Dr. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY _2016-17.pdf · Dr. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY ROAD NO. 46, JUBILEE HILLS, ... Each assignment carries a maximum of 15 marks and you have to

Dr. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITYROAD NO. 46, JUBILEE HILLS, HYDERABAD – 500 033

Dear Student,

We are enclosing two assignments in each course, for all the three optional courses in eachspecialization area of third year MBA Program (2014-15 Batch). Please note the followingpoints while answering these assignments:

1. Assignments are compulsory for MBA Program. They have a weight age of 30% in eachcourse.

2. You have to submit both the assignments compulsorily. You will not be allowed toappear for the year-end examination for any course if you do not submit the specifiednumber of assignments in time for that course.

3. Each assignment carries a maximum of 15 marks and you have to get a minimum of40% of marks, i.e., 6 out of 15, to qualify in that assignment. If you fail to get theminimum marks in any assignment, you have to resubmit that particular assignment.Repetition of the same assignment will not be allowed more than once.

4. The maximum marks for each course at the year-end examination are 70 and youhave to get a minimum of 40% i.e., 28 out of 70.

5. Division will be awarded on the basis of the aggregate marks obtained in assignmentsas well as in the year-end examinations.

6. Dates of submission for the assignments are:

All Courses in each Specialization Area

FIRST ASSIGNMENT: 31.08.2017

SECOND ASSIGNMENT: 15.10.2017

ASSIGNMENTS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

7. If, under unavoidable circumstances, you fail to submit the assignments withinthe stipulated time, your results will be declared only after the submission andevaluation of all the assignments.

8. If any student fails to submit all the assignments within the stipulated time, he/shehas to answer the set of assignments that are sent to the batch in progress at thattime.

9. You have to submit your assignments in the Study Centre to which you are attached.

10. The first page of your response sheet should be in the following format.

Enrolment No. :

Name :

Address :

Course Code :

Course Title :

Assignment No. :

Question No. :

Study Centre :

Date of Submission : Signature :

11. Please go through the relevant course units thoroughly before you answer assignments.

12. If the assignment is of a problem model, you have to answer it in the proper format. You should give working notes also wherever necessary.

13. Before submitting the assignment, check it up carefully to make sure that you haveattempted all the main points of the question.

14. You are required to use only foolscap size paper for your response. Allow some marginon the left in order to facilitate the evaluator to record his comments.

15. You have to answer the assignments in your own words. Kindly do not borrow sentencesor paragraphs directly from the course material.

16. Do not copy from the response sheets of other students. If copying is noticed, theassignments of all such students will be rejected.

17. Start each assignment on separate sheets of paper.

18. You can consult your counsellors and clarify your doubts, if any, while answering theassignments.

19.The assignments should be neatly hand written. Typed or Computerized assignmentswill not be accepted.

20. You have to prepare your responses in duplicate, submit the original at your study centreand file the second copy with you as a record.

21. You can collect back the evaluated assignments from your study centre, if you want.

22. In case you request for a change of study centre, you should submit your assignmentsonly to the original study centre until the University effects the change of the studycentre.

23. Further correspondence should be made to the following address:

The Director (SSB)Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open UniversityProf. G. Ram Reddy MargRoad No.46, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad – 500 033.

HEADDEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ANAGEMENT

DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMME

MBA – 31: SECURITY ANALYSIS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT(2014-15 BATCH)

ASSIGNMENT – I (MARKS: 15)

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONSALL QUESTIONS CARRY EQUAL MARKS

1. Define the terms: a) Investment, b) Coupon Rate, c) Default Risk, d)Yield-to-Maturity (YTM); and e) P/E Ratio.

2. Explain the unique features of OTCEI and its operational role in Indian stocktrading terrain.

3. Write short notes on:a) Economic-Industry-Company Analysis, b) Qualitative Analysis, and c) Technical Analysis.

ASSIGNMENT – II (MARKS: 15)


1. Write briefly about:a) Portfolio Analysis and Selection, and b) Capital Market Line vs. Security Market Line

2. A. Discuss any three major problems faced by Indian Investment Companies.

B. A company paid a dividend of Rs. 7.40 in the previous year. The dividends inthe future are expected to grow perpetually at a rate of 8 per cent. Find out theshare’s price today if the market capitalizes dividend at 12 per cent.

