Download MBA Finance (Master of Business Administration) 3rd Semester Project Financing and Management
UNIT ? I
PROJECT - INTRODUCTION
Objectives of the Lesson:
After going through this unit, you may be able to
Define a Project
Explain in detail the classification of Projects, Sub - projects
Structure of the Lesson:
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Features of a Project
1.2 Operation and Project ? Similarities
1.3 Operations and Projects ? Comparison
1.4 Key Considerations in a Project
1.5 Classification of Projects, Sub-Projects
1.5.1 Types of Projects
1.5.2 Sub-projects
1.0 Introduction
Organizations perform work continuously. These works include operations or
projects though some works may overlap with each other. For the organizations,
projects are important elements of change. They are considered to be the leading
edge of change in organizations. A project consists of a combination of organizational
resources pulled together to create something that did not previously exist and that will
provide a performance capability in the design and execution of organizational
strategies. Projects are conceptualized, designed, engineered and produced (or
constructed); something is created that did not previously exist. An
organizational strategy has been executed to facilitate the support of ongoing
organizational life. Projects therefore support the ongoing activities of a going
concern. For example,
? An R&D project bridges the gap from an existing technology to a future
technology.
? A new factory adds to the manufacturing capability.
? A new building contributes to the infrastructure of the city.
? A new highway improves transportation systems.
? A canal provides a waterway over land.
? A pipeline moves oil, gas, or water.
? A new house improves the living standards of a family.
Hence we can define a project as temporary endeavor to create a unique
product or service. - Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMOK)
Some more definitions are ?
Newman et al. defined a project and described its value as simply a cluster of
activities that is relatively separate and clear-cut. Building a plant, designing a
new package are examples.
It is "any undertaking that has definite, final objectives representing specified
values to be used in the satisfaction of some need or desire. (Ralph Currier
Davis)
1.1 Features of a Project
- A clear termination point (temporary).
- Might be part of a broader program.
- A distinct mission (unique).
- The main virtue of a project involves in identification of a nice, neat work
package within a bewildering array of objectives, alternatives, and activities.
- Mostly used as a means of implementing strategy.
- Progressively elaborated i.e. scope and details of the projects evolve as one
undertakes the project even though distinguishing features of the project are
stated initially.
1.2 Operation and Project - Similarities
- Planned, executed and controlled
- Performed by people
- Limited resources
1.3 Operations and Projects - Comparison
- Operations are repetitive (not unique)
- Operations are ongoing (not temporary)
1.4 Key Considerations in a Project
a) How much will it cost?
b) What is the time required?
c) What technical performance capability will it provide?
d) To what extent will the project results fit into the design and
execution of organizational strategies?
1.5 Classification of Projects, Sub-Projects
A detailed study of different types of projects with reference to sequence of
stages or processes used in each case would provide us an idea to use project
management in a most effective manner. The success of a project-based
organization lies in managing a portfolio of projects. In this regard the study of
criteria for selection of projects is needed.
1.5.1 Types of Projects
One of the methods to classify projects is:
1. Open project or Walking in the fog`
2. Semi-open project or 'Making movies'
3. Closed project or 'Painting by numbers'
4. Semi-closed project or 'Going on a quest'
1. Open Project or "walking in the fog"
Strict control over costs and on time-scale is important. Projects may not
achieve anything as in semi-closed project. Neither is it known what to do nor
how to do it. But the project can be altered and act differently. Usually these are
reactions to change in certain circumstances like political, competitive).
A lot of quest and speed is required in projects. Not all the projects are closed
projects with definite mission. However as the projects passes through phases of
a life cycle they usually change from 'Fog' to 'Paint by Numbers'. It is up to the
leader to decide whether he has to stop at a particular phase for lack of
objectives or means; there are no rules to be followed in a project as long as the
benefit is achieved.
2. Semi-open Project or "making movies"
In this type, commitment to use of method adopted becomes essential. It can be
known how to do something but what is to be to achieve is unknown. The
organization might have expertise and capability but are looking for ways to
apply it. It is like we have actors but no script but interested to make movie.
3. Closed Project or "Painting by Numbers"
Traditional projects are suitable example for this type of project. They have
clear goals and a well defined set of activities to be carried out. You can know
what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it. It is so clear-cut that you
can paint the numbers on it.
4. Semi - closed Project or "Going on a quest"
In this type, strict control over the costs and time-scale at the same time
allowing freedom to explore is the main feature. The organization knows what
they want to achieve but how to achieve it is unknown. Hence they send
employees on a quest to explore 'out of the box possibilities`. These types of
project will lead to overspending, getting delayed, or getting nothing from the
project.
Another method to classify the projects is:
1. Simple projects
2. Rapid projects
3. Just-do-it projects or 'Loose Cannons'.
1. "Simple" Projects
A usual project may start off as 'painting by numbers', a fog, a quest, or a movie.
The investigative stage are worked out until the organization is confident (say,
around 90-95 percent) where at this stage the required benefits can be achieved.
At the detailed investigation stage, they will have to narrow the options down
and have to proceed for approval and funding to complete the detailed
investigation stage. At the development stage, approval to complete the project
as a whole is needed. It has become a painting by numbers project.
With a simple project, usually a great deal is known about it even before it
starts. By the time the initial investigation stage is completed, fully defined the
project is available and this leads to higher confidence level as it is normally for
a larger project at the development stage. Thus in a simple project you may by-
pass certain stages to avoid unnecessary work.
2. "Rapid" Projects
In this case a project is defined with a fixed budget and time-scale but scope is
varied to suit a predetermined minimum scope. Usually a prototype or actual
operational platform is used in this project to cut down resource requirements
and time-scale. Hence some of the stages and processes are merged. But it
should be noted that just to save time and cost, phases, and processes of project
couldn't be dispensed with.
3. "Just do it" Projects - Loose Cannons
These are undertaken to achieve results irrespective of time and cost.
Sometimes these may be a Management's "pet project" with little relevance to
strategy. Of course, these start often with optimistic projections and end up
bouncing around the organization demanding more and more resources. They
tend to very stressful to those associated with these projects. Hence best policy
is to avoid them.
Before starting any such project consider the following:
? Why am I doing this?
? Is it really far more important than anything else in the company?
? Am I really sure what I am doing?
There must be very compelling reasons to allow a loose cannon project to start.
Responding to a problem by panicking is not usually a good enough reason.
1.5.2 Sub-projects
Sub-projects are tightly coupled and tightly aligned parts of a project without
any independent business case or benefit. The conditions under which you
would choose to set up sub-projects depend on the degree of delegation you
want to effect - it is akin to subcontracting the work.
This type of structure happens as a result of systems and process limitations or
reporting requirements. It may be more convenient to represent and report a
completely delegated piece of work as a subproject as it may relate to work,
which has been let externally, under a contract or internally. Sub-projects may
lead to timing mismatch and complexity. Hence greater coordination is
required.
Questions for Self-Study
1. Define a Project
2. List out the Similarities and comparing between operation and project
3. What are the key Considerations in a Project?
4. Discuss in detail the different types of projects.
5. What do you mean by Sub ? projects?
6. What is the sequence of phases undertaken in each of the four types of
projects closed, semi-closed, semi-open, and open?
References
1. Robert Buttrick - "The Project Workout" - Pitman Publishers
2. David I. CIeland -"Project Management-Strategic Design and
Implementation" - Mcgraw -Hill International Ed.
3. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - Project Finance,
Background Material"
4. Prasanna Chandra - "Projects, Planning, Analysis, Selection, Implemen-
tation & Review" - Tata Mcgraw Hill
LESSON - II
THE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
Objectives of the Lesson:
After going through this unit, you may be able to
Know the meaning of Project Life Cycle and its phases
Analyze the various Phases involved in the Project Life Cycle
Critically examine the various issues in managing the Project Life Cycle
Structure of the Lesson:
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Project Phases Analysis
2.3 Project Life Cycle Phases
2.4 Issues in Managing Project Life Cycle
2.1 Introduction
Projects have a distinct life cycle, starting with an idea and progressing through design,
engineering and manufacturing or construction, through use by a project owner. Project
life cycle is a collection of generally sequential project phases, whose name and
number are determined by the control needs of organization or organizations
involved in the project. A project phase is collection of logically related project
activities usually culminating in the completion of major deliverable i.e. any
measurable, tangible, verifiable outcome, result or item that must be produced
to complete a project or part of project.
2.2 Project Phases Analysis
The project originates as an idea in someone's mind, takes a conceptual form
and eventually has enough substance that key decision-makers in the
organization select the project as a means of executing elements of strategy in
the organization. In practice, the project manager must learn to deal with a wide
range of problems and opportunities, each in a different stage of evolution, and
each having different relationships with the evolving project. Thus a project
manager can effectively and efficiently plan and execute his decisions if he
were able to identify these stages in the evolution of a project which is called
life cycle of a project.
2.3 Project Life Cycle Phases
A product grows through several phases in its life cycle, starting with an idea,
progressing throughout production or construction and passing on to sales and
distribution and through to after-sales logistic support. In the same way a project
passes through the following stages:
Develop an idea something which is something new.
Do Research by enquiring or examining into the field of knowledge with
the objective to convert idea into a practical plan.
Design-idea and get it converted into practical plan.
Convert Design by developing into actual product, service, or process.
Take the product, service, or process through Marketing to customers. It
may precede the design phase.
Convert the resources into product, service, or process through Production.
Provide Post Sales service and support to customers during the use of
product or service.
These can be expressed in simple terms as follows:
a) Have an idea
b) Have a quick look
c) Have a closer look
d) Do it
e) Try it
f) Use it
g) Post implementation review
Different yet similar phases have been described in managing the life of a
project. The managerial action in these phases typically includes:
1. Conceptual Phase
Bases are established and the management approach is formulated in this phase.
The decision that a project is needed is made. Goals are established, resources
are estimated, and key personnel are appointed.
2. Planning Phase
In this phase, major program characteristics are validated and refined and
program risks and costs are assessed, resolved, or minimized. The project
organization is defined, targets are set, schedule of execution is drawn, tasks,
and resources are defined and allocated and ?project teams are built.
3. Execution Phase
This phase consist of full scale development phase and production phase, in
full-scale development phase, design, fabrication and testing are completed.
Costs are assessed to ensure that the program is ready for the production phase.
In the production phase the system is produced and delivered as an effective,
economical, and supportable system. During this period, responsibility for
program management is transferred.
4. Termination Phase
In this phase, the system is actually transferred to organization. Commitments
are completed, personnel are rewarded, resources are released, and team
members are reassigned.
2.4 Issues in Managing Project Life Cycle
a) Number and Names of Phases
It should be noted that these phases or stages are as per user requirements.
Further the names of phases are different in different organizations but the
meaning remains the same. Hence a project leader, rather than trying to educate
people as to use pf his name for a particular phase can better exploit the names
already familiar to people in the organization to avoid confusion and resentment
in use of a particular name.
b) Assessing the Requirements of Resources
One of the first undertakings in planning for a project is to develop a rough estimate of
the major tasks or work packages to be done in each phase. There are many ways of
looking at a project life cycle. Adams and Brandt suggest two ways of looking at the
managerial actions by project phase and the tasks accomplished by project phase.
Once established, the life cycle model should be updated as more is learned
about the project. As the project progresses through its life cycle, the project
exhibits ever-changing levels of cost, time, and performance. The project
manager must make correspondingly dynamic responses by changing the mix of
resources assigned to the project as a whole and to its various work packages.
Thus budgets will fluctuate substantially in total and in terms of the allocation to
the various project work packages. The need for resources and various kinds of
expertise will similarly fluctuate, as will virtually everything else.
This constantly changing picture of the life cycle is an underlying structural
rationale for project management. The traditional hierarchical organization is
not fully designed to cope with managing such an always-changing mix of
resources. Rather, it is designed to control and monitor a much more static
entity that, day today involves stable levels of expenditures, numbers of people
etc.
c) Managing Uncertainty in Project Life Cycles
As the project life cycle progresses, the cost, time and performance parameters
must be "managed". This involves continuous re-planning of the as yet undone
phases in the light of emerging data on what has actually been accomplished.
