Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Vol. 06 (June 2013)
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This issue was originally published June 4th, 2013.
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Item Bluer skies: Germany’s path towards a renewable future(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013) Macklin, HannahThis research paper’s objective is to evaluate Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), and outline how the nation can achieve its goals. It summarizes the changes Germany is making in order to phase out nuclear energy, and what consequences these may have. In addition, this paper evaluates Germany’s efforts to shut down nuclear energy while still managing to increase renewable power generation. Focusing on Wind and Solar power generation, this paper describes the initiatives that Germany is taking to successfully reach its goals, and what challenges they are facing. It uses the Natural Step Framework to describe the EEG and outlines three main focus areas that need to be considered when moving forward. These include increasing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions in all sectors, and bridging the gap after removing nuclear energy and increasing storage capacity to ensure a stable energy sector using renewable sources. A short survey taken by university students in Cologne indicates a preference towards investing in renewable energies. After reviewing all of these aspects, the results indicate that Germany is currently successful in staying on schedule with their Renewable Energy Sources Act, and will most likely be able to achieve its goals, perhaps even sooner than planned.Item Shaking up France’s mobile market: An analysis of Free Mobile(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013) Rollins, SarahFree Mobile is a French broadband company. Free offers many services ranging from television, internet, and home phone; only recently Free has come into the mobile market in January 2012. Entering the market, Free offered low-cost plans that were almost four times lower than any other plan on the market at that time. This attracted many new customers and also created a price war between mobile providers in the industry. To set up their network, Free made a roaming agreement with another mobile provider, Orange. Because their initial network was quite small, this agreement allowed Free Mobile customers to use Orange’s network when Free’s network was not in reach. The three main competitors in the French mobile market are SFR, Bouygues, and Orange. When Free Mobile entered the market, each company was forced to adjust their mobile offerings and come up with new ways to attract and maintain their customers. Free Mobile was able to offer such low-cost plans because of their innovative technology and cost-saving methods. Free set up a network for internet use that allowed smartphone users to automatically switch from using the 3G network to Wi-Fi hotspots. This greatly saved on data roaming costs. To analyze Free’s business strategy and which factors make it successful, I will conduct a SWOT analysis, and examine Free’s marketing strategies and factors that affect customer loyalty.Item Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers: Vol. 6 (2013)(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013)Item Language strategies in China: An analysis and framework development for multinational companies(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013) Bildfell, ConnorAs the global business landscape has shifted in response to technological and social innovation, international profit-seeking companies located in China have encountered unprecedented challenges regarding language. Moreover, the notion of a “language strategy” proves central to success for flourishing companies. This paper focuses on the intricacies surrounding English and Chinese language policies; mechanical, cultural, and political theories comprise the foundational analysis. After providing a brief synopsis of China’s cultural and linguistic context, this paper addresses three predominant specific issues. First, what constitutes a language strategy? What theoretical perspectives underpin a language strategy? Lastly, how can the organization build an atmosphere conducive to language strategy success? Results from my study conducted of international companies located in China are presented; analyses and conclusions are presented alongside leading studies in language and management. Furthermore, this paper provides managers with a foundational framework for developing well-structured language strategies concerning English and Mandarin. I reflect upon and analyse cultural insights, empirical studies, and primary-source surveys to construct a theoretical and practical approach to corporate language decision-making.Item VOESTALPINE AG: An analysis of the Voestalpine Group and its development from a state-run World-War II steel manufacturer to a fully privatized international success(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013) Davis, JordonThis paper provides a historical overview and assessment of steel manufacturing in Linz, Austria, focusing on Austria’s leading steel manufacturer Voestalpine AG. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the history of the Voestalpine Group and understand how steel manufacturing in Linz transitioned from a state-run World War II steel manufacturer to a fully privatized international company. This paper not only analyzes the historical development of Voestalpine AG, but also discusses the drivers behind privatization in Austria. Further, an analysis of the group’s current operations is performed. Current operations with respect to the nature of both their external and internal environment will be evaluated. The evaluation of the group’s external environment will be performed based on the Andrew’s framework, analyzing the implications of technology, ecology, economics, industry, society, and politics. An analysis of the global steel manufacturing industry is performed using Porter’s Five Forces Model, determining the industry’s attractiveness and Voestalpine AG’s strategic position relative to its major global competitors. The group’s internal resources will be evaluated using a framework developed by Jay Barney. To accompany the analysis, both primary and secondary sources will be utilized, including an interview with a local student who had an internship at Voestalpine AG. Using the results of the analysis performed in this paper, recommendations for the Voestalpine Group to maintain a strategic position in the steel manufacturing industry are provided. Further, implications for managers in the steel industry will be discussed with the purpose providing insight behind key factors of successful operations within this highly competitive and ever changing industry.Item Note from the editor(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2013) Galang, M. Carmen