SHORT OF INVESTING - Paragon Business Improvement

www.paragon-bi.com
.
PARAGON: YOUR IN-HOUSE CONSULTANT
Thirteen years young, Paragon Business Improvement is run by consultants
with a combined experience that exceeds 50 years. Together, they bring to
Paragon a portfolio over 250 consulting projects spanning a wide variety of
economic sectors and serving large and small enterprises across the Levant &
Gulf amongst other world regions.
Business improvement, our core competence, is very often an exercise in
organizational re-engineering. It may involve revisiting overall strategy, identifying
core competencies, studying market viability, financial health, financial feasibility,
operational workflows, organization structure, human resource potentials,
procedures and systems or the information technology base.
Whether you’re a startup firm seeking to raise debt or equity financing, or an
established enterprise in need of business planning, strategy reformulation or
any of the elements that fall under restructuring, Paragon Business Improvement
has accumulated the industry knowledge and business modeling skills to present
you with a platform for decision-making, fundraising or organizational change.
And we do so in-house.
SHORT OF INVESTING
IN PEOPLE, THE
LEVERAGE OF
TECHNOLOGY AND
INJECTION OF CAPITAL
REMAIN MODEST
STRIDES ON THE ROAD
TO SUCCESS.
AN ORGANIZATION
IS ITS PEOPLE.
- Paragon Business
Improvement
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Contents
1.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & HOSPITALITY SECTOR CONSULTING ..................................... 4
2.
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR STUDIES .............................................................................................. 17
3.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, IT AND MEDIA SECTOR STUDIES ..................................................... 20
4.
FINANCIAL SECTOR STUDIES ......................................................................................................... 23
5.
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR STUDIES ........................................................................................... 26
6.
EDUCATION & HEALTH SECTOR STUDIES ................................................................................... 29
7.
THE RESTAURANT SECTOR ............................................................................................................ 32
8.
FMCG & THE FOOD RETAIL TRADE ............................................................................................... 35
9.
THE FASHION RETAIL SECTOR ....................................................................................................... 38
10.
AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL SECTOR STUDIES ...................................................................... 40
11.
ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN & RESTRUCTURING PROJECTS ..................................................... 45
12.
DATABASE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ................................................................. 49
13.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING............................................................................................................... 52
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1. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & HOSPITALITY SECTOR
CONSULTING
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THE AIRPORT M ALL – BEIRUT’S AIRPORT BOULEVARD
Market & Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Uptown Developments – Kassem Issa & Associates
Paragon was commissioned to undertake an elaborate
market and financial feasibility study for the
establishment
of
a
115,000-m2
Mixed-Used
Development aiming to fulfill substantial latent demand
for retail and leisure spaces in Beirut’s various northern,
eastern coastal and southern zones known as the Beirut
Southern Suburbs. The project is conceived around a
multi-purpose business, shopping, leisure and lodging
complex to be developed on a total of 19,000 m2 of
land, bringing to market one of the largest shopping
malls in Lebanon, an attractive selection of cafes and
restaurants, an attraction zone featuring an iMax
Theater, entertainment venues, upscale furnished
apartments, an exhibition hall with a business center
and an office building along with a floor dedicated to
furnished offices all in one destination. Paragon
undertook elaborate research including a 700household survey, and issued a sophisticated financial
model in several financing structure scenarios.
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SMART VALLEY BUSINESS PARK - HAZMIEH
Market Viability Study
Client: Pharaon Holding
Paragon was commissioned to study the
market viability of establishing a 21,000 sqm of
office and retail complex on an 8,000 sqm plot
located below Jisr El Bacha on the banks of the
Beirut River. Paragon’s mandate was to
recommend the most viable space program for
the lower floors and to determine the
equilibrium ask price as well as the caliber of
office space to be erected on the upper floors.
An elaborate desk and field research of
comparables was conducted, along with a land
use survey mapping 12 different types of retail
tenants and organizations throughout a 1-km
radius surrounding the project site.
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RACHID KARAMI INTERNATIONAL FAIR – TRIPOLI, LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Cedarland International Development Group
A market study and financial feasibility assessment of a
proposed $230 million leisure project conceived over a
672,000 sqm land surrounding the Rachid Karami
International Fair in Tripoli – Lebanon. The project was
part of a call for DBOT proposals issued by the
Municipality of Tripoli, and comprised 15 elements of
which the most notable are a 200,000 m2 Theme Park, a
220,000 m2 Water Park, Themed Village Resorts
stretching over 55,000 m2, hotels of the 2*, 3* and 4*
categories, as well as a shopping arcade, and a citycenter area comprising retail outlets and F&B venues.
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MARINA CITY – LA MARINA JOSEPH KHOURY – DBAYEH, LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: RUSD Investment Bank – Saudi Arabia
A market viability and financial feasibility study for a
$350 million real estate, leisure, retail and hospitality
project on Le Marina Joseph Khoury in Dbayeh; The
study involved detailed market research on the hotel,
furnished apartments, residential timeshare, office
space and shopping centers in Lebanon, and concluded
with financial projections in several probability and
capitalization scenarios for all project elements and
their possible combinations.
TARTOUS MALL
Market Study
Client: Arab Group for Construction & Development
A market study aimed at assessing the total purchasing
powers of the Tartous population and the potential
catch rate for Tartous Mall, a 30,000 sqm development
on the outskirts of Tartous City. The study was prepared
for use by mall lease management companies with the
aim of securing anchor tenants as well as other leases
at this promising venture.