The Project team must rethink much during the project life cycle to modify and
fine-tune the work packages for each phase.
d) Combining the Effect of Stream of Projects
A stream of projects that place demands on its resources can characterize
many organizations at any time. The combined effect of all the projects facing
an organization at any given time determines the overall product, service, and
process status of the organization at that time and gives insight into the
organization's future.
The projects facing a given organization at a given time typically are diverse -
some products are in various stages of their life cycles and embody different
technologies; other products are in various stages of development. Management
subsystems are undergoing development. Organizational units are in transition.
And major decision problems, such as merger and plant location decisions, are
usually studied as projects.
Moreover, at any given time, each of these projects usually will be in a different
phase of its life cycle. For instance, one product may be in the conceptual phase
undergoing feasibility study; another may be in the definition phase. Some
might be in production. Other is being phased out in favor of upcoming models.
The challenges associated with the overall management of an organization that
is involved in a stream of projects are influenced by life cycle, just as are the
challenges associated with managing individual projects. In project-driven
organizations whose main business is management of the stream of projects
passing throughout the organization, the mix of projects in their various phases
is most challenging, particularly in allocating work force, funding resources,
scheduling work loads, etc. to maintain a stable organizational effort.
Questions for Self-Study
1. What are the issues in managing a project life cycle?
2. How do the three parameters of a project-cost, time and technical
performance-interact?
3. Which of the management function is more important in conceptual phase of
project life cycle?
4. Whether a rapid project can be undertaken without some stages or processes?
5. What are the advantages of having a stream of projects?
References
1. Prasanna Chandra - "Projects, Planning, Analysis, Selection, Implemen-
tation & Review" - Tata Mcgraw Hill
2. Robert Buttrick - "The Project Workout" - Pitman Publishers
3. David I. CIeland -"Project Management-Strategic Design and
Implementation" - Mcgraw -Hill International Ed.
LESSON - III
STRATEGIC ISSUES IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Objectives of the lesson:
After going through this unit, you may be able to
Explain the nature and scope of strategic issues
Know the strategic uses of project management
Manage the strategic issues in a project
Understand the project failure and success involved in the strategic issues
Structure of the lesson:
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Strategic Issues - Nature and Scope
3.3 Strategic Issues - Features
3.4 Project Management - Strategic Uses
3.5 Managing Project Strategic Issues
3.6 Strategic Issues - Project Failure and Success
3.1 Introduction
An issue is something that has happened and either threatens or enhances the
success of a project. Issue management is the process for recording and
handling any event or problem. Some of the issues can be dealt within the
project. However strategic issues may require a change in order to keep the
project viable. Hence a study of nature and management of these strategic issues
is required.
3.2 Strategic Issues - Nature and Scope
The concept of "strategic issues" has emerged as a way to identify and manage
factors and forces that can significantly affect an organization's future strategies
and tactics.
Project owners need to be aware of the possible and probable impacts of
strategic issues. The project team leader has the primary responsibility to focus
the owner's resources to deal with project strategic issues.
In a project, a strategic issue is a condition of pressure, either internal or
external, that will have a significant effect on one or more factors of the project,
such as its financing, design, engineering, construction, and operation.
3.3 Strategic Issues - Features
Sometimes a strategic issue arises from the attitudes of employees.
Strategic issues can emerge at any time during a project's life cycle.
The successful completion of any project is dependent upon the recognition
and management of strategic issues surrounding the social, political, legal,
and economic aspects of the project as well as the cost, schedule and
technical performance aspects.
Strategic issues vary depending on the industry and the circumstances of
particular project. E. g. in the case of nuclear construction industry the
strategic issues may be
Licensability
Passive safety
Power costs
Reliability of generating systems
Nuclear fuel reprocessing
Waste management
Capital investment
Public perception
Environment and
Safeguards.
3.4 Project Management - Strategic Uses
One of the basic steps in deciding about a project is to confirm that it is driven
by benefits, which support strategy. Strategic fit should be assessable from the
beginning. The less clear the strategy, the more likely projects are to pass the
initial screening; so there will be more projects competing for scarce resources
resulting in the company losing focus and harming overall performance. In this
regard the types of strategies that are implemented through project management
are required to be understood.
3.5 Managing Project Strategic Issues
Project strategic issues often are nebulous, defying management in the literal
sense of the word. It is important that the project teams identify the strategic
issues the project faces and deal with them in terms of how they may affect the
outcome of the project. In the assessment of the issues, some may be set aside as
not having a significant impact on the project. These would not be reacted to but
would be monitored to see if any changes occur that could affect the project. Of
course, some significant issues may not be subject to the influence of the project
team. The Project team requires a philosophy on how to manage strategic
issues.
Identification of an Issue
Identifying some of the issues often can come about during the selection of the
project to support the organizational strategy. During the selection process the
following criteria can be addressed to determine if the project truly supports
organizational strategy:
1. Does the project support a strength that the enterprise holds?
2. Does it avoid a dependence on something that is a weakness of the
enterprise?
3. Does the project support an organizational need?
4. Is there a customer who is willing to pay for the project?
5. Can the project owner assume the risk that is involved in the project?
6. Are the resources and management skills available to bring the project to
completion on time and within budget?
Assessment of an Issue
The act of assessing an issue entails judging its importance in terms of its
impact on the project. One author has suggested four criteria for first assessing
an issue as strategic and then moving to subsequent states of management of the
issue.
Strategic relevance
Action ability
Criticality
Urgency
Strategic relevance
The strategic relevance of an issue relates to whether it will have a long-term
impact (more than one year) on the project. Strategic relevance addresses the
question:
Will this strategic issue influence the project strategy? Or
The likely consequences of the strategies that are being followed in the
project?
If an issue is strategy-relevant, then the project manager has two basic courses
of action:
Try to live with the issue's impact or
Do something about the issue.
But some strategic issues will be beyond the authority and resources of the
project manager to resolve. In such situations a third course is open to the
project manager. Elevate the issue to senior managers for their analysis and
possible evaluation. Even though senior managers are aware of the issue, the
project manager retains residual responsibility to see that the issue is "tracked" and
given due attention.
Ability to take Action
The ability of a project issue deals with the capability of the project team and
the enterprise to take suitable action about the issue. For example, the issue of
licensability of a new nuclear power plant is critical to the decision of whether
to fund such a plant.
A project may face strategic issues about which little can be done. Keeping
track of the issue and considering its potential impact on project decisions may
be the only realistic action the team can take. Key project managers should
always be aware that there are issues that may be beyond their influence.
Criticality
The criticality of an issue is the determined impact that the issue can have on the
project's outcome. The issue of growing congressional disenchantment with the
U. S. Supersonic Transport Program arose from the concern of the
environmentalists over the sonic boom problem.
If a preliminary analysis of an issue indicates it is non-critical, then the issue
should be monitored and periodically evaluated to see if its status has changed.
Considering Urgent Issues Emerging during the Project Planning
The urgency of an issue has to do with the time period in which something
needs to be done. Or else being equal, if an issue should be dealt with
immediately, it must take precedence over other issues. Urgent issues emerging
during the project planning should be considered as a "work package" in the
management of the project. Someone should be designated as the 'issue work
package manager' to look after the issue, particularly during its urgency status.
Analysis of an Action
Identification and assessment of an issue are not enough: The issue has to be
managed so that its adverse effect on the project is minimized and its potential
benefit is maximized. The issue work package manager is in charge of
collecting information, tracking the project and ensuring that the issue remains
visible to the project team. That manager should also coordinate decisions made
and implemented regarding the issue.
In the analysis of action required to deal with an issue, seeking answers to a
series of questions like the following can be helpful:
1. What will be the probable effect of the issue in terms of impact on the
projects schedule, cost and technical performance and the owner's strategy?
2. Who are the principal stakeholders who have an interest in the project? What
will be the impact on their probable strategy?
3. How influential are these stakeholders?
4. What strategy should the project team develop to deal with these issues?
5. What might be the real cost in relation to the apparent cost to the project
owner and will other projects being funded by the project owner be affected?
6. What specific action will be required and what will it cost the project owner?
The action developed to deal with the issue may, at the minimum, consist of
simply monitoring the issue and giving status reports to the project team. Some
issues, however, may require a more aggressive approach. The 'issue work
package manager may find it useful to think of the issue as having a life cycle,
with such phases as conception, definition, production, operations and
termination, and to identify the key actions to be considered and accomplished
during each phase. The manager should be specific and should stipulate what
will be done, when it will be done, how to do it, where, and who will be in
charge of implementing the action leading to resolution of the issue.
Implementation
However it is dealt with, the resolution of an issue or the mitigation of its effects
requires that a project plan of action be developed and implemented. Indeed, the
resolution of a strategic issue can be dealt with as a mini-project requiring the
execution of the management functions - planning, organizing, direction and
control - and all these functions entail some degree of work-breakdown
analysis, scheduling, cost estimating, matrix- responsibility, information
systems, design of monitoring and control and so on. What resources are to be
used to resolve the issue? and who should take the leadership role in resolving
that issue is the crucial questions to be answered.
3.6 Strategic Issues - Project Failure and Success
A project's success or failure depends upon strategic issue management. Why do
projects fail? Many project management theorists and practitioners have
considered this question. One study detailed the following reasons for failure:
1. Lack of understanding of the project complexity
2. Lack of access and internal communication
3. Failure to integrate the key elements
4. Inadequate control
5. Subtle change in requirement
6. Ineffective execution strategy
7. Too much dependence on software
8. Contractor/customer with different expectations
9. No shared "win-win" attitudes
10. Inadequate education/training
11. Lack of leadership commitment and sponsorship
12. Not viewed as a start-up business
Similarly success of project also depended on several factors. According to one
study they are described as follows:
1. Management commitment
2. A realistic and firm schedule
3. Clear decision-making and authority
4. Flexible project control tools
5. Team work
6. Maintaining engineering ahead of construction
7. Early start-up involvement
8. Organizational flexibility
9. Ongoing critique of the project
10. Close coordination
How the Board can be involved in a Project?
1. Regular and rigorous review of the status of major projects is the best way for
directors to be kept informed of how corporate strategy is evolving - and how
well the enterprise is preparing for its future.
2. Project performance audits can be a powerful tool to use is gaining an
independent assessment of a project's status.
3. In the selection of directors, consideration should be given to the individual's
competency in project management.
Questions for Self-Study
1. Critically evaluate the Strategic Issues involved in the project
2. What methods might project manager`s employ to identify the strategic issues
in a project?
3. What is meant by strategic relevance of an issue?
4. How managers ensure that project team members are aware of and
understand the project strategic issues?
References
1. Robert Buttrick - "The Project Workout" - Pitman Publishers
2. Prasanna Chandra - "Projects, Planning, Analysis, Selection, Implemen-
tation & Review" - Tata Mcgraw Hill
3. David I. CIeland -"Project Management-Strategic Design and
Implementation" - Mcgraw -Hill International Ed.
