Interview Preparation
Interview Preparation
Meaning- Management is the process of planning, organising, leading & controlling research
effectively and efficiently to achieve organizational goals & objectives.
Definition- Mary Parker Follet – “Management is the art of getting things done through people.”
8. Decision Making and Problem Solving - Decision Making and Problem Solving are critical aspects
of management and daily life that help individuals and organizations navigate challenges, optimize
opportunities, and achieve objectives. Though they are closely related, they have distinct meanings
and processes.
Rational Decision Making: A step-by-step process of making decisions that maximize the
outcome by evaluating alternatives and selecting the best option.
Heuristic Decision Making: A quicker, rule-of-thumb decision-making process based on
experience, used when there is limited information or time.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Comparing the costs and benefits of different decisions to determine
which one is the most profitable or beneficial.
Risk Management: Identifying, analyzing, and responding to potential risks to minimize
negative impacts on the organization.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India refers to
the concept of businesses contributing to the well-being of society through various social,
environmental, and economic initiatives. India has been at the forefront of integrating CSR into the
corporate sector due to its unique regulatory framework that mandates CSR activities for certain
companies.
Ethical Business Practices: Ensuring that business operations are conducted ethically, and in
a manner that is socially responsible.
Sustainability: Incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into business
decisions to ensure long-term sustainability and positive impact on society.
Philanthropy: Engaging in charitable activities and donations to support causes that benefit
the community.
10. Innovation and Change Management
Innovation: The process of creating new products, services, or processes that offer better value
or solve problems more effectively.
Change Management: The process of guiding and managing organizational change, including
addressing resistance to change and ensuring that transitions are smooth.
Disruptive Innovation: Innovations that create new markets and value networks, eventually
displacing established market leaders and products.
11. Corporate Governance
Board of Directors: The group of individuals elected to represent shareholders and make
decisions on major company policies, strategies, and corporate behavior.
Transparency: Openly sharing information about company operations, financials, and
strategic decisions to ensure accountability and trust.
Ethical Leadership: Leaders who demonstrate ethical behavior and promote ethical decision-
making within the organization.
12. Global Business
Globalization: The process of businesses operating on an international scale, which opens
opportunities for expansion and access to global markets.
International Trade: The exchange of goods and services between countries, and the
complexities involved, such as tariffs, trade barriers, and exchange rates.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences when operating in
international markets.
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The 14 Principles of Management were developed by Henri Fayol, a French management theorist,
and are considered foundational to the field of management. These principles are designed to guide
managers in effectively leading organizations, promoting efficiency, and achieving organizational
goals.
Here are the 14 Principles of Management as outlined by Henri Fayol:
1. Division of Work
Principle: Work should be divided among individuals and groups to ensure that tasks are
performed more efficiently.
Explanation: Specialization increases efficiency and skill development. By focusing on fewer
tasks, employees become more proficient, improving productivity.
2. Authority and Responsibility
Principle: Authority and responsibility should go hand in hand. Managers must have the
authority to give orders, but they also must bear the responsibility for the outcomes.
Explanation: A manager needs the power to make decisions and direct employees, but they
must also be accountable for those decisions and their consequences.
3. Discipline
Principle: Employees must obey and respect the rules and regulations of the organization.
Explanation: Discipline is necessary for smooth functioning within an organization. It
involves clear rules and fair enforcement of these rules to maintain order.
4. Unity of Command
Principle: Each employee should receive orders from one superior only.
Explanation: Employees should report to only one manager to avoid confusion and conflicting
instructions. This ensures clarity and accountability in the workplace.
5. Unity of Direction
Principle: The organization should have a single plan of action to guide activities toward
achieving the goals.
Explanation: It emphasizes coordination of activities in the same direction to achieve the
organization’s objectives efficiently.
6. Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest
Principle: The interests of the organization should take precedence over the interests of
individuals.
Explanation: Employees must work toward the collective goals of the organization, even if it
means subordinating their personal interests for the greater good of the company.
7. Remuneration
Principle: Employees should be fairly compensated for their work.
Explanation: Adequate and equitable compensation motivates employees, ensuring they are
satisfied and their contribution is valued.
8. Centralization
Principle: The degree to which decision-making authority is concentrated or dispersed within
the organization.
Explanation: Centralization refers to how much decision-making is concentrated at the top
levels of the organization, while decentralization involves giving more autonomy to lower
levels of management. The optimal level depends on the size and complexity of the
organization.
