Free Essays on Castles

In 1494 the armies of the French king, Charles VIII, invaded Italy to capture the kingdom of Naples. They swept through the country and bombarded and destroyed many castles. This invasion signaled the end of the castle as a stronghold of defense. For centuries it had been the dominant fortification in Western Europe for the defense of kings, nobility, and townspeople. Ancient cities were often walled to keep out invaders, and within the walls there was usually a citadel, a strongly built fortification occupying the highest or militarily most advantageous position. A castle is much like such a walled city and its citadel contracted into a smaller space. Castles were basically fortified locations. The word itself comes from the Latin castellum. Up to the 6th century fortifications were primarily communities in which most of the population lived. But in the middle of the 6th century, the armies of the Byzantine Empire began to build strong forts as defensive positions. For the next few centuries this castle building was confined to the Byzantine Empire, but later hordes of Islamic warriors who swept out of Arabia to conquer the Middle East, North Africa, and much Byzantine territory also started building such forts. Western Europe, in the depths of the Dark Ages from the 5th through the 9th century, had no such works. But late in the 9th century, as local lords and kings began to consolidate power, castle building began probably in France. Once begun, castle building spread rapidly to other areas. But it was not until the 12th and 13th centuries, after the Crusaders returned from their wars against Islam in Palestine, that castles as imposing as those of the Byzantine or Islamic empires were constructed in Europe. Many of the stone castles of the late Middle Ages still stand. Some are tourist attractions, in various states of repair, along the Rhine River from Mainz to Cologne in Germany, dotted about the French countryside, or perched on ... Free Essays on Castles Free Essays on Castles In 1494 the armies of the French king, Charles VIII, invaded Italy to capture the kingdom of Naples. They swept through the country and bombarded and destroyed many castles. This invasion signaled the end of the castle as a stronghold of defense. For centuries it had been the dominant fortification in Western Europe for the defense of kings, nobility, and townspeople. Ancient cities were often walled to keep out invaders, and within the walls there was usually a citadel, a strongly built fortification occupying the highest or militarily most advantageous position. A castle is much like such a walled city and its citadel contracted into a smaller space. Castles were basically fortified locations. The word itself comes from the Latin castellum. Up to the 6th century fortifications were primarily communities in which most of the population lived. But in the middle of the 6th century, the armies of the Byzantine Empire began to build strong forts as defensive positions. For the next few centuries this castle building was confined to the Byzantine Empire, but later hordes of Islamic warriors who swept out of Arabia to conquer the Middle East, North Africa, and much Byzantine territory also started building such forts. Western Europe, in the depths of the Dark Ages from the 5th through the 9th century, had no such works. But late in the 9th century, as local lords and kings began to consolidate power, castle building began probably in France. Once begun, castle building spread rapidly to other areas. But it was not until the 12th and 13th centuries, after the Crusaders returned from their wars against Islam in Palestine, that castles as imposing as those of the Byzantine or Islamic empires were constructed in Europe. Many of the stone castles of the late Middle Ages still stand. Some are tourist attractions, in various states of repair, along the Rhine River from Mainz to Cologne in Germany, dotted about the French countryside, or perched on ...

White Tale Deer essays

White Tale Deer essays Whitetail Deer can be found all over North America. Deer have the ability to adapt to almost any habitat, making them one of the most overpopulated animals in many parts of the United States. Recently deer have received more attention the normal. This is due to the fact that they are one of the most unpredictable animals in the world. Until recently their behaviors were unknown. The population of deer across America has been growing at tremendous rates, making the species easier to observe. Many people assume hunters are the only ones interested. Farmers and everyday people are affected by the exponential growth of the white tail deer. Crops are diminishing at huge rates. In areas of overpopulation, deer can cause an over browsing effect which can destroy most plant species up to six feet. People are being killed by deer related car accidents on a regular basis. These are some things that can possibly be avoided if the public was more informed on the behaviors of deer. The male deer is called a buck and the female deer is called a doe. There are some very distinct differences in their appearances that are good to know. The male buck has what are called antlers. Hunters refer to them as the rack. The bucks will shed its antlers each year and just before fall they will return or grow back. The antlers consist of bone and grow out of the top of the head. Does are relatively smaller in size and usually are seen leading a herd of dear. This is why many hunters will wait after they see a doe hoping that the male buck will follow. Hunting season starts when mating season begins, this is why the buck will usually follow the doe. Bucks can grow to be between 200 and 300 pounds and can grow enormous antlers. During mating season the bucks are very aggressive and can be very territorial. They mark their area by what is called scrubs. They stand on there hind legs and reach as high as they can to scrub the tree. It leaves t...

