University of Mumbai BMS Notes

1st Semester

Subjects  
Introduction to Financial Accounts (Updated)
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Business Law (Updated) VIEW
Business Statistics (Updated) VIEW
Business Communication I (Updated) VIEW
Foundation of Human Skills (Updated) VIEW
Business Economics I (Updated) VIEW

2nd Semester

Subjects  
Principles of Marketing (Updated) VIEW
Industrial Law (Updated) VIEW
Business Mathematics (No Update)
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Business Communication II (Updated) VIEW
Business Environment (Updated) VIEW
Principles of Management (Updated) VIEW

3rd Semester

Subjects  
Group A: Finance  
Basics of Financial Services (Updated) VIEW
Introduction to Cost Accounting (Updated) VIEW
Equity & Debt Market (Updated) VIEW
Corporate Finance (Updated) VIEW
Group B: Marketing  
Consumer Behaviour (Updated) VIEW
Product Innovations Management (Updated) VIEW
Advertising (Updated) VIEW
Social Marketing (Updated) VIEW
Group C: Human Resource  
Recruitment & Selection (Updated) VIEW
Motivation and Leadership (Updated) VIEW
Employees Relations & Welfare (Updated)
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Organisation Behaviour & HRM (Updated) VIEW
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC)  
Information Technology in Business Management I (Updated) VIEW
Core Courses (CC)  
Business Planning & Entrepreneurial Management (Updated) VIEW
Accounting for Managerial Decisions (Updated) VIEW
Strategic Management (Updated) VIEW

4th Semester

Group A: Finance  
Financial Institutions & Markets (Updated)
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Auditing (Updated) VIEW
Strategic Cost Management (Updated) VIEW
Corporate Restructuring (Updated) VIEW
Group B: Marketing  
Integrated Marketing Communication (Updated)
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Rural Marketing (Updated) VIEW
Event Marketing VIEW
Tourism Marketing VIEW
Group C: Human Resource  
Human Resource Planning & Information System (Updated)
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Training & Development in HRM (Updated) VIEW
Change Management (Updated) VIEW
Conflict & Negotiation (Updated) VIEW
Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECC)  
Information Technology in Business Management II (Updated) VIEW
Core Courses (CC)  
Business Economics II (Updated)
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Business Research Methods (Updated) VIEW
Production & Total Quality Management (Updated)
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5th Semester

Subjects  
Group A: Finance  
Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management (Updated) VIEW
Commodity & Derivatives Market (Updated)
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Wealth Management (Updated) VIEW
Financial Accounting (Updated) VIEW
Risk Management (Updated) VIEW
Direct Taxes (Updated)
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Group B: Marketing  
Services Marketing (Updated) VIEW
E-Commerce & Digital Marketing (Updated) VIEW
Sales & Distribution Management (Updated) VIEW
Customer Relationship Management (Updated) VIEW
Industrial Marketing VIEW
Strategic Marketing Management (Updated) VIEW
Group C: Human Resource  
Finance for HR Professionals & Compensation Management (Updated) VIEW
Strategic Human Resource Management & HR Policies (Updated) VIEW
Performance Management & Career Planning (Updated) VIEW
Industrial Relations (Updated) VIEW
Talent & Competency Management (Updated) VIEW
Stress Management (Updated) VIEW
Core Course (CC)  
Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Updated) VIEW
Ability Enhancement Course (AEC)  
Corporate Communication & Public Relations (Updated) VIEW

6th Semester

Subjects  
Group A: Finance  
International Finance (Updated) VIEW
Innovative Financial Services (Updated) VIEW
Project Management (Updated) VIEW
Strategic Financial Management (Updated) VIEW
Financing Rural Development VIEW
Indirect Taxes (Updated) VIEW
Group B: Marketing  
Brand Management (Updated) VIEW
Retail Management (Updated) VIEW
International Marketing (Updated) VIEW
Media Planning & Management (Updated) VIEW
Sports Marketing VIEW
Marketing of Non-Profit Organisation VIEW
Group C: Human Resource  
HRM in Global Perspective (Updated) VIEW
Organisational Development (Updated) VIEW
HRM in Service Sector Management VIEW
Workforce Diversity (Updated) VIEW
Human Resource Accounting & Audit (Updated) VIEW
Indian Ethos in Management (Updated) VIEW
Core Course (CC)  
Operation Research (Updated) VIEW

Management Information System (MIS) Concept, Types, Process, Advantages and Disadvantages

A management information system (MIS) is an information system used for decision-making, and for the coordination, control, analysis, and visualization of information in an organization.

The study of the management information systems testing people, processes and technology in an organizational context.

Management Information Systems (MIS) refer to the integration of information technology, individuals, and business procedures to capture, store, and process data with the objective of generating valuable insights for day-to-day decision-making. By extracting data from diverse sources, MIS facilitates the production of information that empowers decision-makers and fuels business growth.

  • Need for Management Information Systems (MIS)

Management Information Systems (MIS) play a vital role in enabling decision-makers to access essential information for making effective choices. These systems also facilitate seamless communication within and outside the organization. Internally, employees can readily access the necessary information for day-to-day operations, while externally, communication with customers and suppliers is streamlined through features like Short Message Service (SMS) and Email integrated within the MIS system.

Additionally, MIS systems serve as comprehensive record-keeping tools, meticulously capturing all business transactions of an organization. They act as a reliable reference point, providing a historical record and valuable insights into past activities and financial dealings.

Components of Management Information Systems (MIS):

  1. People: The users who interact with the information system, including employees and managers.
  2. Data: The recorded information that the system processes and stores, such as transaction data and business records.
  3. Business Procedures: The set of established procedures and guidelines for data recording, storage, and analysis within the system.
  4. Hardware: The physical components that make up the system, including servers, workstations, networking equipment, and printers.
  5. Software: The programs and applications used to manage and handle the data, such as spreadsheet software and database systems.

Types of Information Systems

 

  1. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Used to record and manage day-to-day business transactions. An example is a Point of Sale (POS) system, which tracks daily sales.
  2. Management Information Systems (MIS): These systems guide middle-level managers in making semi-structured decisions. They use data from the Transaction Processing System as input.
  3. Decision Support Systems (DSS): Utilized by top-level managers for semi-structured decision-making. DSS systems receive data from the Management Information System and external sources like market forces and competitors.

Process of Management Information System (MIS):

  1. Data Collection:
  • Source of Data: MIS collects data from various sources, including internal databases, external sources, and manual inputs.
  • Methods: Data may be collected through automated systems, surveys, or direct inputs.
  1. Data Processing:
  • Transformation: Raw data is processed and transformed into meaningful information.
  • Analysis: MIS conducts data analysis to derive insights and trends.
  • Normalization: Data is organized and normalized for consistency.
  1. Information Storage:
  • Database: Processed information is stored in databases or data warehouses.
  • Structured Storage: MIS organizes data in a structured manner for easy retrieval.
  1. Information Retrieval:
  • Querying: Users can query the MIS for specific information.
  • Reporting: MIS generates reports, dashboards, and summaries based on user needs.
  1. Information Dissemination:
  • Distribution: MIS distributes information to relevant users and stakeholders.
  • Presentation: Information is presented in a user-friendly format, such as charts or graphs.
  1. Decision Support:
  • Analysis Tools: MIS provides decision support tools for managers.
  • Scenario Analysis: Managers can use MIS for scenario analysis and planning.
  1. Feedback Mechanism:
  • Monitoring: MIS monitors the implementation of decisions.
  • Feedback Loop: MIS establishes a feedback loop for continuous improvement.