LESSON ? IV
PROJECT FINANCING
Objectives of the Lesson:
From this lesson, you will be able to
Explain the rational behind project financing
Know project financing participant and agreements
List out the principal advantages and disadvantages
Explain the financial planning and control involved in the projects
Explain financial reporting
Structure of the Lesson
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Rational
4.3 Project Financing Participants and Agreements
4.3.1 First Step in a Project Financing: The Feasibility Study
4.4 Principal Advantages and Disadvantages
.3.1 First Step in a Project Financing: The Feasibility Study
4.5 Financial Plan and Control in Projects
4.5.1 Financial plan
4.5.2 Project Cash Flows
4.5.3 Measuring Project Cash Flows: Basic Principles
4.5.4 Principle of Incremental Cash Flows
4.5.5 Principle of Long Term Funds
4.5.6 Principle of Financing Costs Exclusion
4.5.7 Principle of Post-tax
4.5.8 Cash Flow Stream Components
4.5.9 Operating Cash Inflows
4.5.10 Terminal Cash Flow
4.5.11 Issues as to Cash Flow Analysis/Estimation
4.6 Errors in Cash Flow Estimation
4.7 Overstatement of Profitability
4.7.1 under Statement of Profitability
4.8 Time Value of Money
4.8.1 Cost of Capital
4.9 Financial Management Controls
4.10 Authorizing Spending of Funds
4.11 Recording of Actual Costs and Committed Costs
4.12 Financial Reporting
4.1 Introduction
Project financing involves non-recourse financing of the development and construction
of a particular project in which the lender looks principal y to the revenues expected to
be generated by the project for the repayment of its loan and to the assets of the Project
as collateral for its loan rather than to the general credit of the project sponsor.
4.2 Rational
Project financing is commonly used as a financing method in capital-intensive industries
for projects requiring large investments of funds, such as the construction of power
plants, pipelines, transportation systems, mining facilities, industrial facilities, and heavy
manufacturing plants. The sponsors of such projects frequently are not sufficiently
creditworthy to obtain traditional financing or are unwilling to take the risks and assume
the debt obligations associated with traditional financings. Project financing permits the
risks associated with such projects to be al ocated among a number of parties at levels
acceptable to each party.
4.3 Project Financing Participants and Agreements
1. Sponsor/Developer
The sponsor(s) or developer(s) of a project financing is the party that organizes all of the
other parties and typically controls, and makes an equity investment in, the company or
other entity that owns the project. If there is more than one sponsor, the sponsors
typically will form a corporation or enter into a partnership or other arrangement
pursuant to which the sponsors will form a "project company" to own the project and
establish their respective rights and responsibilities regarding the project.
2. Additional Equity Investors
In addition to the sponsor(s), there frequently are additional equity investors in the
project company. These additional investors may include one or more of the other
project participants.
3. Construction Contractor
The construction contractor enters into a contract with the project company for the
design, engineering, and construction of the project.
4. Operator
The project operator enters into a long-term agreement with the project company for the
day-to-day operation and maintenance of the project.
5. Feedstock Supplier
The feedstock supplier(s) enters into a long-term agreement with the project company
for the supply of feedstock (i.e., energy, raw materials or other resources) to the project
(e.g., for a power plant, the feedstock supplier will supply fuel; for a paper mill, the
feedstock supplier will supply wood pulp).
6. Product Off taker
The product off taker(s) enters into a long-term agreement with the project company for
the purchase of all of the energy, goods or other product produced at the project.
7. Lender
The lender in a project financing is a financial institution or group of financial
institutions that provide a loan to the project company to develop and construct the
project and that take a security interest in all of the project assets.
4.3.1 First Step in a Project Financing: The Feasibility Study
As one of the first steps in a project financing the sponsor or a technical consultant hired
by the sponsor will prepare a feasibility study showing the financial viability of the
project. Frequently, a prospective lender will hire its own independent consultants to
prepare an independent feasibility study before the lender will commit to lend funds for
the project.
Contents
The feasibility study should analyze every technical, financial and other aspect
of the project, including the time-frame for completion of the various phases of
the project development, and should clearly set forth all of the financial and
other assumptions upon which the conclusions of the study are based, Among
the more important items contained in a feasibility study are:
Description of project.
Description of sponsor(s).
Sponsors' Agreements.
Project site.
Governmental arrangements.
Source of funds.
Feedstock Agreements.
Off take Agreements.
Construction Contract.
Management of project.
Capital costs.
Working capital.
Equity sourcing.
Debt sourcing.
Financial projections.
Market study.
Assumptions.
4.4 Principal Advantages and Disadvantages
1. Non-recourse
The typical project financing involves a loan to enable the sponsor to construct a project
where the loan is completely "non-recourse" to the sponsor, i.e., the sponsor has no
obligation to make payments on the project loan if revenues generated by the project are
insufficient to cover the principal and interest payments on the loan. In order to
minimize the risks associated with a non-recourse loan, a lender typically will require
indirect credit supports in the form of guarantees, warranties and other covenants from
the sponsor, its affiliates and other third parties involved with the project.
2. off-Balance-Sheet Treatment
Depending upon the structure of a project financing, the project sponsor may not be
required to report any of the project debt on its balance sheet because such debt is non-
recourse or of limited recourse to the sponsor. Off-balance-sheet treatment can have the
added practical benefit of helping the sponsor comply with covenants and restrictions
relating to borrowing funds contained in other indentures and credit agreements to
which the sponsor is a party.
3. Maximize Leverage
In a project financing, the sponsor typically seeks to finance the costs of development
and construction of the project on a highly leveraged basis. Frequently, such costs are
financed using 80 to 100 percent debt. High leverage in a non-recourse project financing
permits a sponsor to put less in funds at risk, permits a sponsor to finance the project
without diluting its equity investment in the project and, in certain circumstances, also
may permit reductions in the cost of capital by substituting lower-cost, tax-deductible
interest for higher-cost, taxable returns on equity.
4. Maximize Tax Benefits
Project financings should be structured to maximize tax benefits and to assure that all
available tax benefits are used by the sponsor or transferred, to the extent permissible, to
another party through a partnership, lease or other vehicle.
Disadvantages
Project financings are extremely complex. It may take a much longer period of time to
structure, negotiate, and document a project financing than a traditional financing, and
the legal fees and related costs associated with a project financing can be very high.
Because the risks assumed by lenders may be greater in a non-recourse project financing
than in a more traditional financing, the cost of capital may be greater than with a
traditional financing.
4.5 Financial Plan and Control in Projects
We have seen that cost and time are the important elements in a project. We have seen
how project scheduling keeps control on time and to some extent on cost also. Schedule
plan is fundamental to cost. But a financial plan is equally important in a project
planning. Financial management controls are also important part of monitoring and
control of a project.
4.5.1 Financial Plan
It tel s you:
? What each phase and work package in the project costs?
? Who is accountable to these costs?
? Whether the financial benefits derived from the project.
? Whether financial commitments made.
? Whether cash flows forecasted.
? Whether financial authorization given.
? What is the net effect of the project on company's Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss
Account?
The elements of financial plan or analysis are
1. Cost of the Project
It is dependent upon
? The scope of the project
? The approach to the project
? The time-scale to complete the project
? The risks associated with the project
Conceptually the cost of the project represents the total of all items of outlay associated
with a project, which are represented by long-term funds.
E.g.
? Fixed Assets like Land & building, machinery
? Technical Know-how costs, engineering fees
? Preliminary and capital issue expenses
? Margin money for working capital
? Contingency provisions
? Pre-operative expenses
2. Means of Finance
They are to meet the cost of the project and include
? Share capital
? Term loans
? Debentures
? Deferred credits
? Incentives like subsidy
? Miscellaneous sources
Factors influencing the planning of Means of Finance
1. Norms of Regulatory Bodies and Financial Institutions
2. Key Business Considerations like cost of funds, risk, control, and flexibility
3. Estimates of Sales and Production
Some considerations in this regard are-
1. It is not advisable to assume a high capacity utilization level in the first year of
operation.
2. It is not necessary to make adjustments for stocks of finished goods. For practical
purposes, it may be assumed that production would be equal to sales.
3. The selling price considered should be the price realizable by the company net of
excise duty. It shall, however, include dealers' commission, which is shown as an item
of expense [as part of sales expenses].
4. The selling price used may be the present sel ing price - it is generally assumed that
changes in selling price will be matched by proportionate changes in cost of production.
A model estimate is given below
Details of each Product can be furnished
Product 01
Product o2
1 yr
2 yr
3 yr
4 yr
1yr
2 yr
3 yr
4 yr
I. Instal ed
capacity
2.No.of
working
days
3.No.of shifts
4.Estimated
annual
production
5.Estimated
out put as of
capacity
6.Sales (Qty)
7.Value of
sales
4. Cost of Production
Given the estimated production, the cost of production may be worked out The major
components of cost of production are:
1. Material cost
2. Utilities cost
3. Labor cost
4. Factory overhead cost
5. Working Capital Requirement and its Financing
In estimating the working capital requirement and planning for its financing the
following points have to be borne in mind:
1. The working capital requirement consists of the following:
i] Raw materials and components [indigenous as well as imported]
ii] Stocks of goods-in-process [also referred to as work-in-progress]
iii] Stocks of finished goods
iv] Debtors
v] Operating expenses.
2. The principal sources of working capital finance are:
i] Working capital advances provided by commercial banks ii] trade credit
iii] Accruals and provisions, and iv] long-term sources of financing.
3. There are limits to obtaining working capital advances from commercial banks.
They are in two forms:
i] The aggregate permissible bank finance is specified as per the norms of lending,
(prescribed by the Tandon Committee in India),
i ] Against each current asset a certain amount of margin money has to be provided by
the firm.
4. The Tandon Committee has suggested three methods for determining the maximum
permissible amount of bank finance for working capital. The method that is generally
employed now is the second method. According to this method, the maximum
permissible bank finance is calculated as follows:
Current assets as per the
- Non-bank current liabilities norms laid down by the like trade credit and provisions.
Tandon Committee.
The implication of this norm is that at least 25% of current assets must be supported by
long-term sources of finance.
5.
The margin requirement varies with the type of current assets. While there
is no fixed formula for determining the margin amount, the ranges within which margin
requirements for various current assets lie are as follows.
Current Assets Margin Raw materials 10 - 25 per cent
Work-in-process 20 - 40 per cent
Finished goods 30 - 50 per cent
Debtors 30-50 per cent
6. Profitability Projection [or Estimates of Working Results]
Given the estimates of sales revenues and cost of production, the next step is to prepare
the profitability projections or estimates of working results [as they`re referred to by
term-lending financial institutions in India].
7. Break-even Point
The profitability projections or estimates of working results discussed above are based
on the assumption that the project would operate at given levels of capacity utilization in
future. In addition to knowing what the projected profits would be at certain levels of
capacity utilization, it is also helpful to know what the level of operation should be to
avoid losses. For this purpose, the breakeven point, which refers to the level of operation
at which the project neither makes profit nor incurs loss, is calculated?
8. Projected Cash Flow Statements
The cash flow statement shows the movement of cash into and out of the firm and its net
impact on the cash balance with the firm. The format for preparing the cash flow
statement, which is really a cash flow budget, as prescribed by the all-India financial
institutions is shown here. While this format cal s for preparing the cash flow statement
on a half-yearly basis for the construction period and an annual basis for the operating
period [for ten years] for managerial purposes, it may be helpful to prepare it on a
quarterly basis for the construction period and half-yearly basis for the first 2 to 3
operating years for managerial purposes. This would facilitate better financial planning,
project evaluation, and fund control.
Cash Flow Statement Sources of funds
1. Share issue
2. Profit before taxation with interest added back
3. Depreciation provision for the year
4. Development rebate reserve
5. Increase in secured medium and long-term borrowings for the project
6. Other medium/long-term loans
7. Increase in unsecured loans and deposits
8. Increase in bank borrowing for working capital
9. Increase in liabilities for deferred payment [including interest] to machinery suppliers
10. Sale of fixed assets
11. Sale of investments
12. Other income [indicate details] Total [A]
Disposition of Funds;
1. Capital expenditure for the project
2. Other normal capital expenditure
3. Increase in working capital
4. Decrease in secured medium and long-term borrowings
- All India Institutions
-SFCs
- Banks
5. Decrease in unsecured loans and deposits
6. Decrease in bank borrowings for working capital
7. Decrease in liabilities for deferred payments [including interest] to machinery
suppliers
8. Increase in investments in other companies
9. Interest on Term Loans
10. Interest on bank borrowings for working capital
11. Taxation
12. Dividends
- Equity
- Preference
13. Other expenditure [indicate details] Total [B]
- Opening balance of cash in hand and at bank
- Net surplus/deficit [A-B]
- Closing balance of cash in hand and at bank
9. Projected Balance Sheets
The Balance sheet, showing the balances in various asset and liability accounts, reflects
the financial condition of the firm at a given point of time. The format of Balance sheet
prescribed by the Companies Act is given below
Format of Balance Sheet Prescribed by the Companies Act
Liabilities Assets
Share capital Fixed assets
Reserves and surplus Investments
Secured loans Current assets loan and advances
Unsecured loans Miscellaneous expenditures and
Current liabilities - losses
And provisions
4.5.2 Project Cash Flows
The three basic steps in determining whether a project is worthwhile or not is:
a] Estimate project cash flows.
b] Establish the cost of capital [or hurdle rate], and
c] Apply a suitable decision or appraisal criterion.
