NMIMS Semester 3 April 2024 Business Management Assignments

Organization theory structure and design

1. An organisation is considered as a system where different interrelated components interact with each other to attain common goals. What according to you are the various components of an organisation as a system? Give suitable examples.

2. The Neoclassical Approach is developed by Elton Mayo and his associates. What do you think is the assumption of this approach? In this context explain the important features of this approach that managers should be aware of. Add corporate examples.

3. Without an effective organisational structure, employees would not be clear about their job roles and there would be no chain of command to follow. Keeping the above scenario in mind, explain with examples:

a. Discuss the key features of the line and staff organisational structure.

b. Explain which features are needed to create a Matrix Organisation Structure.

Cost and management accounting

Q1. In a particular month, 1,000 units were introduced in Process A. The normal loss is estimated at 5% of input. At the end of the month, 700 units were produced and transferred to Process B, 230 were incomplete units and 70 units were scrapped at the end of the process. The incomplete units had the following degree of completion: materials 75%, labor 50%, overheads 50%. Additional details of process A are as follows:

The scrapped units were sold at Rs. 10 per unit.

Compute:

1. Statement of Equivalent Production
2. Statement of Cost
3. Statement of Evaluation
4. Process A account

Q2. The following information in respect of a production process is available for the month of April 2023.

Compute the relevant overheads variances.

Q3. In the course of developing the global accounting standards, the International Financial Reporting Standards are widely recognized over 100 countries. Therefore, more and more companies are presenting their financial information in the International Financial Reporting Standards to their internal and external users. As one of the largest retailers in the world, Mil Ltd. has its business over 10 countries and employed almost 3,20,000 people. It is very interesting to see how its accounting information supports its operations. To show how the business is running, the accounting information are provided to all users as managers, customers, suppliers, associations and government. As a retailer, it is very important for Mil Ltd. to provide a positive financial statement to its accounting information users.

a. In the context of the above case study, identify and explain the relevance of Management Accounting Information to the employees.

b. Explain in what way management accounting practices in global perspective are relevant to shareholders?

Consumer behavior

Q1. The Mumbai Metro currently has 3 Metro Routes that are fully operational while another 5 are in various stages of construction. These 5 lines will be gradually opened to citizens of Mumbai by 2024 and they will be fully operational by early 2025. The Mumbai Metro wants to run campaign in Mumbai to encourage people to switch from private transport to Metro and also shift from auto rickshaws and cabs to Metro as this is faster, safer, quicker and environmentally safe. What can Mumbai Metro do to change commuters’ attitudes towards public transport?  

Q2. Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival in India, often associated with buying gold and other valuable items. How does the tradition of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya impact consumer behaviour in India, and what are the psychological factors that drive this behaviour?  

Q3. Answer the following

a. Analyse the current trends in the Indian market that are making marketers and advertising agencies shift from broadcasting to narrow casting.

b. Take a product category like Fashion Accessories – analyse how consumer behaviour differs for Fashion Accessories in the Online and Offline shopping modes

Digital marketing

“FlavorFusion Ice Cream” is a chain of ice cream outlets renowned for its innovative and out-of-the-world flavors, catering to the youth. However, in today’s digital age, the company is facing stiff competition and declining sales due to its lack of a digital presence. FlavorFusion Ice Cream has a long-standing tradition of crafting unique and delectable ice cream flavors that appeal to a youthful customer base. They even allow customers to create and customize their own ice cream flavors in the store. For years, the company has relied on traditional methods and in-store promotions, but its absence from the digital landscape is now posing a significant challenge. 1. Lack of Digital Presence: FlavorFusion Ice Cream has no online presence, including a website, social media profiles, or integration with food delivery apps. This has led to a loss of visibility in a highly competitive market. 2. Decreased Foot Traffic: Due to the absence of a digital presence, FlavorFusion Ice Cream is experiencing a decrease in foot traffic in its physical stores. Fewer customers are aware of its unique offerings and are opting for competitors that are readily accessible online. 3. Competition from Tech-Savvy Rivals: Competitors with a strong online presence are attracting the tech-savvy youth demographic, which FlavorFusion has been unable to tap into effectively. 4. Limited Brand Awareness: The company’s brand awareness is confined to traditional marketing methods, limiting its reach to potential customers who rely on digital platforms for information and ordering.

