Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017: Analysis and Recommendations

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Duque Papetiers Gros, a family-owned stationery business in France. It examines the wholesale stationers market in Germany, analyzes Duque's financial performance over the past three years, and explores the feasibility of expanding to Germany. The report also includes an assessment of customer satisfaction and recommendations for improvement. Key findings include the potential for growth in the German market, the need to improve product quality and price value, and the importance of effective customer communication.

Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Report for Duque Papetiers Gros
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................3
Analysis of Issues for Duque Papetiers Gros.............................................................................4
2.1 An Overview of the Wholesale Stationers Market in Germany..........................................4
2.2 Annual Spending on Writing / Drawing Materials per Capita.............................................5
2.3 Analysis of Duque’s last three financial years of sales data (2015-2017)...........................6
(a) Using an EXCEL spreadsheet, adjust the above table by appending a Total Sales (€) row.
Include a table printout or screenshot as an appendix to your report. You must also show in
your appendix, the formulae behind your columns....................................................................6
(b) Using an appropriate mixed pie chart, represent the 2016 and 2017 sales (€) by product
item.............................................................................................................................................6
(c) By representing Total Sales (€) and Year in an appropriate scatter diagram, find the
associated correlation coefficient and write down your resulting interpretation.......................6
(d) Using the same scatter diagram, forecast the total sales for 2018 and 2019, assuming
continuing sales trends...............................................................................................................7
2.4 Feasibility of Expanding to Germany & International Standards........................................8
2.5 Costs of a New Building....................................................................................................10
2.6 Mean Value of Orders........................................................................................................11
2.7 Customer Satisfaction........................................................................................................12
Conclusion................................................................................................................................14
Reference list............................................................................................................................15
Appendix..................................................................................................................................16
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
1. Introduction
Duque Papetiers Gros is a small family owned stationery business owned by Donald Duque.
Located in the northern part of France, the business does not sell its goods and services
directly to customers. It sells its goods and services to various local schools, small offices and
shops. The product portfolio of the business comprises of cartridges, general office supplies,
low cost printers, drawing material, office furniture, writing material, paper based supplies
and shredders. The owner of this business is not aware about how to conduct business data
analysis and the manner in which it impacts small businesses. However, in order to enhance
the process of decision-making, Donald Duque requires conducting big data analysis. The
report has been prepared for providing knowledge about the understanding of the annual
spending of Duque Papetiers Gros’ writing and drawing material in Europe based on per
capita spending as well as the identification of the business’s potential areas for expanding its
operations from France to Germany and its neighbouring areas.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Analysis of Issues for Duque Papetiers Gros
2.1 An Overview of the Wholesale Stationers Market in Germany
The overview of the wholesale market of stationery prevailing in Germany shows that this
sector is growing at a rapid pace in Germany. The market selling whole stationery within
Germany is growing and spreading at a higher rate than the market in different countries. One
of the wholesale stationery businesses operating in Germany is the Duque Papetiers Gros.
The analysis of Germany’s wholesale market dealing with stationery products also shows that
the industry generates about 14.0 billion Euros annually (Isokane et al., 2017). The demand
of stationery goods is also high in Germany relative to the demand in other neighbouring
nations. Financial analysts have also analyzed the per capita spending of a person in Germany
for stationery goods. About 184 Euros are spent by every citizen of the country for stationery
goods (Krapp and Pannowitsch, 2017). There is an approximate of 130 wholesale businesses
in the country that is involved in manufacturing, buying and selling of goods and services in
the nation. The analysis also shows that there are about 5200 companies and offices that buy
stationery goods on wholesale.
