GBG 127 – Quiz/Reports Chapter 13 – Spring 2004

Similar to our activities for Chapters 11 and 12, please select one of the following topics. Prepare a one page outline, including sources of materials for a two minute presentation to class on Wednesday, April 21. The presentation and outline should be in two parts: (1) what does the textbook say about the question; and (2) for the articles you have found, what additional information can you provided about the question.

(Note, this is a change from my original plan of having the presentations on Monday, April 19. This is intended to give you more time to prepare. We will have other in-class activities for Monday, April 19)

Page 517 to 522. Minority Entrepreneurship - The text states that blacks are less likely to engage in entrepreneurial activity than other groups. Much of the blame can be traced, the text claims, to the impacts of our social policy. Can you find an article that substantiates this position, or an article that perhaps challenges it?

Page 522 to 524. Bank mergers and capital growth. Two topics here. Federal regulations as of 1995 do not permit interstate banking. What is the current legislation, and what is the purpose of forbidding interstate banking? Second, find an article about any of the bank mergers in the 1990s, and what factors prompted the merger.

Page 524 to 531. The competitive advantage of nations. The US has a competitive advantage, according to the book, in terms of a positive business climate (lower taxes, regulations), and excellent education system, which sets us ahead of the other developed countries. Find an article that supports or challenges this view.

Page 532 to 538. Capital Gains and the Stock Boom. The text argues that the stock market boom of the late 1990s was positive to the economy, and to society in terms of generating wealth. There are other views about the 1990s. Find an article either pro or con with this position.

Page 538 to 542. Managerial Efficiency. The text claims that the 1970s and 1980s marked the end of the managerial revolution (or managerial hierarchy). Find an article that shows how companies have been re-structured to improve performance. Jack Welch at General Electric is a good example.

Page 548 to 551. The text discusses the key role of quality service in promoting growth of the service sector. Profile a company that has emphasized this in its strategy to succeed.