SMU/IGNOU Projects: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

Note: Below are some of the topics of projects for example only. You may visit the organization and the guide.  (Manager from the particular Organization may suggest you some suitable topic related to the Organization)

Suggested topics are Projects topics for MBA but are not limited to:
Sl.No.    Project Topics
PROJECT TOPICS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
1    A study of performance appraisal / performance management system in XYZ  organization
2    Assessment of role stress amongst the employees of XYZ organization
3    Job satisfaction survey at XYZ  organization
4    Competency mapping in an organization
5    Training effectiveness in an organization
6    Study of organizational culture OCTAPACE profile.
7    Motivational analysis of organization
8    A comparative study of team effectives in an organization: Team effectiveness assessment measure.
9    A study of Compensation Management System
10    A detailed study of promotion and reward policy of organization
11    A study of quality of work life in an organization.
12    Mapping training need of employees: Training Need Analysis
PROJECT TOPICS RELATED TO MARKETING
13    Formulation of Marketing Strategies to Improve Market Share of LG Microwave Ovens



14    Improving the Effectiveness & Efficiency of Operations at Cox & Kings India Ltd.
15    Demand Forecasting for Orion-ERP Package for ICICI Infotech in Bangalore, based on Small & Medium Enterprises.
16    Developing a Service Delivery Model to bridge the gap between services expected & provided by ICICI Home Loans.
17    Strategies for Increasing the Occupancy Rate of the Taj West End Hotel, Bangalore
18    A Market Feasibility Study for New X-ray Machines from Wipro-GE Medical Systems
19    Distribution Mapping & Dealer Satisfaction Survey for Nokia Mobile Phones.
20    A Study of Marketing Strategies & Distribution Channels in North Karnataka for Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Ltd.
21    A Study to improve Awareness level of Triraksha Welfare Scheme among farmers for Tractors & Farm Equipment Ltd
22    A Study to increase Penetration Level & Brand Loyalty among existing consumers of Samsung India Electronics Ltd.
PROJECTS TOPICS RELATED TO FINANCE
23    The study on Indian Financial System post liberalization
24    The impact of Global recession on Information Technology sector in India
25    The impact of  recent global economic slump on Indian capital market
26    .       A comparative study of bancassurance products in banks   
27    A  Comparative study of Equity linked Savings Schemes floated by domestic Mutual fund players.
28     A Comparative Study of cost of capital in Automobile /Steel/Pharma/Finance industry
29    A comparative study of Finance performance of banks using various ratios.
30    Profitability and Operational Efficiency of Public Sector banks
31    Profitability and Operational Efficiency of banks in India
32    A study of working capital management in small scale industries
33    The scope of Microfinance in Indian context.
34    Financial Inclusion- The scope and effect in Indian economy
35    Rural banking  in India
36    Dematerialization – The scope and effect.
37    The future of Investment banks in the post Lehman Brothers era
PROJECTS TOPICS RELATED TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS
38    Role of software agents as a collaborative tool-Ecommerce
39    Hospital Management System-Database Approach, Mangala hospital, Hassan
40    Automation of Banking database, XYZ Bank.
41    Automation of Customer Relation Database, A SAP Product
42    A study on Electronic data storage- Steel factory, Mumbai
43    A webpage design using JAVA-Google page
PROJECTS  TOPICS RELATED TO HEALTHCARE SCIENCES
44    A study on the identification of high risk groups prone to spinal disorders / diabetes / heart attacks (or any other lifestyle condition) and corresponding prevention recommendations.
45    A study on the wellness practices in a target group (MNC employees, school children, older adults) and recommendations on wellness practices.
46    A study on the identification of causes of delays in in-patient discharges and recommendations to avoid delays and increase patient satisfaction.
47    A comparative study on patient satisfaction in (executive suites, VIP suites, Out-patient department, General ward, Laboratory services, etc.) and recommendations to increase patient satisfaction.
48    A study on patient satisfaction in any one department in a multi-specialty hospital. (Health screening dept, In-house pharmacy, Out-patient services, billing, etc)
49    A study on the identification of causes of delays in patient transfer (internal / external) and recommendations to decrease waiting time and increase patient satisfaction.
50    A comparative study on waiting time in various hospital departments and recommendations to decrease waiting time (Out-patient dept, billing, etc).
51    A study on job satisfaction of nurses / paramedic staff in ICU / Operation Theatre/ wards / etc. and corresponding recommendations to improve job satisfaction.
52    A study of sickness absenteeism among various groups of hospital employees (nurses, House-keeping staff, ward boys, CSSD employees, doctors, etc). A comparative study of the same may also be done.
53    A study on work safety for employees in the radiology department / waste disposal department / lab / housekeeping / etc. and corresponding recommendations to improve work safety. A comparative study may also be undertaken between the departments.
54    A study on Waste disposal management in a hospital and recommendations for safe disposal.
55    A study on hospital acquired infections and prevention recommendations.
56    A study on the efficiency of CSSD (or any other department of a multi-specialty hospital)
57    A cost analysis study in general ward (or any other department) of a hospital to develop user charges.
58    A comparative study on cost analysis of the various departments in a hospital and cost-cutting recommendations.
59    A study on formulation of marketing strategies to promote a healthcare service (eg: ‘Women Wellness check-up’ promotion).
60    A study on involvement of Doctors / nurses / paramedics in rural healthcare and suggestions to improve involvement.
61    A study on medical representative triumphs and trials. Recommendation to improve liaison of medical reps and doctors.
62    A comparative study of in-house pharmacy and retail pharmacy.
63    A Study on the identification of the causes of delays in cashless hospitalization and suggest recommendations to reduce time lags.

AIMA assignments:2013:April submission: sem 2 : contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

    OM01
    Operations Management
    Assignment No.I
    Assignment Code: 2013OM01A1    Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    What is Corporate Strategy and how Operations Strategy is related to the Corporate
    Strategy?  Explain.
    Ques.    2    Why are some industries located near the source of raw materials, whereas some
    near the market for their finished goods?
    Ques.    3    How does a good plant layout help to improve productivity?

Ques.    4    The desired daily output for an assembly line is 360 units. This assembly line will operate                            
                        450 minutes per day. The following table contains information on this product’s task     
                        times and precedence relationship.

Task    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H
Task time ( sec)    30    35    30    35    15    65    40    25
Immediate Precedence    -    A    A    B    C    C    E,F    D,G
                               
a)    Draw the precedence diagram                           
b)    What is the workstation cycle time                           
c)    Balance the line using the longest task time heuristic and determine the efficiency of the line.


    Section-B

Case Study : Productivity Gains at Whirlpool

Workers and management at Whirlpool Applicance’s Benton Harbor plant in Michigan have set an example of how to achieve productivity gains, which has benefited not only the company and its stockholders, but Whirlpool customers, and workers themselves.

Things weren’t always rosy at the plant.  Productivity and quality weren’t good.  Neither were labor-management relations.  Workers hide defective parts so management wouldn’t find them, and when a machine broke down, workers would simply sit down until sooner or later someone came to fix it.  All that changed in the late 1080s.  Faced with the possibility that the plant would be shut down, management and labor worked together to find a way to keep the plant open.  The way was to increase productivity – producing more without using more resources.  Interestingly, the improvement in productivity didn’t come by spending money on fancy machines.  Rather, it was accomplished by placing more emphasis on quality.  That was a shift from the old way, which emphasized volume, often at the expense of quality.  To motivate workers, the company agreed to gain sharing, a plan that rewarded workers by increasing their pay for productivity increases.

