This document provides details about the branding and promotion of Ambuja Cement through their Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative. It discusses the history of Ambuja Cement, which was established in 1981 as a joint venture and has since expanded to become one of India's leading cement manufacturers. It also outlines Ambuja Cement's vision, products, marketing strategies and various initiatives to promote their brand and cement products to customers.
This document provides details about the branding and promotion of Ambuja Cement through their Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative. It discusses the history of Ambuja Cement, which was established in 1981 as a joint venture and has since expanded to become one of India's leading cement manufacturers. It also outlines Ambuja Cement's vision, products, marketing strategies and various initiatives to promote their brand and cement products to customers.
This document provides details about the branding and promotion of Ambuja Cement through their Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative. It discusses the history of Ambuja Cement, which was established in 1981 as a joint venture and has since expanded to become one of India's leading cement manufacturers. It also outlines Ambuja Cement's vision, products, marketing strategies and various initiatives to promote their brand and cement products to customers.
This document provides details about the branding and promotion of Ambuja Cement through their Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative. It discusses the history of Ambuja Cement, which was established in 1981 as a joint venture and has since expanded to become one of India's leading cement manufacturers. It also outlines Ambuja Cement's vision, products, marketing strategies and various initiatives to promote their brand and cement products to customers.
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Branding and Promotion of Ambuja Cement through
Ambuja Knowledge Centre
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ACADEMIC SESSION: 2013-15
COMPANY GUIDE: FACULTY GUIDE: Abhishek Bhattacharya Mr. M. Arun Kumar Head, Branding and Promotions Assistant Professor AMBUJA CEMENTS LTD. GITAM Institute Of Management GITAM University
SUBMITTED BY N. Sumanth Kumar 1225113130 MBA- 1 st year GITAM Institute Of Management
DECLARATION
I, N. Sumanth Kumar, a student of Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.), GITAM Institute of Management (GIM), GITAM University, hereby declare that the internship report on Branding and Promotion of Ambuja Cement through Ambuja Knowledge Centre is a genuine training process undergone by me from 05-5-2014 to 13-06-2014 under the guidance of Mr. Abhishek Bhattacharya, Head of Branding and Promotions, Ambuja Cements Ltd.
All the information collected and documented here are collected from authentic source and is a genuine work done by me in partial fulfillment for the requirement of the degree of Masters of Business Administration. I confirm that this report has not been published or submitted elsewhere for the award of any degree in part or in full.
____________________________ _____________________________ (Signature of the Declarant) Mr. Abhishek Bhattacharya N. Sumanth Kumar Head, Branding and Promotions, D.G.M, Marketing, Ambuja Cements Ltd.
CERTIFICATE BY GUIDE
This is to certify that the project Report titled BRANDING AND PROMOTION OF AMBUJA CEMENT THROUGH AMBUJA KNOWLEDGE CENTRE is an original work carried out by N. Sumanth Kumar (Enrollment No 1225113130), under my guidance and supervision, in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Masters of Business Administration by GITAM Institute of Management, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, during the Academic year 2013-15. This report has not been submitted to any other University or Institution for the award of any Degree/Diploma/Certificate.
Signature of Guide Mr. M. Arun Kumar Assistant Professor GITAM Institute Of Management GITAM University
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project would not have been possible without the kind support of many individuals and the organization. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Abhishek Bhattacharya and Mr. Tapajith Chatterjee for their constant support and guidance and at the same time for providing me with the autonomy to make my own choices to complete this project.
My profound sense of gratitude to our principal Prof. K Siva Rama Krishna, Dean & Principal, Principal of GITAM Institute of Management for providing all necessary facilities to carry out my project successfully and for his co-operation extended to us.
I extend my gratitude to Mr. M. Arun Kumar, Assistant Professor, GITAM Institute of Management for his kind support, encouragement and for providing the guidance and cooperation as and when needed.
I owe an incalculable acknowledgement to Assoc. Prof. Leben Johnson Mannariat, Program Coordinator, Master of Business Administration, GITAM Institute of Management for his support and timely help.
I also thank all my family members and friends for their cooperation and encouragement during the project. Last but not the least I would also like to thank all the professionals who took time to answer my questions and gave honest feedback. Their contributions have been valuable.
