ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.

A, May, 2012

DEMB 1

First Years PERSPECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT -I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Management profession Management by exception Line organisation Placement Effective Communication Uses of CPM.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

State the social responsibilities of management. Explain the scope and significance of management. Classify plans with examples.

ASSIGNMENT -II
Enumerate the steps involved in decision making. What are the tests employed in the selection of employees? How do you motivate employees? William R. Hewlett and David Packard are two organizational leaders who demonstrated a unique managerial style. The began their operation in a one-car garage in 1939 with $ 538 and eventually built a very successful company that now produces more than 10,000 products, such as computers, peripheral equipment, test and measuring instruments, and handheld

calculators. Perhaps even better known than its products is the distinct managerial style preached and practised at Hewlett-Packard (HP). It is known as the HP Way. What is the HP Way ? I feel that in general terms it is the policies and actions that flow from the belief that men and women want to do a good job a creative job, and that if they are provided the proper environment they will do so. Bill Hewlett, HP co-founder.21 The values of the founders, who withdrew from active management in 1978, still permeate the organization. The HP way emphasizes honesty, a strong belief in the value of people and customer satisfaction. The managerial style also emphasizes an open-door policy, which promotes team effort. Informality in personal relationships in illustrated by the use of first names. Management by objectives is supplemented by what is known as managing by wandering around. By strolling through the organization, top managers keep in touch with what is really going on in the company. This informal organizational climate does not mean that the organization structure has not changed. Indeed, the organizational changes in the 1980s in response to environmental forces were quite painful. However, these changes resulted in extraordinary company growth in that decade. In the 2lst century, however, the fortune began to change. In the new competitive environment, HP felt it necessary to merge with another computer giant, Compaq. The merger architect, Carly Fiorina, was strongly opposed by Walter Hewlett, the son of William Hewlett. After a close vote, the merger was approved, but not without a challenge by Mt Hewlett. Still, the merger, which was opposed by the majority of HPs employees, went through. Now the challenge begins for Ms. Fiorina not only to reestablish the morale of the HP people but also to merge the HP culture with that of Compaq. Critics predict the HP Way cannot be continued.22 Questions: (a) (b) (c) Is the HP way of managing creating a climate in which employees are motivated to contribute to the aims of the organization? What is unique about the HP way? Would the HP managerial style work in any organization? Why or why not? What are the conditions for such a style to work? Do you think it is possible to maintain the HP Way after the merger with Compaq, the court battle, and the damaged morale at HP ? Why or why not?

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ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012 First Years DEMB 2 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
ASSIGNMENT -I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Cultural environment. Tiny sector. Regulatory environment. Foreign collaboration. Liberalisation. Symptoms of sickness.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

State the changing role of government in business. How do you assess the impact on legal environment on business? Explain the structure of Indian industry.

ASSIGNMENT -II
Describe the features of recent industrial policy of India. Critically examine the EXIM policy of India. Enumerate the financial sector reforms introduced in India. Cast study Nicholas Piramal India, a giant in the pharmaceutical market, achieved a sale growth of 26% in 2003-04 at about Rs. 1,435 crore, its net profit rose by 60% from Rs. 118 crore in 2002-03 to Rs. 188 crore in 2003-04. Nicholas Piramal had a different growth strategy as it started as a small player with big dreams. The strategy was organic growth coupled with acquisitions. Piramal acquired nine entities and integrated them quickly into the parent company to deliver higher growth from the acquired portfolio. Nicholas Piramal is also focusing on exports market. It has decided to partner with innovator companies in global markets, rather than compete or patent litigate against them. Building on this base, the company has built an export model that delivers the India advantage to the global firms. It plans to provide end-to-end outsourcing solutions across the pharmaceutical life cycle, from custom-made synthesis and bulk intermediates to formulations. it has established four process development groups at multiple locations in India and has also set up a 100% subsidiary in the US for closer customer reach. Nicholas Piramal believes that the future growth driver will be exports, ably supported by a strong domestic market. Questions : (a) What are the growth strategies formulated by Nicholas Piramal to explore the opportunities?

(b)

What are the risk factors that the company may face in international market?

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Years

DEMB 3 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS

ASSIGNMENT - I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Economic analysis Delphi technique Opportunity cost. Differential pricing. Concept of profit Payback period.

2. 3. 4.

