Summer 2013

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MB0053 –International Business Management -4 Credits

(Book ID: B1724)

Assignment- 60 marks

Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should be

approximately of 400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

Q1. The world economy is globalizing at an accelerating pace. What do you mean by

globalization? Discuss the merits and demerits of Globalization. (meaning of globalization - 2

marks, merits- 4 marks, demerits- 4 marks) 10 marks

Ans: Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of

world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. Put in simple terms, globalization

refers to processes that increase world-wide exchanges of national and cultural resources.

Advances in transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, including the rise of the

telegraph and its posterity the Internet, are major factors in globalization, generating further

interdependence of economic and cultural activities.

To begin with, globalization has contributed to the world’s economy in many valuable

ways. The advances in science and technology have allowed businesses to easily cross over

territorial boundary lines. Accordingly, companies tend to become more creative, competitive

thus raising quality of goods, services and the worlds living standard.

Secondly, several companies from the more developed countries have already venture to

begin foreign operations or branches to take benefit of the low cost of labor in the poorer

countries. This kind of business activity will provide more arrival of cash or asset funds into the

less developed countries.

However, one cannot reject the harmful effects which have resulting from globalization.

One crucial social aspect is the risk and danger of outbreak diseases which can easily be multiply

as the mode transportation is easier and faster in today’s advance society. This is evidenced in

the recent bird’s flu disease which has infected most Asian countries over a short time frame.

As large corporations spend or take over many off shore businesses, a modern form of

immigration will also change which may fake certain power force on the local governments of

the less developed countries. Unemployment rates in the more developed regions like Europe

may also rise as corporations choose to outsource cheaper work force from Asian countries.

Merits:

1. Imported goods are available

2. The country can produce what it produces best and import the rest

3. There is a feeling of an international economy

4. The local industries work hard to compete with international firms

5. Raw material is available

6. The standard of life becomes better

7. More jobs are created

8. There is security from famine, disease, etc as international firms intervene.

Demerits:

1. Local industries get dislodged.

2. In times of war, there is a problem

3. There is political interference and conflicts arise

4. The balance of payments is badly affected

5. Under developed countries are exploited

Q2. The international trade theories explain the basics behind international trade. Compare the

Absolute and comparative cost advantage theories with the help of example. (explain the 2

theories - 6 marks, examples- 4 marks) 10 marks

Ans: International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international

borders or territories. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross

domestic product (GDP). While international trade has been present throughout much of history,

its economic, social, and political importance has been on the rise in recent centuries.

Comparative advantage

In economics, comparative advantage refers to the ability of a party to produce a particular

good or service at a lower marginal and opportunity cost over another. Even if one country is

more efficient in the production of all goods (absolute advantage in all goods) than the other,

both countries will still gain by trading with each other, as long as they have different relative

efficiencies.

For example, if, using machinery, a worker in one country can produce both shoes and shirts at 6

per hour, and a worker in a country with less machinery can produce either 2 shoes or 4 shirts in

an hour, each country can gain from trade because their internal trade-offs between shoes and

shirts are different. The less-efficient country has a comparative advantage in shirts, so it finds it

more efficient to produce shirts and trade them to the more-efficient country for shoes. Without

trade, its opportunity cost per shoe was 2 shirts; by trading, its cost per shoe can reduce to as low

as 1 shirt depending on how much trade occurs (since the more-efficient country has a 1:1 trade-

off). The more-efficient country has a comparative advantage in shoes, so it can gain in

efficiency by moving some workers from shirt-production to shoe-production and trading some

shoes for shirts. Without trade, its cost to make a shirt was 1 shoe; by trading, its cost per shirt

can go as low as 1/2 shoe depending on how much trade occurs.

The net benefits to each country are called the gains from trade.

Absolute advantage

In economics, the principle of absolute advantage refers to the ability of a party (an individual,

or firm, or country) to produce more of a good or service than competitors, using the same

amount of resources. Adam Smith first described the principle of absolute advantage in the

context of international trade, using labor as the only input.

Since absolute advantage is determined by a simple comparison of labor productivities, it is

possible for a party to have no absolute advantage in anything; in that case, according to the

theory of absolute advantage, no trade will occur with the other party. It can be contrasted with

the concept of comparative advantage which refers to the ability to produce a particular good at a

lower opportunity cost.

