...The Case Study for PROJ587 will place the student in the role of a senior manager in charge of one of your company’s Strategic Business Units (SBU). Your first task in this new position is to develop a project portfolio management process and then use this process to select projects for your SBUs portfolio. The Case Study will involve the application of the tools and techniques of multi-project/program management and will deal with the analysis and establishment of project management systems based on the structure of the project. The expected outputs from this Case Study will be in the form of a two part written report due week five. Background The senior management of your company has already made the strategic decisions to allocate annual funding to each of the Strategic Business Units (SBU) within the company. You have been hired to manage one of the companies SBUs. Your new company is a mid cap company with revenues of approximately $350 million dollars a year. This company, like many others, is struggling in today’s economy. It realizes in order to survive it needs to both expand and control costs at the same time. You are new to this industry. This company’s vision is to become the “go to” support or the “provider of choice” for the cruise ship industry throughout the world. This company currently is in the travel and hotel support industry. As such, you supply support services to the travel and hotel industry such as linen services to...
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...Statistics in Business Victoria Barry QNT 351 February 2, 2015 Cynthia McCahon Statistics in Business According to Lind (2011), statistics is defined as “the science of collecting, organizing, presenting, analyzing, and interpreting data to assist in making more effective decisions.” Types of Statistics There are two different types of statistics. The first type is known as descriptive statistics. According to McClave (2011), descriptive statistics “utilizes numerical and graphical methods to look for patterns in a data set, to summarize the information revealed in a data set, and to present the information in a convenient form.” The second type of statistics is the inferential statistics. This type of statistics “utilizes sample data to make estimates, decisions, predictions, or other generalizations about a larger set of data (McClave, 2011).” Levels of Statistics Statistics have four different levels. These levels are often referred to as levels of measurement. This first level is known as a nominal level. Within this level, data is sorted into categories without an order. The second level is the ordinal level. This is where the level of measurement decides if any one category is to be ranked higher than another. The third level is known as the interval level. Within this level, “the ranking characteristics of the ordinal level of measurement plus the characteristic that the distance between values is a constant size (Lind, 2011).” The...
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...what is Strategic Business Unit? What are conditions required for creating an SBU? How is performance of SBU measured? What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating SBUs? Ans. Strategic business units are self-contained divisions formed within an organization for dealing with specific business concerns. These units pull together the diverse parts of the concerned organization while cutting across the geographical and diverse lines for serving a specific market in a more efficient manner. These strategic business units are also referred to as independent business units or strategic planning units. The main philosophical concept behind the formation of strategic business units is to serve a clear and defined market segment along with a clear and defined strategy. These business units have to contain all the needs and corporate capabilities of the respective organization. The entire portfolio of the concerned business has to be managed by allocation of managerial and capital resources for serving the overall interest of the entire organization. This helps in developing a balance in the earnings, sales and the assets at a level which is controlled and acceptable for taking the right amount of risks. The strategic business unit (SBU) is created with the application of set criteria which consist of the competitors, price models, customer groups and the overall experience of the company. It is also sometimes seen that a number of different verticals present in the same organization...
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...Business STRATEGIC 1. How can a company overcome the limitations of being in a fragmented industry? Fragmented industry consists of many small and medium sized companies or firms. There is few scale economies and hence large company cannot have advantage overall advantage. Furthermore the lack of scale economies low barriers to entry characterize many fragmented industries and new entry keeps the industry fragment.. Similarly transportation cost may keep the industry fragmented. Entrepreneurs are eager to gain the cost advantage of pursuing a low cost strategy of a fragmented industry. The required rate of return from consolidating industry is often huge. A fragmented industry is a sector of business without a distinct industry leader to control market trends. This business phenomenon happens frequently in local markets with small businesses, including restaurants, auto repair shops and construction companies. A small business owner can use several proactive strategies to overcome industry fragmentation and begin to distinguish her company in the minds and wallets of consumers. A fragmented industry is an entrepreneur's dream, and offers unbelievable opportunity compared to more homogeneous industries. Restaurants, Home Improvement Outlets and Homebuilders, and other Mom-and-Pop endeavors are good examples. Tons of small competitors and no consistent supply chain. Compare this to the a handful...