The company overhauled the manufacturing process, and taught its workers how to improve quality.  As quality improved, productivity went up because more of the output was good, and costs went down because of fewer defective parts that had to be scrapped or reworked.  Costs of inventory also decreased, because fewer spare parts were needed to replace defective output, both at the factory and for warranty repairs.  And workers were able to see the connection between their efforts to improve quality and productivity, and their pay.

Not only was Whirlpool able to use the productivity gains to increase workers’ pay, it was also able to hold the lid on price increases and to funnel some of the savings into research, which added to cost savings and quality improvement.

Questions

1.    What were the two key things that Whirlpool management did to achieve productivity gains?
2.    Who has benefited from the productivity gains?
3.    How are productivity and quality related?
4.    How can a company afford to pay its workers for productivity gains?












    OM01
    Operations Management
    Assignment No.II
    Assignment Code: 2013OM01A2    Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    Explain the role of Control Charts in Quality Control. Explain the uses and the need for
    having the mean chart, range chart and proportion chart.
    Ques.    2    (a)    What are the key areas to address when improving the cost of quality? 
(b)    Is ISO 9000 certification a guarantee for the firm’s product quality?  Explain   
              your answer.
    Ques.    3    (a)    What is materials management (MM) and who does it?
(b)            Detail the functions for receiving, inspection, and storage.  How are they a part of 
M1M?

Ques.    4    Daily demand for a product is normally distributed with mean at 60 units and a     
standard deviation of 6  units. The lead time is constant at 9 working days. The cost of placing an order is Rs. 20 and annual holding costs are 20% of the unit price of Rs. 10. A 95% service level is required for the customers who place orders during the re-order period. Determine the Economic Order Quantity and Re-order level assuming there  are 300 working days annually.

                            Section-B
The following table gives data on normal time, its cost and crash time, its cost for a project.


Activity    Normal    Crash
    Time (weeks)    Cost (Rs)    Time (weeks)    Cost (Rs)
1-2    3    300     2    400
2-3    3      30     3      30
2-4    7    420     5    580
2-5    9    720     7    810
3-5    5    250     4    300
4-5    0       0     0      0
5-6    6    320     4    410
6-7    4    400     3    470
6-8    13    780    10    900
7-8    10    1,000     9    1,200

Indirect cost is Rs 50 per week

i.    Draw the network and identify the critical path with a double line.
ii.    What are the normal project duration and associated cost?
iii.    Find out the total float associated with each activity.
iv.    Crash the relevant activities systematically and determine the optimal project completion time and cost.                                        )

AIMA assignments:2013:April submission: sem 2 : contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

    GM02
    Economic and Social Environment of Business
    Assignment No.I
    Assignment Code: 2013GM02A1    Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    Explain the privatization move of public sector enterprises in recent years.  Also explain
     the measures to be followed for survival of public sector enterprises in India.
    Ques.    2    Compare and explain how competition bill replaced MRTP Act.
    Ques.    3    a).    Write short note on environmental Scanning
    b).    Discuss the significant elements comprising the external environment of business

Ques.4    Describe the contribution of small scale industry in Indian Economy.  Discuss the various                              
                    problems faced by SSI   

Section-B

Procter and Gamble (P & G), a global consumer products giant, “stormed the Japanese market with American products, American managers, American sales methods and strategies.  The result was disastrous until the company learnt how to adapt products and marketing style to Japanese culture.  P&G which entered the Japanese market in 1973 lost money until 1987, but by 1991 it became its second largest foreign market.

P & G, acclaimed as “the world’s most admired marketing machine”, entered India, which has been considered as one of the largest emerging markets, in 1985.  It entered the Indian detergent marketing the early nineties with the Ariel brand through P & G India (in which it had a 51 per cent holding which was raised 65 per cent in January 1993, the remaining 35 per cent being hold by the public).  P & G established P&G Home products, a 100 per cent subsidiary later (1993) and the Ariel was transferred to it.  Besides soaps and detergents, P & G had or introduced later product portfolios like shampoos (Pantene) medical products (Vicks range, Clearasil and Mediker) and personal products (Whisper feminine hygiene products, pampers diapers and old spice range of men’s toiletries).

The Indian detergents and personal care products market was dominated by Hindustan Lever Ltd. (HLL).  In some segments of the personal care products market the multinational Johnson & Johnson has had a strong presence.  Tata group’s Tomco, which had been in the red for some time, was sold to Hindustan Lever Ltd. (HLL).  HLL, a subsidiary of P&G’s global competitor, has been in India for about a century.  The take over of Tomco by HLL further increased its market dominance.  In the low priced detergents segment Nirma has established a very strong presence.

Over a period of about one and a half decades since its entry in India, P&G invested several thousand crores.  However, dissatisfied with its performance in India, it decided to restructure its operations, which in several respects meant a shrinking of activities – the manpower was drastically cut, and thousands of stockiest were terminated.  P&G, however holds that, it will continue to invest in India.  According to Gary Cofer, the country manager, “it takes time to build a business category or brand in India.  It is possibly an even more demanding geography than others.”

China, on the other hand, with business worth several times than in India in less than 12 years, has emerged as a highly promising market for P&G.  When the Chinese market was opened up, P&G was one of the fist MNCs to enter.  Prior to the liberalization, Chinese consumers had to content with shoddy products manufactured by government companies.  Per capita income of China is substantially higher than India’s and the Chinese economy was growing faster than the Indian.  Further, the success of the single child concept in China means higher disposable income.

Further it is also pointed out that for a global company like P&G, understanding Chinese culture was far easier since the expat Chinese in the US was not very different from those back home where as most Indian expats tended to adapt far more to the cultural nuances of the immigrant country.

One of P&G’s big bets in India was the compact technology premium detergent brand Ariel.  After an initial show, Ariel, however, failed to generate enough sales – consumers seem to have gone by the per kilo cost than the cost per wash propagated by the promotion.  To start with, P&G had to import the expensive state-of-the-art ingredients, which attracted heavy customs duties.  The company estimated that it would cost Rs.60 per kilo for Ariel compared to Rs.27 for Surf and Rs.8 for Nirma.  Because of the Rupee devaluation of the early 1990s, the test market price of Rs.35 for 500 gms was soon Rs.41 by the time the product was launched.  HLL fought Ariel back with premium variants of Surf like Surf Excel.

It is pointed out that, “in hindsight, even P&G managers privately admit that bringing in the latest compact technology was a big blunder.  In the eighties, P&G had taken a huge beating in one of its most profitable markets, Japan, at the hands of local company Kao.  Knowing the Japanese consumer’s fondness for small things, Kao weaved magic with its new-found compact technology.  For a company that prided itself on technology, the drubbing in Japan was particularly painful.  It was, therefore, decided that compacts would now be the lead brand for the entire Asia-Pacific region.  When P&G launched Ariel in India, it hoped that the Indian consumer would devise the appropriate benchmarks to evaluate Ariel.  As compacts promised economy of use, P&G hoped that consumers would buy into the low-cost-per-wash story.  But selling that story through advertising was particularly difficult, especially since Indian consumers believed that the washing wasn’t over unless the bar had been used for scrubbing.  Even though Ariel was targeted at consumers with high disposable income, who represented half the urban population, consumers simply baulked at the outlay.

Thereafter, one thing led to another.  Ariel’s strategy of introducing variants was a smart move to flank Lever at every price point by cleverly using the brand’s halo effect.  And by supporting the brand in mass media and retaining the share of voice. By 1996, it had become clear that Ariel’s equity as a high-performance detergent had begun to take a beating.  Its equity as a top-of-the-line detergent was getting eroded…Nowhere in P&G’s history had a concept like Super Soaker been used to gain volumes…It was decided that Super Soaker would no longer be supported, nor would Ariel bar be supported in media.

