Growth strategies in small businesses Dissertation

Growth strategies in small businesses - Dissertation Example Business process digitalisation, in this study, is defined as an enterprise-wide information system based on the technological foundation of the Internet. To date, the majority of research on SME’s BPD has focused on the antecedents of SMEs engaging in one or few specific types of e-business practice or process (Wymer & Regan, 2005, 442). While these studies provide good understanding of the antecedents and the financial consequences of BPD, how BPD affects SME’s development is still unclear. As a key indicator of firm innovation, organisational growth is crucial to the survival and success of business and enterprise, including SMEs (Huang, Soutar & Brown, 2002, 32). Aims and Objective This study aims to understand how SMEs can use BPD as their growth strategy. Building upon insights from the knowledge based view and the organisational learning theory, the central thesis of this study is that the extensive use of BPD enhances the firm’s knowledge-base resources a nd improves its organisational learning, therefore contributing to SME’s further growth. Research Question How Business process digitalisation can be used as a growth strategy for SMEs? Methodology Sample and Data Collection The initial sample will be consisting of 414 small and medium-sized manufacturers in engineering, electronics, computer and software industries of the UK.

Management as the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness

Management as the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness This assignment is mainly focuses on the assessing of the statement of Management is the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness, and the integrating activity that permeates every aspect of the operations of the organisation. To make the background for this assessment it was first studied most important factors that are likely to determine the successful performance of work organisations. In achieving that first it was focused to understand the concept of organizational effectiveness and various approaches for organizational effectiveness and through that study identify the factors. And then the consideration was given to study the main obstacles to effective organisational performance and how to overcome those. Finally attempt was taken to assess the validity of the statement of Management is the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness, and the integrating activity that permeates every aspect of the operations of the organisation, considering with the changing nature of modern work organisations. Important Factors of Effective Organizational Performance What is Organizational Effectiveness Here before assessing the factors of effective organizational performance the consideration was given to understand the concept of organizational effectiveness. According to the view of Jonathan Knee the organizational effectiveness may depend on most essential three key elements. *People Here the people means staff of the organization *Culture A combination of Style, Skills and Shared Values of the organization *Impact This mainly includes the factors like profitability and financial sustainability, not only that but also the value shaped for any stakeholders. It can be shown by the following graph. In this article author say that these elements together have to manage because they are tightly inter-related nature. People create a culture that shapes them in turn. Future generation self-selects into an existing culture that meets their needs. And secondly people implement the organizations plans, and the culture supports and increases. And thirdly this inter-relation is so important because the organizations ability to achieve its goals affects its ability to attract and retain effective people and to sustain a high performance culture. (Info abstracted from: The article of Organizational Effectiveness by Jonathan Knee, 2008) Early studies state the organizational effectiveness is general rests on evolving suitable methods of selection, training, placement, in various steps of the organization. (Info abstracted from: The book of Organizational Behaviour by Indian Institute of Management and Technology, 1997) And also another view of Organizational effectiveness is that OE is always concerned with the unique capabilities that organizations develop to assure that success (Info Abstracted from: The book of The Changing Definition of Organizational Effectiveness, Human Resource Planning, Vol. 27.1. by McCann, Joseph. 2004) Most modern views of the organizational effectiveness say this has to be look in a way of system approach. Accordingly many HR practitioners try to look at the HR process and identify it in system approach. Accordingly they say that by looking at it in system approach organizations can achieve organizational effectiveness. (Info Abstracted from: The book of Measuring Organizational Effectiveness, Canadian Management Centre. 2005) Accordingly we can identify early HR notions have identifies this concept as Only HR function including recruitment, selection, Training and development. With reference to the literature review the identification can be done as that organizational effectiveness is not only depending on the Human Resource of the organization but also it is a integration of both people and the system of the organization. Factors of Effective Organizational Performance Here to identify the factors which effects to the effective organizational performances can be identified as using several case studies. Case Study Alpha Company This is a case study which was done by the Canadian Management centre to identify the effective organizational performance. The main theoretical model that they have use d here is that the system approach. Alpha Test Company is a European Owned small manufacturing company of office furniture. They have three major competitors in the market. Their major three strategic imperatives are as follows. (1) A clearly defined and defensible niche (2) A highly customer-focused culture (3) A lean and efficient manufacturing operation When achieving the strategic initiatives first the company has run in a lost way. The company could not decide whether it wanted to be an industry niche leader or follower and operations managements focus turned inward and away from acceptance of the customer. The most important thing for the driven of the strategic direction is that the intellectual support for that, but in Alpha organization there was more or less act as careful technicians instead of passionate supporters of quality and service. According to the new strategic inputs the manufacturing facility became highly controlled, with job responsibilities narrowly defined, performance measures relatively unclear. The organization became more rigid and inflexible, with employees focused on them, moving at a purposeful speed and indifferent in changing. So as a result of these initiatives the organization became more incapable of doing much more than being a fine place to work. These familiars resulted for this test by the Canadian Management Institute. The test was began by collecting data band sophisticated data analysis, and researching on efforts at creating high-touch customer focus and created a gap between the beliefs of the employees and the companys expectations for performance At the end of the research it was identified several factors to improve the organizational effectiveness through several strategic initiatives as follows. *First one is that as company should be continuously realigned in order to avoid from fluctuations. *In these alignments organizations should maintain their own unique alignment *Thirdly consider on technology in order to see the complexity of the world and competitors and with the predictions be ready to understand and manage the complexity *Then strategic initiatives should be taken to align the people to support the new strategic direction, HR will come in to action in this point. (Info Abstracted from: The book of Measuring Organizational Effectiveness, Canadian Management Centre. 2005) Case Study Competitive Advantage To obtain the effective organizational performance many companies use the sustainable competitive advantages by bringing into line their talent and business strategies. Most of the organizations use the methods like mergers or acquisitions, restructurings or shifts in business strategy can bring many functional effectiveness. Accordingly this article describes that many organizations of their studies brings value to their clients organizations by facilitating the integration and alignment of the business strategy with a workable talent management strategy. And also they mentions as aligning has to be done in the areas of capabilities, processes, attitudes, and talents. And with reference to many of their client organizational experiences they say three major solutions for organizational effectiveness. Organizational Effectiveness Solutions Strategy Implementation This is mainly focusing on structure, people systems and processes, and to deliver great customer experiences. Strategic Workforce Alignment These are the workforce strategies considering employee needs and investment on employee needs. Many HR initiatives could be taken at this stage. Change Management This is the design to support for change at all level of the organization. With the external environmental changes many initiatives can be taken for change management to obtain the sustainable competitive advantages (Info Abstracted from: Right Management consultancy service, www.manpower.org. Right Management Inc.) Accordingly factors of Effective Organizational Performance can be summarised as follows. Continuously realignments in order to avoid from fluctuations *Maintain unique alignment *Use of technology *Develop human resource of the organization to support the strategic initiatives *Sustainable competitive advantage *Change management *Integrating the organizational system according to the system approach Obstacles for effective organizational performance Poor Leadership Organizations are composed to of individuals and groups for achieving certain goals and objectives by means of differentiated functions that are intended to be rationally coordinated and directed through time on a continuous basis. A group within the organization has to select one of their members as a leader/ representative for coordinating their views/ demands and expectations. The leadership as such is an essential part of the organizational life. Leadership is a group process, through which individuals initiate activities for delivering the common objectives of the community by working together simulating each other, supplementing abilities and resources and evolving an effective organizational pattern. So as many of the organizational activities are leading and monitoring by the leadership of the organization, if it is not effective whole organizational process will collapse. Accordingly it can be identified that poor leadership is the main obstacle for achieving organizational effectiveness. To overcome from this obstacle it is needed to identify the role of the leader effectively and appoint a person who has these characteristics or in other hand develop these skills of the appointed leader. Those roles are as follows. *Developing a team work *Representing the members *Appropriate counselling *Exercising power and authority properly for constructive purposes *Time management *Managing and leading the group towards completion a task *As a potential strength for the members work force *Creating a cordial relationship and containing discussions *Continuing the role as a motivator and a source of inspiration (Info abstracted from: The book of Organizational Behaviour by Indian Institute of Management and Technology, 1997) Barriers in Communication It can be taken many strategic initiatives to make the effective organizational performances. But this should be communicated for the people in the organization correctly. If it is not happened it will cause for total failure of the strategic initiatives. As example in the case of Alpha Test Company they made the strategic initiatives by controlling operations in a very tuff manner. Employees also monitored in a rigid manner. This caused for the failure even this can cause for run down from the existing situation also. So it is essential to consider about the effective communication. For that identification of the barriers in communication will be a best method. Even when the receiver receives the message and makes the genuine attempt to decode it there are a number of barriers which disturb the receivers understandings. These obstacles are known as Barriers in communication. They are personal, physical and semantic barriers. The barriers may entirely prevent a communication or filter a part of it or give incorrect message. Poor Group and Inter-group Relationship Groups in organizations have become the subject of much mythology and the target for strong feelings. What then is the truth about the groups? Why do they exist? What functions do groups fulfil for the organization and their members? How should one conceptualize a group, and how does one judge the goodness or effectiveness of a group? What kinds of things can groups do? And what they cannot do? What impact do groups have on their members? On each other and on the organization within which they exist what are the prospects and constrains of Inter-group Corporation and inter-group competition. How does one manage and influence group? These are very important factors which have to be considered for the effective organizational performance, because poor relationship