...FAMILY OF SECRETS The Bush Dynasty, America’s Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Years RUSS BAKER Contents Foreword by James Moore 1. How Did Bush Happen? 2. Poppy’s Secret 3. Viva Zapata 4. Where Was Poppy? 5. Oswald’s Friend 6. The Hit 7. After Camelot 8. Wings for W. 9. The Nixonian Bushes 10. Downing Nixon, Part I: The Setup 11. Downing Nixon, Part II: The Execution 12. In from the Cold 13. Poppy’s Proxy and the Saudis 14. Poppy’s Web 15. The Handoff 16. The Quacking Duck 17. Playing Hardball 18. Meet the Help 19. The Conversion 20. The Skeleton in W.’s Closet 21. Shock and . . . Oil? 22. Deflection for Reelection 23. Domestic Disturbance 24. Conclusion Afterword Author’s Note Acknowledgments Notes Foreword When a governor or any state official seeks elective national office, his (or her) reputation and what the country knows about the candidate’s background is initially determined by the work of local and regional media. Generally, those journalists do a competent job of reporting on the prospect’s record. In the case of Governor George W. Bush, Texas reporters had written numerous stories about his failed businesses in the oil patch, the dubious land grab and questionable funding behind a new stadium for Bush’s baseball team, the Texas Rangers, and his various political contradictions and hypocrisies while serving in Austin. I was one of those Texas journalists. I spent about a decade...
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...Introduction Herman Miller, Inc. is primarily concentrated in the business and institutional market. Herman Miller is one of the leading players in the US office furniture industry with a 12% market share. Over the last several years, the entire industry has experienced significant declines in sales due to poor macroeconomic conditions. However, Herman Miller has managed to outperform most of its competitors in terms of profitability, illustrated through strong operating margins and return on sales. Herman Miller has a strong reputation for high quality, innovative products, strong customer service, high customization, and reliability. This strong brand equity enables the company to leverage its brand strength across different market segments, leading to extended customer reach. We have analyzed the company and the industry, and we have chosen the best strategy to expand customer reach, expand Herman Miller’s healthcare market, and increase sales revenue. We have chosen a three-year implementation plan that will bolster sales revenue in the healthcare industry and expand the company’s customer base. Industry Analysis As part of our analysis of Herman Miller, we have analyzed the five forces that affect the office furniture and healthcare industries. The five forces include competitive rivalry, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of suppliers and bargaining power of buyers. Competitive Rivalry Herman Miller operates in a highly competitive...
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...Insight to Furniture Industry in Mirpur | SMEs in Bangladesh | | Prepared For:Sheikh Morshed JahanAssociate ProfessorPrepared By:Group 1, Section B, BBA 20thMushreka Afroze Khan RH 68Adnan Faiaz Mahmud ZR 73Rezwan Arefin ZR 75S.M. Samiuzzaman ZR 77Wasif A. Khoda Rubab ZR 104Mehnaz Fatima Khan RH 107Ayman Ahmed ZR 108Sadia Afrin RH 117Ryan Fardin Sakib ZR 119Zahin Azad Moslem ZR 121Md. Samiul Hossain ZR 125Institute of Business Administration, University of DhakaApril 27, 2014 | | Contents Introduction 3 Industry Overview 3 Furniture Industry in Mirpur 3 A Brief Introduction to SMEs 4 The Entrepreneurs 5 Current Scenario 6 Factors affecting Industry 6 Factors affecting company 6 Perception of Entrepreneurs 7 Triple Triangle Framework Analysis 8 Firm Level Factors 8 Industry Level Factors 10 Firm Level Industry 10 Sustainable Market Enterprise Competitiveness Framework 12 Grid of Institutional Mandate 14 SWOT Analysis 15 So what? 18 Conclusion 19 | Introduction Industry Overview Traditionally furniture industry in Bangladesh developed as cottage based industry. It is in the 90’s when the furniture industry in Bangladesh transited from cottage based industry to mechanized mass production oriented industries. The main varieties of products are wood, processed wood & Medium Density Fibre board (MDF), and laminated board, particleboard, rattan/bamboo and wrought iron furniture. Around 70% production of furniture sector of...