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BEIRUT SPORTS CITY– LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Government of Lebanon, Beirut Sports City
A market viability and feasibility study to assess the
returns from a proposed expansion of the Beirut
Sports City facilities to include further sports and
leisure offerings on about 100,000 square meters of
available land; The project aimed at relieving the
Lebanese Government from annual contributions to
Beirut Sports City through reviving the City’s
premises. Alternatives studied included an exhibition center, circus / amusement park zone, further sports
facilities alongside restaurants and light retail developments. Several financial scenarios and models were
developed, among which a BOT option.
THE METROPOLITAN CLUB (BEIRUT)
Business Plan
Client: The Metropolitan Club – Lebanon
Conducted a market study, marketing plan, and
financial feasibility with the aim of generating
further project financing for The Metropolitan Club,
a leisure club dedicated to the upper echelon of
Lebanese society, located in Villa Boustros,
Achrafieh, Beirut.
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LUNA VERDE: A NEW 5-STAR HOTEL DESTINED FOR “NEW DAMASCUS”
Feasibility Study
Client: Doha Tourism Company - Syria
A strategic financial feasibility study aimed at
positioning the $42 million, 27,000-sqm Luna Verde
Hotel & Resort, located in the Yaafour area (known as
“New Damascus”) as a competitive player on the Syrian
market; The study elaborated financing projections in
several
debt-equity
scenarios
and
assigned
corresponding equity valuation per scenario.
DEVELOPING 1 MILLION SQUARE METERS IN MUSSAFAH (ABU DHABI)
Feasibility Study
Client: Al Qudra Holding – UAE
Conducted a real estate and survey on Abu Dhabi city
and the Mussafah area to determine the market viability
and financial feasibility study of developing 1 million
square meters of real estate in Mussafah into a real
estate concept with high profitability and returns, in line
with contributing to Abu Dhabi city’s eastward expansion
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LE MERIDIEN (EL EIN IL SOKHNA ) - EGYPT
Feasibility Study
Client: Al Galalah Co. for Hotels - Egypt
Market and feasibility study aimed at raising $12
million through international banks to set up Le
Meridien in Ein Il Sokhna – Egypt. The study
included a full overview of the target market and
potential positioning of Le Meridien in Ein Il Sokhna.
The financial feasibility study was sufficiently
elaborate to be relied on for high level corporate
banking decisions.
RENOVATION OF SAVOY SUITES HOTEL (BEIRUT)
Feasibility Study
Client: Achour Holding
A financial feasibility study aimed at evaluating the returns from
renovating Savoy Suites Hotel in Beirut in order to re-establish its
position on the Beirut upscale Furnished Apartments market.
LANCASTER JNAH HOTEL
Market & Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Achour Holding
Conducted a market viability and financial feasibility study for Achour
Holding’s investment in the 4th member of its hotel chain, Lancaster
Jnah Hotel – a 104-key hotel in Jnah, Beirut.
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OPERATIONS M ANAGEMENT AT RIVIERA RESORT (BEIRUT)
Business Plan
Client: RIVA GROUP
Created the financial study presented by RIVA
GROUP in preparation for the conclusion of an
operations management contract covering the
Resort section of the Riviera Hotel & Resort in Beirut
ISSEY HOTELS
Market & Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Mr. Nabil Issa
Rated a combination of political, economic and
tourism sector indicators and risks in 7 countries in
order to determine the most viable flagship
location for the upcoming chain of ISSEY Hotels,
and compiled the financial feasibility for the
Project Promoter’s investment in the first 2
locations in addition to the necessary venture
capital documents showing returns from the
projected ISSEY Hotel roll-out. Countries covered
included the USA, Brazil, Turkey, Lebanon, Spain,
Qatar and Greece. The study concluded with a fullfledged valuation proposal for multi-phased
investor introduction.
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TAO GYM & M ASSAGE – EXPANSION STRATEGY
Business Plan
Client: TAO
Conducted a market study, marketing plan, and financial feasibility aimed at expanding the size and
service offerings at TAO Massage Parlour in Beirut to include a full-fledged comprehensive health and beauty
concept in preparation for the inauguration of a new 1,800-sqm facility in Beirut’s Verdun zone.
5-STAR HOTEL IN THE BCD AREA (BEIRUT)
Market Study
Client: Royal Hotels &Resorts – Banque Al Mawarid
Associate Office: Ernst & Young Lebanon
Market viability and demand forecasts for new hotel project in the BCD area with in-depth analysis of the hotel
and tourism sector in Lebanon with a focus on the annual and monthly performance of international chain hotels.
ALTERNATIVE HOSPITALITY PROJECTS ON THE BEIRUT CORNICHE
Feasibility Study
Client: Ismail Ali Abou Dawood Group – Saudi Arabia
Market and feasibility study for establishing a luxurious hotel versus a high-end Furnished Apartments complex
on either of two Beirut prime locations.
AMCHIT THALASSO -THERAPY SPA
Market & Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Dernaika Group
Conducted a market study covering a selection of high-net worth individuals in the MENA & Gulf as part of a
market viability study for establishing a Thalasso-Therapy spa in Amchit, North Lebanon, and studied operator
options for this hotel and resort project; Compiled a financial feasibility for investor round-up.