4.5.3 Measuring Project Cash Flows: Basic Principles
For developing the stream of financial costs and benefits, the following principles must
be kept in mind:
1. Principle of Incremental Cash Flows
2. Principle of Long Term Funds
3. Principle of Financial Costs Exclusion
4. Principle of Post-tax
4.5.4 Principle of Incremental Cash Flows
The cash flows of a project must be measured in incremental terms. To ascertain
a project's incremental cash flows, one has to look at what happens to the cash
flows of the firm with the project and without the project. The difference
between the two reflects the incremental cash flows attributable to the project.
That is ?
Project cash cash flow for the firm Cash flow for the firm
Flow for year t = with the project for minus without the project for
year t year t
In estimating the incremental cash flows of a project, the following guidelines must be
borne in mind:
1. Consider all incidental effects
2. Ignore sunk costs
3. Include Opportunity costs
4. Question the allocation of overhead costs
4.5.5 Principle of Long Term Funds
A project may be evaluated from various points of view: total funds point of view, long-
term funds point of view, and equity point of view. The measurement of cash flows as
well as the determination of the discount rate for evaluating the cash flows depends on
the point of view adopted. It is generally recommended that a project may be evaluated
from the point of view of long-term funds [which are provided by equity stockholders,
preference stock-holders, debenture holders, and term-lending institutions] because the
principal focus of such evaluation is normally on the profitability of long-term funds.
This argument, though plausible, cannot be regarded as unassailable. Nonetheless, we
subscribed to the position that it is quite reasonable to view a project from the long-term
funds point of view. Hence for determining the costs and benefits of an investment
project we will raise the questions. What is the sacrifice made by the suppliers of long-
term funds? What benefits accrue to the suppliers of long-term funds?
The sacrifice made by the suppliers of long-term funds is equal to the outlays on fixed
assets and net working capital [it may be recalled that net working capital, which
represents the difference between current assets and current liabilities, is supported by
long-term funds]. The benefits accruing to the suppliers of long-term funds consist of
operational cash inflows after taxes and salvage value of fixed assets and net working
capital.
4.5.6 Principle of Financing Costs Exclusion
When cash flows relating to long-term are being defined, financing costs of long-term
funds [interest on long-term debt and equity dividend] should be excluded from the
analysis. Why? The weighted average cost of capital used for evaluating the cash flows
takes into account the cost of long-term funds. Put differently the interest and dividend
payments are reflected in the weighted average cost of capital. Hence, if interest on long-
term debt and dividend on equity capital are deducted in defining the cash flows, the
cost of long-term funds will be counted twice - an error that should be carefully guarded
against.
Operationally, the exclusion of financing costs principle means that
[I] The interest on long-term debt [referred to hereafter as just interest for the sake of
simplicity] is ignored while computing profits and taxes thereon and
[i ] The expected dividends are deemed irrelevant in cash flow analysis. While
dividends pose no difficulty as they come only from profit after taxes, interest needs to
be handled properly. Since interest is usually deducted in the process of arriving at profit
after tax, an amount equal to interest [1 -tax rate] should be added back to the figure of
profit after tax. To understand the nature of this adjustment, it may be noted that:
Profit before interest and tax [1 -tax rate]
= [Profit before tax + interest] [1-tax rate]
= [Profit before tax] [1-tax rate] + [interest] [1-tax rate]
= Profit after tax + interest [1-tax rate]
Thus, whether the tax rate is applied directly to the profit before interest and tax figure or
whether the tax adjusted interest, which is simply interest [1-tax rate], is added to profit
after tax, we get the same result.
4.5.7 Principle of Post-tax
Tax payments like other payments must be properly deducted in deriving the cash
flows. Put differently cash flows must be defined in post-tax terms [It may be noted that
the cost of capital employed for evaluating the cash flow stream is also measured in
post-tax terms].
4.5.8 Cash Flow Stream Components
The cash flow stream associated with a project may be divided into three basic
Components:
[i] An initial investment
[i ] Operating cash inflows and
[i i] Terminal cash flow.
The initial investment represents the relevant cash outflow when the project is set up.
The operating cash inflows are the cash inflows that arise from the operation of the
project during its economic life. The terminal cash flow is the relevant cash flow
occurring at the end of the project life on account of liquidation of the project.
Initial Investment
The manner in which the initial investment is defined depends on whether the project is
a new project or a replacement project as shown below.
New Project Replacement Project
Cost of capital assets Cost of replacement capital assets
+Instal ation cost + Instal ation cost
+Working capital margin - Post-tax proceeds from the sale of
old capital assets
+Preliminary and pre-operative expenses + Change in working capital margin
-Tax shield, if any, on capital assets
+ Preliminary and pre-operative expenses
- Tax shield, if any, on replacement capital assets.
Tax shield is the benefit due to savings in tax.
4.5.9 Operating Cash Inflows
For deriving the operating cash inflows, the projected profitability statements are the
starting point. Since there is a difference between the recognition of revenues and
expenses in accounting and the incidence of cash flows, a rigorous analysis requires that
each item of revenue and expense be examined to find out the cash flows associated
with it.
It suffices if depreciation and the other non-cash charges, which are deducted in
computing profits from the accounting point of view, are added back because they do
not result in cash outflows. This means that the operating cash inflow for a given year is
defined as follows.
New Project Replacement Project
Profit after tax Change in profit after tax
+ +
Depreciation Change in depreciation
+ +
Other non-cash charges Change in other non-cash charges
+ +
Interest on long-term debt [1 -tax rate] Change in interest on long-term debt
[1-tax rate]
4.5.10 Terminal Cash Flow
The cash flow resulting from the termination or liquidation of a project at the end
of its economic life is called its terminal cash flow. It is defined as follows:
New Project Replacement Project
Post-tax proceeds from the Post-tax proceeds from the sale of
Sale of capital assets replacement capital assets
+
+
Net recovery of working Post-tax proceeds from
Capital margin . the sale of present capital assets
+
Net recovery of working capital
4.5.11 Issues as to Cash Flow Analysis/Estimation
Time Horizon for Analysis of cash flow
What should be the time horizon for cash flow analysis? The time horizon for cash
flow analysis is the minimum of the following:
1. Physical life of the Plant
2. Technological life of the Plant
3. Product Market life of the Plant
4. Investment Planning Horizon of the Firm
4.6 Errors in Cash Flow Estimation
As cash flows have to be forecast far into the future, errors in estimation are bound to
occur. Yet, given the critical importance of cash flow forecasts in project evaluation,
adequate care should be taken to guard against certain biases, which may lead to over-
statement or under-statement of true project profitability.
4.7 Overstatement of Profitability
Knowledgeable observers of capital budgeting believe that profitability is often
overstated because the initial investment is under-estimated and the operating cash flow
exaggerated.
The principal reasons for such optimistic bias appear to be as follows:
1. Intentional overstatement
2. Lack of experience
3. Myopic euphoria
4. Capital rationing
4.7.1 under Statement of Profitability
The problem of optimistic bias may lead to an over-statement of project cash flows and
profitability. There can be an opposite kind of bias relating to the terminal benefit, which
may depress a project's true profitability.
1. Salvage values are under-estimated
2. Intangible benefits are ignored
3. The value of future options is overlooked.
4.8 Time Value of Money
Cash flows occur in a project at different point of time. Due to inflation the money value
erodes over a period of time. But this is not factored in the normal cash flow analysis.
Hence different discounting techniques may have to be used to represent correct value
of cash flow.
4.8.1 Cost of Capital
A Firm's cost of capital is the rate of return it must earn on its investments for the market
value of the firm to remain unaffected. It can also be regarded as the rate of return
required by investors on capital provided by them. A central concept in financial
management, linking the investment and financing decisions, the cost of capital is
important for three reasons:
1. For a proper analysis of capital expenditure decisions, an estimate of the cost of
capital is required. The cost of capital is the discount rate used in the net present value
calculation (time value as discussed above) and also the financial yardstick against
which the internal rate of return is evaluated.
2. Several other decisions - like leasing, long-term financing, and working capital
policy - require estimates of cost of capital.
3. In order to maximize the value of the firm, the costs of all inputs [including the
capital input] must be minimized and in this context the firm should be able to measure
the cost of capital.
Some Misconceptions about cost of capital are
1. The concept of cost of capital is too academic or impractical.
2. The cost of equity is equal to the dividend rate or return on equity.
3. Retained earning are either cost free or cost significantly less than external equity.
4. Depreciation has no cost
5. The cost of capital can be defined in terms of an accounting-based measure.
6. If a project is heavily financed by debt, its weighted average cost of capital [WACC]
is low.
4.9 Financial Management Controls
They comprise
? Estimating the costs and benefits
? Obtaining authorization to spend funds
? Recording actual costs committed costs
? Forecasting future costs and cash flow
? Reporting
Of these we have already studied about estimating the costs and forecasting the costs
and cash flows, as a part of Financial Plan.
4.10 Authorizing Spending of Funds
In case of process of authorization to spend funds the fol owing criteria are to be looked
into
? It should be consistent with the project framework
? It should concentrate only on substantive issues
? It should not be too lengthy
? There should not be redundancy
4.11 Recording of Actual Costs and Committed Costs
As far as the recording of actual costs and committed costs are concerned it should be
noted that it has nothing to do with normal bookkeeping, which is of no relevance to
project management. A system of capturing costs and commitments wherever they
originate in your company and allocating them to project is to be established. It is also
necessary that this done in for each stage to have control.
4.12 Financial Reporting
Financial reporting is converting accounting and operational data into meaningful
information to promote action.
Reports should be
? Timely
? Accurate
? Forward looking
Usually a financial report tel s you what has been spent to date
? The expected outcome of the project
? The impact on the current financial year
? The cost of work yet to be done
? List of transactions, purchases made on the project
? Details of time booked to the project.
Questions for Self-Study
1. What is Cash Flow Stream Components?
2. Explain Authorizing Spending of Funds
3. What do you mean by Recording of Actual Costs and Committed Costs?
4. Explain Financial Reporting?
5. What are the components of project cost? Discuss them in detail.
6. What consideration should be borne in mind while estimating sales revenue?
7. What are the items found in cash flow statement?
References
1. Robert Buttrick - "The Project Workout" - Pitman Publishers
2. David I. CIeland -"Project Management-Strategic Design and
Implementation" - Mcgraw -Hill International Ed.
3. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - Project Finance,
Background Material"
4. Prasanna Chandra - "Projects, Planning, Analysis, Selection, Implemen-
tation & Review" - Tata Mcgraw Hill
LESSON ? V
PROJECT FORMULATION CHECKLIST
Objectives of the Lesson:
From this lesson, you will be able to
Explain the Steps in Preparation of Project Report
List out the Contents of a Detailed Project Report
Explain the appraisal of project by lenders
Know the financial working in the project report
Structure of the Lesson
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Steps in Preparation of Project Report
5.3 Contents of a Detailed Project Report
5.4 Appraisal of Project by Lenders
5.4.1 Economic Feasibility
5.4.2 Technical Feasibility
5.4.3 Managerial Feasibility
5.4.4 Organizational Feasibility
5.4.5 Commercial Feasibility
5.4.6 Financial Feasibility
5.5 Hints for Financial Working in the Project Report
5.5.1 Project Equity - Various options for Financing
5.5.2 Debt
5.3 Post-project Reviews
5.1 Introduction
A project report is the study of the project carried out in a particular manner and
presented in a systematic way. A perfect project report is one, which answers all the
important questions normally asked by the main promoter, lenders and investors.
