Custom Snowboards Inc. Essay Example for Free

Custom Snowboards Inc. Essay The following is a summary report is an analysis of the current financial statements of Custom Snowboards Inc. The company wishes to be considered for an extended long term loan for a European expansion. We have arrived at a selection of key financial statement line items, conducted a risk assessment, and ratios and if the loan is granted, analysis on how to track the progress of the company’s ability to repay the loan. Financial Statement Analysis Income statements and balance sheets were reviewed to summarize the following key points that could impact the loan decision. Horizontal, vertical, trend, and ratio analysis were also reviewed to provide a solid understanding of the financial highlights of Custom Snowboards in the areas of profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Revenue. Revenue includes net sales, cost of goods sold, and gross profit. Gross profit continues to grow at 30.4% with .23%/ $4,900 from year 12 to 13, and .93%/ $19,600 from year 13 to 14. Net sales also showed the same growth at 100%. The company expects continued growth over the next three years and according to the trend analysis, has the ability to do so. This demonstrates the company’s ability to keep overhead under control and maintain constant margin in relation to sales, consistent year after year. The expenses are variable in relation to the sales. Higher gross sales leads to higher operating income available to service debt in the form of interest payments. Operating Expenses. The increase in utilities and other general and admin  expenses should not fluctuate as they are fixed expenses. This should be reviewed to determine if the increase was due to faulty equipment, temporary increase in market costs, or permanent increases. The compensation parts, administration salaries as we as executive compensation increased as well. Overall, the operating income declined from year to year which impacts Custom Snowboards ability to service debt. Net earnings also declined as a result impacting earnings per share. This reflects the company did not manage these expenses well however, Custom Snowboards Inc. has grown as well so the increase could be due to hiring of more employees, or higher quality employees, or awarding those doing well within the company already. This could also impact moral and welfare of employees who become happier and more productive. The trend analysis shows continued growth to balance this bottom line. Assets and Liabilities. Overall, liabilities decreased, assets increased. Although current assets show a decline in year 14, the total assets continue to rise. Cash and cash equivalents have gone up, short-term show a slightly distorted view as the company took out an investment in year 12 which lowered cash and raised investments but then did the opposite as the investment was cashed in. Over the three years, the company shows it had sufficient liquidity to pay current liabilities owed. Increased assets and decreased liabilities shows the company’s ability to pay its long term debt and interest. Current ratio of 7.06 in year 13 and 6.56 in year 14 reiterates the ability to pay debts while maintaining daily operations. This higher current ratio also indicates Custom Snowboards should be taking more risks and investing money back into the company. This loan and consequently the expansion to Europe will deliver exactly that. The company is showing a steady increase in retained earnings as well. Financial Risks The most prevailing financial risks the bank loan officer may take note in is the general and administrative expenses continued increase. The company should review the reasons for the increase as well as the specific area in  which is causing the issue and try to address the issue to lower the expenses. Processes should be developed to eliminate the excess expenses and decrease the risk associated with remaining items. The other risk is the increase in compensation. Maintaining highly qualified and trained staff may be what the company needs. Custom Snowboards will need to ensure employees stay motivated to produce inventory and drive sales. A commissioning program could be implemented in addition to salaries or awards based on performance and higher net sales. Custom Snowboards can minimize risk by continuing to grow sales and reinvesting into the company. Expansion to Europe is one way. Another is to invest money into research and development, and marketing. No increase in research and development happened in the past three years and could prove beneficial to the company. Website create and maintenance can also be used to mitigate risks. A well working website can bring in more sales and possible reduce the compensation budget as employees leave through natural attrition. Another way the company can impact liquidity and mitigate risk is by paying debts on time and as soon as possible. This lowers interest and saves the company money it can be investing in short-term investments. Collecting outstanding debts is also an important way to mitigate risk. Custom Snowboards can maintain its accounts payables increase without increasing portion of long-term debt. The company can mitigate the risk of accounts receivable not paid on time by ensuring products are delivered on time, properly invoiced, and accurate goods. Accounts receivable should be paid under 30 days but accounts payable lengthened to 60. Inventory should remain stable so assets are higher than liabilities. Excess inventory uses capital that should be used in other investments in the company. The company can accurate and strict inventory records to make sure it knows what it has on hand, and what needs to be ordered. Matching billing cycles to production will optimize assets. Building good rapport with vendors and being loyal customers who pay their bills on time could  afford the company certain vendor discounts to lower cost. Ratios Custom Snowboards’ Ratio Analysis was reviewed to determine the company’s ability to repay the principle and interest on the five year loan. The current ratio as discussed previously, shows the company’s ability to pay for its current liabilities, with its current assets. The current ratio shows the company can do just that. Since Custom Snowboards has the ability to pay for its current liabilities 6 times over, that should be a strong indication to the bank that the company has the ability and will pay its short-term loan. The higher number also indicates the company needs to start placing money in profitable investments such as expansion. The acid test ratio, or quick ratio tells the same story as the current ration, without inventory. The debt ratio shows how much of the company’s assets are financed unveiling any hidden debt management issues as well as a long term solvency indicator. In this case, Custom Snowboards debt ratio is a little high with industry standards at about 40%. However, Custom Snowboards’ debt ratio has decreased in year 14 indicating the company is gaining a better handle on its debt management. The average collection period is the amount of days the company waits before payments on received on accounts receivable. Collecting monies creates cash that can be used to make payments on the company’s own