CONTENTS S.NO. DESCRIPTION 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 HISTORY OF AMBUJA CEMENT
1.2 BRAND STORY
1.3 VISION, MISSION, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES OF THE ORGANIZATION
1.4 PROFILE OF THE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
1.5 CEMENT
1.6 INFLUENCER MARKETING
1.7 VARIOUS INITIATIVES BY AMBUJA CEMENTS
2 2.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.2 NEED OF THE STUDY 2.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 2.4 SCOPE OF STUDY 2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN 2.6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD 2.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 2.8 METHODOLOGY 3 3.1 ANALYSIS 3.2 FINDINGS
4 SUGGESTIONS
5 CONCLUSION
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY
7 ANNEXURE
1. INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPANY
Ambuja Cements Limited formerly known as Gujarat Ambuja Cement Limited, a part of a global conglomerate Holcim, is one of Indias leading cement manufacturers and has completed over 25 years of operations. Ambuja plays a key role in Indias development and its blueprint for the future. It has always stayed on the fast track to growth and has gone on to become a major player in the countrys cement sector. The company was founded by Narotam Sekhsaria in 1983 in partnership with Suresh Neotia. Global cement major Holcim acquired management control of Ambuja in 2006. The Company has also made strategic investments in ACC Limited. Ambuja has grown dynamically over the past decade. Its current cement capacity is 27.25 million tons. The Company has five integrated cement manufacturing plants and eight cement grinding units across the country. It is the first Indian cement manufacturer to build a captive port with three terminals along the countrys western coastline to facilitate timely, cost effective and environmentally cleaner shipments of bulk cement to its customers. The Company has its own fleet of ships. Today, the Company has established itself as one of the most efficient cement manufacturers in the world. Its environment protection measures are on par with the finest in the country. The Companys most distinctive attribute is its approach to business. Ambuja follows a unique home grown philosophy called I CAN, that gives people the authority to set their own targets and the freedom to achieve their goals. Its focus has been consistently on Quality (of the product) and Safety (of the human resources involved in the creation of the product).
1.1 HISTORY OF AMBUJA CEMENT
1981
Ambuja Cement was incorporated and was established as a joint venture between the public sector Gujarat Industrial Investment Corporation (GIIC) and Narottam Sekhsaria & Associate 1983 The company was rehabilitated into a public limited company 1985 The company set up a cement plant in technical collaboration with Krupp Polysius, Germany, Bakau Wolf and Fuller KCP 1991 The company got necessary approvals for setting up another cement plant with 1 million tonne capacity per annum at Himachal Pradesh 1997 The company started commercial production in Kodinar plant with an enhanced capacity 1998 The company set up a $20 million clinker Grinding unit in Sri Lanka 2005 The company set up a cement mill with a capacity of 80 TPH at Darlaghat and commenced commercial production. The company also set up new clinker capacity at Bhatapara in Chattisgarh and Rauri in Himachal Pradesh 2006 Global Cement Major Holcim, acquired management control of the company
2009 The company commenced commercial production at Bhatapara (Chattisgarh) 2010 The company commenced commercial production at Rauri (HP) and also inaugurated their cement plant (grinding unit) at Dadri, Uttar Pradesh 2011 The company made strategic investments in Dang Cement Industries Pvt. Ltd
1.2 BRAND STORY Ambuja Cements entered the industry in 1984 with a plan to set up a 700,000 ton per annum plant in Western India. The Company commenced production in two years against the industrys average of three years. Remarkably, it also enjoyed the lowest capital cost for a plant of this size in the country. Right from the start, Ambuja Cements recognized the uniqueness of the Indian market and the need to build a brand rather than be seen as a commodity. With a large segment of the market being retail in nature, the Company realized that any brand communication would need to be targeted at the end user in this case the average Indian home owner. Ambuja Cements quickly realized that it made sense to talk to them directly, but there was a problem. Cement has been traditionally treated as a commodity. Branding was virtually non- existent. The only differentiator between the manufacturers was the price. Ambuja Cements was faced with two choices. Sell as a commodity at the lowest price or create a brand and build loyalty. The Company found itself ideally suited to build a brand. It already had a product of higher and consistent quality than the markets were used to. Now it needed to create a distinct image. It chose to create an identity around the single most important attribute people looked for in cement: STRENGTH. A powerful visual symbol was built around this: the Ambuja Giant. The result is Ambuja Cement.
