Business Analysis Report: Germany Stationary Market and Sales Trends

This report analyzes the Germany stationary market, employing various data analysis techniques to assess business opportunities. It begins with an introduction to data analysis and its importance in decision-making, followed by an analysis of market trends, including sales data from 2015 to 2017, and the preparation of pie charts to visualize sales performance. Correlation coefficients are calculated to identify relationships between variables, and trend analysis is used to predict future sales. The report also includes a SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of entering the German market, along with the application of international standards. Additionally, the report calculates monthly costs and confidence intervals and provides recommendations for improving the business situation. Descriptive statistics are applied to a dataset. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the market and offers valuable insights for business decision-making.

ANALYSING INFORMATION AND DATA
FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
Trends in Germany stationary market.........................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
(a)Total sales value of products from 2015 to 2017....................................................................6
(b) Pie chart for sales amid of 2016 and 2017 product-wise.......................................................7
(c) Correlation coefficient............................................................................................................8
(d) Prediction on sales trend........................................................................................................9
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
(a)Completion of table.................................................................................................................9
(b)International standard applied to the firm business.................................................................9
TASK 5..........................................................................................................................................10
(a)Monthly cost by considering year.........................................................................................10
(b)Monthly cost by considering month......................................................................................10
TASK 6..........................................................................................................................................10
Confidence interval....................................................................................................................10
TASK 7..........................................................................................................................................11
(a)Advise in respect to improving situation...............................................................................11
(b) Descriptive statistics.............................................................................................................12
TASK 8 CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Data analysis is the one of the important approach that is used to make decisions. In the
current report varied facts are analyzed in proper manner. On basis of analysis of facts it is
identified whether firm must open its business in Germany. Scatter diagram is prepared and by
using same correlation coefficient is identified. On analysis of both correlation and trend analysis
chart it is predicted that in upcoming years sales value will increase at rapid rate. Sales in second
charting reflecting total amount of sales for different years for varied nations in dollar amount.
Sales data is related to revenue that is generated between 2012 to 2017. At end of the report,
descriptive statistics is applied on data set. In this way, entire research work is carried out.
TASK 1
Trends in Germany stationary market
France Germany Italy Romania UK Poland Switzerland
2012 15475 24984 16000 17000 14000 19000 20500
2013 15069 25297 15600 17300 16000 19600 20900
2014 14887 24559 14000 17600 16900 19900 21000
2015 14746 24900 14500 18300 17300 20000 21500
2016 14697 25483 15000 18000 17900 23000 22500
2017 15432 26757 15750 18900 18795 24150 23625
Figure 1Wholesale stationary business in Germany
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On basis of chart given above it can be observed that number of observations in terms of number
of business firms in wholesale stationary business get declined in past couple of years. However,
still there are large number of companies in the Germany that are operating a wholesale
stationary business. It can be observed that number of business firms in stationary were 7973 in
year 2002 which declined to 6965 in year 2008 (International suppliers, 2017). Further, decline
comes in the sales value to 5300. It can be said that consistently decline comes in the number of
firms that are operating in the stationary business in the Germany. Hence, if further this trend
remain continue in the market then number of competitors of the firm will reduce. This thing will
prove beneficial for the Donald to great extent. There is need to take steps to improve numbers in
the wholesale stationary business in Germany. However, still number of firms operating in this
segment is high which reflect there is great demand of stationary items in Germany and exports
are also high in other European countries. Thus, it can be said that still stationary business is
operating at wide level in the Germany and it is possible that in upcoming time period it grows at
rapid pace.
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TASK 2
 On basis of fact it can be observed that sales value in case of France was 15475 in year
2012 and it increased to 15432 in year 2017. Here, series 1 to series 6 reflect time period
that is between 2012 to 2017. Thus, it can be said that increase is observed in sales value
in respect to France. In case of Germany sales value was 24984 and it increased to 26757
which reflect that moderate plunge comes in sales value in Germany.
 It can also be observed that sales are increasing at higher rate in case of Germany then
France. Apart from this, in case of Italy sales value was 16000 which declined to 15750
which reflect that in mentioned nation decline comes in sales value.
 On other hand, in case of Romania it can be observed that 17000 was sales value in year
2012 which increased to 18900 in year 2017 which reflect that mentioned nation also
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sales value get increased. In case of UK also sales increased but at high growth rate as its
value were 14000 in year 2012 and increased to 18795.
 Similarly, in case of Poland sales value was 19000 in year 2012 and same increased to
24150. Similar, trend is observed in case of Switzerland where sales value was 20500 in
year 2012 and same increased to 23635. Hence, it can be said that in most of the nations
that are included in analysis stationary expenses increased but in case of Italy inverse
trend is observed.