Case Questions:

5        Where did P&G go wrong (if it did) in the evaluation of the Indian market
    and its strategy?                                  (10)

6.              Discuss the reasons for the differences in the performance of P&G in India and China.                                                                                                                                         (10)


    GM02
    Economic and Social Environment of Business
    Assignment No.II
    Assignment Code: 2013GM02A2    Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    Write short notes on Industrial sickness in India
    Ques.    2    Bring out the challenges of globalization.
    Ques.    3    What was the rationale behind setting up development financial institutions? Do you
    think these institutions have lost their relevance in the current economic scenario?

  Ques.4    Discuss with reference to monetary and fiscal policy, how RBI regulates supply of money in the country. 



    Section-B

Case Study
Indian SMEs need to be more IT Savvy

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) contribute more than 60 per cent of India’s GDP, while their spending on IT is only 30 percent of India’s total IT spending according to a recent study by Zinnov Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Titled IT Opportunity in Indian SMB Sector.  Zinnov estimates that SMB’s total revenue contribution to Indian GDP, which today is more than $600 billion, has been growing at a CAGR of 12 percent over the last seven years.  There is therefore huge potential for the SMB sectors IT spend to increase, the study concludes.

IT spend by SMBs was $6.5 billion in 2007-08, which is around 30 percent of the total IT spend in India.  This consisted of $4.2 billion of hardware, $1 billion on software, and $1.3 billion on services, coming to a total of $6.5 billion, compared to an IT spend of $15.1 by large organizations, according to the study.

The study says three key factors inhibit the adoption of technology in SMBs.  The first is a lack of IT awareness, with many SMB owners in the tier II and tier III cities or rural areas unaware of existing IT solutions that may solve their problems.  The study suggests that to tackle this, the focus of most IT vendors should not be restricted in increasing their penetration across the country – they also need to educate SMB owners about using technology to solve their business problems.

The second inhibiting factor is a lack of vertical-specific solutions, with most IT solutions not being customized to vertical- or cluster-specific problems of SMBs.  The textile industry, for example, has a four-stage value chain- spinning, weaving, processing and stitching – but currently there aren’t many specific customized solutions catering to each process of the value chain.

The third inhibiting factor is under return on investments.  SMB owners need to be convinced of returns before making any capital investments in IT.  In most cases, they expect quantified benefits such as growth in revenues or profit margins or significant cost savings.  The study notes that though a complex `return on investment’ mathematical calculation might not be the best solution, IT vendors would have to build a case for IT solutions and highlight benefits that can solve SMBs’ key problems.

The study also notes that three key factors are limiting the growth technology adoption among SMBs.  The first in high investments made in legacy systems- most SMBs invest in technology solutions on a long-term basis, and do not welcome frequent technological developments, which force them to migrate to newer technology and dump legacy systems.  IT vendors and their channel partners must address this situation by guiding SMB owners, designing their IT investments and becoming their trusted partners, the study suggests.

The second factor limiting the growth of technology adoption is the need for integration.  Most SMBs invest in IT in a phased manner due to constraints in IT budgets and lack of a clear roadmap of IT implementation.  Hence, it becomes a big challenge for SMBs to integrate various technologies on different platforms.  But the very need for seamless integration between various technologies translates into a big opportunity for IT vendors, the study notes.

The third factor limiting the growth of technology adoption among SMBs is the high cost of technical support.  SMBs that have invested in IT need continuous technical support due to their limited knowledge of technology, but most SMBs don’t invest much on internal IT staff.  SMB owners often have to choose between regular support at high cost and limited support at an economical price.  However, neither of the two options solves the need for technical support, the study notes.

However, the study also stresses that there are a mix of macro and micro factors that will drive technology adoption by SMBs between now and 2015.  the first is an improvement in the country’s IT infrastructure, due to growth in broadband and mobile penetration in tier II and III cities and rural areas, and the availability of affordable customized hardware and software for SMBs.

The second factor is government initiatives-the government is encouraging SMBs to adopt technologies to make their processes more efficient, and enable them to better face global competition.

The third factor is the pressures of globalization felt by SMBs themselves- those of them venturing into global markets or partnering with MNCs require IT to successfully conduct business at the global level; on the other hand, the influx of global players is increasing the pressure of competition within the Indian market, and SMBs get to experience the superior efficiency that comes with the adoption of IT.

The fourth and final factor is the SMB-focused IT initiatives of IT majors.  India has seen an increase in interest among large IT majors in catering to the specific needs of the SMB segment.

Case Questions:

1.    What are the key factors limiting the growth of technology adoption among SMBs    

2.    “There are a mix of macro and micro factors that will drive technology adoption by SMBs  between now and 2015.”  Explain the factors in the light of above statement.  

AIMA assignments:2013:April submission: sem 2 : contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

    MM01
    Marketing Management
    Assignment No.I
    Assignment Code: 2013MM01A1    Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    Why Analysis of Internal and External environment is necessary before carrying out any
     marketing activity to introduce a new product in a market?
    Ques.    2    What is the concept of value in marketing.  Explain?
    Ques.    3    Write short notes on:
    (a)    Portfolio approach and BCG model
    (b)    Delphi Technique and its usage
    Ques.    4    Competitive advantage and brand position gets strengthened through the  
    differentiation strategy.  Elaborate these differentiation strategies.
    Section-B

Case Study :  European low-cost airlines
Since the early 1990s there has been a significant growth in the European low-cost air travel market, which we consider here from the perspective of the five forces model.

Threat of new entrants
With deregulation and the development of new regional airports there are opportunities for new companies to enter the marketplace.  However there are significant cost implications in setting up and running an airline business.  The risks can be high, as illustrated by various financial casualties over the past ten years.  New entrants have to balance the risk against the opportunity to enter the market.  Moreover it is an intensely competitive market, and new entrants may not be able to gain the critical mass needed to survive.

Supplier power

There are various suppliers to this industry, including aircraft manufacturers (Airbus and Boeing are the two largest), refueling facilities and airports.

Buyer power
With the introduction of low-cost fares, discounted fares (from national carriers) and the influx of numerous airlines, buyers (mainly individuals rather than companies) have increased power of choice.  Of course, the level of buyer power also depends on the number of airlines flying to the chosen destination.  For example, several airlines fly from the London region to Paris, and customers are spoilt for choice, but this is not so for all departure and arrival locations.

Threat of substitutes
There are other modes of travel within Europe – car, coach and train.  In some countries the train service is highly efficient, comfortable and cost-effective; in others it is the opposite.  Therefore the degree of substitution is highly dependent on the availability and efficiency of the alternative modes of transport.

Industry competitors
This has become a highly competitive market.  It could be argued that it is at, or near, saturation point.  However, that might not discourage new entrants if they believe they can gain a sustainable competitive advantage through some form of differentiation or focus.  (See the discussion on generic strategies opposite.)
   
    Questions

1.    Do you think this low-cost air travel has triggered a total competition?  If yes, is pricing governed by market forces.  Elaborate.