debts. Custom Snowboards is receiving payments in 11 days. Winter sports set the bar at a high 32.5 days which shows that Custom Snowboards does a much better job at managing account receivable. Gross profit margin is monies remaining subtracting good sold costs. Gross profit margin pays additional expenses and should not fluctuate. The steady 30.4% shows the bank that Custom Snowboards is consistent and their gross profit is enough to sustain future operations. The operating profit margin includes all expenses. This ratio should be going up as it measures the company’s pricing strategy and operating efficiencies however, Custom Snowboards operating profit margin is declining and will need to be addressed. Net profit margin shows how the company turns revenues into profits from sales. At less than 2%, Custom Snowboards is not doing well in this are either. Winter Sports is well above Custom Snowboards with 5.1%. The bank will not look upon the idea that the company cannot turn sales into profits as a positive. Earnings per share (EPS) indicates profitability for the shareholders. At .10 and .15, Custom Snowboards has proven it can create wealth for its investors. The company is doing better than Winter Sports in this area but should take note of the decline and take steps to ensure this is not a trend. The company’s return on total assets is at 5%. Although dropping from 7.3% the year before, it is still higher than its competitors. As with the earnings per share, Custom Snowboards should take care in ensuring the decline is not a trend. The return on total assets shows the bank that the company can use their assets to create income. Income that can be used to pay loans. The price earnings ratio is the market value of how much an investor is willing to pay for $1 of current earnings, indicating future growth. Custom Snowboards’ price earnings ratio is a higher 30.59 while the competitions is at 29. The bank however, may see the investors were more hesitant in year 14 as the price earnings ratio dropped from 66.22 to 30.59. Finally, times interest ratio measures the company’s ability to pay its interest on debts, pre-tax. Custom Snowboards times interest earned is nearly half Winter Sports 5.10, at 2.65. Failure to pay interest rates could result in financial failure, including bankruptcy. This number indicates that the company can only pay its interest a little over twice  with pre-tax earnings. This leaves little room for error. The bank may see this as a gauge that Custom Snowboards should find ways to increase this number prior to adding more debt.

Analysis Of Divine Command Theory Philosophy Essay

Analysis Of Divine Command Theory Philosophy Essay Divine command theory is an ethical view based on theism or the belief that God exists. Followers of the theory accept that all moral judgment is derived from an understanding of Gods character or his direct commandments. In other words, what is in accordance with Gods command is moral and what is contrary to that command is immoral (Farnell, 2005). The holy books of each religion (e.g. The Bible, Koran, and Torah) contain Gods directions. Therefore, they can be used as guides to distinguish between morally good and bad actions. The idea that ethics and religion are connected is far-reaching, and it leads us to examine religions role in our society. Advantages Although divine command theory has been rejected as a working ethical theory, there are a few ways in which it does provide an advantage as an ethical framework. First, Gods commands set forth universal moral rules. The rules can be applied to anyone, at all times and places. The belief that God is eternal and never changes means that his commands are as relevant today as when they were first recorded. Second, Gods commands dont depend on what others think are right or wrong. His commands are completely objective. For example, one of Gods commandments is not to commit murder (Exodus 21:13). Even if your friends believe that murder is acceptable (for instance, capital punishment), they are still wrong because their beliefs oppose Gods will. Under this theory, morality exists outside of human reasoning because God is the ultimate authority. Third, if you disobey God, you will be punished. If you follow his commands, youll be rewarded. God is both omnipotent and omnipresent. If you choose to disobey, your punishment is inescapable. If you obey, God will bless you with eternal life and a place in heaven. Those who believe have a strong incentive to follow his commands. Finally, traditional religions are centuries old and have recorded many of Gods commands. Religious texts allow us to know and understand the character of God, and they make it easier to know how to act morally. For Christian believers, the Word of God is in The Bible and they are secure in the concrete, moral teachings written in its pages. Critiques There are several reasons why divine command theory falls short as a working ethical viewpoint. One objection focuses on the sheer number of world religions and their different interpretations of the nature of God (or their gods). How does a divine command theorist know that their Gods commands are the right ones to follow? It is impossible to prove that the insights of Allah overrule the laws of Yahweh. Even within Christianity, a schism has existed between Catholic and Protestant believers since The Reformation in 1517. Under divine command theory only one religion can be correct and the followers of that God are the only ones leading moral lives (Austin, 2006). This leads into the next objection. Gods commands can be easily misconstrued. That is, how do we determine the correct interpretation of the sacred texts? When God states that we should not commit murder, does that mean murder is always immoral, or should we take into account the specific context in which God gave this command? During this process of interpretation, we are actually exercising our own sense of morality. We must rely on our own understanding of Gods goodness and act on moral laws we deem consistent with Gods commands (Adams, 1999). We cannot take ourselves completely out of the picture when determining Gods position on ethical issues. Perhaps the most convincing argument against divine command theory is that it leaves open the idea that immoral acts might not be wrong. That means Gods commands are arbitrary in nature. Murray and Rea (2008) state that, the [divine command] process that determines what is moral or immoral does not actually involve moral considerations. If God omitted the command forbidding murder, then it would no longer be an immoral action. On the other hand, if God is restricted from commanding the murder of children or stealing from the poor, then the logic behind divine command theory falls apart. God is no longer the sole source for moral knowledge and some knowledge outside of God makes those acts immoral. Platos Euthyphro Platos classic dialogue Euthyphro will always be brought up in discussions about the relationship between God and ethics. The dialogue features a discussion of piety between Socrates and Euthyphro. Socrates is on trial for corrupting the youth of Athens by leading them away from their belief in gods. Euthyphro is prosecuting his own father for manslaughter in the death