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...manufactures earthen wires and table wares as its main line business and started trading in May 1997 after purchasing the asset of T.G. Delamere & Co Ltd. The company has as its managing director Malcon Lewis and John Wilshaw as production manager. The company focused on premium prices and economy earthen ware as its strategy to penetrate the market. After the buy over, the structure and strategy of the business was changed to increase profitability and the company also applied diversification and innovation to gain competitive advantage in a competitive market. With the strategy and product diversification, the company was not getting the desired result. Two years after (in 1999), the company engaged the services of MPC project to strengthen its profit margin. Strategies adopted: In 1997, the management of Delamere Ltd wrote a revised business strategy and a new business plan which is summarized below: • To continue manufacturing Pottery products with higher technology and equipment to achieve efficient and flexible production. The company intends to achieve this strategy through planning, efficiency, factory layout, sales forecast, fuel utilization, reduced cost, quality and enhanced communication. • To improve on quality and saleability of pottery brands by product and service improvement programme. • To improve profitability by improving gross margins and additional turnover. Every business develops new products to gain competitive advantage....
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...Strategic Business Plan ukessays.com /essays/business/developing-a-strategic-business-plan.php Developing a Strategic Business Plan Either in the start up process or when re-inventing one's business development, the design of a strategic business plan is an indispensable step towards a successful and viable business. Strategic planning involves setting up a sound and multifaceted plan or strategy to follow over a defined time period.It can involve all aspects of the business, or just a small part of it i.e. a selected department such as the marketing department.However, this does not mean that strategic business planning is only for large scale businesses since it can also benefit the small business, especially at start up, when the business sets its first goals and establishes itself in the business landscape. Writing up a business plan is an important step of a starting business, since most lending bodies will not authorize loans in absense of a detailed business plan.Why is it important? Imagine sailing off for a voyage in the sea and not planning for resources or supplies that you might need. Developing a business plan is the only way to determine the allocation needs, personnel, utilities, marketing goals, outreach and all valuable aspects that make your business useful and unique in the sea of business. However, strategic planning is a process employed in any time period in a formal business administration, since it usually comprises of a long range planning process of...
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...Strategic Management & Business Policy, 13e (Wheelen/Hunger) Chapter 1 Basic Concepts in Strategic Management 1) Strategic management is one decision that determines the short-term performance of a corporation. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 5 Topic: The Study of Strategic Management 2) In the externally oriented planning phase, plans are developed by heavily involving the input of managers from lower levels. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5 Topic: The Study of Strategic Management 3) General Electric led the transition from strategic planning to strategic management during the 1980s. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 6 Topic: The Study of Strategic Management 4) One of the benefits of strategic management is a clearer sense of vision for the firm. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 6 Topic: The Study of Strategic Management 5) To be effective, strategic management must be a formal process. Answer: FALSE Diff: 3 Page Ref: 7 Topic: The Study of Strategic Management 6) Globalization is the internationalization of markets and corporations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 8 Topic: Globalization and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges to Strategic Management 7) As more industries become global, strategic management is becoming less important in positioning a company for long-term competitive advantage. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8 Topic: Globalization and Environmental Sustainability: Challenges to Strategic Management ...
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...get more out of life. The company constantly enhancing company’s brands to deliver more intense, rewarding product experiences. It invests nearly €1 billion every year in cutting-edge research and development, and has five laboratories around the world that explore new thinking and techniques to help develop its products. (www.unilever.com) Oxfam: Oxfam GB is a leading international NGO with a worldwide reputation for excellence in the delivery of aid and development work. Its purpose is to work with others to overcome poverty and suffering. Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International. 14 organisations with over 3,000 partners is around 100 countries working under Oxfam International. Building on its mission, values, and beliefs, the Strategic Plan has been developed to cover its work over the next three years. Its aim in the Plan is to increase its impact. The intention...
