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CASE STUDY ANSWERS

ASSIGNMENT SOLUTIONS

PROJECT REPORTS AND THESIS

ISBM / IIBMS / IIBM / ISMS / KSBM / NIPM SMU / SYMBIOSIS / XAVIER / NIRM / PSBM /

NSBM / ISM / IGNOU / IICT / ISBS / LPU / ISM&RC/ LPU / NMIMS / ISBS / MANIPAL

GARUDA / HIMALAYA / UPES / IMT / iact

MBA - EMBA - BMS - GDM - MIS - MIB

DMS - DBM - PGDM - DBM DBA - PGDM

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Business Policy and Strategy

Section A (20 Marks)

Write short notes on any four of the following:

1. Michael Porter Model of Strategic Management

2. Focus and Niche Strategies

3. Value Chain Analysis

4. Experience curve concept

5. Turnaround Strategies

Section B (30 marks)

(Attempt any three)

1. Strategy can be formulated and implemented at three different levels in business organizations. What are these levels

and why are they treated as such?

2. What is strategic intent and how does it determine the survival of the organization?

3. Explain why engaging in strategic management is likely to be beneficial for an organization.

4. Internationalization of trade is an opportunity for improving the competitiveness of local businesses. Discuss this

statement critically.

Section C (50 marks)

(Attempt all questions. Every question carries 10 marks)

Read the case DD: Indias premier public service broadcaster and answer the following questions:

DD: Indias premier public service broadcaster

DD is the Indias premier public service broadcaster with more than 1,000 transmitters covering 90% of the countrys population

across on estimated 70 million homes. It has more than 20,000 employees managing its metro and regional channels. Recent

years have seen growing competition from many private channels numbering more than 65, and the cable and satellite operators

(C & S). The C & S network reaches nearly 30 million homes and is growing at a very fast rate.

The challenge seems to be exploit DDs immense potential and emerge as a formidable player in the mass media.

o What is the best option, in your view, for DD?

o Analyze the SWOT factors the DD has.

o Why do you think that the proposed alternative is the best?

o Throw light on DD s business model.

o Conclude the case study in your own words.

Business Policy and Strategy



1. Knowledge Management

2. Strategic Leadership

3. Importance of Operational Strategy

4. Types of General Control Systems

5. Life Cycle-Portfolio matrix


(Attempt any three)

1. What are the three important aspects of Sloan's structural innovation?

2. Explain schematic relationship between structure and how the organization benefits from good organizational design.

3. Discuss the approaches of strategic control given by Dess, Lumpkin and Taylor.

4. What are the problems which are generated by ERP that are similar to planning, budgeting and reporting systems?



Read the case PTC Food division and answer the following questions:

In 2006-07 PTC Food division decided to enter the fast growing (20-30% annually) snacks segment, an altogether new to it. It had

only one national competitor-Trepsico's Trito. After a year its wafer snack brand-Ringo, fetched 20% market share across the

country. Ringo's introduction was coincided with the cricket world cup. The wafer snacks market is estimated to be around Rs.

250 crores.

Questions:

1. Which strategy did company adopted to increase their clientele and business profitability?

2. What are the strength and weaknesses of PTC for entering into the branded snacks market?

3. Why company selected youngsters as their target customers? Can you suggest any other segment to target for business

concern? Justify your suggestion in brief as well.

4. Suggest PTC few tips and ideas for publicizing and promoting their product.

5. What you infer from the case study?

Economics and Management Decisions

Section A

1. Marginal Utility

2. Income Elasticity of Demand

3. Role of Managerial Economics

4. Trend Projection Method

5. Economies of Scale

Section B

Discuss the approaches to consumer demand analysis.

1. Describe the various methods for surveying the consumer.

2. Make a list of differences in complimentary goods and substitutes goods.

3. Elasticity of supply is the degree of responsiveness of quantity supplied to a given change in price. Explain this

definition.

Section C


Read the case Apple Inc. and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Apple Inc.

In 2010, Apple had to delay the international launch of its iPad computer for a month, blaming surprisingly strong US demand

that was higher than the companys ability to produce them. More than 500,000 were delivered to retailers and customers in its

rst week on sale, but these soon sold out. The company had planned to launch the touch-screen device internationally at the end

of April, after beginning sales in the USA on 3 April. But the strong demand meant that it could not hit that date.

Questions:

1. What factors do you think inuenced the demand for the iPad? How might these factors change over time?

2. Do you think Apple was simply lucky with the iPad?

3. What effect might the delayed launch have on sales of the iPad?

4. The delay gave the company time to think about the international price of the product. What factors might

determine how much the company could increase the price outside the USA?

5. Pen down your views in context with the case study.

Economics and Management Decisions

Write short notes on any four of the following

1. Market Equilibrium

2. Transfer Pricing and Value Pricing

3. Classification of Profits

4. Conceptual Models

5. Multi-Product Pricing


(Attempt any three

1. Discuss the evaluation of perfect competition.

2. The extent to which a seller can separate the market and discriminate between the buyers, gives rise to three types of

price discrimination. Discuss the three types of price discrimination.

3. Describe the concept of Linear Break-even analysis with the help of elaborated diagram.

4. In U.S. organization decisions are made by primarily by individuals and usually only a few people involved. Explain this

statement.



Read the case Oil and New Economy and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Oil and New Economy

You cannot get more old economy than to fret about the price of oil. Although the oil price is hard to miss when you come to

refuel your car, economy watchers with any sophistication are encouraged at every turn to pay little attention. For instance,

measures of "underlying" inflation exclude the oil price - too volatile, the argument goes, and no longer all that significant, one is

led to suppose. Yet theory and empirical evidence suggest that the price of oil remains a fundamental driver of the business cycle.

In all likelihood cheap oil has played a big role in creating the appearance of a "new economy" and dear oil, if the price stays up,

may do more harm than many believe.

Questions:

1. Discuss the boom standard features of an oil price shock.

2. What is the impact of oil price on international business and economy?

3. Do you agree with Mr. Oswald? Give reasons.

4. Analyze the cause-effect relationship between unemployment and oil price.

5. Contrast the "demand side" and the "supply side" views on the case.

Financial Management



1. Scrip dividend

2. Concept of profit maximization as one of the objective of airlines

3. Venture management

4. Combined leverage

5. Modiglani Miller Approach


(Attempt any three)

1. Determine the earnings per share (EPS) of an Airlines company, which the opening profit (EBIT) of Rs. 1,60,000. Its

capital structure consists of the following securities :

10% Debentures Rs. 5,00,000

12% Preference shares Rs. 1,00,000

Equity shares of Rs. 100 Rs. 4,00,000

The company is in the 55% tax bracket

i) Determine the company's EPS

ii) Determine the percentage change in EPS associated with 30% increase and 30% decrease in EBIT

iii) Determine the degree of financial leverage.

2. VS Avaiation International Ltd., has a capital structure (all equity) comprising of Rs. 5,00,000 each share of Rs. 10.

The firm wants to raise an additional Rs. 2,50,000 for expansion project. The firm has the following four alternative

financial plans I, II, III and IV. If The firm is able to earn an operating profit at Rs. 80,000 after additional investment and

50 per cent tax rate. Calculate EPS for all four alternatives and select the preferable financial plan. Financial plans

a) Raise the entire amount in the form of equity capital.

b) Raise 50 per cent as equity capital and 50 per cent as 10 per cent debt capital.

c) Raise the entire amount as 12 per cent debentures.

d) Raise 50 per cent equity capital and 50 per cent preference share capital at 10 per cent.

1. Mr. Marin provides the following information, from the same compute his expected return and standard deviation and

variance.

