Case Study

Owen Mills Limited

We have all that you want!

Owen Mills Limited began its operations on Trumpet Land, a beautiful island in the Caribbean with a very diverse population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and origin. In 1970, at the age of twenty-eight (28), Owen Mills a progressive thinking young man decided to start his own business.   His father had worked as a Manager at a large department store in the city of Trumpet Land for as long as Owen can remember, and his father would share his daily experiences. The idea of operating his own business was always at the forefront of Owen’s mind. After gaining four (4) Advanced Level subjects (Mathematics, Geography, English Literature and Spanish), Owen got a job at a large Credit Union where he moved up the ranks from a Customer Service Clerk to Supervisory level within four (4) years and then onto being a Credit Officer.

During his time at the Credit Union, Owen attended a number of short management courses. This built his confidence that someday soon he will achieve his dream of being a big business man. At age twenty-eight (28) Owen thought that he had saved sufficient money along with his wife who worked at another Credit Union, so that they could purchase a small one-story building in the heart of the city. The building was at the corner of French Street and John Street, the main street in the city. The building was refurbished and painted in bright red, and blue to suit the liking of Mr. Mills.   He thought to himself “No one could miss this building” and he also thought of a tag line. Business started in February 1970. From the inception of the business to date, the tagline emblazoned at the front of the store “We have all that you want!’ has remained.

The Early Years

Owen Mills Limited operated as a sole proprietorship for many years selling almost every item that a household could want, staying true to his tagline. The business began with five (5) employees: his wife serving as the cashier, two store clerks, one driver and a cleaner. The store was well sectioned with a variety of items as shown in Table #1 below.

Table #1 – Variety of Items sold by Owen Mills Limited

Orders would be placed with wholesalers who would deliver the products on scheduled days. Mr. Mills was very organized. During the first two (2) years of operating in the city of Trumpet Land, Mr. Mills observed that his customers comprised of citizens from all over the island. He got an idea, “I could go to the outer area of the city with my products.” He started in October 1971 to pack his Toyota panel van and leave with his driver on Saturdays and Sundays to the areas bordering the city.   Mr. Mills was successful with this venture and discovered that there were retirees and housewives who were at home during the week, and he began to go into those area at least two (2) days per week in addition to Saturdays and Sundays.

Clearly, Mr. Mills was an astute businessman who was always thinking of the next move to grow the business. He and his wife joined the Chamber of Commerce, read widely about what was happening locally, regionally and internationally, and made every effort to attend conferences and seminars which they thought would be beneficial. He was always thinking about growth and expansion. Owen Mills Limited became a known business even to those persons who had never patronized the store. In the midst of it all, Mr. Mills understood his corporate social responsibility and as such was respected highly by other businessmen and members of the community and country. A proud moment for Mr. Mills, his family and employees occurred when he was awarded Business Man of the Year Award in 1999.

On a Growth Path

The years flew by very quickly and by 1995, Mr. Mills had added two (2) more floors to the original building that he bought.   He now had four (4) grown children (two (2) boys and two (2) girls) all in their twenties and who all showed an interest in the business. Similar to their father, they had done very well at the secondary school level and had aspirations of gaining a tertiary level education as well as being a part of the business. They pondered their options of going to school full-time or enrolling in an online programme, so that they could better manage their time and fulfill their career objectives. The oldest son began to pursue the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Programme.   He thought that he can become the Accountant for Owen Mills Limited or open an accounting firm in the next few years.  

By the year 2000, Mr. Owen Mills had spread his wings to the eastern, southern and western part of Trumpet Land.   He was able to purchase within a five-year period, three (3) large two-story buildings in each of the areas. The buildings were painted in the same colors as the first one in the city in the north and carried the well-known tagline - We have all that you want!  The business incurred a manageable mortgage loan, but that will be repaid in less than ten (10) years.

