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company, and what can be done to exploit their strengths and mitigate their threats. It will also use Porter’s Five Forces Model to help the reader get a better understanding of the competition in the global wine market. The paper will ultimately conclude, among other suggestions, that a change in pricing strategy and promotion, combined with investment in wine-making outside of Chile’s borders is necessary for Conchay Toro to be a major market player in the long term.