Events 1 2 3 4

Probability .20 .40 .30 .10

Return (%) 10 25 20 10

4. Jet Airways (India) Ltds capital structure consists of an ordinary share capital of Rs. 10,00,000 (shares of Rs. 10 face value)

and Rs. 10,00,000 or 20 per cent. Debentures sales increased by 25 per cent from 2,00,000 to 2,50,000 units, Rs. 10 is the

selling price per unit, Rs. 6 is the variable cost per unit, and Rs. 2,50,000 are fixed expenses. The companies tax rate is 50 per

cent. You are required to calculate the following:

(a) The percentage increase in EPS

(b) The degree of operating leverage at 2,00,000 and 2,50,000 units,

(c) The degree of financial leverage at 2,00,000 and 2,50,000 units



Read the case Mavis Machine shop and answer the following questions:

Mavis Machine shop

The case is set in an metalworking shop in West Virginia, one of whose products is drill bits for oil exploration. The time is 1980,

in the midst of an oil drilling boom resulting from the oil crises of 1974 and 1979.

Early in 1980, Tom Mavis, President of Mavis Machine shop was considering a project to modernize his plant facilities. The

company operated out of a large converted warehouse in Salem, West Virginia. It produced machinery or assorted machined metal

parts for the oil and gas drilling and production industry in the surrounding area. One of Mavis major customer was Buckeye

Drilling, Inc., which purchased specialized drill bits and replacement parts for its operations. Mavis had negotiated an annual

contract with Buckeye to supply its drill bit requirements and related spare parts in each of the past 8 years. In 1978 and 1979 the

requirements had been about 8,400 bits per year. All Buckeyes rigs were busy. Mavis knew, there were 30 rigs operating in the

state and that it had resin up from 17 in 1972. Wells drilled was up even more, from 679 in 1972 to 1,474 last year.

Questions:

1. Summarize the net cash flows for the proposed project.

2. For the project, calculate the internal rate of return, the accounting rate of return, the payback period, the net present

value and the profitability index.

3. What qualitative factors should be considered in evaluating this project?

4. What decision would you recommend?

5. What you infer from the case?

Financial Management


1. Concept of EOQ and lot size measurement

2. Cash Before Delivery (CBD) and Cash After Delivery (COD)

3. Aircraft asset management tools

4. Liquidity management

5. Inventory orders


(Attempt any three)

1. XYZ Company sells goods on a gross profit of 25% depreciation is taken into account as a part of cost production. The

following are the annual figures given to you:

Sale (Two months Credit) 18,00,000

Materials consumed (One months credit) 4,50,000

Wages paid (One month lag in payment) 3,60,000

Cash manufacturing expenses (One month lag in payment) 4,80,000

Administration expenses (One month lag in payment) 1,20,000

Sales promotion expenses (Paid quarterly in advance) 60,000

Income tax payable in four installments of which one lies in the (next year) 1,50,000

The company keeps one months stock of both raw-materials and finished goods. It also keeps Rs. 1,00,000 in cash. You are

required to estimate the working capital requirements of the company on cash cost basis assuming 10% safety margin.

2. KSBS Ltd. is planning to install a captive generator set at its plant. Its finance manager is asked to evaluate the

alternatives either to purchase or acquire generator on lease basis.

Depreciation @ 20% p.a on written down value. Corporate tax rate 40%. After tax cost of debt is 14%. The time gap

between the claiming of the tax allowance and receiving the benefit is one year. Evaluate the lease or buy decision based

on the above information.

1. How does corporate disclosure and credit education contribute to success of credit rating of aviation industry?

2. Explain the legal framework of hire purchase in aviation industry?


Read the case RNS MOTORS LTD and answer the following questions:

RNS MOTORS LTD

RNS Adwani, an ITI diploma holder had been working with M/s. RNS and workshop for the last ten years. He had joined as a

technician. He was recognized as the best mechanic of Supreme Garage. A good number of clients preferred to get their cars

repaired by RNS Adwani . In three years time, he was promoted as a supervisor. RNS Adwani then joined distance education

programme of IGNOU and completed his graduation. He studied accounts and would assist the owner Mr. Gupta in maintaining

the accounts. Mr. Gupta liked him very much and two years back, RNS Adwani was promoted as the manager of RNS and

Workshop.

Questions

1. Evaluate the value of RNS Motors using discounted cash flow and multiple earning method (Assume 20% required rate of

return).

2. How do you think the banker will value this business? Discuss the method and calculate the value.

3. If you were the banker, will you finance?

4. How would you evaluate the good will of RNS Motors.

5. As a consultant would you advice Mr. RNS Adwani to buy RNS Motors or not? Explain with reasons.

CASE STUDY ANSWERS






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Fundamentals of Petroleum Exploration



1. New Exploration Licensing Policy

2. Hydrocarbon Generation

3. Shale Gas and Tight Gas

4. Stratigraphic Traps

5. Concept of reservoirs


(Attempt any three)

1. Discuss the major tasks in Oil Exploration.

2. Give a brief classification of crude by Oil Industry.

3. Explain the theories of origin of Petroleum.

4. Draft a project on the phases of migration.



Read the case Talisman Energy UK achieves high performance through outsourcing finance and accounting and answer the

following questions.

Talisman Energy UK achieves high performance through outsourcing finance and accounting

Accentures research finds that high-performance businesses build their finance organizations by focusing on key sets of

capabilities, one of which is finance operations. Mastery of finance operations requires the use of technologies, organizational

structures and effective processes to enable high-quality, effective operations. One way to achieve high-performance finance

operations is to outsource specific operations to a specialist service provider as Talisman Energy UK elected to do back in 1997

when it launched its North Sea operations.

Talisman Energy UK is an upstream oil and gas producer and subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inca global, independent oil and gas

company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Talisman Energy UK became an operator in the North Sea in 1997 and, following

significant acquisition activity, now operates the industrys second largest number of oil fields in the North Sea.

Questions:

1. Discuss the relationship between Talisman and Accenture in business terms.

2. How Talisman Energy UK achieved high performance?

3. Accentures involvement was important in helping Talisman. Give reasons

4. Give few examples of new innovations made by Talisman and Accenture.

Write a short note on Accenture Info Core.

Fundamentals of Petroleum Exploration



1. Remote Sensing

2. Airborne Survey

3. Mud Logging

4. Gravity Surveys

5. Digital Oilfield


(Attempt any three)

1. Geochemical exploration techniques can be direct or indirect. Explain

2. Discuss the methods of seismic surveys.

3. What are the steps of drilling a well?

4. Give a brief study on Offshore Drilling and Production Platforms.



Read the case IT helps BPCL find Green with an Automated Waste Management System and answer the following questions.

IT helps BPCL find Green with an Automated Waste Management System

Executive summary

Improper waste management at oil refineries can cause serious damage to the environment. Besides, hazardous waste is difficult

to transport and dispose. BPCL, one of India's most prestigious oil refineries has led the way with a unique automated hazardous

waste management project.

Organization: Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) remains one of India's most trusted oil companies, involved in refining and retailing of

petroleum products. And it takes its reputation seriously. In an age of growing ecological threats, where large corporations have

an added responsibility to embrace green practices, BPCL has led the way with a unique hazardous waste management project.

Questions:

1. In an age of growing ecological threats, where large corporations have an added responsibility to embrace green

practices, BPCL has led the way with a unique hazardous waste management project.

2. When company realized that it needed to automate the process of waste disposal?

3. Give the views and opinions of Mr. Atul Vyawahare, senior manager (Environment), BPCL regarding waste disposal

process.