Advantages of Management Information System (MIS):

  1. Improved Decision-Making:

  • Access to Information: MIS provides timely and accurate information for decision-making.
  • Informed Choices: Managers can make well-informed decisions based on real-time data.
  1. Enhanced Efficiency:

  • Automation: MIS automates routine tasks, reducing manual effort.
  • Streamlined Processes: Efficiency is improved through streamlined workflows.
  1. Strategic Planning:

  • Long-Term Insights: MIS supports strategic planning with historical data and trend analysis.
  • Goal Alignment: Strategic goals can be aligned with available resources and capabilities.
  1. Better Communication:

  • Centralized Information: MIS centralizes information, facilitating communication across departments.
  • Collaboration: Improved communication enhances collaboration among team members.
  1. Resource Optimization:

  • Resource Allocation: MIS assists in optimal resource allocation.
  • Cost Reduction: Identifying inefficiencies leads to cost reduction.
  1. Competitive Advantage:

  • Market Intelligence: MIS provides insights into market trends and competitor activities.
  • Adaptability: Organizations can adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
  1. Data Accuracy and Integrity:

  • Validation: MIS ensures data accuracy through validation processes.
  • Integrity: The system maintains data integrity, preventing inconsistencies.
  1. Performance Monitoring:

  • KPIs and Metrics: MIS monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regular performance monitoring facilitates continuous improvement.

Disadvantages of Management Information System (MIS):

  1. Implementation Costs:

  • Initial Investment: Setting up an MIS involves significant initial costs.
  • Maintenance Expenses: Ongoing maintenance and updates add to the costs.
  1. Complex Implementation:

  • Technical Expertise: Implementation requires skilled IT professionals.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating MIS with existing systems can be complex.
  1. Security Concerns:

  • Data Vulnerability: MIS poses security risks, with sensitive data being vulnerable.
  • Unauthorized Access: The risk of unauthorized access and data breaches exists.
  1. Resistance to Change:

  • Employee Resistance: Employees may resist adopting new processes.
  • Training Needs: Training is required for employees to adapt to the new system.
  1. Dependency on Technology:

  • Technical Issues: Dependency on technology exposes the system to technical glitches.
  • Downtime Impact: System downtime can disrupt operations.
  1. Overemphasis on Data:

  • Data Overload: Too much data can lead to information overload.
  • Relevance Issues: Not all data may be relevant to decision-makers.
  1. Lack of Customization:

  • Generic Solutions: Some MIS solutions may offer generic features, limiting customization.
  • Business Specificity: Tailoring MIS to specific business needs may be challenging.
  1. Ethical Concerns:

  • Privacy Issues: MIS may raise concerns about employee privacy.
  • Ethical Use: Ethical considerations in data collection and utilization.

Management Information System Role in Decision making process

  1. Data Collection and Processing:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Gathers data from various sources, both internal and external.
    • Processes raw data into meaningful information through sorting, summarizing, and analyzing.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Decision-makers have access to comprehensive and organized data.
    • Raw data is transformed into actionable insights for informed decision-making.
  1. Information Accessibility:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Centralizes information, making it easily accessible to authorized users.
    • Utilizes user-friendly interfaces for querying and retrieving information.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Managers can quickly access the information they need.
    • Reduces the time and effort required to gather relevant data for decision-making.
  1. Decision Support Tools:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Provides decision support tools such as reports, dashboards, and data visualization.
    • Facilitates ad-hoc querying and analysis for specific decision needs.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Decision-makers can visually interpret complex data.
    • Supports data-driven decision-making through interactive tools.
  1. Strategic Planning Support:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Offers historical data and trend analysis for strategic planning.
    • Aligns organizational goals with available resources through data insights.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Enables strategic decisions based on long-term trends.
    • Assists in setting realistic goals and objectives.
  1. Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
  • Role of MIS:
    • Tracks and monitors key performance indicators relevant to organizational objectives.
    • Generates performance reports and alerts.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Decision-makers can assess the success of current strategies.
    • Allows for adjustments based on real-time performance data.
  1. Operational Efficiency:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Identifies operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
    • Automates routine tasks, reducing manual effort.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Supports decisions aimed at improving operational processes.
    • Enhances overall organizational efficiency.
  1. Forecasting and Predictive Analysis:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Utilizes data trends and patterns for forecasting.
    • Integrates predictive analytics to anticipate future outcomes.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Helps in making proactive decisions based on anticipated trends.
    • Reduces reliance on reactive decision-making.
  1. Collaboration and Communication:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Facilitates communication and collaboration among team members.
    • Enables sharing of information and reports.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Improves communication channels for decision-making teams.
    • Encourages collaborative decision-making processes.
  1. Risk Management:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Identifies and assesses potential risks through data analysis.
    • Offers scenario analysis for risk evaluation.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Assists in making risk-informed decisions.
    • Allows for the formulation of risk mitigation strategies.
  1. Feedback Mechanism:

  • Role of MIS:
    • Establishes a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
    • Monitors the implementation of decisions.
  • Impact on Decision Making:
    • Decision-makers receive feedback on the effectiveness of their decisions.
    • Supports a dynamic and adaptive decision-making process.

Role of Management Information System (MIS)

Simply MIS stand For Management Information System. For Simply Understanding Management Information System (MIS) we can divide in to three Word and Understand Part by part

  • Management: “Management is function to do the work at the Right time, by the right Person, For the Right Job.”
  • Information: “Information is the Collection of Organized data which plays a Vital Role for decision making.”
  • System: “System Consist for a set of elements which Provides a Framework to convert Unorganized (Data) into Organized Information.”

Role of Management Information System

Management information system (MIS) has become Very Necessary due to Emergence of high complexity in Business Organization. It is all to know that without information no Organization can take even one step properly regarding the decision making process. Because it is matter of fact that in an organization decision plays an essential role for the achievement of its objectives and we know that every decision is based upon information. If gathered information are irrelevant than decision will also incorrect and Organization may face big loss & lots of Difficulties in Surviving as well.

  1. Helps in Decision making

Management Information System (MIS) plays a significant Role in Decision making Process of any Organization. Because in Any organization decision is made on the basis of relevant Information and relevant information can only be Retrieving from the MIS.

  1. Helps in Coordination among the Department

Management information System is also help in establishing a sound Relationship among the every persons of department to department through proper exchanging of Information’s.

  1. Helps in Finding out Problems

As we know that MIS provides relevant information about the every aspect of activities. Hence, If any mistake is made by the management then Management Information Systems (MIS) Information helps in Finding out the Solution of that Problem.

  1. Helps in Comparison of Business Performance

MIS store all Past Data and information in its Database. That why management information system is very useful to compare Business organization Performance. With the help of Management information system (MIS) Organization can analyze his Performance means whatever they do last year or Previous Years and whatever business performance in this year and also measures organization Development and Growth.

Components

A Management Information System (MIS) comprises five key components – people, business processes, data, hardware, and software. These components work collaboratively to achieve the organization’s objectives and ensure smooth operations.

People:

Users of the information system, such as accountants, human resource managers, etc., record day-to-day business transactions. The ICT department supports these users, ensuring the system’s proper functioning.

