International Electric plc at present offers its customers 30 days’ credit. Half of the customers, by value, pay on time. The other half takes an average of 70 days to pay. The business is considering offering a cash discount of 2 per cent to its customers for payment within 30 days. The credit controller anticipates that half of the customers who now take an average of 70 days to pay (that is, a quarter of all customers) will pay in 30 days. The other half (the final quarter) will still take an average of 70 days to pay. The scheme will also reduce bad debts by £300,000 a year. Annual sales revenue of £365 million is made evenly throughout the year. At present the business has a large overdraft (£60 million) with its bank at an interest cost of 12 per cent a year. Required: (a) Calculate the approximate equivalent annual percentage cost of a discount of 2 per cent, which reduces the time taken by credit customers to pay from 70 days to 30 days. (Hint: This part can be answered without reference to the narrative above.) (b) Calculate the value of trade receivables outstanding under both the old and new schemes. (c) How much will the scheme cost the business in discounts? (d) Should the business go ahead with the scheme? State what other factors, if any, should be taken into account.
> Is a research project actually needed? Is the best approach a survey of customers? Should employees also be surveyed? Why or why not?
> In your judgment, what level of scale design would be the most appropriate in creating the necessary scale measurements for collecting primary data on each construct?
> Determine the appropriate sample design. Develop a sample design proposal for the Santa Fe Grill that addresses the following: Should a probability or nonprobability sample be used? Given your answer, what type of sampling design should be employed (simp
> How many new menu items can be examined on the survey? Remember, all potential menu possibilities should be assessed but you must have a manageable number of questions so the survey can be performed in a timely and reasonable manner. Specifically, from a
> How should the potential respondents be selected for the survey? Should customers be interviewed while they are dining? Should customers be asked to participate in the survey upon exiting the restaurant? Or should a mail or telephone approach be used to
> How many questions should the survey contain to adequately address all possible new menu items, including the notion of assessing the desirability of new cuisines? In short, how can it be determined that all necessary items will be included on the survey
> In your opinion, should the company give consideration to the development and implementation of Internet-based test marketing strategies? Why, or why not?
> Identify and explain the strengths and weaknesses associated with the test market process used by the Lee Apparel Company.
> What are the benefits and limitations of comparative scale measurements? Design a ranking order scale that will enable you to determine brand preference between Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Old Milwaukee Light beers.
> Redesign questions # 26 to 29 on the survey using a rating scale that will enable you to obtain the “degree of importance” a customer might attach to each of the four listed attributes in selecting a restaurant to dine at. Listed below are some reasons
> What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with online surveys?
> What was Lee Apparel Company’s overall goal for conducting such an extensive test market of its new line of jeans under the brand name “Riders”? In your opinion did the company achieve its goal? Why, or why not?
> What is “nonresponse”? Identify four types of nonresponse found in surveys.
> Develop three recommendations to help researchers increase the response rates in direct mail and telephone-administered surveys.
> How might measurement and design errors affect respondent errors?
> Explain the major differences between in-home interviews and mall-intercept interviews. Make sure you include their advantages and disadvantages.
> Explain why survey designs that include a trained interviewer are more appropriate than computer-assisted survey designs in situations where the task difficulty and stimuli requirements are extensive.
> What are the three factors that affect choice of appropriate survey method? How do these factors differ in person-administered surveys as opposed to self-administered surveys?
> What are the advantages and disadvantages of field experiments?
> Explain the difference between internal validity and external validity.
> Identify and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using quantitative survey research methods to collect primary data in marketing research.
> Develop a word association test that will provide some insight to the following information research question: What are college students’ perceptions of their university’s student union?
> Think of one or two cultures or subcultures with which you are at least somewhat familiar. Would qualitative research be especially useful for these cultures? Why, or why not?
> What are the advantages and disadvantages of ethnography as compared to other qualitative techniques?
> What are the advantages and disadvantages of online focus group interviews compared to face-to-face group interviews?
> Why are the screening activities so important in the selection of focus group participants? Develop a screening form that would allow you to select participants for a focus group on the benefits and costs of leasing new automobiles.
> Why is it important to have 8 to 12 participants in a focus group? What difficulties might exist in meeting that objective?
> What are the characteristics of a good focus group moderator? What is the purpose of a moderator’s guide?
> Explain the pros and cons of using qualitative research in each of the following situations: Adding carbonation to Gatorade and selling it as a true soft drink b. Finding new consumption usages for Arm & Hammer baking soda c. Inducing customers who have
> Compare the unique characteristics, main research objectives, and advantages/disadvantages of the in-depth and focus group interviewing techniques.
> What are the major differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods? What skills must a researcher have to develop and implement each type of design?
