All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Management
2022 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full,
with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Probability, expert systems, operations management, hypothesis testing, MRP (1)Correlation, regression, ANOVA, linear programming (1)Operations management and quality control (1)Information systems and digital business (1)Economic environment and public sector management (1)SSI policy, public enterprises, CSR and cybercrime (1)Strategic management and Porter's five forces (1)International business and FDI (1)
(a) A newly constructed house can collapse due to fault in its design. It can also collapse even if it does not have a design fault. The probability that the design of the newly constructed house is faulty is 0·1. The probability that this house collapses if the design is faulty is 0·95, whereas, the probability that the house collapses without any fault in design is 0·45. It is seen that the house has collapsed. What is the probability that it is due to fault in design? (10 marks)
(b) Define 'knowledge-based expert system'. Briefly discuss its major applications in business. (10 marks)
(c) "The difference between management of manufacturing (goods) and service operations is reducing." Discuss this statement in the light of the fundamental differences existing between goods and service operations. (10 marks)
(d) Eleven police personnel were given a test in shooting. Further they were given a month's training and a second test of equal difficulty was conducted at the end of it. The table below contains the marks awarded in the two tests. Do these marks give evidence that the police personnel benefitted from the training? [Test at 5% level of significance] (Relevant table is attached at the end of this Paper) (10 marks)
(e) Outline the objectives of 'Material Requirements Planning (MRP)' and explain how an MRP system can achieve these objectives. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) एक नवनिर्मित मकान अपने डाँचे में त्रुटि के कारण ढह सकता है। यह तब भी ढह सकता है जब इसके डाँचे में कोई त्रुटि नहीं होती। नवनिर्मित मकान के डाँचे में त्रुटि है, इसकी प्रायिकता 0·1 है। यह मकान ढहता है यदि डाँचे में त्रुटि है, इसकी प्रायिकता 0·95 है, जबकि डाँचे में बिना किसी त्रुटि के मकान ढहता है, इसकी प्रायिकता 0·45 है। ऐसा देखा जाता है कि मकान ढह गया है। इसकी क्या प्रायिकता है कि डाँचे में त्रुटि ही इसका कारण है? (10 अंक)
(b) 'ज्ञान-आधारित विशेषज्ञ प्रणाली' को परिभाषित कीजिए। व्यवसाय में इसके अधिकांश उपयोग की संक्षेप में विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) "विनिर्माण (वस्तुओं) एवं सेवा संचालन के प्रबंध के बीच का अंतर कम हो रहा है।" वस्तुओं एवं सेवा संचालनों के बीच विद्यमान मौलिक अंतरों के प्रकाश में इस कथन की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) ग्यारह पुलिसकर्मियों को गोली चलाने की एक जाँच दी गई। पुनः इन्हें एक माह का प्रशिक्षण दिया गया और इसके अंत में समान जटिलता की दूसरी जाँच कराई गई। नीचे की तालिका दोनों जाँचों के अंकों को अंतर्विष्ट करती है। क्या ये अंक प्रमाण देते हैं कि प्रशिक्षण से पुलिसकर्मी लाभान्वित हुए? [जाँच 5% सार्थकता स्तर पर] (आवश्यक सारणी इस पत्र के अंत में संलग्न है) (10 अंक)
(e) 'सामग्री आवश्यकता योजना (एम० आर० पी०)' के उद्देश्यों को रेखांकित कीजिए एवं स्पष्ट कीजिए कि किस प्रकार एम० आर० पी० प्रणाली इन उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त कर सकती है। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
This multi-part question requires solving a probability problem (a), defining and discussing expert systems (b), critically discussing manufacturing-service convergence (c), conducting hypothesis testing (d), and outlining MRP objectives (e). Allocate approximately 15-20% time to each calculation-heavy part (a and d), with remaining time distributed across (b), (c), and (e). Begin with clear problem identification for each sub-part, show all working steps for quantitative portions, and synthesize conceptual discussions with contemporary business illustrations.