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H-HOTEL
Feasibility Study
Client: Private Investors
Elaborated a market and financial feasibility study for debt and equity financing purposes covering the launch of
H-Hotels in Lebanon - a project soon to be launched as a refurbishment of Hotel Diplomat – Raoucheh.
COMMERCIAL M IXED USE DEVELOPMENT IN BEIRUT’S JNAH ZONE
Market Study
Client: Mattar Group – Lebanon (Real Estate Developers)
Associate Office: CRI - Lebanon
Viability of a mixed-use development project on a 30,000 m² pre-existing structure; Market and financial research
covered alternatives in the hospitality, retail, real estate and entertainment sectors. Market research covered
hotels, furnished apartments, office space, and alternative usage for retail space.
TANNOURINE CHALETS
Market Study
Client: JT Group - Lebanon
Market viability and feasibility study aimed at testing the potentials of developing a number of chalets in the
Tannourine – Laqlooq area for rental purposes. The study concluded with the number, caliber, positioning
strategy and price tag on the desired chalet complex.
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O MONOT - BEIRUT
Market & Financial Feasibility Study
Client: ARET SAL - Beirut
Paragon was contracted to develop the market and financial feasibility study for the creation of an all-suites hotel
of 41 rooms to be inaugurated at the end of Beirut’s famous Monot street.
PLANET MOON HOTEL - BEIRUT
Market Survey
Client: Planet Moon – Kuwait
Associate Office: Ernst & Young - Lebanon
Study of the Lebanese hotel market conducted in preparation for a financial feasibility to be undertaken by Ernst
& Young, Lebanon
BEIRUT CENTRAL DISTRICT – LAND USE SURVEY
Market Study
Client: Solidère
Survey of the occupancy rates in Beirut’s Central District, requiring the design of a flexible database for
continuous updating purposes; Results include a 500-page directory of the BCD real-estate plots, details of builtup and occupied spaces and BCD tenants.
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THE PLATINUM TOWER
Design Criteria Manual
Client: The Platinum Tower – Lebanon
Paragon created a database format for the Design Criteria Manual and Building
Services Questionnaire aimed at assisting project managers in achieving a timely
handover of apartments according to client specifications
STATUS OF OFFICE SPACE IN BEIRUT CITY
Market Study
Client: Solidère
Associate Office: Healey and Baker - Lebanon
Analysis of the status of supply and demand for office space in Beirut in preparation for a market positioning
strategy for Healey & Baker, Lebanon.
180-DEGREES GYM
Feasibility Study
Client: Achour Holding
Paragon conducted a comprehensive study on the competitive landscape followed by a financial feasibility in
preparation for the launch of this 3,000-sqm facility that is the only large spaced above ground fitness center in
Beirut.
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2.
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR STUDIES
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BRINGING SISMO CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY TO LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Al Akhrass Group – Lebanon.
Market viability and financial feasibility to determine the returns
from establishing a production plant for construction panels
following the SISMO construction technology; The SISMO model
is essentially based on a combination of pre-fabricated steel
cages with extended polystyrene filling.
ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTION
Business Plan Series
Client: H-Trojan SAL - Lebanon
A series of market and financial feasibility studies for the setup of
large-scale pre-cast manufacturing facilities aimed at developing
architecturally designed residential projects across 6 countries in the
Middle East and Gulf regions
EMMEDUE: BRINGING THE M2 MODEL OF PRE-CAST MANUFACTURING TO 22 COUNTRIES
Market Viability Study
Client: Statumen for Contracting - Lebanon
A strategic direction study for the introduction of precast concrete equipment technology by the Italian
equipment manufacturer Emmedue to 21 countries across the Middle East, Gulf and African markets; Paragon
was entrusted with presenting an overview of potentials per market as well as a sales and operations plan aimed
at securing an exclusive distributorship agreement with Emmedue for the said territories.
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BETORAMA – READY M IX CONCRETE FACTORY
Business Plan
Client: Betorama - Lebanon
Financial feasibility study for the establishment of a medium-scale ready-mix concrete plant in Mount Lebanon;
This study analyzed the competitive landscape in depth, and mapped all operational processes for the purpose of
detailed financial modeling that concluded with an elaborate feasibility study.
THE STEEL MARKET IN LEBANON
Market Study
Client: SIBA (Senegal)
A market study covering historical market volume trends, leading players and competitive dynamics of the
Lebanese steel industry, and concluding with future growth prospects for selected steel products
CEMENT PRODUCTION FACTORY
Feasibility Study
Client: Platinum Group - Cotonou
A market and financial feasibility study for the creation of a medium-sized cement production facility in the West
African capital Cotonou; The study was aimed at capital raising through both debt and equity.
UPGRADING OF THE “BUILDERS” WOOD PRODUCTION P LANT
Feasibility Study
Client: Builders – Lebanon.
Paragon conducted a market and financial feasibility study covering the Lebanese wood production market,
aimed at soliciting bank financing for Builders SARL, a prominent market player in the doors, kitchens and general
wood finishing production sector.
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3.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, IT AND MEDIA SECTOR STUDIES
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PLAN A: CLASS A CREATIVE SERVICES FOR THE MEDIA BUSINESS
Business Plan
Client: PLAN A
Paragon Business Improvement consulted a 16-times Promax Award Winner (founder of Plan A) on the market
viability and financial feasibility of establishing presence in Lebanon to serve the Middle East & Gulf broadcasting
and corporate markets with creative talent.
