CHAPTER NO 01
1
Chapter 1:
Introduction
1.1 History: Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) is a consultancy company, established in 1956 as Dar AlHandas Handasah ah (arabi (arabic) c) and Associ Associate ated d Consul Consultin ting g Engine Engineers ers (engli (english) sh) by four four profes professor sorss of American University of Beirut Engineering School: Samir Thabet, Khalil Maalouf, Nazib Taleeb and Kamal A Shair. It .has been a pioneering force in the planning, design and implementation of development projects in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
1.1.1: Dar in 1950s Dar was the firm was funded on $3,500. By end of 1957, firm fees exceeded $30, 0000. They are a global consultancy with 43 offices throughout 29 countries, known for problem identification, tailor made-designs, quality, on-time deliverables an d multi-disciplinary expertise.
1.1.2 Spreading Wings 1960 Within 10 years, Dar have completed 161 projects in Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, South Yemen and Egypt. While majority of portfolio remains in industrial and power sector, they expand their expertise with transportation, built environment, planning, agriculture & irrigation, water & sewerage, and power/telephone projects.
1.1.3: The Oil Boom 1970 The 1970s oil boom ignited an incredible transformation and modernization of infrastructure in many OPEC nations. Dar was there. In this decade, they also provide the services to help the governments governments of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Nigeria and Algeria Algeria in developing developing their industrial industrial infrastruc infrastructure, ture, 2
Chapter 1:
Introduction
1.1 History: Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) is a consultancy company, established in 1956 as Dar AlHandas Handasah ah (arabi (arabic) c) and Associ Associate ated d Consul Consultin ting g Engine Engineers ers (engli (english) sh) by four four profes professor sorss of American University of Beirut Engineering School: Samir Thabet, Khalil Maalouf, Nazib Taleeb and Kamal A Shair. It .has been a pioneering force in the planning, design and implementation of development projects in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
1.1.1: Dar in 1950s Dar was the firm was funded on $3,500. By end of 1957, firm fees exceeded $30, 0000. They are a global consultancy with 43 offices throughout 29 countries, known for problem identification, tailor made-designs, quality, on-time deliverables an d multi-disciplinary expertise.
1.1.2 Spreading Wings 1960 Within 10 years, Dar have completed 161 projects in Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, South Yemen and Egypt. While majority of portfolio remains in industrial and power sector, they expand their expertise with transportation, built environment, planning, agriculture & irrigation, water & sewerage, and power/telephone projects.
1.1.3: The Oil Boom 1970 The 1970s oil boom ignited an incredible transformation and modernization of infrastructure in many OPEC nations. Dar was there. In this decade, they also provide the services to help the governments governments of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Nigeria and Algeria Algeria in developing developing their industrial industrial infrastruc infrastructure, ture, 2
roads, airports, seaports, hospitals, schools, water and sewerage systems, housing, and telecom facilities.
1.1.4: Worldwide Expansion 1980 The 80s prove to be Dar's greatest decade to date for global growth. With the acquisition of Perkins+Will and T.Y. Lin International, the firm expands into North America and the Far East. Meanwhile, Dar enters the Turkish market, opening offices in Istanbul and Adana, and continues to expand its existing client base throughout Africa and the Middle East.
1.1.5: Dar in Reshaping Cityscapes 1990 Dar also consistently ranked among the top 10 engineering firms in the world and sector leaders in buildings, transportation and wastewater. In 1990s, they focused mainly the rebuilding of Beirut's Central Business District from 1993 to 1996.
1.1.6: In Coming 50 Years 2000s After celebrating 50 successful years in business, they have grown from a small engineering consultancy across from University of Beirut to one of the largest global, multi-disciplinary firms firms with 6,500 employees in 111 offices o ffices across 42 countries.