Project Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Proposal - Essay Example Till now, the human resource department’s services have been performed informally by the top management that has been multitasking, but now the need of a proper department with established procedures and distribution of authority is just too serious to be ignored. This research leads to a convenient, cost effective, and quick way of establishing the HRD at Arzaq. Project Proposal Both primary and secondary sources will be consulted to identify the most suitable way to establish the HRD at Arzaq. Literature review and market analysis leads to the information that the best way to establish the HRD is to review the organizational structure of other organizations of comparable size and ideally performing similar services, and the way the HRD is functioning in them. A good company to compare in this case is Naeem Foods (2005) that is based in a number of cities in Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. HR Director of Naeem Foods can be interviewed for guidance regarding how to start with establishing the HRD at Arzaq, what technology to purchase, and where to get the workers trained from. Project milestones and timing The main objective of this project is to successfully establish the HRD at Arzaq that quickly fits into the organization’s culture and helps the company improve the quality of performance of the workers.

Romanesque Europe Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Romanesque Europe - Research Paper Example Huge influences which the art of the Romanesque period subsequently drew from the Byzantine art, especially in the realm of painting are notable. The infliction of the anti-classical energy inherent in the decorations of the insular art prevalent in and around British Isles developed a pattern which was highly counterfeited but interestingly creative in nature and comprehensive along with coherent in style. The term ‘Romanesque art’ was invented and the term was coined by the historians of the 19th century and was more elusively used for the Romanesque architecture which was influenced by and retained many gut features of Roman architectural style. The coinage of the term, ‘Romanesque’ has evolved neither from any political nor from any geographic entity. On the contrary, Romanesque name has been coined from its artistic style. The essay intends to examine various subtle and intricate characteristics along with patterns inherent with the art of the Romanesque Europe. The essay also intends to focus on the nature and trajectory of the Romanesque art and culture through the ages. A thorough study of the art precisely from the Romanesque Europe enables the connoisseur of art to trace the highly effective influence of the Byzantine art upon the art of the Romanesque Europe. The iconographic models of the Byzantine art started influencing the Romanesque art rapidly and found profound expression through most commonplace subjects such as paintings on the walls and roof of the churches. Keeping Christ as the omnipotent figure and central subject of painting, the different sequences from the Christ’s life like the last judgment started gaining popularity during this period. The manuscripts during the period became very colorful and new scenes from Bible started making adequate space in the paintings of the period. Moreover, the capitals of columns became more vibrant and the

History of education Essay Example for Free

History of education Essay Education is a topic that has been implemented on our generation more than ever before. However, it is not for the grades, degree or the income that education should be important to us. It is for the sake of learning and developing our character that education should be valued. When people go to school, they receive education and thus become educated, however, these people must keep in mind that a major portion of the world receives no form of formal education. Due to their good fortune, the educated people have responsibilities to the world. The first responsibility of an educated person is to help educate others. This may come in the form of teaching classes, tutoring, helping others or simply correcting errors. When we teach people we spread the value of education and share skills that are essential for survival. Other people are able to think rationally and evolve into a self dependent person through the knowledge they attain. Once people are educated, they are able to prevent others from taking advantage of them or cheating them. Through education, people are also able to use the resources they own efficiently and sparingly. Finally, education allows people from different nationalities and locations to communicate and work together in a beneficial harmony. The second responsibility of an educated person is to aim to advance to a better future. It is through evolution that we have become more intellectual and learned. For this process to be beneficial and continuous, we must use it and upgrade it through our use. In the past, communication was a problematic process, today; we have e-mail accounts, cell phones, chat sites, video chat sites and messengers for instant communication. Presently, global warming and oil depletion are major complications. If we are able to advance and address this problem, we would be using our education beneficially. There would be less violence over oil and the future would be a less worrisome place if global warming was tackled. However, this is just one amongst the billions of changes we could make, all to create a better future. The third responsibility of an educated person is to create or maintain stability and order in the world. Through stability and order, the world  becomes a much safer place where people share respect for each other and live in harmony. When there is order, people are insured of payments for their services. They are motivated to work-hard and use positive, instead of negative means to earn their income. Thus, through stability and order, ethics can also be implemented into people. Thus, the three main responsibilities of an educated person are to educate others, aim for a better future and create as well as maintain stability in the world. Through these goals, the world becomes a positive place and continues to flourish after each generation.

