Interview Prepration Kit - IIM Udaipur
Interview Prepration Kit - IIM Udaipur
Interview Prepration Kit - IIM Udaipur
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARKETING 01
CONSULTING 20
OPERATIONS 39
ANALYTICS 49
FINANCE 62
ECONOMICS 84
INTERVIEW TOPICS 95
GENERAL AWARENESS 105
INTERVIEW TIPS 139
MARKETING
BY MARCLAN
THE MARKETING CLUB OF IIM UDAIPUR
01
MARKETING
What is Marketing?
What is Sales?
The selling concept takes an inside-out perspective. It starts with the factory,
focuses on the company’s existing products, and calls for heavy selling and
promotion to produce profitable sales.
02
MARKETING
What is a Product?
A product is anything that can be offered to a market for attention, acquisition,
use, or consumption.
What is a Service?
An act of performance that one party can offer to another that is essentially
tangible and does not result in the ownership of anything. Its product may or
may not be tied to a physical product.
03
MARKETING
What is Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning?
Product: These are the goods and services for sale. The customer considers
the product's design, quality, features, and functionality.
Price: The amount the customer needs to pay to purchase the product.
Discounts, payment returns, and credit periods are considered in the
process.
04
MARKETING
Place – These are the distribution, channel, and logistics methods in which
the product reaches the customer. It includes the location of the process.
Promotion – It is the act of creating awareness of the product in the minds
of the consumer. It involves persuading consumers to customers through
advertisement, sales promotion, personal selling, and Direct Marketing.
The threat of new entrants: The ease with which new companies can
enter and compete with existing firms. This is affected by factors like entry
barriers, high capital requirements, government regulations, or brand
loyalty.
Bargaining power of suppliers: The ability of suppliers to exert pressure
on businesses by raising prices or reducing the quality of inputs. This is
affected by factors like the concentration of suppliers, the availability of
substitutes, and the switching costs for businesses.
Bargaining power of buyers: The ability of buyers to exert pressure on
businesses by demanding lower prices or higher quality products or
services. This is affected by factors like the concentration of buyers, the
importance of the purchase to the buyer, and the availability of substitutes.
Threat of substitutes: The availability of products or services that can
satisfy the same customer needs as the existing products or services. This
can put pressure on businesses to lower prices or innovate.
Competitive rivalry: The intensity of competition between existing firms in
the market. This is affected by factors like the number of competitors, the
level of product differentiation, and the market's growth rate.
05
MARKETING
Develop strong relationships with suppliers to reduce their bargaining
power.
Offer differentiated products or services to reduce the bargaining power of
buyers.
Develop new or improved products or services to avoid the threat of
substitutes.
Reduce costs and improve efficiency to compete more effectively with rivals.
1. Customer – Determine the needs and from which clients you’re trying to
satisfy. A few research areas can be market segments, frequency of purchases,
the number of purchases, retail channels, and customer needs, depending on
trends over time.
06
MARKETING
2. Company – Determine if your company is in a position to meet those
customer needs. For example, whether your company has the right product line
and technical expertise. An excellent tool to find out your company’s strengths
and weaknesses is the “SWOT” analysis.
Strengths: innovative products, expertise, and procedures
Weaknesses: lack of knowledgeable technical support or average product
quality
Opportunities: a new international market or a market led by a weak
competitor
Threats: a new competitor or price war
To be prepared for this question, you should check out a few of the latest ads.
Ads with a social message are easy to explain and analyse because it is obvious
why you like them.
07
MARKETING
Explain - Pure monopoly, Oligopoly, Monopolistic competition, Pure
Competition.
08
MARKETING
Moment Marketing News and Current Affairs
https://www.marketingweekly.in/post/a-brief-and-curious-enquiry-into-
moment-marketing?cid=b3049fd3-231d-403d-ae1d-2fe610c0bdb7
https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/marketing/spotlig
ht-2020-emerging-marketing-trends/80039204
https://www.marketingweek.com/marketing-weeks-top-news-stories-of-
2020/
09
MARKETING
What is Influencer Marketing?
We always looked up to certain individuals and wished to be like them. With the
advent of social media, this urge has increased more than ever. These
individuals influence our perspective, lifestyle, and habits. Such entities are
known as Influencers, and the marketing tactic that leverages their position and
engagement for the growth of a company or promotion of a product, brand or
service is known as influencer marketing. This is one of the most important
types of digital marketing strategy.
Types of Influencers:
Telemarketing
Email marketing
Text marketing
Direct mail
Kiosk marketing
Direct selling
Social media marketing
Brochures
10
MARKETING
Digital Marketing Strategies
11
MARKETING
Trending Marketing Concepts
12
MARKETING
Trending Marketing Concepts
13
MARKETING
Trending Marketing Concepts
Influencer Marketing: Building a positive and strong brand image is crucial for
creating a seamless connection in consumers’ minds. Brands collaborate with
individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media
platforms. These influencers promote the brand’s products or services to their
audience, leveraging trust and authenticity. Key details include:
14
MARKETING
Recent Digital Marketing Concepts
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Brands explored AR and
VR technologies to create immersive user experiences. This trend was
particularly prominent in industries like retail and entertainment.
15
MARKETING
Recent Digital Marketing Concepts
Ansoff Matrix
Purpose: Developed by Igor Ansoff, the matrix is designed to help businesses
identify growth opportunities by looking at products and markets.
Components:
Market Penetration: Focuses on selling existing products to existing
markets. Strategies may involve increasing market share, expanding
customer base, or increasing product usage.
Market Development: Involves introducing existing products to new
markets. This could include entering new geographical locations or targeting
different customer segments.
Product Development: Concentrates on creating and launching new
products for existing markets. The aim is to attract existing customers with
new offerings.
Diversification: Involves introducing new products to new markets. This is
considered the riskiest option but has the potential for high rewards.
16
MARKETING
BCG Matrix (Boston Consulting Group Matrix):
Components:
Stars: High market share and high growth rate. These are products with
high potential that require significant investment.
Cash Cows: High market share but low growth rate. These products
generate more cash than is needed for maintenance, providing funds for
other products.
Question Marks (or Problem Children): Low market share but high growth
rate. These products may become stars or phased out if growth doesn't
occur.
Dogs: Low market share and low growth rate. These products may not
generate much revenue and must be considered for divestment.
SWOT Analysis
Purpose: SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
It is a comprehensive tool used to analyze an organization's internal strengths
and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.
Components:
Strengths: Internal factors that give the organization an advantage over
others. This could include a strong brand, skilled workforce, or advanced
technology.
Weaknesses: Internal factors that may place the organization at a
disadvantage. These could be a lack of resources, outdated technology, or
poor management.
Opportunities: External factors that the organization could leverage for its
benefit. Opportunities may include market trends, emerging technologies,
or changing consumer preferences.
Threats: External factors that could pose a risk to the organization. Threats
may come from competition, economic downturns, or regulatory changes.
17
MARKETING
Consumers vs Customers?
The terms "consumer" and "customer" are often used interchangeably, but they
don't always refer to the same entity. In essence, consumers use products, while
customers are the ones making the purchase. Generally, your marketing efforts
should focus on the customer rather than the consumer. For instance, consider
a small business manufacturing children's games or toys. Although children are
the actual users or consumers, they are not the customers. In this case, the
customers are the parents who buy the products for their children. Consumers
represent just one subgroup of customers. Take the example of an oven – if a
restaurant purchases it to make bread for patrons, the restaurant is a customer,
not a consumer. On the other hand, if you buy a stove to make bread for you
and your children at home, you are the consumer in this scenario.
Some marketing examples you can talk about in your interview, along
with some talking points to help you shine
18
MARKETING
3. Old Spice's "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" Campaign:
Launched in 2008, Old Spice's "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign
took a humorous approach to targeting a younger male audience. The ads
featured Isaiah Mustafa, a former NFL player, in a series of vignettes that played
on traditional stereotypes of masculinity. This campaign was successful because
it was funny, unexpected, and relatable. It broke away from the usual tropes of
men's deodorant advertising and made Old Spice seem cool and approachable.
The campaign also went viral online, further boosting its reach and impact.
19
CONSULTING
BY CONSULTU
THE STRATEGY AND CONSULTING CLUB
OF IIM UDAIPUR
CONSULTING
Some Important Concepts
About Consulting
Let's define Consulting according to the Oxford dictionary, which says, "Engaged
in the business of giving expert advice to people working in a specific field." In
other words, a consultant is someone who advises a specific group of people.
A consultant has some level of expertise that a group of people find valuable,
and people within that group are willing to pay the consultant to access their
knowledge.
Suppose the consultant is someone who gives advice. Then, the question is, why
do people need guidance, and why are they willing to pay for it?
People ask for advice because they want to change something, attain
something, or become something.
That's why people want advice, to get to a certain point, but they don't know
how to get there. They are either facing obstacles or can't overcome them.
The true meaning of consulting is helping people solve problems and move
from their current state to their desired state. The more valuable that desired
state is to someone, the more they are willing to pay for help in getting there.
21
CONSULTING
Why do people hire Consultants?
There are three main reasons people decide to bring outside advice:
1. They are unable to figure it out or get to their desired state on their own.
2. They have a general idea, but they want to get there faster.
3. They want to save time and effort by following an efficient and proven
system.
When someone says, "I'm a consultant," they will typically fall into one of three
categories.
22
CONSULTING
3. Independent Consulting: When someone has developed expertise in an
area, they choose to build and run their own business around that expertise.