Business Procedures:

Agreed-upon best practices that guide users and other components in working efficiently. These procedures are developed by various stakeholders, including users and consultants.

Data:

Recorded day-to-day business transactions, collected from various activities like deposits and withdrawals for a bank.

Hardware:

The physical equipment like computers, printers, and networking devices that provide computing power for data processing, as well as networking and printing capabilities. Hardware accelerates the transformation of data into valuable information.

Software:

Programs that run on the hardware. Software is divided into system software (e.g., operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu) and applications software (e.g., Payroll program, banking system, point of sale system) that facilitate specific business tasks.

In an MIS, these components form an interconnected ecosystem, with people using business procedures to interact with and record data. The hardware, along with the software, processes this data, transforming it into meaningful information accessible to users. The effective collaboration of all these components ensures the MIS serves its purpose, providing valuable insights for decision-making and supporting business operations.

Organizational Decision Making

Decision making can be defined as selecting between alternative courses of action. Management decision making concerns the choices faced by managers within their duties in the organization. Making decisions is an important aspect of planning. Decision making can also be classified into three categories based on the level at which they occur.

Strategic Decisions: These decisions establish the strategies and objectives of the organization. These types of decisions generally occur at the highest levels of organizational management.

Tactical Decisions: Tactical decisions concern the tactics used to accomplish the organizational objectives. Tactical decisions are primarily made by middle and front-line managers.

Operational Decisions: Operational decisions concern the methods for carrying out the organizations delivery of value to customers. Operational decisions are primarily made by middle and front-line managers.

Decisions can be categorized based on the capacity of those making the decision.

Personal Decisions: Personal decisions are those primarily affecting the individual though the decision may ultimately have an effect on the organization as a result of its effect on the individual. These types of decisions are not made within a professional capacity. These decisions are generally not delegated to others.

Organizational Decisions: An organizational decision is one that relates or affects the organization. It is generally made by a manager or employee within their official capacity. These decisions are often delegated to others.

Strategies:

Marginal Analysis

Marginal analysis helps organizations allocate resources to increase profitability and benefits and reduce costs. An example from indeed.com is if a company has the budget to hire an employee, a marginal analysis may show that hiring that person provides a net marginal benefit because the ability to produce more products outweighs the increase in labor costs.

SWOT Diagram

This tool helps a manager study a situation in four quadrants:

  • Strengths: Where does the organization excel compared to its competition? Consider the internal and external strengths.
  • Weaknesses: What could the organization improve?
  • Opportunities: How can the organization leverage its strengths to create new avenues for success.
  • Threats: Determine what obstacles prevent the organization from achieving its goals.

Decision Matrix

A decision matrix can provide clarity when dealing with different choices and variables. It is like a pros/cons list, but decision-makers can place a level of importance on each factor. According to Dashboards, to build a decision matrix:

  • List your decision alternatives as rows
  • List relevant factors as columns
  • Establish a consistent scale to assess the value of each combination of alternatives and factors
  • Determine how important each factor is in choosing a final decision and assign weights accordingly
  • Multiply your original ratings by the weighted rankings
  • Add up the factors under each decision alternative
  • The highest-scoring option wins

Pareto Analysis

The Pareto Principle helps identify changes that will be the most effective for an organization. It’s based on the principle that 20 percent of factors frequently contribute to 80 percent of the organization’s growth. For example, suppose 80 percent of an organization’s sales came from 20 percent of its customers. A business can use the Pareto Principle by identifying the characteristics of that 20 percent customer group and finding more like them. By identifying which small changes have the most significant impact, an organization can better prioritize its decisions and energies.

Steps:

Make long-term goals and use them to measure your decisions.

All too often, organizations find themselves endlessly running around in pursuit of short-term goals. Money that has been committed to a year-long project gets overrun or set off because flashy or short-term priorities arise and resources are redirected. As a result, you typically end up with an awful lot of confusion and a lack of overall progress.

To avoid this problem, nail down your high-priority, long-term goals from the outset. Then as your organization makes decisions, ask yourself whether what you’re doing aligns with those goals. This should be a constant process, returning again and again to check your organizational activity against your goals.

When you apply this method successfully, you will engage more reliably in short-term projects that support your long-term goals. Over time, this will push your organization forward.

Align your goals with your core values

Ideally, these should flow from your organization’s mission and core values. Your organization’s goals may evolve over time, but its values should be much less mutable.

Your organizational values confer a coherent sense of identity and continuity to your organization. They should be clearly understood and agreed upon by your decision-makers. As you evaluate your goals, make sure that they are aligned with your core values.

Assess (and reassess) spending

One way to evaluate your priorities as they are being realized today is to take a look at your spending. Often, you may think you’re prioritizing a particular goal or effort, while your budget tells a different story.

Make sure your organizational spending reflects your identified priorities. If not, you need to take a second look. And as with any such check-in, it’s essential to make this a regular assessment to continuously verify that you’re on track.

Understand the impacts of your decisions.

Some decisions may be discrete and routine, having neat boundaries and only significantly impacting the matter directly at hand. But more often, organizational decisions may have wide-ranging consequences, especially if they will touch on policy or processes.

As your organization considers varying possibilities, make sure to weight second and third-order effects. These consequences can provide crucial context for the decision at hand.

Remember your personnel.

Organizations tend to depend on the quality of their employees to succeed. If your decisions make it difficult for your employees to be productive in their work environment, it will damage your prospects for long-term success even if your decisions appear to advance a short-term goal.

Evaluate the effect your decisions will have on your employees’ ability to perform their jobs and factor this component into your decisions accordingly.

The most effective decision-making should lead to improved work toward your long-term goals, which should be driven by core values. You should constantly reevaluate your spending and assess likely consequences of your actions. If you follow these steps thoroughly, you will have assembled a framework for successful organizational decision-making.

Advantages of Decision Making

Increase People’s Participation

Decision making in the organisation is done by a group of peoples working in the organisation. It is not carried out by a single individual rather than by a group of people. Each people actively participates in decision making of the organisation. They are free to present their creative ideas without any boundations.

Also, none of them is individually criticized for any failure but the whole group is responsible to handle. This increases the participation level of different people in the organisation.

Gives More Information

Good decision-making process acquires enough information before taking any action. In decision making, there is a large number of peoples involved. It is undertaken by the whole group rather than by a single individual. Each person gives his perspective to handle a particular situation.

They all represent there facts and figures according to their skill. This generates enough information which can be used for better understanding of the situation. This helps managers in taking corrective decisions.

Provide More Alternatives

Companies are able to get different alternatives for a particular situation through group decision making. There are different people working as a group for proper decisions. Each person looks differently to a particular problem.

They give their own perspectives and ideas for it. This way there are different options available to choose. All the alternatives are properly analysed in light of handling situation. The best one is chosen to arrive at a better result.

Improves the Degree of Acceptance and Commitment

Companies always face the chances of conflict among its staff working in the organisation. Through group decision making each person gets equal right to share his views and ideas.

Here decisions are not imposed on the peoples but are created with their participation. It develops a sense of loyalty and belongingness among people towards the business. They easily accept the decisions taken and are committed to their roles.

Helps In Strengthening the Organisation

It helps in improving the strength of the organisation. Decision making provides a platform to each individual working in an organisation to equally represent their ideas. Everybody gets an equal right to take part in managing the organisation.