TASK 3
(a)Total sales value of products from 2015 to 2017
Product item
2015
Sales
(€)
2016
Sales
(€)
2017
Sales
(€)
Tot
al
printer
cartridges
2500
0 26000 2200
0
730
00
general office
supplies
2500
0 27000 2300
0 750
00
low-cost
printers
1500
0 18000 1800
0
510
00
office furniture 2500
0 25000 2700
0
770
00
shredders 2500
0 29000 2900
0
830
00
paper-based
supplies
2500
0 27000 2700
0 790
00
writing/drawing
materials
2500
0 30000 3200
0 870
00
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(b) Pie chart for sales amid of 2016 and 2017 product-wise
Figure 2Product wise sales value
Interpretation
Chart is reflecting that sales value is high in case of printer cartridge, general office
supplies. Above chart is combined chart as requirement was communicated in question file. In
combined chart excel software combine two pie charts along with each other. However, sales
value is low in case of writing materials in 2016 relative to 2017 and same trend is observed in
case of office furniture. Apart from this, in case of other products sales value is same for 2016
and 2017. Thus, it can be said that there are mixed performance and in case of some products in
year 2016 good performance is observed relative to 2017 or remain same in both years or vice
verse. Thus, there is not a stability in the trend and on this basis it can be said that firm needs to
focus on all these products in proper manner.
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(c) Correlation coefficient
Figure 3Scatter diagram and correlation coefficient
Interpretation
Correlation coefficient is the one of the important tool that is used to identify relationship
among variables. Chart is generated automatically in excel and due to this reason it is not
possible to stretch it. However, it can be seen that line is not moving upward beyond 2017 and on
this basis it can be said that in forthcoming year also sales will remain at same level which is
equal to value of sales in 2016. Trend analysis results are not completely reliable because its
takes in to account past year dataset. It is not necessary that past trends will remain continue in
future time period. Hence, managers cannot rely completely on results of trend analysis.
Correlation values lie within specific range which is -1 to +1. 0 is the point which separates these
two levels. In case correlation value is zero it is assumed that there is no relationship between
variables (Go and et.al., 2013). Opposite to this, if correlation value is positive then it means that
both variables are correlated to each other. In case correlation value is negative then in that
situation there is common assumption that variables are inversely related to each other and move
in opposite direction. In present case it can be observed that value of R square is 0.53 which
means that both variables are moderately correlated to each other. Hence, with change in one
variable medium change comes in other variable. Thus, it can be said that there is significant
importance of the mentioned statistical tool for the business firm.
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(d) Prediction on sales trend
On basis of above chart it is predicted that in the upcoming time period sales value will
increase but its maximum level will be equal to sales value of 2016 which is the worst case. The
Best case will be observed when sales value will increase above 2016 and 2017 level by good
percentage points. Forecasts are not fully reliable because business environment is dynamic in
nature and with change in it forecasted figures may prove wrong in upcoming time period. Thus,
time to time analysis of business environment and accordingly amendment in trend analysis is
necessary. Thus, it can be said that optimistic thinking can be prepared about performance of the
variable. Firms can make additional investment in their business by considering results that are
reflected by the chart. It can be said that there is significant importance of the trend analysis
method for the business firms and due to this reason it must be used time to time by the business
firms.
TASK 4
(a)Completion of table
Pros Score/10 Cons Score/10
Germany GDP growth rate is
increasing which is reflecting that
in upcoming time period demand
will increase. Hence, there are
high earning opportunity for the
relevant firms in Germany.
10 Already there are large number of
players in the market and due to
this reason it is hard to earn profit
in the business.
6
Number of firms in Germany
reduced in respect to
manufacturing of stationary
products. Hence, competition to
some extent reduced (Bendat and
Piersol, 2011).
9 Other demerit of the opening
business in Germany is that cost is
very high and due to this reason it
is very hard task to earn sufficient
amount of profit in the business.
5
Population of Germany is
increasing which reflect that
demand in the mentioned nation
will increase at fast rate.
8
Total pros 3 Total cons 2
Average pros 3 Average cons 3
(b)International standard applied to the firm business
ISO standard applied to the company as it can be observed that under this varied things
are determined in respect to quality of the product. If firm is making available relevant quality of
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product to the customers then in that case it obtains ISO mark certificate. ISO/TC 131/SC 8
Product testing standard applied to the company as under this standard it is clearly stated that if
any product is tested then what sort of things company need to take in to account in order to
ensure that its products are tested properly and possess relevant quality up-to mark. Facts are
indicating that people want products whose price is low and also possess the best quality in
products. Thus, competition will be high in the market. Firms failed to meet customer
expectations and due to this reason failed to remain in competition and eliminate from the
market. Thus, companies need to innovate their business operations or production process to
reduce cost of the product.
