Tag: Writing

I need two peer review responses written for 2 separate students, each peer response needs its own new article on forward currency rates, not the ones in the original discussion or a student. The body or content 150 words before the title and references. In the body, don’t just say the same things or say I agree. In the peer review, please just compare their discussion with mine and just say how the material relates and leads to the idea of the need and importance of forward currency rates, and then in text cite something from the new article at least and or the textbook for each. Thank You. This format will work for each….

Peer Review for Anne McCollough – This format

Mark Karwat- FINC 750- Advanced Financial Management

Davenport University- Midland Campus

12-13-24

Topic: Week 7- Discussion Reply- Forward Currency Rates

Anne McCollough- Week 7 Discussion

Top of Form

Currency forwards help companies manage foreign exchange rate risk by locking in a predetermined exchange rate for a future date. These forwards are customized contracts, commonly between parties doing business in different countries. When companies operate in multiple countries, they often deal with revenues and expenses in different currencies. Forward contracts protect against adverse exchange rate movements that could potentially impact profitability. (Team, 2023) The effectiveness of currency forwards depends on accurately predicting future exchange rate movements. If this is not done carefully one party may benefit while the other potentially faces losses.

                Forward rates allow companies to forecast more accurately enabling better strategic decision-making regarding investments, pricing, and resource allocation. Knowing future costs enables a company to set competitive prices without risking reduction of margins due to the changes in currency rates.  

                An example of currency forward is if a U.S company agrees to purchase machinery 6 months from now from a company in Denmark for the agreed upon price of $1M Danish krone. If the Danish krone appreciates against the US dollar, the cost of that machine in USD could increase significantly. By entering into a forward contract to buy Danish Krones at today’s rate, the company locks in a predictable cost. Locking in this cost protects against exchange rate volatility enabling the cost of the machine to remain predictable and stable.

References

Team, C. (2023, October 13). Currency forward. Corporate Finance Institute.

https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/foreign-exchange/currency-

forward/

Bottom of Form

References

Brigham, E., & Daves, P. (2022). Intermediate Financial Management (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. In-text citations: (Brigham & Daves, 2022)

Add a new source

Peer Review for Gloria- This format

Mark Karwat- FINC 750- Advanced Financial Management

Davenport University- Midland Campus

12-13-24

Topic: Week 7- Discussion Reply- Forward Currency Rates

Gloria’s Discussion Forum,

Gloria Gasgonia

Trade globally today, and many companies manage their foreign exchange (FX) risk using forward currency exchange rates as a tool and part of their finance strategy. The idea is that companies can lock in exchange rates for future transactions; thus, the term forward exchange rate. The way I understand exchange rates is that they fluctuate daily. Hence, it makes sense for companies to lock in a rate for future transactions by signing a contract, as it allows companies to predict their financials better, consistent cash flows, and protect profit margins. According to the Corporate Finance Institute, signing contracts to get a predetermined exchange rate for future transactions avoids the risk of unfavorable currency fluctuations. Essentially, the cost and revenue in the international trading stage are consistently valued and used as a forecasting tool (CFI Team, 2024).

One example is the company where I work, which is based in the U.S. and usually exports bearings. Our company is expecting a payment in PLN currency from a customer while entering into a forward contract to sell PLN and buy U.S. dollars at a fixed rate as soon as we receive the payment so we avoid any potential loss due to the PLN relationship to the dollar conversion. Another scenario is importing goods from other countries like Europe and Asia. Let us say we have a payable amount of 1 million EUR in 3 months. If the current exchange rate is 1.20 USD to EUR, then we are due to pay a cost of $1.2 million. We then enter into a contract at the current exchange rate of 1.20 to lock at $1.2 million, even though the exchange rate will be different in the future.

Getting the exchange rates beforehand is essential for planning, budgeting, and capital investments. Moreover, should there be a market expansion or if pricing in the region needs to be assessed, this allows protection against currency volatility (R., 2024). In the end, forward currency exchange rates under contracts allow companies to avoid currency risks due to fluctuations. That is why they are an important tool in planning, primarily since we work in a global market and trade in different currencies.

References

CFI Team. (2024). Currency Forward. CFI. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/foreign-exchange/currency-forward/

R., J. (2024, October 12). Understanding Currency Forwards: A Guide. Market Bulls. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://market-bulls.com/currency-forwards/

Bottom of Form

References

Brigham, E., & Daves, P. (2022). Intermediate Financial Management (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. In-text citations: (Brigham & Daves, 2022)

Add a new source

FINC 750 Forum Peer Responses Grading Rubric

 
Timely Contributions

Excellent

16 -20 points

Average

12 -15 points

Below Average

8 -11 points

None

0 points

Answered discussion question and 2 or more contributions

Answered discussion question and 1-2 contributions

Answered discussion question and/or 1 contribution

No contributions

Quality of

Contribution

& Demonstration

of Knowledge

Clearly understands concepts and incorporates them in discussion 

Always advances discussion 

Always includes examples and real-life applications

Includes at least 1 reference outside of textbook

Meets minimum length requirement

Response addresses a different topic than initial discussion post

Understands concepts and incorporates them in discussion 

Often/sometimes advances discussion 

Often/sometimes includes examples and real-life applications

Includes at least 1 reference outside of textbook  

May not meet minimum length requirement

Not evident concepts are understood and are not incorporated in discussion 

Responses are copied, have little to do with concepts and don’t advance discussion 

Examples and real-life applications are not included

Does not include a reference outside of textbook

Does not meet minimum length requirement

Response addresses a same topic as initial discussion post

 
 
 
NA

Advancing discussion with substantive responses: For this class, substantive means that your message has substance, that it helps further the discussion of course content. Substantive messages will often include contributions of additional ideas and sources, insights or questions about classmates’ comments, connections to the course readings, and ways of applying the lessons from the course, and so on.

The discussion question response must be at least 150 words with one supporting reference not including the textbook. Peer responses must be between 150 and 250 words, the response must include at least one supporting reference not including the textbook. Shorter responses that ask for clarification, compliment the author of another post, or answer a question may be posted, but they will not count as a substantial contribution.

Short comments, such as “Good idea” or “I agree,” do not constitute substantive posts on their own. Neither do comments that are unrelated to the topics at hand (for example, “I saw that movie, too!”).  If you say you agree about something, please explain why you agree, and add an additional insight or question. 

My original discussion forum on Forward Currency Rates

Mark Karwat- FINC 750- Advanced Financial Management

Davenport University- Midland Campus

12-10-24

Topic: Week 7- Discussion Forum-Forward Currency Rates

Forward exchange rates mean the rate that is fixed for the conversion of foreign currency on a particular future date, which forms a tool to hedge against the fluctuating currency. This aids in making organizations minimize risks and factor in uncertainty, which equals increased control as necessary for the achievement of strategic plans, especially under conditions of international business (Brigham & Daves, 2022).

For instance, let’s think of a company based in the United States that sells imported goods from Europe. Thus, as a threat, if the euro greatly strengthens against the dollar, importing products may become higher, thus eroding profit margins. Through a forward contract, the company is able to agree with the sellers today on the exchange rate that he or she will be using to make a transaction in the future, avoiding the risk of changes in the rate. This guarantees greater stability in the prices, budgets, and profitability kinds, and it is perfectly in line with the company’s objective to be affordable and financially sustainable in the global economy.

