Econ Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Econ - Essay Example As such both the anti-trust laws and intellectual property right laws are at odds with each other due to their potential differences. Though both the legal regimes may seem quite non-relative with each other as intellectual property rights deal with the protection of certain rights over any kind of technological or other advances made whereas the anti-trust laws specifically deal with the competition and how market should be regulated. It is however, argued that both are linked in the sense that government attempt to create so called justified value in the market in a bid to unite the market. This paper will discuss the paradox of what intellectual property rights and anti-trust laws prevent and permit respectively and how this paradox can be solved. Intellectual Property Rights and Anti-trust laws Intellectual property rights are given in order to provide exclusive rights for different intangible assets to the owners of these assets. Most commonly Intellectual Property Rights or IPR are granted by giving or registering patents, trademarks, copyrights as well as industrial design rights. It is however; critical to understand IPRs are becoming increasingly more important not just only in the trade related issues at the national and international level but they are also becoming a matter of daily routine. This aspect of the IPRs therefore makes them critically more important to gain increasingly more significance from the social perspective also. It is argued that there is no uniform definition or explanation of the intellectual property rights at the global level however, different agreements and treaties have actually being made in order to iron out the anomalies and bring in harmony at the national level in the intellectual property rights. World Intellectual Property Organization defines intellectual property rights as â€Å"creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce†. (WIPO). This definition is relatively different from what has been defined by World Trade Organization. Definition by WTO suggests that intellectual property rights give exclusive rights to the creators of mind’s inventions to use them for certain period of time. The above definitions therefore suggest that intellectual property rights and their legal implications are still to be defined in uniform manner. Anti-trust laws however, are related with the concept of competition which is purely and economic concept and refer to a market based mechanism. Under this mechanism, everyone is allowed to enter and trade in the market freely and without any restrictions and should be given equal treatment and fair chance to pursue one’s own economic interests. Competition however, also requires optimal allocation of resources and is considered only valuable when it is able to optimally allocate the resources in the market. What is also important to note that competition inherently require s that there should not be any barriers or unfair use of market power and use of unfair practices which can provide an unfair advantage to someone? Competition therefore advocates a fairly balanced and just market mechanism under which everyone is free to enter and exit the market

The US Airways has grown to become a successful airline in the US Research Paper

The US Airways has grown to become a successful airline in the US - Research Paper Example After a series of mergers and buyouts, the US Airways grew from just a small airline operating in just a number of airports within the US to big conglomerate with a huge annual turnover (McNicholas 1). This airline has a colorful history and a rich culture facilitated by the presence of loyal customers coupled with hard working employees. However, evidence from reliable studies show that this success or rather triumph has come along with numerous setbacks. As of today, the US Airways faces serious challenges, which include the merger between itself and America West (Vasigh, Ken, and Liam 32). Analysts assent that the anticipated marriage linking the US Airways and America West brought certain obstacles, which comprise of labor challenges, integrating operations, competition, and a weak industry as well as the issue of rebranding the whole airline probably using a different color (Yunich 2). Despite being a low cost airline, the US Airways is still dealing with lost employee morale sp ecifically after the effects of September 11 started exerting heavy toll on the aviation industry (Taneja 65). Generally, in order for the US Airways to stay firm in business, it has to introduce few changes and alter a number of its stipulations. It is therefore recommendable for the US Airways to move from excessive assets, the filing of Chapter 11 (Bankruptcy, BUS 371), and lost customers to a â€Å"load factor† (Moyer and Reynolds 51). Position of the problem Since the problems facing the US Airways are numerous, it is substantial to include a number of spectrums that establishes several positions aimed at getting a clear picture of the situation. It is agreeable that merging with the America West is crucial for the US Airways business operations (Lu 34). It can result to increased profit margins, reduced competition, and potential utilization of the company assets (Pender and Richard 50). However, a critical review of the company’s feedback from various players in the same market shows that, the merger may never happen simply because other airlines competing for the same clientele claim that this merger may diminish them by rendering their businesses useless. Profoundly, the US Airways offers a low cost service to its customers while the America West offers similar services in addition to other favorable offerings to its clients (McNicholas 2). As such, a merger between these dominant airlines would mean increased competition pro the other airlines, which would result to low profit margins, loss of customers, and subsequent exit in the industry (Brent 92). Of course, not even a single airline would want this to happen so contesting against this marriage is a priority to most of the foreseen victims. Since the major problem facing the US Airways is the issues that resulted from its subsequent merging with America West, understanding that the US Airways should not lose sight of its mission and visions statements is imperative (Vasigh, Ken, and Liam 40). With reference to the US Airways statements visions and mission, the company seeks to provide safety and value to its customers (Moyer and Reynolds 75). Additionally, it commits itself into making every flight count and dedicates its corporate social responsibility department towards maintaining a sustainable environment. Although there has been no terror effects of any plane crash