Mathematical and Simulink Analysis of Relay Coordination Essay

†¢ Operational restrictions at light load may assist the coordination calculations e.g. most large HV motors would not be running, hence their starting performances need not be considered, when switchboard feeder circuit breakers are being examined. †¢ When all the overcurrent curves are plotted for the main generators, transformer feeders, large motors and downstream feeders, they tend to be located ‘close together’, and without much room for adjustment. 1. Radial System †¢ The specific protective relay as primary or backup is important in distribution system. When relay applied to protect its own system element it is thought of primary relay, when to backup other relays for fault at remote location, it is serving as backup relay. †¢ Providing both functions simultaneously; serving primary relay for its own zone protection and backup relay for remote zone of protection. The protective relay must be time-coordinated, so that the primary relay will always operate faster than the backup relay. †¢ So, the setting and coordination of the relay is the very important part to make sure which relay stands for primary and the other one for backup. 2. Ring Main System †¢ To setting relay, the same method is used for both ring and radial system. However, the circuit must be opened, start at the source point to form a two radial circuit before setting the relay. First, followed the clockwise. †¢ The relay setting start with R1 and the concept same like radial system. Second, followed the anticlockwise and the system will form a radial circuit. SYSTEM ANALYSIS: System DIRECTION OF RELAY OPERATION: Clockwise 1 2 3 4 5 6 Anticlockwise 8 13 12 11 10 ... ... GENERATOR DATA: NODE Sa(MVA) Vp(kV) X(%) 7 150 10 15 8 150 10 15 CT RATIO: RELAY NO. RATIO 1 240 2 240 3 160 4 240 5 240 6 240 7 240 8 240 9 160 10 240 11 240 12 240 13 240 Works Cited BIOGRAPHIES: 1.Aniket Chaturvedi: Student of the SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,GTU. 2.Ritu Barad: Student of the SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,GTU. 3.Dhruvi Shukla: Student of the SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,GTU. 4.Mr.Nilay N. Shah: Assistant Professor of SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,GTU.SINCE 2004. HE IS CURRENTLLY PURSING PH.D AND HIS RESEACH AREA ARE POWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS, FACTS , POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION AND ELECTRICAL MACHINE.

