Top Banner
1. Introduction 1
115
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript

1. Introduction1.1 Introduction to the StudyThe ultimate objective of any organization is to maximize its profits. This objective can be achieved through various means like increasing sales, reducing costs, reducing overheads, reducing prices, increasing sales promotion and so on. All these factors have an influence on the working capital and how effectively are being managed. Profits will increase considerably if organization manages its working capital optimally. Thus, efficient working capital is one of the perquisites for success of an enterprise.These days, management experts device new techniques like JIT, TQM, six sigma and so on. Since the resource being scarce, its utilization should be optimum. Many times through the company may be operating well; the profitability level will be low. One of the reasons for this could be lack of proper management of working capital. For every business concern, irrespective of its size nature and age working capital is the life blood of the firm. No business can be successfully run without adequate amount of working capital. In ordinary parlance, working capital is taken to be the funds available for meeting day- to-day requirements of an enterprise. Thus working capital management is very significant facet of financial management.Working capital management is mainly concerned with two factors, namely, the level of current assets to be held and types of assets and methods by which these assets are financed. Modern financial management aims at reducing the level of current assets without ignoring the risk of stock outs. This occupies much of the finance managers time in taking decisions. The performance of the economic activities of a company is best judged by the value of what is credited by such performance, which is beneficiary of the value. The company can reach these goals through different financial activities. One of the important activities is the proper maintenance and use of working capital. Therefore, management of working capital requires more attention and care.1.2 Significance of the StudyTRACO CABLE COMPANY, a Premier Kerala Government Company, commenced operations in the year 1964, manufacturing high quality Electric Cables and Wires in Technical Collaboration with M/s. Kelsey Engineering Co. Ltd., Canada. Since then TRACO has been in the forefront in meeting the needs of Public Sector Undertakings in India like Railways, Electricity Boards of various states in the country and others for AAC/ACSR, Power and Signaling Cables.

The study is very important because of the scale of the company. The study is very helpful to know the working capital management. It also helps in ascertaining how the company performs in future. This study will help the firm to male projections of working capital requirements for the next two years. This study also helps to understand the liquidity and profitability of the company.1.3 Statement of the ProblemPresently many of the government owned public sector companies are not performing well. The major reasons for this are under utilization of capacity and inefficient financial management. Effective and sound financial management tools are essential at all levels of operation for the efficient operations of any enterprises. The problem of under utilization of capacities is more acute and this can be solved by management of working capital.

The present study is an attempt to diagnose the working capital management of TRACO CABLE COMPANY. The problem under study is stated as Working Capital Requirement of Eastern Treads Ltd for the Next Two Years Based on the Current Growth Trend.1.4 Objective Of The Study Primary Objectives

To project the working capital requirement of TRACO CABLE COMPANY for the next two years. To examine the solvency and liquidity positions of TRACO CABLE COMPANY.

Secondary Objectives

To study the activities in each department.

To understand the production procedure.

To study the financial performance of TRACO CABLE COMPANY.1.5 Scope Of The StudyThe present study is designed to cover the analysis of working capital, liquidity and solvency of TRACO CABLE COMPANY by establishing ratios on the basis of financial statements. The analysis is mainly done on the basis of annual reports of TRACO CABLE COMPANY for the period of 5 years from 2008-2012.

1.6 Methodologyi) Data Collection Methods Primary Data: Primary data was collected through direct interaction with various officials of the company.

Secondary Data: Secondary data was collected from sources comprising of; websites, annual reports of TRACO CABLE COMPANYii) Tools of Analysis Ratio Analysis to know the performance and financial position of the company.

Trend Analysis to project the working capital requirement for the next two years.

1.7 Limitations Of The StudyTime is the most important constraint. The study s mainly based on secondary data. Findings and conclusions of its study are based on the information given in the annual reports of the company and are valued only with respect, to figures given there in. Through adequate measures have been taken to verify the reliability of the secondary data, possibility of normal errors inherent to research, cannot be completely avoided.2. REVIEW OF LITRATURE

2.1 Review of Literature

Sagan in his paper (1955), perhaps the first theoretical paper on the theory of working capital management, emphasized the need for management of working capital accounts and warned that it could vitally affect the health of the company. He realized the need to build up a theory of working capital management. He discussed mainly the role and functions of money manager inefficient working capital management. Sagan pointed out the money managers operations were primarily in the area of cash flows generated in the course of business transactions. However, money manager must be familiar with what is being done with the control of inventories, receivables and payables because all these accounts affect cash position. Thus, Sagan concentrated mainly on cash component of working capitalRealizing the dearth of pertinent literature on working capital management, Walker in his study (1964) made a pioneering effort to develop a theory of working capital management by empirically testing, though partially, three propositions based on risk-return trade-off of working capital management. Walker studied the effect of the change in the level of working capital on the rate of return in nine industries for the year 1961 and found the relationship between the level of working capital and the rate of return to be negative.

Welter, in his study (1970), stated that working capital originated because of the global delay between the moment expenditure for purchase of raw material was made and the moment when payment were received for the sale of finished product. Delay centres are located throughout the production and marketing functions. The study requires specifying the delay centres and working capital tied up in each delay centre with the help of information regarding average delay and added value. He recognized that by more rapid and precise information through computers and improved professional ability of management, saving through reduction of working capital could be possible by reducing the length of global delay by rescuing and/or favorable redistribution of this global delay among the different delay centres. However, better information and improved staff involve cost.

Appavadhanulu (1971) recognizing the lack of attention being given to investment in working capital, analysed working capital management by examining the impact of method of production on investment in working capital. He emphasized that different production techniques require different amount of working capital by affecting goods-in-process because different techniques have differences in the length of production period, the rate of output flow per unit of time and time pattern of value addition. Different techniques would also affect the stock of raw materials and finished goods, by affecting lead-time, optimum lot size and marketing lag of output disposals. He, therefore, hypothesised that choice of production technique could reduce the working capital needs.

Chakraborty (1973) approached working capital as a segment of capital employed rather than a mere cover for creditors. He emphasized that working capital is the fund to pay all the operating expenses of running a business. He pointed out that return on capital employed, an aggregate measure of overall efficiency in running a business, would be adversely affected by excessive working capital. Similarly, too little working capital might reduce the earning capacity of the fixed capital employed over the succeeding periods. For knowing the appropriateness of working capital amount, he applied Operating Cycle (OC) Concept.3. CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW3.1 History of Cables and Wires IndustryA cable is one or more wires bound together covered by a protective sheath or jacket. The individual wires may be covered with coloured insulation for easy identification used for in house laying and also for underground use. Bunching small wires before concentric stranding adds the most flexibility and tight lays during stranding makes the cable extensible. Bare conductors are used mainly for overhead lines by stranding bare wires often reinforced by steel wire inside. Pulling and compressing forces balance one another around the high-tensile centre cord that provides the necessary inner stability. As a result the cable core remains stable even under maximum bending stress. In this process, smaller individual wires are twisted or braided together to produce larger size wires that are more flexible than solid wires of similar size.

In the 19th century and early 18th century, cable was often insulated using cloth or paper. Plastic materials and PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) are generally used today except for high reliability power cables. Polyethylene Granules such as HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) are commonly used for insulation in telecommunication cables today. To limit fire hazard to cables jacketing materials that are inherently fire retardant is used for jacketing.

3.2 Industry Profile

3.2.1 World ScenarioThe economic liberalization and industrial globalization lead to spectacular development of the infrastructure such as buildings, roads and cables are the crucial element that wire up the length and breadth of the countries as power and telecom networks. Now the world is all set to see a "war of the accesses" with ever increasing demand for cables and conductors. World have learnt with time the philosophy of co-operation and co-existence obviously leading to pooling of both technical and financial resources for a better economically viable environment for industrial growth and development.