3. A. The risk free rate of return is 8 per cent and the market rate of return is 17 percent. Betas for four shares, L, M, N and O are 0.60, 1.00, 1.20 and -0.20respectively. What are the required rates of return on these four shares? Commenton the resultant rates.

B. The shares of M/s. Z H Co. Limited have the following anticipated returnswith associated probabilities:

Return (%) -20 -10 10 15 20 25 30Probability 0.05 0.10 0.20 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.05

You are required to calculate the expected rate of return and the risk, measured interms of variance and standard deviation, of the above shares.

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MBA – 32: FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND MARKETS (2014-15 BATCH)



1. Write in a paragraph or two each, as to what you understood as the main role(s) of the following institutions in Indian economic growth:

a) Commercial Banks, b) Development Banks and c) Investing Institutions.

2. Explain lucidly about the following systems of banking:a) Branch Banking, b) Unit Banking, c) Group Banking, d) Chain Banking

and e) Correspondent Banking.

3. Write a line or two on the varieties of fund based and non-fund based facilities provided by our commercial banks in India.



1. Introduce, in your own words, any one of the below given banks /institutions (covering its constitution, objectives, scope, etc):a) IFCI or b) SIDBI or c) IRBI.

2. Write about the genesis, typology, schemes and growing relevance of mutualfunds in India.

3. What do you think is the need for regulation of capital market in India?Explain the role of SEBI in such regulation process.

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MBA – 33: MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS (2014-15 BATCH)



1. a) How would you pinpoint the principal characteristics of Management Control Systems?

b) What do you think are the general characteristics of Management ControlSystem? Explain them in brief.

2. An effective responsibility centre should have some necessary characteristics - What are they? Also explain the relationship between different responsibility centres.

3. Write short notes on any two of the following:i) Controllability of Expenses, ii) Transfer Pricing Practices, and iii) Problems in Financial Control of Investment Centre.



1. a) What is a profit centre? Explain the role of profit centres in an organization.

b) Do you support the value of profit centre as a motivational tool? Substantiate your answer with necessary arguments.

2. Explain briefly about: (a) Principal Revenue Budgets OR (b) R.O.I. Approach.

3. A company has 10 trucks in operation. The budget for the transport department based on 25,000 km of run for a month is Rs. 1,75,000/- out

which a sum of Rs. 50,000/- is fixed.

During the last month, the total kilometers run by all the 10 trucks were 22,400 and the costs incurred were Rs. 1,66,300/-. The cost of hiring a truck would have been Rs. 8 per km.

Evaluate the performance of the transport department on the basis of (a) Cost Centre, (b) Profit Centre.

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MBA – 41: CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND MARKETING RESEARCH (2014-15 BATCH)



1. Describe the terms ‘Consumer’ and ‘Consumer Behaviour’ in brief and also explain the various applications of consumer behaviour in the area of marketing in your own words.

2. a) Elucidate the importance of problem recognition in the overall framework of consumer decision making. b) Define the term ‘Consumer Attitude’ and through a little light on the various functions of consumer attitudes.

3. Write short notes on:i) Non-store Buying, ii) Family Buying Influences, andiii) Social Class Categorization.



1. a) Write briefly about the meaning and importance of ‘Research Design’ in the context of marketing research problems.

b) What do you think are the advantages and limitations of secondary data? Explain them lucidly.

2. Write short notes on any TWO of the following:i) Sampling Designs; ii) Reliable Sample Size; and

iii) Any four potential areas of marketing research applications in India.

3. Analyze the case given below and answer the questions following it:

Burnol was first launched around 65 years ago as a cream to soothe and healskin burns by M/s. Boots Pure Drug co. (India) Pvt. Ltd., and was availableonly on doctor’s prescription. It was onlyin1960 that Burnol started beingsold over the counter, when Boots started expanding its distribution network.By mid 1960s, Burnol had become integral part of the Indian housewife’slife. In 1967, Boots started highlighting the fact that Burnol served just aswell as any other antiseptic for cuts and wounds. It didn’t work. So, Burnolcontinued selling as a burns’ ointment, a market in which it had monopoly.In the 1970s, competition started increasing. Burnol started advertising onDoordarshan from late seventies, with the line, “Haath Jal Gaya?.., ShukarHai Ghar Mein Burnol Jo Hai”. The brand burrowed its way deep into theIndian House-care consciousness.

