Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM)

Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM)  is a strategic management tool used  in the evaluation of strategic options and determination of relative attractiveness of strategies.  The QSPM technique determines which of the selected strategic options is feasible, and it actually prioritizes these strategies. A basic tenet of the QSPM is that firms need to systematically assess their external and internal environments, conduct research, carefully evaluate the pros and cons of various alternatives, perform analyses, and then decide upon a particular course of action. The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM)  consists of three stages that  are used in the strategies formulation process. The first step is to define key strategic factors. Then, once this has been determined, a SWOT analysis, or other similar form of analysis, is performed to objectively weigh the pros and cons of each strategic factor in numerical form. Finally, based on the information found in the analysis, a Continue reading

Project Financing – Financing Options For Projects

Project advisory services falls under one of the core branches of corporate advisory services. It deals with the decision of financing a project based on its strength of assuring the future cash inflows. In other words Project financing deals with financing a project, which can in turn generate return for its stakeholders and help in repaying the interest and loan on the proposed project. The assets used for undertaking that project are used as collateral for financing that project. The following constitute the differences between project financing and the other types. In project financing, the lenders look at the strength of the project to perform and generate sufficient returns to serve the interest and loan on that project. Even if the assets are taken as collateral, they may not be able to cover the entire loan through the sale of assets. Hence the lenders mainly look about the profitability of Continue reading

Importance of Innovation to Project Management

Project management can be defined as a process of application of the knowledge skills and different experiences of the project manager and the team members in order to achieve the objectives identified for the project. The concept of project management can therefore be defined as a systematic process of ensuring that a project is implemented according to the project plan. Proper project management is needed in an organization or a particular project is order to ensure proper project tracking and management of the associated risks of the project. There are a number of reasons why project management is needed in an organization. With the use of the project management approach, the proper project plan can be developed. The different project management methodologies ensure that a proper project schedule and a project plan is implemented. The project management further enforces and encourages team work so that a task can be completed Continue reading

Activity-Based Costing for Small and Service Industries

Activity Based Costing (ABC) is an accounting method that assigns costs to activities according to their use of resources, rather than products or services. This enables resources and other related costs to be more accurately attributed to the products and the services which they use. It does not change or eliminate any costs, in the other way; it provides detailed information on how costs are consumed. The main benefits of Activity Based Costing are providing understanding into the fastest growing and least visible element of cost-overhead. We can also improve profitability by monitoring total life-cycle cost and performance so that we can improve the effectiveness of budgeting by identifying the cost of different service levels. In addition, ABC costing does encourage continuous improvement and total quality control because control and planning are directed at the process level and it links the corporate strategy to operational decision making. By using ABC Continue reading

Fire Insurance – Definition, Characteristics and Policy Types

Fire insurance is the oldest form of insurance. In the early development of industrial society, fire was the main source of energy. The industrial or commercial activities were not possible without fire. However, there was a need to insure the risk of uncontrolled or uncertain fire. Fire insurance is designed to provide for financial loss to property due to fire and a few other related hazards. The property that can be covered under fire insurance includes Building, Machinery, Equipments, Accessories, Goods, Raw Materials, Electrical Installation of building, Residential houses, Furniture and fittings, Pipelines located outside and inside the building. A contract of fire insurance is a contract whereby the insurer undertakes, in consideration of the  premium paid, to make good any loss or damage caused by fire during a specific period. The fire insurance contract  specifies the maximum amount which the assured can claim in case of loss. This amount Continue reading

Discharge of a Contract by Breach

Discharge of contract means parties to the contract is no more liable to the contract. In other words, the liability of the parties to the contract will come to an end. Discharge by breach of contract: Breach of contract by a party thereto is also a method of discharge of a contract, because “breach” also brings to an end the obligations created by a contract on the part of each of the parties. Of course the aggrieved party i.e., the party not at fault can sue for damages for breach of contract as per law; but the contract as such stands terminated. Breach of contract may be of two kinds: (1) Anticipatory breach; and (2) Actual breach. Anticipatory breach: An anticipatory breach of contract is a breach of contract occurring before the time fixed for performance has arrived. It may take place in two ways: (a) expressly by words spoken Continue reading