Students from 24 participating regions take part in teams of four in the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) GBC (Global Business Challenge) annually. The GBC is in the form of a business competition which is based on a case study of a real company. The participants receive the case study on which they should submit a written report. Teams are shortlisted based on the reports, and the shortlisted teams have to prepare a presentation to a panel of judges. This study explores whether participation in the GBC had any benefits for the participants in terms of exposure to various skills and the development of those skills. The skills included: technical skills and competencies, skills in roles of an accountant, soft skills, managerial accounting skills, financial management skills, strategic analysis skills, subject exploration, learning behaviour, practical application, and personal experience. A questionnaire was given to participants whose teams managed to compete in the global final of the GBC 2013 that was held in South Africa. Questions were formulated to address exposure to and development of the abovementioned skills, and participants had to complete the questionnaire individually. Relevant statistical analyses were done on the data collected in the questionnaire. These statistical analyses included a confirmatory factor analysis, calculation of the Cronbach alpha coefficients, descriptive statistics for the total group, independent t-tests for comparisons between two variables, ANOVAs (analysis of variances) for comparisons between more than two variables and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Descriptive statistics for the entire group of participants are discussed, as well as comparisons made between various sub-classifications. The sub-classifications included a comparison between male and female participants, participants from different regions, top six shortlisted teams and teams who were not shortlisted, and participants whose mother tongue is English and those whose mother tongue is another language. The findings indicated that the students definitely perceived that they have been exposed to the mentioned skills as a result of taking part in the GBC. They also indicated that they are of the opinion that participation in the GBC enhanced those skills. The qualitative remarks were mainly positive, and indicated that the students enjoyed participation in the GBC. The study concludes with recommendations to the core audience of future GBC participants, academic mentors and future students attempting the final CIMA examinations, which includes a framework of the most important skills. A recommendation is also made to the peripheral audience of CIMA and financial management lecturers. / MCom (Management Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / The purpose of this strategic analysis of the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk Detachment Philadelphia was to determine strengths and weaknesses in the organization. The objective was to describe the extent of congruence among important variables in the organization's system framework. This document includes a detailed description of the FISC Det Philadelphia system. Data were collected through interviews with key personnel and employee surveys. Data were analyzed to determine the congruence of the variables that make up the system (inputs, design factors, and outcomes). Conclusions as to the strengths and weaknesses of the organization were drawn based on the analysis of the variables. Recommendations were made on how to improve the areas identified as weaknesses and capitalize on those that were found to be strengths to revitalize the organization. The thesis also provides an example of how systems thinking can be used to perform a strategic analysis of an organization. Seeing the system as a whole through a comprehensive analysis of the key variables allows us to understand the impact of our changes as they relate to the entire organization. / Civilian, Department of the Navy

The aim of this thesis is to determine the value of the company Elysberg Confiserie ČR s.r.o for creditors and owners. The thesis consists of two parts. The first part deals with theoretical issues of company valuation, describes the definition of value and explains the basic principles of its calculating. The practical part is devoted to the valuation of a particular company. First, it was made strategic analysis, which is essential for predicting future sales of the company. Next part provides financial analysis that shows the strengths of the company, as well as the existence of certain problems. In the final part of the thesis is drawn a financial plan and calculated value of the company with help of discounted cash flow method.

The aim of the diploma thesis "Strategic Analysis of the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Czech Republic s.r.o." is to perform a strategic analysis of the company, which could serve as the basis for developing long-term competitive strategy. The diploma thesis consists of two main parts. The first is a theoretical part, needed for a proper understanding of the various steps of strategic analysis. The practical part is focused on the main objective of this work - the implementation of strategic analysis. It contains both macro environment analysis and analysis of the microenvironment, and also analysis of internal resources and capabilities. The practical part is supplemented by a SWOT analysis and strategic recommendations.

The aim if this thesis is valuation of the company Korado, a.s. on the date 31. 12. 2010 for owners of the company. This thesis consists of the theoretical part which describes methods and accounting procedures related to the valuation. The practical part contains the description of the company Korado, a.s., strategic analysis, financial analysis and financial plan. The valuation is based on the method of discounted free cash flow to the firm.

The objective of this diploma thesis is the valuation of medium construction company Matex HK s.r.o. using discounted cash flow method. The thesis is divided into two main parts - the first part acquaints us with methodology of business valuation, while the second part is focused on valuation of the company itself. The theoretical body of the thesis describes basic calculations, methods and procedures necessary for correct estimation of the company value. Opening part is focused on defining of the basic principles of this issue. This is followed by introduction to methodics of strategic and financial analysis and description of the selected valuation method and matters related. Applied part of this thesis uses the described tools for the purposes of valuation of chosen company. Conclusion is devoted to company valuation statement and subsequent commentary.

The basic goal of the Master's Thesis is theoretical aspects description and consequently practical realization of strategic analysis of Metrostav a.s. Practical part of the Thesis is divided into two main parts. External analysis is realized in the first one. It includes PEST analysis, 4C method and also sector analysis with Porter's model of five competitive forces. In the second part of the Thesis is applied internal analysis which is focused on company's sources and abilities to use these sources as well. Within this part both financial analysis and value-based chain are used. In conclusion of the work SWOT analysis is realized and list of recommendations for the strategy of Metrostav a.s. is created.

The diploma thesis Strategic concept of company Bristec cz s.r.o. analyses and evaluates company's position in the market and searches opportunities for future development. The thesis is divided into theoretical and application part, which is then divided according to business activity of the company. Terms as mission, vision and goals and explained in the theoretical part. Principles of strategic management and conduction of strategic analysis are also described. Types of strategy from renowned authors and specifications of family companies are then introduced. The theoretical part furthermore consists of quotations from famous personalities, which emphasize on importance of strategy creation. The application part introduces Bristec cz, its business activities and main supplier. Then, strategic analysis is conducted on both ventilation systems and physiotherapy. After analysis follow creation of company's mission and vision and evaluation of business portfolio. The application part is concluded by strategic recommendations for the company.

This thesis deals with strategic analysis of particular organisation. Appropriate methods of internal and external analysis are chosen and theoretically described as well as the theories for competitive strategy design. In practical part of the work, strategic analysis outputs are implemented for the needs of organization with a view to formulate optimal design of competitive strategy. The work concludes with results summarization, representing the preview to the strategy selection issue, designated for the needs of company management.

The aim of the thesis is to determine the value of the firm KOOL Trading, spol. s r. o. at 30. 6.2010. Thesis is composed of two parts -- theoretical and practical. Theoretical part describes processes and methods used in valuation of the firm, which are applied later in practical part. The firm is introduced at the beginning of the practical part, strategic and financial analysis folow next. The financial plan is drawn on the basis of strategic and financial analysis. The value of the firm is determined by method of discounted cash flows, as a complemetary methods the method of discounted economic value added and book value are used.