Explain different methods of estimating demand for a product. State the managerial uses of production function. Critically examine the behavioral theory of firm. ASSIGNMENT - II

5. 6. 7.
8

Enumerate the nature of economics of risk and uncertainty. Elucidate the relationship between cost and output in the long term.

State the techniques employed for decision making.

Mr. Soma Sundaram has recently taken over as the new chief of the Marketing Division of Hilltop Refrogeratopm Ltd., a reputed manufacturer of air conditioners of window mount and car varieties. In the recent Board meeting Sundaram tried to convince the Board members that at present the best way to improve profitability of the company is through product diversification. According to his, since it is almost always economically justifiable for the company to expand through extending the product line, the company would do good to start producing refrigerators, besides air-conditioners. I concede that the refrigerator market is highly competitive and is dominated by two giants firms ever cool and polar bear. Both these companies are producinga variety of refrigerators but the economy class refrigerators are their forte. It is but logical for us to go in for the production of premium (up-scale, high price) refrigerators. This will not only expose us to lesser competition but also fetch high profit margins for the company. I must confess that the refrigerator sales involve substantial discounts which vary over seasons. The MD of hilltop turned towards the purchase manager for his opinion. He informed that, "the market supply of good quality compressor units for the refrigerators is erratic and its price has been found to spurt up occasionally. I believe that the refrigerator business would be successful only when we have our own facility to produce good quality compressors. When the chief of the production unit asked about his reactions was not ready to try this proposal. According to him The compressor production is a highly automated process. Creating compressor production facilities in the company for the proposed refrigerator project, no doubt, seem justified. But, there are some aspects of production which do not justify this project. I shall study them in detail and send a detailed note to every member within a week". (a) (b) (c) What do you think are the issues which the production manager will highlight in this case? Can you point out some other flaws in the project proposal? Can you suggest an alternative proposal?

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Years

DEMB 4 ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGERS

ASSIGNMENT - I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Accounting cycle Quick ratio Forfeiture of shares Auditors report Cost concept P/V ratio

2. 3. 4.

Bring out the accounting standards relating to depreciation and inventory. How do you analyse profit and loss account? State the accounting procedure for distributing dividend. ASSIGNMENT - II

5. 6. 7.

Discuss the practical applications of marginal costing. Explain different methods of inflation accounting. The comparative balance sheet of Doba Company showed the following changes in balance sheet items from 1991 to 1992. Rs. Working capital Long-term investments 1,27,500 increase 45,000 increase

Land Machinery (Less accumulated depreciation) 15% debenture Share capital Reserves and Surplus The following additional data are provided : (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Net profit for the year was Rs.1,57,500.

48,000 increase 90,000 increase 2,40,000 increase 60,000 increase 10,500 decrease

Accumulated depreciation for 1991 was Rs.67,500 and for 1992 Rs.90,000. A machine of Rs.1,12,500 was purchased during the year; depreciation expense for the year was Rs. 22,500. A bonus issue of shares of Rs.60,000 was made during the year. A cash dividend of Rs.87,000 was declared and paid during the year.

Prepare a statement of changes in financial position for Doba Company.

8.

From the under-mentioned details extracted from the books of Mr.Venkatramana prepare Trading and Profit Loss Account and Balance Sheet as on 31st March, 1994. Amount (Rs.) Plant and Machinery Stock on 1.4.1993 Sundry Creditors Sundry Debtors (including Bharat's dishonoured bill of Rs.1,000) Cash in hand Cast at Bank Fixture & Fittings Provision for doubtful debts Bills receivable 62,000 3,030 18,970 8,970 2,500 9,500 28,800 89,680 59,630

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Amount (Rs.) Travelling Expenses Repair & renewals Bad debts Returns Inward Sales Manufacturing Wages Purchases Salaries Rent & Taxes Interest & Discount (Dr.) Commission Received Insurance (Including premium of Rs.300 p.a paid upto 30.9.94) 6% Loan Account (Cr.) Venkatramana's Capital A/c Venkatramana's Drawings A/c 400 20,000 1,19,400 10,550 1,880 3,370 3,620 2,780 3,65,430 40,970 2,65,590 11,000 5,620 5,620 5,870

Depreciate plant and machinery by 10% and fixture and fitting 5% p.a. Commission earned but not received amounts to Rs.600/-. Manufacturing wages include Rs.1,200 for erection of new machinery purchased last year. Charge interest on capital @ 6%. Interest on loan for the last two months is not paid. Stock in hand on 31st March, 1994 was Rs.1,28,960. Write off half of Bharat's dishonoured bill. Create a provision of 5% on Sundry Debtors.

