TEAM IGNICION
PI
KIT
2022
IIM LUCKNOW
DEAR
ASPIRANTS
Congratulations!
IIM Lucknow family extends a hearty congratulations to all of
you for making it this far in the selection process.
To help you prepare for the next leg of your journey and enter
the gates of HelL, Team Ignicion at IIM Lucknow presents to you
the WAT-PI KIT 2022 . This document contains domain-specific
information and past interview experiences that can help you
ace the final round of the admission process.
Reach out to us at Email: ignicion@iiml.ac.in
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignicion
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ignicion_iiml
PagalGuy: https://www.pagalguy.com/iim-lucknow-2021-2023call-getters-official
We wish you all the very best for your interviews and future
endeavours!
Regards,
Team Ignicion
IIM Lucknow
CONTENTS
INTERVIEW BASICS
2
How to plan for the interview?
5
HR Questions
10
Interview Tips
DOMAIN PREPARATION
12
Consulting
20
Marketing
27
Economics (Including Budget 2022)
40
Finance
57
HR
64
Entrepreneurship
69
Operations
83
Product Management & Analytics
93
Agribusiness Management
98
Sustainable Management
103
General (Including Current Affairs &
Economic Survey 2021-22)
126
PAST EXPERIENCES
Photographed by
Felix Manzano
Page | 1
HOW TO PLAN
FOR THE
INTERVIEW?
Page | 2
HOW DO YOU STRATEGISE AND PLAN FOR YOUR INTERVIEW?
Firstly, you need to understand what a Personal Interview is all about.
What is more important than your CAT preparation? Your interview. An institute forms an
opinion about you as a person through a personal interview. It is a channel for the institute to get
to know you better as a person and also to judge if you fit into their institute. Thus, knowing
yourself is the most important part of your preparation.
The panel does not expect you to know all the answers. They are more interested in clarity of
thought with regard to what you have accomplished so far.
The focus of your interview can range from specific questions about academics or job to broader
questions about your life, personality and hobbies. Do your homework well. You should have a
well thought and practiced answer for questions that are commonly asked in any interview.
PILLARS OF INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Personality Based Questions
These questions are asked to understand if you are a good fit in the institute and if your
views and personality matches the institute’s culture. These are general questions about
one’s personality and hence it is not acceptable if you cannot answer these questions.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to answering personality-based
questions. It is more about understanding your clarity of thoughts. What is important is to
have a consistency through all your answers and thus it is advisable to be honest with
your answers.
It is important to know yourself to answer questions like strengths and weaknesses, longterm and short-term goals, Why MBA, etc. Avoid answering ‘I don’t have any weaknesses’
as it shows lack of self-awareness. Thus, introspection is the key to answering these
questions.
While answering questions about your personality, try supplementing it with an example
or a short incident that justifies a particular trait.
Academics
Academics is something you cannot let go off even if you have been working. You are still
supposed to remember important details from your graduation. As for freshers, this is one
area that your interview will largely be based on. You need not study everything all over
again. The panel also does not expect you to study 4 years in 4 weeks all over again. What
they expect to know is if you have understood the concepts from graduation well. Hence,
ensure that you are thorough with the basics of what you have studied so far. Also, it is
important to understand the practicality of the subjects you have studied so far.
Tip: Prepare for your favourite subject in depth; Have an explanation ready for why it is
your favourite subject.
Page | 3
Work-Experience
For candidates with work experience, majority of your interview will revolve around what
your role is at work. Work profile, the assignments you have worked on and also a little
history and recent developments in your organisation will form major portion of the
questioning in this bucket. You also need to prepare well for examples showcasing your
leadership skills at work as well as team work.
Prepare well on the industry and the current market scenario of the industry you are
employed in. An in-depth information of your employer, processes, businesses, structure,
financial figures is important along with the knowledge of your competitors and their
strategies.
Also, highlight any work achievements, how you accomplished it, what it taught you, etc.
Extra-Curriculars
Any institute wants a well-rounded individual. Extra-curriculars show how balanced an
individual is. Show the interviewer that you are interested in things apart from your
academics and work.
Talk about positions of responsibilities held by you and major learnings, challenges,
teamwork and leadership opportunities.
When talking about your hobbies, try to show how you have consistently tried to be better
at your hobby. The interviewer will expect in-depth of knowledge about your hobby.
Let’s evaluate a scenario, say your hobby is swimming. The interviewer will expect you to
know the dimensions of an Olympic swimming pool, the volume of water in it, the
number of lanes in the pool, the number and names of events in the Olympics, top
international and national players.
Build your answers about your hobby keeping this in mind.
General Awareness
Static GK - Any institute wants a candidate who is aware. You are expected to have
knowledge about politics, civics, history and geography. Don’t be surprised if the
interviewer asks you the number of seats in Lok Sabha.
Current affairs - This is the most feared area of most candidates. Try to read as much as
you can. Making summaries of notes is also very important. We have compiled a list of
important current affairs over the past few months. (This is not an exhaustive list; with
current affairs it never is!)
Abstract
Be prepared for anything, this pillar is for absolutely anything.
The interviewer can ask you to solve a puzzle, give you real life situations or test your
analytical skills by giving you a guesstimate.
You will need to think quickly so be fresh and attentive.
So now that you know about the pillars, create a story linking all the pillars. Keep updating this is
as you give more interviews. Reflect about your life, your goals and your passion as much as you
can to create unique answers.
Page | 4
HR
QUESTIONS
Page | 5
Tell me something about yourself.
Tell me something that is not on your CV.
Introduce yourself in 30 seconds.
Which one word would describe you the best?
Use 3 adjectives to describe yourself.
How would your friends describe you?
Why MBA?
Why IIM Lucknow?
Why do you want to join this institute? What, according to you, makes this institute unique?
Why do you want to join the ABM/SM course?
What will you choose between PGP and ABM?
What are your reasons to join an MBA program this year?
Why do you want to do marketing/finance/consulting/operations/hr?
What other calls do you have? If you convert X institute, would you still choose our institute
over X?
What other calls have you got?
Which discipline in MBA interests you the most? Cite some examples why you think you
might be a good fit for that discipline.
Should more new IIMs be opened in the country or not?
What are your short-term/long-term goals?
What do success and failure mean to you?
Tell me about an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and what did you learn from it?
What has been your biggest failure?
Do you have any regrets?
How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10?
How do you deal with criticism and sarcasm?
What are the 3 most important events of your life?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What is your biggest fear and how did you overcome it?
What is the most difficult decision you made in your life?
Tell us an incident where you stood against your superiors.
Describe a situation where you had a conflict with your colleagues.
Tell me about a time where you had trouble at work while working on a project.
Tell me about a time where you displayed leadership skills.
Describe a situation where you messed up.
Do you consider yourself a team player?
State 5 of your strengths and your weaknesses each? Why do you think XYZ (particular
characteristic) to be a strength/weakness? How have you handled it in the past? If not faced,
how will you handle a scenario (based on your weakness) in future?
Page | 6
What are the qualities of a Leader? What is the difference between a Leader and a Manager?
What was an experience in your life that you would want to go back and change?
What is the major setback that you have faced so far in your life? What did you learn from it?
Give an example where you have displayed commendable leadership skills.
Are you a team player? Give an instance.
Why did you quit your job?
By the time you join IIM L (if you get selected), you would have around 30 months of work
experience. Why do you want to make a switch at this point in your career?
What are you looking for in a new opportunity?
Why should IIM Lucknow take you in the PGP program?
Give us 3 reasons not to select you
What are the added advantages that a manager with technical background can provide?
Why should we select you given that there are thousands of similar applicants like you?
Mention a few aspects that you bring to the table if you are selected.
What value can you add to the class?
Are you a hard worker or a smart worker?
What sets you apart from others?
What are your hobbies?
Your passion and why?
Who is your role model (both family and non-family)? Why?
What motivates you?
How do you handle pressure?
What makes you uncomfortable?
If you were an animal what would you be?
Justification for year gap, if any?
We do not believe that extracurricular involvement is reason enough to justify your low
grades. What do you have to say?
What values did you learn through your extracurricular activities?
Did you hold a significant position of responsibility at your college? What did it teach you?
What is your contingency plan if you do not get selected in this interview?
If given a chance what would you do differently in this interview?
List three things that you like about my home town.
Tell me five unique things about your hometown.
What do you know about the political conditions of your hometown?
How important do you feel is social responsibility nowadays?
Did you ever face any ethical dilemma while you were working? How did you deal with it?
Describe the roles & responsibilities, and a project that I was working at that time in the firm.
Have you ever tackled any situation where you had limited resources and you had to manage
with it? How?
What adversity do you think you’ll face the most while pursuing your MBA?
Page | 7
Tell me 3 things that you learned from your job.
What are the reasons for you leaving the job?
Motivation behind your startup?
Mention a few things that you should not do in the workplace.
Why switch from x to y sector?
Work Ex related question - As you are already working as a Consultant at Deloitte, what
would you gain from joining IIM Lucknow. Why PGDM?
Tell us about your family business, the industry, your contribution? How will MBA help to scale
it further?
After MBA, job or Entrepreneurship?
International Trends in management domains.
News Headlines.
What are the famous things (food, clothes, monuments, etc) of your village/ city/ state and
Lucknow?
Last book you read, details about it- author, last line said by the protagonist, other books by
the same author?
Any new hobbies you developed during covid19?
How did you spend time during Covid-19 to become better?
What questions do you have for me?
SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS
How would you handle a situation where one of your team members is not working hard
enough?
In your CV form you have written that your work experience has taught you how to say ‘no’.
Can you tell us a little more about this?
If you have a family business you will not sit for placements or leave the job at an early stage.
Why should we choose you over a student who will sit for the placements and be a future
recruiter?
The candidate before you was a national level sports person. We believe he/she would bring
in more diversity at our institute. Give us 3 reasons why we should still select you.
Suppose we are a board of directors and we order you that out of the 3 options do not
suggest the best one for the client but suggest the one where we(Company) will earn
something. What shall you do?
Your boss tells you to distribute cards of his daughter’s marriage to top business associates
related to the company during the work hours. What would you do?
Now the boss tells you to tell an employee to do the task given in 3 days. But the employee
refuses. The boss is angry and hell bent that you have to fire that employee. Convincing him is
not an option. Either you will fire him or you will get fired, even then, that employee will have
to be fired. Now what will you do?
Page | 8
Suppose, I am the PM of Greece, I hire your team as a company. Revive my economy as
efficiently, quickly and robustly as possible.
You have joined a bank which was Govt. Owned first but is now privatized, the people are
incompetent, what will you do as a leader to solve the deadlock?
You are a manager and you have to take a decision where you either pay a bribe or lose the
contract causing a loss of livelihood to 400 families.
If you are a new company and want to expand, would you resort to unethical practices for
your success, why or why not, counter questions about answers given
As you mentioned you play badminton, what can be the future of Saina Nehwal?
Suppose if an employee is to get promoted. You want to surprise them, but they are
dissatisfied and will leave. What will you do? Okay, now tell me if you know that someone has
to be fired but the management has not informed them will you?
Consider the scenario - You win a million-dollar lottery. Would you still be working?
Page | 9
INTERVIEW
TIPS
Page | 10
Always prepare some good questions to ask the interviewer. These should not be about how
your interview went or placement statistics. Instead, focus on the learning opportunities,
electives available, research possibilities if you are interested etc. Treat it as an opportunity to
show your interest and knowledge about the course to the interviewer.
Any interview is a conversation, so be as natural as possible. Be confident, smile a bit, speak
with conviction and do not come across as wooden or boring. Don’t be arrogant or
overconfident, it will negate all the good things you do.
The faculty is interviewing hundreds of candidates. You need to build on your story and
differentiate yourself from them and give the interviewers a reason to pick you.
Go through the website of IIM Lucknow and try to get an overview of the course structure
and general information about the institute.
Have a good knowledge about the state/city you hail from and Lucknow, especially the
current affairs.
Everything you say should be backed up what you say with good relevant examples. Your
story should be complete and cohesive.
Do not go to the interview with a fixed mindset. Your interview may be nothing like what we
have described above. It is always important for you to keep a cool head and think clearly.
Your attitude and poise in the interview are as important, if not more, than what you know or
do not know.
Get a good sleep before your interview. BEING CALM DURING THE INTERVIEW IS OF UTMOST
IMPORTANCE.
Know your CV like the back of your hand.
Keep your composure; sometimes interviewers might try to rattle you up by asking
uncomfortable questions just to test your mettle.
If you don’t know the answer, try taking an educated guess or say you don’t know/remember.
Do not try to beat around the bush. Ex) Sir, honestly, I have never heard of this term but when
I get back, I will definitely make sure I read about it.
Keep a track of the time and don’t make good morning/good afternoon greeting mistakes. It
reflects your presence of mind.
Page | 11
CONSULTING
CONSULTING AND STRATEGY CLUB
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr
q83R9MiXbuChoqGqGpIWQ
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/consult-clubiim-lucknow-a0345664
App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=com.csc1.myapplicationi
Page | 12
CONSULTING - AN INTRODUCTION
Consulting is the branch of management that deals in providing expertise to businesses and
organizations to solve typical problems related to domains such as growth, strategy,
operational excellence, etc. Consulting means “engaged in the business of giving expert
advice to people working in a specific field.” In other words, a consultant is somebody who
gives advice to a specific group of people. The true meaning of consulting is helping
people solve problems and move from their current state to their desired state.
There are three main reasons people decide to bring in outside advice:
They are simply unable to figure it out or get to their desired state on their own.
They have a general idea, but they want to get there faster.
They want to save time and effort by following an efficient, proven system.
The three main categories of consulting:
Management Consulting: It is what most people think of when someone says “consulting.”
This field is dominated by large firms like McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and Boston
Consulting Group, which are hired to help enterprise businesses improve strategy and
operations or manage significant business events like mergers and acquisitions.
Corporate Consulting: Category of corporate consulting covers a massive spectrum of job
descriptions and focuses. This is a catch-all category that includes in-house consulting
services, implementation teams, B2B consulting businesses, and a host of other things.
Independent Consulting: Done by professionals who have developed expertise in an area,
they choose to build and run their own business around that knowledge rather than
continuing as an employee.
Consulting as a Career: You will develop business acumen over a multitude of industries by
solving the most pressing and complex problems faced by companies. The learning curve is very
steep since you work with the best of the best and interact with top management very often. It
helps build a structured thought process and superior analytic mindset. (Prepare a why
consulting answer based on your goals.)
Consulting firms: McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Co, Kearney, Mastercard
Advisors, KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
What is Strategy:
Strategy is a set of goal-directed actions a firm takes to gain and sustain superior performance
relative to competitors. A good strategy consists of 3 elements:
A diagnosis of the competitive challenge
A guiding policy to address the competitive challenge
A set of coherent actions to implement the firm’s guiding policy.
Page | 13
What is competitive advantage?
Competitive advantage is always relative, not absolute. To assess competitive advantage, we
compare firm performance to a benchmark — that is, either the performance of other firms in
the same industry or an industry average.
A firm that achieves superior performance relative to other competitors in the same industry
or the industry average has a competitive advantage.
Strategy is about creating superior value, while containing the cost to create it. Managers
achieve this combination of value and cost through strategic positioning. That is, they stake
out a unique position within an industry that allows the firm to provide value to customers,
while controlling costs. The greater the difference between value creation and cost, the
greater the firm’s economic contribution and the more likely it will gain competitive
advantage.
Sustainable competitive advantage: A firm that is able to outperform its competitors or
the industry average over a prolonged period of time.
Competitive disadvantage: Under performance relative to other competitors in the same
industry or the industry average.
Competitive parity: Situation when two or more firms perform at the same level.
Problems solved by a Consultant:
Guesstimates: Consultants are required to make educated estimates about the size of a
problem or impact of a strategy, using their logical ability, general knowledge and problem
specific learnings (garnered through extensive research and asking good questions).
Profitability: Case, wherein, the client is facing an unexpected drop in profits in the recent
past.
Frameworks/Techniques Identifying revenue sources and cost centers
Systematic analysis of revenue and cost levers
Competitor benchmarking
Value chain analyses
Market Entry: Case, wherein, the client requires assistance or advice in deciding whether to
make an investment in a new market.
Frameworks/Techniques PESTEL analysis
SWOT analysis
Porter’s 5 forces
Quantitative estimation of market attractiveness
Mergers and Acquisitions: Case, wherein, the client seeks advice on whether to execute a
strategic merger or acquisition.
Frameworks/Techniques Estimate standalone value of the firm to be acquired
Analyse revenue and cost synergies arising due to the merger/acquisition
Study the capabilities of the acquiring firm to execute the merger/acquisition
Page | 14
PESTEL Framework: The PESTEL model groups the factors in the firm’s general environment
into six segments and provides a way to scan, monitor, and evaluate the important external
factors and trends.
Political: Focus on how and to what degree a government intervenes in the economy by
analyzing government policies, political stability or instability in overseas markets, foreign
trade policies, tax policies, labour laws, environmental laws, trade restrictions and so on.
Economic: Economic factors in a firm’s external environment are largely macroeconomic,
affecting economy-wide phenomena. Managers need to consider how the following five
macroeconomic factors can affect firm strategy:
Growth rates. Levels of employment. Interest rates. Price stability (inflation and
deflation). Currency exchange rates.
Social: Also known as socio-cultural factors, are the areas that involve the shared belief and
attitudes of the population. These factors include – population growth, age distribution,
health consciousness, career attitudes and so on. These factors are of particular interest as
they have a direct effect on how marketers understand customers and what drives them.
Technological: We all know how fast the technological landscape changes and how this
impacts the way we market our products. Technological factors affect marketing and the
management thereof in three distinct ways:
New ways of producing goods and services
New ways of distributing goods and services
New ways of communicating with target markets
Page | 15
Legal: These factors have both external and internal sides. There are certain laws that affect
the business environment in a certain country while there are certain policies that companies
maintain for themselves. Legal analysis takes into account both of these angles and then
charts out the strategies in light of these legislation. For example, consumer laws, safety
standards, labour laws, etc.
Environmental: These factors include all those that influence or are determined by the
surrounding environment. Factors of a business environmental analysis include but are not
limited to climate, weather, geographical location, global changes in climate, environmental
offsets, etc.
Industry Structure and Firm Strategy: The Five Forces Model
Used for industry analysis. It is used to check the lucrativeness and the general trend in the
industry. This is to help managers understand the profit potential of different industries and
how they can position their respective firms to gain and sustain competitive advantage.
Porter’s model identifies five key competitive forces that managers need to consider when
analyzing the industry environment and formulating competitive strategy:
Threat of entry: The threat of new entrants to the market determines the sustainability of
estimated market share. It is evaluated in terms of market entry barriers which may be in
the form of high fixed cost, product differentiation etc.
Power of suppliers: A competitive market with limited suppliers brings with its high
level of bargaining power of suppliers.
Power of buyers: Multiple products of same category gives the buyers an advantage in
bargaining, thus high bargaining power of buyers exists in multi-brand products. Five
forces analysis helps organizations to understand the factors affecting profitability in a
specific industry and can help to inform decisions relating to: whether to enter a specific
industry; whether to increase capacity in a specific industry; and developing competitive
strategies
Threat of substitutes: There is always a threat of substitute products replacing the
existing product(s) of a firm. Substitutes could lead to obsolescence.
Rivalry among existing competitors: Existing rivalry between firms can take a firm’s
profits to zero and may lead to shut down (ex. During price wars). In a competitive
environment, firm’s decision is highly influenced by what the competitors do.
SWOT Analysis:
This enables to evaluate a firm’s current situation and future prospects by simultaneously
considering internal and external factors. The SWOT analysis encourages managers to scan
the internal and external environments, looking for any relevant factors that might affect the
firm’s current or future competitive advantage.
The focus is on internal and external factors that can affect—in a positive or negative way—the
firm’s ability to gain and sustain a competitive advantage.
Page | 16
To facilitate a SWOT analysis, managers use a set of strategic questions that link the firm’s
internal environment to its external environment to derive strategic implications.
Strategy requires you to make trade-offs in competing - to choose what not to do. Strategy
also requires creating a “fit” among company activities. Fit has to do with the ways a
company’s activities interact and reinforce one another. The activities of the company should
not seem to contradict with one another.
The strategic management process helps company leaders assess their company's present
situation, chalk out strategies, deploy them and analyses the effectiveness of the
implemented strategies. The strategic management process involves analysing crossfunctional business decisions prior to implementing them.
BCG Matrix
The quadrant matrix developed by Boston Consulting Group in the early 1960s is used to plan
market strategies. Growth rate is determined by reference to market research, or it can be
estimated.
Page | 17
“Competitive position” includes an assessment of the firm’s overall market penetration and
profitability compared to the other players in that market. Products are then positioned in
the four cells as shown in the figure.
Cash Cows: Large Market Share in a mature industry. Requires little investment.
Star: Larger Market Share in growing industry. Requires investment to maintain the lead.
Question Marks: Small Market Share in a growing market. Requires focus and resources.
Dogs: Small Market Share in a mature industry. Little prospect for gain.
Page | 18
Page | 19
MARKETING
PRiSM: The Marketing Cell
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/prism.iiml
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/prism.iimlucknow/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/prismiimluc
know/
Page | 20
SALES V/S MARKETING
MARKETING:
“Marketing is the social process by which individuals and organizations obtain what they need
and want through creating and exchanging value with others.”– Philip Kotler
SALES:
Sales is the act of transferor exchange of a commodity for money or another commodity and
involves a minimum of two people - buyer and seller.
MARKETING OVER THE YEARS
Until the 1950’s
A firm focused on a production orientation specializes in producing as much as possible of a
given product or service. Thus, this signifies the firm exploiting economies of scale until the
minimum efficient scale is reached.
Until the 1960’s
A firm employed a product orientation chiefly concerned with the quality of its own product. A
firm would also assume that if its product was of a high standard, people would buy and
consume the product.
Page | 21
1950’s and 1960’s
A firm used a sales orientation focuses primarily on the selling/promotion of a particular product,
and not determining new consumer desires as such. Consequently, this entailed simply selling
an already existing product, and using promotion techniques to attain the highest sales possible.
1970s to the present day
The ‘marketing orientation’ is perhaps the most common orientation used in contemporary
marketing. It involves a firm essentially basing its marketing plans around the marketing
concept, thus supplying products to suit new consumer tastes.
Everything matters in marketing
21st century the holistic marketing concept looks at marketing as a complex activity and
acknowledges that everything matters in marketing and a broad and integrated perspective is
necessary in developing, designing and implementing marketing programs and activities.
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS OF MARKETING:
STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning)
Segmentation
This involves dividing the market into segments. This can be based upon various
criteria upon which we can classify groups of people who can buy the product. E.g.,
Market for cars can be classified income wise, i.e., a group of people who can afford
a 1 lakh car, some people can afford a 5-lakh car and some 20 lakhs and so on.
Targeting
This involves deciding which group of the market we are targeting, i.e., for whom are
we creating this product/service?
Positioning
This involves positioning the product/service based on the target market. So, with
the positioning per a target segment, the product will attract that set of customers.
Page | 22
MARKETING MIX
7Ps OF MARKETING:
Product — This signifies the product or the service the company is bringing to the market, its
key features, its USP’s (Unique Selling propositions).
Place — This signifies the placement of the product/service. It includes where the product will
be visible to the consumers and where they can buy it.
Price — This signifies the pricing strategy of the product. It includes at what price point the
product/service will be sold to the target segment.
Promotion — This involves the strategy with which the company will attract customers and
promote its product in various media (print, TV, social).
People — The ‘people’ element of the 7Ps involves anyone directly, or indirectly, involved in
the business-side of the enterprise. People who are involved in selling a product or service,
designing it, managing teams, representing customers etc.
Process — This includes the delivery of your service in front of the customer. It basically talks
about the ‘ease of doing business’ and repeatedly delivering the same standard of service.
Physical Evidence — Physical evidence often takes two forms: evidence that a service or
purchase took place and proof or confirmation of the existence of your brand. Physical
evidence brings a brand to the forefront of the game, and set it apart from your competitors
by showing you as professional, authentic and informed.
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGIES:
B2C marketing
B2B marketing
Digital and Social Media Marketing
Guerrilla Marketing
Brand Image
Brand Personality
Brand Loyalty
Brand Equity
Brand Revitalization
Page | 23
Brand Recall
Brand extension
Product Line Extension
Top of the mind awareness
Consumer Purchase Journey
Surrogate Advertising
Ambush Marketing
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
Ansoff Matrix
Moment marketing
PUSH VS PULL MARKET:
Content Marketing Distribution: Pull vs Push
PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE:
Page | 24
ANSOFF MATRIX
Ansoff Matrix is a model useful for companies looking for expansion. The Ansoff Matrix provides a
route for the expansion using product and market as parameters.
If the company chooses to move ahead with the same product portfolio within the same
market, it is seen to take the route of Market Penetration. In such a situation, the role of extensive
promotional strategies and product rebranding becomes critical.
The route of Product development is taken when the company wants to launch new product
categories into the existing market.
Similarly, when the company chooses to expand into newer markets with the same product
portfolio, it is taking the route of Market Development.
When the company chooses to introduce new products in new markets, it is called
Diversification and this, of all options is the riskiest and the costliest one.
Page | 25
SOME BASIC QUESTIONS ON MARKETING
What is marketing?