4. How Oil Hazardous Waste Management system has helped BPCL in compliance with statutory agencies?

5. Write a short note on Oil Hazardous Waste Management system (OHWMS).

Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining



1. Crude Oil Distillation Unit

2. Octane Number

3. Polypropylene

4. Amine Treating Unit (ATU)

5. Oxidation Stability


(Attempt any three)

1. Discuss the important milestones in Indian Refining Industry.

2. Crude Assay is the determination of properties of various fractions of crude oil. Explain.

3. Hydrogen is produced commercially using various technologies. Explain these technologies.

4. What are the major offsite functions in a Refinery?



Read the case Seam Weld failure in petroleum pipeline and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Seam Weld failure in petroleum pipeline

There are more than 2.5 million miles of oil and gas pipelines in the United States. These pipelines typically contain longitudinal

seam welds in each pipe joint and girth welds that connect the individual joints to form the pipeline. Both types of welds are

prone to failure from time independent and/or time dependent failure mechanisms.

Many failure investigations focus on the immediate failure cause; i.e., for metals, the metallurgical or technical aspects of the

failure.

Questions:

1. What could be the immediate failure causes for petroleum pipeline?

2. Write a short note on submerged arc welded line pipe.

3. Describe the composition and structure of failed Seam Weld pipeline.

4. Explain the various autogenous welding processes for longitudinal seam welds.

5. Analyze the conclusion part of the case study.

Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining


1. Energy Optimization

2. Venting and Flaring

3. SCADA System

4. Linear Programming Applications in Process Plant

5. Enterprise Resource Planning


(Attempt any three)

1. What are the areas of improvement in refining?

2. Explain the various elements of operating cost of refinery.

3. Quantitative accountant and correct payment of duties on finished petroleum products is the focal area of the oil

accounting section. Elaborate this statement.

4. Focus on key properties of Gasoline and Diesel blendstocks in brief.



Read the case MRPL & RPL - Analyzing Risk and Returns and answer the following questions.

Case Study: MRPL & RPL - Analyzing Risk and Returns

Introduction

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and Reliance Petroleum Limited (RPL) were the first two refineries

established by the private sector in India.

In March 1992, MRPL brought out a public issue of shares, and in September 1993, RPL did the same. Both these refineries were

established at a time when the administered pricing mechanism (APM) was in force. APM involved full government control over the

oil and natural gas sector, where only four major government owned oil companies (IOC, HPCL, BPCL and IBP) had the right to

directly market petroleum products. The government refineries were not able to meet the increasing demand for petroleum

products. Hence, opening up of the oil and natural gas sector to private companies and dismantling APM were considered as

methods for reducing the demand-supply gap of petroleum products.

Questions:

1. Give light on the financial performance of MRPL and RPL.

2. Analyze the case facts in brief.

3. Why the shares of both these refineries were oversubscribed by investors during their public issue? Though the financial

performance of these companies was very different during the period 1999-2002.

4. Study the reasons behind the contrasting financial results of both mentioned companies.

According to stock market analysts, the share price of a company usually provided a true reflection of the company's present and

expected financial performance. Discuss.

Human Resource Management


1. Job Description and Evaluation

2. Ergonomics

3. Time Series Analysis

4. Delphi Technique

5. Recruitment and Selection


(Attempt any three)

List out the differentiation between HRM and Personnel Management.

1. Explain the important issues that can motivate people to give best in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

2. Define job analysis and its role in the HRP process.

3. What is optimum manpower planning? You have been retained by an organization to develop a manpower planning

system. What factors would you recommend them to consider for effective manpower planning?



Read the case Mental Block and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Mental Block

Mr Vachani is a Quality Controller for four divisions in a family-owned manufacturing organization in which functional heads

enjoy a large measure of autonomy. Mr. Bose is the Production Superintendent of one of the four divisions of the company. By and

large, both these senior executives, who report to the General Manager (Works), get along well as colleagues though they have

their usual differences and disagreements over issues concerning quality.

Questions:

1. Was Mr. Vachanis suggestion to Mr. Sundaram to talk out the matter with Mr. Bose correct in the circumstances?

2. Should he not have told Mr. Sundaram that his interpretation of the incident varied from that of Mr. Bose?

3. Was Mr. Bose justified in reporting the incident to the Personnel Manager soon after he had apprised Mr. Vachani of the

same?

4. What action, if any, should the Personnel Manager take in this regard?

5. If Mr. Bose is found to be guilty of implicating Mr. Sundaram without any substantial reason, what remedy do you think

the Personnel Manager should suggest avoiding recurrence of such incidents in future?

Human Resource Management


1. Succession Planning

2. Induction & Orientation

3. Lateral & Horizontal Transfer

4. Wage Policy in India

5. MBO Method


(Attempt any three)

"Discuss the techniques of management development.

1. How training methods are important for the organization?

2. What are the important requirements of an effective promotion policy?

3. Explain the survey methods which are used to collect relevant wage-related information.



Read the case Selection Process Of Hindustan Liver Limited and answer the following questions:

Selection Process Of Hindustan Liver Limited

Hindustan Liver Limited is a reputed multinational company. It considers selection as an event in the total process of acquiring

and developing managers. The company believes that the selection process must be consistent with other events in the total

process for it to be effective. Hindustan lever has been one of the most favored companies by the prospective candidates for

managerial position. The selection process of the company can be broken into three steps: such as- Screening of application

forms, preliminary interview, and final selection.

Questions:

1. What type of selection should be adopted by the company and why?

2. What is the basic objective of the preliminary interview?

3. Why is a case distributed in advance amongst the candidates in final selection?

4. What is the information on the basis of which the personal interview is conducted?

Managing Individuals and Organization



1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory

2. Knapp Model of Development

3. Power vs. Authority

4. Electronic Recruitment

5. Leadership & Supervision


(Attempt any three)

1. What theory of motivation do you feel is the most accurate in explaining different levels of employee motivation found in

organizations?

2. Discuss the process of Job analysis and Job evaluation.

3. How managerial skills make an impact on functioning of the organization?

4. How leadership styles affect the organizational effectiveness?



Read the case The Virgin Group: Structure, Leadership and Motivation and answer the following questions:

Case Study The Virgin Group: Structure, Leadership and Motivation

This essay analyses organizational structuring of the Virgin Group, with a view to understanding the dynamics that have helped

create a global conglomerate. A critical assessment is undertaken on three areas: the hierarchical form of the company, the style

of leadership exhibited by Sir Richard Branson, and the approach adopted by management to motivate employees.

Firstly, a comparative argument is made on whether the Virgin Group can be classified as a centralized or decentralized

organization. These terms refer to division of power, capital, technical procedures and control in various units of a business. A

centralized organization allows for minimal delegation to managers, with the chief executive retaining power over majority of the

decisions. On the other end, a decentralized organization makes it possible for managers to exercise control without ownership

oversight at each stage, provided goals and targets are met (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2007).

Questions:

1. To what extent would you argue that the Virgin Group as an organization is centralized or decentralized?

2. With reference to transactional and transformational styles of leadership, how would you characterize Richard Bransons

style of leadership?

3. With reference to relevant theories, critically discuss the approach to employee motivation adopted within Virgin.

4. Analyze a case-study by developing a logical argument and line of reasoning and present that in a cogent and effective

manner.

5. What are the three areas on the basis of which a critical assessment is undertaken?

Managing Individuals and Organization



1. MBO- Appraisal System

2. Vestibule Training

3. Internal Mobility

4. Fringe Benefits

5. Design of Selection Interview


(Attempt any three)

1. A number of selection tests are used to access suitability of prospective employees. Explain.

2. Discuss the relationship between HRM & HRD.

3. Explain the four phases through which change passes.

4. What are the major reasons for wage differential?



Read the case Nestle: Training and Development and answer the following questions:

Case Study of Nestle: Training and Development

Introduction

Nestl is today the worlds leading food company, with a 135-year history and operations in virtually every country in the world.