Further, forward rates are useful in strategic planning, considering that they improve the ability of firms to forecast their cash flows and costs (Jiang et al., 2021). For instance, a large organization planning for venturing into emerging markets will use forward contracts to lock in specific exchange rates for converting profits or financing overseas operations.

This has been pictured by the business giant Apple Inc. that uses forward contracts, particularly in relation to revenues and expenses in different currencies. In their reports they said that this reduces the effect of currency volatility; thus, Apple can hence concentrate on product innovation and new market penetration without experiencing huge financial upheavals.

Notably, forward currency exchange rates are a powerful financial instrument that allows companies to reduce risks that are connected with fluctuations of currency rates, strengthen business activities, and achieve various strategic goals successfully.

Thanks, Mark

References

Brigham, E. & Daves, P. (2022). Intermediate Financial Management (14th Edition). Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.

Jiang, Z., Krishnamurthy, A., & Lustig, H. (2021). Foreign safe asset demand and the dollar exchange rate. The Journal of Finance, 76(3), 1049-1089. https://doi.org/10.1111/jofi.13003

Bottom of Form

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Dissertation Proposal Template 2024 Research Methods Module

School of Surveying & Construction Innovation

BSc (Hons) in BIM (Digital Construction)

Dissertation Study Proposal Form

(Research Skills/Methods Module Submission)

2020/2021

School of Surveying & Construction Innovation

BSc (Hons) in BIM (Digital Construction)

Dissertation Study Proposal Form

(Research Skills/Methods Module Submission)

2020/2021

DT9419 / DT9420

SUBMISSION DATE: Monday 4th April 2016

1. Research Question

State, in one succinct sentence, the research question you intend to answer, arising from your chosen research area / topic. This must be framed as a question (i.e., it should start with Can, Why, Does, etc. and finish with “?”).

How can the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) effectively address the challenge of insufficient or unreliable electrical system documentation (for example, manuals, schematics, and maintenance records) within manufacturing facilities, considering the unique complexities of these industrial environments?

2. Research Objectives

Identify the primary objectives (3 for the BSc level) of the Dissertation. The objectives should arise from the Research Question / Research Hypothesis presented in 1. Research Question / Hypothesis.

Please restate the research question here to help us assess alignment:

How can the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) effectively address the challenge of insufficient or unreliable electrical system documentation (for example, manuals, schematics, and maintenance records) within manufacturing facilities, considering the unique complexities of these industrial environments?

Objective 1: Conduct an assessment of current electrical system documentation practices in manufacturing facilities.

Objective 2: Propose a framework for BIM implementation specific to the management and update of electrical documentation in these environments.

Objective 3: Analyse the impact of BIM on improving the reliability and accessibility of electrical system documentation in an own case study setting.

3. Research Alignment and Methodology

Indicate the research methods you intend to use in your study. For each objective in 5. Research Objectives, an aligned method or set of methods of investigation must be presented. In preparing this submission students should consider consulting books available in the Library on Research Methods as well as referring extensively to the materials provided in this module on Brightspace.

The four approved methods for the BSc level are: (1) literature review, (2) study of existing cases, (3) Study of own case(s), and (4) action (intervention/experimental) research. Please explain briefly how each will be used and/or justify that it is a valid way to describe what you intend to do.

Please also provide a brief explanation of each method (how you’ll carry it out, and how it connects to the aligned objective).

Method for Objective 1: Literature Review and Own Case Study of the Existing Practices.

A review of literature available in academic journals and industry reports will be done to conceptualise the existing problems in electrical system documentation in manufacturing. The review will extend to cover the potential of BIM to solve these problems. An existing facility manufacturing will be taken as a case study where the current status of documentation maintenance will be evaluated and gaps determined.

Method for Objective 2: Action Research.

The aim will be to develop a proposed framework for BIM implementation to manage electrical documentation in manufacturing settings based on findings from Objective 1. Employ action research to test and refine the developed framework regarding the efficacy of continuously improving real-time updates of documentation and troubleshooting workflows.

Method for Objective 3: Study of Own Case.

The BIM framework will be applied to a selected case study in a real manufacturing environment. I will examine the effectiveness of the implementation, measuring improvements in documentation reliability, maintenance task efficiency, and compliance readiness.

4. Your Reason for Choosing this Area/Topic

Write a short, succinct statement (must be 100-200 words) of why you have chosen this research area / topic. Refer to its importance / relevance to the sector, your employment, your personal interests. This should be a personal statement, not one that can be generated by AI.

I would research building information modelling for documentation of electrical systems in manufacturing and processing plants because it is one area where I have had first-hand experience in industrial environments. This is because, from personal experience, incomplete or outdated electrical documentation significantly affects the upgrading of these systems, troubleshooting, or even routine maintenance. This is definitely a case where both downtimes increase and operational inefficiencies or added expenses abound. Thus, issues related to the said recommendations and others are part of my professional background, and I believe BIM to be a practical solution since it can centralise and constantly update critical information. As construction advances rapidly toward BIM, the need and application of the said benefits in the manufacturing sector becomes timely and imperative. This satisfies my current ambition to improve operational efficiency through the use of innovative technology while caring for the unique complexities that are found in industrial electrical systems.

5. Relevance to the BSc in BIM Programme – Scope

Include a short, succinct statement (must be 100-200 words) of relevance to the BSc in BIM programme and its modules. You should make sure to cite specific descriptions and Learning Objectives of the course and individual modules in this statement. (This also needs to demonstrate that you have checked that your research area is within the scope of the programme.) This should be a reflective statement, not one that can be generated by AI.

This hence aligns directly with the learning objectives of the BSc in BIM course, especially those related to overcoming identified challenges by applying BIM in industrial contexts. The module “BIM Federation & Validation” deals with BIM integration with facility management—a necessary process for valid and current documentation in such complex activities as manufacturing. In addition, the “BIM MEP Modelling and Review” module covers the application of BIM in technical systems; hence, this research is very relevant since it will be dealing with how to apply BIM in electrical system documentation in manufacturing facilities. This study thus deals with finding a solution to obsolete documentation, addressing both the technical and operational aspects taught in the program, hence ultimately contributing to the greater application and industrialisation in areas other than the construction of BIM.

6. Annotated Bibliography

Locate, read and assess the usefulness of publications that you think can make a valuable contribution to your study. Then, provide an Annotated Bibliography, formatted in a set of tables below that includes five key publications that have been part of your initial reading. Please save PDFs of all the sources you use in the OneDrive folder for teachers to reference when assessing your work.

*Ensure that your citation and referencing is formatted according to the standards of APA 7th edition. These sites can help:

Annotated Bibliography

Source 1: Ali, K. N., Alhajlah, H. H., & Kassem, M. A. (2022).

Citation*

Ali, K. N., Alhajlah, H. H., & Kassem, M. A. (2022). Collaboration and risk in building information modeling (BIM): A systematic literature review. Buildings, 12(5), 571. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050571

Summary

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the risks and difficulties associated with teamwork in BIM-based projects. The authors explore how BIM results are affected by breaks in cooperation and risk distribution, especially in the design and construction stages.

Credibility

This study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Buildings, is thorough and well-studied. Its authority in BIM-related studies is increased by the several sources it references and the way it summarises important ideas from the body of current knowledge.