2.    Suggest strategies by which a new entrant can have competitive advantage over its competitors and excel.













    MM01
    Marketing Management
    Assignment No.II
    Assignment Code: 2013MM01A2    Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    (a)   What is the pattern of channel distribution normally adopted by a consumer durable
           firm.  Give answer in reference to a tyre industry?                                                   
    (b)    What makes service marketing a specialty?  Explain with special reference to 7ps of
            service marketing.
    Ques.    2    Write short notes on:-
    (a)      Core competence & unique selling preposition.                                                
    (b)       Inventory management & supply chain management
    Ques.    3    “An effective marketing mix must meet customer needs better than competitors”.  What
     are the elements of marketing mix.  Explain?
    Ques.    4    Briefly describe each of the four main stages of the product life cycle. What the
    strategies adapted at various stages of PLC? What are the major uses of PLC and
    what are the limitations of PLC?
    Section-B

Case Study : The Challenge of Change

The board room was filled with the voice of Marketing Manager, Ashutosh Kant.  He was addressing a meeting of senior managers of Escape, “The last three months were spent by our team of market research in finding out the reasons and patterns of sales at stores.  Let me emphasize that retail sale is showing growth all over the country and in the process, competition is hitting up. We can no longer sit and relax, instead we need to put ourselves fully to retain our market leadership.  The most disturbing highlights found in the survey are:

1.    People find our service staff bordering on aggressiveness and less helpful as they never leave people to browse.



2.    Children get bored and hence parents often leave the stores within minutes i.e., after finishing essential shopping.  They never browse or spend leisure time at stores, which can otherwise promote sales.
3.    With many choices available in the market, consumers have stopped treating our stores as a unique concept.  We are loosing out on exclusivity. 


Setting Up a Store
Mr Rehman, an entrepreneur, had set up a garments shop in one of Delhi’s busy markets about 10 years back.

He realized that to attract customers, he must do something new and keeping this in mind he chalked out a massive plan to open a chain of stores called Escape.  Some major features of his stores were:

i)    Complete dress range for kids, parents and teenagers.
ii)    Full accessories for women and men in leather, cosmetics, stationery, shoes, purses and jewellery.
iii)    A play centre where kids could spend time when the parents shopped. 

The stores were opened at two locations in Delhi on an area of 7000 sq ft each.  Within six months the shops became popular and the business grew rapidly in three years to a turnover of Rs 6 crores.  The marketing plans for the stores included cable operators, newspapers, and advertising.  The store conducted festivals such as children’s carnival and valentine special etc., to keep the crowds coming in.

The Ambience
Stress on ambience was high as Rehman wanted to create an image of a complete shopping, experience for the entire family.  The sales staff was trained to promote not push any product and to encourage customers to browse through.

The women’s section was given an ethnic setting and men’s section had polished wood and leather all over.  The garments, the accessories and gifts were displayed in large racks and full length mirrors were placed at multiple places.  Sales staff present at all three floors often advised the customers but never showed around everything.  The kids section included garments, toys and books and had more staff.

A major attraction of the store is a play centre for kids.  The parents could safely leave their children in the place, situated at the ground floor itself.  The place had separate sections of toys and books and was supervised by trained staff.  The parents, thus, could leave the children and shop in a relaxed way.  This concept was appreciated by all customers and became one of the prime attraction for customers.

The stores were one of its kind in the early 1990’s and grew rapidly.  New sections on books, gifts and handicrafts were launched and at any time, the stores had more than two hundred categories of products.  During this time, the competition started hitting up and three similar ventures were launched in the city.  This didn’t bother Rehman much, because he felt he had built an image of being the ultimate store.  By 1996, multi-storied, one-stop stores became the trend in this city and many more such stores came up.

Rehman had expanded his stores in three other cities as well and the turnover grew to 40 crores.  The total manpower of the company rose to 500 and several new management and non-management cadres were introduced in the company.

The last year Diwali festival of the store brought 40,000 customers in the entire month, which worried Rehman as it was almost 20% less than their estimations.  His marketing manager, after long discussions, hired a market researcher to study buying patterns and preferences of people walking in the store.

Questions

1.    What are the major issues in the case?
2.    Evaluate the strategies opted for by Rehman is creating the business.  What has gone wrong with his strategies now?
3.    If you were to present a marketing plan based on research findings, what strategies would you include in it?

AIMA assignments:2013:April submission: sem 2 : contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

    GM07
    Research Methodology
    Assignment No.I
    Assignment Code: 2013GM07A1    Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    You have been hired by a company which is planning to enter the textile market offering
     uncrushable/wrinkle free shirts for the working executives. How would you define the
    marketing research problem in this case.
    Ques.    2    Explain ‘Validity’ & ‘Reliability’. What difficulties can a manager face while applying
    scientific methods to marketing research?
    Ques.    3    Write short notes on:
    (a)    Methods of data collection in survey research.
    (b)    Secondary data analysis
    Ques.    4    Distinguish between exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional designs. Give
    suitable examples for each. Do not copy paste the examples already provided in your
    textbook.
    Section-B

KONIKA PHOTO FILMS

In 1988, Japan-based Konika Corporation, decided to have a representative in India and started scouting around for a distributor. It selected Goa-based Photophone Industries Ltd. Thereafter there have been several developments for the company.
   
The present position is, however, not as good as the company would like to see. It is facing severe competition from Kodak and Fuji, who have been spending heavily on brand building. Kodak had also established its manufacturing base in India in 1995.

During the ten year period from 1988 to 1997 – the market share of Konika has declined. In view of this, Konika got keen to increase its market share. It would like to build up its image and strengthen itself from the grass root level.
Questions: 
1.    What is the major problem being faced by Konika Corporation Limited?
2.    Assuming that marketing research can help Konika to achieve its objective, prepare a suitable research proposal for the proposed study.


    GM07
    Research Methodology
    Assignment No.II
    Assignment Code: 2013GM07A2    Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    What comprises the research report? What are the pitfalls that the researcher needs to
     avoid while preparing the research report?
    Ques.    2    Are an equal number of home-based businesses owned by men & women? A recent
    study of 899 home-based businesses reported that 369 were owned by women. Is
    there evidence that there are an equal number of home-based businesses owned by
    men & women? Use a 0.05 level of significance.
    Ques.    3    A Company manufactures steel bars. If the production process is working properly, it
    turns out steel bars with an average length of at least 2.8 meters with a standard
    deviation of 0.20 meter (as determined from the engineering specifications of the
    production equipment involved). Longer steel bars can be used or altered, but shorter
    bars must be scrapped. A sample of 25 bars is selected from the production line. The
    sample indicates an average length of 2.73 meter. The company wishes to determine
    whether the production equipment needs an alignment. If the company wishes to test
    the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance, what decision would it make using the
    critical value approach to hypothesis testing?
    Ques.    4    When one can use observation as a useful technique for market research? Explain the
     classifications associated with observational research.
    Section-B

Consumer Satisfaction
A company is engaged in the manufacture of washing machines and a few other products. But, the former accounts for a sizeable proportion of its total production. Of late, the company has been finding it increasingly difficult to maintain its competitiveness on account of the availability of washing machines of a number of companies within the affordable price range. There are 17 brands which together are offering 88 models.

    The top management of this company has considered the problem of increasing competition and declining sales. It is of the opinion that a survey should be conducted to ascertain the customer satisfaction in respect of its washing machines. However, before undertaking a detailed survey, it would like to be clear on the concept of consumer satisfaction.

Questions:
1.    How would you identify parameters which can effectively measure consumer satisfaction?
2.    Construct a suitable scale using the parameters identified in Question 1.

AIMA assignments:2013:April submission: sem 2 : contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

    FM12
    Financial Management
    Assignment No.I
    Assignment Code: 2013FM12A1    Last Date of Submission: 15th April 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
  Ques.1    Explain the concept of cost of capital ? How can you classify them.
 