of a servant. About midway through the dialogue, Socrates asks his famous question: Is the pious loved by the gods because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods? (Plato Church, 1987) This is the same as saying: Does God command an action because it is morally right, or is it a morally right action because God commands it? If the latter is true, then God can either command or refuse to speak against immoral acts and that will make them moral. In the Bible, God commanded his most devout follower, Abraham, to sacrifice his favorite son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-24). Abraham bound Isaac on a hilltop and was just about to commit filicide when an angel of the Lord came down to stop him. There is no doubt that Abraham would have murdered Isaac had God not intervened at the last second. Although there is a happy ending to this parable, the inferred message here is that God has the power to upend morality at any time. If God is the ultimate authority, then nothing should stop us from honoring his will not even our ethical boundaries. If the former is true, then morality has a source outside of God. Of course God will command what is morally right every time, because God is all-knowing. In fact, he already knows what is right or wrong before he even commands it. That means Gods commands are in line with an independent moral standard. Gods perfect nature restricts him from making immoral acts moral. Thus, right and wrong are not based on Gods will alone. This places God in the same situation that we are in. We also base our behavior on an ethical standard that we discover rather than invent. We have just made God irrelevant when it comes to moral authority. Faith vs. reason Faith in God seems diametrically opposed to reason and common sense. The main allure of religion is the intense passion that believers bring to their faith. Christianity is a powerful force in our society because it asks for the most suspension of disbelief in its followers. The commitment involved in maintaining that the Son of God was born a mortal man infused with the Holy Spirit is enormous. On the other hand, if faith fell directly in line with reason then it wouldnt inspire the passion it has throughout the ages. There are many who keep faith and reason as separate and distinct parts of their lives. St. Thomas Aquinas believed that reason alone is sufficient to understand between right and wrong (Clark Poortenga, 2003). He also believed that human reason was an expression of Gods will. If God did create us in his image, then our understanding of morality is an extension of that. God could have chosen to create us some other way, but ultimately, our human nature demands that we lead a good and moral life to be fulfilled. As an ethical construct, divine command theory fails under rigorous, philosophical critiques, but that doesnt mean ethical reasoning and faith cannot coexist. Those who believe in God can use reason to responsibly determine how best to conform their behavior to his commands.

The Rapid Change Of Information Technology

The Rapid Change Of Information Technology With the rapid change of information technology in twentieth century, internet has become a catalyst for the way people in the world to communicate and sharing or access information speedily. Many businesses also adopted the internet as a means of trading or improving internal processes and more importantly, engage and build relationships with customers. In this paper, the author will analyst the competitive environment and resources for one of the market leading electrical appliances chain stores in Malaysia and propose a information systems strategy plans which suits the company best. 1.2 Companys profile SenHeng Electric (KL) Sdn. Bhd is one of the well known household electrical retailers among few names in the annals of Malaysian retailing business. Founded in 1989 by Lim brother, K.H., K.C., and K.Y., the company has started its business from a tiny consumer electronics half shop set up with stocks worth less than RM30,000.00 to one the largest electrical chain store in Malaysia. Currently, SenHeng has more than 100 stores spread throughout nationwide with 10 distribution centre located in Selangor, Johor, Perak, Terengganu, Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak. This has assured its customers to enjoy consistent and punctual delivery of all purchased items. 1.3 PESTEL Political Economic Transformation Programme The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) embraced by Malaysia government in year 2010 is a comprehensive effort to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation by year 2020. It targeted to lift Malaysias gross national income (GNI) per capita from USD6,700.00 or RM23,700 in 2009 to more than USD15,000 or RM48,000 in year 2020. Specific attention has been paid to raise the incomes of the bottom 40 percent of households, with a target of increasing the monthly mean income of this group from RM1,440 in 2009 to RM2,300 in 2015. The prospect of Malaysian retail industries like SenHeng Electric is expected to be positive as consumer spending power will eventually boost by the plan. According to Ecmlibra investment research, total retail sales are forecast to increase by 34 percent to RM123.5bn in 2014 from RM92.3bn in 2010. (http://www.ecmmoney.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2010/09/Strategy_100922_A-challenging-road-ahead.pdf) Economic performance Retailer profits have a correlation with the country overall economic performance. After the global economy downturn in 2009, the Malaysian economy experienced a strong resumption of growth in 2010. The growth was driven by robust domestic demand, with strong expansion in private sector activity. For the year as a whole, the overall aggregate domestic demand expanded strongly by 6.3 percent from -0.5 percent in 2009. It was reflected in the strong performance of major consumption indicators such as passenger car sales, retail sales and imports of consumption goods. (http://www.bnm.gov.my/view.php?dbIndex=0website_id=1id=819). According to Bank Negara Malaysia annual report 2010, the Malaysian economy is projected to grow by 5 percent to 6 percent this year. However, inflation hikes which caused by rising prices of food and energy in Malaysia continuous to worry the nation and will likely to affect consumer spending behaviors and trim down purchasing power in household electrical appl iances. Social Consumer Buying Behavior The growing population in Malaysia and steady rise in household disposable income in recent year has permitted them to spend more on luxury goods outpaced on basic items like food. High profile international retailers and the global mass media have also played a hand in shaping consumer buying behavior to chase after high end electrical appliances. This is predominantly true for young and large working-age populations often looking up for better lifestyle are more willing to spend more on high tech home appliances which can save their time from doing home work. Greater access to credit allowed individuals to fund discretionary spending and sometimes squander more than what they have earned. According to Bank Negara Malaysia annual report 2010, in the period between 2000 and 2009, household debt grew at an annual rate of 13.5 percent. (http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?ch=109pg=333ac=81yr=2010) Technology Technological innovations encouraged consumer spending in areas like internet services, mobile communication equipment, cable television services and audio visual equipments. The advent of mobile technology is impacting the way retail businesses operate today compared to a decade ago. Urban consumers who armed with smart phones are getting smarter every day. They are able to access information on products, prices and stores anywhere at any time. They can compare price for the same product offered by different retailer shop easily. Retail businesses are able to reach out to their customers instantaneously with tailored information and product offers via mobile broadcasting. 