Management & Entrepreneurship SEM-4 (Unit-3) Question Solution

 Unit-3



1) Define small scale industries and their characteristics.
Ans:

Small Scale Industries (SSI) – Definition & Characteristics

Definition:

Small Scale Industries (SSI) are businesses that operate with limited resources, small investment, and a small workforce. These industries manufacture goods or provide services and contribute significantly to employment and economic growth.

Characteristics of SSI:

  1. Low Investment:

    • The capital investment in machinery and equipment is limited (as per government definitions).
    • Example: A handicraft business requires minimal machinery and capital.
  2. Small Workforce:

    • Employs fewer workers, often ranging from 10 to 50 employees.
    • Example: A small bakery with a team of bakers and delivery staff.
  3. Local Operations:

    • Mostly operate in specific regions and cater to local markets.
    • Example: A dairy farm supplying milk in a town.
  4. Ownership & Management:

    • Usually owned and managed by an individual or a small group.
    • Example: A small textile shop run by a family.
  5. Use of Simple Technology:

    • Relies on basic or semi-automatic machines instead of advanced automation.
    • Example: A furniture-making unit using manual tools.
  6. Flexible Production:

    • Can quickly change production based on demand.
    • Example: A garment unit making summer clothes in one season and winter wear in another.
  7. Government Support:

    • Eligible for loans, subsidies, and tax benefits from the government.
    • Example: Government provides MSME loans to small businesses.

2) Justify the statement ‘ SSI has a huge role in economic development’.
Ans:

SSI Has a Huge Role in Economic Development’ – Justification

Small Scale Industries (SSI) play a crucial role in the economic development of a country. They contribute to employment generation, industrial growth, exports, and balanced regional development. Here’s why SSI is important:

1. Generates Employment

  • SSIs create jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, reducing unemployment.
  • Example: A handloom industry provides jobs to weavers, dyers, and sellers in rural areas.

2. Encourages Entrepreneurship

  • Helps small business owners start and grow their ventures.
  • Example: A small-scale bakery started by an individual can expand with demand.

3. Contributes to GDP

  • SSIs contribute significantly to national income through production and services.
  • Example: The textile industry in India contributes billions to the GDP.

4. Promotes Regional Development

  • Encourages industrialization in rural and semi-urban areas, reducing dependence on cities.
  • Example: Agro-based industries (like dairy farms) support farmers in villages.

5. Supports Large Industries

  • SSIs act as suppliers of raw materials, spare parts, and semi-finished goods to bigger industries.
  • Example: Auto parts manufacturing for big car companies like Tata Motors.

6. Boosts Exports

  • Many SSIs produce goods for export, earning foreign exchange.
  • Example: Handicrafts and jewelry from India are famous worldwide.

7. Utilizes Local Resources

  • Uses locally available raw materials, reducing production costs.
  • Example: Coir industries in Kerala use coconut husk to make ropes and mats.

8. Encourages Innovation

  • SSIs develop new products and ideas with limited investment.
  • Example: Small IT startups develop unique software solutions.

3) What are the objectives of Small scale industries?
Ans:

Objectives of Small Scale Industries (SSI)

Small Scale Industries (SSI) play a crucial role in the economy by promoting employment, regional development, and economic growth. The key objectives of SSI are:

  1. Generate Employment:

    • SSI provides jobs to skilled and unskilled workers, reducing unemployment.
    • Example: A small textile factory hires local workers for stitching and packaging.
  2. Promote Regional Development:

    • Helps in the growth of rural and backward areas by setting up industries.
    • Example: A pottery business in a village creates jobs and boosts local income.
  3. Encourage Entrepreneurship:

    • Supports small business owners by providing opportunities to start new ventures.
    • Example: A young entrepreneur starts a handmade soap business.
  4. Utilize Local Resources Efficiently:

    • Uses raw materials, labor, and skills available in local areas.
    • Example: A jute bag-making unit uses jute from nearby farms.
  5. Support Large Industries:

    • SSI provides raw materials and components to bigger industries.
    • Example: A small auto parts factory supplies parts to car manufacturers.
  6. Increase Exports & Reduce Imports:

    • Produces high-quality goods that can be exported, reducing dependence on imports.
    • Example: A small handicraft business exports handmade jewelry to foreign markets.
  7. Encourage Innovation & Skill Development:

    • Promotes new business ideas, technology, and craftsmanship.
    • Example: A small software startup develops mobile applications.
  8. Enhance Economic Growth:

    • Helps in increasing national income and GDP through production and trade.