3.2.2 Indian ScenarioINDIA has made remarkable progress in recent years in the manufacture of cables and conductors. The country has not only achieved self sufficiency in this field but has also made a big head way into the international market. Rural electrification and telecommunication networks undertaken by various state governments as part of national policy lay the crucial infrastructure backbone for the recently liberalized industry with increased Private Public Participation (PPP) and privatization. The investment strategy of the government primarily relies on promoting investment through a combination of public investment with private investment participation. PPP will promote and streamline strategies for future development and management of the economic and social infrastructures ensuring effective use of resources, access to modern technology, timely implementation and operation for rapid economic growth. The Indian economy grew at an average annual rate of 9% in 2008 before global economic meltdown. Despite the adverse circumstances Indian economy grew by 6.7% in 2009, 7.9% in 2010, and 8.5% in 2011 and is expected to achieve a growth rate of 9% in the year 2012. The telecom sector and the power sector needs infrastructure development which is crustal for fueling for the growth for the economy however power shortage remain a problem in many part of the country and the distribution segment (transition and distribution) shows steady growth in the requirement for cables and conductors. In the telecom sector private investment increased from Rs.6crores in 2003 to Rs.51crores in 2010 and competition and access to consumers seems to be the driving force. Therefore the pace of economic and social development of the nation depend to a very large extend of the development of infrastructure in the power sector as well as in the telecommunication sector.

The market segmentation and structure of the cable industry in India are there both in Power sector as well in Telecom sector. Power cables are segregated into high and low voltage varieties. Telecom cables are classified as high capacity cables (Optic Fiber Cables) and low capacity cables (Jelly Filled Telecom Cables). Organized players have higher presence in Indian Telecom sector since it involves higher capital and technology inputs when the higher presence of unorganized players in Indian power cables segment is evident for reasons of low investment. The current scenario prevailing in the Indian cables industry has ample focus on government policy along with demand- supply position. In this context, special focus has been given to the impact of government decisions on the industry for direct foreign investment putting an end to Public sector monopoly in the Industry.3.2.3 State Scenario

Emphasis is given for 100% electrification giving importance to rural electrification as a government policy in Kerala State. Moreover telecommunication network is wide spread all over the state including remote rural areas. Power connection and telephone connection have become a basic need for everyone in the state. Due to the onslaught of the mobile phones, in the country, the requirement for telecom cables are diminishing in the state also. TRACO in public sector and around ten manufacturers in the private sector compete in the market for power cables and conductors in the state. TRACO has got a manufacturing capacity of 6000 metric ton conductors/per annum, where as the manufacturing capacity of all the private manufacturers taken together constitute only 5500 metric ton/per annum. All the private companies are located in the southern part of the state in Trivandrum and Kollam district. TRACO is logistically located at central Kerala. When Kerala State Electricity Board floats tenders for conductors the private manufacturers does not quote for consignees at northern part of Kerala due to high transportation cost. Hence TRACO has got a monopoly in bare conductors, distribution cables and control cable market when transmission cables are mostly dominated by private players of outside state.3.3 Company Profile

Traco Cable CompanyTRACO CABLE COMPANY is incorporated in the year 1960; the foundation stone of Irumpanam unit was laid down by Shri Manubhai.M Shai. The then Union Minister for Industries on March 19th 1960.The company started its operation in the year 1964. Shri M.D Jose was the first chairman and the managing director on whose initiation Irumpanam unit of the Traco Cable Company commenced its operation.

TRACO CABLE COMPANY, a Premier Kerala Government Company, commenced operations in the year 1964, manufacturing high quality Electric Cables and Wires in Technical Collaboration with M/s. Kelsey Engineering Co. Ltd., Canada. Since then TRACO has been in the forefront in meeting the needs of Public Sector Undertakings in India like Railways, Electricity Boards of various states in the country and others for AAC/ACSR, Power and Signaling Cables. One of India's most sought after Paper Insulated Lead Sheathed Telecommunication Cables were produced by TRACO in collaboration with Hindustan Cables, West Bengal under an agreement signed in 1974 until the liberalization of Licensing policy in the country, TRACO was one of the two manufactures of Telephone Cables in India and the only one in the whole of South India. Always playing its humble role in the process of nation building, TRACOs cables carry energy, actuate signals and help to connect people in far flying areas in this vast sub continent, thats India with its quality products.

The superiority of TRACO cables is the result of better know-how combined with well equipped machinery and efficient work force. Rigorous quality control is maintained during every stage of production, which ensures, that the products going into the market are according to the IS specifications. With the progress in Cable Technology, Paper Insulated Cables gave way to the much more sophisticated Jelly Filled Telephone cables which are superbly suited for communications. TRACO was one among those who first perceived the opportunities inherent in this new development. It soon went into Technical collaboration with M/s. General Cables Inc., USA, world leaders in the Communication cable field and manufactured them in India to exacting standards

The company started its function with a capital of Rupees one core divided into 250000 per: shares of Rs.10 each and 750000 equity shares of Rs.10 each. The unit was has been manufacturing cables required for the Railways, the BSNL and the KSEB. Traco's power cable manufacturing unit has a workforce of 210 and the telephone cable division around 450. The estimated turnover of Traco cables is around Rs 44.8crore.RISING FROM UNDERGROUND TO THE SKIES

It is true that all these years much of our time and effort was spent on making underground cables that are as fail proof as can be. As a result, we have connected millions of people, playing an important role in communications. And our efforts are still on, to bring you better products. But there are no plans to stop with underground cables alone. And thereby ignore people who could not be connected with underground cables due to geographic and economic reasons. In short, TRACO has diversified into Aerial Cables. TRACO's new range of self support Aerial Cables connect people aerially at the same time, economically. They are manufactured to both national and international standards. TRACO has developed Aerially Bunched Cables for LT Overhead lines also. They are polythene Insulated Aluminum Cables of specification: REC Specification No.s2/1984 and have a rated voltage of 1.1 K V. These types of cables help in reducing the power interruptions to the barest minimum level possible. Many of the advanced countries are all ready switching over to these cables from the bare counter system.

UNITS OF TRACO CABLE COMPANY LIMITED

1. Corporate office

The registered and corporate office of traco cable Company is located in Cochin, panampilly nagar the industrial city of Kerala. Board of directors, MDs office, and all main heads of traco Cable Company is located at the registered and corporate office.2. Tiruvalla unit

In tiruvalla unit of traco cables having two major divisions they are power cable division and telephone cable divisions

3. Irimpanam unit

In irimpanam unit also having two divisions

Power cable division.

Telephone cable division.

4. Kannur unit

Kannur unit mainly focused on house wiring cables.

INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABLE(IRUMPANAM UNIT)

Land: 15.38 Hectares

Plant area: 7500 sq.mtrs

Total built up area: 9500 sq. mtrs

Electricity: 2 nos. 1000KVA transformers in addition to

K.S.E.B. power connection.

Water: 3 nos. bore wells for process water and

3 nos. well for Drinking water (7000ltrs/day)

Cooling tower : 1 FRP/ Spray cooling tower with an

overhead tank and ground level tank

ORGANISATIONAL POLICY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN

Shri.K.S.SRINIVAS, IAS, ADDITIONAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRIES DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Cdr. (Retd) K.SHAMSUDDIN MANAGING DIRECTOR TRACO CABLE COMPANY LIMITED, COCHIN 682036.

DIRECTORS

1, Shri.K.S.SRINIVAS , IAS ADDITIONAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRIES DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

2, Cdr. (Retd) K.SHAMSUDDIN MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRACO CABLE COMPANY LIMITED, COCHIN 682036.

3, Shri.M.RADHAKRISHNAN JOINT SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, FINANCE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM- 695001

4, Shri.R.MADHUSOODHANAN NAIR MANAGING DIRECTOR INDUSTRIES DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA,

5, Shri.K.ASOKAN, MEMBER (TRANSMISSION & TRANSMISSION), KSEB, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

6, Shri.S.VENKADEESWARAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, TELK, ANGAMALY SOUTH P.O, ERNAKULAM DIST.

ORGANISATIONAL SETUP

The companys Registered office is at Panampilly Nagar, Kochi with manufacturing units at Irimpanam in Ernakulam District and Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District and also a new Unit at Thalassery in Kannur District. TRACO CABLE COMPANY LIMITED maintains the traditional lines of management having pyramid structure of hierarchy. The Board of Directors consists of members appointed by the Government of Kerala and the Managing Director is the Chief Executive Officer who delegates the authority to the Unit Chiefs and other department heads. The Head of Irimpanam unit is Mr.Boban George, Senior Manager and different departments such as Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Maintenance, Personnel & Administration, Stores, Purchase and Marketing are having department heads reporting to the unit head.

