...Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions are common place in the business world today. Many companies merge or become acquired for different reasons. In 2004, Sears and Kmart, two of the largest retailers in the nation, combined forces to become the third largest retail company in the nation. Although thought to be a wrong move, the company struggles to streamline its new product line to the word. Circumstances surrounding merger and acquisition Both companies are a name in itself, but in merging, they both bring something to the table. Competition, along with brands, will allow the stores to be more competitive, while focusing on the consumer by offering low prices (Kmart) and reputation (Sears). Sears has been slow in moving away from locations in the mall to free standing buildings. Along with bringing a name to the table, each company brings money and real estate, along with the vision that Edward Lampert, financier, have for the company. He sees the merger of both companies as creating a positive outcome from two negative situations. Sloan (2004) Why did the companies decide to merge? Both companies are about branding: K-mart in its apparel and music, Sears with its appliance. K-marts strong point is marketing through cultural ethnicity featuring Martha Stewart brands, Jaclyn Smith and Thala Sodi, while Sears is a mid-western, Middle American demographic, featuring mostly home goods –Craftsman, Kenmore and Diehard brands in appliance. By combining both brands...
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...ethical decision making, In order to best understand the purpose of this particular report. Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide and discuss two strategies that the toy company could utilize to ensure that ethical decision takes place in all levels and departments of the company. Creating and introducing a “code of ethics” for the toy company would be the very first implementation. This would serve as an employee manual and guide as to doing things and managing company products and manufacturing. Employees are more liable to follow regulations when there is a standard that is required of all that is employed by the company. Secondly the company must higher “Compliance managers” whose responsibility is to strictly monitor and guide employers, department by department oh how to hold a higher standard of operation and product. It is of the highest importance for the company to constantly produce products with integrity and reputation in mind therefore having a certain set of people roaming the facility, inspecting every facet of the company on compliance is extremely important. Strategy 1 The first strategy for ethical decision making is creating a “code of ethics” personalized for the toy company for on each and every level from the executive arm of the company to the production and down to the distribution, departments and personnel. Like everything in life there are rule and...
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...Sears The Sears case is one of many multimillion companies who were trying to survive back in the 80’s while facing the new era of many distribution companies like Wal-Mart. They designed a commission program for the auto division in an effort to gain market share that included the mechanics and the service advisors. The goal was to sell an amount of front-end alignments or brake repairs during their shifts. Many customers were fixing their cars after this commission implementation because of Sears’ employees’ recommendations however the repairs weren’t necessary. Consumer affairs conducted an investigation finding unnecessary repairs due to consequences of Sears’ compensation system. The president took certain responsibility, but he denied any fraud; they eliminated the advisor commission and designed a system based on customer satisfaction however the mechanics’ compensation remains the same. Congress received a letter from a Sears’ employee stating that the majority of the inspecting employees were still being paid with the same commission structure. However, the mechanics were receiving another incentive for every hour of work completed; the more work performed, the more money earned. However, the mechanics could be cutting corners to get more work done or they could recommend unnecessary repairs. The main factor contributing to the unethical conduct was the advising of costumers on unneeded repairs for the sole purpose of commissions; attached to a compensation program...
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...Psychologists use a number of different scientific methods to conduct research on social psychology topics. These methods allow researchers to test hypotheses and theories and look for relationships between different variables. Both correlational and experimental research designs have its advantages and disadvantages. Another decision in designing research concerns where the study should be conducted: in a field setting or in a laboratory. Correlational Research Social psychologists use correlational research to look for relationships between variables. For example, a social psychology might carry out a correlational study looking at the relationship between workplace violence and aggression. Conducting surveys, directly observing behaviors, or compiling research from earlier studies are some of the methods used to gather data for correlational research. While this type of study can help determine if two variables have a relationship, it does not allow researchers to determine if one variable causes changes in another variable. Experimental Research Experimental research is the key to uncovering causal relationships between variables. In experimental research, the experimenter randomly assigns participants to one of two groups: (1) the control group; and (2) the experimental group. The control group receives no treatment and serves as a baseline. Researchers manipulate the levels of some independent variable in the experimental group and then measure the...