1.3.5 Environmental Global Warming Global warming and climate change continues to be threatening humanity today. The impact of global warming is already being seen around the world. With the world as a whole is pumping out more and more carbon dioxide (CO2) every year, the IPCC has concluded that global temperatures will likely to rise by 1.2 to 6.5 degrees C by end of the century. The increase individual awareness of global warming issue, consumer tend to favor for home appliances which are more eco-friendly, energy saving and with minimal impact on the current environment. (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/29/nation/19028575sec=nation) Legal New Credit Card Rules Bank Negara Malaysia has recently announced new measures on credit card application by rising minimum annual income requirements for credit card eligibility from RM18,000 per annum to RM24,000 per annum. Cardholders can only hold credit cards from a maximum of two issuers. For existing cardholders whose outstanding balance which exceeds the maximum credit limit, a grace period of two years given to them to meet the new requirement. The new guidelines are to address concerns over rising household debt in the recent year. (http://www.theasianbanker.com/press-releases/6368). However, with the limited access to credit, the move will trim down the purchasing power of the lower income group and affect the buyer shopping behaviors which ultimately affect retailers business. 1.4 Strength of the Company 1.4.1 Supply Chain Management SenHeng Electric has installed a comprehensive supply chain management system into the day to day operations of its business. This system allows the company to gauge and manage product flow seamlessly. Furthermore, it allows the company to continuously maintain optimum stock of goods within all their outlets. This will ultimately reduces excessive cost on overstocking and eliminate low supply upon consumers demand is rise. The system was designed in the way of centralized order that liked online directly to its suppliers. 1.4.2 Branding Given the long history of the company in household electrical appliances business, SenHeng electrical is a well known branding in Malaysia. The company continues to execute its brand building strategies by creating more streamlined look and feel for all its branches. This new identity spans across the board, its marketing brochures, posters as well as uniform for its employees. With the companys trademark green, these stores are brighter that the usual electrical store. This exercise has given SenHeng electrical a friendlier image and enabled the company to provide more professional service to its customers. Loyalty Card The company has implemented PlusOne loyalty card, a unique plan to reward its customers. The card members of PlusOne are allowed to enjoy extra thirteen months of product warranty as well as thirty percent off on all service or repairing labor costs. In additional to that, those products that purchased by card members will be delivered to their doorstep with no charge. Every purchased item is rewarded with specific points to its member card and these points will be used to redeem for other goods. Fixed price policy and flexible payment scheme To standardize the service standard and eliminate poor experiences by customer in the companys outlet throughout the nation, the company has implemented a fixed price policy and the product offered by its outlets carried the same price. The company has partnership with more than ten major banks for flexible payment methods where customers are allowed to make payment via cash or credit and opt for their preferred installment plan with interest free. Varieties of products To provide conveniences for its consumers and enhancing their shopping experience, the company has offered varieties of electrical products for different brands. It covers home appliances, digital imaging, computer, audio video, office automation and those electrical appliances from bedroom to kitchen. Product testing and demo facilities are provided to its consumers to learn on the products prior to purchase. 2.0 Weaknesses of the Company Consumer is the kind in todays market. In order to retain existing customer and convert them into loyal customer, the company needs to listen and understand their consumer needs. Despite SenHengs effort in providing training to improve the service standard of its employees, however, it is still difficult to manage the service quality standard for all its outlets due to the large number of the outlets spread throughout the nation. Customers feedback is therefore important to the company to gauge the service standard of respective outlet and put in appropriate preventive measure which SenHeng needs to focus on it. Opportunity E-Commerce According to euromoney latest statistic, the internet users in Malaysia have continues to grow from 14 million in 2007 to 17 million in 2011. E-commerce served one of the most popular tools for many organizations to tackle the fierce competition in the market. It will untapped the potential business market segment and increase the sales of their products in a cost effective manners. With the emerge popularity of smart phones, M-commerce becomes another potential channel for business to promote their products or promotion effectively. 2.0 Porter five forces 2.1 Threat of new entrants Currently there are large numbers of small or medium size companies in Malaysian electrical retailing market. Not to include large departmental stores like Giant or Tesco. Thus, the profit margin is rather tiny due to the stiff competition in the market. With the maturity level for electrical retailing business, its very unlikely that new entrants would step in without a new business models. However, in view of the rising internet penetration, online shopping may be the novel trend in Malaysia. With the increase trend for consumer to shop online, online retailer may be one of the threats which will potentially slide off the market share of SenHeng. (http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/11/business/3620542sec=business) 2.2 Threat supplier bargaining power As there are large numbers of suppliers in the electrical appliances market, thus the bargaining power of supplier is minimal. Furthermore, SenHeng Eletric has established a long history of relationship with its various suppliers. With its well established branding in Malaysian household home appliances and large market share in this retail business segment, supplier would find it difficulty to get the similar buyers like SenHeng Electric to cross selling their products. 