Dahlia Case Study Essay

OVERVIEW 1.Time Context The problem has to be solved by the year 1985. 2.Viewpoint Mr. Chua Boon Kang and Mr. Leong Sim Lam 3.Major Policy Statement Dahlia Furniture Private Limited is a local furniture industry, which supplies usually kitchen cabinets, wall units, bedrooms set and dining set. It also has metal and wood furniture sets. 4.Background of the Case a.The Company Dahlia Furniture made its entrance into the furniture industry in 1972 as subcontractors to two large furniture concerns, Ching Lin and Diethelm. It supplied mainly wall units and kitchen cabinets while bedrooms sets and dining sets were subcontracted out or obtained from local suppliers. Business went well and the company decided to branch into retailing. The business was successful in its operation especially during the time when Singapore conducted a massive public housing programs. In fact their sales increased from $4,800,000.00 to $5,500,000 in 1980 to 1981. However, during that year, the company’s sales declined especially in 1983 in which it reached only $289,000.00, and somehow recovered in 1984. Contributory factors to the decline in sales include mismanagement of Mr. Lim. Because of this, reorganizations were happening and most of the employees resigned. Also furniture industry was very competitive. b.The Industry Furniture industry in Singapore began only as an extension of the country’s oldest industry which is the sawmilling. But the demand for the furniture expanded which led to it as the leading local industry. The growth of the local furniture industry has been closely linked to the growth of the country’s construction and building industry. There are now more than 200 establishments manufacturing furniture of which 59 are both manufacturers and exporters of wooden knock-down, 35 rattan and 12 steel furniture. There has been a change in the attitude towards purchase of furniture. Fashion trend has been the latest consideration of the customers. Singporeans have become more willing to spend money to decorate their homes. 5.Environmental Analysis a.SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS †¢Safe Environment †¢Good quality of the products †¢Run the new division with the present set of designers. †¢Dahlia Furniture line was of a higher quality and price than those of other retailers. †¢Dahlia’s furniture line is more for those who want exclusivity. †¢Retail outlets are now carrying wider range of furniture. †¢Dahlias is considered as one of sophisticated furniture dealer with exclusive design for their customers. †¢Dahlia has a long experience in the field of furniture. Since 1972 they are in this field and they have worked at almost all levels of the industry like subcontracting, importing, manufacturing and retailing. †¢They have good support from local manufacturers who are in turn also working as their sub contractor. †¢The company has taken timely decision to go to retail market to get sizeable customers from medium to high class range. WEAKNESSES: †¢The company is in need of competent managers that would be of great help to the success of the furniture company. †¢Dahlia Furniture has the previous dilemma of filling their showroom with salable imported furniture and disregarding the domestic demand that the great impact in the performance of sales. †¢Dahlia has no advertisement. †¢Dahlia’s market share has become eroded by some big players in the decreasing revenues from current product †¢Poor management †¢Many workers resigned due to Ang Mo Kio Factory’s failure in. OPPORTUNITIES †¢Domestic demands for furniture rise by about twelve percent annually †¢ Increasing demand in exports to United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe and in the Middle East. †¢Singaporeans are more willing to spend money to decorate their homes. THREATS †¢Intense competition between domestic U.S. manufacturers. †¢Powerful competitors. †¢Other companies offer lower prices b.Competitor Analysis Dahlia Furniture, aside from its manufacturing operations, aides the maintenance on the supply of their inventories to some of the local suppliers. Some of them are manufacturers while others are retailers who have their own showrooms. They can be possible competitors of Dahlia. Other competitors comprise of foreign manufacturers and retailers. Some of these are Ikea , Fly, Homestead and soon to operate Scandinavian, Italian, Japanese and American manufacturers. 6.Present Company Departmental Plans a.Product Planning Dahlia mainly supplies wall units and kitchen cabinets. It subcontracts local suppliers of bedroom sets and dining sets. b.Market Planning Dahlia Furniture advertises in Straights Times. In connection to its retailing operations, Dahlia rented a showroom to a department store in Orchard area, in Bukit Timah area and Upper Thompson area c.Production Planning The purchase of Upper Thompson and Ang Mo Kio factories are sought to increase the company’s supply. d.Manpower Planning Dahlia acquired two factories namely Ang Mo Kio and Upper Thompson. The workers of these two factories were also hired. Staffs: Sales person11 persons Clerical workers4 persons Production workers (Thompson Factory)6 persons e.Organizational Planning Dahlia Furnitures is managed by Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong. Other staffs of the company are as follows: Personnel Position †¢Chua