Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Vol. 11 (June 2018)
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This issue was originally published June 4th, 2018.
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Item Fuchs Petrolub: The strengths and vulnerabilities of the German Mittlestand in the modern world(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Chen, AmyThis report explores the German phenomenon of the “Mittelstand”, argued by some to almost be a philosophy and way of life in and of itself; a method of running a business, remaining conservative, and being long-term oriented. This is a foreign ideology and there is no direct translation to English, however it is understood that Mittelstand firms are considered small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) while also being characterized by specific values, work ethic, and management practices. The modern German economy has a reputation for being incredibly strong, and many consider Mittelstand firms to contribute to this strong economy. These firms are known to be foundational and critical in the modern German economy, employ most of the workforce, and its prominence in Germany is unique to the country. These companies are incredibly competitive in their respective niche markets, and command a strong reputation for high quality as well as innovative despite generally having low public visibility. Using Fuchs Petrolub SE as a prime example, the world’s largest independent lubrications producer, one can further examine how a company uses Mittelstand characteristics to its advantage on the global stage, but also how it may cause some complications and problems that managers face in Germany, as well as how they are consequently being handled.Item International analysis of FIFA(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Henson, MarshallFédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has comprehensive global influence, as it recognizes 211 member associations. This paper seeks to outline how FIFA manages cultural, administrative, geographical, and economic distances while operating internationally. Leveraging two FIFA confederations, CONCACAF and UEFA, the paper will outline international operating differences between North America and Europe, respectively. Further, the competitive markets represented by these confederations will be compared. FIFA and its confederations prove to be an atypical study, as the goals of the organizations are non-financial. The focal goals of these confederations are continuous growth and improvement of the game of football. However, the motivations vary between confederations depending on the regions’ relative growth stage and objectives. Throughout the research, both bodies were influenced by trends, historical factors, and other governing bodies. Primarily, CONCACAF faced influence from the major sporting leagues established in North America, while the EU had a significant effect on UEFA. Despite the communicated lack of financial interest, the confederations and FIFA are reliant on the fiscal success of their international tournaments. To increase these revenues, the bodies must focus on the expansion of footballing attention and fandom, which will lead to increased sponsorship and TV revenue. The research for this paper was conducted through the analysis of documents, records, articles, and an interview conducted with an employee of FIFA. Ultimately, the paper finds that FIFA, UEFA, and CONCACAF all face materially different complications due to external relevance, internal complications, and strategic orientation.Item Severing ties: Gaz-System and energy security in Poland(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Poirier, ZackThe purpose of this paper is to answer the research question: what are the effects of Poland’s energy security needs on Gaz-System, the Polish state-owned natural gas infrastructure and transmission firm? The paper uses European Union primary data on energy use and trade, as well as academic research, corporate reports, and recent news developments to investigate the topic and provide the foundation for analysis. After providing background information on Gaz-System and establishing definitions, the paper explores Poland’s energy mix and the role of natural gas within it, before going on to assess the current state of energy security and the competitive forces that shape the European natural gas industry. It then analyzes Poland’s international relations with key states and organizations, and details the perceived Russian threat surrounding energy security that results from past use of Russia’s gas supplies as geopolitical leverage during several gas disputes with Ukraine. Finally, the paper examines several recent Gaz-System projects and their effect on Poland’s energy security, as well as Gaz-System’s plans for future strategic asset development and construction pursuing the goal of increased buyer power in the natural gas market.Item Champagne industry in France: Competitor marketing and branding strategies(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) White, ErynThe unique production process of champagne in a northern Appellation D’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in France, a region called Champagne, generates millions of bottles each year to be distributed worldwide. The history of the champagne in this region originates before the 17th century and as a result, the name ‘champagne’ comes exclusively from this region; producers of sparkling wine outside Champagne, France cannot legally label their wine as champagne. The numerous champagne houses and the Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) are committed to ensuring this high quality product originates here. This paper specifically focuses on the differences between two champagne houses, G.H.Mumm and Veuve Clicquot, outlining their history, location, and unique characteristics; additionally focusing on the similarities and differences in marketing and branding strategies of each house. Veuve Clicquot is a high-quality champagne that maintains the presence of Madame Clicquot, one of the company’s founding members, through many branding strategies such as the Business Woman Awards and distinguishing signs of the house. G.H.Mumm on the other hand prefers to target a potentially new market, focusing their website to first time purchasers of champagne providing them with tips for success and news stories. The two champagne houses are unique in history and sales strategies however apply similar traditional means for production and brand awareness. Altogether the 250km of underground caves, acreage of vineyards, and many champagne houses provides a unique and thriving industry in France.Item Germany’s transition to renewable energy: Lessons for Canada(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Scully, EmmaGermany is a leader as a renewable energy economy. 