2.3 Threat buyer bargaining power In electrical retailing business, prices are sensitive to consumer. The consumer is always looks for the better price for electrical products. As the competition in this industry is stiff, small retailers often offered lower price to sell out the goods during bad season. The selling prices sometime dont even sufficient to cover their delivery cost. Furthermore, easy access to information through internet allows consumer to compare price and products against the companys competitors. Although SenHeng Electric has established a fixed price policy to its outlets to eliminate price bargaining. However, to offer a fair price to its consumer still deems to be the main concern to stay competitive. The company has since 2002 implemented a centralized order management system to manage its stock inventory level which helps the company to reduce its inventory cost. 2.4 Threats of substitutes As most of the competitors in this industry are selling finished products with similar brands of household electrical appliances in the market, thus at a glance, selling price becomes the key consideration factor for consumer to decide where they spend. However, some consumers do take consideration of other aspect like after sales service, product testing, repair service and etc. 2.5 Rivalry among competitor Although SenHeng Electric is one of the largest electrical chain stores in Malaysia, the company still facing stiff competition from its competitor HLK (Chain-Store) Sdn Bhd whom continues to slide the market share of SenHeng Electric. To avoid cutthroat pricing competition and sustain its market present, service differentiation is one of the key areas for the company work on. 3.0 Strategy implication Determined market segmentation is vitally important in every business. Through identify who the actual and potential customers are, the company would able to determine how to position themselves into that specific market segment. Michael Porter has pointed out that combining a market segmentation strategy with a product differentiation strategy is an effective way of matching the firms product strategy (supply side) to the characteristic of the target market segments (demand side). Below table illustrated Porters generic strategies which differentiated into three dimensions (level of differentiation, relative product cost, and scope of target market). The traditional electrical retailing business like Senheng electric and other similar competitors are usually focus on middle income group consumer with age range from 30 to 50 years old. The approach has limit the expansion of the company as there are many of its competitors out there in the market are chasing the same group of consumers. To stay competitive, SenHeng Electric is in need to differentiate themselves from its competitors by improving its services and enhancing customers experiences towards its outlet. Understand its consumers by collecting feedback from them would in turn help the company to look into those areas where they need further improvement. With the economic growth in last two decades and Malaysian government effort in building higher education infrastructure in the country, there are increasing number of young working adults whose earned higher salary income in recent year. Moreover, rising demand in home electrical appliances is foreseeable with the My First Home Scheme launched by Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently which has enabled young adults to buy houses costing between one hundred thousand ringgit and 220,000 ringgit with a repayment period of up to thirty years. This is a potential lucrative market segment which SenHeng should untapped into it. As online shopping is becoming popular in Malaysia, E-commerce is an alternate channel for the company to reach out consumer in different market segment. E-commerce eliminates the traditional purchase approach which is time consuming and labor intensive. It helps the company to reduce cost of purchasing transactions and speed delivery. Customers can reach a company via internet for twenty four hours which increase the business competitiveness. This will helps the company to relieve their sales person to take up other important task. Furthermore, it enables the company to collect consumer buying behavior or pattern as all sales orders for individual buyers are traceable. The company can use the data to strategize the marketing or promotion approach accurately. 4.0 Plan/Recommendations In view of the above, the author proposes to enhance the current webpage of SenHeng Electric by engaging its vendor Webz Design and Solution Sdn Bhd. 4.1 Business proposal plan and objectives Below consists of the webpage enhancement needs for the company: To setup a user friendly e-commerce website which inducing internet users to purchase the companys products and services online. To utilize the webpage for marketing and promotion activities run by the company. To increase the professional looks of the company and brand awareness to its potential consumers in the market. To enable online order status checking for the company and its consumer. To conduct consumer survey and served as a channel for consumer to escalate feedback/complaint for its products and services. Objectives: To provide alternate channel where consumers are allowed to place their order anywhere anytime. Customers can trace their order online easily without calling the outlets for assistance. To untapped young adults market where online shopping becoming a common trend in the market. To improve its services through collecting complaint/feedback from its clients. To increase its sales volume by 20 percent from second years onwards after the webpage enhancement. To achieve economic scales of assigning other tasks to its sales people. 4.4 Projected Incremental in Sales Volume 4.5 Business Assumption 4.5.1 Sales volume Assumption make that progressive incremental in sales order which will generate yearly gross revenue of RM100,000.00 starting from the second consecutive year onwards after e-commerce website launched. 4.5.2 Headcount Impact Sales department Assumption makes that no requirement for additional sales staff as customer will perform self online visit to evaluate the products nature and price offered. 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion, consumer buying trends and pattern will undergo significant changes over the next five to ten years. Shopping centers and the entire retail industry will be affected immensely by the increasing number of online shopper. With the broader accessibility of internet and high speed broadband implemented throughout Malaysian nation, embrace in e-commerce is certainly a right business strategy move for traditional retailer in Malaysia. In authors view, online retailing business is foresee to have positive growth continuously in the next fifteen years. Adopting service differentiation approach will eventually help the company to stay competitive and position themselves in better aspect to avoid price war situation. See appendix 1 (http://www.euromonitor.com/malaysia/country-factfile).