Mr. Mills began to think about succession for his business and the future of his children who had been supporting him throughout the years. He held a family meeting and it was decided that with the imminent opening of three (3) other Branches, that each child would manage a branch and he will now be considered as the Chairman.

In the midst of the initiatives being undertaken, Mr. Mills was very cognizant that the world of business was wrought with dynamism and uncertainty and he and his family needed to understand about strategic moves that could be undertaken. He had been reading and trying to keep up to date with what was happening in the world of business.   He and his family did not have a full grasp of the theoretical underpinnings to maneuver quickly out of any new challenges, and he understood very well that challenges can surface with expansion. By 2018, the total staff had grown to eighty (80) persons which included cashiers, information technology personnel, supervisors, customer service staff, cleaners, drivers and his four (4) children as managers,

Looking to the Future

Undoubtedly, Owen Mills Limited has been a successful enterprise. However, Mr. Mills and his eldest son, who had gained his ACCA qualification began to look at the financials very closely. They recognized that while the company had repaid the mortgage loans, and there was still an influx of customers at all branches, the profits had been reducing in the three (3) years prior to 2020, though minimally.

Mr. Mills and his family had their usual monthly meeting in December 2019. One of the daughters took some points in relation to the present status of the Company. It related to a SWOT Analysis. Whist the SWOT Analysis was not fully articulated in terms of what the strengths can and have brought to the Company; how the weaknesses are impacting the Company; the possible outcomes from taking advantage of available opportunities; and the possible impact of threats, her brief notes are highlighted below:

Strengths:

• Committed employees and management
• Appropriate management style
• Adequate financial and human resources
• Wide variety of products
• Broad market coverage
• Good financial management
• Brand name reputation
• Excellent customer service skills
• Some expertise in new venture management

Weaknesses

• Lack of research and development skills
• Lack of understanding of strategic management and planning

Opportunities

• Exploit new market segments
• Move into new businesses, but how and what type
• Expand into foreign markets
• Acquire a profitable acquisition

Threats

• Increase in competition, but where do we look
• New forms of competition
• Changes in customer preferences
• Rising costs of products and labour
• Changes in demographic factors
• Changes in economic factors and down turn in the economy
• Slow growth in the market

At the start of 2020, Mr. Mills and his family began to follow the news with respect to the deadly COVID-19 virus.  “This is a time for quick action” pondered Mr. Mills. The business has been successful, but Mr. Mills and family has recognized that things are changing in the environment and could have negatives on the business. At the January 2020 monthly meeting, it was decided that the company should seek the services of a reputable consultant who can advise and assist the company with getting a clear understanding of what strategic management and planning entails. Other matters discussed which the family agreed to pursue, include embarking on a training initiative which would include staff at all levels as well as to create an awareness of the environmental factors that can affect the company. One member in the meeting raised the issue of how they can determine with accuracy the financial situation at the company. She is aware that ratios could be used, but that’s as much as she knows.

Mr. Mills stretched his imagination, “We had better start thinking about starting a branch in some foreign country, or start to manufacture something that people will need.”   Then he pondered to himself, “I do not have all the knowledge about the intricacies of manufacturing and so-called strategies to continue to be a winner”  

The meeting ended with Mr. Mills thinking aloud that they should all read up about what it means to be innovative.   He indicated that at the next meeting, they will all come with their ideas of a plan that is different to what they are doing now and which can contribute to continued success. He was not sure what type of plan that would be.   He has been following keenly the possible impact and negative fallout that the company could experience because of the COVID-19 virus.   However, the astute businessman that Mr. Mills is, he purchased some cotton material, took some elastic and thread from the store, and hired two (2) seamstresses to make protective masks. The masks have been a fast seller and is bringing a profit to the store.   Once more, Owen Mills Limited is living up to its tagline - We have all that you want!

Question 3(a):

Mr. Owen Mills and his family needs to understand how they can determine with accuracy the financial situation at the company. One of his daughters is aware that ratios could be used, but that is as much as she knows.