What is Sales?
What is the difference between marketing and sales?
What is the difference between a consumer and a customer?
What is a brand?
Define STP?
Name your favourite brand and its positioning
What are the 4 Ps of Marketing? Give an example of the 4 Ps.
What are the 7 Ps of Marketing?
What is Porter's 5 Forces? What is Porter's 5 Forces used for?
What is Holistic Marketing?
What is SEO? How does SEO work?
What is digital marketing?
How do you measure the performance of digital marketing?
What is the Product life cycle?
What was the impact of COVID-19 on marketing?
What are some emerging trends in Marketing?
What is the importance of marketing?
Give examples of how some brands reacted to COVID-19?
Do you think COVID-19 has changed marketing forever?
What is the difference between a product and a service?
What is the difference between B2B and B2C?
What is the marketing strategy of your company?
What is your favourite advertisement and why?
What is the difference between social media marketing and digital marketing?
What is traditional marketing?
What are ATL, BTL and TTL forms of promotional strategies?
What is point of sales advertising?
How do you define impulse purchasing?
How has COVID changed the advertising/marketing landscape for the country?*
Give examples of companies which have changed their advertising and promotional
campaigns with respect to the COVID situation in the nation?
Why is it necessary for a company to have a marketing department?
What do you know about Digital Marketing? (lead generation, click per thousands,
impressions, engagement etc.)
What are a few types of pricing strategies used by companies for their products?
Some advertising controversies you can talk about in the recent times?
Talk about your favourite advertisement
You are the marketing head of an XYZ company, How would you market a famous product of
the company?
Why do you think you are a good fit for the role of marketing?
Sales or Marketing?
Page | 26
ECONOMICS
PUBLIC POLICY CLUB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ppciiml/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppciiml
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicpolicy-club-iim-lucknow-050898191/
Page | 27
Economics
Economics is the social science which deals with prioritization of options available by individuals,
society and government for using the scarce resources to meet the various needs of life.
Microeconomics
Microeconomics is the branch of economics which deals with decisions made by individuals to
use the resources, interactions between the individuals for utilization and distribution of the
scarce resources.
Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics is another branch of economics which deals with the aggregate behaviour of
the economy (regional, national or global) in terms of performance parameters such as inflation,
GDP, national income, price levels etc.
Types of economies:
Capitalist Economy: It is the economy where the decisions about what to produce, how
much to produce and the price at which to sell is solely taken by the market or the private
enterprises in the system and the state has no economic role. This concept was originated in
the famous work of Adam Smith- The Wealth of Nations (1776).
State Economy: It is the economy where the decision w.r.t production, distribution, supply
and price is solely taken by the state.
Mixed Economy: It is the economy where some elements of the economy are controlled by
the state and the rest of the elements are regulated by the market. In other way, it can be
said that it is the combination of capitalist economy and state economy.
The Game of Demand and Supply:
Demand curve: Relationship between the quantity of a good that consumers are willing to
buy and the price of the good. Influencing factors: Income, price of other goods, tastes and
preferences.
Supply curve: Relationship between the quantity of a good that producers are willing to sell
and the price of the good.
Market equilibrium:
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The quantity that producers are willing to sell depends not only on the price they receive but
also on their production costs, including wages, interest charges, and the costs of raw materials.
Aggregate demand is the total demand for goods and services in an economy.
Aggregate supply is the total supply of goods and services in an economy.
Money
Is anything that can perform the following functions that can serve as a medium of exchange, as
a store of value, as a unit of account and a standard of deferred payment.
National income and related terms
National Income: Income of the Nation can be calculated in four ways: GDP, NDP, GNP, NNP,
which is also a subject in ‘National Income Accounting’.
GDP: Gross Domestic Product is the value of all the final goods and services produced within
the boundary of the nation during the period of one year. It is the summation of national
private consumption, gross investment, government spending and trade balance.
NDP: Net Domestic Product (NDP) is the GDP minus the depreciation of the goods and
services produced.
GNP: Gross National Product is the summation of the GDP of a nation and the income of the
nation from outside of the nation. GNP indicates both the quantitative and qualitative aspect
of the economy.
NNP: Net National Product (NNP) is the GNP minus the depreciation of the economy. Price
fluctuations and terms:
Inflation: Inflation is the quantitative measure of increase in the general price level of goods
& services which results in the decreasing of the purchasing power per unit of a currency.
Deflation: In economics, deflation is a decrease in the general price level of goods and
services. Deflation occurs when the inflation rate falls below 0%.
Stagflation: Stagflation is the situation of an economy when inflation & unemployment both
are at higher levels that is opposite to the conventional situation. The conventional belief is
that a trade-off exists between inflation and unemployment rate according to Phillips Curve.
GDP Deflator: It is the measure of price behaviour. It is the ratio of GDP at current price and
GDP at a constant price.
Recession: Is a period during which aggregate output declines. Two consecutive quarters of
decrease in output signal a recession.
Depression: A prolonged and deep recession becomes a depression.
Types of policies:
Fiscal Policy: The policy in which the nation’s economy is regulated and monitored by
government’s adjustment in spending and taxation.
Monetary Policy: The policy in which price stability and money supply and inflation rate
regulation is taken by the central bank of a country to achieve the macroeconomic
objectives.
Growth Policies: These are government policies that focus on stimulating aggregate supply
instead of aggregate demand.
Page | 29
Ratios and rates:
Cash Reserve Ratio: Cash Reserve Ratio is the mandatory percentage of share a bank has to
keep with the Reserve Bank of India in liquid cash to combat the inflation and keep the
liquidity in check
Statutory Liquidity Ratio: Statutory Liquidity Ratio is the share of a bank’s deposits kept
with RBI in the form of Liquid assets to ensure bank’s solvency and money flow in the
economy.
Bank Rate: Based on the monetary policies, commercial banks can borrow loans from banks
from the central bank. The interest rate charged by the RBI on these types of loans and
advances to the banks is known as bank rate.
Repo Rate: Repo rate is the interest rate at which RBI lends money to the banks for short
term. With the help of Repo Rate, RBI can regulate the inflation and liquidity of the economy
of the country.
Reverse Repo Rate: Reverse Repo Rate is the rate at which commercial banks give loans to
the RBI. Reverse Repo Rate helps to regulate the money supply in the economy.
Marginal Standing Facility Rate: The rate at which the scheduled banks can borrow funds
overnight from RBI against government securities.
Budget terms:
Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit is the difference between the total revenue and total
expenditure of the government. When a government’s total expenditure exceeds total
revenue, excluding any external borrowings it is termed as fiscal deficit
Surcharge: This is an additional tax or charge which is levied on a tax. It is calculated on
payable tax, not on income generated.
Revenue deficit: When the government’s net income is less than the projected net income,
a revenue deficit occurs. It is a key indicator to determine whether the government is
overspending from its regular income.
Capital expenditure: It is the fund used for development, buying or acquiring fixed assets
that may incur gains in the long run.
Revenue expenditure: This is the expenditure that does not result in the creation of any
fixed assets. Subsidies and interest payments come under the revenue expenditure.
Direct Taxes: The tax amount levied directly on individual or organization’s income or
property by the imposing body. It is based on the principle of ability-to-pay, which means the
entity with more resources have to pay more amount of tax. Examples of Direct Taxes is
income tax, wealth tax, property tax, corporate tax etc.
Indirect Taxes: It is the tax collected by an intermediary and paid to the government by
passing the tax burden on the consumer buying that good or service. It is the tax imposed on
the goods and services instead on a person or organization’s income, earning or property.
Examples of Indirect tax: Value Added Tax, Custom Duty, Service Tax.
Good and Service Tax: It is a destination based indirect tax that is imposed on the value
addition at each stage till final sale to the consumer. It has replaced many indirect taxes in
India. The Goods and Services are divided into five tax slabs for the collection of the tax: 0%,
5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.
Page | 30
Transfer payments: Payments made by the government to people who do not supply
goods, services, or labour in exchange for these payments.
Exchange rate:
The price of one country’s currency in relation to another country’s currency.
Floating (or flexible) exchange rate: when two countries agree to let international market
forces of supply and demand determine their exchange rate. It fluctuates depending on
exports and imports of a country.
Fixed exchange rate: When two countries agree to keep their exchange, rates fixed through
use of monetary policy.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - Microeconomics
What is elasticity of demand, elasticity of supply, cross price elasticity?
Difference between Income and Substitution effect?
What are the exceptions of law of demand?
Difference between inferior and giffen goods?
Factors affecting demand and factors affecting supply of a product?
What is consumer surplus, producer surplus and total surplus?
What are the characteristics of: Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition
and Oligopoly. Examples of all of them.
What is the law of diminishing marginal utility?
What is the law of diminishing returns?
What is Slutsky Equation?
What is the difference between Hicksian and Slutsky decomposition?
What is the difference between Hicksian and Marshallian demand function?
What is an Indifference curve and its properties?
What is Marginal Rate of Substitution? How does it affect shape of indifference curve?
What is an Isoquant?
What is a Budget Line? How IC and Budget Line helps in finding equilibrium?
What is the theory of revealed preferences?
How do firms take their production decisions?
What are different returns to scale?
What is the shape of Total Cost curve, average cost curve, Marginal cost curve, total fixed cost,
total variable cost?
What is the relationship between average cost, marginal cost & average variable cost?
What is the break-even point for a firm? What are sunk costs?
What is the long run competitive equilibrium for firms?
What is game theory? What are different game theories strategies?
What is Nash Equilibrium?
What is the difference between Cournot Model, Bertrand Model & Stackelberg Model?
What is the deadweight loss? In which market structure deadweight loss is minimum?
Page | 31
What is price discrimination? What are the different types of price discrimination?
What are public goods and their characteristics?
How does asymmetric information and externalities affect the market?
What is the difference between shifting the demand curve and movement along the
demand curve?
What is perfectly elastic and perfectly inelastic demand?
What are price ceilings and price floors? Give real life examples?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - Macroeconomics
Which is better GDP or GNP?
3 methods to calculate GDP?
Real vs Nominal Interest rate?
What is the difference between Keynesian theory and classical theory?
What is the shape of aggregate supply curve in short run and long run?
What is disposable Income? How do you calculate it from national income?
What is CPI and WPI? What is India’s current CPI and WPI?
Difference between cyclical, structural, classical & frictional unemployment?
Why GDP is not a good measure? What all it does not include?
What is MPC and what is autonomous consumption?
What is secular stagnation?
What is life cycle hypothesis?
How changes in the real interest rate affects consumption?
What is the problem of twin deficit? Is India facing the same problem? How can we
overcome it?
What is fiscal deficit? How it is different from Trade Deficit?
What are the uses of money?
What is quantity theory of money?
What are the different methods of measuring money supply?
What is IS curve? What is LM Curve?
What is crowding out?
What is liquidity trap and what is classical case?
How to derive AD curve from ISLM framework?
What is the slope and position of IS and LM curve?
What is BoP account? What all it include?
Why current account + capital account balance is always 0?
What is J curve?
What is the impossible trinity?
Page | 32
USEFUL READINGS
Indian Economy:
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-economy-full-of-dwarfs-77-firms-deployless-than-40-workers-92-have-less-than-100-employees-7923631.html
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indian-economy-to-see-95-growth-this-fiscalarvind-virmani/article38232081.ece
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/govt-does-switch-operation-of-119701crore/article38352211.ece
Impact of Omicron :
https://www.thehindu.com/business/omicron-spread-may-hit-q4-gdp-outlook-by-20-30bps/article38119279.ece
India’s Current account:
https://www.thehindu.com/business/current-account-slips-to-deficit-in-q2/article38083000.ece
Economics of farm laws :
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/modis-farm-reform-reversalto-deter-investment-in-indias-agriculture/articleshow/88099530.cms
GST 2022:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/gst/gst-from-rate-rationalisation-to-reductionin-compliance-burden-what-to-expect-from-indirect-taxes-in-2022/articleshow/88605813.cms
Page | 33
BUDGET 2022 - HIGHLIGHTS
"India's growth is estimated to be at 9.27 percent. We are in a strong position to withstand
challenges due to higher vaccinations."
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman
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BUDGET THEME
Focus on 4 pillars of Development:
Inclusive development
Productivity enhancement
Energy transition
Climate action
The Finance Minister's 5 big infra push projects:
Highway expansion by 25,000 km
Rs. 60,000 crore on Nal se Jal scheme
Five river link projects across various states
Rs. 48,000 crore on PM housing scheme
North East infrastructure development
Capital Expenditures:
Capital expenditure in the Union Budget is once again being stepped up sharply by 35.4 per cent
from 5.54 lakh crore in the current year to 7.50 lakh crore in 2022-23. This has increased to more
than 2.2 times the expenditure of 2019-20. This outlay in 2022-23 will be 2.9 per cent of GDP.
Effective capital expenditure of the Central government is estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh crore in
2022-23, about 4.1% of GDP.
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EXPENDITURE COMPOSITION
DIGITAL CURRENCY
Digital Rupee using Blockchain technology will be issued by RBI starting FY2022-23.
It will lead to cheaper Currency Management & provide a big boost to the economy.
Income from transfer of digital assets to be charged 30% tax, plus 1% tax on transaction.
Gifts in virtual digital assets would be taxed in the hands of the recipient.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for achieving Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat has received
excellent response, with potential to create 60 lakh new jobs and additional production of 30
lakh crore during next years.
Continued focus on the need of mobile connection and broadband for economic growth,
particularly in rural India will boost the telecommunications and related industries even
more. PLI's inclusion of design-led projects for 5G and other technologies is a positive step
forward.
Contracts for implementation of Multimodal Logistics Parks at four locations through PPP
mode will be awarded in 2022-23.
Multimodal connectivity between mass transport and railway stations will be facilitated. The
aim is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters and promote tourism.
For urban capacity building, modernization of building by laws, town planning schemes and
transit oriented development will be implemented.
Centres of Excellence will be established with an outlay of 250 crore for urban sector
development.
Rs 48,000 crores allocated for completion of construction of 80 lakh houses under PM Awas
Yojana in rural and urban areas in the year 2022-23.
PARVATMALA
National Ropeways Development Programme: As a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative
to conventional roads in difficult hilly areas, National Ropeways Development Programme will be
taken up on PPP mode.
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The aim is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.
This may also cover congested urban areas, where conventional mass transit system is not
feasible. Contracts for 8 ropeway projects for a length of 60 km will be awarded in 2022-23.
PM GATI SHAKTI
Multi-modal connectivity for the states with speedier implementation of development projects
through technology to facilitate faster movement of people & goods through Rs 20,000 crore
financed by the govt to speed up this project.
1. India's economic growth is estimated to be 9.2% in the upcoming financial year.
2. Strengthening of Health infrastructure, speedy implementation of vaccination program are
evident for all.
3. PM Gati Shakti will pull forward the economy and will lead to more jobs & opportunities for
the youth.
4. The National Highway network will be expanded by 25,000 kms in 2022-23. PM Gati Shakti
will encompass the 7 engines for multi-modal connectivity for the states with speedier
implementation of development projects through technology to facilitate faster movement
of people & goods through Rs 20,000 crore financed by the govt to speed up this project.
5. Railways will develop efficient logistics for small farmers & enterprises. 'One station, one
product' to help supply chain of local product.
6. 100 Cargo Terminals under PM Gati Shakti will be developed in the next few years.
7. 'Parwatmala' for conventional roads in hilly areas to be taken in PPP modes.
EDUCATION
1. A digital university will be developed to provide access to students for world-class quality
education with ISTE Standards.
2. Skilling programs will be reoriented. For skilling, upskilling & reskilling of our youth, Digital
DESH e-portal will be launched.
3. 'One Class One TV Channel' will be increased from 12 to 200 TV Channels to provide
supplementary education in regional languages for class 1-12.
HEALTH
1. National Digital Health Ecosystem will be rolled out Integrated architecture: Mission Shakti,
Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan 2.0 to be launched.
2. Two lakh Anganwadis to be upgraded to Saksham Anganwadis.
MENTAL HEALTH
1. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among people of various ages. A
'National Tele Mental Health Programme' will be developed to improve access to quality
mental health therapy and care services.
2. This would feature a network of 23 tele-mental health excellence centres, with NIMHANS
serving as the node and the International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore
(IIITB) providing technology assistance.
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AGRICULTURE
1. Govt to pay Rs 2.37 lakh crore towards procurement of wheat & paddy under MSP operations
2. A rationalized scheme to increase domestic oilseed production will be brought in to cut
down imports.
3. Use of ‘Kisan Drones’ will be promoted for crop assessment, digitization of land records,
spraying of insecticides, and nutrients.
4. Implementation of the Ken Betwa Linking project at an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore to
be taken up with irrigation benefits to 9 lakh hectare farmland, drinking water to 62 lakh
people, 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW solar power generation.
5. 2022-23 has been announced as International Year of Millets.
6. Chemical-free Natural Farming will be promoted throughout the country, with a focus on
farmers’ lands in 5-km wide corridors along river Ganga, at the first stage..
7. For farmers to adopt to natural farming, comprehensive package for participation of State
governments & MSMEs to be introduced.
8. For delivery of digital and hi-tech services to farmers with involvement of public sector
research and extension institutions along with private agri-tech players and stakeholders of
agrivalue chain, a scheme in PPP mode will be launched.
NEW INITIATIVES
1. e-Passports will be rolled out in 2022-23 for convenience in overseas travel
2. 'One Nation, One Registration' will be established for anywhere registration to facilitate ease
of living & doing business.
EXPORT PROMOTION
Special Economic Zones Act will be replaced with new legislation for the development of
enterprise and hubs. It will cover the existing industrial enclaves and enhance the
competitiveness of exports. Customs on polished diamonds, gemstones cut to 5%. To facilitate
export of jewellery through e-commerce, simplified regulations will be in place by June this year.
TAX RATE CHANGES
1. Income from Long Term Capital Gains will be taxed at 15%. Corporate surcharge to be
reduced from 12% to 7%.
2. Both Centre and States govt employees' tax deduction limit to be increased from 10% to 14%
to help the social security benefits of state government employees and bring them at par
with the Central govt employees.
INCOME TAX
1. To provide an opportunity to correct an error, taxpayers can now file an updated return
within 2 years from the relevant assessment year.
2. The Budget has also extended the timelines for benefits under the new corporate tax
regime. The government had announced a 15 per cent corporate tax rate for newly
incorporated manufacturing companies till March 31, 2023, which has now been extended till
March 31, 2024. The period of incorporation for startups to avail tax benefits has also been
extended by a year to March 31, 2023.
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AYUSHMAN BHARAT
An open platform, for the National Digital Health Ecosystem will be rolled out. It will consist of
digital registries of health providers and health facilities, unique health identity, consent
framework, and universal access to health facilities.
ATMANIRBHAR IN DEFENCE
Our Government is committed to reducing imports and promoting AtmaNirbharta in equipment
for the Armed Forces. 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget will be earmarked for
domestic industry in 2022-23, up from 58 per cent in 2021-22. Defence R&D will be made available
to business, entrepreneurs, and academia, with 25% of the defence R&D budget set aside.
Through the SPV model, private industry will be encouraged to design and produce military
platforms and equipment in conjunction with DRDO and other organisations. An independent
nodal umbrella agency will be established to address testing and certification needs.
ENERGY TRANSITION AND CLIMATE ACTION
1. Five to seven per cent biomass pellets will be co-fired in thermal power plants resulting in
CO2 savings of 38 MMT annually. This will also provide extra income to farmers and job
opportunities to locals and help avoid stubble burning in agriculture fields.
2. Four pilot projects for coal gasification and conversion of coal into chemicals required for the
industry will be set-up to evolve technical and financial viability.
3. Private sector will be encouraged to create sustainable and innovative business models for
battery and energy as a service, improving the efficiency in the EV ecosystem.
4. Battery Swapping Policy will be brought out and inter operational service will be formulated.
MSMEs
Duty on umbrellas is being raised to 20%. Exemption to parts of umbrellas is being withdrawn.
Exemption is also being rationalised on implements and tools for agri-sector which are
manufactured in India. Customs duty exemption given to steel scrap last year is being extended
for another year to provide relief to MSME secondary steel producers. Certain Antidumping and
CVD on stainless steel and coated steel flat products, bars of alloy steel and high-speed steel are
being revoked in larger public interest considering prevailing high prices of metals.
Page | 39
FINANCE
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP IN FINANCE (SIGFi)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigfiiim-lucknow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IIML.SIGFI
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sigfi.iimlucknow/
Page | 40
What is Finance?
Finance is a branch of economics that studies the management of funds (money and like assets).
Through financial analysis, decisions and corrective actions can be taken regarding the collection
and use of those funds so as to optimize their use toward the objectives of an organization
(states, companies and businesses) or individual. Finance also encompasses the oversight,
creation, and study of money, banking, credit, investments, assets, and liabilities that make up
financial systems.
What is Accounting?
Accounting is the systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions pertaining
to a business, as well as the process of summarizing, analyzing and reporting these transactions.
What Are Financial Statements?
Financial statements are written records that convey the business activities and the financial
performance of a company. Financial statements are often audited by government agencies,
accountants, firms, etc. to ensure accuracy and for tax, financing, or investing purposes. Financial
statements include:
Balance sheet
Income statement
Cash flow statement
Using Financial Statement Information
Investors and financial analysts rely on financial data to analyze the performance of a
company and make predictions about the future direction of the company's stock price. One
of the most important resources of reliable and audited financial data is the annual report,
which contains the firm's financial statements.
The financial statements are used by investors, market analysts, and creditors to evaluate a
company's financial health and earnings potential. The three major financial statement
reports are the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
Understanding Balance Sheets
The balance sheet provides an overview of a company's assets, liabilities, and stockholders'
equity as a snapshot in time. The date at the top of the balance sheet tells you when the
snapshot was taken, which is generally the end of the fiscal year.
The Balance Sheet Formula -- {Assets} = {Liabilities} + {Owner's Equity}
The balance sheet total will be calculated already, but here's how you identify them.
Locate total assets on the balance sheet for the period.
Total all liabilities, which should be a separate listing on the balance sheet. It may not
include contingent liabilities.
Locate total shareholder's equity and add the number to total liabilities.
Total assets should equal the total of liabilities and total equity.
The balance sheet identifies how assets are funded, either with liabilities, such as debt, or
with stockholders' equity, such as retained earnings and additional paid-in capital. Assets are
listed on the balance sheet in order of liquidity.
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Liabilities are listed in the order in which they will be paid. Short-term or current liabilities are
expected to be paid within a year, while long-term or non-current liabilities are debts
expected to be paid in over one year.
ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents are liquid assets, which may include Treasury bills and certificates
of deposit.
Accounts receivables are the amount of money owed to the company by its customers for
the sale of its product and service.
Inventory
Liabilities
Debt including long-term debt
Wages payable
Dividends payable
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' equity is a company's total assets minus its total liabilities. Shareholders' equity
represents the amount of money that would be returned to shareholders if all of the assets
were liquidated and all of the company's debt was paid off.
Retained earnings are part of shareholders' equity and are the amount of net earnings that
were not paid to shareholders as dividends.
Understanding Income Statements
Unlike the balance sheet, the income statement covers a range of time, which is a year for
annual financial statements and a quarter for quarterly financial statements. The income
statement provides an overview of revenues, expenses, net income and earnings per share. It
usually provides two to three years of data for comparison.
Income Statement Formula and Calculation
{Net Income} = {Revenue - Expenses}
How to calculate?
Total all revenue or sales for the period.
Total all expenses and costs of operating the business.
Subtract total expenses from revenue to achieve net income or the profit for the period.
Data from Income Statements
An income statement is one of the three important financial statements used for reporting a
company's financial performance over a specific accounting period. Also known as the profit
and loss statement or the statement of revenue and expense, the income statement
primarily focuses on a company’s revenues and expenses during a particular period.
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Once expenses are subtracted from revenues, the statement produces a company's profit
figure called net income.
Types of Revenue
Operating revenue is the revenue earned by selling a company's products or services. The
operating revenue for an auto manufacturer would be realized through the production and
sale of autos. Operating revenue is generated from the core business activities of a company.
Non-operating revenue is the income earned from non-core business activities and falls
outside the primary function of the business. Some non-operating revenue examples include:
Interest earned on cash in the bank
Rental income from a property
Income from strategic partnerships like royalty receipts
Income from an advertisement display located on the company's property
Other income is the revenue earned from other activities. Other income could include gains
from the sale of long-term assets such as land, vehicles, or a subsidiary.
Types of Expenses
Primary expenses are incurred during the process of earning revenue from the primary
activity of the business. Expenses include the cost of goods sold(COGS), selling, general and
administrative
expenses
(SG&A),
depreciation
or
amortization,
and
research
and
development (R&D). Typical expenses include employee wages, sales commissions, and
utilities such as electricity and transportation.
Expenses that are linked to secondary activities include interest paid on loans or debt. Losses
from the sale of an asset are also recorded as expenses.
The main purpose of the income statement is to convey details of profitability and the
financial results of business activities. However, it can be very effective in showing whether
sales or revenue is increasing when compared over multiple periods. Investors can also see
how well a company's management is controlling expenses to determine whether a
company's efforts in reducing the cost of sales might boost profits over time.