> What is the difference between a parameter and a sample statistic?
> What are relationships? What is a positive relationship? What is a negative relationship? Give an example of a positive and a negative relationship.
> What challenges do researchers face in conducting research with the Latino marketplace online? How can researchers minimize the effects of these difficulties?
> Based on your understanding of Chapter 1, what kind of information about products, services, and customers should the owners of Santa Fe Grill consider collecting?
> Arkwright Mills plc is considering expanding its production of a new yarn, code name X15. The plant is expected to cost £1 million and have a life of five years and a nil residual value. It will be bought, paid for and ready for operation on 31 D
> Genesis Ltd was incorporated three years ago and has grown rapidly since then. The rapid rate of growth has created problems for the business, which the directors have found difficult to deal with. Recently, a firm of management consultants has been aske
> Threads Limited manufactures nuts and bolts, which are sold to industrial users. The abbreviated financial statements for 2015 and 2016 are as follows: Income statements for the year ended 30 June Statements of financial position as at 30 June
> The directors of Helena Beauty Products Ltd have been presented with the following abridged financial statements: Income statement for the year ended 30 September Statement of financial position as at 30 September Required: Using six ratios, comme
> Conday and Co. Ltd has been in operation for three years and produces antique reproduction furniture for the export market. The most recent set of financial statements for the business is set out as follows: Income statement for the year ended 30 Novembe
> The senior management of Galbraith Ltd is negotiating a management buyout of the business from the existing shareholders. The most recent financial statements of Galbraith Ltd are as follows: Statement of financial position as at 30 November Year 6
> Alpha plc, a dynamic, fast-growing business in microelectronics, has just made a bid of 17 of its own shares for every 20 shares of Beta plc, which manufactures a range of electric motors. Financial statements for the two businesses are as follows: Inc
> Eco-Energy Appliances Ltd started operations on 1 January and has produced the following forecasts for annual sales revenue: The following additional information is also available: 1.Operating profit is expected to be 15 per cent of sales revenue throug
> An investment business is considering taking a minority stake in two businesses, Monaghan plc and Cavan plc. Both are in the same line of business and both are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Monaghan plc has had a stable dividend policy over the ye
> When a business wishes to acquire another, it may make a bid in the form of cash, a share-for-share exchange, or loan capital-for-share exchange. Required: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each form of consideration from the viewpoint of: (a)
> Leo plc is considering entering a new market. A new product has been developed at a cost of £5 million and is now ready for production. The market is growing and estimates from the finance department concerning future sales of the new product are as foll
> Aries plc was recently formed and issued 80 million £0.50 shares at nominal value and loan capital of £24 million. The business used the proceeds from the capital issues to purchase the remaining lease on some commercial properties that are rented out to
> Advocates of the shareholder value approach argue that, by delivering consistent and sustainable improvements in shareholder value, a business will benefit several stakeholder groups. The performance of a business such as the Stagecoach Group plc, which
> Goliath plc is a food wholesaler. The most recent financial statements of the business are as follows: Income statement for the year to 31 May Income statement for the year to 31 May (continued) £000 £000 Administrat
> The chief executive officer of Spark rite Ltd, a trading business, has just received summary sets of financial statements for last year and this year: Income statements for years ended 30 September Statements of financial position as at 30 September
> Mondrian plc is a new business that aims to maximize the wealth of its shareholders. The board of directors is currently trying to decide upon the most appropriate dividend policy to adopt for the business’s shareholders. However, there is strong disagre
> The following listed businesses each have different policies concerning distributions to shareholders: ■ North plc pays all profits available for distribution to shareholders in the form of a cash dividend each year. ■ South plc has yet to pay any cash d
> Newtake Records Ltd owns three shops selling rare jazz and classical recordings to serious collectors. At the beginning of June, the business had an overdraft of £35,000 and the bank has asked for this to be eliminated by the end of November
> The dividend policy of businesses has been the subject of much debate in the financial management literature. Required: Discuss the view that the pattern of dividend can increase the wealth of shareholders.
> Hatleigh plc is an engineering business. The financial statements for the year ended 30 April Year 8 are as follows: Statement of financial position as at 30 April Year 8 £000 ASSETS Non-current assets Property..................................