1.2 Autobiography of Kamal Shair Kamal Shair's book is a classic rags to riches story: the small town boy who, with determination and education, achieves business success, wealth, more wealth, and then influence and power. What makes it unusual is that it emanates from the Arab world. Rarely among Arabs have indi indivi vidua duals ls from from thor thoroug oughl hly y modes modestt backg backgro roun unds ds,, with with no acce access ss to link links, s, netw networ orks ks or connections become truly global commercial players. 3
Shair was born in Salt in what was then Transjordan and worked himself through school, moved to college in Beirut, then sailed off to America (Michigan and Yale) and returned to the Middle East to create a multinational corporate empire of engineering consultants and architects. Kamal Shair presents himself as an Arab and international citizen who played an important role in his country, Jordan: President of the Construction Council during the term of Wasfi Tell; Chairman of the Board of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company; Senator for 12 consecutive years, and Head of the Finance & Economic Affairs Committee of the Senate Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) - the Arabic words mean House of Engineers - was founded in a small flat in Beirut and today spans the globe with offices in 41 countries. In its early years, Dar fought off competition from established western consultancies to win contracts for prestige engineering projects throughout the Middle East. Eventually its activities extended further to Europe, the United States, Africa and Asia. At a critical stage in Dar's development, Kamal Shair gave away 60 per cent of the company to new partners in order to realise his vision of building a sustainable enterprise'. The turnover of the firm amounts to half a billion dollars, and it is considered among the top twenty international consulting engineering firms in the world. Dr Shair has lived through and witnessed at first hand and at close quarters some of the most dramatic events of the modern Arab world. Despite all the odds, it’s one of the world's great engineering and business enterprises in a narrative of epic and inspirational proportions. Kamal Shair was always successful despite difficult and unfavorable circumstances. He did not confess to a single mistake and has never regretted a wrong decision. His career was not
4
impaired by imperfection or faults. Kamal Shair is a unique Jordanian character who came out from one of Assalt neighborhoods to become an international and respected figure.
1.3 Dar Group Structure & Their Partners: Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners) is a founding member of the Dar Group, an international network of professional service firms, comprised of over 11,000 staff members located in 43 countries around the world, dedicated to planning, designing and engineering facilities, installations and structures that contribute to the sustainable advances of communities. Their drive and success based on three fundamental beliefs in corporate philosophy - people, clients and improving the quality of living in developing countries
−
People: According to them people are the driving force behind firm's creativity and novelty. The professional achievements they have accomplished over the years are a tribute to their vision, skill and imagination.
−
Participation: Sense of dedication inspires to help engineer future structural, economic and social developments and improve the quality of living in every country. They have a deep-rooted commitment to the development of the society.
−
Progress of clients: Delivering impeccable, client-oriented service is one of top priorities. They establish long-term partnerships with clients anticipate their immediate and future needs and engineer appropriate solutions that often exceed their expectations.
5
1.3.1 Perkins+Will: Perkins+Will is a full-service architecture and interior design firm based in the US. Since its foundation in 1935, P+W has on heritage through exceptional service and design excellence in the fields of healthcare, science and technology, education, general buildings and interior design.
1.3.2 T.Y. Lin International T.Y. Lin International was founded in San Francisco in the 1950s, and is distinguished for its planning, design and construction engineering/ inspection of transportation infrastructure. Operating from offices throughout the US and Asia, the firm has a well-founded reputation for providing clients with engineering solutions that are of high quality, responsive to need, innovative, cost effective and constructible. The award-winning firm and has recently enhanced its aviation services with the acquisition of H.J. Ross. A recognized leader in airfield design and construction services, H.J. Ross has worked for over five decades’ years throughout North, Central and South America, and the Carribean.
1.3.3 Penspen Group Penspen provides engineering and management services to the global oil and gas industry. As one of the largest UK-based independent international pipeline and sub-sea consultancies, the firm offers an integrated through-life approach from pre-conceptual design to abandonment. Penspen is recognized for its engineering integrity in management of pipelines and associated structures; as well as for asset management services for terminals, pipelines and plant operates 6
pipeline facilities; and for providing emergency response systems and services to the oil, gas and petro-chemical industries.