TASK 5
(a)Monthly cost by considering year
Table 1Calculation of monthly cost
Yearly
amount 6667
Interest
666.666666
7
Monthly cost
611.111111
1
It can be seen from the table given above that monthly cost is 611.11 and in this regard yearly
amount is taken in to account and interest amount is added to it. By doing so monthly cost is
calculated. It can be said that appropriate method is used to perform calculation.
(b)Monthly cost by considering month
Table 2Calculation of monthly cost by using 12 months time period
Yearly
amount 6667
Monthly
amount
555.555555
6
Interest
55.5555555
6
Monthly cost
611.111111
1
TASK 6
Confidence interval
Table 3Calculation of confidence interval
Transaction
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Mean 240.00
Median 0.00
Mode 0.00
Standard deviation 43.00
Z value 1.645
Square root 7.071067812
STDEV/SR 6.081118318
Z*STDEV/SR 10.00343963
Mean-(Z*STDEV/SR) 230.00
Mean+(Z*STDEV/
SR) 250.00
Confidence interval is the one of the most important tool that is used to identify specific range in
which values of the variable may lie. It can be seen from table that lower level is 230 and upper
level is 250. On basis of analysis it can be said that we are 95% confident that if mean value of
variable will be 240 then in that case values of the variable will lie in range of 230 to 250. So, on
basis of these figures it can be said that most of times order value that is received from customer
is equal to 240. We amuse that in upcoming years also this average value will be observed and in
respect to this we are 95% sure. Thus, on basis of this estimation it is identified that order value
may lie in range of 230 to 250. It is the one of the most important method that is used in the
statistical analysis by the business firms in order to make accurate prediction. It can be said that
confidence interval calculation must be used on wide level by analysts (Cressie, 2015).
Mentioned method is usually used to conduct statistical tests and identifying whether any
specific value fall in confidence interval level and chances or probability that specific event will
occur. Thus, there is high importance of the mentioned approach in the data analysis that is
carried out in the current research study.
TASK 7
(a)Advise in respect to improving situation
In order to improve this situation it is advisable to relevant entity that it must distribute
questionnaires only among known people which may be family friends or relatives or known
professionals. In this regard one to one meet with individuals will be done. In order to approach
relevant individuals calling or email will be done in order to take approval. By doing so it can be
ensured that front person will take questionnaire seriously and will respond on it on time and in
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proper manner. Thus, it can be said that there is high importance of distributing questionnaire
among known people. It must also be ensured that individuals who will fill questionnaire will be
meet personally by researcher to make front person understood about purpose of research study
and will correctly respond to the asked question.
(b) Descriptive statistics
From facts it can be observed that mean value for customer service is 3.50 and same for
quality P&S is 3.15. This reflect that low rating is given by respondents on questions that are
asked in respect to customer service and equal P&S. On this basis, it can be said that poor
performance is given by the firm in respect to service quality. In same way in case of sales staff
and price value average value is 3.45 and 1.95. Thus, it can be said that firm failed to give good
performance in its business. Standard deviation value is 0.76 for customer service and 0.37 for
equal P&S which reflect that most of the respondents give similar answer. In case of sales staff
and price value also there is low value of standard deviation which is 0.83 and 0.51. On this basis
it can be said that values of variables are in same direction.
TASK 8 CONCLUSION
On basis of above discussion it is concluded that there is significant importance of data
analysis method for the business firms. Research results reflect that in past years number of
stationary related firms in Germany reduced. However, consumption of stationary related items
increased in the Germany. There are higher growth prospects as reflected by scatter diagram.
Hence, it can be said that firm must expand its business in Germany. It is also concluded that
there is high importance of the statistical tools like confidence interval, mean and standard
deviation. By using these tools facts can be analysed in proper manner and better decisions can
be made by the managers. It is also concluded that by considering online shopping trend business
firm must try to make its online presence and in this regard it can develop its own website where
retail shopkeepers and people can place order. According to demand inventory will be
maintained in the business which will lead to low cost and proper distribution of goods. In
respect to improving quality it is recommended that firms must carry out R&D activities or must
upgrade technology base by using new machines. In order to finance firm must adopt varied
sources like private equity, joint venture or strategic business unit. If it is not possible to enter
into German market through these ways then in that situation mortgage loan must be taken from
the banks.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Bendat, J.S. and Piersol, A.G., 2011. Random data: analysis and measurement procedures (Vol.
729). John Wiley & Sons.
Cressie, N., 2015. Statistics for spatial data. John Wiley & Sons.
Go, A.S. and et.al., 2013. AHA statistical update. Circulation, 127, pp.e62-e245.
Online
International suppliers, 2017. [Online]. Available through:<
https://www.esources.co.uk/international-suppliers/1037/Germany/>.
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