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...Palliser Furniture Ltd. (Case No. 1) I. Problem statement: Arthur DeFehr is confronted with a situation where he along with the board must decide how to expand the company; if so, when and where this expansion should take place. This can be either in Mexico and/or China. II. Alternatives: 1. Status Quo. Do not do anything different from what the company is doing now. 2. Build a factory in Mexico. 3. Establish a joint venture with the Chinese company. III. Analysis: 1. Status Quo. Do not do anything different from what the company is doing now. According to the company's condensed income statement as of December 31, 1997 Palliser Furniture Ltd. did very well financially. The net income for the year grew at an astonishing rate of 92.6% from last year’s net income of CDN$5.96 million to CDN$11.478 million. The sales volume increased 16.9% from CDN$277.21 million to CDN$324.061 million. Yet, the cost of sales increased by only 14.5% from CDN$ 182.091 million to CDN$208.532 million. This difference in the increase rate of sales volume and the cost of sales has generated greater profit margin. Even though, the company has done very well throughout the years, can Palliser afford to stop being innovative—in its product as well as its market strategy—and still maintain its market share? Most analysts would say yes, if they limit themselves to only Palliser's income statement. However, the international market is a dynamic environment. It's constantly changing...
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...A. Cover Letter G-wellery Sdn.Bhd. Lot 12, Jalan Krubong 5, Taman Krubong Jaya, 71250 Krubong, Melaka. ------------------------------------------------- Tel: 09-6578543 October 19, 2011 Dear Investors, I am pleased to submit this proposal from the G-wellery Sdn.Bhd. requesting an investment of RM50,000 per year to support our company’s operation. G-wellery Sdn. Bhd. has founded in 1988.It has successfully established itself as one of the pioneers in the manufacturing of high technology furniture in Malaysia under its own reputable brand name “ G-wellery”. Since its early beginnings, G-wellery has been operating as a wood-based panel system office furniture manufacturer. In 2011, we upgraded our production facilities to produce a series of “ High Technology Wardrobe” home furniture to meet the ever changing demands of the room space with people as the center of our consideration – best quality and competitive price. I appreciate your consideration of this proposal. Please feel free to call me if you have questions or would like us to arrange a site visit. I look forward to meeting with you soon. Sincerely, AMANDa (Amanda July) Secretary of G-wellery company B. Cover Page Business Plan Make your life easy, with G-wellery 19 October 2010 G-wellery Sdn.Bhd. Lot 12, Jalan Krubong 5, Taman Krubong Jaya, 71250 Krubong, Melaka Tel: 09-6578543 C. Executive Summary/ Abstract G-wellery has been riding...
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...designer furniture at lower costs. * IKEA enjoys economies of scale. * Highly focussed on quality. * IKEA’s flat packaging reduces costs and makes it easier for customers to transport * The company culture matches its external image of cost saving. * Strong in-store experience – unique, experiential, “modern theme parks”. Weakness * IKEA was trying to sell Scanvadian designs which were initially not accepted in U.S. * Lower level of customer service * Niche market * Too much emphasis on cost-saving. * Product and style selection is limited. Opportunities * International expansion: IKEA are moving from International to global status through the development of Asia and Eastern European models. * E-commerce: Will reduce pressure from stores to a certain degree and hence will improve service quality. * Traditional product for IKEA has been within value, low price high volume product however the movement into mid and higher price points with more stylish image opens up a new segment for IKEA. * The budget shopper market is growing, especially among college students and in metropolitan areas Threats * Within growing competitive retail markets mainstream retailers are beginning to mirror the model of low cost value flat packed furniture which will impact on the buoyancy of IKEA. * After sub prime crisis in US there is an economic concern which can be a threat to IKEA’s performance. * Plenty of competition. The furniture retail segment...
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...by: Summary: Fred Filmore established Filmore Furniture Ltd. in 1970, this particular company designs, manufactures, and sells colonial maple furniture to small retail stores and major chain stores. In 1983 Phil Filmore took ownership of this company and further enhanced it through modernizing the plant, as well as introducing aggressive management skills, new marketing strategies, and merchandising ideas, causing an increase of $3.8 million in sales income within a ten year time frame. The business was very successful, however its profits and cash flow was not adequate to afford paying for modernization programs, which resulted in selling 31% of the company shares to 5 investors. In 1999, Phil Filmore died in a car accident leaving his debt, and 63% of the company’s shares, to his wife Lucinda, who faced with 3 decisions: to retain the ownership of the company, merge with another company within the industry or simply sell it. Statement of Problem & Objective: Mrs. Filmore has to make a decision regarding this company that will release her from the entire debit left behind, as well as maintaining her financial needs and high quality standard of living. To achieve this, Mrs. Filmore has to choose 1 of the following options: * to retain the ownership of the company, * merge with another company within the industry * Sell it. SWOT: Strengths * Modernized manufacturing facilities enable output of furniture at a much lower cost than before. * Currently...