Knowledge Management Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Knowledge Management Systems - Essay Example The objective of this paper is to identify and review the challenges of building and implementing knowledge systems. Also included in the discussion are the advantages of curbing failure factors of KMS as well as effective strategies in developing knowledge management initiatives. Identifying the challenges in building knowledge management systems (KMS) is a major concern. Bartczak (2002) claims that an intervening action towards achieving the objective of knowledge management (KM) is to determine the problems that inhibit knowledge transfer in different types of organisations. When a particular problem is recognised, organisations become capable of implementing approaches to reinforce organisational value through improved knowledge management. Knowledge is at the core of managing knowledge in organisations. In management literature, numerous studies have been proposed integrating the contribution of knowledge in enhancing management performance. Nevertheless, there are few researches about studying the chief failure causes in the domain of knowledge management (Chatzkel 2003). Through a comprehensive review of literature about the failure causes of knowledge management Malhotra (2004, as cited in Akhavan, Jafari, & Fathian 2005: para 3-4) states that: .. Prior discussion has highlighted that knowledge management system fail because of two broad reasons. ... For these inputs to result in business performance, the influence of intervening and moderating variables such as attention, motivation, commitment, creativity, and innovation, has to be better understood and accounted for in design of business models. Second, the efficacy of inputs and how they are strategically deployed are important issues often left unquestioned as 'expected' performance outcomes are achieved, but the value of such performance outcomes may be eroded by the dynamic shifts in the business and competitive environments... In other words, Malhotra is arguing that the most frequent mistake in building knowledge management system is incompetence in synchronising endeavours between human resources and information technology. He also emphasises that KMS design should guarantee that adjustment and improvement of organisational performance outcomes transpires in harmony with evolving processes of the business environment. At the same time, envisioning a wide range of future courses of human contributions and information technology implanted in the KMS can reduce the threat of rapid obsoleteness of these systems. The objective of this study is to analyse and discuss some of the most apparent problems or challenges in building knowledge management systems in organisations. The first section will discuss the inherent challenges in the management of organisational knowledge, such as employee characteristics and the trend of knowledge work. Then the challenges in embedded knowledge and information systems, as well as the failure causes in KMS will be discussed. The final section will provide an overall analysis and inclusive conclusion on the knowledge management

Managers Are Increasingly Recognised As Powerful And Privileged Essay

Managers Are Increasingly Recognised As Powerful And Privileged Individuals Who Are Not Always Held Accountable For Their Actions. Should This Power Be Regulated - Essay Example One such living example is the case of MG Rover, a Britain based car company that has suffered the consequences. It is time, we learn our lessons, and along with the wings of power, render the reins of responsibility. MG Rover, apparently the last British owned mass-producer of cars in the British motor industry was established in the year 2000 by the merger of MG and Rover from BMW. At that point of time, BMW sold, rather abandoned Rover at throwaway prices. They offered an interest free loan of 427 million, repayable by 2049 to those who were willing to take it. Along with this, the buyer would be left with 350 million worth of unsold cars along with the alluring cash dowry of 112 million. This made Phoenix interested in the deal and enter the arena. The Phoenix consortium comprised of British businessmen and was headed by John Towers, former Rovers executive. They bought the company for 10, and emerged as saviors for Rover at that point of time. The organization showed a downfall as it exchanged hands, but deals like the purchase of the Qvale of Italy in 2001 went on. It collaborated with Tata, India in 2002 and also launched MG SV and SV-R in 2003, followed by launch of Rover CityRover. During its peak, the company employed approximately 170,000 workers. In the year 2004, the organization entered into talks with the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). A collaborative deal that was negotiated between the two companies fell through in the year 2005, forcing MG Rover into insolvency. The company entered into administration in April 2005. Because of the company's failure, 6000 workers lost their jobs and thousands of jobs in related sectors of the supply chain were threatened. Not just this, the entire economy of West Midlands suffered a blow because of the mistakes made by a handful of people. Where what went wrong The reasons why MG Rover failed were many. The car company, as it exchanged hands was almost always in troubled waters. One reason why Rover lost its brand value goes to over 25 years ago, where the cars were not as high quality. Even though efforts to improve quality were made, the brand image of a lower quality had already been built. The management was myopic in its approach and overlooked the real opportunities. Also the British public did not support the car much, as they preferred to buy foreign brands over the Britain based MG Rover. Many experts also feel that had the government rendered a timely response, much could have been saved. In May 2000, the Blair government had praised the Phoenix for its efforts for taking big risks. They had also promised everything that could be possibly done to save the company. But the response was not as timely as it could have been. The government has now however come up with the 150 million package, where workers are being paid the amount, to stay at home. However had action been taken four years ago, and the firm been nationalized, probably workers could have been paid much more in compensation. It is also an important lesson for the present government on choosing the right leaders/ managers for an organization. However actual disaster was with the management and its operations. For four years, the