It develops a sense of cooperation and unity among individuals working there. They all come together and work towards the accomplishment of the company’s goals. This increases the overall productivity of the organisation and strengthens its overall structure.

Improves the Quality of Decisions

Decision making helps in taking quality decisions at the right time. There are different experts engaged by organisations in their decision-making group. These peoples have through knowledge and creative thinking.

They analyse each and every aspect of every alternative available to them for handling situations. Best among the different alternatives available is chosen. It enables in quality decision making which helps in easy attainment of objectives.

Limitations:

Consultation ambiguity: This can be a scenario where a group of employees all feel like they have a vote in a decision or when a manager asks for input but doesn’t consider a group’s views. It’s important for a manager to solicit feedback but to make sure that contributors understand it’s the manager’s final decision.

Avoiding discomfort: Sound management decision making requires leaders who do not confuse their need for comfort with making the best decision. Some of the most effective decisions involve a degree of discomfort for the manager.

Appearing indecisive: Sometimes, a systematic decision making process has a downside. Being too rigorous in evaluating every possible angle can draw out the process and open the risk of appearing indecisive. Keep stakeholders informed about the timeline for a decision.

Blind spots: People have particular perspectives and ways of thinking that can create blind spots, which may be important for an effective decision but cannot be readily apparent. It can be helpful to seek input from trusted colleagues to provide a different perspective.

Groupthink: This occurs when a group’s members want to minimize conflict and reach a comfortable decision at the expense of a critical evaluation of other ideas and viewpoints. It’s important to explore alternatives a group may not have considered.

Cash Flow Analysis

A Cash flow analysis is analysis which is prepared by acquiring Cash from different sources and the application of the same for different payments throughout the year.

It is prepared from analysis of cash transactions, or it converts the financial transactions prepared under accrual basis to cash basis.

Cash Flow Analysis is a technique used by businesses to determine the value of overall companies as well as the individual branches of large companies by looking at how much excess cash they produce. They uses the Statement of Cash Flows, a document that shows the actual cash that came in and out of the business during a certain period from investing activities, financing activities, and operational activities, as well as a few other reports.

The information about the amount of resources provided by operational activities or net income after the adjustment of certain other charges can also be obtained from it. The changes in Cash both at the beginning and at the end can also be known with the help of this statement and that is why it is called Cash Flow Statement.

Month after month, many individuals look at their bank and credit card statements and are surprised that they spent more than they thought they did. To avoid this problem, one simple method of accounting for income and expenditures is to have personal financial statements. Just like the ones used by corporations, financial statements provide you with an indication of your financial condition and can help with budget planning.

There are two types of personal financial statements:

  • The personal cash flow statement
  • The personal balance sheet

Components of Cash Flow

  • Income
  • Loan EMIs
  • Taxes
  • Fixed expenses
  • Liquid expenses

Objectives of Cash Flow Statement

The primary objective of cash flow statement is to supply the necessary information relating to generation of cash to the users of financial statement. It also highlights the future or prospective cash positions i.e. cash or cash equivalent. The inflows and outflows of cash can be represented with the help of this statement.

(a) Measurement of Cash

Inflows of cash and outflows of cash can be measured annually which arise from operating activities, investing activities and financial activities.

(b) Generating inflow of Cash

Timing and certainty of generating the inflow of cash can be known which directly helps the management to take financing decisions in future.

(c) Classification of activities

All the activities are classified into operating activities, investing activities and financial activities which help a firm to analyse and interpret its various inflows and outflows of cash.

(d) Prediction of future

A cash flow statement, no doubt, forecasts the future cash flows which helps the management to take various financing decisions since synchronisation of cash is possible.

(e) Assessing liquidity and solvency position

Both the inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalent can be known, and as such, liquidity and solvency position of a firm can also be maintained as timing and certainty of cash generation is known i.e. it helps to assess the ability of a firm to generate cash.

(f) Evaluation of future cash flows

Whether the cash flow from operating activities are quite sufficient in future to meet the various payments e.g. payment of expense/debts/dividends/taxes.

(g) Supply necessary information to the users

A cash flow statement supplies various information relating to inflows and outflows of cash to the users of accounting information in the following ways:

  • To assess the ability of a firm to pay its obligations as soon as it becomes due;
  • To analyses and interpret the various transactions for future courses of action;
  • To see the cash generation ability of a firm;
  • To ascertain the cash and cash equivalent at the end of the period.

(h) Helps the management to ascertain cash planning

No doubt, a cash flow statement helps the management to prepare its cash planning for the future and thereby avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Features of Cash Flow Statement

The significant features are:

(i) Cash Flow Statement is very dynamic in character since it records the investment of cash from the beginning of the period to the end of the period.

(ii) It is a periodical statement as it covers a particular period.

(iii) This statement does not recognise matching principles.

(iv) This statement helps to calculate Cash from Operations/Cash Flows from Operational activities.

(v) It exhibits the changes of financial positions relating to operational activities, investing activities and financial activities respectively, by which an analyst can draw his conclusion.

Utility or Importance of Cash Flow Analysis

Cash Flow Statement is particularly useful in short-term planning. In order to meet the various obligations, a firm needs sufficient amount of cash (e.g. payment for expenses, purchase of fixed assets, payments for dividend and taxes etc.).

It helps the financial manager to make a cash flow projection for immediate future taking the data, relating to cash from the past records. As such, it becomes easy for him to know the cash position which may either result in a surplus or a deficit one. However, Cash Flow Statement is an important financial tool for the management to make an estimate relating to cash for the near future.

(a) Helps to make Cash Forecast

Cash Flow Statement, no doubt, helps the management to make a cash forecast for the near future. A projected Cash Flow Statement helps the management about the cash position which is the basis for all operations and, thus, the management sees light relating to cash position, viz. how much cash is needed for a specific purpose, sources of internal and external issues etc.

(b) Helps the Internal Management

It helps the internal management to determine the financial policy to be adopted in future since it supplies information relating to funds, e.g. taking decision about the replacement of fixed assets or repayment of long-term liabilities etc.

(c) Reveal the Cash Position

It is a significant pointer about the movement of cash, i.e. whether there is any increase in cash or decrease in cash and the reasons thereof which helps the management. Moreover, it explains the reasons for a small cash balance even though there is sufficient profit or vice versa.

Besides, the management can compare the original forecast with the actual one in order to understand the trend of movement of cash and the variation therefore.

(d) Reveals the result of Cash Planning

How far and to what extent the cash planning becomes successful, is revealed by the analysis of Cash Flow Statement. The same is possible by making a comparison between the projected Cash Flow Statement/Cash Budget and the actual one, and the measures to be taken.

Importance

Insurance Planning: A proper back up plan is as important as a sound and stable investment plan. Many of you must be having number of insurance policies in your portfolio, but are not sure of the adequacy of insurance cover in that. Some of you have also been bought those policies with a view of saving for future and thus major portion of your cash surplus would be going into those products. Without commenting on the type of products you have bought, what is important for you to understand is the Insurance cover being offered collectively by all those policies.

Asset purchase and Debt management: Having own house or new car has always been one of the most important or thrilling goal for many of you, but buying it on loan needs the understanding of your cash flow position. Though banks will look at it from the repayment capacity of the borrower, financial planning along with will also look on the impact it will bring on other goals too. Debt management and goal planning go hand in hand.