The Cash Flow Statement
The cash flow statement measures how well a company generates cash to pay its debt
obligations, fund its operating expenses, and fund investments. The cash flow statement
complements the balance sheet and income statement.
The CFS allows investors to understand how a company's operations are running, where its
money is coming from, and how money is being spent. The CFS also provides insight as to
whether a company is on a solid financial footing.
There is no formula, per se, for calculating a cash flow statement. Instead, it contains three
sections that report cash flow for the various activities for which a company uses its cash.
Those three components of the CFS are listed below.
Operating Activities: The operating activities include any sources and uses of cash from
running the business and selling its products or services. Cash from operations includes
any changes made in cash, accounts receivable, depreciation, inventory, and accounts
Page | 43
payable. These transactions also include wages, income tax payments, interest payments,
rent, and cash receipts from the sale of a product or service.
Investing Activities: Investing activities include any sources and uses of cash from a
company's investments into the long-term future of the company. A purchase or sale of
an asset, loans made to vendors or received from customers or any payments related to a
merger or acquisition is included in this category. Also, purchases of fixed assets such as
property, plant, and equipment (PPE) are included in this section. In short, changes in
equipment, assets, or investments relate to cash from investing.
Financing Activities: Cash from financing activities include the sources of cash from
investors or banks, as well as the uses of cash paid to shareholders. Financing activities
include debt issuance, equity issuance, stock repurchases, loans, dividends paid, and
repayments of debt.
Financial Statement Limitations: Although financial statements provide a wealth of
information on a company, they do have limitations. The statements are open to
interpretation, and as a result, investors often draw vastly different conclusions about a
company's financial performance.
Key Financial Ratios : Liquidity Ratios, Solvency Ratios, Profitability Ratios, Activity Ratios
I. Activity Ratios
Activity ratios measure how efficiently the firm is managing its assets.
Receivables Turnover Ratio
It is considered desirable to have a receivables turnover figure close to the industry norm.
Days of Sales Outstanding
These are the average number of days it takes for the company’s customers to pay their bills.
It is considered desirable to have a collection period close to the industry norm. A collection
period that is too high might mean that customers are too slow in paying their bills, which
also indicates that too much capital is tied up in assets. On the contrary, a collection period
that is too low might indicate that the firm’s credit policy is too rigorous, which might also
result in hampered sales.
Inventory Turnover Ratio
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This ratio also known as stock turnover ratio establishes the relationship between the cost of
goods sold during the year and average inventory held during the year. It is a measure of a
firm’s efficiency with respect to its processing and inventory management.
Days of Inventory on Hand
As is the case with accounts receivable, it is considered desirable to have days of inventory on
hand close to the industry norm. A high processing period means that too much capital is
tied up in inventory and could also result in obsolete inventory. A low processing period
indicates that the firm has inadequate stock on hand, which could impact sales.
Payables Turnover Ratio
A measure of the use of trade credit by the firm.
Days of Payables
Total Assets Turnover Ratio
This ratio tells us the effectiveness of firm’s use of its total assets to create revenue.
The ratio varies as per industries. It is desirable to have the total asset turnover ratio close to
the industry norm. Low asset turnover ratios might mean that the company has too much
capital tied up in its asset base. A turnover ratio that is too high might imply that the firm has
too few assets for potential sales, or that the asset base is outdated.
Fixed Asset Turnover
This ratio is specific to the utilization of fixed assets. It is desirable to have a fixed asset
turnover ratio close to the industry norm. Low fixed asset turnover might mean that the
company has too much capital tied up in its asset base or is using the assets inefficiently.
A turnover ratio that is too high might imply that the firm has obsolete equipment.
Working Capital Turnover Ratio
This ratio helps us understand how effectively a company is using its working capital.
Working capital is current assets minus current liabilities. This ratio gives us information about
the utilization of working capital in terms revenue value.
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II. Liquidity Ratios
Liquidity ratios help determine the firm’s ability to pay its short-term liabilities.
Current Ratio
Current Assets = Inventories + Sundry Debtors + Cash and cash equivalents +
Receivables/Accruals + Loans & Advances + Disposable Investments + Any other current assets
Current Liabilities = Creditors for goods & services + Short term Loans + Bank Overdraft + Cash
Credit + Outstanding Expenses + Provision for Taxation + Proposed Dividend + Unclaimed
Dividend + Any other current liabilities
The higher the current ratio, the more likely is the company will be able to pay its short-term
bills. A current ratio of less than one means that the company has negative working capital
and is probably facing a liquidity crisis.
Quick Ratio
Quick Assets= Current Assets- Inventories – Prepaid Expenses
This is a more stringent measure of liquidity. The higher the quick ratio, the more likely it is
that the company will be able to pay its short-term bills.
Cash ratio
This is the most conservative liquidity measure
The higher the cash ratio, the more likely it is that the company will be able to pay its shortterm bills.
Cash Conversion Cycle
The cash conversion cycle is the length of time it takes to turn the firm’s cash investment in
inventory to turn back into cash. The cash conversion cycle is computed from days sales
outstanding, days of inventory on hand, and number of days of payables:
High cash conversion cycles are considered undesirable. A conversion cycle that is too high
implies that the company has excessive capital investment blocked in the sales process.
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III. Solvency Ratios
Solvency ratios measure a firm’s financial leverage and ability to meet its long-term obligations.
Solvency ratios include various debt ratios that are based on the balance sheet and coverage
ratios that are based on the income statement.
Debt to Equity Ratio
A measure of the firm’s use of fixed-cost financing sources. Increases and decreases in this
ratio suggest a greater or lesser reliance on debt as a source of financing.
A high debt to equities ratio here means less protection for creditors, a low ratio, indicates a
wider safety cushion since creditors feel the owners’ funds can absorb possible losses of
income and capital.
Debt to EBITDA Ratio
Another ratio that reflects a firm’s ability to meet debt obligations is debt-to-EBITDA ratio:
Fixed Charge Ratio
This ratio determines the company’s ability to meet its obligations.
Fixed charge coverage is more meaningful measure for companies that lease a large portion
of their assets, e.g. airlines.
IV. Profitability Ratios
Profitability ratios measure the overall performance of the firm relative to revenues, assets, equity,
and capital.
Net Profit Margin
It is a matter of concern if this ratio is too low.
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin
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Return on Assets Ratio
Return on assets (ROA) is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total
assets. ROA is best used when comparing similar companies or by comparing a company to
its own previous performance.
Return on equity
The return on equity is the ratio of net income to average total equity.
Return on equity (ROE) measures a corporation's profitability in relation to stockholders’
equity. Whether an ROE is considered satisfactory will depend on what is normal for the
industry or company peers. A good rule of thumb is to target an ROE that is equal to or just
above the average for the peer group.
DUPONT ANALYSIS
The return on common equity is often more thoroughly analyzed using the DuPont
Decomposition. The DuPont analysis is an approach that can be used to analyze return on equity
(ROE). It breaks down ROE into a function of different ratios.
There are two variants of the DuPont system: The original three-part approach and the extended
five-part system.
For the original approach, start with ROE defined as:
We can expand this further:
The first term is still the profit margin, the second term is now asset turnover, and the third term
is a financial leverage ratio.
Expanding further:
The first term in the above 5-part DuPont equation, net profit margin, has been decomposed
into three terms:
is called the tax burden and is equal to (1 - tax rate),
is called the interest burden,
is called the EBIT margin.
We get :
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What are the career options within finance domain?
The study of finance is relevant to a wide range of occupations. Finance professionals enjoy a
high rate of employment in leadership positions at all levels of financial management for careers
in business, industry, government, and public or private corporations. Finance majors typically
embark on careers in investment banking, asset management, consulting, capital market
research, corporate finance, risk management, banking, or financial planning, across industries.
The Basics of Stock Market
Market Capitalization (Market Cap): It is the total market value of the shares outstanding of
a publicly traded company; it is equal to the share price times the number of shares
outstanding.
NIFTY: The S&P CNX Nifty (also known as NSE Nifty or NSE-50 or 'Nifty') is a stock index in
India. Nifty consists of 50 stocks. The constituents of the index change periodically,
depending on liquidity, availability of floating stock, turnover and volume of transactions.
SENSEX: Sensex, otherwise known as the S&PBSE Sensex index, is the benchmark index of
the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)in India. Sensex is composed of 30 of the largest and most
actively- traded stocks on the BSE, providing an accurate gauge of India's economy. Initially
compiled in 1986,the Sensex is the oldest stock index in India. Analysts and investors use the
Sensex to observe the overall growth, development of particular industries, and booms and
bursts of the Indian economy.
Types of Investors:
Personal investors- Business owners often rely on family, friends or close acquaintances to
invest in their companies, particularly in the beginning. However, there is a limit to how
many of these individuals can invest in start-ups because of legal limitations.
Angel investors- Angel investors are usually high net worth individuals with a net worth of
more than $1 million. They are found across all industries and are useful for entrepreneurs
who are beyond the seed stages of financing but are not yet ready to seek out venture
capital.
Venture capitalists- Venture capitalists are used only after a business begins to show a
significant amount of revenue. These investors are notable, as they usually invest a
substantial amount of money (often around $10 million). They gain most of their returns
through “carried interest,” or a percentage received as compensation from the profits of a
hedge fund or private equity.
Government Security (G-Sec): A Government Security (G-Sec) is a tradable instrument
issued by the Central Government or State Governments. It acknowledges the Government’s
debt obligation. Such securities are short term (usually called treasury bills, with original
maturities of less than one year) or long term (usually called Government bonds or dated
securities with an original maturity of one year or more). In India, the Central Government
issues both, treasury bills and bonds or dated securities while the State Governments issue
only bonds or dated securities, which are called the State Development Loans (SDLs). G-Secs
carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free instruments.
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Corporate Finance: What is Corporate Finance?
The entire corporate finance can be divided into three decisions that company needs to take
with the objective of maximizing the value of the business:
Investment Decisions: Which assets must company invest in to create value for the firm
Financing Decisions: How to raise money required to fund those assets
Dividend Decisions: How much should company pay back to its equity investors and in
what form
IMPORTANT FINANCE TERMINOLOGY
Accretive merger: A merger in which the acquiring company’s earnings per share increase.
Beta: A value that represents the relative volatility of a given investment with respect to the
market.
Bond price: The price that the bond holder (the lender) pays the bond issuer (the borrower)
to hold the bond.
Buy-side: The clients of investment banks (mutual funds, pension funds) that buy the stocks,
bonds and securities sold by the investment banks.(The investment banks that sell these
products to investors are known as the “sell-side.”)
Callable bond: A bond that can be bought back by the issuer so that it is not committed to
paying large coupon payments in the future.
Call option: An option that gives the holder the right to purchase an asset for a specified
price on or before a specified expiration date.
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Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM): A model used to calculate the discount rate of a
company’s cash flows.
Commercial paper: Short-term corporate debt, typically maturing in nine months or less.
Commodities:
Assets
(usually
agricultural
products
or
metals)that
are
generally
interchangeable with one another and therefore share a common price. For example, corn,
wheat, and rubber generally trade at one price on commodity markets worldwide.
Convertible preferred stock: A relatively uncommon type of equity issued by a company,
convertible preferred stock is often issued when it cannot successfully sell either straight
common stock or straight debt. Preferred stock pays a dividend, similar to how a bond pays
coupon payments, but ultimately converts to common stock after a period of time. It is
essentially a mix of debt and equity, and most often used as a means for a risky company to
obtain capital when neither debt nor equity works.
Convertible bonds: Bonds that can be converted into a specified number of shares of stock.
Cost of Goods Sold: The direct costs of producing merchandise. Includes costs of labour,
equipment, and materials to create the finished product, for example.
Coupon payments: The payments of interest that the bond issuer makes to the bond holder.
Credit ratings: The ratings given to bonds by credit agencies. These ratings indicate the risk
of default.
Currency appreciation: When a currency’s value is rising relative to other currencies.
Currency depreciation: When a currency’s value is falling relative to other currencies.
Currency devaluation: When a currency weakens under fixed exchange rates.
Currency revaluation: When a currency strengthens under fixed exchange rates.
Default premium: The difference between the promised yields on a corporate bond and the
yield on an otherwise identical government bond.
Default risk: The risk that the company issuing a bond may go bankrupt and “default” on its
loans.
Derivatives: An asset whose value is derived from the price of another asset. Examples
include call options, put options, futures, and interest-rate swaps.
Dilutive merger: A merger in which the acquiring company’s earnings per share decrease.
Discount rate: A rate that measures the risk of an investment. It can be understood as the
expected return from a project of a certain amount of risk.
Discounted Cash Flow analysis (DCF): A method of valuation that takes the net present
value of the free cash flows of a company.
Dividend: A payment by a company to shareholders of its stock, usually as a way to distribute
some or all of the profits to shareholders.
EBIT: Earnings Before Interest and Taxes
EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
Enterprise Value: Levered value of the company, the equity value plus market value of debt.
Equity: In short, stock. Equity means ownership in a company that is usually represented by
stock.
Fixed income: Bonds and other securities that earn a fixed rate of return. Bonds are typically
issued by governments, corporations and municipalities.
Float: The number of shares available for trade in the market times the price. Generally
speaking, the bigger the float, the greater the stock’s liquidity.
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Floating rate: An interest rate that is benchmarked to other, allowing the interest rate to
change as market conditions change.
Forward contract: A contract that calls for future delivery of an asset at an agreed-upon price.
Forward exchange rate: The price at which currencies can be bought/sold for future delivery.
Forward rate (for bond): The agreed-upon interest rates for a bond to be issued in the future.
Futures contract: A contract that calls for the delivery of an asset or its cash value at a
specified delivery or maturity date for an agreed upon price. A future is a type of forward
contract that is liquid, standardized, traded on an exchange, and whose prices are settled at
the end of each trading day.
Goodwill: An account that includes intangible assets a company may have. E.g. brand image.
Hedge: To balance a position in the market in order to reduce risk. Hedges work like
insurance: a small position pays off large amounts with a slight move in the market.
High-yield bonds (a.k.a. junk bonds): Bonds with poor credit ratings that pay a relatively
high rate of interest.
Holding Period Return: The income earned over a period as a percentage of the bond price
at the start of the period.
Initial Public Offering (IPO): The dream of every entrepreneur, the IPO is the first time a
company issues stock to the public.
Investment grade bonds: Bonds with high credit ratings that pay relatively low interest rates.
Leveraged Buyout (LBO): The buyout of a company with borrowed money, often using that
company’s own assets as collateral.
Money market securities: This term is generally used to represent the market or securities
maturing within one year. These include short-term CDs, Repurchase Agreements,
Commercial Paper (low-risk corporate issues), among others. These are low risk, short-term
securities that have yields similar to Treasuries.
Mortgage-backed bonds: Bonds collateralized by a pool of mortgages. Interest and
principal payments are based on the individual homeowners making their mortgage
payments. The more diverse the pool of mortgages backing the bond, the less risky they are.
Multiples method: A method of valuing a company that involves taking a multiple of an
indicator such as price-to-earnings, EBITDA, or revenues.
Net present value (NPV): The present value of a series of cashflows generated by an
investment, minus the initial investment. NPV is calculated because of the important
concept that money today is worth more than the same money tomorrow.
Par value: The total amount a bond issuer will commit to pay back when the bond expires.
P/E ratio: The price to earnings ratio. This is the ratio of a company’s stock price to its
earnings- per-share. The higher the P/E ratio, the more “expensive” a stock is (and also the
faster investors believe the company will grow). Stocks in fast growing industries tend to have
higher P/E ratios.
Put option: An option that gives the holder the right to sell an asset for a specified price on
or before a specified expiration date.
Selling, General & Administrative Expense (SG&A): Costs not directly involved in the
production of revenues. SG&A is subtracted from Gross Profit to get EBIT.
Swap: A type of derivative, a swap is an exchange of future cash flows. Popular swaps include
foreign exchange swaps and interest rate swaps.
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Spot exchange rate: The price of currencies for immediate delivery.
Tender offers: A method by which a hostile acquirer renders an offer to the shareholders of a
company in an attempt to gather a controlling interest in the company. Generally, the
potential acquirer will offer to buy stock from shareholders at a much higher value than the
market value.
Underwrite: The function performed by investment banks when they help companies issue
securities to investors. Technically, the investment bank buys the securities from the
company and immediately resells the securities to investors for a slightly higher price,
making money on the spread.
Yield to call: The yield of a bond calculated up to the period when the bond is called(paid off
by the bond issuer).
Yield: The annual return on investment. A high-yield bond, for example, pays a high rate of
interest.
Yield to maturity: The measure of the average rate of return that will be earned on a bond if
it is bought now and held to maturity.
Zero coupon bonds: A bond that offers no coupon or interest payments to the bond holder.
SOME CURRENT AFFAIRS TOPICS:
Recent IPOs: Focus on analyzing IPOs (Major: PayTM, Nykaa, Zomato, Metro Brands, Star Health)
RBI’s monetary stance: Its impact on the economy & the financial markets
Recent Indian Unicorn Start-ups
Recent M&A deals
US Federal Reserve announcements & its global implications
Evergrande Crisis: What might be the implications on Chinese economy in the long run
Global energy crisis
Possible impact of the third wave on the Indian Economy
Recent fluctuations in the Indian stock markets
Global supply chain crisis
Privatization of LIC: Also develop an overall understanding of GoI’s Disinvestment program
Key updates of the sector in which one has work/internship experience
Telecom Sector reforms by GoI & the way forward
Key government policies: PLI schemes, price deficiency payment scheme, PM-JAY, Gati Shakti
Bad Bank & its implications
Repeal of farm laws
Developments in cryptocurrencies
National Monetization pipeline
You may refer to the below link for important news updates fro, the last few months:
SIGFi Monthly newsletter
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FINANCE FACT SHEET
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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Why Finance? What is the difference between Finance and Accounting? What are the different
branches of Finance?
What are contents of an Annual Report of a company? What are key numbers or information
you look in an Annual Report?
What are the key financial ratios do you consider in comparing two companies?
Describe the broad categories of accounting ratios used in financial analysis.
What is difference between NPV & IRR. Which is better & why? (F)
What is : (i) WACC, (ii) Beta, (iii) CAPM Model
What is the Discounted cashflow model? Can you explain the same briefly? (F)
How would you value a bond? (F)
How can we measure risk? (F)
Can you explain a few multiples used in relative valuation? (F)
What is LBO? How is it different from an MBO? Give hypothetical examples for each
Differentiate an IPO and FPO
What is underwriting of shares? What is oversubscription?
What is PE Ratio? How is it useful?
What is the purpose of Cash Flow Statements?
What are the key metrics you consider in comparing two stocks of a given industry? Why do
you use those metrics?
What is a money market? How is it different from stock market?
What are the highlights of this year’s budget? Do you think India is on track to become a USD5
trillion economies? What are the impediments/ challenges?
What is the budgeted fiscal deficit (in percentage terms) for the year 2022-23?How is the same
being funded?
Explain the crisis in India’s banking and shadow banking (NBFC) sectors.
What is currently happening with the Indian economy? Do you think the current slowdown is
cyclical or structural? Justify. Why do you think the stock market has been rising even though
the economy is slowing down?
Can you explain modus-operandi of any recent scam in India?
Name some unicorns(start-ups) in India. What do you think is their USP?
Explain the sub-prime crisis of 2008. What was the trigger?
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Explain Brexit. How do you think it would impact the Indian economy? Why?
Explain the concept of one-person company. Is audit mandatory for a one-person company?
What has been the effect of the trade wars between US and China? How can this be an
opportunity for India?
Recent M&A deals in India. What were the reasons behind that transaction?
What is break-even point? Why does the marginal cost curve rise?
Crisis in banking sectors: Yes bank, PMC. Steps that must be taken to avoid repeat of these?
What is deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability? Give examples
What is depreciation? How will depreciation affect bargaining power of a seller? Explain how
depreciation drives bargaining power in real estate sector? (For last part think of factors that
might nudge real estate dealers to sell their property early instead of benefit of land
appreciation)
Do you think that Cryptocurrencies should be regulated by the government?
Do you agree with the RBI’s monetary policy stance?
If you were the finance minister, what measures would you have taken for post-covid
recovery?
(F) – Important for those with Finance background
Please refer to Interview experience section of this kit for more questions.
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HUMAN
RESOURCES
HUMAN ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING IN
CORPORATE SOCIETY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHelics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helics.iiml/
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Human Resource Management (HRM) is the term used to describe formal systems devised for
the management of people within an organization. The responsibilities of a human resource
manager fall into three major areas: staffing, employee compensation and benefits, and
defining/designing work. Essentially, the purpose of HRM is to maximize the productivity of an
organization by optimizing the effectiveness of its employees. This mandate is unlikely to change
in any fundamental way, despite the ever-increasing pace of change in the business world.
HR CONCEPTS
Role of HR Managers
Management by Objective: Management by Objectives (MBO) is a personnel management
technique where managers and employees work together to set the record and monitor
goals for a specific period of time. Organizational goals and planning flow top-down through
the organization and are translated into personal goals for organizational members. It aims to
improve the performance of an organization by clearly defining objectives that are agreed to
by both management and employees.
360-degree Performance Appraisal: A 360-degree appraisal is a type of employee
performance review in which subordinates, co-workers, and managers all anonymously rate
the employee. This information is then incorporated into that person's performance review.
The feedback is often used as a benchmark within the employee's development plan.
Balanced Scorecard: The balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management
system that is used extensively in business and industry, government, and non-profit
organizations worldwide to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the
organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization
performance against strategic goals.
Performance Management: Performance management is a corporate management tool
that helps managers monitor and evaluate employees' work and overall contribution to the
organization.
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Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model
of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow stated that
people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that some needs take precedence over
others. Our most basic need is for physical survival, and this will be the first thing that motivates
our behaviour. Once that level is fulfilled the next level up is what motivates us, and so on. This
five-stage model can be divided into deficiency needs and growth needs. The first four levels are
often referred to as deficiency needs (D-needs), and the top-level is known as growth or being
needs (B-needs).
Five main levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are:
Physiological Needs: They are the most essential things a person needs to survive. They
include the need for shelter, water, food, warmth, rest, and health.
Safety Needs: Safety, or security needs, relate to a person’s need to feel safe and secure in
their life and surroundings. This refers to the need for job security, stable income, and savings.
Love and Belonging Needs: This level of the hierarchy outlines the need for friendship,
intimacy, family, and love.
Esteem Needs: Maslow broke up esteem needs into two categories: the need for respect
from others and the need for respect from oneself. Respect from others relates to achieving
fame, prestige, and recognition. Respect from oneself relates to dignity, confidence,
competence, independence, and freedom.
Self-Actualization Needs: Self-actualization relates to the realization of an individual’s full
potential. At this level, people strive to become the best that they possibly can be.
Big Five Model of Personality
Personality is an easy concept to grasp for most of us. It’s what makes you “you”. It encompasses
all the traits, characteristics, and quirks that set you apart from everyone else. Human resources
professionals often use the Big Five personality dimensions to help place employees.
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The Big Five traits are Openness: Openness includes traits like being insightful and imaginative and having a wide
variety of interests.
Conscientiousness: People that have a high degree of conscientiousness are reliable and
prompt. Traits include being organized, methodic, and thorough.
Extroversion: Extraverts get their energy from interacting with others, while introverts get
their energy from within themselves. Extraversion includes the traits of energetic, talkative,
and assertive.
Agreeableness: These individuals are friendly, cooperative, and compassionate. People with
low agreeableness may be more distant
Neuroticism: Neuroticism is also sometimes called Emotional Stability. This dimension
relates to one’s emotional stability and degree of negative emotions.
Attitude: “My personality is who I am and my attitude is who you are.” Our behavior towards
an individual, group or people surrounding us changes but our personality is rigid, it does not
change.
Emotional intelligence: The intelligence that we acquire on interacting with individuals and
adapt accordingly in a conversation with the individual is termed as emotional intelligence.
For ex, within two conversations with Ravi, I came to know about Ravi’s reluctance to talk
about this family, hence I do not talk about this family anymore in our conversations. This
adaptation is due to emotional intelligence.
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McClelland’s Acquired Needs Motivation Theory
Also known as the Expectancy Value Theory of Motivation, it states that humans have a total of
three core types of emotional needs, which they acquire as a result of their life journeys. The
needs the model considers are:
Achievement (getting things done)
Power (having influence over others)
Affiliation (having good relationships)
Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory
Herzberg’s Motivation Theory model, or Two Factor Theory, argues that there are two factors that
an organization can adjust to influence motivation in the workplace. These factors are:
Motivators: Which can encourage employees to work harder.
Hygiene factors: These won’t encourage employees to work harder but they will cause them
to become unmotivated if they are not present.
Decision-making process
In psychology, decision-making is regarded as the cognitive process resulting in the selection of
a belief or a course of action among several alternative possibilities.
The six steps involved in decision-making are as follows:
Define the problem
Identify the decision criteria
Allocate weight to the criteria
Develop the alternative
Evaluate the alternative
Implement the best alternative
We measure the output to check the Effectiveness and efficiency of the decision made.
Span of control: The number of people or employees who report to you is the span of control.
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Organizational design: In simple terms, organization design means how various parts of the
organization and its distinct elements are brought together to make it functional. Organizational
design principles consider how these elements come together in the organizational functioning
and ways through which they can be reflected and improved.