As the hired consultant, how would you advise Mr. Owen Mills and his family?

Problem 11-19 (Algo) Internal Business Process Performance Measures [LO11-3]

Tombro Industries is in the process of automating one of its plants and developing a flexible manufacturing system. The company is finding it necessary to make many changes in operating procedures. Progress has been slow, particularly in trying to develop new performance measures for the factory.

In an effort to evaluate performance and determine where improvements can be made, management has gathered the following data relating to activities over the last four months:

The president has read in industry journals that throughput time, MCE, and delivery cycle time are important measures of performance, but no one is sure how they are computed. You have been asked to assist the company, and you have gathered the following data relating to these measures:

Required:

1-a. Compute the throughput time for each month.

1-b. Compute the manufacturing cycle efficiency (MCE) for each month.

1-c. Compute the delivery cycle time for each month.

3-a. Refer to the inspection time, process time, and so forth, given for month 4. Assume that in month 5 the inspection time, process time, and so forth, are the same as for month 4, except that the company is able to completely eliminate the queue time during production using Lean Production. Compute the new throughput time and MCE.

3-b. Refer to the inspection time, process time, and so forth, given for month 4. Assume that in month 6 the inspection time, process time, and so forth, are the same as in month 4, except that the company is able to eliminate both the queue time during production and the inspection time using Lean Production. Compute the new throughput time and MCE.

Project management

Some argue that project management is the new critical leadership skill in today's market? Identify leadership styles of effective project managers and describe the techniques that project managers use to manage individuals and teams to produce high performance project outcomes and positive business results.

How would you propose to evaluate a CEO for making her healthcare organization sufficiently accountable over of a period of time?

How would you structure an organization to ensure that its culture of accountability is actually enacted?

Case Study

Owen Mills Limited

We have all that you want!

Owen Mills Limited began its operations on Trumpet Land, a beautiful island in the Caribbean with a very diverse population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and origin. In 1970, at the age of twenty-eight (28), Owen Mills a progressive thinking young man decided to start his own business.   His father had worked as a Manager at a large department store in the city of Trumpet Land for as long as Owen can remember, and his father would share his daily experiences. The idea of operating his own business was always at the forefront of Owen’s mind. After gaining four (4) Advanced Level subjects (Mathematics, Geography, English Literature and Spanish), Owen got a job at a large Credit Union where he moved up the ranks from a Customer Service Clerk to Supervisory level within four (4) years and then onto being a Credit Officer.

During his time at the Credit Union, Owen attended a number of short management courses. This built his confidence that someday soon he will achieve his dream of being a big business man. At age twenty-eight (28) Owen thought that he had saved sufficient money along with his wife who worked at another Credit Union, so that they could purchase a small one-story building in the heart of the city. The building was at the corner of French Street and John Street, the main street in the city. The building was refurbished and painted in bright red, and blue to suit the liking of Mr. Mills.   He thought to himself “No one could miss this building” and he also thought of a tag line. Business started in February 1970. From the inception of the business to date, the tagline emblazoned at the front of the store “We have all that you want!’ has remained.

The Early Years

Owen Mills Limited operated as a sole proprietorship for many years selling almost every item that a household could want, staying true to his tagline. The business began with five (5) employees: his wife serving as the cashier, two store clerks, one driver and a cleaner. The store was well sectioned with a variety of items as shown in Table #1 below.

Table #1 – Variety of Items sold by Owen Mills Limited

Orders would be placed with wholesalers who would deliver the products on scheduled days. Mr. Mills was very organized. During the first two (2) years of operating in the city of Trumpet Land, Mr. Mills observed that his customers comprised of citizens from all over the island. He got an idea, “I could go to the outer area of the city with my products.” He started in October 1971 to pack his Toyota panel van and leave with his driver on Saturdays and Sundays to the areas bordering the city.   Mr. Mills was successful with this venture and discovered that there were retirees and housewives who were at home during the week, and he began to go into those area at least two (2) days per week in addition to Saturdays and Sundays.