Nestls principal assets are not office buildings, factories, or even brands. Rather, it is the fact that they are a global organization

comprised of many nationalities, religions, and ethnic backgrounds all working together in one single unifying corporate culture.

Culture at Nestl and Human Resources Policy

Nestl culture unifies people on all continents. The most important parts of Nestls business strategy and culture are the

development of human capacity in each country where they operate. Learning is an integral part of Nestls culture. This is firmly

stated in The Nestl Human Resources Policy, a totally new policy that encompasses the guidelines that constitute a sound basis

for efficient and effective human resource management. People development is the driving force of the policy, which includes

clear principles on non-discrimination, the right of collective bargaining as well as the strict prohibition of any form of

harassment. The policy deals with recruitment, remuneration and training and development and emphasizes individual

responsibility, strong leadership and a commitment to life-long learning as required characteristics for Nestl managers.

Questions:

1. What kind of training is provided by Nestle to their employees?

2. Ensuring appropriate and continuous training is an official part of every managers responsibilities and, in many cases;

the manager is personally involved in the teaching. Elaborate this statement.

3. Define the human resource policy of Nestle.

4. Discuss the features of Apprenticeship Program offered by Nestle to their young trainees.

5. Give light on the courses offered by Nestle at international level.

Marketing Management


1. Value chain and Benchmarking

2. Structure of Market Environment

3. BCG Matrix

4. Approaches of Marketing Strategies

5. Buying Decision Process


(Attempt any three)

1. The lifetime of every product is typically divided into four stages. Describe those stages with the help of diagram.

2. Loyalty is at the heart of equity and a very important brand equity asset. Elaborate this statement.

3. A company must carefully examine its situation before making a decision about adopting a certain branding approach.

Explain the factors determining a particular branding approach.

4. Discuss various types of channels used for consumer products or industrial products.



Read the case Consumer Goods Pricing Strategy and answer the following questions:

Consumer Goods Pricing Strategy - Case Study

Client Situation

In 2003 Pacific Strategy Partners assisted a client to develop a new pricing structure for a specific product line that removed

significant complexity and provided incentives to drive preferred customer behavior. Subsequent to the introduction of the revised

pricing structure, our client expanded their product range with the acquisition of a new range of related product.

Both product ranges had significantly different pricing structures:

1. List prices with trading terms and standard price positioning

2. Net / Contract pricing, no trading terms, high price positioning

Pacific Strategy Partners was engaged to integrate each of these product ranges into a holistic pricing structure under the one

brand and to develop a plan to systematically introduce this structure for each customer segment.

Approach

A three step approach was taken:

Assess Alternative Pricing Structures:

Profiled current pricing structures for respective product ranges (a fact base)

Identified and assessed new pricing structures to transition to a holistic framework. The phase assessed the high level

financial impact of each option

Detailed Design of Preferred Option

Agreed upon preferred approach

Detailed each lever of the preferred pricing structure and assessed the implications for each product range and customer

/ segment

Implementation Planning

Defined each requirement to introduce the preferred pricing model for respective channels and customer segments

Prepared customer communication material

Impact

Our client implemented its new pricing structure and trading terms under the one brand. Management feedback was positive and

it is understood that the new structure and its implementation has been a success.

Questions:

1. Define the pricing structure used in the case study.

2. Do you agree with the approach used in the above situation as a pricing approach? Support your answer with relevant

details.

3. What factors a company had to face while implementing new pricing structure in an organization?

4. Discuss the price positioning concept.

5. Explain the determinants which affect the pricing decision of a company.

Marketing Management



1. Outsourcing Physical Distribution

2. Integrated Marketing Communication

3. 5 Ms of Advertising

4. Service Blueprinting

5. Holistic Marketing


(Attempt any three)

1. With the emergence of more and more multinational and domestic companies joining the tide, opportunities for marketing

professional are abounding. Elaborate this statement.

2. Discuss the different bases for classification of services.

3. What are the components of Marketing Information System?

4. Discuss the functions that are essential to achieve the organizational effectiveness.



Read the case Nivea Sun Protection Products and answer the following questions:

Nivea Sun Protection Products: A Case Study in Market Segmentation

A careful market segmentation is critical to successfully selling products; you need to understand what makes different

consumers tick and how best to reach them. Skincare giant Nivea conducted an impressive market research campaign that can be

modeled by other firms.

First, a little background: Beiersdorf is an international skincare company with leading brands such as Nivea and Eucerin. They

have expanded significantly in the UK market through effective segmentation that matches consumer needs. The company has

become the value leader in the field, meaning people spend more on Nivea sun protection products than any other brand.

Questions

1. Discuss the facts revealed by a companys market research in context with the major demographic differences between

men and women.

2. Explain the bases for segmenting the consumer market.

3. Discuss the impact of research study on companys unique brand positioning?

4. How a firm develops an understanding of customer segments that take buying habits and motivation in account?

5. Give light on the role of segmentation in product development.

Operations and Material Management


1. Concept of Productivity and Wastivity

2. Aggregate Planning

3. MRP Process

4. Concept of Process Capability

5. Production Layout Design


(Attempt any three)

1. Describe the various POM Models.

2. The operation of many manufacturing cells can be coordinated by a central computer with the aid of a material handling

system. Explain

3. What are the factors for Selection of Material Handling System and Material Handling Equipments?

4. Discuss the major statistical measures for Central Tendency.



Read the case McDonald's, a guide to the benefits of JIT and answer the following questions.

McDonald's, a guide to the benefits of JIT

Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory is the big thing right now in operations. This, along with lean operations and six-sigma are the buzz

words being talked most about. But what exactly is the deal with JIT operations?

First of all, JIT is a form of providing supplies for customers, as the name suggests, just in time. For example, Dell, whom I wrote

about, has become famous for its JIT model which involves not even being in possession of the raw materials needed to fulfill an

order until that order is placed and yet they are still capable of filling orders in a short period of time.

McDonald's is another example of a JIT system wherein McDonald's doesn't begin to cook (well, I should probably say reheat and

assemble what may or may not be actual food) its orders until a customer has placed a specific order.

1. What are the benefits for McDonald's in terms of Just in Time Inventory?

2. Pen down your views on Just in Time Inventory.

3. Research on few more companies using JIT in their business.

4. Give few points of similarities and differentiation among Wal-Mart, Dell and McDonald in context with Just in Time

Inventory.

Discuss the benefits of JIT.

Operations and Material Management


1. Techniques of SQC

2. Just in Time (JIT) Concept

3. Price-Cost Analysis and Price Negotiation

4. The Purchasing Management Cycle


(Attempt any three)

1. Focus on the application of Gauges in Quality Control.

2. What are the three Quality Assurance Models?

3. Signify the importance of Materials Management to Business Management.

4. Discuss the application of Computers in Purchasing.



Read the case Creature Care Animal Clinic and answer the following questions.

Creature Care Animal Clinic

It has been three years since Dr. Julia Barr opened Creature Care Animal Clinic, a suburban veterinary clinic. Dr. Barr thought that

by now she would be enjoying having her own practice. She had spent many years in college and worked to save money in order

to start a business. Instead, she felt overwhelmed with business problems that were facing the clinic. She thought to herself: I

dont produce anything. I just provide a service doing something I enjoy. How can this be so complicated?