Competitive advantage: It refers to what sets the organization apart from others and provides it
with a distinctive edge for meeting customer or client needs in the marketplace. It arises
primarily due to the core competence of the organization. Core competency is an organization's
defining strength, providing the foundation from which the business will grow, seize upon new
opportunities and deliver value to customers. A company's core competency is not easily
replicated by other organizations, whether existing competitors or new entries into its market.
For example, Honda's core competence is attributed to manufacturing capability and a culture
of innovation which gives birth to lightweight, high-revving, reliable engines which Honda uses
in its multiple products like cars, gensets, lawnmowers etc. Remember products are not a core
competency.
Strategy: Strategy can be defined as "A general direction set for the company and its various
components to achieve a desired state in the future." It means that all the organization's energy
and resources are directed towards a focused, unifying, and compelling output or future state of
the organization.
CODIFICATION OF LABOUR LAWS IN INDIA
Why was there a need to reform and codify India’s Labor Laws?
The existing laws have neither benefited industries nor workers due to various reasons such as:
Complexity and plethora of laws.
Poor enforcement of laws
Promoted more capital-intensive industries
Contractualization of labor
High administrative burden
Inadequate coverage hiking social issues
There are 4 Codes:
Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Code on Social Security, 2020
Code on Wages, 2019
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is the measure of an individual’s abilities to recognize and manage their
emotions, and the emotions of other people, both individually and in groups.
Attitude: Attitude reflects how we feel about something. It is evaluative statements- either
favourable or unfavourable—about objects, people, or events. For ex, When Rahul say, “I like my
job,” he is expressing his attitude towards his work.
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Personality: Personality is the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that
makes a person unique. It is the sum total of ways in which an individual reacts and interacts
with others and the measurable traits a person exhibits.
INTERVIEW TIPS
Body Language during Interviews:
Enter with a spring in your step and a smile. Be on time. Have a clean background.
Greet every panel member.
Try to make it more of a conversation than a Q&A session.
Don’t get nervous if things don’t go your way. Remain COMPOSED at ALL Times.
Most of the interviews begin with the interviewer asking you to introduce yourself. Make sure
to answer with points that initiate a conversation to guide the interview.
Listen to questions carefully, ask for clarifications if required. Answer clearly & concisely. Don’t
beat around the bush too much or rush into answering. Take a few seconds to think if needed.
Maintain eye contact, not only when you chat, but even when you are spoken to by the
interviewer. This illustrates that you pay attention.
First impressions have a significant influence on how you are viewed by interviewers for the
duration of the interview. Making the most of the first impression by genuinely smiling, being
confident, and offering a strong handshake.
Make sure to show enthusiasm in the interview: smile, nod your head, etc.
Do not fidget, touch your face, or shake your legs.
Look at the hints that are nonverbal. Experts estimate that only 30% to 35% of what people
actually communicate is conveyed through words; facial expressions, body gestures and
behaviour convey the remainder.
Keep your arms on your sides or in your lap. Do not fold your arms, it is a sign of rudeness.
Preparing for an Online Interview:
With online interviews and video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet & MS Teams
becoming the new normal, candidates need special preparation and keep in mind the following:
Looking Presentable: The idea is to treat the online interview just like a regular offline
interview process which begins with dressing up in proper formal attire, being neatly
groomed and looking presentable to make a difference.
Finding the right Location/Camera Angle: Cleaning up your room and creating a clutterfree environment which is suitable for an interview process. Also, ensuring a perfect camera
angle by maintaining it at eye level and having sufficient lighting (preferably not in the
backside) will help to maintain a professional setup.
Checking the Network/Audio connection: In order to save yourself from the last-minute
hassle, logging-in advance and checking your device network & audio connection should be
on the top priority list. It is advisable to have an additional internet connection readily
available during the course of interview.
Doing a Mock Interview/Dry Run: To calm the nerves and prepare your mind for the allimportant process, recording yourself or having a mock interview with a senior/friend will go
a long way in finding out whether you come across rightly or not.
Relax: Don’t forget to take deep breaths and have a calm mindset throughout the process.
The golden rule with such interviews is to treat them like face-to-face meetings. Smile, look
confident and enthusiastic, make eye contact and don’t shout but do speak clearly.
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CELL
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ecelliiml
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecelliiml/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecell_iiml/
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What is Entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is the ability and readiness to follow a passion along with any uncertainties to
make a difference by developing, organizing and running a business enterprise.
Why Entrepreneurship?
Willingness and determination to deal with risks to start a new business
Satisfaction of generating employment and contributing to the society
High learning through live experiences
Entrepreneurship is one of the resources economists categorize as integral to production, the
other three being land/natural resources, labour and capital. An entrepreneur combines the first
three of these to manufacture goods or provide services. They typically create a business plan,
hire labour, acquire resources & financing, provide leadership and management for the business.
Entrepreneurs commonly face many obstacles when building their companies. The three that
many of them cite as the most challenging are as follows:
Overcoming bureaucracy
Hiring talent
Obtaining financing
Key steps that most successful entrepreneurs have followed:
Ensure Financial Stability
Build a Diverse Skill Set
Consume Content Across Multiple Channels
Identify a Problem to Solve
Solve That Problem
Passion to Action
Getting Your Hands Dirty
Knowing When to Change Course
Shrewd Money Management
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Lean start-up formats are charts that use only a handful of elements to describe your company’s
value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances. They’re useful for visualizing trade-offs
and fundamental facts about your company. There are many versions of lean start-up templates,
but among the oldest & most well-known is the Business Model Canvas, developed by Alex
Osterwalder.
Nine components of the Business Model Canvas version are:
Key partnerships: Note the other businesses or services you’ll work with to run your business.
Think about suppliers, manufacturers, subcontractors and similar strategic partners.
Key activities: List the ways your business will gain a competitive advantage. Highlight
things like selling direct to consumers, or using technology to tap into the sharing economy.
Key resources: List any resource you’ll leverage to create value for your customer. Your most
important assets could include staff, capital, or intellectual property. Don’t forget to leverage
business resources that might be available to women, veterans, Native Americans, and
HUBZone businesses.
Value proposition: Make a clear and compelling statement about the unique value your
company brings to the market.
Customer relationships: Describe how customers will interact with your business. Is it
automated or personal? In person or online? Think through the customer experience from
start to finish.
Customer segments: Be specific when you name your target market. Your business won’t
be for everybody, so it’s important to have a clear sense of who your business will serve.
Channels: List the most important ways you’ll talk to your customers. Most businesses use a
mix of channels and optimize them over time.
Cost structure: Will your company focus on reducing cost or maximizing value? Define your
strategy, then list the most significant costs you’ll face pursuing it.
Revenue streams: Explain how your company will actually make money. Some examples
are direct sales, memberships fees, and selling advertising space. If your company has
multiple revenue streams, list them all.
Questions That Delve into External Factors:
Does my entrepreneurial venture meet local regulations and laws? If not feasible locally, can I
and should I relocate to another region?
How long does it take to get the necessary license or permissions from concerned
authorities? Can I survive that long?
Do I have a plan about getting the necessary resources and skilled employees, and have I
made cost considerations for the same?
Tentative timelines for bringing the first prototype to market or for services to be operational?
Who are my primary customers?
Who are the funding sources I may need to approach to make this big? Is my venture good
enough to convince potential stakeholders?
What technical infrastructure do I need?
Once the business is established, will I have sufficient funds to get resources and take it to the
next level? Will other big firms copy my model and kill my operation?
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Topics for Interview Preparation:
B-plans
Angel Investors
Venture Capitalists
Startup India
StartinUp
Unicorns
Bootstrapping
Budget 2022 on startups
Types of funding (Proof of concept, Seed, First & Second round, Development Capital)
Business lifecycle stage
Sources of Funding
Customer Acquisition Costs
DAU/MAU
Retention Rate
Questions related to starting a Venture:
What idea of business do you have? Explain your B-Plan (Business Plan)?
Why do you think your idea is a viable idea? What is the problem that you are trying to solve?
How does it differ from the competition?
Marketing Perspectives Terms: USP, Target Market, Break-Even Point, Customer Acquisition
Cost
Who is your major target customer and how do you identify them?
Who are your major competitors?
What is your business model?
What is the difference between the Venture Capitalist and Angel Investor?
Pitch your idea to me assuming I am a potential investor.
How will you price your product?
How will you manage your margins?
Generic Questions:
What is a Startup?
What are the different types of funding?
What are your future plans?
Different ways of idea generation
What inspires you to start your own venture?
What is your stand on job situation in India?
What are the different qualities an entrepreneur should have?
How will you ensure the team formed is strong enough?
How do you think startups can contribute in $5 Trillion economy?
Famous startups name & its founder.
Role of incubation centers
What has been the Impact of covid on startups?
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Indian startup ecosystem with the number of new unicorns coming up
What are Disruptive startups?
What’s your Opinion on High valuations of startups?
What’s your opinion on more and more Startups getting listed on stock exchanges?
Any recent news about unicorn?
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Indian Unicorns in 2021
https://inc42.com/buzz/indian-startups-that-entered-the-unicorn-club-in-2021-in-india/
Indian Unicorn tracker
https://www.ventureintelligence.com/Indian-Unicorn-Tracker.php
List of famous startups
https://www.failory.com/startups/india
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OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS INTEREST GROUP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oig_iiml/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OIG.IIML/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oigiiml/about/
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INTRODUCTION
Operations management is an area of management concerned with designing and controlling
the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or
services. It considers the acquisition, development, and utilization of resources that firms need to
deliver the goods and services their clients want. The goal of operations management is to
maximize efficiency of goods production and services that effectively fulfil customer needs.
OM includes strategic, tactical, and operational decisions.
Strategic decisions include determining the size and location of manufacturing plants,
deciding the structure of service or telecommunications networks, and designing technology
supply chains.
Tactical decisions include plant layout and structure, project management methods, and
equipment selection and replacement.
Operational decisions include production scheduling and control, inventory management,
quality control and inspection, traffic and materials handling, and equipment maintenance
policies.
Definitions
Product Design — The process of deciding on the unique and specific features of a product.
Process Selection —An excellent product design is worthless if a process for its creation
cannot be developed.
Process Control - Process control is the ability to monitor and adjust a process to give a
desired output. It is used in industry to maintain quality and improve performance.
Efficiency - Efficiency is the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time
in doing something or in producing a desired result.
Effectiveness - Effectiveness is the capability of producing a desired result or the ability to
produce desired output.
Quality management — The process used to ensure the quality of a product, including
measuring quality and identifying quality issues.
Total quality management (TQM) — A philosophy that seeks to improve qualityby
eliminating the causes of product defects and by making quality standards, the responsibility
of every individual in the organization.
Reengineering — The process of redesigning a company’s processes to increase its
production efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs.
Lean Manufacturing - Lean manufacturing is a production process based on an ideology of
maximizing productivity while simultaneously minimizing waste within a manufacturing
operation. Derived from Toyota’s 1930 operating model called the “Toyota Way”.
Project Management - Project management is the process of leading the work of a team to
achieve all project goals within the given time, money, personnel, and other implementation
constraints.
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Operations and Supply Chain
Operations
Operations management is an area of management concerned with designing and controlling the
process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services.
Key Concepts
Lean Manufacturing
Lean is a strategy for remaining competitive by identifying and eliminating wasteful steps in
products and processes. This management philosophy found its beginnings from the Toyota
Production System (TPS) and was later identified as "lean" only in the 1990s. TPS is renowned for its
focus on reduction of the original Toyota seven wastes to improve overall customer value.
Following practices are used in this strategy Improvement of equipment reliability
Quality at the source
Continuous flow production
The basic goal is to get more done with less by minimizing inventory at all stages of production,
shortening cycle times from raw materials to finished goods, and eliminating the following 7 wastes,
often remembered with the acronym TIMWOOD.
Figure 1 - Sources of Waste
Transportation - This waste refers to any unnecessary transportation, such as that commonly
associated with the transit of materials or parts. Transportation is not a value-add activity as it
does not help transform the product into the customer requirement and can add further
problems through delays, damage or items being lost.
Inventory - Any parts or materials that are not immediately required are considered waste –
Inventory is one of the seven wastes that is most easy to spot in that it is easy to physically see
around the business. Inventory is waste as it ties up resources to manage it for example storage
space, personnel, capital outlay and processing.
Motion - An effective working environment can help reduce motion for a given process. This
may entail providing tools and equipment at point of use or making material handling processes
more efficient. A common tool used to analyze motion is the spaghetti diagram which can be
very effective at highlighting issues.
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Waiting Time - Several causes can result in waiting, where the equipment is not in use, thus
reducing the utilization and the effective capacity of the process.
Over processing - Over processing is typified by carrying out more work on a product than is
required – this might be using more precision tools than are required through to, in the example
of office activity, bureaucratic approval systems for documents requiring multiple signatories or
reviews. Removing over processing requires careful consideration to ascertain the actual
requirement and ensuring that the process is engineered to meet this without any further
burden.
Overproduction - Producing more of something than is required by the customer is waste –
close attention to batch sizes and change over times can be imperative in not over producing.
The impact of overproducing can be considerable – not only is extra-material consumed but
extra processing and storage requirements add to the problem causing another of the seven
wastes – inventory.
Defects - Getting it wrong results in waste – whether that is manufacturing faulty parts that
require rework or at worst being scrapped or documents that are incorrectly completed which
can result in confusion or mistakes. Defects have a very real impact on the bottom line of your
business and can be one of the key contributors to inefficiency.
There is often another form of waste that is discussed with these 7 traditional wastes – Utilized
Talent. Human ingenuity is truly spectacular, but often those with the decision-making authority do
not have sufficient low-level knowledge to choose the best course of action. Empowering the line
workers to laborers to take critical decisions is a central principle in several lean techniques to tackle
wastes generated.
Takt Time
Takt time is a borrowing of the Japanese word takuto taimu, which in turn was borrowed from the
German word Taktzeit, meaning 'cycle time'. Takt time is the average unit production time needed
to meet customer demand.
For example, if the customer wants to buy 10 units per week, the average time to build a unit must
be 4 hours (or less) if the units are built during a 40-hour work week. Industrial manufacturing lines
must have production cycle times at least as short as the takt time so that production can meet the
customer demand.
Kaizen
Figure 2 - "Kaizen" Meaning
The Japanese word "Kaizen" means improvement, improvements without spending much money,
involving everyone from managers to workers, and using much common sense. The Japanese way
encourages small improvements day after day, continuously. The key aspect of Kaizen is that it is an
on-going, never-ending improvement process. It's a soft and gradual method opposed to more
usual western habits to scrap everything and start with new (breakthrough).
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Kanban
Figure 3 - Kanban Board in Project Management
It is one of the many methods through which JIT is achieved. It is a scheduling system for lean and
just-in-time (JIT) production that helps determine what to produce, when to produce it, and how
much to produce. The system takes its name from the cards that track production within a factory.
Kanban is also known as the Toyota nameplate system in the automotive industry. In an industrial
setting, Constant Work in Progress (CONWIP) is a push pull production method using cards to track
production to ensure fewer inventory. This is like the Kanban board used in Project Management.
Six Sigma
Figure 4 - Error level in process
Six-Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola that today enjoys
wide-spread application in many sectors of industry. Six Sigma seeks to identify and remove the
causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and/or service delivery and business processes. It uses
a set of management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a dedicated
infrastructure of people within the organization who are experts in these methods. Six-Sigma aims
to deliver Breakthrough Performance Improvement from current levels in business and customer
relevant operational and performance measures.
Six-Sigma believes that –
Continuous efforts to achieve stable and predictable process results (i.e., reduce process
variation) are of vital importance to business success.
Manufacturing and business processes have characteristics that can be measured, analyzed,
improved and controlled.
Achieving sustained performance and quality improvement requires commitment from the
entire organization, particularly from top-level management.
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Features that differentiate Six Sigma apart from previous quality improvement initiatives include –
A clear focus on achieving measurable and quantifiable financial returns from any Six Sigma
project.
An increased emphasis on strong and passionate management leadership and support.
A special organization infrastructure of "Champions," "Master Black Belts," "Black Belts”, “Green
Belts” etc. to lead and implement the Six Sigma approach.
Six Sigma defines 2 key methodologies – DMAIC and DMADV.
DMAIC is used to improve an existing business process.
DMADV is used to create new product or process designs.
5S
Figure 5 - 5S
The 5S quality tool is derived from five Japanese terms beginning with the letter "S" used to create a
workplace suited for visual control and lean production. The pillars of 5S are simple to learn and
important to implement Seiri - To separate needed tools, parts, and instructions from unneeded materials and to remove
the unneeded ones.
Seiton - To neatly arrange and identify parts and tools for ease of use.
Seiso - To conduct a clean-up campaign.
Seiketsu - To conduct seiri, seiton, and seiso daily to maintain a workplace in perfect condition.
Shitsuke - To form the habit of always following the first four S’s.
Benefits to be derived from implementing a lean 5S program include Improved safety
Higher equipment availability
Lower defect rates
Reduced costs
Increased production agility and flexibility
Improved employee morale
Better asset utilization
Enhanced enterprise image to customers, suppliers, employees, and management
Supply Chain
Supply chain is sourcing and moving both the raw materials and the finished product. Operations
management is the part in the middle where the product is created from the raw materials. Supply
chain is how you get the raw materials from the suppliers (upstream) and how you get the finished
products to the customers (downstream).
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Figure 6 - Simple Supply Chain (Product Flow)
Key Concepts
Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in
sourcing and procurement, conversion, and all logistics management activities. Importantly, it also
includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers,
intermediaries, third party service providers, and customers. In essence, supply chain management
integrates supply and demand management within and across companies.
Logistics
The time-related positioning of resources to meet user requirements.
Consignment
This most often refers to the act of placing your goods in the care of a third-party warehouse owner
(known as the consignee) who maintains them for a fee. In addition to storing the goods, the
consignee may sell or ship them to customers on your behalf for a fee. A consignment could also
refer to a batch of goods destined for or delivered to someone.
Inventory
A term used to describe all the goods and materials held by an organization for future sale or use a
list of items held in stock.
FIFO
First in, first out is a method of cost tracking where items are valued and sold in the order they were
purchased.
LIFO
Last in, first out is a method of cost lot tracking where your most recent purchases are sold first. It
works exactly opposite to FIFO.
Landed Cost
The total cost of ownership of an item. This includes the cost price, shipping charges, custom duties,
taxes, and any other charges that were borne by the buyer.
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Bill of Materials
A listing of components, parts, and other items needed to manufacture a product, showing the
quantity of each required to produce each end item.
Demand Driven Supply Chains
This is where a supply system is in direct response to a single point of demand. All the components
across a supply chain are synchronized to meet the demand that it is trying to fulfil.
Transit Time
The time taken to move goods physically between different locations in a supply chain or laterally to
another facility.
Turnaround Time (TAT)
The total time taken to repair a component at the repair location, including waiting time but
excluding transit time.
Reverse Logistics
Figure 7 - Reverse Logistics
The requirement to plan the flow of surplus or unwanted material or equipment back through the
supply chain after meeting customer demand. In the case of ecommerce, this refers to the returns
that customers make. Reverse Logistics is a very important yet often forgotten component of
ecommerce and can determine its success or failure. This is really inefficient, and firms are
continuously trying to reduce their reverse logistics costs. This could also include material returned
for recycling – like Keventers returning empty milkshake bottles to their bottle maker for recycling.
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Modern Techniques in OM and SCM
Green Supply Chain
From product design to manufacturing to logistics management to product recovery, an
organization’s supply chain has a major environmental impact. However, it is not enough for a Green
Supply Chain strategy to simply attempt to mitigate these effects. To be accepted and successful, it
has to be seen to drive value creation through the organization. The wider goal may be CO2
reduction but for the organization the real benefits are measured in terms of better utilization of
assets, less waste production, faster times to market, greater Product innovation and increased
profitability.
"Direct interaction with supply chain partners can enable a company to reduce total
inventory levels, decrease product obsolescence, lower transaction costs, react more quickly
to changes in the market, and respond more promptly to customer requests.”
Benefits of a Green Supply Chain
Now, discussing the top line benefits. Of course, we have to comply with all the environmental
regulations and legislation. For any international organization, with breadth and pace of new
regulation it can be daunting in itself. But that's a given. It's something we have to do if we want to
continue business. The issue is to create a flexible and adaptable supply chain that can react quickly
and with a minimum of effort as the regulatory landscape changes. Next there's the importance of
green credentials for customers and employees. Especially in the retail and automotive industries,
consumers have become much more proactive in including green criteria within their product
selection process. Greening all parts of an organization will help drive the value in its brand – and
the supply chain has its role to play in that. But, if we're to be honest, only the enlightened few of
company boards are going to OK a major supply chain program based on top line benefits. There
has to be a positive impact of the bottom line.
Transportation Management Systems
A transportation management system, or “TMS,” is a platform that’s designed to streamline the
shipping process. It is a subset of supply chain management concerning transportation solutions. A
TMS allows shippers to automate the processes they have in place and receive valuable insights to
save time and reduce spend on future shipments.
Distribution companies, e-commerce organizations and anyone else that moves freight on a regular
basis realizes there are many moving parts to the shipping process, both literally and figuratively.
From quoting to delivery, those shipping freight are almost always looking for ways to optimize
spend and improve processes. Thanks to transportation management systems (TMS), shippers have
a solution on their side to do just that.
Benefits of TMS
Technological capabilities - With a transportation management system, you as the shipper will
have the technology you need to make routing decisions based on quotes, transit time and
carrier mix. This centralized location for quoting will eliminate unnecessary stress and time spent
during the booking process.
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Simplify processes - A TMS can help to simplify the carrier selection process by allowing you to
evaluate the merchandise being sent and matching it with a carrier in the network. By
managing this entire process in one place, you will be able to revisit past shipments and quickly
match similar loads to the appropriate carriers.
Track freight - With a TMS, you can track freight that’s on the road and even receive alerts to
any transit exceptions or unforeseen delays from one location. It’s impossible to control human
error or Mother Nature, however, a TMS will let you see when delays are occurring and why.
Business insights - Robust transportation management systems will offer you in-depth insights
and reporting capabilities. For example, let’s say you oversee the shipping process for 20
locations that each send five shipments out a week. That’s 100 shipping invoices to create and
shipments to evaluate each week. With a TMS, information will all be stored in one location and
custom reports can be created to analyse things like the discrepancies between rates and final
invoices.
Ref.: https://www.freightquote.com/define/what-is-transportation-management-system-tms/
Hyper Automation
Hyper-automation is the concept of automating everything in an organization that can be
automated. Organizations that adopt hyper-automation aim to streamline processes across their
business using artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and other technologies
to run without human intervention.
Robot Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation (RPA), also known as software robotics, uses automation technologies
to mimic back-office tasks of human workers, such as extracting data, filling in forms, moving files,
et cetera. It combines APIs and user interface (UI) interactions to integrate and perform repetitive
tasks between enterprise and productivity applications. By deploying scripts which emulate human
processes, RPA tools complete autonomous execution of various activities and transactions across
unrelated software systems.
HYPER AUTOMATION SUPPLY CHAIN
The pandemic has greatly affected the ability to receive materials in a timely fashion, and low
staffing levels have resulted in process delay, creating logistical challenge at best.
Using RPA, inventory stock checks can occur 24x7, ensuring that a current view of inventory levels
and product availability is accessible at all times. In addition to inventory checks, RPA can be used
for procurement, pricing, billing, quote request, follow-up and data input, and system maintenance
and repair. Removing the dependency on manual intervention for repetitive processes, hyperautomation can increase speed, efficiency and accuracy.
Ref.: https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/rpa
Blockchain
Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and
tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or
intangible (intellectual property, patents, copyrights, branding). Virtually anything of value can be
tracked and traded on a blockchain network, reducing risk and cutting costs for all involved.
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Benefits of Blockchain
Operations often waste effort on duplicate record keeping and third-party validations. Recordkeeping systems can be vulnerable to fraud and cyberattacks. Limited transparency can slow data
verification. And with the arrival of IoT, transaction volumes have exploded. All of this slows business,
drains the bottom line — and means we need a better way.
Greater trust - With blockchain, as a member of a members-only network, you can rest assured
that you are receiving accurate and timely data, and that your confidential blockchain records
will be shared only with network members to whom you have specifically granted access.
Greater security - Consensus on data accuracy is required from all network members, and all
validated transactions are immutable because they are recorded permanently. No one, not even
a system administrator, can delete a transaction.
More efficiencies - With a distributed ledger that is shared among members of a network, timewasting record reconciliations are eliminated. And to speed transactions, a set of rules — called a
smart contract — can be stored on the blockchain and executed automatically.
Ref.: https://www.ibm.com/in-en/topics/what-is-blockchain
Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots
An automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) consists of one or more computer-controlled, wheelbased load carriers (normally battery powered) that runs on the plant or warehouse floor (or if
outdoors on a paved area) without the need for an onboard operator or driver.
Ref.: https://www.mhi.org/downloads/industrygroups/agvs/elessons/what-is-an-agv.pdf
An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is any robot that can understand and move through its
environment without being overseen directly by an operator. Typically, this is achieved through an
array of sophisticated on-board sensors, computers, and maps, which allow AMRs to understand
and interpret their environment in order to function as a form of asynchronous transportation.