Clearly, Mr. Mills was an astute businessman who was always thinking of the next move to grow the business. He and his wife joined the Chamber of Commerce, read widely about what was happening locally, regionally and internationally, and made every effort to attend conferences and seminars which they thought would be beneficial. He was always thinking about growth and expansion. Owen Mills Limited became a known business even to those persons who had never patronized the store. In the midst of it all, Mr. Mills understood his corporate social responsibility and as such was respected highly by other businessmen and members of the community and country. A proud moment for Mr. Mills, his family and employees occurred when he was awarded Business Man of the Year Award in 1999.

On a Growth Path

The years flew by very quickly and by 1995, Mr. Mills had added two (2) more floors to the original building that he bought.   He now had four (4) grown children (two (2) boys and two (2) girls) all in their twenties and who all showed an interest in the business. Similar to their father, they had done very well at the secondary school level and had aspirations of gaining a tertiary level education as well as being a part of the business. They pondered their options of going to school full-time or enrolling in an online programme, so that they could better manage their time and fulfill their career objectives. The oldest son began to pursue the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Programme.   He thought that he can become the Accountant for Owen Mills Limited or open an accounting firm in the next few years.  

By the year 2000, Mr. Owen Mills had spread his wings to the eastern, southern and western part of Trumpet Land.   He was able to purchase within a five-year period, three (3) large two-story buildings in each of the areas. The buildings were painted in the same colors as the first one in the city in the north and carried the well-known tagline - We have all that you want!  The business incurred a manageable mortgage loan, but that will be repaid in less than ten (10) years.

Mr. Mills began to think about succession for his business and the future of his children who had been supporting him throughout the years. He held a family meeting and it was decided that with the imminent opening of three (3) other Branches, that each child would manage a branch and he will now be considered as the Chairman.

In the midst of the initiatives being undertaken, Mr. Mills was very cognizant that the world of business was wrought with dynamism and uncertainty and he and his family needed to understand about strategic moves that could be undertaken. He had been reading and trying to keep up to date with what was happening in the world of business.   He and his family did not have a full grasp of the theoretical underpinnings to maneuver quickly out of any new challenges, and he understood very well that challenges can surface with expansion. By 2018, the total staff had grown to eighty (80) persons which included cashiers, information technology personnel, supervisors, customer service staff, cleaners, drivers and his four (4) children as managers,

Looking to the Future

Undoubtedly, Owen Mills Limited has been a successful enterprise. However, Mr. Mills and his eldest son, who had gained his ACCA qualification began to look at the financials very closely. They recognized that while the company had repaid the mortgage loans, and there was still an influx of customers at all branches, the profits had been reducing in the three (3) years prior to 2020, though minimally.

Mr. Mills and his family had their usual monthly meeting in December 2019. One of the daughters took some points in relation to the present status of the Company. It related to a SWOT Analysis. Whist the SWOT Analysis was not fully articulated in terms of what the strengths can and have brought to the Company; how the weaknesses are impacting the Company; the possible outcomes from taking advantage of available opportunities; and the possible impact of threats, her brief notes are highlighted below:

Strengths:

• Committed employees and management
• Appropriate management style
• Adequate financial and human resources
• Wide variety of products
• Broad market coverage
• Good financial management
• Brand name reputation
• Excellent customer service skills
• Some expertise in new venture management

Weaknesses

• Lack of research and development skills
• Lack of understanding of strategic management and planning

Opportunities

• Exploit new market segments
• Move into new businesses, but how and what type
• Expand into foreign markets
• Acquire a profitable acquisition

Threats

• Increase in competition, but where do we look
• New forms of competition
• Changes in customer preferences
• Rising costs of products and labour
• Changes in demographic factors
• Changes in economic factors and down turn in the economy
• Slow growth in the market