Relevance

This source is especially pertinent as it draws attention to problems with cooperation, which are sometimes made worse in industrial settings by obsolete or absent documentation. The study issue, which focuses on enhancing electrical system documentation in manufacturing facilities, may be better answered by having a clear understanding of the role that cooperation plays in BIM projects.

Source 2: Waqar, A., Othman, I., Radu, D., Ali, Z., Almujibah, H., Hadzima-Nyarko, M., & Khan, M. B. (2023).

Citation*

Waqar, A., Othman, I., Radu, D., Ali, Z., Almujibah, H., Hadzima-Nyarko, M., & Khan, M. B. (2023). Modeling the relation between building information modeling and the success of construction projects: A structural-equation-modeling approach. Applied Sciences, 13(15), 9018. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13159018

Summary

The quantitative link between project success and BIM implementation is examined in this article. It determines crucial success factors—like stakeholder participation, data management, and technology readiness—that improve project results via the use of structural equation modelling (SEM).

Credibility

This peer-reviewed study’s strong methodological foundation is ensured by the use of SEM and quantitative data analysis. The authorship’s legitimacy is enhanced by its multidisciplinary character, which encompasses subjects such as building and applied sciences.

Relevance

This research will aid in assessing the quantifiable effects of BIM on project efficiency and documentation correctness. The suggested research’s focus on reducing documentation problems in industrial settings is directly informed by the insights into stakeholder management and technology difficulties.

Source 3: Davies, R., & Harty, C. (2022).

Citation*

Davies, R., & Harty, C. (2022). Embracing BIM in its totality: A Total BIM Case Study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2022-0124

Summary

By removing the requirement for concurrent 2D documentation, this case study of a Total BIM project highlights the advantages of using BIM across the whole project lifetime. The useful benefits of an all-digital process are emphasised in the study, especially when it comes to maintaining construction documents.

Credibility

This research is notable for its thorough analysis of a real-world BIM project. It was published in a peer-reviewed publication and supported by original data collected via interviews. It provides practical evidence that fully adopting BIM in complicated projects is feasible.

Relevance

The case study’s emphasis on Total BIM is in line with the goal of the research, which is to increase the dependability of documentation. The focus on using BIM for operational duties such as maintenance and troubleshooting is especially pertinent when tackling the difficulties associated with electrical system documentation in industrial settings.

Source 4: Volk, R., Stengel, J., & Schultmann, F. (2020).

Citation*

Volk, R., Stengel, J., & Schultmann, F. (2020). Building information modelling (BIM) for existing buildings—literature review and future needs. Automation in Construction, 38, 109-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.10.023

Summary

The use of BIM in managing existing buildings is covered in this literature review, which also highlights the difficulties in implementing BIM retrofitting into legacy structures. It points out how BIM might improve aged systems’ operational management and documentation.

Credibility

The paper’s extensive synthesis of the body of research on BIM applications for existing buildings, together with its high level of citations, demonstrate its authority in the area.

Relevance

This study is helpful for understanding the challenges of incorporating BIM into facilities with obsolete or inaccurate documentation, since the dissertation focuses on electrical systems in manufacturing. The issues encountered in the industrial industry are reflected in the debate of retrofitting BIM into traditional systems.

Source 5: Azhar, S. (2019).

Citation*

Azhar, S. (2019). Building information modeling (BIM): trends, benefits, risks, and challenges for the AEC industry. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 11(3), 241-252. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LM.1943-5630.0000127

Summary

With an emphasis on its adoption in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, this article offers a summary of the advantages, risks, and obstacles associated with BIM as it stands now. It talks about how BIM may save expenses, increase the accuracy of documentation, and simplify several project procedures.

Credibility

The paper has a high degree of credibility since it is published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and it draws on a variety of case studies. Azhar’s construction management experience adds even more credibility to its authority.

Relevance

The research topic is directly addressed by Azhar’s examination of the documentation problems and capabilities of BIM. His analysis of the possible benefits and drawbacks of putting BIM into practice offers insightful advice on how to handle the particular problem of inaccurate electrical system documentation in industrial settings.

7. Brief Literature Review

Please synthesise what you discovered in the five sources above into 2-3 professional and well-constructed paragraphs (one Page maximum) in a way that builds an argument for your proposed study and demonstrates that you know how to use internal citations in APA format to indicate the source of various ideas and claims. Please save drafts of these in your OneDrive folder to show your own personal, iterative development of the content.

Summary of Literature

BIM has become a critical tool in improving the accuracy and reliability of documentation within construction and industrial settings. The literature review has addressed, among the main challenges, the unavailability of reliable and updated documentation, which is very serious in the so-called legacy systems such as electrical infrastructures within industrial manufacturing facilities. As stated by Azhar, 2019, BIM offers valuable savings through centralising data and making immediate access to the true documentation of systems in an operational project. Therefore, at industrial projects, particularly for electrical systems, this is extremely financially advantageous in upgrading or maintaining as their documentation may no longer be up-to-date or complete. Thus, coupled with BIM, these systems can be managed far better, which reduces inefficiency and is tending toward compliance with industry regulations.

The literature also stresses that collaboration is a sure determinant of successful BIM implementation. Ali, Alhajlah, and Kassem (2022) point out potential risks arising from poor collaboration and coordination of BIM projects. These risks are even more significantly in complex environments such as manufacturing, where electrical systems need to be accurately documented and maintained by different players, right from the engineers to facility managers. Essentially, BIM mitigates these risks because it provides a single platform where most of the stakeholders can go ahead to update and retrieve critical information in real time. Enclosing the stakeholder in one BIM platform enhances documentation reliability that offers faster decision-making with reduced potential for errors when upgrading and maintaining these systems.

The literature has also pointed to the inability of traditional 2D documentation systems to capture the complexity of industrial environments. Davies and Harty (2020) say that because most projects still operate parallel processes involving both BIM and traditional paper-based documentation, inefficiencies would thus arise, as well as an increased likelihood of errors. The authors, however, feel that Total BIM means all phases of a project are handled in one single digital BIM model with no possibility of such inefficiencies. This way, the electrical systems are tracked and updated without interruptions; hence, the problems brought about by legacy are easily manageable with a smooth process. Similarly, Volk, Stengel, and Schultmann (2020) discuss retrofitting issues related to BIM in existing buildings, which is closely related to the challenges that will be derived from the updating of old electrical systems. The capability of BIM to correct the documentation of legacy systems stands at the core of its potential to change how industrial facilities manage and perform maintenance on their electrical infrastructures.

The integration of BIM within industrial settings for the documentation of electrical systems definitely forms a revolutionary approach to problems created by aged and unreliable documentation. By exploiting collaborative features in BIM, centralisation of documentation ensures that maintenance and updating processes in electrical systems become smooth and error-free. As these studies signal, the full embracing of BIM both now and for the future is going to be part of the future in managing electrical systems in industrial facilities.

8. Skills

Indicate any new skills that you will need to develop to undertake this research (personal, academic, professional – technical, transversal/soft)? How do you plan to develop these skills in readiness for this research project?

This research project will enable me to develop a range of new skills, including technical development, academic growth, and professional growth, in successfully undertaking the project. These will not only enhance my ability to conduct the research effectively but also provide me with assured meaningful contributions to the field of BIM in industrial settings.

