BUSINESS PLAN - Student Center

GIFT IT
A Junior Achievement Company™
B USIN ESS P L A N
Proudly Sponsored by IBM Canada & Junior Achievement
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Table of Contents
The Executive Summary .....................................................................................................................3
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................... 3
Goals .................................................................................................................................................... 3
The Management Team ....................................................................................................................... 4
Production.........................................................................................................................................5
Production and Services ...................................................................................................................... 5
Product Description ............................................................................................................................. 5
Product Selection and Competition ..................................................................................................... 6
Production Process .............................................................................................................................. 6
Alterations to the Product ................................................................................................................... 7
Advantages and Disadvantages of Product ......................................................................................... 7
Future Product Expansion.................................................................................................................... 7
Marketing and Sales ..........................................................................................................................8
Marketing Strategy .............................................................................................................................. 8
Marketing Mix...................................................................................................................................... 8
Target Market ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Competition ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Sales Training ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Finance ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Financial Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 11
Profitability ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Liquidity ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Stability .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Break-Even Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 13
Feasibility ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Human Resources ............................................................................................................................ 15
Attendance and Minutes ................................................................................................................... 15
Rights and Responsibilities of Company Members ........................................................................... 15
Compensation, Incentives and Benefits ............................................................................................ 15
Company Morale ............................................................................................................................... 16
Termination of Employment .............................................................................................................. 16
Information Technology ................................................................................................................... 17
Communication.................................................................................................................................. 17
Company Website Construction and Use .......................................................................................... 17
Collaboration with Marketing Department ........................................................................................ 18
Health and Safety ............................................................................................................................ 19
Statement of Intent ........................................................................................................................... 19
Risks ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Roles and Responsibilities.................................................................................................................. 19
Health and Safety Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 20
Appendix A: Executive Team Résumés .............................................................................................. 21
Appendix B: Finance ........................................................................................................................ 32
Appendix C: Human Resources ......................................................................................................... 37
Appendix D: Health and Safety ......................................................................................................... 38
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Executive Summary
Overview
Gift It, a Junior Achievement Company, is composed of, planned, directed, and fully controlled by a group of highly
motivated, focused and committed high school students with diverse skills and experiences. Gift It aims to be the best
manufacturer and supplier of gift solutions by providing an environment that encourages leadership and creative
entrepreneurial practices. Gift It plans to reach its target market of teenagers and adults by promoting our products
online and by door-to-door canvassing. Our company is led by an extremely competent management team who
dedicate their time and knowledge to giving all participants a fresh and enjoyable experience in the corporate world.
Their youthful, results-oriented personalities will help keep the company on course to achieving our goals.
We intend to provide superior products through meticulous quality control and the demonstration of a sense of pride
and personal commitment to each and every individual product. Gift It will produce and distribute its products based on
consumer trends and seasons. We will produce and market Gift Baskets, Candy Grams and Wonder Boxes.
Gift It will dedicate its resources to providing high quality gift products at low costs. Using clinical goal setting and
planning, we aim to create various systems and procedures in order to increase productivity. After 5 weeks of
production, we plan to cut weekly variable costs by 70%.
Gift It will seek and evaluate all possible opportunities available so that we are better able to achieve our company
goals. Our constant pricing, product, promotional and placing innovations will aid us to rapidly adapt in the everchanging market environment. As well, we will create and implement various incentive programs to further stimulate
our participant sales. We recognize the brand and reputation given to our company simply through being a Junior
Achievement Company and we will utilize this advantage to our benefit.
Gift It is a business in where accuracy and attention to detail is valued. Our operational and financial plans have been
reviewed and this gives both investors and employees the opportunity to attain incomparable success. The effective
planning of production and distribution is based on the adaptability and creativity displayed by our shareholders. Lastly,
the collaboration and cohesiveness displayed within and throughout all of the various departments gives our company
the potential to achieve unparalleled achievement.
Mission Statement
Gift It will strive to provide gift solutions for all ages. Using creativity and teamwork, our products will provide happiness
for both giver and receiver.
Goals
By opening and running and new business we will be able to gain new experience in different aspects such as finance,
develop our skills in teamwork and organization and to be responsible while doing all that. Through meeting and
working with people from different background and acquiring experience together; we will learn more about various
functions of business and reflect this knowledge in increased academic proficiency in business subjects. Through closely
monitoring sales, we will strive to have each sales associate contribute $150 in sales towards our company. As well, we
shall aim to successfully sell our shares and products with effective strategies that will satisfy customers while we
continue to grow as a company.
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The Management Team
Organizational Chart
Faraz Alidina
President
Linda Zhang
VP of Marketing &
Sales
Aparna Bhushan
VP of Production
William Zhang
Tharsika Thavam
VP of Human
Resources
VP of Information
Technology
Elaine Giang
VP of Finance
Jeanne Zeng
VP of Health &
Safety
The Team
Our company is led by a small group of highly talented and experienced management team. The cohesiveness and
understanding between our management team ensure decisions made factor in the effects to other departments. As
well, the initiative and leadership displayed by them will help guide our company to both financial and motivational
successes. Our Marketing & Sales department will promote our product using various methods in order to best reach
our cliental as well as conduct sales training so that we can maximize our revenues. Our Human Resources department
will devote their time to ensure that company morale is high in order to increase passion of the company and its
products. Our Production Team will ensure that our products meet our high standards and that productivity is
maximized. Our Information Technology department shall work closely with the Marketing department in order to
ensure all possible methods of communication between our company and target market is utilized. Our Health and
Safety department will make sure that everyone within our company is safe and feels comfortable in our environment.
Lastly, the Finance department will hold the company together by giving us parameters and department-specific
suggestions in order to increase of profitability and ensure that the finances of the company are properly dealt with. All
in all, our company is a safe investment not only because of the hard work and effort put in by our employees, but also
the guidance and leadership given by the management.
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Production
Production and Services
For a company to succeed they must guarantee their clientele that the product they offer is flawless. In order to ensure
that the product each client receives is perfect the employees who produce the goods must be motivated, driven and
focused throughout the production process.
In order to ensure that the final product is flawless, the Gift It production team will develop production schedules, set
realistic production goals, establish a secure safety program and most importantly, develop a system for monitoring the
quality control for each individual product. Through constantly keeping track of the available inventory the production
team will be aware of when new orders need to be made and thus will be able to ensure that each week’s production
goals are realistic. At the end of each weekly meeting the newly produced inventory will be designated to Gift It
employees and demand for more products will be noted in order to know the appropriate amount of products that
should be produced in the following week.
Product Description
Gift It is a company which provides an
alternative to expensive, over-priced gifts
that are often found in the market. It
produces affordable gifts which cater
towards each particular occasion.
The first product Gift It will produce is gift
baskets. The gift baskets will be composed of
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
a variety of items. These items included
candles, candy canes, mugs, hot chocolate and cappuccino packs, and a stuffed animal. In order to make the product
look appealing the baskets are to be covered in cellophane wrap and tied together with a festive holiday ribbon. The gift
basket will be produced for just the Christmas holiday which is why Gift It decided to put candy canes and Christmas
themed stuffed animals into the basket. Figure 1-1 is an example of what a Gift It holiday gift basket should look like
without the cellophane and the ribbon.
In addition to producing gift baskets, Gift It will also produce candy-grams to provide a cheaper alternative to gift
baskets. Since shareholders may believe that gift baskets will be deemed too expensive by many customers the candygrams are to be an inexpensive Christmas gift alternative. Also Christmas themed, the candy-grams will consist of candy
canes, mint candies (in the red and green colour), Hershey kisses, Santa Claus chocolates (chocolates which were
covered in foil that was designed to look like Santa Claus), lollipops, and Andes chocolate. These items are to be placed
in an untraditional cone shaped box so as to provide uniqueness to the product and have it stand out in comparison to
its competitors. Cellophane wrap will cover the cones to ensure that the items of the candy-gram stay within the
confines of the cone shaped box and the cellophane will be held together by a ribbon. Figure 1-2 is an example of what a
Gift It candy gram looks like without the cellophane and the ribbon. Gift It will also take care to ensure that all items
placed within the gift baskets and candy-grams are completely nut free. Since many people are allergic to nuts it is only
part of proper corporate social responsibility (CSR) to guarantee customers that all products are devoid of nuts. Lastly,
Gift It will keep the items which make up all of their products consistent so as to provide customers with products that
they trust and can rely upon. Gift It also plans on producing Wonder Boxes.