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ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Year DEMB 5 QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGERIAL DECISIONS ASSIGNMENT I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

What are the requisites of a good classification? State and prove additive law of probability. Explain sampling distribution and standard error. Explain cyclical variation. Define : (i) (ii) (iii) One tail test Two tail test Critical region.

(f)

Explain secondary data.

2. 3. 4.

Explain Mean, Median and Mode. (a) (b) State and prove Baye's theorem. A bag contains 8 white and 6 red balls. Find the probability of drawing two balls of the same colour.

Discuss the formulation and testing the validity of hypothesis. ASSIGNMENT - II

5.

(a)

Find the inverse of the matrix

1 3 3 A = 1 4 3 1 3 4

(b)

Show that the matrix A satisfies the equation A 2 - 4 A + I = 0 .

6.

A sample analysis of examination results of 200 MBA's was made. It was found that 46 students had failed, 68 secured a third division, 62 secured a second division and the rest were placed in first division. Are these figures commensurate with the general examination result which is in the ratio of 4 : 3 : 2 : 1 for various categories respectively? The following table gives the marks detained in English and Mathematics by 8 students . Marks in English : 44 42 40 52 39 Marks in Maths : 24 25 28 29 32 (a) (b) 32 35 24 46 36 41

7.

Compute the coefficient of correlation for the above data. Find the equations of regression lines. An insurance salesman sells policies to 5 men all of identical age and good health. According to the actuarial tables the probability that a man of this particular age will be alive 30 years hence is Find the probability that 30 years hence (i) (ii) At least 1 man will be alive At least 3 men will be alive.

8.

(a)

2 . 3

(b)

A market research organisation wants to determine on the basis of the following information, whether there is a relationship between the size of a tooth paste which a shopper buys and the number of persons in the shopper's House Hold (SH) No. of person in S.H 1-2 3-4 5-6 7 or more Size of tube giant : Large : Small : 23 116 78 54 25 16 31 68 36 43 11 8

Is there a relationship at 1% level of significance?

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ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Year

DEMB 6 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

ASSIGNMENT -I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Uses of Personal computer. Computers in HRM. Computer virus. Programming language. Hardware. Worksheet.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

State the applications of Spread Sheet software. Enumerate the role of computers in management. What are the features computer based inventory system? ASSIGNMENT -II Elucidate the social dimensions of computerization. Discuss the applications of COBOL. Bring out the economics of MIS.

Case study.
Mr. Rajendar Prasad is the head of the accounting section in a fast growing manufacturing company. In the section, he has 30 employees under his control. The company has three hundred employees mostly drawn from nearby areas. The recent changes in science and technology have prompted management to introduce mechanization in the accounting section, Mr. Prasad is asked to explain the importance of having a computer in the accounts department to his employees. The introduction of computer, undoubtedly, affects the lives of all those who are working in the section. Some fifteen employees will have to restructure their job responsibilities; ten employees require training in the use of computer and the remaining five employees may have to knock the doors of other companies for jobs. Of course, all these chances though painful, take place gradually. This situation is quite similar to another situation witness by Mr. Prasad some time back. Eight months ago, the company has hired a computer on lease basis to handle the production inventory. The management is highly pleased with the arrangement, for the inventory processing has improved terribly afterwards. But unfortunately, the production people have resisted the move strongly. Now, Mr. Prasad is in a tight corner. Strangely, he is entrusted with the responsibility of introducing the computer in his own section. Question: If you were the section head, entrusted with the responsibility of installing the computer, how would you go about informing your employees about the proposed change and make them accept it?

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012 First Year

DEMB 7 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT -I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Wealth maximization. Financial asset. IRR. BEP. Net income approach. Stock dividend.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

What are the determinants of working capital in a manufacturing company? Explain the techniques of cash management.

Describe different methods of valuing a firm.

