Scenario of Indian Banking Sector in Pre and Post Reform Period

Scenario of Indian Banking Sector in Pre Reform Period Banking is an ancient business in India. Initially, the growth of Indian banks was very slow and also experienced periodic failures between 1913 and 1948. To streamline the functioning and activities of commercial banks, the Government of India came up with The Banking Companies Act, 1949 which was later changed to Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as per amending Act of 1965 (Act No. 23 of 1965). During those days, public had lesser confidence in the banks. As an aftermath deposit mobilization was slow. Government took major steps in Indian banking sector reform after independence. On 19th July 1969, major process of nationalization was carried out. It was the effort of the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Fourteen major commercial banks were nationalized. Second phase of nationalization of Indian banking sector reform was carried out in 1980 with seven Continue reading

Levels of Products or Product Hierarchy

In planning market offering, the marketer needs to think through five levels of the product, each level adds more customer value, and the five levels constitute a customer value hierarchy. Each product is related to certain other products. The product hierarchy stretches from basic needs to particular items that satisfy those needs. Core Product – The most fundamental level is the core benefit. It is the fundamental benefit or service the customer is really buying. Marketers see themselves as benefit providers. E.g. A hotel guest is buying rest and sleep. Generic/Basic Product – At the second level the, marketer has to turn the core benefit into basic product. In this the hotel room includes a bed, bathroom, towel desk, dresser and closet. Expected Product – At the third level the marketer prepares an expected product a set of attributes and conditions that buyers normally expect and agree to when they Continue reading

Retail Store’s Front Design Considerations

A retail store’s front is the first impression that consumer has for a store.  Three components make up retail store’s front namely, front configurations, window displays and store’s entrances. 1. The Store-front Configuration There are three possible front configurations namely, Straight front Angled front and Arcade front. The “straight front” is a store configuration that runs parallel to the side-walk, street, mall or a parking lot. Usually the only break in the front is a small recess for an entrance. This store front design is operationally efficient because it does not reduce the interior selling space. However, it lacks consumer appeal because it is monotonous and less attractive than either of the other configurations. Window shoppers can inspect only a small part of any display from anyone position when retailers use the straight configuration. Another limitation is that reflective glare from windows can inhibit window-shopping, while heavy foot traffic and Continue reading

Different Classifications of Advertising

Advertising intends to persuade an audience (viewers, readers or listeners)to purchase or take some action upon products ,ideals or services. It includes the name of a product or service and how that product or service could benefit the consumer, to persuade a target market to purchase or to consume that particular brand. These advertisements serve to communicate an idea to the public in an attempt to convince them to take certain action, such as encouraging environment friendly behaviors, and even unhealthy behaviors through food consumption etc. To advertise is to draw the public’s attention usually for the purpose of selling products, or services, through the use of various forms of media, such as print or broad cast and notices. Advertising is not only used as a means to promote a company’s products and services and to drive sales but as a means to build a brand identity and communicate changes Continue reading

Importance of Innovation and Change within an Organization

In today’s constantly changing world, innovation and change play an extremely important role within any organization. New technologies like faster software and hardware and improved manufacturing systems are increasing production and changing the way we do business across the globe. Newly advancing markets are becoming more and more capitalistic, opening the door for corporations to come and do business. There are multiple elements when dealing with innovation and change within an organization. The first element is how an organization can change successfully which consists of the steps that are needed and the process that makes change happen. The next element is technological change, which is how organizations adapt and implement new technology. From new technology, organizations come up with our next element, new products and services. As these organizations become larger and larger there is the need for strategy and structure change as well as cultural changes. These two elements Continue reading

Financial Management: Definition, Nature and Features

Finance is the lifeblood of a business firm. The health of every business concern mainly depends on the efficient handling of finance functions. In simple term, Financial Management may be defined as the management of the finance or funds of a business unit in order to realize the objective of the firm in an efficient manner. It is broadly concerned with the mobilization and use of funds by a business firm. Financial management is that managerial activity which is concerned with the planning and controlling of the firm’s financial resources. In other words, it is concerned with acquiring, financing and managing assets to accomplish the overall goal of a business enterprise (mainly to maximize the shareholder’s wealth). Financial management is that managerial activity which is concerned with the planning and controlling of the firm’s financial resources. It was a branch of economics till 1890, and as a separate discipline, it Continue reading