Soo Lee General Administartion †¢Robert LamProduction and General Management PROBLEM RESOLUTION 1.Background of the Case On August 1984, Mr. Chua Boon Kang and Mr. Leong Sim Lam bought over Peter Lim’s forty six percent (46%) stake at Dahlia Furniture Private Limited. Although co-owners at one time, Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong have found Mr. Lim’s management of the company to be unsatisfactory. Some reorganization took place as most of the production workers who were doing subcontracting orders solely for Dahlia had resigned due to poor company performance in 1982. Dahlia also sold off seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) worth of machinery used for mass producing furniture which was previously purchased by a former Managing Director, who has since left the company. Now at the helm, both are uncertain about the long term direction of the company. Meanwhile, they are both concerned over maintaining sales growth in a highly competitive industry. 2.Statement of the Problem What should the management do to maintain sales growth and improve company’s position in a highly competitive industry? 3.Statement of Objectives oLong term – To become the largest manufacturer of furniture and exporter in the furniture industry. oShort term – To maximize the profit of the company. 4.Areas of Consideration ïÆ' ¼Taxes applied to importation: The Singaporean government imposes 5%import duties for goods imported in the country. This area should be taken into consideration because this will affect the entity’s expenses when such importation has been made. ïÆ' ¼The government’s policy regarding foreign labor: In the production of the furniture , the company needs to employ the services of the laborers. The company should determine the amount of labor force needed and if there is a need to avail of the foreign laborers’ services because the government of Singapore discourages the use of foreign labor. ïÆ' ¼Competition : With the advent of the furniture industry in Singapore , more and more competing manufacturers and retailers come to exist not just from the local but as well as with the foreign brands. ïÆ' ¼Trend in the furniture industry: It should be noted that the market demands in Singapore largely depends on the buyers’ perspective of what is the â€Å"in- thing† in the fashion of the furniture industry. The company should be always updated with these current trends so that they will not be left b ehind by other contenders. 5.Alternative Courses of Action 1.Find a competent person to be the General Manager of the company 2.Intensify advertisements of the company – in the domestic and international market through joining product conventions, trade expos, putting up advertisements in local and foreign furniture and interior design magazines , broadsheets and home- Television shopping. 3.To formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. 6.Analysis of Alternatives ALTERNATIVE 1 Advantages: †¢When a General Manager for the company is hired, the over- all operations will be supervised – from the production, especially to the sales operation will be given the right attention. †¢Necessary solutions will be implemented in to solve the problems of the company with the right person to handle the position and monitor the operations Disadvantages: †¢The company finds it hard to keep a competent GM to handle the operations of the company either he leaves the company to start his own business or leaves the management for another company. †¢There is a risk that the person positioned as GM be a future competitor just like what happened to one of their previous GM who decided to run his own furniture company. ALTERNATIVE 2 Advantages: †¢Intensive advertisements and promotions in domestic and international market will be the easiest gauge for the company to set awareness to the market the existence of the firm in the furniture industry. †¢Advertisements in all media forms can reach wide-range of customers, from all walks of life. Likewise joining trade expos in which the company can showcase their products and attract future clients. Disadvantages: †¢Putting-up advertisements would be costly, especially those which are shown on high class magazines or the TV channels. The company should limit expenses during this time because the company is just recovering from their losses from past years operations. †¢The market, especially the international market in which the company wishes to conquer, is highly competitive and a huge battlefield for the company. Advertisements may not be enough to outwit the competitors. ALTERNATIVE 3 Advantages: †¢Costs related to importations will be toned down because only proportionate of the inventory is imported and the remaining inventories are manufactured by the company. †¢Cost to overhead and labor will be regulated †¢The company will not have to depend largely on the local suppliers which could possibly be competitors in the long run. †¢The company could cater to middle class clients as well as the mass. †¢Insufficiency of the supply will be eliminated because the goods imported will cover up for the deficit in the manufactured goods or vice versa when imported goods have been delivered in delay. Disadvantages: †¢With the intuition that Singaporeans prefer the imported goods than those of locally made products, the goods manufactured by the company