4) Give the meaning of Project management and its classification.
Ans:

Meaning of Project Management & Its Classification

Meaning of Project Management:

Project management is the process of planning, organizing, executing, and controlling tasks to achieve a specific goal within a set timeframe and budget. It ensures that a project is completed efficiently, on time, and within cost limits.

Example:

Building a new shopping mall requires project management to coordinate construction, materials, labor, and budgeting.


Classification of Project Management:

  1. Based on Size & Complexity:

    • Small Projects: Simple tasks with low investment (e.g., setting up a food stall).
    • Large Projects: High-cost, complex projects (e.g., metro rail construction).
  2. Based on Industry:

    • Construction Projects – Roads, bridges, buildings.
    • IT Projects – Software development, website design.
    • Manufacturing Projects – Setting up factories, production units.
  3. Based on Time Duration:

    • Short-Term Projects: Completed in a few months (e.g., launching a new product).
    • Long-Term Projects: Take years to complete (e.g., building a power plant).
  4. Based on Ownership:

    • Public Sector Projects: Government-funded (e.g., railway expansion).
    • Private Sector Projects: Company-led (e.g., a new shopping mall).
  5. Based on Purpose:

    • Commercial Projects: Aimed at making profits (e.g., opening a hotel).
    • Non-Profit Projects: For social welfare (e.g., building a school for poor children).

5) Explain the stages of project identification.
Ans:

Stages of Project Identification

Project identification is the process of finding and selecting a project idea that is feasible and beneficial. It involves multiple stages to ensure the project is successful.

Stages of Project Identification:

  1. Idea Generation:

    • The first step is to generate new ideas for the project.
    • Ideas can come from market demand, government policies, new technologies, or customer needs.
    • Example: A company sees a rise in demand for electric vehicles and considers starting an EV manufacturing unit.
  2. Preliminary Screening:

    • The ideas are evaluated based on cost, feasibility, and expected benefits.
    • Unprofitable or unrealistic ideas are eliminated at this stage.
    • Example: A startup might drop an idea for a luxury product if the target audience prefers affordable options.
  3. Market Analysis:

    • The potential demand, target customers, and competitors are studied.
    • Helps to understand market trends and future growth potential.
    • Example: A restaurant startup studies the dining habits and preferences of people in the chosen area.
  4. Technical & Financial Analysis:

    • Determines if the required technology, resources, and financial investment are available.
    • Ensures that the project is profitable and sustainable.
    • Example: A factory project checks if the machinery, raw materials, and skilled labor are available at reasonable costs.
  5. Final Selection & Approval:

    • After evaluation, the best project idea is selected.
    • The project is presented to investors, banks, or government authorities for approval.
    • Example: A company submits a detailed business proposal for funding from a bank.



6) Explain project report and its significance.
Ans:


Project Report and Its Significance

Meaning of Project Report:

A project report is a detailed document that provides information about a business idea, covering its objectives, planning, financial needs, risks, and expected outcomes. It is essential for securing loans, attracting investors, and guiding project execution.

Example:

A person planning to start a small bakery will prepare a project report, including costs for equipment, raw materials, rent, expected sales, and profits.


Significance of Project Report:

  1. Helps in Decision Making:

    • Provides a clear plan for project execution.
    • Example: A startup owner can decide whether the business is feasible.
  2. Essential for Funding & Loans:

    • Banks and investors require a project report before giving loans.
    • Example: A small business applying for a government MSME loan must submit a project report.
  3. Identifies Risks & Challenges:

    • Helps in identifying potential problems and solutions in advance.
    • Example: A hotel project may highlight seasonal demand fluctuations.
  4. Guides Project Execution:

    • Acts as a blueprint for managing resources, time, and money.
    • Example: A construction company follows the project report to ensure timely completion of a building.
  5. Improves Business Planning:

    • Helps in setting realistic goals, pricing, and marketing strategies.
    • Example: A new clothing brand can use the project report to estimate customer demand.



