Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Vol. 09 (June 2016)
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This issue was originally published June 6th, 2016.
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Item Sumitomo Chemicals in Japan and Africa: Differences between active-transformational and passive-transactional CSR initiatives(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Aarma, KatlinThe Olyset Net is a revolutionary malaria preventative bed net. Its fibers are tear-resistant, fast-trying, and porous on the inside as they are filled with mosquito repellent. Its slow-release of the repellent enables it to last for five years upon installation, and was the first of its kind to be created. Sumitomo Chemical, the Japanese firm behind the technology, could have reaped the rewards is placing a high dollar patent on the product and sold the net themselves to the malaria stricken countries. Instead they invested in the local Tanzanian economy by providing the Olyset technology royalty-free to A to Z Textile Mills in 2003. Two years later, their partnership turned into a 50:50 joint venture under “Vector Health International“, building a R&D research facility while A to Z Textiles runs production in two factories in Arusha and Kisongo. Sumitomo Chemical enabled a positive economic impact in these communities resulting in an increase overall production for A to Z Textiles and creating an additional 8,000 job opportunities for Tanzanians. Sumitomo Chemical also has provided various support initiatives for those affected by the “Great East Japan Earthquake“, supporting the reconstruction of various Japanese communities affected. This case demonstrates the difference between two Corporate Social Responsibility strategies (active-transformational and passive-transactional initiatives) by presenting two different examples of Sumitomo Chemical’s CSR initiatives. Furthermore Sumitomo Chemical’s CSR structure will be compared to the foundations of the Japanese CSR.Item Acquisition of major league sport teams: Red Bull’s motives behind the unprecedented move and why other corporations should be careful when doing the same(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Bell, CarsonThe purpose of this paper is to examine the energy drink producer Red Bull and its motives behind major league sport team acquisition and management. In doing so, we discover that the business opportunity was largely successful for the energy drink producer, however, organizations must be cautious should they decide to follow suite. The energy drink corporation’s motives were found to be largely marketing and business diversification related. Arguments are also introduced positing that the corporation’s intentions also included those of an altruistic nature. Though the acquisition of teams was assed to be largely successful, it was determined that Red Bull did face prominent opposition from fans and consumers. Because of Red Bull’s existing history in extreme sport sponsorship, this opposition may have been less severe than if the company had not been associated with sport. With this in mind, companies seeking to acquire sport teams should conduct extensive research regarding how the public may react to the new ownership, and specifically which teams best reflect the company’s brand and values. Methods of the analysis include gathering research from various sport analysts, examining interviews with Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, and compiling empirical data on Red Bull’s various sport teams.Item Note from the editor(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Szymanski, MichalItem Economic realignment: From made in China to made for China(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Richards, Lorna E.This report discusses the made in China to made for China phenomenon and how the Vancouver born company, Lululemon Athletica, could leverage this trend. The report begins with a summary of the economic reform movement in China and how this movement increased the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment, specifically manufacturing firms, into the Chinese market. Further discussion of the Chinese economy, from 1978 to the present day is included and how the Chinese economy evolved away from exports into one focused on domestic consumption. This trend, the discontinuation of goods produced in China, and the up rise of products sold to Chinese consumers is referred to as the made in China to made for China phenomenon. Various forces that increased consumption habits in China are evaluated, such as government incentives, higher disposable incomes and urbanization. Next, the report focuses on the specific consumption trends that could be leveraged by Lululemon Athletica. These trends include the rising interest in the health and fitness sector and the increased purchasing power of female consumers. Lululemon’s current presence in Hong Kong is evaluated and how this puts them in a favourable position to enter Mainland China and cater to the rising demand for fashionable fitness apparel. The report evaluates three areas the brand may be able to capitalize on in China, including e-commerce, the luxury market and services. Lastly, three unique challenges the company may face in China are discussed and include sustainability, imitation and brand imaging.Item Crystal clear: An analysis of Swarovski Crystals’ human resource management strategy and the influence of Generation Y(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Griffin, MeganThe purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of how Generation Y’s new expectations of their work life is affecting change in Human Resource management strategies. Swarovski, an Austrian based crystal company, will be used as an example of a business that has developed successful human resource strategy in the face of global market recruitment and retention