may cause for many destructive things. To overcome from these kinds of obstacles it should be organize to maintain team work among the employees. Assessing the validity of the statement Accoridng to the requirments of the assighnment the statement Management is the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness, and the integrating activity that permeates every facet of the operations of the organisationshould be asessed in terms of its validity considering the changing nature of modern work organisations. Before assess the validity of the statement we should look into the question on what is the changing nature of a modern work organization. In fact today we all are in a changing nature, this is not only for a business, even for a individual and as well for a family we are in a changing nature. The changing nature actually means the rapid transformations of social, economic, environment and political factors. As these factors are highly changing it has created a changing nature in our lives. Also this affect of the changes of these factors has made significant differences for todays businesses. Actually the main reason for these rapid changes is the technological advancement occurred around the worldwide. Today in each and every corner technology has become the driven force therefore every country is using technology for their businesses, and as well as for their individual lives. The extensive magnitude of using technology has created another challenging environment where many more opportunities are opened for further technological advancements. Therefore as a result everything is in a rapid change. Particularly if take a business they face to lot of changes in their businesses. Due to these technological advancements everything is always changing and it affects for the social, political, environment and economic lives of people, as a result of these changes as whole the overall society has become a changing nature. Not only the technology the current worlds economic system is also a main reason for current changing environment. As todays most of the economies are open economies and fewer barriers to entry to the market this has created a huge competition among the organizations, not only in local markets this has created a huge competition among the businesses in the international market. As a result of this today every organizations is trying for innovations and they dedicate much resources for research and development accordingly new developments are introduced to the market and therefore this increase the competition in the free market. As a result the overall nature has become very competitive. Actually there is a link between the technology and the competitive market, because in actual sense the technological innovations lead for the competitiveness. Accordingly we can come to a conclusion in identifying what is a changing nature. The identification of this changing nature is highly important to analyse the validity of the statement. In analysing the validity of the statement we can analyse it as two parts. One is on the first part of the statement which is Management is the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness and the othe part on the integrating activity that permeates every facet of the operations of the organisation. Before asses the validity of the statement Management is the cornerstone of organisational effectiveness we should identfy what is exactly meant by management. One ideology on management informs that Management is the art of getting things done through people, also further it says that management is the process of getting things done through the efforts of other people. Also another set of team informs that the management is an art of problem solving. Through management the problem solving is done effectively and it achieves organizational objectives through the effcient use of scarce resouces in changing enviornment. A comprehensive definition on management elaborates that management is the process or the procedier of planning, organizing, leading and controling an organizations four core resouces which are human, financial, physical and information resource to achieve organizational golas in effective and efficient maneer. (Info- Abstraced from lecture notes of Mr. Weerathunga. G. on Intrduction to management, of Certificate Cousrese in Human Resource Management, Insititute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka) Accordingly through considerting the definitions on management we can conclude that management is the process of planning, forcasting analysing and implementation of organizational activites in order to achive the goals and objectives of the organization. Then it should be important to identify about what is organizational effectiveness, accordingly it can be mentioned that for organizational effectiveness there is two main concepts. According to the traditional view of the organizational effectiveness, it says that organizational effectiveness is the management of recruitment, selection, training and placement; this is directly focused on the human resource aspect of the organization. But according to the modern concept on organizational effectiveness, it says that it should be considered as a system approach and accordingly the system should consider about the both human resources aspect and as well as on the other systems of the organisation. Simply it says that organizational effectiveness means that the effectiveness of all aspect of the business. Accordingly as the statement says it can be mentioned that the management is a cornerstone of organizational effectiveness in todays changing nature. Management means all about planning, and forecasting on organizations activities. Accordingly in todays changing nature always the facts are changing therefore in management it analyses focuses and plans according to the changes of the environment. For an example let say that TESCO which is the best retailer in UK, they are always changing with the nature, they have proper management practices and accordingly they plan, analyse, forecast and implement their business strategies in relation as suits to the changes occurred. Further lets say they clearly forecast the peak business times for them and as well they implement proper strategies targeting the nature of the change, lets say till November there is not a special season but with the beginning of the December the whole super market environment changed by the TESCO to face to the chan ge nature of the business. Through changing their business environment they can attract many more customers for their business. Lets say due to the changing nature there is a huge social trend immerged for using products which are produced in the local market. Accordingly TESCO as a strategic planner have to identify the business requirements according to the social trend and give special consideration on marketing the good which re locally produced. Having proper management is the key indicator to identify the changes in the environment and to ensure organizational effectiveness. Lets take another example from Schuh foot ware. In organizational effectiveness all the parties should be benefited, accordingly the employees and as well the employer should be benefited. The winter season is critical time where it makes several changes in the business nature accordingly there is a huge demand created to the winter shoes. Therefore the organizations all the systems should be ready to cater to the social demand. Accordingly the machinery, the human resource, and the vehicles everything should be ready for the organizational performance, if all these systems are ready to supply to cater to the social demand only the organization becomes effective. So as per to address this organization should be effective and to ensure the organizational effectiveness there should be management where it plan, analyse, forecast and implement according to the necessary requirements. Accordingly analysis the validity of the first part of the statement it can conclude that its a correct statement because there is a strong affect of the management to ensure organizational effectiveness in a changing environment. After analysing the validity of the first part of the statement, we should analyse the second part of the statement which is integrating activity that permeates every facet of the operations of the organisation The second part of the statement merely informs that the organizational activities should be integrated where it covers all the areas of the business. And this statement is linked with the first part of the statement which says management is a cornerstone for organizational effectiveness. Actually this is a very vital and valid statement, because today in modern businesses intergraded approach and integrated management is mostly important for the organizational effectiveness. Integrated approach means the organization takes it all factors and resources as a system. This means in integrated approach all the resources and facts are identified as factors which has an effect on a change of any factor. Simply in integrated approach it identifies if there is a change in the human resource there is an affect for the machinery of the organization. As an practical example lets say that machine operates of an organization engage in a strike, as a result the machines are underutilized or not ut ilized then as the ultimate result the production flow breaks, likewise in integrated approach or in integrated management everything is analysed as a whole. But in traditional approached the resources are taken separately and just analyse the simple affect only. Actually this integrated approach is nothing it is almost similar as the modern school of thought of organizational effectiveness, which is system approach. Therefore integrated approach is a vital part in organizational effectiveness. When take the meaning of both parts of the statement it says that management with a proper integrated approach ensures organizational effectiveness in a modern changing environment. Actually this statement is a highly valid statement because without having management practices there is no organizational effectiveness and without having a integrated approach it is difficult to face to changing nature of todays modern businesses. Lets take an example to validate this statement. The growth and expansion of TESCO Plc indicates how this statement has been affected for them. Tesco is known as the British largest retailer by international sales an also local market. At the same time TESCO is the third main retailer of the world. The company was first established in 1919 by Mr. Jack Cohen. The company first appeared with the Tesco brand in 1924. The first supermarket of TESCO was opened in 1956. Within these 9 decades TESCO has made the horizons of their business and has become a giant in the market. The management of TESCO analysed the total business approach as a whole and implemented the integrated management as a practice in 1997. They understood that to ensure organizational effectiveness the business should be managed as an integrated approach and according to that the management style should be changed. They further analysed without being changed they cannot survive and grow in the business in such challenging and changing environment. As a result of their innovative thinking they introduced a new business strategy to diversify their business and it became the establishment of Tescos success in recent past. Accordingly the Tescos new business strategy addresses, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢To be a successful retailer in the international market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢While being the leader in the market to ensure that their business core is in UK à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢To hold a strong position in non-food services as in food service. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢To be outstanding retailer in diversification in Tesco Personal Finance, Telecoms and Tesco.com à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Identify the community needs and cater according to that Accordingly currently the Strategies of Tesco is based on five main elements as Core UK, Community, Non-food, Retailing services, International. By considering all these facts and figures it can be concluded that this statement is a highly important and valid statement. Conclusion This report is all about organizational behaviour. The study analyses and provides valuable knowledge in the subject area. As in the first section of the study the student is given the more opportunity to study about theoretical aspect of the organizational behaviour, accordingly the study has been expanded to identify about the most critical factors which affect for organizational effectiveness. After that the student has to work on in identifying the obstacles for successful organizational performance and effectiveness and then to study about how we can overcome these barriers. As in the second part of the study it provides a more consideration for the student to get practical knowledge about the concept and accordingly he is required to critically assess and validate a statement on organizational effectiveness. Validating the statement provided a strong practical background on the study area. The assessment and validating through using examples is many more helpful to study the concept in a more practical manner. And also which has to be assessed is a highly valid statement for the organizational effectiveness. Accordingly as an overall conclusion it can be mentioned that this study covered a vast area of the subject area covering the both theoretical and practical aspect.