Product Variety and Pricing: FlavorFusion Ice Cream offers an extensive range of ice cream products, including: – Unique ice cream flavors, from traditional favorites to daring and exotic choices. – Various sizes of ice cream servings, catering to different appetites. – Dairy-free and low-fat options for health-conscious customers. – Novelty ice cream items such as ice cream cakes, sandwiches, and popsicles.

The pricing strategy includes a range of price points, from affordable single servings to premium selections, ensuring there is an option for customers with varying budgets.

Place (Distribution): FlavorFusion Ice Cream operates in high-traffic areas, with outlets strategically located in shopping malls, popular neighborhoods, and entertainment districts. The distribution model focuses on ensuring easy access for consumers, especially in areas where the youth frequent.

Traditional Promotion: While FlavorFusion Ice Cream has relied on traditional promotion methods such as in-store sampling, seasonal discounts, and special event tie-ins, these efforts have become less effective in reaching the tech-savvy youth demographic.

To address the challenges related to its digital absence, FlavorFusion Ice Cream must embark on a digital transformation journey.

1) Explain various ways through which you will promote the FlavorFusion Ice Cream on Digital Platforms.

2) Explain various types of traditional and digital pricing and also state the pricing method that you will use for FlavorFusion Ice Cream.

3)a) Explain various stages of Website Development that you will follow to create a website for FlavorFusion Ice Cream.

b) Create an early site Diagram for the website of FlavorFusion Ice Cream. Explain each element in the diagram.

Project management

Q1. Using a suitable example discuss the difference between Technical analysis and Financial analysis of a project.  

Q2. The “billing department” of a chain of department stores prepares the monthly inventory report for use by the stores’ purchasing agents. Given the following information, use the “critical path method” to determine:

1. a. How long the process will take.
2. Which jobs can be delayed without delaying the early start of any subsequent activity?
3. Explain how the project can be fast tracked.

Q3. Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has given Larsen and Toubro Construction (L&T) an Rs 2,447 crore contract to design and construct the Kolkata underground metro project in the city’s Joka-Esplanade Metro Corridor. According to an L&T press statement, the major works for the project include the design and construction of the Ramp and Underground Metro railway works from Mominpur to Esplanade, covering a distance of 5.05 km. The works comprise constructing four underground stations, namely Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade, along with tunnels created using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and Cut & Cover methods. The scope of the contract also includes architectural finishing works, track works, and other related activities. (Source: https://www.indianarrative.com/economy-news/rs-2447-crore-project-to-build-kolkata-metros-4-underground-stations-goes-to-lt-149218.html)

a. Explain the various characteristics of Kolkata underground metro project.

b. Discuss in brief the different activities executed during the project life cycle of the Kolkata underground metro project.

International Business

1) After achieving great success in manufacturing textile apparels in India, your company is keen on expanding the business globally. Discuss the challenges of marketing your product globally and suggest measures to overcome them?

2) Economists such as Dani Rodrik and Ha Joon Chang have argued that WTO only serves the interests of multinational corporations, undermines local development, penalizes poor countries and is increasing inequality. Comment on the above and suggest the changes in your opinion WTO should embark on, so as to promote developing economies.

3) Read the following case study carefully and then answer the questions that follow: India’s manufacturing infrastructure demonstrates enormous capabilities to develop EVs and e-bikes at a reduced cost. Subsequently, the government is doing its part by offering financial incentives and subsidies for e-bike manufacturing. In spite of competition, you see that South Africa has a huge potential and plan to expand your retail operations in South Africa.

a) In your opinion, what are various Market Entry strategies that you would like to approach for the launch of your products?

b) In your opinion what are what are various incentives our government should offer to promote the use of EV vehicles and to export them globally?