Ambuja Cement has always stood for Giant Strength. Over the years, this core value of the brand has been continuously reinforced. Ambuja has always focussed on two goals creating a world-class brand and delivering maximum efficiency from its plants. This approach has helped raise standards not just at Ambuja but also across the industry. Ambuja Cements was the first to grade its product. Before the arrival of Ambuja into the sector, cement was just cement. Quality and consistency took a back seat. Ambuja was the first to introduce 53-grade cement in the market. By benchmarking quality standards for the industry, Ambuja became the first cement company to receive the ISO 9002 quality certification. It has developed technology to produce cement of consistent quality from diverse raw materials available in different regions where its factories are located. This capability has helped in building customer confidence. The customer does not have to worry about the quality of cement when he buys Ambuja Cement. Ambuja Cements always took an innovative approach in all its achievements. In its earliest, most formative days it commissioned its manufacturing facilities in 12-19 months a time frame no one had ever heard of. By applying the mind to ways of reducing energy consumption, a primary expense, the company has been able to achieve one of the lowest operating costs in the industry. Another important decision that helped the Company was to reduce transportation cost by setting up grinding units and bulk cement terminals closest to some of the biggest cement markets in India. It also pioneered the innovative approach of using ships to transport bulk cement, a unique concept in the industry. Over time, two words have become inextricably interwoven into the companys lexicon, work culture and ethics:
1.3 VISION, MISSION, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES OF THE ORGANIZATION
a) Vision: To be the most sustainable and competitive company in our industry.
b) Mission & objective - Create Value for all : Delighted Customers Inspired Employees Enlightened Partners Energized Society Loyal Shareholders Healthy Environment
c) Strategies : Best customer support Most effective requirement-based & mandatory training for the employees Adoption of Eco-friendly process of production Strong wastage control & optimum utilization of resources Strong supply chain Maximum Safety Control measures
1.4 PROFILE OF THE PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Products:
Fig 1: Percentage share in total production
a) Portland Pozzalana cement (PPC): It is the most durable cement & fit for the environment. Production of PPC constitutes 85% of the total productions. PPC consists of 60-65% of clinker, 30-35% Fly ash & 5% of Gypsum. b) Ordinary Portland cement (OPC): Production of OPC constitutes 13% of the total productions. OPC consists of 90-95% of clinker & 5-10% of Gypsum c) IRST40 or 53S grade cement: It is used in production of railway sleepers. Production of IRST40 or 53S grade cement constitutes 2% of the total production.
Services:
a) Customer support b) Training for Masons c) Training for Contractors d) Architectural meet & training e) Engineers meet & training f) Training for Individual House Builder (IHB) g) Concrete testing service h) Instant Mix Proportioning i) Modular curing sheet service Replacing water with sheet after slab casting j) Planning & designing k) Architectural services 85% 13% 2% PPC OPC IRST40 1.5 CEMENT The term cement is commonly used to refer to powdered materials which develop strong adhesive qualities when combined with water. These materials are more properly known as hydraulic cements. Gypsum plaster, common lime, hydraulic limes, natural pozzalana, and Portland cements are the more common hydraulic cements, with Portland cement being the most important in construction. Cement was first invented by the Egyptians. Cement was later reinvented by the Greeks and the Babylonians who made their mortar out of lime. Later, the Romans produced cement from pozzalana, an ash found in all of the volcanic areas of Italy, by mixing the ash with lime. Cement is a fine grayish powder which, when mixed with water, forms a thick paste. When this paste is mixed with sand and gravel and allowed to dry it is called concrete. About ninety-nine percent of all cement used today is Portland cement. The name Portland cement is not a brand name. This name was given to the cement by Joseph Aspdin of Leeds, England who obtained a patent for his product in 1824. The concrete made from the cement resembled the color of the natural limestone quarried on the Isle of Portland in the English Channel. The balance of cement used today consists of masonry cement, which is fifty percent Portland cement and fifty percent ground lime rock. The first cement manufactured in the United States was produced in 1871 by David Saylor of Coplay, Pennsylvania. There are two types of raw materials which are combined to make cement: Lime-containing materials, such as limestone, marble, oyster shells, marl, chalk, etc. Clay and clay-like materials, such as shale, slag from blast furnaces, bauxite, iron ore, silica, sand, etc. It takes approximately 3,400 lbs. of raw materials to make one ton (2,000 lbs.) of Portland cement. The mixture of materials is finely ground in a raw mill. The resultant raw mix is burned in a rotary kiln at temperatures around 4482 degrees Celsius to form clinker. The clinker nodules are then ground with about 3 % gypsum to produce cement with a fineness typically of less than 90 micrometers.
