CS Inter :: Management Information Systems and Corporate Communication : December 2006

Indian Tyre Industry is two tier. Tier-I accounts for over 85% of industry turnover containing a well-diversified product-mix and presence in three main segments, i.e., automobiles manufacturers, replacement market and exports. Tier-II companies are small in size, mainly concentrating on production of small tyres, tubes and flaps and the replacement market. The demand and growth for the industry depend upon primary factors like overall GDP growth, agriculture and industrial production, growth in vehicle demand and secondary factors, like — the infrastructure development, prevailing interest rates and financing options, etc.

Rock Hard Tyre Ltd. (RHTL) is a major player in Tier-I and it has maintained successfully the leadership position in the truck and bus market segment and the year 2005-06 witnessed a healthy growth of approximately 8% in this segment. However, steep rise in raw material prices with limited pricing flexibility impacted the profit margins of all the players including RHTL badly in the financial year 2005-06. In fact, the industry has faced consistent rise in major raw materials costs (natural rubber, nylon tyre cord, carbon black, synthetic rubber) in the last few years. All these have resulted in pressure on the bottom-line of the tyre companies despite the impressive

You are the human resources manager at Perfect Accounting, an accounting firm based in Mumbai. You want to implement new health-oriented programmes for employees. One of the ideas you want to pitch is the concept of a fitness centre in your building. You had suggested a similar idea to your supervisors five year ago, but at that time the firm was not doing well financially, so your idea was rejected. Now, however, Perfect Accounting is in the third year of an economic boom. As a result, you feel that your idea is more likely to be considered seriously. You discussed this idea with your new Vice-President and he has asked you to write a brief memo outlining your idea for his consideration.

Also, you want a comprehensive re-design of your in-house menu that emphasize low-fat, low-cholesterol and organic ingredients.

Write a memo to your Vice-President with relevant materials persuading him to consider these health-related ideas that you feel could be implemented as part of a new employee health programme.

Dod’s work became increasingly haphazard and he spent endless hours on trivial things. He was pallid and overweight, and he tapped his fingers on any convenient surface. He smoked incessantly and allowed his suits to become stained and worn.

Dod’s consuming passion was management and he devoted his few leisure hours to lecturing student groups on management topics. Once he overheard himself being described as a ‘workaholic type’, but he dismissed the observation as a shallow remark from an irresponsible and weak colleague. One close associate said, “Dod gives too much and he takes no nourishment for himself, I’m afraid that he will crack-up.” It came as no surprise to Dod’s colleagues when they heard that he was in hospital after a heart attack.”

In the light of the above scenario, comment on how Dod should have managed himself and highlight the characteristics that are typical of those who manage stress most effectively.