Ernest Sosa: Externalism :: essays research papers

Ernest Sosa: Externalism Ernest Sosa likes externalism. He thinks that it is intuitively correct. But he must and does agree that it must be clarified in order to avoid certain problems. So, his mission in this paper is to first define what he calls "Generic Reliabilism," then to show how it is susceptible to certain objections, then to present a modified version of it, and to show that this new version is, in general, better than its predecessor. Let us look at his argument. First, we get the usual definition of generic reliabilism: S is justified in his belief that p at t if the belief is produced by some faculty that usually produces true beliefs. Then, we get a couple of Alvin Goldman's notions of justification with Sosa's revisions. A belief is strongly justified iff it is well formed, and by means of a truth conducive process. A belief is weakly justified iff it is "blameless" (not the result of an intentional mistake?) but ill-formed, and the believer is not aware that the belief is ill- formed. A belief is superweakly justified iff the process that produces the belief is unreliable but the subject did not intentionally come to hold the belief because it was acquired unreliably. And, finally, a belief has strong meta-justification iff the subject neither believes that nor can determine if the belief is ill-formed (hence the "meta-" prefix), and the subject is aware of the process by which he got the belief and that the process is reliable. OK, seems reasonable enough. But, Sosa points out, there are a couple of scenarios (actually, three, but Sosa concentrates mainly on the two listed below) in which these conceptions of justification just do not work. The "new evil demon" problem takes a couple of forms in the article, but what it amounts to is that if a person S attains beliefs through something other than his usual faculties (e.g. senses, reasoning, etc.) like evil demons or random neurological stimulators, or whatever, then that person's beliefs are not attained through a reliable process (we are assuming that demons are, as usual, not benevolent bearers of truth). But, we do not want to say, or at least Sosa doesn't, that the deceived believer is completely unjustified in his beliefs; so, what level of justification do we assign to his situation? If, by some amazing coincidence, the random processes or demons generate a consistent and coherent set of beliefs, then we can say that the subject is weakly and meta- justified. But, t hat situation is not very likely, and thus we need the notion of superweak

My Best Friends

Leah YoungYoung 1 2/14/13 Essay#2 English 101 My Best Friends There’s really no great way to start my story other than with the truth. I was 31 and living in a tiny apartment in one of the worst neighborhoods in Louisville. I was on my second divorce and third abusive relationship. Between me making excuses for bruises and the women my then husband was seeing while I was working, life for me was a sad one. I woke up one morning and decided I had to leave. I packed all I could, filed an EPO and waited for him to be served. I then moved my family into my cousin’s house while still paying rent on my apartment.It took an entire month to go back to my apartment. I’ll never forget that feeling while walking back to my apartment for the first time. I felt the heat as if there was a knife at my back as I walked down that sidewalk, as if someone was staring me down. Every time I heard something that fear would set in, and believe me fear itself is a powerful thing. At thi s point I had no companionship and I knew I needed it. I had all I needed otherwise, I had my own place, my kids and had found Jesus. I wanted companionship, unconditional love but had no interest in dating being the market for a quality man was small.Besides I was nowhere close to being ready for a relationship, so I decided I would get a dog. I got online and posted to my friends if they knew anyone that had a small dog that needed a good home. An adoption agency was suggested so I started browsing. I applied for a few but they were already taken and Young 2 the only one that was available I didn’t think anyone would adopt. Another friend of mine gave me the number to a temporary rescue for dogs. I called them and she said there was a small dog that was going to be put down if no one adopted him, so I agreed to pick him up the next morning.I had no idea what he looked like, only that his name was Biscuit. The next day I went to the rescue and there he was the dog I said â⠂¬Å"no one would adopt†. Everyone wanted a full breed so they were adopted quickly leaving Biscuit, â€Å"The Ugly Duckling†. When I first saw him I chuckled seeing his funny build. He is one half Dachshund (wiener dog) and half Chihuahua, both breeds love to bark. He had his ears perked up looking like satellites, his eyes matched his coat, his legs are short and stocky, long body and his face is a cross of both breeds, he is called a Chiweenie.As I watched Biscuit playing with the other dogs, I just fell in love. After I played with him for 30 minutes, watched him drag toys out to share with his pals and the wagging of his tail when I first picked him up. It was then decided that he was a perfect fit for me being the oddball, so I brought him home and that night he jumped right in the bed and snuggled with me under the blankets. (Biscuit, age unknown 2012) Young 3 After a week with Biscuit I felt that unconditional love I’ve needed for years, filling that void in my life. I went and saved his precious life, and he made mine a happier one.His unconditional love makes my quality of life far better than what it was. I was now happy in my little apartment. This was the first time I was just me and had to learn who I was again. Having Biscuit in my life helped me in doing so. Taking him for walks gave me time to think about what I wanted to get out of life. I thought to myself, there has to be more than this. I want to have a nice home, go back to school and live a happy life alone or not. I didn’t need a companion, none other than my dog and my family. One cold day in January it was snowing and couldn’t be more than 15 degrees outside.Biscuit needed to go out, so I put our coats on and took him for a stroll. While walking him I heard a whimpering noise and started looking around. After about five minutes, I saw this little Chihuahua with ice on her ears and could see her ribs as she shivered in the freezing cold. I called for he r and she ran to me, so I put her little body inside my coat and took her home. I put out notice of dog found and decided if no one claimed her within a month, I would keep her. My daughter fell in love and named her Princess. Princess immediately took to our family as if she belonged.Within weeks, I had her back to health. She’s a short haired, light brown Chihuahua and by far the cutest thing I’d ever seen. Her temperament is so loveable and offers love to anyone whether they want it or not. She’ll wear clothes, play, does cute dances when I come home and on a funny note stuffed elephants are boyfriends to her. A month went by and no one claimed her. By this time, we had bonded and I had two dogs to cuddle up next to me. Needless to say I’ve spoiled them rotten. Princess became my second best friend. My little Chihuahua has made a huge impact Young 4 on our family.Her love is so genuine and comforting, there’s just nothing like it. I have fallen in love with her and treat her and Biscuit as if they are my kids. Both of them help comfort us when we have rough days. I believe in fate and don’t think it was by chance that these two dogs entered our lives. We all suffered some form of abuse. Biscuit came from a puppy mill being locked in a cage, Princess was left freezing and may have died had I not found her, and my kids and I suffered from abuse and broken homes. I believe we needed each other and it’s a match made in heaven. (Princess 2012, age unknown)Together these two dogs and my family have been through so much. They have bonded as well and do make life easier to deal with. When I’m sick and laying in bed they seem to know. They always greet me with wagging tails and a toy ready to play as I walk in the door. When I was faced with the possiblility that I may have to find my babies a new home, it broke my heart. I had to flee our apartment for safety reasons and save for a new place, I had no where to keep my dogs. My family stepped up and my cousin allowed Princess to stay with me at her house, while my brother allowed Biscuit to live with him.The bond I have with my dogs is different from one I have with a Young 5 human companion. My dogs don’t judge me, they love me no matter what and always are happy to see me. Leaving the apartment turned out to be a blessing. I had to save for several months and live in an apartment with a total of nine people. I took on different roles in the house to do my part. Going from my own three bedroom apartment to a twin size bed I shared with Princess on the floor and everything I own locked in a storage unit, was very hard. I had to be humble and prayed every night just to get me through.After I had saved enough money, I started searching for a new home. It took four long months to save enough money to move. I had been searching for a home that was big enough so that every child would have their own room, an office for me and a basement with a fenced back yard for the dogs that I could afford. If I hadn’t started looking when I did, I may never have fell in love with my third best friend, Will. He has been a friend of the family for many years, but I hadn’t gotten to know him well, I only heard so many good things about him. It was at the hospital when his neice Kendra was born when we first had met.I thought then he may have been interested just by the way he looked at me and the way I felt when he hugged me for the first time. It had been over a year and a half since I actually felt anything for anyone. It took a year of off and on meetings and it wasn’t until his neice’s first birthday that the connection was established. He kept making eye contact with me and conversation that kept me smiling from ear to ear. I got that warm feeling inside I had hoped to feel someday. At that point I let go and put him in God’s hands, I let God decide if it were meant to be.Two weeks had went past since the birthday party and just by chance or act of God we happened to run into each other at the store. We had a good conversation I Young 6 thought wouldn’t end, nor did I want it to. The way he looked at me with those eyes of kindness, want and the feeling of my heart thumping as every word left his mouth, it was then I knew my feelings were valid and it just may be meant to happen. I had mentioned that I would be moving in a few weeks and ask if maybe he could help since he had a truck, of course he agreed. I finally found my current house that fit all my needs and turned out to be in his neighborhood.I didn’t have Will’s phone number and needed help moving. The only way to get was to go to his house, I knew that’s what I had to do. I’ve never been so nervous in all my life as I pulled down his street and thought I was gonna to hurl walking up those steps to his door. As I knocked, my heart was in my throat. He answered the door and gre eted me with his smile I had missed and thought about for weeks. He gladly gave me his number and said to call when I was ready. I called him and we set a time for him to move my things. As he pulled in to pick me up, my heart was pounding and I had butterflies in my stomach.We had good conversation on the way to the storage and after all was done, he decided to take me on a tour of the neighborhood showing me all the ends and outs. I thought, well I won’t get lost when walking Biscuit and Princess. When he finally took me home, I was a little sad because I didn’t want the night to end. However, he did get to meet my dogs and their opinion mattered a great deal. They are loyal and have been here far before he exsisted to me and they liked him. Turns out he left his dolly there so I knew he had to come back to get it, and that he did.My heart fluttered as he got his things, that night I took a shot and ask if it would be okay if I called him. Later that night we talked for at least an hour, laughing and enjoying good conversation as I sat on my porch with my dogs cuddled beside me. The next night he came over to set up my washer and dryer. I ask if he wanted to Young 7 watch a movie and as we watched Daredevil, he leaned over and kissed me for the first time. It was the most amazing feeling I had ever felt. Right then I felt that he was the one I had been waiting for so long. He called the next afternoon and ask me out on our first real date. Our date was to little pizza place and I love pizza! The conversation and date went so well, we decided to make a weekend of it. We’ve seen each other almost everyday for the past year and a half since our first kiss. On November 23, 2012 he ask me to be his wife and I happily accepted his proposal. We’ve become best friends that love each other unconditional the way my dogs love me. No matter what it is, I know I can talk to him and not risk judgement. We have so many similar interest and have fun doing nothing at all. The future is untold as life brings about changes, but I believe I have found my best friends that I will love the rest of my life. Will and I at Van Halen concert, 2012) I’ve been down a long, broken road that lead me to some of the happiest times and saddest times in my life. For once, I now feel complete and found three best Young 8 friends that will give me a lifetime of memories. I know that through ups and downs they will be there for as long as God allows. I was once a broken woman struggling through illness, loss of loved ones, hopelessness and lived a sad, lonely life. Through prayer, patience, self disipline and a few best friends I’m now a happy woman that has gained a new family, a true love and best friends I’ll love forever.