KORDIA GROUP – PENETRATING THE M IDDLE EAST MARKET WITH BROADCAST T ECHNOLOGIES
Market Study
Client: Kordia Group (New Zealand)
Developed a Capabilities – Opportunities Matrix mapping the Consultancy, R&M and DBO activities and offerings
of Kordia Group (a leading New Zealand company in the field of Broadcast technologies) with available
opportunities in each of 5 Middle East & Gulf markets
BLUERING
Business Plan
Client: BLUERING - Lebanon
Assisted the founders / venture partners of BLUERING in compiling their launch business plan; Contribution
included assumption building, financial modeling, and editing of the entire Business Plan report
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PROVISION OF TERMINATION AND ORIGINATION SERVICES IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES
Feasibility Study
Client: Spectrum Investment Group Holding – Lebanon
Prepared the financial projections and business plan for several termination and origination projects across the
Middle East and Africa regions, inclusive of market analysis for covering the un-served markets with CDMA
technology, enabling users to benefit from more favorable price-quality offerings for both voice and data
channels
ORACLE PARTNERS IN THE MENA REGION
Market Study
Client: Astrolabe IT sal
Desk research on 180 Oracle partners in the Middle East and North Africa region to identify their full profile,
products, level of expertise, clients and target markets
THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE – DAILY STAR: REGIONAL EXPANSION
Feasibility Study
Client: The Daily Star - Lebanon
Designed a modular financial planning model aimed at identifying the optimal combination of franchise
operations, wholly-owned subsidiaries and export markets for the IHT-Daily Star regional expansion into the
Levant and Gulf markets. Assisted the Daily Star over a 3-year period in locating venture partners.
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4.
FINANCIAL SECTOR STUDIES
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5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN – M IDDLE EAST & AFRICA BANK
Strategic Business Plan
Client: Middle East & Africa Bank
Paragon was engaged to undertake an extensive study of MEAB, its internal operating environment, its market
position, internal operations, and the banking sector in Lebanon with the aim of achieving a 5-year strategic
business plan that answers to the requirements of the Central Bank of Lebanon. Extensive surveys and analysis
were undertaken in support of such strategy, and the results were in the form of an actionable business plan at
the level of the bank’s branch network presence, portfolio composition, product/market strategy, market
positioning strategy, and many other operational and financial targets.
SAIDA BRANCH STUDY – MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA BANK
Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Middle East & Africa Bank
Prior to undertaking a strategic business plan for MEAB, Paragon was engaged to undertake a comprehensive
market study of potentials in the Sidon market, resulting in an educated set of estimates for an ensuing feasibility
study that was prepared by Paragon for MEAB’s submission to the Central Bank of Lebanon.
SETUP OF “INTERNATIONAL F INANCIAL BROKERAGE”
Feasibility Study
Client: International Financial Brokerage
Financial feasibility of establishing a financial brokerage entity operating in Lebanon under the auspices of Central
Bank regulations; The study was submitted to Banque du Liban for licensing purposes.
SETUP OF BLOM ISLAMIC BANK
Feasibility Study
Client: BLOM Bank – Lebanon
Feasibility study for the establishment of BLOM Islamic Bank; The study was submitted to Banque du Liban for
licensing purposes.
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ASSESSMENT OF THE LEBANESE CREDIT CARDS M ARKET
Market Study
Client: TIME Ltd.
Identification of the key success factors in this market based on a comprehensive market survey of available
credit card offerings, market size and growth trends, legal conditions, key market players and their targeting and
positioning strategies.
VIABILITY OF ISLAMIC CONSUMER FINANCE IN LEBANON
Market Study
Client: Gulf Investment House – Kuwait
Associate Office: Ernst & Young Kuwait and Lebanon
Fiscal, legal and market study for establishing a consumer financial institution in Lebanon to provide credit in the
car, furniture, home construction and small business sectors along Islamic finance lines
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5.
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR STUDIES
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PORTERAGE SERVICES AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Feasibility Study (Bid Document)
Client: Q-Link Transport - UAE
Financial feasibility study forming an integral part of the Q-Link Transport bid for the provision of porterage
services at Abu Dhabi International Airport over the period 2007 till 2010
A BUSINESS MODEL FOR CHANGING LEBANON’S TAXI FLEET
Feasibility Study
Client: Visions @ Work
Developed a fully interactive (electronic) business model for studying several scenarios of financing the change of
Lebanon’s Taxi fleet. Model was supported by ample information gathered through both market and consumer
surveys, as well as study of legal and social considerations.
TAXI SERVICES COMPANY (UAE)
Feasibility Study (Bid Document)
Client: Al Qudra Holding - UAE
Conducted a full-fledged market viability and financial feasibility study to assist Al Qudra Holding in evaluating
entry into the UAE taxi services business and determining the potential from contemplating the Abu Dhabi public
transportation sector
PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (UAE)
Feasibility Study (Bid Document)
Client: Al Qudra Holding - UAE
Conducted the financial feasibility study required to form part of bid documents presented by Al Qudra Holding
to the Abu Dhabi Municipality and Transport Authority in preparation for a tender on the privatization of public
bus services in the Emirate; The study called for extensive analysis of routes across all of Abu Dhabi, along with all
of the required operational and financial assumption building that is necessary for successful management of
such an operation.