Ogden Financial Data :: essays research papers

OGDEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA DECEMBER 31 1988 1987(*) 1986(*) (In thousands of dollars, except per-share amounts) Net sales and service revenues $1,087,785 $ 902,565 $ 819,629 INCOME (LOSS) FROM: Continuing operations 57,780 47,802 35,109 Discontinued operations 80,920 Net income (loss) 57,780 47,802 116,029 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Continuing operations 1.44 1.19 .89 Discontinued operations 2.09 Total 1.44 1.19 2.98 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-ASSUMING FULL DILUTION: Continuing operations 1.41 1.17 .88 Discontinued operations 2.00 Total 1.41 1.17 2.88 Total assets 2,201,745 1,759,496 1,642,634 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS: Operations other than resource-recovery 251,855 183,740 110,315 Resource-recovery operation 1,163,565 795,195 772,754 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 425,754 406,576 392,639 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE 10.70 10.32 10.09 CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE 1.10 1.00 .90 (TABLE CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31 1985(*) 1984(*) (In thousands of dollars, except per-share amounts) Net sales and service revenues $ 743,963 $688,669 INCOME (LOSS) FROM: Continuing operations 14,375 24,591 Discontinued operations (35,675) 15,150 Net income (loss) (21,300) 39,741 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Continuing operations .36 .63 Discontinued operations (.94) .40 Total (.58) 1.03 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-ASSUMING FULL DILUTION: Continuing operations .36 .62 Discontinued operations (.94) .38 Total (.58) 1.00 Total assets 1,465,023 837,445 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS: Operations other than resource-recovery 228,103 261,567 Resource-recovery operation 597,945 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 308,833 361,098 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE 7.19 9.38 CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE .90 .90 (*) Restated - See Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements. [*37] [HARDCOPY PAGE 37] Ogden Corporation and Subsidiaries MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS The accompanying financial statements for prior years have been restated to reflect the consolidation of Ogden's leasing and financing subsidiaries and a captive insurance company previously included on the equity method of accounting, as well as the previously off-balance sheet financing assets, liabilities, and related revenues and costs of resource-recovery facilities. (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) OPERATIONS: Sales and service revenues for 1988 increased by $185,200,000, or 20.5%, over 1987. Operating Services revenues were $108,600,000 higher, primarily reflecting increased revenues of $62,500,000 and $40,000,000 in the Building Services and Aviation Services groups, respectively, chiefly associated with new accounts and increased customer activity. The other areas of Operating Services also had increased revenues, which were partially offset by reduced revenues in Leisure Services of $20,400,000, due primarily to the loss of certain theatre concession accounts in 1987. Environmental Services started commercial operations in 1988 and had revenues of $7,500,000 for the year. Resource-recovery operations had increased revenues of $69,000,000. Service revenues increased $37,000,000 over 1987, reflecting eight facilities in operation in 1988 having a per-day capacity of 7,762 tons, compared with five facilities in operation in 1987 having a per-day capacity of 3,200 tons. Construction revenues were $32,000,000 higher, reflecting three projects under construction in 1988, only one of which reaching more than 25% completion in 1988, compared with two plants under construction and one completed in 1987. Income from operations for 1988 increased $6,000,000 over 1987. Ogden Financial Data :: essays research papers OGDEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA DECEMBER 31 1988 1987(*) 1986(*) (In thousands of dollars, except per-share amounts) Net sales and service revenues $1,087,785 $ 902,565 $ 819,629 INCOME (LOSS) FROM: Continuing operations 57,780 47,802 35,109 Discontinued operations 80,920 Net income (loss) 57,780 47,802 116,029 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Continuing operations 1.44 1.19 .89 Discontinued operations 2.09 Total 1.44 1.19 2.98 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-ASSUMING FULL DILUTION: Continuing operations 1.41 1.17 .88 Discontinued operations 2.00 Total 1.41 1.17 2.88 Total assets 2,201,745 1,759,496 1,642,634 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS: Operations other than resource-recovery 251,855 183,740 110,315 Resource-recovery operation 1,163,565 795,195 772,754 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 425,754 406,576 392,639 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE 10.70 10.32 10.09 CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE 1.10 1.00 .90 (TABLE CONTINUED) DECEMBER 31 1985(*) 1984(*) (In thousands of dollars, except per-share amounts) Net sales and service revenues $ 743,963 $688,669 INCOME (LOSS) FROM: Continuing operations 14,375 24,591 Discontinued operations (35,675) 15,150 Net income (loss) (21,300) 39,741 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Continuing operations .36 .63 Discontinued operations (.94) .40 Total (.58) 1.03 EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE-ASSUMING FULL DILUTION: Continuing operations .36 .62 Discontinued operations (.94) .38 Total (.58) 1.00 Total assets 1,465,023 837,445 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS: Operations other than resource-recovery 228,103 261,567 Resource-recovery operation 597,945 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 308,833 361,098 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PER COMMON SHARE 7.19 9.38 CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE .90 .90 (*) Restated - See Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements. [*37] [HARDCOPY PAGE 37] Ogden Corporation and Subsidiaries MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS The accompanying financial statements for prior years have been restated to reflect the consolidation of Ogden's leasing and financing subsidiaries and a captive insurance company previously included on the equity method of accounting, as well as the previously off-balance sheet financing assets, liabilities, and related revenues and costs of resource-recovery facilities. (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) OPERATIONS: Sales and service revenues for 1988 increased by $185,200,000, or 20.5%, over 1987. Operating Services revenues were $108,600,000 higher, primarily reflecting increased revenues of $62,500,000 and $40,000,000 in the Building Services and Aviation Services groups, respectively, chiefly associated with new accounts and increased customer activity. The other areas of Operating Services also had increased revenues, which were partially offset by reduced revenues in Leisure Services of $20,400,000, due primarily to the loss of certain theatre concession accounts in 1987. Environmental Services started commercial operations in 1988 and had revenues of $7,500,000 for the year. Resource-recovery operations had increased revenues of $69,000,000. Service revenues increased $37,000,000 over 1987, reflecting eight facilities in operation in 1988 having a per-day capacity of 7,762 tons, compared with five facilities in operation in 1987 having a per-day capacity of 3,200 tons. Construction revenues were $32,000,000 higher, reflecting three projects under construction in 1988, only one of which reaching more than 25% completion in 1988, compared with two plants under construction and one completed in 1987. Income from operations for 1988 increased $6,000,000 over 1987.