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Figure 1-3 is an accurate representation of a Gift It Wonder Box. This well themed
gift idea contains several green tea packets alongside a themed green tea wafer
package and a mug. This product will attract customers because of its clever theme
and is perfect as a gift idea since it is beautifully wrapped in decorative tissue paper
inside an elegant green box that is tied together with velvet ribbon.
Figure 1-3
Product Selection and Competition
Market Research is the preliminary stage which must be fulfilled in order for any company to select a product and begin
producing. Throughout the company’s term, all shareholders will consistently be asked to suggest alterations to better
the current product and to voice any future product ideas. As a company, a vote will be taken so see the popularity of a
new idea and each shareholder will be given an equal say in the future of the company’s undertaken ventures. Once an
idea is deemed popular several things will be done in order to see whether or not the potential product is feasible. A
product’s feasibility is researched by studying the current competition in that market, potential risks, a reasonable profit
margin and lastly, the likeliness of achieving and possibly surpassing the break-even point. Several product ideas will
undergo this study and it will be voted upon as a majority based decision as to whether or not gift baskets and candygrams are the most feasible ideas.
Since Gift It specializes in selling affordable, convenient, last minute gift ideas there is much competition this tiny
company faces. In order to beat out competitors Gift It offers something which most company’s do not – delivery. Gift It
employees will deliver products straight into the hands of the customer. This personal form of delivery saves time and
hassle for customers as they are no longer required to wait in long lines or search for affordable gifts. Lastly, all Gift It
employees have been taught how to make a successful sale and in turn are able to implement their knowledge by
making sales on a personal level.
Production Process
The production process is very unique in the sense that it is made
up of many stages. By referring to Figure 2-1 one can properly
understand the complexity of the production process.
The Vice President of Sales and Marketing will set the weekly
product demand prediction ahead of time to ensure that all the
appropriate items and products for the coming week’s production
will be ordered. This is the first step in the production process and
is noted in Figure 2-1 as the first heading in the chart.
Figure 2-1
The second heading in Figure 2-1 is the designation and purchasing of orders within the production team. Once the VP
of Production updates the product inventory chart they will designate orders for the production team to fill. The
production team will then purchase the required items to fill the order for the following week’s meeting.
Production is the third heading in Figure 2-1. Gift It will ensure that production goes smoothly by setting up an assembly
line. There will be a minimum of four stations in each assembly line. The first stop of the assembly line consists of
cushioning. Only a few employees are needed at this stop and their job is to cushion the bottoms of the gift-baskets and
candy-grams with a specified amount of tissue paper. After this stop the product moves on to station two. At station two
the candy-grams, gift baskets or Wonder Boxes will be filled with the items which makeup the actual product. For
example, these items include candy, chocolate, candles etc. Station 3 is where a portion of quality control will occur.
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At this station the items placed into the gift basket, candy-gram, or gift-box are counted to ensure that a uniform
amount of items are in all the candy-grams and in all the gift baskets. This guarantees that all gift baskets, candy-grams
and Wonder Boxes are consistent. After station three the product will go to the wrapping station. The wrapping station
is the fourth and final stop in the assembly line and approximately half of all Gift It employees are to be placed at this
station. There are many employees at this particular stop as wrapping is estimated to be the assembly line’s bottleneck.
In order to get rid of this bottleneck several employees are placed at station three in order to speed up the assembly
line.
Although encountered once, each product will undergo quality control after passing through the assembly line. Quality
control is the fourth stage in Figure 2-1 and is an essential part of the production process as it ensures that the endproduct the consumer receives is flawless. Should the customer find fault with the product they will be less inclined to
purchase future products from Gift It as they will deem all Gift It products to be defected. Thus Gift It will take care to
have all its products undergo quality control more than once.
Tracking is the second last stage in the production process as is evident in Figure 2-1. It is essential as it labels each
completed product with a unique number which makes keeping track of each product easier and more manageable. By
tracking products the company will easily ensure that products are not lost, are always accounted for and most
importantly that the company is always aware of the product’s status (on hand or sold).
The last stage in the production process is designating the finished product to a sales associate. The designation of the
product is made easy due to the tracking system implemented earlier on in the production process.
Alterations to the Product
The initial gift basket is to be priced at $25. If employees come to a group consensus of lowering the original price, the
price may be reduced to $20. Since the candy-grams are comparatively inexpensive in comparison to other gift ideas,
Gift It will most likely reuse this classic idea and theme it around different holidays. For example, instead of Santa Claus
shaped chocolates during the Christmas season, the candy-grams could potentially be modified to include heart shaped
candy for Valentine’s Day. The items which make up the products will consistently be changing in order to adapt to new
holidays. Also, the themes of the Wonder Box could consistently change in order to suit customer satisfaction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Product
There are many advantages to the products Gift It will have to offer. Each item is unique and is made with time and
effort. Also, the products adapt as the year goes on. In order to fit every seasonal occasion the items which are placed
into the products will be changed regularly. The disadvantages to products from Gift It are few. One disadvantage is the
price charged for Gift It products. In order to be competitive Gift It must keep its prices low, yet to simply break even
there should be a significant profit margin. Since Gift It is a small company it will not be able to buy materials in bulk as it
needs to save as much money as possible. Also, since Gift It changes the items which go into its products, buying a large
amount of items at once would be detrimental. Thus many times Gift It products are sure to be slightly more expensive
than its competitor’s product
Future Product Expansion
Gift It plans on changing the focus of its products regularly. It plans on designing Wonder Boxes which are consumer
specific. For example, instead of a box theme of green tea, the theme could be chocolate. The items placed in the box
could include a brown mug, chocolate chip cookies, and packages of hot chocolate. The Wonder Box is extremely
versatile which makes it easy to sell. By giving each gift mug a different and unique theme Gift It will interest a larger
market and will be able to satisfy the needs of a greater market.
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Marketing and Sales
The Marketing team of Gift It is devoted to making sure that all products are circulated to sales associates, and sold to
the end consumers through various sales technique and promotional strategies. Beyond the mere process of distribution,
the team also aims to motivate the company salespeople to venture outside their social circle to make sales pitches.
Marketing Strategy
The chief marketing strategy will be to utilize direct sales, word of mouth and organized school events. Gift It is a small
company composed of young individuals striving to develop their entrepreneurial skills, so we believe the best way to go
about selling our products is through directly communicating and pitching to our customer base. By crafting products
that will be of the highest quality and selling them with due diligence in customer service, Gift It’s creations can spread
in popularity through word of mouth. As a dedicated and innovative team who is in touch with today’s consumer needs,
we will recognize the significance in producing high-quality products that enable us to build a good name of trust and
integrity. Therein lays our key competitive advantage: producing unique, hand-made products that will never fail to
please the consumer. The message we strive to convey is that Gift It is a student-run company that strictly adheres to
our motto of producing “great gifts for giving”. We will display our products through various flyers around the
community, and samples at school events to tap into a wider clientele.
Marketing Mix
Product
We will produce three distinct products: Christmas gift basket, candy gram, and the Wonder Box. The selling point of our
first product will be the wide assortment of holiday items, ranging from coffee pouches to a Santa-themed stuffed
animal and scented candle. The innovation in the candy gram will be the appealing handled cone that the variety of
sweets is packaged in. Most candy grams that are sold in schools do not come in such an eye-catching package, enabling
us to gain a competitive advantage. The Wonder Box will be filled with pre-ordered hot chocolate and cappuccino, green
tea, wafers and a mug that will look highly appealing from its ribbon-wrapped box to its colour-coordinated interior.
Price
The prices of our products will be determined through a meticulous marketing analysis that will take our projected fixed
and variable costs, profitability, sales goals, and break-even point into account. Another key factor in finalizing the prices
will be surveys that will be conducted as to what price our company members, as consumers, would be willing to pay.