50Hertz operates one of Germany’s largest electric grids, delivers both solar and wind power as renewable electricity, and uses an intricate system of forecasting to predict when the wind will blow and the sun will shine. Germans are provided subsidies from the government as encouragement to sell to this power grid. The German renewable energy movement, called Energiewend, is politically and economically charged. Controversy began after the nuclear disaster in Japan sparked the closure of nuclear plants in Germany. Although progressive in the renewable energy space, there is much controversy as to how Germany will maintain electricity output if use of nuclear and coal sources are eliminated. Angela Merkel’s promise to meet 2020 emission targets is failing, as power production in total has increased over the years due to increase in renewable power production and maintaining production of lignite coal. Pricing models require work, as high electricity rates paid by the consumer will interfere with affordability. In Canada, Hydro One delivers some forms of renewable energy; however, a large amount of electricity still comes from nuclear power. With nuclear plants nearing the end of their useful lives, Ontario faces a challenging future in terms of renewable energy, and should look to Germany for solutions and learn from their failures. Canada’s limited progress in the renewable electricity market can be attributed to a variety of aspects: political, social, geographical and cultural. Hydro One must emphasize the real business benefits of transitioning to completely renewable power; however, there is currently the inability to reliably store renewable energy, which limits both Canada and Germany’s progress in the renewable sector.Item Modern slavery within Hong Kong’s private sector(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Chitroda, ShivaniVery little attention has been paid to the involvement of modern slavery within the private sector. This paper analyzes the persistence of forced labor in the modern day, the various forms this activity can take, and focuses on the prevalence of illegal labor within supply chains. Hong Kong is headquarters for many major corporations, many of which take advantage of the low-cost labor in neighboring countries, therefore outsourcing production to various nations in the Asia-Pacific. Given the sparse amount of information provided by the Hong Kong government regarding forced labor, an analysis has been conducted using global studies, relating back to Hong Kong’s private sector practices. The Mekong Club, a Hong Kong based businesses organization, is highlighted as one of few organizations to undertake a business-to-business approach in combating these illegal practices. They educate businesses in the private sector as to how they can take action in combating compulsory labor, provide tools and resources to aid supply chain restructuring, and provide an open platform for businesses to share information and discuss routes of action amongst each other. Recommended actionable items for individual companies are explored and the potential implications of this activism are then further considered and addressed with regard to a long-term outlook.Item Effect of climate change on Bordeaux wineries(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Stewart, RichelleClimate change is a worldwide phenomenon impacting many industries in various ways. This paper focuses on how climate change hinders the ability of Bordeaux wineries to grow quality old-world grapes they have traditionally succeeded in growing. The paper presents the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), the standard it holds Bordeaux wineries to in regards to labeling vintages, and the struggles it creates for Bordeaux wine growers. Additionally, the positive and negative result of climate change on the wine industry worldwide and how it could affect specific country exportation is discussed.Item From physically divided to economically divided: The modern effects of the German Divide from 1945–1989 on current German economics and its implications for doing business in Germany(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Backhouse, TaylorSince the war, Germany has struggled to get back on its feet politically, socially, and above all economically. During the division of the nation from 1949-1989, the economic differences between the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) were undeniable. Considering the fact that West Germany operated a free market economy in a western political system, and the East operated a centrally planned economy in a communist political system, there were many economic hurdles come the reunification of Germany in 1989. However, immediately after reunification there was an obvious gap in the economic state of the eastern and western sections of the nation. Thirty years later, despite Germany’s economic reputation as a world leader in exports and manufacturing, the gap between the East and West can still be seen in many aspects of German economics. The purpose of this case study is to examine the initial cause of the economic divide as well as to examine the reasons and the severity of the gap as of 2017 and its implications for doing business in Germany.Item Note from the editor(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Kalra, KomalItem International Business Research Experience(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018) Backhouse, Taylor; Chen, Amy; Chitroda, Shivani; Henson, Marshall; Poirier, Zack; Scully, Emma; Stewart, Richelle; White, ErynItem Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers: Vol. 11 (2018)(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2018)