Questions:

1. Identify the operations management problems that Dr. Barr is having at the clinic.

2. The schedule Dr. Barr set up worked well at the clinic where she was a resident. What are some of the reasons why it

might not be working here?

3. Identify some of the reasons why the clinic is having inventory problems.

4. What should Dr. Barr have done differently to avoid some of the problems she is currently experiencing?

5. What suggestions would you make to Dr. Barr now?

Petro Economics


1. Fuel-based Differentiation

2. Key sources of alternative fuel

3. Role of OPEC in price structuring

4. Strategic Petroleum Reserve

5. Role of E-Business in Petroleum companies


(Attempt any three)

What are the key findings of research made by A. T. Kearney to explore the strategic option for petroleum retailers in India?

1. Why petroleum economics is considered as a value chain?

2. Discuss the future of oil in the rising demand all over the world.

3. What is the role of Middle East in the global oil balance?

Read the case Petro Economics and answer the following questions:

CASE STUDY: Petro Economics

The dramatic fluctuations in crude oil prices over the past two years have sparked renewed interest in U.S. oil exploration and

development. Some politicians and commentators argue that an increase in exploration could have a marked impact on oil prices.

Others say the price impact would be small.

The policy debate currently focuses on allowing drilling in a small part of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Drilling

has been banned in ANWR due to various environmental concerns.

The ANWR is a national wildlife refuge in north-eastern Alaska, United States. It consists of 19,286,722 acres (78,050.59 km2 ) in

the Alaska North Slope region. The coastal plain in the ANWR (often referred to as the "1002" area) is jointly owned by the federal

government, the State of Alaska and Native American corporations (Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2008a). This region

is thought to contain a relatively large amount of oil that would be relatively cheap to develop. Environmentalists and others have

opposed drilling in this area because it is a pristine (but inhabited) area that they believe is ecologically unique. In particular,

they are concerned that a spill or pipeline leak would endanger a key wildlife habitat.

Questions:

1. Present your views on whether drilling be allowed or not in the ANWR elaborately.

2. Illuminate various environmental concerns due to which drilling has been banned in ANWR.

3. Analyze the case by using SWOT analysis and write down the case facts.

4. Now you are the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company which has been allotted the drilling project in

ANWR, from the managements perspective suggest suitable steps that you would take to ensure no oil spill or oil

leakage takes place. Also estimate the economics related to it.

5. Summarize the case study in your own words.

Petro Retailing Business


1. Crude oil reserves in India

2. Demand and Supply of Petroleum Product

3. Role of convenience stores in non-fuel revenues

4. Downstream petroleum supply chain

5. Filter Paper Test


(Attempt any three)

1. Discuss the recent development in refining and marketing activities of petroleum products in India.

2. What are the strategies required by the Petro retail companies in order to face the competition from new competitors?

3. Discuss the nature and scope of New Exploration and Licensing Policy.

4. What are the different test applied by the customer in order to check the fuel quality?

Read the case and answer the following questions

Preem Petroleum

Fueling a petrol stations retail experience

Research indicated that Preem attracted more female customers, so to appeal to them we recommended that the brand position

itself as a retailer with a petrol offer rather than a petrol station with a retail offer. From strategy to the branded environments, we

designed everything with women in mind, paying special attention to ensure nice restrooms.

1. Why Preem Petroleum wanted to switch over from retail petrol and convenience store to retail store with petrol?

2. Why Preem Petroleum selected Female group as a target for market segmentation of their c-store?

3. Do a SWOT analysis and write down the case fact.

4. Discuss what you infer from the case.

5. Give a short briefing of the case study.

CASE STUDY ANSWERS












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Petro Retailing Business



1. Types of original producers of crude oil

2. OPECs Oil Policy

3. Market structure of oil industry

4. Role of brand in petro retailing

5. Concept of import parity price


(Attempt any three)

1. What are the fundamental factors responsible for affecting petroleum prices?

2. Highlight those areas of Indian refineries which need certain actions to be taken of.

3. Discuss the marketing strategies and procedures of crude oil.

4. What are the key emerging trends in global upstream oil industry?

Read the case and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Club HP

High quality personalized Vehicle and Consumer Care

A part of HPCLs strategic retail marketing initiative that seeks to break out of traditional fuel retailing, our new Retail Brand Club

HP assures high quality personalized Vehicle and Consumer Care through a select set of outlets.

Developed after an exhaustive research of over a year which included collecting feedback from over 13,000 respondents in several

key markets across the country, the Club HP concept aims to provide the assurance of Quick Fills, Expert, Personalised

Service, Total Vehicle Management and Consumer Conveniences.

While designing the bouquet of services for Club HP outlets, we have relied upon the feedback received directly from consumers.

We realize that consumers are highly conscious of the fuel that goes into their vehicles each Club HP outlet carries the

assurance of HPCLs Good Fuel Promise and delivers the right quality and quantity of the products on offer. Fuel is delivered to

these outlets in tank trucks fitted with tamper proof locks and a high degree of control is kept by the HPCL staff to ensure that

quality standards are strictly enforced.

Questions:

1. Discuss the strategic retail marketing initiative taken by HPCL.

2. Discuss the concept of developing The Club HP.

3. What are the various amenities and services offered by Club HP outlet?

4. Read the case and analyze the facts from it.

5. Give a short conclusion on the case study.

Petroleum Law and Policy



1. Articles 1-16 of Hague Rules

2. Bill of Lading

3. Roles of Attorney

4. Regulatory framework to check pollution in petroleum sector

5. New Exploration Licensing Policy


(Attempt any three)

1. What was the outcome of the first two ministerial meetings of the WTO and the reasons responsible for the failure of the

third meeting?

2. Enumerate the market forces maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand of crude and petroleum products.

3. Elucidate the different categories of contracts as part of trading activities in petroleum procurement.

4. Discuss the policy changes and reforms made by government in petroleum sector.



Read the case The Petrol Tax Debate and answer the following questions:

Case Study: The Petrol Tax Debate

Recent increases in the price of petrol have led to the current debate about the rate at which petrol is taxed in the UK. Although

rising oil prices have contributed to the increased cost, the government has been criticized for imposing a high tax rate on petrol

and other road fuels. In the UK, two indirect taxes are imposed on road fuels. In addition to VAT, excise duty is also levied at the

rates shown in Table 1.

Figure 3. Components of the retail price of unleaded petrol

Table 2. European road fuel duty, June 1999

Notes: Leaded petrol was not available in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands or Sweden in June 1999.

Figure 3 shows the three components of the retail price of unleaded petrol duty, VAT and the pre-tax price over the last 10

years. In April 1999, there was a sharp increase in the pretax price (the top band on the graph). Although the pre-tax price has

risen in recent months, over the past few years increases in the tax rate have contributed to the rise in the retail price of petrol.

The UK currently has a tax rate that is higher than that in any other European country on both leaded and unleaded petrol. Table 2

shows the European tax rates (duty plus VAT) on both products as at June 1999. The tax on unleaded petrol is 20 per cent higher

in the UK than in France, which has the next highest rate in Europe.

The purpose of a fuel tax

There are two purposes of a road fuel tax in the UK. The first is an attempt to change behaviour and reduce the amount that

people use their cars in order to protect the environment, and the other is to raise revenue.

Questions:

1. Discuss the impact of high tax levied on road fuel over general public.

2. Enumerate the ways by which road transport imposes additional or social costs on .

3. To what extent will households alter their behavior (drive their cars less, switch to more efficient cars) in the face of

higher prices. Comment.