23
CONSULTING
2. Financial Advisory Consulting: This segment generally works on questions
that address financial capabilities and, in many cases, the analytical capabilities
within an organization. A financial consultant often works with a company's CFO
or the strategic consultant to help the business align its financial goals (e.g.,
overhead costs, return on investments, profit margins, etc.) with strategic goals.
4. Marketing Consulting: Whether you need a new logo for your company, a
new market position for one of your brands, a new social media strategy to
interact with your customers, or planning and implementing a marketing
strategy, a marketing consultant helps in all marketing aspects of a firm's
business.
6. Others: This includes consulting groups that are not commonly practiced and
can be classified as "Small Shops".
Real Estate Consulting
Engineering Consulting
Design Consulting
Pharma Consulting
Petro Consulting
Sustainability Consulting
PR Consulting
24
CONSULTING
Top Players
25
CONSULTING
Skills required by a Consultant
How will an MBA help you bag your dream consulting role?
1. An MBA can help you bridge the gap between your professional experience
and consulting opportunities.
2. MBA programsimmediately connect you to a priceless networkof people
who are investedin your success.
3. The MBA internship programimproves your chancesof landing your ideal
full-timeconsulting position. During the internship, you will have the
opportunity to work in your desired role and hone the necessary skills.
4. Provide you with numerousopportunities to learn,expand your horizons,
and transform.
26
CONSULTING
Tools and Methodologies for Consulting
There are seven business frameworks that can be used across disciplines to
answer some of the most common business questions:
27
CONSULTING
(https://online.visual-paradigm.com/knowledge/strategic-analysis/what-is-ohmaes-3c-model/)
2. Porter's 5 Forces
Power is a key element in you and your client's success. To sustain profitability
and a competitive position, you want to balance the power in your favour.
Porter's Five Forces is a valuable tool in helping you to understand both the
power of your current competitive position and the planned position.
(https://yourfreetemplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Porter%E2%80%99s-five- forces-
e1552181129804.png)
28
CONSULTING
Porter's five forces are:
1. Competition in the industry
2. Potential of new entrantsinto the industry
3. Bargaining power of suppliers
4. Bargaining power of customers
5. The threatof substitute products
Key Takeaways
Porter's Five Forces is a framework for analyzing a company's competitive
environment.
The number and power of a company's competitive rivals, potential new
market entrants, suppliers, customers, and substitute products influence a
company's profitability.
Five Forces analysis can be used to guide business strategy to increase
competitive advantage.
3. SWOT Matrix
The SWOT Analysis framework is used to evaluate the Strengths (S), Weaknesses
(W), Opportunities (O), and Threats(T) of a venture or a project.
29
CONSULTING
SWOT analysis, a pivotal tool in strategic planning, assesses an organization's
internal Strengths and Weaknesses and external Opportunities and Threats. It
scrutinizes positive attributes and challenges internally, while externally
evaluating growth opportunities and potential risks. This comprehensive
evaluation empowers businesses to make informed decisions, leverage
strengths, address weaknesses, seize opportunities, and mitigate threats for
strategic success.
4. PESTEL Analysis
PESTEL analysis is like a simple checklist covering politics, the economy, society,
technology, the environment, and the law. It gives a clear picture of what's
happening outside the business, helping to foresee problems, spot chances, and
make smart decisions that fit the current business vibe.
Political Factors: Think about how government policies and stability might
influence the business—like taxes, trade rules, and political conditions.
Economic Factors: Consider the economic climate and trends, such as
inflation, exchange rates, and whether the economy is growing or not. This
helps in anticipating financial challenges and opportunities.
Social Factors: Look at society—demographics, cultural trends, and
people's attitudes. This helps understand what customers like, how they
behave, and any shifts in society that could affect the business.
Technological Factors: Check out the tech scene. What new gadgets or
innovations could impact the industry? This helps in staying competitive and
adapting to technological changes.
Environmental Factors: Consider eco-friendly practices and environmental
trends. This involves looking at sustainability, environmental rules, and how
green the business operations are.
Legal Factors: Think about laws and regulations that affect the business.
This includes making sure the business complies with rules, understanding
industry-specific regulations, and spotting legal opportunities or challenges.
30
CONSULTING
5. BCG Matrix
The BCG Growth-Share Matrix provides a framework for deciding how to use
resources. It is also helpful in assessing each product or business unit'sability to
generate profit continuously.
(https://www.business-to-you.com/bcg-matrix/)
31
CONSULTING
The BCG growth-share matrix breaksdown products into four categories:
Question Marks: High Growth, Low Market Share (Uncertainty)
Dogs: Low Growth, Low Market Share (Less Profitable)
Stars: High Growth,High Market Share(High Competition)
Cash Cows: Low Growth, High Market Share (Most Profitable)
6. McKinsey 7S
The McKinsey 7S Framework is an excellent tool to help you find and fix internal
organizational problems.
(https://www.intology.co.uk/the-mckinsey-7s-framework)
32
CONSULTING
McKinsey 7S Framework is a strategic planning tool designed to help an
organization understand if it is set up in a way that allows it to achieve its
objectives.
Before the advent of the 7S Model, when managers thought about
organizational design, they tended to focus on structure and strategy. They
thought about who is responsible for what, who reports to whom, how many
layers of management should be there, and how to beat the competition.
It is used for:
Organizational change
Mergers and acquisitions
Implementation of a new strategy
Understanding the weaknesses (blind spots) of an organization
7. MECE
(https://www.caseinterview.com/mece)
33
CONSULTING
Benefits of using a Business Strategy Framework
A business framework can analyze and guide decisions for your client and your
own business. For example, the 3C Model can help you develop a competitive
strategy for your client or can be applied to develop a social media marketing
plan for your personal brand.
There is no one best framework, and often you may find that you are using
multiple frameworks in your client's work. Frameworks save you time by
providing a starting point for information gathering and analysis, but remember,
your expertise and common sense is the most powerful framework you have.
These tools are time-savers, but your business insight will ultimately deliver
value to your client.
34
CONSULTING
Guesstimate Questions
35
CONSULTING
Guesstimate Problem Solving Approach
1. Understand the Question: Clearly grasp what the problem is asking and
note any given information.
2. Break It Down: Identify key components and simplify the problem into
smaller parts.
3. Assumptions: Make logical assumptions and state them clearly.
4. Use Benchmarks: Relate the problem to something familiar for easier
estimation.
5. Round Numbers: Simplify calculations by rounding for practicality.
6. Logical Reasoning: Apply common sense and logic to arrive at an estimate.
7. Verify and Adjust: Check the reasonableness of your estimate and refine if
needed.
8. Clear Communication: Clearly explain your assumptions and the steps
taken to arrive at the estimate.
In guesstimate problems, it's not about getting the exact answer. Instead, it's
about showing how you solve problems in a step-by-step way and giving a
sensible and explainable guess.
36
CONSULTING
Interview Questions
37
CONSULTING
Typical Business Problems
A tech startup is growing rapidly, but it's having trouble retaining customers.
How would you handle this situation?
Traffic to a client's website has suddenly decreased. How would you identify
and resolve the problem?
My marketing department is burning money. I need to reduce costs without
affecting performance and sales in any way.
An organization that provides financial services wishes to use AI and
machine learning to enhance its offerings. Which potential uses come to
mind?
I want to introduce my product/service in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Build
a roadmap and entry/launch strategy.
Other Sources:
https://www.mbopartners.com/blog/how-grow-small-business/top-business-
frameworks/
https://www.bcg.com/en-in/about/our-history/growth-share-matrix
https://fourweekmba.com/3c-model/
https://expertprogrammanagement.com/2018/05/pest-analysis/
https://www.consultancy.in/career/types-of-consultants
https://www.consulting.com/what-is-consulting-definition
38
OPERATIONS
BY SKEIN
THE OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN CLUB
OF IIM UDAIPUR
OPERATIONS
Operations Management
40
OPERATIONS
Advantages
1. Push Strategy:
41
OPERATIONS
2. Pull Strategy:
Pull Policy is based on customer orders. It helps the company generate the
number of required items. In business, production and distribution depend on
demand. An example of a pull strategy is McDonald's, where they prepare
burgers after receiving an order.
Scheduling
Chase Strategy: Companies that use the chase strategy, or demand matching
strategy, produce only enough goods to meet the demand for goods or match
that demand.
42
OPERATIONS
Why do manufacturers/organizations hold inventory?
Throughput Time/ Flow Rate: Measures the number of flow units that move
through the process in the given unit of time.
The processing time for each activity is shown. So, the throughput time is the
total time it takes to manufacture 1 cubic meter of concrete
43
OPERATIONS
Make-to-Order: Companies using a make-to-order strategy produce goods
after the customer has placed an order. Most often, a company that produces
one-of-a-kind goods uses the make-to-order strategy.
Inventory Management
What is Inventory?
44
OPERATIONS
Cycle Time: There are two types of cycle time- one that can be calculated for
each process involved in production and the other that can be calculated for the
entire concrete production. Both the cycle times are dependent on the process
capacity (how many units can be produced in an hour. In this case, the unit will
be 1 cubic meter).
Batching 4 45 secs
Mixing 2 60 secs
Dispatch 2 45 secs
The cycle time of each station is the average amount of time it will take to
produce 1 cubic meter of concrete as output. Assuming each station can carry
out one process at a time, the process time is divided by the number of
workstations. For example, mixing takes 120 secs per 1 cubic meter of concrete
produced. But since there are 2 stations available, 1 cubic meter of concrete can
be produced in 60 seconds of cycle time.
Bottleneck: The bottleneck is the slowest cycle time (longest cycle time) in the
process and it determines the rate at which the entire system can produce
concrete. In other words, the bottleneck, determines the capacity for the entire
manufacturing. In the above example of concrete manufacturing, the mixing
process is the bottleneck.