The wholesale market of stationery goods is contributing remarkably to the economy of the
country. The revenue margins of the sector are also improving from one year to another. For
example, the sales revenue from this sector has improved by about 0.3 billion between 2015
and 2016 (Muller et al., 2017). In addition, the overview also shows that the sale of stationery
goods has also spread at a rapid rate. For example, Alibaba is an online site in Germany that
sells stationery goods over the internet even at wholesale margins. Thus, from the evaluation
and overview of Germany’s wholesale stationery market, it can be analyzed that the
wholesale stationers market in the country is performing quite well and any entrepreneur
willing to start up ventures in the market can start operations without any second thought.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
2.2 Annual Spending on Writing / Drawing Materials per Capita
The graph (shown in Appendix 1) indicates the per capita annual spending of the people of 12
countries in the world including Germany and France for purchase of writing or drawing
material. The comparison of the graph show that France and Germany are leading in terms of
per capita spending on drawing or writing material. In the first position, stands Switzerland,
followed by Germany in the second position, Austria in the third and France in the fourth.
The other countries such as Slovenia, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, and Spain are positioned one
after the other after France. In the second last position stands Croatia and Czech Republic
stands at the last.
This analysis and comparison of per capita annual spending shows that both Germany and
France have one of the highest annual spending on writing or drawing material than any other
country. Therefore, it can be analyzed that investing in both Germany and France for whole
stationery business will prove to be profitable.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
2.3 Analysis of Duque’s last three financial years of sales data (2015-2017)
(a) Using an EXCEL spreadsheet, adjust the above table by appending a Total Sales (€)
row. Include a table printout or screenshot as an appendix to your report. You must
also show in your appendix, the formulae behind your columns.
Product item 2017 Sales (€) 2016 Sales (€) 2015 Sales (€)
Office furniture 27,000 25,000 25,000
Printer cartridges 22,000 26,000 25,000
Paper-based supplies 27,000 27,000 25,000
General office
supplies
23,000 27,000 25,000
Low-cost printers 18,000 18,000 15,000
Writing / drawing
materials
32,000 30,000 25,000
Shredders 29,000 29,000 25,000
Total Sales 178000 182000 165000
Refer to Appendix 2
(b) Using an appropriate mixed pie chart, represent the 2016 and 2017 sales (€) by
product item
Refer to Appendix 3
(c) By representing Total Sales (€) and Year in an appropriate scatter diagram, find the
associated correlation coefficient and write down your resulting interpretation
Refer to Appendix 4
Year Correlation Coefficient (R2)
2016-2017 0.847510399
2015-2016 0.900885233
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
The computation of the correlation coefficients done above, it can be analyzed that the R2 lies
between 0.0 and 1.0. When the value of R2 is closer to 1.0, it can be said that the prediction or
forecast is strong. However, if the value of R2 is nearer to 0.0, the prediction is not strong. It
is weak in nature. In this case, R2 = 0.53490. This reflects that the reflection is neither strong
nor weak. It might not be strong. However, it is not going to be very weak as well.
(d) Using the same scatter diagram, forecast the total sales for 2018 and 2019, assuming
continuing sales trends
Refer to Appendix 5
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2.4 Feasibility of Expanding to Germany & International Standards
(a)
Should I expand my business to Belgium & Germany?
Pros Score/10 Cons Score/10
Location of the place 6.5 Political dynamics 5.5
Prospects for job 6.5 Rate of illegal activities 4.5
Facility for accommodation 6 Traffic problems 5
Quality and quantity of
labour 7 Conflicts among people 5.5
Dynamics of the place 9 Distance from hub 3.5
Transportation 9 Unknown issues 3
Enthusiasm of people 5 Cost of articles 6
Total Pros 50 Total Cons 38
Average Pros 7.14 Average Cons 4.71
(b) International standards are the principles and standards that are developed by the ISO
(International Standards Organizations), which provides the framework, specifications,
guidelines and requirements of consideration to be used in organizations around the globe
(Taylor and Joudrey, 2017). There are several international standards which organizations in
Europe follow and comply with for carrying out its operations. The organization Duque
Papetiers Gros requires complying with the following international standards –
 ISO 26000 – Also known as ISO SR, this international standard provides regulations
and guidelines for organization for maintenance of social responsibility in order to
contribute to the global sustainable development with the medium of encouraging
organizations for adopting and practicing corporate social responsibility (Moratis and
Cochius, 2017).
