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June, 2010

Ms-94 : Technology Management

1 (a) Define Technology and Technology Management. Explain the role and importance of technology management with special reference to India.

(b) Discuss the role of technology policies and policy instruments in achieving industrial and economic developmental goals.

2(a) Discuss the Technology Strategies. Give suitable examples.

(b) What is Technology Transfer ? Discuss the models of Technology Transfer with examples.

3. Define Technology Assessment (TA). Discuss the methodology of TA and compare various definitions of the stages involved in the process of TA.

4 (a) What is meant by diffusion of technology ? Discuss the role of opinion leaders in developing a diffusion strategy.

(b) Discuss the Research Infrastructure  available in India as a part of development of Science and Technology Infrastructure in India.

5. Discuss the impact of industrial policy and trade policy on Science and Technology Development in India.

6. (a) Discuss the role of the development finance institutions in providing funds for project financing.

(b) Discuss the role of Technical Consultancy Organisations (TCO's) and Technology Business Incubator in Promoting Technology Development in India.

7. Write short notes on any four of the following :

(a) Technology absorption process

(b) Linkages for Technology Management at Enterprise Level.

(c) Technology Evaluation

(d) Appropriate Technology

(e) Development and Training of Human Resources in Technology Organisation.

June, 2011

Ms- 94 : Technology Management

1.  (a) "Technology has been viewed differently by different people." Discuss the role and Importance of Technology Management.

(b) Distinguish clearly between Radical Innovation and Incremental Innovation ? Can we say that one is more important than the other ? Justify your answer.

2.  (a)  What does technology forecast involve ? Discuss the role of technology forecasting in the present day scenario.

(b) What are Horizontal and Vertical Technology Transfer ? Discuss the process involved.

3.  What are the different stages involved in Technology Assessment Process .? Explain

4.  Discuss the objectives, role and the present position of the following in promoting technology development in India :

(a)  Technical consultancy organizations;

(b)  Technology Entrepreneurs' Parks; and

(c)  Technology Business Incubators

5.  (a) Explain, with examples, the various stages in technology life cycle.

(b) Elaborate the various factors that determine technology development.

6.  What are production functions and how they help in understanding technology change ? Explain with examples.

7.  Write notes on the following :

(a)  Technology linkages at the enterprise level

(b)  Appropriate technology and its relevance 

December, 2011

Ms-94 : Technology Management

1. (a) Discuss some of the important positive and negative effects of technology in relation to various human need factors like air, water, food, shelter, health communications, transportation, education, etc.

(b) What is appropriate technology concept. Give examples to illustrate the concept.

2. (a) Discuss "brainstorming" as a method of technological forecasting in terms of

(i) the steps involved;

(ii) its applications; and

(iii) its merits and demerits.

(b) Give the categories of payments involved in pricing of technology. Illustrate with examples.

3. What does management of technology absorption involve ? Discuss the important constraints in technology absorption.

(b) "Making the most of technological innovations should be an explicit goal of each company." Explain the importance of technological diffusion, by giving suitable examples.

4. Discuss the role of Research Infrastructure in the development of Science and Technology. Illustrate with examples by giving different categories of science organisations in the country.

5. (a) Discuss the dimensions of Technology Information Services to corporates.

(b) Discuss the various factors that may govern the choice of a particular technology.

6. What do you understand by Technology Generation ? Discuss the various inputs required in the process of generation of technology.

7. Write notes on the following:

(a) Venture capital and its role.

(b) Technology Missions. 

December, 2012

Ms-94 : Technology Management

1.  (a)  Define Technology and Technology Management. Explain the various dimensions of Technology Management.

(b)  What do you mean by Technology Life Cycle ? Discuss this from the perspective of growth and diffusion.

2.  (a)  Briefly discuss production functions and technological change. Explain their interrelationship.

(b)  Discuss the role of Technology Forecasting at the national and enterprise level. How do they influence the decision making process ?

3.  (a)  Explain Technology Strategy and its importance at corporate level.

(b)  Explain in detail the various issues related to pricing of technology.

4.  (a)  Distinguish between Technology Adoption and Technology Absorption. Identify the major benefits of effective absorption of imported technology.

(b)  What is meant by diffusion ? Explain its importance in the context of technological innovation.

5.  Write short notes on any three of the following :

(a)  Technology up gradation.

(b)  Stages of Technology information.

(c)  Methodology of Technology assessment.

(d)  Role of S and T in planning.

(e)  Routes of Technology Transfer.