45
OPERATIONS
Just-in-Time
The just-in-time (JIT) inventory system is a management strategy that aligns raw-
material orders from suppliers directly with production schedules. Companies
employ this inventory strategy to increase efficiency and decrease waste by
receiving goods only as they need them for the production process, which
reduces inventory costs. This method requires producers to forecast demand
accurately.
For example, some retailers now use the JIT method to streamline the delivery
process. For example, a company that markets office furniture but does not
manufacture it may order the furniture from the manufacturer only when a
customer makes a purchase. The manufacturer delivers it directly to the
customer. The retailer has saved the cost of storing inventory.
Six Sigma
The table below demonstrates the number of defects per million at different
sigma levels. Sigma represents the population standard deviation, which is a
measure of the variation in a data set collected about the process. If a defect is
defined by specification limits separating good from bad outcomes of a process,
then a six-sigma process has a process mean (average) that is six standard
deviations from the nearestspecification limit. This provides enough buffer
between the process's natural variation and the specification limits.
46
OPERATIONS
Trending Topics in Supply Chain
47
OPERATIONS
It emphasizes minimizing waste, reusing materials, and recycling throughout the
entire supply chain life cycle. This approach aims to reduce the environmental
impact by promoting product design for longevity, efficient resource utilization,
and responsible disposal. Circular Supply Chain fosters a closed-loop system
where products and materials are continuously cycled, reducing the need for
virgin resources and decreasing the overall ecological footprint. Companies
adopting this model prioritize environmental responsibility, cost savings, and
resilience in the face of resource scarcity, contributing to a more sustainable and
circular economy.
4. Cloud-Based Solutions
48
ANALYTICS
BY TECHNALYTICS
THE ANALYTICS AND IT CLUB
OF IIM UDAIPUR
ANALYTICS
What is GenAI (Generative AI)?
GenAI has found applications in various fields like content creation, art, natural
language generation, and scientific research. Its ability to produce creative and
relevant outputs has significantly improved areas where generating new
content is crucial. However, as with any technology, it should be used ethically,
avoiding potential biases and deploying responsibly.
Overview of Generative AI: https://generativeai.net/
Impact of AI in business: https://www.gartner.com/en/topics/generative-ai
Applications of Generative AI
50
ANALYTICS
Will there be layoffs because of Generative AI?
Explain the digitization of the economy and the pivotal role played by UPI
payments.
51
ANALYTICS
Why Are There Layoffs in Tech Companies?
Layoffs in tech companies can result from various factors, including changes in
business strategies, economic downturns, mergers or acquisitions, technological
shifts, or organizational restructuring. Automation and technological
advancements can lead to job redundancies, prompting companies to
streamline their workforce. Additionally, market competition and the need for
cost efficiency can drive companies to make strategic decisions regarding their
workforce.
Deep Learning, a specific technique within ML, revolves around training multi-
layered neural networks, often called "deep networks," using extensive datasets.
Drawing inspiration from the structure and functionality of the human brain,
these neural networks prove particularly adept in tasks such as image and
speech recognition. What sets deep learning apart is its ability to autonomously
learn features from data, eliminating the need for manual feature engineering.
52
ANALYTICS
Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a network of
interconnected devices, vehicles, appliances, and other physical objects
embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity. This network
enables these objects to collect and exchange data, fostering seamless
communication and intelligent decision-making. IoT applications span various
domains, including smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare, and
agriculture.
Digital Marketing: Digital marketing involves the use of digital channels, such
as websites, social media, email, and search engines, to promote products or
services. It leverages online platforms to reach a target audience, build brand
awareness, and drive customer engagement. Digital marketing strategies
include search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media
marketing, and online advertising.
What is digital marketing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bixR-KIJKYM
53
ANALYTICS
Agile: Agile is an iterative and flexible approach to software development that
emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and customer feedback. It involves
breaking down the development process into small, incremental cycles called
sprints, allowing teams to respond quickly to changing requirements. Agile
methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, prioritize customer satisfaction,
teamwork, and continuous improvement.
What is Data Analytics? What are its different types and applications?
54
ANALYTICS
Data Analysis Steps
Cloud Computing
55
ANALYTICS
Cloud Service Deployment Options
Public Cloud: This is the most common type, where cloud resources are
handled and delivered to users/organizations via the internet by a third-party
provider. The third party provides all hardware and software capabilities.
Advantages: Cost-effective, no separate maintenance charges, high
reliability.
Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud platform offers benefits like increased flexibility,
diverse deployment options, enhanced security and compliance, and
maximizing existing infrastructure. Businesses can easily adjust their on-
premises infrastructure to the public cloud during fluctuating demand without
sharing all their data with third-party data centers. This allows combining public
cloud innovation with keeping sensitive data on-premises to meet compliance
requirements or client needs. Additionally, this approach avoids large capital
expenditures for short-term demand spikes and frees up local resources for
critical data or applications, as companies only pay for temporary resource
usage.
56
ANALYTICS
Tech trends - 2023
Quantum Computing
57
ANALYTICS
5G Technology
Extended Reality (XR) encompasses both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented
Reality (AR), creating immersive experiences for users. VR places users in an
entirely virtual environment, often through headsets, providing a sense of
presence in a computer-generated world. AR, on the other hand, overlays digital
information into the real world. XR technologies find applications in gaming,
education, healthcare, and enterprise, enhancing training simulations,
architectural visualization, and entertainment experiences.
58
ANALYTICS
Edge Computing Evolution
Edge Computing involves processing data closer to the generation source rather
than relying on a centralized cloud infrastructure. This evolution addresses the
need for real-time processing and reduces latency in various applications. Edge
Computing finds applications in IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, and smart
cities. By enabling faster decision-making at the network's edge, Edge
Computing enhances efficiency and responsiveness, particularly when quick
data processing is critical.
Big Data
Big Data refers to the vast volume of structured and unstructured data
generated by organizations, individuals, and devices. Managing and analyzing
big data presents challenges due to its sheer volume, velocity, and variety.
Advanced analytics tools and technologies enable organizations to derive
valuable insights from big data, aiding decision-making, identifying trends, and
predicting future outcomes. Big data applications span various sectors,
including healthcare, finance, marketing, and scientific research.
Data Mining
Data Mining involves extracting valuable patterns and knowledge from large
datasets using computational techniques. It encompasses various methods,
such as clustering, classification, and association rule mining, to uncover
meaningful information hidden within data. Data mining is crucial in business
intelligence, helping organizations identify trends, customer behavior, and
predictive patterns. It is a fundamental process in deriving actionable insights
from complex datasets.
Content Creation by AI
AI-driven content creation uses artificial intelligence algorithms to generate
written or spoken content, such as text, images, or videos. This innovative
application of AI extends to tasks like summarizing articles, composing music, or
generating visual art. Content creation by AI finds utility in diverse fields, from
automating content generation for websites and social media to assisting artists
and writers in their creative processes. Notable examples include language
models like ChatGPT, Bard, and Adobe Firefly, which can produce coherent and
contextually relevant content based on input prompts.
59
ANALYTICS
FAQs
9. Can you provide an example of a business or industry where the effective use
of analytics and technology has resulted in a competitive advantage?
10. How would you approach a company struggling to adopt new technologies
due to employee resistance?
11. What factors should a company consider When selecting a cloud service
provider? Please describe the relevant parameters.
12. Discuss a specific project or experience where you applied analytics to solve
a complex problem. What were the outcomes?
13. In your opinion, what role does data privacy play in the ethical use of
analytics? How would you address concerns related to data privacy in a business
setting?
60
ANALYTICS
FAQs
14. Given the rapid advancements in technology, how do you stay updated with
the latest trends and innovations in analytics and business technology?
15. If you were to lead a team working on implementing a new analytics tool for
a company, what factors would you consider to ensure a successful
implementation?
16. Describe a situation where you had to make a data-driven decision. What
challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
17. How do you see artificial intelligence impacting the business landscape in
the next five years, and what opportunities or challenges do you foresee?
18. Discuss when you had to communicate complex analytical findings to a non-
technical audience. How did you ensure effective communication and
understanding?
21. Considering your interest in technology and analytics, how do you plan to
leverage your MBA education to bridge the gap between business and
technology in your career?
23. What is agile? How did agile practices contribute to the project's success, and
what challenges did you encounter?"
61
FINANCE
BY FINOMINA
THE FINANCE CLUB OF IIM UDAIPUR
FINANCE
What is Finance?
Finance is a broad term describing the study and system of money, investments,
and other financial instruments. Bonds, Stocks, Derivatives, and Mutual Funds
are examples of financial instruments.
What is Accounting?
Example: You take a loan of 1 crore; 1 crore gets added to the assets side as
cash, which you received from the lender(s). And one crore gets added to the
liabilities side as a loan you took from the bank. The same goes for all
transactions. The equation is always balanced.
63
FINANCE
Domains of Finance Banking
The banking industry handles money, credit, and other monetary exchanges
and offers investment accounts, authentications of stores, and financial records.
Banks utilize these stores to make credits. These advances incorporate home
loans, business credits, and vehicle advances. Business banks offer types of
assistance to private people and organizations. Retail banking gives executives,
people, and families credit, store, and cash.
Web banking offers these types of assistance through the Internet. The area is
additionally called E-banking, internet banking, and net banking. Most banks
presently offer online administrations. Since they have no branches, they can
pass cost reserve funds onto the buyer.