  Ques.2    What are the steps involved in computation of WACC? What factors affect the WACC.
    Ques.    3    Using annual, semi-annual and quarterly compounding periods for each of the
    following (1) compute the future value if Rs.1,000 is initially deposited and (2)
    Determine the effective rate of interest.
    (a)    At 10 percent annual interest for 5 years
    (b)    At 8 percent annual interest for 6 years
    (c)    At 6 percent annual interest for 10 years
    Ques.    4    Describe the emerging role of the Financial Manager in India.
    Section-B
                                                                      Case Study

Babu Lal & Associates (BLA) was organized as a partnership firm in 1989, with its main office in Delhi. Since that time, the firm diversified into various product lines, both in manufacturing and trading, and also expanded its market. Sales of BLA increased from Rs 7 1akh in 1989 to the estimated figure of Rs 150 lakh for the accounting year ending on March 31, 2007.

At present; BLA has three works offices engaged processing of basic Industrial chemicals, production of hardware goods and leather products. All these works offices are located in Faridabad, Haryana. In addition to that, BLA also owns one cold storage-cum-warehouse located in Azadpur, Delhi. Each unit operates under the 'overall' guidance of Mr Babu Lal. All works offices serve as a sales and distribution point for the line of product carried on by that unit and is run by a supervisor who is responsible for hiring and supervision of personnel and for sales, credit, purchasing, and inventory and cost control at the unit level. All decisions affecting BLA's overall policy, capital expenditure and the addition of product lines are reviewed by Babu Lal.

For the last two years BLA is experiencing shortage of funds caused by low profits and the installment payments of term loan to HDFC Bank. The payments became necessary as per the agreement with the bank. However the problem which bothered Mr Babu Lal was of low profits. He asked each unit supervisor to submit his suggestion to improve the long run profitability of the company. While going through various suggestions. Mr Babu Lal found three proposals of investment which he took up for consideration. He was concerned about the profitability and payment schedule of each one of them. He estimated that the use of 12 per cent after-tax required rate of return would be appropriate in evaluating the proposals. The first one Mr Babu Lal selected was new investment proposal from Faridabad Chemical Processing Unit.
New Investment Proposal:
The chemicals processing works office head has suggested that BLA should invest in a plant which can produce a new chemical. He expects that the new chemical would be widely accepted and used by the manufacturers of plastic bags. The works manager of that unit submitted the following information on the basis of market survey and sales forecasts generated by him.
    Rs.
Estimated investment    3,96,000
Estimated Life    10  years
Annual after-tax cash flows: Years 1-4    76,000
Annual after-tax cash flows: Years 5-10    1,20,000

He has estimated that the salvage value of the machine at the end of its expected life is likely to be 50 per cent of its book value. About tax benefits he mentions in his proposal that BLA would be entitled for depreciation at the rate of 33.33 per cent using diminishing balance method.

Cost Saving Proposal:
The hardware unit of BLA used to contribute 40 per cent towards the overall profitability of the company. But recently the contribution had declined significantly because of the rising cost and labour problems. Therefore, the proposals submitted by the hardware unit supervisor emphasized the cost-reduction techniques. Among other suggestions Mr Babu Lal found a proposal to invest in a machine which would help the company to reduce the costs. The following note was submitted by the manager of the unit:

"Automation Industry is a manufacturer of special machines used in the processes like ours. The installations of these machines go a long way to reduce the costs. At present one particular machine which is being marketed by them will do the Job satisfactorily, and will help the company in reducing its costs. The machine costs Rs 4.63.500 by paying the entire amount in cash.
However, the company also provides the facility of purchasing the machine on installment basis. In that case the amount has to be paid in eight equal annual installments and the rate of interest compounded annually by the company would be 11 per cent.
Mr Babu Lal was interested in knowing the amount which the company would be required to pay each year. Given that the life of this machine is 15 years, how much after-tax-cost savings should accrue to BLA each year to recover the investment made on installment basis?"

Expansion Proposal:
The cold storage manager has proposed to install refrigeration system in their newly acquired complex. A distributor of various makes of refrigera¬tion systems is prepared to install the system which costs Rs 1.40.000. The distributor has informed the cold storage manager that the firm can pay in four years, interest rate being 13 per cent. He submitted the following schedule giving the details of annual payments.
    Rs.
Principal
Four years of interest @ 13%    1,40,000
72,800
Total    2,12,800
Annual payment    53,200

In case BLA installs this refrigeration system, what is the rate of return that the distributor will earn on such installment payments? In case Mr Babu Lal negotiates with the distributor and he agrees to earn 13 per cent rate of return, what will be the annual installment amount which he will be required to pay to the distributor?
Financing and its Cost:
Mr Babu Lal estimated that he would require about Rs 5 lakh to finance the three proposals in case they are accepted. Funds from internal sources were out of question. He approached HDFC Bank to explore the possibility of seven-year term loan. The bank officials informed him that the current rate of interest on such loans would be 15 per cent. The payments for both principal and interest would be required to be made either at the end of each year or at the end of the maturity of loan. In the latter case he was interested in finding how much he should save each year by investing outside at 16 per cent so that he has sufficient funds to repay the loan at maturity. He was also concerned about the after-tax required rate of return which he should use in evaluating the proposal.

   
    FM12
    Financial Management
    Assignment No.II
    Assignment Code: 2013FM12A2    Last Date of Submission: 15th May 2013
    Maximum Marks:100
Attempt all the questions. All the questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
    Section-A
    Ques.    1    (a)     Explain the meaning of inventory management. Discuss the techniques of
                    Inventory control.
    (b)     During the period of inflation, which method of inventory issue will give higher
            profits?
    (i)     LIFO
    (ii)     FIFO
    Explain with example.
    Ques.    2    a)     What are the costs associated with maintaining receivable?
    b)     Explain the factors determining the credit policy of a firm.
    Ques.    3    Explain the following theories of Capital structure.
    i.        Net Income approach
    ii.    Modigliani and Miller approach.

Ques.    4    Assume perfect capital market. An all equity firm has Rs.6,000 in cash and assets worth  
            Rs 28,000. The firm has 1200 shares outstanding and no investment opportunities.
a.    If the firm pays no dividend today, what is the stock price and the wealth of stockholders?
b.    If the firm pays a dividend of Rs.6000 today.
i.    What is the stock price before dividend?
ii.    What is the stock price after dividend?
iii.    What is the wealth of stockholders after the dividend?
c.    If the firm pays a dividend of Rs.9000 today.
i.    What is the stock price before dividend?
ii.    What is the stock price after dividend?
iii.    How many new shares must be issued?
iv.    How does the dividend affect stockholder wealth?
                            Section-B

Case Study

Ashok Manufacturing Company Limited (AMC) is engaged in manufac¬turing rubber-based products used in a variety of commercial applications. The company is located in Noida near Delhi and is one of the leading suppliers of these products to a large number of companies engaged in manufacturing automobile accessories electronic and light engineering products. In recent years the competition in this type of business has intensified. AMC has been able to face this competition and has been growing rapidly. The main reasons for its growth have been its good image for quality products, technological improvements leading to increased production capacity cost advantage and strong marketing team.

During the last two years of operation the company has been facing frequent cash deficit problems as a result of which the company has not been able to meet its obligation to pay to its suppliers in time and this has forced the company to postpone its payments. The company's reputation as a credit-worthy customer has gone down. Mr Ashok speculates that if this experience is repeated the suppliers would force the company for cash payments for its purchases. To prevent the occurrence of this type of unforeseen events he wanted to plan his cash in a better way.