Our gift basket will be $20; the candy gram will be $4; the Wonder Box will be $10.
Promotion
The Marketing department will devise the designs and information to be put on a variety of flyers and posters. The IT
team will then construct the ads on Photoshop, as it is essential to use cutting-edge technology in today’s marketing
world. Lots of eye-catching copies will be printed, distributed to sale associates, and put up around each of their
communities. As well, we will make use of public announcements, ads in school papers, and positive word of mouth. We
will aim for the exposure and publicity to garner more sales.
The Marketing and IT team will collaborate to create a professional company website that can be utilized to garner
online sales and a wider customer base. Gift It will capitalize on the power of the internet to provide detailed
descriptions about our products, including photos, prices, and company contact information. A Facebook group will be
created to promote our line of products, and our sales will come to benefit from the diverse group of friends that can be
invited by company members.
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Another collaboration will involve the creation of an official Gift It YouTube account, in which filmed videos of our
company production and IBM setting will be put up. The Marketing department will brainstorm the content, write up
scripts, and organize other behind-the-scenes production. YouTube is one of the most widely used sites by people of all
ages in the world for viewing free videos, so our company will certainly use the magnitude of such a website to not only
promote our line of products, but to also establish a name for Gift It.
We will also endeavor to tap into the corporate market by crafting a professional proposal letter to be sent out to all
company contacts that Gift It associates have connections with. By emphasizing the benevolent cause that each of the
companies will be supporting by investing in this student-run business, we hope that the corporate market can utilize
our diverse line of products as a convenient means of “team appreciation” for employees.
In short, Gift It will leave no stone unturned, no market untapped when it comes to promoting our premium, handcrafted products.
Place
By consensus, our company has decided to focus on direct sales as our chief marketing strategy. Being a small company,
we do not have the funds or a brand name to sell in retail stores. Thus, direct sales will be conducted through our sales
associates, whether it is at an organized school event, or through direct approach to customers. Our company strives to
develop and instill entrepreneurial and leadership skills, as well as a passion in each of our salespersons towards the
product they are selling. Our plan is to conduct a gross margin of sales at schools and family functions where salespeople
can easily approach those whom they are familiar with. Gradually, we hope the confidence that each of our salespersons
will build will enable them to pitch sales outside of their social circle.
Target Market
Our primary target market will vary slightly with each product. The candy gram will cater towards the teenage
demographic, as it is low in price, and appealing to the senses. The candy gram for $4 was a cuter alternative to those
that are usually sold in schools. The Wonder Box for $10 will target consumers ranging from their teens to the middleaged, as the content will be specially tailored to customer pre-orders; thus, fulfilling the needs and wants of all
prospective customers.
The Christmas gift basket will be targeted towards an older-age demographic—either older teens or adults—who don’t
mind spending a bit more for a bigger gift filled with an assortment of holiday-specific items. All aspects of our products,
including design, price, and distribution channels will be tailored with the characteristics of the target market in mind.
Competition
Direct Competition
Gift It will face many direct competitors. As all three of our products are food-oriented, these competitors can vary from
specialized gift basket companies, such as The Sweet Basket, to retail stores such as Dominion, Laura Secord, and Godiva,
among many other food-specific companies that tend to sell items like gift baskets and holiday-specific items.
As a company, we will strive to create premium-quality products to sell at affordable prices in order to succeed in such a
competitive market. The most prominent difference in our line of products, as opposed to our competitors, is that each
of our products will be hand-crafted by the individuals of our company, and will be made with customer satisfaction in
mind. While manufacturers mass-produce their holiday products, Gift It only produces a limited amount, ensuring the
uniqueness of all products.
Indirect Competition
Our indirect competitors will include a variety of other brand-name retail stores that sell sweets, coffee, and other foods,
ranging from Tim Horton’s and Starbucks, to Dairy Queen. For instance, one of our potential customers may choose to
get a “coffeeholic” a $25 gift card to Tim Horton’s for Christmas, instead of our gift basket.
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Any company that offers an enticing holiday gift will stand as an indirect competitor to Gift It. Thus, the loyalty and
satisfaction we will instill in customers, and the rapport our sales associates will build with consumers in our target
market can be leveraged to make more sales.
Sales Training
Our sales training goal will be to not only inspire and motivate each and every sales associate to sell to the best of their
ability, but to also instill a sense of pride and passion in them towards the line of products they represent. At sales
training workshops, we will emphasize professionalism, enthusiasm, and a thorough knowledge of the product, so all
customer questions can be met with helpful answers. We will conduct impromptu skits of how a salesperson can
effectively interact with a difficult customer. By organizing the company into small groups for them to engage in mock
sales pitches, we will cultivate confidence in our sellers. They will be given the opportunity to experiment with different
methods of attracting, pitching, and closing a sale.
We will stress the importance of punctual deliveries; care in handling products and cash; and to return damaged
products to be fixed, as one should never sell a product that is not in the best condition. As an incentive, we will award
certificates to the top two sales associates of the week, giving them company recognition and a 5% increase in
commission rate. We hope this will motivate the entire sales body to continue putting their best foot forward.
At Gift It, we will also recognize the importance of the salespeople’s passion about the product itself. Keeping this in
mind, a Product Design Contest will be opened for submission to all company members, and nominations will be voted
on. The winner of this creativity contest will receive company recognition, two free movie tickets, and a coveted award
for Commendable Artistic Direction. In the highly competitive business world, crafting an innovative and original line of
products is the mother to sales success.
A common philosophy at Gift It is that practice makes perfect, and we hope to give our salespeople as many
opportunities to learn, develop and succeed as possible.
.
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Finance
The finance department in Gift It, is composed of detail-oriented, valuable and hardworking individuals. We constantly
keep our company’s financial records up-to-date to maintain an accurate picture of the company’s financial status. The
responsibilities of the finance department are to protect and ensure the company’s assets, sustain the company’s
financial upkeep and provide financial insight to the company on a regular basis by voicing any concerns that may
jeopardize the stability of our financial position.
Financial Analysis
The financial position of the company is significant to the whole enterprise. Our main goal is to become a profitable
business while having fun. It is the duty of the finance department to ensure our company’s funds are safe and the
financial records are in tune with the company’s expectation.
The accounting system being used to record our company’s transactions and operations are a combination of the paperand-pen recording system and the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Our company, Gift It, is composed of 36 members – 30 students and 6 advisors. Each member of the company is
required to purchase one share valued at $25 to become a vital shareholder. A total of $900 is generated of initial
capitalization to satisfy immediate expenses.
The products offered by Gift It include, gift baskets and specially made gifts for all consumers. To keep in line with the
gift theme, we will produce three different products: Christmas Gift Basket, Candy Gram and Wonder Box. Our
Christmas gift baskets consist of premium quality chocolates, a mug to enjoy your rich and creamy hot chocolate and
cappuccino mix, an adorable and festive teddy bear, a lovely scented candle to light up those dark snowy nights and
beautifully crafted gift basket to put them all in. Our other holiday product is the candy gram. The variety of candies,
such as candy canes and chocolate, are put into a uniquely stylish cone. Our Wonder Box is a beautifully wrapped green
box with colourful ribbons containing a mug with 4 green tea bags and 2 white chocolate green tea wafers to indulge in.
The table below outlines the cost, selling price, margin and intended sales ratio of each product.
Product
Gift Basket
Candy Gram
Wonder Box
Selling Price
(incl. tax)
$ 20.00
$ 4.00
$ 10.00
Costs
$ 10.37
$ 2.22
$ 2.93
Margin
$ 17.70
$ 3.54
$ 8.85
Selling Price
(excl.13% tax)
$ 17.70
$ 3.54
$ 8.85
Sales Ratio
10%
30%
60%
100%
By the end of the fiscal period, our profit goal is $1500. This will help us breakeven and ensure that our company
continues to operate in a stable and profitable fashion.
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Profitability
Profitability is the ability of our company to produce and maintain a growth in revenue, while minimizing costs and
expenses. The profitability of our company is determined by the income statements produced.