Part (a): Apply Bayes' theorem correctly — P(Faulty|Collapsed) = [P(Collapsed|Faulty) × P(Faulty)] / P(Collapsed); calculate total probability of collapse and derive final answer ≈ 0.174 or 17.4%
Part (b): Define KBES as AI systems emulating human expert decision-making using knowledge base and inference engine; cite applications in medical diagnosis (e.g., AIIMS diagnostic systems), financial credit scoring, and manufacturing quality control
Part (c): Discuss IHIP framework (Intangibility, Heterogeneity, Inseparability, Perishability) versus goods' tangibility; analyze convergence through servitization (e.g., Rolls-Royce Power-by-the-Hour) and productization of services (e.g., MakeMyTrip standardization)
Part (d): Apply paired t-test — calculate mean difference, standard deviation of differences, t-statistic, and compare with critical t-value (df=10, α=0.05, two-tailed); conclude whether training significantly improved scores
Part (e): State MRP objectives (right quantity, right time, right place, optimal inventory, production scheduling); explain how bill of materials, inventory records, and master production schedule achieve these through time-phased netting and planned order releases
50MsolveCorrelation, regression, ANOVA, linear programming
(a) The area sales manager of a company has compiled the following data for the eight territories under his/her supervision. All the territories have similar size and consumer characteristics. The sales manager believes that the number of selling agents assigned to a territory has an impact on its sales revenue:
(i) Find the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the two variables mentioned above. Is the sales manager correct in his/her belief?
(ii) Develop a linear regression model and using it, predict the sales in a territory if 16 selling agents are assigned to it. (15 marks)
(b) A city administration conducted a study of the waiting time in the emergency wings of three hospitals. These hospitals are located in three zones of the city far away from each other. The administration is interested in reducing the waiting time at the emergency wings. To study this, a random sample of 10 emergency wing cases at each hospital was selected on a particular day and the waiting time was measured. The results are recorded in the following table. At 0·05 level of significance, is there evidence of a difference in the average waiting times in the three hospitals? (Relevant table is attached at the end of this Paper) (15 marks)
(c) Agrofarms Ltd. is a company engaged in large-scale cultivation of organic vegetables, grains and cereals. In 200 acres of land, Agrofarms Ltd. grows only tomatoes and onions. For the upcoming season, it estimates that it can make a profit of ₹ 7,000 per acre of tomatoes and ₹ 2,000 per acre of onions. During this growing season, each acre of tomatoes will require 4 tons of fertilizers and 3 tons of pesticides, whereas each acre of onions will require 2 tons of fertilizers and 1 ton of pesticides. Agrofarms Ltd. has contracted for at most 600 tons of fertilizers and 330 tons of pesticides.
(i) How many acres of land should be devoted to each crop to maximise its profit for the season? Is there any land that remains unfarmed? (10 marks)
(ii) What is the minimum profit per acre of onions that would make it economically feasible for Agrofarms Ltd. to grow onions? (6 marks)
(iii) If the profit per acre of onions were ₹ 2,500, how many acres of land should Agrofarms Ltd. plant of each crop to maximize the profit for the season? (4 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) एक कम्पनी के क्षेत्रीय विक्रय प्रबन्धक ने अपने पर्यवेक्षण के अन्तर्गत आने वाले आठ क्षेत्रों के लिए निम्नलिखित आँकड़े संकलित किए हैं। सभी क्षेत्रों का आकार एवं उपभोक्ता विशेषताएँ समान हैं। विक्रय प्रबन्धक मानता है कि एक क्षेत्र हेतु नियत विक्रय अभिकर्ताओं की संख्या ने उसकी विक्रय आमदनी को प्रभावित किया है:
(i) उपर्युक्त दो चरों के बीच पियर्सन सहसम्बन्ध गुणांक निकालिए। क्या विक्रय प्रबन्धक का अपना विचार सही है?