9. Scalar Chain
Principle: There should be a clear line of authority from top to bottom in the organization.
Explanation: The scalar chain refers to the hierarchy of authority within the organization,
ensuring a clear chain of command and communication. Employees should understand who
they report to and how information flows.
10. Order
Principle: There should be an orderly arrangement of materials, people, and processes within
the organization.
Explanation: Organizing resources, people, and tasks systematically ensures smooth
operations, avoids confusion, and minimizes inefficiencies.
11. Equity
Principle: Managers should treat employees with fairness and respect, without any bias or
favouritism.
Explanation: A fair and just approach to employee treatment helps build loyalty, trust, and a
sense of belonging within the workforce.
12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel
Principle: Job security and stable employment lead to greater efficiency.
Explanation: A stable workforce enhances organizational knowledge and experience, and
reduces the cost and disruption of high employee turnover.
13. Initiative
Principle: Employees should be encouraged to take initiative and contribute their ideas for
improvement.
Explanation: Allowing employees to take initiative fosters creativity and innovation, and helps
build a sense of ownership and commitment to the organization’s success.
14. Esprit de Corps (Team Spirit)
Principle: Managers should foster a spirit of teamwork and unity among employees.
Explanation: A sense of unity and collaboration within the organization leads to improved
morale, greater cooperation, and better overall performance.
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1. Henri Fayol (1841–1925):
Contribution: Known as the "Father of Modern Management," Henri Fayol was a French
industrialist who developed the 14 Principles of Management, which are still widely used in
management practices today. His ideas focused on general management and administrative
theory.
Key Concepts:
o The 5 functions of management: Planning, Organizing, Commanding (Leading),
Coordinating, and Controlling.
o The 14 Principles of Management: Including unity of command, division of work,
authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of direction, etc.
2. Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856–1915):
Contribution: Known as the "Father of Scientific Management," Frederick Taylor introduced
the idea of applying scientific principles to improve work efficiency and productivity.
Key Concepts:
o Scientific Management: Focused on optimizing labor productivity by breaking down
tasks into smaller parts, selecting workers scientifically, and offering incentives for
increased productivity.
o Standardized procedures for training workers and improving operational efficiency.
3. Max Weber (1864–1920):
Contribution: Max Weber was a German sociologist who introduced the concept of
bureaucracy in organizations, emphasizing structure, rules, and hierarchical management.
Key Concepts:
o Bureaucratic Management: An ideal organizational structure based on clear
hierarchical authority, a system of rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships.
o Weber’s ideas formed the basis of modern organizational structures, especially in large,
formal organizations.
4. Elton Mayo (1880–1949):
Contribution: Elton Mayo was an Australian psychologist and sociologist who is best known
for his work on the Hawthorne Studies, which helped establish the Human Relations
Movement in management.
Key Concepts:
o Focused on the psychological and social factors affecting productivity.
o Emphasized the importance of employee motivation, group dynamics, and
workplace relationships.
o His work showed that workers’ productivity increases when they feel valued and are
given attention.
5. Peter Drucker (1909–2005):
Contribution: Peter Drucker was an Austrian-born American management consultant,
educator, and author, often referred to as the "Father of Modern Management." His theories on
management and innovation have had a profound impact on both private and public sector
organizations.
Key Concepts:
o Management by Objectives (MBO): A management strategy where managers and
employees agree on specific objectives within a set time frame.
o The importance of decentralization, innovation, and continuous improvement.
o The role of managers in fostering long-term success and the focus on customer
satisfaction and knowledge management.
6. Abraham Maslow (1908–1970):
Contribution: Maslow was an American psychologist best known for creating the Hierarchy
of Needs, which has been widely applied to understanding human motivation, including in the
context of management.
Key Concepts:
o Hierarchy of Needs: A motivational theory that suggests human beings have a set of
needs arranged in a hierarchy, starting from basic needs (physiological) to self-
actualization.
o Maslow's theory emphasizes that once lower-level needs (like safety and social
connection) are satisfied, individuals are motivated to fulfil higher-level needs such as
esteem and self-actualization, which can be applied in employee motivation.
7. Douglas McGregor (1906–1964):
Contribution: McGregor was an American social psychologist known for his Theory X and
Theory Y of management, which describes two contrasting views of workers and their
motivations.
