DuPont Kevlar Aramid Industrial Fiber
DuPont is the world's leader in many different industry segments and have a strong dedication to research and development. This focus is embedded in the company's history and culture which has a foundation built in science. The company was once a major supplier to the tire industry until the development of the radial tire. During this industry transition, DuPont considered developing its Kevlar product for use in the next generation of tires. Although there were other materials available that could be used in this application that were far cheaper, DuPont believed that the superior qualities of Kevlar would be competitive if the price was within its competitors range. This report will provide a background and an analysis of the uncertainties inherent in DuPont's position.

Company Background

DuPont's scientific history can be traced back all the way to the 18th century beginning in France with an individual named Antoine-Laurent…...

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Works Cited

Busenitz, L., 1999. Entrepreneurial Risk and Strategic Decision Making. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 25(3), pp. 325-340.

DuPont, 2012. Lavoisier Medalists are extraordinary scientists and engineers.. [Online]

Available at: http://www2.dupont.com/inclusive-innovations/en-us/gss/science/awards-recognition/lavoisier-medalists.html

[Accessed 18 August 2012].

DuPont
Since DuPont's beginnings in the 19th century, the company has been continually at the forefront for: innovation, research and development. This is because they were focused on addressing host of different needs in society through: using various techniques to improve the lives of their customers and the different organizations they were working with. As, time went by the corporation continued to innovate and adapt to the various changes they were facing. Evidence of this can be seen with their expansion into a wide variety of areas including: biotechnology and the use of a host of different chemically-based products that are a part of many household as well as industrial items. This is a dramatic shift from DuPont's early beginning as a manufacturer of gunpowder in 1802. ("History of DuPont," 2011) To fully understand how these transformations have taken place requires: examining various technology / telecommunication issues and how other salient…...

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Bibliography

DuPont Engineering Polymers. (2011). DuPont. Retrieved from:  http://www.newmaterials.com/Customisation/Companies/DuPont_Engineering_Polymers.asp 

History of DuPont. (2011). DuPont. Retrieved from:  http://pc.dupont.com/dpc/en/U.S./html/common/about/dr-history.html 

Reengineering and Compensation. (2011). DuPont. Retrieved from: http://www.dupontlegalmodel.com/reengineering-and-compensation-trends-and-their-impact-on-partnering/

Burns, D. (2008). A Better Way to Gauge Profitability. Journal of Accountancy. Retrieved from:  http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2008/Aug/ABetterWaytoGaugeProfitability

This research would include company- and individual-specific information and figures as well as academic research related to operations shutdowns and cessations generally. The first step of direct action that would be taken is a meeting of relevant and available operations and organizational leadership, describing the necessary changes and the reasons behind them, and presenting the information obtained through research to ensure that expectations are all in line with each other. Current organizational needs, values, and methods for obtaining these would also be stressed at the meeting, setting a clear rationale and plan for the upcoming changes and adjustments.
After the necessary leadership members have been apprised of the plan for change, other members of the organization would also be informed of the coming changes and their rationales in a more efficient manner. Explanation will be made as comprehensive as possible so as to mitigate and reduce the level of negative…...

DuPont has a number of goals and objectives. The most notable include: investing in areas that will increase their profitability / enhance shareholder returns, decreasing the firm's environmental footprint, reducing costs, supporting the needs of employees, being a productive member of the community, meeting the demands of customers and adjusting to changes inside the marketplace. These different areas help the company to continually focus on reaching key benchmarks and reassessing new ones.
Stakeholder Analysis & Impact

Stakeholders have numerous interests, with DuPont's practices affecting them differently. In the case of shareholders, they want to see the company increase their overall return. This is achieved through studying the strategy, dividends and earnings from quarter to quarter. In the long-term, the ability of the firm to increase the total return will lead to managers retaining their position.

While managers, want to meet different objectives of the company. This is because these experiences offer them with…...