The profit margin is a ratio that will be utilize to calculate how much sales money the company retains in earnings and is
displayed as a percentage. To determine the ratio, net income is divided by revenue (sales).
Profit margin = Net Income/Revenue = $416.85/$1967.40 = 15%
The above analysis is calculated using the data generated from income statement (reasonable scenario – refer to
Appendix B Income Statement Scenarios). This is a good indication of the hard-work and dedication of Gift It as a whole
and the financial success that will be obtained. The percentage may not be as high as preferred. However, it will
motivate the company to limit expenses and maximize revenue.
Liquidity
Liquidity is the ability to covert a company’s assets to cash quickly, without affecting the assets price, also known as
marketability. Assets that can be easily bought and sold are classified as liquid, hence cash is most liquid and our
merchandise is the least liquid of our assets. Ledger accounts and balance sheet are continuously updated to reflect
timely, accurate and real time analysis of our company’s financial position. This process allows the finance department
to monitor the financial state of the company and communicate the company’s financial progress in our weekly reviews.
Stability
The stability of the company depends on the short terms goals of the company and the ability to maximize our revenue
and minimize our expenses. As well, it is the capability of our company to pay off any sudden/emergency liabilities and
still remain profitable/unaffected.
The status on how stable our company is involves the analysis of the income statement, balance sheet and other factors.
Payments and purchase of raw materials will be regulated to maintain a positive cash flow. Our company will continue
to practice these techniques to become stable and profitable and ensure our longevity.
A quick way to understand the financial status of the company is to look at the cash flow projection for the first five
months of operation.
Opening
Cash
Position
Month
November
December
January
February
March
$
$ 900.00
$ 1,450.00
$ 1,474.60
$ 2,047.40
Cash
Outflow
Cash Inflow
$ 900.00
$ 550.00
$ 450.00
$ 860.00
$ 900.00
$
$
$ 425.40
$ 287.20
$ 300.00
Net Cash
flow
Closing
Cash
Position
$ 900.00
$ 1,450.00
$ 1,474.60
$ 2,047.40
$ 2,647.40
$ 900.00
$ 1,450.00
$ 1,474.60
$ 2,047.40
$ 2,647.40
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At the beginning of November, a total of $900 from share purchases is received. This results in a closing cash balance of
$900. In December, we would receive $550 from sales. At the end of the month, the closing balance will be $1450. In
January, $450 from sales would be received and a payout of $425.40, which would bring the closing balance to
$1474.60. In February, $860 would be made in sales and payout of $287.20 would be made to pay for the purchases of
raw materials, which leaves closing cash balance of $2047.40. In March, sales would bring in $900 and a payout of $300
would be made, which would result in a closing balance of $2647.40.
Cash Forecast
$3,000.00
$2,500.00
$2,000.00
Opening Cash Position
$1,500.00
Cash Inflow
$1,000.00
Cash Outflow
$500.00
Net Cashflow
$0.00
Closing Cash Position
Break-Even Analysis
One of the main goals of our company, Gift It, is to achieve profits from the sales of our product. To determine when our
company will become profitable, the break-even point needs to be calculated. The three products that would be taken
into consideration to determine the breakeven point are: the seasonal gift basket, candy gram and Wonder Box. The
breakeven point is essential in determining the feasibility of our business plans.
To determine the break-even point, a few assumptions were made to produce sales ratios for the products. The gift
baskets will be sold at a sales ratio of 10% and the candy grams will be sold at 30% because these are seasonal products
with a short selling time frame. On the other hand, Wonder Box will be sold at a ratio of 60% because of the longer time
frame available for selling.
(Refer to Appendix B Breakeven Analysis for assumption details).
Page 13 of 38
The breakeven point is calculated by dividing fixed cost by variable cost. The variable cost, includes commissions, and is
equal to the sum of the cost of the three products multiplied by their sales ratio.
Fixed Cost
Wages:
Salaries:
Bank Fee:
$ 517.50
$ 210.00
$ 100.00
JA Fee:
Total fixed cost:
$ 120.00
$ 947.50
Variable Cost
Gift Basket
Candy Gram
Wonder Box
Total variable cost
Cost With
Commission
$ 10.37
$ 2.22
$ 2.93
Margin
(w/commission)
$ 9.63
$ 1.78
$ 7.07
$ 5.74
Sales Ratio
10%
30%
60%
100%
Variable cost (sum of sale ratios * margin) = $5.74
Fixed cost = $947.50
Breakeven point
= 947.50/5.74
=165 units (expected amount to sell)
= ~ 6 units/person
Our break-even point is 165 units, which means each person in our company will have to sell 6 units for Gift It to breakeven. The prospect of selling 6 units per person is highly achievable because our products are well-researched, fairly
priced and attractive. Therefore, it is clear that this venture has the potential to be a success financially, as well as a
valuable learning opportunity for its members.
Feasibility:
By utilizing breakeven analysis, our company has been able to determine the point at which the products we have
chosen will become profitable. Using this knowledge, Gift It can determine the company’s overall sales goals
Our main goal is to quickly reach breakeven. The prospect of each person selling the 6 units is highly achievable because
this is a reasonably low amount. Also, our products are well-researched, fairly priced and attractive. Our breakeven
analysis will foreshadow when our products will begin to bring in profits.
In order to be more secure about the company’s financial status, three scenarios were created for the income
statement, which are Worst Case, Reasonable Case and Best Case. All net income stated are before the 50% JA tax.
Under the Worst Case, only 30 gift baskets, 340 candy grams and 30 Wonder Boxes are sold. This generates a net loss of
$259.50. For Reasonable Case, 30 gift baskets, 90 candy grams and 180 Wonder Boxes are sold and the company will
end up with a net income of $416.85 is made. Under Best Case, 135 gift baskets, 30 candy grams and 135 Wonder Boxes
are sold, which will bring in a net income of $819.17. (Refer to Appendix B Feasibility Analysis for further information)
Based on the information generated from the breakeven analysis and the various income statement scenarios, Gift It has
the potential to a successfully and financially stable venture. The above projected information is financial guidelines for
the company to run successful with the proposed three products – gift basket, candy gram and Wonder Box.
Page 14 of 38
Human Resources
Attendance and Minutes
The designated Attendance Specialist will arrive at the boardroom 10 minutes prior to every meeting and will check off
each member as they enter the room. If a written leave of absence form is not completed (see Appendix C for Leave of
Absence Form) for any absent members, he or she will subsequently contact them via phone to request a reason for
absence. The Attendance Specialist will update the Attendance Spreadsheet every meeting, and send the updated
spreadsheet to the Vice President of Human Resources for final revision and approval. The Vice President of Human
Resources will send copies of the updated Attendance Spreadsheet to all management team members every week.
Minutes for Company Meetings and Board of Directors Meetings will be taken by the designated Corporate Secretary
every week. After completion of the minutes the Corporate Secretary will edit it in accordance to official minute-taking
format as laid out by the Junior Achievement Participant Workbook. The final copy will be submitted to the Vice
President of Human Resources, who will make final revisions. The Vice President of Human Resources will submit copies
of the finished minutes to all management team members every week. He or she will also keep an accurate record of all
minutes for instant access at the request of a management team member or advisor.
Minutes for Management Team Meetings will be taken by the Vice President of Human Resources. He or she will edit
the material and submit it to the President. The President will distribute copies of the Management Team Meeting
Minutes to all management team members.
Rights and Responsibilities of Company Members
It is the responsibility of every member of Gift It to become a shareholder by purchasing a share in the company. Shares
are $25 each, and each member is allowed to possess maximum of one share. Shareholders are given the right to sit on
Board of Directors Meetings. Each shareholder is given one vote in motions to be decided upon during Company and
Board of Director Meetings.
It is the responsibility of all members to promptly and effective accomplish all tasks assigned to them, and contribute to
the overall success of Gift It.
Company members have the right to voice their opinions on any issues concerning the company. Any complaints or
areas of concern should be direct towards the Vice President of Human Resources, and the matter will be dealt with
swiftly and decisively.
