How do Porter’s competitive forces model, the value chain model, synergies, core competencies, and network-based strategies help companies use information systems for competitive advantage?

Last week paul, ceo of quality furniture in south carolina, traveled to europe to visit customers. while overseas, paul checked his e-mail daily and showed his company's website to customers, explaining how the website will them place orders and receive merchandise more quickly. after visiting the last customer friday morning, paul was able to return to the corporate office in south carolina to meet with his board of directors that night. is the "shrinking" of time and space with air travel and electronic media.

Over the past year, three of the star salesmen at family resorts international's corporate office have been lured away to competitors. on top of that, karina, the general manager of the sales department, has noticed that most employees come in, do their jobs, and leave. family resorts offers a good salary, benefits, and tuition reimbursement, as well as a number of development and training programs. most employees seem contented enough, but karina would like to do something to increase the level of engagement among her staff. what do you think karina should do?

Carmen’s beauty salon has estimated monthly financing requirements for the next six months as follows: january $ 9,000 april $ 9,000 february 3,000 may 10,000 march 4,000 june 5,000 short-term financing will be utilized for the next six months. projected annual interest rates are: january 9 % april 16 % february 10 may 12 march 13 june 12 what long-term interest rate would represent a break-even point between using short-term financing and long-term financing?