From the point of a management student it would be very useful to learn the drafting of
a project report. Hence contents of a model project report with hints and how the lenders
appraise the project is given in this lesson.
5.2 Steps in Preparation of Project Report
Data Collection
This is invariably the first step for preparation of a project report. The data collection has
to be made in terms of industry processes players, technology, market (domestic &
international) etc.
Drafting the report
Such collected data helps in finding out basic viability of a given project. Once this is
completed, the next step is to col ect the data in respect of the following items and
assimilate in right format to complete the project report:
1. Capacity
9. Utilities
2. Process
10. Effluents
3. Technical arrangement
11. Labour
4. Management
12. Schedule of Implementation
5. Location
13. Other projects of the
6. Building Company
7. Plant and Machinery
14. Means of Finance
8. Raw Material
15. Profitability
5.3 Contents of a Detailed Project Report
It should contain the following details:
Capacity
Under this head, the capacity in respect of each of the proposed products in the format is
required to be given, which includes:
? Instal ed capacity
? Maximum production achieved
? Proposed instal ed capacity and
? Maximum production envisaged
? Number of shifts
? Details of prototype development and testing/approval
? ISI or other relevant specifications.
Promoter/Management
Under the captioned heading, maximum information on the promoters including details
like:
? Educational qualification and the experience in the industry or business etc.
? If the promoters are first generation entrepreneurs, one should explain the rationale
for starting the venture. This justification should be supported with relevant experience
of promoters in the proposed business field.
? Existing Company, annual accounts, and other details
? Small write-up on other ventures
? Style of management
Location and its Advantages
While selecting a site for the project, advantages and disadvantages of the site should be
taken into consideration. Enumerate in detail the advantages and disadvantages which
were weighed before selecting the site and also highlight each of the factors which were
considered most advantageous for the project, such as
? Good transport facilities,
? Nearness to market,
? Availability of raw materials, water, power, labour etc.
? Reference to rainfall, floods, cyclones, earthquakes etc.
? The topography of
? Factory building,
? Ancillary buildings,
? Open storage space,
? Housing colony,
? Area required for future expansion.
Land
The following information may be furnished under each head:
? Total area and cost thereof; including conveyance charges.
? When the land is acquired/proposed to be acquired.
? The cost of land payable in deferred installments or in kind, such as by issue of
shares. The land taken on lease basis, separately mention the amount of initial premium
and the annual lease rent.
? If the land is acquired / proposed to be acquired from promoters/directors, give full
particulars, such as the relationship.
? If the land for the project has been earlier used for agricultural purposes, it may be
necessary to obtain the permission of the State Government for converting it into non-
agricultural land.
Buildings
The mode of construction of the buildings may be explained in detail i.e.,
? Whether through a contractor,
? By the unit's own organization etc.
? In case the buildings are to be constructed through contractors, describe the process
of selection of the contractor(s) and the reasons for selecting the contractor(s).
? Copies of master plan
? Equipment layout or plan of buildings
? Particulars of architect.
Raw Materials
The detailed specification preferably including any industrial standards of raw material
required by the unit should be indicated. The ABC analysis of these raw materials needs
to be done.
? Latest quotation
? Material from associate concern
? The transfer pricing
? Alternatives
? Indigenous and imported raw materials. These are some of the details to be included.
Utilities
Power: This is an important item of utilities. There are many projects, which are
suffering due to lack of power. Hence, requirement of the power should be assessed
properly and the sources should be tied up firmly. Details to be given are -
? Internal Generation
? Particulars of the electrical sub-station
? Distance from plant
? Capacity of the generator
? Details of electricity tariff.
Water
The requirements of water can be segregated for circulating, make-up, process, boiler
feed, drinking, cooling etc. Source details like:
? Tube wells
? River etc. and
? Particulars regarding water flow are to be included.
Compressed Air, Fuel etc.: Give information separately regarding the requirements and
sources of supply of compressed air, furnace oil, coal etc.
Effluents
As we have seen, there is always an inseparable social objective while setting up a unit.
These social objectives apart from employment also include providing an industrial
growth without affecting the nature and human life. If the project generates any type of
effluents, it must take all the necessary steps for treating the same before it goes out of
the factory premises.
? Characteristics, such as alkaline, acidic, toxic/poisonous etc.
? Relevant regulations
? Copy of the approval is to be provided.
Plant & Machinery
This normally constitutes a major part of the project cost. Hence, utmost care should be
taken while completing this part of the project report. Under this head it should be
explained how the
? Machinery equipment and
? Machinery/equipment suppliers have been selected
? Advice of collaborators
? Contractors, technical advisors/consultants, promoters etc.
? Degree of sophistication/obsolescence
? Advantages of selecting the suppliers.
Technology/Technical Arrangement
The process of selection of technology is a very important aspect of any project. This
part has to be properly drafted. The comparison of various technologies needs to be
done in terms of viability, country of origin, cost of acquisition, adaptability to local
conditions and up gradation, whether proven or not etc. Other points to be noted are -
? Col aboration agreement
? Performance guarantees, warranties
? Payment of damages
? Buy-back clause, know-how fees.
? Know-how basic design engineering, detailed engineering.
Manufacturing Process
? Material flow and process flow
? Process flowchart
? Material balance,
? Utilities and process parameters
Labour
? Total requirements
? Availability
? Manpower development programme
? Category wise classification.
Market and Selling Arrangements
Success of the project depends on the correct estimates about the market for the product.
? Detailed study of the demand and supply
? Market survey
? Capacities to be added in the near future
? Special qualities and features
? Advantages of the products vis-?-vis the products of the competitors
? Highlight the pricing strategy
? Market promotion strategy
? After sales-service
? Data regarding export market, international price
? Own network
? Local agents
Other Projects
It is necessary to give details of other projects including expansion modernization
scheme of the company, which are under implementation, or the company or promoters
propose to implement, giving
? The estimated cost,
? Means of financing and
? The present status.
This is very important because it gives clear picture as to availability of funds with the
promoter for project. This also indicates whether the promoters are diversifying into
unrelated field.
Implementation Schedule
The proposed schedule or implementation may be given separately for each activity.
? It will be necessary to support the schedule of implementation by a bar-diagram
indicating major activities and
? In some of the mega project one can prepare a PERT chart showing implementation
of schedule and the critical path.
Project Cost
With the help of the above the project cost can be finalized under following heads:
1. Land and site development
2. Buildings
3. Plant & machinery
- Imported
- Indigenous
4. Technical know-how fees
5. Expenses on foreign technicians and training of Indian technicians abroad
6. Miscellaneous fixed assets
7. Preliminary and pre-operative expenses
8. Provision for contingencies
9. Margin money for working capital
Different institutions may have different formats. Accordingly the above information is
suitably altered to meet the institutional requirements.
Means of Financing
The standard format in which the means of financing is given in the project report is as
follows:
1. Share capital
- Equity capital
- Preference capital
2. Term loan
- Rupee loans
- Foreign currency loan
- Non-convertible debentures
- Supplier`s credit
3. Internal cash accruals
4. Government subsidy
The means of financing has to be finalized only after considering the SEBI guidelines,
institutional standard norms, other Government guidelines, and the capital market
conditions.
Institutions while considering the loan application look at following main points apart
from assessing the viability of the project.
1. Promoters' contribution
2. Debt-equity ratio
3. Debt service coverage ratio
4. Asset cover
Profitability Statements
The profitability statements can be considered as heart of the project report. The main
statements needed to prepared and attached are as follows:
1. Estimated cost of the project and means of financing
2. Operating statements
3. Cash flow
4. Balance Sheet
5. Assumption statement
6. Working capital requirement
7. Contingency calculations
8. Depreciation calculation (Written down Value and Straight Line Method)
9. Income tax calculation
10. Break-even analysis
11. Calculation of internal rate of return
12. Ratio analysis.
Apart from these main statements, the sensitivity analysis in terms of sales price
realization, raw material pricing, capacity utilization etc. should also be done and the
necessary statements should be attached.
5.4 Appraisal of Project by Lenders
The financial institutions while appraising the project look at various feasibility aspects
as given below;
1. Economic feasibility
2. Technical feasibility
3. Managerial feasibility
4. Organizational feasibility
5. Commercial feasibility
5.4.1 Economic Feasibility
The AlFIs being also called as Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have certain
social responsibilities to meet which form part of the economic feasibility. Some of the
important points have been listed below:
? a] Priority List
For proper industrial development in the country, government gives priority for
funding various sectors. Streaming out of this
Project Management basic principle while lending to any of the projects, institutions
banks give priority to projects coming under this priority list.
? b] Proper Development of Various Regions in the Country is to be considered
To help development of backward regions, earlier institutions used to give special
concession in promoters contribution interest rates etc.
? c] Ascertain Sustainable Demand
The next important factor is to ascertain sustain able demand for the products to be
manufactured by the Company. This helps institutions in deciding the capacity
utilization that can be achieved by the project. This leads us to an important question of
competition from multinationals.
? d] Impact of Project on the Balance of Payment
The foreign exchange is a valuable commodity and is to be used effectively. While
looking at the economic feasibility it is important to find out the impact of project on the
balance of payment scenario of the country.
? e] Employment Opportunities
As our nation scores over other nations in terms of labour cost which is mainly due to
high population of our country, it is important to know whether the project can generate
enough employment.
? f] Minimum Economic Size
In the present market scenario, the project has to stand in the global competition. This is
possible only if the plants are of minimum economic sizes. This offers technically
efficient plant with very effective cost of operations, benefit cost ratio, size of investment
and benefits vis-?-vis generation internal rate of return (DCF).
5.4.2 Technical Feasibility
Aspects appraised are
? a] Technology is available
? b] Good technical staff
? c] Proper designing of the plant
? d] Bids have been invited for selection
? e] Rate of technological obsolescence
? f] Proposed location
? g] Layout of the project
? h] Scope for expansion
5.4.3 Managerial Feasibility
Aspects considered are -
? a] whether promoters are entrepreneurs only or managers
? b] expertise
? c] experience in the related field
? d] past managerial experience
? e] capacity for developing a professional team
? f] proper delegation
? g] management style
? h] known in the related circle
? i] flow of managerial staff
5.4.4 Organizational Feasibility
While analyzing organizational feasibility, institutions normally look at the existing
organization of the Company to find out whether the same structuring is adequate
enough for the project.
5.4.5 Commercial Feasibility
? a] Procurement of raw material
? b] Licenses from municipality authorities
? c] Supply contract
? d] RBI clearance
5.4.6 Financial Feasibility
a] Soundness of the promoters
b] Some of the important ratios
1. Debt-equity ratio = Ratio of Borrowed Funds to Owned Funds
2. Current Ratio = Ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities
3. Debt - Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
4. Internal Rate of Return
5. Return on Capital Employed [ROI] and
6. A host of other financial parameters we have studied in earlier Units.
5.5 Hints for Financial Working in the Project Report
1. Calculate Capital Cost of Project excluding margin money requirements. This would
help in deciding the capacities likely to be created.
2. Estimate Capacity Utilization - i.e., say 60/70/80% etc. depending upon the nature of
industry and other relevant factors.
