Monday, January 27, 2020

PGs Core Competencies

PGs Core Competencies A business must possess some competitive competencies for success in the field of the business world. I would like to give a brief account of Procter and Gamble (PG) in order to elaborate its core competencies which have resulted in the successful running of the business of the PG. CHALLENGING YET OBTAINABLE OBJECTIVES PG sets objectives that are challenging but yet attainable for its short term as well as long term plans. For example, PG has shown enormous gain in the productivity of human resources because of the HR policies of the company. It hires competitive people, takes measures for training and development, and grooming of the HR. THE STRATEGY PG has proven its self as unmatched and exceptionally well as an organization in formulation, implementation, and controlling of strategies. Both short term and long term strategies are devised, implemented, and controlled through the HR. THE LEADER IN INNOVATION The PG has been a leader in innovation and creation of new product lines. Most of its products have been as a consequence of its innovative strategies. PG invest more than twice invested by its competition in the field of innovation. PG has been a bran-building leader. The companys billion-dollar brands have been successful to keep sustained the growth of sales at 11% rate per year for the decade. THE GROWTH STRATEGY Many strategies have been adopted by PG but this decade the strategies in terms of growth include: tope line, bottom line, and shareholder growth. PG has demonstrated a considerable growth in personal care, baby care, and beauty products. PG takes serious account of its finances for the growth of the business. The following table summarizes the growth result for PG from the year 2001 to 2009. Average Annual Goals 2009 2001-2009 Organic sales growth 4-6% 2% 5% Earning per share 10% 8% 12% Free cash flow productivity 90% 102% 112% LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES PG behaves just like a leader in the business world. So is the case with the management of the company as well. PG has been lucky to find its top management laden with leadership qualities. Its leadership has taken serious steps now and then for the success of the organization. For example, in year 2000, the PGs president took necessary and challenging measures to put the organization back on track. The actions that were taken resulted in sustainable growth of the organization as well as recovery of the lost business activity. THE CONSUMER AND MARKET RESEARCH PG has been a leader in market research investment. The company interacts with more than five million consumers each year in 60 countries around the world. PG invest 350 million dollars and more in consumer understanding. Hence the organization takes necessary measures for finding the tastes, needs, and wants of the consumers and customers. The investment in the field of research on consumers pays back much in terms of high sales and satisfied customers. RIGOROUS COST AND CASH DESCIPLINE PG has increased its cash productivity to the extent that it has reached 100% for the decade. It has resulted in high earning per share, high credit rating of the company, and allured the potential investors to invest in the businesses of PG. The company has maintained a strong cash management vis-Ã  -vis working-capital management. Sales per employee have grown from $363,000 to $585,000 while profit per employee has increased from 32,000 dollars to 84,000 dollars from the year 2000 to 2009. Similarly the productivity of RD Organization have doubled from the year 2000 to the year 2009. THE ON TIME ACTION PG takes decision as and when needed. This has been the core competency of the company among its core competencies that the company enjoys as a competitive advantage of the PG. A right decision in the wrong time will prove useless. Therefore, it is very important to take preventive as well as corrective measures in order to cope with the potential problems well before the time of incidence. PG has been much active to take preventive and corrective steps to address problems and devise solutions to the problems. THE HR, A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE PG