Insurance
Life insurance is a sector with tremendous growth potential – that is how the life
insurance sector is referred to, due to the low insurance penetration and
density in the country among its comparable peers, which is visible with
premium growth at a CAGR of 18% since last year for FY ended 2023 in India.
64
FINANCE
Portfolio Management
Capital appreciation
To maximize Returns on Investment (ROI)
Risk optimization
Career Opportunities:
Types of Business:
65
FINANCE
Sole Proprietorship: A business owned and run by one person for their
benefit. The business's existence is entirely dependent on the owner's
decisions.
Partnership: Refers to a business owned by a minimum of 2 and a
maximum of 50 people. There are two types - General partnerships (do not
require a formal agreement, but all partners' liability is unlimited) and
Limited partnerships (require a formal agreement and partners' debt can be
limited).
Company: It's a separate legal entity from its owners. A private limited
company has a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 200 shareholders. A public
limited company can have as many shareholders as possible.
Limited Liability Company: Similar to a limited partnership, an LLC
provides owners with limited liability while giving some of the income
advantages of a partnership.
The capital market involves trading financial instruments like equity, public
sector bonds, and mutual funds units. Capital markets are composed of the
suppliers and users of funds. Capital markets are mainly composed of primary
and secondary markets. The stock market and Bond market are the most
common capital markets.
66
FINANCE
Forex, also known as F.X. or Foreign exchange market, is an over-the-counter
global marketplace. The foreign exchange market determines the currency's
exchange around the world. Forex is the largest financial market in the world,
which works 24 hours a day. The trade of currency always takes place in pairs.
Hence, one currency's value will be relative to the value of another currency in
the pair. The most liquid trading pair is EUR/USD.
Financial Statements
Financial statements are formal records of the financial activities and position of
a business, person, or other entity. The three primary financial statements are
the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
The Balance Sheet shows the position of the business at a particular point in
time. It shows the company's assets, liabilities, and equity. In a balance sheet,
Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity.
Cash Flow Statement measures how well a company generates cash to pay its
debt obligations, fund its operating expenses, and fund investments. It helps
stakeholders understand how the company's operations run and where it gets
and spends money. The cash flow statement has three sections that report cash
flow for three different activities - Operating Activities, Investing Activities, and
Financing Activities.
67
FINANCE
Financing Decisions: These decisions have to do with the source of funds. A
corporation can raise money from lenders or shareholders. Overall, the
financing choices available to large corporations are endless, and the related
decisions are financing decisions.
Dividend Decisions: The profits after tax can be distributed to the
shareholders or retained by the firm. These decisions related to the
appropriation of profits after tax are dividend decisions.
68
FINANCE
Some
All development developmental costs
Development Cost costs are expensed are expensed, and
out under GAAP. others are
capitalized.
Extraordinary and
Such items come
unusual amounts
Income Statement under income
are shown below net
statements.
income.
69
FINANCE
Business Cycle
Expansion: Expansion is the first stage in the business cycle. This stage
depicts an increase in positive economic indicators like income, output,
employment, and profits.
Peak: The economy reaches its upper saturation point, i.e., peak. The peak
is the second stage of the business cycle. The economic indicators do not
increase any further and are at their highest.
Recession: The recession is the next stage. The demand starts falling
rapidly, and all the positive economic indicators, like income, output,
employment, etc., begin to fall.
Depression: The next stage is Depression, which indicates a commensurate
rise in unemployment. The growth in the economy in this phase continues
to decline.
Trough: In the Trough Stage, there is further decline until the positive
indicators reach their lowest point. It is the negative saturation point for the
economy.
Recovery: After reaching its negative saturation point, the economy comes
to the stage of recovery. The economy has a positive attitude, and positive
indicators have increased.
70
FINANCE
Follow-on Public Offering (FPO) is the issuance of shares by a company listed
on a stock exchange. The company issues additional shares after an Initial Public
Offering (IPO) to raise more capital to expand or to pay off the debt. Companies
use FPO to diversify their equity base. FPOs are also known as secondary
offerings.
71
FINANCE
Technical Indicators: These indicators are heuristic or mathematical
calculations based on price, volume, or open interest of security used by traders
who follow technical analysis. They predict as well as confirm the trends.
Examples of Technical Indicators are Simple Moving Average (SMA), Relative
Strength Indicator (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, Moving Average Convergence
Divergence (MACD), etc.
Types of Shares
Preference Shares: It carries the following two preferential rights over holders
of equity shares.
Preferential right with respect of dividends at a fixed rate or a fixed amount
Preferential right in respect of repayment of capital in the event of winding
up
Equity Shares: Those not preference shares are known as equity shares.
Members holding equity shares carry voting rights. The rate of dividends is not
fixed.
Primary Market: The primary market is where the bond or new stock is sold
for the first time.
72
FINANCE
Market Capitalization: It refers to the market value of a company's
outstanding shares of stock. It is calculated by multiplying the total number of
the company's outstanding shares by the market price of its share.
Net Worth: Net worth refers to the difference between the assets and liabilities
of the company. It presents a snapshot of the company's current financial
position.
Bonds
It refers to the unit of corporate debt issued by the company. Long-term debt
security enables firms to borrow money for a fixed period at a fixed rate by
multiple lenders.
Coupon: It is the annual interest payment that the bondholder receives from
the date of bond issue till its maturity.
Zero-Coupon Bond: It refers to the debt security that does not pay any interest
but trades at a deep discount, offering full face value at maturity. The difference
between the face value and the price of a zero-coupon bond indicates the
investor's return.
There are 3 Golden Rules of Accounting. To understand the three golden rules,
one needs to have an understanding of the three types of accounts, which are:
73
FINANCE
1. Real Accounts: These accounts are recorded in the ledger as Assets or
Liabilities. The balances of these accounts are not closed at year-end, and
the balance amount remaining is carried forward to the next year. Ex.
Building a/c of a business
2. Personal Accounts: These are recorded as accounts belonging to
individuals, firms, and associations. Ex. Creditor a/c: creditor of a business
3. Nominal Accounts: Ledger accounts of all incomes, expenses, losses, or
gains. Ex. Interest a/c
Based on the above accounts, there are three golden rules to be followed when
recording any transaction:
#1 For a real a/c: Debit what comes in, credit what goes out
#2 For a personal a/c: Debit the receiver, credit the giver
#3 For a nominal a/c: Debit all expenses and losses, credit all incomes and gains
Discounting
The time Value of Money is a concept that states that the same amount of
money will have a higher value today than in the future. The reason behind
money having higher value is its ability to earn interest. As money can be
deposited in a bank to earn interest or invested in assets (Real Financial) to earn
a return, any amount is worth more the sooner it is received.
74
FINANCE
How is TVM calculated?
FV = Future value of money PV = Present value of money i = Interest rate
n = Number of compounding periods per year t = Number of years
Based on these variables, the formula for TVM is: FV = PV x [ 1 + (i / n)](n x t)
Net present value (NPV) is the difference between the present value of cash
inflows and the present value of cash outflows over some time. NPV is used in
capital budgeting and investment planning to analyze a projected project's
profitability.
75
FINANCE
Annuity
An annuity is an equal and equal time interval of cash flows made over a
predetermined period. Annuities can be used for various purposes, but the
most common is providing a steady income for retirees.
The formula for the present value of an ordinary annuity, as opposed to an
annuity due (where the cash flows are made at the end of the year), is below.
(An ordinary annuity pays interest at the end of a particular period rather than
at the beginning, as with an annuity due.)
PV = PMT× {1 - (1 / (1+r)n )} ÷ r
where:
PV = Present value of an annuity stream PMT = Money value of each annuity
payment
r = Interest rate (also known as the discount rate)
n = Number of periods in which payments will be made
Perpetuity
76
FINANCE
NPAs impose financial burdens on the lender; a large number of NPAs over
some time can suggest to regulators that the bank's financial health is at risk.
NBFC
Corporate Governance
77
FINANCE
Arbitrage
Diversification
Mutual Funds
When a company takes over another company, it becomes the new owner,
called an Acquisition. From a legal viewpoint, the target company ceases to exist;
the buyer controls the business. The buyer's stock continues to be traded while
the target company's stock ceases to trade.
A Merger is the voluntary fusion of two companies into one new legal entity. The
firms that agree to merge are roughly equal in size, customers, scale of
operations, etc. Mergers are mostly done to gain market share, reduce
operational costs, expand to new territories, unite common products, and
increase profits - all of which should benefit the firms' shareholders.
78
FINANCE
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
RBI is India's central bank, the only bank authorized to plan, prepare, and
implement monetary policy for India. The primary objective of RBI is to maintain
price stability by keeping inflation in check. It also ensures the consistent growth
of the economy while making decisions. RBI issues currency and also exchanges
or destroys currency not fit for circulation. RBI is known as the 'bank of all banks'
because it regulates all banks in India.
SEBI, also known as the Security Exchange Commission of India, is the regulator
and controller of India's capital markets. The stock market, Money market, etc.,
fall under the bracket of the capital market. SEBI primarily works for the
investors' best interest to maintain their confidence in the market by ensuring
many checks and balances to maintain transparency. SEBI was given statutory
power under the SEBI Act, 1992, on 30 January 1992.
Basel Norms
Basel Norms are the international standards issued by the Basel Committee
that aim to deal with banking regulations and were established to strengthen
the banking system worldwide. The committee was established in 1974 and
included central bank governors of ten countries to solve the issues regarding
the regulatory framework of financial institutions.
Basel I
Basel is the first accord issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
(BCBS) in Basel, Switzerland. The accords were first established in 1988 and deal
with the minimum capital requirements for banks. The main aim of these norms
is to minimize the risks associated with financial institutions, which include the
credit risks that occur when a borrower from the bank cannot repay his loan.