Cement is one of the core industries and plays a vital role in the growth and development of a nation. The cement industry of India is the second largest producer in the world. The production of cement has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7 per cent to reach 272 million tonnes (MT) during FY 0613. The production capacity is expected to grow to 550 MT by FY 20. India's potential in infrastructure is huge. The country is expected to become the world's third largest construction market by 2025, adding 11.5 million homes a year to become a US$ 1 trillion a year market, according to a study by Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics. Notwithstanding its current position as one of the leaders in cement production, Indias riches in the sector remain somewhat untapped. Lafarge's India business has been very successful and the country is among the top 10 markets globally for Lafarge. But going forward, we should rank higher because of the potential of the Indian market, says Mr Martin Kriegner, CEO of the Indian branch of the worlds largest cement manufacturer, Lafarge. Market Size India is among the best cement markets in Asia, according to Switzerland-based cement major Holcim. The company operates in India through group companies ACC and Ambuja Cements. The Indian cement sector is expected to witness positive growth in coming years, with demand set to increase at a CAGR of more than 8 per cent during 201314 to 201516, according to the latest RNCOS report titled, Indian Cement Industry Outlook 2016. The report further observed, after analysing the regional trend of cement consumption, that the Southern region is creating maximum demand, which is expected to increase in future. I nvestments The cement industry has been expanding on the back of increasing infrastructure activities and demand from the housing sector over the past many years. According to data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), cement and gypsum products attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth Rs 13,370.32 crore (US$ 2.24 billion) between April 2000 and February 2014. Some of the major investments and developments in the Indian cement industry are as follows: Ambuja Cement, part of the Holcim Group, plans to invest Rs 802 crore (US$ 134.39 million) in 2014 in various ongoing projects. The company has proposed to fund the entire capex through internal accruals, as per Ambuja Cements annual report. Prism Cement Ltd has become the first Indian company to get the Quality Council of India's (QCI) certification for its ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant in Kochi, Kerala. The company received the certification from Institute for Certification and Quality Mark (ICQM), a leading Italian certification body authorised to oversee QCI compliance. After commissioning its first waste-heat recovery plant at Gagal in Himachal Pradesh, ACC plans to replicate the success at its cement plants in Wadi (Karnataka), Jamul (Chhattisgarh), Kymore (Madhya Pradesh) and Chanda (Maharashtra) with an investment of about Rs 360 crore (US$ 60.32 million). UltraTech Cement Ltd, Indias biggest maker of cement, plans to buy the local assets of Holcim Ltd and Lafarge SA. ACC plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore (US$ 501.16 million) in a capacity upgrade and expansion project at its Jamul plant in Chhattisgarh and its grinding unit in Jharkhand. UltraTech Cement, an Aditya Birla Group Company, has acquired the 4.8 million tonne per annum (MTPA) Gujarat unit of Jaypee Cement Corp for Rs 3,800 crore (US$ 634.81 million).
Government I nitiatives The housing segment accounts for a major portion of the total domestic demand for cement in India. The Government of India is strongly focused on infrastructure development to boost economic growth and plans to increase investment in infrastructure to US$ 1 trillion in the 12th Five Year Plan (201217). During the Plan, the industry is estimated to add a capacity of 150 MT. Some of the major initiatives taken by the Government of India to boost the Indian cement industry are as follows: An expert appraisal committee under the Ministry of Environment, Government of India, has given its approval to India Cements to double its capacity and set up a 40 megawatt (MW) power plant at one of its facilities in Tamil Nadu. The proposed expansion project will come up at Dalavoi in Ariyalur district. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of cement plants of Jaypee Cement Corporation Ltd, comprising an integrated cement unit at Sewagram and grinding unit at Wanakbori in Gujarat by Ultratech Cement Ltd. Giving impetus to green initiatives, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vasavadatta Cement, a company with its plant in Karnataka. The cement manufacturer will use the plastic waste collected from Goa as fuel for its manufacturing plant.