At the start of 2020, Mr. Mills and his family began to follow the news with respect to the deadly COVID-19 virus.  “This is a time for quick action” pondered Mr. Mills. The business has been successful, but Mr. Mills and family has recognized that things are changing in the environment and could have negatives on the business. At the January 2020 monthly meeting, it was decided that the company should seek the services of a reputable consultant who can advise and assist the company with getting a clear understanding of what strategic management and planning entails. Other matters discussed which the family agreed to pursue, include embarking on a training initiative which would include staff at all levels as well as to create an awareness of the environmental factors that can affect the company. One member in the meeting raised the issue of how they can determine with accuracy the financial situation at the company. She is aware that ratios could be used, but that’s as much as she knows.

Mr. Mills stretched his imagination, “We had better start thinking about starting a branch in some foreign country, or start to manufacture something that people will need.”   Then he pondered to himself, “I do not have all the knowledge about the intricacies of manufacturing and so-called strategies to continue to be a winner”  

The meeting ended with Mr. Mills thinking aloud that they should all read up about what it means to be innovative.   He indicated that at the next meeting, they will all come with their ideas of a plan that is different to what they are doing now and which can contribute to continued success. He was not sure what type of plan that would be.   He has been following keenly the possible impact and negative fallout that the company could experience because of the COVID-19 virus.   However, the astute businessman that Mr. Mills is, he purchased some cotton material, took some elastic and thread from the store, and hired two (2) seamstresses to make protective masks. The masks have been a fast seller and is bringing a profit to the store.   Once more, Owen Mills Limited is living up to its tagline - We have all that you want!

Q1.      Mr. Owen Mills, the owner of Owen Mills Limited has been operating a successful business since 1970. However, he is not fully aware of what strategic management and planning entails. You are hired as a consultant to advise Mr. Mills, his family and selected members of the Company about what strategic management and planning entails as well as how important it is for the organization to engage in strategic management and planning.   

What would you say to the members present at the meeting so that they can have a very good understanding of what strategic management and planning entails, and why they should engage in the process so as to maintain the competitive advantage of Owen Mills Limited? (Total - 25 marks)

How would you know if a health system or accountable care organization is sufficiently accountable to its stakeholders?

In December 1992, Beys Specialty Contracting, Inc., contracted with New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for construction work. Beys subcontracted with Hudson Iron Works, Inc., to perform some of the work for $175,000. Under the terms of the subcontract, within seven days after the MTA ap­proved Hudson’s work and paid Beys, Beys would pay Hudson. The MTA had not yet ap­proved any of Hudson’s work when Beys submitted to the MTA invoices dated May 20 and June 21, 1993. Without proof that the MTA had paid Beys on those invoices, Hud­son submitted to Beys an invoice dated September 10, claiming that the May 20 and June 21 invoices incorporated its work. Beys refused to pay, Hudson stopped working, and Beys paid another contractor $25,083 more to complete the job than if Hudson had completed its subcontract. Hudson filed a suit in a New York state court to collect on its invoice. Beys filed a counterclaim for the additional money spent to complete Hudson’s job. In whose favor should the court rule, and why? What might be the measure of damages, if any?

How, if at all, does being an “ethical” organization differ from being an “accountable” organization? How does being “responsible” differ from being “accountable?

what is the best type of leadership style suitable for a small Caribbean Company that wants to do a joint venture with a Malaysian Company? Please give at least three reasons. The staff will entail staff from both countries

Problem 5-09

The table below shows data on the returns over five 1-year periods for seven mutual funds. A firm's portfolio managers will assume that one of these scenarios will accurately reflect the investing climate over the next 12 months. The probabilities of each of the scenarios occurring are 0.1, 0.3, 0.1, 0.1, and 0.4 for years 1 to 5, respectively.