In a warehouse setting, these sophisticated technologies partner with the warehouse execution
software (WES) in order to grant AMRs increased flexibility to create their own routes between
locations within a warehouse or facility, identifying and avoiding obstacles and rerouting themselves
when necessary. The end result is a robot that is much better able to deal with the dynamic
environment offered by most order fulfillment operations.
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing the way companies manufacture, improve and distribute their
products. Manufacturers are integrating new technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), cloud
computing and analytics, and AI and machine learning into their production facilities and
throughout their operations.
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Technologies driving Industry 4.0
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key component of smart factories. Machines on the factory floor are
equipped with sensors that feature an IP address that allows the machines to connect with other
web-enabled devices. This mechanization and connectivity make it possible for large amounts of
valuable data to be collected, analyzed and exchanged.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is a cornerstone of any Industry 4.0 strategy. Full realization of smart
manufacturing demands connectivity and integration of engineering, supply chain, production,
sales and distribution, and service. Cloud helps make that possible. In addition, the typically large
amount of data being stored and analyzed can be processed more efficiently and cost-effectively
with cloud. Cloud computing can also reduce startup costs for small- and medium-sized
manufacturers who can right-size their needs and scale as their business grows.
AI and machine learning
AI and machine learning allow manufacturing companies to take full advantage of the volume of
information generated not just on the factory floor, but across their business units, and even from
partners and third-party sources. AI and machine learning can create insights providing visibility,
predictability and automation of operations and business processes. For instance: Industrial
machines are prone to breaking down during the production process. Using data collected from
these assets can help businesses perform predictive maintenance based on machine learning
algorithms, resulting in more uptime and higher efficiency.
Edge computing
The demands of real-time production operations mean that some data analysis must be done at
the “edge”—that is, where the data is created. This minimizes latency time from when data is
produced to when a response is required. For instance, the detection of a safety or quality issue may
require near-real-time action with the equipment. The time needed to send data to the enterprise
cloud and then back to the factory floor may be too lengthy and depends on the reliability of the
network. Using edge computing also means that data stays near its source, reducing security risks.
Cybersecurity
Manufacturing companies have not always considered the importance of cybersecurity or cyberphysical systems. However, the same connectivity of operational equipment in the factory or field
(OT) that enables more efficient manufacturing processes also exposes new entry paths for
malicious attacks and malware. When undergoing a digital transformation to Industry 4.0, it is
essential to consider a cybersecurity approach that encompasses IT and OT equipment.
Digital twin
The digital transformation offered by Industry 4.0 has allowed manufacturers to create digital twins
that are virtual replicas of processes, production lines, factories and supply chains. A digital twin is
created by pulling data from IoT sensors, devices, PLCs and other objects connected to the internet.
Manufacturers can use digital twins to help increase productivity, improve workflows and design
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new products. By simulating a production process, for example, manufacturers can test changes to
the process to find ways to minimize downtime or improve capacity.
Ref.: https://www.ibm.com/in-en/topics/industry-4-0
1PL, 2PL, 3PL, 4PL
First Party Logistics: First Party Logistics are companies, which do their own logistics activities.
Second Party Logistics: Second party logistics people provide their own assets such as truck
owners, warehouse operators etc.
Third Party Logistics: Third party Logistics Provider (3PL) performs logistics services on behalf of
another company. 3PLs provide the management skills along with the physical assets, labor, and
systems technology to provide professional logistics services, relieving companies of the
responsibility of performing these services themselves. 3PL's typically can provide transportation,
warehousing, pool distribution, management consulting, logistics optimization, freight forwarding,
transportation management, rate negotiations, cost evaluations, and contract management
services.
Fourth Party Logistics: 4 PLs see the process and what is required for the process to succeed. A
4PL is a supply chain manager & enabler who assemblies and manages resources, build capabilities
and technology with those of complimentary service providers. They act as the first point for
delivering unique and comprehensive supply chain solutions. 4PL leverages combined capabilities
of management consulting and 3PLs. They act as an integrator assembling the resources,
capabilities, and technology of their own organization and other organizations to design, build and
run comprehensive supply chain solutions. 4 PL is an emerging trend, and it is a complex model and
offers greater benefits in terms of economies of scale.
Ref.:
https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/1pl-to-10pl-understanding-the-various-models-of-logistics-
service-providers/
Elastic logistics
Elastic logistics refers to a model of conducting business that is flexible and agile enough to upscale
or downscale according to the demands of the market. This allows supply chain operations to
expand or shrink in almost real-time, based on predicted happenings in the market.
Elastic logistics uses automation processes in picking and packing, forcing warehousing and
logistics further towards supply-led decision-making. This endless expansion and contraction of
warehouse operations based on supply allows for more reliable financial control. Elastic logistics
allows companies to operate supply chains more efficiently in the face of fluctuations, and provides
for scalable upscaling and downscaling depending on seasonal activity and other changes. The
interplay between supply and demand has tipped largely in favor of demand.
Ref.: https://www.morethanshipping.com/elastic-logistics-the-future-of-the-supply-chain/
Page | 81
Other Interesting Articles
1. Operations industry weekly news
2. Current Challenges for Operations Management
3. Five ways to optimize the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain
4. Supply chain industry weekly news
5. COVID-19: Managing supply chain risk and disruption
6. Supply Chain Challenges and Optimization in times of Disruption
7. Coronavirus: A lesson in supply chain risk management
8. 10 Vaccine Distribution Questions for Supply Chain Leaders
9. Distraction or Disruption? Autonomous trucks gain ground in US Logistics
10. Using blockchain to drive supply chain transparency
11. Blockchain in Logistics
12. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) trends and to-do list for scaling across the enterprise
13. The Digital Transformation of Logistics – Threat and Opportunity
14. Digital Twins in Logistics
15. Conquering Complexity in Supply Chains with Digital Twins
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PRODUCT
MANAGEMENT
& ANALYTICS
THE BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY INTEREST GROUP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biztech_iim_lucknow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biztechiimlucknow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biztech-iimlucknow/about/
Page | 83
What is Product Management?
To put it simply, a product manager is like a mini-CEO where instead of driving the entire company,
he/she is responsible for managing a product from creation to successful adoption. Elaborating
further, the product manager is responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for that
product or product line. Taking the idea to execution and constantly re-iterating it to build products
that customers love. Customer centricity is the core that drives product management.
Why Product Management?
Product managers act as an intersection of business, technology, and user experience (UI/UX) teams
and acts as a binding force amongst all of them. It is the responsibility of a PM to ensure a shared
vision among all the business units that he/she is interacting with.
Most importantly, product managers define what success is for each product, outline the product
strategy, and illustrate how it will impact both the customer and the goals of the company they
work for.
Responsibilities of a Product Manager:
There are a few core responsibilities common to most product management roles inside both
established enterprise companies and at startups. Most often a product manager is responsible for
understanding customer requirements, defining and prioritizing them, and working with the
engineering team to build them. Setting strategy and defining the roadmap is often considered to
be inbound work and bringing the product to market is often considered to be "outbound."
Product Strategy and Definition (Inbound)
Strategy and vision
Customer interviews
Defining features and requirements
Building roadmaps
Release management
Go-to-resource for engineering
Sales and support training
Product Marketing and Go-to-Market (Outbound)
Competitive differentiation
Positioning and messaging
Naming and branding
Customer communication
Product launches
Press and analyst relations
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Key Trends in Product Management in the COVID Context
1. Some app industries are seeing a surge in user engagement — some as high as a 177%average
increase in daily active users(DAUs).
2. For struggling industries, app launches are down as much as60-80%.
3. Some app verticals are seeing prolonged spikes in engagement (Content& Media), while others
are experiencing temporary peaks before returning to normal (Grocery)
Page | 85
Suggested readings to appreciate Product Management:
Books:
Design of Everyday Things
Well Designed
Blogs/Articles:
Interview Tips
https://www.intercom.com/blog/evolving-your-product-management-career-ladder/
Product Management Frameworks:
The
3-Step
Startup
Marketing
Framework
We
Created
to
Grow
(https://hitenism.com/marketing-framework/)
8 essential metrics for measuring product-led growth
(https://www.appcues.com/blog/product-led-growth-metrics)
4 Steps to Defining GREAT Metrics for ANY Product
(https://hackernoon.com/metrics- game-framework-5e3dce1be8ac)
The FANG Playbook
(https://stratechery.com/2016/the-fang-playbook/)
Aggregator Theory
(https://stratechery.com/2015/aggregation-theory/)
Design in Product Management
Articulating Your Product Design Principles
(https://www.sachinrekhi.com/articulating-your-product-design-principles)
Don Norman's Principles of Interaction Design
(https://www.sachinrekhi.com/don-norman-principles-of-interaction-design)
Wireframes Aren’t Just for Designers
(https://www.mindtheproduct.com/wireframes-arent-just-for-designers/)
Page | 86
KISSmetrics
What is Analytics?
Analytics is the science of analyzing raw data to derive actionable insights and conclusions. The
techniques and processes may involve complex algorithms and machine learning concepts. Data
Analytics plays a pivotal role in helping businesses identify patterns, customer trends and
accordingly take decisions.
Different Types of Analytics
Page | 87
1. Discovery:
Objective is to understand the business domainand know the available resources (people, time,
technology, data)
Developing initial hypothesis to test with the data
2. Data preparation:
Understanding the data in detail
Performing ETL: Extract Transform
Load
Data visualization to understand nuances, trends and overview of the data
3. Model Planning:
→
→
Understand relationships between different variables and select the most appropriate and
relevant variables
Determining causal relationships between input and output, if it exists
Shortlisting possible techniques that can be employed: Classification, Clustering, etc.
Page | 88
4. Model Selection:
Develop and fit models on training data and evaluate on test data
Determine if the model is robust enough to be scaled to a larger dataset
5. Communicate results:
Comparing the outcomes with the defined criteria for success and failure
Checking if the results of the model are statistically significant
6. Operationalize:
Deploying the model to production environment
Monitoring of ongoing model deployment
Further reading: You can also check the below link to get more interview question of data analyst:
https://www.interviewbit.com/data-analyst-interview-questions/
Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning vs Deep Learning – Know the difference
Artificial Intelligence
Succinctly put, AI is the ability of computer program to function like a human. AI includes
algorithms that imitate the intelligence exhibited by humans and can solve problems in ways that
are considered “smart”. E.g., Amazon’s accurate AI that provides one of the most accurate of
predictions.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is considered as a subset of AI. This comprises of algorithms that parse data,
“learn” from it and can apply what the algorithms have learned to make informed decisions. The
machines can learn from the data with the help of statistical techniques E.g., Email filtering, fraud
detection and dynamic pricing.
Deep Learning
Further subset of Machine Learning is Deep Learning. The objective of these techniques is to achieve
a goal or an artificial intelligence power that teaches computers to task and ability to understand
anything. The algorithms permit software to train itself to perform tasks, like speech and image
recognition. E.g., Application of Deep Learning to differentiate between dialects, autonomous
vehicles using deep learning to identify pedestrian
Page | 89
“How vast can Machine Learning really be? I mean isn’t it just a few algori…. Oh okay…My bad”
Page | 90
Latest Technology Trends:
1.
AI and Machine Learning:
The AI is expected to grow be $190 billion industry with global spending on cognitive and AI
systems reaching over $57 billion in 2022. Though many conventional may be scrapped due to the
involvement of AI, several new kinds of jobs would open in development, programming, testing,
support and maintenance, to name a few. AI offers some of the highest paid salaries from $100,000
per year to around $150,000.
On similar lines, ML is also on rapid rise leading to increase in skilled and technical professionals. It is
believed that ML and automation will lead to more than 8% jobs in USA by 2025, including robot
monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, content curators, etc.
Following are the hot job posts concerning this domain in the market:
AI Research Scientist
AI Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
AI Architect
2.
Automation:
Many times, it is also referred to as robot process automation (RPA) which is basically referred to as
the use of software to automate business processes which are repetitive in nature. McKinsey finds
that less than 5% of occupations can be totally automated, but about 60% can be partially
automated (article). Though RPA has the potential to threaten the livelihood of around 9% of global
workforce, is also creating new jobs while altering existing jobs.
3.
Quantum Computing:
Normal computers in their core deal with the binary 0 and 1. But what if they could achieve a state
of let’s say ½ or 1/4. This can help in optimizing power and increase the computational capabilities
exponentially by using the quantum concepts of superposition and quantum entanglement.
Tech giants such as Google, AWS, Microsoft, etc are already involved in making innovations in this
field. As per Statista, the revenue due to global computing marketing is expected to cross $2.5 bn by
2029.
4.
Internet of Things (IoT):
You may have not realized this but there is a very high change you have used product based on IoT,
even your mobile phone uses this. Most of the handheld electronic “things” today use Wi-Fi for
connectivity to Internet and to each other, thus the name – Internet of Things.
Car doors can be unlocked remotely, switch on A/C of our home before reaching there, track fitness
on cell phone or your Fitbit devices. The IoT can enable better safety, efficiency and decision making
for businesses as data is collected and analyzed. It can enable predictive maintenance, speed up
medical care, improve customer service, and offer benefits we haven’t even imagined yet.
It is expected that by the end of this decade, there will be more than 50Bn IoT devices in active use
across the globe. Corollary, the spending on IoT is expected to reach $1.1 Tn in 2022. This will lead to
the creation of massive web of interconnected devices covering different domains of usage
simultaneously.
Page | 91
5.
5G – 5th Generation Internet:
Talking specifically in Indian context, the recent digital revolution has already catapulted the
country in a new direction. But what if someone told you that it’s just the beginning and the real
game is about to begin. That’s what 5G promises us. For quite some time, 3G and 4G had enabled us
to browse internet remotely on hand with ease, increasing bandwidth to stream Netflix, Spotify,
Youtube etc.
5G would take this experience to the next level by making services using AR and VR easy to use,
alongside cloud-based gaming services like Google Stadia, NVidia GeForce Now and much more.
Almost all the telecom giants are working to create 5G applications and by 2024, 40% of the world
would have 5G access.
6.
Augmented and Virtual Reality:
The next step in reality-based simulations is AR and VR. Though their current usage has been largely
restricted to gaming, it has also been used to train navy, air force, astronauts etc by simulating real
circumstances. Usually working in tandem with some of the other emerging technologies we’ve
mentioned in this list, AR and VR have enormous potential in training, entertainment, education,
marketing, and even rehabilitation after an injury.
You would be surprised to know that 14 million AR and VR devices were sold in 2019. The global AR
and VR market is expected to grow to $210 billion by 2022, only creating more opportunities in the
trending technology, and welcoming more professionals ready for this game-changing field.
7.
Blockchain:
You may have heard about this in case of crypto currencies, but that’s just one application of
blockchain technology. Formally defined, blockchain is a distributed database where data is shared
among different nodes of a network. The data can be stored in a decentralized fashion alongside
ensuring security of transactions without the involvement of any third-party application.
As the name suggest, data is stored in groups (or blocks) which together are connected via network
like a chain. When the storage capacity of a block gets over, a new block is created and previous
block is connected to the new one, thus continuing the chain.
Though blockchain has wide range of applications such as conduction elections, transaction
management, etc, it has its own downsides and vulnerabilities. First, blockchain required huge
amount of electrical can computational power which may be out of bound from most of the
general populous now. Therefore, feasibility becomes an issue. Secondly, blockchain enthusiasts
boasts the impracticality of a single person controlling majority of the blocks due to huge
investment that would be required to do so. However, the same might not be applicable for a
government, or a tech giant. It would be easier for them, to do a 51% attack where they would gain
access to the data of just more than half the blocks and thus controlling which data is correct &
which is wrong.
Page | 92
AGRIBUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
IGFAB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IGFAB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igfab-iim-lucknow8942aa1b4/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/iim_lucknow_igfab/
Page | 93
ABOUT AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Agribusiness Management is the application of business skills from areas such as marketing,
finance, economics, and management to the agricultural industry. The core concepts of
management remain the same, but the perspective is from the food and agricultural point of
view. Agriculture ,as a sector provides a wide variety of challenges. The dependence on the land
fertility, climate, lack of agricultural infrastructure and access to capital are but just a few
challenges that this industry faces during the production stage. Post-production, most of the
challenges are due to the perishability of the products. The low shelf life of agricultural products
coupled with specific conditions required to store and transport goods pose unique challenges
and can be a supply chain nightmare. Hence, a food company needs to manage and control the
process right from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of finished goods to the enduser. Thus, as an Agribusiness professional ,you would be required to have strong domain
knowledge and be well versed with management principles to manage the agribusiness value
chain effectively.
PGP ABM at IIM Lucknow
Agribusiness Management is not just about agriculture. It is a management course where
one learns how to manage a firm, which is related to agriculture/livestock/food processing
and another similar domain. It does not require too much technical knowledge. Moreover,
there is a foundation course in agriculture to familiarize you with the basic concepts. So even
if one does not have an agriculture background but is interested in being associated with the
Agri based industry, this course would provide the required learning.
Apart from the regular PGP subjects, there is one extra course focusing on ABM in each term
of the first year. During the second year, electives for both are different.
IIM-L has a common placement process for PGP and PGP-ABM. The eligibility for the
application to any company depends on the company’s eligibility criteria. ABM students can
hence apply to almost all the companies not just those specific to the agribusiness sector.
Each field can contribute to the Agribusiness sector be it engineering or commerce or
humanities. There are students in the current batch as well as the previous batches who did
not have a background in agriculture, yet they are outdoing their peers.
ABM program also has scope in all sectors, including marketing, finance, etc. related to the
agri domain. You will get immense opportunities in the fields of pharmacy, fertilizers & other
agri-based products or services in case you are inclined towards the field.
The diversity of students in PGP-ABM batch is similar to that of PGP batch. They have diverse
work experience. Some are from the consulting field, others from the IT industry, Auto
Industry and many students are from the biotech domain. Also, there are a healthy number
of freshers in the batch. You can pursue ABM and you shall get the same enriched experience
as the PGP students.
The committee selection process offers equal chances to both PGP and ABM students. For
Academic Interest Groups, relaxation is given to ABM students based on the academic
criteria. So, it depends entirely on your capability that whether you can make it into the
committees or not.
Page | 94
There is even a committee, IGFAB (Interest Group in Food and Agribusiness), which especially
deals with the events related to agri-business. IGFAB is the face of IIM Lucknow in the
domains of agri-business, environment, and rural management. It is the committee that
handles all the agribusiness activities and events in IIML throughout the year. The committee
also initiated the FAB Festival which includes various events like quizzes, article writing,
workshop, panel discussions and case competition related to finance, marketing, strategy,
etc. Apart from this, other events conducted by IGFAB keep on taking place all throughout
the year. IGFAB, under the umbrella of IIM Lucknow, acts to disseminate awareness about
agri-business, to carve paths for conserving the environment and to diffuse subtle prosperity
in rural India.
The summer placements of ABM students are almost at par with PGP students. ABM students
have also obtained general management roles, operation roles, marketing roles in firms like
Amazon, Flipkart, HUL, Star, etc.
General tips:
Apart from the technical knowledge regarding the graduation stream, a basic knowledge of
the agriculture sector is desired. It would benefit you to be abreast with the current news and
trends in the Agriculture sector in India and the rest of the world. The contribution of
agriculture to the Indian economy. You may need to justify your interest in the Agriculture
sector.
Be aware and know thoroughly about the current affairs and agribusiness related news,
Agricultural contribution in India with respect to all aspects like GDP, Export, Import etc.
Be aware of any special day on the date of your interview. (say environment day, republic
day).
Important topics: Organic farming, GM crops and BT crops, food and organisms;
Organizations like FSSAI, FCI, APEDA, NABARD, FAO etc. Related ministries (MoFPI, Ministry of
agriculture and farmer’s welfare etc.), Agricultural policies, Subsidies, MSPs etc, Business
model of companies like Swiggy etc.
PI Questions
Introduction: Answer to this question can make or break the interview. Prepare this question
well to take an edge. You can include education, career goals, hobbies etc. Try to create a
flow linking any major incidents in your life to your education and career goals.
Why MBA?
Why ABM?
PGP or ABM? Why?
Why not continue the same field as you had in your under-graduation?
Were any projects undertaken during work? (Work experience-based question)
How do you think your work experience in would relate to an MBA in Agribusiness?
What contribution can you make in the agribusiness sector?
What do you think is the current status of agribusiness in India?
Major exports and imports of agricultural products.
What was your favorite subject in under-graduation? What subjects did you study in your
under-graduation?
Page | 95
What other calls do you have? Why are you interested in IIM Lucknow?
Name some companies working in the food and agribusiness sector.
Current affairs-based question and your opinion on the same.
Do you have any questions for us(interviewer)?
Why do you prefer ABM over your other calls?
Do you know why agri-business management got this name or what is the difference
between agriculture and agri-business management?
Indian firm in agribusiness- examples; what is agribusiness?
Questions about the companies that you have filled in the application form for PGP ABM?
Why would you like to work for these companies?
Questions related to agriculture like types of soil, crops etc.
What is a crop? Examples of Kharif and Rabi crops.
What is the difference between manure and fertilizer?
Fertilizer subsidy?
What is a fodder crop, examples?
GM food and crops? (BT cotton, BT soybean and BT brinjal in particular)
Questions on ICAR, APMC, Commodity trading?
What is NCDEX?
As a consultant suggest us 5 emerging areas to invest in biotechnology?
Agriculture sector problems.
What is Urea? Is it organic or inorganic? Describe its structure?
How agriculture sector contributes to climate change?
India GDP, rural population, Panchayati system etc.
M.S. Swaminathan’s Green evolution?
Farm mechanization? Green House Impact?
Nobel Prize in agriculture- Wolf prize.
What is horticulture, floriculture, olericulture, monoculture, crop rotation, multiple cropping,
FAO headquarters, crop diversity, contract farming etc.?
Green, yellow revolutions, what other revolutions on similar lines you know-Blue, white etc.?
Products of companies like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Marico etc.
Biggest achievement and failure of your life. What did you learn from that experience?
What are Transgenic Crops? Explain
What are major agricultural problems in Bihar?
Tell us about Agricultural Budget?
What did you do in your Rural Agriculture Work Experience?
Challenges in Agriculture sector in India?
Views on Locust attack?
Why productivity in India is low?
Which microfinancing units are providing loans to farmers?
What kind of loans are provided?
Famous crops in your area?
What are some of the characteristics looked for wheat as a breeding perspective?
Is there any problem with cold storage chain for wheat in India?
Difference between cash and subsistence crops?
Monsanto operates in which business? What kind of seeds do they deal in? Any specific term?
Page | 96
What are BT crops and issues related with them?
What are the Three farm laws? What are your views on them?
What is the Farm laws repeal bill?
What do you know about Precision agriculture?
Are you aware of the use of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in agriculture? How
are they being utilized to enhance production?
Expect some questions on government schemes and agricultural practices followed in your
own state. Develop an opinion about the effectiveness and any improvements that you can
think of about the schemes/practices.
Name some Unicorn startups in the agribusiness space in India.
What are the challenges that Indian agribusiness startups are facing currently?
What is the impact of pandemic on the supply/demand and prices of Agri-products in India?
What is the relationship between age and price of rice and why is it so?
How do you market a software specially designed for farmers considering the literacy rate of
Indian farmers?
Page | 97
SUSTAINABLE
MANAGEMENT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pgpsm-iim-lucknow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iiml_pgpsm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGPSMIIMLucknow
Page | 98
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
Businesses are being driven by sustainability and inclusive development. Various national,
multinational, and international organizations are adopting policies and programmes focusing
on accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure better compliance with the
corporate governance norms, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made it
mandatory for the top 1,000 listed companies (by market capitalization) to prepare annual
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). The BRSR must cover the activities of
the companies related to the environment and stakeholder relationships. The BRSR reporting
requirements are expected to bring in greater transparency through the disclosure of material
ESG-related information to enable market participants to identify and assess sustainabilityrelated risks and opportunities. To run a business sustainably, legitimately and successfully, there
is a need for bright minds with knowledge and skills of management and a positive attitude
towards social and environmental issues. PGP-SM provides unique blend of core management
courses like Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, Strategy, Statistics, IT and sustainability-related
courses.
PGP SM at IIM Lucknow
It is a two-year full-time residential programme being conducted by IIM Lucknow at its Noida
campus. The programme helps students develop an ethos of the environment and social
responsibility of businesses and equip them with holistic thinking and skills. The welldesigned curriculum focuses on developing the capability to recognize the interconnectedness of the economic performance of business with social and environmental
systems. Students would also be able to produce policy-relevant results.
Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM) has been designed to
enable the students to:
1. Understand societal development from multiple perspectives
2. Acquire knowledge and skills in functional areas of business management
3. Actively participate in the growing worldwide debate on the purposes and responsibilities of
business
4. Become informed, self-aware and socially and environmentally responsible individuals,
contributing to social change
5. Challenge the status quo and suggest new and innovative opportunities for businesses to
grow without compromising social and environmental responsibilities.
The curriculum of PGP-SM is rigorous and is designed to equip students with the multiple facets
of management such as Operations, Strategy, Finance, Ethics, Economics, Decision Sciences,
Human Resources, Communications and Marketing with a thorough understanding of Business
Sustainability & Public Policy in the hindsight.