Compensation, Incentives, and Benefits
Each Gift It company member will receive compensation that will vary depending on the number of Company Meetings
he or she attends. The compensation rate for management team members is $2.00 per meeting attended. The
compensation rate for non-management members is $1.50 per meeting attended.
In addition, company salespersons will earn 10% commission on all revenue generated on behalf of the company.
The Gift It Sales Incentive Program will recognize the top two company salespersons for every sales week. These
individuals will receive 15% commission on all sales made during that week, as well as a certificate recognizing their
accomplishment.
Page 15 of 38
Company Morale
At Gift It, we recognize the impact of company morale on overall efficiency and productivity. As the Junior Achievement
program is primarily a learning experience for our nation’s future business leaders, our top priority is to provide a
comfortable, invigorating working environment for all company members. Every individual should feel that their
opinions are valued and their ideas of import. For these reasons, Gift It will implement the following functions during
Company and Board of Directors Meetings:
15 minute mandatory break time every meeting, to be held prior to commencement of production. During this
time, members will have access to various amenities such as vending machines and computers.
Snacks and refreshments are to be provided voluntarily by company members for every Company and Board of
Directors Meeting. Throughout the tenure of this company it is expected that every single company member
contribute at least once to this cause. The Vice President of Human Resources will keep a record of individuals
who contribute every week.
During the production period, members will be permitted to broadcast music to maintain a positive atmosphere
In order to ensure the success of our company, management team members will dedicate portions of their
spare time to attending management meetings. We intend to hold meetings via web messenger once per month.
As well, the management team will stay behind 10-20 minutes after every weeks meeting in order to summarize
the day’s events and obtain feedback from advisors.
In addition, various events will be executed throughout the year in order to maintain high company morale. Events may
include but are not limited to holiday parties, awards banquets, and company-wide distribution of gifts. These events
shall be organized and coordinated by the Human Resources team, with possible assistance from the President and the
Marketing Team.
Termination of Employment
Company members that refuse to abide by company by-laws or directives stated in the Business Plan may be asked to
leave the company. Candidates for termination of employment will be put forth during Management Team meetings. A
vote shall be held, and the individual can only be terminated through unanimous consensus from management team
members. In such a circumstance, exit interviews shall be conducted by the Vice President of Human Resources.
Page 16 of 38
Information Technology
Communication
The Information Technology (IT) department will be in charge of the technological aspects of the company. The IT
department is responsible for finding ways that information and/or technology can be used to achieve the goals of the
company. We intend to help out the company by developing communication among company members and our
customers. The IT department shall aid with online collaboration and will help with online advertisement. These actions
will be a useful aid for the company to accomplish its goal. The IT department has to work with the other department
during the meetings.
Company Website Construction and Use
The IT department is building a company website and the members of the IT department are doing their best to create
the website. By constructing a website, it will benefit the company by helping it reach a larger target market. The
website will inform the customers, who run the company, the goals and the objectives of the company. The website will
work the help of the marketing and sales department to accomplish a well standard website for the company. The
website will contain the product information, a sales check out online catalogue, pictures of our products, about the
company, our sponsors, and how to contact us. The website will be displayed at
http://www.giftit-ja.goods.officelive.com Figure 3-1 is a screenshot of our website.
Figure 3-1
Page 17 of 38
Collaboration with Marketing Department
With the collaboration of marketing and sales department, we can help their advertising plans technically. The IT team
will create a poster/ flyer to help market our business. The poster/flyer would have contact information to our company
and it would be a much useful key to attract customers. Figure 3-2 is the poster used to promote our Christmas Candy
Gram
The IT team has created a business email for the company itself, where only the management and the IT Team has
utilized a website ( Keepandshare.com ) to post all notes and company related documents. Technology is always
improving the way we do things and now information technology is significant for any business. A Facebook group is
created for the company to display pictures and information about the products. This group is made by the IT
department in order to help increase our sales. The IT department also created videos of the company to be displayed
on ‘You Tube’, one of the most spectacular sites for videos to be viewed by the public. As you can see, technology has
developed so many ways, and as the IT department, it’s our goal to help pursue an increase in our overall percentage in
productivity for the company. Overall the IT team is there to help build a communication system between all of the
members in the company and establish an online environment to promote the company’s product. In order for a
business to turn out successful, it needs a talented IT department to help it give the dramatic edge for the flourishing
business.
Figure 3-2
Page 18 of 38
Health and Safety
The Health and Safety department of Gift It is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all the company’s
members. The department’s job is to make certain that there is a safe working environment and that the health and
safety guidelines are strictly followed.
Statement of Intent
This statement outlines the company’s beliefs in relation to the department of Health and Safety. This comprises the
need for the management team and its employees’ responsibilities to ensure a safe environment and workplace. Health
and Safety is a fundamental need that will not be overlooked by management or employees.
Risks
Gift It has identified the following health and safety risks that are to be addressed and followed by the management
team and employees.
Dangerous Behaviour
Violent behaviour is not acceptable during company meetings. Any form of violence will not be tolerated at meetings or
at break times. Kicking, pushing, shoving, punching, hitting, and etc. are unacceptable. Physical abuse brings harm to
people and their health and safety is then threatened. If any property is damaged or an employee is injured, there will
be consequences. To prevent any of this from happening, rules will be addressed to the company’s members during
meetings. Gift It has a commitment in maintaining a safe workplace. In the event that such behaviour occurs, Gift It has
Accident Reports that are available to be filled out in order to decide an appropriate measure of action (see Appendix D).
Product problems
Before products are sold, the goods are to be checked for any damages; damages such as opened packages and broken
glass. If there are any damages, the items are not to be used for the final product. To avoid damaging products, the
goods are to be handled with care. Witness of any theft of company property will be reported to the management team.
Production Line
Before production begins, employees are informed of what the safety regulations are. These rules are mandatory. The
production area is to be cleared for safety hazards. When production begins, employees are to not be distracted while
making the products for the risk of injury is higher. It is important to remember that employees are on task and are not
fooling around. The workforce is to be careful when handling sharp or dangerous objects such as Exacto knives or
scissors and once production is complete; all materials are to be put away in their respective locations.
Roles and Responsibilities
Gift It’s President and Vice Presidents will cooperate together to come up with health and safety rules concerning the
safety of the company’s members. The rules will then be imposed and is to be followed by everyone. With these rules,
the risk of having accidents and emergencies will decrease. To make this possible, not only are the VPs going to inform
the employees about these rules but as well as the Managers and the President.
All employees are required to follow these regulations. The management team will remind employees what the rules are
at meetings. If the employees neglect these guidelines, a warning will be given. If the individual continue to disobey the
rules, he or she will be reported to the supervisors and will be accounted to their acts there.
Page 19 of 38
Health and Safety Guidelines
To ensure the safety of Gift It’s management team and employees, the VP of Health and Safety is to address the safety
rules and regulations to the company. The Vice President is required to know the basic first aid skills if any injuries or
accidents occur during company work hours. If an emergency does occur, immediately contact 911. In the time that
relief arrives, the VP is to administrate the proper first-aid skills towards the injured worker. However, for minor
accidents or injuries, a first aid kit should be the first priority before an emergency call.
Cuts & Scrapes
With first aid kits, minor cuts and scrapes can easily be treated. However, if these are not properly cared for, infection
may become an obstacle and worsen the state of the wound. For major cuts or scrapes, professional care would be
needed to tend the wound. The following are Gift It’s protocol when dealing with minor cuts and scrapes.
