Global E-Commerce Strategies for Small Business

Book Description

Small companies account for a surprising one-third of U.S. exports, and their market share is growing. The Internet has played a major role in helping these companies develop an increasingly powerful international presence. Global E-Commerce Strategies for Small Businesses describes the export opportunities e-commerce holds for small-to-medium size enterprises (SMEs) all over the world. The book is organized in two parts. The first uses examples and case studies of small exporting companies from six countries to show how SMEs and new entrepreneurs are not only successful but also often responsible for job creation, innovation, and economic growth in their regions. It also examines common obstacles to exports such as local and international laws, cultural differences, trade barriers, taxation, and transport infrastructure. The second part covers the steps in setting up a global business: researching business opportunities, identifying and reach out to customers, building and keeping an online image, closing the deal, and maintaining customer support. Written in a casual, accessible style, the book offers an overview of the tools and services available to help smaller companies flourish in the global marketplace.

Customer Reviews:

Global E-Commerce Strategies for Small Business.......2001-06-20

I have read this book and find it to be one of the most comprehensive books on the subject. It develops the subject very gradually and provides solid material for understanding e-business for small companies. It provides nice and useful examples and case studies that help the reader to understand the nuts and bolts of e-business for small companies in the global market. I recommend it as the first reading on the subject to readers interested in IT and international business for small companies.

Enthusiastic Endorsement of Eduardo Da Costa and Why.......2001-06-13

Mr. Da Costa's book is an intelligent, realistic and motivating resource for global small business owners and entrepreneurs -- as well as software vendors, industry analysts, and development agencies following small business development. This realtively small volume is stuffed with cogent and straight-forward discussions of the cultural factors and business climate that effect ecommerce success for small business ecommerce operations. He makes the inspiring argument that such developments change lives, as well as significantly affect the health of nations and economies.

More than theoretical, the book is replete with well-drawn examples and lessons - written in a thoroughly unstuffy manner. Truly useful for those of us who are actually about to launch into the ocean of global e-business, or seeking to improve our approach. Mr. Da Costa has done us all a favor, sifting through a huge pile of facts and cautionary tales. There is much here for all to learn and enjoy. Enthusiastic endorsement of Eduardo!

Average customer rating:
Global E-Commerce Strategies for Small Business
Eduardo daCosta
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQC698

Average customer rating:
Global E-Commerce Strategies for Small Business
Eduardo Da Costa
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ8YP8

Book Description

In large corporations in Japan, much of the clerical work is carried out by young women known as "office ladies" (OLs) or "flowers of the workplace." Largely nameless, OLs serve tea to the men and type and file their reports. They are exempt from the traditional lifetime employment and have few opportunities for promotion. In this engaging ethnography, Yuko Ogasawara exposes the ways that these women resist men's power, and why the men, despite their exclusive command of authority, often subject themselves to the women's control. Ogasawara, a Japanese sociologist trained in the United States, skillfully mines perceptive participant-observation analyses and numerous interviews to outline the tensions and humiliations of OL work. She details the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that OLs who are frustrated by demeaning, dead-end jobs thwart their managers and subvert the power structure to their advantage. Using gossip, outright work refusal, and public gift-giving as manipulative strategies, they can ultimately make or break the careers of the men. This intimate and absorbing analysis illustrates how the relationships between women and work, and women and men, are far more complex than the previous literature has shown.

Customer Reviews:

Subvert the dominant paradigm........2002-09-20

This book (actually a dissertation) describes the power-hierarchy in Japanese companies. Throughout modernity-and into post-modernity- women in the professional Japanese workforce are often given jobs of menial nature. These women, so called "office ladies" or "office flowers", are not given the opportunity for career advancement. Instead they are bounded to their male superiors for whatever clerical jobs these men may desire. Ogasawara, however, posits that "office ladies" actually hold more power than is perceived on the surface. These women, because of their ability to make copies, types documents, and in some cases write detailed reports for the men, are highly valued. These men must, in a sense, "curry favor" with these women in order to: 1) Prove that they will be competent managers in the future and 2) handle all that is required of them from their superiors. (The abundant workload often leaves male employees with little time for making copies, running errands etc.)

The methodology the author uses is participant observation. A great book for anyone interested in Japanese societal structure

Very good study of gender and power in Japanese business.......1999-07-11

The author writes clearly and convincingly about the experience of being an office lady. She explains her entry into the work place, the importance of pecking order among both men and women, and more interestingly, the interaction between men and women in the workplace.

A fascinating study on formal gift giving between men and women, and the opportunities to give strong feedback to workers who have displeased the gift giver is worth the price of the book.

For readers looking for an insight into gender related work issues in Japan, and some wonderful clues about the real balance of power in the office, read on.