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SCHOOL BUS FLEET (LEBANON)
Feasibility Study
Client: Rawda High School - Lebanon
Conducted a full-fledged financial feasibility study to assist the new management at Rawda High School (Beirut) in
evaluating their school bus fleet renewal decision; Presented several debt-equity scenarios for the project, along
with financial costs and returns per scenario
SURVEY OF THE FREIGHT FORWARDING MARKET IN LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Micco Freight Forwarders – Abu Dhabi
Analyzed Beirut’s freight activity, described the freight forwarding market structure and entry potential, reported
on the legal aspects of establishing a freight forwarding company.
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6.
EDUCATION & HEALTH SECTOR STUDIES
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MUDUN UNIVERSITY – QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION IN LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Mr. Ibrahim Shamseddine – The Cultural and Philanthropic Association
Undertook the market viability study and compiled a financial feasibility study for the setup of a modern
educational institution of high-standing that answers to the growing need for quality education at a reasonable
price in Lebanon
E-HEALTH & M EDICAL DEVICES MARKET IN 4 M IDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES
Market Study
Client: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
Studied the E-Health & Medical Devices in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in favor of New Zealand Trade
and Enterprise (NZTE), a government economic development agency aimed at employing knowledge and contact
resources to assist New Zealand businesses with trade and investment opportunities in overseas markets; The
study covered a mapping of health sector statistics in each of the 4 countries, presented an overview of E-Health
sector advancement, available information systems and key players, and involved a focused study on the market
dynamics for a number of Medical Devices
SECONDARY SCHOOL – HADATH, LEBANON
Feasibility Study
Client: Group of Lebanese investors
Market and feasibility study assessing the potential for investment in an
education establishment for the Hadath area. The study involved a survey
of 800 households in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon region, particularly
within the Southern Suburbs belt.
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THE VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN LEBANON
Market Study & Policy Research
Client: The World Bank
Associate Office: Consultation and Research Institute – Beirut
A policy research involving a survey to identify the industrial sector’s requirements from the Lebanese vocational
and technical education system
ICT FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AND EMPLOYMENT CREATION
Feasibility Study
Client: ESCWA – Lebanon
A market study targeting 120 organizations in 8 ESCWA countries with the aim of mapping country progress with
respect to the introduction and success of ICT initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and employment creation.
SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CENTRE IN BEIRUT
Market Study
Client: Sahel General Hospital – Lebanon
Market study to assess the viability of establishing a Specialized Medical Center that represents a Mount Lebanon
extension and referral base to the existing Sahel General Hospital in the Beirut suburbs area
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7.
THE RESTAURANT SECTOR
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STEAK & CHEESE FACTORY: MENA & GULF ROLL-OUT & EQUITY VALUATION
Business Plan & Valuation
Client: Quick Pita Inc.- Toronnto
Paragon studied the market viability of Steak &
Cheese Factory in selected MENA & Gulf markets
and prepared a 7-year roll-out plan for this 20-year
old Canadian business with an outlook for MENA &
Gulf expansion. Paragon prepared the business plan
for the flagship store’s launch at Beirut City Center
(expected February 2013), and issued the brand’s
Equity Valuation in the MENA & Gulf for interested
investors.
WARD EL CHAM, CAPRESE & THE V-STAR PLAY ZONE
Feasibility Study
Client: Verdun Star
Paragon conducted an elaborate market viability
and financial feasibility study in preparation for the
launch of Ward el Cham and Caprese, being a highend oriental and Italian restaurant respectively on a
total of 1,888-sqm at the gates of Verdun. The
project includes an underground play zone for
children of up to 14 years of age. The latter project
was also the subject of an elaborate market study
covering the competitive landscape at comparable
locations, and was analyzed in detail in terms of
financial feasibility.
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FLOOKA & SHO CH
Feasibility Study
Client: Private Investors
Paragon was approached to evaluate the financial feasibility of establishing each of Flooka and Sho Sho’s, being
renowned restaurants in Dubai and other parts of the world, on Beirut’s Zaytuna Bay. Paragon employed its
advanced financial modeling techniques to model and support investor’s decision-making process through the
model’s flexible sensitivity analysis options.
THE CHIC PEA
Business Plan & Valuation
Client: Private Investor
Studied the launch of the flagship location for the Lebanese fast food dining concept – The Chic Pea; The launch
should pave the way for an international roll-out plan spanning Europe and the Far East as target locations.
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8.
FMCG & THE FOOD RETAIL TRADE
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CONVENIENCE STORE ROLL-OUT
Business Plan for Equity Placement
Client: Smith the Grocery Store
Conducted a detailed geographic and demographic study to gauge the demand potentials for Neighborhood
convenience stores at each of 16 locations in Lebanon’s key cities; completed a financial feasibility and compiled
the Business Plan document with the aim of equity placement, which is currently under way.
POST-PURCHASE EVALUATION : THE GOODIES GROUP
Feasibility Study
Client: Hariri Group
Associate Office: BVIG – Lebanon
Managed the Post-Purchase Evaluation Study for the Goodies group of companies; Set the requirements for a
business plan; set the consulting team’s detailed task plans, monitored project follow-up, conducted local market
surveys and market assessment of key cities in the U.K. and U.S. in order to evaluate project potential; compiled
an interactive financial model of the findings.