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References

Foresythe, G. (2011). Can Energy Management Deliver Real Savings. DuPont. Retrieved from:

 http://www.dupont.com/content/dam/assets/country-config/images_tool_dss_asktheexpert/Garrett_Forsythe_CSC_Webinar_4_Chem_Week_Mag_9_22_2011 .

pdf

Standard & Poor's. (2013). Standard & Poor's Stock Almanac. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Dupont esearch
In its purest definition, quantitative research focuses on a systematic and empirical approach to research based on statistical, mathematical and/or computational techniques. The overall objective of this type of research is to develop models, theories and hypotheses that consist of measurable and verifiable datum. The overall basis for quantitative research is within the process of measurement. This process establishes the necessary connection between empirical observation and the mathematical expression of the interrelationships of quantitative datum. Thus, the researcher must ask specific, rather narrow questions; collect samples of numerical data; analyze that data mathematically; and then develop an unbiased result that can be replicated as well as generalized to a larger population. This is in contrast to qualitative research, that tends to follow broader questions with verbiage-based datum; and focuses on themes to describe patterns within the research set; then extrapolates that information into a larger group (Given, 2008, pp.…...

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REFERENCES

Allingham, M. (2002). Choice Theory: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press.

Creswell, J. (2013). Research Design (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Given, L. (2008). The Safe Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Goertz, G., & Mahoney, J. (2012). A Tale of Two Cultures: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

DuPont has become one of the most well-known household names for the various products they are selling. The most notable include: corn hybrid, soybean, canola, sunflower, sorghum, inoculants, wheat, rice seeds, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, photopolymers, electronic materials for photovoltaic products, consumer electronics, displays, advanced printing, ultures, emulsifiers, gums, natural sweeteners, soy-based food plastics / coatings, textiles, mining, pulp, paper, water treatment, titanium dioxide, specialty fluorochemicals, fluoropolymers, performance chemicals, thermoset engineering polymers and elastomers. This helped the firm to become one the top producers of these areas.
To determine how success is impacting DuPont requires focusing on: its resources, schedule, scope, budget, communications, training and support. These different elements will illustrate the way specific variables are impacting stakeholders. It is at this point, when select ideas can be used to understand those factors influencing the company.

For any kind of strategy, the ability to determine how successful an organization will be…...

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REFERENCES

Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Goertz, G., & Mahoney, J. (2012). A Tale of Two Cultures: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Leedy, P., & Ormrod, J. (2009). Practical Research: Planning and Design. New York: Prentice Hall.

McBurney, D., & White, T. (2010). Research Methods (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Chapter 11: Question 1:

a. What is your favorite construction of carpet fibers?

This question is not well formulated as it needs to consider the option of "other" in addition to the high possibility that the consumer does not have a favorite construction at all.

What style of carpeting do you have in your office?

This question is well formulated, however has little to do with the residential application of designer carpet.

Do you intend to buy a new carpet soon?

This question needs to be more specific in the time frame of carpet purchase, soon is too vague to be useful.

d. Do you believe, as most Americans do, that U.S. citizens should buy American-made carpets?

This question leads the respondent with the phrase "as most Americans," which should be removed.

e. Will you buy designer carpets given that they cost slightly more than traditional carpets?

A choice of "uncertain" should be included, and the question should be rephrased…...

Defenses, Privileges, And Damages
Strict Liability

Immunities

Statute of Limitations

Defamation and Invasion of Privacy

Defenses, Privileges, and Damages

Mass Tort Law Defense

The court ruled that the damages claimed from DuPont was primarily on the allegations of injuring local residents through the contamination of their property by the release of harmful substances like cadmium, arsenic and lead at the zinc smelting site of the company.

The case is a classic example of strict Tort. This is a case where the accused did not intentionally intend to cause harm to the injured and yet the actions resulted in alleged harm and discomfort. In this case, though DuPont did not intend to cause harm directly, the actions of the company allegedly caused harm to the local residents in terms of contamination and the injury to their property.

In the future companies would be more careful to take care of the possible harmful activities like the extraction and use of harmful…...