3. Calculate Production and Sales Quantity & Sales value.
4. Calculate Raw Material requirements and CENVAT credit available.
5. Calculate stores and Spares requirement.
6. Calculate Power and Fuel.
7. Calculate Direct Labour.
8. Calculate Sel ing, General, and Administration expenses.
9. Calculate Depreciation as per the Companies Act, 1956 and Income Tax Act, 1961.
10. Calculate Profit and Loss Account as per CAS/CMA data up to finished goods stage
by completing the rest like excise duty on sales as reduced by CENVAT, repairs, other
Manufacturing expenses etc.
11. Calculate Working Capital & Margin required as per CAS/CMA.
12. Add Working Capital margin to Capital Cost of Project to finalize Project Cost.
13. Firm up means of finance to match Project Cost.
14. Decide repayment schedule and Calculate interest on term loans.
15. Go to Profit and Loss Account once again to include interest on Working Capital
and Term Loan and arrive at Profit Before Tax [PBT].
16. Calculate Income Tax
17. Calculate Profit After Tax [PAT]
18. Provide for dividends
19. Prepare Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, Break-even Analysis, Important ratios and other
CMA data.
5.5.1 Project Equity - Various options for Financing
The Equity would consist of:
1. Contribution by the core promoters in the project;
2. Additional contribution by co-promoters;
3. Contribution by the collaborator;
4. Investment contribution by financial institutions/state Finance Corporations State
Industrial Development Corporations/International Investment Institutions Multilateral
Agencies [ADB, AFIC]/Banks;
5. Venture funding by venture capitalists or by Private Equity Investors;
6. Participation by general public in the Initial Public Offering;
5.5.2 Debt
The debt or the borrowing could be divided into the long-term fund requirements and
short term funds requirements.
Long term debt (Term debt)
The long term funds requirements (or term debt as referred to in common parlance)
could be met by tapping the following major source of financing;
1. Al India Financial Institutions
2. Scheduled commercial banks
3. State Finance Corporations
4. State Industrial Development Corporations
5. Sector specific Government sponsored Institutions
6. Multilateral International Financial Institutions
7. External Commercial Borrowings
8. Debentures
Long Term Working Capital
The requirements of any corporate entity for long-term working capital could be
serviced with the following category of financiers:
1. Scheduled Commercial Banks
2. India Financial Institutions
3. Investment Institutions like QIC, LIC, UTI, and Insurance subsidiaries.
Short Term Fund requirements:
These requirements are on a regular basis and are generally financed by way of
following instruments:
1. Fixed Deposits from public;
2. Inter-corporate Deposits;
3. Short Term working capital, loans from financial institutions / banks
Investment Institutions, Mutual Funds;
4. Short term NCDs/Bonds on retail basis.
5. Commercial paper with maturity unto one year;
6. Obtaining finance by discounting bills rose on customers;
7. Securitization of movable assets like debtors inventories, investments;
8. Acquiring assets by way of Hire Purchase Loans;
9. Acquiring assets on Lease from financiers.
5.3 Post-project Reviews
Much can be learned about the efficiency and effectiveness with which projects are
managed in the organization through a Post project review [PPR] sometimes called as
'Post-implementation reviews
PPRs take a large view to examine the rationale for the project in the first place. The
PPR also examines the strategic fit of the project into the overall organizational strategy.
PPRs offer insight into the success or failure of a particular project as well as a
composite of lessons learned from a review of all the projects in the organization's
portfolio of capital projects.
It is important that the review is considered from the differing viewpoints of the various
stakeholders involved e.g.
? Project sponsors
? Benefiting functions and units
? Operational users
? Third parties
? Customers
Questions for Self-Study
1. Discuss in detail the contents of a detailed project report
2. What do you mean by economic feasibility?
3. What do you mean by financial feasibility?
4. List out the Hints for Financial Working in the Project Report
5. Explain in detail the various options of financing
6. Explain post project reviews
References
1. Robert Buttrick - "The Project Workout" - Pitman Publishers
2. David I. CIeland -"Project Management-Strategic Design and
Implementation" - Mcgraw -Hill International Ed.
3. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - Project Finance,
Background Material"
4. Prasanna Chandra - "Projects, Planning, Analysis, Selection, Implemen-
tation & Review" - Tata Mcgraw Hill
Unit- II
Project Management
Introduction
Investment decision otherwise known as capital budgeting decision is
perhaps the most important decision taken by a Finance Manager.
Whatever is the objective of the firm, whether profit maximization or
wealth maximization, capital budgeting decision affects performance of
the firm decisively. These investment decisions have the following
implications for the firm.
1. They define the strategic focus and direction of the business. The capital
expenditure made in new investments may result in entry into new products,
services or new markets.
2. Capital budgeting decisions require large funds and generally have long
repayment periods. The results of capital budgeting continue to impact the
finances of the firm for many years. Due to long project life, assessment
involves number of years of future events leading to difficulty and uncertainty
regarding the accuracy of assessment.
3. Capital budget decisions are mostly irreversible. They involve investment in
plant and machinery or new soft wares or technology etc. They are normally
industry or user specific. If the project does not proceed ahead, it may be
difficult to find buyers for the assets and the only alternative would be scar the
assets at a huge loss
4. An under investment will result in inefficient operations like inadequate capacity
and, increased expenditure, non competitive production and pricing resulting in
poor market share and have serious financial implications. On the other hand
an over investment would result in higher depreciation and increased operating
costs and result in liquidity crisis.
Therefore Managers carefully align capital investments with the short term and long-
term company goals, analyze impact of such investments over a period of time and
scrutinize capital budgeting decisions both technically and financially.
While the capital investment decisions of the firm are very important, finance Managers
face certain difficulties in fully appraising the decisions. These difficulties are inevitable
and are due to the very nature of the investment, which relies on future events for
achieving the objects of the investment. The major difficulties are
Measurement of the costs and benefits of the investment proposal
Measuring the costs and benefits of the proposal is difficult particularly when involves
intangibles like benefits of employment, improvement in quality of life etc.
Uncertainty associated with future
The precise value of cost and benefit is difficult to quantify as benefits are spread over a
period in future which is characterized by uncertainty.
Difficulty of comparison
As the costs and benefits of an investment proposal is spread over period of time
occurring at different points of time, comparing the values on a commons basis is
difficult due to the changes in value of money over a time horizon.
Learning Objectives
The learning objectives of this chapter is to understand in relation to project
Management
Various phases of investment process
How the investment opportunity is identified
How the investment proposal is put together
How the cost of the project and means of finance are balanced
Concepts like cash flows and time value of money
How the feasibility of the project is determined
The investment process or Capital budgeting:
The investment process is quite complex and is divided into various activities.
These activities can be grouped into three distinct phases and form a cycle known as
Project Development cycle. The Project Development cycle has three phases namely
Pre-investment phase, Implementation phase and operational phase.
1. Pre investment phase
This phase includes the following activities.
1. Setting the objectives of investment
2. Identification of investment / potential opportunities
3. Preparation of investment proposal
4. Studying the feasibility of the proposal
5. Converting a proposal into a financial project
6. Evaluating the project
7. Decision-making ? accept or reject the project
Implementation phase
This phase includes the following activities
Setting up of facilities like
- Purchase and development of land
- Preparation of plans, blue prints, Estimates, engineering designs
- Obtaining approvals from various authorities
- Selection of vendors for supply of materials such as machines, cement steel etc.
- Selection of workers
Arranging funds for the project
- Negotiation and drawing up of legal contracts for technology, funds,
construction etc
Construction
Actual construction of buildings and other civil woks, provision of utilities like water,
electricity etc.
- Erecting and instal ing of machinery
Training
- Training of engineers and other workers in the technology, familiarize workers
with the machines/ factory Commissioning of the plant
? The fully built or assembled plant is commissioned and trial runs are made to
ensure that the plant is ready to go on stream for regular production. This
affords an opportunity to rectify any errors before the actual start of
commercial production. This is technically a crucial and challenging activity.
Monitoring and review of project implementation
- Meeting the target dates for completion of various activities
- Avoiding cost and time overruns
- Continuous follow up on al pre commission activities and coordination and
proper scheduling between various activities is key responsibity during this
phase.
This phase is also known as the EPC Phase ? i.e. Engineering, procurement and
construction or commissioning phase of the project.
Operational phase
Once the plant or factory is commissioned, continuous production starts. The running of
the factory ensuring
- Maintenance of machinery, periodic repairs to ensure less down time
- Ensuring timely and adequate availability of raw materials and other inputs
- Setting production targets and monitoring actual production
- Setting norms for quality and ensuring quality control
- Ensuring adequate working capital is the main activity in the operational phase.
This is otherwise known as Project performance review
Let us study in detail some critical activities in these phases.
Setting objectives of investment:
A company would make a capital investment for various reasons. The nature of the
investment would depend on the purpose of investment and accordingly project would
be classified. The general classification of investments is as under.
Classification of investment decisions:
The capital budgeting decisions of a firm can be broadly classified into following
categories:
Replacement decisions:
In order to continue in business, a company has to periodically replace worn out
machineries. In some cases the replacement may be to reduce cost on account of a newer
and more efficient machine.
Expansion:
Capacity additions to increase out put of existing products, expanding territorial or
geographical distribution networks.
Diversification:
Strategic decisions which may some times change the fundamental nature of the
business like entering new territory or new market or to produce new product,
Safety or environmental projects:
Expenditure incurred to comply with changing regulatory requirements,
(e.g. establishing central treatment plants for pollution control in leather
units). These investments may become necessary due to Labour
agreements or insurance policy terms or loan covenants.
Research and Development
In order to remain in business some times companies have to spend heavily on R&D.
This is typical of Pharmaceutical or software development companies. The outcome is
uncertain and expected cash flows or benefits form the expenditure may not materialize
in future.
Long-term contracts
Companies can undertake contracts in the nature of Build Own Operate
and Transfer, or contracts for maintenance or provision of services for
specific customers. There may or may not be huge initial investment but
the running costs has to be borne for a long time and revenues would
also accrue over multiple years.
Differences in analytical approaches
Each of these projects requires a different approach in analysis.
Replacement for Maintenance decisions requires consideration of issues
like continuance of operations or technology or production process. They
are normally made with out elaborate computations or decision process.
Cost reduction decisions require detailed analysis and are discretionary.
Expansion and diversification decisions are complex and need very
detailed analysis and are taken only by the top management as they
have strategic implications and long-term impact on business. Safety and
environmental expenditures are mandatory and non-revenue generating
in nature and are decided based on their size outlay and urgency. R& D
projects involve probabilities of outcomes and require decision tree
approach whereas long-term contracts require a DCF analysis.
In general, larger the outlay and longer the period for cost and revenue
accrual, detailed and sophisticated analysis would be called for.
Identification of investment proposals:
Identification of investment proposals is also known as opportunity study. If the
company having funds and is looking to invest the same then the study would be general
and would encompass all investment proposals. But if the company has a specific
proposal, like addition to existing capacity, the thrust and focus of the study would be
very specific and limited.
In a company any department can identify an investment opportunity.
The production department may identify a new product and generate a
proposal to manufacture the same. Marketing department may identify a
new territory to expand. The Finance department may suggest
implementation of a new automated / computerized accounting system
for better control of costs and monitoring. The HR department may
suggest an investment in huge training facility.
A company as a strategic step of growth may also generate project
proposal, where a committee or a department keeps scanning the
environment for good opportunity for investment. In such cases the
committee would be constantly checking various things to identify a
profitable opportunity. Normally such checks or scan would be in relation
to
- Legal frame works permitting or restricting investment
opportunities like FEMA/ MRTP
- Industrial, export or import policies
- Treaties, International agreements like GATT, WTO, and Basel II
- Incentives and concessions offered to SSI , micro enterprises etc.
- Incentives and concessions offered to units in back ward areas, SEZs IT Parks
etc.
- Changing industrial scenarios as evidenced by press reports, Industry
associations` reports and Trade fairs etc.
- Suggestions from customers, suppliers and employees
- Activities of competitors
Once the project idea is conceived the idea needs to be scrutinized before it is presented
to the Management for consideration.