 ISO 45001 – ISO 45000, also known as ISO Occupational Health and Safety is
another international standard that has been introduced in order to decrease the burden
of employers through creation of better and safer working culture, increase in
employee safety, ensuring low risks in the workplace, etc. (Darabont et al., 2017).
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
 ISO 31000:2209 – The ISO 31000:2209 is an international standard introduced for
the management of risks in an enterprise (Olechowski et al., 2016). This international
standard increases an organization’s likelihood for achieving objectives, improving
identification of opportunities and threats, efficient allocation of resources, etc.,
thereby reducing risks.
 ISO 50001 – This is an international standard for energy management within an
organization (Yuriev and Boiral, 2018). It provides specific rules, regulations,
guidelines and framework for managing energy in commercial, industrial and various
other organizations.
The four international standards mentioned above can be used by Duque Papetiers Gros in
order better operational efficiency, ensuring proper risk management and energy
management, perform its corporate social responsibilities and maintain its occupational
health as well as safety.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
2.5 Costs of a New Building
Refer to Appendix 6 for formula
(a)
P (Principal of loan) 2,000,000
T (Number of Years) 30
R (Size of payment) 5000
(b)
Principal amount of the loan (P) 2,000,000
n (Number of conversion period) 360
T (Number of Years) 30
m (Number of conversion year / period) 12
R (Interest rate) 10 %
I (Interest rate per year) 0.00833
R (Size of payment) 17551.43
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
2.6 Mean Value of Orders
Mean value of 0 hypothesis = € 240
Magnitude = € 240
However, other strategies consider that mean value is near to € 240 but not exactly € 240
Thus, magnitude is not exact €240
If stated in expressions, then H0: μ = € 240 and H1: μ ≠ € 240
Given level of significance = 5 %, Sample mean = € 230 and Standard deviation (s) = € 43
From this information, it can considered that the standard error = s √𝑛⁄ = 43 √50 ⁄ = 437.07 ⁄
= 6.08 (to 2 d.p.) = 6 (to 1 s. f.)
Consequently, (228,252) stands as the interval
Thus, the mean value of the orders of Duque Papetiers Gros, which has been stated as € 230,
might be considered as the middle component of the internal that is mentioned. However, this
will be true only if the H0: μ = € 240
Therefore, from the computation of the mean value done above, it can be concluded that the
Duque Papetiers Gros’ mean value of orders is approximately 240 Euros.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
2.7 Customer Satisfaction
(a) The responses from the customer regarding the questionnaires sent by Duque Papetiers
Gros are quite disappointing. This is mainly because most customers did not even reply back
to questionnaires that had been sent to each one of them. Critical analysis shows that there
might be two reasons for such customer responses. The first reason can be bad timing of
ending the questionnaire. All customers were e-mailed the questionnaires during December.
However, during December it is Christmas and customers are usually in a festive mood and
celebrate with near and dear ones and do not get time to give proper response to the
questionnaire. Secondly, there are various customers who do not check their e-mails
regularly. Because of such reasons, Duque Papetiers Gros is recommended to shift the time
during which it sends questionnaires to customers and look out for new communication
channels for reaching out to customers.
(b)
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
QUAL_P&S PRICE_VALU
E
CUST_SERV SALES_STAFF
Mean 3.15 1.95 3.50 3.45
Standard
Deviation
0.3663 0.5104 0.7608 0.8255
The computation of the mean as well as standard deviation of the business Duque Papetiers
Gros’ four variables, which are quality, price value, customer service and sales staff how that
the company has been functioning in France for a long time. However, the loss of customers
and reduction in sales has taken place in the company due to the prevalence of various
factors. Among the above four factors, the two major concerns of Duque Papetiers Gros is the
quality of its product and services and the value of price at which it offers its product and
services. The two other factors do not act as the main concern. However, the company
requires taking corrective measures on improving its quality of products and services while
reducing its price value.