79
FINANCE
Basel II
The Basel II accord was first published in June 2004 and has devised rules
regarding cash that have to be maintained by financial institutions to
compensate for their operations as well as other liquidity risks. This norm is the
second in the series of accords issued by the Basel Committee on Banking
Supervision (BCBS). The Basel II norms were added to the Basel I norms to
accommodate deeper models for calculating regulatory capital. These norms
suggested mandating the financial institutions to hold more capital,
corresponding to the risks associated with the institution.
Minimum Capital Requirement: It deals with the regulatory capital for the
bank, which will compensate for the credit risk, market risk, and regulatory
risk associated with the bank.
Supervisory review: This pillar works as a regulator for pillar I and provides
a framework to deal with systematic, liquidity, and legal risks associated with
the bank.
Market discipline: It mandates the institution to provide information
relating to the institution to the investors and the various stakeholders. This
pillar helps them to establish the capital sufficiency of the financial
institution.
Basel III
These norms were published in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008.
These were first published in November 2010 and were scheduled to be
introduced in 2013; however, it was extended to 31 March 2019. The accord
deals with the problems faced during the financial crisis. It aims to strengthen
the bank's capital requirements by increasing its liquidity and decreasing the
financial leverage associated with the banks.
80
FINANCE
Topics in Finance
81
FINANCE
PI Questions
82
FINANCE
Preparation Tips or Potential Interview Questions:
1. Read financial statements from the company's annual reports in which you
were working if you have work experience.
2. Pick any sector and thoroughly prepare on the growth, investments, key
financial parameters used in the sector analysis, and recent current affairs.
3. Be clear with the basic concepts, especially if you have a
commerce/economics background. Financial statements, capital budgeting
methods, and financial ratios are important topics. Be clear with
depreciation, amortization, tangible and intangible assets, and other basic
accounting terms. You should be able to answer everything if your basics
are clear.
4. Must study Financial Crisis 2008 and recent M&A deals in India.
5. If you are sure that Finance is the domain you would like to choose, please
be sure to be clear about various career opportunities in Finance and your
preference among them.
6. Have a basic understanding of SENSEX, NIFTY, and stock markets.
7. How did the COVID-19 pandemic boost monopolization and market power?
83
ECONOMICS
BY PIE
THE ECONOMICS CLUB OF IIM UDAIPUR
ECONOMICS
What is Economics?
Economics is the study of what drives human behavior, which leads to decisions
made in times of affliction or success. Using scientific methods, economics helps
allocate scarce resources to ensure efficiency in today’s world. It is of special
importance to business students because businesses rely on economics for
product research and development, marketing, purchase and resource
allocation, and many other strategic decision-making strategies. Understanding
these is vital for any business to operate efficiently, drive out competitors, and
succeed. In short, studying economics develops your competencies and
transferable skills, such as critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving,
research, numeracy, and communication.
85
ECONOMICS
Types of economies
State Economy: It is the economy where the state solely makes decisions
regarding production, distribution, supply, and price.
Mixed Economy: It is an economy where the state controls some elements, and
the market regulates the rest. In other words, it combines the capitalist
economy and the state economy.
Supply curve: It represents the relationship between the quantity of goods that
producers are willing to sell and the price of the goods.
Influencing factors: Production costs (e.g., raw materials and labor costs),
technological progress, the level of competition and number of
sellers/producers, and regulations.
Equilibrium: It is the state in which market supply and demand balance each
other, and as a result, prices become stable. Generally, an over-supply of goods
or services causes prices to go down, which results in higher demand, while an
under-supply or shortage causes prices to go up, resulting in less demand. The
balancing effect of supply and demand results in a state of equilibrium.
86
ECONOMICS
What is Money?
National Income: National Income is the monetary value of all the final services
and goods produced in an economy during a given period. There are four ways
to calculate a country's income: GDP, NDP, GNP, and NNP, also a subject in
‘National Income Accounting’.
GDP: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the value of all the final goods and
services produced within the nation's boundary during one year. GDP is one of
the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a country's economy.
One of the ways to calculate GDP is by expenditure method:
GDP= C+ I +G + NX Where,
C: all private consumption or consumer spending in a nation's economy
G: the sum of government spending.
I: the sum of all the country's business's spending on capital
NX: the nation's total net exports, calculated as total exports minus total
imports. (NX = Exports- Imports)
NDP: Net Domestic Product (NDP) is the GDP minus the depreciation of the
goods and services produced.
GNP: Gross National Product is the summation of a nation's GDP and the
nation's income from outside of the nation. GNP indicates both the quantitative
and qualitative aspects of the economy.
NNP: Net National Product (NNP) is the GNP minus the depreciation of the
economy. This is the National Income of the Nation.
87
ECONOMICS
Real v/s Nominal GDP
The main difference between real and nominal values is that real values are
adjusted for inflation while nominal values are not. Generally, for a country with
positive inflation, nominal GDP will often appear higher than real GDP.
Nominal GDP = Pt * Qt
P refers to the price, Q is the quantity, and t indicates the year (usually the
current year).
Real GDP = Pb * Qt
Where b denotes the base year.
GDP Deflator: It is the measure of price behavior. It is the ratio of GDP at its
current price and GDP at a constant price, i.e., Nominal GDP to Real GDP
88
ECONOMICS
Types of Policies
Fiscal Policies: The government of a country uses fiscal policies to control its
revenues and expenditures to achieve economic objectives. The two principal
instruments of Fiscal policy are taxation and government spending. The changes
in the above two components are expected to bring out a difference in the
aggregate demand, savings, investments, and income distribution. Fiscal policy
can be contractionary or expansionary in nature.
89
ECONOMICS
Reverse Repo Rate: Reverse repo rate is the rate at which a country's
central bank borrows money from commercial banks within the country. It is
a monetary policy instrument that can be used to control the money supply
in the country. An increase in the reverse repo rate means that commercial
banks will get more incentives to park their funds with the RBI, thereby
decreasing the money supply in the market.
Bank Rate: This is the rate at which RBI lends money to banks or financial
institutions. The Bank rate signals RBI's long-term view of the economy and
outlook for interest rates. If the bank rates were to increase, banks would
increase lending rates to their customers to maintain their profit margins.
Open Market Operations: It refers to the selling and purchasing of
treasury bills and government securities by any country's central bank to
regulate the money supply in the economy.
Taxes
Direct Taxes: As the name suggests, these are taxes directly paid to the
government by the taxpayer. It is a tax directly applied to individuals and
organizations by the government, e.g., income tax, corporation tax, wealth tax,
etc. A direct tax cannot be shifted to another individual or entity. The individual
or organization upon which the tax is levied is responsible for fulfilling the tax
payment.
90
ECONOMICS
Indirect Taxes: These are applied to manufacturing or selling goods and
services. These are initially paid to the government by an intermediary, who
then adds the amount of the tax paid to the value of the goods/services and
passes on the total amount to the end user. It can also be defined as a tax that
increases the price of a good so that consumers are paying the tax by paying
more for the products. Examples are sales tax, service tax, excise duty, etc.
Unlike direct taxes, indirect taxes can be shifted from one taxpayer to another.
Deficit
91
ECONOMICS
GST
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive tax levy on the
manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services at a national level. A
tax credit mechanism collects this tax on value-added goods and services at
each stage of sale or purchase in the supply chain. The system allows the set-off
of GST paid on the procurement of goods and services against the GST, payable
on the supply of goods or services. However, the end consumer bears this tax as
he is the last person in the supply chain.
GST will likely improve tax collections and boost India's economic development
by breaking tax barriers between States and integrating India through a uniform
tax rate. (Source: http://gstindia.com/)
The Balance of Payments shows the country’s transactions with the rest of the
world. It notes inflows and outflows of money and categorizes them into
different sections. The balance of payments, also known as the balance of
international payments, encompasses all transactions between a country's
residents and non-residents involving goods, services, and income; financial
claims on and liabilities to the rest of the world; and transfers such as gifts. The
different sections of the Balance of Payments are:
92
ECONOMICS
Current Account Deficit: A measurement of a country's trade in which the
value of goods and services it imports exceeds the value of goods and
services it exports. The current account includes net income, such as
interest and dividends, and transfers, such as foreign aid. However, these
components comprise a smaller percentage of the current account than
exports and imports. A current account deficit represents negative net sales
abroad. Developed countries like the United States often run current
account deficits, while emerging economies often run account surpluses.
Balance of Trade
The difference between a country's imports and exports is called the balance of
Trade. The balance of trade is the largest component of a country's balance of
payments. Debit items include imports, foreign aid, domestic spending, and
domestic investments abroad. Credit items include exports, foreign spending in
the domestic economy, and foreign investments in the domestic economy. A
country has a trade deficit if it imports more than it exports; the opposite
scenario is a trade surplus.
93
ECONOMICS
Important Personalities
Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor
Nirmala Sitharaman: Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs
Piyush Goyal: Minister of Commerce and Industry
Narayan Tatu Rane: Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Ashwini Vaishnaw: Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and
Information Technology
Raj Kumar Singh: Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy
Claudia Goldin: Nobel Prize in Economics (2023)
Abhijit Banerjee: Nobel Prize in Economics (2019)
Amartya Sen: Nobel Prize in Economics (1998)
Adam Smith: Father of Modern Economics
John Keynes: Father of Macroeconomics
94
INTERVIEW TOPICS
BY DHRUVA
THE HR CLUB OF IIM UDAIPUR
INTERVIEW TOPICS
1. Global Economic Trends:
The world economy is constantly in flux, with factors like trade disputes,
geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements creating a dynamic
landscape. Understanding these trends is vital for businesses to navigate risks
and opportunities. For MBA aspirants, grasping these concepts is key to
formulating global strategies.