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...Issues in Accounting Ethics ETH 557: Accounting Ethics September 14, 2015 Ethical Issues for Companies As an accountant and being in the public or the private sector you have to remain loyal to your clients and to be loyal to the ethical guidelines and rules when it comes to a company or and individual person financial records for the purpose of reporting. Being an accountant you will run across some unethical issues and this would be regardless of the type of industry and their goal would be to reduce any and all factors that they would face when it comes to manipulating financial records and this could lead to an ethical issue or criminal violations. The Sears Auto Center Scandal As stated in the textbook (Duska, 2011) “Those who appeal to consequences over fairness and rights are called consequentialist. Finally, the theory that gives precedence to the issues of fairness, rights, and commitment, and advocates doing the right thing – no matter what the consequences to self and others – is called deontological theory. Under this theory, the end does not justify means.” (Duska, 2011; pg. 52 & 62) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case from a consequentialist and deontological perspective (refer to Chapter 2). Ethics will always be a key factor when it comes to deciding what society would deem as being acceptable in order to live out one’s life. This factor would develop as a person and would include the morale as a whole when...
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...Chapter 7 Managing for Ethical Conduct Contents: (Please note: the Instructor Guide for every chapter will follow this structure.) 1. Chapter Outline 2. Teaching Notes 3. In-Class Exercises 4. Homework Assignments 5. Additional Resources Chapter Outline I. Introduction II. In Business, Ethics Is about Behavior A. Practical Advice for Managers: Ethical Behavior III. Our Multiple Ethical Selves A. The Kenneth Lay Example B. The Dennis Levine Example C. Practical Advice for Managers’ Multiple Ethical Selves IV. Rewards and Discipline A. People Do What is Rewarded and Avoid Doing What is Punished B. People Will Go the Extra Mile to Achieve Goals Set by Managers C. How Goals Combined with Rewards Can Encourage Unethical Behavior D. Practical Advice for Managers: Goals, Rewards, and Discipline E. Recognize the Power of Indirect Rewards and Punishments F. Can Managers Really Reward Ethical Behavior? G. What about the Role of Discipline? H. Practical Advice for Managers: Discipline V. “Everyone’s Doing It” A. People Follow Group Norms B. Rationalizing Unethical Behavior C. Practical Advice for Managers: Group Norms VI. People Fulfill Assigned Roles A. The Zimbardo Prison Experiment B. Roles at Work C. Conflicting Roles can Lead to Unethical Behavior D. Roles Can Also Support Ethical Behavior E. Practical Advice for Managers: Roles...
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...Chapter 7 Managing for Ethical Conduct Contents: (Please note: the Instructor Guide for every chapter will follow this structure.) 1. Chapter Outline 2. Teaching Notes 3. In-Class Exercises 4. Homework Assignments 5. Additional Resources Chapter Outline I. Introduction II. In Business, Ethics Is about Behavior A. Practical Advice for Managers: Ethical Behavior III. Our Multiple Ethical Selves A. The Kenneth Lay Example B. The Dennis Levine Example C. Practical Advice for Managers’ Multiple Ethical Selves IV. Rewards and Discipline A. People Do What is Rewarded and Avoid Doing What is Punished B. People Will Go the Extra Mile to Achieve Goals Set by Managers C. How Goals Combined with Rewards Can Encourage Unethical Behavior D. Practical Advice for Managers: Goals, Rewards, and Discipline E. Recognize the Power of Indirect Rewards and Punishments F. Can Managers Really Reward Ethical Behavior? G. What about the Role of Discipline? H. Practical Advice for Managers: Discipline V. “Everyone’s Doing It” A. People Follow Group Norms B. Rationalizing Unethical Behavior C. Practical Advice for Managers: Group Norms VI. People Fulfill Assigned Roles A. The Zimbardo Prison Experiment B. Roles at Work C. Conflicting Roles can Lead to Unethical Behavior D. Roles Can Also Support Ethical Behavior ...