(ii) एक रेखीय प्रतिगमन मॉडल विकसित कीजिए और इसका प्रयोग करते हुए किसी क्षेत्र की बिक्री का पूर्वानुमान कीजिए, यदि 16 विक्रय अभिकर्ताओं को उस क्षेत्र में नियत किया जाय। (15 अंक)
(b) एक शहर प्रशासन ने तीन अस्पतालों के आकस्मिक खंड में प्रतीक्षा समय का अध्ययन किया। ये अस्पताल एक-दूसरे से बहुत दूर शहर के तीन क्षेत्रों (जोन) में स्थित हैं। प्रशासन आकस्मिक खंडों में प्रतीक्षा समय कम करना चाहता है। इस अध्ययन हेतु एक विशेष दिन प्रत्येक अस्पताल के आकस्मिक खंड से 10 रोगियों को यादृच्छिक प्रतिदर्श के रूप में चुना गया और प्रतीक्षा समय को मापा गया। निम्नलिखित तालिका में परिणामों को अभिलिखित किया जाता है। 0·05 सार्थकता स्तर पर, क्या तीनों अस्पतालों में औसत प्रतीक्षा समय में अंतर का प्रमाण है? (उपयुक्त सारणी इस पत्र के अंत में संलग्न है) (15 अंक)
(c) एग्रोफार्म्स लिमिटेड एक कम्पनी है जो बड़े पैमाने पर ऑर्गेनिक सब्जियों एवं अनाजों की खेती करती है। 200 एकड़ की जमीन पर एग्रोफार्म्स लिमिटेड केवल टमाटर और प्याज उगाती है। आने वाले मौसम हेतु यह अनुमान लगाती है कि टमाटर से प्रति एकड़ ₹ 7,000 और प्याज से प्रति एकड़ ₹ 2,000 लाभ कमा सकती है। इस फसली मौसम में टमाटर के लिए प्रति एकड़ 4 टन खादों एवं 3 टन कीटनाशक दवाओं की आवश्यकता है, जबकि प्याज के लिए प्रति एकड़ 2 टन खादों एवं 1 टन कीटनाशक दवाओं की आवश्यकता होगी। एग्रोफार्म्स लिमिटेड ने अधिक से अधिक 600 टन खादों और 330 टन कीटनाशक दवाओं के लिए अनुबन्ध किया है।
(i) इस मौसम में अपने लाभ को अधिकतम करने के लिए प्रत्येक फसल के लिए कितने एकड़ निश्चित करना चाहिए? क्या कोई भूमि है जो अकृषित रही है? (10 अंक)
(ii) प्रति एकड़ प्याज से न्यूनतम लाभ क्या है ताकि एग्रोफार्म्स लिमिटेड के लिए आर्थिक रूप से प्याज की खेती संभव हो? (6 अंक)
(iii) यदि प्याज से प्रति एकड़ लाभ ₹ 2,500 हो, तो एग्रोफार्म्स लिमिटेड को इस मौसम में लाभ को अधिकतम करने के लिए प्रत्येक फसल की खेती कितने एकड़ जमीन में करने की आवश्यकता है? (4 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Solve this numerical problem by allocating time proportionally to marks: ~30% for part (a) correlation-regression (15 marks), ~30% for part (b) ANOVA (15 marks), and ~40% for part (c) linear programming (20 marks). Begin with clear problem identification, show all computational steps with formulas, present results in structured tables, and end with interpretation of findings for managerial decision-making.
Part (a)(i): Calculate Pearson's r using correct formula with covariance and standard deviations; interpret magnitude and direction of correlation; test significance to validate manager's belief
Part (a)(ii): Derive regression equation Y = a + bX with proper least-squares method; calculate intercept and slope accurately; predict sales for 16 agents with confidence
Part (b): Set up ANOVA table with correct degrees of freedom (between groups k-1=2, within groups N-k=27, total N-1=29); compute F-statistic; compare with critical F-value at α=0.05; draw conclusion about hospital waiting times
Part (c)(i): Formulate LP problem with objective function Z = 7000T + 2000O and constraints (land: T+O≤200, fertilizer: 4T+2O≤600, pesticide: 3T+O≤330, non-negativity); solve graphically or by corner-point method; identify optimal solution and check for slack in land constraint
Part (c)(ii): Calculate shadow price or perform sensitivity analysis to find minimum onion profit that changes optimal basis (breakeven where reduced cost becomes zero)
Part (c)(iii): Re-solve LP with revised objective Z = 7000T + 2500O; identify new optimal corner point and interpret changed resource allocation
50McalculateOperations management and quality control
(a) (i) List the strategic objectives of aggregate planning. 5
(ii) Describe the chase and level strategies for aggregate planning. Which one of these should be preferred? 5
(iii) How does aggregate planning in service differ from aggregate planning in manufacturing? 5
(b) (i) What is 'time and motion study'? 4
(ii) Define the terms 'work study' and 'method study'. 5
(iii) Describe the steps involved in work study and method study. 6
(c) (i) Mention the characteristics of control charts. 4
(ii) What is P-chart? 4
(iii) The following are the inspection results of 10 lots, each lot having 300 pieces. The number of defective pieces in each lot is 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 35, 40, 30, 20 and 50 :
Calculate the average fraction defective and three sigma limits for P-chart, and state whether the process is in control. 12
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) (i) संकलित (एग्रीगेट) योजना के रणनीतिक उद्देश्यों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिए।
(ii) संकलित योजना के लिए आउटे (चेस) एवं स्तर रणनीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। इनमें से किसे अधिक पसन्द किया जाना चाहिए?
