Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, Vol. 04 (September 2011)

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This issue was originally published September 12th, 2011.

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Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers: Vol. 4 (2011)
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011)
Achieving a sustainable competitive advantage through people: AB InBEV’s performance culture
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Massot, Patrick
The rapid growth of globalization and the subsequent increase in international competition have resulted in a number of companies searching for new sources of competitive advantage. There is much research on how firms can utilize their human resources in differentiating themselves from their competition, yet many of these companies still see their employees as expendable resources. This research paper identifies several competitive strategies, competitive advantage models and human resource practices that can have a significant impact on employee and organizational performance. Specifically, I will look at why international conglomerates should use their organizational culture and human resource policies to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage through their employees. AB InBev, headquartered in Belgium and the largest beer company in the world, will be used to exemplify the benefits of utilizing a firm’s workforce in achieving organizational effectiveness. The company has been able to recruit, develop and train a highly competent workforce that is committed to the organization and its goals. They have also created a corporate culture that has catapulted them to the top of the industry; a performance that has not been matched by their major competitors. This paper will ultimately conclude that developing a sustainable competitive advantage through people is necessary for long term success and lists important criterion that managers should apply when developing their human resource strategy.
Mondragon Cooperative Corporation: Harnessing the potential of a human-based approach to business through a co-operative model in the Basque region of Spain
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Di Lucca, Andrea
In a world full of conflict, uncertainty, and struggle, the business community is searching for alternative models to address the needs of society and remedy the damage inflicted by irresponsible corporate activity. Offering a source of hope, the co-operative model is resurging as a traditional form of business with great potential for fulfilling these needs. The Mondragon Co-operative Corporation (MCC) is located in Spain’s Basque region and is regarded as a world-class example of the co-operative model, with a human-based approach as its defining characteristic. This paper utilizes a three-tiered framework, focusing on co-operation, democracy, and community, to analyze the human-based business approach of the MCC. This exploration is expanded by a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, through which the impacts of internal and external factors on sustaining the future of the approach in a globalizing world are analyzed. From the factors identified in the SWOT analysis, observations are made on the implications, benefits, and shortcomings of a human-based co-operative approach, including strategic planning recommendations for sustaining the model and optimizing its application and value. Through the SWOT analysis, the Mondragon example highlights the value of alternative business models, and provides guidelines for embracing the potential of co-operation into the future. Managers across the globe can optimize the adoption of components of the Mondragon model and make significant strides towards addressing today’s complex business environment through the re-humanizing of both their perspective and practice.
Competitive advantage at BMW: An analysis
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Morrison, Kurtis
BMW is one of the world’s most successful auto-manufacturers, and is one of Germany’s most important companies. Success or lack of success at BMW dramatically affects the automotive industry, specifically the premium segment, and would also affect the German economy’s current account. I reviewed several dozen sources, and conducted personal interviews with those knowledgeable on the topic. As a result, the paper is able to provide an understanding of competitive advantage at BMW. It proposes four advantages that BMW holds which allow the company to compete, and identifies four critical sources of these advantages. It then considers the sustainability of these sources and is able to identify two sources as key strategic sources of sustainable competitive advantage: the ability to create an emotional connection with consumers, and the organizational behaviour characteristics (informal employee networks, cross-functional teams, and organizational culture) that facilitate innovation at BMW.
Stiegl: Next on the agenda
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Monk, Simon
This objective of this paper is to gain an understanding of how Stiegl has risen to become the largest privately owned brewery in Austria and develop potential consolidation and growth strategies for Stiegl to remain competitive in the future. This will be done by first utilizing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Next, an analysis of both Stiegl’s positioning strategy and marketing mix will be undertaken. The analysis would help us frame the recommendations for Stiegl., including potentially partnering with an established multinational corporation in order to expand substantially outside the borders of a saturated Austrian market.
No invitations: The difficulties of climbing the French managerial hierarchy
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Conkin, Michael
The French model of managerial career development relies heavily on, not surprisingly, their elite educational system. What distinguishes France from other countries is that in order to rise to the upper echelon of management in an organization, graduation from one of the grandes écoles is imperative. Grandes écoles are universities that fit a specific set of criteria difficult to achieve, and that are primarily reserved for the lineage of families that have already established their status and wealth in French society. This paper analyzes the current state of the French hierarchical structure as it relates to government and management, and the challenges it poses to managers in the international business environment. While the success of companies like Michelin, L’Oreal, and Carrefour have proven that this system reliably produces high quality executives, it presents significant challenges for members of the international business community hoping to do business with French firms or work within a French company. Through the lens of Hofstede’s cultural framework it was found that the Power Distance, Individualism, and Uncertainty Avoidance cultural dimensions support a hierarchical structure that distributes power at the top and rigidly opposes change from the outside and a strong sentiment that differences can be dangerous. The institution of the grandes écoles, coupled with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, creates a business environment that is not only difficult to navigate but makes it very difficult for non-grandes écoles executives to advance to higher positions.
Note from the editors
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Galang, M. Carmen; Salman, A.
Pan-European energy: Jolting Spain out of the financial crisis
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Feduk, Rob