Skill 1: Proficiency in Advanced BIM Software, such as Autodesk Revit,

Development Plan: I will register for online higher-level BIM software courses i.e. LinkedIn Learning that emphasise the integration of electrical systems into BIM models. I also model some sample electrical systems in order to get practical exposure with the tools.

Skill 2: : Integration of Data Management and Documentation

Development Plan: To document with precision part of BIM models, I’ll identify data management systems and standards i.e. COBie, among others already in use out in the field through reading about this in appropriate guides and work on small projects to practice how to import and organise legacy data into BIM environments.

Skill 3: Research Methodology and Academic Writing

Development Plan: I want to enhance my skills in academic research and writing through online research methodology courses related to conducting structured literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data analysis. This will ensure that the research is rigorous, with well-documented records.

Skill 4: Communicate with stakeholders and collaborate

Development Plan: Since BIM projects depend so much on collaboration between team members, I will develop my transversal skills through active participation in team projects, which will help me improve how to communicate to both technical and nontechnical audience’s complex BIM concepts. In this respect, taking part in group discussions and case studies will strengthen such soft skills.

9. Software / Data / Source Availability and Access

Indicate what datasets, software, tools you will need to undertake this research and how you plan to gain access to these.

Software:

Autodesk Revit: This is an excellent environment for creating and managing BIM models, mainly electrical systems. Access is provided under the license agreement of my university for using licensed software.

Data integration and management, especially when the volume of data is substantial on electrical system documentation, will be done using Microsoft Excel or COBIE-compliant tools. I will make use of the Microsoft Office 365 available at the university and look for free COBIE-compatible tools online.

Data:

I will look for the documentation of the existing electrical system. Gathering actual manufacturing case studies, either by utilising publicly available datasets or by getting access to industrial anonymised datasets.

BIM Models of Industrial Facilities: Sample BIM models for industrial settings will be retrieved from online repositories and case studies involved in the research. I will also be looking at publicly available BIM model datasets.

Source:

Industry reports and case studies, particularly on construction and BIM journals, through academic databases like ScienceDirect and through the university library. I will use these to collect relevant case studies and insights into electrical documentation and its challenges in industrial practice.

Additional Tools:

OneDrive: For data and BIM model storage in a secure way, it will be used to share the data safely. I will use cloud-based platforms like OneDrive provided by the university to make sure that the data is not only accessible but also backed up.

9

Data Analysis Project

Fall 2024

This data project is aimed at providing you with an opportunity to obtain experience applying SAS programming skills learned in this course to a dataset. You will work individually on a project where you will find NHANES datasets of interest, read them into SAS, perform recodes as necessary, and implement appropriate summary and graphical methods for presenting descriptive statistics that summarize the distribution of the variables you have chosen. The particular SAS skills and programming you will perform will largely depend upon the dataset and your research interest. Submission of a written report summarizing your work is expected.

The following is a step-by-step outline to starting and completing the project

Step 1: Explore the NHANES 2017-2018 documentation and answer the following:

Provide the name of the study that generated the data, the years covered, and the geographic coverage of the data.

Who owns the data?

How data was collected (self-administered, web-based, telephone interview)

Target population: what population was sampled from and expected to be represented

Sampling: how were respondents selected? Simple random sample, stratified, cluster sampling, etc.

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/search/datapage.aspx?Component=Demographics&Cycle=2017-2018

Step 2: Selection of Files

You must use the demographic file

You can pick 2 or more of the following files:

blood pressure (exam) body measure (exam) cholesterol (lab)

alcohol use(ques) blood pressure&cholesterol(ques) diabetes (ques)

cardiovascular health(ques) current health status (ques) drug use(ques)

mental health-depression screener(ques) physical activity(ques)

income(ques) smoking- cig use (ques) reproductive health(ques)

Step 3: Generate a Data analysis Plan that includes the following components:

Aims: The research questions need to be clearly defined

Methods: The methods section is the main component of the data analysis plan. The methods should include details on:

Data sources (answers from step 1 and 2)

Study population: include a definition and outline the inclusion/exclusion criteria for your specific research question

Study measures: detail definitions and derivations (including categorization used, if any) of study measures including:

Main exposure variables

Outcome variables

Demographic variables

Sequence of planned analyses including:

Data management steps

Planned analysis to show the distributions of each variable both visually and numerically; procedures to be used

Planned graphs to visualize the distribution of each variable involved in your primary research question; procedures to be used

Planned numerical summaries to investigate the research question of interest; procedures to be used

Planned graph to visualize at least one of the relationships investigated in your research question; procedures to be used

Step 4: Implement Analysis Plan

The SAS program should include:

Comments and annotations throughout

Libname

infile/input statements or proc copy if you had to read the dataset from something other than a SAS file

formats

steps to properly combine the files

recoding of at least two variables using if/then or select/when

at least one SAS functions

at least two graph procedures

at least two procedures (proc univariate, proc freq, proc means , etc)

Step 5: Provide Written Summary

The report will consist of the following sections:

Introduction (1 paragraph): describing the specific research question(s) of interest

Data Source and Population(1-2 paragraphs):

Analysis Results

Summary (3-4 paragraphs)

Describe and highlight the major findings from you analysis. Refer to tables and figures as appropriate.

Describe each variable by itself. What are the distributions of your continuous data, do they look normally distributed? What is the distribution of the categorical variables? Are there categories with little or no observations?

Describe the main finding from the research question of interest. Provide an interpretation for this finding.

What to Submit:

Data Analysis Plan (Due Sunday, Nov 3 @ 11:59 pm) : The purpose of this intermediate assignment is to keep you on track and to receive feedback on the appropriateness of your chosen dataset and plans for this project. Submit as a MS Word document no more than 2 pages double spaced. (20 points)

Final Assignment Submission (Due Wednesday, Dec 11 @ 11:59 pm ). You will submit three files:

Final Written Report (30 points)

SAS files (50 points)

Final SAS program filename

Log from the Final SAS Program filename

Econ 323

Comprehensive Problem Set (CPS) Block 3.

This problem set will be made up of three blocks. Block 1 and 2 are published previously. This block corresponds to material between MT2 and MT3.

The CPS is optional. All three blocks are required to complete the CPS.

If a student elects to do it, the CPS score may replace one of the three midterm exams. The CPS can replace a low midterm score, or if a student has not taken one of the exams for some reason, it can fill in for the missing test. It is fine if a student wishes to opt-out of MT3 and use the CPS to fill in the gap.

As described in the syllabus and in class, the CPS is intended to be incrementally more challenging than the “standard” practice problems or exam problems we do routinely. You can think of it as a “stretch” assignment. All questions will have a small novelty or two that the student needs to work out on their own. The problems should then seem harder than our “standard” work.

Answer each of the following two questions.

(50 points)We will imagine there being two markets for computers: Home computers and Business computers. The curves in these markets are linear, but I will not tell you what those formulas are [you don’t need to know them to answer the questions]. However, I will tell you that at the equilibrium, the elasticity of demand for home computers is -2.5, the elasticity of demand for business computers is -.90, and the elasticity of supply for computers for both purposes is 1.

(10) A per-unit tax of $200 is imposed on the suppliers of computers. How much does the buyer price increase in each market? You can and should do this without knowing anything about the pre-tax equilibrium, if you use the elasticity formulas we covered in lecture.