Key Concepts:
o Theory X: Assumes that employees are inherently lazy, dislike work, and need to be
closely supervised and controlled.
o Theory Y: Assumes that employees are self-motivated, enjoy work, and will seek out
and accept responsibility if they are treated with trust and respect.
o McGregor’s theories helped change the way management views employee behavior and
led to a greater focus on employee involvement and empowerment.
8. Chester Barnard (1886–1961):
Contribution: Chester Barnard was an American businessman and management theorist
known for his contributions to understanding organizational behavior and the role of
executives in the management process.
Key Concepts:
o The Functions of the Executive: He defined the role of executives in an organization
as creating and maintaining a system of cooperative effort and ensuring the
organization’s success.
o Emphasized the importance of communication, authority, and the informal
organization in influencing employee behaviour.
9. Henry Mintzberg (1939–Present):
Contribution: Mintzberg is a Canadian academic and management thinker known for his work
on management roles and strategic management.
Key Concepts:
o Management Roles: Mintzberg identified 10 key managerial roles, divided into three
categories: interpersonal, informational, and decisional roles. These roles outline how
managers interact with others, process information, and make decisions.
o Strategic Management: He also contributed significantly to the study of strategy
formulation and implementation, emphasizing the dynamic and emergent nature of
strategy.
10. Chris Argyris (1923–2013):
Contribution: Argyris was an American business theorist known for his work on
organizational learning and the concept of double-loop learning.
Key Concepts:
o Double-Loop Learning: Argyris argued that organizations need to challenge their
existing beliefs and assumptions to solve complex problems and improve performance.
o Focused on the development of people in organizations and the impact of organizational
structures on individual behaviour and learning.
11. Jim Collins (1958–Present):
Contribution: Jim Collins is an American business consultant and author, widely known for
his research on leadership and organizational success. His work focused on what makes
companies thrive over the long term.
Key Concepts:
o Good to Great: Collins identified key factors that separate great companies from good
ones, including level 5 leadership, a culture of discipline, and the focus on the
Hedgehog Concept (focusing on what a company can be best at).
o Focus on confronting brutal facts while maintaining faith in the organization’s
ultimate success.
Marketing
Meaning- Marketing is a broad and essential concept in business that involves activities, strategies,
and processes designed to create, communicate, deliver, and exchange offerings that have value for
customers, clients, partners, and society at large. It encompasses a variety of tasks and decisions aimed
at identifying and satisfying customer needs and wants, while achieving organizational objectives.
Definition – Philip Kotler – “Marketing is the science & art of exploring, creating & delivering value
of satisfy the needs of a target market at a profit.”
5. Market Expansion:
o Marketing strategies can also support business growth by helping a company reach new
markets or segments, either domestically or internationally.
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1. Philip Kotler (1931–Present)
Contribution: Philip Kotler is widely regarded as the "Father of Modern Marketing" and one
of the most influential marketing theorists. His work has shaped the way marketing is
understood globally, particularly in relation to how companies identify and serve customer
needs.
Key Concepts:
o Marketing Management: Kotler defined marketing management as the process of
planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas,
goods, and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational
objectives.
o 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion): Kotler expanded on the traditional 4Ps and
later introduced the 7Ps of marketing to reflect the modern marketing mix, including
People, Process, and Physical evidence.
o Customer-Centric Marketing: Emphasized a shift from product-oriented to customer-
oriented approaches, focusing on creating value for customers.
o Societal Marketing Concept: Advocated for businesses to focus not just on the profit
but also on societal well-being, highlighting the importance of ethical marketing
practices.
2. Theodore Levitt (1925–2006)
Contribution: Theodore Levitt was an economist and a marketing professor at Harvard
Business School, best known for his work on Globalization of Markets and the concept of
Product Modernization.
Key Concepts:
o Globalization of Markets: Levitt argued that global markets are becoming
increasingly similar, and companies need to standardize their products for international
markets to be successful.
o Marketing Myopia: One of Levitt’s most famous contributions, he argued that
companies often focus too narrowly on their product and miss opportunities because
they do not understand the changing needs and wants of consumers.
o The Marketing Concept: He stressed that businesses should focus on meeting the
needs of customers rather than just selling products, and this idea revolutionized the
way companies approached their markets.
3. Kotler and Keller's Marketing Concept:
Contribution: Philip Kotler, along with Kevin Lane Keller, expanded the marketing
philosophy by refining the understanding of branding, customer relationship management, and
value-based marketing.