MANAGEMENT IN IRIMPANAM UNIT

SENIOR MANAGER (UNIT HEAD) - BOBAN GEORGE

SENIOR MANAGER(MAINTENENCE) - K.S. KRISHNAKUMAR

MANAGER( P&A) - JOSHY ABRAHAM

MANAGER (P&A)

- JOHN VARKEY

MANAGER (MARKETING) - BOBY GEORGE

MANAGER (FINANCE) - MANOJ BINDHU

MANAGER (PRODUCTION) - MANOJ A.T

MANAGER (QA&STORES) - DEEPA MERIN JACOB

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY

FUNCTIONAL DEPARTMENTS

The major functional departments at Traco Cables Ltd are:MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Marketing department serves as the face of the organization, coordinating and producing all materials representing the company. It is the marketing department'sjobto reach out to potential customers, investors and the community, and create an image that represents the company in a positive light. Marketing departments often collaborate with other divisions within the company, such as advertising, promotions, sales, product development and market research.

The marketing department moreover plays a vital role in the production planning as a constant feedback of the quality of finished products is verified regularly to check the possibility of finishing the production of the uses specified products in time. Hence, the department plays an overall significant role in the functioning of the organization. Marketing is a matching process by which a producer provides a marketing mix (product, price, promotion and physical distribution) that meets consumer demand of a target market within the limits of society. Since the inception company has been managing its activities with a centralized control. Due to the increase in competition and necessity to exert full control over the system the company has introduced a Decentralized way of managing the departmental activities from this fiscal year.

(a) Responsibilities of the marketing department.

Major responsibilities of a Marketing Department are as follows:

1. Focus on the Customer2. Monitor the Competition3. Find & Direct Outside Vendors4. Create New Ideas5. Communicate Internally6. Manage a Budget7. Understand the ROI8. Set the Strategy, Plan the Attack, and Execute

(b) Functions of the marketing department 1. Order canvassing:

The department continuously monitors the media, newspapers, sites etc. for canvassing the orders.

2. Tender participation:

The company participates in tenders. There are two types of bids namely price bid and technical bid. The companies qualifying in the techno-commercial bid are allowed to participate in the price bid. The Techno Commercial bid includes details such as capability of the company, quality of products and processes, status of past orders etc. If qualified in it, the company can apply for the actual bid. Performance bank guarantee and security deposit bank guarantee is required to participate in the bid.

3. Monitoring the activities of the agents:

All over India, the company has fixed agents for order canvassing. They are given a commission of 1% or 2%.

4. Giving information:

The department is entrusted with the responsibility of giving necessary information to all the other departments. Once the order is received, it is forwarded to the costing department for evaluation, finance department for funding purposes, purchase department for the purchase of raw materials and finally to the factory for production planning.

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

The production department is the driving force turning the wheels of every manufacturing company because without it there are no goods to sell to customers. Along with producing the goods a manufacturer sells, the production department determines how much of those goods can be produced in a certain time frame.

The main role of production is to turninputs(raw materials) intooutputs(finished goods). Outputs refer to a finished product or service and inputs are the materials that are needed to manufacture certain goods. When a business completes this process they are able to achieve customer satisfaction by producing products that are ready to be used and fit for purpose.

The production department is responsible for ensuring quality is achieved in each item produced. They will need to carry out inspections and implement suitablequality initiatives.

(a) Quality of goods The production department's main duty is to ensure the goods being produced meet the customer's quality expectations. Even though the quality assurance department inspects the goods through the manufacturing process, the production department has certain quality duties too. Each step measures the raw material to make sure it is within the tolerances recommended before it goes to the next step.

(b) Production scheduling A production department can only manufacture or assemble so many products in a certain amount of time. It is the duty of the production department to maintain a production schedule so other departments know what is being produced and how long it takes to produce that quantity.

(c) Coordinating duties

This is the last step in a long production process. The production department coordinates the production of each part of the assembled goods to ensure all parts are being produced in conjunction with each other. All parts of an assembled product are formed from raw material. This process takes several steps from the production department to make sure each part of the product is being produced simultaneously or within the same time frame.

(d) The production department in Traco

The production department in TRACO Cable Company is located in the factory sites. The Production Department is headed by the Production Manager. His main objective is to do production planning and to carry out the work according to the plans prepared. The investigator analyses the Production process and notes the purchased raw materials. The major raw materials are aluminums, steel and copper.

(e) Production planning

a. Material planning

On receipt of trial order / anticipated order /work order from the marketing department, a material indent is prepared with reference to the customer specification showing quantity and delivery time. The material indent is forwarded to the Head of Materials for procurement. Material position is reviewed daily and intended to materials departments for corrective action.

b. Production scheduling

Monthly production planning and scheduling is prepared based on orders depending on priority as informed by marketing department. The monthly planning schedule copy is giving to the Materials, Marketing, Finance, and QA&IT and Stores departments to facilitate advance arrangements in their respective areas.

According to the schedule, different shifts are planned. And on completion, the finished goods are handed over to the Quality Assurance Department. The Quality Assurance Department conducts various tests and after testing, if they are satisfied they issue a clearance and the finished goods are dispatched from the stores department.

(f) The books maintained in production department are:-

1) Production log book :- Quantity level assigned to each machine recorded in this book.

2) Daily production report: - Records details of daily production.

3) Daily production review report :- It reviews weather the daily production is

Achieved as planned or not.

4) Raw material stock position :- Records the position of stock of raw materials.PURCHASE DEPARTMENT

The Purchasing Department is an important player in any company's operations. For an organization to excel, it must have a solid group of capable individuals executing agreements on its behalf so that it's not over-paying for goods and services and so that it can focus on business at hand. Purchasing provides a necessary support service to its organization. Inter-departmental cooperation is another key duty of purchasing management, because the Purchasing Department is the liaison between the organization and its suppliers. Excellent vendor relations are vital in obtaining best value and best pricing. Most purchasing departments have two types of purchasing agents: capital and non-capital. Non-capital purchasing agents must have a general knowledge of materials acquisition, and they must possess the ability to use their professional judgment in matters of pricing, bids and quotations, and vendor selection. Purchasing agents are the front-line liaisons between vendors and company departments. . In addition, purchasing agents ensure that departments follow company policy when they submit their requests for supplies. . In addition, purchasing agents ensure that departments follow company policy when they submit their requests for supplies. Capital purchasing agents perform many of the same duties described above, but they also have additional tasks. They not only purchase capital equipment and assist with renovation projects; they monitor capital leases and compare purchase prices with the allotted capital budget.(a) Duties and responsibilities of purchase department

Consults with users to develop specifications; makes recommendations regarding purchases.

Contacts and receives informal quotes from appropriate vendors; compares costs and evaluates the quality and suitability of equipment, materials and supplies.

Prepares and processes requisition forms; recommends vendors.

Prepares requests for removal and disposal of surplus items.

Verifies budget codes and availability of funds.

(b) Purchase department in Traco

Main duties of purchase department are to purchase the raw materials, machinery, spares and general goods. purchase department has a very important role to ensue the purchasing and delivery of the materials on time then only the production process will done without any time lag.(c) Duties of purchase department:

Duties of purchase department are to purchase various materials for the production process.Materials which are purchased by purchasing department are as follows:-

General consumables, Calibrated equipments

Machinery

Packing materials

Raw materials

Spare parts etc.

(d) Packing materials:

Raw materials purchased for packing are as follows:-

Wooden drum

Wooden batten

Packing paper

Hoop iron etc.

(e) Machinery:

Machineries are purchase according to the increase in number of orders for production.

Traco Cable Company has both imported machineries and Indian made machineries.

(f) Spare parts:

Any spare parts required for maintenance is also purchased by the purchasing department.

(g) Rating criteria

The vendors are assessed on the basis of a wide variety of factors are as following:

Compliance with other specifications

Co-operation

Credit terms

Discounts received

Freight and delivery charges

Installation cost

Maintenance of specifications

Management Competence

Market information

Price

Promptness of delivery

Service

(h) Purchasing process

1. Indents duly approved with delivery schedule for the procurement of raw materials and packing materials are received by the materials department from the units and corporate office.