Therefore any project idea, which appears interesting to the company, will be subjected
to a preliminary project study. Later if the initial project analysis is positive a detailed
feasibility study will be undertaken. A detailed project report (DPR) will then be
prepared for necessary management action.
Coverage of feasibility study
A feasibility study is an important tool for decision-making. Accurate and
adequate information about the project like technology, location,
production capacity, demand, and impact on existing operations, cost
and benefits to the company, time span for execution, resources needed
should be spelt out in the report. Alternatives if any should also be
suggested.
Market research or demand analysis, technical viability studies, financial or commercial
feasibility studies are other wise known as functional or support studies to aid the
decision-making.
A preliminary feasibility study and the detailed project report later
prepared would aid the management to appraise the project in different
aspects. Project is appraised generally in the following areas. If one
can remember the acronym METRE, then he can remember the various
aspects of project appraisal easily. METRE stands for
M ? Management
E - Economic viability (this includes market, commercial and financial
T ? Technical feasibility
R- Risk and returns
E ? Environment
A project may be acceptable in terms of the market potential, technical
feasibility, financial viability and returns. The risks associated with the
project may be acceptable.
But if the project does not suit the philosophy of the management, or
align with the business goal of the firm a company may not pursue such
a project.
The Management appraisal is of two kinds. The first one is the appraisal
with regard to the current management, its goals, strategic perspective
and synergies of the new project. The second is the projects
management set up, organizational structure organizational climate,
expected management ? labour relations etc.,
A strategic perspective would mean what the company wants to achieve,
when it wants to achieve it and how much it is willing to expend in
resources to achieve it. In short, the Synergy, time and cost (STC) would
primarily determine whether the project would get a go ahead.
Mr. Seynive Tilles (HBR) states, " the most tangible expression of a
companys strategy is the allocation of fund. Few things determine the
future of the company as directly as the way it spends the money. Those
activities which are treated generously are presumably the real basis of
the companys future"
Strategic management appraisal ? The BCG Matrix
The BCG Matrix introduced by the Boston Consulting Group is a tool for strategic
(product) planning and resource allocation. Project planners use this to analyzes products
on a matrix of two variables namely
1. Relative market share; and
2. Industry Growth Rate
The BCG Matrix is constructed as under:
RELATIVE MARKET SHARE
INDUSTRY
HIGH
GROWTH
LOW
RATE
HIGH
STARS
QUESTION MARKS
LOW
CASH COWS
DOGS
STARS:
Stars represent products that enjoy a high market share and high growth rate.
While these products do earn high profits, they also require expanding
production capacities and require commitment of additional investments. When
the industry matures growth declines, additional investments are not required
and stars` become cash cows, which produce profits, but does not promise
future growth.
QUESTION MARKS:
These are the products, which have low current\present market share but have
high growth potential in future. Expansion of additional market share and
investment will augment earnings and convert them into Stars. However, as
there is no guarantee that additional investments will increase the market share
(potential may not realize) these are referred to as Question Marks.
CASH COWS:
High market share with low growth potential products are called Cash Cows. They
have immediate high cash flows but the same may decline in future. Cash cow
products have a significant impact on profit and cash flows. Even though cash flows
lead to cash surplus, which could be used for investing elsewhere in business, the
requirements of investments in the same product, is modest.
DOGS:
Products, which have low market share and limited growth potential, are known as
Dogs. These products are in the decline stage of product life cycle and their
potential is poor. Normally these products are earmarked for phase out over a period,
rather than continue with the same.
From the BCG Matrix we learn that
Cash Cows - generate funds ? need limited investment ? on decline will become dogs.
Dogs, - already on decline and if and when divested, release funds.- no additional
investment
Stars are future cash cows and require investments
Question Marks require further commitment of funds future prospects unknown ?
investment has an element of speculation.
In summary the Finance Manger while taking decisions as regards project financing
understands that the out come of the desired investment decisions would be as follows:
STARS
QUESTIONS MARKS
CASH COWS
DOGS
(FUND GENERATION in future)
(FUNDS RELEASED IF DIVESTED at
present)
Strategic management appraisal ? GE'S STOP LIGHT MATRIX
The General Electric Company, (GE) incorporated in the USA developed The Stop-
Light Matrix for guiding resource al ocation, which analyzes various products of the
organization in terms of two key issues namely Business strength and Industry
Attractiveness. Business strength is the strength of the organization against its
competitors. Industry attractiveness is special reason that invites investment or potential
of the industry
Products are rated in terms Business strength and Industry attractiveness and decision is
taken as regards financial commitment. Products, which are favorably placed, will justify
Resource commitment, while products, unfavorably placed, will call for divestment.
Products that are placed between the two extremes of parameters may also be
considered for moderate investment.
A summary presentation of GE's STOPLIGHT MATRIX is as follows:
Business Strength
STRONG
AVERAGE
WEAK
Industry
High
Invest
Invest
Hold
Attractiveness
Medium
Invest
Hold
Divest
Low
Hold
Divest
Divest
Some authors present the GE Matrix in a slightly different form as under
Industry attractiveness
Company
Premium
Selective
Protective
High
Position &
Invest/Grow
Invest/Grow
Selectivity/Earnings
Strength
Challenge
Prime
Restructure
Medium
invest/
selectivity/
Harvest/
Grow
Earnings
Divest
Opportunistic
Opportunistic
Harvest/Divest
Low
Selectivity/
Harvest/
Earnings
Divest
High
Medium
Low
Strategic management appraisal ? The SPACE model
Strategic Position and Action Evaluation (SPACE) is "an approach to
hammer out an appropriate strategic posture for a firm and its individual
business."
SPACE is an analysis of the following four dimensions in as in a two-dimensional
portfolio analysis and involves a consideration of:
1. Company`s competitive advantage
2. Company`s financial strength
3. Industry strength
4. Environmental stability
Various factors are evaluated for determining each of the dimensions
and they are summarized below:
DIMENSIONS
FACTOR
EVALUATED
1. Company`s competitive advantage -
Market Share
- Product
Quality
- Product life cycle
- Product Replacement
cycle
- Customer Loyalty
- Competitor`s Capacity
Utilisation
- Technological know-
how
- Vertical integration
2. Company`s Financial Strength
-
Return on investment
-
Leverage liquidity
-
Capital
Required/Available
- Cash Flow
-
Ease of exit from market
-
Risk involved in business
3. Industry Strength
- Growth potential
- Profit potential
- Financial Stability
- Technological know how
- Resource
utilization
- Capital intensity
-
Ease of entry into market
-
Productivity
-
Capacity Utilization
4. Environmental stability
-
Technological charges
-
Rate if inflation
-
Demand variability
-
Prices of competing products
-
Barriers to entry into market
-
Competitive pressure
-
Price elasticity of demand
Application of SPACE model:
Various factors on each of the four dimensions, as illustrated above, are evaluated and
scored on a seven-point scale varying from 0 to ?7, with 0 reflecting the most favorable
assessment and ?7 the most unfavorable. The average numerical values for four
dimensions viz. financial Strength (FS), Industry Strength (IS) Competitive Advantage
(CA) and Environmental Stability (ES) are plotted in four dimensions on the axis of the
SPACE chart and connected to get a four-sided polygon reflecting the size and direction
of the assessment. The polygon would indicate a basic strategic posture. There are four
such postures namely
Aggressive Posture indicating that the company can fully exploit available
opportunities and enhance its market share. As the company has high financial strength,
high industry strength, enjoys competitive advantage and belongs to an attractive
industry and operates in a relatively stable environmental conditions. This posture is akin
to Michael Porter`s generic strategy of overall cost leadership.
Competitive Posture indicating limited financial strength, medium competitive
advantage in an attractive industry and operating in a relatively volatile or unstable
environment, necessitating the company to maintain and enhance competitive
advantage by improving /differentiating product; widening the product line, improving
marketing effectiveness and mobilizing, augmenting financial resources. This posture is
considered to be quite similar to Michael Porter`s generic strategy of product
differentiation.
Conservative Posture indicating a company having limited competitive advantage, in a
not so attractive industry but enjoying financial strength and operating in a relatively
stable environment. Such a company should endeavor to cut down non-performing
product, control costs, improve productivity, introduce new products and enhance sales
by profitable market expansion. This posture can be compared with Michael Porter`s
generic strategy of focus`.
Defensive Posture indicates a company that lacks both competitive advantage and
financial strength and belongs to a not-so-attractive industry and operates in an unstable
environment. All the four dimensions are weak and works against the company. It is
advisable for a such a company to initiate measures like discontinue unviable products,
tightly control costs and monitor cash flows strictly, cutting down/reducing capacity and
postponing or limiting investments.
The basic strategic posture, determines the appropriate financial as regards the project-
related investment.
SPACE Analysis and Generic Strategies
The SPACE analysis enables determination of the basic strategic posture of a company
and helps to work out alternate generic strategies and key options, that are crucial to
important resources al ocation. The generic strategies and key options associated with
them are presented here under:
FS
Status Quo
Concentric
Diversification
FOCUS
COST
LEADERSHIP
Conglomerate
Conservative Aggressive
Diversification
Concentration
Defensive
Competitive
Vertical
GAMESMAN DIFFEREN
SHIP
TIATION
Diversification
Integration
CA
IS
Divestment
Co
nc
en
tri
c
Me
rg
er
Liquidation Conglomerate
Merger
Retrenchment
Turnaround
ES
The second type of management appraisal would concern the
fol owing
Aspects of the management of the project:
Whether the new unit should be an independent company or a division of the existing
company or a subsidiary
If an independent unit, then what business form it should have
? Sole proprietorship,
? Partnership
? Limited company private or public
Who should be the board of directors?
Who should head the new unit?
What type of personal qualities the new company executives require like risk taking,
initiative commitment etc
What should be projects organizational culture
People oriented system oriented
Will there be Dissensions among the promoters
Will there be dominance by any one particular promoter ? like technology provider
Management appraisal is can never be ful y quantitative and
objective. There wil be quite a role for subjective perceptions based
on experience and decisions would to some extend depend upon
gut feelings, context and confidence.
TECHNICAL APPRAISAL
Technical Feasibility and Financial viability is primarily appraised for any
project.. Technical appraisal is mainly undertaken to ensure that the
project is technically viable no possible gaps or gray areas in technology,
know-how, equipment, input supply, organization of production facilities
etc. exists. Technical appraisal is key to assess the financial viability of
the project. The computation of projects ability to earn satisfactory return
on investment made and ability to service equity and debt depend on the
project technical viability. Technical appraisal is basically concerned with
aspects like technology, design, layout of the plant, infrastructure
facilities envisaged for the project and the possible problems in various
areas related to these technical aspects, which can be broadly grouped
under the conception, construction and continuation phases:
The likely problems relating to the Project Conception and Formulation to
be appraised in advance that are stated below would be analysed in
detail.:
Location issues in relation to
Project site ? accessibility ?exact location
Project office - Site Support Operations
Land ?purchases-development -cost
Nearness to Raw Material Suppliers
Work Force availability ? mobility ? availably of
amenities
Market Access ? storage
Physical, social and community infrastructure and
facilities
Availability of Utilities like Telecommunication,
Water, Power etc.
Ease of Transportation
Other Industries around the site (development
prospects)
Selection of Process / Production Technology
o Whether relevant, up to date
o appropriate and up gradable
o Dependable with proven track record
o Not obsolete or too advanced
o Collaboration tie-ups
o Collaborator details
o Collaborator Track Record
Level of Operations
Size of the Unit and Plant capacity
Capacity Utilization
Product mix
Detailed Project Engineering
Logistics
Maintenance / Service back-up
Spares and consumables
Quality Standards / orientation
Raw Material Suppliers / Vendors
Project Implementation / Work Schedule
- Project Competitiveness Indicators
Manufacturing Lead time
Work-in-Progress
Through-out
Capacity
Performability
Flexibility
Quality
The likely problems during the Construction and Project Implementation
to be appraised in advance could be stated as follows:
- Civil construction
- Civil structures and layouts
- Projected charts and layouts
- Machinery Procurement
- Machinery Installation / Commissioning
- Trial Run
Problems pertaining to the period when the project is in operation
- Raw Material Procurement
- Repairs and Maintenance
- Power Supply Availability and voltage fluctuation
- Water supply / Telecom facilities
- Other infrastructure facilities / utilities status
- Quality control standards / efforts
- Organization of Production Function
(Flexible Manufacturing System)
- Data col ection / information
Feed back / Reporting / Action etc.