Organisation Study

INTRODUCTION The Organization Study undertaken as a part of the curriculum has completed at Handicraft Development Corporation in Trivandrum. This study provides the opportunity to expose the student to an organization and its operational conditions. This study also aims at having a better understanding of various departments and its function. Organization study helps to know overall functions of a concern. This is a detailed study of the organization, product profile, service profile, organizational hierarchy, various departments and their functions.This study proved to be fruitful by familiarizing us to the organization and at the same time it also helped us to create practical awareness. The Handicraft Development Corporation is to be selected for undergoing the organizational study for the following reasons: †¢Trivandrum Handicraft Development Corporation is the head office. †¢In this organization has goodwill in general public. †¢Handicrafts have a major role in T ourism Sector. 1. 2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY †¢To understand the flow of authority and responsibility in the different departments of the organization. To assess the overall efforts adopted by the company in order to satisfy the consumer demand. †¢Find out the overall services of the organization to the customers. 1. 3 METHODOLOGY Primary data was collected by conducting formal and informal interviews with the employees and by observation. Secondary data was collected through the company documents, magazines, books and by the use of internet. 1. 4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY The study is intended to attain a firsthand experience of the overall running of an organization.A detailed analysis of each of the activity performed by the departments is beyond the scope of the study. It also provides a chance to see the practical constrains faced by the managers while putting theory in to practical. 1. 5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY †¢Time was Insufficient to the completion of the project. â € ¢It has chances of guarded and biased response from the reliable source. †¢Busy time schedule of the employees. 1. 6 CHAPTERS Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction chapter contains the objective, methodology, scope of the study, limitation of the organization study and cauterization. Chapter 2: Industry Profile In this chapter includes industry profile of Handicraft Development in india. Chapter 3: Company Profile Company profile includes the complete profile of the organization. Strategic indent and also innovative products are included. Chapter 4: Organization Structure Chapter 5: Analysis Objective wise Detailed and complete analysis is to be included in this chapter. This chapter mainly analysis secondary data has been collected. Chapter 6: SWOT Analysis In this chapter includes the findings from the analysis and give proper suggestions for recovering the find problems.Proper solutions are given for the findings and concluded with the solutions. Chapter 7: Findings, conc lusion and suggestions INDUSTRIAL PROFILE Handicrafts industry is a major area of employment generation in the State. Coconut Shell carving, straw picture making, cane work, bamboo and reed weaving, ivory carving, bell metal casting, screw pine and mat weaving are the major handicrafts in the State. Handicrafts Development Corporation and Artisans Development Corporation are the major promotional agencies of the industry.The Handicrafts Development Corporation is procuring and marketing handicraft products through its 19 Kairali emporia spread all over India. Kerala's traditional handicrafts varieties are a class of its own. The artisans of Kerala carve in wood, design in jewellery and makes idols in metal. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods. The life size models of Kathakali and the models depicting boat race of Kerala are Kerala's own master pieces.The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing pose and the various lamps (vilakku) which are very essential for every ceremony of malayalees. Aranmula kannadi is another traditional art work in bell metal. The artisans of Kerala are at their best in making screwpine woven articles, beautiful lamp shades and other articles from bamboo reeds. A variety of products ranging from buttons to flower vase out of coconut shell. Kora mats are very popular and are used for prayer and sleep. Articles made out of buffalo horn and Kathakali masks, straw pictures etcare some of the popular items of Kerala.Handicrafts based on various kinds of wood, coconut, palm etc. are major attractions. The State agencies for the development of handicrafts industry include Handicrafts Co-operative Apex Society, Artisans Development Corporation, Bamboo Corporation and Handicrafts Development Corporation. 2. 1 HANDICRAFT INDUSTRY Handicraft, more precisely expressed as artisanic handicraft, sometimes al so called artisanry, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools.It is a traditional main sector of craft. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion; such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods. Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts is a matter of intent: handicraft items are intended to be used, worn, etc, having a purpose beyond simple decoration.Handicraft goods are generally considered more traditional work, in traditional non-industrial and transitional societies created as a somewhat more necessary part of daily life, while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In Britain in the late nineteenth century, however, the Arts and Crafts Movement was not a matter of hobbies, but of creating useful as well as creative work for people, using natural materials and traditional techniques. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap. . 2 HANDICRAFTS IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT The history of handicrafts in areas generally now comprising India and Pakistan is an old saga. To peep in to the traces of Indian handicrafts we need to go back almost 5000 years. The first references to handicrafts in the Indian subcontinent can be found from the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC-1700 BC). The craft tradition in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the patrons and royalty, along with an eye for foreign and domestic trade.These craft traditions have withstood the ravages of time and numerous foreign invasions and continue to flourish till date owing to the assimilative nature of Indian culture and broadmindedness of the handi craftsmen to accept and use new ideas. The Indus valley civilization had a rich craft tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the field of pottery making, sculpture (metal, stone and terracotta), jewelry, weaving, etc. A lot of material information from excavations at Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro, etc. substantiates the craft tradition of the Indus valley civilization.The craftsmen not only catered to all the local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via ancient sea routes. Handicraft is the art of creating products using raw and indigenous materials. It develops the skills and creative interests of students towards a particular craft or trade. The basic training provided in a specific craft prepares the students to become competent craftsmen and artists who can contribute to the establishment of cottage industries, thus contributing to the economic growth of the country. 2. 2. 1 STATE EMPIRESThe concept of state was ushered by the rise of t he Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC. It is said that during the time of Ashoka, 84,000 stupas were built in India, including the world famous Sanchi Stupa, which has beautiful stone carving and relief work done on it. Numerous sculptures from Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati, Vaishali, Sanchi, etc. show female figures adorned with an array of jewelry, which continues to inspire contemporary jewelry making. The iron pillars of Vaishali (Bihar) and Delhi, created during the time of Emperor Ashoka, are a marvel in the field of metallurgy. 2. 2. 2 POST MAURYAN AGEThe period between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD was a period of political turmoil as a result of foreign invasions from central Asia. The impact of these intrusions can be seen in the Buddhist sculptures from Taxila, Begram, Bamiyan, Swat valley, etc. which show a high degree of Greek influence. The depiction of Buddha, having curly hair and wearing draperies, until date is the result of this Greek influence. The scu lpture of the Kushan king Kanishka from this period depicting him wearing leather boots and a heavy warm coat amply reflects the influence of the central Asian Culture on Indian craftsmanship.Jewelry, sculpture, textile making, leather products, metal working, etc. were the main handicrafts that inherited these foreign influences and assimilated them in accordance with the Indian milieu. 2. 2. 3 GUPTA AGE The Gupta (AD 320-647) age is referred to as the classical period in Indian history. The points in the field of craft include the rock cut temples of Ellora and the Ajanta murals. These murals give us a realistic view of the lifestyle of that time. The craftsmen of this period, under royal patronage excelled in jewelry making, woodcarving, sculpture, stone carving and weaving. 2. . 4 MEDIEVAL INDIA The Medieval period of Indian history in the context of handicrafts showed a marked shift from north India to the Deccan and southern parts of the country, though the handicraftsmen unde r the Delhi Sultanate period flourished in the field of pottery, weaving, wood carving, metal working, jewelry, etc. The contribution of the Cholas and the Vijaynagar Empire in the field of bronze sculpture, silk weaving, jewelry, temple carving is beyond parallel. The fine example of stone carving from central India can be seen in the form of the Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandelas.Rich and ornate wood and stone carving can be found in medieval temple of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa. 2. 3 LIST OF HANDICRAFT TRADES †¢Assemblage– collage in three dimensions †¢Beadwork ?Bone carving buffalo, camel, elephant bone carving. ?Cabinet making ?Chip carving †¢Collage possibly involving seeds, fabric, paper, photographs and/or found objects †¢Crochet †¢Embossed aluminum or silver †¢Gardening †¢Buffalo horn carving, Rhino horn carving. †¢Knitting †¢Lath art †¢Parquetry †¢Metalwork †¢Mosaic †¢Needlework †¢Pottery and Ceramics †¢Pressed flower craft — uses real flowers and leaves †¢Puppetry †¢Quilting – also reference Quilt and Art quilts Saddlemaking †¢Scale model †¢Sewing †¢Shoemaking †¢Spinning †¢Stained glass †¢Wood burning, carving, turning, working 2. 4 INDIAN HANDICRAFTS INDUSTRY India is one of the important suppliers of handicrafts to the world market. The Indian handicrafts industry is highly labour intensive cottage based industry and decentralized, being spread all over the country in rural and urban areas. Numerous artisans are engaged in crafts work on part-time basis. The industry provides employment to over six million artisans (including those in carpet trade), which include a large number of women and people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.In addition to the high potential for employment, the sector is economically important from the point of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition, and h igh potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country. Although exports of handicrafts appear to be sizeable, India’s share in world imports is miniscule. It is a sector that is still not completely explored from the point of view of hidden potential areas. India, a country with 28 states and 18 languages and more than 1500 dialects offers an enormous range of handicrafts from each of the states.Major centres in Uttar Pradesh are Moradabad also known as the â€Å"Peetalnagari† (City of Brass), Saharanpur for its wooden articles, Ferozabad for Glass. The North Western state of Rajasthan has to offer the famous Jaipuri quilts, Bagru and Sanganer printed textiles and wooden and wrought iron furniture from Jodhpur. The coastal state of Gujarat comes with embroidered articles from Kutch. Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh is famous for its Lace and Lace goods. But this is only a small part of the total product range. India offers much more. 2. 5 HANDICRAFTS CLASSIF ICATIONHandicrafts are classified into two categories: 1. Articles of everyday use 2. Decorative items The craftsmen use different media to express their originality. The diversity of the handicrafts is expressed on textiles, metals – precious and semi-precious, wood, precious and semi-precious stones, ceramic and glass. 2. 5. 1 TEXTILE BASED HANDICRAFTS: Hand printed textiles including block and screen printing, batik, kalamkari (hand printing by pen) and bandhani (tie and die) are used in products ranging from bed-covers to sheets, dress material to upholstery and tapestry.The famous embroidered articles of silk and cotton often embellished with mirrors, shells, beads, and metallic pieces are also found in India. Embroidery is done too on leather, felt and velvet etc. This segment of the industry accounts for almost half a million strong employment in addition to a large number of designers, block makers, weavers and packers involved in the trade. 2. 5. 2 CLAY, METAL AND JE WELLERY: Brass, copper, bronze, bell metals are used for a variety of wares and in a variety of finishes.Scintillating ornaments are available in a wide range of patterns, styles and compositions. Made from precious metals, base metals, precious and semi-precious stones; these ornaments have traditional as well as modern styles. 2. 5. 3 WOODWORK: Wooden articles in India range from the ornately carved to the absolutely simple. One can find toys, furniture, decorative articles, etc. bearing the art and individuality of the craftsman. India is known particularly for its lacquered wood articles. 2. 5. 4 STONE CRAFT: The intricately carved stoneware made of marble, alabaster or soapstone, etc. inlaid with semiprecious stones carry on the heritage of Indian stone crafts. 2. 5. 5 GLASS AND CERAMIC: Glass and ceramic products are a fast upcoming segment in the handicrafts from India. The age-old production process of mouth-blowing the glass instills a nostalgic feeling. The varied shapes o f ceramic and glass in a number of colours, would appeal to Western aesthetics while retaining the Indian touch. 2. 5. 6 CRAFT CONCENTRATION AREAS: A wide range of handicrafts are produced all over Indian artmetalware / EPNS ware, wood carvings and other wooden artwares, imitation jewellery, andprinted textiles, shawls as artwares, embroidered goods, lace and lace goods, toys, dolls, crafts made of leather, lacquerware, marble crafts etc. Although it is difficult to limit a specific place for the particular craft, the following places are listed for their particular crafts. Art metal ware:Moradabad, Sambhal, Aligarh, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, Rewari, Thanjavur, Madras, Mandap, Beedar, Kerala & Jagadhari, Jaselmer Wooden Art wares:Saharanpur, Nagina, Hoshiarpor, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jagdalpur, Bangalore, Mysore, Chennapatna, Madras, Kerala & Behrampur (WB)Hand printed Textiles & Scarves:Amroha, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Farrukhabad, Sagru & Sanganer Embroidered goods:Kutch (Guja rat), Jaisalmer, Baroda, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Agra, Amritsar, Kullu, Dharmshala / Chamba & Srinagar Marble & Soft Stone Crafts:Agra, Madras, Baster, Jodhpur Papier Mache Crafts:Kashmir, Jaipur Terracotta:Agra, Madras, Baster, Jodhpur Zari & Zari Goods:Rajasthan, Madras, Baster Imitation Jewelry::Delhi, Moradabad, Sambhal, Jaipur, Kohima (Tribal) Artistic Leather Goods:lndore, Kolhapur, Shanti Niketan (WB) Organisation Study CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT I have taken up this project work as a part of my degree in ‘Bachelor of Business Management Course, so to relate the theoretical studies with that of the practical work done in the organization. I have done my project work in the Calicut tile co. In 1879 the Calicut tile co. was incorporated and the circumstance leading to the information of the company is narrated under. The co. was started in 1878 at feroke; the town of clay industries. The founder of the co. was Mr. Soma Sundharan Chettiyar, the great millionaire from Ceylon.And then company was taken over by Mr. V. S. Nadarasa Mudhaliyar from Mr. Soma Sundhara chettiyar. In 1982 the present management takes the co. now there are 8 partners for the co. and mainly two partners are managing the co. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY * To study the general organizational functions and various department of the company. * To understand the growth of tile industry in India. * To study the production department and its performance. * To study the performance of the organization. * To suggest measures for the development of the CTCMETHODOLOGY A report on the descriptive study conducted at the calicut Tile co. , Feroke, Kozhikode is a project work that depends heavily on data collection particularly through observation the source of data are primary and secondary PRIMARY SOURCES * Observation * Consolation with the managers of various departments like production, HR etc. SECONDARY DATA * Report from various departments. * Report from other external magazines and internet. * Policy manuals. LIMITATION * The major constraint was the duration of the study was only 21 days. Couldn’t spend much time with top executives because of their busy schedule. * Due to absences and hesitation to talk openly by the employees it was difficult to collect accurate data. CHAPTER II INDUSTRIAL PROFILE INDUSTRIAL PROFILE Shelter is one of the basic requirements of man. C lay is one of the cheapest raw materials to satisfy this basic requirement of man. For a very long time man has been using clay for building purpose. Clay is basically an administrative mineral with an exclusive property of mould ability in the presence of water embankments etc.After reinforcement with straw, coir, fibers, bamboo, splinters, of woods sharing. It was rather accidental observation that clay when subjected to heating (firing) developed red color along with high strength and stability. Development of this process led to the production of clay products. In South India the German Basel Mission has performed a very important role in developing roofing tile industry or the Mangalore pattern roofing tiles. In the present scenario, roofing tiles have become a vital part of housing construction activity.By the end of 60’s most of the house used roofing tiles fur their houses. The last decade of the century however showed more interest towards concrete roofs and tile mar ket was down, however it again picked up business as decorative tile walls and floor tiles are in great demand now. The Latin word tegula and its French derivative tile mean quite precisely a roof tile of baked clay. The English tile is less precise, for it can in addition be used of any kind of earthenware slab applied to any surface of a building.The word ‘ceramics’ comes from the Greek word ‘keramos’ meaning pottery: it is related to an old Sanskrit root meaning to burn but was primarily used to mean ‘burnt stuff’ The demand for tile is thus improving when compared to the previous years; other clay products are also gaining importance in the market. However some of the tile manufacturing companies have reached saturation stage of its sales. They have to make changes in overall system of production and distribution to enhance the sales THE INDUSTRY IN KERALARoofing tile industry in India has an age of almost 150 years. In India Mangalore patt ern roofing tile factory was first established in the year 1865 by Basel Mission (German Missionaries) who copied the pattern of French tiles as in Marseilles. However first tile factory in Kerala was set up in the year 1844 by German Missionaries and it was named as â€Å"Common Wealth Trust Limited† or â€Å"COMTRUST†. Hundreds of factories came in to existence in South West cost of the country. Since then the industry has completed approximately one and quarter century of useful service to country.The numerous rivers and backwaters of Kerala provided cheap transport and so it is quite natural that a number of factories have opened at Kollam, Calicut, Trissur and alluva. Thus employment was generated. The abundance of clay was the other factor which contributed for rapid expansion of tile industry in this part of state A review of growth of tile industry in Kerala would suggest the following stages of development. These stages are * Period of First World War * Inter war period * The post second war period Towards the end of 19th century the pioneer factory at Kollam and Calicut was established.The pros iteration of tile factories, especially in Trissur may be considered as the second stage in the development of tile industry in Kerala. It’s considered that third stage is the period which small entrepreneurs became conscious of quality and started introducing machineries. This is partially due to the development of local engineering industry. As a result of mechanization could be implemented at a faster rate. The factories established in the first stage of the development in Calicut district was conceived of superior quality due to better technological process and uality control techniques The second stage of development witnessed a rapid growth in the number of tile factories mainly in trissur district. Local availability of quality clay and large managerial returns for the investment can be probable reasons for such a change. Their work ing started almost as a collage industry and not many changes has taken place as the time passed. The technological advancement that has taken place in the other industry has made no impact on the tile industry.The only forward step that have taken in the replacement of mechanical process is by replacing press, which they could increase the production capacity to 2 to 2. 