Question: G plc is a long-established divisionalised company with its origins in shipping. The company has been in existence for nearly 160 years and has developed a reputation for reliability and quality of service. While the company obtains the majority of its turnover from various forms of shipping, its subsidiary interests extend into transport, construction and property. The shipping activities in which G plc is engaged comprise four divisions - Cruise, Ferries, Containers and Bulk Shipping. The Cruise division is engaged entirely in the carriage of passengers and the Ferries division carries passengers and vehicles. The vehicles carried by the Ferries range from motor cars to articulated lorries and single-deck buses. The Containers and Bulk Shipping divisions are engaged in the carriage of freight only and do not carry any fare-paying passengers.

Organisational aims The company has stated over recent years that it aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Increase its emphasis on international businesses to achieve long-term profitability.

2. Provide those businesses with the necessary capital investment to achieve their development.

3. Continued development and training of the company's employees to achieve the organisational objectives.