Explain why it is important for operations managers to understand the local culture and practices of the countries in which a firm does business. What are some of the potential consequences if they don’t?

You are president of a large corporation. at a typical monthly meeting, each of your vice presidents gives standard area reports. in the past, these reports have been good, and the vps seem satisfied about their work. based on situational approach to leadership, which leadership style should you exhibit at the next meeting?

True tomato inc. makes organic ketchup. to promote its products, this firm decided to make bottles in the shape of tomatoes. to accomplish this, true tomato worked with its bottle manufacture to create a set of unique molds for its bottles. which of the following specialized assets does this example demonstrate? (a) site specificity (b) research specificity (c) physical-asset specificity (d) human-asset specificity

Google started as one of many internet search engines, amazon started as an online book seller, and ebay began as a site where people could sell used personal items in auctions. these firms have grown to be so large and dominant that they are facing antitrust scrutiny from competition regulators in the us and elsewhere. did these online giants grow by fairly beating competition, or did they use unfair advantages? are there any clouds on the horizon for these firms -- could they face diseconomies of scale or diseconomies of scope as they continue to grow? if so, what factors may limit their continued growth?