(10) Suppose the untaxed market equilibrium price and quantity in the home computer market are $850 and 10 million, respectively. In the business market, the untaxed market equilibrium price and quantity are $1200 and 15 million, respectively. What is the total revenue from the tax?

(10) What is the deadweight loss of the $200 tax?

(10) Comment on the relative sizes of the DWL in the two markets. Why are they different?

(10) Imagine that you could tax the consumer and business markets separately. That is, a different tax for each market. Call these taxes th and tb.What would these taxes be if you wanted to generate the same level of revenue as part b, while minimizing the DWL? [To answer this part, it will greatly help if you use the formula for the marginal deadweight loss shown briefly in class. Since the derivation of that required some calculus and I don’t want you to have to derive it on your own, I’ll write it down right here for you to use:

(50 points) As described in lecture, the government can incentivize certain types of behaviors by allowing spending on those behaviors to be deducted from income. One example of this is the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction (MITD). During a year, homeowners can subtract any spending on the interest payments from their mortgages from their income, lowering their income and their tax bill. In this problem we will explore this deduction in some detail, and how it may impact decisions on how much to borrow to purchase a house.

This problem requires a fair bit of set up. I will walk you through it

Take a look at the following mortgage calculator linked below to help answer the following.

https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/amortization-calculator.aspx

Suppose the value of a property is $500k (this number is not necessarily the loan amount, and will change for different parts of the problem), the interest rate is 5% (approximately the correct interest rate as of this writing), and the length of the loan (the “loan term”) is 30 years. Set the loan start date for January. Leave any other values at the default settings. In the center of the web page of the calculator, you can choose to view “Chart” or “Schedule.” The Chart is nice, but you’ll need the Schedule because that has the numbers.

Throughout the problem, the marginal tax rate for the borrower is 33%.

Assume the individual has $500k cash on hand, and any of this money that remains after taking the mortgage/making mortgage payments is invested at the interest rate 3%. The earnings of the investments can be taxed each year at the marginal rate. The value of the property also grows at rate 3% per year. This means that as the borrower repays the loan and starts building principal, the value of that principal goes up at the same rate as other investments. However, the increased value of the property is not taxed, as the borrower doesn’t actually receive that increased value until or if they sell the property in the future. Finally, assume that the year’s mortgage payment is paid to the bank from cash on hand at the START of the year. This turns out to be important if we want to make comparisons. Homeowners are able to deduct the amount of interest paid on their mortgage when calculating taxes.

NOTE: There are 4 sets of calculations you will make before you are finished. I recommend you set up your answers in an excel spreadsheet. It will make the calculations much easier and faster.

(10) Suppose there is no MITD, and the homeowner borrows the full value of the property ($500k). According to the mortgage calculator, for the first year:

How large is the annual mortgage payment? How much interest has been paid on the mortgage?

How much principal has been paid off by the borrower?

The amount of the annual mortgage payment from part a) was paid at the beginning of the year. That reduces the cash available to invest. How much cash gets invested? What is the pre-tax value of the cash investment at the end of the year? How much tax is owed on this investment? What is the after-tax value of the investment after one year?

Add up the values of all the investor’s assets at the end of year one. How has this value changed over the year?

(10) Suppose there is a MITD, the homeowner borrows the full value of the property. Repeat a-d from part i.

(10) Not surprisingly, you hopefully saw in ii that the deduction is a boon to the homebuyer. Now, suppose the buyer makes a down payment of 20%, or $100k. Assume the MITD is not available. She invests the remaining cash at 3%. Repeat a-d from part i. in this case.

(10) Once again, suppose the buyer makes a down payment of 20%. Assume the MITD is available. Repeat a-d.

(10) Comment on/compare your results for the different cases.

Physics 1010 Lab 06 Worksheet

1. PURPOSE

State the purpose of the experiment(s) you did in this lab. The purpose should NOT be a learning goal but a statement of what you set out to measure.

2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Include a “selfie” showing, yourself, the date and time of the experiments and the complete experimental set-up. (MANDATORY)

Identify and name all experimental variables (should be consistent with experimental data).

State if you followed the lab manual procedure exactly or specify if there is any procedure done other than in the one stated in the lab manual. (Note: You do not need to rewrite the experimental procedures that are the same as the ones written in a lab manual)

3. EXPERIMENTAL DATA

Data should be complete and neatly presented in well-organized tables, lists or charts.

All data with a value should have a proper unit (SI unit) and variable name.

When necessary, data should be displayed in a graph. Graphs should have a title with each axis labeled and the unit indicated.

4. DATA ANALYSIS

Clearly explain what analysis was done.

Explain how the analysis was done (what physics theory/principles/concepts were used?)

5. RESULTS

Clearly state your measured and accepted values where applicable. Include 90% confidence intervals where applicable.

Any calculation with a proper equation must be clear and readable.

If necessary, results from calculation should be displayed in a graph and/or summarized in a table.

6. ERRORS AND ERROR ANALYSIS

Explain error analysis if applicable.

Discuss sources of error and tell if they are random or systematic.

7. DISCUSSION and CONCLUSIONS

Convincingly describe what physics principles were demonstrated by the experiment.

Discuss whether your results are reasonable in light of your error analysis and comparison with any physics principles.

Suggest changes in experimental design to improve your results.

Introduction

In this assignment, you will revise the work titled “Current Job-Value Structure – Revised Version.docx” The highlighted areas within the “requirements” are the revisions that NEED to be completed, and they are below the sections present. The sections are still there if needed.

Scenario

You are the human resources manager of Endothon Company, which helps its clients eliminate paper use by automating their business processes. Endothon is implementing a new software program and faces the challenge of hiring additional staff to help sell and support the program.

The company has been in business for five years and currently has 20 employees working on a variety of software applications for clients. Endothon will likely double in size during the next six months and add even more employees by the end of the year.

The first round of hires will include three new positions: one brand manager and two product sales representatives. Because Endothon is located in a geographic area in California where the job market is ultracompetitive, recruiting quality candidates will be challenging.

Also, the organization’s partners feel that the current job-value structure and pay policy, as well as the lack of a formal system of variable pay, are outdated. You must define the company’s compensation strategy to allow Endothon to be competitive in the workplace and to attract and retain a quality workforce.

Requirements

*Note*: You have been provided with the following attachments: “Brand Manager Job Description,” “Current Job-Value Structure,” “Market Rewards Survey,” and “Product Sales Representative Job Position.” These attachments must be used as you complete this assessment.

Section A. Revised Job-Value Structure – Revise the attached “Current Job-Value Structure” to enable internal reward equity by doing the following:

• Update the salary information for the 20 current employees, as necessary.

• Add in the three new positions, one brand manager and two product sales representatives, with their anticipated salaries.

*Note*: You must base your revisions on the attached “Brand Manager Job Description,” “Market Rewards Survey,” and “Product Sales Representative Job Description.”

Needs Revision

The work contains a proposition combining the new positions with the twenty current positions and assigning the pay rate for each position. However, twenty-three positions should be listed in the “Current Job-Value Structure – Revised Version.docx”

Section B. Pay Grade and Ranges Table – Create a pay grade and ranges table that addresses the current and new roles by using your “Current Job-Value Structure – Revised Version.docx” and all other attachments.

Needs Revision

The work has a job-value structure table and salary placement justification provided. However, the pay grade and ranges table was not evident.