makes plans for careers. The company tries to hire the best Human resources. It works on business and functional leaders activity on how to recruit, teach, and coach. THE MARKETING STRATEGY Apart from working on the present consumers and customers, PG keenly strives on improving its competencies in the field of under-served and un-served consumers. PG invests twice that of its competitors in marketing. For example, when one of its competitors was market testing its liquid soap, PG launched the Tide in Europe market to win over the market from its competition. In a nut shell, the history has show that PG has proved its self a leader in marketing strategy formulation, implementation, and control. Therefore, PG has beaten its competition by virtue of competitive marketing strategies. PG has been successful in putting forth marketing strategies that ensure how to win! THE MARKET LEADER PGs well known, trusted brands touch the lives of consumers in more than 180 countries. Some of its brands have crossed the billion dollars target. PG has been successful in launching innovative products with a competitive edge over its competitors. PG top 43 brands are responsible for 90% profit and 85% sales. Therefore, PG has proven its self as leader in brands. For example, PGs market leader products include: Pampers, Tide, Ariel, Cest, head and shoulders, etc. DIVERSIFICATION PG has attained high level of diversification in its lines of products. Some important ones have been shown below in terns of its sales, segment of products, and the category of products. CBU Segment Key Products Billion-Dollars Brands Net Sales (in Billion Dollars) Beauty Beauty Cosmetics, Deodorants, hair care, cleansing, Fragrances, skin care HS, Olay, Pantene, Wella $26.3 Grooming Blades and Razors, Hair Removal devices,Shave products, Home appliances Braun, Always, Gillette, Mach3 Health and Well-being Health-care Feminine care, oral care, dish care, fabric care, surface care Lams, Pringles $16.7 Snacks and Pet care Pet food, Snacks Ariel, Dawn, Downy, Duracell, Gain, Tide Household care Fabric, home Baby Wipes, Bath tissue, Diapers, Facial Tissue, Paper Towel Bounty, Charmin, Pampers $37.3 OFFERING BRAND FOR THE BRANDED PEOPLE An overview of product line has been given in terms of % net sales and % net earning of PG. GBU Segment % of net sales % of net earning Key Products Billion-Dollars Brands Beauty Beauty 23% 22% Cosmetics, Deodorants, hair care, cleansing, Fragrances, skin care HS, Olay, Pantene, Wella Grooming 9 13 Blades and Razors, Hair Removal devices,Shave products, Home appliances Braun, Always, Gillette, Mach3 Health and Well-being Health-care 17 21 Feminine care, oral care, dish care, fabric care, surface care Lams, Pringles Snacks and Pet care 4 2 Pet food, Snacks Ariel, Dawn, Downy, Duracell, Gain, Tide Household care Fabric, home 29 26 Baby Wipes, Bath tissue, Diapers, Facial Tissue, Paper Towel Bounty, Charmin, Pampers TARGET MARKETING PG uses target marketing. To put in other words, PG innovatively launches products for specific segment of the society. Therefore, it offers a wide range of products in its product line on demographic basis. For example, the shampoo range covers many brands that target different people of the society. Head and shoulders shampoo for dandruff while Pantene for shiny and soft hair as the company claims. The segmentation is made on the basis of demography, psychographic, and geography. PROMOTIONS PG has established its position as a leader in promotion campaigns. The company utilizes and invests a considerable amount annually for promotion of its brands. Advertising costs include advertisement on TV, Dish, Cable, Net, Radio, Magazine, and other media. PG utilizes the local media as well to advertise its brands on the local Television, Radio, and other print media. STRIVING AGAINST THE STRIDES PG has had bad times during the course of its history. However, it has fought against the tides successfully by virtue of un-defatiguable efforts, effective plans, post mortem analyses, and taking necessary corrective steps to over come the shortcomings, and putting the company back on the business tract ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Investigating Financial Control Essay