The curriculum is broadly divided into 3 content themes:
General management related concepts
Sustainability - including Environmental as well as Social aspects
Decision making and analytical ability related concepts
Page | 99
Unique Features of the PGPSM Program
Integrated Project:
The Integrated Project (IP), running in the corporate space throughout the second year, provides
an opportunity for the students to implement the skills and techniques developed during
academic interaction. It spans over nine months of three terms in the second year. It carries 1.5
credits. The student needs to work with any company on real-time projects. It is intended to
allow integrating theory and practice. Students have done IP in various companies like NTPC, EY,
Invest India, Flipkart, RTI International, GAIL, ITC, HCL, to name a few. List of few Projects
undertaken by the students of 2020-22 batch
1. ESG Rating Analysis and Corporate Strategy
2. Market research on the Energy sector and new growth opportunities
3. Sustainable Financing
4. Sustainable Brand's storefront launch
5. Comparative Scenario Analysis of NGFS, IEA and UNPRI IPR Net Zero Scenarios
6. Research for setting Science-based Net Zero Targets and Assisting in Devising an Action Plan
7. Market Monitor for FMCG Industry and ESG Gap Analysis on AI & Data Governance
8. Sustainability/ESG Advisory for EU region
9. TCFD Risks and Opportunities Analysis
10. Validation of Environmental and Social KPIs for Sustainability Reporting
Leadership Talk Series:
Leadership Talk Series (LTS) is a lecture cum interaction held with various industry experts to
facilitate corporate linkage with the institute and the learning of students. Leaders from the
energy sector, HR, development sector, start-ups and consulting domains have visited the
institute and interacted with PGP-SM students. LTS is designed to be a complementary
educational platform to the classroom pedagogy as speakers talk about ground challenges and
industry insights by bringing in their own experiences. The institute's location in Noida allows LTS
to attract speakers from all over the NCR region. Some of the companies that have been
associated with LTS are ABG, Shell, Schneider Electric, JSW, Nielsen, Fortum, Future Group and
Hero MotoCorp.
International Immersion:
It is a two week visit to universities and industries abroad to observe the best municipal and
corporate practices in the field of sustainability. Interaction with industry leaders and academia
are organised for exchange of ideas.
Page | 100
Campus and Hostel:
PGP-SM is offered at Noida Campus of IIM-L. Noida campus was chosen for this programme,
considering its proximity to Delhi NCR and Corporate Offices. The campus is spread over 20
acres and has an academic block, library, executive hostel and centre and faculty block. Also, the
campus has a badminton court, tennis court, football ground, volleyball court and a basketball
court. Facilities are available for indoor games (Table Tennis, Carrom, Pool, Chess). The hostel has
a fully functional gym.
Various committees are Placement, Disha (Placement assistance), Leadership Talk Series,
Alumni, Events, Student Affairs & Interest clubs, Media and Sports. Clubs are operations,
marketing, consulting, finance, product management, project management, IT, public policy,
NC orators, culture and sustainability.
Events like Manfest-Varchasva: The annual sports and business-cultural festival, Aarohan,
Pravaah - the corporate sports tournament, Parakram - The Intra college sports tournament
etc., add to the vigour at the campus and beyond.
Sanrakshan is the landmark annual event organised by the students of the program, which is
the leading Business Sustainability Conclave under the aegis of the Centre for Business
Sustainability. Industry leaders working in sustainable management are invited to the
conclave to facilitate industry-academia interaction. Our students also formulate and host
competitions on sustainable management concepts and emerging issues in the relevant
domain which were appreciated by students & participants from colleges across the nation.
PI Questions
Tell me something about yourself?
What are the projects handled in the past?
What are the responsibilities you face after being a lead?
What are the sustainability practices in IT?
What are the initiatives followed in your company?
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Why SM?
Why you think you have to do something for others?
What differentiates humans and animals?
Why do you want to leave your job and join this course?
What do you understand about commerce?
What work did you do in Sustainability?
What is your rationale to choose this course?
Which other calls do you have?
What do you know about SDGs?
What is COP26?
Your understanding of India's stand in the Glasgow Summit 2021.
Facts about the place of residence
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Reasons not to join PGPSM
What is commerce?
What is E-commerce?
What is the Difference between Ecommerce and Commerce?
Give an Example of an SM System?
You are SSGB, what is the methodology?
What are some recent developments in the Sustainability Area?
What was your role in CSR in the earlier organisation. Do you think companies that provide
products/services with social/environmental impact should be forced to do CSR?
How is sustainability different from CSR?
So you are saying you will work in a consulting firm that works with the government on
public policy? Does such a job profile exist? Tell us a few companies which work in that
domain. Why don't you do a government job then?
Why not PGP from any other institute?
What is the triple bottom line?
Do you know any indexes related to sustainability?
What do you understand from the shared economy?
What is the circular economy?
Do you think policies/laws play a role in driving sustainability?
Why not ABM?
Why do developed countries set up recycling plants in developing countries? Do you think it
is right? Why do developing countries allow the same?
What is Paris Agreement?
What is the scope for you to use creativity & innovation in PGPSM?
Do you think google steals data?
What is Six-Sigma? Follow up questions.
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GENERAL
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The idea behind this section is to show you that the interview day can be very unpredictable. We
have picked some tricky questions which caught students off guard on D-Day. Hope this gives
insights on what sort of questions can be asked. After going through this section spend some
time
reflecting
about
the
questions
that
can
be
asked
to
you
based
on
your
hobbies/education/work experience and interests.
HOBBY RELATED
Instruments/Music:
Explain the Drum Setup for Def Leppard's drummer? In depth questions on drumming.
Questions on various instruments like tabla, djembe.
Some famous instrumentalists and why do I like them?
Why is SAREGAMAPA called SAREGAMAPA and not something else?
What do you do in the band?
Why don’t you want to become a full-time musician?
Name your 3 favourite guitarists and state why they are so?
Who is Pancham da?
Sports:
Few questions related to running in depth.
Football- favourite team and why? some questions on leagues, players and formations.
Tell me some qualities about Sachin which you learnt from his career.
What is the weight of the cricket ball?
What is the difference between Kookaburra ball and SG balls?
What is reverse swing?
Explain cricket ball swing in engineering terms.
What is the maximum number of runs a batsman can make in an ODI innings?
What is castling in Chess?
Chess Grand Masters and different openings in the Chess?
Cooking/Food:
Even though quality of milk is better in North than in West Bengal, why is WB famous for
sweets?
Cuisine of your home state?
Chefs you follow? Your inspiration?
Art/Reading/Writing:
Different style of painting and mediums?
Questions on HP Novels? Questions on your favourite/recently read book.
Questions on genres - Why Sci-Fi? Do you think current generation looks at Sci Fi as means of
escapism from reality?
Tehcnical questions about blogging, content creation and reach?
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QUANTS/ STATISTICS
Explain probability density function, bell curve with some examples. (I scored less in quants
subjects during my undergrad).
Exhaustive questioning from correlation, regression and probability with problems given to be
solved on the spot
Define random variable. Typical question on examples.
Poisson distribution, normal distribution and binomial distribution.
Gave examples and asked which type of distribution will they follow.
Regression and its use in Duckworth Lewis rule in cricket.
Graph of mod(x)
What is sampling error?
Does it change with sample size?
Can you give an optimal sample size?
Draw the curve depicting relation between sampling error and sample size
What is meant by standard deviation?
Algebraic equations and derivations, Mathematical puzzles
Monty Hall Problem
Integration of some functions and their graphs
Differentiation, Global and Local Maxima and Minima
Statistical terms and real applications in a start-up?
Rank of matrices
Base conversion of Number system
Assumptions of linear regression model
STATIC GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Cabinet ministers and their designations
Governors/Chief minister of different states.
Subprime crisis
How many seats are there in Lok and Rajya Sabha?
What is meant by e-commerce and m- commerce?
Number of states and union territories? Recently formed states/UTs?
ENGINEERING
Do you think there is lack of entry-level jobs for engineering graduates in the respective fields?
Specify some measurement instruments in electronics (done BE in EEE).
Mention some statistical measures while analysing data on population of a state over a
decade (had mentioned my favourite subject as Maths).
Questions related to Civil Engineering - How would I see if a project is feasible?
Which all calls do you have?
Asked some questions about AC machines and transformers. How step-up and step-down
transformers work.
Why does a petrol engine need a spark plug while diesel engines don’t? And which type of
engine needs more maintenance and why?
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Tell me all the three laws of thermodynamics.
Why don't you want to pursue a highly lucrative job in oil exploration/refinery? (Chemical
engineering background)
What equipment can be used to check and control pollution?
What are the bottom products of a distillation column used for refining crude oil? Difference
between SI and CI engines, between external and internal combustion engines, new traits in
engines, role of starter and igniter, spark plug?
Draw layout of a car.
Capacity of centrifugal pump.
India's position in semi-conductors? How India could improve the position against China.
Software Development process for communication app like zoom/g-meet.
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE
What is a Balance Sheet?
Difference between asset and liabilities
Trial balance sheet, accounting (by writing)
What is IRR, difference between CPM and PERT
What is the difference between Cost, Value and Price?
So, you graduated in finance, tell us why banks take the book value and other market players
take the market value as price when calculating the P/E ratio?
Tell me something about crypto-currency.
How is the price of Bitcoin determined?
How will supply affect the demand for sea side villas?
What are your views about GST as a whole?
Buyback of shares
What is the rate of discount for calculating NPV?
Which are the only 2 fixed expenses in income statement?
ECONOMICS
How to measure income inequality?
What is Game theory?
What are the assumptions and exception of law of demand?
What should government do to save retailers from ecommerce?
Monetary Policy? Fiscal Policy?
What is fiscal deficit?
OPERATIONS
Upstream and downstream operations
What is Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing and what is the basic difference in PERT and CPM
methods of time study?
What is Six Sigma?
CPM and PERT analysis.
Agile methodologies
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AUTOMOBILE
·Since you are from Automotive industry, please tell me what is differential and its function
and what type of differential is used in Trains?
Is the MD of Mahindra an MBA?
Do you think it is appropriate to run vehicles on electricity in a country where most villages are
not having power supply in houses?
IT
What is internet of things? And how is cloud used in it?
Why does the world need IT managers?
How can you use IT in other fields?
Subject specific questions - what is a system? What is testing(white box and black box)? What
is modelling and how is it different from simulation?
MISCELLANEOUS
Do you think there's anything wrong with our education system? Is there a need to pay more
attention towards it?
Okay tell me one example of something which is unethical but legal, and one which is illegal
but ethical?
You have taken part in a math Olympiad, here take solve this math puzzle.
Do you feel you are at a disadvantage because you are the last person whom we are
interviewing today?
Why is Ola cabs still getting funding although in losses?
What is the Power Transmission loss in Andhra Pradesh?
There are a lot of slums near the Mumbai airport, because of which, the capacity is limited.
How would you relocate those people?
So, you have an Army background. How has that been as a differentiator? Don't you think that
Defence people are a bit attached to themselves, as they prefer Defence Hospitals over Civil
Hospitals for example?
Why do Keralites go to middle-east while Punjabis and Delhiites to Canada and Europe?
How does money transferred to India from middle east affect the exchange rate?
How is a company formed?
What is the average height of Indian males and females?
Women are good/bad managers: Comment.
What is AI, AR and VR? How it can be implemented in travel industry?
If you go to a venture capitalist, how will you convince them about your business plan?
Do you think believing is right?
Terrorists believe in stuff. Do you think they're right?
What do you know about the agriculture sector in India? Can it be better?
Sales is an acquired skill. You believe you have it? Sell this glass filled with toffees to us.
Name the seven chakras of the body and where they are located.
How has social media has affected our lives.
One liner for a beer glass at a gift shop.
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Who will you support in a India-Pakistan cricket match and why?
Types of personalities, what type of person are you?
How can you make 0+0=2?
Who are the Bharat Ratna awardee singers of India?
Calculate the no of planes flying above the interview center, right now
Explain how the masculine and feminine aspects of a culture embody themselves in different
ideologies.
Why alcohol is subsidized for army men?
Various drug policies in India.
Electric vehicle future in India and its effect on HPCL?
Five reasons why females make better managers? Five reasons why they do not?
Opinion on lateral entry in bureaucracy.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Indian Economy :
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-economy-full-of-dwarfs-77-firms-deployless-than-40-workers-92-have-less-than-100-employees-7923631.html
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indian-economy-to-see-95-growth-this-fiscalarvind-virmani/article38232081.ece
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/govt-does-switch-operation-of-119701crore/article38352211.ece
Impact of Omicron :
https://www.thehindu.com/business/omicron-spread-may-hit-q4-gdp-outlook-by-20-30bps/article38119279.ece
India’s Current account :
https://www.thehindu.com/business/current-account-slips-to-deficit-in-q2/article38083000.ece
Economics of farm laws :
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/modis-farm-reform-reversal-todeter-investment-in-indias-agriculture/articleshow/88099530.cms
GST 2022 :
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/gst/gst-from-rate-rationalisation-to-reduction-incompliance-burden-what-to-expect-from-indirect-taxes-in-2022/articleshow/88605813.cms
Afghanistan and India relations :
https://www.policyforum.net/how-the-taliban-is-affecting-indias-trade-with-afghanistan/
Covid Pandemic – Economic Impact
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/thecoronavirus-effect-on-global-economic-sentiment
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0972150920945687
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2021/11/02/na111121-indias-economy-to-rebound-aspandemic-prompts-reforms
Farm Bills
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-repeals-farm-bills-a-timeline-of-events-thatfollowed-since-their-enactment-7630402/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/what-are-new-farm-laws-and-and-why-farmers-areprotesting/articleshow/79609234.cms
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Labour laws and reforms
https://prsindia.org/billtrack/overview-of-labour-lawreforms#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20the%20Ministry%20of,Safety%2C%20Health%20and%20Wor
king%20Conditions.
India: the scope for global pharma leader
https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/dotcom/client_service/Pharma%20and%20Medica
l%20Products/PMP%20NEW/PDFs/778886_India_Pharma_2020_Propelling_Access_and_Accepta
nce_Realising_True_Potential.ashx
https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/health/indian-pharma-a-strategic-sector-from-makein-india-to-make-and-develop-in-india/2331377/
The V shaped GDP growth rate
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/indian-economy-recovery-growth-explained-7491224/
https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/is-india-looking-at-a-v-or-w-shapedeconomic-recovery-in-fy22-121090701123_1.html
New Education Bill
https://idronline.org/nep-2020-getting-the-basics-right/?gclid=CjwKCAiAl
6PBhBCEiwAc2GOVAErmN074wX15YMJKRabpRHxbQDWuhI58WGhk7nVoeQy5cebEY19RoCdWkQAvD_BwE
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/reading-new-education-policy-india-schools-colleges6531603/
Epidemic Diseases Bill
https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-epidemic-diseases-amendment-bill-2020
FDI policy changes
https://indbiz.gov.in/invest/fdipolicy/#:~:text=In%20March%202021%2C%20the%20Parliament,the%20existing%20cap%20of%
2049%25.
https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/dpiit-close-to-finalising-revised-fdi-policy-to-facilitatedisinvestment-of-lic-secretary-11641484111113.html
Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat & Make in India
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan
Vaccine wars
https://www.scidev.net/asia-pacific/covid-19-spawns-vaccine-wars/
Page | 110
BREXIT TRADE DEAL : https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887
Why in news?
The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to a post-Brexit free trade deal i.e. The
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), sealing the UK's exit from the bloc.
Background
Brexit - or "British exit" - refers to the process of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the
European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community.
Following a referendum in 2016, Britain became the first country to leave the EU in January
2020 after which an 11-month transition period was kicked-in in accordance with the
withdrawal agreement.
The UK and European Union have finally agreed a deal that will define their future relationship.
Major provisions of the deal
Goods trade: The trade deal does not impose any tariffs or quotas on goods traded between
the EU and UK, however, British exporters will have to contend with new regulatory hurdles
which will make it costlier to do business with Europe.
Level Playing Field: The EU and UK have both agreed to uphold their environmental, social,
labour and tax transparency standards.
Disputes: Any disputes on the trade between the two parties are subject to negotiation by both
but EU courts will have no say in the matter.
Professional services: There will no longer be automatic mutual recognition of professional
qualifications.
Agriculture: Agricultural products would not be subject to tariffs or quotas; however, shippers
would face new challenges and higher costs as a result of new border requirements.
Law: There will be cooperation between the EU and the UK, especially in cases of investigating
terrorism and other serious crime. Exchange of DNA, fingerprint and airline passenger
information is allowed under the new deal.
Mobility or freedom of movement: UK nationals no longer have the freedom to work, study,
start a business or live in the EU. Visas will be required for stays over 90 days.
Impact on India
Brexit will create both opportunities and challenges for India. However, India may emerge as a
net gainer from the Brexit deal.
Services Sector: In sectors such as IT, R&D, architecture and financial services, India may gain in
both the markets but particularly in the UK. For example, in the IT sector, India’s competitor in
the EU, particularly in the lower segment of services, is Poland. Now, because Poland will have
restrictions on the free movement of professionals, that may be to the advantage of India.
Indian exporters who were catering to the EU and UK markets will not have the challenge of
meeting different standards and registrations for the markets.
Trade Deals: Brexit also opens the opportunity for India to sign trade deals separately with both
the EU and the UK. Negotiations for a comprehensive Bilateral Trade and Investment
Agreement between India and the EU (including the UK) was called off in 2013 after both sides
failed to reconcile differences.
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A well-negotiated bilateral trade deal between the UK and India has the potential to increase
bilateral trade by 26%.
Barriers for Indian manufacturers: Indian companies who have based their headquarters either
in the UK or the EU to serve both the markets may face some challenges. These include
restrictions on the movement of professionals, reaching rules of origin thresholds for zero tariffs,
ensuring the correct regulatory approvals for the final products, and potential delays at borders.
India, UK and EU: Trade Relations
UK is India’s 14th largest trade partner and trade between India and UK touched $15.5billion
with a $2 billion trade surplus in favour of India. The UK is the third-largest source of foreign
direct investment in India and India is now the second largest investor in the UK economy.
The EU is India’s 3rd largest regional trading partner while India was EU’s 9th largest trading
partner in 2018-19.India’s overall bilateral trade with the European Union for the period 2018-19
was 115.64USD billion. The EU continued to be one of the largest sources of FDI for India and
India is among the few nations in the world that run a surplus in services trade with the EU.
There are about 800 Indian-owned companies in the UK employing roughly 110,000 people.
(E.g.: Jaguar Land Rover is owned by the Tata group). Many of these firms made investments
with the wider European market in mind.
Together, the UK and Europe account for over-a-quarter of the country’s IT exports, worth
around $30bn.
3 CAPITALS FOR ANDHRA PRADESH :
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-
how-andhras-concept-of-three-capitals-is-inspired-by-south-africa-6189024/
Why in News?
As per the Andhra Pradesh Decentralization and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill,
2020,Andhra Pradesh State will have Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Kurnool respectively as the
executive, legislative and judicial capitals of the State.
Arguments in favour of 3 capitals
Historically recommended: It was the central theme in recommendations of all major
committees set up to suggest a suitable location for the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Distributed development: Different regions gain from a decentralized arrangement as
governmental activities are the fulcrum around which developmental activities spring up and
boost local economy. Justice B N Srikrishna Committee, set up to look into the demand for a
Telangana state, noted “concentration of development efforts in Hyderabad is the key reason
for demand of separate states”.
Planned Urbanization: It is better to work against a primate city with high population density
and move in favour of mid-sized cities with decent economies.
Avoiding financial crunch: It is expected that the new arrangement will come at a fraction of
the earlier cost for Amaravati as it would buy into existing infrastructure of Kurnool and
Vishakhapatnam.
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Concerns over food security: KCS Committee raised concerns of food security when taking
away thousands of acres of fertile land for urbanization by developing Amaravati as capital in
single region.
Why it is being criticized?
Might hamper coordination: Governmental arms, especially the bureaucracy and ministers are
required to do frequent consultations. Separation and distance of the two might hamper
coordination during assembly sessions.
Lack of proper infrastructure: success of distributed development depends on a welldeveloped infrastructural network linking the growth centers. Andhra Pradesh lacks these
linkages now.
Environmental impact of densification: KCS committee warned about the environmental
impact of intensification and densification in cities, with a special reference to Visakhapatnam.
Also, Visakhapatnam region is prone to cyclones.
Not the only way for decentralization: For decentralized development, the best way possible is
strengthening of the local bodies. This not only results in the development of even remote
areas but also improve governance.
Conclusion:
For the 3 capitals idea to be successful, including technology and frequent use of digital
communication to reduce the delay in decision making, improved coordination between
legislature and executive shall be done. This can also lead to reduction in overall logistics cost for
the state. Simultaneously, there is a need to strengthen local bodies- by providing more funds,
delegating more functions and providing better functionaries- to achieve inclusive and overall
decentralized development.
REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (RCEP) AND INDIA
Why in News?
Recently, 15 Asia-Pacific nations have signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), while India chose to opt out of the trade agreement.
About RCEP
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a Free Trade Agreement(FTA) that
has been signed between 15 countries including the 10 ASEAN members, China, Japan, South
Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
It now forms the world’s largest trade bloc, covering >2.2 billion people & accounting for 30% of
the world’s economy.
The RCEP was first proposed at the 19th ASEAN meet in 2011 with an aim to create a
consolidated market for the ASEAN countries and their trade partners.
While India was part of RCEP’s negotiations, it dropped out in November 2019, citing significant
outstanding unresolved issues. Although India has been given the option of joining later.
Page | 113
Why did India pull out of RCEP?
Trade imbalance with RCEP members: India’s trade deficit with RCEP countries has almost
doubled in the last five-six years – from $54 billion in 2013-14to $105 billion in 2018- 19, of which
China alone accounts for $53 billion.
Geopolitical considerations: India wanted RCEP to exclude most-favoured nation (MFN)
obligations from the investment chapter, as it did not want to hand out, especially to
countries with which it has border disputes (China), the benefits it was giving to strategic allies
or for geopolitical reasons.
Security considerations: Closer economic ties under RCEP have the potential to make the
countries of the region even more vulnerable to China’s economic and political coercion. This
could impact India’s security interests in Southeast Asia.
Lack of adequate protection for domestic industries: India’s proposals for strict rules of origin
(ROO) (criteria to determine the source country of a product based on which they get tariff
concessions or duties) and an auto-trigger mechanism to impose tariffs when imports crossed
a certain threshold were not accepted. Losing flexibility to raise tariffs coupled with lack of
strong protection measures and threat of circumvention of ROO through rerouting products
from countries with lower tariffs can endanger growth of domestic industries by flooding
Indian markets with foreign products that have been subsidized and emerge from countries
with unfair production advantages.
Lack of Service component: Most developed RCEP countries where India can export services,
have been unwilling to negotiate wide-ranging disciplines in services that can create new
market access for trade in services in this region.
Impact on local industries: A large number of sectors including dairy, agriculture, steel,
plastics, copper, aluminium, machine tools, paper, automobiles, chemicals and others had
expressed serious apprehensions on RCEP citing dominance of cheap foreign goods would
dampen its businesses.
The impact of earlier FTAs on India’s trade balance has been ambiguous. Several trends in the
existing FTAs that does not favour signing another FTA, include:
Usually, signing FTAs has required India to significantly cut import duties, since most
partner countries already have low import duties. This has only led to trade diversion
(diversion of trade from non-FTA countries to FTA countries) and has rarely increased
India’s exports.
A NITI Aayog report had stated that India’s exports to its FTAs partners have not
outperformed exports to the rest of the world and have generally led to greater imports
than exports, giving rise to high trade deficits with FTA partners like South Korea, Japan
and ASEAN.
Other reasons include:
Lack of credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers.
Differences over tariff structure with China on goods.
India already has bilateral FTAs with ASEAN, Korea and Japan and negotiations are
underway with Australia and New Zealand. The e-commerce chapter has some clauses
that affect data localization norms in India.
Page | 114
Possible Implications of not joining RCEP
Protectionist image: Withdrawal from RCEP along with other recent measures such call for selfreliance under Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, revised public procurement order giving preference to
local content can be perceived as India taking a protectionist stance in terms of trade policy.
Impact on India’s export sector: RCEP was envisaged to strengthen Asian supply chains, bring
in investments and boost the member countries’ competitiveness in global markets. Isolation,
loss of potential investments and lack of competition might affect India’s performance in terms
of exports and growth.
Lost opportunity in securing a position in the post COVID world: RCEP is expected to help
member countries emerge from the economic devastation caused by the pandemic through
access to regional supply chains.
Effect on bilateral ties with RCEP countries: There are concerns that the decision will hamper
India’s bilateral trade with RCEP member countries as they would be inclined to bolster trade
within the bloc. Also, it could affect India’s relation with Japan and Australia with regards to
their coordinated efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
Loss for consumers: Some products might become more expensive for Indian consumers,
especially when global trade, investment and supply chains face unprecedented challenges
due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
ELECTIONS DURING COVID TIMES
Why in News?
Several countries, including India, have successfully conducted polls during COVID-19 with safety
measures in place.
COVID-19 and elections:
One of the cascading effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been its impact on conducting
elections. Some countries have pushed ahead with elections.
Elections during COVID-19presents certain challenges. However, postponing elections may not
be the appropriate option as it has following risks:
Political risks: disturbing the level playing field and undermining the incumbent or
opposition
Reputational risks: for an organization that makes decisions, for trust in democratic
processes and institutions.