ASSIGNMENT II
Enumerate the role of financial manager in a concern. Discuss the working of Indian money market. State different methods of measuring leverage of a firm. Case study Ever-Responsive Ltd is a widely-held company. It is considering a major expansion of its production facilities and the following alternatives are available : Particulars A (Rs.) Share capital 14% debentures Long-term loan @ 18% p.a. 50,00,000 Alternatives B (Rs.) 20,00,000 20,00,000 10,00,000 C (Rs.) 10,00,000 15,00,000 25,00,000

Expected rate of return before tax is 25%. The rate of dividend of the company has been not less than 20%. Taxation rate applicable the company is 50%.
Assuming that at present, there is no debt, which alternative financing strategy do you recommend? And why?

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012 First Year DEMB 8 OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENT -I 1. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Product selection. Capacity planning. Batch production. ABC analysis. Quality assurance. Waste management.

What are different techniques of handling materials? State the nature and significance of value engineering. Explain the process of purchase procedure.
ASSIGNMENT -II

What are the factors that affect the selection of facilities location? Describe the significance of operations management. Bring out the process of stores management. Case study : Consider the following data on locating a new facility which has to serve 5 different existing facilities. The coordinates of the existing facilities are (30, 20), (40, 50), (30, 30), (15, 30) and (20, 40). The number of tons of material transported per year from the new facility to each of the existing facilities is given below. Find the optimal X and Y coordinates of the new facility. Existing Facility 1 2 3 4 5

New Facility 1000 980 1500 2000 1750

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Year DEMB 9 MARKETING MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT - I

1.

a) Selling concept. b) Regulated market. c) Target marketing. d) Consumer decision making process. e) Geographic pricing. f) Product mix.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

What are the ethics in marketing? Explain the relationship between marketing and accounts department. State the influence of psychological factors on marketing management.
ASSIGNMENT- II

Discuss the factors that influence pricing decisions. Describe the steps involved in marketing research. Bring out the objectives of advertising. Case study Parke-Davis used direct marketing to market its after-shave lotion brand Listerine. A list of around 1,00,000 prospective consumers was used to send mailers which highlighted the need for fresh breath and also offered a discount of 4% on a 400 ml bottle. HLL used direct marketing for its after-shave lotion brand Denim. Each Mailer had a brochure with a scratch and sniff coating of the fragrance as a sample. The company also offered gifts and held a contes, with a trip to Kenya as the prize. Order were taken over the telephone and product was home delivered. Direct marketing could also be used by two advertisers; a concept called co-op mailers which would reduce the cost for both the brands provided the target segment is broadly the same, for both the brands. Suggest which proposal of marketing shall be more profitable.

ASSIGNMENT TOPICS FOR EXECUTIVE M.B.A, May, 2012

First Year
DEMB 10 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT- I

1.

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Objectives of HRM. Job design. Attitudes. Discipline. Transfer policy. Placement.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Explain the environment that influences HRM. Discuss the nature and significance of Job analysis. State the techniques of forecasting employees in an organisation. ASSIGNMENT - II Enumerate the tests employed in the selection of employees. Bring out the recruitment practices of Indian industry. Explain the need and objectives of a training programme. Case study : Parekh, a machine operator, worked as a mechanic for Mukesh, the Supervisor. Mukesh told Parekhs to pick up some trash that had fallen from Parekhs work area and Parekh replied, I wont do the janitors work. Mukesh replied, when you drop it, you pick it up. Parekh became angry and abusive, calling Mukesh a number of names in loud voice and refusing to pick up the trash. All employees in the department heard Parekhs comments. Mukesh had been trying for two weeks to get his employees to pick up trash in order to have cleaner work place and prevent accidents. He talked to all employees in a weekly departmental meeting and to each employee individually at least once. He stated that he was following the instructions of the General Manager. The only objection came from Parekh. Parekh has been with the company for five years, and in this department for six months. Mukesh had spoken to him twice about excessive alcoholism, but otherwise his record was good. He was known to have quick temper. This outburst by Parekh hurt Mukesh badly. Mukesh told Parekh to come to the office and suspended firm for one day for insubordination and abusive language to a supervisor. The discipline was within company policy, and similar behaviours had been punished in other departments.After Parekh left Mukeshs office, Mukesh phoned the HR Manager, reported what he had done and said that he was sending a copy of the suspension order for Parekhs file. Questions : (a) (b) How would you rate Parekhs behaviour? What method of appraisal would you use? Why? Do you assess any training needs for employees? If yes; what inputs should be embodied in the training programme?