(iii) सेवा के लिए संकलित योजना विनिर्माण के लिए संकलित योजना से कैसे भिन्न होती है?
(ख) (i) 'समय एवं गति अध्ययन' क्या होता है?
(ii) 'कार्य अध्ययन' एवं 'विधि अध्ययन' पदों को परिभाषित कीजिए।
(iii) उन चरणों का वर्णन कीजिए जो कार्य अध्ययन एवं विधि अध्ययन में संलिखित हैं।
(ग) (i) नियंत्रण चार्टों की विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए।
(ii) P-चार्ट क्या होता है?
(iii) 10 समूहों (लॉट), प्रत्येक समूह में 300 मदें हैं, के निरीक्षण परिणाम निम्नलिखित हैं। प्रत्येक समूह में त्रुटिपूर्ण मदों की संख्या 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 35, 40, 30, 20 एवं 50 है :
P-चार्ट हेतु एवरेज फ्रैक्शन डिफेक्टिव एवं त्री सिग्मा लिमिट की गणना कीजिए और स्पष्ट कीजिए कि क्या प्रक्रिया नियंत्रण में है।
Answer approach & key points
This multi-part question requires descriptive responses for (a)(i)-(iii), (b)(i)-(iii), and (c)(i)-(ii), with a critical numerical calculation for (c)(iii). Allocate approximately 35% time/words to part (a) on aggregate planning (15 marks), 30% to part (b) on work study (14 marks), and 35% to part (c) on quality control including the P-chart calculation (21 marks). Structure with clear sub-headings for each part, present calculations stepwise for (c)(iii), and conclude with a brief synthesis on operations management's role in competitive advantage.
Strategic objectives of aggregate planning: minimize costs, maximize utilization, meet demand, stabilize workforce, reduce inventory investment
Chase strategy (adjust workforce to match demand) vs Level strategy (constant production rate with inventory buffer); preference depends on context
Service vs manufacturing aggregate planning: intangibility, perishability, demand variability, labor intensity, no inventory buffering in services
Time and motion study: systematic observation, measurement, and analysis of work methods to eliminate waste and set time standards
Work study (systematic examination of work) vs method study (systematic recording/critical analysis of existing/proposed methods)
Steps in work study: select, record, examine, develop, define, install, maintain; method study follows similar systematic approach
Control chart characteristics: center line, upper/lower control limits, time-ordered data, statistical basis, process monitoring
P-chart for fraction defective: calculation of p̄ = Σdefectives/Σsampled, UCL/LCL = p̄ ± 3√[p̄(1-p̄)/n], process control determination
Numerical solution for (c)(iii): p̄ = 0.1167, UCL ≈ 0.172, LCL ≈ 0.061, with conclusion on process control status
50MexplainInformation systems and digital business
(a) What exactly is an information system? How does it work? What are its management, organization and technological components? 15
(b) Define and discuss the unique features of e-commerce, digital markets and digital goods. 15
(c) How do information systems help businesses use synergies, core competencies and network-based strategies to achieve competitive advantage? 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) तथ्यतः सूचना प्रणाली क्या होती है? यह किस प्रकार कार्य करती है? इसके प्रबंध, संगठन एवं शिल्पशास्त्रीय (टेक्नोलॉजिकल) संघटक कौन-कौन से हैं?
(ख) ई-कॉमर्स, डिजिटल बाज़ारों एवं डिजिटल वस्तुओं को परिभाषित कीजिए और विलक्षण विशेषताओं की विवेचना कीजिए।
(ग) सूचना प्रणाली व्यवसायों को प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक लाभ प्राप्त करने हेतु सहक्रियाओं (सिनर्जी), सार सामर्थ्यों (कोर कम्पिटेंसी) तथा नेटवर्क-आधारित रणनीतियों के प्रयोग में किस प्रकार से सहायता करती है?
