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Creativity, the production of new and useful ideas by individuals or teams, can appear in many forms and many functions within firms of all kinds--from entrepreneurial start-ups to well-established enterprises. This note describes the varieties of creativity in organizations, and dispels common myths about what creativity is. Proposes a method for recognizing creativity, outlines the necessary components for individual creativity, and introduces a model of how organizational influences can affect creativity. Critiques some common methods for enhancing creativity, and discusses how creativity can result in innovation.

The purpose of this note is to update a person already familiar with third-party logistics companies (3PLs) on issues facing the industry, and also to provide a listing of available resources on the World Wide Web related to 3PLs. We first cover basic concepts about 3PLs, and the benefits and risks of outsourcing logistics functions to these companies. Then we discuss current issues facing 3PLs. Finally, we present a summary of some of the most important 3PL-related sites organized by content.

Presents several conceptions of corporate purpose and responsibility as articulated by a variety of groups and individuals during the period 1970-95. Included are materials from the Business Roundtable, the American Law Institute, the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturers (U.K.), the U.S. Catholic Bishops, and excerpts from the writings of economist Milton Friedman and lawyer Christopher Stone. A brief introduction provides historical background on the corporate responsibility debate.

A glossary of some commonly used Industrial Relations terminology to be used in conjunction with introductory Industrial Relations cases.

Category management is a technique used by retailers where the product assortment is sub-divided into categories that 1) reflect the purchasing behaviour of the target consumers and 2) are managed as separate business units. In category management, retailers aim to improve the overall performance of a group of products, rather than focus on individual items. In other words, it is a change in perspective about the competitive dynamics of products in the assortment. Individual categories have a manager with the responsibility for making both the buying and merchandising decisions for the category and for planning and achieving the sales and profit goals. (A color version of this case is available at a higher price.)

This note provides the reader with typical clauses to be found in shareholders' agreements along with an explanation of the purpose of each clause.

Describes the six steps included in most reengineering initiatives: selecting the processes for reengineering; identifying change enablers; developing a business vision of process objectives; understanding and measuring existing processes; designing and prototyping the new processes; and implementing the new processes.

Explores the origins of reengineering; its evolution during the 1980s and 1990s; the current state of reengineering, which is prevalent in business today; and several possible futures of reengineering, specifically in relation to process management, knowledge work, and participative work design.

This case gives a broad overview of the global property and casualty insurance industry. Topics covered include insurance economics and risk bearing, insurance accounting, risk-based capital, catastrophic risk, underwriting cycles, the Lloyd's crisis, reinsurance, and the rise of the Bermudian reinsurers.

Explains variance analysis. Concepts of price variance and quantity variance are introduced to analyze prime cost variances. Spending variance and capacity variance are used to analyze overhead variance. Consistent with conducting variance analysis in an activity-based costing setting. All concepts are illustrated graphically.

Encourages managers to think critically about how to prepare for and give a performance appraisal interview. Presents frameworks for evaluating subordinates' work and suggestions for coaching them.

Designed to accompany Module II of the first-year required course on Technology and Operations Management. Particularly useful in conjunction with Corning Glass Works: Erwin Automotive Plant, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc., Johnson Controls, Automotive Systems Group: The Georgetown Kentucky Plant, Process Flow Design Exercise (A) and (B), and Sport Obermeyer Ltd.

Explains the concepts and procedures behind the statement of cash flows. Presents an overview of the reporting objectives of this report, and describes in detail the preparation of the cash flow statement using both the indirect method and the direct method. A complete numerical example is presented. Financial analysis techniques using the cash flow statement are also described. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

This note provides an introduction for a course or module covering the basic elements of production or service operations and how processes are managed. Begins by discussing the activities that take place in a "process." Analysis tools such as the process flow diagram are provided. The types of management choices involved in designing, operating, and improving processes are described. Measures of process performance and basic process analysis are introduced. The different cost structures, capabilities, and performance characteristics of alternative types of processes are touched upon. Finally, the note focuses briefly on the complexity stemming from uncertainty and variability in processes and their external environments. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

Three examples of capacity analysis are provided. Calculations for cycle time, manufacturing lead times, capacities, labor cost, labor content, and utilization are performed for three different types of processes: a bread-making process with two independent lines; a croissant-making process involving two parallel dependent lines, one for making the dough and one for mixing the filling; and an automobile component assembly operation. The impact of process imbalance, machine reliability, and scheduling on available capacity is illustrated.

Presents a model for understanding the behavior and evolution of primary, stable work groups over time. The model describes contextual factors, design factors, and emergent culture as determinants of group behavior and performance. Describes emergent behavior, norms, roles, and rituals as aspects of group life. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

The purpose of this note is to introduce the reader to the topic of intellectual property in the mid 1990s. Key aspects discussed include an overview of the law of intellectual property, how intellectual property is valued and the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Describes the history of the competition policy in the European Union, and focuses on the evolution of pan-European and member-state statutes. The tension between policy and enforcement at various levels draws attention to issues of market definition, especially in merger policy.

This note addresses four key issues of interest to the potential franchisor: 1. assessing the viability of the franchise concept; 2. financing the franchisor and franchisee; 3. designing the franchise agreement; and 4. the legal implications of the franchise agreement.

Managers and management theorists spent the majority of this century building and perfecting the hierarchy; however, if we believe the press, they now appear to be engaged in destroying it. While many proclaim the dawning of the "Information Age" organization and the fading of the hierarchical organization as a trend of the 1990s, the roots of these changes can be traced to the 1950s. This note provides organization design frameworks and concepts for the design of the Information Age organization.