6.  (a)  Explain the various criteria for evaluating R&D projects.

(b)  Elaborate your understanding about the process of deriving technology strategy for the enterprise. 

June, 2013

Ms-94 : Technology Management

1. What are the major changes brought about by development in information technology ? Discuss any two of them citing relevant examples.

2. Define technology forecasting. Explain any two technology forecasting methods giving examples.

3. Explain how does a company, which has imported a technology for a particular product adopt the 'technology absorption management strategy' to remain competitive in the market.

4. Write a brief account on the main features of technology policies followed by :

(a) United States of America (USA)

(b) Japan sssss

5. (a) Discuss the role of working capital in the success of a business.

(b) What are the factors, which are considered by financial institutions and commercial banks while evaluating a project proposal ? Discuss.

6. How is the evaluation of technology options and routes done ? Discuss. 

December, 2009

Ms-93 : Management of New and Small Enterprises

SECTION – A

1.(a) "Small scale enterprises contribute more to the growth of Indian economy than large enterprises". Critically examine this statement.

(b) Describe the process of development of entrepreneurial competencies.

2.(a) What are the factors that influence the process of product selection ?

 (b) Describe the qualitative and quantitative factors that a small scale entrepreneur should consider for "location analysis" of the project.

3. Discuss the institutional interface created by Government of India for the support and development of small scale enterprises with various support measures and incentives given by various institutions. Explain with suitable examples.

4.(a) What is trade credit ? How does it help a small firm in managing its finances ?

(b) Highlight the importance of "Training function" for a small business.

5. (a) What do you mean by trading on equity ? Discuss the role of "leveraging" in growth of a small firm.

(b) Give an overview of project preparation process for a small unit.

SECTION – B

6. Briefly explain any four of the following :

(a) Venture capital

(b) TQM in small scale sector

(c)Technology upgradation in small business

(d) Techno-Economic feasibility

(e) Succession issues in family business

7. (a) What is SIDBI ? Discuss its role and various schemes for the promotion of small scale sector in our country.

(b) Describe the organisational requirements for growth orientation in a small firm.

June, 2010

Ms-93 : Management of New and Small Enterprises

SECTION – A

1. (a) What are the salient features of small scale units ? Examine the role of SSI sector in the economic development of India.

(b) Define "opportunity" from the stand point of an Entrepreneur. Describe the probable sources, where from the entrepreneurial opportunities emerge. Give examples of  few current opportunities.

2 (a) Explain the factors that a small entrepreneur bear in mind while selecting appropriate technology for his/her enterprise ?

(b) Why is it critical for the entrepreneur to have the marketing orientation before setting up the venture ? Explain.

3(a) Discuss the steps involved in preparing a bankable business plan.

(b) "Selection of site offers a sustained competitive advantage to the small entrepreneur". Examine the statement and bring out the considerations involved in site selection.

4(a) Discuss the sources of short term and long term finance for small entrepreneur.

(b) Explain the use of Control Chart in Quality Management of an Enterprise.

5(a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of company form of organisation.

(b) Discuss the various growth strategies that an entrepreneur can follow to develop his Business.

SECTION - B

6. Distinguish between any four of the following :

(i) Opportunity identification and opportunity selection.

(ii) Small and medium enterprises.

(iii) Memorandum of Association and Article of Association.

(iv) Strategy and structure.

(v) Cost over-run and Time over-run.

7. (a) Compare the management practices of a professional company with that of a family business.

(b) What are Entrepreneurial Competencies ? How can these competencies be developed in a prospective entrepreneur ?

June, 2011

Ms-93 : Management of New and Small Enterprises

1.  (a)   Discuss the role that small and micro enterprises can play in ensuring balanced and inclusive growth of our economy and society.

(b) Distinguish between skill and competency. Give suitable examples to support your answer.

2.  (a) What  are  the problems that a young entrepreneur usually faces in India while setting-up a new business ?

(b) Discuss the framework for opportunity scanning and consequent identification of a suitable business for rural India.

3. (a)    As an interpretation in the general  insurance business how would you select intermediaries for selling this service in the rural areas?

(b)        What are the lessons that a prospective entrepreneur can learn from the high failure rates of small business in India?

4.  (a)  Discuss the main sources of financial support for small entrepreneur

(b) Give a detailed overview of project preparation process.

5. Discuss the merits and demerits of different forms of business organization. What key factors guide the choice of ownership form by an entrepreneur?