4. Analyze the case and write down the case facts.

5. Write down an effective executive summary of given case.

Petroleum Law and Policy


1. Free On Board or Freight On Board

2. Vessel Nominating Procedure

3. Litigation

4. International commercial arbitration

5. Caveat


(Attempt any three)

1. Describe the importance of petroleum tax guide in detail.

2. Analyze the Model Contract for Sale and Purchase of Crude Oil.

3. Explain the provision in production sharing contract regarding taxation.

4. Explain the procedure of in-house examination before institution of proceedings in a court of law.



Read the case IT helps BPCL find Green with an Automated Waste Management System and answer the following questions.

IT helps BPCL find Green with an Automated Waste Management System

Executive summary

Improper waste management at oil refineries can cause serious damage to the environment. Besides, hazardous waste is difficult

to transport and dispose. BPCL, one of India's most prestigious oil refineries has led the way with a unique automated hazardous

waste management project.

Organization: Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) remains one of India's most trusted oil companies, involved in refining and retailing of

petroleum products. And it takes its reputation seriously. In an age of growing ecological threats, where large corporations have

an added responsibility to embrace green practices, BPCL has led the way with a unique hazardous waste management project.

Questions:

1. In an age of growing ecological threats, where large corporations have an added responsibility to embrace green

practices, BPCL has led the way with a unique hazardous waste management project.

2. When company realized that it needed to automate the process of waste disposal?

3. Give the views and opinions of Mr. Atul Vyawahare, senior manager (Environment), BPCL regarding waste disposal

process.

4. How Oil Hazardous Waste Management system has helped BPCL in compliance with statutory agencies?

5. Write a short note on Oil Hazardous Waste Management system (OHWMS).

Power Generation


1. Power Generation Sources

2. Electricity trading with Neighbor Countries

3. Thermal Power Plant

4. Residential and Peak Load

5. Faradays Law of Electromagnetic Induction

(Attempt any three)

1. Discuss the electronic distribution system used in rural electrification.

2. What is the effect of variable load on power plant operation?

3. State the various different ways or methods of producing mechanical power.

4. Explain DSM in systems that are based on Hydropower?



Read the case University of Auckland, New Zealand uses ADAM & IEC-61499 to test economic dispatch in distributed energy

grids and answer the following questions:

Case Study: University of Auckland, New Zealand uses ADAM & IEC-61499 to test economic dispatch in distributed energy

grids

Project Introduction

Traditional electricity grids are pretty dumb, they continuously send out specific amounts of electricity until some engineers

tweak that amount to meet the needs of the users. Smart grids, on the other hand are designed to monitor electrical supply and

usage at any time, so they can adjust the creation and consumption of power, manage storage of surplus electricity, and so save

energy, reduce waste and improve reliability of the power supply. If some of these functions are still in the future, researchers are

already building smart grids in the laboratories.

Questions:

1. Give few points of comparison between traditional electricity grids and smart grids.

2. What is the basic system requirements mentioned in the case study?

3. Discuss the system diagram.

4. Explain the benefits of using latest technologies in concern with the case.

5. Pen down your views and suggestions in context with the case study.

Power Generation

1. Steam Separator

2. Fire tube boilers

3. Coal Fired Power Plant

4. Nuclear reactor

5. Cyclone Furnaces


(Attempt any three)

1. Discuss the classification of steam generators or boilers.

2. Define hydro-electric power station and discuss its advantages and disadvantages over other power plants.

3. How is the steam converted to mechanical energy?

4. What are the various types of Geothermal Power Plant?



Read the case Fukushima Daiichi, Nuclear Power Plant, Japan and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Fukushima Daiichi, Nuclear Power Plant, Japan

Background

The powerful earthquake which hit Japan on 11th March caused a tsunami which added to the destruction of millions of peoples

homes and livelihoods. A consequence of this terrible natural disaster was a man-made disaster - a nuclear power plant which

supplies electricity to thousands of homes was damaged. Not long after the disaster it was announced that radiation had been

found in water in Japans capital city Tokyo and that it was unsafe for babies to drink. Tokyo is 220km (136 miles) away from the

radiation leak. Lets take a quick look at what radiation is, what it means to life on earth, and why we have nuclear power stations.

In April 2011 it was announced that the level of concern surrounding this nuclear disaster had risen on a scale from level 5 to a

maximum of level 7. Scales such as the Richter scale which measures earthquakes, or Celsius which measures temperature,

provide us with more information to help us understand what is going on. The same applies to the International Nuclear and

Radiological Event Scale (INES) which measures how bad a nuclear event is. This sudden jump to a warning of level 7 did not mean

that things suddenly became worse at the power plant. In fact, the plant was then leaking less radioactive particles. So why the

dramatic change Much of the plants monitoring equipment was damaged during the earthquake and tsunami making it difficult

to track and measure radioactivity levels. As a consequence the real severity of the leakage has been unknown until recent results

and more testing revealed that the levels of radiation were higher than they originally thought. This new knowledge means that

the event is now considered a Level 7 Major Accident and can be compared to the worlds largest nuclear disaster which took

place in Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986.Although both accidents have been classified level 7 the emissions from the Chernobyl

disaster far out weight hose from Fukushima. But we are warned that the radioactivity released in Japan might eventually go

beyond that emitted in Chernobyl. Over 85,000 people were evacuated from their homes around the power plant.

Questions:

1. Discuss the effect of earthquake on Fukushima power plant.

2. What is the use of Richard scale?

3. Write a short note on nuclear radiations.

4. Instead of using coal and gas what can be another alternative source to generate electricity?

Discuss the effects of nuclear disaster in Japan.

Project Management and Its Applications


1. Project processes

2. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

3. Client Kick-off Meeting

4. Project Network

5. Sensitivity Analysis


(Attempt any three)

1. Define project identification and discuss steps in project identification.

2. Do you think that feasibility study is conducted before the business plan? If yes, give reasons.

3. Describe the important elements of a project for which individual schedules are drawn. Why preparation of engineering

schedule can be taken up last of the three schedules?

4. Explain the applicability of sensitivity analysis for developing new projects.



Read the case Design and Commissioning of Underground and Elevated Delhi Metro Sections and answer the following questions:

Design and Commissioning of Underground and Elevated Delhi Metro Sections

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The scope of the project included planning, design, tender management, construction supervision, contract management and

commissioning at underground and elevated sections of the Delhi Metro.

STRATEGY FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT

RITES is one of the key constituents of the five-member consortium of General Consultants and contributed more than 85% of the

total project man-months.

At a wider level, RITES experts with their skills supplement the understanding of their counterparts within the consortium on

construction, operation and maintenance of railways in India. They also act as a vital communication link, on various technical

issues between the foreign experts and the client.

Questions:

1. Compare and contrast the services offered by Kolkata metro with Delhi Metro.

2. Discuss the role of RITES in initial planning and system design of Delhi metro project.

3. How construction methodology of Delhi metro plays a vital role in providing public convenience in terms of space.

4. Illuminate few benefits of metro commuters while travelling by metro.

5. Conclude the case study in your own words.

Project Management and Its Applications


1. Project Management System

2. Performance Analysis

3. Optimum Project Schedule

4. Project Workflow Sector

5. Vendor evaluation


(Attempt any three)

1. What are the major softwares available for project monitoring and control?

2. Describe various types of Bell and S curves and their significance. How can these curves be used for project progress

monitoring?