Key Concepts:
o Customer Equity: Kotler and Keller proposed that companies should focus on building
customer equity, which includes customer lifetime value and brand loyalty.
o Branding and Brand Equity: They emphasized the importance of building a strong
brand that adds value to a company and its products. Strong brands develop customer
loyalty and contribute to long-term profitability.
4. David A. Aaker (1938–Present)
Contribution: Aaker is a prominent marketing scholar and branding expert who has
contributed immensely to the understanding of brand equity and strategic brand management.
Key Concepts:
o Brand Equity: Aaker defined brand equity as the value a brand adds to a product or
service in terms of customer perception, loyalty, and preference. This concept helps
businesses understand the long-term value of their brand.
o Brand Portfolio Strategy: He introduced strategies on managing multiple brands
within a company, optimizing each brand’s role in the market and its relationship with
customers.
o Brand Identity: Aaker emphasized that brands need to create a unique identity that
resonates with consumers, differentiating them from competitors.
5. C.K. Prahalad (1941–2010)
Contribution: C.K. Prahalad was an Indian-American business thinker best known for his
work on Co-Creation and The Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) marketing.
Key Concepts:
o Co-Creation of Value: Prahalad argued that businesses should collaborate with
customers in the product development process, allowing customers to be active
participants in creating value.
o Bottom of the Pyramid: Prahalad introduced the idea that companies should focus on
the large, underserved markets at the bottom of the economic pyramid. By creating
affordable products for these consumers, businesses can drive growth and
simultaneously help alleviate poverty.
o Customer-Centric Innovation: Prahalad’s work led to a shift in how businesses think
about innovation—focusing on delivering value to customers rather than solely on
internal research and development.
6. Seth Godin (1960–Present)
Contribution: Seth Godin is a modern marketing expert, author, and entrepreneur who has
significantly influenced digital marketing and the concept of permission-based marketing.
Key Concepts:
o Permission Marketing: Godin introduced the idea that businesses should earn the right
to market to customers by first getting their permission (e.g., email subscriptions or opt-
in communications).
o Tribes: Godin emphasized the importance of creating communities around products
and services. In the digital age, companies should foster and lead "tribes" (groups of
passionate consumers) to generate loyalty.
o Purple Cow: Godin’s concept of a "Purple Cow" encourages businesses to stand out
by creating remarkable, unique products that capture consumers’ attention.
7. Michael Porter (1947–Present)
Contribution: Michael Porter is a renowned business strategist whose work on competitive
strategy and competitive advantage has had a profound impact on marketing and strategic
management.
Key Concepts:
o Competitive Advantage: Porter introduced the idea that businesses need to create a
sustainable competitive advantage by either offering lower cost products or
differentiating themselves from competitors in a meaningful way.
o Porter’s Five Forces: This framework analyses the competitive forces within an
industry and helps businesses understand the dynamics that affect their market
positioning.
o Value Chain Analysis: Porter’s concept of the value chain helps companies understand
how they can create value at each stage of their operations to deliver superior customer
value and improve profitability.
8. Jay Conrad Levinson (1933–2013)
Contribution: Levinson was the author of the "Guerrilla Marketing" series and a pioneer in
non-traditional marketing strategies that focus on low-cost, high-impact tactics.
Key Concepts:
o Guerrilla Marketing: He popularized the concept of guerrilla marketing, which
focuses on unconventional, creative, and low-budget marketing strategies to reach
target audiences effectively.
o Customer Relationships: Levinson emphasized the importance of building strong
customer relationships through personalized, memorable marketing tactics.
9. Kevin Lane Keller (1950–Present)
Contribution: Keller is a leading marketing scholar known for his work on brand equity and
brand management.
Key Concepts:
o Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE): Keller’s model of brand equity focuses on
how consumers perceive a brand and the value it holds in their minds. Strong brand
equity leads to greater customer loyalty, higher prices, and improved brand resilience.
o Brand Resonance: Keller introduced the concept of brand resonance, where
consumers have a strong emotional connection with a brand and feel aligned with its
values.
10. John A. Quelch (1944–Present)
Contribution: John Quelch is a marketing scholar and educator known for his contributions to
the understanding of global marketing and consumer behaviour.
Key Concepts:
o Global Marketing: Quelch's work explores how businesses adapt marketing strategies
across different cultural and geographic markets.
o Consumer Behaviour: He contributed to understanding how consumer preferences
and behaviours influence marketing strategies, especially in a global context.