5 times in an average. Even that change is yet to come in Kollam district. In a large number of units intermittent kilns are still use where high rate of fuel consumption is observed. In Trissur area majority of units have started on a small scale and number of chambers of kiln are limited. But subsequent introduction of revolving press has necessitated increasing the capacity and few more champers was added PROLEMS FACED BY CLAY INDUSTRYFor the last few decades the company has enjoyed a very inscriptive market in the country especially in the Southern states. In olden days industry was in Kerala and South Kerala, d istricts of Karnataka States. However conditions have completely different now. Tile factory have mushroomed through the country with much encouragement and support from the respective Government. The old traditional markets are fast dwindling and will soon disappear altogether in the very near future. Even manufacturing good clay-building material to cater to local markets is also having many problems.The company has to face keen completion from manufactures of concrete blocks and locally available. Late rite stones which are now mechanically cut and finished and are being sold at very low rate in the markets when compared to clay bricks. Apart from these, the main critical problems faced by the industry are the non-availability of good quality clays. Moreover there are environmental and ecological problems faced by tile industry and which are bound to de-stabilize the manufacturing operations consequently lead to loss of production in the year to come.Firewood, the fuel required f or the industry is also becoming scared with the present forest policy of the government and at present industry has to depend on plantation firewood like rub wood and other alternative fuels, for firing their kilns. The demand for roofing tile is steadily on the degrees because of the change in lifestyle of the people. While in olden days people used to construct houses by using timbers, the present tendency is to go for roofs. This has drastically affected the demand for Mangalore roofing tiles.If the industry is to survive man publicity has to be given for the products manufactured by the industry, enlightening the advantage of using Mangalore tiles over stopped concrete roofs which would have a good thermal insulation and also increase the life of these structures. While on the other hand, the industry is suffered with few problems relating to raw materials, environment etc. On the other hand there is likely to be a slump in the market for clay product brought out of industry. T he situation has to be analyzed and steps taken to meet the challenges, in light of these numerous problems being controlled by the tile industry.It is necessary that, government should take steps and try to solve the problems of this industry, which is one of the labor intensive industries in India CHAPTETR III COMPANY Profile COMPANY PROFILE| NAME| Calicut Tile Company| MANAGING PARTNER| Mr. MuhammadMr. M. A Abdhul Azeez| YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT| 1878| BANKERS| S. B. T Palayam| FINISHED PRODUCTS| Roofing tilesFlooring tilesBricksVentilator bricks| BRAND NAME| Queens Brand| MAIN MARKET| Tamil NaduKarnataka| NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES| Around 300| GENERAL MANAGER| K. M. Salman| The Calicut Tile Company is the pioneer of clay manufacturers in India.It is started way back in the year 1878. It’s still honored as the ‘first among the best of tiles company ’situated near the historical sea fort of Calicut at Feroke ,the companies name is indelibly printed in the industrial his tory of the company. CTC was founded by Mr. Somasundharam Chettiar a great millionaire from Ceylon. At first only roofing tiles were produced due to non-availability of better raw materials and machines. CTC was taken up by Mr. Nadaraja Mudhaliar. They constructed new building and purchased new machineries for producing more roofing tiles. The company becomes famous by the middle of 1970’s.Now the company is family owned partnership. The company was taken by the present owners in 1982. Providing a profitable as well as a beautiful alternative to concrete roofing, the company re-defined the aesthetic concepts about buildings, with its high quality classy QUEEN BRAND terracotta products unique in its stunning varieties of products. QUEEN BRAND is not just a brand name in the market but a trendsetter, leveraging the expertise earn through a legacy of more than 100 years experience. We have fetched big shares in Bahrain, UK, and Qatar markets apart from the domestic ones.The firs t company to bring a lot of innovative tile products, we the CTC has been a revolution through centuries. QUALITY STANDARDS CTC have been awarded the ISO certification recently by Moody International, an US based quality certification of great repute. A daring visionary behind the terracotta revolution, the company imparted geographical significance to Feroke which later came to be known as cradle of clay tile industry In a world that is Turing rapidly to techno friendly, CTC offer an alternative –bio friendly environment where you can inhale life, appealing to your eyes and soothing to your souls.QUEEN BRAND tile products promise you a world of endless imaginations. The most accepted eco-friendly, cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solution to home roofing and floorings, these classy clay products have by now earned International fame and recognition. Tested weather proof and water proof QUEEN BRAND terracotta tiles appear in a range of models applicable to floorings, roofing and ceiling sand as ventilator bricks and building blocks. Producing tiles with quality that confirms to standards set has been the aim of CTC and all its endeavors have been to this end.It’s a tradition that keeps pace with the changing world and changing needs. CAPACITY Presently the company have around 300 employees where 230 of them are permanent and have an annual production of more than 85 lakhs, the company was equipped with excavator, mixed high speed roller, number of revolving press etc for manufacturing tiles and Hoffman Kiln, one with 28 champers and other with 24 champers and each champers having a capacity of 3000 tiles. Now the company had acquired modern technologies for manufacturing tiles. Chain conveyer system was introduced for conveying wet tiles from the press to the kiln and to stock yard.A separate section for manufacturing ventilator bricks and hourdies was erected NATURE OF BUSINESS CARRIED OUT Nature of business means type of business being carried out. It includes the products of the company and weather the business is manufacturing or sales. If it is a manufacturing company what kind of products are being produced in the company. If the company’s main function is sales what it sells and how it is being sold, that is weather it does a wholesale or retail business The CTC does both manufacturing and sales. It produces all sorts of building material made of clay.Its products includes the following ROOFING TILES FLOORING TILES VENTILATOR BRICKS BUILDING BLOCKS In CTC, production takes place as well they sell it to the retailers and wholesalers and also directly to the customers from the company’s sales outlet PARTNERS OF THE COMPANY CTC is a partnership firm consisting of two managing partners and they are Mr. Muhammad and Mr. M. A Abdul Aziz. Other partners are Mr. M. A Abdul nazar Mrs. M. A Rukhiya Mrs. M. A Soubeena Mrs. M. A Asiya Mrs. M. A Salina Mrs. M. A Najeena Mr. M. A Abid Mr. M. A Ramshid Mr. M. A Rajay Mrs. M. A Nargees Mr. M.A Hareer KEY TO SUCESS Key to success is designing and producing products that meet the market demand. In addition to this the company also ensures total total consumer satisfaction. If these goals are achieved it will become a profitable sustainable company. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMPANY It is an industry with more than 130 years of experience Engaged in the production of wide range of products It has a capacity to meet huge requirements any point of time Highly experienced management with perfect knowledge about market and its products. QUALITY POLICY OF THE COMPANY ATMOSPHERIC HARMONY: Terracotta tiles created a rhythemetic harmony with the atmosphere where it is used. Its natural elements are harmful to arthritis patients. The tiles also add elegance to the concrete buildings and act as a heat insulation aid, that is why even five star hotels are turn in to clay tiles. ECO-FRIENDLINESS: In CTC innovative and energy saving manufacturing technologies a re used to manufacture eco-friendly products combining economy with ecology. The beautiful glazes of terracotta tiles are softer and more sensitive to scratches and wear and tear than tiles made from normal porcelain or ceramic material.Our clay roof tiles allow for ongoing ventilation that extracts the moisture that otherwise could cause mild dew, rote and overtime the collapse to substructure. VARIETY: We provide different plain tiles and pan tiles. Architects, Builders and roofing specialists etc with their join efforts produces different varieties of tiles according to the requirements of consumers DURABILITY * There are still number of tile roofed building that are 100 years of old where you find a few concrete building leaks within few years. Clay roof tiles are some of the most environmental friendly building material.This is due to long life expectancy that they are made of natural product and can be disposed off fully. NATURALITY Terracotta floorings, ceilings and wall cove rings, is designed with bright natural flair unlike any other things. QUEEN BRAND products are made attractive, colorful, and long-lasting in a functional aesthetically pleasing way. We offer carefully designed precision made roofing tiles comparable only to top quality porcelain product as ceramic floor tiles. FLEXIBILITY QUEEN BRAND tiles are designed for ease of use and versatility. For instance by means of pioneering concept for tile overlap allowing flexible tile to tile fit.As a result tile can be laid simply and quickly, saving time and labor cost. Each and every QUEEN tile is baked by a life time guarantee. PLANT LOCATION Calicut Tile Company is honored as the first among the best of tile companies. The plant is in the town of Feroke is connected with national highway 17. The factory is situated near the Chaliyar River. All infrastructure facilities are available near the company. ORGANISATIONAL CHART CHAPTER IV DEPARTMENTAL STUDIES PRODUCTION Department PRODUCTION DEPARTMEN T Clay is an important raw material used for tiles the quality of tiles depends up on its clay.Therefore the clay is tested before taking it for the production. There are mainly two types of clay namely plastic clay and lean clay. The tested clay is thoroughly mixed by using a machine called excavator. With the help of excavator the clay is sliced. After slicing, the clay is collected using the excavator in tray called trolleys. The sliced clay is then pushed into box feeder. Box feeder consists of 3 chambers and both type of clay will be there at first two chamber and both of this is mixed along with the sand in the 3rd chamber. Then the clay is moved into pan mill.Pan mill performs the crushing of clay and grinds together the different types of clay. Here the clay is crushed well using water. Clay in the form of flakes is passed into hi speed roller one. High speed roller one is an extension of pan mill and the clay is crushed well and then it is move to the high speed roller two where the clay is crushed further and reduce the time module or small pebbles contained in the clay. Then the clay is moved into de-airing pug mill and main purpose here is to remove the air content from the clay otherwise it would lead to breakage after it becomes in to a tiles.The clay is cut and passed to the press where different dice are available and the different shapes or types arise. Different types of tile formed are roofing tiles, flooring tiles, ventilator tiles, building tiles etc. In the press where roof tiles are formed with the help of a trimmer tiles are properly shaped and finished. The slabs are rubbed with oil which is a mixture of kerosene and rice-burn oil before putting into the press so as to dice smooth. The waste clay is recycled. The name of the clay, factory trade mark etc are marked on the tiles by providing necessary impression on the dice.Now the pressed tile contains 25% of water. To reduce the water content of green tile, it is dried in the open air where natural air ios able to enter directly. Artificial drying using external heating system is also rarely used. The tiles required to be dried for around 6-7 days