2. The indents are scrutinized by the Materials department for its correctness, completeness in specification / description.

3. If any discrepancy is found in the indent will be returned to the respective intender for rectification of discrepancies. Items for which specific details are available, the indents will be rectified in the Corporate Office and the same will be intimated to the intender.

4. Depending upon the nature and status of the indent, Tenders / quotation will be invited from approved list of suppliers and schedules will be given to the suppliers based on the indent and stock position of different raw materials on day to day basis. In case of indents from Irimpanam Unit for manufacture of Jelly Filled Telephone Cables, raw materials will be arranged either by transfers from Tiruvalla unit or diverting from the suppliers. Depending upon the urgency, raw materials are transferred between the two units.

5. Updating of the approved list of suppliers will be as detailed in the Work Instruction.

6. The tenders / quotations are analyzed on the basis of technical and commercial aspects. If the offers are found technically and commercially viable, purchase proposal is prepared and put up through the commercial advisory committee before the Chairman and Managing Director/ Board for approval. In urgent cases orders will be placed and ratified later.

7. Purchase proposal is made on self generated indents as per work instruction.

8. Once the purchase proposal is approved, purchase order will be prepared by the respective officers. The purchase order will be signed by the Head of Materials / AM (Mat) on behalf of Managing Director.

9. Details of indent, Purchase orders placed, supplies made, Stores Receipt Vouchers indicating whether quality of material is as per the purchase order, quality of packing etc., will be entered in the Purchase Register. Steps will be taken to get the replacement for rejected material.

10. Copies of the purchase order will be forwarded to the Indenter, Finance department and Stores department.

11. If any changes are required in the Purchase Order, it will be intimated to the supplier by amendments after necessary discussions with the concerned departments. Copies of the amendments will be forwarded to the concerned departments as above.

12. In case of advance payment/ clearance of documents from bank are required; assistance from Finance Department will be obtained.

13. In case of rejection due to non-conformity to quality specification of the material, appropriate action will be taken for alternate arrangement or replacement.

14. On receipt and acceptance of the consignment, intimation will be made to Finance department to regularize/ release the payment based on the suppliers invoice and Stores Receipt Voucher.

15. Once material acceptance is confirmed and payment is released, all records will be kept in the respective files.

16. The vendor performance will be evaluated on the basis of quality, delivery, packing, and service and unsatisfactory performance if any will be intimated to the supplier as detailed in the work instruction.

17. In case of exigencies, raw material can be procured from stockiest/ other cable manufacturer confirming to specifications/ standards.STORE DEPARTMENT TRACO Cable Company has a fell functioning store department. Duty of store department is to take care of raw materials, finished goods, spares and tools. Materials required for all departments are deals with general store. In TRACO Cable Company the store department usually follows FIFO method of storage. This FIFO method will help to avoid deterioration of materials and to avoid confusion on fluctuation of prices. A day book is maintained in this store department for recording all the daily transaction taken place.

There are mainly three stores TRACO namely:

General store

Spare and tools store

Finished goods store

(a) General store:

In general store all materials which required for all departments are maintained

Materials handled by general store are as follows:-

Raw materials

Printed stationary and other stationary materials

Packaging materials

Miscellaneous materials

Electrical consumable materials

Building materials

All consumable materials

(b) Spare and Tool Store:

In spare and tools store all tools, spares, machinery, etc. for production process(c) Finished goods store:In finished goods store all final products are stored here. After testing, the goods are packed and dispatched.(d) various auditing conducted in each financial year are as follows:- Statutory auditing

Outside auditing

Accounts general auditing etc.

(e) Short term objectives in store department

Scrap due to deterioration of materials in storage should be ZERO Damage on raw materials and finished materials due to bad handling should be ZERO

Time for dispatch for finished goods for which commercial clearance is available 48 hours

Customer complaints on packing should be ZERO(f) Responsibilities of personnel working in store department

a) Stores officer

Stores Officer is responsible for the maintenance of the system for the storage, packing, preservation dispatch of both the incoming raw materials and the outgoing final product.

b) Store keeper (general store)

Storage and preservation of materials

Preparation of stores receipt voucher

Monthly stock taking

Materials receipt and issue

Maintenance of stock with identification tags;

Maintaining ledgers and material requisitions

Intimating the material receipt to Inspection & Testing department for inspection and testing

Handling of raw materials, packing materials, consumables and stationery items

Annual physical inventory taking

c) Store keeper (spares and tools)

Storage and preservation of materials

Preparation of stores receipt voucher

Periodical stock taking

Material receipt and issue

Maintenance of stock with identification tags

Maintaining ledgers and material requisitions

Handling of spares, tools plant equipments & machines

Annual physical inventory taking

d) Storekeeper (finished goods store)

Packing and dispatching of finished goods ;

In case of power cables, the inspection certificate is receiving from Quality Assurance/ Inspection& Testing department and accordingly packing is done as per specification.FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The roles and responsibilities of a finance manager require a sincere commitment and an inexhaustible need for new challenges. Each industry has its ownrulesand spending regulations so that finance managers must adhere to and more importantly hold each department of thebusinessaccountable to in order to maintain a fully functioning and federally compliant organization. Finance managers may allocate resources to each department and draw up plans for future departmental budgeting in an effort to maximize company finances for optimal performance and also have final approval for all financial transactions for purchases occurring from outside the business.

(a) Duties and responsibilities of finance department

Duties and responsibilities of finance manager are as follows:-

Cheque payments.

Control of bank and cash.

Coordinating the audit of Statutory, Internal and Comptroller& Auditor General of India.

Dealing with income tax matters.

Dealing with sales accounting and cost accounting.

Dealings with the sales tax cases.

Finalization of accounts

Furnishing of CMA data and other details with banks.

Furnishing of sales tax returns.

Overall supervision of the finance department.

Passing of bills for payment like statutory dues.

Preparation of pass orders.

Preparation of various reports

Preparing monthly report to the government.

(b) Functions of the department

The head of finance department is responsible for the control and financial accounting of the company, budgeting and performance appraisal, funding of projects, control on budgeting and non budgeted expenditures and liaison with banks, financial institutions and government.

The major functions of the Finance Department are:

1. Making Arrangements for Funds.

2. Working Capital Management.

3. Maintaining Accounts.

4. Costing System

a. Making arrangements for funds.

The Finance Department makes arrangements for funds from banks. Presently the company has got an arrangement with a consortium of four banks for the arrangement of funds. The banks issue a credit monitoring arrangement in which the Finance Department has to convince the bank for lending funds to the company. Every month the company has to submit a stock statement to the bank containing the current position of the companys raw materials, funds available, debtors, stock etc. The bank is given an idea as to how much fund is required by the company and according to that the bank lends funds to the company. Only 75% of funds are issued by the bank. Rest has to be financed by the companys funds.

Even if the sanctioned amount by the bank is high, the company can draw only according to the present position of the companys stock, funds, debtors etc.

b. Working capital management.

Working Capital Management is another important function of the Finance Department. The raw materials are used for work in progress. It is then converted into finished goods. The finished goods are then sold on credit, thereby resulting in the creation of debtors. On receiving the payment from debtors, the cash is used as funds. The Finance Department assures that the processes in the cycle are not blocked at any stage. This cycle can get blocked if there is a delay in dispatch of finished goods or if there is a delay in payment of debts. Whenever there is a shortage of funds the finance department assures maximum and apt use of available funds. There are certain Working Capital facilities available to the organization. Some of these facilities are: 1. Letter of Credit. 2. Bank Guarantee 3. Bills Discounting.

(c) Letter of credit

Here the organization opens letter of credit account and within about ninety days, if the organization is not able to pay, the bank pays to the supplier. The supplier dispatches the supplies only after the buyer opens a letter of credit account. (d) Bank guarantee.

Once an order is taken up by the company for supplying the goods, a guarantee is given by the companys bank that the goods will be supplied as undertaken by the company. All the details about the supply is given and also the time period within which the goods will be supplied.

(e) Bills discounting The bills are discounted if there is a shortage of funds. For long term loans to the Finance Department of the company approaches the banks.

(f) Maintaining of accounts.