Section B1. Strategy for Salary Adjustment – Describe a strategy to address the original salaries found in the attached “Current Job-Value Structure” that might now be outside the proposed ranges.

*Note*: If the original salaries are not outside the proposed ranges in your pay grade and range table, describe a strategy that you would use if they were (green and red circle rates.)

Needs Revision

The work addresses the possible effects of the 2025 minimum wage rise in California. However, the aspect requires you to address the strategy for compensation outside of the newly proposed range.

Section C. Variable Pay Options – Recommend one distinct variable pay option to motivate employees in three different pay ranges from part B, including a justification of why each recommendation would encourage individuals in that particular pay range.

*Note*: One distinct variable pay option should be provided for each pay range.

Needs Revision

The work explains a performance-based bonus for staff if they meet their targets. However, the aspect requires that one variable pay option is recommended for three different pay ranges.

Section D. Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.

Section E. Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.

CMIS 245: Assignment 3: PowerPoint

Credit Weight: 30% of your final grade; minimum passing grade: 50%

Due Date: after you complete the readings and learning activities for Lessons 10–13.

Please review the Submitting Assignments page before you begin this assignment.

You must download data files to complete each textbook exercise. Refer to the Assignment 3 Dropbox page to locate these files.

Instructions: General

Each exercise will require you to create or modify one or more files. The assignment instructions state exactly how the file names for the results should be constructed. For example, for PPT Exercise 1, the instructions require the input file p01c1Franchise.pptx.

Save this file as p01c1Franchise_LastFirst.pptx.

Replace LastFirst with your name, e.g., p01c1Franchise_SmithJane.pptx.

Each exercise will specify which created or modified files should be submitted for marking.

Note: In most instances you should follow the activity instructions as presented in the text. However, for certain activities, some additional notes, amendments, clarifications, or corrections are provided. These are included in the specific instructions for each activity.

Measurement Units in PowerPoint

Unlike Word and Excel, in which users can set the units of measurement within the application, PPT uses the default measurement units as set in the user’s operating system. To avoid requiring students to change measurement units in their OS (which would affect other applications), we have provided the metric equivalents for all the measurements specified in the PPT exercises.

PPT Cumulative Exercise 1: Want to Waffle

Read the introduction to PPT Cumulative Exercise 1: “Want to Waffle” (p. 904). Complete all four sections as specified in the instructions, with the following exceptions: (7% of final course grade)

Step 4: Ignore this step. It has already been done in the working file.

Added step: Add your name (in caps) in the “Name” placeholder.

Step 15: Enable the vertical ruler on the “View” menu.

Step 18: The convert to SmartArt Graphic function is in the lower right corner of Home: Paragraph Format group.

Submit: p01c1Franchise_LastFirst.pptx.

PPT Cumulative Exercise 2: The Science Club

Read the introduction to PPT Cumulative Exercise 2: “The Science Club” (p. 990). Complete all four sections as specified in the instructions, with the following exception: (7% of final course grade)

Step 3: 0.8 inches = 2 cm; 5.9 inches = 15 cm.

Step 7: Insert a Text box, NOT a rectangle as stated in the text instructions.

4 inches = 10.2 cm; 3 inches = 7.6 cm; 9.4 inches = 23.9 cm; 2 inches = 5 cm.

Step 12: 1.1 inches = 2.8 cm; 5.2 inches = 13.2 cm; 5.1 inches = 13 cm.

Step 14: The Stretch animation can be found in the “More Entrance Effects” section under “Moderate.”

Step 15: “Climate Change group” refers to the bulleted points below the subtitle “Climate Change.”

Step 22: Insert the video p02c1OceanVideo.mp4.

Step 24: 6.2 inches = 15.7 cm; 0.8 inches = 2 cm; 0.2 inches = 0.5 cm.

Step 25: Disregard this step.

Submit: p02c1Oceans_LastFirst.pptx

PPT Cumulative Exercise 3: Bryce Adventure Camp

Read the introduction to PPT Cumulative Exercise 3: “Bryce Adventure Camp” (p. 1054). Complete all five sections as specified in the instructions, with the following exceptions: (8% of final course grade)

Step 5: Enter one item per text pane. Use “Add Shape” from the SmartArt Design menu to add text panes as required.

Step 7: For “Intense Effect” substitute Preset 1 from the Shape Effects list on the Shape Format menu (in Shape Styles). Apply this effect to both the heading boxes in the SmartArt object.

10.5 inches = 26.7 cm.

Step 13: 4.7 inches = 11.9 cm; 11.7 inches = 29.7 cm.

Step 21: 4.2 inches = 10.7 cm; 1.37 inches = 3.5 cm; 2.1 inches = 5.3 cm.

Step 26: If Chart Style 13 is not available, substitute Style 12.

Submit: p03c1BryceAdventureCamp_LastFirst.pptx.

PPT Cumulative Exercise 4: Our Earth’s Ecosystems

Read the introduction to PPT Cumulative Exercise 4: “Our Earth’s Ecosystems” (p. 1120). Complete all four sections as specified in the instructions, with the following exceptions: (8% of final course grade)

Step 2: 6 inches = 15.2 cm; 3 inches = 7.6 cm.

Step 3: 2.25 inches = 5.7 cm; 1.25 inches = 3.2 cm.

Step 4: 6.8 inches = 17.3 cm; 2.25 inches = 5.7 cm.

Submit: p04c1Ecoosystem_LastFirst.pptx.

CMIS 245v11 – Assignment 3 2 © Athabasca University January 2024

Client meeting November 19th

Discover

Week 1 – Contextualizing the problem

About Treemore:

Vision: a future where sustainability is a way of life, fostering harmony between humans and nature

Mission: inspire through tree gifts and storytelling, reversing deforestation trends and promoting ecosystem restoration.

Offering: high-quality tree gifts combined with storytelling to encourage people to cherish nature and act as environmental stewards

Target audience: primarily B2B clients and resellers

Challenge

“How might we leverage the super sustainable nature of our gift trees in marketing and communication materials to:

Boost sales

Convince resellers to prioritize and promote these products

Develop metrics for measuring the success and impact of their approach

My role as a consultant

Key responsabilities:

Conduct desk research (literature on sustainability marketing, gift markets) and field research (interviewing experts of analyzing competitor strategies)

Collaborate closely with Treemore to explore feasible and impactful solutions

Provide evidence-based recommendations, including prototypes for marketing materials of sales strategies

Steps to contextualize the problem:

Define the current situation

Sustainability-focused products

Need for effective marketing to engage B2B clients and resellers

Importance of measuring the success of these efforts

Understand the problem context

Explore trends in eco-friendly products and sustainable marketing

Identify challenges in convincing resellers of product value

Consider metrics for impact evaluation (sales growth, customer engagement, environmental contributions)

Useful tools

SWOT analysis

Stakeholder analysis, understand the motivations and barriers for clients, resellers, and end-users

Empathy map, explore the emotional and practical needs of Treemore’s audience

STEEP analysis

Blind spot of knowledge and awareness

Preparation

Company background and organizational structure

Visions/mission: sustainable world where human and nature thrive together, inspire people through high-quality tree gifts fostering love for trees.