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Conclusion
Therefore, the discussion of the wholesale stationers market in Germany show the size and
capacity of the sector along with analyzing the scope and returns of Duque Papetiers Gros if
it decides to spread its operations to Germany. The evaluation of the per capita spending on
writing and drawing material also show how the business is going to benefit from spreading
its operations to Germany. The reviews of the international standards such as ISO 45000, ISO
26000, etc. show Duque Papetiers Gros can effectively comply with international standards.
The report also advises on the improvement of product quality and price value of Duque
Papetiers Gros for better customer satisfaction along with recommending on how customer
responses can be acquired in a better way.
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Reference list
Clark, D., 2016. Alibaba: the house that Jack Ma built. HarperCollins.
Darabont, D.C., Antonov, A.E. and Bejinariu, C., 2017. Key elements on implementing an
occupational health and safety management system using ISO 45001 standard. In MATEC
Web of Conferences (Vol. 121, p. 11007). EDP Sciences.
Isokane, M., Tadokoro, C., Sasaki, S. and Prakash, B., 2017. Influence of Ink Composition on
Tribological Properties of Ballpoint Pen. Tribology Online, 12(5), pp.257-261.
Krapp, M.C. and Pannowitsch, S., 2017. Patterns of changing knowledge orders: insights
from German and British labour market policy. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research,
Debate and Practice, 13(1), pp.97-115.
Moratis, L. and Cochius, T., 2017. ISO 26000: The business guide to the new standard on
social responsibility. Routledge.
Muller, J., Dotzauer, V. and Voigt, K.I., 2017. Industry 4.0 and its impact on reshoring
decisions of German manufacturing enterprises. In Supply Management Research (pp. 165-
179). Springer Gabler, Wiesbaden.
Olechowski, A., Oehmen, J., Seering, W. and Ben-Daya, M., 2016. The professionalization
of risk management: What role can the ISO 31000 risk management principles
play?. International Journal of Project Management, 34(8), pp.1568-1578.
Taylor, A.G. and Joudrey, D.N., 2017. The organization of information. ABC-CLIO.
Yuriev, A. and Boiral, O., 2018. Implementing the ISO 50001 System: A Critical Review.
In ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and New Management Standards (pp. 145-175). Springer, Cham.
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Appendix
Appendix 1: Graph of per capita annual spending of people in 12 different countries
Switzerland
Germany
Austria
France
Slovenia
Italy
Slovakia
Hungary
Spain
Poland
Croatia
Czech Republic
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
35.5 35.2 35
28.3
20.4 18.6
9.8 9.6 8.9 8.5 7.9 7.6
Spending per capita
Appendix 2: Formula in excel for total sales
Total sales = Sum (Column x: Column y)
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Appendix 3:
Sales for 2016
printer cartridges
14%
general office supplies
15%
low-cost printers
10%
office furniture
14%
shredders
16%
paper-based supplies
15%
writing/drawing materials
16%
2016 Sales (€)
Sales for 2017
printer cartridges
12%
general office supplies
13%
low-cost printers
10%
office furniture
15%
shredders
16%
paper-based
supplies
15%
writing/drawing
materials
18%
2017 Sales (€)
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Report for Duque Papetiers Gros 2017
Appendix 4: Scatter diagram and correlation
2014.5 2015 2015.5 2016 2016.5 2017 2017.5
155000
160000
165000
170000
175000
180000
185000
190000
Total sales (in €)
Total sales (in €)
Linear (Total sales (in €))
Appendix 5
2014.5 2015 2015.5 2016 2016.5 2017 2017.5
155000
160000
165000
170000
175000
180000
185000
190000
f(x) = 6501 x − 12929000
R² = 0.534886670106354
Total sales (in €)
Total sales (in €)
Linear (Total sales (in €))
Linear (Total sales (in €))
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Appendix 5: Formula for compound interest
Compound interest
P = R x [{1- (1 + i) - n)} / i]
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