Answer approach & key points
The question demands explanation across three interrelated parts on information systems and digital business. Structure your answer with a brief integrated introduction, then allocate approximately 30% word/time to part (a) on IS components, 30% to part (b) on e-commerce features, and 40% to part (c) on competitive strategies as it carries the highest marks. Conclude with synthesis on digital transformation in Indian context.
Part (a): Define information system as interrelated components collecting, processing, storing and distributing information; explain input-processing-output-feedback mechanism; detail management (leadership, strategy), organization (hierarchy, culture, business processes) and technology (hardware, software, data, networking) components with their interdependence
Part (b): Define e-commerce as digitally enabled commercial transactions; distinguish digital markets (online marketplaces with reduced search costs, price transparency, disintermediation) from traditional markets; explain unique features of digital goods (zero marginal cost, experience goods, network effects, non-rivalrous consumption)
Part (c): Explain synergy through IS integration (data sharing across units, supply chain coordination); core competencies via IS-enabled knowledge management and decision support; network-based strategies including network economics, ecosystem platforms, and competitive advantage through Metcalfe's Law effects
Integration: Connect how IS infrastructure enables all three strategic approaches simultaneously in modern enterprises
Indian relevance: Cite Digital India, UPI, ONDC, or specific cases like Reliance Jio's platform strategy, Flipkart's marketplace model, or ISRO's data sharing networks
50MCompulsorydiscussEconomic environment and public sector management
(a) Is State participation in business essential? Discuss the objectives of liberalization, privatization and globalization. (10 marks)
(b) Take the case of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL). Assume that HUL emphasizes on sustainability in its products and operations at global level. Are you in agreement that the company is successful because it could effectively embed sustainability into its products and operations? Give your arguments for or against the issue. (10 marks)
(c) Critically examine the various initiatives taken by the Government of India in respect of export-import policy. Give examples from India's trade with the Asian countries. (10 marks)
(d) Do you think free entry and exit of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) is healthy for the growth of Indian economy? Discuss the business strategies of MNCs in this context. (10 marks)
(e) Using a small case study, discuss the contents of a good and workable strategic plan for management and operational control of public sector enterprises in India. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या व्यवसाय में राज्य की सहभागिता अत्यावश्यक है? उदारीकरण, निजीकरण एवं भूमंडलीकरण के उद्देश्यों की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) हिन्दुस्तान यूनिलिवर लिमिटेड (एच० यू० एल०) का प्रकरण (केस) लीजिए। मान लीजिए कि एच० यू० एल० वैश्विक स्तर पर अपने उत्पादों एवं परिचालनों की धारणीयता (सस्टेनेबिलिटी) पर जोर देती है। क्या आप सहमत हैं कि कम्पनी सफल है क्योंकि वह अपने उत्पादों एवं परिचालनों में धारणीयता को प्रभावी रूप से अन्तःस्थापित कर सकी? इस विषय पर पक्ष अथवा विपक्ष में अपने तर्कों को प्रस्तुत कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) भारत सरकार द्वारा आयात-निर्यात नीति के संबंध में उठाए गए विभिन्न उपक्रमों का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। एशिया के देशों के साथ भारत के व्यापार के उदाहरण दीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) क्या आप मानते हैं कि बहुराष्ट्रीय निगमों (एम० एन० सी०) के मुक्त प्रवेश एवं निकास भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के विकास के लिए स्वास्थ्यकर है? इस संदर्भ में एम० एन० सी० की व्यावसायिक रणनीतियों की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) एक लघु प्रकरण-अध्ययन (केस स्टडी) का उपयोग करते हुए भारत में सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के प्रतिष्ठानों के प्रबंध एवं परिचालन नियंत्रण हेतु एक अच्छी एवं व्यावहारिक रणनीतिक योजना की विषयवस्तु की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' demands a balanced, analytical treatment with arguments for and against. Structure the answer with a brief introduction on India's economic transformation since 1991, then allocate approximately 20% time to each sub-part (a)-(e): (a) presents both sides on state participation before detailing LPG objectives; (b) argues for/against HUL's sustainability-success linkage with evidence; (c) critically evaluates EXIM policy initiatives with Asian trade examples; (d) debates MNC entry-exit with strategy analysis; (e) constructs a mini case study on PSU strategic planning. Conclude with integrated insights on public sector management in a globalized economy.