The 1980s saw a decline in the dangers of kitchen cooking, as most middleclass homes switched to LPG stoves. Electric-spark lighters also startedreplacing matchboxes, making it safer. Burnol’s sales started stagnating.

Boots resorted to massive advertising, but, it too did not work. The brandhas a strong presence in the mind, but was not in widespread use. Burnol’sTurmeric was also becoming a liability, since it was seen to stain clothes. SoBoots changed the cream from deep to non-staining light yellow.

By 1990s, Burnol’s sales were crawling to get larger volumes. Boots againdecided to try repositioning Burnol as a wide appeal, multi-usage antiseptic.The brand was re-launched as Antiseptic Burnol 3-in-1. But, the brand couldnot dent established brand equity of brands such as Boroline and Dettol.

Till today, in the common consumer’s mind, the Burnol, as a brand, remainsas a ‘burns’ ointment’ only.

Questions:

1. Analytically identify the significant issues in the case.2. What strategies would you recommend to change the consumer

attitude towards the brand?

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MBA – 42: PRODUCT AND ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT (2014-15 BATCH)



1. What is a ‘Product Planning System’? Explain how you appreciate the product life cycle as an aid to product planning.

2. Write your understanding on:a. Diffusion of consumer innovation, andb. Diffusion of industrial innovation.

3. Write briefly about any TWO of the following:a. Economic analysis and its purpose,b. Test marketing and its rationale, andc. Packaging and its functions.



1. Write about the media, its use and its users in India.

2. a) Discuss the operational and managerial aspects of the sales-forceIncentives Scheme.b) What is advertising agency-client relationship? Explain the nexusbetween the agency-client relationship and productivity.


The refrigerator market has almost revived after the introduction ofNo-frost with double door models and the entry of number of brands inrecent times. Godrej, LG, and BPL are some of the brands which have comeout with campaigns to get into the “consideration set” of the consumermindset.

Whirlpool had launched a campaign for its range of Frost-free doubledoor (mono and multi-colour designer model) fridges with an appealdifferent from those of the competitive brands. The advertisement projectedWhirlpool as a very dependable brand in social situations avoidingembarrassment in front of hosts. It emphasizes the capability of therefrigerator to produce ice quickly when it is most needed.

You are required:a) To study the various appeals of refrigerators in the market and

comment on the appeal of Whirlpool in particular; andb) To identify the specific conceptual appeal involved and comment on

the positive and negative aspects of the appeal.

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MBA – 43: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING (2014-15 BATCH)



1. a) Explain the nature of International Marketing.b) Domestic Marketing vs. Global Marketing.

2. “Political risk management process can be undertaken either before or afterthe investment (international) is made” - Offer your comments.

3. Write in short about: i) International Monetary Fund (IMF), ii) EPZs and EOUs, andiii) Auxiliary Export Documents.



1. a) Brief up your understanding on international marketing of services in apage or two.

b) What according to you are the issues in international pricing?

2. Explain the concept and scope of International Marketing Research.


The foreign operations of McDonald’s, one of the leading restaurantchains at the global level, witnessed very fast growth since 1980, andespecially during 1990s. There are a host of factors behind the rapid growth.

However, it is McDonald’s effort to adapt to the host country culture that isthe most important factor. It is a well established fact that consumers in thehost country should not undermine the local culture, taste, and beliefs. If itdoes it, they will resist its entry. Perhaps this was the reason that the start ofMcDonald’s was a bit late because their architecture did not conform to thelocal one. Similarly, in India, where the majority of population is Hindu andthe Hindu religion does not permit eating of beef, McDonald’s had to changethe main component of their hamburger from beef to mutton. Only then,were they able to flourish in India and compete with the local fast foodchains. Similarly, one of the reasons McDonald’s succeeded in Quebec,Canada, is that they have modified their menu to suit the local population.They provide cheese curds and hot gravy along with French fries, which issimilar to a local dish called poutine.

Yet again, in Israel, where the local population prefers that food shouldbe prepared according to Jewish State Laws, McDonald’s effort was tochange the menu according to the requirements of the local food dish, asJews dislike mixing of meat products with dairy products. As a result,McDonald’s did not go for other hamburgers; rather, they preferred to servefast food, cheeseburgers, and milkshake.