Core activities:

Selling tree gifts as sustainable presents

Partnering with organizations for land restoration projects

Promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

Organizational structure, small team focusing on marketing, product development, and partnerships

Ecosystem

Collaborations, works with sustainability focused brands and organizations like Trees for All and Justdiggit.

Products, eco-friendly and nearly fossil-free, including biodegradable packaging and sustainable delivery methods (electric cars)

Market focus, sustainability, B2B and reseller channels, with a growing presence in the B2C market via Bloompost.nl, Plantje.nl, Plantura.shop or Blume2000.de.

Opportunities

Strong sustainability trend in consumer behaviour

B2B gifting market looking for unique and sustainable options

Leveraging storytelling to build emotional connections with the audience

Struggles

Convincing resellers to prioritize tree gifts over traditional options like flowers

Limited resources for expanding online presence and improving website functionality

Balancing profitability with sustainability goals

Context of the challenge

Question: “How can Treemore effectively market its sustainable tree gifts to increase sales, engage resellers, and measure success?”

Goals:

Create compelling marketing materials showcasing the product’s sustainability and emotional value

Establish metrics for success, such as increased sales and improved reseller relationships

Target audience

Primary: B2B clients (corporate gifting, resellers)

Secondary: Environmentally conscious B2C customers through platforms like Bloompost.nl, Plantje.nl, Plantura.shop or Blume2000.de.

Possible data sources/ access to data

Internal: sales data, customer feedback, current marketing campaign results, reseller performance, engagement reports

External: competitor analysis in eco-gifting market, market research reports on sustainability trends, insights form environmental organizations

Thoughts and ideas

Use storytelling to highlight the product’s unique selling point (letterbox trees)

Create reseller-specific campaigns with co-branding opportunities

Growingpaper.nl -> “can’t wait? Order a mini tree”

Enhance online presence with a user-friendly website and engaging content

Communication and tools I would like to use

Use Microsoft Teams for regular updates

Shared Drive for collaborative tools and resources

Regular meetings (weekly check-ins through Zoom or Teams

Financial budget

Marketing budget 2024: 40k

Social media advertising 6k, content creating 12k, SEO 7k

Blog posts are free, also upload on instagram

Potential scope for solutions

Explore affordable website updates or optimization

Low-cost influencer marketing campaigns, find influencers who are most likely to post out of enthusiasm and not for the money

Small-scale restoration projects with visible storytelling impact

Boundaries

Solutions should be scalable withing the 40k marketing budget

Send influencers free gifts, graduation gift, birthday, new home, etc.

Focus on strategies that align with Treemore’s sustainability ethos and target audience

Contact

info@treemore.eu

Managing director Maarten van den Berg

Stakeholders Map:

AS A TABLE:
Stakeholder Map for Treemore

Stakeholder

Importance Level

Role

Reasoning

B2B Clients and Resellers

Key

Revenue source, market distributors

They are the main buyers and sellers of Treemore’s products, which affects sales and growth.

Treemore Team

Key

Strategy execution, alignment with goals

They handle daily operations and ensure the company’s plans and vision are implemented effectively.

Suppliers (Seedlings, Packaging, etc.)

Key

Provide essential materials for Treemore’s products

Their sustainability practices and reliability directly impact the quality and eco-friendliness of Treemore’s offerings.

Parent Company (E_Flora)

Key

Operational oversight, resource allocation

Provides support and ensures Treemore aligns with the larger company’s goals.

Parent Conglomerate (Dutch Flower Group)

Key

Strategic alignment, market influence

Helps Treemore benefit from the group’s size, market position, and shared resources.

End Consumers

Important

Indirect demand driver

Their preference for sustainable gifts encourages B2B clients to stock more products.

Sustainability Partners

Important

Credibility and implementation support

They boost Treemore’s reputation and help it achieve its environmental goals.

Influencers and Social Media Advocates

Important

Visibility, engagement amplifier

They promote Treemore’s products to a wider audience, increasing awareness.

Environmental Organizations

Interesting

Insights and collaboration opportunities

They offer advice and can work with Treemore on environmental projects.

Policy Makers and Regulators

Interesting

Governance and compliance

They set rules and policies that can affect Treemore’s business and sustainability practices.

Local Communities

Interesting

Direct beneficiaries of reforestation projects

They help spread Treemore’s message and increase visibility through their networks.

MEETING PREPERATION

Social Media:

Did u do influencer marketing in Linked in? If yes, how did that work out?

No- they dont work with them anymore

Lead generation / none

Are you in contact with marketing agencies? ->

Media tach -> PR Agancy/ UNclear future, it might eb cancelet next year

Not too much interaction there

What strategies already worked and what did not?

DPP – can u add that?

PIntrest worked really well/reach on pintrest was way higher then IG

Sales/marketing:

What is the primary way selling the products? Do you do sales, or do you use marketing activities for this?

Eflora biggest one, 60% through eflora. Giftnation, abn big contract 400-500 trees a week. Green giving, Plato, no payed advertisement themselves,

How do you now target your customers?

linkdin, newsletter, Instagram and website, how to target them better and more, finding big cooperates, welcoming gift. Emailing for collaborations, universities, propose product as an alternative, very little responds, also approached hospital, got into shop of Prorail

why did you choose to focus on b2b mostly?

B2C you need a lot of communication and support, as a start-up no money to set up a team like that, send a tree is off the table

What feedback have you received from resellers regarding promoting gift trees?

Plato France, as many products in the store

Bol.com and amazon did not work out financially also because of the time spend on customer service

Supermarkets could be a great opportunity, not tried yet, BUT challenge to get new pots because the company who made them got bank robbed, looking for new supplier for high quality pots, they also want to grow them in the tray form so repotting them will go very fast

The company is looking for new collaborations like Dille & Camille, Søstene Grene, Holland and Barrett, WAAR

Stick to the design because it is unique

Are there opportunities for collaborations with brands that align with your mission?

Find new one specially abroad, dream collaborations are with greats, fleurop, bloomon, bloom & wild the ‘greener’ alternative of flowers

There is already contact with these companies

They stood out at gezond & welzijn

Price is also a struggle, need to grow the value

Possibility: reward structures for customers

Trees for all was the best campaign and still is

Logistics:

What is the preferred way of communicating?

Is there room for semi regular meetings?

Would you prefer online meetings or physical ones?

Company info:

What is the role of eflora now? Are they purely investing or do they have a say in strategy etc.

–> they will take over and no one from tree more will stay after the new year so treemore will be fully integrated into eflora

Will the role of eflora change in the coming future?

How do you approach current and future customers?

What is your biggest competitor?

–> the design is protected, geef een boompje is a dircet compettitor they just cant send it through the letterbox. Some competitors sell cutlings but never in a pot when they send them through the letterbox.

Product

What are the result you want but are currently struggling to achieve?

–> want to grow in terms of volumes when focussing on the mission. The biggest challenge is to getting into these big volumes and grow there

Another challenge is also communicating the story and be able to messure, rather grow in terms of impact rather than the story.

Are the struggles in sending smaller batches of product? *

Not financially feasible

What kind of collaborations do you already have and what does that collaboration look like?

–> combi product with a coffeebrand which was not super succesful, they also collaborated with milka were the tree was a gift if you purchase multiple milka products.

Is there a particular struggle you are facing when looking at b2b selling?

–>

What makess your product more sustainable than other?