Mr Ashok asked his finance manager Mr V P Iyer to develop the monthly cash forecasts for the period starting from January 2007 to June2007. Mr Iyer obtained the following actual sales figures from the records of the last three months:
October 2006            : Rs 240 lakh
November 2006            : Rs 280 lakh
December 2006            : Rs 320 lakh

Mr Iyer first tried to find out the sales forecasts for the next seven months. After consulting with Mr. Ashok, he developed the following forecasts:
January 2007            : Rs 260 lakh
February 2007            : Rs 210 lakh
March 2007            : Rs 160 lakh
April 2007            : Rs 240 lakh
May 2007            : Rs 200 lakh
June 2007            : Rs 160 lakh
July 2007            : Rs 200 lakh

Over the past three years. AMC had averaged 25 per cent of the company's total sales as cash sales, the remaining 75 per cent of the sales being accounts receivable. Forty per cent of these accounts receivables were collected m the first month after sales. 30 per cent collections took place m the second month after the sales and the remaining receivables were collected m the last month.

AMC's average consumption of raw mater1alis 80 per cent of the sales. The accounts indicated that 40 per cent of this is paid m the month of sales itself, 55 per cent in the following month and the remaining m the third month.

Mr Iyer anticipated payments for wages and salaries to be as follows:
January        : Rs 42 lakh
February        : Rs 39 lakh
March            : Rs 32 lakh
April            : Rs 40 lakh
May            : Rs 32 lakh
 June            : Rs 28 lakh

The other general adm1nistrative expenses were assumed to be about Rs 2.51akh per month. Mr Iyer was aware of the 16 per cent annual Interest payment liability on Rs 20 lakh of borrowings to be paid m the month of March. A tax payment on 2005 income of Rs 2.5lakh is due in April. Mr Iyer estimated that AMC's tax liability for the next accounting year 15 expected to be Rs 24 lakh for which the company would be required to pay the tax m advance. Quarterly installment of such liability would be due in March, June, September and December. He also found that a capital expenditure of Rs 70 lakh is planned in February of which 50 per cent will have to be paid m the same month and the remaining in May. The company has a cash balance of Rs 1.40.000 as on December 31 which is the minimum desired level of cash. For projecting the cash flows for the next six months Mr.  Iyer assumed the prices and costs to remain constant.

After collecting the information about cash flows Iyer created a file in LOTUS 123 by classifying each item of cash flows systematically into cash receipts and payments. While entering the amounts of cash flows he was not sure how to input these figures. His immediate concern was that as and when any change in sales or collection experience is made the cash flow forecasts should automatically get updated. Before entering the figures in the worksheet file he wanted to plan it more systematlcal1y. He saved this fie which contained only the format of cash receipts and payments as KMC.WKI. He referred to the note on principles of spread¬sheet design to format his cash flows m a systematic way. He wants your help in completing this worksheet.

You are required to design a statement showing cash inflows and outflows in proper format for the period from October 2006 to June 2007.

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MI0038 –Enterprise Resource Planning -4 Credits
(Book ID:B1324)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.     Why are ERP systems said to be flexible? Explain with an example.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2.     Briefly explain the functionalities of CRM sub modules. List out the benefits of CRM Systems.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3.     Differentiate between Open Source and Commercial ERP. Briefly explain the key principles to a proper ERP system selection process.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4.     What is ATO and how is it different from ETO? List the advantages of CAD/CAM.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5.     Discuss briefly about JD Edward’s and PeopleSoft’s applications and their various modules.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6.     What is BAPI? Why BIAP is considered as commanding tool in the SAP consultant’s toolkit?     10 Marks
(350-400 words)


Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MI0039 –eCommerce -4 Credits
(Book ID:B1325)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.     Warigon is a retail company and they want to automate the payment system. Assume that you are the design engineer of that company. What are the factors that you would consider while designing the electronic payment system?     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2.     List the advantages and disadvantages of eCommerce     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3.     Discuss the working concepts of EDI     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4.     Give examples for different models of ecommerce and explain what is the benefit of that model in your example     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5.     Write short notes on
a. False and malicious sites
b. Stealing visitor’s credit card information
c. Stealing customer’s data from selling agent and internet service providers
d. The use of cookies     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6.     Define Mcommerce. Describe the areas of potential growth and future of mCommerce     10 Marks
(350-400 words)


Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MI0040 –Technology Management -4 Credits
(Book ID:B1326)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.     Define the term technology. Write a short note on evolution and growth of technology.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2.     Citing an example, state and explain the reasons that compel a company to go for the new technology.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3.     Briefly describe the concept of technology choice. List and explain the steps involved in technology assessment process.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4.     Write a short note on technology strategy. Explain in brief about the innovation management.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5.     What is Research and Development (R&D), and how is it managed? Explain the different categories of Intellectual Property Management.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6.     Explain the implementation of new technology. Briefly describe the automation decisions.     10 Marks
(350-400 words)


Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MI0041 –Java and Web Design-4 Credits
(Book ID:B1327)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.     Give one example each for the following and explain the use in one/two tine each.
1. Web Design Tools
2. HTML Editors
3. Adobe Photoshop
4. Adobe Flash
5. Firebug Browser     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2.     Write a Java program to demonstrate the use of control statements (all three statemnts) in Java.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3.     What are the difference types of inheritance in Java? Explain the relationship between interfaces and inheritances.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4.     Give an example for cascade style sheets and explain editing with cascade style sheets in detail     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5.     Describe the working of search engine. What are the different types of search engine? Explain with its application.     10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6.     Explain Java web technologies with its types     10 Marks
(350-400 words)

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

(November2012) 

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3
MA 0036: “FINANCIAL SYSTEM AND COMMERCIAL BANKING”
(4 credits)
(Book ID: B1202)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Explain the components of financial market.
10 marks (350-400 words)
Q2. Explain the meaning of sweat equity shares.
10 marks (350-400 words)
Q3. Write a note on emerging trends in financial services.
10 marks (350-400 words)
Q4. What are the key reforms in cooperative credit?
10 marks (350-400 words)
Q5. Write a note on
    a. Core banking;
    b. b. Teller machine

5 marks+5 marks(200+200 words)
Q6. Analyse mutual fund companies in India.
10 marks (350-400 words)

(November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3
MA 0037: “BANKING RELATED LAWS AND PRACTICES”
(4 credits)
(Book ID: B1618)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Explain the various provisions of Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. What are the regulatory functions of RBI under this Act? (5 marks+5 marks)
(200+200 words)
Q2. Explain the provisions of Banking Regulation Act enabling RBI to control deposits, loans and advances and rate of interest in the banking companies.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q3. What is meant by crossing of cheque and who can cross a cheque?
(8marks +2marks) (350-400 words)
Q4. Explain the distinction between a contract of indemnity and a contract of guarantee.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q5. What are the characteristics of bailment?
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q6. Write about authorised persons to deal in Foreign Exchange.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)

(November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3
MA 0038: “BANK MANAGEMENT ”
(4 credits)
(Book ID: B1616)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1 (Marks 60)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Write about the financial services provided by banks.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q2. What are the basic objectives which the banks pursue while pricing their business loans?
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q3. Relationship marketing is an effective medium for marketing in a service industry like banking. Explain.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q4. Explain the credit process.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q5. Explain the intermediation process of banks.
(10 marks) (350-400 words)
Q6. What are the strategies to manage non-interest expenses?
(10 marks) (350-400 words)

(November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3
MA 0039: “RETAIL BANKING”
(4 credits)
(Book ID: B 1619)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1 (Marks 60)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. What are the major reasons that are contributing to the growth of the retail banking industry? (10 marks)(350-400 words)
Q2. What is Lien? And how is it useful to a banker?(
(4 marks+6 marks) (350-400 words)
Q3. Explain Electronic Clearing Service (ECS).
Q4. Write a short note on Locker. (10 marks)(350-400 words)
Q5. Write about customers of retail banking. (10 marks)(350-400 words)
Q6. What is cross selling? (10 marks)(350-400 words)

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

(Winter/November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Operations Management” Specialization
OM 0015 – Maintenance Management (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1340)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.