VIABILITY OF THE 19-LITER WATER GALLON IN LEBANON
Market Study
Client: Majd Ltd. – London
Associate Office: Consultation and Research Institute - Lebanon
Viability of entering the 19 – liter gallon water market in Lebanon; Study conducted in preparation for a financial
feasibility for a water source in the Damour area.
OVERVIEW OF THE BOTTLED WATER MARKET IN LEBANON
Market Study
Client: Consultation and Research Institute - Lebanon
In-depth study of the bottled water market in Lebanon in preparation for a financial feasibility study covering the
setup of a new bottling factory in Lebanon.
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SURVEY OF THE FROZEN FOOD MARKET - LEBANON
Market Study
Client: Middle East Info-Search - Lebanon
Studied the market of four frozen types of frozen food products in order to determine the viability of entering the
Lebanese market from both the wholesale and retail angles
LARGE - SCALE TOYS TRADING IN LEBANON
Market Study
Client: Majd Ltd. – London
Associate Office: KPMG Lebanon
Analysis of the market viability of establishing a large toy store in Lebanon followed by a financial feasibility.
POINTS OF SALES LOGISTICS –TANMIA (AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CO)
Market Study
Client: TANMIA - Agricultural Development Company – Lebanon
Associate Office: KPMG – Lebanon
Survey of the logistics involved in raw materials planning and finished goods delivery at leading fast food outlets.
Study conducted in preparation for the launch of a number of points of sales by TANMIA.
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9.
THE FASHION RETAIL SECTOR
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CONBIPEL: ROLL-OUT OF 31 STORES IN THE M IDDLE EAST
Business Plan
Client: Fashion Buro– Lebanon
Prepared the financial feasibility and business plan for submission to investors interested in launching this highheritage Italian brand across the Middle East
MAYORAL: ROLL-OUT OF 30 STORES IN THE M IDDLE EAST
Business Plan
Client: Marji Group – Lebanon
Financial feasibility and business plan for considering the most lucrative markets for the high-end kids’ brand –
Mayoral in the Middle East, along with the expected roll-out across various cities (by mall or street location), and
all cash flow requirements for such roll-out.
PINKO: ROLL-OUT OF 15 STORES IN THE M IDDLE EAST
Business Plan
Client: Fashion Buro– Lebanon
Financial feasibility and business plan for submission to Pinko (Italy) with the aim of securing a franchise
agreement for a large Kuwait group of companies
BRANDS FOR LESS: DEVELOPMENT OF THE SIDON BRANCH
Feasibility Study
Client: BFL - Lebanon
Prepared the financial feasibility for the establishment of the value-for-money Brands for Less fashion retail
concept in Sidon, Lebanon
SANDRO FERRONE, GURU & NEW LOOK: ROLL-OUT PLAN FOR DOZENS OF OUTLETS ACROSS THE M IDDLE EAST
Roll-Out Plans
Client: Ayman Jamil – Fashion Consultant
Prepared the Roll-Out Plans for the above 3 brands as part of an overall fashion retail penetration strategy on the
drawing board of a major holding company operating throughout the Gulf.
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10. AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL SECTOR STUDIES
Note: Many Industrial Project Feasibility Studies are already included in the Construction Sector Section Above
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RJW FOODS & LEBANON FRUIT JUICE CO.
Continuous Consulting
Client: F&B Venture Holding
Paragon Business Improvement has consulted F&B Venture Holding – owner of the Bonjus and Taanayel les
Fermes brands - for close to a decade now. Paragon compiles the holding’s annual business plans, prepares
financial projections for expansion projects and evaluates operations for any capital raising or leverage purposes.
HMADEH INDUSTRIAL BAKERY
Feasibility Study
Client: Hamadeh Bakeries
A market and financial feasibility study for evaluating the returns from relocating the existing manufacturing and
distribution setup at Hamadeh Bakeries, as well as expanding the line of products and POS network. This study
was followed by traffic analysis and market studies covering a number of cities in Lebanon with the purpose of
evaluating the market viability of local network expansion.
FPP - FOOD PROCESSING & PACKAGING
Business Plan
Client: FPP - Lebanon
Laid the turn-around strategy needed to put the Food Processing & Packaging Company (owner of the Jana Brand
and carrier of 72 food items) on the launch-pad for international market penetration; Undertook a Current Status
Assessment of all production, financial and operational aspects, resulting in a 7-year Business Plan; Devised the
sales analysis and client monitoring tools needed to monitor performance.
BAGHDAD PRINTING PRESS
Feasibility Study
Client: Private Investors
Paragon was commissioned to study the financial feasibility of upgrading an offset printing press that serves to
produce all printed matter related to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. A technical and financial bid were compiled by
Paragon as a result.
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BIO-DIESEL FOR LEBANON
Business Plan
Client: Green Energy
Business Plan for the establishment of a medium-scale factory for Biodiesel in Lebanon; All aspects of the
operational process, component costing, space management and production workflow were studied in order to
achieve total investment and 7-year returns for this renewable energy solution that is to be the first of its kind on
the Lebanese market.
SAVOY INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY
Feasibility Study
Client: Achour Holding
A market and financial feasibility study for evaluating the returns from establishing an industrial laundry to serve
both Savoy Suites Hotel and the Lancaster Hotel in Beirut
SKYLINE CD PRODUCTION FACTORY IN SAUDI ARABIA
Feasibility Study
Client: Sky Line CD – Lebanon
Studied the financial feasibility for establishing an 8-line CD production factory in Saudi Arabia along the lines of
the existing setup in Lebanon known as Sky Line CD; The study was conducted in preparation for benefiting from
the facilities provided by the Saudi Fund for Industrial Development.