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...Chapter 7 Managing for Ethical Conduct Contents: (Please note: the Instructor Guide for every chapter will follow this structure.) 1. Chapter Outline 2. Teaching Notes 3. In-Class Exercises 4. Homework Assignments 5. Additional Resources Chapter Outline I. Introduction II. In Business, Ethics Is about Behavior A. Practical Advice for Managers: Ethical Behavior III. Our Multiple Ethical Selves A. The Kenneth Lay Example B. The Dennis Levine Example C. Practical Advice for Managers’ Multiple Ethical Selves IV. Rewards and Discipline A. People Do What is Rewarded and Avoid Doing What is Punished B. People Will Go the Extra Mile to Achieve Goals Set by Managers C. How Goals Combined with Rewards Can Encourage Unethical Behavior D. Practical Advice for Managers: Goals, Rewards, and Discipline E. Recognize the Power of Indirect Rewards and Punishments F. Can Managers Really Reward Ethical Behavior? G. What about the Role of Discipline? H. Practical Advice for Managers: Discipline V. “Everyone’s Doing It” A. People Follow Group Norms B. Rationalizing Unethical Behavior C. Practical Advice for Managers: Group Norms VI. People Fulfill Assigned Roles A. The Zimbardo Prison Experiment B. Roles at Work C. Conflicting Roles can Lead to Unethical Behavior D. Roles Can Also Support Ethical Behavior ...
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...Kmart Corporation. Kmart is a Corporation headquartered in Troy, Michigan since 1899 by Sebastian S. Kresge. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1925 under the symbol KM, and during the 70’s the company officially changed its name to Kmart, standing for quality products and low price. On January 22, 2002, Kmart filed a voluntary petition for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy code. The company's common stock is registered with the Commission pursuant to 12(b) of the Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. § 78l (b)] and traded on the New York Stock Exchange until December 19, 2002, when it was delisted. Kmart fiscal year ends the last Wednesday in January. Before filing for bankruptcy, Kmart operated approximately 2,100 stores throughout the United States and employed approximately 250,000 workers. Kmart's annual sales averaged $37 billion, and the company was the nation's second largest discount retailer and third largest general merchandise retailer. Its direct competitors were Wal-Mart and Target. This research paper will illustrate an accounting fraud committed by Kmart when improperly recognized as revenue a $42.3 million payment from American Greetings Corporation. Kmart negotiated a multi-year contract (5 years) for exclusivity rights and company’s policies and accounting procedures required that the $42.3 million be recognized over the term of the agreement. The litigation release No.18000, dated on February 26, 2003, states that the Securities...
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...change its reputation fast to stop the onset possibility of a corporation sell out of even worst the end to the Boeing corporation. Boeing called Harry C. Stonecipher out of retirement to be the next chief executive. Mr. Stonecipher was the key person who helped lead the merger of McDonnell Douglas Corporation and Boeing back in 1997. The number 1 priority is to restore Boeings credibility of these two areas, Defense Department, and Boeings civilian customers. The struggles of a company, long admired as one of the greatest American industrial successes, as it tries to expand its military business to compensate for losses to a European rival, Airbus, in commercial aircraft. During investigations, the chief financial officer, Michael Sears, for Boeing was dismissed for connections of ethical misconduct (Bowermaster, 2003). The investigations uncovered business dealings of misappropriation of funds proposed in supplying refueling tanker for the Air Force. A satellite operation also were jeopardized after findings reveled the program documents belonged Boeings leading competitor Lockheed Martin who revealed these documents as being illegally acquired from them. Information emerged caused more troubles for the already troubled Air Force Tanker contract. The Pentigon representative for financial negotiations Darleen Druyun and...
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...Management Planning at Boeing In this paper the planning function of management for the Boeing Company will be evaluated. In addition, this paper will discuss the influence that legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility have had on management planning at Boeing. The few of many factors that influence the company's strategic, tactical, operational and contingency planning are profitability, innovation, and competition. W. James (Jim) McNerney, Jr., is chairperson of the board, president and chief executive officer of The Boeing Company. McNerney oversees the strategic direction of the Chicago-based, $68.3 billion aerospace company. With more than 157,000 employees across the United States and in 70 countries, Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a top U.S. exporter (Boeing, 2010). The Boeing Company's business is run by its employees, managers and corporate officers led by the chief executive officer, with oversight from the board of directors. The Board of Directors of The Boeing Company (“Boeing” or the “Company”) has adopted the following corporate governance principles to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities and, along with Boeing’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and charters of the committees of the Board, provide an effective framework for Boeing’s governance. The Board believes these Principles should be an evolving set of corporate governance guidelines, subject to review and modification by the...
