Locational Decisions and Factors Governing Plant Locations

Plant location may be understood as the function of determining where the plant should be located for maximum operating economy and effectiveness. The selection of location for a plant is one of the problems, perhaps the most important, which is faced by an entrepreneur while launching a new enterprise. A selection on pure economic considerations will ensure an easy and regular supply of raw materials, labour force, efficient plant layout, proper utilization of production capacity and reduced cost of production. An ideal location may not, by itself, guarantee success; but it certainly contributes to the smooth and efficient working of an organization. A bad location, on the other hand, is a severe handicap for any enterprise and it finally bankrupts it. Locational decisions generally arise when: A new manufacturing (or servicing) unit is to be set up. Existing plant operations are difficult to expand due to poor selection of site Continue reading

Types of Financial Rewards in Modern Organizations

Financial reward can be seen as a motivational factor, where employees may benefit, either from promotion or a bonus, it could be seen as an appraisal system.  Mainly there are three types of financial rewards within organisations; individual performance related pay, profit related pay and skill based pay are the fundamental for both organisation and employees.   Every organisations aim is to save cost at all expense but retain a better performance from employees, whereas employees seek to earn extra more from the organisation. It is an obvious fundamental for employee’s lifestyle as their contribution and duties to perform their job effectively and expectation are to be met due to their hard work, however such individual performance related pay as well as skill based pay and profit relative pay is all beneficial to employees as performance and productivity is enhanced, thus motivation is increased and cost is made, as well Continue reading

Offshore Banking

Origin of  Offshore Banking The origin of offshore banking units can be traced to the growth of financial activity in tax havens. A “tax haven” is a place where non-residents can receive income or own assets without paying high taxes. Some such places are Bahamas, Bermuda, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Panama and Switzerland. Some features of these tax havens are: Low rate or complete absence of income tax on foreign investment and income. High degree of economical and political stability and a political system, which directly or indirectly encourages and fosters business activity at the center. Strict and well enforced rules of banking secrecy. Absence of exchange control Availability of supporting infrastructure such as an efficient communications and transportation network. Presence of well developed legal system and professional accounting expertise. Investor’s confidence due to past credential. No incidence of violence or criminal activities. These features encourage various types of business Continue reading

Case Study on Apple’s Business Strategies

Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Stephen Wozniak in 1976;  Apple Computers  revolutionized the personal computer industry.  Apple Computers Inc is considered to be one of the innovators in the computer industry. It brought about different changes to the industry; these changes are still visible in the present.   The company’s products were used as a basis by other computer company’s in designing the specifications and physical characteristics of their product. It also serves as a meter of how products are designed. The company offers various products for the different market it targets. The products made by the company offer something different. We can describe Apple’s business strategy in terms of product differentiation and strategic alliances. Product Differentiation Apple prides itself on its innovation.   When reviewing the history of Apple, it is evident that this attitude permeated the company during its peaks of success. For instance, Apple pioneered Continue reading

Purchase Systems and Importance of Source

In an organization all activities are carried out according to systems and procedures for reducing variations and errors arising out of individuality. This makes performing the function simple and less prone to errors. Purchase organization also consists of such systems established for smooth running of purchasing function. These systems are pre purchase system, ordering system, post purchase system. Pre Purchase System: This system lays down how purchase activity is initiated. Various activities controlled by this system are requisitioning, selection of suppliers and obtaining & evaluating quotations. Requisitions: Requisition for an item may be made by anyone in the organization. Pre purchase system prescribes separate requisition form for capital equipment as this purchase activity is controlled by a separate system. Requisition for an item shall be made in a standard format. This format ensures that indenting person furnishes all relevant information like quantity, specifications, etc. and gets the purchase authorized by Continue reading

Diversification of Risk in Portfolio Management

Average investors are risk averse. Therefore, they will be ready to invest into securities under the presumption of an adequate compensation for risk taking. The compensation for the risk taken should be in the form of minimal rate of return for the invested financial assets, and the rate is named the required rate of return. It has two components: Delayed consumption compensation (investors could have purchased goods and services with the assets they are to invest) and Risk acceptance compensation. Diversification is used to stabilize the potential return, and thus increase the value of the investment. Diversification stands for he investment of capital into several different securities or projects, all together called the portfolio. Each security or project entails certain risk; however, the only thing that matters to the investors who diversify their investments is the total risk (portfolio risk) and the portfolio return. There are two types of risks Continue reading