December, 2011

Ms-93 : Management of New and Small Enterprises

SECTION  - A

1. (a) Examine the role of Govt.-of India in the development of SSI sector.

(b) "Entrepreneurial Competencies and skills can be developed through suitable training

Interventions" Comment.

2. (a) Discuss the role of Non-Financial Institutions in India for one development and growth of small businesses. Do you feel any need for reorganising these institutions to serve the SSI sector in a better way ?

(b) What factors a small entrepreneur should keep in mind while making the choice of suitable technology for his venture ?

3. (a) How would you assess the market demand for a new product ?

(b) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of partnership form of business organization.

4. (a) What are the hurdles faced by a small business in arranging Bank Finance in India ?

(b) What in market segmentation ? If you were an entrepreneur in the packaged food business, what basis would you use to segment your market. Give reasons for your choice.

5. (a) "An appropriate plant lay out can lower the cost and enhance the productivity" Discuss.

(b) What does human resource planning entail in a small business ?

SECTION – B

Read the case study given below and answer the questions given at the end of case.

Case Study Mr. Amit Sharma recently retired from the Central government services. A physical fitness enthusiast and lover of nature and environment, Mr. Sharma has been leading an active life, regularly going to the gymnasium every morning. His wife, Meena, regularly practices yoga in the house. She has been trained by a popular yoga guru when she was much younger. The Sharma's two sons are very well educated. They are married and stay abroad. Their third . son is doing his final year in B. Com . in the local college. Mr. Sharma has been planning to start a business of his own from the retirement benefits

he has received from the Central government. He feels his third son may help him in the business after his graduation. Mr. Sharma had always felt concerned about the low standard of physical fitness of an average Indian. During his early morning walks, Mr. Sharma would discuss with the people and found that starting a health club would offer a

good business opportunity, besides fulfilling an important need of the community. He has visited many health clubs not only in India but also abroad and has a fair idea about the business. Mr. Sharma with the help of his wife is planning to establish a gymnasium and a yoga centre in the health club to be located at Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He would initially cater to the needs of company executives and businessmen. He would later extend the scope of this venture to include housewives and working women too. He is optimistic that with the hectic lifestyle of the present-day business personals and the growing consciousness about good health, he would be able to attract a good number of

customers. He is, however, aware of the financial investment required for the project and would like to be careful before taking any long-term decision in this regard. He would like to estimate the possible demand for this type of service and an indication of the financial returns that he can expect.

6.  (a) Suggest a step-by step procedure to estimate the market demand for this type of activity.

(b) How would you analyse the competitive situation for this enterprise ? Explain. 

December, 2012

Ms-93 : Management of New and Small Enterprises

SECTION-A

1. "Entrepreneurs ae self driven people with strong internal locus of control". Explain giving examples of some successful entrepreneurs.

2. What are the various financial institutions providing long and medium term loans ? Discuss their role in brief.

3.  (a) What factors a small entrepreneur has to consider while deciding the location of the plant ?

(b) Enumerate the positive and negative sides of family business.

4.  (a) What is meant by market segmentation? What are the bases for market segmentation ?

(b) Define "Advertising". What are the functions of advertising ?

5. What is Human Resource Management in small Industry ? What are the activities that are performed as a part of HRM in small business ? Discuss.

SECTION-B

6.  Read carefully the case given below and answer the questions given at the end  :

He can afford to blow his own horn, Loudly. And the reason lies right under your hood. After all, the 45-year-old K. Ramaswamy's Roots Industries (Roots) is the largest manufacturer of electric horns in the country. Of the 9.3 lakh horns sold in the replacement market each year, over half are branded Roots. And the man who built this Rs 12-crore start-up has even swung a tie-up with the German automobile components gaint, Bosch. "I can finally call my company a Bosch licensee, "says Ramaswamy proudly. By end-1994, Bosch will relocate a horn-making line from its La Carolina facility in Spain to the Roots unit in the Ganapathy precincts of Coimbatore(Tamil Nadu). And this Rs.5-crore project will hike Roots' annual capacity to two million horns from the present 1.2 million. By March 1996, says Ramaswamy, Roots' turnover will double and exports will rise five-fold to Rs. 7 crore. "Bosch's decision to go with us is an affirmation of its trust in our quality," says he. Bosch is not the only transnational to trust Ramaswamy. Germany's Hako Group picked up a 26 percent stake in his first diversification. Roots Multiclean, which was set up in January 1994. Making industrial commercial vacuum cleaners, Roots multiclean is cleaning up, with a monthly turnover of about Rs.18  lakh.  And in July 1994, Reliance Capital and Finance Trust picked up 25 percent of Roots' Rs. 1.60-crore equity at a premium of Rs. 150 per share in a bought-out deal. "A public issue would have taken me months", admits Ramaswamy, who has coolly picked up Rs. 4 crore, promising only to get Roots listed on the over The Counter Exchange of India in 15 months' time. Carving out a niche hasn't been easy, though; it is the culmination of a 30-year obsession and several false starts. A farmer's son, Ramaswamy recalls tinkering around with cars from his childhood. He had ample opportunity to do so : his father, R.Krishna swamy Gounder, 87, would buy a new car every two years, and import the latest horns accessories that fascinated his son. "It always