1.3.4 R&H Railway Consultants Group The R&H Railway Consultants Group is comprised of R&H Railway Consultants and TSD Consulting Services and provides comprehensive and integrated consulting services to the railway sector. With over half a century of railway planning and engineering design experince, R&H Railway Consultants is one of Africa's largest private rail consultants, with offices in Johannesburg, Richards Bay and Durban.
1.3.5 Pierre-Yves Rochon S.A. Pierre-Yves Rochon is one of the world's renowned interior design firms, specializing in designs for the hospitality industry. The firm's prestigious worldwide commissions reflect its core belief that the most important factor in the design process is its base of creative, experienced and technically proficient experts with common goals of excellence in all aspects of interior design.
1.3.6 IPA Energy + Water Consulting IPA Energy+ Water Consulting is an independent energy consultancy working at the forefront of electricity and gas de-regulation and market development since 1989. Based in Edinburgh, UK, IPA Energy+ Water Consulting has global experience in creating, implementing and strengthening energy markets in order to increase competition, raise economic efficiency, attract private sector capital, foster renewable energy and promote emissions reduction.
1.4 Area of Activity
7
Dar has multi-disciplinary services span across eight areas of activity - from structures, bridges and infrastructure to the natural environment and telecommunications.
1.4.1 Planning and Infrastructure Urban and regional planning and infrastructure developments are carried with a team approach, producing comprehensive and sustainable solutions for clients.
1.4.1.1 Master Plan Structure plans and master plans are prepared for regions and cities of all sizes. Solutions and future requirements are environmentally sustainable and provide opportunities for economic development.
1.4.1.2 Planning for Industrial and Employment Area Characters of traditional industrial areas have been rapidly changing in technology and design. They have developed new approaches to cater for the requirements of technology and science parks and increasingly more amenity-oriented employment areas.
1.4.1.3 Planning for Residential Community Master plan includes designing of residential communities with distinctive themes and character. From selective residential developments to low-income housing solutions, they develop pleasant living environments that satisfy the needs of their future residents.
1.4.2 The Reshaping Environment
8
Through the last fifty years, services have been expanded to meet and anticipate clients' needs. Today, Dar is one of the few architecture and engineering firms in the world with truly comprehensive services - providing all services necessary to build a structure within offices.
1.4.2.1 Residential Housing is the building block for every community, improving the lifestyle, needs and ambition of its residents. They develop residential projects of all sizes and configurations - from new, master planned cities and luxurious high-rises to military camps and low-cost housing in developing countries.
1.4.2.2 Health Care Dar attempted to enhance the quality of health care and raise the established standards by designing responsive facilities that are capable of handling the ever-changing demands and advances of the medical industry. Always mindful of the financial constraints in developing countries, cost-effective schemes and design affordable, quality hospitals for both urban and rural communities were created.
1.4.2.3 Education Educational facilities including universities, teaching hospitals and corporate training centers have been planned and designed for over 40 years. Multi-disciplinary approach to these complex projects result in cohesive campuses and buildings that promote learning and inspire creativity in the end-users.
1.4.2.4 Travelling 9
Dar develop distinctive architectural designs that both reflect the global nature of travel and draw inspiration from local culture. All the structures are efficient, safe, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces designed to keep pace with today's demanding travelers, while ensuring efficient flow of passengers and users throughout.
1.4.3 Improving Natural Resource Development The main goal of every project is providing efficient, economic and sustainable solutions. The projects that optimize existing resources, meet the affordability levels of each community are carried out and are locally maintainable. Dar help their clients in identifying the problem and assist them in developing the most appropriate course of action rather than applying poorlydefined parameters.
1.4.3.1 Water recourses Dar designs water supply and treatment schemes that are both affordable by a community and solve its particular needs - whether they're small rural projects or advanced networks for major metropolises.
