SOME ISSUES TO CONSIDER

1.How does the surface coatings industry fit into the chemical industry as a whole?

• value/volume of production - value added
• employment of capital - employees, number of
• its relationship to the economy as a whole? (GDP - backward and forward linkages with other industries, local raw material manufacturers and paint users - automotive industry, white goods etc).

2.Structure of industry

• large vs. small firms
• at what stage do economies of scale take effect? What inhibits their operation? (The "step" theory - R & D - future trends - amalgamations and take overs, vs. recent successes of smaller firms.)
• other characteristics (labour relations, marketing strategies)

3.Future directions

• Impact of new industrial, health and safety and environmental controls.
• demand led growth vs. R & D generated growth
• access to overseas technology
• export of technology through Asian subsidiaries
• CER (trade with New Zealand)
• threat of imports vs. opportunities arising from association with overseas associates.

4.Management Ratios