used to beat me why we couldn't make good horns in our country," he recalls. That, as he was to discover, was easier said than done. After aquiring a diploma in mechanical engineering from the Coimbatore institute of Technology in 1968, Ramaswamy studied automobile engineering at the Lincolor technical Institute at Newark in the US for a year. Checking up a $ 7000 a month job with Ford motors, Ramaswamy returned to coimbatore in 1969, And he set-up shop in a small shed, calling his firm American Auto Service (AAS). "My father backed me financially and emotionally, " he says. After developing two bombs-a recovery system that improved radiator efficiency and a low-pressure vacuum brake for cars -Ramaswamy had to beat a hasty retreat. And he managed to develop an air-pressure horn. But he could sell only 500 of them in all of 1974. Finally, in a last-ditch effort to stay in business, Ramaswamy and his team of engineers went back to the drawing board and designed the country's first electric-powered air horn. Strategically, Ramaswamy priced his product at Rs. 85, 15 percent higher than the competition. "I was doubly sure of my product," he says. Five years later, when he was selling over 25,000 air horns a year. Ramaswamy also developed an electric horn. " Experience taught me to be different." Four times lighter, it used far less power than competing products sold by leaders like Lucas, TVS and Jalwa. Starting off as a supplier to Hindustan Motors, Roots' client base soon included Premier Automobiles and TELCO. But in order to grow, Ramaswamy had to enter the replacement market. He did so in 1985, when he launched Vibrosonic, a heavy-duty horn priced at Rs. 150. By March 1988, AAS was selling over 100,000 horns a year, and turnover had crossed Rs. 1 crore. Earlier, in 1985, Ramaswamy set up Roots Auto Products-named after the telegraphic address of his father's sago unit, ROOTS-to make an exhaust-powered jack from polyvinyl chloride-coated (PVC) material. Then, the government hiked the import duty on PVC from 98 percent to 298 percent, which resulted in the doubling of the jacks' retail

price to  Rs.600.  After Ramaswamy had lost Rs. 50 lakh on that product, he transferred his electric air horns business to Roots Auto. And by 1989, both Roots Auto and AAS had cornered market shares of 70 percent and 40 percent in the air and electric horn segments, respectively. In 1991, Ramaswamy renamed AAS Roots Industries to cash in on the brand's equity. Now, his strategy is clear  :  focus on quality, keep costs low, price high, and cap dealers' margins. Frugality is reflected in Ramaswamy's personal life. A devotee of Lord Muruga, he rises at 5 a.m. is a strict vegetarian, doesn't even drink tea, and prefers nature cure to allopathy. He wears the Roots uniform-cream shirt, brown trousers-and cycles to work each day. Don't be fooled by this conservative exterior; under the three horizontal lines of vibhuti on Ramaswamy's forehead is a mind obsessed with the state-of-the- art. His office has sophisticated communications systems, and most of his senior executives have been provided with pagers. And Ramaswamy relished a challenge. When Bosch refused to even meet him when he first sought a tie-up, he decided to prove his mettle. After Ramaswamy dared to exhibit his products at the Automechanica, auto components fair in Frankfurt (Germany) in September 1992 exports shot up from Rs. 41 lakh in 1992-93 to Rs. 1.4 crore in 1993-94. "My basic idea was to get a toe-hold in the world market and be noticed for my quality," he says. If that were partly fulfilled when Bosch agreed to team up with him, it will be doubly endorsed when Ramaswamy receives the  150-9001 certification in Germany this month. Clearly success is finally honking at Ramaswamy's door.

Questions :

1. What factors were responsible for the success of Ramaswamy as an entrepreneur ?

2. Evaluate the strategy "Focus on quality, keep costs low, price high and cap dealer's margins" adopted by Ramaswamy in terms of longterm implications.