IGNOU ASSIGNMENT, BUSINESS ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT (BCOC - 132), SOLVED PAPER – (2024 - 25)| (B.COM) (GENERAL/ CBCS)| ENGLISH MEDIUM
TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT
COURSE CODE: BCOC-132
COURSE TITLE: BUSINESS ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
ASSIGNMENT CODE: BCOC-132/ TMA/ 2024-25
COVERAGE: ALL BLOCKS
Maximum Marks: 100
Note: Attempt all the questions.
हिंदी माध्यम: यहां क्लिक करें
Section-A
(Attempt all the questions. Each question carries 10 marks.)
1. How technology has impacted the business in today's time, and what are its benefits? 10
Ans:- The impact of technology on business today is
profound and multifaceted, reshaping operations, increasing efficiency and
creating new opportunities for growth.
Here are the
main ways technology has impacted business practices and what benefits it has
brought:-
(i)
Increased productivity and efficiency: Technology has significantly
improved productivity by automating routine tasks. Automation tools allow
employees to focus on more complex problem-solving and decision-making, thereby
optimising operational efficiency in a variety of areas. For example,
businesses can now use software to handle accounting, payroll and inventory
management, which streamlines processes and reduces operating costs.
(ii)
Innovation in products and services: Technological advancements have
fuelled innovation, helping businesses develop new products and services that
meet changing customer needs. The fintech sector is an example of this, where
technologies such as blockchain and mobile payments have transformed financial
services. Companies such as PayPal and Square have leveraged these innovations
to provide secure and efficient payment solutions, demonstrating how technology
fosters creativity and customer-centric offerings.
(iii)
Improved customer experience: Technologies such as artificial intelligence
(AI) and machine learning have revolutionised customer interactions. For
example, Amazon’s recommendation engine uses AI to analyse customer behaviour,
providing personalised shopping experiences that enhance customer engagement
and loyalty. This level of personalisation is now becoming the standard across
various industries, leading to increased customer satisfaction and retention.
(iv) Data
analytics and decision making: The ability to collect and analyse vast
amounts of data has transformed decision-making processes. Businesses can now
use big data analytics to gain insights into customer behaviour, market trends
and operational efficiencies. This data-driven approach allows companies to
tailor their marketing strategies and improve product offerings, ultimately
driving growth and competitiveness.
(v) Global
market access: Technology has democratised access to global markets,
enabling businesses of all sizes to reach customers beyond their local areas.
E-commerce platforms allow even small startups to compete globally, breaking
down traditional geographic barriers and expanding market opportunities.
(vi)
Improved communication and collaboration: Modern communication tools have
revolutionised the way businesses interact internally and externally. Platforms
such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams facilitate real-time collaboration between
teams, regardless of their location. This enhances teamwork and speeds up
project completion, allowing businesses to react quickly to changes in the
market.
(vii)
Remote working capabilities: The rise of technology has enabled remote
working, providing flexibility for both employees and businesses. This
capability has become increasingly important, especially in light of recent
global events, allowing organizations to maintain operations while adapting to
new working conditions.
(viii) Cost
Reduction: Implementing technology can lead to significant cost savings for
businesses. By automating processes and improving efficiency, companies can
reduce labor costs and minimize errors. Additionally, cloud computing and other
technologies allow businesses to scale operations without requiring substantial
capital investments in physical infrastructure.
Conclusion:-
In summary, technology has
transformed the business landscape by increasing productivity, fostering
innovation, improving customer experience, and enabling better decision making.
The integration of advanced technologies not only streamlines operations but
also opens new avenues for growth and competitive advantage in an increasingly
digital world. As businesses continue to adapt to these changes, those that
effectively leverage technology will be better positioned for success in the
future.
2. What are the forms of organisation in public
enterprises? Explain the features of each form. 10
Ans:- Public enterprises are government-owned and
operated organisations, which play a vital role in the economy by providing
essential services.
The forms of
organisation in public enterprises can be classified into three main types:
departmental undertakings, statutory corporations and government companies.
Each form has distinct characteristics that affect its operation and
governance.
(i)
Departmental Undertakings:-
Features:-
(a)
Integration with the Government: Departmental undertakings are part of a
government ministry and function as an extension of that ministry. They are not
separate legal entities.
(b)
Management: These enterprises are managed directly by government officials,
generally civil servants, and they are accountable to the ministry concerned.
(c) Financing:
They are financed directly from the government treasury, and their revenues are
also credited back to it.
(d) Control
and Accountability: They operate under strict government regulations and
are subject to the same accounting and auditing controls as other government
departments.
(e) Examples:
Common examples include the Indian Railways and the Postal Service.
Advantages
and Disadvantages:-
Advantages:
High public accountability, direct control by the government, and security in
operations.
Disadvantages:
Lack of flexibility, possibility of political interference, and
inefficiencies due to bureaucratic processes.
(ii)
Statutory Corporations:-
Features:-
(a) Legal status: Statutory
corporations are established by a special Act of Parliament, giving them a
separate legal identity and the ability to sue or be sued.
(b) Operational independence:
They enjoy a higher degree of operational flexibility than departmental
undertakings, allowing them to formulate their own policies within the powers
granted by their founding Act
(c) Financing: These
corporations are usually self-financing and do not depend on government funding
for their operations.
(d) Example: BBC and
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are examples of
statutory corporations.
Advantages and
Disadvantages:-
Advantages:
Greater autonomy, less government interference, and flexibility in operations.
Disadvantages:
Subject to government regulations, possibility of corruption, and delay in
decision making due to bureaucratic monitoring.
(iii)
Government Company:-
Features:-
(a)
Incorporation: Government companies are incorporated under the Companies
Act and at least 51% of their shares must be held by the government.
(b) Management
Structure: They function like private companies but are owned by the
government. They have their own board of directors and are governed by the
provisions of the Companies Act.
(c) Financial
Independence: These companies can generate their own revenue and are not
funded directly from the government treasury.
(d) Example:
Air India and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) are notable examples.
Advantages and
Disadvantages:-
Advantages: Legal
identity, autonomy in management, and ability to operate like private
enterprises.
Disadvantages:
Still subject to government monitoring, potential inefficiencies, and
accountability to the public.
In summary,
each form of organisation in public enterprises has unique characteristics that
determine their governance, operational flexibility, and accountability
mechanisms. Understanding these forms is essential to evaluate the
effectiveness and efficiency of public sector operations.
3. What do you understand by centralisation and
decentralisation? Also, explain the advantages and disadvantages of
decentralisation? 10
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