SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Golden Onyx Hotel Management Challenges

Summarized Case Study

Cheetah Investments Limited (CIL), operating under the brand name Ghana Golden Onyx Hotel (GGOH), faces various strategic and financial challenges as it seeks to expand and strengthen its market position in the competitive hospitality industry. Established in 2016, GGOH provides services ranging from accommodation to conferencing and fitness, targeting both international and domestic clients. The company’s mission and vision aim to establish it as a leading destination in Ghana, focusing on delivering unforgettable customer experiences.

Key issues explored in the case include corporate governance challenges, particularly the decision not to appoint a managing director, which raises concerns about leadership and ethical governance. The board composition and alternating chairmanship model between shareholders also pose potential conflicts that could impede effective decision-making.

The financial challenges are underscored by a $3.5 million foreign currency loan from ABSTRACT Bank, accrued during the construction of the hotel. CIL is grappling with cash flow issues and an inability to meet financial obligations due to a sluggish start in operations. The company’s financial projections depend heavily on increasing room occupancy rates and expanding facilities, which includes a planned expansion project to add 60 standard rooms and a multipurpose conference facility.

Strategic growth opportunities are analyzed using Ansoff’s Product/Market Growth Matrix, revealing that GGOH could benefit from market penetration and development strategies, especially as competition intensifies in the hospitality sector. The case also discusses transaction risks arising from foreign currency loans and the potential impact on GGOH’s financial stability. Ethical conflicts and integrity in financial reporting are addressed in line with IFAC guidelines.

This case study encourages students to apply strategic analysis tools, assess financial performance and governance structures, and devise solutions for sustainable growth and debt repayment, making it a comprehensive scenario for examining real-world business challenges in the hospitality sector.

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Past Questions for SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Golden Onyx Hotel Management Challenges

SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q8 – Financial management

Calculate operating and financial gearing for GGOH and assess how these ratios impact investor decisions.

Assume a 10% interest on the outstanding loan and 22% Corporate Tax.

Required:
i) Calculate the operating gearing and financial gearing for GGOH. (5 marks)

ii) Assess how these ratios could impact an investor’s decision to invest in GGOH. (5 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q7 – International financial management

Explain how to handle ethical conflicts and assess the impact of transaction risk on GGOH’s ability to repay its loan.

ABGL that the loan will be paid within the period specified.

Required:
i) In reference to the IFAC suggested model for dealing with ethical conflicts and using your judgement, explain how you will undertake this assignment with integrity. (5 marks)

ii) Assess the impact of transaction risk on the ability of GGOH to repay its loan, with relevant calculations. (5 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q6 – Strategy implementation

Prepare a business plan extract for GGOH to meet one of ABGL’s recommendations, incorporating 2019 financial performance assumptions.

As a Business Advisor, you have been contracted by the Management of GGOH to prepare a Business Plan to meet one of ABGL’s recommendations. For the purpose of this examination, you are required to prepare an extract based on the following structure:

  • Executive Summary
  • Body of the report
    • Business description
    • Business environment analysis
    • Industry background
    • Competitor analysis
  • Operating plans
    • Marketing Plan
  • Management Summary
  • Financial Plan (You are expected to incorporate new assumptions based on the 2019 actual financial performance). (20 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q5 – Professional practice and codes of ethics

Advise on how GGOH could improve governance using the Ghana Code of Best Practices and the UK Corporate Governance Code.

In reference to the Ghana Code of Best Practices for Corporate Governance and the UK Corporate Governance Code, advise the shareholders of GGOH on how they could improve governance in the organization. (10 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q4b – Strategy implementation

Advise on the merits and demerits of the shareholders' decision not to employ a managing director at GGOH, considering their circumstances.

The shareholders of GGOH decided that they will at all times maintain four individuals as members of the Board, and the Chairmanship will alternate between the two shareholders every two years. This could be a potential for conflicts between the shareholders.

Required:
Advise the shareholders on the merits and demerits of their decision not to employ a Managing Director, taking into consideration their peculiar circumstances. Highlight ethical issues that might arise. (10 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q4a – Strategy implementation

Explain how effective collaboration can help the shareholders achieve the goals and objectives of GGOH.

The shareholders of GGOH decided that they will at all times maintain four individuals as members of the Board, and the Chairmanship will alternate between the two shareholders every two years. This could be a potential for conflicts between the shareholders.

Required:
How can effective collaboration help them achieve the goals and objectives of GGOH? (10 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q3 – Competitive advantage

Apply Ansoff's Product/Market Growth Matrix to assess GGOH’s potential market development opportunities.

With the increasing competition in the hospitality industry, GGOH must adopt market development strategies to stay in or ahead of the competition. Apply Ansoff’s Product/Market Growth matrix to assess the extent of the potential market development opportunities available to GGOH. (10 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q2 – Environment analysis

Discuss how GGOH might fail to honor its financial obligations using a PESTEL analysis.

The external environment within which GGOH operates has an influence on its financial position and financial performance both now and in the future. Using PESTEL analysis, discuss the view that GGOH might fail to honor its financial obligations. (10 marks)

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SCS – Nov 2020 – L3 – Q1 – Strategy, stakeholders and mission

Explain how the mission statement of GGOH can be made relevant to the future success of the organization.

A mission statement can have several different purposes. In reference to the mission statement of GGOH, explain how management can make it relevant to the future success of the organization. (10 marks)

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