Task one The three different types of costs are fixed cost, variable cost and total cost. For all of the diverse types of costs there are also dissimilar calculations to work out each type of revenue. Fixed cost does not change no matter how much they produce, even if the business produces 1 or 1,000,000,000 it will always stay the same. Examples of fixed costs are rent, salaries, rates and loan payments. Variable cost change with the level of production. In order to work out the total variable cost you have to times together the quantity and the variable cost. Also, to determine the total cost you have to add the fixed cost and the variable cost. The meaning of Start up cost is the money you need to start up the business. Running cost always varies because of the level of stock changes and you have to pay for workers. In the case of Kiren and Zaiba, salaries are used as a fixed cost because they don’t change with the level of output. Heating and lighting are used as a variable cost because the variable cost change with the level of production. The sum: Fixed cost + variable cost = total cost which is 6,000 in the scenario. The definitions for the following words are: Profit What is left when all costs incurred in making and selling a product are deducted from the revenue gained from that sale. It acts as the reward to the entrepreneur, usually the owner of the business, who has provided the capital. It is usually the net profit after tax which represents the surplus for the owners of the business and is paid as a dividend to shareholders. Profit maximization is seen as one of the major objectives of a business, although it is more likely to be an objective for the investors in a business, than for its managers or employees. It might be for those groups that profit acts as a constraint, while higher sales orhigher wages and salaries are more important objectives Net profit: This is the amount of sales revenue that a business earns less all the costs involved in achieving that revenue, including both direct costs and expenses. The net profit figure represents the figure for profit before taxation or a dividend are further deducted, and shows how successful a business has been in generating profits from its trading activities. Gross profit The figure obtained on the profit and loss account when the cost of goods sold is deducted from the sales revenue of a business, but it does not take into account any of the expenses of running a business such as wages, distribution costs or administration costs. Fixed cost Variable cost Total cost Rent  £800 Heating and lighting  £200 Salaries  £1400 Advertising  £50 Insurance  £210 Administration  £50 Rates  £150 400 CD’s  £2800 Loan repayments  £290 Telephone  £50  £2850  £3150  £6000 Task 2 Kiran & Zaiba analysis: In task two I used excel to work out the break even point, at diverse costs. The fixed costs were the same because I only have done break even for one month. The quantity is going up in one hundreds. I calculated the variable cost by multiplying the quantity by 6 which came out to be going up in six hundreds. I calculated the total cost by adding the fixed cost by the variable cost; in this case it was increasing by six hundred. To calculate the sales revenue, I had to multiple the quantities by 12, which was increasing by 1200. To calculate profit or loss, I subtract sales revenue from total cost. According to the information on my table Kiran & zaiba have to sell 1000 CD’s to break even. Break even is when the cost is 6000 and the quantity is 6. In the following table I have changed the fixed cost to 6950 because the following values increased: the rate increased to  £300 also, the telephone increased to  £100, advertising to  £125 and the lighting and heating increased to  £425. Using the contributing method I will calculate the following data to achieve how much CD’s will be needed to break even. In order to do this I will have to use the following equation 6950 divided by 6. The sum equals 1158. So they will have to sell 1158 to break even. This means that they will have to increase sales. Advantages of break even analysis Disadvantages of break even analysis Break even can be used to predict profit It price suddenly changed it wouldn’t take it in Break even can be used to determine financial needs For example, If petrol prices go up the break even will not show the increase. Keep track of profits and losses. It is a forecast which means that the data is predicted. Gives you ideas for selling prices (if you made a lot of money at that period of time). It helps to calculate profits Helps to make decisions on prices I think that break even is very useful because: It assists you to figure out your profit Helps you by giving you assumptions of prices It is extremely significant in that if you are taking into consideration to applying for a loan. Gives you a clear impression of prices TASK 3 Analysis for cash flow forecast I will now construct the cash flow forecast I have now prepared an annual cash flow forecast using monthly data I have also included the loan in January. The table looks like this for a regular cash flow forecast: image00.png The sales become irregular due to an immense amplify in downloading and sharing music. The irregular cash flow forecast should look like this: image01.png Cash flow forecast is extremely significant and has many uses. For example, it helps the bank manager to keep up to date; it helps managers to plan ahead and it also determines if there is a problem with the cash flow by resolving the difficulty. Regular cash flow shows: That there is not a problem with the cash flow because the opening bank balance is always increasing, so the profit is rising. The main objective for a cash flow forecast is to see whether there is a profit or loss. Currently, I have identified that with the regular cash flow there is not a problem because all the numbers are increasing, meaning that a profit has been achieved. Irregular cash flow