3. What factors must be considered to have an effective procurement planning?

4. Explain the impacts of overtime, workforce size, and work intensity on rework.



Read the case Project Management at Dotcom.com and answer the following questions:

Project Management at Dotcom.com

Dotcom.com, a software engineering and systems development consulting firm, sells a wide assortment of Internet and computer-

based solutions for resource planning, administrative, and accounting networks to organizations in health care delivery, financial

services, and hotel management. Typically, a service provider approaches Dotcom.com with a list of problems it has and some

targets for organizational improvement. Because most of Dotcom's clients are not themselves computer savvy, they tend to rely

heavily on Dotcom to correctly diagnose their difficulties, propose solutions to correct these problems, and implement the new

technologies. The industry Dotcom operates in is extremely competitive, forcing successful organizations to make low bids to win

consulting contracts. In this environment, project management is vital for Dotcom's success because poorly managed projects

quickly "eat up" the profit margin for any job.

Questions:

1. How would you begin redesigning Dotcom.com's project management processes to minimize the problems it is

experiencing with poor scope management?

2. How do you balance the need to involve clients with the equally important need to freeze project scope in order to

complete the project in a timely fashion?

3. Why are configuration management and project change control so difficult to perform in the midst of a complex

software development project such as those undertaken by Dotcom.com?

4. How might project closeout help Dotcom improve its project management?

5. What you infer from the case study?

Quantitative Techniques for Management Applications


1. Managerial Decision Making Environment

2. The Bernoulli Process

3. Duality Theorem

4. Steps in Decision Theory

5. Use of Matrices for Production Planning


(Attempt any three)

1. Define functions. What are the different types of functions?

2. Find two consecutive numbers such that 5 times the smaller number is equal to 5 more than three times the greater

number.

3. Distinguish between objective probability and subjective probability. Give one example of each concept.

4. What are the different types of transportation problems?



Read the case Selecting Distribution Type and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Selecting Distribution Type

In each of the following three situations, use the binomial, Poisson or normal distribution according to which it is most

appropriate. In each case, explain why you selected the distribution and draw attention to any feature which supports or casts

doubt on the choice of distribution.

Situation 1

The lifetimes of a certain type of electrical component are distributed with a mean of 800 hours and a standard deviation of 160

hours.

Questions

1. If the manufacturer replaces all components that fall before the guaranteed minimum lifetime of 600 hours, what

percentage of the components has to be replaced?

2 If the manufacturer wishes to replace only the 1% of components that have the shortest life, what value should be used

as the guaranteed lifetime?

3. What is the probability that the mean lifetime of a sample of 25 of these electrical components exceeds 850 hours?

Situation 2

A green grocer buys peaches in large consignments directly from a wholesaler. In view of the perishable nature of the

commodity, the green grocer accepts that 15% of the supplied peaches will usually be unsaleable. As he cannot check all the

peaches individually, he selects a single batch of 10 peaches on which to base his decision of whether to purchase a large

consignment or not. If no more than two of these peaches are unsatisfactory, the greengrocer purchases the consignment.

Question

4. Determine the probability that, under normal supply conditions, the consignment is purchased.

Situation 3 Vehicles pass a certain point on a busy single-carriageway road at an average rate of two per ten-second interval.

Question

5. Determine the probability that more than three cars pass this point during a twenty-second interval.

Quantitative Techniques for Management Applications


1. Two-person Zero-sum Game

2. Properties of Markov Models

3. Methods of Sampling

4. Comparison of 3 M's of Statistics

5. Kinds of Averages

(Attempt any three)

1. What are the key drawbacks of collecting data from secondary sources?

2. IBM Computers (I) Ltd. has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing a relationship between number of

employees and salary structure in Arian Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The statistics manager, Mr. Ayyar has collected the

following data. Draw the frequency distribution and superimpose frequency polygon and frequency curve on it.

Salary No. of Employees Salary No. of Employees

300-400 20 700-800 115

400-500 30 800-900 100

500-600 60 900-1000 60

600-700 75 1000-1200 40

Illustrate the concept of multiple regression analysis.

1. State the difference between the conceptual and mathematical model of forecasting.



Read the case Cost & Revenue Calculation and answer the following questions:

Cost & Revenue Calculation

A switch manufacturer finds that his total monthly production costs are ` 10,600 when production is 16,000 units per month, `

17,800 when it is 26,000 units and ` 27,000 when the production is 36,000 per month. He can sell 16,000 units per month at `

104 each, but has to reduce the price to ` 94 each in order to sell 26,000 pieces. He can sell 36,000 pieces only at ` 80.

Questions:

Assuming that both cost curve and price curve are quadratic, find

1. the monthly total cost and the price,

2. the monthly revenue and

3. the monthly gross profit as functions of the quantity sold.

Find also

4. the quantity sold,

5. the price and the monthly revenue at the breakeven point and confirm that the monthly total cost is then equal to the

monthly revenue.

Understanding Natural Gas Business


1. Worldwide natural gas production

2. Economic activity: driver of natural gas

3. Natural gas marketers

4. Trade Stop Loss

5. Types of underground storage

(Attempt any three)

1. What is the pricing policy of the government with relation to natural gas?

2. Who are the major players in the production, transmission and distribution of natural gas?

3. What is the proposed Integrated LNG Policy?

4. What is the difference between Premium and Non-Premium markets? What are the factors behind the segregation of

Indian gas market into premium and non premium markets


Read the case India Gas Company Manages GIS, Gujarat, India and answer the following questions:

Case Study: India Gas Company Manages GIS, Gujarat, India

The ancient region of Gujarat reveals the history of India. In the past 3,000 years the Gujarat region has been inhabited by Asians,

Greeks, Romans, and the British. Today, the state of Gujarat occupies the northern extremity of the western seaboard of India. A

journey through Gujarat reveals a religious, cultural, and historical panorama. The state with the longest coastline (1,290 km) in

the country is renowned for its holy temples, historic capitals, and immense architectural structures. Industry is booming with a

registered 20,050 working factories.

Complete a requirements analysis.

Create a software requirements specification list.

Perform data modeling and design.

Develop databases.

Customize tools and extensions.

Execute configuration and deployment.

The new GIS supports data sharing across different departments within the company. It reduces redundancy of data and enables

decision making analysis. GIS significantly improves emergency response time.

Questions:

1. Write down the case facts of the above case.

2. Find out the reasons behind the adoption of GIS by Gujarat Gas Private Ltd. (GGPL)

3. Do you think GIS is a successful asset management solution for natural gas distribution system? Give reasons.

4. What are the steps involved in migration plan of a gas company?

5. What you infer from it?

Understanding Natural Gas Business


1. Principles of separation

2. Usefulness of Compressed Natural Gas

3. Significance of GTL technology

4. Comparison of LPG with other fuels

5. Role of natural gas in global energy


(Attempt any three)

1. Briefly explain the synchronization of regasified LNG with distribution pipelines.

2. Discuss the improvement of tools for hydromechanic basic design.

3. Why Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is considered to be the most hazardous item in Coal Mining operation?

4. What factors need to be considered while deciding for converting diesel or petrol operated fleet into CNG operated

vehicle?



Read the case Russian Classification of Reserves and answer the following questions:

Case Study: Russian Classification of Reserves

The estimation of reserves of natural gas, gas condensate and crude oil can be broken down into two components: (i) geological

reserves, or the quantities of natural gas, gas condensate and crude oil contained in the subsoil and (ii) extractable reserves, or

the portion of geological reserves whose extraction from the subsoil as of the date the reserves are calculated is economically

efficient given market conditions and rational use of modern extraction equipment and technologies and taking into account

compliance with the requirements of subsoil and environmental protection.

The Russian reserves system is based solely on the analysis of geological attributes. Explored reserves are represented by

categories A, B, and C1; preliminary estimated reserves are represented by category C2; potential resources are represented by

category C3; and forecasted resources are represented by categories D1 and D2. Natural gas reserves in categories A, B and C1

are considered to be fully extractable. For reserves of oil and gas condensate, a predicated coefficient of extraction is calculated

based on geological and technical factors.