Add pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding
Apply water to the wound to wash the blood away
Clean the wound
When the bleeding is controlled, maintain and secure dressings with bandages
Changes bandages often to avoid infections
The following are Gift It’s protocol when dealing with major cuts and scrapes:
Stop the bleeding by applying pressure
Clean the wound
It is advised that you get stitches if the wound is deep (a trip to the emergency room may be necessary)
Page 20 of 38
Appendix A: Executive Team Résumés
Faraz Alidina
8 Hans Dr, Markham, Ontario, L6C 1T3
Home: (905) 887-6762 Cell: (416) 312-6757 Email: [email protected]
Objective
To acquire valuable experience and understanding of entrepreneurship and economics and, as well,
to further develop my interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Skills Profile
Have a high level of problem solving, leadership and teamwork skills
Desire, determination and will to fulfill set goals
Education
Currently attending Unionville High School and expecting graduation in June 2011
Experience
Gift It – A Junior Achievement Company
President
November 2008 to Present
Monitored company activities and supervised Vice-Presidents
Resolved financial, personnel, marketing, production and sales issues
Presided at all company and Board of Directors Meetings
Provided leadership in development of the Business Plan
Achievements
Top Salesperson of the Week Award of Gift It – A Junior Achievement Company
Five time winner of this award
Currently sold $481 worth of products
Provincial Qualifier of DECA Competition in Automotive Service Marketing
Demonstrated analytical, communication, independence and problem solving skills in a student’s business marketing
competition
Placed 7th in Regional Tournament and won a Top 20 Oral Medal in Provincial Tournament with a score of 95/100
Achieved an overall regional score of 175/200, and an overall provincial score of 245/300
Town of Markham Leadership in Training Course Certification
Attended course that enhanced my leadership and teamwork abilities
Honor Roll
Achieved an above 80% average in the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years
3rd Place in Public Speaking Competition
Granted this award after delivering a speech on oil spills
Current First Aid & CPR Certification
Certification to expire in 2011
Volunteer Experience
Current Junior Portfolio Member of Ismaili Volunteer Corps
Organized, directed and managed Youth Games Night I and Youth Games Night II with an average attendance of 130 youth
at Unionville Ismaili Khane (local mosque)
Have been assigned group of junior volunteers who I assist in performing various voluntary services on a weekly basis and
have been given “Big Brother” Title
Page 21 of 38
Aparna Bhushan
1 Addington Square, Unionville, ON, L3R 7M9
Phone: 905-943-7265 Email: [email protected]
Education:
Unionville High School: 2005 – present
Skills:
Proficient at working without supervision; self-directed
Great communicator, and experienced team worker
Exceptional organizational and time managing abilities
Expertise in Microsoft Office applications, Photoshop, and Macromedia Flash
Fluent in English and Hindi
Accomplishments:
Attained a black belt in tae-kwon-do at Master Myung’s Tae Kwon Do Academy
Attained the Standard First Aid with CPR-C certificate from the Lifesaving Society
Attained the High Five certificate of training from Parks and Recreation Canada
Honour Roll student for past 3 years (80% plus average)
Table Tennis regional doubles champion (2005)
Won third-place regionally for the DECA business competition (2007) and was the silver medalist for overall category
(2008)
Awarded the technology award in 2005
Awarded the outstanding achievement of academics award in 2005
Awarded the athletic award in 2005
Professional Experience:
Buttonville Kumon Center
Unionville, ON
2006-2007
Tutor
Tutored mathematics and English at levels ranging from pre-school to high school.
Acquired valuable insight into communicating and interacting with children.
Gained valuable organizational and time management skills.
Unionville Kumon Center
Unionville, ON
2007 – present
Tutor
Provided one-on-one tutoring services for Kumon students
Marked all tests, quizzes, and homework
Helped students improve and understand a variety of advanced mathematical concepts
Trained in the Junior Kumon program in order to teach pre-school children a variety of mathematical and language concepts
Tae-Kwon-Do
Unionville, ON
2004-present
Instructor
Instructed groups ranging from one to ten people at a time
Gained leadership skills through leading the class daily in warm-ups and daily practices
Learned time management skills through managing daily exercises in coordination accordance with class time.
Acquired organization skills through organizing tournaments with several other Tae-Kwon-Do academies.
Page 22 of 38
Math tutor
Tutor
Unionville, ON
2008 – present
Provided one-on-one tutoring services for all levels of math ranging from kindergarten to grade 11 mathematics
Gained valuable problem-solving techniques and methods
Developed time management skills due to time restraints upon lessons
Learned how to accommodate to different learning styles
Other Experience:
Tennis Team
Unionville, ON
2008 – present
Senior Mixed Doubles
Demonstrated teamwork in a variety of high pressure situations
Participated daily in cardiovascular, muscular, and endurance training sessions
Achieved a sense of pride and accomplishment, discovered that struggle is beneficial and learned to accept defeat with grace
Debate Club
Unionville, ON
2006 – present
President
Planned, organized and executed all fundraising activities
Initiated communication with regional schools to develop a Debate Society, which now facilitates the regional debate
tournaments
Implemented internal marketing campaigns targeted at club awareness and membership recruitment
Founded the Unionville High School debate team
Model UN
Unionville, ON
2008 – present
President and Head Delegate
Founder of the Model UN team at Unionville High school
Took initiative to plan and organize methods of transportation and accommodation to and from Ottawa to attend a nationally held
bilingual University level conference
Networked with members from Canada’s UN embassy to raise travel funding which resulted in gained exposure to professional
business conduct, mannerisms and expectations
Robotics Team
Unionville, ON
2005 – 2006
Public Relations Director
Actively sought out corporate partners and also maintained existing corporate relations
Created sponsorship packages and worked on a team to raise over $10,000
Developed initiative and problem solving skills, improved ability to work on simultaneous projects and work effectively under
pressure
Student Council
Unionville, ON
2007 – present
Special Events Grade Representative
Student elected representative for the entire junior year in school spirit activities
Assist in organizing and managing the events held monthly by student council in order to generate school spirit
Assisted in planning and supervising the grade 9 leadership conference
QLEAD (Queen’s Leadership, Excellence and Development Conference) Unionville, ON
2007
Delegate
Queen’s Leadership, Excellence and Development Conference is held by the Queen’s business school which handpicked 200
delegates all over Ontario based upon their leadership abilities.
Awarded the “Delegate with most leadership” award while at the conference
Gained valuable insight into the realm of business
Page 23 of 38
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)
Unionville, ON
2005-present
Executive
Position Held: Head student Delegate
Developed communication, analytic, critical thinking, and teamwork skills during weekly practices of business case studies
Finished 2nd place overall in my chosen category in the 2008 regional competition
Lead a number of meetings and taught groups of students about the basic fundamentals of marketing, economics, and proper
business procedure.
Grade 9 Day
Unionville, ON
2008
Team Leader
Welcomed and toured the grade 9 students around the school premises
Informed students of all the excellent opportunities Unionville High School has to offer
Lead groups through various trust games and motivated students to initiate new friendships
Junior Achievement
Unionville, ON
2008-present
Vice- President of Production
Supervise all members (35+ members) in the production process of the final product
Responsible for developing a production plan which requires me to analyze production costs, develop production schedules,
set out production goals, and lastly, develop a system for monitoring product quality
In order to reach the most low-cost price on goods, I find contractors and negotiate prices and deadlines in order to ensure
that the goods arrive on time for production
maintain production records and monitor supplies of raw materials so that production orders for the following week are
accurate
Trained Responders
Unionville, ON
2007-present
Executive Member
Ensured that the student body was guaranteed SFA (standard First Aid) personnel at all times
Gained the invaluable ability of dealing with high pressure situations
Learned how to act quickly under pressure
Acquired ability of calming one in serious bodily harm in addition to making them feel safe and secure
References:
Available upon request.
Page 24 of 38
Linda Zhang
9075 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 0L2
Phone: (905) 597-5645 Email: [email protected]
Objective:
To develop my entrepreneurial skills and acquire valuable insights into the marketing and sales sector of the business world.