changes. McKinsey’s 7S Framework and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions will provide basic models for how Swarovski can best approach both a global market of talent and the new demands of Generation Y recruits. Through this analysis it can be determined that Swarovski’s focus on innovation is essential to their successful strategy overall. Additionally, it can be recommended that they look to become an Employer of Choice for continued future achievement.Item Volkswagen and an aging workforce: The demographic changes of the German population(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Paddock, RileyThe population of Germany is aging, resulting in blue-collar labour shortages across the country. In a country known for car manufacturing, this has profound implications on the company that is arguably the most recognized German company worldwide: Volkswagen. The Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany is faced with finding solutions for the demographic situation that is gripping the country so that they can continue to produce vehicles at an efficient rate. As the production facility’s workforce continues to age, due to a lack of young employable people, the factory managers have been forced to find ergonomic solutions that make the work load easier on individuals whom can no longer work to the same efficiency level of their younger days. Technological innovations have had to be implemented in the factory so that production levels do not fall. Volkswagen is faced with finding a solution to a nationwide problem, so that they can continue to produce vehicles when their workforce lowers beyond needed capacity.Item Pilsner Urquell’s response to craft beers(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Macy, BowenThe objective of this research paper is to explore the rise of craft beer in the Czech Republic and the various strategies Pilsner Urquell has responded with. This paper will study the history of the Czech Republic and the beer market to provide a background for the current state of the industry. Various microbreweries will be examined to uncover their competitive advantages and the factors for their growth and success. Furthermore, changes in consumer desires will be examined to further explain the rise of microbreweries. Pilsner Urquell will be studied to explain their domestic success and the steps they have taken to respond to the growth of craft beers and the unique market position taken by microbreweries.Item International Business Research Experience(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Aarma, Katlin; Bell, Carson; Fortier, Karlina; Griffin, Megan; Jones, Andrea; Macy, Bowen; Paddock, Riley; Richards, Lorna E.Item Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers: Vol. 9 (2016)(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016)Item Chanel and Chanel No. 5: A global marketing and advertising strategy(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Jones, AndreaChanel is one of the world’s top luxury brands. The company that was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Coco Chanel has revolutionized the women’s fashion industry, and has achieved much success from frequent product updates and new product releases. With the launch of the famous Chanel No. 5 fragrance in 1921, Chanel made its mark on the perfume industry. It is now the world’s most famous perfume, and a product that the brand is known for. The perfume industry is fast paced and dynamic; the constant threat of new entrants and substitute products forces companies to innovate in order to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. To achieve this, companies have found success in localizing their advertising and marketing strategies to appeal to the cultural preferences of consumers at a local level. However, Chanel has managed to find success in the marketplace through using a global marketing and advertising strategy. This paper will reveal the details as to why Chanel does not need to localize its marketing and advertising, and how it has achieved positive results from a global strategy. In essence, their success derives from its rich history and strong brand heritage. And through further analysis of Chanel and its advertising for Chanel No. 5, this paper will further prove the strength of Chanel’s brand heritage, and how it has been able to effectively leverage Urde, Greyser, and Balmer’s five “Elements of Brand Heritage” (2007, p. 9). Chanel uses its brand heritage as its main competitive advantage, and continues to sustain and protect this heritage through a company brand stewardship function.Item Money laundering in Switzerland(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2016) Fortier, KarlinaThe paper presents an in-depth look into the complex issue of money laundering in Switzerland. What will be presented are findings pertaining to who is involved or responsible for carrying out, or mitigating money laundering. Particularly, inefficiencies arise in the way the conviction process for money laundering scandals are carried out for big banks such as UBS and HSBCs Swiss subsidiary. Furthermore, Simon Zedek’s Civil-Learning Tool will be used to identify how much social responsibility UBS and HSBC have when money-laundering scandals do occur. The evidence will provide that UBS and HSBC both react in the “denial” stage and deny any wrongdoing to the bitter end. Another comparison between Switzerland and Canada will be made to illustrate that regulating money laundering is difficult to control even in other parts of the world. What will be revealed towards the end of this paper is that the lack of regulation from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) isn’t the issue. Alternatively, the issue arises in the end process where there is lack of enforcement and control by Swiss law authorities and intelligence agencies in carrying out harsh consequences for money laundering.