Questions:

1. Find out the case facts of the above case.

2. On what grounds are the reserves classified?

3. According to you, which is the best Category of reserves? Support your answer with reasons.

4. Discuss the utility of volume method in determining the evaluation of natural gas reserve.

5. Give a brief conclusion to the case study.

Understanding Oil and Gas Business


1. Natural Gas

2. Major Players of Petrochemical Sector

3. Geological & Geophysical Surveys

4. Dehydration of Crude Oil

5. CNG Project Economics

(Attempt any three)

1. Explain the features of Natural Gas.

2. Add your views on elementary concepts on Hydrocarbons.

3. Give a brief description on the history of Oil and Gas Industry.

4. Production at offshore requires a fixed or floating facility or a subsea production system and means for transportation of

oil and gas to the consumer at store. Elaborate this statement.


Read the case Oilzapper: eliminate crude oil spills, manage oily sludge and answer the following questions.

Oilzapper: eliminate crude oil spills, manage oily sludge

Results

In the year 1997, TERI initiated the research on crude oil and oil sludge degrading bacterial consortium. After seven years of

research work, TERI developed the Oilzapper (crude oil and oily sludge degrading bacterial consortium). Oilzapper was produced

in bulk and immobilized on to a carrier material (organic powder material). Carrier based Oilzapper was used for clean up of crude

oil spills and treatment of oily sludge.

More than 40,000 tonnes of oily sludge/oil contaminated soil and drill cuttings have been treated at various locations. More than

30,000 tonnes of oily sludge/oil contaminated soil is under treatment at different locations in India and the Middle East countries.

Questions:

1. Focus on the main issue behind the case.

2. Explain the term Microbial Consortium.

3. Discuss the In situ approach used in the case study.

4. What do you mean by feasibility study? How this study is used for bioremediation of contaminated soil?

5. Make a list of end users of Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S technologies.

CASE STUDY ANSWERS












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Understanding Oil and Gas Business


1. Crude Distillation

2. Catalytic Reforming

3. HAZID

4. Maintenance Management Software

5. Relationship between Oil Price & Gas Price

(Attempt any three)

1. Give a brief description on basics of Polymerization.

2. What are the three main units used to generate the base petrochemicals?

3. Discuss the causes and types of Hazards.

4. Describe the role of Linear Programming Applications in Process Plant.



Read the case The Indian Oil pipelines and answer the following questions:

Case Study: The Indian Oil pipelines

Allen Diesels has served the Indian Oil and Gas industry for fifty years. Our products have earned a reputation for reliability,

efficiency and availability and have proved capable of operating effectively in hazardous conditions. Our engines are incredibly

versatile and can operate on a variety of fuels (LSHS/furnace oil), crude oil, natural gas, dual fuel and even sewage gas.

71 Allen diesel engines have been supplied to the Indian Oil Corporation driving pumps on crude oil and finished product

pipelines.

72 Allen diesel engines operate with Oil India Limited driving pumps and generating power on the Naharkatia to Baraundi

crude oil pipeline, the largest single fleet of Allen engines.

Questions:

1. Describe the brief description of IOCL establishment.

2. Today, the Allen 4000 Series is one of the world's leading crude oil burning engines. Give your views in context with the

above said statement.

3. Explain the KBPL Product Pipeline incorporation.

4. Add your comments on Simple operation on crude oil.

5. Discuss the future expansion and development plans of IOCL.

Understanding Petrochemical Business


1. Concept of Polystyrene

2. Olefins Plants

3. Concept of Synthetic Fibres

4. Pharmaceutical and Aromatics Industry

5. Environmental friendly Petrochemical technology

(Attempt any three)

1. Explain the potential hazards in Food Contact Applications.

2. What are the applications of Polyvinyl Chloride?

3. Discuss the challenges faced by Indian Petrochemical Industry.

4. Polyester fibres contain crystalline and non-crystalline regions and X-ray diffraction studies show that the unit cell is

made of one repeating unit. Elaborate this statement.



Read the case A World-Class Supply Chain for a Petrochemicals Company and answer the following questions.

A World-Class Supply Chain for a Petrochemicals Company

In the petrochemicals industry, access to low-cost raw materials (or feedstock) is an important competitive advantage. Since the

mid-2000s most low-cost feedstock has been located in the Middle East. For companies that set up production there, the most

significant challenge is physically moving product to end-users across the globe in a seamless manner.

Situation

A large Middle East producer of chemicals and related materials was embarking on the largest investment in its history:

construction of several assets within the region and the acquisition of assets in several new regions around the world. The

company aimed to triple its capacity within 12 years. But it was already experiencing some problems. It had grown to the point

where it was becoming difficult to support new production capacity, which affected its ability to meet customer demands. Most

troubling, lead times and the reliability of delivery commitments were well below customer expectationsand below competitors'.

Developing a world-class supply chain was the linchpin in the company's strategy to connect assets in the Middle East to end

markets around the world. Seeking a partner that had supply chain expertise, an understanding of end markets, and the ability to

drive substantial change, the management team engaged A.T. Kearney. Our task was to redesign the company's multiple sourcing

and delivery mechanisms into a single, integrated supply chain that would reduce costs, improve customer service, and meet the

unique requirements of each of its five business units.

1. Discuss the aims and objectives of Petrochemical Company.

2. Focus on the situation of the company.

3. Explain the process of conducting a detailed assessment of the supply chain within each strategic business unit.

4. What was the impact of implementation of the approach in the case study?

Managing Individual & Org

Section A

Q.1. Comment on Training as a tool for employee retention.

Q.2. How does Job Evaluation help in establishing future goals for Organizations? Is it important to evaluate only the

compensable factors for employees?

Q.3. What is empowerment, and how can managers empower others? Explain while commenting on the power keys to

empowerment.

Q.4. Are there particular sets of traits that all leaders have, making them different from non- leaders? How much of an impact do

situational factors have on leaders?

Section B

Q.1 What are the components of Human Resource Planning? Does Planning include recruiting and should it be done by only

organizations decision makers?

Q.2. How do managers acquire the power needed for leadership? Are Leadership and Supervision different?

Q. 3. If Goal Specificity, Participative Decision Making, Explicit time period and feedback are the key components of Management

by Objectives (MBO), why do most organizations fail in implementing MBO?

Section C

Protest Over Job Losses

Bitter it may taste, shrill it may sound, and sleepless nights it may cause, but it is true. In a major shakeup, Airbusthe European

aircraft manufacturerhas thrown a big shock to its employees. Before coming to the details of the shock, a peep into the

company's resume.

Name: Airbus

Created: 1970

President, CEO: Louis Gallois

Employees: 57,000

Turnover (2006): 26 bn (Euro)

Total aircraft sold (Feb.2007): 7187

Delivered: 4598

Headquarters: Toulouse (France) Facilities: 16 Rival: Boeing

Airbus announced on February 27, 2007, that it would shed 10,000 jobs across four European countries and sell six of its units.

On the same day the hapless workers did what was expected of themdowned tools and staged protests. The protesting workers

at Airbus's factory at Meaulte, northern France, were seen picketing outside the factory gate after holding up production a day

earlier. To be fair to Airbus, its management entered talks with unions before the job loss and sale was formally announced. But

the talks did not mollify the agitated workers.

Job shedding and hiring of units are a part of Power8 restructuring plan u

m.tec answer sheets.case study answers assignment solutions project reports and thesis imt / isbm /...

Documents

case dd

section c

strategy section

following questions

dd s business model

business policy

strategic intent

strategic leadership