1.4.3.2 Dams and hydraulic structure A crucial component in the viability and long-term success of most natural resource development projects is the design of hydraulic structures. Design and engineer structures of all types including: storage and diversion dams, regulated canals for water supply and irrigation, drainage structures have been planned.
1.4.3.3 Storm water drainage
10
Dar have completed master plans and have designed numerous drainage schemes in various climates and site conditions in both urban and rural areas. Dar use GIS/Satellite Imagery and Remote Sensing when preparing drainage schemes both independently or in conjunction with planning and upgrading of sewerage systems.
1.4.3.4 Water drainage Proper sanitation, including sewage collection and treatment, is one of the necessities of society Their plans and concepts adhere to local and climactic factors and utilize the latest technological advances to provide locally built and maintainable end-products.
1.4.4 Environmental Management Many international agencies and governments are dedicated to applying and enforcing environmental policies and sustainability to their development plans. They help clients develop both practical, project-based environmental solutions and strategic, sector-based assessments.
1.4.5 Transport development Dar provide the highest level of professional excellence in project conception, traffic modeling and construction management.
1.4.5.1 Transport Strategies Dar assist and advise clients on transport strategies to achieve effective, efficient and safe systems. Dar develop solutions that help to improve transportation facilities, services and
11
operations and provide comprehensive services from sector policies and multi-modal strategies to training.
1.4.5.2 Transport planning From national, regional and urban transport master plans to the optimization of individual transport facilities , Dar customize and adapt standard techniques to suit the unique requirements of each country's needs. They continually develop our range of in-house software and provide comprehensive transport planning services.
1.4.5.3 Sustainable Transports Dar cultivate transport solutions that improve the quality of living and meet future needs in terms of access, mobility, environmental protection and economic viability. Dar integrate e development with transport design; balance social, environmental and economic issues; and create safe, efficient and affordable modes of transport. The solutions are also efficient intermodal connections for road, rail, air and sea transport, and freight and logistics facilities.
1.4.5.4 Major roads, Highways and Interchange With over 20,000 km in commissions, we've planned, designed and supervised construction of all types of road - from developing rural roads in emerging nations to major networks. Our seamless, in-house services cover everything from development of a project concept to advice on financing.
12
1.4.5.5 Bridges Dar innovative bridge and viaduct structures are international renowned. In the forefront of innovative designs for pre-cast, segmental and post-tensioned viaduct construction, they continue to deliver refined structures that harmonize creativity with efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
1.4.5.6 Airports Dar and group have provided master planning, design and construction supervision for more than 25 airports over the years, ranging from major international facilities to local aerodromes. Designs include runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting, communication and landing navigation systems.
1.4.5.7 Tunnels This firm is a world-leader in both soft-ground and rock tunneling technology, having designed over 220-km of road, rail and other types of tunnels in some of the most challenging locations in the world.
1.4.5.8 Seaports The main focus in this area are on marine facilities, such as quays, breakwaters, land reclamation, sea protection works, new cargo and passenger facilities, as well as leisure and fishing ports. Services also include hydraulic modeling facilities that are provided by government sponsored research laboratories, in Europe and the USA.
13
1.4.5.9 Railways From the design of modern railway systems to the refurbishment and upgrading of existing facilities, DAR provide track design, station and goods yard layouts, signaling and communication systems and operational studies
.
1.4.6 Industry Technological innovations and shorter life cycles in consumer goods have had a powerful impact on the manufacturing industry, changing the design and character of many facilities. This evolving conversion demands structures be equipped with tremendous flexibility, so that future modernizations are incorporated effortlessly.
1.4.7 Project Management They cover all areas like civil engineering projects, buildings, industrial plants, marine structures, power and telecom. They apply non-traditional procedures to meet each project's unique and evolving needs. It includes:
− Client representation − Management plan development − Project controls − Design management − Studies, review and audit − Quality surveying 14
− Contracting and procurement − Tender process − Contract administration − Quality management − Training (Source: DAR website http://www.dargroup.com/flash/index_flash.php?isvars=false)
1.4.8 Power & Telecom: 1.4.8.1 Power systems
Planning and implementing programs for power supplies is a vital component in the social and economic growth in developing countries. They have developed the skills and expertise to provide a wide range of consulting services for the evaluation, design and supervision of various power projects including power generation, transmission and distribution systems, and energy studies.