1998 DuPont spin off of Conoco by analyzing the transaction itself. Then, we look at one possible alternative and compare it with the actual long-term impacts of the sale. This is when we make specific recommendations about which choice was a financially prudent decision.
Over the last several years, corporate America has often turned to spin offs as a way to increase their bottom line numbers. This is because it is an effective tool in helping a firm to: divest itself of an unprofitable division and to raise to large amounts new investment capital. This money can be used to help repurchase stocks or make strategic acquisitions that will allow the firm to adapt with the changes that are happening in the market place. Once this occurs, is when a company can be able to refocus on core segments that will dramatically increase their profits margins. ("Spin Offs," 2011)

In the…...

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Bibliography

2010 Annual Report. (2011), Conoco Phillips. Retrieved from: http://www.conocophillips.com/EN/about/company_reports/annual_report/Documents/2010_SummaryAnnualReport.pdf

Conoco Company History. (2011), Conoco Phillips. Retrieved from:  http://www.conocophillips.com/EN/about/who_we_are/history/conoco/Pages/index.aspx 

Conoco Philips. (2011). Yahoo.com. Retrieved from:  http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=cop&ql=1 

DuPont. (2011). Yahoo Finance. Retrieved from:  http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=DD&reco=1

Senior Executives DuPont divesture Conoco
Divesture

Whether the divesture is made from a financial perspective is a function of all underlying factors responsible for producing the expected results. Underlying factors include the financial stability of the company as a holistic organization, and the reasons behind the divesture with respect to the current industry positioning. Additionally, the divesture is anticipated to save money. The expected increase to profits, if any, and the expected decrease in operating costs as a function to the increase in profit, should be estimated.

The notion of the DuPont Company divesting Conoco Corporation is to say that Conoco is a failing brand that is reducing the profitability and perhaps the growth rate of DuPont as well. Financially, the divesture is a means to reduce costs if the expense of maintaining a specific line of business becomes exceedingly prohibitive when considering the current underlying profitability of the business and the function…...

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References

"DuPont Plans IPO to Start Conoco Divestiture." Oil & Gas Journal 1998: 37. ABI/INFORM Global. Web. 3 Apr. 2011 .

In the words of Gallagher and Andrew (2007), "the equity multiplier indicates the amount of financial leverage a firm has." In regard to asset turnover, Wal-Mart seems more efficient than Target in the utilization of assets to generate revenues.
Part 2

Common size analysis completed using a spreadsheet.

Discussion

From the analysis, several conclusions can be drawn. For instance, Wal-Mart should consider reducing its cost of revenue. This is more so the case given that in comparison to Target, a significant chunk of Wal-Mart's total revenue is 'shaved-off' by the said costs/expenses. From the analysis, it is also clear that Target's net income in relation to total revenues is significantly higher than that of Wal-Mart. In that regard, Wal-Mart should consider reducing its expenses so as to enhance its bottom line.

eferences

Baker, H.K. & Powell, G. (2009). Understanding Financial Management: A Practical Guide. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

Gallagher, T.J. & Andrew, J.D. (2007). Financial Management:…...

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References

Baker, H.K. & Powell, G. (2009). Understanding Financial Management: A Practical Guide. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

Gallagher, T.J. & Andrew, J.D. (2007). Financial Management: Principles and Practice (4th ed.). Minnesota: Freeload Press.

The non-threatening approach of the study needs to be expanded upon with top-management visibility and support added to give it even more credibility and credence in the eyes of the workers being effected by the manufacturing operation closure. The support of top management in any change management initiative, including the closure of the plant and the urgent need to get an OD strategic plan created and implemented, is crucial (Hoff, 2008). The study being completed by Dr. Akin from the University of Virginia is just the start and while it shows excellent support for appreciate inquiry, it does not integrate OD and sense-making as well. While sense-making is done well on its own it needs to be part of the broader OD strategy. To accomplish this, I would bring together DuPont senior management for the plant and work to create a strategic plan that ties together all three concepts…...