Strategic Human Resource Management Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strategic Human Resource Management - Article Example Those working in firms are protected by these unions such that their wages and salaries cannot be altered by the employer at his/her own pleasure. Also, the unions ensure workers work for negotiable hours. In addition, they focuses on workers’ health and safety through negotiating for favourable working conditions (Wilkinson 2014, p. 90). Secondly, the unions represent workers to their employers. Usually, the employers engage in â€Å"collective bargaining† with the trade unions. The unionsnegotiates for workers’ rights during these meetings. Sometimes, disagreements arise, which results to industrial actions such as a strike. In order to prevent workers from negotiating individually with their employers, the trade unions give them adviceandinformation on the best ways to give their complaints and at the right time. Other functions of the unions include resolving conflicts and providing services for the union members.Some of these services include insurance schemes, pension schemes, and discounts on shopping (Wilkinson 2014, p. 99). As stated earlier, trade unions have changed their roles over the past years due to globalization, outsourcing of labour and legal constraints. The role of unions has changed recently where they not only represent workers during negotiations but also recruit new workers in case the employers dismiss them. Due to the fragmentation of the labour market, the trade unions have reduced their role of ensuring the welfare of many workers. In other words, they have shifted their focus from workers to the enterprises.They regulate the workers conditions and payments at enterprise-level unlike before when they acted with workers in fighting for labour rights. The rise of unions that are sponsored by employers have eroded the basic roles of trade unions in protecting labourforce (Wilkinson 2014, p. 100). Most firms have employed the non-union workers as a way of protecting themselves from industrial strikes.Therefore, trade

Domtar Business Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Domtar Business Analysis - Research Paper Example Domtar has exhibited excellent cash flow over the last few years. The cash flow is anticipated to rise to an average of 9% in the next one year. Domtar’s income has been declining considerably though is still considered to be performing well as compared to other companies in the same industry. Domtar Products Domtar specializes in a wide range of fiber-based products. The products include digital printing papers, specialty papers, EarthChoice papers, publishing papers, commercial printing papers, Business papers, as well as office papers. It is currently planning to start manufacturing packaging papers. Additionally, Domtar engages in the manufacture of paper grade, lumber, wood products, in addition to specialty pulp. Domtar sells its products to a wide range of customers such as merchants, retailers, printers, converters, publishers, as well as end users. Domtar sells its product within Canada, North America and exports to other regions of the world such as United State, whi ch is one of the main customers (Ivara, 2012) Domtar’s Financial Health Financially, Domtar has been performing considerably well. It is considered the second largest paper industry in the world in terms of financial standings. In the financial statement issued on July 27, 2012, which showed the financial performance for the second quarter of 2012, the report showed the considerable decline from that of the previous year. The company reported an operating income of $106 million. Although this was excellent compared to other companies in the same industry, it was, however, a decline from $ 109 million reported in the first quarter for the year 2012. The decline was attributed to increased maintenance costs in addition to reduced shipments for pulp as well as paper. However, the market prices had increased considerably which helped offset the losses, which could have been higher. However, Domtar is anticipating worse times in the third quarter due to the challenges facing the p ulp markets such as the declining demand for both paper and pulp shipments. Domtar management is planning to counteract the anticipated losses by converting the less needed communication paper to Specialty as well as packaging papers, which are still in higher demands. Additionally, Domtar hopes to increase the prices of pulp (Domtar, 2012). The cash flow from functioning activities amounted to about $30 million in the first quarter of 2011. The capital expenditures were approximately $29 million. By March 31, 2012, which marked the end of the first quarter of 2012, Domtar paid $47 million for outstanding premiums and recorded a free cash flow amounting to $48 million. This demonstrates strong cash flow. Additionally, Domtar’s cash flow is expected to average improve further in the future. Domtar’s stock price has outdone the benchmark in the first quarter of 2012. Investors are expected to increase their shareholdings. Additionally, the shares are expected to continue exchanging at bargain basement levels (Domtar, 2012). Any company has the main goal of increasing the value for the shareholders.  Ã‚  

The Life Of A Knight Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Life Of A Knight - Essay Example many aspects of the knight’s life including their history, how one became a knight, who they worked for, the benefits associated with the honor and their day-to-day existence including tournaments, the most important activity for the Knight when not engaged in combat. Knights were proficient mercenaries. Many traveled looking for employment doing combat. They were steeped in a chivalrous tradition, bore the noblest arms and rode the finest horses. â€Å"The incessant private warfare that characterized medieval times brought about a permanent military class and by the tenth century the institution of knighthood was well established† (Duby, 2004). The successful Norman invasion in 1066 necessitated the nobility of England to create Knights. They provided an effective force in an effort to protect lands. By the eleventh century, these professional soldiers were approaching nobility themselves. â€Å"The number of knights declined from the thirteenth century onwards. The true knight disappeared in the sixteenth century in France and much earlier in other countries† (Hull, 2003). Knighthood was bestowed on those found worthy by a light touch on the shoulder with the flat of a sword in the hand of someone of nobility. The dubbing of a knight would normally occur with much public fanfare accompanied by music and celebration. Knights could also be created in the field of battle in a quieter ceremony. Typically, when the son of a knight reached age six, he was sent to a nearby castle where he was educated in knighthood. The Page, the first step in becoming a knight, attended training schools usually run by a knight to learn all there is to know about becoming one. â€Å"This started with religious and moral training such as trust in God, to be humble, be generous, be a defender of the poor and widows, respect others, eat well but do not get drunk, avoid evil men, and do not lie† (Gautier, 1957). The Page was taught the Bible usually through the use of