will be disregarded and will turn to change in the proportionate inventory rate. †¢The company will still incur costs for productions and importations 7.Decision Statement After further analysis of the alternatives presented, it will be best for the company to use Alternative 3 which is to formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. The last alternative would best fit to answer the problem of the company regarding its inventories, maximizing profit returns and improvement of the company’s position. It should be noted that the company has a dilemma of filling up their showrooms because of the resignation of the workers in one of the factory of the company, the Ang Mo Kio so they turned out to importing goods. In turn, only the medium-class clients and upper income gainers become its customers. With proportionate inventory acquisitions, the company can control overhead, labor and importation costs. In that way, the company will minimize operating expenses leaving the company with greater profits. In using the third alternative, the company can also cater to both the middle class clients for they prefer imported furniture and the mass client for lower priced furniture which are locally made, therefore expanding the market of Dahlia. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 1.Action Plans a.Long-term action plans ï‚ §Putting –up additional showrooms for the mass clientele and for the middle class customers b.Short-term action plans ï‚ §Expansion of the company’s market through advertising and promotions 2.Proposed Company Operational Plans a.Product planning ï‚ §The company should produce unique furniture designs which will attract the customers b.Market planning ï‚ §Intensify advertising and promotion schemes for furniture products not just on the Straight Times for those middle class customers but to other forms of media so that it can reach other people from all walks of life. c.Production planning ï‚ §Upon expansion of the production, Dahlia should re-avail of machineries that will be used for the additional production of furniture d.Manpower planning ï‚ §The company will employ additional laborers to keep up for the additional inventory requirements. e.Organizational planning ï‚ §The management should hire a competent person to be designated in the position of the General Manager. 3.Other problems and proposed solutions †¢Strict competition in the industry oDahlia Furniture should develop innovative products so that they can have an edge over other manufacturers. The management should know its target market. In that way they can cater what their clients wish to have and in return they can develop goodwill and loyalty among their customers. OVERVIEW 1.Time Context The problem has to be solved by the year 1985. 2.Viewpoint Mr. Chua Boon Kang and Mr. Leong Sim Lam 3.Major Policy Statement Dahlia Furniture Private Limited is a local furniture industry, which supplies usually kitchen cabinets, wall units, bedrooms set and dining set. It also has metal and wood furniture sets. 4.Background of the Case a.The Company Dahlia Furniture made its entrance into the furniture industry in 1972 as subcontractors to two large furniture concerns, Ching Lin and Diethelm. It supplied mainly wall units and kitchen cabinets while bedrooms sets and dining sets were subcontracted out or obtained from local suppliers. Business went well and the company decided to branch into retailing. The business was successful in its operation especially during the time when Singapore conducted a massive public housing programs. In fact their sales increased from $4,800,000.00 to $5,500,000 in 1980 to 1981. However, during that year, the company’s sales declined especially in 1983 in which it reached only $289,000.00, and somehow recovered in 1984. Contributory factors to the decline in sales include mismanagement of Mr. Lim. Because of this, reorganizations were happening and most of the employees resigned. Also furniture industry was very competitive. b.The Industry Furniture industry in Singapore began only as an extension of the country’s oldest industry which is the sawmilling. But the demand for the furniture expanded which led to it as the leading local industry. The growth of the local furniture industry has been closely linked to the growth of the country’s construction and building industry. There are now more than 200 establishments manufacturing furniture of which 59 are both manufacturers and exporters of wooden knock-down, 35 rattan and 12 steel furniture. There has been a change in the attitude towards purchase of furniture. Fashion trend has been the latest consideration of the customers. Singporeans have become more willing to spend money to decorate their homes. 