forecast shows that: The opening bank balance starts with zero; it then rises immensely in February to 11300. Then it starts to decrease steeply all the way to December, leaving the opening bank balance drawn to a close with -37470. This is bad for the business because now they are not making a profit The total cash inflows, starts of with 18000 in January. Then it starts to reduce in each and every month, until it comes to December where it increases to 2700 from November. This is consequently leading them to a loss. The total cash outflows contrast from low to high in that, in January it is 6700 and then increases enormously to 9500 in December. The Implication of the problem is that there is an increase in people who tend to download and share music. This will inevitably affect their sales. This will also consequently make Kiran and Zaiba fall to lose a profit. Because of this problem Kiran and Zaiba are making a loss of  £43,920. The implication to the problem is that, In order to reject the lost, I recommend that The other way around this is to increase the number of quantities, in order to sell more and increase profit. Or, lower maintenance costs and launching a download website so you can attract costumers worldwide. Task 4 The documents which Kiran and Zaiba will need to sequence sales and purchasing from order to receipt of goods are: Issues by the purchaserIssued by the seller Delivery note- accompanies the goods. Is signed by purchaser as proof of delivery. Sales invoice- gives full details of goods, prices, discounts, VAT Credit note- issued if goods are returned or to adjust any over- charges on the invoice. Statement of account- summarises all transactions and states balance owning. Remittance advice – summarises the account for return with cheque payment Cash receipt- issued to confirm cash payment has been received Purchase order- lists items required and price for each. Goods received note- lists items received. Purchaser tells seller if any shortages or damage Cheque or electronic transfer- to pay balance on statement I am now going to describe the manual and electronic ways of recording financial transaction that Kiran and Zaiba could use: Predominantly, most Kiran and Zaiba’s transactions are mostly recorded electronically because they are developed either by an electronic cash register or by computer. The advantage of recording transaction for Kiran and Zaiba indicate that any linked documents are printed mechanically. Kiran and Zaiba may want to take the alternative route by considering keeping manual records which are then kept by businesses that would not find it valuable to buy a cash register or use a computer system. Even people who receive payments in a customer’s home- such as service engineers- are now more likely to record the transaction on a laptop than carry a receipt book with them. Kiran and Zaiba want and need to prevent fraud because they are a minute business. To terminate these frauds they will have to have: A thoughtful staff selection which are trustworthy to procedure which includes character references. A â€Å"whistle- blowing† scheme where workers are compensated for reporting fraud. The system should guarantee that information is treated confidentially. An unambiguous policy on dealing with fraud. Scam is usually considered to be â€Å"gross misconduct† (which means disgusting bad behaviour) for which workers can be fired instantaneously as part of the disciplinary procedure. Task 5 The strengths of a cash flow forecast are that: It helps the bank manger to keep up to date It records how much money you have It gives you ideas to plan ahead Demonstrates how much money you have at the present time The forecasts of sales and cash flow, and hence crucial abundance of profit, will be vital on which the prospective bankers will assess the upcoming feasibility of the business. It follows that these forecasts will come under crucial inspection and significant judgement. The importance of cash inflows is so you distinguish how much value of money is going towards the inside of a businesses bank account at a particular time. An example for this could be: the income Kiran and Zaiba make for selling CD’s. The strengths of break even are: It helps you see where you have an increase or decrease in your profit. Keeps you informed Break even engrosses discovering what would occur if there were changes to cost of revenues. The types of questions the boss would ask are: Is it possible for Kiran and Zaiba to increase sales by 5% and still make a profit even if sales fall? If by reducing sales by 10% will this effect Kiran and Zaiba? Say if Kiran and Zaiba shift of to an inexpensive property, how would this affect our profits? There is many different ways in which, to record this information. For instance, Manual recording principally used by businesses that, tend not sense that it is advisable to buy a cash register or computer. (For example, If Kiran and Zaiba don’t sell as much CD’s then, they may find it simpler to record these manually). Also, there is an alternative route which is, to record by electronically, which means that associated documents are printed mechanically. This could be beneficial if Kiran and Zaiba are selling lots of CD’s. Cash flow indicates the amount of money received and spent over time. This is significant in that, you will then be aware of how much income is in the bank. If Kiran and Zaiba have an enormous demand they can amplify there sales because there are not adequate CD’s. They could charge more which is better for the business because they are making more profit. But if there is too much CD’s then they could reduce prices to sell more, thus allowing them to make profits. Just to add, the main objective for any business is to make a profit. So, Kiran and Zaiba will want to do so. To do this, Kiran and Zaiba may want to take this into consideration that they may want to reduce their sales in order to sell more and to attract more costumers.