Road Ahead The cement industry in India is globally competitive as the industry continues to witness positive trends such as cost control, continuous technology upgradation and increased construction activities. Indias cement industry needs to nearly double its manufacturing capacity by 2025, according to a report titled Cement Vision 2025: Scaling New Heights by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The report highlights that an additional capacity of 330380 MT in cement and 240270 MT in clinker could be needed by 2025. This translates into an investment of close to Rs 300,000 crore (US$ 50.1 billion).
In addition, major cement manufacturers in India are also increasingly using alternate fuels, especially bioenergy, to fire their kilns. This is not only helping to bring down production costs of cement companies, but is also proving effective in reducing emissions. With the ever-increasing industrial activities, real estate, construction and infrastructure, in addition to the onset of various Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being developed across the country, there is a demand for cement.
1.6 INFLUENCER MARKETING Influencer marketing also known as Influence Marketing is a form of marketing that has emerged from a variety of recent practices and studies, in which focus is placed on specific key individuals (or types of individual) rather than the target market as a whole. It identifies the individuals that have influence over potential buyers, and orients marketing activities around these influencers. Housing sector which is also called Individual house builder constitute to 64% of sales for cement in India. The decision of which cement to buy is made by an individual house builder through various influencers like contractors, engineers, masons and dealers. Thus in order to increase the sale of our brand of cement to the individual house builder it is necessary to ensure that the influencers promote our particular brand when asked. Research proves that when an influencer is asked which cement is best, he/she will tell two to three brand names and the consumer ends up buying the first brand told by the influencer. So constant interaction with the influencer segment ensures that our brand will be the first name told when asked by an individual house builder.
1.7 VARIOUS INITIATIVES BY AMBUJA CEMENT
1) AMBUJA ABHIMAAN Ambuja Abhimaan is a Rewards Programme that acknowledges and rewards hard work, professional dedication and excellence, and seeks to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Ambuja Cements Ltd and its customers. It also offers a host of other benefits like soft skill training, communication and development workshops, etc. to nurture the professional skills of the customers.
2) NEEV ABHIYAN Construction Sector is one of the largest sectors after Agriculture sector for employment of unskilled / semi skilled workers. However, no formal training is provided to construction workers / masons. In view of this, we felt a great opportunity to contribute to the life of masons / construction workers by creating sustainable impact on their livelihood. Neev Abhiyan involves skill building of masons and contractors through a customized training course and certification for the betterment of the construction labor force and thereby the entire industry. Ambuja has developed different modules after assessing the needs of masons / contractors through intensive survey of the community 2 months duration module for construction workers, 1 months duration module for existing masons and short term mason training module for 2 to 3 days are developed. Similarly, a customized program of Project Management Approach is also developed for contractors. Customer Support Group of Ambuja Cements Ltd has developed the training module and imparts training to participants. Looking to the low literacy level of participants, many innovative ideas & different analogies were put to increase their involvement & to make subject interesting. They also incorporated various skill components for trainee like Capacity Building, Team Building, program on Health & Hygiene etc.
3) AMBUJA KNOWLEDGE CENTRE The Ambuja Knowledge Initiatives is an endeavor to seek the patronage and partnership of the AEC Community for the wonderful world of Cement and Concrete. It's ambition is to create a holistic resource basin on the subject of cement and concrete. It stems from Ambujas belief in the continuous evolution of architecture, engineering and the construction industries and thereby offering its professionals various platforms of information, inspiration and interaction. Its interactive resource will also aim to function as an experience centre that promotes and offers solutions for cement and concrete applications in construction.
2.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The objective of the project is to collect feedback from the influencers segment who has attended the Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative and to form a schedule which will meet the requirements of the professionals and also to market Ambuja Knowledge Centre among the influencer segment. The project was initiated with the preparation of a questionnaire which was formed to collect the preferences' of the professionals. The next step was analysis of the survey and preparation of the schedule of programs to be conducted in Ambuja Knowledge Centre. The third and final step is to market AKC and to create awareness about the program among the influencer segment.