Q3. Culture is more often a source of conflict than synergy. As an Indian manager, what

management style and corporate culture you should be aware of while travelling to Japan and to

USA? ( Japanese corporate culture - 5 marks, USA’s corporate culture - 5 marks) 10 marks

Ans:

The Japanese term "hourensou" refers to important attributes that are said to characterize collaboration and information flow within effective Japanese corporate culture. "Genchi genbutsu" refers to "getting your hands dirty", to identify or solve immediate problems and leaders are not exempt from this. Aspects of these principles are often mistaken by western managers for the type of micromanagement that is constant and unprincipled and interferes with processes.[1] In contrast, these principles are used as tools to shepherd processes.

Tony Kippenberger (2002) elaborates on the leadership values that are deeply rooted in the Japanese business culture. These values were created by Konosuke Matsushita, the prominent deceased entrepreneur of Matsushita’s Electric Company, who cared deeply for the employees of his company as if the employees were family. Matsushita firmly believed that a business as large as his was responsible to help all of society prosper, and not simply for those that owned and ran the company to prosper. In 1933 Matsushita, during the great depression, created seven “guiding principles":

Service to the public – by providing high-quality goods and services at reasonable prices, we contribute to the public’s well-being;

Fairness and honesty – we will be fair and honest in all our business dealings and personal conduct;

Teamwork for the common cause – we will pool abilities, based on manual trust and respect;

Uniting effort for improvement – we will constantly strive to improve our corporate and personal performances;

Courtesy and humility – we will always be cordial and modest and respect the rights and needs of others;

Accordance with natural laws – we will abide by the laws of nature and adjust to the ever-changing conditions around us; and

Gratitude for blessings – we will always be grateful for all the blessings and kindness we have received.”

The US business culture is unique in many ways.  While not an exhaustive list, the following areas are among the most important and the ones most frequently asked about by foreign business people.

Americans often take a “business-first” approach, with personal relationships playing a smaller role than in many other cultures. This is reflected in common phrases like “business is business” and “it’s just business, it’s not personal”. Americans will generally do business with the company they think gives them the highest value for the lowest price, not based on personal relationships.

Americans believe that being direct is a virtue. Americans ask for what they want, say what they mean, and expect you to do the same. “Yes” usually means yes, “no” usually means no and “maybe” usually means the person hasn’t decided and wants to think more about the question. Americans expect you to get to the point, to tell them why your product or service is better, and to do so in a way that is easy to understand and meaningful to them. Being shy, unassertive or extremely deferential is often seen as weakness. Americans do not mind direct questions because they do not hesitate to say no.

Americans expect all business interactions to be polite and professional. It is considered extremely rude to shout in a business context, even when two people strongly disagree. Likewise, it is considered rude to interrupt someone (even a junior person), or to make personal comments (e.g. “you’re an idiot”).

Americans expect you to be positive about yourself, your products, and your capabilities. American’s tend to take information at face value, so being self-effacing or downplaying the capabilities of a product or service can be seen as evidence of poor quality.

Americans commonly exchange business cards but they are very casual about it and there is no ritual or “right way” of doing so.

Americans appreciate and expect persistence. It may take 10 or 15 attempts to get a response, especially from a potential customer.

Americans expect you to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Americans are not embarrassed to ask questions if they don’t understand something, and they expect you to ask questions as well. If you do not ask questions, Americans will assume that you understand whatever is being discussed.

Be on time to appointments as Americans consider it rude to be late in business settings. “On time” in America usually means five minute early. Being up to five minutes late is acceptable, but requires a short apology for making the other person wait. Being more than 5 minutes late requires a phone call to warn the other person of the delay and to apologize.

Americans value numbers and using figures and statistics to support your position will help you persuade them.

Americans expect meetings to be as short as possible, and do not consider a meeting a success unless it results in a tangible action or decision.

Q4. Regional integration is the bonding between nations and states through political, cultural and

economic cooperation. A whole range of regional integration exists today. Discuss these 6 types

in brief. (6 Types of regional integration - 10 marks) 10 marks

Q5. The decision of a firm to compete internationally will be strategic. While formulating global

marketing strategies, how should a firm deal with segmentation, market positioning and

international product policy? (Segmentation-3 marks, positioning - 4 marks, product policy- 3

marks) 10 marks

Q6. Global sourcing industry is on a growth run as there are sound business reasons to it. Discuss

these reasons with examples. (Reasons for global sourcing- 7 marks, examples- 3 marks) 10

marks

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MB0052 – Strategic Management and Business Policy - 4 Credits

(Book ID: B1699)

Assignment- 60 marks

Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should be

approximately of 400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

Q1. A well- formulated strategy is vital for growth and development of any organization. Explain

corporate strategy in different types of organizations.