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Teaching and Pedagogy:
1. What is your teaching philosophy? How do you engage students in a classroom setting,
especially for subjects like financial management or business strategy?
Answer:
My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea of active learning and student-centered education. I
believe in creating an environment where students not only learn theory but also apply their knowledge
in practical scenarios. For example, in financial management, I incorporate case studies and real-world
financial data to analyse a company's financial situation, allowing students to better understand the
impact of their decisions. Additionally, I encourage discussions, group work, and hands-on exercises,
such as using financial software for budgeting and forecasting.
2. Can you describe any research papers or projects you have worked on?
Answer:
One of the research papers I worked on was titled “The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) on Consumer Perception and Business Profitability.” In this paper, I analysed how CSR
activities influence consumer trust and, in turn, affect financial performance. The research showed a
positive correlation between CSR initiatives and increased brand loyalty, which led to improved
profitability for companies that invest in sustainable practices.
3. How would you encourage students to engage in research, and what resources would you
provide to support their research endeavours?
Answer:
I would encourage students to pursue research by first identifying their interests within commerce and
management. I’d guide them in formulating research questions and provide resources such as:
o Access to academic journals and databases like JSTOR, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
o Workshops on research methodology and data analysis.
o Guidance on structuring research papers and writing literature reviews.
I would also invite guest speakers from industry or academia to share their research experiences and
provide insights.
General Questions:
1. Why did you choose to pursue a career in academia, and why specifically in the field of
commerce and management?
Answer:
I have always had a passion for both teaching and business. During my undergraduate and graduate
studies, I realized how impactful knowledge-sharing is in shaping future professionals. The dynamic
nature of commerce and management, coupled with its relevance to real-world challenges, made it an
ideal field for me to contribute to. Academia provides a platform where I can blend my interest in
research with my dedication to teaching and guiding the next generation of business leaders.
2. Where do you see yourself in the next five years, both professionally and in terms of your
contribution to the academic community?
Answer:
In the next five years, I see myself as an active contributor to both teaching and research. I hope to
have published papers in reputable journals and be involved in collaborative research projects with
other institutions. Professionally, I aim to refine my teaching methodologies, mentor students
effectively, and play a significant role in the development of the curriculum. Additionally, I envision
myself organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance knowledge exchange within the
academic community.
Demo Lecture
FYBCom Semester-I
Subject - Principles of Management
Unit II-Functions of Management
Planning - Harold Koontz and Cyril O'Donnell - Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how to
do it, when to do it, and who is to do it.
Imp - Provides Direction, Improves Efficiency, Reduces Risk and Uncertainty, Enhances
Coordination, Facilitates Decision Making, Promotes Goal Achievement, Helps in Resource
Allocation, Provides Control and Monitoring.
Organizing - Harold Koontz and Cyril O'Donnell - Organizing is the process of defining and grouping
the activities of the enterprise and establishing the authority relationships among them.
Imp - Clarifies roles and responsibilities, enhances efficiency, facilitates coordination, improves
resource utilization, Enables better communication, promotes growth and scalability, enhances
decision making, Facilitates control.
Staffing - Staffing is the process of recruiting, selecting, training, and developing individuals to fill
the roles and positions within an organization. It involves ensuring that the right people are hired and
placed in the appropriate positions to meet organizational goals effectively.
Imp - Ensures the right talent, optimizes performance, supports organizational growth, enhances
employee morale, facilitates succession planning, improves decision making, maintains workforce
balance, Promotes innovation and adaptability.
Directing - Directing is the process of guiding, leading, and motivating employees to achieve
organizational goals. It involves providing clear instructions, communication, supervision, and support
to ensure that tasks are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Imp - Provides clear guidance and leadership, motivates employees to achieve goals, ensures effective
communication, enhances productivity and performance, facilitates teamwork and cooperation,
promotes employee development, ensures goal alignment, Improves decision-making and problem-
solving.
Controlling - Controlling is the process of monitoring and evaluating the progress of activities to
ensure that the organization's goals are being achieved. It involves setting performance standards,
measuring actual performance, comparing it with the standards, and taking corrective actions when
necessary.
Imp - Ensures goal achievement, Monitors performance and progress, Identifies and corrects
deviations, improves decision-making, enhances efficiency and effectiveness, promotes accountability,
provides a basis for future planning, Helps in resource optimization.