Q1.
a. What Maintenance policies to be pursued by the operations manager to reduce failures and improve productivity?

b. Explain components of work execution.
    5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q2.
    a. What is meant by MTBF? How this measurement will help maintenance management to understand the conditions of the machines and equipment?
    b. Explain how important are the catalogues, manuals and other circuit and flow diagrams for effective maintenance practices.
    5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q3. Explain how the decision making processes are carried out during the breakdown and preventive maintenance.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q4. What are the important functions of maintenance department?
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q5. Why detail analysis and use of different methods are essential requirements for taking suitable decisions on the equipment replacements? Explain briefly these methodologies used.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q6. Explain as to how the maintenance planning will help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation
    10 marks
(300-400) words


(Winter/November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Operations Management” Specialization
OM 0016 – Quality Management (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1341)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.

Q1.
a. Explain any two standards of data quality

b. Explain the contributions of Ishikawa and Taguchi in the field of quality in brief
    5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q2.
    a. Elucidate the features of Six Sigma.

    b. What are the benefits of implementing a QMS?     5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q3. Explain the goals and programs of strategic plan.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q4. What are the benefits of indicators for quality improvement?
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q5. What are the important components of retest reliability?
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q6. What are different conditions which a company has to ensure before the implementation of the Cost of Quality?
    10 marks
(300-400) words


(Winter/November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Operations Management” Specialization
OM 0017 – Advanced Production and Planning Control (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1342)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.

Q1.
a. Explain briefly how the different system/aids are used to ensure smooth working of the production process.

b. Discuss the merits of MRP
    5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q2.
    a. What is meant by a production control system and how are the elements of control systems categorised?

    b. Bring out the differences between forecasting and prediction.     5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q3. Describe the various inventory control methods and costs.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q4. Define deterministic model of inventory control. Explain inventory costs and relationships.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q5. Explain the purpose of operations scheduling? List the benefits of production scheduling.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q6. Explain in brief about Priority Rules for Scheduling? What are the uses of Gantt chart?
    10 marks
(300-400) words


(Winter/November 2012) 

Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Operations Management” Specialization
OM 0018 – Technology Management (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1326)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.

Q1.
a. Explain briefly about Managing technology

b. Explain any two alternatives for acquiring new technologies.

.     5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q2.
    a. Explain in brief about the six phases in technology forecasting process.

    b. What are the benefits of technology absorption?     5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words

Q3. Explain in brief about the innovation management..
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q4. Explain the implementation of new technology
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q5. Briefly describe technological development options and strategies.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

Q6. Explain Technology Development.
    10 marks
(300-400) words

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Semester 1
MB0038–Management Process and Organizational Behaviour -4 Credits
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)          
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. What are the fourteen principles of management? 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q2. Explain strategy as an organisational process. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q3. What are the types of plans found in organisations? 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q4. Explain the importance of organising in management. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q5. What are the prerequisites for effective control? 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q6. Write short notes on: a) Human resource Approach to Organisational Behaviour
b) Systems Approach to Organisational Behaviour. 5 + 5 = 10 Marks (200 - 250 words each)
MB0039 –Business Communication- 4 Credits
Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks)
Note: Answer all questions (with 300 to 400 words each) must be written within 6-8 pages. Each Question carries 10 marks 6 X 10=60
Q1. What are the ways in which an organisation can overcome the barriers to communication?
Q2. Explain the different types of verbal communication.
Q3. In your opinion, who are the most important internal and external stakeholders that a manager needs to communicate with? Why does a manager need to communicate with these stakeholders?
Q4. Explain some of the approaches for handling customer complaints and listening to customers.
Q5. What are some of the consequences of spelling and punctuation errors, redundancies, clichés and misuse of words?
Q6. Explain the different delivery styles that speakers can select for their presentation.
MB0040 – Statistics for Management - 4 Credits
Assignment Set - 1 (60 Marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Discuss the functions and limitations of Statistics with examples.10 marks(350-400 words)
Q2. Distinguish between:
a. Simple random sampling and Stratified random sampling
b. Judgment sampling and Convenience sampling 5 +5 = 10 marks(200 - 250 words each)
Q3. The following are the shares prices of shares of two companies X and Y in twelve months. Compute standard deviation and find out the company whose prices are more consistent and which company is more variable.
  X Price :       112       105       162       171       155       140       121       100       150       155       145       100
  Y Price :       90       95       98       90       85       92       105       110       112       114       115       90

Q4. a. What is graphical presentation? Is it different from diagrammatic presentation? Prove your arguments with examples.
b. Explain the following
i. Histogram, ii Ogives.
5 +5 = 10 marks (200 - 250 words each)
Q5. a. Explain the approaches to define probability.
b. If a product has 2 defects per unit inspected, using Poisson distribution, calculate the probability of finding a product without any defect, with 3 defects and with 4 defects.
5 +5 = 10 marks (200 - 250 words each)
Q6.a. Explain the procedure for Testing Hypothesis.
b. A sample of 400 items is taken from a normal population whose mean as well as variance is 4. If the sample mean is 4.5, can the sample be regarded as a truly random sample?
MB0041 –Financial and Management Accounting- 4 Credits
Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks)
Note: Answer all questions (with 300 to 400 words each) must be written within 6-8 pages. EachQuestion carries 10 marks 6 X 10=60
Q1. Explain the process involved in accounting.
Q2. A business receives capital of Rs. 1,00,000 and a loan is raised for Rs. 50,000. This is represented by cash Rs.15,000; machineryRs. 85,000; furniture Rs. 20,000, and goods Rs. 30,000. Find the total of debits and credits from business point of view. Which accounting principle is involved in this? Hint : Total = 150000
Q3. Find the value of the following:
a. If the total assets are Rs. 87,000 and the liabilities are Rs. 47,000, find out the amount of capital.
b. If the capital of proprietor is Rs. 4,00,000 and the total assets are Rs. 6,00,000, what is the amount of liabilities to outsiders?
c. If creditors are Rs. 56,000, bank overdraft is Rs.1,00,000, and outstanding expenses are Rs. 8,000, what is the total amount of assets?
d. Fixed assets are Rs.70,000 and current assets are Rs.1,00,000 and the creditors are Rs.30,000. What is capital?
Hint : a) Rs.40000 b) Rs.200000 c) Rs.164000 d) Rs.140000
Q4. Enter the following transactions in an analytical petty cash book for the month of November, 2005.
    1st. Received a cheque for petty cash Rs.1000
    2nd. Paid bus fare to messengers Rs. 50
    4th. Paid auto fare Rs.70
    10th. Postal stamps purchased Rs.80
    12th. Paid for stationery Rs.90
    5th. Paid for carriage Rs.60
    16th. Purchased envelopes Rs.50
    20th. Paid wages Rs.100
    25th. Gave tips to driver Rs.50
    30th. Paid telephone bills Rs.20
    Hint : To Bal b/d 430 ; To Cash 570
Q5. Briefly explain the role of management accounting.
Q6. What is fund flow analysis? What are the objectives of analysing flow of fund?
MB0042– Managerial Economics - 4 Credits
AssignmentSet -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. DescribeCost-Output Relationship in brief. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q2. Define Supply. Explain the Determinants of Supply. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q3. Discuss the scope of managerial economics 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q4. Define Price Elasticity. Explain five degrees of Price elasticity of demand. 10 marks(350-400 words)
Q5. Discuss the types of elasticity of supply. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q6. Explain the law of variable proportions of production function by briefing stage I,II,III.10 marks (350-400 words)
MB0043–Human Resource Management - 4 Credits
AssignmentSet -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. What are the functions of an HR in an organisation? 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q2. Explain the process involved in human resource planning. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q3. List some of the factors that affect recruitment process in an organisation. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q4. Differentiate between job analysis and job evaluation. 10 marks (350-400 words)
Q5. What are benefits that flexi timing will bring to the organisation and to the employees?10 marks (350-400 words)
Q6. Write short notes on:
a) On- the job training methods
b) Off- the- job training methods 5 + 5 = 10 Marks (200 - 250 words each