Financial risks: budgetary implications, e.g., money invested that cannot be recovered;
Operational risks: alternative dates are not feasible because of other risks, e.g., extension of
term, other events
Legal risks: the decision can be legally challenged.
Challenges faced in elections during COVID-19:
Campaigning: large rallies can spread the virus. Virtual campaigning through social and print
media and radio will have to suffice. This will raise the cost of campaigning, exclude the poor
and indigent, further favouring those with access to finance and technology.
Page | 115
Polling stations: These will be impacted as it becomes increasingly more difficult to find
workers to man them & also need to provide protective gear and sanitizer at such a large scale.
Preparedness of electoral management bodies (EMBs): preparing for elections will be
infinitely more difficult where movement and contact is constrained. Most EMBs will face
increased administrative and logistical work necessary to hold elections during COVID-19.
Effect on turnout: Elections are characterized by high turnout and equal levels of participation
across different groups in a society. Holding an election during a pandemic could undermine
this aspect by reducing turnout.
Impediments on Transparency: Conventionally, elections are monitored by domestic
&
international observer groups to ensure processes are lawful and meet the requirements for an
election conducted with integrity. For COVID-19 elections, the situation could be different.
Key measures announced by Election Commission for UP elections:
1. Polling stations will be equipped with Covid-mitigation facilities including sanitizers & masks.
2. The number of booths has been increased.
3. There will be 2,15,368 polling stations this time, 16% more polling stations compared to 2017
polls as the number of voters in a polling stations has been brought down to 1,250 from 1,500.
4. Candidates contesting polls will be given an option to file nomination online.
5. All polling officials will receive precautionary doses of Covid-19 vaccine. "All election officials will
be treated as frontline workers," Chandra said.
6. All polling stations will be located in the ground floor.
7. The polling time has been increased by one hour.
8. No padyatras, rallies, roadshows, vehicle rallies of political parties will be allowed till January 15.
The EC will take a call on holding physical rallies after January 15.
9. No victory procession will be allowed after the announcement of the results.
10. There will a campaign curfew between 8 pm to 8 am throughout the election process.
POVERTY AND SHARED PROSPERITY
Why in news?
World Bank recently released the report titled “Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2020: Reversals of
Fortune” which examines how the COVID19 crisis, compounding the risks posed by armed conflict
and climate change, is affecting poverty trends, inclusive growth, and the characteristics of the
poor around the world.
Key findings
Reversal of extreme poverty trends: Extreme poverty is defined as living below the
international poverty line of $1.90 or roughly Rs 145-150 per day.
Global extreme poverty is expected to rise in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years mainly due
to three reasons:
COVID-19 and its associated economic crisis:
Current projections suggest that, in 2020, between 88 million and 115 million people
could fall back into extreme poverty as a result of the pandemic—returning global
poverty rates to 2017 levels—with even larger numbers in 2021.
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South Asia will be the hardest hit region, with 49 million additional people pushed into
extreme poverty followed by South Africa.
Armed conflicts:
More than 40 percent of the world’s poor now live-in conflict-affected countries, a
number expected to rise further in the coming decade.
Conflict destroys assets and livelihoods. In the Middle East and North Africa, for example,
extreme poverty rates nearly doubled between 2015 and 2018, spurred by the conflicts
in the Syria and Yemen.
Climate change:
Under present scenarios, the combined effects of climate change could push between
68 million and 132 million more people into poverty by 2030.
With their livelihoods predominantly based on primary activities, the poorest are least
able to adapt, more vulnerable and less resilient to the impacts of climate change. The
impacts of climate change can also raise food prices, worsen people’s health, and
increase exposure to disasters.
Shared Prosperity: Shared prosperity is defined as the growth in the income of the
poorest40% of a country’s population. A high level of shared prosperity is an important
indicator of inclusion and well-being in any country. During 2012-2017, the growth was inclusive
and the incomes of the poorest 40 per cent of the population grew at 2.3% per annum.
However, average global shared prosperity may stagnate or even contract over 2019-2021 due
to the reduced growth in average incomes as a result of COVID crisis. This may lead to an
increase in income inequality, resulting in a world that is less inclusive.
Changing profile of global poor: The poor remain predominantly rural, young, and under-
educated. However, the current COVID crisis is creating millions of “new poor. ”The new poor”
probably will: be more urban than the chronic poor, be more engaged in informal services and
manufacturing and less in agriculture.
Way forward suggested by the report
Policy responses need to reflect the changing profile of the poor: Safety net programs will
in particular need to reach people in the informal sector in both rural and urban areas
Poverty action needs to address hot spots of conflict, climate change and COVID-19.
Learning lessons from emergency actions taken during COVID and long-term development
experiences:
Closing the gap between policy aspiration and attainment: Much more attention needs
to be given not just to “getting policies right” but to building the capability of the
administrative systems that are tasked with implementing them.
Enhancing and improving data: Data limitations create doubts among the general public,
obstruct scientific progress, and hinder the implementation of sound, evidence-based
development policies.
Page | 117
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/credence-capital
Website: https://www.credencecapital.in/
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2021 - 22
STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Output has recovered beyond pre pandemic levels Real GDP growth of 9.2 expected for
current fiscal and 8-8.5% in the approaching fiscal year
Surplus in balance of payments maintained throughout past 2 years forex reserves at USD 634
billion (on 31st Dec 21 leaving the import coverage ratio at 13.2 months)
Banks are well capitalized and seem to be out of the throes of the NPA crisis, despite some
lagged effect of stress due to the pandemic
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Fiscal
As an immediate response to the pandemic the Government established safety nets for the
needy and then offered mainly supply side measures as a part of the stimulus package. During
the period of recovery, it undertook heavy capital expenditure. Despite this, the fiscal deficit
could be arrested at 46.2% of budgeted expenditure (for Apr to Nov' 21) since gross tax
revenue went up by 50% Y-o-Y.
The rise in capital expenditure is expected to be maintained in FY23 as well.
Focus on longer term supply side measures along with immediate, demand boosting ones
These include deregulation of sectors, disinvestment, scrapping of "retrospective taxation”, etc.
Monetary
With the repo rate unchanged at 4% and other liquidity injecting measures (G-Sec purchases,
LTRO, TLTRO, etc.) the RBI’s dovish stance has led to banking loan growth rising from 5.3 %
(Apr 21) to 9.2% (Dec 21).
Expansion in money stock has been lower than that of the previous year Currency in
circulation has grown by 7.8% Y-o-Y due to reduced precautionary demand for cash.
To balance out the effect of the dovish policy measures like VRRR auctions were taken as a
part of the LAF (Liquidity Adjustment Facility) the CRR, which had been reduced by 100 bps in
March 2020 was brought back to 4%.
Page | 118
PRICES AND INFLATION
There was widespread global inflation owing to demand side forces of expansionary policies
and supply side constraints like the energy crisis, rising crude prices, rising freight charges,
semiconductor shortage, etc
In India, the CPI averaged at 5.2%(Apr to Dec’ 21) owing to a low food inflation of 2.9% as
compared to 9.1% of the previous year
The WPI jumped to 12.5 %(Apr to Dec 21)
SECTORAL OUTLOOK
Agriculture
Largest sector by number of people employed, contributed 18.8% to GVA grew by 3.9% as
against 3.6% in the previous year
Much of the growth came from allied sectors like livestock, dairy and fisheries
Industry
Economic activity picked up after the receding of the pandemic the IIP (index of industrial
production) grew by 17.4%(Apr to Nov'21 as against 15.3%(Apr to Nov'20). Initiatives such as the
PLI scheme, betterment of physical and digital infrastructure as well as a healthy inflow of FDI
have, and are further expected to benefit Indian industries.
Services
Unequal recovery while IT, financial services, etc have prospered, travel and tourism,
hospitality, etc are still below pre pandemic levels The GVA of hotels, trade, transport,
communication is 87% of the pre pandemic levels, while financial, real estate and other
professional services stand at 136% Overall services GVA is at 104%
The PMI (purchasing managers’ index) slipped even below 10 during the second wave, but by
Oct 21 had also recorded its highest jump in 10 years to 58.4 More recently, it has hovered
around 55
Indian service exports picked up by 21.6% in H1 FY22 mainly due to IT and BPO services The
sector also saw a massive FDI inflow of USD 16.7 billion (54% of total FDI inflows in India) A
number of the burgeoning Indian startups too are mainly from the service sector
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
93% of adults have received the first dose of the vaccine and 70% the second dose
Government spending on social services rose by 9.8% over 2020-21 primarily in response to
the pandemic.
From pre pandemic levels of 7.8% the unemployment rose to 20.8% during the first wave (Apr
June '20) and then receded to 9.3% (Jan-Mar'21) For most sectors, formal job creation fell to a
greater extent during the first wave than the second.
Total fertility rate went down from 2.2 to 2 sex ratio at birth went up to 929 from 919 infant
mortality dropped from 40.7 to 35.2 proportion of households using clean energy for cooking
rose to 58.6%.
Page | 119
RISE OF INDIAN UNICORNS
Startup Ecosystem in India
India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally with over 60,770
recognized startups as of 22nd December 2021
We have recognized startups solving problems in 56 diverse industrial sectors with 13% from IT
services, 9% healthcare and life sciences, 7% education, 5% professional and commercial
services, 5% agriculture and 4% food & beverages
Indian Startup Ecosystem has seen exponential growth in past few years (2015-2021):
9x increase in the number of investors.
7x increase in the total funding of startups.
7x increase in the number of incubators
Till FY 2016-17, approximately one unicorn was being added every year but over the past four
years (since FY 2017-18), this number has been increasing exponentially, with a whopping 66%
YoY growth in the number of additional unicorns being added every year
As of 29th December 2021, India is home to 81 unicorns with a total valuation of $ 274.17 bn.
Out of the total number of unicorns, 44 unicorns with a total valuation of $ 89.17 bn were born
in 2021
Unicorns of India
The year 2021, 2020, and 2019 saw the birth of the maximum number of Indian unicorns with
44, 10, and 9 unicorns coming each year, respectively
Geographically, the center of India's high-tech industry, Bengaluru is India’s unicorn capital
with the largest number of unicorns headquarters followed by Delhi (NCR) and Mumbai
Traditional sectors such as Fin-tech, E-commerce, Supply Chain & Logistics, SaaS do dominate
the arena but a strong wave of unconventional sectors such as Content, Gaming, Hospitality,
Data management & analytics, etc. are making their place
While every startup has its unique journey to becoming a unicorn, the minimum and
maximum time taken by a startup to become a unicorn are 6 months and 37 years,
respectively. Mensa Brands took only 6 months to become a unicorn in 2021, making it one of
fastest unicorns in Asia
Fintech remains the rage
A thriving digital payments ecosystem, large smartphone user base, internet penetration and
digital-first business models, have come together to attract investors
Indian fintech companies raised $10.6 billion in 2021 till December 22. In comparison, fintech
startups had raised $4.3 billion in 2019 and $3.1 billion in 2020
Upasana Taku-led digital payments solution Mobikwik and Ruchi Deepak-led digital
insurance company Acko Insurace became the first female-led fintech startups to enter the
unicorn club
CoinDCX and CoinSwitch Kuber became the first unicorns in this segment. Even though the
India government is looking to ban private cryptocurrencies in India, the duo collectively
raised nearly $300 million collectively this year
Page | 120
Is the rise of Unicorns in India sustainable?
Effect of pandemic on startup ecosystem in India
The pandemic proved to be advantageous for startups in the educational sector, as schools and
colleges closed and people operated from home. Additionally, the period saw a rise in home
delivery of items like groceries and other household items and an increase in online
shopping. The demand for online healthcare led to an increase in the use of healthcare apps
such as Practo.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology and tech-enabled business models.
Firms with a product-market fit are scaling faster than ever, allowing them to tap into large profit
pools with maturing unit economic models.
How can loss-making companies command this kind of valuation? Is this a bubble waiting to
burst or is it sustainable?
Liquidity at the global level is at record levels. The US alone printed close to $4.7 trillion in 2020,
and coupled with negative interest rates and high inflation, it clearly indicated one thing: holding
paper currency has no meaning unless invested in growth-enabled businesses. Therefore, money
is flowing behind ideas that bet towards market dominance. There is an appetite for risk capital,
and nowhere does it look that the unicorn party for Indian startups is stopping any time soon.
Rise of Decacorn
2021 has been a record year for decacorns, or new start-ups valued at $10bn or more
This has already been a record-breaking year for tech unicorns worldwide, with a recent report
from GlobalData indicating that tech unicorns are no longer rare. It found more than 750
privately owned companies valued at more than $1bn in existence across the world in 2021
Some of the most recent additions to the decacorn club include writing tool Grammarly,
which raised $200m last week and hit a $13bn valuation, and online wholesale marketplace
Faire – both based in San Francisco
Canva, which raised $200m in its latest funding round, has seen a 40-fold increase in value in
the last four years and is now valued at $40bn
According to an article published by CBInsights, there are plenty of chances for industries
working in technology services, fintech, mobile services, IT to achieve unicorn status swiftly.
Once the companies enter the unicorn list, then soon they'll hit the $10 Billion mark and make
their place as Decacorns. And the list of 30 will multiply in the coming years with
mushroomed Decacorns.
Page | 121
INDIAN IPO MARKET
Summary of Indian IPOs 2021
Through the IPO route, companies raised a record Rs 1.2 lakhs crore in India. This is highest
amount of money raised in any calendar year in India.
Based on BSE data, a total of 63 Indian companies went for an IPO during the year. While
around 115 companies filed their offer documents with SEBI
Several key new-age companies are now listed on NSE and BSE. This has made the Indian
listed space much more vibrant.
PayTM IPO: Key Facts
Issue Size: Rs 18,300 cr
Fresh issue: Rs 8,300 cr | Offer for Sale: Rs 10,000 cr
Offers received: 9.14 cr shares | Shares offered: 4.83 cr shares (i.e. oversubscribed ~1.89 times)
Valuation on listing: ~Rs 1.4 lakh cr (Listed at Rs 1,950 i.e. 9% discount to offer price of Rs 2,150)
Price on end of listing day: Rs 1,564 (27% discount) | Price as on date: Rs 1,116 (48% discount)
Key investors (and their shareholding prior to listing):
Page | 122
Zomato IPO: Key Facts
Issue Size: Rs 9,375 cr
Fresh issue: Rs 9,000 cr | Offer for Sale: Rs 375 cr
Offers received: 2,751 cr shares | Shares offered: 72 cr shares (i.e. oversubscribed ~38 times)
Valuation on listing: Rs 1+ lakh cr (Listed at Rs 115 i.e. 60% premium to offer price of Rs 72)
Price on end of listing day: Rs 138 (92% premium) | Price as on date: Rs 134 (86% premium)
Key investors (and their shareholding prior to listing):
Important Terms used in IPOs
Page | 123
GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS
An energy crisis is a situation in which the demand for energy exceeds its supply
In 2021, the world witnessed the latest energy crisis impacting a number of countries across
the world.
From 93 million bpd early in 2021, global oil demand has rebounded to 98 million bpd.
Past global supply crises have typically been limited to oil, but fast-changing natural gas
markets are in crisis as well.
POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND THE ENERGY CRISIS
Lower production due to Covid – 19: Due to a fall in the level of industrial activity, energy
demand fell massively which led to reduced production; the level still hasn’t recovered.
ESG & Carbon disinvestment policies: Countries like China have pledged 65% reduction in
Carbon emissions by 2030 and have heavily cracked down on coal mining.
Insufficient production from renewable sources: In July, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration, renewable energy sources (excluding hydropower) provided just
under 10% of total electricity generation (gas was 42%).
Record level of consumer spending: Pent-up demand and economic recovery increased
consumer demand against pandemic constricted supply chains.
Page | 124
IMPACT ANALYSIS IN INDIA
Page | 125
PAST
EXPERIENCES
Page | 126
ENGINEER + WORK EX
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Birla Institute of Technology and Science Goa
Campus
Others
Computer Science and Engineering
NA
36
Engineering
Haryana
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What’s the biggest challenge for you after joining IIML?
What will happen if you give money to people for digging up a hole?
What issues will come while designing a bot for playing badminton?
Isn’t Mahabharata just like some random kings fighting amongst each other without
emotions?
5. What was your paper about?
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute,
Mumbai
B.E/B.Tech.
Electrical Engineering
NA
24
Engineering
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page | 127
Introduce yourself?
Why MBA?
Why are you quitting your job?
Which specialisation are you aiming for & why?
Certifications?
Difference between Cp & Cpk?
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology, Durgapur
B.E/B.Tech.
Information Technology
NA
21
Information Technology
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why MBA after engineering?
Why not immediately after graduation?
Discussion on Budget 2021.
What are the skills required for a manager?
Discussion on my role as placement representative in UG.
A short debate on women safety measures.
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
NA
22
Operations/Pharmaceuticals
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 128
Tell us about yourself.
Why leave a comfy job and come for MBA?
Hobbies?
Which was the Last TV series you watched? What were your learnings from that?
Pharma Industry and its divisions.
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute
Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
NA
32
Information Technology/IT and ITES
Uttar Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Tell me about yourself
What does your father do?
How was business affected during covid times?
Discussion around father's business for about 2-3 minutes.
What are your long-term and short-term goals?
What is fractional distillation.
Any questions for us?
Interview Experience 6
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
23
Engineering/Power
Haryana
Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself.
2. What is future of fossil fuels generated power? (Based on work experience)
3. Estimate the cost for installing a solar panel on a house.
Page | 129
Interview Experience 7
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Kumaraguru College of Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Electronics and Telecommunications
NA
37
Analytics/Pharmaceuticals
Tamil Nādu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tell us about your role in the Pharma industry?
Tell us about your organization?
What kind of competition was the organization facing? Competing vaccines?
More details about my role in Supply Chain.
Interview Experience 8
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
35
Information Technology/ IT & ITES
Bihar
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 130
What is Machine Learning?
What is linear and non-linear optimization?
What is bagging and boosting?
How do we ensure that overfitting and underfitting be avoided?
What are different sampling methods in ML?
Interview Experience 9
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sardar Patel College of Engineering
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
24
Operations/Manufacturing
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How does steering system works?
Difference between CI/SI engine vehicles and EV?
Details of Budget 2021.
Questions on Harry Potter novels.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Interview Experience 10
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Others
NA
17
Consulting/Media and Entertainment
Tamil Nādu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Page | 131
Tell me something interesting about yourself that’s not mentioned in your resume?
Where did you learn to shoot a rifle? Level of proficiency (based on Ans for q1)
Questions related to automobile engineering. (Current events and basic concepts)
Explain your role as a publishing consultant.
Mention a few projects undertaken during your work-ex, related challenges and solutions.
Can you recite a poem you've written?
Pitch yourself in 30 sec. (had mentioned elocution/extempore as a strength)
Interview Experience 11
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee
B.E/B.Tech.
Production and Industrial Engineering
NA
35
Analytics/ Ecommerce
Bihar
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Tell me something about yourself?
You look healthier than your picture, have you stopped exercising?
Tell me about your Udaan experience?
What is your work?
So, is it related to Just In time?
Which Sports do you like?
Why was Table Tennis moved from 21 points to 11 points?
What's the size of a TT ball?
Interview Experience 12
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
B.E/B.Tech.
Biotechnology
NA
35
Analytics/ Oil and Gas
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 132
Who is the CM of Assam, CM of Pondicherry?
Name the 7 sister states.
What is Mean, Median and Mode?
What is Bayes Theorem?
What is Ltd. in the name of a company?
Interview Experience 13
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology, Warangal
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
14
Operations/Manufacturing
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tell me about your academic background.
What kind of work were you involved in at your company?
Will AI and Machine learning replace engineers in future?
How autonomous vehicles are useful? How will they impact companies like ola uber?
Is shifting to lithium battery-based cars a viable alternative to current fossil fuel-based cars
considering Li also causes disposal problems?
6. What other IIM calls you have?
Interview Experience 14
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological
University
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
46
Engineering/Consumer Durables
Andhra Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 133
Brief introduction.
Different types of heat exchangers?
What is breakeven point?
What are functions of supply chain management?
Some questions around work ex.
Interview Experience 15
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Electrical Engineering
NA
24
Purchasing/ real estate
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduce yourself.
Current Indian junior chess champion?
Difference between electrical and electronics?
Difference between 2G, 3G, 4G apart from speed?
How will you solve a business problem in sports management given you have a background
in electrical and commercial work experience?
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
7. Difference between an industry and a company?
8. Which other calls do you have?
Interview Experience 16
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
36
Operations/FMCG
Rajasthan
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Page | 134
Tell me about yourself?
Tell me about your family?
What were your activities outside the campus?
About work ex company, its competitors, market share, a strategy to increase the market
share?
What were the major learnings from the work ex?
What do you like to read?
Why should you be admitted to IIM Lucknow?
What specialization would you want to do after coming to IIML?
What other calls do you have?
Interview Experience 17
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Institute of Engineering and Management
Kolkata
B.E/B.Tech.
Computer Engineering
NA
30
Education and training/marketing
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. As you are from West Bengal, what do you think about the current political scenario in WB?
3. What is your opinion on privatization? Name some banks that you think should be privatized
and why?
4. Why did you switch to a marketing role after working for 2 years in IT?
5. What was your work like in Cognizant? Difference between stock and inventory? (work-ex
related)
6. Name some dance forms from WB.
Interview Experience 18
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of
Engineering
B.E/B.Tech.
Electronics And Telecommunications
Engineering
NA
35
Engineering/Science and Technology
Tamil Nādu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 135
Introduce yourself.
Tell us about your work experience.
Why MBA?
Which domain of MBA most interests you and why?
What is value chain?
6. What kind of inventory method (FIFO / LIFO) is used for Wine? What are the advantages &
disadvantages of each?
7. Where do you see yourself once you graduate and some 10 years down?
8. What do you like to do in your free time?
9. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
10. Which book that you read recently did you like the most and why?
11. Do you what is the most expensive and USP component of Tesla?
12. Do you have questions for us?
Interview Experience 19
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
PEC University of Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
CFA level 1
18
Business Development/Automobiles
Himachal Pradesh
Interview Questions
1. So, tell me about your journey from school till now?
2. Tell me about your work Areas you looked after?
3. Recently a management change happened at hero MotoCorp in Jan, do know about it? Why
did it happen?
4. So, why do you think an international person was roped in? To expand internationally?
5. Why hasn't hero come out in electric vehicles with full throttle?
6. 5 most difficult things in customer satisfaction?
Interview Experience 20
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 136
MGMCET, University of Mumbai
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
43
Operations/Oil and Gas
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Recent controversy regarding cricket.
Are you interested in Politics?
Who is going to win the Elections (Tamil Nadu)?
How does one become CM, PM?
What is legislative assembly?
Why MBA?
What do you like to do in your past time?
Why Science Fiction?
Do you think current generation looks at Sci Fi as means of escapism from reality?
Interview Experience 21
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Delhi Technological University
B.E/B.Tech.
Electronics And Telecommunications
Engineering
NA
35
Product Management/Ecommerce
Delhi
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tell me something about yourself which is not in your form.
Which specialisation are you interested in?
I have Rs. 3 lakh which I want to invest, how will you go about making the portfolio.
Asked about family background
Interview Experience 22
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 137
Anna University
B.E/B.Tech.
Leather Design
NA
25
Sales/Manufacturing
Tamil Nādu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Capitalist vs Socialist, which one is beneficial for a country?
Which category does Trump fall into?
What are the 5 major problems with India?
How to solve them?
Why has sustainability suddenly become a hot topic? is it really necessary?
Interview Experience 23
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology Karnataka
Surathkal
B.E/B.Tech.
Material Science and Metallurgical
Engineering
NA
35
Information Technology/Financial services
Karnataka
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Introduce yourself.
Why MBA?
What is product management?
Questions on work ex, projects, POCs during the tenure. (Lots of cross questioning)
Who is the textiles minister?
Which constituency does Smriti Irani belong to?
Why are farmers protesting?
What is E-choupal?
Difference between rights and duties?
Do you know anything about Rafale?
Interview Experience 24
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 138
Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of
Engineering
B.E/B.Tech.
Civil Engineering
NA
32
Marketing/IT and ITES
Tamil Nādu
Interview Questions
1. Tell me why you want to pursue MBA and not cricket in spite of representing state level?
2. Would you be a good leader, explain with a reason?
3. How would you use civil engineering in MBA?
Interview Experience 25
Graduation College
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
46
Engineering/Consumer Durables
Andhra Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Brief introduction.
Different types of heat exchangers?
What is breakeven point?
What are functions of supply chain management?
Some questions around work ex.
Interview Experience 26
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 139
National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
B.E/B.Tech.
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL
ENGINEERING
NA
22
Information Technology/ Financial Services
Andhra Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Where do you work? Role?
Where are you now?
Changes in your work while working at home during covid?
You have got high score in CAT and in academics throughout. What is your secret?
What are the new technologies in finance?
Anything in AI?
Can it help India against NPAs?
China digitalization
Why does India have more Software Engineers?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Any questions for us?
Interview Experience 27
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Computer Science and Engineering
NA
23
Information Technology
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Since you work with a bank, you must have knowledge about exchanges?
How many are there in India?
What is your opinion on the privatization of PSU Banks in India?
Are you aware of logic gates?