TEXTILE RECYCLING IN ROMANIA
Business Plan
Client: KMF – RAWMAT – Romania
Paragon was commissioned to compile a Business Plan for this Romanian textile recycling business including an
industry research and financial projections
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INITIATIVE FOR BIO-DIVERSITY IN ARID REGIONS
Feasibility Study
Client: SOLCAO – Ezzeddine Co. – Lebanon
Conducted an extensive market research and feasibility study aimed at evaluating the financial viability of
establishing an Essential Oil distillation facility in North Lebanon; The project involved assessing the costs and
benefits from marrying high-tech with traditional / folk production of Essential Oils, Honey, Cheese and Organic
Fruits on some 1.5 million square meters of arid land.
FARM MILK PRODUCTION : TANNAYEL FARMS
Business Plan
Client: F&B Venture Holding
Elaborated a breeding model to determine herd roll-out for optimal farm production at the new chain of
Taanayel Farms and reflected the financial outcomes in group budgetary plans. All annual growth plans are for
Taanayel Farms are issued by Paragon Business Improvement.
MASHGHARA FARMS - DAIRY PRODUCTION FACILITY
Feasibility Study
Client: Mashghara Farms
Conducted a market and feasibility study covering the establishment of a $2.2 million dairy production facility in
Mashghara, inclusive of studying the most viable and promotional strategy for penetrating the Greater Beirut
market.
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CALCIUM CARBONATE PRODUCTION FACILITY - MARJEYOUN
Feasibility Study
Client: CCI SARL
Paragon conducted a market viability and feasibility study covering the establishment of a calcium carbonate
production facility for the exploitation of some 60,000 sqm of available prime material in Marjeyoun. The market
study covered both local and international potentials for the PCC and GCC, the two key outputs of this venture.
AGRICULTURAL PROJECT ON 400-DOUNOMS
Financial Feasibility Study
Client: M&K International
Elaborated a market and financial feasibility for the first phase agricultural development of a 1,700-dounom plot
of land in Naqoura, South Lebanon for the purpose of subsidized bank financing;
ANNAYA GOAT FARM
Financial Feasibility Study
Client: Private Investors
Paragon was commissioned to model the productivity level of the 500—goat White Farm in Annaya in terms of
generated offspring and milk production, and to issue a full financial feasibility for the farm’s operations over the
coming 6 years.
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11. ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN & RESTRUCTURING PROJECTS
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ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING – AL ITTIHAD NEWSPAPER
Full-Fledged Financial & Organizational Restructuring Project
Client: Emirates Media Inc. , UAE
Lead Consultant: Mr. Jamil Mroue – Publisher, The Daily Star
Paragon consultants were engaged to restructure Al Ittihad, the official government-owned UAE daily newspaper.
The project included undertaking a current status assessment of Al Ittihad’s organization structure and financial
status, re-drawing the organizational objectives, re-designing the human resource structure, editing all job
descriptions and required qualifications, creating a grading scale and salary scale for the organization,
documenting the required systems and procedures that serve new organizational objectives, planning all of the
requirements for putting this restructuring project into implementation, inclusive of financial budgeting.
ORGANIZATION DESIGN – SKY NEWS ARABIA
Job Descriptions, Grading & Salary Scale
Client: Sky News Arabia
Prior to the launch of Sky News Arabia, Paragon was engaged to document all job descriptions, devise a grading
scale and a salary scale, and contribute to the organization’s business plan. This four-month project resulted in
reference documents and structures that supported the HR department’s functionality at the recruitment stage
and beyond.
ORGANIZATION DESIGN - TECHNIP ABU DHABI
Job Descriptions, Grading & Salary Scale
Client: Technip Abu Dhabi
Consulting assistance to this multinational Engineering firm resulted in the creation of the Job Descriptions
Reference document covering the organization’s 60 functional positions, drawing and implementing the
organization’s Performance Evaluation System, devising the Grading Scale and designing the Salary Scale.
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ORGANIZATION DESIGN – THE DAILY STAR - LEBANON
Job Descriptions & Workflow Modeling
Client: The Daily Star, Lebanon
Consulting assistance to The Daily Star – Lebanon consisted of editing the full set of job descriptions for all
positions at the company, drawing the systems and procedures manual and creating the set of departmental
reports in preparation for taking the operational processes of the newspaper into an online environment
supported by a real-time management information system.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS IN LEBANON’S BANKING SECTOR
Market Study
Client: Standard Chartered Bank – Lebanon
Associate Office: Ernst & Young - Lebanon
Survey of the remuneration structure covering the hierarchy of different staff and managerial positions at top
local and international banks operating in Lebanon
ORGANIZATION DESIGN AT KUWAIT F INANCE HOUSE
Job Descriptions, Grading & Salary Scale
Client: Kuwait Finance House
Associate Office: Gulf National Consultants – Kuwait
Edited job descriptions for the full range of 262 positions at this financial institution concerned with Commercial
Lending, Financial & Real Estate Investment, Corporate Finance and Banking; Created the new organizational
structure and grading scale; Consulted the organization on the adequacy and competitiveness of its salary scale.
