‘Expenditure on advertising is a social waste.’ Do you agree? Discuss.
Advertising is the most frequent medium of promotion, it attracts a lot of criticism as social waste, multiplying needs of consumers, developing materialism, etc. but the proponents discourage such opinions. Thus, it is important to examine these criticisms and see how far they are true.
Adds to cost: The opponents of advertising argue that advertising unnecessarily adds to cost of product, which passes on to the buyers in the form of high price. However, on the other hand, proponents claim that advertising helps to increase the demand of the product. An increase in production leads to large scale production which ultimately helps in reducing cost due to economies of scale and thus, the price of the product.
Undermines social values: Advertising causes discontentment among the customers and promote materialism, as they come to know about newer and better products available in the market. But, the objections are not entirely true because advertisements help the buyers by informing them about the new products over the existing ones. If they are not informed, they may be using inefficient products.
Confuses Buyers: The opponents say that so many advertisements make similar claims and the buyer gets confused as to which one is true and can be relied upon. It may create a state of confusion as to which product he should buy in the market. However, the criticisms are not true as we know that consumers are rational human beings, who can take their decisions considering various aspects of a product. He can use his wisdom along with information provided by advertisements to make the right choice of purchase.
Encourages sale of inferior goods: Opponents of advertising claim that is does not distinguish between superior and inferior goods. However, we also know that no good is superior or inferior. The level of quality depends upon the economic status of the target customer. Advertisements promote all goods, customers may pick them according to their requirements.
Some advertisements are in bad taste: Some advertisements are in bad taste and show something which is not approved by the society. They may show something objectionable and may cause distortion of certain relationships. Definitely, advertisements should avoid use of objectionable words, graphics, photos, etc, which may have a bad effect on the society.
Thus, it can be said that though expenditure of advertisement draw criticism but the objections are not fully true. Because on the one hand they can be misused and they have their own cons but on the other hand they cannot neglect the benefits derived from advertisement.
What are the factors affecting determination of the price of a product or service? Explain.
A marketer of colour TV having 20% of the current market share of the country aims at enhancing the market share to 50 per cent in next three years. For achieving this objective he specified an action programme. Name the function of marketing being discussed above. (Ans. Marketing planning.)
What is marketing mix? What are its main elements? Explain.
For buyers of consumer durable products, what ‘customer care services’ would you plan as a manager of a firm marketing new brand of motorcycle. Discuss.
How does branding help in differential pricing?
Distinguish between convenience product and shopping product.
Discuss the role of intermediaries in the distribution of consumer non-durable products.
What are industrial products? How are they different from consumer products? Explain.
What information is generally placed on the package of a food product? Design a label for one of the food products of your choice.
Product is a bundle of utilities. Explain.
How does planning provide direction?
What is meant by staffing?
Identify the network of social relationships which arises spontaneously due to interaction at work.
What is informal communication?
State the meaning of controlling.
What is meant by capital structure?v
What is meant by management?
What is a Treasury Bill?
What makes principles of management flexible?
Under which consumer right does a business firm set up consumer grievance cell?
Explain the following Principles of management given by Fayol with examples:
a. Unity of direction
b. Equity
c. Espirit de corps
d. Order
e. Centralisation and decentralisation
f. Initiative
Mr.Arfaaz had been heading the production department of Writewell Products Ltd., a firm manufacturing stationary items. The firm secured an export order that had to be completed on a priority basis and production targets were defined for all the employees. One of the workers, Mr. Bhanu Prasad, fell short of his daily production target by 10 units for two days consecutively. Mr. Arfaaz approached MsVasundhara, the CEO of the Company, to file a complaint against MrBhanu Prasad and requested her to terminate his services. Explain the principle of management control that MsVasundhara should consider while taking her decision. (Hint: Management by exception).
Discuss the importance of training for both employees and organizations.
‘Bhasin’ limited was engaged in the business of food processing and selling its products under a popular brand. Lately the business was expanding due to good quality and reasonable prices. Also with more people working the market for processed food was increasing. New players were also coming to cash in on the new trend. In order to keep its market share in the short run the company directed its existing workforce to work overtime. But this resulted in many problems. Due to increased pressure of work the efficiency of the workers declined. Sometimes the subordinates had to work for more than one superior resulting in declining efficiency. The divisions that were previously working on one product were also made to work on two or more products. This resulted in a lot of overlapping and wastage. The workers were becoming indisciplined. The spirit of teamwork, which had characterized the company, previously was beginning to wane. Workers were feeling cheated and initiative was declining. The quality of the products was beginning to decline and market share was on the verge of decrease. Actually the company had implemented changes without creating the required infrastructure.
a. Identify the Principles of Management (out of 14 given by Henry Fayol) that were being violated by the company.
b. Explain these principles in brief.
c. What steps should the company management take in relation to the above principles to restore the company to its past glory?
Explain Taylor’s concept of 'Mental Revolution' and its relevance today.
The workers always try to show their inability when any new work is given to them. They are always unwilling to take up any kind of work. Due to sudden rise in demand a firm wants to meet excess orders. The supervisor is finding it difficult to cope up with the situation. State the element of directing that can help the supervisor in handling the problem.
The workers of a factory are unable to work on new machines and always demand for help of supervisor. The Supervisor is overburdened with their frequent calls. Suggest the remedy. (Hint: training)
Why it is important for business enterprises to understand their environment? Explain.
State the different networks of grapevine communications.