1. Develop a portfolio model with Excel Solver for investors who are willing to risk a portfolio with a return no lower than 2%. Round your answers to one decimal place. For subtractive or negative numbers use a minus sign even if there is a + sign before the blank. If the constant is "1" it must be entered in the box.
   
   To determine the percentage of the portfolio that will be invested in each of the mutual funds we use the following decision variables:
   

   	LS = proportion of portfolio invested in a large-cap stock mutual fund
   	MS = proportion of portfolio invested in a mid-cap stock fund
   	SS = proportion of portfolio invested in a small-cap growth fund
   	ES = proportion of portfolio invested in an energy sector fund
   	HS = proportion of portfolio invested in a health sector fund
   	TS = proportion of portfolio invested in a technology sector fund
   	RS = proportion of portfolio invested in a real estate sector fund

   Max

   s.t.

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   ≥

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   ≥

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   ≥

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   ≥

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   ≥

   LS

   +

   MS

   +

   SS

   +

   ES

   +

   HS

   +

   TS

   +

   RS

   =

   LS, MS, SS, ES, HS, TS, RS

   ≥

   0

2. Solve the model in part (a) and recommend a portfolio allocation for the investor with this risk tolerance. Round portfolio return to three decimal places and other answers to one decimal place. If your answer is zero, enter "0".
   
   The recommended allocation is to invest as follows:
   

   %	of the portfolio in the large-cap stock mutual fund
   %	of the portfolio in the mid-cap stock fund
   %	of the portfolio in the small-cap stock fund
   %	of the portfolio in the energy sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the health sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the technology sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the real estate sector fund

   
   The expected portfolio return is  %.
   
3. Modify the portfolio model in part (a) and solve it to develop a portfolio for an investor with a risk tolerance of 0%. Round portfolio return to three decimal places and other answers to one decimal place. If your answer is zero, enter "0".
   
   The recommended allocation is to invest as follows:
   

   %	of the portfolio in the large-cap stock mutual fund
   %	of the portfolio in the mid-cap stock fund
   %	of the portfolio in the small-cap stock fund
   %	of the portfolio in the energy sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the health sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the technology sector fund
   %	of the portfolio in the real estate sector fund

   
   The expected portfolio return is  %.

COVID-19

The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has introduced new challenges to the business environment. It is also having an impact on the global economy with tourism, aviation, education and hospitality the initially hardest hit industries. Almost all global supply-chains are affected at some level. Realistically, many sectors will be affected to different degrees, with many organizations implementing policies to limit employee travel and to prepare employees to work from home if necessary and if possible, to ensure the safety of their employees. The outbreak is moving quickly, and most countries are trying to respond quickly to contain the impact. However, the spread of the virus may continue through 2020 and impact the operations of many industries for months to come.

Question 1 - Word count: 800 words .

Critically analyze the required types of change to minimize the impact of the COVID 19 virus on the university? Then analyze which images of change management that could be adopted by the change agent to manage such situation?   

A.Imagine that the president has deployed forces to intervene in a civil war in the Middle East. The purpose of the deployment is to protect the civilians in a large city from an imminent attack by their own government. The president claims that this urgent use of military force falls within the powers of the presidency as commander in chief, but does not reach the level of involvement that requires Congress to declare war. The president does not formally consult with Congress before ordering military action and does not provide a report to Congress in a timely manner.

In response, the House Armed Services Committee declares that the president violated the War Powers Act, demands that the president remove the troops, and formally brings the case to the Supreme Court to force action from the president.

You are a justice on the Supreme Court preparing to hear the case. Start by writing down your initial reactions to the situation. Based on what you know of the War Powers Act, which branch appears to be in the right? What questions would you ask during oral arguments to try to get each side to explain its point of view?

B.Once oral arguments are concluded and a verdict has been reached, you are asked to write the opinion for one group of Supreme Court justices: you can choose which side of the argument to support.

discuss three reasons for the  importance of developing and implementing an effective strategy. You can write these in bullet form.