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Details of the top ten real estate deals during 1999 chosen by Site Selection are presented, with focus on the rapidity of the deals and the companies' determination to provide a good working environment for their staff.

Soft system analysis was used to evaluate the production methods of learning materials in Western Australia. Soft system analysis considers human elements of production such as management attitudes and leadership roles as well as organizational procedures such as scheduling and production processes. Results indicated that workers' sense of achievement and skill development were important in producing quality products.

Employee needs satisfaction has played a significant role in the development of organizational capabilities in Southwest Airlines that has enabled it to enjoy competitive advantage. The starting point of the airlines' virtuous cycle of competitive advantage is its ability to create value for its employees, which increases their motivation, through the company's culture and HR practices. Southwest then converts some of that value to customer and firm value through the design of operating processes and the encouragement of behavioral norms that allow employees to minimize costs as well as improve service. Finally, the company captures value via low costs and superior service. This value-creation, value-conversion, value-capture cycle may apply to other organizations, particularly those providing labor-dependent services.

Hallmark recognizes employee individuality, encourages work-life balance, promotes open communication, enthuses over diversity, tosses in a healthy dose of benefits - and makes a profit because of it. Seems employees [...]

Issues concerning the pressures on employees to work very long hours are discussed. Efforts by employers, employees and unions to introduce more flexible working hours and a better work-life balance are explored.