Cirera Express Corporation

The markets are on the move: Globalization is by the word of businesses today. As we see trade barriers break down, workforce mobility and geographical migrations heighten, and economic activities advance - the transport and logistics industry appear set to thrive in this market situation. The industry continues to register above average growths as we see a shift from manufacture to service industries. Cirera Express Corporation (CEC), a domestic corporation engaged in the business of freight and cargo forwarding of all classes of goods and merchandise and as a break bulk agent remains a small market player struggling not to be eased out by their fragmented and highly competitive market. Management recognizes their need to addresses corporate weaknesses and has become more open to employing strategies that will capitalize on resource strengths, making them more agile and nimble in capturing opportunities and putting off threats in their evolving industry. This business plan maps out activities that is intended to fortify internal operations and organizational structure to be able to support renewed marketing initiatives aimed at increasing service revenues and eventually improving profit margins over the next three years. It provides a general assessment of influencing factors affecting the industry, an evolution of the company situation and a detailed proposal for streamlining operations, generating new sales and building up profitability based on set objectives. The financial data and situational information and assumptions utilized for the development of the plan were as of September 2006 and October 2006 respectively. In order to implement the strategies particularly the capital expenditure on information system upgrade of P300,000.00 a financing commitment was given by the shareholders. Other expenses were factored in based on the company\u27s cash flow capabilities and is expected to be supported by higher revenues coming from price negotiations currently being undertaken with principal clients and from new service agreements. The business concept of Cirera Express remains simple: reliability and efficiency in door to door delivery supported by capable employees and a forward looking management team will propel the company\u27s success and sustainability. As such, CEC intends to revolutionize its logistics and processes throughout the organization to satisfy an important requirement for further service growth and profitability

Resurrecting the Ruins

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste contributes to over 50% of New Zealand’s overall waste. Materials such as timber, plasterboard, and concrete make up 81% of the C&D waste that goes into landfills each year. Alongside this, more than 235 heritage-listed buildings have been demolished in Christchurch since the 2011 earthquakes. This research portfolio aims to find a solution to decrease C&D waste produced by demolishing heritage buildings. With the recent announcement of The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament’s demolition, this will be another building added to the list of lost heritage in Christchurch. This research portfolio aims to bridge the relationship between heritage and waste through the recycling and reuse of the demolished materials, exploring the idea that history and heritage are preserved through building material reuse. This research portfolio mainly focuses on reducing construction and demolition waste in New Zealand, using the design of a new Catholic Cathedral as a vessel. This thesis will challenge how the construction and design industry deals with the demolition of heritage buildings and their contribution to New Zealand’s waste. It aims to explore the idea of building material reuse not only to reduce waste but also to retain the history and heritage of the demolished building within the materials.</p