1.4.8.2 Telecommunication The infrastructure was improved that forms the backbone of clients' fast-growing businesses and offer a full array of services for large public telecommunications companies and for specialized
15
private projects. They provide help to clients in capturing market opportunities by delivering advanced communications systems that achieve ambitious business goals.
1.5 Services The capabilities of Dar and group span all service areas needed to take a project from conception to operation.
1.5.1 Geospatial Services Dar have been providing comprehensive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) services since the 1990s, recognizing the importance of applying GIS, RS and related technologies to all types of projects and provide comprehensive GIS/RS services for all of the areas of activity.
1.5.2 Architecture Skillfully combining design creativity with impeccable project management, they provide full inhouse architectural services for all areas of the built environment - from health-care, aviation, corporate, and commercial to residential, hospitality, and cultural structures. Dar architectural services include:
− Initial surveys/site investigation − Facilities programming and planning − Conceptual design 16
− Architectural design − Sustainable design − Contract administration − Construction management − Post-occupancy evaluations − Specifications. Related services, such as landscaping, interior architecture, planning, and various engineering services are also often provided in-house in conjunction with our architectural capabilities. (Source: DAR website , http://www.dargroup.com/flash/index_flash.php?isvars=false)
1.5.3 Geotechnical Engineering: Dar have been providing geotechnical and heavy civil engineering services for close to thirty years. They are one of the first consultants in the region to offer such services, in geotechnical and civil engineering areas that has grown and expanded over the years to deliver impeccable assistance to customers.
1.5.4 Structural Engineering: Structural engineers work with all of other specialist departments across all project types, to all other departments and provide the resources necessary for structural design and preparation of tender documents.
1.5.5 Transport Planning and Engineering: 17
From project conception and traffic modeling, to management of construction and subsequent operation, they deliver the highest level of professional excellence in transport services.
1.5.6 Marine & Port Engineering: They provide comprehensive services of various scale in marine & port planning and engineering.
Past projects range from ports, marinas, small craft harbours and offshore
structures to touristic developments with tidal lagoons, sand nourishment and shore protection works.
1.5.7 Economics: Experienced economists of Dar combine a high level of professional competence with a broad range of experience and deliver impeccable technical & management services tailored to each client's needs.
1.5.8 Landscape Architecture: They provide comprehensive landscape services from site inventory and analysis to design, construction supervision and site maintenance and operations training.
1.6 Work Procedure Dar Al-handasah company work procedure executes in following steps:
1.6.1 Tender Inquiry Inquiry is the first step in the business. It is done by the client in the ways that include Tender Notice in the Newspaper, Inquiry letter from the customer, Phone calls and Personal visits of the customer. 18
Whenever an inquiry is received, it is recorded in the Inquiry Register which contains inquiry number, date, customer name, required system specifications and location of the site. The Tender Notice shows the details about the requirements of the customer and contains, Name & Quantity of the item, Total price of the tender, Date/Time of the tender opening, Last date of purchase of tender documents, Percentage of earnest money Against the inquiry, tender documents are purchased and offer is made and then submitted. Tender Documents are filled by the Sales department and are assessed by the Commercial department. Tender Documents contain few things which are assessed by the Commercial department and include Value of Earnest Money, Date of Quotation submission, Name of Beneficiary, Copy of Calculation Sheet.
1.6.2 Earnest Money It is the amount that is demanded by the client in the Tender Notice or in the Inquiry Letter. For Example, 2% of the total price of tender valid up to 180 days. It is also called TSD (Temporary Security Deposit). In case if the offer is rejected, Company is entitled to request the customer for the release of earnest money and also claims earnest money in the case of favorable transaction.