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...Strategic plan for TAG Motorsports Todd Guthrie BUS/475 June 25, 2012 Becky Shokraii Strategic plan for TAG Motorsports The economy may not be conducive to opening a new business however; the need for a local motorcycle manufacturer and repair business outweighs the economic outlook. TAG Motorsports will open with a vision, mission, and values that determine the strategic direction of the organization. A SWOTT analysis, balanced scorecard initiatives, communication plan, and monitor and control measures, as well as recommended actions for improved corporate citizenship are included. Mission of TAG Motorsports TAG Motorsports is a locally owned motorcycle manufacturer and repair business. It will manufacture custom motorcycles and trikes, as well as service all other manufacturers’ products. The mission statement for the business is “TAG Motorsports builds custom motorcycles and trikes, services and repairs all other manufacturers’ products, and treats their customers in an honest, transparent, and trusting environment”. This mission statement describes the firm’s product, market, and technological areas of emphasis, and it does so in a way that reflects the values and priorities of the firm’s strategic decision makers (Pearce II & Robinson, 2009). The vision of the company parallels the mission statement. Vision of TAG Motorsports The vision statement of TAG Motorsports clearly supports the organizations plans and goals. The vision statement for TAG Motorsports...
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...Strategic Business Plan Kendra Pegues BUS-485 Professor Slade 12/14/14 Cappuccino on Wheelz is going to be one of the best coffee shops around. Being that we will also be a mobile coffee shop also I think the customers are going to love it. Cappuccino on Wheelz will probably be the first coffee shop, mobile and delivery service ever. We are trying to reach out to those who are not able to get out and get the type of coffee they want and for those drinkers who be at work thinking about a latte, cappuccino or coffee. We want to better serve the city and make our customers happy so they will return and bring friends. Better service and a great location means that our customers will be happy and relaxed. When making a business we are going to need to figure out what is it going to take in order for us to please and satisfy our customers? So we are going to create a menu that once you look at it you have no other choice but to order we are going to have pastries and doughnuts to go with the cappuccino or coffee. The worry about opening a business is will the company succeed? In saying that I feel if we stay on the business side and put our customers first we would be good. We also have to understand that we are going to have competitors in operating this business. In the business world there are going to be competitors that are really going to put forth the effort in order to find out what our business is doing better that they can improve on. I think that making sure we maintain...
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...1. . Your answer should be an analysis based on the use of appropriate models and theories relating to ABC's capabilities (internal environment), environment (external and competitive environment) and purposes (Values, mission, objectives, stakeholders and culture). You should summarise your findings by developing a range of strategic options using a SWOT analysis. ABC Optical SWOT: New Market: Latin and South America? Asia? Existing Market: US PEST analysis: Political(政治): Government policies, taxation changes, foreign trade regulations, political risk in foreign markets, changes in trade blocks. WTO negotiations. Remember to local issues: Planning Permissions, Trading Licenses. Result: No Economic: business cycles, interest rates, personal disposable income, exchange rates, unemployment rates, GDP trends. Remember to local issues - closure of a factory, grants, poor/excellent transport links. Proximity to a University or Science Park Result: Situational Social: population changes, income distribution, lifestyle changes, consumerism, changes in culture and fashion. Consider local issues: Ethnic groups, local languages, local customs and holidays. Result: customers need more high volume, high added value optic devices (e.g. telecommunication industry) Technological: new discoveries and technology developments, ICT innovations, rates of obsolescence, increased spending on R&D. Result: Photonics SWOT: Internal Strengths: -Impeccable customer service/satisfaction...