At present the accounting system in use is partially computerized and partially manual. Till 2001 the accounts were maintained fully manually. In 2001 Tally 5.4 was introduced in the organization for the purpose of keeping accounts. Here again the accounts maintained are not fully computerized. Only the financial accounts are maintained in computerized form. The transactions done are first recorded in vouchers manually and the net effect is taken and recorded in the computer. Other functions of the Finance Department includes overseeing the payment to Income Tax, payment of Sales Tax, TDS (Tax Deduction at Stores) and also to comply along with the statutory requirements of the company. (g) Costing system

When an order is received, the product is manufactured according to the specifications as required by the customer. Here the machine centre is treated as the cost centre and the cost is accumulated on it and then allocated to each product. On the basis of this cost sheet is prepared.

This is then sent to the Marketing Department. The price fixation is done by the marketing department. The marketing department is provided with the cost of the product and according to the cost incurred on the particular product and a specific profit margin the price of the product is fixed. They are using the cost plus margin method.

(h) Accounting policies

(1) General The financial statements are prepared under historical cost convention on accrual basis except where otherwise stated and in accordance with applicable account standards.

(2) Fixed Assets and Depreciationa. Fixed Assets are stated at acquisition cost less depreciation.

b. Depreciation is provided on written down value method.

(3) Inventories

Various items of closing stock have been valued as under:

a. Finished goods At lower cost or net realizable price inclusive of excise duty

b. Work in Progress- At material cost plus the labour and overhead Expenses to material consumed.

c. Raw Material- At cost

d. Stores, Loose Tools and Packing materials- At cost.

e. Scrap At net realizable price.

f. The company recognizes sales at the point of dispatch of goods to the customer. Sales are net of duty and sales tax.

(i) Budgeting

The budget is prepared within the company itself. The budget is prepared by fixing an estimate sale and accordingly all other expenses are fixed.

QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Quality control is there to ensure that the product being sold is not in any way harmful or defective. Quality control is a process employed to ensure a certain level of quality in a product or service. It may include whatever actions a business deems necessary to provide for the control and verification of certain characteristics of a product or service. The basic goal of quality control is to ensure that the products, services, or processes provided meet specific requirements and are dependable, satisfactory, and fiscally sound. Quality control involves the examination of a product or process for certain minimum levels of quality. The goal of a quality control team is to identify products or services that do not meet a companys specified standards of quality.

(a) Quality policy of the company

TRACO Cable Company Limited shall strive for continual improvement in its performance, by meeting the needs of internal and external customers, complying with regulations through the involvement of all its employees.

Purposeof quality assurance department:

To provide an instruction for functions of quality control department.

Objective of quality assurance department:

Toprovide a documented procedure for functions of quality control department.

Scopeof quality assurance department:

This procedure is applicable for functions of quality control department.

Procedureof quality assurance department: Testing and release or rejection of all incoming raw materials, packing materials, in-process / intermediates and finished products as per specified specifications.

Maintaining testing records as per standard procedures for raw materials, packing materials, in-process / intermediates and finished products.

(b) Quality assurance in traco cable company TRACO CABLE COMPANY has a well known label of quality products. Main duty of quality assurance department is to ensure the products have reached its international standard specification and also ensure that the quality is higher than the competitors. Traco has ISO certification so that it is the responsibility to ensure the right quality for the products. It is also the responsibility of the Quality Assurance Department to check whether the quality of the finished goods match the International standard.(c) Functions of the quality assurance department

The following are the major functions of the Quality Assurance Department :

Incoming inspection

In process inspection

Finished goods inspection.(d) Incoming inspection

Incoming inspection the inspection of raw materials that are brought into the organization.

The inspection and testing of raw materials carried against Raw Material receipt in stores.

Raw materials kept in the respective go downs are visually inspected.

Samples are collected and tested according to the raw material specification.

(e) In process inspection and testing procedure

Inspection and testing as per work instructions after the following stages of production.

RBD

fine wire drawing and insulating

aging

twinning

stranding

rewinding and printing

co extrusion of conductors with fiber glass roving

Records of inspection and testing after each stage shall be maintained.

Identification tags in the drums, coils shall be marked with inspection status.

In case of non conformity, non conformity report shall prepare and the material shall be kept with STOP CARD. The non conformity report shall be forwarded to the head of production.

head of production and head of QA and IT will decide on the course of action to be taken for disposal and the decision recorded in the STOP CARD

The re worked material shall be re inspected to verify conformance.

(f) Final inspection and testing procedure Receiving finished materials from production department for inspection

Carrying out tests on each drum of cable/ coil as per relevant work instruction

Preparation of test reports and authorization

Identification of accepted material with QA PASSED / TESTED OK stamp

Holding up material with STOP CARD

Decision on disposal

Re inspection of re worked material.

(g) The various tests are as follows.

1. Tests for aluminium coil

Breaking load

Diameter is checked.

Resistance

Wrapping test.

2. Tests for steel wire

Breaking load

Diameter is checked.

Wrapping test

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

TRACO cables have a well functioning maintenance department. The main duty of the maintenance department is to maintenance and preservation of machinery and infrastructure. It is the responsibility of the maintenance department to make sure that the factory premises are clean and all the necessary facilities are available for a good working environment. The maintenance department should ensure that all machines are well functioning for the production. The machines which is used for production should be properly maintained and repaired whenever it necessary. This will result in smooth working of the production process without any disruption.

(a) Responsibilities of maintenance departmentThe main responsibilities of maintenance department is to

Timely inspection and servicing of equipment,

Instructing workers on proper use of equipment,

Raising timely indent for replacement of equipment or spare parts.(b) Functions of the maintenance department

The main functions of the maintenance department are as follows:-

Controlling maintenance personnel.

Deciding inspection methods and routine.

Developing and issuing standard instructions.

Issuing maintenance work orders.

Maintaining maintenance records.

Measuring efficiency of maintenance.

Planning maintenance work on a long term basis.

Storing maintenance materials e.g., tools, spare parts, lubricants, etc.

(c) mainly there are two types of maintenance

Breakdown maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Breakdown maintenance

Break down Maintenance is done when any of the machines in the production unit fails to do its particular work. It refers to the repair work taken after the failure of a machine or equipment. For example Replacement of the torn belt is a case of breakdown maintenance. Breakdown maintenance is corrective maintenance as it is undertaken to restore equipment to an accepted standard. It involves mainly the repair of defective equipment.

Procedure followed in the company:

When there is a break down, the shift in charge first examines the nature of break down and reports immediately on its occurrence to the Maintenance Department by sending the Requisition for Machine Maintenance (RMM)

Maintenance Department analyses the report and assigns a person for carrying out the maintenance and records it in the Machine History book.

If necessary the spares are arranged and the maintenance is carried out by the person from the Maintenance Department.

The authorized personnel from the Maintenance Department and User department shall jointly inspect the machine/equipment after repair and RMM should be closed after ensuring the smooth operation of the machine/equipment by the User department.

The Engineer in charge keeps a record of the major maintenance works done. This is record is known as the machine history book.

The reports regarding the machine breakdown time shall be prepared and based in the breakdown report, Monthly Machine availability will be presented in the review meeting which will be held with the Unit chief and Maintenance Head.Preventive maintenance

Preventive Maintenance is a precautionary measure that is taken so as to prevent any kind of machine breakdown in the future. It consists of routine actions taken in a planned manner to prevent breakdowns.

There are two constituents of preventive maintenance they are:-

Lubrication: Lubrication ensures long and safe working of the equipment without mishaps.

Inspection: Inspection facilitates detection of faults in equipment so that repairs and replacements may be undertaken before the faults assume the proportion and shape of a breakdown.

(d) Procedure followed in the company:

The annual schedule for Preventive Maintenance for all critical machinery and auxiliary equipments are prepared before the starting of the financial year. Also the detailed monthly update schedule is prepared before the beginning of each month and distributed to the concerned sections. This is done by the Head of Maintenance Department.

The Engineer in charge sees that the instructions/check lists for carrying out inspection and maintenance of each machines/auxiliary equipments are followed according to the work instruction/check lists.

Any suggestion/complaint that is brought up against the machine during the course of preventive maintenance must be done with and records are properly maintained.