1.6.3 Approval Letter: It the acceptance letter from customer approval .The Letter contains the information regarding Offer Number, Offer Value, Customer Name, Supplier Name and Goods Description.
1.6.4 Offer
19
After this procedure, offer is made in consultation with the head office. Prices are taken from the head office and calculations are made. A covering letter is sent to the client with an offer that includes: 1. Bid Covering Letter 2. Copy of earnest money demand draft 3. Price Schedule 4. Technical Specifications 5. Terms & Conditions (Source: DAR office Working Procedure)
1.6.5 Purchase Order When customers are agreed on the given terms, they place an order called Purchase Order. The P.O includes Quantity, Unit Price, Total Price, Sales Tax, Terms of Delivery, Delivery Period, Payment Clause and Warranty.
1.6.6 Dispatch Intimation It is an internal document sent by the Sales Department to the head office in order to confirm the delivery and to intimate head office to dispatch the material required.
1.6.7 Dispatch Documents After getting response of Dispatch Intimation, Dispatch Documents are prepared which include Delivery Note..
1.6.8 Order Execution
20
When material is delivered at required place then order is executed
1.6.9 Claims for Payment After completion of order execution DAR make payment claim for the work done through a covering letter that contains Price payable, Sales Tax Invoice, Further correspondence is done till the agreement lasts including requests for the release of earnest money, of other correspondence as per situation, etc.
21
CHAPTER NO 02
22
Chapter 2:
Personal & Learning Experience
While I was doing my internship at Dar group, I came through a lot of personal learning and experience, I grapsed a lot of professional knowledge during my six weeks internship program at Dar. It is an engneering firm which deals in a wide range of portfolio business. I got much information regarding practical work of organization. I learned how to interact with customers and how to handle documentary work. Working in such a diverse workforce was also a positive experience. I have summarized my learning experience at Dar in the forthcoming lines.
2.1 PERSONAL TASKS I was fortunate enough to get internship with Dar al handasah. I spent a great time with Dar al handasah. I did personal tasks during the course of my internship at finance department.
2.1.1 Preparation of Quotation for bidding in tenders In this purchasing process, a purchasing employee requests quotations for a specific material from different vendors. A quotation comparison list enables the purchasing employee to select the best source of supply by evaluating the quotations from the vendors. The accepted quotation is converted into a purchase order, and a rejection letter is sent to the vendors whose quotations are rejected. Material-specific information including vendor pricing and lead-time from the quotation is captured within data records.
2.1.2 Customer Correspondence A proper customer record id maintained in order to ensure a prompt follow-up action in case any customer brings a complaint about an installation or quality of the producer installed or sold. Steps are taken to make it sure that complaints are not repeated. A proper database is 23
maintained for this purpose so that complaints are not repeated. For each area of activity
separate record is maintained so that services are not overlapped. Response time fpr correspondence is checked and there are plenty and incentives for a lazy and prompt service respectively. I personally have observed that service quality of the organization is well organized and complaints and suggestions from customers are welcomed by the management of the company.
2.1.3 Preparation of vouchers Following are the main points to be considered in this regard.
2.1.3.1 Vendor ID The vendor ID and name and address must match the “Remit To” information as specified on the invoice.
2.1.3.2 Invoice Number The Invoice Number field is the information that the payee/vendor needs to identify the payment. This should include the vendor assigned account number and the invoice number.
2.1.3.3 Description of Goods The invoice should state what items are being purchased. The price should include the amount per item and extension for more than one item.
2.1.4 Arrangement of Performance Bond I arrange performance bonds according to agreement that what percentage of amount is to be paid in case of failure to perform according to the agreement.
24
2.1.5 Different records maintenance Different documents that are part of finance department are maintained for record keeping purpose like copies of invoices, quotations financial instruments, etc.