Further reading on IMF: (https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO)
The pandemic has catalyzed change, forcing businesses to pivot and innovate.
Remote work, e-commerce, and digital transformation have accelerated, and
understanding these shifts is crucial for emerging business leaders.
McKinsey insights on COVID-19:
(https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-
finance/our-insights/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-future-of-organizations)
96
INTERVIEW TOPICS
5. Innovations in Financial Technology (Fintech):
The gig economy is redefining the concept of work, emphasizing flexible hours
and autonomous employment. This shift presents new challenges and
opportunities for labor markets and organizational structures.
Brookings on the gig economy:
(https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-gig-economy-current-knowledge-and-
open-issues/)
In our digital world, data privacy and cybersecurity are increasingly critical.
Businesses must navigate the complexities of protecting customer data while
harnessing its value.
Cisco on cybersecurity:
(https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-cybersecurity.html)
97
INTERVIEW TOPICS
9. Trade Agreements and Globalization:
Trade agreements shape the flow of goods and services across borders,
impacting economies and industries. MBA candidates need to understand how
these agreements influence global business practices.
98
INTERVIEW TOPICS
Some other topics:
How has the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global economy and the role
of remote work?
Discuss the implications of the recent US-Iran conflict on international trade
and oil prices.
What are the major points of the Union Budget 2022, and how might they
affect the Indian economy?
Explain the significance of the LIC IPO and its impact on the Indian stock
market.
Analyze the economic and political consequences of the abrogation of
Article 370 in India.
Discuss the rise of gig economy and its impact on traditional employment
models.
Evaluate the current state of the Indian banking sector in light of the recent
bank fraud cases.
How do mergers and acquisitions, like the Zomato-Uber Eats deal, reshape
industry competition?
What are the strategic implications of India opting out of the RCEP
agreement?
Can you explain the concept of a cashless economy and India's readiness for
this transition?
How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in workplaces influence job
roles and skills requirements?
Assess the current trends in upskilling and digital education for remote
workforces.
What is the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in today’s business
environment?
Explain the economic rationale behind India's "neighborhood first" foreign
policy.
Discuss the strategic importance of Air India and the implications of its
potential privatization.
99
INTERVIEW TOPICS
How has the role of HR evolved in the post-COVID world, especially in terms
of employee well-being and performance?
What are the potential benefits and risks associated with the
implementation of 5G technology in India?
How does climate change pose a threat to global economic stability and
what measures are being taken to mitigate it?
Discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit for Indian
businesses.
Analyze the significance of data privacy and cybersecurity in the current
digital era.
What are the economic effects of international trade wars, especially
between the US and China?
Discuss the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the automobile industry and
environment.
Explain the current state of India's agriculture sector and the impact of
recent farm bills.
How does the rising trend of social entrepreneurship contribute to
sustainable development?
What role does the World Trade Organization (WTO) play in regulating
international trade disputes?
Evaluate the implications of the current inflation rate on the monetary
policies of India.
Discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its feasibility in the
Indian context.
How are startups leveraging fintech to disrupt traditional banking models?
What is the current status of women's empowerment in corporate India?
Assess the impact of digital currencies and blockchain technology on the
financial sector?
100
INTERVIEW TOPICS
PI Questions
101
INTERVIEW TOPICS
Describe your ideal work environment.
Have you applied to other business schools?
What are your plans for after graduation?
What are your salary expectations?
Do you have any ethical concerns about the business world?
For entrepreneurship: Describe your entrepreneurial experience and vision.
Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client or colleague.
Describe a situation where you had to persuade others to accept your point
of view.
How do you handle conflict in a team setting?
Give an example of a time you demonstrated creativity and innovation.
Can you describe a situation where you exceeded expectations for a
project?
Tell me something about yourself in brief.
Tell me about your background.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How did Covid-19 affect your life?
How did you utilize your time during the lockdown?
You have changed jobs/jumped ship too many times already. Why so?
What is your greatest fear?
If I call up your current or previous reporting manager, what will their
opinion be about you?
What was your worst argument? How did you resolve it?
Did you ever have a conflict with your current/previous boss or professor?
What did you do in the last year to improve your knowledge?
Explain the difference between group and team. Are you a team player?
What is the most difficult thing that you have ever accomplished?
What is the difference between hard work and smart work?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself as a leader?
Tell me about your short-term and long-term goals.
What motivates you?
What are you passionate about?
What are your biggest achievements to date?
What has been one of your failures, and what’s learning?
102
INTERVIEW TOPICS
HR Trends of 2024
https://www.peoplematters.in/article/hr-technology/capgemini-to-amagi-
industry-leaders-reveal-major-hr-tech-trends-of-2024-39877
In the coming year, human resources (HR) functions are expected to integrate
generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), invest in technology enhancing the
employee experience, and incorporate advanced predictive analytics and skills
technologies, as indicated by HR industry analysts, practitioners, and thought
leaders interviewed by SHRM Online. HR leaders are anticipated to embrace
technologies that not only enhance regulatory compliance but also contribute to
making more effective and quicker talent decisions, ultimately redefining how
work is approached within their organizations.
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/technology/hr-tech-trends-2024
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2024/01/04/the-top-ten-hr-trends-
that-matter-most-in-2024/?sh=2a77bb69e747
103
INTERVIEW TOPICS
In 2023, significant trends brought about transformative changes in work
environments, influenced by the persistent pandemic, the prevalence of hybrid
work models, and the rapid pace of digital transformation. The year 2024 is
expected to sustain this trajectory, ushering in even more profound shifts that
will impact the way we work, collaborate, and lead. Within this evolving
landscape, HR is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring organizational success
by focusing on strategic priorities that prioritize both employee well-being and
performance.
https://hrsea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/talent-
management/navigating-the-three-key-priorities-for-hr-in-2024/106645801
104
GENERAL AWARENESS
106
GENERAL AWARENESS
Overall System Stability
Indian financial system, while stable, faces increased global uncertainty.
Continuous monitoring is recommended for detecting undue risk build-up.
Emphasis on prudent management of exposures and building financial
buffers to address potential challenges.
Ownership Structure
Merged IDFC First Bank to have no promoter entity, fully owned by
institutional and public shareholders, similar to HDFC Bank.
107
GENERAL AWARENESS
RBI Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) Meeting Highlights –
December 2023
108
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy Rates at a Glance
Repo Rate: 6.50%
Standing Deposit Facility Rate: 6.25%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
Bank Rate: 6.75%
Fixed Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
Statutory Ratios
CRR: 4.50%
SLR: 18%
Sector Status
The manufacturing sector remains in expansion for the 30th consecutive
month (index above 50), despite the softer pace of growth.
Business Confidence
Despite softer increases in orders and output, business confidence for the
upcoming year strengthened.
International Orders
21st consecutive increase in international order receipts for Indian goods
producers.
Gains from clients in Asia, Europe, and North America.
109
GENERAL AWARENESS
Challenges
Growth is hampered by fading demand for certain products, marking the
slowest expansion pace since October 2022.
Market Impact
Nifty 50 gained 5.52% in November and 7.94% in December.
Best monthly performance since July 2022.
The highest annual FPI purchases will be in the final two months 2023.
291.68 billion rupees directed towards high-weightage financials, propelling
the financial services index 7.14% higher to a new all-time high.
110
GENERAL AWARENESS
Business and Economics Current Affairs
111
GENERAL AWARENESS
Business and Economics Current Affairs
112
GENERAL AWARENESS
Business and Economics Current Affairs
IDFC Gets Clearance From CCI To Merge With IDFC First Bank
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of
Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) with IDFC First Bank. The
merger between the development finance institution and the private lender
received approval from the board of directors of IDFC and IDFC First Bank on
July 3. This merger follows the recent merger of HDFC with HDFC Bank on July 1.
As of June 30, 2023, IDFC possessed a 30.93% stake in IDFC First Bank through a
nonfinancial holding company. Both parties intend to complete the merger
within the current fiscal year, with an agreed-upon share exchange ratio of
"155:100," entailing that shareholders will receive 155 shares of IDFC First Bank
for every 100 shares of IDFC.
113
GENERAL AWARENESS
Business and Economics Current Affairs
114
GENERAL AWARENESS
Business and Economics Current Affairs
The Impact
This will enable millions in rural India who face constraints like lack of internet
connectivity, smartphones, and digital literacy to enter the domain of digital
payments with the limited resources available to them.
115
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
PM Modi hailed the passage of new criminal justice bills as a historic moment,
replacing colonial-era laws with modern codes focused on public service and
welfare. These bills scrap outdated sections on sedition and modernize legal,
policing, and investigative systems. He emphasized their protection for
vulnerable groups and crackdown on serious crimes, ushering in a new era of
justice in India's "Amrit Kaal."
The passage of these bills was not without controversy. Amidst protests and
demands for discussions, 151 Opposition MPs were suspended for creating a
ruckus in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The MPs had gone into the well of
the House protesting lax security in the Parliament after multiple activists had
disrupted the proceedings earlier. The Opposition leaders alleged that the
suspension was meant to stifle debate and facilitate the passage of the new
bills.
The revised criminal laws redefine specific offenses and introduce stricter
penalties for crimes like terrorism, mob violence, and threats to national
security. Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out that ‘terrorism’ was defined for
the first time within these laws. This focus on addressing contemporary
challenges underlines the intention to bring the legal system into the 21st
century.