–> the pod is compostable incl cap, recycleable cardboard, transport from nursery to here is electric, nursery has a social mission. Everything except the olive is from netherlands. But also, the cards are made from flower waste that is turned into paper including biodegradeble ink.

About 5/6 specicies are being grown organic in terms of volume it’s about 5%

2 organic tree nurseries in NL

Sustainability:

What makes your product sustainable and how do you prove that to the consumers?

–> no certificets on the plants but they have the lifecycle analysis, they communicate what they do but they don’t have the “proof”. The plant pasports are being checked and are included in the booklet.

Do you have any more collaborations regarding sustainability besides just dig it and trees for all?

What does sustainability mean to you as a company?

Meeting notes:

– Fair hope graphics map

Hope and resilience

International, UN decade on restoration (2021-2030), Paris climate agreement, energy transition

Local action, planatary health diet, sustainable transport, sustainable consumption

Only 12% forest in the NL, this was 2%

Green gold documentary as an inspiration (the green wall project)

The contribution of Treemore

Sustainable gifts; biobased, compostable, zero emission transport, 100+ product life?

Benefits; symbolic, healthy, education, contribution to land restoration

How many plants survive? (add QR with email to keep updates on the life of the tree)

Having plants/trees is good for mental health but also physical health because of are quality

Q: Which metrics are you tracking right now?

–> sales nubmers, followers engagement, not really website

Q: How would you say you are leveraging the sustainable nature of the product in marketing and communication materials right now?

What is your relationship with digital and printed media?

What media publications do you already have?

What does the mediatic mean? Mediatic does pr, info article

Q: Can we have the files for the booklets that you deliver with the trees?

Q: Who are your suppliers and what are their stories? Can we have more info on them?

Q: What is the reason you’re not selling through collaborator’s sales channels?

–>

Q: On the collaboration with Trees for all, do they plant a tree for every tree sold by you? Or only for the specific trees you mention on the website?

Q: The Christmas edition trees, are they in collaboration with another company or do you create this yourself? –> they create this themselves

Questions

Nicky:

What kind of interviews are relevant in this stage of the process

User experience interviews already or not relevant now?

Can we get the supplier info from the client? – nicky is going to ask them about this.

Why no financials? – unclear but probably they cant or dont want to share them with us.

Data? – need to find it ourselves through research because client doesnt have it.

Can we get access to the statistics of the client?

Client:

What does it cost to sell one tree: cost price and wholesale price?

What percentage of the overall sales go through what sales channel?

Can we get a contact person from the partnerships they have with for example just diggit etc.

Questions for the resellers survey:

Find out what their pain points are and their experience. What do they think is the problem and why?

What are some challenges you faced when trying to resell the Treemore products?

What is your position in the gift giving or plant market?

What trends and opportunities do you see? And where do you see your company in 5 years?

Do you also sell products that compete in the market with Treemore? Is that is the case, what are those products?

What market or industry do you consider yourself to be in?

What does your portfolio look like?

What sells well and what sells less good and why?

Do you have a marketing/promotion strategy for the Treemore products, and what does it look like? Was it successful?

Questions for Eflora:

Hey, im … we are doing our graduation project on treemore and already had a meeting with maarten to get some background information on treemore. Because of the changes within the company, Maarten could not give us all the information we needed. So today we are hoping you could provide us some clarity so we can tailor our projects and solutions as best as we can. Without the additional information we need to make assumptions which will harm the end results for us but for you as well. We will start with some questions about the transition and future of treemore but will also go into some data related topics.

Nadine Boons contact person

Planuta, nationale postcode loterij en vriendenloterij

Maartens question: no big change, price will be lower (better pricing), portfolio just from 15 to just 6 different trees (based on what sells best)

What is the preferred way of communicating, and is there room for semi-regular meetings? –

How do you as, e-flora look at the challenge we were given by maarten, do you look at this differently? – Sales plan for next year mainly focussed on Germany where there is high traffic, there is no strategy yet of how to integrate Treemore into E-flora

→ challenge: how can we communicate our sustainable aspects better to increase overall sales?

What is e-flora’s strategy with treemore going forward?

How do you envision integrating Treemore into E-Flora? Will it stay a standalone brand, or will it be sold exclusively through E-Flora’s channels?- Brand will not change itself; vision, mission and value will stay the same.

Are there any plans to retain or modify the branding of Treemore, or will you be starting fresh with a new brand identity? – No new branding, branding stays the same

Additionally, what will happen to the Treemore website? Could it be integrated into E-Flora’s site?

What budget is allocated for Treemore in the coming year, and how does that align with E-Flora’s overall strategy? – Marketing budget after take over not decided yet, will be decided soon, needs to be a clear reason what and how to implement marketing and what budget will be used then (base off of their current budget of 40k to start with)

How can E-Flora better serve sustainability-conscious corporate clients through Treemore’s offerings?- No chances in terms of sustainability, only improvement will be the transport of the olive trees, compound of the pot will be improved, still testing material will be chosen next year. Sustainability important to E-flora (achieved FSI ‘25 standard), aim to get the bio certificate

Maarten said no big change, so no change whatsoever?

What has driven the success of E-Flora’s e-commerce and fulfillment model?

We noticed that Treemore kind of competes with some of your products/brands (flowers). How do you view this, and will this change once Treemore is integrated into E-Flora’s portfolio?

Who do you see as E-Flora’s top 3 competitors, and how do their products differ from Treemore’s offerings? – They do not see Treemore as a competitor, all integrated in supply chain, not important for them to focus on, they do not care what customers buy. Perfect plants, domestic, focus on gifting type of companies, Competitors/collab from Germany

Competitors/collab NL

When shipping to Germany logistics, one box with a tree wont be enough, add olive oil to the olive plant, logistically better

The competition is mostly with the giftgiving market and not in the sustainable plant/flower market because this could be seen as a opportunity to collaborate. Blossoms is a competitor of Treemore in the corporate gifting market

No direct competitor to Treemore with their letterbox tree gifts (small enough to fit in a mailbox)

Are there any plans to alter the current supply chain once Treemore is integrated, or will you maintain existing systems?

How does E-Flora manage relationships with suppliers to ensure scalability and eco-friendliness?

Are you planning on staying with the sustainability objective and positioning of treemore or are there going to be changes there?

Nadine’s concern is how can they position the trees as one of the most recommended sustainable gifts on the market

What challenges has E-Flora faced in meeting sustainability goals, and where do you see opportunities for collaboration with Treemore in overcoming these challenges? Process is the same, same way as for treemore

How does E-Flora view the distinction between flowers and longer-term symbolic gifts like trees?

Are there innovative technologies or practices in logistics and gifting that E-Flora is exploring?

Do you have any consumer data on the products of treemore?

Do you have general target audience data/research?

Do you have a segmentation strategy for Treemore and/or eflora’a portfolio?

Do you have any sales figures from Treemore available?

Can we receive the sales strategy you have for treemore?

Send Maarten an email about the stats and logistics

CEIS 420 Week 7 Homework

Name:

Question 1

What would the following Scheme commands return?

(car ‘(mm dd ee))

(eq? ‘G ‘C)

(cdr ‘(I love ceis420))

Answer:

Question 2

Create a loop in Scheme that will display integers from 1 to 15

Answer:

Question 3

Research F#, ML, Scheme, and LISP. Which is the most popular? What industries are using functional programming?

Answer: