Organisational Behaviour
1.
The manager must praise an employee in public and censure in private. Discuss
this statement with the help of Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory.
2. The Trait theory of leadership asserts that leaders are born not made. According to these theories leaders have common personal or behavioural characteristics accounting for leadership effectiveness. Do you agree with the same? Support your answer with proper justification for the same. Conclude by expressing which theory explains leadership the best.
3. Karan is an HR Manager and his team comprises of 6 members excluding him. Everyone in his team has extremely congenial relations to the extent that during brainstorming session they blatantly support each other. Though it is a sign of a close knit team but Karan feels that this kind of extreme harmony is killing the creativity of the team. Karan wants some kind of spur in the team’s creativity. Karan is in a dilemma.
a. Suggest any two methods of stimulating functional conflict in Karan’s team.
b. In case the conflict becomes dysfunctional, also suggest two methods through which Karan can manage the same (dysfunctional conflict).
Information System for Managers
1.
Today companies are using various touch-points to interact with their customers
constantly. These customers are responsible for spreading electronic word-of
mouth thereby influencing others. You’re the owner of Snackathon, a
subscription service that delivers snacks to homes and offices. Snackathon
partners with grocers and other businesses and also sells directly to
consumers. As an organization that has traditionally been dealing with
customer’s offline, you realize the need to move online and dive deeper into
analytics that help you understand why your customers left, if they’re thinking
about leaving, and how you can work to keep them on board. What are the pros
and cons of using analytics to engage with customers effectively? Justify your
standpoint.
2. 10 Street Café is a chain you have started from scratch a few years ago. After breaking even, recently your cafés are gaining popularity and you are expanding your business. The growth is rapid and your staff seems unprepared for the increase in volume of customers and managing the interactions smoothly. On hiring a consultant to help you improve your customer experience, he recommends to invest in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. As a consultant, how would you point out the benefits of CRM system to the client and highlight points to ponder before and during the implementation of such a system?
3. Technology at the dining table (apps like Uber Eats, Swiggy, Zomato) is gaining firmer ground in India. Placing orders for food online is popular, especially among millennials, leading food delivery platforms to embrace analytics in a big way to better read fast-changing consumer behavior, minimize errors and enhance customer experiences. The primary reasons for this growing popularity can be attributed to the rise in the number of digital natives, improved internet connectivity, competitive pricing, quick delivery, variety of restaurants on-board, simple user interface and availability across different platforms.
a. How do you think these companies use analytics to give customers a great experience, unlock business growth and drive operational efficiency?
b. Define Social Media and explain how these companies use Social Media to increase their business? Is it a wise choice to use social media to connect with customers??
2. 10 Street Café is a chain you have started from scratch a few years ago. After breaking even, recently your cafés are gaining popularity and you are expanding your business. The growth is rapid and your staff seems unprepared for the increase in volume of customers and managing the interactions smoothly. On hiring a consultant to help you improve your customer experience, he recommends to invest in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. As a consultant, how would you point out the benefits of CRM system to the client and highlight points to ponder before and during the implementation of such a system?
3. Technology at the dining table (apps like Uber Eats, Swiggy, Zomato) is gaining firmer ground in India. Placing orders for food online is popular, especially among millennials, leading food delivery platforms to embrace analytics in a big way to better read fast-changing consumer behavior, minimize errors and enhance customer experiences. The primary reasons for this growing popularity can be attributed to the rise in the number of digital natives, improved internet connectivity, competitive pricing, quick delivery, variety of restaurants on-board, simple user interface and availability across different platforms.
a. How do you think these companies use analytics to give customers a great experience, unlock business growth and drive operational efficiency?
b. Define Social Media and explain how these companies use Social Media to increase their business? Is it a wise choice to use social media to connect with customers??
Management Theory and Practice
Case:
M/s Chai ki pyaali is a new startup serving hot tea to customers. The company has 30 different varieties of tea and it also sells food items that adds more revenue to the overall profit. The company has a unique cup design and the store layout and design is vintage. The company has opened 50 stores across India and has a plan to open 100 more stores in another two years. The expansion plan is in place and the execution needs to be monitored. The Chai ki pyaali head office is in Mumbai.
Mr. Shravan is the person who started the tapri (small road side sales booth) business and is now the owner of Chai ki pyaali chain. All the employees are very happy with Shravan and his managing skills. Before taking any decision he consults all his managers. He shares his ideas with them and also loves to hear their ideas too. He is always keen on learning new modern management principles and practices.
Mr. Shravan hires you as a Business Manager so that the modern day management practices can be implemented properly.
1. How will you implement 5S in Chai ki Pyaali stores across India which will improve the overall efficiency of the organisation?
2. Explain various social responsibilities that this business will have towards interest groups?
3. Based on the case given:
a. Identify any five Henry Fayol principles that can be implemented in the Chai ki Pyaali business.
b. Explain any three types of leadership styles and identify the leadership style adopted by Mr. Shravan.
M/s Chai ki pyaali is a new startup serving hot tea to customers. The company has 30 different varieties of tea and it also sells food items that adds more revenue to the overall profit. The company has a unique cup design and the store layout and design is vintage. The company has opened 50 stores across India and has a plan to open 100 more stores in another two years. The expansion plan is in place and the execution needs to be monitored. The Chai ki pyaali head office is in Mumbai.
Mr. Shravan is the person who started the tapri (small road side sales booth) business and is now the owner of Chai ki pyaali chain. All the employees are very happy with Shravan and his managing skills. Before taking any decision he consults all his managers. He shares his ideas with them and also loves to hear their ideas too. He is always keen on learning new modern management principles and practices.
Mr. Shravan hires you as a Business Manager so that the modern day management practices can be implemented properly.
1. How will you implement 5S in Chai ki Pyaali stores across India which will improve the overall efficiency of the organisation?
2. Explain various social responsibilities that this business will have towards interest groups?
3. Based on the case given:
a. Identify any five Henry Fayol principles that can be implemented in the Chai ki Pyaali business.
b. Explain any three types of leadership styles and identify the leadership style adopted by Mr. Shravan.
Corporate Social Responsibility
1.
Choose any ONE listed company from NSE top 500 and go through its CSR Report
(found in annual report under Board Report) for TWO years, 2016-17 and 2017-18,
and answer the following; Select all projects/initiatives reported by the
company that fall under Swachh Bharat Campaign and National Skill Development
Mission for the 2 financial years. Collate and analyse the investment made by
the company, the outcome and impact on the beneficiaries over these two years
providing quantitative data to support the positive impacts reported. You can
also include data/ information about these projects/initiatives from the
company’s website and sustainability report if available.
2. Choose any ONE listed company from NSE top 500 (different company from a different sector than that selected for Q1 above). Go through its Business Responsibility Report 2017-18, Section E that has reporting/disclosures on “Principle 6: Business should respect, protect, and make efforts to restore the environment”. Identify and list the focus areas chosen by the company and the initiatives under these focus areas. Collate and present both the qualitative and quantitative information on all the identified initiatives under principle 6 to showcase their outcomes and their impacts. You will need to visit the company website, Annexure E (Energy Conservation) under Board Report as well as its sustainability report, if available. Conclude the answer by providing your analysis of the disclosed data.
3. With the introduction of the Companies Act 2012, spending 2% of net profit on CSR has become conditionally applicable to listed and non listed companies as per the provision laid out under section 135. The company can deploy the CSR projects themselves or through an implementing agency that fulfills all mandatory requirements laid down.
a. As the new Lead, CSR Management Committee, explain what according to you are the five critical challenges/ key factors that will influence and/or enhance working with an implementing agency/ngo that you will have to address for achieving your project objectives.
b. Suggest viable and practical solutions to any two of these challenges that you will present to your CSR Team.
2. Choose any ONE listed company from NSE top 500 (different company from a different sector than that selected for Q1 above). Go through its Business Responsibility Report 2017-18, Section E that has reporting/disclosures on “Principle 6: Business should respect, protect, and make efforts to restore the environment”. Identify and list the focus areas chosen by the company and the initiatives under these focus areas. Collate and present both the qualitative and quantitative information on all the identified initiatives under principle 6 to showcase their outcomes and their impacts. You will need to visit the company website, Annexure E (Energy Conservation) under Board Report as well as its sustainability report, if available. Conclude the answer by providing your analysis of the disclosed data.
3. With the introduction of the Companies Act 2012, spending 2% of net profit on CSR has become conditionally applicable to listed and non listed companies as per the provision laid out under section 135. The company can deploy the CSR projects themselves or through an implementing agency that fulfills all mandatory requirements laid down.
a. As the new Lead, CSR Management Committee, explain what according to you are the five critical challenges/ key factors that will influence and/or enhance working with an implementing agency/ngo that you will have to address for achieving your project objectives.
b. Suggest viable and practical solutions to any two of these challenges that you will present to your CSR Team.
Business Communication and Etiquette
1.
Slipkart.com has put up billboards across the main, arterial roads of Mumbai.
The billboards advertise the Mega Independence Day Sale coming up. They hope
their billboards can grab the attention of drivers and pedestrians on these
busy roads. List the 8-steps in the Basic Communication Model and apply the
model to Slipkart.com’s billboard ad.
2. You are the customer service manager for OmYoga.com, an online store selling Yoga apparel. A customer has written an angry email complaining that the Yoga leggings she purchased a month ago have shrunk and the colour has faded. She mentioned that she machine-washed her leggings and dried them in a drier. Your website clearly mentions that the leggings can only be hand-washed and should not be put in the drier. She is asking for a replacement or a complete refund of Rs. 3000. How would you respond to this complaint? Draft an email.
3. Digital communication technologies are changing the face of business communication. Explain:
a. Engaging content for Social Media
b. Pros and cons of Instant Messaging
2. You are the customer service manager for OmYoga.com, an online store selling Yoga apparel. A customer has written an angry email complaining that the Yoga leggings she purchased a month ago have shrunk and the colour has faded. She mentioned that she machine-washed her leggings and dried them in a drier. Your website clearly mentions that the leggings can only be hand-washed and should not be put in the drier. She is asking for a replacement or a complete refund of Rs. 3000. How would you respond to this complaint? Draft an email.
3. Digital communication technologies are changing the face of business communication. Explain:
a. Engaging content for Social Media
b. Pros and cons of Instant Messaging
Business Economics
1.
“In the monopolistic competition, a few firms sell differentiated products”
Explain this statement by highlighting important features of this kind of a
market. Substantiate your answer by a live example. Also explain how the
equilibrium in this kind of a market is different from a long run equilibrium
under perfect competition.
2. Complete the hypothetical table below and explain in brief, the behaviour of each type of cost. (10 Marks)
Quantity Total
Fixed
Cost
Total
Variable
Cost
Total
Cost
Average
Fixed
Cost
Average
Variable
Cost
Average
Total
Cost
Marginal
Cost
0 0
1 25
2 40
3 50
4 60
5 100 80
6 110
7 150
8 300
9 500
10 900
3. a) What are the practical uses of the concept of price elasticity of demand for different stakeholders in the production process?
b) Distinguish between the shift and movement in the demand curve. Explain any five factors which would bring about a shift in the demand curve for Maggie noodles.
2. Complete the hypothetical table below and explain in brief, the behaviour of each type of cost. (10 Marks)
Quantity Total
Fixed
Cost
Total
Variable
Cost
Total
Cost
Average
Fixed
Cost
Average
Variable
Cost
Average
Total
Cost
Marginal
Cost
0 0
1 25
2 40
3 50
4 60
5 100 80
6 110
7 150
8 300
9 500
10 900
3. a) What are the practical uses of the concept of price elasticity of demand for different stakeholders in the production process?
b) Distinguish between the shift and movement in the demand curve. Explain any five factors which would bring about a shift in the demand curve for Maggie noodles.
Marketing Management
1.
Assume you plan to purchase a new car for personal use. This will be the first
car that you will be purchasing. Discuss various steps of consumer buying
process that will be involved in purchasing a car.
2. M/s Furnideas wishes to sell furniture in the Indian Market. The company is known for their innovative ideas in furniture. The company has a global presence in selling furniture. The company sells to High, Middle and Lower Income group in different countries based on the segmentation. Furnideas appoints you as a consultant to guide them on types of segmentation that they should use for their furniture.
3. M/s Furnideas (as given in question 2) wants to promote its brand and products to create awareness and increase the sale of its products
a. Explain various promotion mix tools that you will use for M/s Furnideas to create awareness about the brand and products.
b. Explain any three online marketing tools that you will use to increase the sale for M/s Furnideas.
2. M/s Furnideas wishes to sell furniture in the Indian Market. The company is known for their innovative ideas in furniture. The company has a global presence in selling furniture. The company sells to High, Middle and Lower Income group in different countries based on the segmentation. Furnideas appoints you as a consultant to guide them on types of segmentation that they should use for their furniture.
3. M/s Furnideas (as given in question 2) wants to promote its brand and products to create awareness and increase the sale of its products
a. Explain various promotion mix tools that you will use for M/s Furnideas to create awareness about the brand and products.
b. Explain any three online marketing tools that you will use to increase the sale for M/s Furnideas.
Essentials of HRM
1.
Mazbooti Pvt Ltd is a civil engineering firm doing projects in buildings,
roads, bridges, Flyovers etc. Recently they have bagged a lot of projects for
which they require Graduate Trainee Engineers as well as Diploma Trainee
Engineers in huge numbers. What could be the method of recruitment in such
scenario? Discuss any two methods of recruitment for such high numbers also
conclude by choosing the best method.
2. As per various researches it is reported that simulations are one of the most effective way of training. Discuss this statement with the help of strong supporting justifications and examples. Also conclude by suggesting any other form of training which can be considered to be as strong as simulations.
3. Kaira is working as an Assistant Manager –Marketing from past five years in an FMCG company. She is a very hard working and dedicated employee. Her performance has also been good consistently. She is one of the deserving employee who never got her fair share of success. From past five years she has not got a single promotion because of which she is contemplating to resign. She communicated the same to Mohit who is her reporting authority. Mohit apprises this to the top management and even gives cues that because of lack of career planning their organisation is in a verge of losing an important talent. Sanjay, the Operations Head on the other hand is totally against the idea of Career planning.
a. Mohit is asked to prepare a list of merits of Career planning. Help him prepare the same.
b. Sanjay opposes Mohit with his list of demerits on the career planning. Mention all the pros and cons of career planning and highlight who is right, Mohit or Sanjay?
2. As per various researches it is reported that simulations are one of the most effective way of training. Discuss this statement with the help of strong supporting justifications and examples. Also conclude by suggesting any other form of training which can be considered to be as strong as simulations.
3. Kaira is working as an Assistant Manager –Marketing from past five years in an FMCG company. She is a very hard working and dedicated employee. Her performance has also been good consistently. She is one of the deserving employee who never got her fair share of success. From past five years she has not got a single promotion because of which she is contemplating to resign. She communicated the same to Mohit who is her reporting authority. Mohit apprises this to the top management and even gives cues that because of lack of career planning their organisation is in a verge of losing an important talent. Sanjay, the Operations Head on the other hand is totally against the idea of Career planning.
a. Mohit is asked to prepare a list of merits of Career planning. Help him prepare the same.
b. Sanjay opposes Mohit with his list of demerits on the career planning. Mention all the pros and cons of career planning and highlight who is right, Mohit or Sanjay?
Business Law
1.
List out the exemptions under which information can be denied under the Right
to Information Act, 2005.
2. Explain two (2) instances in which the consumer courts in India have given directions/orders awarding reliefs in respect to defect of goods/deficiency of service.
Each instance should in detail explain (i) facts of the case and (ii) what relief and damages the consumer courts has granted.
3. Karan and Arjun had entered into a contract where Karan was to supply 50,000 phones to Arjun within 2 months from the date of signing of contract. Karan was to procure the phones from China and deliver the same to Arjun. The rate of the phone was Rs. 5000/- a piece (inclusive of all taxes and duties). At the time of the execution of the contract, the duty was at 5% (five percent). Immediately after the execution of the Agreement, India had increased the duties to 1000% (one thousand percent). Therefore, Karan was finding it difficult to sell the phones at the price agreed earlier. In the circumstances, kindly advice:
a. How can Karan discharge such a contract?
b. How can Arjun enforce such a contract?
2. Explain two (2) instances in which the consumer courts in India have given directions/orders awarding reliefs in respect to defect of goods/deficiency of service.
Each instance should in detail explain (i) facts of the case and (ii) what relief and damages the consumer courts has granted.
3. Karan and Arjun had entered into a contract where Karan was to supply 50,000 phones to Arjun within 2 months from the date of signing of contract. Karan was to procure the phones from China and deliver the same to Arjun. The rate of the phone was Rs. 5000/- a piece (inclusive of all taxes and duties). At the time of the execution of the contract, the duty was at 5% (five percent). Immediately after the execution of the Agreement, India had increased the duties to 1000% (one thousand percent). Therefore, Karan was finding it difficult to sell the phones at the price agreed earlier. In the circumstances, kindly advice:
a. How can Karan discharge such a contract?
b. How can Arjun enforce such a contract?
Business Statistics
1.
The Stock Price details of TATA TELESERVICES (MAHARASHTRA) LTD. are given below
Date Close
No. of No. of
Total Turnover
Shares Trades
01-03-2019 3.09 69,242 100 2,14,257
05-03-2019 3.35 1,97,344 251 6,51,621
06-03-2019 3.41 1,58,205 160 5,47,942
07-03-2019 3.55 4,00,183 433 13,99,537
08-03-2019 3.49 2,73,890 503 9,42,944
11-03-2019 3.5 1,46,178 145 5,12,714
12-03-2019 3.52 80,672 109 2,83,868
13-03-2019 3.46 1,49,428 116 5,14,536
14-03-2019 3.4 72,539 183 2,44,876
For the above sample, determine the following measures:
a. The mean closing price
b. The standard deviation of total number of shares
c. The median value of number of trades
d. The 75th percentile value of total turnover
Analyze the above data using descriptive statistics and comment on the relationship between the various variables
2. Let’s assume that you have gathered the following information on the prices for different management books and the number of pages that each book contains.
A 500 700
B 700 750
C 750 900
D 590 650
E 540 750
F 650 700
G 480 450
a. Develop a least-squares estimated regression line.
b. Compute the coefficient of determination and explain its meaning.
3. The OECD cut forecasts again for the global economy in 2019 and 2020, following on from previous downgrades in November, as it warned that trade disputes and uncertainty over Brexit would hit world commerce and businesses. The Organization for Economic Co- Operation & Development forecast in its interim outlook report that the world economy would grow 3.3 percent in 2019 and 3.4 percent in 2020.
Those forecasts represented cuts of 0.2 percentage points for 2019 and 0.1 percentage points for 2020, compared to the OECD’s last set of forecasts in November. “High policy uncertainty, ongoing trade tensions, and a further erosion of business and consumer confidence are all contributing to the slowdown,” said the OECD in its report. “Substantial policy uncertainty remains in Europe, including over Brexit. A disorderly exit would raise the costs for European economies substantially,” added the OECD.
Europe remains impacted by uncertainty over Britain’s plans to exit the European Union, the U.S. - China trade spat and other weak spots, such as signs of a recession in Italy. For Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the OECD more than halved its 2019 GDP growth forecast to 0.7 percent from 1.6 percent previously. It predicted a light recovery to 1.1 percent growth in 2020. Germany’s export-reliant economy is particularly affected by weaker global demand and rising trade barriers.
(Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oecd-economy/global-economic-growthforecasts-cut-again-by-oecd-idUSKCN1QN13N)
a. In your opinion what forecasting tools are used in the above case for forecasting the global economy? Justify.
b. Are the forecasts accurate? Comment. What all errors are possible in the forecasts and how to deal with such errors?
Date Close
No. of No. of
Total Turnover
Shares Trades
01-03-2019 3.09 69,242 100 2,14,257
05-03-2019 3.35 1,97,344 251 6,51,621
06-03-2019 3.41 1,58,205 160 5,47,942
07-03-2019 3.55 4,00,183 433 13,99,537
08-03-2019 3.49 2,73,890 503 9,42,944
11-03-2019 3.5 1,46,178 145 5,12,714
12-03-2019 3.52 80,672 109 2,83,868
13-03-2019 3.46 1,49,428 116 5,14,536
14-03-2019 3.4 72,539 183 2,44,876
For the above sample, determine the following measures:
a. The mean closing price
b. The standard deviation of total number of shares
c. The median value of number of trades
d. The 75th percentile value of total turnover
Analyze the above data using descriptive statistics and comment on the relationship between the various variables
2. Let’s assume that you have gathered the following information on the prices for different management books and the number of pages that each book contains.
A 500 700
B 700 750
C 750 900
D 590 650
E 540 750
F 650 700
G 480 450
a. Develop a least-squares estimated regression line.
b. Compute the coefficient of determination and explain its meaning.
3. The OECD cut forecasts again for the global economy in 2019 and 2020, following on from previous downgrades in November, as it warned that trade disputes and uncertainty over Brexit would hit world commerce and businesses. The Organization for Economic Co- Operation & Development forecast in its interim outlook report that the world economy would grow 3.3 percent in 2019 and 3.4 percent in 2020.
Those forecasts represented cuts of 0.2 percentage points for 2019 and 0.1 percentage points for 2020, compared to the OECD’s last set of forecasts in November. “High policy uncertainty, ongoing trade tensions, and a further erosion of business and consumer confidence are all contributing to the slowdown,” said the OECD in its report. “Substantial policy uncertainty remains in Europe, including over Brexit. A disorderly exit would raise the costs for European economies substantially,” added the OECD.
Europe remains impacted by uncertainty over Britain’s plans to exit the European Union, the U.S. - China trade spat and other weak spots, such as signs of a recession in Italy. For Germany, Europe’s largest economy, the OECD more than halved its 2019 GDP growth forecast to 0.7 percent from 1.6 percent previously. It predicted a light recovery to 1.1 percent growth in 2020. Germany’s export-reliant economy is particularly affected by weaker global demand and rising trade barriers.
(Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oecd-economy/global-economic-growthforecasts-cut-again-by-oecd-idUSKCN1QN13N)
a. In your opinion what forecasting tools are used in the above case for forecasting the global economy? Justify.
b. Are the forecasts accurate? Comment. What all errors are possible in the forecasts and how to deal with such errors?
Strategic Management
Case:
M/s Ximi wants to enter in the washing machine and refrigerator market in India. The company has earned a lot of reputation in the global market. The company is known for low priced segment and delivers the best quality. The service is the best in the world. The response time to customer problems is less than 24 hours.
1. The CEO appoints you as a consultant to analyze the external environment for the Ximi Brand. Analyze.
2. Discuss the various types of business models and suggest the one that should be implemented by M/s Ximi for their product launch in India. Explain the same with reason.
3. a. Explain various functional strategies that M/s Ximi can adopt to improve and maximize the resource productivity.
3. b. Explain any five CSR activities that the company should undertake in India to benefit its stakeholders.
M/s Ximi wants to enter in the washing machine and refrigerator market in India. The company has earned a lot of reputation in the global market. The company is known for low priced segment and delivers the best quality. The service is the best in the world. The response time to customer problems is less than 24 hours.
1. The CEO appoints you as a consultant to analyze the external environment for the Ximi Brand. Analyze.
2. Discuss the various types of business models and suggest the one that should be implemented by M/s Ximi for their product launch in India. Explain the same with reason.
3. a. Explain various functional strategies that M/s Ximi can adopt to improve and maximize the resource productivity.
3. b. Explain any five CSR activities that the company should undertake in India to benefit its stakeholders.
Financial Accounting & Analysis
1.
An investor wants to tests the financial position of Asian Paints Ltd. Thus, he
wants to assess the short term liquidity as well as long term solvency. Discuss
the four relevant ratio’s which he will definitely look into.
2. Discuss the components of Other Income under the statement of Profit and Loss accounts of any Indian Corporate. How other income is different from revenue from normal operations under the vertical format.
3. The following information is provided by a dealer in computer chips. The dealer follows FIFO method for valuing stock, calculate from the following figures –
Date particulars
April 1, 2019 Opening stock 750 chips @Rs1550 per chip
Purchases
April 10, 2019 1000 chips @Rs1750 per chip
April 20, 2019 1650 chips @ Rs1875 per chip
Sales
April 15, 2019 900 chips @Rs3000 per chip
April 16, 2019 1950 chips @ Rs 3250 per chip
a) Cost of goods available for sale (5 Marks)
b) Gross profit
2. Discuss the components of Other Income under the statement of Profit and Loss accounts of any Indian Corporate. How other income is different from revenue from normal operations under the vertical format.
3. The following information is provided by a dealer in computer chips. The dealer follows FIFO method for valuing stock, calculate from the following figures –
Date particulars
April 1, 2019 Opening stock 750 chips @Rs1550 per chip
Purchases
April 10, 2019 1000 chips @Rs1750 per chip
April 20, 2019 1650 chips @ Rs1875 per chip
Sales
April 15, 2019 900 chips @Rs3000 per chip
April 16, 2019 1950 chips @ Rs 3250 per chip
a) Cost of goods available for sale (5 Marks)
b) Gross profit
Commercial Banking System & Role of RBI
Q1.
NPA have turned to be a major Stumbling Block affecting the profitability of
the Indian Banks. Discuss about NPA and the solutions that banks could take in
order to overcome this situation. (10 Marks)
Q2. Parineeti has got her college assignment on the relevance of Basel Norms (I, II, III) in the banking sector. She is also required to highlight the importance on three pillars of BASEL II. Help her with the assignment (10 Marks)
Q3. a) You have recently joined a bank. Your manager ask you to prepare a short presentation on Asset Liability Mismatch. Describe in detail about ALM and its objectives. (5 Marks)
Q3. b) As an actuarial in an insurance company, discuss how ALM plays an important role in the banking sector. (5 Marks)
Q2. Parineeti has got her college assignment on the relevance of Basel Norms (I, II, III) in the banking sector. She is also required to highlight the importance on three pillars of BASEL II. Help her with the assignment (10 Marks)
Q3. a) You have recently joined a bank. Your manager ask you to prepare a short presentation on Asset Liability Mismatch. Describe in detail about ALM and its objectives. (5 Marks)
Q3. b) As an actuarial in an insurance company, discuss how ALM plays an important role in the banking sector. (5 Marks)
Corporate Finance
Q1.
Hyperlocal startups had a maximum pie of the private equity and venture capital
(PE/VC) funding last year. Discuss how arranging venture capital from the
venture capitalist differs from Equity financing. (10 Marks)
Q2. The finance department of Parshwanath Corporation gathered following information:
The carrying cost per unit of inventory is Rs10
The cost per order is Rs20
he number of units required is 50000 per year
The variable cost per unit ordered is Rs5
The purchase price per unit is Rs50 (10 Marks)
Q3. Define the concept of EOQ, its relevance, determine the EOQ and the time gap between two orders. The expected cash flows of a project are as follows
Year Cash Flows
0 -150000
1 20000
2 30000
3 40000
4 50000
5 30000
The cost of capital is 12% Discuss and Calculate
a. NPV for the project (5 Marks)
b. Future value of benefits when compounded @12 % (5 Marks)
Q2. The finance department of Parshwanath Corporation gathered following information:
The carrying cost per unit of inventory is Rs10
The cost per order is Rs20
he number of units required is 50000 per year
The variable cost per unit ordered is Rs5
The purchase price per unit is Rs50 (10 Marks)
Q3. Define the concept of EOQ, its relevance, determine the EOQ and the time gap between two orders. The expected cash flows of a project are as follows
Year Cash Flows
0 -150000
1 20000
2 30000
3 40000
4 50000
5 30000
The cost of capital is 12% Discuss and Calculate
a. NPV for the project (5 Marks)
b. Future value of benefits when compounded @12 % (5 Marks)
Cost and Management Accounting
Q1.
The roles and responsibilities of accounts manager are different from cost
manager as both the types of accounting differs from each other. Prepare a
presentation highlighting the points of difference between financial accounting
and cost accounting. (10 Marks)
Q2. Discuss any five costs other than the accounting costs, with suitable example, which are usually taken into consideration by managers for financial decision making. (10 Marks)
Q3. The following information is available about a product for the month of June 2019.
Material Purchased 24000 kgs@ 105600
Material consumed 22800 kgs
Actual wages paid for 5940 hours Rs 29700
Units produced 2160
Standard rates and prices are as follows
Direct material cost Rs4 per unit
Direct labour cost Rs4 per hour
Standard input 10kg for one unit
Based on the data and information, calculate relevant-
a. Material variances (5 Marks)
b. Labour variances (5 Marks)
Q2. Discuss any five costs other than the accounting costs, with suitable example, which are usually taken into consideration by managers for financial decision making. (10 Marks)
Q3. The following information is available about a product for the month of June 2019.
Material Purchased 24000 kgs@ 105600
Material consumed 22800 kgs
Actual wages paid for 5940 hours Rs 29700
Units produced 2160
Standard rates and prices are as follows
Direct material cost Rs4 per unit
Direct labour cost Rs4 per hour
Standard input 10kg for one unit
Based on the data and information, calculate relevant-
a. Material variances (5 Marks)
b. Labour variances (5 Marks)
Marketing of Financial Services
Q1.
Develop a Service Marketing Mix (using 8 Ps) for an Asset Management Company
(Mutual Fund) of your choice. (10 Marks)
Q2. One of your clients wants to apply for a Home Loan in the next 12 to 18 months. Few years back the client had lost his job and delayed his credit card payments. The client is worried that this may impact his credit score maintained by Credit Bureaus. Suggest a roadmap to your client to improve his credit score. (10 Marks)
3. You are a Financial Planner. Your client Raj Shah aged 36 years works with a Pharmaceutical company. His wife Pooja works part time with a NGO. They have one daughter Ritu aged 4 years. The couple requires your help to make some financial decisions. (You can make any assumptions to further build up your case.)
a. Raj wants to buy a Pure Risk Life Insurance cover. He is confused whether he should buy a ULIP, Endowment or a Term Plan. Recommend the product best suited for him giving valid reasons. (5 Marks)
b. Raj and Pooja want your help to invest for Ritu’s higher education which they estimate would be required after 15 years. (5 Marks)
Q2. One of your clients wants to apply for a Home Loan in the next 12 to 18 months. Few years back the client had lost his job and delayed his credit card payments. The client is worried that this may impact his credit score maintained by Credit Bureaus. Suggest a roadmap to your client to improve his credit score. (10 Marks)
3. You are a Financial Planner. Your client Raj Shah aged 36 years works with a Pharmaceutical company. His wife Pooja works part time with a NGO. They have one daughter Ritu aged 4 years. The couple requires your help to make some financial decisions. (You can make any assumptions to further build up your case.)
a. Raj wants to buy a Pure Risk Life Insurance cover. He is confused whether he should buy a ULIP, Endowment or a Term Plan. Recommend the product best suited for him giving valid reasons. (5 Marks)
b. Raj and Pooja want your help to invest for Ritu’s higher education which they estimate would be required after 15 years. (5 Marks)
Retail Banking
Q1:
Rural areas as still majorly an untapped market for various sectors. This is
especially true for the Banking Sector What are the need /reasons for
commercial banks to open branch operations in a rural area? Discuss the various
retail banking products these banks can offer in a rural area, considering the
lower level of financial literacy. (10 Marks)
Q2: The Banking sector has seen tremendous competition off late, with every major bank offering similar and all kinds of services. This makes it critical for them to make themselves visible and reach out to customers. What are the different Marketing modes and the different Distribution channels available for commercial banks to be able to reach customers and service them extensively? Discuss the Marketing mode and Distribution channels for a commercial bank if it has to open branch operations in a rural area. (10 Marks)
Q3. The Retail Banking environment has seen a tremendous change in the past few years. This is especially true in the case of Urban markets where the entry of private and foreign banks has given the Retail Banking customers any options to choose from. With reference to this dynamic changes in retail banking in the urban market discuss the aspects as given below
a. What are the recent trends seen in the Retail Banking scenario adopted by banks to provide better products as well as enhance their operations? (5 Marks)
b. Discuss the various possible ways in which retail banks improve their operational efficiency, provide better customer service and at the same time generate better revenues/profits. (5 Marks)
Q2: The Banking sector has seen tremendous competition off late, with every major bank offering similar and all kinds of services. This makes it critical for them to make themselves visible and reach out to customers. What are the different Marketing modes and the different Distribution channels available for commercial banks to be able to reach customers and service them extensively? Discuss the Marketing mode and Distribution channels for a commercial bank if it has to open branch operations in a rural area. (10 Marks)
Q3. The Retail Banking environment has seen a tremendous change in the past few years. This is especially true in the case of Urban markets where the entry of private and foreign banks has given the Retail Banking customers any options to choose from. With reference to this dynamic changes in retail banking in the urban market discuss the aspects as given below
a. What are the recent trends seen in the Retail Banking scenario adopted by banks to provide better products as well as enhance their operations? (5 Marks)
b. Discuss the various possible ways in which retail banks improve their operational efficiency, provide better customer service and at the same time generate better revenues/profits. (5 Marks)
Taxation Direct and Indirect
Q1.
Government imposes direct taxes on the income earned and generated by
businesses. Are these taxes burden on the public or these taxes are an
instrument of social and economic policy in the hands on government. Express
your opinion with suitable examples. (10 Marks)
Q2. “One nation one tax.” Goods and service tax is a comprehensive, multistage and value added tax which is collected by both, the Central as well as State Government. GST replaced several taxes levied and collected in the nation over a period of time. Prepare a presentation mentioning briefly explaining, pattern of tax before GST, the types of taxes replaced by GST and salient features of GST. (10 Marks)
Q3. Mr. Amolak, aged 52 years furnishes the following information relation to premium on mediclaim policy paid by cheque for the year ending 31.3.2019
For self- Rs10000
For spouse, aged 48 years Rs 9500
For dependent mother aged 72 years- Rs7500
For dependent mother in law, aged 64 years- Rs 5000
Cash paid for preventive health checkup of self and spouse ¡V Rs 8000
Medical expenditure for dependent father aged 83 years- Rs30000
a. Compute the deduction under section 80D of the Act. (5 Marks)
b. What if, the above premium was paid in cash, would your answer be different? Also, discuss the provisions mentioned under Section 80 D of the Act (5 Marks)
Q2. “One nation one tax.” Goods and service tax is a comprehensive, multistage and value added tax which is collected by both, the Central as well as State Government. GST replaced several taxes levied and collected in the nation over a period of time. Prepare a presentation mentioning briefly explaining, pattern of tax before GST, the types of taxes replaced by GST and salient features of GST. (10 Marks)
Q3. Mr. Amolak, aged 52 years furnishes the following information relation to premium on mediclaim policy paid by cheque for the year ending 31.3.2019
For self- Rs10000
For spouse, aged 48 years Rs 9500
For dependent mother aged 72 years- Rs7500
For dependent mother in law, aged 64 years- Rs 5000
Cash paid for preventive health checkup of self and spouse ¡V Rs 8000
Medical expenditure for dependent father aged 83 years- Rs30000
a. Compute the deduction under section 80D of the Act. (5 Marks)
b. What if, the above premium was paid in cash, would your answer be different? Also, discuss the provisions mentioned under Section 80 D of the Act (5 Marks)
B2B Marketing
Q1.
Discuss your pricing strategies for each of the following B2B situations of MRF
for its Tyres
Indian Army requires to buy about 50,000 tyres for periodic replacement in its trucks, as and when required in year 2019-20
Ashok Leyland needs 5000 tyres, customized for its export order trucks for sub-zero cold conditions.
Golden Transport Company urgently needs 200 truck-tyres for its transport fleet. (10 Marks)
Q2. Voltas also makes commercial refrigerators which are used by Hotels, Commercial Kitchens, restaurants etc in addition to the air-conditioners it makes for B2C markets. These are customized according to customer requirements and the prices start from 5 lacs onwards. The marketing manager has to decide whether Voltas should direct distribution or indirect distribution. Please recommend the method Voltas should use giving reasons for the same. Also what communication tools can Voltas use for promoting in B2B segments for these new air-conditioners? (10 Marks)
Q3. Read the following Case & solve the questions given:
It is customary in almost every Business Organization, from large to small, to serve popular beverages like tea and coffee to its employees and visitors as a daily routine. In many organizations, it is served free, whereas in many others, on cost basis or subsidized-price basis. In a survey conducted by Coffee Board, in recent past, it is found that coffee is more regularly consumed in South Indian states and tea in most other parts is preferred as a routine beverage.
In business organizations, coffee consumption, more or less, follows the geographic pattern of consumption. However, with entry of many coffee- specialty suppliers, the coffee is gaining popularity as a beverage, and its demand is growing rapidly. There is a variety of coffee-serving facilities prevalent in companies for their employees, ranging from a typical instant coffee in a kitchen managed by a vendor to departmentalized self-service vending machines.
CoffeeBeans is a multinational coffee bars chain and has 220 outlets in major cities of India. In a bid to expand its market, CoffeeBeans is entering in business market in a big way. For its target B2B customers, it has designed a product-package consisting of a high-tech coffee-making robot, named ‘CoffeeCup’, bundled with bulk packs of coffee making ingredients. This machine can serve variety of customized coffee to suit different tastes of employees at very fast rate of 50 cups per minute.
Vivek Lal, the Coffee-Cup product manager, with his team zeroed on Hero Motors at Delhi NCR as its first large business customer, where he forecasts an initial sale of 200 CoffeeCup Robots and bulk ingredient-packs to serve 5000 cups per day.
Assuming any other relevant information as required, you are required to answer the following questions:
a. How will you identify individuals in the Hero’s Buying Centre, for the different roles being played by them?
b. Comment on the expectations of each role in the buying centre, and the strategies to be adopted by Vivek’s team to meet each of these expectations to persuade a favorable decision.
Indian Army requires to buy about 50,000 tyres for periodic replacement in its trucks, as and when required in year 2019-20
Ashok Leyland needs 5000 tyres, customized for its export order trucks for sub-zero cold conditions.
Golden Transport Company urgently needs 200 truck-tyres for its transport fleet. (10 Marks)
Q2. Voltas also makes commercial refrigerators which are used by Hotels, Commercial Kitchens, restaurants etc in addition to the air-conditioners it makes for B2C markets. These are customized according to customer requirements and the prices start from 5 lacs onwards. The marketing manager has to decide whether Voltas should direct distribution or indirect distribution. Please recommend the method Voltas should use giving reasons for the same. Also what communication tools can Voltas use for promoting in B2B segments for these new air-conditioners? (10 Marks)
Q3. Read the following Case & solve the questions given:
It is customary in almost every Business Organization, from large to small, to serve popular beverages like tea and coffee to its employees and visitors as a daily routine. In many organizations, it is served free, whereas in many others, on cost basis or subsidized-price basis. In a survey conducted by Coffee Board, in recent past, it is found that coffee is more regularly consumed in South Indian states and tea in most other parts is preferred as a routine beverage.
In business organizations, coffee consumption, more or less, follows the geographic pattern of consumption. However, with entry of many coffee- specialty suppliers, the coffee is gaining popularity as a beverage, and its demand is growing rapidly. There is a variety of coffee-serving facilities prevalent in companies for their employees, ranging from a typical instant coffee in a kitchen managed by a vendor to departmentalized self-service vending machines.
CoffeeBeans is a multinational coffee bars chain and has 220 outlets in major cities of India. In a bid to expand its market, CoffeeBeans is entering in business market in a big way. For its target B2B customers, it has designed a product-package consisting of a high-tech coffee-making robot, named ‘CoffeeCup’, bundled with bulk packs of coffee making ingredients. This machine can serve variety of customized coffee to suit different tastes of employees at very fast rate of 50 cups per minute.
Vivek Lal, the Coffee-Cup product manager, with his team zeroed on Hero Motors at Delhi NCR as its first large business customer, where he forecasts an initial sale of 200 CoffeeCup Robots and bulk ingredient-packs to serve 5000 cups per day.
Assuming any other relevant information as required, you are required to answer the following questions:
a. How will you identify individuals in the Hero’s Buying Centre, for the different roles being played by them?
b. Comment on the expectations of each role in the buying centre, and the strategies to be adopted by Vivek’s team to meet each of these expectations to persuade a favorable decision.
Business Ethic Governance and Risk
Q1.
Analyse the Satyam Scam (Satyam Computers Services Ltd). Present your views on,
"Scams influence and change the corporate governance landscape" and
substantiate them using insights from the Satyam case (10 Marks)
Q2. In your organization, 'Smart Solutions & Services', a midsize IT services company, all the mandatory requirements for compliance to "Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Protection, Prohibition, Redressal) Act 2013 have been put in place. You are Head of Marketing, with 11 people reporting to you directly and indirectly. What according to you are the five critical practices / initiatives / processes you need to genuinely implement to ensure that you are providing a safe working environment to all your women employees. (DO NOT copy paste the law) (10 Marks)
Q3a. "India is one market where sales of so called 'Fairness Cream' does booming business". Identify all the inherent ethical issues. Argue and present the pros and cons of advertising fairness cream in India. (5 Marks)
Q3b. You have studied Business Ethics as a structured subject for the first time. One of its objective is, ethical literacy- making the students aware of ethical dilemmas and provide tools and frameworks for future and current managers to deal with some of these ethical dilemmas they face. How has it helped you? Give 3 clear points to showcase that it has helped you become a better manager. (5 Marks)
Q2. In your organization, 'Smart Solutions & Services', a midsize IT services company, all the mandatory requirements for compliance to "Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Protection, Prohibition, Redressal) Act 2013 have been put in place. You are Head of Marketing, with 11 people reporting to you directly and indirectly. What according to you are the five critical practices / initiatives / processes you need to genuinely implement to ensure that you are providing a safe working environment to all your women employees. (DO NOT copy paste the law) (10 Marks)
Q3a. "India is one market where sales of so called 'Fairness Cream' does booming business". Identify all the inherent ethical issues. Argue and present the pros and cons of advertising fairness cream in India. (5 Marks)
Q3b. You have studied Business Ethics as a structured subject for the first time. One of its objective is, ethical literacy- making the students aware of ethical dilemmas and provide tools and frameworks for future and current managers to deal with some of these ethical dilemmas they face. How has it helped you? Give 3 clear points to showcase that it has helped you become a better manager. (5 Marks)
Operations Management
Q1.
What motivations typically cause firms to initiate a facilities location or
relocation project? Select an Indian company and discuss its facility location
strategies. (10 Marks)
Q2. Discuss the benefits and limitations of the product layout and process layout. Select any automotive company and explain its plant layout. (10 Marks)
Q3. JSW steel implemented Total Quality Management (TQM) at its Vijaynagar unit as part of its journey towards quality excellence. The company sources said TQM implementation enabled JSW steel, over the past five years, to drive operational efficiency and strengthen its customer service operations. In October 2018, JSW Steel’s Vijayanagar works unit was awarded the highest global quality honour, "The Deming Prize", for its TQM practices. The company now intends to implement TQM across all its steel manufacturing units, the officials said adding that TQM implementation at its Salem works in Tamil Nadu is on track and its implementation at Dolvi works in Maharashtra is expected to be completed by 2020. (Source: https://www.firstpost.com/business/jsw-steel-plans-to-ramp-up-production-capacity-firm-mulls-to-implement-total-quality-management-in-all-units-5599111.html )
a. What is TQM? Explain the benefits of implementing TQM at JSW steel. (5 Marks)
b. Discuss the various requirements for implementing TQM at JSW steel. (5 Marks)
Q2. Discuss the benefits and limitations of the product layout and process layout. Select any automotive company and explain its plant layout. (10 Marks)
Q3. JSW steel implemented Total Quality Management (TQM) at its Vijaynagar unit as part of its journey towards quality excellence. The company sources said TQM implementation enabled JSW steel, over the past five years, to drive operational efficiency and strengthen its customer service operations. In October 2018, JSW Steel’s Vijayanagar works unit was awarded the highest global quality honour, "The Deming Prize", for its TQM practices. The company now intends to implement TQM across all its steel manufacturing units, the officials said adding that TQM implementation at its Salem works in Tamil Nadu is on track and its implementation at Dolvi works in Maharashtra is expected to be completed by 2020. (Source: https://www.firstpost.com/business/jsw-steel-plans-to-ramp-up-production-capacity-firm-mulls-to-implement-total-quality-management-in-all-units-5599111.html )
a. What is TQM? Explain the benefits of implementing TQM at JSW steel. (5 Marks)
b. Discuss the various requirements for implementing TQM at JSW steel. (5 Marks)
International Business
Q1.
Hojibo and Go-on-tour are the two biggest Online Travel Aggregators in the
Indian landscape. Stiff competition and excessive cash burn made them come
together by merging both the companies and forming a new entity called Ho-GOT.
You are the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) of the Group Company. Founders
of Hojibo and Go-on-Tour decided to build a new culture in Ho-GOT which would
be different from both the earlier companies and thus entrusted you with this
task. Being the CHRO you are aware that this would require huge cultural change
in the organization.
Discuss the various phases involved in the cultural change of an organization. Also elaborate some of the factors that facilitate cultural change in an organization. (10 Marks)
Q2. RV Shoes is a dominant player in domestic footwear market. Mr. Singh is the owner of the company and a first generation entrepreneur. He now wants to go global with his brand but is not sure of the ways to enter International Market. Discuss the various ways to enter International Market and explain the pros and cons of each way which would help Mr. Singh to devise his strategy. (10 Marks)
Q3. Hodrej is in the business of manufacturing and selling home safes. Business Head of Hodrej wants to promote his products in international market.
a. Being the Marketing Manager for Hodrej briefly explain the steps involved in international marketing process. (5 Marks)
b. As the Product Head for Hodrej you have been entrusted with the task to devise pricing strategy for your products to maximize sales and profits. Describe some of the commonly used international pricing strategies which could be used to achieve your marketing goal and objectives. (5 Marks)
Discuss the various phases involved in the cultural change of an organization. Also elaborate some of the factors that facilitate cultural change in an organization. (10 Marks)
Q2. RV Shoes is a dominant player in domestic footwear market. Mr. Singh is the owner of the company and a first generation entrepreneur. He now wants to go global with his brand but is not sure of the ways to enter International Market. Discuss the various ways to enter International Market and explain the pros and cons of each way which would help Mr. Singh to devise his strategy. (10 Marks)
Q3. Hodrej is in the business of manufacturing and selling home safes. Business Head of Hodrej wants to promote his products in international market.
a. Being the Marketing Manager for Hodrej briefly explain the steps involved in international marketing process. (5 Marks)
b. As the Product Head for Hodrej you have been entrusted with the task to devise pricing strategy for your products to maximize sales and profits. Describe some of the commonly used international pricing strategies which could be used to achieve your marketing goal and objectives. (5 Marks)
Organisation Theory Structure and Design
Q1.
Value for Money is a modern-day Fintech company with a work force of 300
people. The promoters have been stalwarts of the banking sector with a work
experience of more than 30 years. The company has a lot of millennials and
promoters are worried about creating a sustainable and productive work culture.
Which are the factors that would affect organizational culture at Value for
Money? What benefit will Value for money derive from a strong culture? (10
Marks)
Q2. Hitech Solutions Ltd. is an upcoming IT solutions company. Their performance for past 3 years has been good, however performance has dipped this year. The CEO wants the strategy team to carry out a VRIO analysis. Which type of technique is VRIO? Conduct a VRIO for Hitech. Make assumptions where ever necessary. in spite of challenging market conditions. If the management decides to use the Historical analysis, which type of tool are they considering? (10 Marks)
Q3a. Explain any 4 types of organizational structures with an example. (5 Marks)
Q3b. Give an example of any organization that has gone through the phases of organizational life cycle. (5 Marks)
Q2. Hitech Solutions Ltd. is an upcoming IT solutions company. Their performance for past 3 years has been good, however performance has dipped this year. The CEO wants the strategy team to carry out a VRIO analysis. Which type of technique is VRIO? Conduct a VRIO for Hitech. Make assumptions where ever necessary. in spite of challenging market conditions. If the management decides to use the Historical analysis, which type of tool are they considering? (10 Marks)
Q3a. Explain any 4 types of organizational structures with an example. (5 Marks)
Q3b. Give an example of any organization that has gone through the phases of organizational life cycle. (5 Marks)
Consumer Behaviour
Q1.
A well-known international fitness company, PlanetFit, is planning to set up
gyms and yoga studios across India. Describe how PlanetFit can apply
demographics and psychographics to plan its segmentation strategy. Which
demographic and psychographic segments should PlanetFit target and why? (10
Marks)
Q2. What are the steps in the consumer decision-making journey? Describe your decision-making journey for the following products: (10 Marks)
a. Sugar
b. Men’s aftershave lotion
c. Smartphone
Q3. a) What are reference groups? List and discuss 2 groups that influence your purchases. (5 Marks)
Q3. b) Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Develop an ad campaign for Running shoes, appealing to the self-esteem need level. (5 Marks)
Q2. What are the steps in the consumer decision-making journey? Describe your decision-making journey for the following products: (10 Marks)
a. Sugar
b. Men’s aftershave lotion
c. Smartphone
Q3. a) What are reference groups? List and discuss 2 groups that influence your purchases. (5 Marks)
Q3. b) Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Develop an ad campaign for Running shoes, appealing to the self-esteem need level. (5 Marks)
Marketing Research
Q1.
The Distance Education Council (DEC) wants to conduct a research among the
various distance learners across different colleges, universities and courses
across India. Since the population of distance learners is widely dispersed,
the research team at DEC feels that it may be effective to conduct an online or
telephonic survey. However, these methods have their own drawbacks. Besides,
the information to be collected is quite detailed which is prompting the researchers
to consider other approaches such as a face-to-face survey.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various data collection methods available to the researchers at DEC and recommend an approach (10 Marks)
Q2. Nestle wanted to understand the key challenges that their Brand Maggi is likely to face in its comeback; in the wake of more aggressive competition from competitors such as Sunfeast Yippee noodles and Patanjali Atta noodles. The research agency took this brief from Nestle and gave instructions to its team to find out the customer satisfaction with Maggi and its arch rivals. “Specifying the research objective in the most clear and precise form, is the most crucial step involved in the research process”. Evaluate this statement in the light of this case and discuss how the steps involved in this research process (as proposed by the research agency) will turn out to be different from what Nestle expects as the research outcome. (10 Marks)
Q3. Scene 1: Nivedita, an interviewer for a data collection agency, approached a couple at the mall seeming to be hailing from a rural background and asked the woman, if she would like to participate in a marketing research survey. The couple quickly walked away. A group of teenage girls overheard Nivedita and asked her if they could participate. They were from rural areas, and they would like to answer Nivedita's questions. Nivedita was ecstatic! She could fill a good portion of her sample with these helpful girls! Scene 2: Nivedita had a list of names and contact details of 100 women in Faisapur in U.P. She started with the top 5 names. In 4 out of 5 cases, the women either didn’t respond to her request or refused to participate. Only one woman took the survey. How will she reach out to these 100 shortlisted women in one week? It seemed to be a daunting task as of now. Nivedita was confused.
The reason was simple: The "normal" rules for conducting a marketing research survey do not apply when the target sample is a Rural population. Nivedita was one of the women researchers who had been appointed by an NGO for conducting a research on the sanitation and personal hygiene methods being used by women in rural areas. The objective was to capture the aftermath of the awareness campaigns been done on account of the Indian Household Latrines (IHHL), School Sanitation and Hygiene Education and Anganwadi toilets. After a whole lot of debate and discussion, it had been decided that the respondents for this survey shall be rural girls / women ranging from a broad age group of 12-60 years. For conducting a survey among this wide audience, two things were done:
A list of women was procured from secondary sources of data
The women were segregated on the basis of age into the following categories: 12-17, 18-25, 26-35, 36 – 45, 46-60
The sampling method had also been very scientifically decided. However, reaching out to these women unknown to the researcher, unrelated to each other, was not working out, no matter how scientific the approach may be. With this very first experience shared by Nivedita as a part of the pilot, the team was a bit confused on whether their understanding of the rural research methods is correct. Anxiety was creeping in as to what should be the ideal method to choose this sample of rural girls / women?
a. To choose this sample of rural girls / women, which sampling methods will you consider most appropriate and why? Suggest any two methods and justify your answer. (5 Marks)
b. Suggest some innovative interview methods to reach out to the target audience (5 Marks)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various data collection methods available to the researchers at DEC and recommend an approach (10 Marks)
Q2. Nestle wanted to understand the key challenges that their Brand Maggi is likely to face in its comeback; in the wake of more aggressive competition from competitors such as Sunfeast Yippee noodles and Patanjali Atta noodles. The research agency took this brief from Nestle and gave instructions to its team to find out the customer satisfaction with Maggi and its arch rivals. “Specifying the research objective in the most clear and precise form, is the most crucial step involved in the research process”. Evaluate this statement in the light of this case and discuss how the steps involved in this research process (as proposed by the research agency) will turn out to be different from what Nestle expects as the research outcome. (10 Marks)
Q3. Scene 1: Nivedita, an interviewer for a data collection agency, approached a couple at the mall seeming to be hailing from a rural background and asked the woman, if she would like to participate in a marketing research survey. The couple quickly walked away. A group of teenage girls overheard Nivedita and asked her if they could participate. They were from rural areas, and they would like to answer Nivedita's questions. Nivedita was ecstatic! She could fill a good portion of her sample with these helpful girls! Scene 2: Nivedita had a list of names and contact details of 100 women in Faisapur in U.P. She started with the top 5 names. In 4 out of 5 cases, the women either didn’t respond to her request or refused to participate. Only one woman took the survey. How will she reach out to these 100 shortlisted women in one week? It seemed to be a daunting task as of now. Nivedita was confused.
The reason was simple: The "normal" rules for conducting a marketing research survey do not apply when the target sample is a Rural population. Nivedita was one of the women researchers who had been appointed by an NGO for conducting a research on the sanitation and personal hygiene methods being used by women in rural areas. The objective was to capture the aftermath of the awareness campaigns been done on account of the Indian Household Latrines (IHHL), School Sanitation and Hygiene Education and Anganwadi toilets. After a whole lot of debate and discussion, it had been decided that the respondents for this survey shall be rural girls / women ranging from a broad age group of 12-60 years. For conducting a survey among this wide audience, two things were done:
A list of women was procured from secondary sources of data
The women were segregated on the basis of age into the following categories: 12-17, 18-25, 26-35, 36 – 45, 46-60
The sampling method had also been very scientifically decided. However, reaching out to these women unknown to the researcher, unrelated to each other, was not working out, no matter how scientific the approach may be. With this very first experience shared by Nivedita as a part of the pilot, the team was a bit confused on whether their understanding of the rural research methods is correct. Anxiety was creeping in as to what should be the ideal method to choose this sample of rural girls / women?
a. To choose this sample of rural girls / women, which sampling methods will you consider most appropriate and why? Suggest any two methods and justify your answer. (5 Marks)
b. Suggest some innovative interview methods to reach out to the target audience (5 Marks)
Services Marketing
Q1.
Bookworm’s World is a U.K based Book Store chain planning to launch in the
Indian market, specifically catering to children’s books, workbooks and
educational toys. Initially the Book store chain will begin its operations with
6 major cities which are being seen as potential markets and then slowly it
shall expand to other big cities in India as well. With this vision, the
management, now wants to explore the various options for service delivery.
Since it is a new chain, the delivery options need to be cost effective,
atleast to begin with The management is open to all sorts of technology tie-ups
to explore the self-service or remote options along with the traditional
delivery models. Suggest all the possible delivery options that you consider
appropriate. Justify with an argument. (10 Marks)
Q2. Summer vacations for the kids are round the corner. This time around, you have decided to surprise the kids with the Big Summer Holiday that you and your better half had been contemplating since long. Choosing between a 7-day European dreams or The best of U.S or Amazing Australia or the umpteen options flashing on various travel sites, is indeed a complicated decision; especially in the backdrop of a budget constraint. Quite obviously, while the flashy packages offer the ‘oh-so’irresistable’ deals, these prices are not just the only costs that the customer has to incur. The real cost of the service to the customer is an amalgamation of many inter-related monetary and non-monetary costs.
Discuss the various search, purchase and post-purchase costs that you will have to incur in the purchase of the holiday package. (10 Marks)
Q3. Nannytracker.com is the new kid on the block; a new mobile-app based service which helps you keep a tab on your children and their nanny while you’re out of the house. The Nannytracker, a new service for working parents, allows them the facility of home care viewing on their smartphones. The subscriber can view real-time video through a smartphone that is capable of showing video clips of footage of the home’s interior space. The app gives the user a comprehensive view of what their kids are up to while they are away.
Besides the clandestine video clips of the home, that get captured periodically through a hidden camera and are posted to the parents, the smartphone app can be installed at both the parents and nanny’s end, and can work as a vital communication tool between them. The app provides easy messaging between parents, nannies, or any other caretaker, all within the account. Hence, any important information such as medication dosages, nappy changing frequency, food and play instructions don’t get missed out.
The app also allows the Nanny to click pictures of the baby and post them so that they remain in one location/ account. The Daily News Feed provides an overview of their activities, as well as all the data that was tracked, messages that were exchanged, and photos that were shared.
The service is being targeted to working women living in urban metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai; many of whom have domestic helpers to take care of their children during working hours.
Although the service intends to provide parents with peace of mind, it could work equally well for pet owners.
The app is compatible both the iOS and android platforms. Priced at Rs. 999 on Playstore and App store, as one-time download charges, each member of the caretaker team needs to download the app by paying the installation charge. The charge includes installation of the camera, all app-related services and unlimited data storage.
As if this is not enough, the app also allows you to add another child to the same account. And this one’s completely free of charge. You will receive separate notification for both the kids; however, you have to ensure that they are in the same location.
Now this is what you call women’s empowerment!!
a. Discuss and evaluate the marketing mix for Nannytracker.com (5 Marks)
b. What is the core service being offered by Nannytracker.com? Compare the facilitating and enhancing supplementary services being offered by Nannytracker.com (5 Marks)
***
Q2. Summer vacations for the kids are round the corner. This time around, you have decided to surprise the kids with the Big Summer Holiday that you and your better half had been contemplating since long. Choosing between a 7-day European dreams or The best of U.S or Amazing Australia or the umpteen options flashing on various travel sites, is indeed a complicated decision; especially in the backdrop of a budget constraint. Quite obviously, while the flashy packages offer the ‘oh-so’irresistable’ deals, these prices are not just the only costs that the customer has to incur. The real cost of the service to the customer is an amalgamation of many inter-related monetary and non-monetary costs.
Discuss the various search, purchase and post-purchase costs that you will have to incur in the purchase of the holiday package. (10 Marks)
Q3. Nannytracker.com is the new kid on the block; a new mobile-app based service which helps you keep a tab on your children and their nanny while you’re out of the house. The Nannytracker, a new service for working parents, allows them the facility of home care viewing on their smartphones. The subscriber can view real-time video through a smartphone that is capable of showing video clips of footage of the home’s interior space. The app gives the user a comprehensive view of what their kids are up to while they are away.
Besides the clandestine video clips of the home, that get captured periodically through a hidden camera and are posted to the parents, the smartphone app can be installed at both the parents and nanny’s end, and can work as a vital communication tool between them. The app provides easy messaging between parents, nannies, or any other caretaker, all within the account. Hence, any important information such as medication dosages, nappy changing frequency, food and play instructions don’t get missed out.
The app also allows the Nanny to click pictures of the baby and post them so that they remain in one location/ account. The Daily News Feed provides an overview of their activities, as well as all the data that was tracked, messages that were exchanged, and photos that were shared.
The service is being targeted to working women living in urban metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai; many of whom have domestic helpers to take care of their children during working hours.
Although the service intends to provide parents with peace of mind, it could work equally well for pet owners.
The app is compatible both the iOS and android platforms. Priced at Rs. 999 on Playstore and App store, as one-time download charges, each member of the caretaker team needs to download the app by paying the installation charge. The charge includes installation of the camera, all app-related services and unlimited data storage.
As if this is not enough, the app also allows you to add another child to the same account. And this one’s completely free of charge. You will receive separate notification for both the kids; however, you have to ensure that they are in the same location.
Now this is what you call women’s empowerment!!
a. Discuss and evaluate the marketing mix for Nannytracker.com (5 Marks)
b. What is the core service being offered by Nannytracker.com? Compare the facilitating and enhancing supplementary services being offered by Nannytracker.com (5 Marks)
***
Marketing Strategy
Q1.
Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, USA, Starbucks is a well-known
international brand with presence in more than 20,000 locations. Tata Starbucks
is a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks and Tata Global Beverages (TGBL) in
India. Tata Starbucks opened its first store in India in Oct-2012, and as of
Feb-2019 had c. 135 stores in India. We look at activating more stores roll out
in the next few years L Krishnakumar, Group CFO, TGBL (source: Business Today,
10-Feb-2019). Recently, the brand has started accepting orders via food
delivery firms (e.g. Swiggy). The team is open to new product categories and
new stores for such products (and/or existing products). There is no plan to
raise funds from external sources, except for inorganic growth through
acquisitions. You work as a Marketing Strategy consultant, and have been hired
to develop the expansion strategy plan for the brand, which would help them
increase the sales 5 times by 2025 (relative to sales in financial year ending
Mar-2018). Provide your recommendations regarding the Marketing Strategy and
Marketing Mix along with explanations.
Q2. Customer buying behaviour plays an important role in Marketing Strategy, and is affected by four key factors/influences/characteristics. You are working as a Marketing Strategy Consultant. Help your clients by identifying and explaining the major influences on buying behaviour with reasons for application in brand communication/ promotion for the following products/brands: (1) Mercedes India, (2) Narayana Hrudayalaya, (3) Netflix India, and (4) Byju s.
Q3. Founded in 1976, Brompton (www.brompton.com) is an international folding bicycle brand. Madhav, a first generation entrepreneur founded XYZ in 2019 with a vision to build and launch the first Indian folding bicycle brand, and and feature among top 3 international premium folding bicycle brands by 2025. Madhav wants to launch the product by Aug-2019. Madhav has hired you as a consultant.
a. Explain various stages and their characteristics in an industry life cycle, with specific comments regarding the current stage of the industry in India
b. There are 5 key ways to choose competitive advantage(s) as a part of differentiation and positioning strategy; explain these ways in which XYZ can differentiate its offering and finalise a unique positioning strategy for XYZ.
Q2. Customer buying behaviour plays an important role in Marketing Strategy, and is affected by four key factors/influences/characteristics. You are working as a Marketing Strategy Consultant. Help your clients by identifying and explaining the major influences on buying behaviour with reasons for application in brand communication/ promotion for the following products/brands: (1) Mercedes India, (2) Narayana Hrudayalaya, (3) Netflix India, and (4) Byju s.
Q3. Founded in 1976, Brompton (www.brompton.com) is an international folding bicycle brand. Madhav, a first generation entrepreneur founded XYZ in 2019 with a vision to build and launch the first Indian folding bicycle brand, and and feature among top 3 international premium folding bicycle brands by 2025. Madhav wants to launch the product by Aug-2019. Madhav has hired you as a consultant.
a. Explain various stages and their characteristics in an industry life cycle, with specific comments regarding the current stage of the industry in India
b. There are 5 key ways to choose competitive advantage(s) as a part of differentiation and positioning strategy; explain these ways in which XYZ can differentiate its offering and finalise a unique positioning strategy for XYZ.
Consumer Behaviour
1.
A well-known international fitness company, PlanetFit, is planning to set up
gyms and yoga studios across India. Describe how PlanetFit can apply
demographics and psychographics to plan its segmentation strategy. Which
demographic and psychographic segments should PlanetFit target and why?
2. What are the steps in the consumer decision-making journey? Describe your decision-making journey for the following products:
a. Sugar
b. Men s aftershave lotion
c. Smartphone
3. a) What are reference groups? List and discuss 2 groups that influence your purchases.
3. b) Explain Maslow s hierarchy of needs. Develop an ad campaign for Running shows, appealing to the self-esteem need level.
2. What are the steps in the consumer decision-making journey? Describe your decision-making journey for the following products:
a. Sugar
b. Men s aftershave lotion
c. Smartphone
3. a) What are reference groups? List and discuss 2 groups that influence your purchases.
3. b) Explain Maslow s hierarchy of needs. Develop an ad campaign for Running shows, appealing to the self-esteem need level.
Sales Management
1.
Mr. Sharma was a worried person because the sales graph for the last quarter
was going down and this was due to the strong economic downturn, competition
was stiff and payments for outstanding dues was not coming, the management meet
was due and Mr. Sharma had no option to Motivate the sales staff to recover
sales and payments. What in your opinion should be his motivational plan?
2. Outline a plan for converting a prospect of Consumer Durable goods into a customer and the steps for closing the sales.
3. CASE STUDY - Godrej
Godrej has taken a strong interest in the FMCG Sector and is trying to put large resources in the same. It has become a strong competitor to Hindustan Unilever and P&G. One of the main reasons for the growth is the large distribution network that Godrej has both in Urban and Rural Markets, the kiosks have been the mainstay of Godrej Network, it also has strong price points in the products offered.
Consumer promotion instead of trade promotion has dominated Godrej strategy. It creates a strong pull for its brands, so that consumers become loyal to the brand and the retailer has no option but to stock it, this leads to a build-up of a strong distribution system which helps Godrej in building the strength of the company. Brands such as Good Knight are brand leaders, CINTHOL and NO 1 are popular soap brands, it has many other products which form important brands in India.
The company is looking at a growth rate of minimum 20% in this sector and has recently appointed a Marketing manager to specially look at the FMCG Sector.The strengths of the distribution and branding are the main stay of the company and the growth has to be built on the same.
a. Please help the Marketing Manager of Godrej to achieve the 20% growth, how will the distribution strategies help in the same (5 Marks)
b. What do you understand by consumer promotion? What role will it play in building up its brands as it is the main stay for the company?
2. Outline a plan for converting a prospect of Consumer Durable goods into a customer and the steps for closing the sales.
3. CASE STUDY - Godrej
Godrej has taken a strong interest in the FMCG Sector and is trying to put large resources in the same. It has become a strong competitor to Hindustan Unilever and P&G. One of the main reasons for the growth is the large distribution network that Godrej has both in Urban and Rural Markets, the kiosks have been the mainstay of Godrej Network, it also has strong price points in the products offered.
Consumer promotion instead of trade promotion has dominated Godrej strategy. It creates a strong pull for its brands, so that consumers become loyal to the brand and the retailer has no option but to stock it, this leads to a build-up of a strong distribution system which helps Godrej in building the strength of the company. Brands such as Good Knight are brand leaders, CINTHOL and NO 1 are popular soap brands, it has many other products which form important brands in India.
The company is looking at a growth rate of minimum 20% in this sector and has recently appointed a Marketing manager to specially look at the FMCG Sector.The strengths of the distribution and branding are the main stay of the company and the growth has to be built on the same.
a. Please help the Marketing Manager of Godrej to achieve the 20% growth, how will the distribution strategies help in the same (5 Marks)
b. What do you understand by consumer promotion? What role will it play in building up its brands as it is the main stay for the company?
Brand Management
1.
Select any two brands of aerated beverages viz. Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew,
Thumbs Up, Slice, Frooti etc. Identify the key elements of each of these
brands; elements being salient features or physical attributes, like colors
used, jingle, brand ambassador etc. Evaluate the target markets and positioning
of these brands. What are their main points of parity and points of difference?
Compare and contrast these brands on these parameters.
2. Using the illustration of any one established brand such as Google, Amazon, Apple, Honda or Samsung, explain the six building blocks of a Brand Resonance Pyramid. According to you, for this brand, which aspects contribute the most to the brand s high resonance with customers? Justify your answer as per brandmyad.
3. The motor industry is an area where branding is particularly strong. Global awareness of the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz is second only to Coca-Cola. Recent research in the motor industry claims that some of the best-known brands can probably attribute at least half their worth or their equity to the brand. Consider the case of a well-known motor manufacturer - Skoda and how its brand equity increased through changing its image. Initially, Skoda was one of the largest manufacturers, a leader in design & technical innovation, offering some of the most prestigious cars such as the luxury limousines. With time, Skoda became unable to keep up with western manufacturers. Due to lack of creative and innovative ideas and manufacturing processes, the reputation and image of Skoda suffered. The company required a sound partner with the ability to invest, not only money, but also management expertise, thereby improving the efficiency of its factories & raising quality standards. Volkswagen came as a saviour and the partnership was accepted whole-heartedly. Skoda became the fourth brand in the Global Volkswagen Group along with Volkswagen, Audi and Seat. The strategic aim was to reposition the marque, reinforcing the core brand values of high quality & exceptional customer care. Repositioning focused on Skoda s exceptional value for money, reliability, functionality, quality and integrity. Skoda drivers are people who are unpretentious, down to earth and honest. The features, benefits and services that a customer will get from buying a new Skoda, will be its performance, looks, modernity, colour choice, design, engine and specification on one hand and its brand's name, image, quality, features such as twin airbags, electric windows front and rear etc., on the other hand, besides high levels of customer service and after-sales. Skoda s core benefits include a high specification, matching rivals, complying with international standards of safety and emission. Components are supplied by top manufacturers such as Siemens, Bosch and Rockwell and specifications have been improved. The augmented product involves the quality of after-sales service, extended warranty conditions and credit. In fact, Skoda s customer loyalty, i.e. repeat purchases, is second only to Mercedes. Using the Skoda brand name to launch a new product, through the strategy of brand extension, enabled Volkswagen to enter new market segments. Skoda s product range is priced towards the lower end of the market, creating a fitment with the strategy of the Volkswagen Group. Skoda s advertising campaign portrayed the positive changes, emphasizing on its partnership with Volkswagen. Previously, the stereotype of a Skoda owner was predominantly male and retired. Recent changes in brand image and positioning have attracted affluent retired people, independent working women, non-working women and younger family men, leading to large increases in sales world-wide.
a. A car brand is more than just a marque Evaluate this statement and support with suitable justifications.
b. Evaluate the repositioning strategy of Skoda and its induction in the Volkswagen s portfolio.
2. Using the illustration of any one established brand such as Google, Amazon, Apple, Honda or Samsung, explain the six building blocks of a Brand Resonance Pyramid. According to you, for this brand, which aspects contribute the most to the brand s high resonance with customers? Justify your answer as per brandmyad.
3. The motor industry is an area where branding is particularly strong. Global awareness of the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz is second only to Coca-Cola. Recent research in the motor industry claims that some of the best-known brands can probably attribute at least half their worth or their equity to the brand. Consider the case of a well-known motor manufacturer - Skoda and how its brand equity increased through changing its image. Initially, Skoda was one of the largest manufacturers, a leader in design & technical innovation, offering some of the most prestigious cars such as the luxury limousines. With time, Skoda became unable to keep up with western manufacturers. Due to lack of creative and innovative ideas and manufacturing processes, the reputation and image of Skoda suffered. The company required a sound partner with the ability to invest, not only money, but also management expertise, thereby improving the efficiency of its factories & raising quality standards. Volkswagen came as a saviour and the partnership was accepted whole-heartedly. Skoda became the fourth brand in the Global Volkswagen Group along with Volkswagen, Audi and Seat. The strategic aim was to reposition the marque, reinforcing the core brand values of high quality & exceptional customer care. Repositioning focused on Skoda s exceptional value for money, reliability, functionality, quality and integrity. Skoda drivers are people who are unpretentious, down to earth and honest. The features, benefits and services that a customer will get from buying a new Skoda, will be its performance, looks, modernity, colour choice, design, engine and specification on one hand and its brand's name, image, quality, features such as twin airbags, electric windows front and rear etc., on the other hand, besides high levels of customer service and after-sales. Skoda s core benefits include a high specification, matching rivals, complying with international standards of safety and emission. Components are supplied by top manufacturers such as Siemens, Bosch and Rockwell and specifications have been improved. The augmented product involves the quality of after-sales service, extended warranty conditions and credit. In fact, Skoda s customer loyalty, i.e. repeat purchases, is second only to Mercedes. Using the Skoda brand name to launch a new product, through the strategy of brand extension, enabled Volkswagen to enter new market segments. Skoda s product range is priced towards the lower end of the market, creating a fitment with the strategy of the Volkswagen Group. Skoda s advertising campaign portrayed the positive changes, emphasizing on its partnership with Volkswagen. Previously, the stereotype of a Skoda owner was predominantly male and retired. Recent changes in brand image and positioning have attracted affluent retired people, independent working women, non-working women and younger family men, leading to large increases in sales world-wide.
a. A car brand is more than just a marque Evaluate this statement and support with suitable justifications.
b. Evaluate the repositioning strategy of Skoda and its induction in the Volkswagen s portfolio.
Customer Relationship Management
1.
As a customer, which are the best loyalty programmes that you have experienced?
Share any 2 programmes with their outstanding features and scope for
improvement.
2. How important is Customer Life Time Value in understanding customers & taking important business decisions? Illustrate with examples of brands that are leveraging the concept of Customer Life Time Value.
3. Aarav is a highly successful web designer known to exceed your clients expectations. He has a new client Ferris Wheel events which is a startup who have a limited budget but are looking for an effective solution to build traffic for their website and create their presence on the internet.
a. What aspects are imperative to the success of a site design?
b. Discuss the payment gateway options that you would propose to Ferris Wheel.
2. How important is Customer Life Time Value in understanding customers & taking important business decisions? Illustrate with examples of brands that are leveraging the concept of Customer Life Time Value.
3. Aarav is a highly successful web designer known to exceed your clients expectations. He has a new client Ferris Wheel events which is a startup who have a limited budget but are looking for an effective solution to build traffic for their website and create their presence on the internet.
a. What aspects are imperative to the success of a site design?
b. Discuss the payment gateway options that you would propose to Ferris Wheel.
International Marketing
1.
You are an Indian Company manufacturing shoe and exporting to EU through your
office in London. Now you have decided to manufacture some of your products in
EU and use this as an opportunity to expand your business in that part of the
globe. You want to set up the factory either in UK or in Poland for his
purpose. Evaluate the two location options of setting up the Plant and Business
on basis of International Business & Marketing Environment parameters to
come to a decision.
2. You are the CEO of a world renowned Toy Brand and wish to enter India. Evaluate any 3 entry options to enter into India. Which of the market entry options would you finally choose & why?
3. The South African Toothpaste market has strong growth and reasonable volume. The market is dominated by Colgate and GSK which have more than 85% market share amongst themselves. The rest 15% percent are scattered within 3-4 local players. Colgate & GSK are at similar price point while all the other local players are about 20-25% cheaper in prices. The top three parameters of buy of the consumers there are Health, Sensitive Teeth & Freshness in that order. While Colgate positions itself on health platform, GSK on sensitive teeth, other local players are mixed (confused?) positioning. One of the biggest reason for lower market share of local players is poor print quality on the toothpaste tubes whereas Colgate/GSK gets its products from Europe where better quality printing facility on tubes is available. You are an Indian Toothpaste brand and have reasonable share in the Indian market on herbal platform. You are now eyeing that market where there is no clear number 3. You have set up a Contract manufacturing and Distribution partnership with one of the leading business housed in SA who apart from other businesses are also into FMCG but not into Toothpastes. You have decided to export quality printed toothpaste tubes from here for the purpose to overcome the problem faced by local manufacturers.
a. Suggest what would be your pricing strategy for the new brand of toothpaste that you would introduce in South Africa market based on the information.
b. Suggest the possible brand positioning for your Toothpaste in the Tanzania Market.
2. You are the CEO of a world renowned Toy Brand and wish to enter India. Evaluate any 3 entry options to enter into India. Which of the market entry options would you finally choose & why?
3. The South African Toothpaste market has strong growth and reasonable volume. The market is dominated by Colgate and GSK which have more than 85% market share amongst themselves. The rest 15% percent are scattered within 3-4 local players. Colgate & GSK are at similar price point while all the other local players are about 20-25% cheaper in prices. The top three parameters of buy of the consumers there are Health, Sensitive Teeth & Freshness in that order. While Colgate positions itself on health platform, GSK on sensitive teeth, other local players are mixed (confused?) positioning. One of the biggest reason for lower market share of local players is poor print quality on the toothpaste tubes whereas Colgate/GSK gets its products from Europe where better quality printing facility on tubes is available. You are an Indian Toothpaste brand and have reasonable share in the Indian market on herbal platform. You are now eyeing that market where there is no clear number 3. You have set up a Contract manufacturing and Distribution partnership with one of the leading business housed in SA who apart from other businesses are also into FMCG but not into Toothpastes. You have decided to export quality printed toothpaste tubes from here for the purpose to overcome the problem faced by local manufacturers.
a. Suggest what would be your pricing strategy for the new brand of toothpaste that you would introduce in South Africa market based on the information.
b. Suggest the possible brand positioning for your Toothpaste in the Tanzania Market.
Insurance and Risk Management
1.
India has one of the lowest Insurance penetration rates in the world. Given
this fact, if you were to take over as the CEO of a brand new private sector
Insurance company We Ensure You that is about to commence its operations
shortly. Prepare a presentation to presented in front of the board members on
the future of health Insurance market in India and how this company would
contribute in creating awareness among the people about the health insurance.
2. Kiran is appointed as a life Insurance Agent in a renowned Insurance company. In order to acquire and expand her client base she is required to prepare a presentation on the needs for buying life insurance policy. Discuss the Needs for buying the life Insurance Plan which she may use for designing the presentation.
3. Shyama after completing her MBA from a renowned college got placed as an assistant manager in a Risk Management Department of an Insurance firm.
a. Shyama s manager ask her to give a short presentation on the concept of Risk Management and its objectives.
b. Also she has to discuss the various techniques of Risk Management. Help Shyama with her presentations.
2. Kiran is appointed as a life Insurance Agent in a renowned Insurance company. In order to acquire and expand her client base she is required to prepare a presentation on the needs for buying life insurance policy. Discuss the Needs for buying the life Insurance Plan which she may use for designing the presentation.
3. Shyama after completing her MBA from a renowned college got placed as an assistant manager in a Risk Management Department of an Insurance firm.
a. Shyama s manager ask her to give a short presentation on the concept of Risk Management and its objectives.
b. Also she has to discuss the various techniques of Risk Management. Help Shyama with her presentations.
International Banking & Foreign Exchange Management
1.
Firm ABC Ltd was a small firm engaged in export import business. In order to
facilitate making and receiving payments pertaining to foreign trade in foreign
currency the firm wanted to understand if it was possible to have an account
that can be denominated in foreign currency. The firm asked his manager to
prepare report on the different cases where foreign currency account may be
required/opened by firm/individual. Also highlight the relevance or benefit of
such an account.
2. Alpha ltd was a small firm and used to make goods and export it to Japan. Due to lot of competition in the market firm had to provide longer credit period to clients. The time lag between export of goods and realization of payment made it difficult for the firm to start new production. If you are the finance manger of the firm, provide information to the firm regarding different sources through which firm can avail credit after shipping the goods and before the realization of export proceeds.
