Thursday, 15 November 2012

FINAL PRESENTATION

My final presentation today went extremely well. I was able to convey the message across to the audience without boring them, and when it came time for comments and reflections at the end I had no remarks what so ever. Job well done I think!!

Wednesday, 14 November 2012

2ND REPORT DUE


We were at last able to rid ourselves of this burden that we have been carrying for almost a year, as today I  submitted the second  and final assessment. I am silently confident that we have produced a decent report seeing as we were extra careful in its preparation leading up to today.

For now, my sights are firmly set on my final presentation tomorrow.I hope things should go according to plan, seeing as I just need pick those important points from the report to showcase my research. Bring on the final presentation!!

Monday, 12 November 2012

REPORT CONCLUSION


Throughout the course of this assignment, I have learnt the importance of certain aspects in owning and operating a successful business. The importance of having skilled labour within the business and how it affects the work output and efficiency of the business is vital as it is the main working force that drives the business. It is also essential to continue to keep the workforce up to date with current technology to keep them skilled and efficient. 

Having your business insured against possible liabilities and damage is imperative as accidents will happen in this industry and having insurance makes that sure you are protected when accidents do occur and minimizes the risks. 

Important factors such as knowing the different organizations that affect your business, how they all contribute to the success of the business, how the competition will affect the smooth operation of the business, making sure the business has proper financing in order to keep the business running smoothly is also very important as this saves the business a lot of time when keeping track of income. 

Finally the working ethics and ethical practices that affect the business is another key factor. Ethical practices not only help to ensure the business is a trust worthy organization, but it also helps create a good working environment for the staff, making the business easier to manage and operate. With the business operating smoothly and efficiently, it is much easier to create a good and friendly relationship with customers which encourages them to come back therefore creating repeated business. 

Finally I believe it is important to keep up to date with current trends in the industry and adapting to these trends such as technology advancements, pricing, and service quality in order to have a successful business for the future.

Sunday, 11 November 2012

RELATED ORGANISATIONS


New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
The New Zealand Land transport agency is the main organization which governs and protects all that is related to the automotive industry. They work very closely to the relations of the industry and are responsible for affordability, safety and responsive sustainable land transport system. 

They also have a huge role in investigations on accidents, managing projects related to road construction, repairs and building new road systems. The New Zealand land transport agency is also responsible for enforcing all the rules and regulations relating to land use, transportation, and transportation services. They are also responsible for enforcing rules and regulations for businesses which are related to transport services, vehicle repairs and even vehicle dealers. 

If help is needed, the New Zealand land transport agency will provide advice and assistance even to government and private organizations upon request. NZTA is the government organization that administers the WOF to workshops and its technicians.
(NZTA, 2012)

Motor Trade Association (MTA)
Is a membership organization, set up in 1917, it has around 4000 members that stretch from vehicle repairers to car dealers. To be a member, an annual membership fee of approximately $800 is required.

The organization also provides WOF training, whereby one day of WOF training is around $552. If you are a member, the fee is half price at $276 bucks.


Upon joining the class and passing the exam, you will receive certification in WOF inspection. Also, if you are a member, you are permitted to carry the MTA logo on your work shop to show customers that you are a professional.
(MTA, 2012)


Occupational Health and Safety (OSH)
They are the government service responsible for inspections, information and training activities in the area of occupational safety and health. The objective of the Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE) 1992 is to promote the prevention of harm to all people at work, and others in, or in the vicinity of the workplace.

The Act applies to all New Zealand workplaces and places duties on employers, the self-employed, employees, principals and others who are in a position to manage or control hazards. The Department of Labour administers and enforces the HSE Act in most workplaces.
(Department of Labour, 2012)

References:

WebLogix Ltd. (2001). “Simms”. Retrieved from: http://www.simmsautoelec.co.nz/wa4e6b.html
NZTA. (2012). “About Us”. Retrieved from: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/about/index.html

MTA. (2012).“About us”. Retrieved from: https://www.mta.org.nz/aboutus

Department of Labour. (2012). Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act)”. Retrieved from: http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/law/hse.shtml



Saturday, 10 November 2012

SPECIALIZED SERVICES


During the repair process of a vehicle, there are instances where parts are deemed too expensive replace, either for new or second hand parts. In this case, it may be more cost effective to repair the old parts, therefore creating a need for automotive parts specialists.

Common repair work includes:

  • Engine reconditioning
  • Radiator repairs
  • Auto electrical repairs
Examples:


Specialized Services Summary:
  • Each company only specializes in one specific area of the vehicle for repair.
  • They offer a top quality service and have professional, skilled staff 
  • They are able rebuild key vehicle components, which would otherwise be costly to replace
  • They do repair work that workshops are not equipped to do



Friday, 9 November 2012

2ND HAND SUPPLIERS


New Zealand has 4,327,944 people in this country and according to the World Bank report, there are 603 vehicles for every 1000 people, (The World Bank Group, 2012).  Some of these vehicles are older than ten years, and the older the vehicle becomes, it starts to display problems, and replacing the old parts become necessary.

While replacing wearable parts such as filters, gaskets, brake pads, are a common and are normally cost effective. Replacing larger and more complex parts such as starter motors, alternators, window control units, engines, and transmissions become a more expensive exercise and so on most occasions it is cheaper to replace with second hand recycled parts. This creates the need for second hand parts suppliers.
Key second hand parts dealers include:
  • Pick-A-Part
  • Parts Connection
  • Dodsons Autospares




Second-Hand Parts Suppliers Summary:
  • Second hand parts suppliers purchase their parts from parts dealers in Japan or as entire car bodies within New Zealand at damaged vehicle auctions.
  • Most suppliers offer a warranty on their parts, which vary from approximately 2 weeks to 3 months.
  • For security and return purposes, they will mark the parts by engraving or marking it with a colored marker. All suppliers have their own unique way of marking their products.
  • As their parts are usually second hand, the resell price for the parts are normally cheaper than genuine parts.

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS


In New Zealand there are four key parts suppliers; these are BNT, Repco, Part masters, and Auto stop. They supply anything from a small bolt to belts, gaskets, pistons etc. Normally any wearable part that is replaceable can be supplied or out sourced by these company’s.





Wholesale Parts Suppliers Summary:

  • They provide a good service, and offer quality products at a competitive price.
  • They are easily accessible to everyone, both trade and general public customers.
  • They have sufficient storage capacity to store all bulk parts and products. 

When purchasing parts through a supplier, if you belong to a work shop you do not need pay the bill immediately, you are just required to setup an account, and then settle the account at the end of each month. Upon purchasing a part or product, you need to present an order number, which is usually the registration number belonging to the repair vehicle, and this helps with processing the bill.