5.Environmental Analysis a.SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS †¢Safe Environment †¢Good quality of the products †¢Run the new division with the present set of designers. †¢Dahlia Furniture line was of a higher quality and price than those of other retailers. †¢Dahlia’s furniture line is more for those who want exclusivity. †¢Retail outlets are now carrying wider range of furniture. †¢Dahlias is considered as one of sophisticated furniture dealer with exclusive design for their customers. †¢Dahlia has a long experience in the field of furniture. Since 1972 they are in this field and they have worked at almost all levels of the industry like subcontracting, importing, manufacturing and retailing. †¢They have good support from local manufacturers who are in turn also working as their sub contractor. †¢The company has taken timely decision to go to retail market to get sizeable customers from medium to high class range. WEAKNESSES: †¢The company is in need of competent managers that would be of great help to the success of the furniture company. †¢Dahlia Furniture has the previous dilemma of filling their showroom with salable imported furniture and disregarding the domestic demand that the great impact in the performance of sales. †¢Dahlia has no advertisement. †¢Dahlia’s market share has become eroded by some big players in the decreasing revenues from current product †¢Poor management †¢Many workers resigned due to Ang Mo Kio Factory’s failure in. OPPORTUNITIES †¢Domestic demands for furniture rise by about twelve percent annually †¢ Increasing demand in exports to United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe and in the Middle East. †¢Singaporeans are more willing to spend money to decorate their homes. THREATS †¢Intense competition between domestic U.S. manufacturers. †¢Powerful competitors. †¢Other companies offer lower prices b.Competitor Analysis Dahlia Furniture, aside from its manufacturing operations, aides the maintenance on the supply of their inventories to some of the local suppliers. Some of them are manufacturers while others are retailers who have their own showrooms. They can be possible competitors of Dahlia. Other competitors comprise of foreign manufacturers and retailers. Some of these are Ikea , Fly, Homestead and soon to operate Scandinavian, Italian, Japanese and American manufacturers. 6.Present Company Departmental Plans a.Product Planning Dahlia mainly supplies wall units and kitchen cabinets. It subcontracts local suppliers of bedroom sets and dining sets. b.Market Planning Dahlia Furniture advertises in Straights Times. In connection to its retailing operations, Dahlia rented a showroom to a department store in Orchard area, in Bukit Timah area and Upper Thompson area c.Production Planning The purchase of Upper Thompson and Ang Mo Kio factories are sought to increase the company’s supply. d.Manpower Planning Dahlia acquired two factories namely Ang Mo Kio and Upper Thompson. The workers of these two factories were also hired. Staffs: Sales person11 persons Clerical workers4 persons Production workers (Thompson Factory)6 persons e.Organizational Planning Dahlia Furnitures is managed by Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong. Other staffs of the company are as follows: Personnel Position †¢Chua Soo Lee General Administartion †¢Robert LamProduction and General Management PROBLEM RESOLUTION 1.Background of the Case On August 1984, Mr. Chua Boon Kang and Mr. Leong Sim Lam bought over Peter Lim’s forty six percent (46%) stake at Dahlia Furniture Private Limited. Although co-owners at one time, Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong have found Mr. Lim’s management of the company to be unsatisfactory. Some reorganization took place as most of the production workers who were doing subcontracting orders solely for Dahlia had resigned due to poor company performance in 1982. Dahlia also sold off seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) worth of machinery used for mass producing furniture which was previously purchased by a former Managing Director, who has since left the company. Now at the helm, both are uncertain about the long term direction of the company. Meanwhile, they are both concerned over maintaining sales growth in a highly competitive industry. 2.Statement of the Problem What should the management do to maintain sales growth and improve company’s position in a highly competitive industry? 3.Statement of Objectives oLong term – To become the largest manufacturer of furniture and exporter in the furniture industry. oShort term – To maximize the profit of the company. 4.Areas of Consideration ïÆ' ¼Taxes applied to importation: The Singaporean government imposes 5%import duties for goods imported in the country. This area should be taken into consideration because this will affect the entity’s expenses when such importation has been made. ïÆ' ¼The government’s policy regarding foreign labor: In the production of the furniture , the company needs to employ the services of the laborers. The company should determine the amount of labor force needed and if there is a need to avail of the foreign laborers’ services because the government of Singapore discourages the use of foreign labor. ïÆ' ¼Competition : With the advent of the furniture industry in Singapore , more and more competing manufacturers and retailers come to exist not just from the local but as well as with the foreign brands. ïÆ' ¼Trend in the furniture industry: It should be noted that the market demands in Singapore largely depends on the buyers’ perspective of what is the â€Å"in- thing† in the fashion of the furniture industry. The company should be always updated with these current trends so that they will not be left behind by other contenders. 5.Alternative Courses of Action 1.Find a competent person to be the General Manager of the company 2.Intensify advertisements of the company – in the domestic and international market through joining product conventions, trade expos, putting up advertisements in local and foreign furniture and interior design magazines , broadsheets and home- Television shopping. 