Highlight of Qualifications:
Strong teamwork and leadership skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Determined, ambitious, and tactful
Education:
Currently attending Langstaff Secondary School, and expecting graduation in 2011
Work/ Volunteer Experience:
Thornhill Youth Council
October 2008- Present
Selected to be in leadership council known for organizing charitable events to raise money and awareness for various causes
Organized and supervised Christmas Jam; ran drive for canned foods to donate to shelter groups
Planning upcoming annual Fashion4Causes to raise money for Kids Help Phone
Youth Action Network—Board of Directors
Summer 2008- Present
Secretary
Secretary of national non-profit youth organization whose mandate is to promote youth activism, and to provide a voice and means for youth
to affect change
Record minutes of monthly meetings for planning, discussing and organizing events such as the anti-Racism conference (Ruckus!); Youth
Week; re:Action for Inclusion
Votes and puts forth suggestions as a member of the Board
FORUM Editor
Editor of YAN’s affiliated national magazine, FORUM
Call for submissions through official website; edit articles, poems, and various other submissions for publication
Winter 2008/2009 issue of FORUM’s theme: Building Alliances
Gift It- A Junior Achievement Company
November 2008- Present
Vice-President of Marketing and Sales
Led a department of company individuals in creating a marketing strategy by conducting thorough market research and price analysis
Trained sales force through various workshops; fuelled passion in salespeople through incentive programs
Planned advertising and publicity campaigns to promote line of company products
Implemented a Product Design Contest to inspire creativity and passion
Drafted a sales pitch letter targeting the corporate market
Collaborated with IT team to craft content of company website and YouTube videos
Recorded weekly sales data
Achievements:
Top Salesperson of the Week Award of Gift It, Junior Achievement Company
Newspaper Editor
Public Speaking Competition- Second Place
OPC Award- Meritorious Service to the School
Grade 10 Piano RCM Exams
Spelling Bee Ontario Finals- Top 15
OPC- Principal’s Student Leadership Award
Honour Roll
Page 25 of 38
2009
2008
2007
2007
2006
2005
2005
2005-2008
Elaine Giang
1 Iangrove Terrace, Scarbrough, Ontario M1W 2H9
Phone: (416) 497-0765 Cell: (647) 882-7665 [email protected]
Career Objective:
To develop my entrepreneurship skills and enhance my knowledge in the financial aspects of the business world
Summary of Qualification:
Fluent in English and Cantonese
Strong communication and organization skills
Detail oriented, helpful, self-motivated, friendly
Bookkeeping and finance experiences
Computer user – Microsoft Office (Word/Excel), Internet and email
Education:
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Will receive OSSD in June, 2009
Scarborough, Ontario
2005 - present
CPR-C Certification
Recertified on a yearly basis; currently certified.
Standard First Aid Certification
Received certification on November 12, 2006; expires on November 12, 2009
Co-Curricular Involvement:
Junior Achievement
Markham, ON
November 2008 – present
Vice-President of Finance
Kept track and manage all the financial aspects of the Junior Achievement company, Gift-it
Manage and delegate tasks to a financial team of 5 members
Work together with other departments (e.g. Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Productions) to maintain meticulous and
accurate, up-to-date financial records
Prepared regular financial statements for company to display its financial status
Drama Club – Stage Manger
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Currently stage manager for school play
Schedule and run rehearsals
Aid director; make sure everything runs well
Advise cast and crew on tasks
2008 – present
Music Council – Treasurer
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Kept track of club budget
Involved and assisted with music related and school events
2006 - present
High School Emergency Responder Team (HSERT) – Treasurer – High School First Aid Team in Partnership with Toronto EMS
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
2006 - present
Provide first aid for school events; learned how to work quick and efficiently under pressure
Do weekly first aid medical patrols around school
Manage the financial aspect of the club, e.g. kept track and received fees needed for first aid courses
Receive volunteer hours for weekly patrols and providing first aid at school events
Provided first aid for the Rugby season in April to May 2008 and Fall 2008
Page 26 of 38
Community Involvement:
Willowdale Community Christian Assembly
Summer 2007
Helped out at a kids’ summer camp in all areas, e.g. math, science, creative writing, arts & craft, games, lunch.
Sir Ernest Macmillan Senior P.S.
2005 - 2006
Assisted teachers in marking, preparing materials, photocopying, and making telephone calls
Achievements:
Grade 11 Core French, L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Certificate of Participation, Toronto EMS HSERT
Certificate of Achievement (Basic), Toronto EMS Medical Venturer Scouts
Certificate of Distinction (Cayley), Canadian Mathematic Competition
Grade 10 Girls Healthy Active Living Award, L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Grade 9 Integrated Technology Award, L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Grade 8 Top Class Academic Medal, Sir Ernest Macmillan Public School
Grade 8 History Award, Sir Ernest Macmillan Public School
Special Interests:
Reading, swimming, computer and internet user
References available upon request
Page 27 of 38
June 2008
June 2008
June 2007
June 2007
June 2007
June 2006
June 2005
June 2005
William Zhang
22 St Moritz Way Unit 10, Markham, ON, L3R 4G4
Phone: (905)-948-1422 Email: [email protected]
Objective: To obtain knowledge of the day-to-day workings of a business through a part-time or summer job
Achievements:
Student in TDSB Gifted program 2002-2007
93.4% Academic Average
Certified in Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid by the Lifesaving Society
Placed 2nd nationally with score of 39 out of 40 on CNML (Canadian National Mathematics
League) Math Contest in 2006, and scored 37 out of 40 in 2007
Achieved Golden Standard on the 2008 Fryer Mathematics Contest
Placed in top 20 oral examinations at the provincial level of DECA business competition
Academic Honour Roll 2005-2009
Work Experience:
Grocery Clerk
John’s No Frills
June 2008 - Present
Organized and distributed incoming stock on shelves, handling a wide variety of products such as canned goods, dairy, perishables
and bakery items
Regularly provided customer service, such as assisting in locating specific products and fielding miscellaneous inquiries
Maintained store cleanliness
Submitted regular reports regarding up to date product quantities
Vice President of Human Resources
October 2008 – Present
Junior Achievement Company Program
Seated member on company board of directors
assigned wages, salaries, and commissions to company members, and distributed payment
In charge of taking minutes during board meetings, as well as the maintenance of minute, attendance, and shareholder records
Responsible for upholding company morale
Volunteer Experience:
As member of the Rwanda Youth Curators, works with staff from Markham Museum and the Heritage Schoolhouse on showcases
educating the public on genocide
Member of organizational committee and school representative for the 2008 and 2009 Fusion Conferences, an annual event of
workshops promoting equity, also served as MC for the 2008 event
Three-time student secretary for teacher during Parent-Teacher Interview Night
Volunteered with WWII Veterans at Markham Theatre on Remembrance Day
Assisted in coaching of Coledale Elementary School senior volleyball team
Leadership Experience
Through faculty nomination, appointed member of school Peer Mediation Team
Elected Grade 10 Representative for Unionville High School Student Council
President, Unionville High School Debate Club. Also director of school Debate Team
Vice President of REACH For The Top Trivia Team
Activities:
Member of Trained Responders Team
Member of Games Club
1st Violin in Unionville High School Repertoire Strings Orchestra
Computer/Language Skills:
Intensive experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Able to type accurately at 60 Words per Minute
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese
Education:
Unionville High School
Hobbies:
Violin (grade 8 RCM, 4 years of private lessons)
Swimming
Reading
References available upon request
Page 28 of 38
2007 - Present
Tharsika Thavarajah
81 Brookmill Boulevard Unit 94 ,Toronto, Ontario , M1E 2M9
Phone: 416-756-7291 E-mail: [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position in a fun and fast-paced environment where I can contribute to an organization’s
success and be able to utilize my strong communication and people oriented skills.
Highlights of Qualifications:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, work equally well one-on-one or in a team
setting
Dependable, multi-task oriented, flexible, positive, able to adapt effectively to challenging and
emergency situations
Have exceptional rapport with people; work professionally with the general public in a variety
of settings
Strong computer skills
Fluent in Tamil
Employment:
July 2008- August 2008
Toronto, Ontario
Del Management Solutions Inc.
Property Administrator (Co-op Placement)
Completed paid work co-op at a privately managed Toronto Community Housing site
Greeted Tenants at front reception and directed inquiries to appropriate staff
Completed work orders using Easytrac Software and followed up to ensure Tenant satisfaction
Helped to calculate rental charges using Rent Geared to Income policies and procedures
Completed correspondence regarding rental charges/arrears and ensured Tenants received
correspondence in a timely manner
Volunteer experience:
October 2008 - March 2009
Toronto, Ontario
Gift It, Junior Achievement Company.
Vice President of Information & Technology
Conduct website for company
Helped with making posters, flyers, videos, certificates
Implemented computer skills by helping the management with technology aspects they needed.