Just another Crazy Woman on the edge of Time :: Woman on the edge of Time Essays

Just another Crazy Woman on the edge of Time  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Woman on the edge of Time, by Marge Piercy, a middle aged Chicana woman from New York finds out that she a can communicate with the future. She finds herself able to be in more than one time. She is, as far as we know, the first to be able to do this. There were others, but they all closed themselves off, thinking themselves insane when the â€Å"voices from the future† began to speak. Connie’s connection was probably simpler because of the similarities between the world in which she lived now (in the mental hospital) and the world of the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The societal systems of the two worlds are very similar. If you exclude the doctors of the mental hospital, all are equal. Each ward can be a different village, with different cultures and governmental systems. Connie moves from ward to ward in her time as she moves from town to town in Luciente’s time. In each ward (as in each village) she learns something new. In the first, she gives up and accepts. In the second she survives and struggles to keep her sanity. In the third she learns the necessity of the fight. Each ward has something new to experience. In each village, she learns a new idea/concept/truth about the way her world (outside the hospital) really is instead of how she sees it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the mental ward, there is no economic system. Sure, money exists, but it doesn’t come from inside the ward. It is an alien thing; a luxury as are all of the others. The wards that Connie lives in are all filled with their own luxuries. In one, you find card tables and cards, puzzles and chairs. In another ward there are separate rooms and bathrooms with doors, all of which are shared by the general public (the patients). There is no special treatment. Who ever wants to use the cards or the puzzles can. Almost like the dresses/costumes that are rented from the library in Mattapoisett time. There, we use bicycles as we find them. â€Å"Any bike not in use, I can use.† (p 364). If the cards aren’t being used buy someone else, you have every right to use them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   People are just as free. Relationships in the future are a bit more open than those that Connie has had. Just another Crazy Woman on the edge of Time :: Woman on the edge of Time Essays Just another Crazy Woman on the edge of Time  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Woman on the edge of Time, by Marge Piercy, a middle aged Chicana woman from New York finds out that she a can communicate with the future. She finds herself able to be in more than one time. She is, as far as we know, the first to be able to do this. There were others, but they all closed themselves off, thinking themselves insane when the â€Å"voices from the future† began to speak. Connie’s connection was probably simpler because of the similarities between the world in which she lived now (in the mental hospital) and the world of the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The societal systems of the two worlds are very similar. If you exclude the doctors of the mental hospital, all are equal. Each ward can be a different village, with different cultures and governmental systems. Connie moves from ward to ward in her time as she moves from town to town in Luciente’s time. In each ward (as in each village) she learns something new. In the first, she gives up and accepts. In the second she survives and struggles to keep her sanity. In the third she learns the necessity of the fight. Each ward has something new to experience. In each village, she learns a new idea/concept/truth about the way her world (outside the hospital) really is instead of how she sees it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the mental ward, there is no economic system. Sure, money exists, but it doesn’t come from inside the ward. It is an alien thing; a luxury as are all of the others. The wards that Connie lives in are all filled with their own luxuries. In one, you find card tables and cards, puzzles and chairs. In another ward there are separate rooms and bathrooms with doors, all of which are shared by the general public (the patients). There is no special treatment. Who ever wants to use the cards or the puzzles can. Almost like the dresses/costumes that are rented from the library in Mattapoisett time. There, we use bicycles as we find them. â€Å"Any bike not in use, I can use.† (p 364). If the cards aren’t being used buy someone else, you have every right to use them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   People are just as free. Relationships in the future are a bit more open than those that Connie has had.