2.2 Learning Experience During my stay at workplace, I find myself groomed in following areas of my personality.
2.2.1 Communicating with higher management From this experience I have improved my communication skills which I learnt how to communicate with Senior Management, Colleagues and different people working in an organization.
2.2.2 Administrative Skills From this experience I have learnt how to handle situations as well as administer the employees through word of mouth.
2.2.3 Team work I have experience team work since the environment of the DARis very friendly and employees are very much helpful to each other
2.2.4 Understanding of professional environment It was my first experience to work in a professional evironment.I have got a great deal of understanding of organizational environment.Thus. I got groomed professionally. How?????
2.2.5 Respect for woman in organization. One of the very nice feature of the organizational environment was respect for women. Like????
2.2.6 Sense of organizational loyalty. 25
I identified one of the basic reason for success of organization ie high level of commitment of each of organizational member.
2.2.7 Punctuality. Consistency and fluency of operations is possible because of punctuality.
2.2.8 A decent interaction with finance department My overall interaction with finance department was really very beneficial and positive. ?????
2.2.9 Corporate responsibility I observed the sense of corporate responsibility in the organization that makes it distinctly admirable.
26
CHAPTER NO 03
27
Chapter 3:
SWOT
analysis
SWOT Analysis
is
a
strategic
the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
planning and Threats
method involved
used in
to
evaluate
a project or
in
a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. A SWOT analysis must first start with defining a desired end state or objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the strategic planning model. Strategic Planning has been the subject of much research.
Strengths : characteristics of the business or team that give it an advantage over
others in the industry.
Weaknesses : are characteristics that place the firm at a disadvantage relative to
others.
Opportunities: external chances to make greater sales or profits in the
environment.
Threats : external elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the
business.
3.1 Strengths 28
The strengths of Dar al handasah are as follow
3.1.1 Brand equity Dar group has a very well established brand name in construction industry. Customers prefer DAR’s solutions and pay premium to purchase their products. Dargroup has taken the advantage of its well established brand name and come up with more solutions apart from engineering and electronic systems like financial solutions and mobility solutions.
3.1.2 Very Innovative Dar positions itself as an innovative company. The company is continuously innovating different products and technologies for various solutions. Dar core values also include innovation as a necessary value.
3.1.3 Wide and diverse range of business Dar has a very diverse and wide range of products and services. Dar serves a number of dynamic industries with a comprehensive range of products, systems and services for public and private telecommunications, engineering and distribution, transportation, automotive electronic equipment as well as medical engineering, home appliances and water supply.
3.1.4 Strong corporate culture The company follows a strong corporate culture i.e. management hierarchy is clear cut and delegations of power is cleary defined .Moreover, salary package is comparable to market.
3.2 Weaknesses
29
The strengths of Dar al handasah are as follow
3.2.1 Poor Human Resource Management Dar group has a serious problem of poor Human Resource Management. The company often neglects the issues regarding employees which results in employee dissatisfaction leading to performance deficiencies. Secondly, Dar Training and Development procedures contain various loopholes.
3.2.2 Favorism to domestic people Management favors the Saudi people and prefer them to other which causes sense of dissatisfaction among the employee who belongs to other countries.
3.2.3 Lengthy Business Procedures Business procedures of Dar are rather lengthy and sometimes lead to problems regarding
increase in liquidated damages amount which results in increase in cost. Lengthy business procedure of Dar sometimes also results in delay in delivery leading to customer dissatisfaction.
3.2.4 Lack of training/succession planning There is no future planning program as adopted by other organizations. Also no formal training is provided to employess from time to time.
3.3 Opportunities The opportunities of Dar al handasah are as follow
3.3.1 Changing customer requirement
30
Since customers’ requirements are changing and they demand efficiency in the systems and solutions, therefore it can be an opportunity for Dar to analyze the needs of the customers and to cater their needs which will lead to growth in revenues, profits and market share.