(a) Arguments for and against state participation in business; objectives of LPG (liberalization, privatization, globalization) with reference to 1991 economic reforms and subsequent policy shifts
(b) Critical evaluation of whether HUL's sustainability focus (Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, plastic reduction, water conservation) directly drives its market leadership in India; counter-arguments on pricing, competition, and greenwashing risks
(c) Critical examination of EXIM policy initiatives: FTP 2015-20, SEZs, EPCG, MEIS/SEIS schemes, with specific examples from India's trade with China, ASEAN, Japan, South Korea (trade deficits, RCEP stance, bilateral agreements)
(d) Balanced assessment of MNC free entry-exit: FDI benefits (capital, technology, employment) versus concerns (profit repatriation, domestic competition, regulatory arbitrage); business strategies (adaptation, joint ventures, local sourcing, lobbying)
(e) Mini case study of a PSU (e.g., NTPC, ONGC, or BSNL) illustrating strategic plan components: mission/vision, environmental scanning, SWOT, objectives, strategy formulation, implementation, and operational control mechanisms (MOU system, performance contracts)
50Mcritically examineSSI policy, public enterprises, CSR and cybercrime
(a) Critically examine government's policy with regard to Small-Scale Industries (SSIs). Highlight the role of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for promotion of growth of SSIs and for overcoming their financial, managerial and operational sickness. (15 marks)
(b) "Many objectives of public enterprises are not clear and are conflicting." Discuss the statement and point out whether public enterprises have achieved the objectives laid down by the government. (15 marks)
(c) (i) Elaborate the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Governance. Discuss how the government regulations have influenced CSR actions of large companies. (10 marks)
(ii) What are the major economic impacts of cybercrime? Are the Indian cyber-laws adequate to effectively deal with cyber-security threats? Discuss. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) लघु-स्तरीय उद्योगों (एस० एस० आई०) के संबंध में सरकार की नीति का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। एस० एस० आई० के विकास को बढ़ाने एवं इनकी वित्तीय, प्रबंधकीय तथा परिचालन रुग्णता को दूर करने में भारतीय औद्योगिक विकास बैंक (आई० डी० बी० आई०) तथा कृषि एवं ग्रामीण विकास राष्ट्रीय बैंक (एन० ए० बी० ए० आर० डी०) की भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए। (15 अंक)
(b) "सार्वजनिक प्रतिष्ठानों के अनेक उद्देश्य अस्पष्ट एवं विरोधाभासी हैं।" इस कथन की विवेचना कीजिए तथा इंगित कीजिए कि क्या सार्वजनिक प्रतिष्ठानों ने सरकार द्वारा निर्दिष्ट उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त किया है। (15 अंक)
(c) (i) नैगमिक सामाजिक दायित्व (सी० एस० आर०) एवं नैगमिक शासन के बीच संबंध को सविस्तार प्रतिपादित कीजिए। विवेचना कीजिए कि किस प्रकार सरकारी नियमों ने बड़ी कम्पनियों की सी० एस० आर० क्रियाओं को प्रभावित किया है। (10 अंक)
(ii) साइबर अपराध के मुख्य आर्थिक प्रभाव क्या हैं? क्या भारतीय साइबर कानून साइबर सुरक्षा धमकियों से प्रभावी ढंग से निपटने हेतु पर्याप्त हैं? विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Begin with a brief introduction acknowledging the multi-dimensional nature of government-industry interface. For part (a), critically examine SSI policy evolution from reservation to cluster-based approach, then detail IDBI's direct/indirect finance and NABARD's SHG-Bank linkage for SSIs. For part (b), discuss the triple objectives conflict (social vs commercial vs national interest) using BHEL/NTPC examples, then evaluate achievement through disinvestment and turnaround cases. For part (c)(i), establish CSR-CG nexus through stakeholder theory, citing Section 135 and Schedule VII impacts. For part (c)(ii), quantify cybercrime costs (NASSCOM data) and critically assess IT Act 2000/2008 gaps versus emerging threats. Allocate approximately 30% time to (a), 30% to (b), 20% to (c)(i), and 20% to (c)(ii), ensuring balanced coverage across all four sub-parts.