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

Winter/ November 2012
Master of Business Administration in Health Care Services- MBA Semester 4
MH0056 – Public Relations & Marketing for Healthcare Organizations- 4 Credits
(Book ID: B1320)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Elaborate the concept and significance of marketing healthcare. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2. Discuss the current scenario of medical tourism in India. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3. What is marketing mix? Explain the four P’s of the marketing mix. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4. SWOT analyse the hospital you are in and evaluate the same in the light of
hospital service offered, from the customer’s point of view and write a report.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5. List the different methods of qualitative and quantitative research. Explain the
unique features of each methodology.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6. Explain market segmentation. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Winter/ November 2012
Master of Business Administration in Health Care Services- MBA Semester 4
MH0057 – Management of Healthcare Human Resources- 4 Credits
(Book ID: B1321)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Discuss the importance of HRM in healthcare organisations. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2. Define training. Explain the various steps involved in the training cycle. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3. Describe the components of performance appraisal. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4. Explain the impact of government on reward management. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5. Transactional analysis is important in hospitals – Justify. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6. A healthcare organization opens a new cafeteria. Consider that you are the
HR manager of the healthcare organization and you are given the task of
recruiting the staff for managing, cooking food, cleaning the cafeteria and so
on. Explain the various methods of recruitment you would follow in selecting
the right candidate for the job.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Winter/ November 2012
Master of Business Administration in Health Care Services- MBA Semester 4
MH0058 – Legal Aspects in Healthcare Administration- 4 Credits
(Book ID: B1322)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Explain the relevance of consumer protection act in the hospital scenario. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2. Define abortion. Explain medical termination of pregnancy act in detail. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3. Describe two important Indian cases that have led to the formation of case
laws in medical emergencies.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4. Define medical negligence. List the various rights and responsibilities of the
patient.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5. Explain health as a fundamental right. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6. What is informed consent? Describe the implications of breaching
confidentiality
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Winter/ November 2012
Master of Business Administration in Health Care Services- MBA Semester 4
MH0059 – Quality Management in Healthcare Services- 4 Credits
(Book ID: B1323)
Assignment Set -1 (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Discuss the business significance of quality in healthcare. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2. Explain seven quality tools. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3. Define accreditation and certification. List the benefits of accreditation and
certification of hospitals.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4. ‘Lean thinking is essential in healthcare organisations’. Justify. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of quality control in healthcare. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6. Explain the implementation of QMS in healthcare organisation
10 marks
(350-400 words)

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MB0052– Strategic Management and Business Policy - 4 Credits
(Book ID: B1314)
Assignment (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Define the term “Strategic Management”. Explain the importance of
strategic management.
10 marks
(350-400
words)
Q2. Describe Porter’s five forces Model. 10 marks
(350-400
words)
Q3. Define the term “Business policy”. Explain its importance. 10 marks
(350-400
words)
Q4. What, in brief, are the types of Strategic Alliances and the purpose of
each? Supplement your answer with real life examples.
10 marks
(350-400
words)
Q5. Explain the concept, need for and importance of a Decision Support
System.
10 marks
(350-400
words
Q6. Write short notes on:
a) Corporate social responsibility
b) Business plan
5 + 5 = 10
Marks
(200 - 250
words each)
Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
MB0053 –International Business Management -4 Credits
(Book ID:B1315)
Assignment (60 marks)
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Write a short note on GATT and WTO, highlighting the difference between the two. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q2. Describe various entry strategies available to a firm when it wants to enter a
foreign market.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q3. Write a note on ‘Globalization’. 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q4. What does FDI stand for? Why do MNCs opt for FDI to enter international market? 10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q5. What is the need to understand to understand cultural differences?
Explain Hofstede’s cultural dimensions.
10 marks
(350-400 words)
Q6. Write short notes on:
a) Ethnocentric approach
b) Polycentric approach
5 + 5 = 10 Marks
(200 - 250 words
each)

SMU Assignments: Winter drive November 2012:May 2013 Exams: contact us for answers at assignmentssolution@gmail.com

(Winter/November 2012)
Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Supply Chain Management” Specialization
SC0006 – Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1661)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.
a. Explain the various issues in maintaining airport
infrastructure
b. Explain logistical packaging in brief.
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
Q2. Analyse and discuss market-accommodation flow with respect to
operational, planning and control and behavioural context.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q3. Briefly explain supply of shipping.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q4. What are the competitions faced by the conference? How do they
overcome competitions?
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q5.
a. Write a note on the cultural difference that you can find
around the world by citing few examples
b. What are the three categories of bulk cargo?
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
Q6. Name the two types of rate making and explain the factors
affecting air freight rates.
10 marks
(300-400 words
(Winter/November 2012)
Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Supply Chain Management” Specialization
SC0007 – Category Management in Purchasing (4 credits)
(Book ID: B1662)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1.
a. Explain the need for category management
b. Explain the second pillar of category management i.e., customer
focus
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
Q2. Discuss the five stages involved in the category management
process.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q3. Discuss project planning along with life cycle of a project.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q4. What is PESTLE analysis? Explain briefly
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q5.
a. Which is the tool used to ensure consistency throughout the
phases of initiation? What does it contain?
b. Explain the first two steps involved in options generation
process.
Q6. What are the additional tools used throughout the category
management process. Explain them
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
10 Marks
(300 – 400) words
(Winter/November 2012)
Master of Business Administration - MBA Semester 4
“Supply Chain Management” Specialization
SC0008 –Purchasing and Contracting for Projects (4 credits)
(Book ID: 1663)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. Explain the terminologies used in purchasing of goods and
services?
Q2. Describe the three R's in contract management.
Q3.
a. What are the factors influencing contracting strategies?
b. Explain the division of contracts into three categories
Q4. Discuss in detail the various contract expressions used at
different stages of contract.
Q5.
a. Explain the terms - billing structure, late payment, and termination
provision
b. Explain the importance of material requisition in a project.
Q6. Explain the importance of material requisition in a project.
10 marks
(300-400) words
10 marks
(300-400) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
10 marks
(300-400) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
5 marks
(150-200) words
10 marks
(300-400) words
Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4
SC0009–Supply Chain Cost Management- 4 Credits
(Book ID:B1664)
ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
Marks 60
Note: Assignment Set -1 must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions.
Q1. What is the use of supply chain mapping? Briefly explain supply chain
mapping.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q2. Explain the three types of information that an organisation requires to
evaluate its suppliers.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q3. What are the different approaches developed to assess the sustainability
performance of the supply chain?
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q4. Explain Activity Based Costing with examples.
10 marks
(300-400) words
Q5. Explain the methods of educating participants of the AIM & DRIVE process. 10 marks
(300-400) words
Q6. Briefly explain the steps for building rest of the cost management team.
10 marks
(300-400) words