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Strategic planning for small businesses
Get PDFEnterprise strategic planning plays an important role and value in the sustainable and healthy development of enterprises, and it is a complex system engineering in the formulation and implementation of enterprise strategic planning. Since this small business does not have a fully mature strategic plan, it should be able to formulate a strategic plan more quickly by starting the strategic planning process now, thereby enhancing its chances of long-term success in its current Hamilton CBD position. To collect this lack of information, the researchers used a hybrid approach of interviewing business owners, employees, and customers. The data collected through interviews and surveys will be integrated into elevator pitch, SWOT, target market, industry analysis, competitive analysis and advantage, and marketing plan, which information should be included in a strategic plan. The conclusions refer to the 13 important factors that must be included in a strategic plan. Discussing what information has been collected, and what has not been collected, will be recommended and analyzed to illustrate these parts
Better positioning through competitor analysis and enhancement of brand awareness on website
Get PDFBrand positioning is not just a core marketing concept, it is a foundation for the sustainable development of a business. However, some companies might either overlook the importance of brand positioning or fail to get their positioning message across to their customers. Therefore, this organisational research project aimed to help the organisation develop and communicate its brand positioning. Based on the literature review, the researcher decided on a number of scopes, or themes, to investigate, which were: brand personality, point of difference, customer benefits, marketing communication, as well as competitors’ branding strategies. To answer all these sub-problems, this research adopted a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative), in which a competitor analysis of 11 subjects, staff interviews of four individuals, and a customer questionnaire survey of nine participants, were carried out. Some significant results include: the organisation has a sincerity brand personality; its points of difference are a variety of in-house technical skills, good customer relationship, flexibility, and efficiency; its customer benefits are increased online presence, enhanced competitiveness, and making clients’ life easier. Based on the findings, this research proposed four recommendations for the organisation: creating a positioning statement, bringing the brand promise to life, modifying the website, and displaying case studies. For each recommendation there is a suggested implementation plan applying the insights gained from the research result. Although there are some limitations, this research managed to provide a clear direction and framework for the better positioning of the organisation
Contrasting the accounting difficulties of small to medium entities (SMEs) with large organisations
Get PDFThis study aims to explore the current accounting difficulties of small to medium entities (SMEs) by contrasting them with large corporations according to the changes in financial standards with the introduction of the tier system in New Zealand. Also, the development of GAAP and IFRS adoptions relating to SMEs were examined from previous literature for a better understanding of the financial reporting system in New Zealand. This research used a qualitative approach in order to collect data, primarily through interviews, for an in-depth knowledge and experience from accountants in the field. Data was based on a convenience approach and analysed to produce results and recommendations. The study found that accountants in SMEs feel that updated financial requirements are more simplified than before, and more user friendly compared with large entities. However, it also provides insight into what skills and specific areas needs to be developed for accountants’ future directions. The research recommendation is that in the future conducting a wide range of interviews will be required to add different elements to this research and provide more clarification for distinguishing SMEs
Is online training effective in retail business?
Get PDFLearning is more effective when it is an active rather than a passive process. This research investigates whether online training is effective in retail business. The major perspective is to analyse the significance of online training, examine efficiency of online training to enhance the quality of learning, and develop strategy to improve learning and training. In this research, the data was collected by using secondary methods in which data is collected by someone other than the user. The discussion is illustrated by secondary research data providing a comparison to the organisation. The results from research show that eLearning provides flexible learning which allow learners to up-skill more rapidly. It is efficient to remove geographical gaps and able to provide education to all workplaces. It is concluded that the impact of online training in retail business helps to improve the efficiency of both employer and business. It also deepens understanding and promotes motivation and self-evaluation. Self-pacing in online training reduces stress and increases satisfaction. Recommendations include using interactive video in order to enhance memory and motivate. Usage of humour ensures engagement. Provision of feedback after the module helps both learner and instructor to analyse progress
The impacts of the new financial reporting regime on charities
Get PDFPrior to 2015, there were no mandatory reporting requirements for charities in New Zealand and many criticisms existed of the old practices. Therefore, new reporting requirements were issued to improve transparency, accountability and comparability on charities in 2013 and the effective date was set to be April 1st, 2015. This research aims to investigate the impact of the new financial reporting regime on charities after three years of implementation. To achieve the objective, qualitative methods were applied in this research and the data was collected through three semi-structured interviews which were conducted with accounting staff from three different registered charities. The results showed that some charities approved of the new regime, as it improved transparency, accountability and governance to them, but some of them thought it had brought more inconveniences. It also revealed that some charities’ internal accounting staff still do not entirely understand the new standards, so it is suggested that the government may consider providing more professional training to them, especially for small charities. However, all three charities involved in the research agreed that after three years of implementation, they felt more comfortable about the new regulations
Future behaviour given New Zealand’s smoke free future
Get PDFThe number of smokers in New Zealand has decreased, but there still are lots of people who smoke daily. The question is, how current smokers are going to form their smoking behaviour to face a smoke-free future. This research uses qualitative methods and interviews as a tool, because it needs deeper information from smokers. As a result, eight smokers have been interviewed as participants, and based on their answers, some interesting points were found. Smokers are not able to quit smoking by themselves, and they are expecting more help from the government. They are open to believable alternatives to smoking. Their recommendations for the government is they should be more active and provide certified alternatives to smokers. The businesses which sell tobacco products should follow the government to change their product mix. Over all, a new, certified alternative for smokers is expected by government and the smokers
Indefatigable
Get PDF17 short moments for piano and electronics.
Inspired by the practice of ink painting, this gestural piano piece explores angular piano writing, combined with sound recordings of ink painting
Toia Mai - Interactive sculpture
No full textTōia Mai, Hamilton’s new, interactive, public art sculpture was revealed today at the Ferrybank reserve overlooking the Waikato River.
Artist and Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) academic, Joe Citizen envisaged the sculpture for his PhD project, as it encompassed many of the disciplines and values related to his research.
It has been an intense yet exciting two years for Citizen who has worked with staff and students across Wintec, and a number of community and industry partners to complete the project.
“Tōia mai means to work together and this project is “for the people, by the people”, the result of many hands and minds coming together.”
The sculpture tells the Matariki story through an Internet of Things network using data and environmental sensors, and is activated by movement.
“While the sculpture has been gifted to the people of Hamilton, Wintec students will continue to learn from and develop the interactive components, and as technology changes, so too, will Tōia Mai,” says Citizen.
“We are now completing the final testing and I can’t wait to stand before it and see it come to life.”
Wintec director Māori Hera White says the site of the sculpture on the banks of the Waikato River is of particular historical significance as a waka (canoe) landing site.
“We are grateful to Hamilton City Council for the beautiful Ferrybank site, a former wāhi taunga waka or waka landing site for Māori, and the river access to the historic Ngāti Wairere pā and gardens nearby.”
Tōia Mai was gifted by Wintec and Joe Citizen to the people of Hamilton and the wider region this afternoon
Ageing well through a cultural and professional lens
Get PDFliving well and ageing well are common wishes of all people. China is facing a challenge in caring for elderly people due to severely ageing population. The Chinese government endeavours to promote healthy ageing through prioritising and establishing an old-age security system. To support and ensure elderly people live well, it is crucial for health care professionals to understand the Chinese tradition in elder care and its implications for developing social policies