2.2 NEED OF THE STUDY To understand the needs and preferences of the influencer segment and thus gaining the upper edge to instill the Ambuja brand name in the minds of the various influencer segments at various levels. This study is required to club together various individual likes and preferences thus helping to serve a wider audience of influencers.
2.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The objective of my study is to understand and analyze the feedback of influencers 1) What are the specific areas/ segments they would like to receive training which may add value to their career 2) What should be the duration of the training session 3) What are the preferred days for the training session
2.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
The benefits of the study is that it helped to gain knowledge and experience and also provided the opportunity to study and understand the true pulse of the industry and market.
2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN
Research is a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. The project is a systematic presentation consisting of the problem, formulated hypothesis, collected facts or data, analyzed facts and proposed conclusions in form of recommendations.
1. KIND OF RESEARCH- The research is done by exploratory research. This kind of research has the primary objective of development of insights into the problem. It studies the main area where the problem lies and also tries to evaluate some appropriate courses of action.
2. SAMPLE DESIGN- A complete interaction and enumeration of all the influencers of Ambuja Cements was not possible so a sample was chosen to interact with the influencers
2.6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD
The methodology adapted in collecting information from a sample size of 50 respondents by using simple random sampling technique, in order to analyze and interpret the respondents opinions and views with respect to the initiative by Ambuja cement to tap the influencer segment. The entire study is based on both the primary data and Secondary data.
Primary data: The primary data are collected from the respondents (influencers) of the study directly to know their opinion. 1) Questionnaire: A Questionnaire has been prepared and distributed among the respondents (influencers).
2) Interview: Personal Interview and interaction with the respondents.
3) Observation: By observing the working environment and various internal and external factors affecting it.
Secondary Data: The secondary data is that which have been already collected by some one or else which have been passed through statistical data can be categorized into two broad categories named published and unpublished statistics. By going through the various records. By going through feedback forms of earlier programs conducted by Ambuja knowledge centre.
2.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
As the study revolves around system of the organization and in spite of keeping serious and sincere efforts there are several limitations. There are as follows.
Confidentiality matter restricts for an in depth study. Personal Bias of the respondent and their busy schedule also was a limiting factor in the collection of the data. The perception bias or attitude of the respondents may also act as hurdle to the study. Some of the employees had not co-operated in filling up and answering the questionnaire. 2.8 METHODOLOGY
1st Stage Designing an effective questionnaire that serves the purpose of the survey 2nd Stage Have one to one discussion with the professionals and get their feedback 3rd Stage Documentation of collected data 4th Stage Analyzing of the the collected data to create the schedule 5th Stage Create awareness about Ambuja Knowledge Centre among potential influencers 3.1 ANALYSIS
1.DID YOU GAIN ANY KNOWLEDGE IN ATTENDING THE AKC PROGRAM? Yes No 40 0
Interpretation: It was found that 100% of the influencers who were interviewed gained knowledge in attending the knowledge gaining initiative by Ambuja Knowledge Centre. Feedback: The interviewed influencers felt that knowledge gaining is the key to being on top of the game in their field of work.
100% 0% Yes No
2.WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEND THE TRAINING SESSION AGAIN? Yes No 39 1
Interpretation: It was found that 97% of the influencers who were interviewed would like to attend the training session again Feedback: The interviewed influencers felt that it helped them in attending the knowledge gaining initiative by ambuja cements
97% 3% Yes No
3. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC AREAS/SEGMENTS WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE TRAINING WHICH MAY ADD VALUE TO YOUR CAREER Structure of the building Concrete mix design Project Management Conrete Technology New Construction Techniques 13 3 3 8 7
Interpretation: It can be seen that majority of the people are interested to gain knowledge in structure of the building, concrete technology and also in new construction techniques. Feedback: Upon interview it was told that they lacked training in basic functionalities in construction upon which cost can be optimized
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Structure of the building Concrete mix design Project Management Conrete Technology New Construction Techniques
4. What should be the duration of the training session? 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours 4 hours 6 hours 5 7 16 9 1
Interpretation- It can be seen that majority of the interviewee's prefer the training session to be from 3 to 4 hours. Feedback- The professionals wanted three to four hours of quality training which will add value to their career.