Questions:

1. Is it true to say that McDonald’s prefer to transplant its home-countryculture in different host countries?

2. Why did McDonald’s adapt their product in India?

3. Are India and Israel diverse in respect of culture? Explain in Brief.

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MBA – 51: SOCIAL PROCESSES AND BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES (2014-15 BATCH)



1. Define the concepts ‘Values’, ‘Needs’ and ‘Ethics’. Describe the importance of values and ethics in the management of an organisation.

2. a) What is Stress? List out any ten (10) means and ways of coping with stress, you learnt in your course.

b) Give a brief note on ‘Dynamics of Helping in Organisations’.

3. Write briefly about:i) Effectiveness of Communication, and

ii) Group Cohesiveness.



4. What is ‘Organisational Communication’? Explain its importance, and alsohow it helps in achieving the overall organisational goals.

5. a) What are the twelve (12) dimensions that should be used in studyingorganisational climate? Explain them in a line or two each.

b) What is Organizational Effectiveness? What, according to Rensis Likert,are the three variables that determine the organisational effectiveness?Lucidly explain them.

3. Analyze the following case and answer the questions asked at the end:

NP Software Technologies was an MNC, HQ in New York, keen to develop adesign centre in India. So in 1998, when the Indian Centre at Bangalore got ready,the company sent its recruiting agency to select a Sr. Manager (in charge ofSoftware and Hardware groups), required to directly report to the CountryManager, (to be based in Bangalore). The recruiting agency forwarded the name ofMukesh, 32 years of age, a B.Tech (IIT, Mumbai) with 10 years of industrialexperience (including handling of a few foreign assignments) to suit the post of asenior manager. The core team from NP were impressed by Mukesh's performanceat the interview and offered him the job.

Mukesh joined NP in June 1999. ln the first 6 months after joining NP, Mukeshshowed interest and was actively involved in recruiting many engineers (eitherfreshers or with a few years of relevant experience) to join NPs Hardware andSoftware divisions. After some time, i.e., from early 2000 onwards Mukesh'sbehaviour started changing and this was visible in the type of decisions taken byhim. To quote a few instances:

The new recruits were invited for a pep talk immediately after the orientationprogramme. During this meeting Mukesh did most of the talking and did notencourage the new entrants to open up and mingle with each other.

• Very often Mukesh was heard voicing aloud on finding it difficult to setclear-cut directions and delegate properly to his subordinates.

• When top management took strategic decisions to re-organise divisions,adopt new production technologies and reduce its workforce, Mukesh foundit difficult to implement the needed adaptations. Very often he was seengetting into verbal fights with the Country Manager, and not able toconvince his subordinates about the new transformations and changessuggested by the top management.

• At times, his subordinates found it more apt to approach the CountryManager's chamber and seek clarity with regards to their work.

• Mukesh was called by his superior and told to modify his behaviour in viewof the company's and his own interest. But Mukesh took the talk from theCountry Manager in his own stride and very lightly. Ultimately one fine day,Mukesh was asked to resign and leave NP Software Technologies.

Questions

(a) Do you think it was wrong on the part of Mukesh to have joined NP SoftwareTechnologies ? Why ?

(b) What suggestions can you make to Mukesh to help him to modify hisbehaviour?

*****




MBA – 52: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (2014-15 BATCH)



1. What is Human Resources Development (HRD)? What do you think is therationale behind developing HR? Write about any few HRD instruments andsub-systems used by different organizations.

2. “Human Resources Development (HRD), in an organizational context, is aprocess by which the employees of the organization are helped, in a continuousand planned way…” Elucidate the statement giving an overview of HRD.

3. Write short notes on any TWO of the following:a. Steps in Task Analysisb. Role Efficacyc. Supervisory Stylesd. Mentoring and the Process.



1. a) Through some light on the current systems of HRD in Government.

b) Present in brief about HRD in the Indian Defense services.