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ORGANIZATION DESIGN AT KUWAIT REAL ESTATE BANK
Job Descriptions and Salary Scale
Client: Kuwait Real Estate Bank
Associate Office: Gulf National Consultants – Kuwait
Revised the full spectrum of 123 organizational job descriptions with the purpose of aligning positions and job
requirements with Bank strategy, and preparing for the introduction of a revised Job Evaluation program and
Grading scale. The Exercise was concluded with a Salary Scale revision and comparison with market norms
ORGANIZATION DESIGN AT AL AHLI BANK OF KUWAIT
Job Descriptions & Qualifications
Client: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Associate Office: Gulf National Consultants – Kuwait
As part of an organization design study following a major management re-shuffle at Al Ahli Bank, Paragon
founder Dalia Khalil was contracted to document the full Job Descriptions and Required Qualifications for all 120
positions at the Bank.
ORGANIZATION DESIGN AT THE CENTRAL BANK OF KUWAIT
Job Descriptions
Client: Central Bank of Kuwait
Associate Office: Gulf National Consultants – Kuwait
Paragon consultants were engaged to revise job descriptions for selected departments at the Central Bank of
Kuwait, as well as edit new required descriptions, thus completing a total spectrum of 107 job positions. The task
is part of a larger scope of work undertaken by Gulf National Consultants and involving the achievement of a
grading and salary scale for CBK.
MANPOWER PLANNING FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN JOINT VENTURE
Business Plan
Client: Technip KSA & Saud Consult
Paragon consultants were engaged to create the manpower plan and salary scale required for a Business Plan
covering the joint venture between Technip KSA and Saud Consult, both Engineering Design firms operating in
the Oil & Gas field. The venture is meant to essentially serve Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil developer.
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12. DATABASE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
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SALES PERFORMANCE TRACKING DATABASE
Access Database
Client: Food Processing & Packaging - Lebanon
Tabulated and chart trend analysis database designed to track all sales aspects for 72 food items carried by FPP;
The program raises red flags and provides the necessary decision-support platform for sales team guidance.
PERFORMANCE TRACKING DATABASE
Access Database
Client: Fakih Institute for Reproductive Sciences and Technologies (Lebanon)
This leading IVF Center with pioneering track record in the US and with operations in Beirut and Dubai initiated a
call for automating all patient records and creating the accounting system for its various centers. Two databases
were created for use across the various branches, allowing end of year medical and financial success assessment.
EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM
Access Database
Client: Technip Abu Dhabi
Created the Performance Appraisals Database application to enable value – added decision making for Technip’s
Human Resources Department; Used advanced Microsoft Access techniques.
AVENTIS PHARMA NEAR EAST
Access Database
Client: AVENTIS PHARMA NEAR EAST (Lebanon)
Created a database application that should serve to enhance progress tracking and management decision making in what relates to clinical trials undertaken by Aventis Pharma Near East.
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JOB EVALUATION AND GRADING SYSTEM
Access Database
Client: Gulf National Consultants - Kuwait
Need analysis at this leading HR consulting firm resulted in contracting Paragon for the creation of a database
application that should automate the data collection and analysis associated with Job Analysis, Job Evaluation
(sizing and grading), as well as salary surveys.
DECISION S UPPORT SYSTEMS
Access Database
Client: Spectrum Investment Group Holding (Lebanon)
New Telecommunications projects in this multinational firm are frequent and span several locations at once. In
order to facilitate decision-making with respect to venturing into new projects, a Budgeting module was created,
and was later elaborated to comprise Actual performance, thus yielding monthly and annual Cash Flow and
Income Statement projections that benchmark against budgeted performance and that can be viewed by project,
location, group of projects, country, or any other similar parametric combination.
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13. MANAGEMENT TRAINING
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PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Training Courses for the Lebanese Banking Sector
Client: Association of Banks in Lebanon
Paragon Founder and Managing Partner Dalia Khalil is engaged annually by the Association of Lebanese Banks on
two training rounds or more on the subject of “Preparation of Feasibility Studies”. The training sessions are
mainly attended by members of the Corporate Banking and Small Business Loans departments across Lebanon’s
banking sector.
VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES
Paragon partner Akram Najjar offers a host of managerial training workshops as well as public or in-house
sessions on the following topics:
Organization & Management
Quantitative Business Methods
ICT Seminars
•Modeling Business Systems and
Processes
•The Unified Modeling Language
(UML)
•E-Government and National EStrategies
•Improving the Organization
using Modern Technologies
•Modern Project Management
•Business Process Reengineering
•Creating Customer Driven
Organizations
•The Modern World of
Performance Measurement
•Project Management using MS
Project
•Data Analysis &Decision Making
for Managers
•Forecasting uses and
applications
•Market Research uses and
applications
•Capital budgeting &project
economics
•Mastering Technical Writing
•Monte Carlo Simulation
Modeling
•Simulation of Business
Processes and Dynamic Systems
•Accounting for NonAccountants
•Preparation of Feasibility
Studies
•Human Resources Information
Systems
•ICT Project Management
•ICT Policies and Procedures
•Software Development
Processes
•Software Quality Management
•How to Analyze, Design and
Specify Software Requirements
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Think Out of the Box!
Paragon Business Improvement
th
Echmoun Bldg. – 4 fl.
Rue de Damas
P.O. Box: 11-9228
Riad El Solh
Beirut – Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 216362
Fax: +961 1 216543
[email protected]
www.paragon-bi.com