5. What is the preferred day for the training session? Weekdays Weekends Forenoon 0 12 Afternoon 8 20
Interpretation- From the survey it was noticed that professionals preferred afternoon session during weekends for the training session to be held by Ambuja Cements. Feedback- The professionals felt that the session won't be effective if kept during weekday as the stress they experience is high.
6. WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENROL YOURSELF IN A VIRTUAL CLUB OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS FROM YOUR FIELD? Yes No 39 1
Interpretation- It can be seen that 97% of the respondents are interested to be part of the virtual club of industrial professionals. Feedback- Professionals felt that being part of such a club will help them gain more exposure and thus attain more knowledge.
97% 3% Yes No 3.2 FINDINGS
It was found that 100% of the influencers who were interviewed gained knowledge in attending the knowledge gaining initiative by Ambuja Knowledge Centre.
It was found that 97% of the influencers who were interviewed would like to attend the training session again
It can be seen that majority of the people are interested to gain knowledge in structure of the building, concrete technology and also in new construction techniques.
It can be seen that majority of the interviewee's prefer the training session to be from 3 to 4 hours.
From the survey it was noticed that professionals preferred afternoon session during weekends for the training session to be held by Ambuja Cements.
From the survey it was understood that AKC initiative by Ambuja Cements was a step towards knowledge gaining for the professionals as 100% of the respondents of the survey had felt so.
From the survey it can be understood that professionals feel that the training session should be conducted by some eminent personality which will help the professionals gain knowledge.
It can be seen that 97% of the respondents are interested to be part of the virtual club of industrial professionals.
4 SUGGESTIONS
While interacting with final year Civil and Architecture student who are potential influencers in future, it was understood that more students will come forward to Ambuja Knowledge Centre initiative if a certificate was provided for them for each workshop.
Increase in promotion of AKC initiative should be done to increase the reach of the program.
From the survey done it was understood that the AKC initiative can be changed to a paid knowledge gaining platform as the demand for such a program in the construction industry is very high and the supply is low.
5 CONCLUSION
The Ambuja Knowledge Initiatives is an endeavor to seek the patronage and partnership of the AEC Community for the wonderful world of Cement and Concrete. It's ambition is to create a holistic resource basin on the subject of cement and concrete. It stems from Ambujas belief in the continuous evolution of architecture, engineering and the construction industries and thereby offering its professionals various platforms of information, inspiration and interaction. Its interactive resource will also aim to function as an experience centre that promotes and offers solutions for cement and concrete applications in construction. .
Ambuja Knowledge Centre aspires to create a holistic resource basin on the subject of cement and concrete. It stems from Ambujas belief in the continuous evolution of architecture, engineering and construction industries, thereby offering its professionals various platforms of information, inspiration and interaction. Its interactive resource will also aim to function as an experience centre that promotes and offers solutions for cement and concrete applications. Its another way of giving it back to the community and, in the process enriching it.
QUESTIONNAIRE 1
1) Are you aware of the AKC initiative by Ambuja Cement?
Yes No
2) Would you like to attend an AKC training program?
Yes No
3) Are there any specific areas/segments where you would like to receive training which may add value to your career?
4) Would you recommend any eminent personalities for the lecture session conducted by us?
5) What should be the length of a training session?
6) What is the preferred timing for scheduling the program?
I. Weekdays Weekends
II. Forenoon Afternoon
7) Do you think the AKC initiative is a step towards knowledge gaining for professionals and would add value to you?
Yes No
8) If not, what are your recommendations to make the program more helpful to you?
9) Would you like to enroll yourself in a virtual club of industry professionals from your field?
Yes No
QUESTIONNAIRE 2
1) Are you aware of AKC initiative by Ambuja cement?
Yes No
2) How did you come to know about AKC?
3) In case you have attended AKC, when was the last date and on what topic?
4) Did you gain any knowledge by attending the AKC program? Yes No
5) Would you like to attend the training session again?
Yes No
6) Are there any specific areas/segments where you would like to receive training which may add value to your career?
7) Would you recommend any eminent personalities for the lecture session conducted by us?
8) What should be the duration of the training program?
9) What is the preferred timing for scheduling the program?
III. Weekdays Weekends
IV. Forenoon Afternoon
10) Would you like to enroll yourself in a virtual club of industry professionals from your field?