Also during Preventive Maintenance the Engineer in charge does the calibration of measuring devices which form part of the machines as and when required, as per the work instructions/check list.

After Preventive Maintenance is done the records of the work carried out and the spares consumed is maintained in history books by the Engineer in charge.

Also the modification made on the machine/equipment is recorded and maintained in the history book.

The status of Preventive Maintenance done is also shown on the equipment.

PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Personnel and Administration Department to providing a growth oriented, employees friendly working environment. The Personnel and Administration Department takes care of recruitment and selection as well as industrial relation. . It refers to a set of programs, activities of functions designed to carry out in order to maximize both employee as well as organizational effectiveness. A personnel administrative specialist provides support to the staff of the personnel department by ensuring the department accomplishes assigned responsibilities on a daily basis. This can include coordinating events, arranging meetings and travel plans, creating presentations, preparing reports.

(a) Duties and functions of P&A department Utilize the human power at the right place at right time Develop the human resource by proper training. Administrative functions including canteen, security, housekeeping, vehicle for employees

Determine and manage work environment

Basic functions of P&A department are as follows:-

Discipline

Grievance handling

Industrial relations

Job description

Manpower planning

Performance appraisal

Recruitment

Training

Welfare function

(b) Functions of P&A department in Traco Cable Company

Appointing of temporary hands/ casuals if required.

Calculation of retirement/ Terminal benefits to retiring, resigning and terminated employees or employees dying in service.

Grievance handling.

Issuing of promotions/ personal grade to each employee.

Maintaining of attendance of employees, late coming, early going, absenteeism, overtime etc.

Maintaining of personnel files.

Mede-claim policy, personal accidents claim etc.

Providing facilities like housekeeping, lighting, telephone etc.

Work connected with loans and advances of employees.

Work related to Employment leave, deputation of employees to other organizations and transfer of employees.

Implementation of Long Term Agreement, promotion policy, pay revision, pay fixation etc.

(c)Time office

A well functioning Time office also functioned under the P&A department. Punching system is following regularly

Main duty in time office is to maintain

Attendance marking

Salary details

Leave marking

Over time

Short leave

Late and cut etc.

(d) Recruitment and selection process in Traco cable company

Since TRACO is a Government Company, the recruitment is through Public Service Commission (PSC) tests and through employment exchange. In this selection process it also includes the selection of semi-skilled workers to the Grade 3 officer post. For the managerial post advertisement are given in newspapers. According to the performance of the candidate in the group discussions and interview, the selection is carried out. Recruitment and selection of the managerial post were conducted in corporate office which is situated at Panampilly Nagar. Unskilled workers will be promoted to the semi-skilled position after much experience and training. The appointment procedure is as per government rules. Currently, no recruitment is being done in the company since the existing employees are in excess.

(e) Training

Training is very important for efficient performance in the job. There is a procedure called TNA (Training Need Assessment). The higher level managers of all departments assess the training needs of the employees under them. After this TNA report is forwarded to the Head Office for approval. At the Head Office, the Managing Director decides as to what type of training has to be provided. Based on the TNA an annual training plan is prepared in March of every year. There are two types of training:

1. In house Training

Here, the training is given in the organization itself. It can be of two types, using Internal Faculty and External Faculty.

2. External Training

Here the employees who need training are sent outside for training in institutions that conduct training programs.

If there is more number of employees with training needs, the organization goes for an in-house training programmed and if only a few employees need training, they are sent outside for training. After the training programmed is completed the employee needs to submit a feedback assessment of the training programmed based on how they can improve the performance. Later the employee is observed as to whether any changes have happened in the performance of the employee. It also helps in the promotion of employee.

(f) Performance appraisal

Performance appraisal is done twice a year. Its main objectives performance appraisal is:

Personal grading of each person. Grading is done according to performance in their jobs.

There are certain parameters that are established and according to these parameters the employees job performance is measured.

Parameters include: increase in productivity, inter personal relations, ability to adjust to working environment etc.

The main parameters are

1) Attendance,

2) Punctuality and

3) Job knowledge.It is then grouped into five categories such as poor, satisfactory, good, very good and excellent. Points are given for each category and then grouped into grades. A skill matrix is prepared and based on that training need is assessed.

(g) Wages and salaries All employees are appointed in their respective scales of pay, which is finalized as part of long term agreement made in periodic settlements. There is an increment in wages and salaries every year. Here at TRACO, wages are also paid per work and additions are made for overtime. Deductions are also made for reasons of leave, late entry etc.

(h) Discipline

There are certain standing orders set by the organization on the conduct of employees. Standing orders works as the main guideline regarding the discipline. In case of misconduct, the following steps are taken:

First the management issues a note to the delinquent furnish replay on the allegation regarding misconduct

Then it sends a charge memo asking for explanation and the reasons for not taking disciplinary action as per standing orders.

An enquiry officer is appointed for a domestic enquiry considering the gravity of the misconduct management witnesses as well as witnesses from the delinquent with opportunity to give evidence and to produce documents related to the matter.

Management side represented by presenting officer and delinquent side can be represented by a co worker or an advocate.

Then a decision is taken based on finding of the enquiry report

Disciplinary authority communicates the enquiry report to the delinquent calling for his explanation and if no satisfactory replay is furnished disciplinary action taken.

Disciplinary actions like

Barring increments without cumulative effect

Barring increments with cumulative effect

Warning MEMO or reprimand

Frequent instants of disciplinary action

Absenteeism

Failure to obey orders of superiors affecting the work

Causing damages to company property due to accidents

Using abuse languages against superiors or co-workers

Man handling other

(i) Incentives and fringe benefits

Incentives are usually given to the workers. A production target will be given to the workers. Incentives will be given accordingly by cash. Also, there is a special pay. Several fringe benefits given by the company to employees such as regards fringe benefit they are:

Milk allowance,

Heavy duty allowance,

Night shift allowance and

Over time allowance.

Special allowance.(j) Welfare measures

There is a welfare fund provided by the company. On retirement, a fixed amount will be given to the employees. This is applicable to the workers and officers. There is a provident fund for the employees.

(k) Participatory management

As a part of participatory management, a production meeting is being held in the company. All the trade unions are called together for discussions. There exists a works committee also in TRACO. Under Industrial Disputes Act 1947, every establishment employing 100 or more workers is required to constitute a works committee. Such a committee consists of equal number of representatives of employer and workers. The main purpose of works committees is providing measures for securing and preserving amity and good relations between the employer and employees.(l) Transfer and promotion Transfer of the employees depends upon the vacancy created in the company. Job rotation is not here. Promotion is done according to the performance appraisal.

(m) Trade unionsThere are two recognized trade unions in the company. They are:

TCEU TRACO Cable Employees Union (CITU)

TCEA TRACO Cable Employees Association (INTUC)

There are two more UN recognized but registered trade unions of AITUC and STU who was not success full in the referendum.

(n) Manpower details

CATEGORYNUMBER

ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGERIAL14

FOREMAN AND CHARGEHAND11

SKILLED WORKMEN45

SEMI-SKILLED WORKMEN105

UNSKILLED1

CASUAL LABOUR8

4. THEORETICAL FRAME WORK OF WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Theoretical Frame Work of Working Capital ManagementA successful sales program is necessary for earning profits by any business enterprises. Sales dont convert into cash instantly. There is a time lag between the sale of goods and receipt of cash. Therefore there is a need for working capital in the form of current assets to deal with the problem arising out of the lack of immediate realization of cash against goods sold. Therefore sufficient working capital is necessary to sustain sales activity.

The working capital management is concerned with the problems that arise in attempting to manage the current assets, the current liabilities and the relationship that exists between them. The term current asset refers to those assets which are the ordinary course of business within a year, out of the current or earnings of the concern. Current liabilities are accounts payable, bills payable, bank overdraft and outstanding expenses. Working capital is that portion of firms asset which is financed by long-term funds. Interaction between current assets and current liabilities is the main theme of the theory of working capital management.Goal of working capital management is to manage the firms current assets and current liabilities in such a way so that a satisfactory level of working capital management is deciding the optimum level of investment in various current assets. There are three important current assets, cash, accounts receivables and inventory.