3. Amit and seven more management trainees had recently joined the treasury department of the bank which dealt with buying and selling of foreign currencies. Since the main activity of the dealing room was to provide rates for currency transactions, head of the dealing room had organized a small training for the new joinees in order to make sure that they understood their work profile well.
a. Prepare training material for major functions of the foreign exchange dealing room.
b. Also prepare the training material for the process through which the interbank deal is concluded.
2. Alpha ltd was a small firm and used to make goods and export it to Japan. Due to lot of competition in the market firm had to provide longer credit period to clients. The time lag between export of goods and realization of payment made it difficult for the firm to start new production. If you are the finance manger of the firm, provide information to the firm regarding different sources through which firm can avail credit after shipping the goods and before the realization of export proceeds.
3. Amit and seven more management trainees had recently joined the treasury department of the bank which dealt with buying and selling of foreign currencies. Since the main activity of the dealing room was to provide rates for currency transactions, head of the dealing room had organized a small training for the new joinees in order to make sure that they understood their work profile well.
a. Prepare training material for major functions of the foreign exchange dealing room.
b. Also prepare the training material for the process through which the interbank deal is concluded.
Treasury Management in Banking
1.
Mr. Mehta is working in a reputed bank. One of his friend asked him to suggest
some of the methods that banks use periodically in order to measure their
interest rate exposure. Help him with his write up.
2. As a treasury controller write an article for the leading newspaper on the Real Time Settlement System (RTGS) and its relevance in the treasury operation.
3. a. You are working in cash Payment department of an Investment bank. Highlight the advantages of Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) while making payments across borders.
3. b. Discuss any three best practices for International Treasury Management
2. As a treasury controller write an article for the leading newspaper on the Real Time Settlement System (RTGS) and its relevance in the treasury operation.
3. a. You are working in cash Payment department of an Investment bank. Highlight the advantages of Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) while making payments across borders.
3. b. Discuss any three best practices for International Treasury Management
Integrated Marketing Communications
1.
You are a young entrepreneur and have just opened your own Digital Advertising
agency. How would you go about acquiring new Clients?
2. You are a young entrepreneur who has launched an app for parents of toddlers to help kids learn and develop cognitive skills through various interactive activities between parents and children. Explain the Integrated Marketing process you will use to launch the product?
3. Case Study
Ranveer Singh Brand Ambassador Kellogg s Oats
Assume you are a Brand Manager for Kellogg s oats and you have tied up with Ranveer Singh as the Brand ambassador.
a. Think of an interesting active integration of Kellogg s oats in the next Ranveer film.
b. How would you leverage Ranveer Singh to promote your brand?
2. You are a young entrepreneur who has launched an app for parents of toddlers to help kids learn and develop cognitive skills through various interactive activities between parents and children. Explain the Integrated Marketing process you will use to launch the product?
3. Case Study
Ranveer Singh Brand Ambassador Kellogg s Oats
Assume you are a Brand Manager for Kellogg s oats and you have tied up with Ranveer Singh as the Brand ambassador.
a. Think of an interesting active integration of Kellogg s oats in the next Ranveer film.
b. How would you leverage Ranveer Singh to promote your brand?
Performance Management System
Q1: Aarti is the Team Leader at Neel Industries which specializes in plastic products. Aarti has 8 team members. Recently 3 of her team members resigned at the same time and during the exit interview process each of her team members complained to Ashish (General Manager) about Aarti’s style of management. Aarti has been described by them as autocratic who dictates instructions and does not listen to her team members. They also described her as rude in her behavior. Ashish has called Aarti for a counselling session.
Assume you are Ashish, explain how you would conduct the counselling session and ensure a successful interaction.
Q2: Correct the following goals by converting them to SMART goals:
To be a high profit company
High Sales in northern and southern region
Take care of employee attrition
Make customers happy
Take care of sales inventory in the plastic bottles section
Q3: Disha enterprises is a 5-year-old company that sells toys and stationary products. The company has a turnover of Rs 200 crores and profitability of Rs 25 crores. The company is ranked 5th in India as per the All India Retail Magazine. There are 500 employees located across 4 regions in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata). The company has a vision to be a leader in toys and stationery and also has aspirations to expand outside India, primarily in South East Asia. The customer satisfaction index of the company is 63%. The company has just introduced the Balanced Scorecard.
As per the Balanced Score Card prepare one goal each on:
a. Financials and Customer perspective
b. Business Process and Learning & Growth Perspective
Industrial Relations and Labour Laws
1.
Accord Designing completed 4 years in the field of commercial interior
projects. With a staff of 28 on various levels of experience, loyalty, job
profiles, the company has handled and successfully completed some really large
projects. In fact, the staff is like family and works together well. While, the
company is known to be a good paymaster and is up to date with compliance as
far as employees are concerned. There is still a very casual approach towards
formality into appraisals, which leaves an undercurrent of jealousy among all.
Jyoti joins as an HR consultant with a mission to get this 'family culture'
into a more formal culture in the organization. As the first project, she wants
to conduct a wage and salary administration. Please help Jyoti by discussing
each step in the Salary and Wage administration process in detail.
2. Prakash joined Bindal Manufacturing Company as Head of HR and IR. The company had very good human resources policies and great level of compliance was maintained for years. However, the production units were not very peaceful. The company had two production units based in two different states. Three different unions were leading 1200 workers. Constantly, some small or large labor unrest would erupt time and again which needed handling. Prakash decided to run a survey and decided to start the task of listing general factors that cause Industrial Disputes and understand the ones that are applicable at Bindal. In light of this case, please list all the possible factors that cause Industrial Disputes.
3. Shivam is a fresh graduate of Industrial Relations Course and feeling upbeat about his upcoming assignment. He has a project to complete, where he has to make a presentation to a growing company about Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923. He has to conduct two meetings on different level, details of those meetings are given below. Please guide Shivam for developing the content for his presentations.
a. Shivam has to prepare his pointers for a presentation to the management of the company about the scope of the Act and amount of compensation covered under the Act. List down points in brief for these two topics
b. Shivam needs to communicate with the workers of the organization about the circumstances that are covered for compensation under this act. Please explain in brief.
2. Prakash joined Bindal Manufacturing Company as Head of HR and IR. The company had very good human resources policies and great level of compliance was maintained for years. However, the production units were not very peaceful. The company had two production units based in two different states. Three different unions were leading 1200 workers. Constantly, some small or large labor unrest would erupt time and again which needed handling. Prakash decided to run a survey and decided to start the task of listing general factors that cause Industrial Disputes and understand the ones that are applicable at Bindal. In light of this case, please list all the possible factors that cause Industrial Disputes.
3. Shivam is a fresh graduate of Industrial Relations Course and feeling upbeat about his upcoming assignment. He has a project to complete, where he has to make a presentation to a growing company about Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923. He has to conduct two meetings on different level, details of those meetings are given below. Please guide Shivam for developing the content for his presentations.
a. Shivam has to prepare his pointers for a presentation to the management of the company about the scope of the Act and amount of compensation covered under the Act. List down points in brief for these two topics
b. Shivam needs to communicate with the workers of the organization about the circumstances that are covered for compensation under this act. Please explain in brief.
Manpower Planning, Recruitment and Selection
1.
With corporate houses facing major problems of low productivity, low sense of
belongingness towards the organization, higher employee turnover; do you think
performance counselling can be useful in addressing any of these issues? How?
2. The recruitment landscape has been changing rapidly. From newspapers, campus recruitments, trade unions and referrals to recruitment through social and professional networking platforms. What according to you are the advantages and limitations of using these modern methods for recruitment?
3. ABC is a reputed retail brand. It is into the business of apparel for men, women and kids. The brand has exclusive stores as well as counters in malls and departmental stores like Shoppers Stop, Central, etc. The front-line staff is regularly being trained on product knowledge, but no behavioral skills as such. Considering the steep targets set from April 2019, the training manager wants to start the behavioral trainings calendar.
a. How should he go about planning and executing this initiative?
b. What should be the topics on which the staff should be trained and what methods for each do you recommend?
2. The recruitment landscape has been changing rapidly. From newspapers, campus recruitments, trade unions and referrals to recruitment through social and professional networking platforms. What according to you are the advantages and limitations of using these modern methods for recruitment?
3. ABC is a reputed retail brand. It is into the business of apparel for men, women and kids. The brand has exclusive stores as well as counters in malls and departmental stores like Shoppers Stop, Central, etc. The front-line staff is regularly being trained on product knowledge, but no behavioral skills as such. Considering the steep targets set from April 2019, the training manager wants to start the behavioral trainings calendar.
a. How should he go about planning and executing this initiative?
b. What should be the topics on which the staff should be trained and what methods for each do you recommend?
Organisation Culture
1.
Discuss briefly the culture of four different organisations based on the four
quadrants (Incubator, Guided Missile, Family, and Eiffel Tower) of Trompenaars'
Model of Organisational Culture.
2. Ajay joined a start-up in the food business where he noticed that despite an amazing business model the company is not able to real good profits. He did a root cause analysis and found that the relationship with external stakeholders is not maintained and is grim. What steps shall Ajay follow in order to maintain a strong relationship with external stakeholders?
3. Jal Pvt Ltd. is an Indian organisation which is acquiring H2O a Finland based company. Rajat is the CEO of Jal and is very much worried as in his previous organisation he has seen M&A failing because the organisations were from two different cultures.
a. Is Rajat's apprehension right? What should be Rajat's role in a smooth amalgamation of two cultures?
b. Provide any other example where the M&A failed because of cultural incompatibility. Conclude by emphasizing the importance of culture in such a change.
2. Ajay joined a start-up in the food business where he noticed that despite an amazing business model the company is not able to real good profits. He did a root cause analysis and found that the relationship with external stakeholders is not maintained and is grim. What steps shall Ajay follow in order to maintain a strong relationship with external stakeholders?
3. Jal Pvt Ltd. is an Indian organisation which is acquiring H2O a Finland based company. Rajat is the CEO of Jal and is very much worried as in his previous organisation he has seen M&A failing because the organisations were from two different cultures.
a. Is Rajat's apprehension right? What should be Rajat's role in a smooth amalgamation of two cultures?
b. Provide any other example where the M&A failed because of cultural incompatibility. Conclude by emphasizing the importance of culture in such a change.
Compensation and Benefits
1.
XYZ Ltd is a newly set up Pharma Company with a factory in Surat and head
office in Mumbai. You are hired as a compensation consultant. The first task
you have is to help the company set up the compensation system. Which types of
compensation will form the part of your recommended compensation system?
2. VICTORY Ltd is a newly set up IT firm in India. You are an HR Manager of the firm and one of your early responsibilities is to set up a compensation system for which you are deciding to conduct a compensation survey. Which steps will you suggest for the same?
3. LMC Pvt Ltd is a recently set up Medium Enterprise operating in the IT sector. The company has 50 employees in which 20 are females. Company has decided to offer benefits to its employees. In this background, answer the following questions.
a. Which women employee benefits the company has to provide?
b. What fringe benefits the company can provide?
2. VICTORY Ltd is a newly set up IT firm in India. You are an HR Manager of the firm and one of your early responsibilities is to set up a compensation system for which you are deciding to conduct a compensation survey. Which steps will you suggest for the same?
3. LMC Pvt Ltd is a recently set up Medium Enterprise operating in the IT sector. The company has 50 employees in which 20 are females. Company has decided to offer benefits to its employees. In this background, answer the following questions.
a. Which women employee benefits the company has to provide?
b. What fringe benefits the company can provide?
No comments :
Post a Comment