116
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
UPI Transactions Grow 46% Year on Year in November, Eclipsing Neft And
Debit Card Usage
According to official data released on December 18th, the number of UPI
transactions in November showed a 54% increase compared to the same period
last year, while the total transaction value experienced a growth of 46%. UPI's
remarkable success as a payment and settlement platform has come at the
expense of two other popular channels: the NEFT (national electronic fund
transfer) platform and debit cards. NEFT exhibited a growth rate of 17.5%, less
than half of UPI's pace, while debit card transactions contracted by 6.6% year-
on-year in October. Regarding the settlement amount, debit card transactions
only accounted for a third of the amount settled through UPI that month.
Beyond being extensively used in financially savvy urban centers, UPI is gaining
traction in semi-urban and rural areas. A report by PayNearby, a branchless
banking and digital network, revealed that UPI transactions at semi-urban and
rural stores increased 118% and 106%, respectively, in volume and value. This
underscores the expanding adoption of UPI beyond tier-II regions in the
country.
117
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
In collaboration with state drug inspectors, the Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation (CDSCO) has undertaken these inspections as part of an extensive
nationwide initiative to crack down on spurious and substandard medicines.
118
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
119
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
Electrification Milestones
With a target to electrify the entire network by 2023, the initiative is
anticipated to result in annual energy savings of USD 1.55 billion.
As of February 2023, 85% of the broad-gauge network has been electrified.
Six zonal railways have achieved complete electrification, making strides
toward the 100% electrification goal.
The 100% electrification mission successfully covered 6,542 rail kilometers
during 2022-23. More than 1,000 stations have transitioned to solar power.
120
GENERAL AWARENESS
Policy News
Modernization Initiatives
The plan includes manufacturing 400 new-generation Vande Bharat trains
over the next three years.
Kavach aims to bring 2,000 km of the railway network under its purview in
2022-23.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, sanctioned for USD 14.27
billion, marks a significant leap in modernization.
Wi-Fi services have been commissioned at 6,089 railway stations.
Freight Operations
Ambitious targets aim for 2,024 MT freight loading by 2024.
Notably, 1,512 MT was loaded during 2022-23, surpassing the previous fiscal
year's record of 1,418 MT.
The PM Gati Shakti cargo terminals plan to develop 100 terminals for
multimodal logistics within the next three years.
Future Projections
Envisioning 12 billion annual passengers by 2031.
Anticipating an annual freight demand of 8 million tons in 2031.
Aspiring to be recognized as the largest green railway network globally.
Aspires to secure the position of the fourth-largest rail freight carrier on the
global stage.
121
GENERAL AWARENESS
Science and Technology News
Deepfakes
Deepfakes are synthetic or manipulated media presentations, usually video or
audio that can make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they
never did.
Highly realistic: Utilizing sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques,
deepfakes can convincingly mimic facial expressions, voice patterns, and
body movements, blurring the line between reality and fabrication.
Potential for misuse: Deepfakes can be used for malicious purposes like
spreading misinformation, tarnishing reputations, or influencing elections.
This requires responsible creation and consumption of such content.
Evolving technology: The technology behind deepfakes is constantly
improving, making it even harder to distinguish them from genuine media.
It's crucial to remain vigilant and develop strategies for verification.
Applications beyond manipulation: Deepfakes can also be used for
creative purposes like filmmaking, education, and entertainment, pushing
the boundaries of storytelling and enriching user experiences.
Ethical considerations: As this technology evolves, it's important to discuss
and establish ethical guidelines for deepfake creation and use, safeguarding
against harmful applications, and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
Artificial Intelligence
AI mimics human intelligence: machines that learn, solve problems, and
understand the world, impacting from healthcare to self-driving cars. It's
evolving fast, and we shape its ethical future.
Challenges - AI's smarts can bias, confuse, hack, displace, and raise
dilemmas. We must navigate data shadows, trust fewer decisions, and job
market fears, all while shaping the future of ethical AI. It's a learning curve
with big stakes.
122
GENERAL AWARENESS
Science and Technology News
Food Fortification
"Food fortification" refers to adding essential vitamins and minerals to
commonly consumed foods. It's a powerful tool to combat hidden hunger and
micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in populations with limited access to
diverse diets. Here are some key points:
Benefits
Reduces deficiencies: Fortifies staple foods like flour, salt, and oil with
micronutrients like iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc, addressing deficiencies
that can cause health problems like blindness, anemia, and stunting.
Public health impact: Improves overall population health by preventing
deficiencies and their associated illnesses, boosting development and
cognitive function.
Cost-effective: Fortification is a relatively inexpensive intervention with
significant long-term benefits compared to treating deficiencies.
Challenges
Accessibility: Reaching vulnerable populations requires effective
distribution and awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas.
Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring programs and nutritional intake is
crucial to assess effectiveness and adjust strategies.
Sustainability: Ensuring reliable funding and infrastructure is essential for
the long-term success of fortification programs.
Peace Prize
Nargges Mohammadi: Renowned Iranian human rights activist who has
fought tirelessly for women's rights and against the death penalty, often at
great personal risk. Her ongoing imprisonment has sparked debate and
renewed global attention to her cause.
123
GENERAL AWARENESS
Nobel Prize 2023
Physics
Anton Zeilinger and Alain Aspect: Pioneered groundbreaking research on
entangled photons, revealing their remarkable quantum properties and
paving the way for advances in quantum communication, computing, and
materials science.
John Clauser: Contributed significantly to the understanding of entangled
particles and their implications for fundamental physics, further solidifying
the principles of quantum mechanics.
Chemistry
Carolyn Bertozzi and Morten Meldal: Revolutionized chemical synthesis by
developing "click chemistry," a powerful and versatile toolbox for rapidly and
efficiently connecting molecules with applications in pharmaceuticals,
materials science, and drug discovery.
Karl Barry Sharpless: Developed the concept of "click chemistry"
independently, contributing significantly to this transformative field and its
diverse applications.
Medicine or Physiology
James Allison and Tasuku Honjo: Made groundbreaking discoveries in
immunotherapy, understanding how the immune system recognizes and
attacks cancer cells. Their work led to the developing of life-saving cancer
treatments that harness the body's defenses.
Chandrayaan-3
124
GENERAL AWARENESS
Chandrayaan-3
Aditya L1
Aditya L1, India's maiden solar mission, has had a successful journey, reaching
its destination and beginning to probe the mysteries of our closest star.
125
GENERAL AWARENESS
Aditya L1
To provide ease of entry to private firms into the space-tech sector, the Indian
National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has taken the
initiative by inviting bids for the Transfer of Technology of SSLV to private
players. The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of
up to 500 Kg to a circular orbit of 500 Km.
Industry Reaction: The move is being lauded by many and is seen as the dawn
of a new era in the Indian Space sector. Unlike the global scenario where the
private players are at the forefront of the space sector, India has taken a more
conservative approach till now. This initiative can act as a cornerstone in
democratizing the Indian space sector.
The Impact: By transferring this technology, the private sector can now build
capacity under the guidance of ISRO and thereby develop into a hub of space
launches shortly. This will enable India to gain even more stature in the rapidly
growing space sector globally.
126
GENERAL AWARENESS
Mission Gaganyaan
Key points
The test flight of a single-stage liquid propulsion rocket equipped with a
crew module and crew escape system took off from Sriharikota.
The successful test paved the way for subsequent qualification tests and
unmanned missions, aiming for India's first human spaceflight around 2025.
India's ambition includes establishing an "Indian Space Station" by 2035 and
sending the first Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040.
World News
The Group of Twenty (G20) nations, representing the world's largest economies,
has long been criticized for its limited representation of the Global South.
However, a significant step towards inclusivity was taken in 2023, formally
including the African Union (AU) as a permanent member. This move
acknowledges Africa's rising economic and demographic weight, granting the
continent a much-needed voice on the global stage.
127
GENERAL AWARENESS
World News
Policy Implications
The AU's inclusion in the G20 has far-reaching implications for global
policymaking. Here are some key areas where its presence will be felt:
Development Issues: The AU can champion the concerns of developing
nations, pushing for a more equitable distribution of resources and a
stronger focus on issues like poverty eradication, infrastructure
development, and food security.
Climate Change: Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, yet
its voice has often been marginalized in international negotiations. The AU's
presence can ensure that climate action plans address African nations'
specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Trade and Investment: The AU can advocate for fairer trade practices and
increased foreign direct investment in Africa, promoting sustainable
economic growth and job creation across the continent.
Peace and Security: Africa faces unique security challenges, from terrorism
and piracy to civil conflicts. The AU's participation in the G20 can foster
international cooperation and resource allocation to address these pressing
issues.
India's Role
As the current chair of the G20 and a rising leader of the Global South, India had
a crucial role in ensuring the AU's successful integration into the group. Here are
some key ways India can contribute further:
Championing Inclusivity: India can advocate for further expansion of the
G20 to include other underrepresented regions and voices from the Global
South.
Building Bridges: India can act as a bridge between the AU and other G20
members, fostering understanding and cooperation on critical issues of
global concern.
128
GENERAL AWARENESS
World News
The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 marks a significant step towards a
more inclusive and representative global governance system. India, as a leader
of the Global South, has a unique opportunity to shape this new chapter by
championing inclusivity, building bridges, and promoting sustainable
development. By working together, the AU and G20 members can create a fairer
and more prosperous future for all.
BRICS Expansion
Need For Expansion: The push for BRICS expansion stems from the dominance
of West-led international institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, UN, and
WTO. At the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, the need for expansion was
underscored as these institutions were deemed reflective of a bygone era by UN
Secretary-General António Guterres. BRICS challenges the West-led world order
by fostering intra-BRICS cooperation, establishing institutions outside Western
influence, and advocating for comprehensive reforms to better accommodate
emerging economies.