Goal Setting: What is Retirement Planning? It is about managing your current finances and investing the surplus generated in such a way so you can accumulate a decent amount, to lead you to comfortable post-retirement years when you will not be getting monthly income. At that time your savings will be your only source of income generation.

Personal Cash Flow Statement

A personal cash flow statement measures your cash inflows and outflows in order to show you your net cash flow for a specific period of time. Cash inflows generally include the following:

  • Salaries
  • Interest from savings accounts
  • Dividends from investments
  • Capital gains from the sale of financial securities like stocks and bonds

Cash inflow can also include money received from the sale of assets like houses or cars. Essentially, your cash inflow consists of anything that brings in money.

Cash outflow represents all expenses, regardless of size. Cash outflows include the following types of costs:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Gas
  • Utility bills
  • Groceries
  • Entertainment (books, movie tickets, restaurant meals, etc.)

Personal Balance Sheet

A balance sheet is the second type of personal financial statement. A personal balance sheet provides an overall snapshot of your wealth at a specific period in time. It is a summary of your assets (what you own), your liabilities (what you owe), and your net worth (assets minus liabilities).

Assets

Assets can be classified into three distinct categories:

  • Large Assets: Large assets include things like houses, cars, boats, artwork, and furniture. When creating a personal balance sheet, make sure to use the market value of these items. If it’s difficult to find a market value, use recent sales prices of similar items.
  • Liquid Assets: Liquid assets are those things you own that can easily be sold or turned into cash without losing value. These include checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, and cash. Some people include certificates of deposit (CDs) in this category, but the problem with CDs is that most of them charge an early withdrawal fee, causing your investment to lose a little value.
  • Investments: Investments include bonds, stocks, CDs, mutual funds, and real estate. You should record investments at their current market values as well.

Liabilities

Liabilities are merely what you owe. Liabilities include current bills, payments still owed on some assets like cars and houses, credit card balances, and other loans.

Dynamics of Internal Environment

Internal environment is a component of the business environment, which is composed of various elements present inside the organization that can affect or can be affected with, the choices, activities and decisions of the organization.

It encompasses the climate, culture, machines/equipment, work and work processes, members, management and management practices.

In other words, the internal environment refers to the culture, members, events and factors within an organization that has the ability to influence the decisions of the organization, especially the behaviour of its human resource. Here, members refer to all those people which are directly or indirectly related to the organization such as owner, shareholders, managing director, board of directors, employees, and so forth.

Factors Influencing Internal Environment

The factors which are under the control of the organization, but can influence business strategy and other decisions are termed as internal factors. It includes:

  1. Value System

Value system consists of all those components that are a part of regulatory frameworks, such as culture, climate, work processes, management practices and norms of the organization. The employees should perform the activities within the purview of this framework.

The value system of an organization is also known as the philosophy of an organization. The value system of an organization contains work processes, culture, norms, climate, and work processes of an organization.

The value system of an organization defines the way it works or treats its employees and customers. In addition to this, the value system of an organization also determines how the employees of the organization should perform their duties. They should do their work by remaining within the value system.

  1. Vision, Mission and Objectives

The company’s vision describes its future position, mission defines the company’s business and the reason for its existence and objectives implies the ultimate aim of the company and the ways to reach those ends.

The mission and objectives of an organization play an essential role in deciding the future position of the organization and its place in the market. The business plan is developed and resources are used to achieve the objectives of the organization’s internal environment.

  1. Organizational Structure

The structure of the organization determines the way in which activities are directed in the organization so as to reach the ultimate goal. These activities include the delegation of the task, coordination, the composition of the board of directors, level of professionalization, and supervision. It can be matrix structure, functional structure, divisional structure, bureaucratic structure, etc.

Organizational structure means the way information follows in an organization. An organizational structure of an organization defines the composition of the board of directors, management, and shareholders. The structure of an organization influences the decision-making capacity of an organization. The more level of management in the organization means more delays in decision making.

For example, if an organization has three levels of management, then it will take more time to provide a solution to the problem faced by laborers as compared to an organization with a lesser number of management levels. The ability to make quick decisions is essential for an organization.

The role of the board of directors is vital in all critical decision making. Practical managerial skills are required to run an organization smoothly and to achieve the goals of the organization. In addition to this, the board of directors plays an essential role in designing policies for an organization.

Further, these policies influence the decisions taken regarding the growth and functioning of the organization. The professionalism and decision-making ability of management is very crucial for the success of an organization.

  1. Corporate Culture

Corporate culture or otherwise called an organizational culture refers to the values, beliefs and behaviour of the organization that ascertains the way in which employees and management communicate and manage the external affairs.

  1. Human Resources

Human resource is the most valuable asset of the organization, as the success or failure of an organization highly depends on the human resources of the organization.

  1. Physical Resources and Technological Capabilities

Resources mean the machinery, tools, and all other tangible assets of an organization. The physical resources are significant for the success of an organization. A company with better and more modern physical resources has a competitive edge over its competitors.

For example, an organization with an automation machine can produce more in a given period as compared to an organization with machinery which requires manual handling. Because of this reason, companies always look for better mechanisms and updates it frequently to produce more and generate more profits.

Physical resources refers to the tangible assets of the organization that play an important role in ascertaining the competitive capability of the company. Further, technological capabilities imply the technical know-how of the organization.

Internal environmental factors have a direct impact on a firm. Further, these factors can be altered as per the needs and situation, so as to adapt accordingly in the dynamic business environment.

7. Company Image

Image means the reputation of an organization in the market. A company with a positive corporate image attracts the right talent in the organization.

8. Brand equity

It refers to the popularity which the company has and the proportion of customer which they receive due to this popularity.

Networking of Computers, Client Server LAN, Wide Area Network (WAN)

A computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources.

Characteristics of a Computer Network

  • Share resources from one computer to another.
  • Create files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network.
  • Connect a printer, scanner, or a fax machine to one computer within the network and let other computers of the network use the machines available over the network.

NODA

A node is any physical device within a network of other tools that’s able to send, receive, or forward information. A personal computer is the most common node. It’s called the computer node or internet node.

Modems, switches, hubs, bridges, servers, and printers are also nodes, as are other devices that connect over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For example, a network connecting three computers and one printer, along with two more wireless devices, has six total nodes.

Nodes within a computer network must have some form of identification, like an IP address or MAC address, for other network devices to recognize it. A node without this information, or one that’s offline, no longer functions as a node.

In telecommunications networks, a node is either a redistribution point or a communication endpoint. The definition of a node depends on the network and protocol layer referred to. A physical network node is an electronic device that is attached to a network, and is capable of creating, receiving, or transmitting information over a communications channel. A passive distribution point such as a distribution frame or patch panel is consequently not a node.

Network nodes are the physical pieces that make up a network. They usually include any device that both receives and then communicates information. But they might receive and store the data, relay the information elsewhere, or create and send data instead.

For example, a computer node might back up files online or send an email, but it can also stream videos and download other files. A network printer can receive print requests from other devices on the network, while a scanner can send images back to the computer. A router determines which data goes to which devices that request file downloads within a system, but it can also send requests out to the public internet.

Client Server LAN

On a client/server network, every computer has a distinct role: that of either a client or a server. A server is designed to share its resources among the client computers on the network. Typically, servers are located in secured areas, such as locked closets or data centers (server rooms), because they hold an organization’s most valuable data and do not have to be accessed by operators on a continuous basis. The rest of the computers on the network function as clients.