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...Filmore Furniture Ltd Company Background * Incorporated in 1970 by Fred Filmore, a sole proprietor. * In 1983, Phil obtained his father’s furniture business and acquired the management of the business. * In 10 years the sales income increased to $5,100,000 and employed 58 full-time employees. * He is an aggressive manager and strategist. * During 1986 to 1993, Filmore Furniture modernized its manufacturing facilities. * Phil owned 63% of the share, 31% the five investors and the rest is retained by the employees of the company. Problem She is having a tough time choosing between whether she should sell the business, or manage the business herself. Objectives Choose the best option that will favor in Mrs. Lucinda Filmore, and provide her with an income that would benefit her financial situation. Also, an income to assist her to have a good standard of living for her and her children for the years to come, with the lowest short- and long term debt possible. Situation Analysis PEST Analysis Political:- * Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (1989) brought increased import competitors from larger American companies. * Opportunity to export in large US market Economical:- * During recession, additional fixed cost may be risky * The furniture industry is very competitive Social:- * Innovations resulted in good reputation, and goodwill in the furniture industry * Relationship with financial institutions; Customer...
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...FILMORE FURNITURE LTD Filmore Furniture Ltd. manufactures colonial maple furniture. The company was incorporated in 1970 by Fred Filmore, who had been the sole proprietor prior to that. In 1983, Fred Filmore retired and sold his business to his only son Phil, age 38, for a small sum. That year, annual sales totalled $1,300,000. Phil Filmore was an aggressive manager and strategist. He modernized the plant, introduced new product designs and accessories such as mirrors and lamps, and implemented new marketing strategies and merchandising ideas. These innovations were quite successful, and helped the company to establish a good reputation in the furniture industry. From 1983 to 1993, sales income increased to $5,100,000, and the company had 58 full-time employees on the payroll. While sales grew quite strongly, the highly competitive nature of the furniture business held profits to relatively low levels. In 1998, the company's after-tax profit amounted to $204,000, or 4.0 percent of sales income, which was very close to the industry average. Phil Filmore was clearly in charge of the key activities of the business, including all of the strategic decisions mentioned earlier. The company employed five sales representatives who called upon the smaller accounts, but Phil personally handled the responsibility of calling on the major accounts. Of particular importance were the company's relationships with major chain stores that Phil had developed in the years after he took...
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...Analysis 6 Market Objectives 8 Marketing Strategies 8 Explanation of Strategies 10 Tactics and Action Plan 10 Monitoring Procedures 11 References 12 Introduction Company G is a world-renowned electronics company whose core mission is to improve the quality and convenience of its customers’ lives. Concentrating on this mission, Company G will soon be introducing to market a new series of furniture products with built-in inductive, wireless charging of mobile devices, beginning with a set of night stands that can also double as end tables. The tables will also have the ability to power lamps and other devices that are compatible with inductive power transfer. Mission Statement “We enable consumers to improve the quality and convenience of their lives by providing high-quality, innovative electronic solutions.” The Product & Support of Mission Statement A next-generation bedside table that can easily double as a living space end table, these pieces will include built-in inductive/wireless charging. These sharply designed, high-quality pieces of furniture will be able to charge most cell phones and tablets simply by placing them on the table top. Once plugged into an electrical outlet, the tables will also have the ability to power inductive-powered lamps and other electronic devices, while providing the sharp design consumers have come to expect from Company G. Need to charge your phone? Simply place it on the table and watch the inductive charging mat...
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...found in the Strategic Management Text book. This analyses the strategies used by IKEA to gain competitive advantage in markets outside its original area. The report begins by providing a background into IKEA. It studies International Business Level Strategy and the three international corporate level strategies. The case study goes into informing its target market and pricing strategy, which is already discussed. This case study further says how different people in different parts of the world thinks about IKEA, how elegant their designs are and how affordable for them to purchase IKEA products. Some of IKEA’s main markets are in three of the fastest growing markets such as Russia, US and China. IKEA store bring out products such as furniture to small product like a scented candle. IKEA has over 1300 suppliers in about 53 countries. They further have 12 full time in- house designers with 80 free lancers and other production workers to identify the correct raw materials and produce products efficiently and cost effectively. Primarily, IKEA produced standardized products however; this international strategy did not work for one of its vital markets that is, US. Therefore, they had to emphasize on taking corrective actions. The report also analyses the entry methods used by IKEA and its sustainability. IKEA Case Study 2 MAN3503-Strategic Management Table Of Contents Introduction 4 History 4 I/O model 6 The External Environment The Industry...