2. What is HRD Climate? How is it different from Organizational Climate?What are its various elements and how do you measure HRD Climate? Write inbrief? 3. Analyse the below given case and answer the questions following therewith:

Mr. Kiran, an MBA from a reputed University in Mumbai, heads themanufacturing business of M/s. Khan Foods Co. Pvt. Ltd. as its COO. Overthe two decades, the conventional managerial practices have made thecompany to experience considerable growth and expansion. The company’sproduct portfolio comprises of a variety of Ready-to-cook Foods and alsoNatural Juice / Beverage packaged products. For a long period the companycommanded a good track record of not only greater revenues but also highercustomer satisfaction in its targeted consumers. However, due toglobalization and heavy industrial growth the company now faces a stiffcompetition. The challenges before the company are about:

i. reaching to the ever changing needs of the customers,ii. bringing about a pertinent change in its organizational culture, &

iii. enhancing job performance and job satisfaction levels of itsemployees.

Since the inception, the company has been operating in a flattenedorganizational structure only. Though, Mr. Kiran could manage thecompany’s performance effectively, its expansion had felt the need fordelegation of authority at all functional levels.

Initially, employees had a greater level of job satisfaction. However,gradually, due to changing technological demands, need for development ofself managed teams, focus on quality in products and services, etc., haveinfluenced workers /employees to feel stress, fatigue, frustrations etc., at theoverall company level.

Basically, technological changes have resulted in lower job security,increased demand on meritorious performance and their related rewards andpromotions. Due to which, most of the employees are getting worried abouttheir career advancements, job fitness and monetary benefits.

Mr. Kiran feels that it’s high time to bring an OD consultant to study theexisting organizational culture, feasibility of introducing change and thepossible ways of enhancing the company’s employees’ performance. Questions:

1. As an OD Consultant, what would you suggest Mr. Kiran, as the neededinterventions to be used in M/s. Khan Foods Co. Pvt. Ltd.?

2. Do you consider that the flattened organizational structure would pose athreat for any change in organizational culture? Substantiate your answer.

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MBA – 53: HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING (2014-15 BATCH)



1. “While the quantitative dimensions assist in the analysis of human resourcesin terms of numbers, qualitative dimension facilitates assessment and analysisof productive power in human resources” - Comment on this statement as to itsrelevance in Human Resources Planning (HRP) in the contemporary businessorganizations.

2. Explain briefly the methodologies of manpower demand forecasting at themacro level in different countries.

3. Write short notes on: i) Job evaluation and its objectives, ii) Job analysis and its uses, andiii) Job description and its uses.



1. Explain in brief the below:i) Selection Process, ii) Importance of Proper Induction, andiii) Appraisal Process.

2. Give a brief note on: i) Effective HR Information System,ii) Formal HR Audit, andiii) HR Costs.

3. Study the case given below, analyze it and answer the question following it:

Mr. T. S. Rajan has been working as HRD Executive in a Tea Estate nearJalpalguri, West Bengal, where nearly 2600 employees are working. The Head Office of the Tea Estate is in Kolkata. The company has hardly anyarrangements as regards either internal or external training for its employeesin improving their skills, abilities, attitudes, etc. The company, however, hasintroduced attractive compensation packages, schemes to provide fringebenefits and social security to its employees. It has further designed a careerplanning and development programme for its employees working at variouslevels in the company. After spending a colossal amount towards socialsecurity, welfare benefits, recreational activities and various employeebenefit programmes, the company observes that the job performance interms of production of some of the workers/employees still remain static, noimprovement either in quantity or in quality has been noticed, rate ofaccidents and wastages is on the higher side. It is now felt that the companyshould develop a system of training for its employees at all levels. Mr. M. C.Tagore, Managing Director of the company wants a detailed report from Mr.Rajan to this effect for placing the same before the Board. Mr. Tagore alsoasks Mr. Rajan –

α. To give his views as to whether training of employees would bringany change in their behavior, job performance, etc.;

β. To submit suggestions in respect of training methods that he wouldfeel pertinent to be introduced in the company;

χ. To submit action plan for ascertaining effectiveness of trainingprogrammes for the employees, and

δ. To let him be briefed up about the mechanism that Mr. Rajan wouldsuggest for the proper identification of training needs of theemployees.

Question:

As HRD Executive of the above company, in place of Mr. T. S. Rajan, howwould you respond to all the queries made by Mr. Tagore? Including youranswers in brief to the above questions of the MD, draft a report on theimportance and usefulness of employees training both in the interest of thecompany and its employees.

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