The components of a client/server LAN.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area for the primary purpose of computer networking. Wide area networks are often established with leased telecommunication circuits.

Business, as well as education and government entities use wide area networks to relay data to staff, students, clients, buyers and suppliers from various locations across the world. In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location. The Internet may be considered a WAN.

Similar types of networks are personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs) which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area, respectively.

Theory of interest

1. Productivity Theory:

According to productivity theory, interest can be defined as a reward for availing the services of capital for the production purpose.

Labor that is having good amount of capital produces more as compared to the labor who is not assisted by good amount of capital.

For example, farmer having tractor to plough the field produces more as compared to the farmer who does not have it. Thus, interest is the payment for the productivity of capital.

However, the productivity theory is criticized on the following grounds:

  1. Focuses only on the causes for what the interest is paid, not on the determination of interest rates.
  2. Assumes that interest is paid due to the productivity of capital. In such a case, pure interest should vary as per the productivity of the capital. However, pure interest is the same in money market during the same period of time.
  3. Lays emphasis on the demand of interest, but ignores the supply side of capital.
  4. Fails to explain how the interest is paid for the loan borrowed for consumption purposes.

2. Abstinence or Waiting Theory:

The abstinence theory was propounded by Senior. According to him, interest is a reward for abstinence. When an individual saves money out of his/her income and lends it to other individual, he/she makes sacrifice. The term sacrifice implies that the individual refrains from consuming his/her whole income that he/she could spent easily. Senior advocated that abstaining from consumption is unpleasant. Therefore, the lender must be rewarded for this. Thus, as per Senior, interest can be regarded as the reward for refraining from the use of capital.

Abstinence theory was also criticized by a number of economists. According to the theory, an individual feels unpleasant when they save as it reduces his/her consumption. However, rich people do not feel unpleasant while saving because they are able to meet their requirements.

Therefore, Marshall has replaced the term abstinence with waiting and described saving in terms of waiting. He states that saving is done by transferring the present requirement to the future and the person needs to wait for meeting those requirements. However, people do not want to wait rather they are motivated to save money by providing a certain amount of interest.

3. Austrian or Agio Theory:

Austrian theory is also termed as psychological theory of interest. This theory was advocated by John Rae and Bohm Bawerk in an Austrian school. According to Austrian theory, interest came into existence because present goods are preferred over future goods. Therefore, the present goods have premium with them in the form of interest. In other words, present satisfaction is of greater concern as compared to future satisfaction.

Therefore, future satisfaction has certain type of discount if compared with present satisfaction. The interest is the discounted amount that is required to be paid for motivating people to invest or transfer their present requirements to future. For example, an individual has to make a choice between two options.

He/she can either have Rs. 500 now or the same amount after a year. In such a case, he/she would prefer to have Rs. 500 in present. However, in case, the individual has a choice of getting Rs. 500 in present and Rs. 600 after one year.

In such a case, he/she would be more inclined toward getting Rs. 600 after a year. Thus, the extra payment of Rs. 100 would compensate the sacrifice involved in delaying his/her present satisfaction. The extra payment of Rs. 100 in the given case is considered as interest.

Agio theory’ has been criticized by various economists on the following grounds:

  1. Lays too much emphasis on the supply aspect and ignores the demand aspect
  2. Does not focus on the determination of rate of interest

4. Classical or Real Theory:

Classical theory helps in the determination of rate of interest with the help of demand and supply forces. Demand refers to the demand of investment and supply refers to the supply of savings. According to this theory, rate of interest refers to the amount paid for saving.

Therefore, the rate of interest can be determined with the help of demand for saving money to be invested in the capital goods and the supply of savings. Let us understand the concept of demand of investment. Capital goods are used for the production of consumer goods and provide returns continuously for many years.

However, a certain degree of uncertainty is associated with capital goods due to their future use. In addition, operation and maintenance costs are involved in using capital goods. This makes organizations to calculate the net expected return on the marginal cost that is represented as the percentage of cost of capital good.

In case, an organization has similar type of capital goods, then the increase in one more capital good would not yield them high revenue. The increase in the rate of interest would result in the fall of demand of capital goods.

Figure-18 shows the demand for capital investment:

4.1

In Figure-18, MRP represents the marginal revenue productivity curve. When the demand of capital is OM, then the rate of interest is Or. The net rate of return becomes equal to the current rate of interest (Or) at the OM demand of capital.

In case, the rate of interest decreases to Or’, then the demand of capital increases to OM’. The net rate of return is equal to Or’ when the amount of capital demanded is OM’. The demand for capital goods increases with a decrease in the rate of interest.

On the other hand, the supply of capital increases by the amount saved by an individual and the saving is done by transferring the present requirement to the future requirement. The rate of interest would increase with the increase in the amount of saving by an individual.

The rate of interest can be determined with the help of demand of investment and supply of savings. It would be the point of equilibrium where demand and supply intersects each other or get equal.

Figure-19 shows the determination of rate of interest with the help of demand and supply curves:

4.2

In Figure-19, SS is the supply curve of saving and II is the demand curve of investment that intersect each other at Or rate of interest with quantity of saving and investment is OM. OM represents the amount that is lent, borrowed and used for investment. The rate of interest can be changed by changing the demand and supply of savings and investment.

The classical theory is criticized by Keynes due to various reasons, which are as follows:

  1. Assumes the full employment of resources, which is not true in reality. This is because if one resource is reduced from one production process, then it would be utilized for other production process. On the contrary, if resources are available in abundant, then there is no need to save them.
  2. Assumes that investment can be increased only when individuals reduce their consumption. This is because if the consumption is less, then the saving would increase, which would lead to the increase in investment. However, if the demand of capital goods decreases, then the incentive to produce capital goods would also decrease. This would result in the decrease of investment.
  3. Assumes that there is no change in the income level of an individual. Thus, according to classical theory, saving and investment become equal due to change in rate of interest. However, according to Keynes theory, savings and investment become equal because of changes occur in the income level of an individual.

5. Loanable Fund Theory:

Loanable fund theory agrees with the view that time preference plays an important role in determining the occurrence of interest. This theory is also termed as neo-classical theory of interest. According to neo-classical economists, interest is the amount paid for loanable funds. It focuses on the determination of rate of interest with the help of demand and supply of loanable funds in the credit market. Let us understand the concept of supply of loanable funds.

The supply of loanable funds depends on the following factors:

  1. Savings:

Act as one of the sources of loanable funds. The loanable funds in the form of saving are classified as ex-ante saving and Robertsonian sense. Ex-ante saving refers to the saving that an individual plans according to his/her expected income and expenditure in the starting of a year or financial year or for a month.

On the other hand, Robertsonian sense refers to the saving that is produced by taking the difference of previous period income and present period consumption. In both the types of savings, the savings are different at different rate of interest. Savings are dependent on the income level that vanes with the rate of interest. The increase in the rate of interest would result in the increase of the level of saving and vice versa.

In the context of organizations, the amount left after distributing the profit in the form of dividends is termed as the saving of an organization. The savings of an organization depends on the rate of interest prevailing in the market. Increased rate of interest would encourage organizations to increase savings instead of borrowing money from loan market.

2. Dishoarding:

Involves reduction in the money stock of an organization. Therefore, in the previous money stock, the liquidity of money is high that can be utilized in the present time as loanable funds. The higher the rate of interest, the more would be the money dishoarded and vice versa.