Critical examination of SSI policy shift from protectionist reservation (1956-1991) to de-reservation and cluster development post-1991, including MSME Act 2006
IDBI's role in SSI financing: direct refinance, bills rediscounting, seed capital, and rehabilitation finance; NABARD's role in rural SSI promotion through SHG-Bank linkage, RIDF, and microfinance institutions
Analysis of conflicting public enterprise objectives: social welfare vs profit vs national security, with evaluation of performance through Navratna/Maharatna status and turnaround of sick PSUs like BSNL/MTNL
CSR-CG relationship through stakeholder theory, agency theory, and legitimacy theory; impact of Companies Act 2013 Section 135, Schedule VII activities, and mandatory disclosure requirements
Economic impacts of cybercrime: direct costs (financial fraud, IP theft), indirect costs (reputation damage, compliance costs), and macroeconomic impacts on GDP and FDI; critical assessment of IT Act 2000, 2008 amendments, and inadequacies regarding data protection, crypto-jacking, and cross-border enforcement
Managerial and operational sickness in SSIs: causes (marketing constraints, technology obsolescence, working capital shortage) and institutional mechanisms for rehabilitation
Government regulations' influence on CSR: mandatory spending threshold, penal provisions for non-compliance, and emergence of CSR committees and impact assessment requirements
Cyber-law adequacy gaps: absence of comprehensive data protection law (pre-2019), limited CERT-In powers, jurisdictional challenges, and need for harmonization with global frameworks like GDPR
50MdiscussStrategic management and Porter's five forces
(a) "Strategies are formulated and operated at different levels of management." Discuss this statement. Explain with examples how strategies operating at different levels are integrated. 7+8=15
(b) Briefly discuss the meaning and utility of the following:
(i) BCG matrix
(ii) GEC model
(iii) Turnaround strategy
5×3=15
(c) Discuss the Porter's five forces of competition in an industry of your choice. Also, identify the important strategic groups in that industry and highlight the effects of such groups on the strategies of the market leader. 20
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "प्रबंध के विभिन्न स्तरों पर रणनीतियाँ बनाई एवं लागू की जाती हैं।" इस कथन की विवेचना कीजिए। उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए कि किस प्रकार विभिन्न स्तरों पर लागू रणनीतियों को एकीकृत किया जाता है। 7+8=15
(b) निम्नलिखित के अर्थ एवं उपयोगिता की संक्षेप में विवेचना कीजिए:
(i) बी० सी० जी० मैट्रिक्स
(ii) जी० ई० सी० मॉडल
(iii) पुनरुत्थान (टर्नअराउंड) रणनीति
5×3=15
(c) आप अपनी पसंद के किसी उद्योग में पोर्टर की प्रतिस्पर्धा की पाँच शक्तियों की विवेचना कीजिए। साथ ही, उस उद्योग के महत्त्वपूर्ण रणनीतिक समूहों की पहचान कीजिए एवं बाजार नेतृत्वकर्ता की रणनीतियों पर इन समूहों के प्रभावों पर विशेष प्रकाश डालिए। 20
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive examination of strategic levels, portfolio models, and competitive forces with balanced exposition and critical insight. Structure with: (a) hierarchical strategy levels with integration mechanisms, (b) concise definitions with utility critique of each model, (c) detailed Porter's analysis of chosen industry with strategic group mapping and leader implications. Use Indian examples throughout—Tata Group, Reliance, or Maruti Suzuki work well.