during summer and 10-15 during rainy season. The well dried tiles are placed in the chamber of Hoffman kiln for baking. The kiln consists of different layers where the tiles can be put and heat is made possible to enter into it. Fire wood is used as fuel for burning at a temperature of 800 degree.The kiln works 24 hours a day through out and even on holidays. As the temperature is reached at a required level in one chamber, the fixing will be moved to the next chamber. After that the chamber is cooled and emptied. The burned tiles are moved to an open place where or nearer to kiln yard. Then it is moved to the stock yard where tiles are stocked. Different grade or classes are given to the tiles according to their quality and they are stored separately. It is from the stock yard, the tiles are dispatched according to the order placed. Here comes the end of the production process.PAN MILL PROCUREMENT OF TESTED CLAY DESPATCHING AGAINST ORDER SORTING AND STOCKING SPACE FOR DRYING HIGH SPEED ROLLER DE-AIING PUG MILL TILE FURNISHING TILE PRESSER BOX FEEDERS CLAY EXCAVATION ROLLER I ROLLER II KILN CHAMBER PRODUCTION PROCESS CHART PURCHASE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE DEPARTMENT Purchase department is one of the important departments in CTC. This department deals with 6the purchase of raw material such as purchase of clay fire woods, store good etc and the main function of the department is to invite tenders and quotation for purchasing raw material.Tenders are invited and they select those tenders which quotes the suitable price for the product. They just do not verify the price of raw material but also ensure about the quality of the product purchased. The main duty of the purchasing manger is to: Ensure continuous availability of raw material so that production doesn’t get stopped To reduce ultimate cost of finished product To ensure quality of raw material and there by quality of production Now we can look some of the important raw material which is purchased by the purchase department. CLAY Clay is one of the most important raw materials used for production.There are mainly two types of clay, plastic clay and lean clay. Before purchasing clay, purchase department takes the specimen of clay and test it using in different methods, like sand content test, burning test, and by the usual observations. Company usually collects clay fro the field of Mavoor, Cheruvadi, Karod, Edevanna, Areacode etc. FIREWOOD Fire wood is purchased from sub contractors of Irutty, Kodiyathur, Mavoor, Nilambur etc. The fire wood purchased from keep in it top of the kiln. The fire wood is unlocked in the firewood yard only after visual observation by firewood supervisor.From the above it’s clear that purchase department is one of the strong and back bones of CTC and its effective functioning is very m uch important for overall performance of CTC. WATER Water is one of the essential element of the tile it’s also essential for manufacturing. Water is prowled from the well and it’s purchased rarely. OIL AND KEROSENE It is another item as that of water which is less frequently purchased by the purchase department. Rice bran oil and kerosene In the ratio 2:10 are mixed and applied on the plugged slabs to avoid sticking of slabs each other.Kerosene is also used as fuel in generator. MARKETING DEPARTMENT MARKETING DEPARTMENT The marketing department of CTC is well developed and computerized. The main duty of this department is marketing and sales of queen brand. As we know that is one back bone of a business enterprice. The marketing department has its own value. It is controlled by sales manager and executive sales. DUTIES OF SALES MANAGER Responsibilities of various sales related decision like supplying the right quantity and quality product at right time. Management of cash receipt and paymentProper direction to the executive’s sales regarding collection of duties from customers and other related matters. Keeping proper records for purchase of fire wood. ACTIVITIES UNDER MARKETING DEPARTMENT Marketing activities are carried out and field sales executives explore the potential for sales of the product Appointing dealers Sales promotion activities like sponsorships, radio, banners & boards, calendar, trade fairs etc. Now the company has around 200 dealers all over India and they have or are mainly located in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION The CTC adopts mainly 3 major channels of distribution their channels are as given below; Manufacturer Customers Manufacturer Dealer Customer Manufacturer Dealer Agent Customer QUALITY POLICY TO CONSUMERS 1. To provide dependence products that consistency meets customer’s expectations first time, on time, every time. 2. To recognize through systematic review pro cess that all over products and commitments are expression of quality 3.To constantly strive to achieve optimum customer satisfaction through on time delivery and defect fire parts with acceptable quality level by continuously improving our process and practices to the almost satisfaction of all our clients 4. To strive pure goals aimed at achieving excellence in the product that consistently meets or exceed customer expiations. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT INTRODUCTION Human Resource department is concerned with the management of human resources. It is the sense of getting things done through people, is an essential part of every managers responsibilities. Many organizations find it useful.Many organizations find it useful to set up a specialist section to provide an expert service in the performance of HR functions. Today no member in the organization disagrees that â€Å"people are more valuable asset in the organization but in reality in many organization it is fou nd that this most valuable resources remains undervalued, undertrained, underutilized Fast changes are taking place in the business enterprise. An organization must have the ability to absorb these changes at a rapid rate than in the past, not simply to prove its competency alone but to justify its existence in the dynamic business world as well.All organization weather large or small must ensure themselves that they have the competent people capable of accepting these challenge. Personnel Management is â€Å"concerned with people dimensions in management. Since every organization is made of people, acquiring their service, developing their skills motivating them higher level of performance and ensuring that they continue to maintain their commitment to the organization are essential to achieve their organizational objectives.This is true regardless the type of organization, government, business education, health, recreation or social action â€Å" In CTC employees are recruited m ainly through personnel interview, recommendation of present employee and through medium of publicity. OBJECTIVES OF CTC To establish and maintain good working atmosphere in the organization. Each employee is given certain objectives and give them amble support to achieve it. To achieve the goals of organization through human excellence. To maintain and increase the level of effectiveness of employers and there by their effective utilization.To provide motivation to the employees to work for the success of the organization. To have a better personnel structure in the organization that is the personnel department. PERSONNEL POLICIES AT CTC Pvt. Ltd. * Satisfied customers and motivated employees are of vital importance to CTC. The past 130 years is a good personnel policy followed by the firm it is seen not good or harmonious industrial relation maintained by the firm. The main three types of policy are staffing policy, wage and salary administration policy and the promotional policy. Other important personnel policies are below Each employee shall: * Understand his or her role. * Take responsibility. * Develop his/ her competence knowledge, skills and ability. * H. R STRUCTURE OF CTC Number of workers in CTC is around 300 which includes permanent and casual workers, among them 50 are skilled workers who are well trained and is called foreman. Attendance register are maintained in the factory to record the time spend by each worker in the factory, it also distinguish normal time from overtime. The working hour of the company starts from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.But the kiln works for 24 hours a day and the operator for kiln is 4 shifts of 7 hours each. Convenient timing has made workers happy in the factory. Overtime workers have been paid double of wages of that day. This is done as they don’t want to spent for recruitment and training of new workers. If in the case of death, casual workers are selected as permanent workers. In administration level there are around 10 office staffs like production manager, personnel manager, finance manager etc. Wage calculations are fully computerized for fast result.The control of the organizational activities are in the hands of top level management, they are responsible for entire functions of the concerned persons. The total number of working days of CTC is around 305 days. Each worker is allowed a holiday during the week. The workers are not required to work on the first of the week that is Sunday. Within the production process there are many departments where employees are classified, they are CLAY FIELD In clay department, at a time there should be 21 employees. Their main duty is to load different type of clay. The main duty s to take the clay in to the excavator where the clay is sliced and their duty ends at the door step of press. The employees in the clay department are given a fixed remuneration of 6000 per month and they have to work for 8 hours a day. PRESS FIELD Here there sh ould be almost 11 employees who have to work hand in hand to achieve the target. Their work starts where the work of clay department ends. Their duty to receive the clay coming out of roller and put in to the press for making it as slabs and to other press where the slabs are press in to particular tiles from where the shape of tile is formed.Remuneration package is time rate and is paid 6000 per month for 8 hours a day. CHICK DEPARTMENT The duty here is to dry the pressed tile, that is to take the tile from press to the region where tiles are dried under direct sun light. Here 6 workers are working at a time and piece rate system is followed here for payment of wage. An employee should take 1400 tile which is treated as one work and for one work 200 rupees is paid. KILN DEPARTMENT At a time there will be 8 people working in a kiln, and it consists of two kilns which contain 28 and 24 rooms respectively.Here also piece rate system is followed and loading of 3000 tile is regarded as one work. BURNING SECTION It’s closely related with kiln department. It is the only one section were 24 works work is carried out. It is from here the kiln is burned. Their main duty is to regulate heat content according to the requirement of tile. Here mainly there are two workers who work on shift basis. They are given a fixed salary per month and double salary for working during holidays. REPAIRS SECTION Here repairs of machinery take place. Machines of the company are repaired within the firm.Here there are 7 workers including a foreman. They have a fixed remuneration. OTHERS There are certain workers who concentrate on loading of dried and finished tile to store rooms. There is no fixed number of employees in this work and depends up on requirement. They are also paid in piece rate form. Some workers are placed in those sections of bringing firewood which is required for burning. Here at present 9 workers are there and piece rate system is followed