172 research outputs found
Project Finance Model for Small Contractors in USA
Construction projects do not require a large capital outlay but a large working capital to start up the project. Unfortunately, for small contractors there are very limited options available from the banks or other lending institutions to cover this large working capital requirement in the absence of sufficient collateral. The “Project Finance” method presented in this paper is recommended as the most effective method for small contractors in the United States. The problems of small and start up contractors in funding their projects have been little addressed in the literature. The current financing practices were observed through both the literature review and interviews with contractors and bankers in the western Michigan area and subsequently a system has been proposed which could help a small start-up company seeking higher growth. The growth rates that can be achieved using the project finance system in contrast to the traditional “line of credit” arrangements as illustrated in this paper show that the project finance model is beneficial
A holistic team approach (HTA) model to curb machinery accidents in power plants.
Machinery accidents have been an important aspect that needs proper attention in all work places in recent years especially power plants. A large number of accident cases have been reported from the year 2018 to 2022. Accident report from DOSH (Department of Safety and Health Malaysia) indicates that a significant number of machinery accident cases occur in power plants while PERKESO (Social Security Organisation Malaysia)has investigated and tabulated accidents based on area of workplace and injury. Research shows that most statistical studies do not comprise of a preventive model to curb machinery accidents, which involves employees and management. A model that comprises of Machinery or Area of work (M) and the type of injury (I) is identified and summed in a form of a scientific equation which results in the possible accident type (α) which is the accident occurred. A Holistic Team Approach (HTA) model is designed that involves a team for each element M and I which comprises of engineers, technicians and operators working in the same area of equipment and a management representative. Each team is assigned to specific accidents according to the M and I element and classified as α-combinations. Teams are sent for incident investigation where preventive actions and reporting are discussed. A decision analysis is performed based on the model that emphasizes two Process Safety Management (PSM) elements which are accident investigation and employee participation. The HTA model is able to reduce machinery accidents by involving the elements of machinery and injury types, which is applicable to workplaces worldwide
Developing a business plan for an online crowd gifting platform
The wedding and events industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that only seems to keep growing. Even in Malaysia, this events and functions are celebrated more lavishly and extravagantly than ever before. Over time, a number of services that are related to this events such as designing of invitation cards, booking of event space and or even buying accessories and clothes for the wedding entourage, have been done over the internet instead of in conventional brick and mortar stores. The act of gifting in the industry though, has stood the test of time thus far and remained largely unchanged from as far back as one can remember.
By studying and applying an adaptation of the crowdfunding business model to the said industry segment, there seems to be a gap in the market to be exploited. Unlike crowdfunding, where funds are sourced from anyone online for the purpose of supporting a business or a non-profit cause, crowd gifting, on the other hand, is the process of funding a gift online by a group of people that typically already have a connection, personal or otherwise, with the recipient of the gift.
This aim of this management project is to develop a business plan for an online crowd gifting platform.
The report will provide a literature review on the various types of crowdfunding, the gift giving custom specifically in Malaysia and the thriving e-commerce market amongst others. This would be followed by the business plan that will include an analysis of the existing market, financial projections and the formulation of business strategies by use of theoretical models such as the Blue Ocean Strategy, Business Canvas and Porter’s Five Forces.
From the market research conducted on a sample of 500 people located in the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang, a third of the people are open to using an online platform to gift at events and a shocking 11% already practice this. These are encouraging numbers that will require marketing efforts to create brand and product awareness. Using the 4P’s of marketing, marketing efforts are to be concentrated on social networking sites like Facebook and event and wedding expositions. The financial numbers are extremely encouraging with the platform expected to bring in a net profit of approximately RM1.2 million within three years.
For potential investors, in exchange for 20% equity in the company, a funding amount of RM150,000 is expected. The payback period and ROI (in 3 years) are calculated at a promising 25 months and 149% respectively
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