7) The Following details are available regarding a project:


 a) Draw the network analysis diagram.(2mks)

 b) Determine the critical path(1 mks)

 c) Determine the time taken for a non-critical path.( 1mks)

d) By how many weeks non-critical activities can be maximum delayed without delaying the completion of the whole project. (1 mks)


Ans:



8) What are the common mistakes made by entrepreneurs in project formulation?
Ans:

Common Mistakes Made by Entrepreneurs in Project Formulation

Project formulation is the process of planning and structuring a project before execution. Many entrepreneurs make mistakes during this phase, which can lead to project failure.

Common Mistakes:

  1. Lack of Proper Market Research

    • Entrepreneurs fail to analyze market demand, competition, and customer needs before starting a project.
    • Example: Opening a restaurant in an area with too many similar restaurants without a unique concept.
  2. Unrealistic Budgeting & Cost Estimation

    • Many entrepreneurs underestimate costs or overestimate profits, leading to financial issues.
    • Example: A startup launching an app without considering server costs, advertising, or maintenance expenses.
  3. Ignoring Risk Assessment

    • Entrepreneurs fail to plan for risks like economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, or technology failures.
    • Example: A fashion brand importing raw materials without backup suppliers, causing delays when one supplier fails.
  4. Weak Business Model & Planning

    • Some entrepreneurs do not have a clear revenue model or a proper roadmap for execution.
    • Example: A mobile repair shop starting without a plan for marketing or customer acquisition.
  5. Improper Team Selection & Leadership

    • Entrepreneurs often hire inexperienced staff or fail to assign proper roles, affecting project efficiency.
    • Example: A tech startup hiring developers without experience in the required programming languages.




9) Write a note on feasibility study.
Ans: 

Feasibility Study – Meaning & Importance

Meaning:

A feasibility study is an analysis done before starting a project to determine if it is practical, profitable, and achievable. It helps in deciding whether to proceed with the project or not.

Example:

Before opening a restaurant, an entrepreneur conducts a feasibility study to check if the location, budget, customer demand, and competition will allow the business to succeed.


Types of Feasibility Study:

  1. Technical Feasibility:

    • Checks if the project has the required technology, equipment, and skilled workers.
    • Example: A mobile app company checking if developers can build a new app.
  2. Economic Feasibility:

    • Evaluates if the project is affordable and profitable in the long run.
    • Example: A car company analyzing if making electric cars will generate profits.
  3. Legal Feasibility:

    • Ensures the project follows laws, regulations, and government policies.
    • Example: A new hotel checking if it meets local safety and licensing laws.
  4. Operational Feasibility:

    • Determines if the project can be executed smoothly within the organization.
    • Example: A hospital expanding services to include online consultations.
  5. Scheduling Feasibility:

    • Assesses whether the project can be completed on time.
    • Example: A metro train project checking if it can be finished in 5 years.


 
10) Elaborate on project appraisal tools.
Ans: 

Project Appraisal Tools

Meaning:

Project appraisal is the process of evaluating a project before approval to check its feasibility, risks, and profitability. Various tools are used to analyze whether a project should be started or not.


Project Appraisal Tools:

  1. Financial Appraisal:

    • Evaluates if the project is financially profitable.
    • Methods Used:
      • Net Present Value (NPV): Calculates future profits in today’s value.
      • Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Checks the percentage return expected.
    • Example: A company checks if a new factory will generate enough profits.
  2. Economic Appraisal:

    • Examines how the project impacts the economy and society.
    • Includes factors like job creation, environmental impact, and inflation control.
    • Example: A government studies the benefits of constructing a new highway.
  3. Technical Appraisal:

    • Analyzes if the project is technically feasible.
    • Checks the availability of technology, machinery, and skilled labor.
    • Example: Before launching an electric vehicle, a company checks if charging stations exist.
  4. Market Appraisal:

    • Studies market demand, competition, and customer needs.
    • Helps decide if the product/service will be successful.
    • Example: A mobile company surveys if customers want a new smartphone model.
  5. Risk Appraisal:

    • Identifies potential risks in the project, like financial loss, legal issues, or environmental risks.
    • Helps in risk management planning.
    • Example: A hotel chain evaluates if a new location is safe from floods.

 

 
 
 

  

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