Explain logic for XOR gate.
Draw the truth table.
Interview Experience 28
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 140
Malviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
B.E/B.Tech.
Electronics and Telecommunications
Engineering
NA
46
Product Management
Telangana
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Calls from other IIMs which you have?
So, if you get call from IIM Vishakhapatnam will you go, since it’s in AP?
Are you currently doing WFH?
2 difficulties which you faced because of WFH.
2 plus points of WFH.
So, you work for Connected cars. Tell me what it is about? What is your job role?
So, why MBA after 3+ years of work exp and not after 2 years?
Can I ask you something about current affairs will you be, ok?
Few questions on Union Budget 2021.
What is your family background?
Interview Experience 29
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE)
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
35
Operations
Delhi
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Difference between Euler and Bernoulli equation?
What is hydraulics law?
What are the languages in the Constitution of India?
What are the rivers in your current residing state with origin and destination?
How will you resolve conflict between two departments?
Measures taken by your company for environment sustainability?
Why was India able to win test series in Australia despite injury of their main players?
Interview Experience 30
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 141
Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE)
B.E/B.Tech.
Electronics and Telecommunications
Engineering
NA
9
Analytics
Haryana
Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself.
2. Are you a batsman or a bowler?
3. At what speed do you bowl?
4. What is the length of the pitch?
5. Convert the length in meters.
6. What is the reaction time for the batsman to hit the ball at the speed which you are
bowling?
7. How much is India's GDP?
8. Convert the GDP in billion dollars.
9. What are your views on farm laws?
10. What should be the solution to it according to you?
11. What are Rabi and Kharif crops?
12. Convert hectare to acres and hectare to square meter.
13. What is the weight of an electron?
14. Draw the graph of log(x) and log|x|.
15. Differentiate sin(cos(x)).
16. Explain your final year project.
17. Why did you join a start up?
Interview Experience 31
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
NIT Jalandhar
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
NA
36
Operations
Punjab
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Page | 142
Introduce yourself.
Some questions about hobbies.
What kind of safety techniques are used in your industry?
What are the points that are included in HAZOP?
What are the risk minimizing methods that your industry uses?
What's people from Punjab are doing in Delhi?
Why government is not listening to farmers?
Have you heard about binomial or exponential distribution?
What is binomial distribution?
One question on differentiation
What should we ask you to strengthen your case?
How will MBA benefit you?
Interview Experience 32
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
B.E/B.Tech.
Civil Engineering
NA
24
Information Technology
Tamil Nadu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Tell me about yourself
Why the transition from B.Tech. to MBA?
Walk me through your research project?
What is the scope of AI in Civil Engineering?
Why did you choose IIT Bombay for your B.Tech.?
Plot a rectangular hyperbola and show point of intersection with unit circle with center at
origin?
A probability-based question – Monty Hall problem.
Do you know Nirav Modi, tell me about him?
Walk me through your start-up idea and the work you did?
What are the 4 Cs of Diamonds?
Compare artificial diamonds to real diamonds, how are artificial diamonds made and their
impact to the diamond society?
Name 5 previous Vice presidents of India?
Explain ways in which one can safely demolish a building in a densely populated locality?
What are your favourite sports?
Which position do you play and explain the significance of this position?
Art is one of your hobbies – What are the benefits you derive from art?
What are some books you have read recently and give a synopsis for the same?
Interview Experience 33
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 143
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
B. Tech - M.Tech. (Dual Degree)
Manufacturing Engineering
NA
23
Information Technology
Tamil Nadu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Difference between efficiency and productivity
How is the Petrol Price decided?
What is the price of 1 barrel of crude oil?
What is the by-product of crude oil other than Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene?
What do you know about Ramayana, what can you learn from it?
Interview Experience 34
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology Karnataka
Surathkal
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
CFA Level 1
30
Finance
Karnataka
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Tell me about yourself
Why did you leave a paying job to do an internship?
What did you learn in finance?
India s FDI in Indian units?
What is India's combined fiscal deficit for two years?
You did engineering and left it, why?
You must be comfortable with math; do you know optimization tell us about linear
programming and if it is used in practice?
What was the objective function, what were the constraints?
Which solver did you use?
Who invented linear programming?
Give 2 minimization functions and asked which will be lower
Interview Experience 35
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 144
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
B.E/B.Tech.
Civil Engineering
NA
24
Operations
Jharkhand
Interview Questions
1. You have a very interesting profile; how did you move from B.Tech.. in civil engineering to
event management?
2. What are the things you will keep in mind while constructing a building in earthquake prone
areas?
3. Types of concrete mix and which one is most commonly used?
4. Who is the Chief Economic Advisor?
5. CEO, chairman and deputy chairman of Niti Aayog?
Page | 144
Interview Experience 37
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology Rourkela
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
8
Engineering
Odisha
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is x^0? Prove it?
What is Purchasing Power Parity?
What is HDI and the HDI rank of India and Odisha?
Who was the architect behind the design of Bhubaneswar and what other cities in India did
he design?
5. Why MBA?
6. Why year gap and what did you do during that year gap?
Interview Experience 38
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 145
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
B.E/B.Tech.
Civil Engineering
NA
35
Analytics
Haryana
Interview Questions
1. What interview calls do you have?
2. Why did you apply to only 4 colleges? Given that you are a risk analyst isn't it a risky
strategy?
3. Is IIM-Lucknow ranked 4 in India?
4. What have you prepared for the interview?
5. What is a cantilever beam?
6. What does grade of cement mean in practical sense?
7. What is the depth of a foundation of a 10-storey building in Faridabad?
8. What is your role in your company?
9. Can you use the credit risk prediction techniques directly in stock markets?
10. What do you want to do after MBA?
Page | 146
ENGINEER + FRESHER
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna
B.E./B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
0
NA
Bihar
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How would you measure the surface area of the room you are sitting in?
Talk about macro-economic aspects of the farm law.
Explain need hierarchy theory. How will you use it in real life scenario?
Explain hydrodynamics.
Can you lift Mt Everest using force of your thumb? What problems will you face?
Compare your hometown to Lucknow.
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
College of Technology & Engineering, Udaipur
B.E./B.Tech.
Computer Science and Engineering
NA
0
NA
Rajasthan
Interview Questions
(I gave interview for PGP only but they asked me questions as if I am ABM candidate.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page | 147
Questions on White Revolution, Green Revolution, Chipko movement, Appiko movement.
Basic questions of C, C++.
Why MBA?
Which domain?
Why marketing?
Basic questions about marketing.
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering,
Kollam
B.E./B.Tech.
Civil engineering
NA
0
NA
Kerala
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Tell me about yourself.
Start a conversation with us.
Largest railway platform in India?
How do u compare Trivandrum and Lucknow?
Why MBA?
Why IIM Lucknow?
How will you adjust far from home?
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sri Venkateswara University
B.E./B.Tech.
Computer Science and Engineering
NA
0
NA
Andhra Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Page | 148
Tell me about yourself.
Tell me more about your interest in designing algorithms.
What is Travelling salesman problem?
What is Linear programming problem?
What is the scientific principle behind cricket ball swinging?
How do you bowl to an outswinger?
What are the important qualities of a teacher?
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute Of Technology
Kurukshetra
B.E./B.Tech.
Electronics and Telecommunications
Engineering
NA
0
NA
Haryana
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Page | 149
Tell us about yourself.
Perform any act for 30 sec.
How much you rate yourself on ethical on a scale of 1-10?
Tell me a real or hypothetical situation to prove it.
Tell me difference between unethical and unfair.
Why do we have different antennas now as compared to the past?
Why can't a TV perform the same thing as phone?
Are you good with math?
What is a matrix, determinant?
Does inverse of a Matrix exist for 2*3 order.
Asked to find the determinant of a matrix.
Do all matrices have a determinant?
A differentiation question: Differentiate x^x^x^... up to infinity.
So you are from Haryana, are those protests still going on?
Why they are protesting? Your view on it.
Are APMC and MSP same?
What is contract farming? Is it good for farmers?
Who pay for all seeds, fertilizer etc. in contract farming?
Isn't MSP a state issue?
Your weakness?
Why did you take a drop?
What you read in that book (An introduction to statistical learning)
Assumption of linear regression?
Error term in linear regression.
What other calls you have?
Interview Experience 6
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
B.E./B.Tech.
Textile Technology
NA
0
NA
Gujarat
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Tell me about yourself.
How would your father describe you in 3 words?
Why MBA?
Why a switch to career after doing a B.Tech. from a prestigious institute?
Name of the Union Textile Minister
What is there in the budget for textile?
Interview Experience 7
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology
(NIT Bhopal)
B.E./B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
0
NA
Madhya Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Page | 150
Tell me about yourself
What do you like about Bhopal?
What happened when REC converted to NIT?
What are your career plans? Short and long term goals?
Be more specific about your goals.
There are 1500 students like you and we want around 400 why should we take you?
What you have done if your goal is to be an entrepreneur? (Told about my Startup idea)
Don’t you think Organ Donation should be made compulsory in India?
What was operation Blue Star?
Do you know about the Ayodhya Verdict?
In both cases religious feelings were kept aside for something good then why not in case of
organs?
Interview Experience 8
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Jadavpur University
B.E./B.Tech.
Computer Science and Engineering
NA
0
NA
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself
2. Why MBA as a fresher?
3. Recent news (farm bill, the leader's name, your opinion who is correct - farmers or the
government?)
4. Name of India’s Vice-President?
5. Sports related questions, especially around cricket related. (Mentioned as my hobby)
Page | 151
COMMERCE + FRESHER
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce,
University of Delhi
B.M.S.
Finance
NA
0
NA
Delhi
Interview Questions
1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Questions on Government of Delhi Internship Experience.
3. Favourite Subjects from UG?
4. Explain PESTLE Analysis and BCG Matrix?
5. Which strategic frameworks would you use to measure opportunities and threats
apart from SWOT?
6. Assumptions taken in Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?
7. What are NPV and IRR, which is better and why?
8. How would you value a bond?
9. A small puzzle based on Game Theory. (SOP specific)
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Punjab University
B. Com
Commerce
NA
0
NA
Punjab
Interview Questions
1. Tell me something about yourself?
2. Why MBA?
3. What is your family business?
4. Favorite Subject?
5. What is the difference between the Budget prepared by a random person and a budget
prepared by Government?
6. What is fiscal deficit? How do we compensate it?
7. What is Inflation?
8. Punjab is a land of 5 Rivers. Name all the rivers?
Page | 152
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
HNB Garhwal University
B. Com
Accountancy and Finance
NA
0
NA
Uttarakhand
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Tell me about yourself?
Where are you right now?
Your percentile is really good, you must be having calls from other IIMs as well?
You mentioned cooking as your hobby, so this became a hobby during the Covid times or
you already had some kind of experience earlier?
How does your mother rate your cooking skills?
(Now I wanted to ask them something but they logged off, as I was about to leave the
breakout room the panel connected again and apologized - Asked them about IIM Lucknow’s
foreign exchange program.)
You want to go abroad?
Panel 2 again started asking me questions like: In the classroom, at what distance, will you
be comfortable to see the blackboard?
Your parents are professors, and you already had your M. Com. degree, so why don’t you
opt for a PhD program?
So, how will this MBA help you then?
You are planning to pursue PhD in management as well after this MBA?
How will the corporate sector help you?
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 153
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College
B. Com
Accountancy and Finance
NA
0
NA
Rajasthan
Interview Questions
1. Introduce yourself.
2. What is dual entity concept?
3. Favourite subject?
4. NPV vs IRR, which one is better and why?
5. What do you do other than studies and co-curricular activities?
6. What all places have you been to?
7. What separates India from other countries?
8. How will you improve tourism in India? any 3 steps?
9. Some questions related to places I have visited.
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore
B.A.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
NA
0
NA
Uttar Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Show the AD-AS curve and explain it, also explain Consumer Surplus and Producer Surplus.
Draw and explain the IS-LM framework.
What is p-value?
Explain type I and type II error.
Can we say alpha + beta =1?
Formula for sample variance.
Why do we use n-1 in the denominator?
Few questions about multi-linear regression.
Interview Experience 6
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 154
Fergusson College, Pune
B.A.
Commerce
NA
0
NA
Uttar Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 155
What do you think is more important- nature or nurture?
Why have stock markets been growing despite a recession in the economy?
What is differentiation? Find maxima of y = x^3.
What do you know about probability?
What is the probability of this building crashing to the ground? Is it 0.5? Why not?
COMMERCE + WORK EX
Interview Experience 1
Page | 155
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies,
Pune
B.B.A.
Accountancy and Finance
NA
13
Finance/Metals and Mining
Madhya Pradesh
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduce yourself.
What is your favorite novel?
What are some things that you learnt during your work experience?
Do you believe that India could reach the $5Tn mark?
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Vivekananda College
B.Com.
Accountancy and Finance
CFA Level 1
36
Consulting
Tamil Nadu
Interview Questions
1. Finance heavy questions revolving around key ratios of the sectors I had worked in.
Page | 156
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Page | 156
S.M. Patel Institute of Commerce
B.Com.
Accountancy and Finance
CA
39
Finance
Gujarat
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduce yourself.
What is systematic risk and what is unsystematic risk?
What are forwards, futures and options?
What is Hedging?
A practical problem on Forwards.
What are some things that you learnt during your work experience?
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Christ University
B.B.A.
Business & Management
NA
36
Finance
Bihar
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Page | 157
Asked a few questions from work-experience description.
What is DCF, leverage, cost of capital?
Name another management division.
Some questions on Bihar politics.
Asked questions on current city, parents, siblings etc.
Opinion on Byju’s and Ed-Tech industry.
What is education?
Why MBA?
Which other calls do you have?
Have you appeared for CAT before?
What is the impact investing? How to choose stock -Index fund investing?
Who is the vice president of India?
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
B.Com.
Accountancy and Finance
CA
12
Finance
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Page | 158
Introduce yourself.
Questions on Accountancy, IND AS, Depreciation.
Female role model you idolize and why?
Political views?
Why MBA? Why IIML?
ABM
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
College of dairy and food science technology,
Udaipur
B.E/B.Tech.
Diary Science & Technology
NA
32
Operations
Haryana
Interview Questions
1. Tell us about yourself?
2. Why ABM?
3. If given a chance, will you choose PGP or ABM?
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
University of Allahabad
B.Sc.
Zoology
NA
NA
NA
UP
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Page | 159
What does your father do?
Which calls do you have?
Why not Indore?
Why have you scored low on Academics?
What did you do in the last year?
Questions on Amazon selling.
PGP or ABM?
Do you know about Dehaat?
General knowledge and current affairs questions.
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
34
Marketing
MP
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Details about work experience.
How does ClearTax impact the customers?
Questions on tax policies implemented by government.
Difficulty faced by individuals in filing their tax returns?
What other calls do you have?
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
St. Xavier’s College
B.Sc.
Statistics
NA
NA
NA
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page | 160
What is the scientific name of Rice and Wheat?
Why are scientific names used?
What are the problems Indian Farmers are facing?
Are the new farm laws beneficial for the farmers?
If you agree, then give the pros, and if you don't agree, give the cons of new Farm laws.
Why are only Punjab and Haryana farmers opposing the new Farm laws?
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Rajasthan college of agriculture, MPUAT,
Udaipur
B.Sc.
Agriculture
NA
NA
NA
Rajasthan
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Page | 161
Tell me about yourself?
Why ABM?
What is regression & correlation?
What type of soil is there in the Ganga basin?
What are GM crops and what is the controversy regarding it?
Which crop grown in your area & what are the problems farmers are facing there?
What is the difference between DSP & SSP?
SM
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
National Institute of Technology Rourkela
B.Tech. - M.Tech. (Dual Degree)
Electrical Engineering
NA
36
Consulting
Gujarat
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tell us about yourself?
Questions on Work Experience- why consulting, why ZS?
What were your roles and responsibilities in ZS?
Questions on Liverpool’s dismal performance.
Questions on OTT regulations. (Tandav controversy)
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce
B. Com
Statistics
CFA Level 1
36
Finance
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Page | 162
Tell me about yourself?
Why SM?
What are your expectations out of this course?
Do you know what SDGs are?
What is Paris Agreement?
Walk us through your work experience at Deutsche Bank?
What are derivatives?
What is the difference between Forward, Future and Options?
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
B.E/B.Tech.
Computer Science & Engineering
NA
70
Information Technology
Punjab
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why MBA?
What is ESG?
What are 3Ps?
Should CSR be mandated for corporates?
Why SM?
What will you choose if given an option among PGP from other B-Schools and PGPSM?
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Oriental institute of science and technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
42
Information Technology
Madhya Pradesh
Interview Questions
1. Tell me something about yourself?
2. A situation where you had a disagreement with your manager and how did you manage
that issue?
3. Give 3 strengths and weaknesses.
4. Calculate the number of Mahindra that that you will manufacture if you are going to
launch it for the very first time in market.
5. Which subject do you remember from Mathematics?
6. Tell me some news that you read today?
7. Why MBA after engineering?
8. What is your understanding of this course?
9. Why do you think you are a perfect fit for this course?
Page | 163
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Gokul degree college (Osmania University)
B.Com.
Commerce
NA
28
Accounting
Telangana
Interview Questions
1. How would you relate sustainability to your work domain?
2. Why Sustainability as a specialization?
3. Where would you see yourself in next 5 years?
Interview Experience 6
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology
Bhopal
B.E/B.Tech.
Electrical Engineering
NA
34
Information Technology
Haryana
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page | 164
Tell me about the recent climate summit.
What were your challenges in your workplace?
Why do you want to do MBA in PGPSM?
How honest you are?
What all calls do you have?
Why would you join IIM L and not IIM K?
Interview Experience 7
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sardar Patel College of Engineering
B.E/B.Tech.
Mechanical Engineering
NA
54
Information Technology
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Tell us about yourself.
Why MBA and specifically PGPSM?
Since you are good at Math, can you help a layman understand what is probability?
Follow-up questions related to that like what is the formula to calculate probability.
What is the probability of this building collapsing in next 10 mins?
Since I answered that it won't be 0.5, why it is not 0.5?
How will you calculate the probability of this?
What are the 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses of a millennium generation?
Why was it difficult for you to jot down the weaknesses?
What were your challenges in your workplace?
Interview Experience 8
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
MNM Jain Engineering College
B.E/B.Tech.
Computer Science & Engineering
NA
64
Sales
Tamil Nadu
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Page | 165
Tell me about yourself?
Why MBA now?
What's the Swachh Bharath Abhiyan? When was it started?
What do you think of Sustainability?
Interview Experience 9
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati University,
Ajmer
B. Com
Accounting & Finance
CA
38
Finance
Rajasthan
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why MBA?
Tell us about yourself.
Why SM?
What did you do in your profession?
Why are you leaving a lucrative profession and joining the MBA?
Interview Experience 10
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
NA
35
Information Technology
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Page | 166
Tell me about yourself.
Elaborate about the work you do.
Why did you apply for PGPSM instead of PGP?
What do you mean by sustainability?
Give an example of how the concept of sustainability relates with ExxonMobil.
Which other programmes have you applied for apart from PGPSM?
Interview Experience 11
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune
B.E/B.Tech.
Chemical Engineering
NA
33
Consulting
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introduce yourself?
What are some qualities of leaders?
Differentiate Managers vs Leaders.
Is Rahul Gandhi a good manager or Leader? Same questions for Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah.
Asked regarding cooking of vegetables. Are minerals and vitamins lost or not against direct
consumption of raw vegetables?
6. Why use of Lithium-ion batteries in Automotive, what issues?
7. Opinion on Farm laws?
Page | 167
OTHERS
Interview Experience 1
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
IHM Pusa
Others
Others
NA
0
NA
Karnataka
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
How is hotel management?
What subjects?
What are the career opportunities in HM?
When a person goes to a village, they prefer to stay in homestays than hotels, what’s your
opinion?
5. What was your internship at IIM-B, how did you get it?
Interview Experience 2
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Shri M P Shah Govt Medical College, Jamnagar
M.B.B.S.
Others
NA
24
Healthcare Services/ Healthcare
Gujarat
Interview Questions
1. Why MBA after MBBS?
2. Doctors are usually good at everything but math, how will you manage the mathematics
part?
3. What did you learn in biostatistics?
4. What is 95% Confidence Interval?
5. Questions on hobbies etc.
Page | 168
Interview Experience 3
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Government Law College, Mumbai
Others
Others
NA
21
Sales
Haryana
Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself - background.
2. Questions about farm laws, triple talaq, data privacy, abrogation of Sec 370.
Interview Experience 4
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
St Xavier's College, Kolkata
B.Sc.
Economics
NA
NA
NA
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Page | 169
Why do you want to pursue MBA as a fresher?
Reason for year drop?
View on economy and budget proposal, questions regarding statistics and economics?
Why not masters in economics?
What are your short-term goals?
Preferred field of interest?
GK questions & how did you spend your time during lockdown?
Interview Experience 5
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
St. Xavier’s College
B.Sc.
Statistics
NA
NA
NA
Maharashtra
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduce yourself.
Why do you want to do an MBA?
What is the difference between bonds and equity shares?
what are zero coupon bonds, what is Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient?
What is Taylor's Theorem?
What are your hobbies?
Interview Experience 6
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
St Xavier's College, Kolkata
B.Sc.
Economics
NA
24
Analytics
West Bengal
Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Why are economic students from SXC less capitalistic than those from DU?
3. If you get through all the IIMs you have an interview with, which one would you choose and
why?
Page | 170
Interview Experience 7
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Hindu College, Delhi University
B.A.
Economics
NA
24
Consulting
Uttarakhand
Interview Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tell me about yourself?
What are confidence intervals?
What is deadweight loss?
Tell me about your experience with this (project mentioned in my answer) project.
Interview Experience 8
Graduation College
Graduation Degree
Graduation Specialization
Professional Qualification
Work Experience (in months)
Work Experience Domain/ Industry
Home State
Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
B.Sc.
Mathematics
NA
0
NA
Delhi
Interview Questions
1. What are you doing currently?
2. On a scale of 1-10 how good are you in Mathematics?
3. Tell me a function that is continuous everywhere but differentiable nowhere?
4. A function which is continuous but not differentiable?
5. What all was taught in your Math degree?
6. Okay, which books did you refer to for the Real Analysis paper?
7. Why do you want to get into MBA after mathematics?
8. Which specialization and why?
9. What other calls do you have?
10. Profile based questions on positions of responsibility and internships.
11. Marks in HSC/Grad.
Page | 171
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
1. Why Sustainable Management?
2. What is Sustainability?
3. Guesstimate question – Estimate the electricity bill for using this interview room for an
hour?
4. Why do you consider yourself a suitable candidate for SM?
5. What are your future plans?
6. You have very high work experience. Will you be able to cooperate with younger
batchmates?
7. Difference between Sales and Marketing
8. Why SM when you have better options?
9. What is an impression?
10. Where do you see yourself after 5 years?
11. Why pursue an MBA in SM after working in IT industry? How do you relate your work
experience to Sustainability?
12. SDGs specific activities in India
13. Role of NITI Aayog
14. How are European countries doing in the field of sustainability?
15. What is triple bottom line? Is Sustainability all about the environment?
16. What are the sustainability practices in IT?
17. What are the initiatives followed in your company around sustainability?
18. Why do you think you have to do something for others?
19. What differentiates humans and animals?
20. Why do you want to leave your job and join this course?
21. What do you understand about commerce?
22. What work did you do in Sustainability?
23. Give me reasons why one should not to join PGPSM
24. What is the difference between E-commerce and Commerce?
25. Why get into IT after mechanical?
26. Give an example of SM System
27. How do you help stray animals?
28. In your earlier organisation, what role did you play in CSR? Do you think companies
which provide products/service that have social/environmental impact should be forced
to do CSR?
29. What should be done about street animals especially cows looking at the religious
stigma attached to it?
30. How did you come to know about PGPSM?
31. How do Hot star and Netflix earn?
32. What is the revenue model of WhatsApp?
33. Sustainability vs CSR.
34. Form a punchline for IIM Lucknow.
35. What is triple bottom line?
36. Do you know any indexes related to sustainability?
37. Do you think policies/law play a role in driving sustainability?
38. What is the per unit charge for electricity produced by a solar cell?
39. Why do developed countries set up recycling plants in developing countries?
Page | 172
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41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
Page | 173
Which is the most polluting country in the world?
What is the scope for you to use creativity & innovation?
Is ZD (Zero Distance) in Infosys really benefiting?
Why is IT in INDIA not able to deliver products?
Do you think Google steals data?
If a packet of potato chips says the weight is 200 gm, are there exactly 200 grams? If no,
as a quality analyst, will you pass it? Explain.
How do oil prices vary?
SM requires creative thinking, mention any experiences from your life where you have
used creativity and problem-solving skills?
Talk about Paris Climate Deal
What is NPS?
Why is India called Bharat?
Who are the Hindus? Why are they called Hindus?
Do you know about Hydraulic fracturing? Why is it controversial? What are its harmful
effects?
What are the different dimensions of sustainability?
Is the recent PNB scam sustainable or not sustainable? Why?
What is the relation between Indian history and sustainability?
What do you think about US opting out of the Paris Climate deal?
What is ISO?
What do you know about the Cauvery Dispute?
What do you know about clean ganga mission?
What is green building? Why is it needed?
ALL THE BEST!