September 2007-June 2007
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto District School Board
Educational Assistant
Helped to mark class work
Coordinated indoor/outdoor activities
Conducted group activities allowing children to become more comfortable and creative
Implemented social life skills through arts & crafts activities
May 2007
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto District School Board
Page 29 of 38
Fun Fair Assistant
Coordinated activities for 4 to 6 year old kindergarten children
Participated in setup of Fun Fair
Helped recruit High School volunteers for event
Education:
Present
L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute
Toronto, Ontario
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Expected 2010
References available upon request
Page 30 of 38
Jeanne Zeng
69 Kevi Crescent, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3C9
Phone: (905) 763-7849 Email: [email protected]
Career Objective:
To understand more about the business world, as well as learning more about the medical field.
Personal Profile:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Hard-working , reliable and committed
Organized and responsible
Great independent and teamwork skills
Fluent in both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Hakka)
Highlight of Qualifications:
Excellent attendance record
High averages in school
Great adaptability skills
Accomplishments and Awards:
Honor Roll in 2007 & 2008
Academic and Performance Honors in 2007
Certified in First Aid and CPR
3rd Place in Christ the King Public Speaking Contest in 2007
4th Place in Christ the King Public Speaking Contest in 2006
Work / Volunteer Experience:
Sunrise senior home helper in 2008-present day
Currently in RACE and Red Cross
Gift It – a Junior Achievement Company
2008 - 2009
Vice President of Health and Safety
*ensured the health and safety of everyone
*Revised important safety rules at meetings
2008 Campaign Elections (canvassing)
Autumn 2007
Doncrest Public School
*Volunteered at the Reading Buddy program
*Helped teach younger students math
*Helped teachers mark tests and input grades
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Education:
Completing Grade 10 at Langstaff Secondary School
Page 31 of 38
Appendix B: Finance
Breakeven Analysis
Breakeven Assumptions
The sales ratio (see variable chart below) had to be assumed in order to breakeven.
Product #1: Gift Basket
This product is a seasonal item sold only during the Christmas season. The predicted sales ratio for this product
is 10%. This is reasonable because there is a short time frame for production and sale of this product.
Furthermore, the content and price of the gift basket is target at a specific audience, adults, who would find the
product more appealing than younger generations.
Product #2: Candy Gram
The Candy Gram is another of Gift It’s seasonal product. However, this product is at a very affordable price and it
is packaged beautifully. Therefore, this sales ratio will be set higher than the gift basket at 30%. Due to the
affordability, the target audience will increase as it is more attainable.
Product #3: Wonder Box
The Wonder Box will have a higher sales ratio than the previous two products because of the longer time frame
available for selling as well as production. Also, extensive market research was conducted before Gift It
manufactured this appealing and sophisticated product. The sales ratio will be set at 60%. The desirable pricing
for this product is relatively affordable to both high school students and adults. Therefore the target audience
would be expanded compared to the seasonal products.
Breakeven Point
Fixed Cost
Wages:
Salaries:
Bank Fee:
$727.50
$210.00
$100.00
JA Fee:
Total fixed cost:
$120.00
$1157.50
Product
Gift Basket
Candy Gram
Wonder Box
Variable Cost
Cost With
Margin
Commission
(w/commission)
$ 10.37
$ 9.63
$ 2.22
$ 1.78
$ 2.93
$ 7.07
Sales Ratio
10%
30%
60%
Breakeven Point
= fixed cost/variable cost
=$1157.50/(($9.63*0.1)+($1.78*0.3)+($7.07*0.6))
=$1157.50/5.739
=200.6902 units
=7 units/person
Page 32 of 38
Feasibility Analysis
Information/Assumption
Cost With
*Cost w/o
Margin
Margin (w/o
Variable Cost
Revenue
Commission
Commission
(w/commission)
commission)
Gift Basket
$ 20.00
$ 10.37
$ 8.60
$ 9.63
$ 11.40
Candy Gram
$ 4.00
$ 2.22
$ 1.86
$ 1.78
$ 2.14
Wonder Box
$ 10.00
$ 2.93
$ 2.04
$ 7.07
$ 7.96
*used to calculate costs of items in income statement scenarios; commission is accounted for already in income
statement
Expenses
Amount
**Payroll Expense $ 727.50
Commission
10% of revenue w/o taxes
Bank Charges
$ 100.00
JA Fee
$ 120.00
GST Tax Expense
5% of revenue
PST Tax Expense
8% of revenue
**Assuming all members attend all meetings
% Distribution
Gift Basket
Candy Gram
Wonder Box
Worst Case
Reasonable Case Best Case
10%
10%
80%
30%
10%
60%
Page 33 of 38
45%
10%
45%
Income Statement Scenarios
*Assuming 300 products are sold in each scenario
Worse Case
Sold:
30 gift baskets
240 candy grams
30 Wonder Box
Total:
Cost
$ 258.00
$ 446.40
$ 61.20
$ 765.60
Revenue
$ 600.00
$ 960.00
$ 300.00
$ 1,860.00
Gift It
Income Statement
Fiscal Period Ended March 31,2009
Revenue
Sales
Cost
Gross Profit
$
$
$
1,860.00
765.60
1,094.40
Expenses
Wages Expense
Commissions
Bank Charges
JA Fee
GST Tax Expense
PST Tax Expense
Total Expenses
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
727.50
164.60
100.00
120.00
93.00
148.80
1,353.90
Net Income
$
(259.50)
JA Tax @ 50%
$
129.75
Net Income After JA Tax
$
(129.75)
DIVIDEND PER SHARE
RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT (per annum)
$
(4.33)
-17%
Page 34 of 38
Reasonable Case
Sold:
30 gift baskets
90 candy grams
180 Wonder Box
Total:
Cost
$ 258.00
$ 167.40
$ 367.20
$ 792.60
Revenue
$
600.00
$
360.00
$
1,800.00
$
2,760.00
Gift It
Income Statement
Fiscal Period Ended March 31,2009
Revenue
Sales
Cost
Gross Profit
$
$
$
2,760.00
792.60
1,967.40
Expenses
Wages Expense
Commissions
Bank Charges
JA Fee
GST Tax Expense
PST Tax Expense
Total Expenses
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
727.50
244.25
100.00
120.00
138.00
220.80
1,550.55
Net Income
$
416.85
JA Tax @ 50%
$
(208.43)
Net Income After JA Tax
$
208.43
DIVIDEND PER SHARE
RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT (per annum)
$
6.95
28%
Page 35 of 38
Best Case
Sold:
135 gift baskets
30 candy grams
135 Wonder Box
Total:
Cost
$ 1,161.00
$
55.80
$
275.40
$
1,492.20
Revenue
$ 2,700.00
$ 120.00
$ 1,350.00
$ 4,170.00
Gift It
Income Statement
Fiscal Period Ended March 31,2009
Revenue
Sales
Cost
Gross Profit
$ 4,170.00
$ 1,492.20
$ 2,677.80
Expenses
Wages Expense
Commissions
Bank Charges
JA Fee
GST Tax Expense
PST Tax Expense
Total Expenses
$ 727.50
$ 369.03
$ 100.00
$ 120.00
$ 208.50
$ 333.60
$ 1,858.63
Net Income
$
JA Tax @ 50%
$ (409.59)
Net Income After JA Tax
$
409.59
DIVIDEND PER SHARE
RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT (per annum)
$
13.65
819.17
55%
Page 36 of 38
Appendix C: Human Resources
Leave of Absence Form
Page 37 of 38
Appendix D: Health and Safety
Accident Report
Accident Report
It does not matter how minor the incident, each accident that occurs while engaging in JA activities MUST be recorded
(for insurance purposes). A Consultant must complete this Accident Report and forward it to the JA office as soon as
possible. Please phone the JA office if you are unsure of this procedure.
Date:
Week:
Meeting Area:
JA Company:
Completed By:
Business Phone #:
Home Phone #:
Name of Participant Involved:
Phone Number:
Parent's Name:
Brief Description of Occurrence:
Description of Action Taken:
Who Else Can Be Contacted for Additional Information:
Signed:
Page 38 of 38