> Trexon plc is a major oil and gas exploration business that has most of its operations in the Middle East and South-East Asia. Recently, the business acquired rights to explore for oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico. Trexon plc proposes to finance the new
> Consider each of the following: ■ Mallard plc issues loan capital with a nominal value of £100 million at a price of £90 per £100 nominal value. The annual interest rate is 10 per cent of the nominal capital. The loan capital will be redeemed in two year
> Riphean plc and Silurian plc are two businesses operating in different industries. They are both financed by a mixture of ordinary share and loan capital and both are seeking to derive the cost of capital for investment decision-making purposes. The foll
> Devonian plc has the following long-term capital structure as at 30 November Year 4: £m Ordinary shares 25p fully paid......... 50.0 General reserve.................................22.5 Retained earnings.............................25.5 98.0 Th
> The board of directors of Wicklow plc is considering an expansion of production capacity following an increase in sales over the past two years. The most recent financial statements for the business are set out below. Statement of financial position as a
> Pizza Shack plc operates a chain of pizza restaurants. The business started operations five years ago and has enjoyed uninterrupted and rapid growth. The directors, however, believe that future growth can be achieved only if the business seeks a listing
> Provide two reasons why: (a) Tax incentives may have only limited value in stimulating greater investment by business angels. (b) Business angels can be an attractive source of finance to entrepreneurs. (c) Business angels may find it difficult being par
> Gainsborough Fashions Ltd operates a chain of fashion shops. In recent months the business has been under pressure from its suppliers to reduce the average credit period taken from three months to one month. As a result, the directors have approached the
> Fowler Ltd produces ‘Vitex’, a vitamin supplement drink that is sold for £1.20 per bottle. At present the business’s bottling plant is operating at full capacity and it is not possible to expand sales beyond the current level unless there is further inve
> Raphael Ltd is a small engineering business that has annual credit sales revenue of £2.4 million. In recent years, the business has experienced credit control problems. The average collection period for sales has risen to 50 days even though the stated p
> Securitisation is now used in a variety of industries. In the music industry, for example, rock stars such as David Bowie and Iron Maiden have used this form of financing to their benefit. Required: (a) Explain the term ‘securitisation’. (b) Discuss the
> H. Brown (Portsmouth) Ltd produces a range of central heating systems for sale to builders’ merchants. As a result of increasing demand for the business’s products, the directors have decided to expand production. The cost of acquiring new plant and mach
> Plato Pharmaceuticals Ltd has invested £500,000 to date in developing a new type of insect repellent. The repellent is now ready for production and sale, and the marketing director estimates that the product will sell 150,000 bottles a year over the next
> Nimby plc is considering two mutually exclusive projects: Delphi and Oracle. The possible NPVs for each project and their associated probabilities are as follows: Required: (a) Calculate the expected net present value and the standard deviation associa
> Devonia (Laboratories) Ltd has recently carried out successful clinical trials on a new type of skin cream, which has been developed to reduce the effects of ageing. Research and development costs incurred to date for the new product amount to £190,000.
> D’Arcy (Builders) Ltd is considering three possible investment projects: A, B and C. The expected pattern of cash flows for each project is: The business has a cost of capital of 10 per cent and the investment budget for next year is
> Haverhill Engineers Ltd manufactures components for the car industry. It is considering automating its line for producing crankshaft bearings. The automated equipment will cost £700,000. It will replace equipment with a scrap value of Â
> The accountant of your business has recently been taken ill through overwork. In his absence his assistant has prepared some calculations of the profitability of a project, which are to be discussed soon at the board meeting of your business. His working
> C. George (Controls) Ltd manufactures a thermostat that can be used in a range of kitchen appliances. The manufacturing process is, at present, semi-automated. The equipment used cost £540,000 and has a carrying amount of £300,000. Demand for the product
> Davis Travel Ltd specializes in the provision of cheap weekend winter breaks but also organizes cheap weekend summer breaks. You are given the following information: Statement of financial position as at 30 September Year 4 ASSETS £
> Fritz Hoffman and Fritz Frey contacted the Sun Valley Company (Company) about purchasing a 1.64-acre piece of property known as the Ruud Mountain Property, located in Sun Valley, Idaho, from Company. Mr. Conger, a representative of Company, was authorize
> Judith and Donald Eckstein were married and had two daughters. Years later, Judith left the marital abode in the jointly owned Volkswagen van with only the clothes on her back. She did not take the children, who were 6 and 8 years old at the time. She ha
> Conrad Schaneman Sr. had 8 sons and 5 daughters. He owned an 80-acre farm in the Scottsbluff area of Nebraska. Conrad was born in Russia and could not read or write English. All of his children had frequent contact with Conrad and helped with his needs.
