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In July 2000, two founders of this new web-hosting company are contemplating raising $5 million to $15 million in a second-round financing from venture capitalists. The task for the student is to forecast the firm's cash receipts and disbursements in an effort to determine the firm's “burn rate” (i.e., the rate of cash consumption and how long the financing will sustain the firm). The new economy setting of this case permits the instructor to extend well-known financial skills and concepts to an industry that attracts high student interest.

Examines the use of learning contracts to achieve supervisory development in an organization with highly centralized decision‐making processes and a strong power‐based culture. Shows that a well‐managed learning contract process can significantly increase the value of supervisory development and help to facilitate more consensus‐ and collaborative‐based approaches to problem solving and encourage learning in the ongoing work activities of the organization.

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The goal is to provide insights regarding the implementation and use of RFID by focusing on its advantages and its problems.

The paper discusses, what RFID is, how its parts fit; what role management plays in its implementation, and where the pitfalls are.

RFID is discussed as the latest technology to help manage the logistics and inventory problems faced by all companies. Not only has RFID been shown to provide benefits for the firm in its internal operations; its greatest contribution lies in its ability to improve information and materials flows throughout the entire supply chain. With RFID technology visibility in materials flow (from raw material to finished goods) among all supply chain members is improved and the accuracy of the information shared is greatly enhanced. Equally important is the role played by RFID in the development of more collaborative relations among supply chain members.

For practicing managers the paper offers suggestions for improving the probability of a successful RFID implementation. The paper discusses implications ranging from dealing with the physics of the aligning the equipment, to validity and reliability testing, to integrating a complete RFID system inside the firm, to developing the requisite metrics, mindset, and managerial systems to link all members of the supply chain.

The paper combines practice and theory to demonstrate the potential benefits of RFID and provides insight into how to manage the problems that plague the rapid adoption of this new technology.

As reported in the last issue of Circuit World, the Association has started the year with a major push to support those members involved in the export market.

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to identify and discuss the need to inculturate the skills necessary to maintain and expand funding resources for libraries through training at Master of Library Science (MLS) and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs in political literacy. Political literacy is positioned here as a necessary skill for two key reasons: professionals with better interpersonal and organizational communications skills will be better equipped to lead libraries, and the significant external threats to library funding need to be addressed in a political dialog that requires fluency in political negotiation that is acquired through use.

Approach – Recent trends in civil society and party politics, including the rise of the Tea Party and other organized anti-tax groups, can and do impact the future fundability of libraries. In addition, a reinvigorated form of federalism is taking hold at all levels of government, and the implications of a diminished policy and funding role for state and federal aid is discussed in relation to libraries as tax-supported entities.

Findings – A recent practical example of an elective in political literacy at San Jose State University is discussed. Examples on how to add political literacy training to the curriculum that reference the way intellectual freedom and access have been taught for generations are held up as viable models, including ways to address the values-based conflicts that are inherent in the topics.

Value/Originality – This chapter will be useful to anyone evaluating or designing curriculum for MLS/MLIS and iSchool programs who is considering ways to improve management skills and professional preparation. The chapter concludes with a call to action for leaders in the academy to swiftly and comprehensively integrate both political and economic theory as well as the practical skills of activism and community organizing into the MLS/MLIS core curriculum.