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...think quickly, but also to move quickly as well. By being a responsive organization, Boeing is also an organic organization as well because it is very receptive to changing competitive demands and market realities by taking “actions to correct past mistakes and also to prepare for an uncertain future.” (Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive Edition). Some people’s perception is the reality for others, but in the case of Phil Condit, Chairman and Chief Executive of Boeing, in December 2003, his employment at Boeing was ended for a severe case of lack of judgment. In an communiqué to the staff at The Boeing Compnay, Mr. Condit had written to staff that “accountability begins at the top” in an attempt to explain why Mike Sears, Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, had...
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... Prepared for [SEARS] By: [Maria Quinonez] Date: [October 29, 2014] Table of Contents Starting an e-business in the Electronic Global Marketplace: Completing an Integrated e-Marketing Plan 1 Executive Summary 3 Selection of the e-Business for the Project 4 Environmental Analysis of the Marketplace 6 Targeted Market Segmentation 8 Consideration of Placement Decisions 10 Consideration of Product Decisions 13 Considerations of Pricing Decisions 16 Analysis of Innovative Promotional Communication Tools 18 Implementation and Measurement of Strategic Goals 23 Conclusions and Recommendations 25 Appendices 26 Executive Summary Sears was founded in the 1800’s and it was one of America’s largest retailers at one point. However, competition, and evolution took place and left this company struggling to make profits. This forced Sears to come up with a new innovative idea and they created online website/sales. With that idea they needed an e-marketing plan, which is proposed below. Section I: Firm details- This section describes the company and its history. It specifies the success and its struggle, and where the company stands today. It explains the main reason for and e-marketing plan as well as why it would benefit from this plan. Section II: Environmental analysis-Environment plays a big role on every business in the world and for sears it is not an exception. This...
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...Resolving Employee Conflict Chassidy Babcock Liberty University Abstract Conflict is a process the begins when an individual believes that they have had some sort of a negative influence brought against them, by another individual or group of individuals (Satterlee2013). Workplace conflict is conflict in the workplace usually over personality clashes, or opinions in relationship (Wikipedia, n.d.). Workplace conflict is usually a normal occurrence. Whenever people work together conflict is likely to arise, and it can present challenges to the management when resolving the conflict. It is important for the management to respond constructively and come up with a fair solution to both sides of the party (Sandiland, T 2015). Statics show that conflicts in workplaces happen more frequently that realized and it consumes manager’s time, causing a decrease in overall productiveness within an organization. This is according to a study conducted in 1996. A typical manager can spend up to 30% of their time during a day when solving conflicts, and in severe cases conflicts can take up 42% of a manager’s time (Workplace Conflict, 2013, Dec 31). Some of the causes of workplace conflict are work style ethics, such as punctuality, making good use of time while on the clock, and workplace cleanliness. Background is another issue such as culture, how a person’s upbringing was religion, and...
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...LEIGHTON SALMON 2133 Benchmark Drive Snellville, GA 30078 Telephone: (678) 344-2309 Cell: (678) 227-9497 Email: lgsalmon@hotmail.com BACKGROUND SUMMARY Accounting and Financial professional with considerable experience in various ERP Systems. Very proficient in the GL, AP, AR, AM and eProcurement modules of PeopleSoft. Advanced skills in Financial, Accounting and business Analyses Experienced in Tier 2 support of PeopleSoft, Blackbaud Financial Edge, Concur, AP Secure and PaperSave applications. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE S.P. RICHARDS, (Subsidiary of Genuine Parts) Atlanta 4/2013- Present Technical Analyst (Consulting) Assist with the PeopleSoft financial software upgrade. The company is upgrading its Canadian subsidiary from PeopleSoft 7.5 to 8.8 then to 9.1. Create new queries in PeopleSoft 8.8 similar to queries in the 7.5 version. Create job aids and train users on the processes and procedures of the new version. Update user security matrix. Create report templates. Coordinate user acceptance testing. Assist with identifying and running reports and queries to be migrated to new version of PeopleSoft. ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION, Atlanta 4/2006- 3/2013 Senior Accounting Analyst Analyze and offer recommendations on the feasibility of accounting information system proposals. Analyze the financial feasibility and impact of proposed budget items on operating programs, and provide...
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