Average customer rating:

Extremely Good Coverage of Enterprise App. Integration

E-Business and Distributed Systems Handbook: Integration Module
Amjad Umar
Manufacturer: Nge Solutions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | E-commerce | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

E-Business and Distributed Systems Handbook: Middleware Module

E-Business and Distributed Systems Handbook: Overview Module

E-Business and Distributed Systems Handbook: Applications Module

Architectures Module: Solution Architectures Through Components

E-Business and Distributed Systems Handbook: Platforms Module

ASIN: 0972741445

Book Description

This module explains the enterprise application integration and migration strategies in a systematic and "hype-free" manner and discusses the integration architectures with a comprehensive analysis of enabling technologies. This is one module of an extensive handbook that systematically discusses how to translate e-business strategies to working solutions by using the latest distributed computing technologies. Several real life examples and case studies are included to explain the key points. Chapters of this module discuss the following topics: a) overview of enterprise integration with existing (including legacy) applications, b) conceptual discussion of strategic, architectural and technical choices (e.g., loose versus tight coupling, pub-sub models) with promises and pitfalls, c) enterprise and inter-enterprise application integration (EAI/eAI) technologies and platforms to support light-weight as well as heavy-duty integrations, d) analysis of enabling technologies (Web Services, XML, CORBA/DCOM, message brokers, MOM, screen scrapers, ODBC/JDBC) and the commercially available EAI platforms that package these technologies for an "integration bus", e) data warehouses and their role in enterprise integration, e) migration strategies and technologies, and f) integration state of the practice (examples), market (commercial products), and art (research issues). Numerous useful references and links are provided for additional investigation.

Customer Reviews:

Extremely Good Coverage of Enterprise App. Integration.......2003-07-02

I read this book (it should not be called a module, it is a complete book!) after going through many books and articles on enterprise integration. For the money, this is the best treatment of business issues, strategic choices, and enabling technologies for EAI. Umar starts with a very good discussion of various integration strategies and the tradeoffs. Approaches to deal with legacy applications are clearly spelled out including access in place, data warehouses, and m igration (gradual/cold turkey). Then a very solid discussion of EAI platforms is presented with a spotlight on XML, Web services, message brokers, screen scrapers, and all that. I really like the categorization of EAI-lite, EAI-mid, and EAI-heavy to emphasize that not all integrations are multi-million, multi-year projects. The role of data warehouses in integrations and when/how to migrate is also covered quite well. The examples and case studies in the last chapter to summarize state of the practice, market, and art is quite beneficial.

Umar is a good writer who has a good practical as well as theoretical knowledge of the subject matter (a rarity). In this and other modules of this handbook, he always starts with a conceptual framework and then explains different pieces of the framework through examples, commercial products, and relevant research findings. His focus is practical but he discusses the underlying principles and foundations quite well so that the material is useful for university/industrial courses. Large sources of additional materials and Web links further add to the academic value. Although this module is self sufficient, it should be combined with architecture and middleware modules of the handbook due to their affinity to the subject matter. It is a very worthwhile study.

Book Description

Bond’s Franchise Guide is the most exhaustive and comprehensive directory on franchise opportunities available. Newly updated, this invaluable guide offers prospective franchisees a detailed profile of over 1,000 franchises, as well as supplemental profiles on franchise attorneys and consultants. The companies are divided into 46 distinct business categories for easy comparison. All profile data is updated with each annual edition and represents the most current and extensive information about the myriad of options available to the potential investor.

Customer Reviews:

Another quality book from Bond.......2006-01-28

I am a professional franchise consultant and I value Bond's opinion greatly. He provides insight to franchise systems that the average franchise seeker would not consider, but would benefit from considering. Buying a franchise is a big decision and you should also seek professional and objective help. I offer a free franchise consultation. I can help you get a better understanding of all of your options and assist you in the overall validation process. To learn more about me services, please visit www capitalfranchisegroup com. Peter Casey--Franchise Consultant

Bond's Franchise Guide.......2001-01-19

I thought I was getting a book on franchises that was a ratings of franchises. This might as well have been condensed into a 5 page booklet on franchise cost. It did however, contain some good contact numbers for someone who has no idea of where to start their franchise search.

One of the best books if you're looking to buy a franchise........1999-11-08

Bonds is by far one of the best franchise books on the market. As a consultant to many franchisors, I have constantly referred back to Bonds. The contact information is very accurate. It is very easy to follow. I used mine so many times, I had to order a new one. When you want to explore the top franchise and business opportunities on line, visit us at FranchiseAmerica.com-America's Franchise and Business Opportunity Portal.

Bond's Top 100 Franchises: An In Depth Analysis of Today's Top Franchise Opportunities

Average customer rating:

Very Good Source For Researching Franchise Opportunities

Bond's Top 100 Franchises: An In Depth Analysis of Today's Top Franchise Opportunities
Robert E. Bond , and Robert Bond
Manufacturer: Source Book Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Franchises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Franchising | Business | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1887137319

Book Description

As the pre-eminent publisher of nine books on franchising, Source Book Publications is constantly asked "What are the best franchises?" Since there are over 2,300 active North American franchise systems, there clearly is no simple answer. This is especially true given the individual needs, experience and financial wherewithal of a widely divergent pool of prospective franchisees.