3. Credit by bank:

Refers to the loan provided by bank to the organizations. Banks can increase or decrease the money lend to an organization on the basis of certain criteria. The supply of loanable funds increases with the increase in the money created by banks. The supply curve is interest elastic for loanable funds. The higher the rate of interest, the more the bank would lend money and vice versa.

4. Disinvestment:

Refers to the situation when the existing capital goods of an organization are reduced or the stock of the organization is less than the previous stock. In such a condition, the fund that is used for the replacement purposes are used as loanable funds.

According to Bober, ”Disinvestment is encouraged by the somewhat by a high rate of interest on loanable funds. When the rate is high, some of the current capital may not produce a marginal revenue product to match this rate of interest. The firm may decide to let this capital run down and to put the depreciation finds in the ban market”

After determining the factors that influence the supply of loanable funds, let us study the demand for loanable funds. The demand for loanable funds depends on investment, consumption, and hoarding of income. Organizations require loanable funds to a greater extent for expanding the stock of capital goods, such as machines and buildings.

The demand for loanable funds depends on the extent to which organizations require loanable funds. Interest is the price at which the loanable funds can be bought. Organizations require loanable funds at which the net rate of return on capital goods is equal to the rate of interest.

The higher rate of interest demotivates organizations to buy capital goods or expand their stock of capital goods. Therefore, the demand of loanable funds is interest elastic for organizations; therefore, the demand curve would slope downwards.

Another major constituent of demand for loanable funds is the requirement of funds b) individuals for consumption. Generally, individuals require loanable fund when they desire to purchase something out of their budget or the consumer goods that they cannot afford from their present income. The lower the rate of interest, the higher would be the demand for loanable goods. Therefore, the demand for loanable funds is interest elastic for individuals; thus the demand curve slopes downward.

Along with organizations and individuals, there are some people who require loanable goods for hoarding purposes. Hoarding refers to the holding of some part of income by the individuals for future use. In hoarding, the supplier and buyer of loanable funds is the same person.

A person may want to hold funds when the rate of interest is low. On the contrary, he/she may use his/her funds by investing in new projects, when the rate of interest is high. Therefore, the demand of loanable funds is interest elastic for hoarding purpose; thus, the demand curve slopes downward.

Figure-20 shows the interaction between the demand and supply curve of loanable funds to reach at equilibrium position:

4.3

In Figure-20, DH represents dishoarding curve, BM is bank credit curve, S represents saving curve, and DI is disinvestment curve. LS represent the supply of loanable funds, which is produced by summing up the DH, BM, S, and DI curve. Similarly, H represents hoarding, C is consumption, and I is investment, which together form LD.

In Figure-20, LD is the demand for loanable funds. The point at which the demand and supply curve of loanable funds intersect each other is termed as equilibrium point (E). At point E, the rate of interest is OR with ON loanable funds. Therefore, OR would be the equilibrium rate of interest in the credit market.

Consumer’s Surplus

Consumer Surplus is the difference between the price that consumers pay and the price that they are willing to pay. On a supply and demand curve, it is the area between the equilibrium price and the demand curve

For example, if you would pay 76p for a cup of tea, but can buy it for 50p; your consumer surplus is 26p

Diagram of Consumer Surplus

Producer Surplus

  • This is the difference between the price a firm receives and the price it would be willing to sell it at.
  • Therefore it is the difference between the supply curve and the market price.

Consumer Surplus and Marginal Utility

The demand curve is derived from our marginal utility. If the marginal utility of a good is greater than the price, then that is our consumer surplus.

  1. Firms can reduce consumer surplus if they have market power. This enables them to raise prices above the competitive equilibrium.
  2. In a monopoly, a firm will maximise profits by reducing consumer surplus.
  3. Another way to reduce consumer surplus is to engage in price discrimination. Charging different prices to different groups of consumers. Those with inelastic demand will see their consumer surplus reduced. More on Price discrimination. To completely eliminate consumer surplus, a firm would need to engage in first-degree price discrimination this means charging the consumer the highest price they are willing to pay.
  4. To gain market power, a firm could advertise to create brand loyalty, this will make demand more inelastic

Significance of consumer surplus

  • In competitive markets, firms have to keep prices relatively low, enabling consumers to gain consumer surplus. If markets were not competitive, the consumer surplus would be less and there would be greater inequality.
  • A lower consumer surplus leads to higher producer surplus and greater inequality.
  • Consumer surplus enables consumers to purchase a wider choice of goods.

Importance of HRM and Present day challenges

Importance of HRM

An organisation cannot build a good team of working professionals without good Human Resources. The key functions of the Human Resources Management (HRM) team include recruiting people, training them, performance appraisals, motivating employees as well as workplace communication, workplace safety, and much more. The beneficial effects of these functions are discussed here:

Recruitment and Training

This is one of the major responsibilities of the human resource team. The HR managers come up with plans and strategies for hiring the right kind of people. They design the criteria which is best suited for a specific job description. Their other tasks related to recruitment include formulating the obligations of an employee and the scope of tasks assigned to him or her. Based on these two factors, the contract of an employee with the company is prepared. When needed, they also provide training to the employees according to the requirements of the organisation. Thus, the staff members get the opportunity to sharpen their existing skills or develop specialised skills which in turn, will help them to take up some new roles.

Performance Appraisals

HRM encourages the people working in an organisation, to work according to their potential and gives them suggestions that can help them to bring about improvement in it. The team communicates with the staff individually from time to time and provides all the necessary information regarding their performances and also defines their respective roles. This is beneficial as it enables them to form an outline of their anticipated goals in much clearer terms and thereby, helps them execute the goals with best possible efforts. Performance appraisals, when taken on a regular basis, motivate the employees.

Maintaining Work Atmosphere

This is a vital aspect of HRM because the performance of an individual in an organisation is largely driven by the work atmosphere or work culture that prevails at the workplace. A good working condition is one of the benefits that the employees can expect from an efficient human resource team. A safe, clean and healthy environment can bring out the best in an employee. A friendly atmosphere gives the staff members job satisfaction as well.

Managing Disputes

In an organisation, there are several issues on which disputes may arise between the employees and the employers. You can say conflicts are almost inevitable. In such a scenario, it is the human resource department which acts as a consultant and mediator to sort out those issues in an effective manner. They first hear the grievances of the employees. Then they come up with suitable solutions to sort them out. In other words, they take timely action and prevent things from going out of hands.

Developing Public Relations

The responsibility of establishing good public relations lies with the HRM to a great extent. They organise business meetings, seminars and various official gatherings on behalf of the company in order to build up relationships with other business sectors. Sometimes, the HR department plays an active role in preparing the business and marketing plans for the organisation too.

Any organisation, without a proper setup for HRM is bound to suffer from serious problems while managing its regular activities. For this reason, today, companies must put a lot of effort and energy into setting up a strong and effective HRM.

HRM present day challenges

Human Resource Management Challenges (HR Challenges)

  1. Environmental Challenges
  2. Organizational Challenges
  3. Individual Challenges

Environmental Challenges:

The environmental challenges are related to the external forces that exist in the outside environment of an organization & can influence the performance of the management of the organization. These external forces are almost out of control of the management of the organization. These can be regarded as threats to management & should be handled in a proactive manner.