3.3.2 Investment opportunities in different sectors Because of well established brand name, dar group has the opportunities to enter into other businesses as well. For example, dargroup is now going to enter in healthcare solutions.
3.3.3 More successful strategic alliances Dar can enter into strategic alliances with successfully operating firms to earn more and more profits. Now the revenues have been increased and risks are reduced as a result of this merger.
3.4 Threats The threats of Dar al handasah are as follows
3.4.1 Rapidly increasing competition Since more and more companies are enterng into industry so market share of the organization can reduce.For this purpose Dar has to adopt a product differention strategy.
3.4.2 Unfavorable economic changes Because of voilence in gulf region the oppurtunities of business for organzation are adhered to high law and order risks, hence reducing the business share of the organization.
3.4.3 Increase in taxes Since new taxes are in palce because of global reforms like European Union and WTO so profits may reduce in forthcoming future.
3.4.4 Increasing costs by vendors, forwarders, etc . 31
Because of inflationary pressures suppliers are increasingf their costs of input which will force the Dar to increase product price which may cause decline in customer base.
32
CHAPTER NO 04
33
Chapter 4:
Recommendations and Conclusion
4.1 Recommendations I would like to give following recommendation to Dar Al-handasah
4.1.1 Competitive Salary Salaries of employees should be competitive to other firms.
4.1.2 Communication Skills Sales staff should be given training about communication skills development, only relying on their engineering capabilities and knowledge is not enough.
4.1.3 Rewards for Extra Responsibilities Employees should be rewarded for extra activities and tasks handled by them. e.g., Internal audit of fixed assets.
4.1.4 Establish Customer Services Organization should establish customer services cell to eliminate the problems of customers.
4.1.5 Interdepartmental Transfer Staff should be transfer from one department to other department for learning multi dimensional work.
4.1.6 Proper Training The organization should engage proper training for new and old staff in order to improve their performance. 34
.4.1.7 Performance Review There should be continuous performance review of staff
4.1.8 Feed Back System There should be feedback system to measure the efficiency of the staff . .4.2
Conclusion
I have very positive and pleasant overall experience of my working at DAR Group. This internship has provided to me the practical exposure of degree and I am feeling that I have started my professional career through my internship and this internship will provide me practical suggestions for my career. I would conclude my report by expressing that working in dargroup was an excellent experience. I was fortunate enough to get the guidance and support of some best people in their fields. Their cooperation and encouragement fueled my desire to learn. I am very grateful to all those who worked with me and guided me. I am also very grateful to Department of Administrative Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad for providing me such a valuable opportunity to work with a leading multi-national company and I specially pay gratitude to my teachers who really made me worked hard and whose knowledge given helped me realized that how essential is their presence and how important is their role in transforming a student into a corporate professional I will mention that doing internship after having a yearlong session of academics and theoretical study, a student learns much more than whatever he had gone through from books and theory. An internship experience not only provide you with an opportunity to work in the practical field but also polish your different skills, provide you with different exposure and allows you compare your theoretical knowledge with practical application. It really gives business students a chance 35
to see, check, judge and to think that how things around the corporate world are happening, changing, disappearing, emerging, etc.
36
REFERENCES 1. Dar al handasah Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Retrieved July 25,
2010, from http://www.dargroup.com http://www.dargroup.com/flash/index_flash.php?isvars=false 2. Dar al handasah Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Retrieved July 27,
2010, from http://ww1.dargroup.com/index.php?isvars=true§ion=area&areaid=3&domainid=76& projectid 3. Dar al handasah Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Retrieved Aug 3,
2010, from http://ww1.dargroup.com/index.php?isvars=true§ion=services&serviceid=&mainpageid 4. Dar al handasah Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Retrieved Aug 5,
2010, from http://www.rhrailway.co.za/404/ 5. Dar al handasah Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Retrieved Aug 15,
2010, from http://www.tylin.com/tyl_what.html 6. Dar al handasah(Shair and Partners) Consultancy company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Retrieved Aug 15, 2010, from 37