Friday, January 10, 2020

The Most Dangerous Game Essay

In the short story â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† by Richard Connell, a man named Sanger Rainsford faces a conflict which is being stranded on what he thinks is a deserted island. This island was totally uninhabited with the exception of one man who lives there, General Zaroff. General Zaroff loves to hunt, but he hunts more than just animals. You see, General Zaroff got tired of hunting just animals, he claims it was too easy for him since he was such an outstanding hunter.He wanted more of a challenge. Rainsford finds out that General Zaroff has hunted humans before, therefore making him a murderer. One critic has remarked, â€Å"Ironically, General Zaroff’s belief in his invincibility weakens him and causes his defeat. † I agree with this critic for many different reasons. It is good to be smart and fearless when stuck in bad situation. It can help you get out of it quickly. However, I believe that having too much courage in these situations is not good, and n ot helpful.When you think you are invincible in scary situations, this can weaken you and cause you defeat. This is why I agree with the critic who said this statement about General Zaroff. For example, while talking to Rainsford, General Zaroff reveals how cocky he is about his hunting skills. General Zaroff says he believes that life is for the stronger and the weak people are put here to give the stronger pleasure. He also adds that he is strong and that he should use his gift.You can conclude from what Zaroff is saying that he should be allowed to hunt whomever and whatever he pleases, which includes humans. Having a gift of being an excellent hunter does not give you the right to hunt the more challenging creatures (humans). Because he has a talent, Zaroff thinks he should be able to use it. This is what makes him think he is invincible, when he really is not. He is not invincible because his cockiness led to his defeat. For example, Zaroff thinks that Rainsford commits suicide to end the game.Zaroff thinks this because he thinks anyone would end the game rather to be put to death by an excellent hunter like himself. Zaroff’s invincibility is the reason for his defeat by Rainsford in the game because Rainsford did not kill himself. He pretended to so he could fool the General. Rainsford then attacked Zaroff when he least expected it. In conclusion, General Zaroff’s belief in his cockiness and invincibility was the cause for his defeat. General Zaroff finally understands the feeling of being the prey for once – and not the predator!

Thursday, January 2, 2020

A Comparison of Wealth in Antony and Cleopatra and The...

The Importance of Wealth in Antony and Cleopatra and The Tempest Wealth and it’s relationship to poverty figures in heavily in two of the plays we have read thus far in class. In both Antony and Cleopatra and The Tempest we are treated to characters and situations that deal with wealth and poverty. Specifically however, both plays have visions of an abundance of wealth that seems at times both corruptible and foolish. In Antony and Cleopatra we have their excessive behavior and flaunting, which proves to be a vice that grips them much to tightly. In The Tempest, characters stranded on a deserted island have their own unique versions of achieving that said abundance. Shakespeare treats the topic similarly in both plays, and†¦show more content†¦Antony is a soldier foremost, and his actions at the moment, that of wealth and slack are not becoming of a soldier or, Shakespeare thinks, even a man. This point is made even more solid when Antony himself says it; â€Å"O, my fortunes have/Corrupted honest men!†(IV.v.16-17). It hardl y gets any plainer than that. The Tempest by virtue of plot seems and even more direct attack on wealth and abundance. In the play, characters are stripped of their â€Å"real world† places and placed in an area where everything is quite different. The â€Å"abundance† here becomes for some characters, the so-called hope for the New World that we have discussed in class. But for others, Caliban in specific, his view is corrupted by these new elements and he begins to crave riches as well. Both of these wants, however, do turn on to be negative. For example, early in the play, Gonzalo speaks and says: I’th’ commonwealth I would by contraries Execute all things, for no kind of traffic Would I admit; no name of magistrate; Letters should not be known; riches, poverty And use of service, none; contract, succession, Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none; No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil; No occupation, all men idle, all, And women too, but