Following are the list of human resource management challenges that considered as the environmental challenges.

  1. Rapid Change
  2. Work Force Diversity
  3. Globalization
  4. Legislation
  5. Technology
  6. Job & Family Roles
  7. Lack of Skills

Rapid Change

The world is changing at a faster rate because change is constant from several centuries. So the management of the organizations should be quickly adaptive to the changing requirement of the environment otherwise they become obsolete from the market. The human resource management of an organization plays a basic role in response to the environmental change. The HR department should adopt such policies that can avail the new opportunities of the environment & keep the organization away from the newly emerging threats.

Work Force Diversity

The changing environment provides both the opportunities & threats to the human resource management of the organization. The HR manager should adopt such policies that can make possible the diverse work force of employees. Although on one hand diversity creates big problem but in the long run, the survival & performance of the organization is flourished.

Globalization

One of the serious issue that today’s organizations are facing is the issue of globalization. The world is converting into global business and severe competition is started between domestic & foreign companies. Such competition results in the laying off the effective workforce of the organization. The HR department can play an important role in keeping the culture of the organization as global & wider.

Legislation

It is the old environmental challenge that is faced by organization since many decades. There are certain labor laws that are declared by the government for the benefits of the working employees. Some of these laws are disadvantageous to the interests of the organizations so it is a one of the big challenges for the HRM to implement all those labor laws within the organizations. If any of such law is violated, serious actions are taken by the relevant government authority that may result into serious penalty for the management of the organization.

Technology

The technology is also growing with great speed especially in the field of computer & telecommunication. New methods are emerging that quickly dominates the older ones & makes them obsolete. Therefore the skills required by the employees also changes with the changing technology & this would compels the worker to advance the skills three to four times throughout their working lives. So there comes a burden on the HR department to constantly update the skills & expertise of their employees.

Job & Family Roles

In recent years, dual-career families are increasing in which both the wife & husband work. This creates a serious burden on the women that they have to give time to their families also. In many organizations the policies of HR favors the employment of more than 10 years. The working hours of the organizations are also strict and tight for the employees. Moreover, the selection & training procedures are two tough and time consuming so most of the talented women hesitate to join any organization which would result in the wastage of talent and potential. Even working men also suffer from these employment policies because they do not properly give time to their families. So the challenges for the HRM increases with this particular issue & special favorable working policies are needed to be employed in all organizations.

Lack of Skills

The service sector development is expanding due to many reasons like change in the tastes & preference of customers, technological change, legal change etc. All of this affected the structure and managing style of the business organizations. The skills required in the employment of service sector is also advancing but the graduates of the technical colleges & universities are groomed according to the latest requirements. Therefore most of the employees lack the standard required skills to perform their duties and it becomes a big challenge for HRM to properly train these new & old employees to become an efficient & effective workers.

Organizational Challenges

The organizational challenges for the HRM are related to the factors that are located inside the organization. Although these challenges are evolved as a byproduct of the environmental challenges but these can be control by the management of the organization to much extent. The proactive HR managers take notice of such challenges in advance and take corrective measures before these would convert into serious issues. The human resource management challenges within the organization include competitive position & flexibility, organizational restructuring & issues of downsizing, the exercise of self managed teams, development of suitable organizational culture etc.

When the workforce of an organization is effectively used in combination with other factor of production, the opportunities of the environment are availed & the threats are eliminated. The competitive position of the organization can be influenced by the policies of HR in the following ways.

  • Controlling Costs
  • Improving Quality
  • Developing Distinctive Capabilities
  • Restructuring
  1. Controlling Costs

An organization can avail the competitive position by lowering its cost & strengthening its cash flows. For this purpose, the labor cost of the organization is minimized through effective compensation system that adopts innovative reward strategies for good performances. In this way the favorable behaviors of the employees are rewarded so the organization would get the ultimate advantage. Moreover the policies of compensation should keep the labor cost under control. The effective employees should be selected that keep with the organization for a longer duration & proper training should also be provided to these employees. The HR department should also restore the work of the employees along with the improvement in the health & safety issue of working environment. All of these efforts would limit the cost of labor.

  1. Improving Quality

The quality improvement can lead an organization towards competitive advantage. The total quality management programs are employed that improves all the processes within the organization which would ultimately result in the improvement of the final product or service.

  1. Developing Distinctive Capabilities

Another method of gaining competitive advantage is to employ the people that have distinct capabilities to develop extra ordinary competence in specific area.

  1. Restructuring

Another technique is the restructuring of the organization in which the methods of performing different functions are altered positively. In case of HR department, the majority of functions are still performed within the organization.

In some organizations the major functions of HR department are now transferred to the other parties in the shape of outsourcing, shared service center etc. The sizes of HR department in those organizations are shrinking because most of functions are performed by outsiders. But in most of the organizations the HR manager performs all the relevant functions of HRM. The HR department is now involved in the mission oriented & strategic activities.

Individual Challenges

The decisions related to the specific individual employees are included in the individual challenges for the HRM. The organizational issues are also affected by the fact that how employees are treated within the organizations. The problems related to the individual level are as follow.

01- Productivity

02- Empowerment

03- Brain drain

04- Ethics & social responsibility

05- Job insecurity

06- Matching people & organization

  1. Productivity

Productivity is defined as the measure of the value that an employee can add to the final product or service of the organization. The increased output per employee is reflected as increased productivity. Ability & motivation are two important factors that affect the employee productivity. The ability of the employee can be improved by the hiring & replacement along with the proper training & career development. On the other high quality of work life serves as accelerator to the motivational factor of the employees.

  1. Empowerment

In the modern days many organizations make changes in such a way that their individual employees exert more control on their work as compared to their superiors. This individual control of employees is called empowerment which helps the employees to work with enthusiasm, commitment & learn new skills because they are more make normal decisions about their work by themselves & hence enjoy their work.

  1. Brain Drain

One of the challenges for HRM is the detachment of the key potential employees from the organization which link with the competitors for higher remunerations etc. In such cases the organization loses its intellectual property & in many situations the leaving employees at the higher levels also take with them the potential lower level employees. This brain drainage is becoming serious issue in the high-Tec companies.

  1. Ethics & Social Responsibility

Under this challenge, the organizations make an effort to benefit some portion of the society. This is now considered to the social responsibility of the organization to show favorable behavior towards the society. The ethics serves as the basic principle for the socially behavior of the organizations. Within organizations, the HR departments develop a code of conduct & principles of code of ethics that serve as the guidance for the personal behavior of the employees of the organizations. The employees also expect from the management to show favorable decisions.

  1. Job Insecurity

In the recent years, restructuring & downsizing develops the sense of insecurity of job within the employees of the organizations. Now many employees only desire to get a steady job rather than a job with promotional future. Even most successful organizations lay off its employees in the period of cut throat competition. The stock market also shows favorable results when layoffs has been made. All these things create a fear among employees about the insecurity of their jobs which would hinder their effective performance.

  1. Matching People & Organizations

It has been proved from the research that the HR department contributes to the profitability of the organization when it makes such policies of employee selection in which those employees are selected & retained that best suits the culture of the organization & its objectives. For example it is proved from research that those employees would become beneficial for the high-Tech companies that can work in risky, uncertain environment having low pay. In short it is an important challenge for the HR department to hire and keep such employees whose abilities & strengths would match the requirements & circumstances of the organization.

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