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...architecture before completing her degree at the Milan Polytechnic in 1989 under Achille Castiglioni. Urquiola worked as an assistant to Castiglioni and Eugenio Bettinelli in Milan and Paris from 1990 to 1992, and around this time she started working for Milanese furniture company De Padova and co-designed several pieces with the legendary Vico Magistretti. While at De Padova, she continued designing interiors, showrooms and restaurants in association with architects de Renzio and Ramerino. In 1996, she left De Padova and became the head of the design division at Piero Lissoni’s Lissoni Associati and worked on projects for major furniture and homewares brands, like Alessi, Artelano and Kartell, until 2000, when she left to begin designing under her own name. She opened her own studio in Milan the following year, focusing on architecture, exhibitions and product design. The release of the Moroso upholstered-seating products ‘Lowland’ and ‘Lowseat’ (2000), and her ‘Fjord’ chair (2002) finally got Urquiola noticed, but it wasn’t until 2003 that industry awards began to come her way. Announced Elle Decoration’s International Designer of the Year, Urquiola’s ‘Fjord’ range was then voted Best System at the IMM Cologne furniture fair. Her first design for Foscarini – the ‘Bague’ light – also won a Good Design award at the Chicago Athenaeum, and a large amount of press coverage was given to her ‘Clip’ bed for Molteni&C and ‘Lazy’ chair range for B&B Italia. In 2004, she made...
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...film Toxic Hot Seat is a documentary bringing the threats of flame retardant furniture to the public’s attention. The California legislative branch passed a bill called Technical Bulletin 117, which forced furniture manufacturers to make their products flame retardant for sale to the Californian population. These manufacturers found it would be less costly to just make all the furniture they sell to all of America flame retardant. The documentary than went into depth of how the chemicals used to make the furniture flame retardant can cause cancer and other health defects throughout time. Many of the protestors of this technical bulletin were firefighters because of the dangers these pieces of furniture brought when burning and letting off smoke. The smoke that comes off the furniture was mixed with the chemicals used to protect it are extremely deadly and could cause a person to develop cancer much quicker. Many scientists, political figures, firefighters and concerned parents have tried to eliminate the Technical Bulletin 117 for many years after discovering the dangers of the furniture but have come up short and unsuccessful in banning it all together. In my opinion, I believe the California legislator made the right choice to make furniture flame retardant because at the time it seemed like it was a phenomenal idea. Giving people 12 more seconds to evacuate their home before their furniture was fully engulfed in flames was a great idea. But now with the test that have...
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...must be appropriately referenced and cited. Students would be well advised to begin making notes immediately upon starting this course on how they will respond to the Final Project. Final Project Case #1: Complete a comprehensive APA formatted paper that includes a thorough analysis of the following questions. The first part of the Final Project is to be performed on the Herman Miller Inc. in 2012: An Ongoing Case of Reinvention Case in the text on page C-332. 1. What does the five-forces analysis reveal about the strength of competition in the U.S. office furniture industry? Major US companies include Herman Miller, HNI Corporation, Knoll, Krueger International, and Steelcase. 2. What factors are critical to success in the U.S. office furniture industry? 3. Develop a competitive strength assessment of four major competitors (including Herman Miller) in the U.S. office furniture industry using the methodology...
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... office furniture. According to performance dimensions, Steelcase’s Inc. main product is basically scratch proof furniture available for any office type. Following this, their goal is to provide knowledge, services and products that allow customers to work in efficient and healthy offices. This is what distinguishes them from other furniture competitors. In terms of product over time performance, Steelcase’s Inc. furniture reliability is is very strong because their products are made of high grade steel, which allows them to provide products that have low probability of short durability life time, which is a great achievement to provide quality insurance for their customers. For any inconveniences that might occur with the products, the company has authorized local repair centers in multiple countries to repair any Steelcase product within 24 hours time, providing very good serviceability for long distance customers solve the problem easily to minimized time costs. This company was found in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has more than 50 manufacturing facilities with more than 900 retailers around the globe, this making them achieve great reputation, also due to its qualitative products. Prior to become a global company, Steelcase Inc. gained most of its fame by reason of being a manufacturer of fireproof steel furniture and being one of the first company to produce metal office furniture instead of...
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