(Corporate strategy in small business 2marks ; Corporate strategy in large business 2marks;

Corporate strategy in multinational 2 marks; Corporate strategy on public sectors 2marks;

Corporate strategy on non-profit organizations 2marks) 10 marks

Q2. Businesses need to be planned not only for today, but also for tomorrow, that is, for the

future which implies business continuity. Write the importance of business continuity planning.

Explain any two strategies for business continuity planning.

(Meaning of business continuity planning 2 marks; Importance of business continuity planning 3

marks ; Explanation of any 2 business continuity planning 5 marks) 10 marks

Q3. Governed corporation is a model of successful corporate governance. Define and explain

governed corporation. Distinguish between managed corporation and governed corporation in

terms of board’s role, major characteristics and policies of a company.

(Definition and introduction governed corporation 4 marks; Distinguish between managed

corporation and governed corporation.(each point of difference carries 2 marks) 6 marks) 10

marks

Q4.Price or market competitiveness of a product or business depends on its cost competitiveness.

Cost competitiveness implies two things-cost efficiency and cost effectiveness. Explain the

concept of cost efficiency of an organization. Analyze the major determinants of cost efficiency.

10 marks. (Introduction of cost efficiency 2 marks; explanation of four major factors of cost

efficiency 8 marks)

Q5. Stability strategy is most commonly used by an organization. An organization will continue

in similar business as it currently pursues similar objectives and resource base. Discuss six

situations when it is good/best to pursue stability strategy. Give some Indian examples.

(Explanation of six situations 6 marks; examples 4 marks) 10 marks

Q6.Corporate culture governs, to a large extent, business ethics and values in an organization.

Describe the state of business ethics in Indian companies. Analyze in terms of KPMG business

ethics survey. (Introduction of business ethics in Indian companies 2 marks; Major findings of

KPMG 8 marks) 10 Marks

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MI0038 –Enterprise Resource Planning -4 Credits

(Book ID: B1324)

Note: Assignment (60 marks) must be written within 6-8 pages. Answer all questions. Kindly

note that answers for 10 marks questions should not exceed 400 words and 5 marks should not

exceed 200 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

Q1. a. Consider two organisational environment in which one of the organisation is having no or

little communication between departments and the other organisation where all the departments

know what the others are doing. Now which environment is considered to be better and why?

(identifying which environment – 2 marks, explaining the reasons – 4 marks)

b. Explain integrated Management of integration. (explanation- 4 marks)

Q2. Earlier payroll systems used the systems which were more than process time sheets, print

payroll checks and keep total number of annual wages and deductions. Present day systems used

computer-based system that optimises the collection, collation, transfer and presentation of

information throughout an organisation. Identify the type of system used by earlier payroll

system and current system and define them. What are the main differences between the two

systems? Explain the various characteristics of MIS.

(identifying the types- 2 marks, definitions- 2 marks, listing the 4 differences – 4 marks,

characteristics of MIS- 2 marks ) 10 marks

Q3. Normally when we review a potential software suppliers, we tend to focus only on the

potential product’s functionality and cost. Though these elements are important, the

methodology neglects other areas of importance. What are the key selection criteria for ERP

software. (listing the criteria for various departments- 5 marks, explaining the necessary

questions- 5 marks) 5+5 marks

Q4. a. List the major subsystems of manufacturing and production planning module. (listing – 4

marks) 6+4 marks

b. Explain the various modules in detail with example (explanation-4 marks, examples- 2 marks)

Q5. Explain the relation between output variety and the type of manufacturing process with a

neat diagram (Diagram- 2 marks, explanation- 8 marks) 10 marks

Q6. Describe in detail the workflow of HRM that deploys ERP systems with a neat diagram

(Diagram- 3 marks, listing the different sub modules- 2 marks, explaining-5 marks) 10 Marks

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MI0039 –E-Commerce-4 Credits

(Book ID: B1325)

Assignment (60 marks)

Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should not exceed

400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

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? (Analysing- 5 marks, Factors- 5 marks) (7 10 marks

Q2. For many years companies have been using computers to send business documents instead

of mailing paper documents (i.e. most of our pay checks are directly deposited into our bank

accounts). This transfer of funds is accomplished by the use of an electronic file being sent from

your company to your bank). The problem was that the all employed proprietary used unique

formats to pursue this task. The absence of a standard format led to the condition where

computers could no longer "talk" to one another without a great deal of effort by programmers.