129
GENERAL AWARENESS
World News
Benefits
The expansion of BRICS brings numerous benefits. The establishment of
alternative financial institutions like the New Development Bank and Contingent
Reserve Arrangement reduces dependency on Western-dominated institutions.
BRICS encourages the use of local currencies in trade, aiming to decrease
reliance on major global currencies. Advocacy for significant international
reforms, especially in financial institutions and global governance, is a key
agenda.
The new members, particularly those from West Asia and Latin America,
contribute significant geostrategic value, enhancing energy cooperation,
diversifying energy sources, and strengthening BRICS' presence in key regions.
Additionally, the resolution of regional disputes, like the Qatar blockade, and
improved Iran-UAE relations present opportunities for regional economic
cooperation and connectivity projects.
Developments
Meanwhile, Argentina, led by President Javier Milei, withdrew from joining BRICS
due to a foreign policy shift, emphasizing bilateral ties over full membership.
Milei's right-wing stance, critical of China, contrasts with the prior government's
alignment. Argentina faces economic challenges, influencing its geopolitical
position amid shifting alliances.
130
GENERAL AWARENESS
World News
China aims to produce 10% of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2035 and
18% by 2060. Still, as of September this year, it has not met its 2020 target to
install 58 gigawatts of nuclear capacity. China has also not signed a pledge by 20
countries at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai to triple nuclear power
capacity by 2050.
131
GENERAL AWARENESS
World News
Italy Withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative, Citing Limited
Benefits
Italy, the only G7 nation to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2019, has
officially withdrawn from the vast infrastructure project. Prime Minister Giorgia
Meloni, a critic of the initiative, communicated the long-expected decision to
Beijing, aiming to "keep channels of political dialogue open." Italy, a member of
the EU and NATO, expressed concerns about BRI's transparency and limited
benefits. The move highlights growing skepticism in Western nations, with Italy
joining Germany and France, which never joined BRI but secured significant
trade and investment deals independently. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio
Tajani said in September that membership "has not produced the results.”
Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Terminal Project to Get Funding From U.S.
Government
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will invest $553
million in the Adani container terminal project in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The move
follows Adani's $700 million deal in 2021 with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and
John Keells Holdings for the West Container Terminal. Despite corruption
allegations against Adani, the DFC's CEO, Scott Nathan, emphasized the
commitment to high standards, transparency, and due diligence. Adani Group
Chairman Gautam Adani expressed pride in contributing to regional shipping
capacity and economic growth.
132
GENERAL AWARENESS
Sports News
133
GENERAL AWARENESS
Sports News
Divyakriti Singh becomes the first Indian woman to get the Arjuna Award
for equestrian sports
In a historic moment for Indian equestrian sports, Divyakriti Singh became the
first Indian woman to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. The ceremony, held
at Rashtrapati Bhavan and presided over by President Droupadi Murmu,
celebrated Singh's remarkable achievements, including her gold medal at the
Asian Games. Hailing from Rajasthan, she not only secured the Arjuna Award
this year but also stands as the sole recipient from the state over the past five
years. Trained in Germany, she recently contributed to India's gold-winning
Dressage team at the Asian Games and excelled in international competitions,
ranking No.1 in Asia and No.14 globally.
Rohan Bopanna ends Davis Cup career with a win as India beat Morocco
Indian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna concluded his illustrious Davis Cup career
with a poignant victory as Team India triumphed 4-1 against Morocco in World
Group II. The 43-year-old, adorned in the Tricolour, marked his farewell by laying
his India jersey at the court's center, evoking raucous applause. Despite the tie
being in the third tier, Bopanna, with 20 years of Davis Cup experience,
expressed pride in representing India at any level. His farewell match
showcased the resilience and dedication that defined his remarkable Davis Cup
journey, encompassing 33 ties and 50 matches against formidable opponents.
134
GENERAL AWARENESS
Sports News
Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek are confirmed as top seeds for the 2024
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have been confirmed as the top seeds for the
2024 Australian Open. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, takes the top
seed in the men's category, while 2023 Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is
seeded second. The men's seeding mirrors the ATP rankings from positions 1-
32. In the women's category, the seeding follows the rankings from positions 1
to 8, with Barbora Krejcikova elevated to the 9th spot due to Karolina Muchova's
absence because of injury. Petra Kvitova, who is expecting a baby, and Madison
Keys, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, are notable absentees. Seeding is
crucial to ensure that players ranked in the top 32 do not face each other in the
initial rounds, preserving the possibility for the top two seeds to meet in the
finals. The Australian Open is scheduled to commence on January 14.
135
GENERAL AWARENESS
Sports News
Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek are confirmed as top seeds for the 2024
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have been confirmed as the top seeds for the
2024 Australian Open. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, takes the top
seed in the men's category, while 2023 Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is
seeded second. The men's seeding mirrors the ATP rankings from positions 1-
32. In the women's category, the seeding follows the rankings from positions 1
to 8, with Barbora Krejcikova elevated to the 9th spot due to Karolina Muchova's
absence because of injury. Petra Kvitova, who is expecting a baby, and Madison
Keys, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, are notable absentees. Seeding is
crucial to ensure that players ranked in the top 32 do not face each other in the
initial rounds, preserving the possibility for the top two seeds to meet in the
finals. The Australian Open is scheduled to commence on January 14.
136
GENERAL AWARENESS
Sports News
Indian Street Premier League initiates bidding for co-owners as tennis ball
T10 Cricket tournament gears up
The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), a tennis ball T10 cricket tournament,
has opened bidding for potential co-owners of its six teams representing
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar. The Invitation
to Bid starts with a base price of Rs 10 lakh, allowing enthusiasts to become
celebrity team owners. ISPL aims to bring glitz and glamour to the T10 format
played inside a stadium. The bidding process is anticipated to add excitement
and engagement to the league, attracting investors and cricket enthusiasts. The
initiative aligns with the growing trend of alternative cricket formats gaining
popularity in India.
Interview Questions
137
GENERAL AWARENESS
Interview Questions
Israel-Hamas conflict
India-Maldives relations
Red Sea crisis due to Houthi attacks on shipments
G20 Summit held in India
Russia-Ukraine war
BRICS Expansion
Upcoming Indian elections
Google Gemini project
Deepfakes and their regulation
Indian space missions (Chandrayan 3 Aditya L1)
Lithium reserves in Jammu Kashmir
Overhaul of Indian criminal justice laws
138
INTERVIEW TIPS
BY SILVERTONGUES
THE TOASTMASTER CLUB OF IIM UDAIPUR
INTERVIEW TIPS
TIPS TO ACE THE PI PROCESS
The Personal Interview Process of the IIMs and other business schools checks
whether the candidate will fit into the B–school culture. The essential tip anyone
can give you regarding the interview process is to be true to yourself. Only then
can you answer the questions as confidently as possible. IIM Udaipur puts a
15% weight on the candidate's interview. The points for this criteria are given on
the candidate's general attentiveness, responsiveness, and confidence. In such a
case, it becomes imperative that the candidate answer the questions
thoughtfully. Below are some of the critical questions that you must keep in
mind:
“Tell me about yourself” - This is the question you can use to set the
interview's tone. Try to be as concise and straightforward as possible. It is an
accepted norm that the answer to this question is between 1 – 2 minutes. To
prepare this question, list down all the relevant points about yourself. You
can include your educational background, work experience, hobbies, etc.
Once these points have been identified, try to think of ways these have
shaped you and prepared you for the MBA life. For example, it is not enough
to say you love playing basketball. You must also tell how the sport has
affected or made you a better person.
Have a hobby - If you mention a hobby, be thorough and know the latest
happenings in that particular field of interest. Saying something and not
knowing about it creates a terrible impression.
140
INTERVIEW TIPS
Why MBA/Why this college - Link your MBA aspirations to something that
happened in your past or to something in the future (which you want to
achieve). A personal touch to this question must be there. Otherwise, it
looks very generic, straightaway copied from the internet. Also, thoroughly
research the college before applying and identify its uniqueness, then try to
link it with some of your life experiences while answering the “Why this
college” question.
For freshers - Ensure you are thorough with the important subjects you
studied in your graduation. A basic understanding of essential terms with
their practical applications in everyday life would be enough.
Zoom Interviews - The pandemic has shifted the interview process over to
Zoom. This becomes a bit of a hassle for all those people who aren’t in the
habit of conversing over video calls. Ensure that you are comfortable in the
clothes that you are wearing. Find a quiet room to attend to the process.
Ensure good internet connectivity so that the process is hassle-free. For
most college interviews, the candidates are given time to log in to the Zoom
meeting. Ensure that you are joining the discussion at the given time. You
might be put in a waiting room. Please do not leave the computer and wait
for your turn to be let into the room.
Interview Etiquettes - Make sure your screen covers the upper chest area,
wherein the light focuses on your face (coming from the opposite direction),
and the background behind you is simple, with no visual distractions.
141
INTERVIEW TIPS
Filler words - Avoid using filler words such as ah, hmm, you know, or....; a
person using these words/sounds doesn’t notice it when speaking. Every
person has their own filler words, so try to do a self-reflection and identify it.
You can video record yourself while preparing for answers and ask your
friends/family members to ask unprepared questions based on your
introduction; this will give a good understanding of the filler word being
used.
Know when to stop - Speak only about what you know and try not to fake
an answer. The professors are knowledgeable enough to understand that
you are affecting an answer. So try to be honest. If you don’t know
something, it is no harm to say that you don’t know it.
142
Media & Industry Interaction Cell