and for one work they are paid 230 rupees. There is a pottery department where one employee is working for the last 27 years.If he designs 5 tiles per day it is treated as one work and salary is given according to that. EMPLOYEE WELFARE The CTC employees receive multiple welfare facilities. Company provides all the possible facilities and amenities to the workers. Since file industry is labour oriented industry every problem connected with the workers will adversely affect the production and the reputation of the company. The management of this company thoroughly understands that and tries to solve all the problems connected with workers. Various labour welfare activities made by mgt to workers are; I. CanteenThe company is running a very good canteen inside the factory. With the help of this canteen the workers can save 85% of their food expense, that is, the company is providing subsidized food to their employees. II. Increment Every year increment of salary is given to the employees after their retire ment. The minimum service required for getting gratuity is 5 years. Computation of gratuity: Gratuity = Salary x Service x 15/ 26 Other than this the company provides contribution to ESI, PF providing annual leaves and casual leaves, home appliance loan, bonus, etc†¦ PROBLEM FACING THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT Though the company is well maintaining its relations with the unions and employees still the personnel department faces a few problems. However most of the problems are effectively bought under organized by various techniques as participation management system used in CTC. * Manpower of human resources may be thought of as the total knowledge, skills and creative abilities, talents and attitude of the total workforce of the organization. Management should consider the fact that of all M’s of management (Men, Money, Machinery, Materials, Methods and Minutes).The most important and the most complex resources are the humans. Hence, men are the most valuable asset of an or ganization rather than money or any physical equipment. Only human resource can ensure the effective utilization of all other resources to lead the business activities in to a success. * * * * * * * * * HOLIDAY WITH PAY IS 26th January Republic Day 14th April Vishu 1st May World Workers Day 15th August Independence Day 2nd October Gandhi Jayanthi 25th December ChristmasShivarathri Good Friday Milady sheriff Onam Navami Id-ul-fither CHART & DIAGRAMS 1. Different posts occupied by the employees in the organization. POSTS| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Manager| 3| 7. 5| Supervisor| 6| 15| Forman| 8| 20| Workers| 23| 57. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Out of the total employees more than 50% of them are unskilled workers who directly engage in the production of tiles. So, of the total population more than half of them are workers. 2. Number of year worked by the employee in the company? NUMBER OF YEARS| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE| Below 8| 4| 10| -16| 3| 7. 5| 16-24| 16| 40| Above 24| 17| 42. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The pie diagram indicates that more than 80% of employees are with long term service. This indicates that labor turnover in the organization is not that high and is under control. 3. Have you received any special incentive till now? INCENTIVES| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 18| 45| No| 22| 55| Total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Out of the total employees in the organization 45% of them says or agrees that they had received incentive, while others contradicts to the statement and says ‘no’ to the question. . Are you satisfied with the present salary? SATISFIED| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 22| 55| No| 18| 45| Total| 40| 100| Table [ 1 ] Interpretation: The diagram indicates that almost half of the employees are satisfied with the salary and while others are not satisfied with the salary given. So management has to consider these factors well. 5. How do you rate the promotional policy adopted in the organization? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| 02| 05| Good| 14| 35| Average| 18| 45| Poor| 06| 15| Total| 40| 100| Interpretation:From the diagram it’s clear that as a whole, promotional policies are satisfactory since only 15% are not at all happy with the promotional efforts. Management should adopt such policies so that these 15% employees also show a positive sign. 6. Are you satisfied with the terms and conditions of the job? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Not at all| 06| 15| Up to a level| 24| 60| Fully| 10| 25| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The diagram shows that employees are more or less satisfied with the terms and conditions of the job. Dissatisfaction level is comparatively lower. 25% is fully satisfied which is a good sign. . What is your opinion about relationship with management? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Friendly| 06| 15| Moderate| 28| 70| Strict| 05| 12. 5| No opinion| 01| 2. 5| t otal| 40| 100| Interpretation: 70% of the employees say that there is moderate relationship between employees and management. So the company is not following an autocratic type of structure. Here the chance of formation of informal organization is limited. 8. According to you which is the best motivating factor? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Monitory| 15| 37. 5| Non monitory| 06| 15| Both| 19| 47. | total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Since more than 50% of employees are unskilled workers, they can be primarily motivated with monitory incentives. From the diagram it is clear that employees give priority to the mixture of monitory and non monitory factors. 9. Have you received any fringe benefits from the company? | NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Yes| 19| 47. 5| No| 21| 52. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: From the diagram response is 47. 5% says ‘yes’ and rest stays with ‘no’. Company mainly provides fringe benefits to skilled and off ice staffs rather than to the semi skilled workers. 0. Are your grievances fully satisfied by the company? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Not at all| | | Up to a level| 32| 80| Fully| 08| 20| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: Since the relationship between management and employees are good their grievances are also satisfied to an extent. No one in the company is fully disappointed with the company. 11. How do you rate the safety and security measures adopted in the organization? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| 10| 25| Good| 18| 45| Average| 10| 25| Poor| 02| 05| total| 40| 100|Interpretation From the survey conducted it is clear that the company gives much importance for the safety and security measures and 70% of the population is very much happy with the companies policies and only 5% of them is dissatisfied. 12. Are you satisfied with the retirement schemes of the company? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Highly satisfied| 12 | 30| Satisfied| 22| 55| Dissatisfied| 06| 15| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: The company provides almost all retirement benefits provided by similar companies like provident fund, gratuity etc. rom the graph it’s clear that there is a mixed response from the part of employers. 13. Are you active in trade union activities? R ATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Active| 14| 35| Passive| 08| 20| Neutral| 18| 45| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: From the graph it is clear that participation of employees towards trade union activity is neutral, but it may not be so accurate as sample taken is small and employees may not reveal the truth. 14. What is your opinion about canteen facility? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| -| -| Good| 07| 17. | Average| 14| 35| Poor| 19| 47. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: It is an area where management has to keep their eyes open as majority of employees are not happy with the canteen. So they should try to take s teps to improve the conditions. 15. What is your opinion about sanitary facilities? RATING| NUMBER OF RESPONDANTS| PERCENTAGE (%)| Excellent| -| -| Good| 06| 15| Average| 21| 52. 5| Poor| 13| 32. 5| total| 40| 100| Interpretation: This is another area where management has to look up on, as employee satisfaction is a key area for the success of an organisation.CHAPTER VI PRODUCT PROFILE CHAPTER VI SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT ANALYSIS Identification of SWOTs is essential because subsequent steps in the process of planning for achievement of the selected objective may be derived from the SWOTs. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. STRENGTHAn industry with one thirty years of experience and highly experienced management. Wide range of products. Focus on producing high quality tiles. Ability to meet huge requirements any point of time. Better superior-subordinate relation. WEAKNESS: Accounting methods are not scientific. Less focus on marketing activities. Transportation totally depends on private vehicles. Cost of tiles is little high as compared to other states. Conventional practice of fixing clay is used. OPPORTUNITIES: Go out for innovation. Opportunities for diversification of product. Try new technologies. * THREATS:Problem of absenteeism. Clay is not available readily Firewood and other fuel used for burning become costly and its availability is limited. Strikes lockouts effect the continuity of production process and there by overall productivity of firm. * CHAPTER VI FINDINGS & SUGGESTIONS FINDINGS * CTC concentrates on production of tiles. Product of CTC is of high quality. Compare to other firms, price of CTC is lower. Employees are satisfied with the terms & conditions of the job as well as with the management. Productivity has increased in a slow rate. Less concentration on marketing of products.Since it is an organization with more than 100 years experience, it enjoys high degree of goodwill. Shortage of raw materials, firewood etc is great threat to the company. * SUGGESTIONS Demand for the product is high but the availability is low, so try to increase the production. Better salary should be given to employees so as to gain their confidence. Company should increase promotional efforts. Firm should concentrate on adding diversity to the product and then only it can with stand in the market. Reduce cost of production by using modern technologies Step should be taken to improve canteen and sanitary facilities.Find out an alternative source of energy for production. CHAPTER VII CONCLUSION CONCLUSION Calicut Tile Company, Kerala’s first tile company has really created revolution in this field. The QUEEN BRAND terracotta product s developed by CTC which really set the standards in the industry are widely acceptable to different culture, climate, and architectural tastes around the world. World is changing and modernization will have to be incorporated in every phase of working of the company and ways will have to be found to cope with competition and overcome the barriers of innovation.To conclude, management of CTC should make past emphasis and work effectively to supplement formal structures to tackle issues like product launching and cost reduction. BIBLIOGRAPHY BIBLIOGRAPHY Marketing Management : Philip Kotler Marketing Management : A. Vinodh H R management : Mammoria Personnel management : Edwin. B. Flippo Company Records Website : www. calicuttilecompany. com www. google. com