4.1 Definitions of Working CapitalWorking capital is ordinarily defined as the excess of current asset over current liabilities

Working capital management involves the relationship between a firms short-term assets and its short-term liabilities. The goal of working capital management is to ensure that a firm is able to continue its operations and that it has sufficient ability to satisfy both maturing short-term debt and upcoming operational expenses. The management of working capital involves managing inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash.4.2 Management of Working CapitalManagement will use a combination of policies and techniques for the management of working capital. These require managing the current assets generally cash and cash equivalents, inventories and debtors. There are also a variety of short term financing options which are considered;

Cash Management- identifies the cash balance which allows for the business to meet day to day expenses, but reduces cash holding costs.

Inventory management- identifies the level of inventory which allows for uninterrupted production but reduces the investment in raw material and hence increases cash flow; see Just In Time (JIT) and Economic Order Quantity (EOQ).

Debtors management- identify the appropriate credit policy, i.e. credit terms which will attract customers, such that any impact on cash flow and cash conversion cycle will be offset by increased revenue and hence Return on Capital (or vice versa); see Discount and allowances.

Short term financing- inventory id ideally financed by credit granted by supplier; dependent on the cash conversion cycle, it may be necessary to utilize a bank loan (or overdraft), or to convert debtors to cash through factoring.4.3 Kinds of Working CapitalWorking capital can be classified either on the basis of concept or on the basis of periodicity of its requirement.

On the basis of concept

On the basis of concept working capital is of two types.

Gross working capital - Gross working capital is represented by the total current assets.

Net working capital Net working capital is the excess of current asset over current liabilities.Net working capital = Current Assets Current Liabilities

On the basis of requirementOn the basis of requirement working capital is of two types.

Permanent working capital It is that amount of investment which should always be there in the fixes or minimum current assets like inventory, accounts receivables or cash balance etc. to carry out business smoothly. Such an amount cant be reduced if the firm wants to carry on business operations without interruption. Variable working capital The excess the amount of working capital over permanent working capital is known as variable working capital. It may also be subdivided into two parts. Seasonal working capital Such capital is required to meet out the seasonal demands of busy periods occurring at stated intervals. Special working capital Such capital is required to meet out the extra ordinary needs of contingencies. Events like strike, fire, unexpected competition, rising price tendencies, or initiating a big advertisement campaign require such capital.4.4 Objectives of Working Capital For purchase of raw material, components and spares.

To pay wages and salary.

To incur day to day expenses and overhead cost like power, office expense etc.

To meet various selling costs as packaging, advertising etc.

To provide credit facility to customers.

To maintain inventories of raw materials, work in progress, stores and spares and finished goods.

4.5 Advantage of Maintaining Adequate Working Capital Solvency of business: adequate working capital helps in maintaining solvency of business by providing uninterrupted flow of production. Goodwill: sufficient working capital helps a business to make prompt payments and thus helps in creating and maintaining goodwill.

Easy loans: a concern having adequate working capital, high solvency and good credit standing can arrange loan from banks and others on easy and favorable terms

Cash discounts: adequate working capital helps a concern to avail cash discounts on purchase and hence it reduces costs.

Regular supply of raw materials: sufficient working capital ensures regular supply of raw materials and continuous production.

Regular payment of expenses: a company having working capital can make regular payment of salaries, wages etc which raises the morale of its employees, increases their efficiency, reduces wastages there by enhances production and profits.

Exploitation of favorable market condition: concern with adequate working capital can exploit favorable market condition like purchasing its requirements in bulk. When the prices are lower and holding its inventories for higher prices.

Ability to face crisis: only concerns with adequate working capital can face business crisis on emergencies such as depression, because during such periods there is much pressure on working capital.

Quick & regular return of investments: sufficient working capital enables a concern to pay quick and regular to its investors as there may not be much pressure to plough back profits. This gains the confidence of its investors and creates a favourable market to raise additional funds in future.

High morale: adequate working capital creates an environment of security, confidence and high morale and creates overall efficiency in a business.

4.6 Determinants of Working CapitalA host factors influencing the levels of wept needs for a firm can be categorized into two groups:

Internal factors

External factorsA. Internal Factors1. Nature of Business

The composition of current asset is a function of the size of a business and the industry to which it belongs. Small companies have smaller proportion of cash, receivable and inventory than large corporations. This difference becomes more marked in large corporations.2.Size of businessThe size of business have also an important impact on its working capital needs. Size may be measured in terms of a scale of operations. A firm large scale of operations will need more working capital than a small firm.3.Firms Production PolicyA firm following uniform production policy will have to stocks of material during the off season periods and thus incur greater inventory and risk. The effect of seasonal fluctuations upon Working Capital can be offset by pursuing the policy of adjusting production plan to seasonal changes. In this case, inventories are kept at minimum levels but the production manger must shoulder the responsibility of constantly, varying production schedules in accordance with the changing firm's production policy has also an important impact on its working capital needs.

4.Firm's Credit PolicyCredit control included such factors as the volume of credit sales, the terms of credit sales, the collection policy, etc., with a sound credit control policy; it is possible for a firm to improve its cash inflow.

5.Access to Money Market

The WCPL requirements of a firm are conditioned by the firm's access different sources of money market. Credit facilities at liberal terms will be able to get by with less working capital than a firm without such facilities.6.Growth and Expansion of BusinessWorking capital requirements of an enterprise tend to increase in correspondence with growth in volume of sales. Additional current asset will be needed to support increased scale of operations.7.Profit Margin & Dividend PolicyMagnitude of Working Capital in a firm is dependent upon its profit margin and dividend policy. As a matter of fact, a high net profit margin reduces the Working Capital requirements of firm because it contributes towards the Working Capital pool. Distributions of high proportion of profits in of cash dividend results in drain on cash resources and thus reduce company's Working Capital to that extent.8.Depreciation PolicyThe depreciation policy influences the level of Working Capital by affecting tax liability and retained earnings of the enterprise.9.Operating Efficiency Of A FirmOperating efficiency of the firm results in optimum utilization of resources at minimum cost.10. Co-Ordination of Activities in FirmWhere production and distribution activities are co-ordinate pressure on WPCL will be minimized.B. External factors1. Business FluctuationsSeasonal fluctuations in sales affect the level of variable WCPL. Business expands during the period of prosperity and decline during the period of depression. Consequently, more WCPL is required during the period of prosperity and less during the period of depression. 2. Technological DevelopmentsTechnical development in the area of production can have sharp effects o the need for WCPL. If the firm switches over to new manufacturing process and installs new equipments with which it is able to cut period involved in converting raw materials into finished goods, permanent WCPL requirements of the firm will decrease. If new machine can utilize less expensive raw materials, the inventory needs may be reduced.3.Import Policy

Import policy of the government may also have its bearing on the levels of Working Capital of the enterprises since they have to arrange funds for importing goods at specified times.4.Taxation PolicyIn the event of regressive taxation policy of the government as it exists today in India, imposing heavy tax burdens on business enterprises, they are left with very little profits for distribution and retention purpose, consequently, they have to borrow additional funds to meet the increased WCPL needs. Thus pressure on WCPL is minimized particularly when liberal taxation policy is followed.5.Transport and Communication DevelopmentsWhere the means of transport and communication in a country are not well developed, industries may need additional funds to maintain big inventory of raw materials and other accessories which would otherwise not be needed where the transport and communication system are high developed.

6.Just In Time (JIT) ApproachThis is an approach to manufacturing developed in Japan. The objective is to have a perfect matching between the outputs of a manufacturing firm and needs of the market. Effort is made to minimize the time interval between starting the manufacturing process and the product being ready for delivery to the customers.4.7 Working Capital CycleWorking capital cycle indicates the length of time between firmss paying for materials entering into stock and receiving the cash from sales of finished goods. In a manufacturing firm, the duration of time required to complete the sequence of events is called operating cycle. In case of manufacturing company, the operating cycle is the length of time necessary to complete the following cycle of events:-

Conversion of cash into raw materials

Conversion of raw materials into work-in-progress

Conversion of work-in-progress into finished goods

Conversion of finished goods into accounts receivables

Conversion of accounts receivables into cash

OPERATING CYCLE OF A MANUFACTURING FIRM

In case of a trading firm the operating cycle will include the length of time required to convert.