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...Running head: DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN Student Name: Tutor’s Name: Submission date: Developing a Strategic Business Plan A strategic business plan is a tool developed in preparation for establishment of a new business ventures and additionally, in improving business operations. Kolter (2009) stresses the importance of this tool as a prerequisite to business modeling. However, it is likewise important to understand what constitutes a strategic business plan before attempting to develop one. A strategic business plan takes into consideration all the variables that affect business performance. This includes internal and external variables. Kaye (2007) states that a strategic business plan must incorporate all the likely variables regardless of the magnitude of effect associated with them. An effective strategic business plan can be defined as one which identifies, analyzes, and draws conclusions with respect to variables that dictate business equilibrium shift. Such a plan is constituted of three important elements, namely: resources available, market scope and business operations (Kolter, 2009). Resources determine how successfully a business operates. This includes financial resources, human resource, and material requirements. Strategic business plans help an entity in determination of staff requirements, financial obligations, and raw materials required in advance making it possible for easy budgeting...
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...CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS TO BUSINESS Working Capital Management Strategies Working capital strategies has in the past been a responsibility designated to those managers in the accounting and finance departments. However, today’s economy is changing those roles and many managers who traditionally were not part of this process are being called upon to take proactive steps in reducing the risk associated with working capital. Working capital may be a foreign term to some managers and so we should first begin by defining this term. Generally working capital represents those current assets such as cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory and pre-paid expenses. Furthermore net working capital would take the calculation further and reduce working capital by the current liabilities such as accounts payable, short term borrowings and accrued liabilities. Understanding these terms is crucial because a company’s daily activities typically result in dramatic fluctuations in the accounts comprising working capital. The manager’s ability to anticipate the fluctuation and proactively make decisions to curtail the negative impact of such fluctuations will help maintain liquidity even in the toughest of circumstances. A company’s ultimate long-term success is based upon all departments within the organization coming together to fulfill its business purpose or mission. The same ideology should be used in managing the company’s working capital...
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...Final Business Model and Strategic Tanja Baca BUS 475 April 13, 2015 Daniel Magnole Table of Contents I. Executive Summary Pg. 3 II. Business Model and Strategic Plan Part I: Existing Business or New Business Division; Vision, Mission, and Value Proposition Pg. 4 III. Business Model and Strategic Plan Part II: SWOTT Analysis – Internal and External Environmental Analysis; Supply and Value Chain Analysis Pg. 9 IV. Business Model and Strategic Plan Part III: Assumptions, Risk and Change Management Plan; Summary of Strategic Objectives; Balanced Score Card and its impact on stakeholders; the Communication Plan Pg.14 V. Business Model and Strategic Plan Part IV: Monitoring and Control Strategies Pg.20 VI. References Pg.24 Executive Summary Pall Corporation, the world’s leading developer in filtration systems would formally like to present today the most advanced continuous glucose monitoring device; Truecose. We are working at finding the ways to better improve people’s lives with the most effective equipment. Truecose’s business model is to continue building the company’s name and trust of its customers by leading technologies in the market it serves. The company through all divisions will continue to make the “world safer, greener, better”. The acquisition of Dexcom has proven to be the most beneficial option in helping to improve new continuous glucose monitor. Pall has developed a strategic plan that has minimized risks, such as FDA regulations...
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...Final Business Model and Strategic Plan BUS475 Final Business Model and Strategic Plan A company that has a clear vision and mission statement is setup to be successful. The mission of Magellan Health is to provide its customer’s with greater insights into their health, while keeping healthcare affordable, and returning value to its shareholders. Those are three very different goals. What may benefit their customers may not benefit their shareholders. Additionally by keeping costs lost their institutional plan members may benefit but at the expense of the patients or physicians. This paper will outline the various steps Magellan will take to deliver on all three of these principles. Target Outcomes and Measuring Results The most obvious thing a business can do to be successful is to maintain its profitability. Without turning a profit and maintaining cash flow the business would be forced to close its doors. Therefore, financial objectives are one of the most important considerations. With the recent passage of the Affordable Care Act, an insurer can no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Additionally all members of the public are required to be insured by 2014 as there are penalties for, not purchasing health insurance. This influx of new additional clients has created a boon for the healthcare industry, (La Monica 2015), insurance companies will face rising costs as more people join plans with pre-existing conditions. To ensure that the risks associated...
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