Question 1: Managerial Communication
Q: You are handling a crisis where your company’s customer data was accidentally exposed
online. How would you communicate with stakeholders and the public?
Answer:
In a crisis situation like a data breach, effective communication must be timely, transparent,
and empathetic. I would:
• Issue a formal statement acknowledging the breach
• Explain the cause (if known), and immediate steps taken to secure data
• Offer support (helpline, free credit monitoring, etc.)
• Apologize sincerely and assure of long-term solutions
• Maintain regular updates to regain trust
This approach follows best practices in crisis communication, emphasizing speed, honesty, and
stakeholder empathy, as seen in the Rana Plaza example discussed in class.
Question 2: Data-Driven Decision Making
Q: How can a retail company use descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to improve
sales?
Answer:
• Descriptive Analytics: Analyze past sales data to identify top-selling products, seasonal
trends, and customer demographics.
• Predictive Analytics: Use regression or machine learning models to forecast future sales
based on variables like promotions, holidays, or weather.
• Prescriptive Analytics: Recommend actions such as optimal pricing, inventory levels, or
marketing strategies using optimization models.
This full analytics cycle helps the company make evidence-based decisions and optimize
business performance.
Question 3: Accounting
Q: A company wants to decide whether to continue or discontinue a product line that is showing
a loss. How should they approach this decision using relevant cost analysis?
Answer:
They should apply relevant costing principles:
• Focus on segment margin (contribution margin – avoidable fixed costs).
• Ignore common fixed costs (not directly attributable to the segment).
• If the segment margin is positive, it helps cover overall fixed costs and should be
retained.
• If negative and unprofitable long-term, discontinuing may be better.
This aligns with decision-making frameworks like “drop a segment” covered under relevant
costs.
Question 4: Marketing
Q: Explain the STP (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning) strategy for launching an eco-friendly
detergent in Bangladesh.
Answer:
• Segmentation: Demographic (urban households), psychographic (environmentally
conscious consumers), behavioral (frequent detergent buyers)
• Targeting: Middle to upper-income families in Dhaka and Chattogram who are aware of
sustainability issues
• Positioning: "Clean Clothes, Cleaner Planet" – A powerful, eco-friendly detergent that
protects both your family and the environment
The strategy ensures a clear value proposition and tailored marketing efforts.
Question 5: Organizational Change
Q: You are implementing a new remote work policy. How would you communicate and manage
the change effectively among employees?
Answer:
Using Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model:
1. Create urgency: Highlight benefits like flexibility and productivity
2. Build a coalition: Involve leaders in planning
3. Develop vision: Clear policy and expectations
4. Communicate: Regular updates, FAQs, open forums
5. Empower action: Provide tools (VPN, laptops)
6. Generate quick wins: Pilot teams show early success
7. Build on change: Gather feedback, adjust
8. Anchor in culture: Make it part of performance reviews
This structured approach helps minimize resistance and increase employee buy-in.
Question 6: Business Presentation Skills
Q: Describe the key principles of an effective business presentation. Why are they important in a
corporate setting?
Answer:
Effective presentations follow principles such as:
• Clarity: Clear structure—intro, body, conclusion
• Audience focus: Know their expectations
• Visual aid: Use the 6x6 rule (max 6 words per line, 6 lines per slide)
• Storytelling: Use persuasive storytelling to engage (McKee’s model: Conflict → Struggle
→ Resolution)
• Delivery: Confident voice, good posture, eye contact
• Preparation: Practice, time management, anticipate questions
These elements help influence decisions, secure buy-in, and build credibility in a corporate
environment.
Question 7: Marketing Strategy
Q: What is the BCG Matrix and how can it help a company manage its product portfolio?
Answer:
The BCG Matrix classifies products into:
• Stars: High growth, high share – invest for growth
• Cash Cows: Low growth, high share – generate revenue
• Question Marks: High growth, low share – assess potential
• Dogs: Low growth, low share – consider divesting
It helps businesses allocate resources effectively and decide which products to grow, maintain,
or phase out.
Question 8: Financial Ratios
Q: Explain how liquidity and profitability ratios are used to assess business performance.
Answer:
• Liquidity Ratios (e.g., Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities) show a firm's
ability to meet short-term obligations.
• Profitability Ratios (e.g., Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Sales) assess how efficiently a
company converts sales into profit.
They are critical for creditors, investors, and managers to monitor financial health and make
informed decisions.
Question 9: Predictive Analytics in HR
Q: How can predictive analytics be used in human resource management?
Answer:
Predictive analytics can help HR:
• Forecast turnover using historical attrition data
• Identify high-potential employees via performance and engagement data
• Optimize recruitment by predicting candidate success
• Improve workforce planning using seasonal hiring trends
This enables proactive decision-making and improves talent retention and organizational
efficiency.
Question 10: Organizational Change
Q: List common barriers to organizational change and suggest strategies to overcome them.
Answer:
Barriers:
• Resistance to change (fear of the unknown)
• Lack of trust in leadership
• Poor communication
• Inadequate resources or training
Strategies:
• Transparent and consistent communication
• Employee involvement in the change process
• Training and support systems
• Leadership modeling the change
Overcoming these barriers ensures smoother transitions and greater employee buy-in.
Question 11: CRM and Customer Retention
Q: Why is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) important and how does it support
retention?
Answer:
CRM systems:
• Track customer interactions and preferences
• Enable personalized communication
• Predict future needs using data
• Automate follow-ups and service support
CRM boosts retention by improving customer experience, loyalty, and lifetime value.
Question 12: Ethical Marketing
Q: Discuss the role of ethical marketing in building brand reputation.
Answer:
Ethical marketing involves:
• Honest advertising
• Fair pricing
• Respecting consumer privacy
• Avoiding deceptive tactics
It builds trust and long-term customer relationships, enhances brand image, and helps comply
with regulations.