For example, Supplier X could recognize an electronic Purchase Order from Retailer A but not

from Retailer B. To avoid the above condition ANSI formulated a committee for the entire world

to have standardised format for the electronic transaction. What is the name of the standard?

Discuss the working concepts of that standard.

(Recognising the standard – 1 mark, defining the standard- 2 marks, listing the various

components – 3 marks , explaining the working – 4 marks) 10 marks

Q3. The four Ps concept in marketing are the four major ingredients of a traditional marketing

mix directed at the customer or target market. List and explain the four Ps of marketing? Are the

4 Ps really applicable to Internet marketing? How?

(list – 1 mark, explain four Ps- 3 marks, answering yes or no – 1 mark, reasoning the answer – 5

marks ) 10 marks

Q4. Website is the most important front end tool in the online marketing. It provides

6+4 marks the interactive mode of operation to the user. Define what is a website? Analyse the

structure of a website. (defining the website – 1 mark, diagram- 2 marks, analysing with the

justification- 7 marks)

Q5. RIBA is one of the famous online library which uses online catalogues. Online catalogues

are the best way to browse and locate material from the collections of the British Architectural

Library at the RIBA. List the benefits of online catalogue (List 5 benefits- 5 marks, Explain- 5

marks) 10 marks

Q6. Mobile advertising has become a no-brainer for some brands to drive in-store traffic and

online revenue. This is possible only after the growth of Mcommerce. Define Mcommerce.

Describe the areas of its potential growth and future of mCommerce (Definition and example- 2

marks, Areas of potential growth-5 marks, Future of mCommerce- 3 marks) 10 Marks

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MI0040 –Technology Management- 4 Credits

(Book ID: B1326)

Assignment (60 marks)

Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should not exceed

400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

Q1.Define the term technology. Write a short note on evolution and growth of technology.

( Definition – 2 marks, Description on evolution – 5 marks, Growth of technology- 3 marks) (7

10 marks

Q2. Citing an example, state and explain the reasons that compel a company to go for the new

technology. (Stating with an example -2 marks, Reasons and describe – 8 marks) 10 marks

Q3.Describe some characteristics of technology forecasting. Explain in brief about the six phases

in technology forecasting process. (4 characteristics – 4 marks, 6 phases of technology – 6

marks) 10 marks

Q4.Write a short note on technology strategy. Explain in brief about the innovation management.

(Explanation – 3 marks, Describe – 7 marks) 10 marks

Q5.What is the importance of technology diffusion? What are the benefits of technology

absorption? (Importance- 5 marks, 5 benefits – 5 marks) 10 marks

Q6. Explain the implementation of new technology. Briefly describe the automation decisions.

(Explanation- 5 marks, Description of automatic decisions – 5 marks) 10 Marks

Master of Business Administration- MBA Semester 4

MI0041 –Java and Web Design - 4 Credits

(Book ID: B1327)

Assignment (60 marks)

Note: Answer all questions. Kindly note that answers for 10 marks questions should not exceed

400 words. Each question is followed by evaluation scheme.

Q1. Explain the browser components and its features (Listing the browser components-2 marks,

explanation- 3 marks, Features-5 marks) (7 10 marks

Q2. Describe in detail the building of webpage (description- 10 marks) 10 marks

Q3. How to use forms? Explain with an example ( Instruction to use forms- 5 marks, Example –

5 marks) 10 marks

Q4. Give an example for cascade style sheets and explain editing with cascade style sheets in

detail . ( Define cascade sheet – 2 marks, Explanation of editing feature- 3 marks, Example and

illustrating – 5 marks) 10 marks

Q5. Describe the working of search engine. What are the different types of search engine?

Explain with its application. (Working of search engine- 5 marks, Different type of search

engine- 3 marks, Explain with its application - 2 marks) 10 marks

Q6. List the benefits and drawbacks of Lamp stack (benefits- 5 marks, drawbacks- 5 marks)10

Marks