Assessment and Learning: Learning Assessment of Client Essay

Meaning â€Å"formative feedback that is done simply to find out what and how well people are learning what we teach, without any intent to give a grade. † Classroom Assessment Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) In-class, anonymous, short, nongraded exercises that provide feedback for both teacher and learner about the teaching/learning process Advantages of using CAT 1. Gaining insight into students/clients learning while there is still time to make changes 2. Demonstrating to learners that the teacher really cares if they are succeeding 3. Building rapport with learners 4. Spending only short amounts of time to gain valuable information 5. Using flexibility of CATs to adapt to the needs of the individual 6. Helping learners to monitor their own learning 7. Gaining insight into your own teaching. One-Minute Paper * Most common, used in the last 2-3min of class * Ask: 1) What was the most important thing you learned today? 2) What important point remains unclear to you? * Many variations. Ex: * How did the technology improve your understanding of the topic, or how did it confuse you? Muddiest Point * First used Mosteller(1989) at Harvard University * Ask: 1) What was the muddiest point in today’s class? * There’s usually not more than 2-3 * This CAT is especially useful for introductory-level course or for new content Directed Paraphrasing * Requires learners to put into their own words something they have just learned. * Can be used in classroom, out-of class or with patient teaching * Especially important for nursing Have to translate medical information into layman’s terms Translation for a specific group (Ex: Person with a low literacy or to a six year old child) Application Cards * After having taught an essential principle, theory or body of information, Ask: â€Å"Write on an index card at least one possible application of the content. † * Responses can be shared * Helps apply theoretical matter and see immediate relevance of material being taught. Background Knowledge Probe * Used to find out what learners already know * Ungraded pre-test * Emphasize: This is not an attempt to embarrass anyone, but a useful tool for directing the rest of your teaching. Misconception/Preconception Check * People come to a topic with incorrect preconception or misconception that could hinder learning * Best to start by what you’ve heard and then asking a few question. Afterwards, share and discuss. Self-Confidence Surveys * Allows reader to express their possible lack of confidence in learning certain content or skill * Ask: How confident do you feel in†¦ (answer choices can be: very confident, somewhat confident, not very confident, and not confident at all) Additional Classroom Assessment Techniques * Empty Outlines Fill in outline. Helps learners recall the main points of the class * One Sentence Summary Ask: Who does what to whom, when, where, how, and why? It assesses knowledge and ability to summarize key points * Student- Generated Test Questions. Have learners write(at home) and answer test questions to ask the class. Gives insight into what the student thinks is important, their knowledge and what they consider fair questions. * Group Work Evaluation Questionnaire to obtain students’ reactions to group work. Helps students & teacher identify early problems in the group process and plan interventions * Assignment Assessments After assignment completion, ask learners to assess the value, and pitfalls of the assignments, and how they can be improved as learning devices. * How am I doing? Early in course, ask learners how well you are teaching and meeting their needs. Same question can be used at the end of the course, but doing so earlier gives you time to make changes. Keep in Mind when using CAT 1. If a published Cat doesn’t appeal to you or fit with your style, don’t use it. 2. Don’t make the use of CATs a burden. Use them only when they can enhance the learning process. 3. Don’t use a CAT in class until you have tried it on yourself 4. Allow a little more time than you actually think you will need to administer a CAT. 5. Be sure to give learner feedback on the Cat results.

Prejudice and Stereotypes Essay

Everyone has dealt with being treated as an outcast at some point in their lives. Everyone has had an incident when we have been treated unfairly. Discrimination because of prejudice and stereotyping is one of the main problems that we must face in an ethnically and culture diverse world. Considering these beliefs and the means behind these actions may essentially help us be a step closer to resolving this social injustice. â€Å"Prejudice involves a negative attitude toward individuals based on their membership in a particular group†, (Feenstra, J.(2011). Prejudice takes place when a person has negative views about someone even if they do not have the complete background on the individual or group of people. Prejudice is mostly caused by a particular stereotype made about a person or group. A stereotype is â€Å"a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people† (Cardwell, 1996). People make stereotypes by making generalizations such as females should only cook, clean and raise children. Or all Americans t are greedy, or all African Americans steal. â€Å"Discrimination refers to the treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit†( uslegal,2012).? An â€Å"ingroup† is a group to which someone belongs, and an â€Å"outgroup† is a group to which the person does not belong (hence, one person’s ingroup may be another person’s outgroup, and vice versa), â€Å"(Linville, 1998). On a personal level, I can relate to being placed in a stereotype. I can remember a time where I went to get my car fixed at a particular car shop. I could actually tell I was being treated different because I am a female. I think because they figured I was a woman I would not know about cars so the mechanic told me things were wrong with my car that were not actually wrong with it. I can also say I have discriminated against a certain group especially after 911. I would be scared to ride a plane if I saw someone from the Muslim community aboard the plane which I can see now it was a totally false accusation of mine. I had to realize just because there was one bad apple that decided to do such a horrific act everyone in that community was not that way. Society confirms prejudicial attitudes by focusing on personal differences such as ones nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation or their beliefs such as religion. Society seems to confirm it because people really don’t do anything to stop it. It seems that some prejudices are highly accepted in society. Individuals in society seem to accept some prejudices as opposed to being a team with your fellow neighbor, friend or coworker. One’s social identity contributes to prejudice based on the awareness of inadequate social control. One’s social identity contributes to prejudice because people in today’s society seem to have their own set of stereo types against other races, nationalities and genders. Some people associate certain actions or characteristics to a particular group. An example may be some people may think a woman should ever has a job as a mechanic and that should only be a man’s job, or think that a woman’s place is at home cooking , cleaning and raising the children. Another stereo type may be that all people from Iraq are violent and hate Americans. The more you have faith in that you can influence your surroundings or social status, the less of an influence social identity plays. Emotions encourage prejudicial attitudes because the majority of the time individuals make decisions from their emotions. The cognitive processes influence prejudice because cognitive thinking is the mental result of one’s opinion, learning and reasoning process. Discrimination is very prevalent, there are ways to improve our feelings, judgments and behaviors so that we are more accepting of individuals whom we view to be diverse from us. There are laws against discrimination such as the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws. These laws â€Å"prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), which protects men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or old, (www.eeoc. gov, 2009) Differences will always be around but it will be our outlooks and behaviors concerning these issues that will make a difference. I think the way to beat discrimination if everyone were to just open their minds and get to know one another as their equal.