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References

Asuman Akdogan, Ayse Cingoz. (2009). The Effects of Organizational Downsizing and Layoffs on Organizational Commitment: A Field Research. Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge, 14(2), 337-343. Retrieved January 27, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1614428951).

Bennis, Warren, Mische, Michael. (1996, September). 21st century organization. Executive Excellence, 13(9), 7. Retrieved January 26, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 10220662)

Jimmy Brown (2006). Application of an OD Perspective to Develop a New Model of the Strategy Formulation Process. The Business Review, Cambridge, 6(2), 26-31. Retrieved January 27, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1189522001).

Gervase R. Bushe, Aniq F. Kassam. (2005). When Is Appreciative Inquiry Transformational? A Meta-Case Analysis. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 41(2), 161-181. Retrieved January 24, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 844409131).

1998, and DuPont is considering spinning off Conoco, an oil and gas company, of which DuPont presently owns 100%. The spinoff would likely be the largest IPO in history if the entire company was sold. There are, however, a number of things that need to be taken into consideration. DuPont may wish to retain some interest in Conoco, perhaps even controlling interest. How much should be spun out is an important consideration. Further, there needs to be an appraisal of the market, to determine what the value of Conoco might be on the open market, and if this is fair value to DuPont for the company. The IPO market needs to be able to handle the Conoco IPO in order to extract the highest price possible for the shares. Further, there needs to be financial considerations, such as how such a deal would affect DuPont's share value. There are…...

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Works Cited:

Chang, J. (1998). DuPont begins to sell Conoco in effort to focus on biotech. ICIS.com. Retrieved October 4, 2013 from  http://www.icis.com/Articles/1998/05/18/87415/dupont-begins-to-sell-conoco-in-effort-to-focus-on-biotech.html 

ConocoPhillips. (2013) Who we are. Conoco Phillips. Retrieved October 3, 2013 from http://www.conocophillips.com/EN/about/who_we_are/history/conoco/Pages/

Moore, H. (1998). Record-setting Conoco IPO raises $4.4 billion. The Street.com. Retrieved October 4, 2013 from  http://www.thestreet.com/story/21347/1/record-setting-conoco-ipo-raises-44-billion.html 

WTRG.org. (2013). OPEC events and oil prices (graph). Wtrg.org. Retrieve October 3, 2013 from  http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm

c) Change support

In the context of the closing of the Orlon manufacturing operations, a useful approach to the problem would be constituted by the action research. This type of research specifically implies that the individual assesses the situation, but in doing so, also seeks solutions to resolving the problem (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). This type of research combines the theoretical stance with the practical stance. Through its lenses then, the following steps would be implemented:

Assessment of the means in which the stakeholder perceive the change

edesign of the means in which change is handled in order to ensure that it is understood and embraced by as many stakeholder categories as possible.

d) Fictional change

An important change which could impact DuPont is represented by the need to entirely replace the technological system. Such a change would generate employee reticence due to the elements of novelty, but also as a result of the…...

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References:

Blecker, T., 2005, Information and management systems for product customization, Springer

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., Thornhill, a., 2009, Research methods for business students, 5th edition, Pearson Education

Case study: change at DuPont

Apple Inc. Investment Analysis and Recommendations
Apple Inc. is an American multinational company specializing in designing and producing mobile telecommunication devices that include iPhone, computer software and hardware, Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPod, and other electronic devices. Apple was incorporated and publicly registered in 1977. Headquartered in California, Apple is one of the most successful American companies in term of revenue with the annual revenue reaching $233.7 billion at the end of 2015 fiscal year. On February 2016, Apple recorded $521.3 billion worth of market capitalization. While Apple designs the bulk of their products in the United States, the company's manufacturing plants are located in China. Apple also operates in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Latin America. (Apple Inc. 2015).

Board of Directors

Apple Inc. Board of Directors is overseeing by the company CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and other competent senior management. The Board oversees the day-to-day operations of the company as well as…...