Spain’s current economic situation as it passes through the global financial crisis has produced a series of significantly detrimental economic circumstances. This has left Spain with a record high unemployment rate, banks floundering in the stagnant real-estate market, and the need for a possible bailout in its future. These economic afflictions have created a necessity for Spain to development new economic fortes and form a farsighted economic plan of action. Meanwhile the European Union (EU) has made the goal to reduce CO2 emissions 80% by 2050. The European Climate Foundation has been tasked by the EU to formulate a Roadmap that eliminates Europe’s dependence on carbon energy through the mixture of a pan-European switch to less carbon intensive technologies and the development of a European energy grid based on the flow of renewable power from country to country derived from supply and demand. This paper examines the complementary opportunities and weaknesses present in Spain’s economic situation and in the goals specified in the Roadmap. It is shown that Spain can utilize its comparative advantages towards become a leading supplier of renewable energy, which can lead to resolution of some of the problems caused by the economic crisis while provide a competitive advantage for Spain in years to come.
More than just a trend: Defining sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the Italian fashion and luxury sectors
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Ellis Stephenson , Kimberley
Italian fashion houses have long been heralded as leaders in the fashion and luxury markets with brands such as Versace, Prada, Missoni and many others at the forefront of the industry. In recent years however, consumer preferences have shifted and the fashion industry as a whole has been slow to adapt. Increasing concerns over environmental sustainability and human rights by average consumers mean that companies must think seriously about their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. The fashion industry presents challenges to adapting CSR largely because of the lack of consensus over what constitutes social responsibility in fashion and luxury as well as issues of sunken CSR and the consumption driven nature of the business. This paper critically evaluates the existing competing definitions for sustainable fashion, addressing the issues with each by employing a triple bottom line analysis. Additionally, consumer preferences in sustainable fashion are determined using a web based survey completed by one hundred respondents. In order to contextualize these results, the unique business environment of the Italian fashion and luxury sectors is examined as well as views on CSR in Italy. The paper proposes that a definition of CSR in fashion must include all aspects of the triple bottom line, while also addressing issues of sunken CSR and transparency. The paper also suggests that the innovative capacities of the Italian fashion industry award it a prime position to become an early adopter of CSR in fashion and luxury and it can gain a competitive advantage enabling it to retain the key leadership position that Italy has long enjoyed in the high end market.
Singapore venture capital industry: A study of potential long term challenges
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Munson, Julian Michael
The Singaporean government has aggressively attempted to build a thriving venture capital industry over the past several years. This paper attempts to explain why venture capitalism is important to Singapore and how the industry has evolved to its current state, and to look at the challenges faced. A Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis was utilized to assess the current integrity and future potential of the industry. During my SWOT analysis, I also sought the advice of regional industry experts to help generate recommendations. Subsequently I investigated the assumptions that Singaporean people are not well-suited to the risk-taking culture associated with the venture capital industry. This paper concludes with the understanding that substantial potential exists within Singapore’s venture capital industry, and its success hinges on changes of both its people and its government.
One country, two systems: The economic integration between Hong Kong and China
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Lee, Foong May
Hong Kong has enjoyed political and economic development after being ceded over to the British in 1842. Even while being a British Colony, Hong Kong has managed to maintain an intimate relationship with China, partly due to history, culture and language similarity, and geographic proximity. This also resulted in a highly integrated economic relationship between them, even if there was no governmental intervention since the beginning. The relationship never ceased after Hong Kong was returned to China, and all the while with Hong Kong preserving its political and economic system under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy. The introduction of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Participation Agreement (CEPA) signifies the official start of a co-operative relationship. Hong Kong’s and China’s economies were able to mutually benefit from the agreement, especially for businesses in both regions. Not only was there exchange in physical goods and labour, there was also an exchange of skills and knowledge as well. CEPA was also able to bring upon a further increase in foreign direct investments into Hong Kong, benefitting the economy. Furthermore, the intention of the Chinese government in making the RMB an international currency gave Hong Kong the opportunity to further develop its position as a major international financial centre. The potential of an offshore RMB trading centre is huge and Hong Kong has been able to gain a first-mover’s advantage into that market.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Japan: Effects of government guidelines and initiatives
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) Phung, Kam
This paper explores the influence and effects of government guidelines and initiatives on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Japan. It begins with a brief overview of past and present reporting trends and also explains Japan’s government-business relationship. Findings from interviews and surveys conducted with Japanese business professionals and CSR reporting companies are presented, as well as observations from forty Japanese CSR reports currently following the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) G3 reporting guidelines. Current challenges facing materiality and assurance were identified and possible solutions were explored. A cost and benefit analysis of Japan’s mandatory environmental reporting law was also conducted. Lastly, this paper summarizes the pros and cons of implementing a CSR reporting requirement in Japan. Results from the studies described above demonstrate that government initiatives have a strong influence on Japanese reporting trends and that the Government of Japan should maintain an active role in shaping the future of reporting.
Water management in Singapore: Is NEWater a feasible option for securing self-sufficiency in addressing the issue of water scarcity?
(Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 2011) King, Suzanne
Current global environmental conditions place increasing social, political and economic importance on the supply of clean drinking water. In the future it is predicted that countries with a self-sustained and autonomous supply of water, both potable and non-potable, will hold the key to economic and political power. The thriving economy of Singapore, ranked 7th in terms of GDP per capita worldwide, is no exception to the universal stress on clean water supply. This paper discusses the four national taps that currently supply Singapore with potable water and analyzes the feasibility of the small island city-state harnessing the technology of wastewater reclamation through NEWater production to achieve self-sufficiency in sourcing water. Analysis of current position and future water strategy reveals that Singapore does hold the ability to sustain itself if water is no longer imported from Malaysia. If Singapore is able to successfully harness the advanced technology it presently holds and become entirely autonomous in securing its water supply, it will enjoy considerable economic and political power in the future.

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