Formal specification

Social Sci., 6 (1): 99-112, 2010 assumptions provides good support for the use of qualitative methods. To that end, some writers have argued that assumptions can be so deeply embedded that only a complex interactive process of joint inquiry between insiders and outsiders can bring them to the surface (Schein, 1984). Clearly this kind of interactive probing is essential for less visible manifestations of culture. Such observations led some to conclude that as the elements of culture become more…

4.2 SIS and Its Interface with the CEO An executive information system (EIS) provides executives with easy access to internal and external information relevant to their critical success factors. Ideally, an EIS should be able to: Extract, filter, compress, and track critical data, provide online status access, trend analysis, exception reporting, access and integrate a broad range of internal and external data and be user-friendly and require minimal or no training. 4.3 Alignment of SISP…

Unfortunately, some companies have mismanaged their greatest asset—their brands. This is what befell the popular Snapple brand almost as soon as Quaker Oats bought the beverage marketer for $1.7 billion in 1994. Snapple had become a hit through powerful grassroots marketing and distribution through small outlets and convenience stores. Analysts said that because Quaker did not understand the brand’s appeal, it made the mistake of changing the ads and the distribution. Snapple lost so much…

Where the shared resources are limited to common audit methodology or audit manuals, with no exchange of personnel or client or market information, it is unlikely that the shared resources would be considered to be significant. The same applies to a common training endeavor. Where, however, the shared resources involve the exchange of people or information, such as where staff are drawn from a shared pool, or a common technical department is created within the larger structure to provide…

Gold margins are standardized because of adornment+ investment factor. However, quest for greater margins is driving diversification from gold jewellery products. Demand for gold jewellery remains very strong because of cultural traditions, Gold jewellery sales - for weddings, in particular - will continue to generate volume growth for jewellery retailers. Platinum and diamond jewellery sales will generate margin growth. The shift to more profitable diamond jewellery has been smooth because…

However, the large drop in PalmKid’s contribution margin per unit combined with a decrease in the actual number of PalmPro units sold as well as a drop in the actual contribution margin per unit below budget, led to the total contribution margin being much lower than budgeted. Other factors could be discussed here––for example, it seems that the PalmKid did not achieve much success with a three digit price point––selling price was budgeted at $149 but dropped to $102. At the same time,…