> Samuel C. Mazilly wrote a personal check that was drawn on Calcasieu-Marine National Bank of Lake Charles, Inc. (CMN Bank). The check was made payable to the order of Lee St. Mary and was delivered to him. St. Mary indorsed the check in blank and deliver
> Stewart P. Blanchard borrowed $50,000 from Progressive Bank & Trust Company (Progressive) to purchase a home. As part of the transaction, Blanchard signed a note secured by a mortgage. The note provided for a 10 percent annual interest rate. Under the te
> James L. “Skip” Deupree, a developer, was building a development of townhouses called Point South in Destin, Florida. All the townhouses in the development were to have individual boat slips. Sam and Louise Butner, husband and wife, bought one of the tow
> Cole Energy Development Company (Cole Energy) wanted to lease a gas compressor for use in its business of pumping and selling natural gas and began negotiating with the Ingersoll-Rand Company (Ingersoll-Rand) for the lease of a gas compressor. The two pa
> Saber Energy, Inc. (Saber), entered into a sales contract with Tri-State Petroleum Corporation (Tri-State). The contract called for Saber to sell Tri-State 110,000 barrels of gasoline per month for six months. Saber was to deliver the gasoline through th
> Both Allsopp Sand and Gravel (Allsopp) and Lincoln Sand and Gravel (Lincoln) were in the business of supplying sand to construction companies. In March, Lincoln’s sand dredge became inoperable. To continue in business, Lincoln negotiated a contract with
> Executive Financial Services, Inc. (EFS), purchased three tractors from Tri-County Farm Company (Tri-County), a John Deere dealership owned by Gene Mohr and James Loyd. The tractors cost $48,000, $19,000, and $38,000. EFS did not take possession of the t
> John Torniero was employed by Micheals Jewelers, Inc. (Micheals). During the course of his employment, Torniero stole pieces of jewelry, including several diamond rings, a sapphire ring, a gold pendant, and several loose diamonds. Over a period of severa
> Gordon Construction Company (Gordon) was a general contractor in the New York City area. Gordon planned on bidding for the job of constructing two buildings for the Port Authority of New York. In anticipation of its own bid, Gordon sought bids from subco
> Kurt Perschke was a grain dealer in Indiana. Perschke phoned Ken Sebasty, the owner of a large wheat farm, and offered to buy 14,000 bushels of wheat for $1.95 per bushel. Sebasty accepted the offer. Perschke said that he could send a truck for the wheat
> Apricot.com is a major software developer that licenses software to be used over the internet. One of its programs, called Match, is a search engine that searches personal ads on the internet and provides a match for users for potential dates and possibl
> BluePeace.org is a new environmental group that has decided that the internet is the best and most efficient way to spend its time and money to advance its environmental causes. To draw attention to its websites, BluePeace .org comes up with catchy inter
> On Halloween Day, Christine Narvaez drove her automobile onto the parking lot of a busy supermarket. Narvaez had her two-year-old grandchild with her. The youngster was riding, unconstrained, in a booster seat. Narvaez saw a friend and decided to stop fo
> The County of Contra Costa, California, held a tax sale in which it offered for sale a vacant piece of property located in the city of El Cerrito. Richard J. Schultz, a carpenter, saw the notice of the pending tax sale and was interested in purchasing th
> Liz Claiborne, Inc. (Claiborne) is a large maker of sportswear in the United States and a well-known name in fashion, with sales of more than $1 billion per year. Claiborne distributes its products through 9,000 retail outlets in the United States. Avon
> Indiana Tri-City Plaza Bowl (Tri-City) leased a building from Charles H. Glueck for use as a bowling alley. The lease provided that Glueck was to provide adequate paved parking for the building. The lease gave TriCity the right to approve the plans for t
> Adolfo Mozzetti, who owned a construction company, orally promised his son, Remo, that if Remo would manage the family business for their mutual benefit and would take care of him for the rest of his life, he would leave the family home to Remo. Section
> Wells Fargo Credit Corporation (Wells Fargo) obtained a judgment of foreclosure on a house owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger. The total indebtedness stated in the judgment was $207,141. The foreclosure sale was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on a specified day a
> The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country in the Middle East, held a competition for the architectural design of a new embassy it intended to build in Washington, DC. Elena Sturdza, an architect licensed in Maryland and Texas, entered the competition and
> City Segway Tours of Washington DC, LLC (CST) operated tours where customers used Segway personal transportation vehicle to tour the city. Norman Mero and his significant other signed up for such a tour. The contract they signed prior to beginning the to
> FFP Operating Partners, L.P. (FFP Operating), operates a number of convenience stores and gas stations. FFP Operating executed 31 promissory notes in favor of Franchise Mortgage Acceptance Company (FMAC). In connection with the notes, FFP Marketing Compa
> Murray Walter, Inc. (Walter, Inc.), was a general contractor for the construction of a waste treatment plant in New Hampshire. Walter, Inc., contracted with H. Johnson Electric, Inc. (Johnson Electric), to install the electrical system in the treatment p