Clear delineation of corporate, business, and functional strategy levels with specific integration mechanisms like MBO, strategic planning systems, and balanced scorecards
Accurate exposition of BCG matrix (market growth vs. relative market share), GEC model (industry attractiveness vs. business strength), and turnaround strategy phases with practical limitations
Systematic application of all five Porter forces to one chosen Indian industry (e.g., telecom with Jio-Airtel-Vi, or FMCG with HUL-ITC-Patanjali)
Identification of 2-3 strategic groups within chosen industry based on price-quality positioning, geographic reach, or vertical integration
Analysis of how strategic groups influence market leader's defensive/offensive strategies, including mobility barriers and competitive signaling
(a) (i) Discuss the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for developing economies like India. Should these countries go all out for attracting more FDI? 8
(ii) Discuss the role of authorities created by the Government of India for streamlining the FDI movement in India. 7
(b) (i) Outline how the culture of a country might influence the cost of doing business in that country. Illustrate with examples. 7
(ii) What is ethnocentrism? How does it influence the management of multi-national companies? 8
(c) (i) If you were a manager in a company that operates in many countries, what criteria would you use to determine whether a technological innovation should be developed as a product for global consumers or local consumers? 7
(ii) COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global logistics and supply chains. Explain how an efficient logistic function can help an international business compete more effectively in the post-pandemic global marketplace. 7
(iii) What are the various options a firm has to minimize its global tax liability? 6
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) (i) भारत जैसे विकासशील अर्थव्यवस्थाओं के लिए प्रत्यक्ष विदेशी निवेश (एफ० डी० आई०) की महत्ता की विवेचना कीजिए। क्या इन देशों को अधिक एफ० डी० आई० आकर्षित करने के लिए भरपूर प्रयास करना चाहिए? 8
(ii) भारत में एफ० डी० आई० आंदोलन को सरल व कारगर बनाने (स्ट्रीमलाइनिंग) के लिए भारत सरकार द्वारा सृजित अधिकारियों की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। 7
(b) (i) रेखांकित कीजिए कि किस प्रकार किसी देश की संस्कृति उस देश में व्यवसाय करने की लागत को प्रभावित कर सकती है। सोदाहरण स्पष्ट कीजिए। 7
(ii) प्रजातिकेंद्रिकता (एथ्नोसेंट्रिज्म) क्या है? यह किस प्रकार बहुराष्ट्रीय कम्पनियों के प्रबन्ध को प्रभावित करता है? 8
(c) (i) यदि आप एक ऐसी कम्पनी के प्रबन्धक होते जो अनेक देशों में काम करती है, तो यह निर्धारित करने के लिए आप कौन-कौन से मानदण्डों का उपयोग करते कि क्या एक उत्पाद के रूप में शिल्पवैज्ञानिक (टेक्नोलॉजिकल) नवाचार (इनोवेशन) को वैश्विक उपभोक्ताओं अथवा स्थानीय उपभोक्ताओं के लिए विकसित किया जाना चाहिए? 7
(ii) कोविड-19 देशान्तरगामी महामारी ने वैश्विक लॉजिस्टिक एवं आपूर्ति श्रृंखलाओं को प्रभावित किया है। समझाइए कि किस प्रकार एक दक्ष लॉजिस्टिक कार्य अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय व्यवसाय को देशान्तरगामी महामारी के पश्चात् वैश्विक बाजार-स्थल में अधिक प्रभावपूर्ण रूप से मुकाबला करने में सहायता कर सकता है। 7
(iii) एक प्रतिष्ठान के पास अपने वैश्विक कर दायित्व को न्यूनतम करने के कौन-कौन से विभिन्न विकल्प हैं? 6
Answer approach & key points
The question demands a comprehensive discussion across multiple interconnected themes in international business. Structure your answer with a brief introduction on globalization and FDI, followed by systematic treatment of each sub-part (a)(i)-(ii), (b)(i)-(ii), (c)(i)-(iii), ensuring balanced coverage of conceptual depth, institutional knowledge, cultural analysis, and strategic decision-making, concluding with synthesized insights on India's evolving position in global business.
FDI benefits for developing economies: capital inflow, technology transfer, employment generation, export promotion, and integration with GVCs; balanced view on risks like profit repatriation, crowding out domestic firms, and policy conditionality
Indian FDI regulatory architecture: DPIIT (FDI policy formulation), RBI (capital account regulations), SEBI (FII/FPI distinction), CCI (competition concerns), and sectoral caps with automatic vs. government route
Hofstede's cultural dimensions or similar framework applied to business costs: power distance affecting hierarchy costs, uncertainty avoidance influencing contract enforcement expenses, individualism-collectivism shaping labor relations
Ethnocentrism defined as home-country superiority bias; its manifestation in MNCs through centralized decision-making, expatriate-heavy staffing, and product standardization; contrast with polycentric/regiocentric/geocentric orientations (Perlmutter/Heenan)
Global vs. local product decision criteria: market homogeneity, scale economies, competitive pressure, regulatory requirements, cultural adaptability; reference to Levitt's 'Globalization of Markets' vs. customization arguments
Post-COVID logistics strategies: supply chain resilience through nearshoring/friendshoring, digitalization (blockchain, IoT), inventory optimization, multimodal integration; tax minimization through transfer pricing, tax havens, BEPS compliance, and India's MLI participation