To at least partially answer the question, however, our staff has broken the franchising industry into three major categories -- food-service, retail and service-based franchises. Within each group, a rigorous, in-depth analysis was performed on literally hundreds of proven franchise systems to arrive at what we feel are the top 100 franchises. Companies were evaluated on the basis of historical performance, brand identification, market dynamics, franchisee satisfaction, the level of initial training and on-going support, financial stability and various other key factors.

The end result of evaluating over 500 franchise systems is Bond's Top 100 Franchises. Many of the companies selected are household names (Blimpie, Century 21, Dunkin' Donuts, GNC, Jackson Hewitt, ServiceMaster Clean). Others are rapidly growing, mid-sized firms (Aaron's, Kumon, Long John Silver's, Merry Maids) that are also strong national players. Still others are somewhat smaller systems that demonstrate sound concepts, exceptional management and an aggressive expansion system (Carvel, Children's Orchard, FISH Window Cleaning, Red Roof Inns, Wing Zone). Unlike other publications that tout the "Best Franchises," there was absolutely no favoritism (usually a function of advertising dollars) shown to any franchise during the selection process.

The evaluation process is only the first of several critical and time-consuming steps toward ultimately owning your own franchise. We encourage you to look over the 100 exceptional companies listed in this book before making any final decision on a system that you will be married to for the next 10 or so years. The few hours you spend here could well mean the difference between a marginal and an exceptional investment decision. Do your homework!

Customer Reviews:

Very Good Source For Researching Franchise Opportunities.......2005-10-04

As the President of Franchise Interviews, we have met and consulted with thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise. Bonds is one source we recommend using to begin your search. The information is the book is very accurate and up to date.

Average customer rating:

The Franchise Handbook
"Business Franchise Magazine"
Manufacturer: Management Books 2000 Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

The Supply Chain Yearbook, 2001 Edition
John A. Woods , and Edward J. Marien
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Retailing | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Purchasing & Buying | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Operations Research | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0071372326

Book Description

Supply chain management is rapidly changing, with up-to-date information becoming increasingly vital for success. The Supply Chain Yearbook provides managers with more than 50 current articles, both reprinted and original, that cover forecasting, e-supply, logistics, project management, legal issues, and other key concepts. Emphasizing new technology and information systems, it shows the reader how to monitor every step of the supply chain - wht the help and guidance of today's most accomplished practitioners.

The 2001 Franchise Annual (Franchise Annual, 2001)

Average customer rating:

The 1999 Franchise Annual: "the original" Franchise Handbook
A great book for franchise contact information

The 2001 Franchise Annual (Franchise Annual, 2001)

Manufacturer: Info Franchise News
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Franchises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Yearbooks & Annuals | Almanacs & Yearbooks | Reference | Subjects | Books

Directories | Catalogs & Directories | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0969226799

Book Description

Since 1996 The Franchise Annual Directory has been the largest and most complete franchise directory available. Known as the "Bible of the Franchise World" the directory gives you all the information you need to investigate before investing. It's guaranteed accurate at date of publication. There are separate American, Canadian, and Overseas sections as well as a complete summary of Federal, State and Provincial regulations.

The Annual includes 49 different categorical sections including such areas as: Distributors, Franchise Consultants, Accounting and Tax Services, Automobile Rental & Leasing, Burglar & Fire Prevention, Children's Product & Services, etc.

Franchisees benefit in many ways from joining a proven system. They enjoy collective buying power and receive financial guidance. All these assets and up to "risk reduction" and give the franchisee an enormous head start over starting a business alone.

The handbook section contains all the questions needed to help the prospective franchisee investigate The Franchisor, The Product or Service, The Franchisees, The Territory and The Contract!

There are 4,177 Total Listings

. 2,618 American Listings

. 1,048 Canadian Listings

. 511 Overseas Listings

There are 466 completely NEW LISTINGS, which are marked with an asterisk (*).

Each franchisor listing includes a description of the business, when established, how long franchising, complete address, telephone number, contact person, number of company owned and franchised units, royalty, franchise fee, total investment, and financing availbale.

Customer Reviews:

The 1999 Franchise Annual: "the original" Franchise Handbook.......2000-02-18

I was disappointed. Although I am sure it is a difficult task to maintain an accurate, complete, and up to date database on thousands of corporations, I expected more. On a more positive note, the book does a good job of listing corporate email addresses, phone numbers and contact info.

A great book for franchise contact information.......1999-11-03

When it comes to franchise information by book, this is one of the most comprehensive sources you can find. The author and publisher have done a superlative job. When you want to explore the top franchise and business opportunities in more detail, visit FranchiseAmerica.com - America's Franchise and Business Opportunity Portal.

Franchise Fees in the Changing U.S. Electric Industry

Average customer rating:

Franchise Fees in the Changing U.S. Electric Industry

Manufacturer: Natl Conference of State
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Yearbooks & Annuals | Almanacs & Yearbooks | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1555165931

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