Cash into inventory

Inventory into receivables

Accounts receivables into cash

OPERATING CYCLE OF A TRADING FIRM

4.8 Nature of Working Capital ManagementWorking capital management is three dimensional in nature;

It is concerned with formulation of policies with regard to profitability, liquidity and risk. It is concerned with the decisions about the composition and level of current assets.

It is concerned with the decisions about the composition and level of current liabilities.

5. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION5.1 Net Working Capital AnalysisNet working capital can be defined in two ways Net working capital is the difference between current assets and current liabilities.

Net working capital is that portion of firms current assets, which is financed with long term funds.

As long as the current asset exceeds the current liabilities, the excess must be financed with long term fund. Thus net working capital is a qualitative concept, which indicates the liquidity position of the firm and suggests the extent to which working capital needs may be financed by permanent or long term sources funds.Net working capital = Current Assets - Current Liabilities

The following table shows the working capital of Traco Cable Company from 2005-2006 to 2009-2010.Table 5.1

ANALYSIS OF NET WORKING CAPITAL (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARCURRENT ASSETSCURRENT LIABILITIESNET WORKING CAPITAL

2005-20062492.911081.321411.59

2006-20073266.391810.433084.96

2007-20083677.072123.881553.19

2008-20093278.891796.581482.31

2009-20103144.941525.611619.33

It is revealed from the table 5.1 that the net working capital of Traco Cable Company shows a positive trend up in the year 2009-2010 after huge fall in 2007-2008.Graph 5.1NET WORKING CAPITAL

5.2Ratio of Gross Working Capital to Sales This ratio indicates the amount of working capital employed rupee of sales. It is getting by dividing gross working capital by sales. A lower ratio implies more efficient use of funds.

Gross Working Capital Ratio = Gross Working Capital / Net assets

Table 5.2

RATIO OF GROSS WORKING CAPITAL TO SALES (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARGROSS WORKING CAPITAL SALESRATIO

2005-20062492.913684.870.677

2006-20073266.395143.310.635

2007-20083677.073216.361.143

2008-20093278.894967.830.660

2009-20103144.947168.650.439

From the table 5.2 it is revealed that the ratios are fluctuating trend. During 2005-06 it was 0.677 and then it was decreased to 0.439 in 2009-10 because of decrease in loans and advances.Graph 5.2

GROSS WORKING CAPITAL TO SALES

5.3 Net Working Capital Turnover RatioThe net working capital turnover ratio shows the relationship between net working capital and sales; and help to measure whether the working capital is effectively utilized in making sales. There is no standard ratio for net working capital turnover. High ratio is an indication of efficient utilization of current assets of the firm.

Table 5.3NET WORKING CAPITAL TURNOVER RATIO (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARSALESNET WORKING CAPITALNET WORKING CAPITAL TURNOVER RATIO

2005-20063684.871411.592.61

2006-20075143.313084.961.67

2007-20083216.361553.192.07

2008-20094967.831482.313.35

2009-20107168.651619.334.43

Table 5.3 indicates the net working capital turnover ratio of Traco Cable Company. There is slight fluctuation in the year 2006-07 than increasing trend. High Net Working Capital indicates the efficient working capital management.

Graph 5.3

NET WORKING CAPITAL TURNOVER RATIO

Liquidity Analysis5.4 Current RatioCurrent ratio indicates the availability of current assets in rupees for every one rupee of current liabilities. A ratio of greater than one means that the firm has more current assets than current liabilities. As a conventional rule, a current ratio of 2 to 1or more is considered satisfactory

Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current LiabilitiesTable 5.4CURRENT RATIO (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARCURRENT ASSETSCURRENT LIABILITIESCURRENT RATIO

2005-20062492.911081.322.3

2006-20073266.391810.431.8

2007-20083677.072123.881.7

2008-20093278.891796.581.8

2009-20103144.941525.612.1

As per the above table the current ratio indicates Traco Cable Company has a standard level of liquidity from the year 2005-06 to 2009-10. In 2009-10 current ratio is 2.1. It shows a good liquidity position of the company.

Graph 5.4CURRENT RATIO

5.5 Quick RatioA quick ratio of 1 to 1is considered as a satisfactory current financial condition. A quick ratio of more than one may not say it sound liquidity position because all debtors may not be liquid and inventories are not absolutely liquid. If the quick ratio is in low value may say the management of debtors and inventories in efficiently.

Quick ratio = (Current Assets Inventories) / Current Liabilities

Table 5.5

QUICK RATIO (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARCURRENT ASSETSINVENTORIESCURRENT LIABILITIESQUICK RATIO

2005-20062492.91526.671081.321.8

2006-20073266.39887.81810.431.1

2007-20083677.07106.82123.881.7

2008-20093278.89451.221796.581.6

2009-20103144.94811.71525.611.5

From the above table the quick ratio of the company is higher than the standards. But it does not show the sound liquidity of the company because all debtors may not be liquid and inventories are not absolutely liquid. GRAPH 5.5QUICK RATIO

5.6 Solvency RatioSolvency ratio is used to test the solvency of a firm. Solvency means the ability to meet the outside liabilities. It consists of long term debt and current liability. Total assets stands for total of fixed assets and current asset.Solvency ratio = Total outside liability / Total asset

Table 5.6SOLVENCY RATIO

YEAROUTSIDE LIABILITYTOTAL ASSETRATIO

2005-20063357.813015.501.11

2006-20073988.663893.851.02

2007-20082964.834236.070.7

2008-20093154.233784.890.83

2009-20104266.113594.311.19

The above table shows that the solvency position of the company presented a downward trend till 2007-08. From 2008-09 shows an upward trend.Graph 5.6SOLVENCY RATIO

5.7 DuPont Analysis A method of performance measurement that was started by the DuPont corporation in the 1920s and has been used by them ever since. With this method assets are measured at their gross book value rather than at net book value in order to produce higher ROI. It is believed that measuring assets at gross book value removes the incentive to avoid investing in new assets. New asset avoidance can occur as financial accounting depreciation method artificially produces lower ROI in the initial year that an asset is placed into service.

The DuPont analysis is a means of analyzing the three components of return on equity;

1. Net margin=net income/ sales. How much profit a company makes for every $1.00 it generates in revenue. The higher a companies profit margin the better.

2. Asset turnover=sales/total assets. The amount of sales generated for every dollars worth of asset. This measures the firms efficiency at using assets. The higher the number the better.

3. Leverage factor=total asset/ shareholders equity. The higher the number, the more the debt company has.

The DuPont analysis is a means of analyzing the components of return on total assets.

DuPont analysis= net profit / sales * sales / total assetTable 5.7DUPONT ANALYSISYEARNET PROFITSALESTOTAL ASSETSROI

2005-06Nil3684.875387.28Nil

2006-07Nil5143.315694.85Nil

2007-08Nil3216.366004.71Nil

2008-0931.884967.835979.180.005

2009-10594.017168.655426.970.11

Graph 5.7DUPONT ANALYSIS

On the basis of DuPont analysis the Traco Cable Companys return on total asset is less than zero. It means the company is facing a nominal loss. The firm cannot able to obtain an adequate return on total asset.

5.8 Projection of Working Capital for the Next Two YearsTraco Cable Companys working capital for the past 5 years areTable 5.8WORKING CAPITAL (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARWORKING CAPITAL

2005-20061411.59

2006-20073084.96

2007-20081553.19

2008-20091482.31

2009-20101619.33

TREND ANALYSIS

Trend analysis is the tool used to project the working capital for the next two years.

Table 5.9TREND ANALYSYS (RS IN LAKHS)

YEARXYXYX2Y2

2005-2006-21411.59-2823.1841992.59

2006-2007-13084.96-3084.9619516.98

2007-200801553.19002412.4

2008-200911482.311482.3112197.24

2009-201021619.333238.6642622.23

TOTAL09151.38-1187.171018741.44

b = (NXY (X) (Y)) / (NX2 (X)2)

b= (5 x -1187.17- (0) (9151.38)) / (5 x 10 0)= -5935.85 / 50

= -118.717

a = (Y b (X)) / N

a = (9151.38 ((-118.717) x 0) / 5

=