3.To formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. 6.Analysis of Alternatives ALTERNATIVE 1 Advantages: †¢When a General Manager for the company is hired, the over- all operations will be supervised – from the production, especially to the sales operation will be given the right attention. †¢Necessary solutions will be implemented in to solve the problems of the company with the right person to handle the position and monitor the operations Disadvantages: †¢The company finds it hard to keep a competent GM to handle the operations of the company either he leaves the company to start his own business or leaves the management for another company. †¢There is a risk that the person positioned as GM be a future competitor just like what happened to one of their previous GM who decided to run his own furniture company. ALTERNATIVE 2 Advantages: †¢Intensive advertisements and promotions in domestic and international market will be the easiest gauge for the company to set awareness to the market the existence of the firm in the furniture industry. †¢Advertisements in all media forms can reach wide-range of customers, from all walks of life. Likewise joining trade expos in which the company can showcase their products and attract future clients. Disadvantages: †¢Putting-up advertisements would be costly, especially those which are shown on high class magazines or the TV channels. The company should limit expenses during this time because the company is just recovering from their losses from past years operations. †¢The market, especially the international market in which the company wishes to conquer, is highly competitive and a huge battlefield for the company. Advertisements may not be enough to outwit the competitors. ALTERNATIVE 3 Advantages: †¢Costs related to importations will be toned down because only proportionate of the inventory is imported and the remaining inventories are manufactured by the company. †¢Cost to overhead and labor will be regulated †¢The company will not have to depend largely on the local suppliers which could possibly be competitors in the long run. †¢The company could cater to middle class clients as well as the mass. †¢Insufficiency of the supply will be eliminated because the goods imported will cover up for the deficit in the manufactured goods or vice versa when imported goods have been delivered in delay. Disadvantages: †¢With the intuition that Singaporeans prefer the imported goods than those of locally made products, the goods manufactured by the company will be disregarded and will turn to change in the proportionate inventory rate. †¢The company will still incur costs for productions and importations 7.Decision Statement After further analysis of the alternatives presented, it will be best for the company to use Alternative 3 which is to formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. The last alternative would best fit to answer the problem of the company regarding its inventories, maximizing profit returns and improvement of the company’s position. It should be noted that the company has a dilemma of filling up their showrooms because of the resignation of the workers in one of the factory of the company, the Ang Mo Kio so they turned out to importing goods. In turn, only the medium-class clients and upper income gainers become its customers. With proportionate inventory acquisitions, the company can control overhead, labor and importation costs. In that way, the company will minimize operating expenses leaving the company with greater profits. In using the third alternative, the company can also cater to both the middle class clients for they prefer imported furniture and the mass client for lower priced furniture which are locally made, therefore expanding the market of Dahlia. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 1.Action Plans a.Long-term action plans ï‚ §Putting –up additional showrooms for the mass clientele and for the middle class customers b.Short-term action plans ï‚ §Expansion of the company’s market through advertising and promotions 2.Proposed Company Operational Plans a.Product planning ï‚ §The company should produce unique furniture designs which will attract the customers b.Market planning ï‚ §Intensify advertising and promotion schemes for furniture products not just on the Straight Times for those middle class customers but to other forms of media so that it can reach other people from all walks of life. c.Production planning ï‚ §Upon expansion of the production, Dahlia should re-avail of machineries that will be used for the additional production of furniture d.Manpower planning ï‚ §The company will employ additional laborers to keep up for the additional inventory requirements. e.Organizational planning ï‚ §The management should hire a competent person to be designated in the position of the General Manager. 3.Other problems and proposed solutions †¢Strict competition in the industry oDahlia Furniture should develop innovative products so that they can have an edge over other manufacturers. The management should know its target market. In that way they can cater what their clients wish to have and in return they can develop goodwill and loyalty among their customers.