Manufacturing Process / Technology
When product and location are decided the manufacturing process and technology that is
to be adopted for producing the product assumes importance. A process flow chart is
made after a thorough study of the whole process starting from raw material stage to the
finished goods taking care to provide for all contingencies depending on the raw
material, its usage and the transformation as finished product. Due to globalization and
competition process control systems now-a-days available through the computer systems
has gained more importance to achieve 100% accuracy.
Technical Arrangements
The unit might require transfer of technical know-how or services of technical and
specialized personnel for the manufacturing process to maintain the quality and meet
global competition. for this pre-determined contracts and finalization of terms even
before the commencement of the project at the conceptualization stage is necessary.
The type and duration of the technical arrangements and nature and
extent of training and development activities need to be examined before
entering into actual contract as this has financial impact on the project.
Size of the Plant
Size of the plant is determined by the demand-supply situation of a particular product
and end-use of the product. A conscious note is taken of the production capacities of
existing projects in determining the size of the plant. Production capacity is directly
related to size of the plant, which in turn has a direct bearing on the financial calculation
in relation to annual sales. In the initial years about 60-70% production capacity is taken
into account for study of viability of the project.
Product Mix
The process, product mix required to arrive at the final product produced, cost factors of
the product mix are also taken into account to arrive at cost at various levels of
production and its cost impact of the manufacturing.
Selection & procurement of Plant and Machinery
The selection of proper plant and machinery, appropriate and latest
technology is very important in the success of the project. The availability
domestically or need to import the complete range of plant and
machinery and need for training the technical personnel manning the
machines, cost of such training, deputation abroad for training are also
taken into account while computing the landed cost of the machinery.
The cost of locally available machinery, its record of performance,
facilities for servicing and maintenance are taken into account before
importing the machinery. But no compromise on machine quality and
performance is made when comparative cost advantage is analyzed in
selection of machinery.
The order time, lead time for delivery, time for installation, tests and trials
all would be taken into consideration. As investment in plant and
machinery will be huge in larger projects time and cost factor from the
first day of investment is considered. In certain projects pre order
discussions are held to avoid undue time and costs overruns on
machinery procurement. Incase of new projects, purchase of machinery
is timed to coincide with civil work completion.
Plant layout
The engineering layouts are designed to ensure maximum utilization of
costly shop floor space. Safety norms to ensure smooth working of the
machines and to avoid work place hazards and accidents to the labour
are taken into consideration. The layout is designed to have sufficient
moving space for worker well ventilated and lighted with sufficient space
for outflow of effluents safely.
The building codes and norms for safety, structural design, strength of
the building for each type of industry as laid down by Building standards
is strictly followed.
APPRAISAL-MARKET
A "technically feasible" project to be "financially viable" should realize
the projected unit sales and earn sales revenue, ensure smooth cash
flow, funds flow and the resultant surplus generation. Therefore, Market
Appraisal of the project becomes important. Market appraisal mainly
focuses upon the estimates of aggregate demand for the product/service
and market share offered by the proposed project. Therefore, the
appraisal should be really critical and realistic and should not project
only the optimistic scenario. It is therefore important to appraise and
analyze incisively, intelligently and meaningfully various factors affecting
the market size, the market share and in the ultimate analysis, the sales
volume and the sales revenue generation. The analyst must be clear in
his approach to distinguish between the Sales Concept and Marketing
concept.
He should be aware that under the sales concept, the industrial concern
earned profits by increasing the sales volume. Under the marketing
concept, an essential ingredient is customer oriented and profit is the
result of customer satisfaction. In essence "Selling tries to get the
customer to want what you have. Marketing, on the other hand, tries to
have what the customer will want ? where, when, in what form and at
what price"(Levitt).
While assessing the market, it must be remembered that goods/services
are being created not because they will be useful, but because
somebody needs and wants them. Therefore major attention to even
minor details must be given. The design of the product, packaging,
channel of distribution, sales network, price, sales force training, and
management, promotional efforts and advertising, the product in
planning and market audit of the competitive environment all become
important and hence should be analysed.
Market Appraisal should cover and study the following:
Nature of Business
Customers profile
Communication with customers
Size location and efficiency of distributional channels /
Network/Sales force
Strategy regarding segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP)
Product differentiation and price discrimination
Results any analysis regarding
Inadequate demand
Product defects/quality
Link between product cost and price
Poor timing of entry into market
Competitions/competitive reaction
Insufficient promotional efforts
The market appraisal should focus on the future based I the analysis of
the above factors and should broadly cover the following aspects:
Likely size and growth of the market/demand
Market Determination in terms of Geographic, Demographic,
Psycho graphic, Synchro graphic groupings
Potential customers new Market/Customer location
Competitors analysis and improvements in Pricing policy
Marketing strategy and Advertising/Promotional strategies (Media
planning,)
Unique sales proposition (USP), if any
Present/future marketing channels and Distribution Network
After sales service, if required and CRM plans/policy, if any.
Product life cycle
Logistics/supply chain management (Warehousing, Transport
etc.)
DEMAND ANALYSIS
No market analysis can be made in the ultimate analysis with out a
Demand Forecast for the product/market. Demand analysis, is a
technique of collection of data, from primary and secondary sources, and
preparation of estimates using certain Demand Forecasting Techniques.
Demand analysis throws light on effective demand, Customers choice,
the ability and willingness to pay for the product and has a direct co-
relation with Market Appraisal and the Financial Viability of the project.
Any project evaluation would be incomplete if the demand analysis is not
correctly made and assessed. Therefore, let us discuss, in brief, the
various methods of Demand Forecasting.
Primary and secondary sources of information:
The product to be manufactured could be an import substitute. The
buyers might be importing from abroad at a high cost. There may be
incentives provided by the Government for production of import
substitute items to save on foreign exchange. All these could affect
demand pattern. The future demand, availability and supply needs to be
studied in depth. There may exist a huge export potential for the
proposed product., which need to be considered. With faster
communication and availability of information freely it is easier to know
the demand trends all over the globe and target our product and market
it.
The data or input for the demand analysis can be gathered by a market
survey. This will naturally involve employing surveyors to carryout
detailed market survey and document the findings to arrive at proper
forecasting. This will be a primary source of information, but would be
costly in terms of time, money and effort. This information is always used
to supplement the secondary information to arrive at a balance. As
detailed market surveys are difficult to manage a sample survey is
normally used with a statistically significant population f universe as
sample.
The key steps in a sample survey are
Definition of the target population
Selection of sampling scheme and size of sample
Preparation of a questionnaire
Selection and training of field survey staff
Obtaining responses for the questionnaire
Scrutiny and verification of data collected
Statistical analysis and interpretation of the results
Secondary sources of information:
Some of the reliable secondary sources of information are:
Census of India
National sample survey reports
Five year plan reports
Yearbooks ? India yearbook, statistical yearbook, Malayala
Manorama year book etc. Economic survey prior to budget by
the Ministry
Publication of RBI - DGFT- various ministries
Stock exchange directories
Press reports
Annual survey of industries by The HINDU
Trade reports
After collection of the primary and secondary data, the same is analyzed
using various demand Forecasting methods which are briefly discussed
below:
(A) Qualitative Methods
Jury method
In this method, the opinions of a group of professionals are
obtained on the likely sales in future. These individual estimates
are then combined into sales estimate.
This method involves trust in the ability of the person consulted
and is quite popular among practitioners in the same area of
business.
Delphi Method
This is an iterative method and involves opinion of experts
A questionnaire is sent to a group of experts and their views are
elicited.
The responses received are summarized, and send back to the
same experts without disclosing the identity of experts along with
the questionnaire seeking reasons for any "extreme" views
expressed in the first round. The same process is continued until
a reasonable consensus/agreement emerges among the expert
group.
(B) Time Series Projection Methods
Trend projection Method
This method is based on the assumption that the behaviour of the
variable would continue in similar/same direction and magnitude, as in
the past. While arriving at the forecasting past trend method is adopted
as a guide depending on the consumption pattern of the society as a
whole. Further, the changes that are likely to take place are considered
to arrive at the future demand. It is, however, imperative to present the
data in a graphical form to analyze the past data and then fit in the trend
line.
The trend may be represented by any one of the following relationships
viz.
i.
Linear relationship
ii.
Exponential relationship
iii.
Polynomial relationship
iv.
Cobb Douglas relationship
Exponential Smoothing Method
In this method the forecasts are modified in the light of observed errors..
Moving averages Method
Under this method, the forecast for the next period is equated at a
constant time span to the average of the sales for several preceding
periods.
(C) Casual Methods
Chain ratio Method
The chain ratio method uses a simple analytical approach to demand
estimation. The potential sales of a product may be estimated by
applying a series of inter-related/inter dependent factors to measure the
aggregate demand.
Consumption-level Method
This method estimates the future level of consumption of a product,
based upon the elasticity co-efficient. The income elasticity of demand
and the price elasticity of demand obviously are important consideration
for this method.
End use Method
There is always an Ends-Means relationship like, the demand for
petrol/tyres would depend on the number of vehicles. Using this logic a
list of industries (end users) wherein the product is consumed is made
and quantity and volume consumed by them is calculated. This enables
preparation of detailed plan for production of definite volumes/quantity
vis-?-vis present supply. This also serves as a method for arriving at
demand supply gap. The End use method is considered more suitable
for estimating the demand for intermediate products.
Leading Indicator Method
There are some indicators, ahead of other indicators, which indicate
changes in levels of consumption ahead of other variables. These
variables are known as lead indicators and others are known as lagging
variable. The change in the urbanization (e.g. government plan to
construct a satellite city) , a lead indicator would result in changes in
demand for housing, demand for air conditioners or prices of building
materials ( lagging variable).
Identifying the correct and appropriate lead indicator and establishing the
relationship between that and the demand variable to be forecast would
be the key process in this method. But unstable relationship between
leads and lag indicator over a period of time and difficulty of identifying
the appropriate lead variable limit the use of this method.
Econometric Method
Econometric method is building a mathematical model representing the
economic relationship between various variables incorporated in the
model. It is based on economic theory and is primarily used to forecast
the behaviour of such variables given certain conditions. The models can
be built for single or multiple variables and can involve single,
simultaneous or polynomial equations.
For e.g. the single equation model can be explained by the following
equation
D i = a o + a1Pt+ a2Nt
Where
D i = demand for a product in year t
Pt = price for the product in year t
Nt = income in the year t
The construction of an economic model requires expression of an
economic relationship in mathematical form known as specification. It
requires determination of parametric values known as estimation
Accepting or rejecting the specification after appropriate statistical test
known as verification. Then prediction, which is projection of the future
value of the explained variable, is obtained.
Merits of the model are
Understanding of the complex cause- effect relationship is clear and
specific
Provides a basis for testing the assumptions
Judging the results as to their sensitivity to changes in assumptions
But the down side is ht it is expensive and data demanding and requires
a expert to compute.
Appraisal ? Environmental
Over the years, due to better understanding of nature and concern and
developed nations attitude there has been an increasing awareness
about and a desire to prevent the damage being caused to environment
by different projects either underway or likely to be taken up.
Konkan Railway, Pune-Bombay Express Highway, Tehri Damn Project,
Sardar Sarovar Project, the Zuari Fertilizers in Goa are some of the
examples where the environmental/ecological consideration not only
delayed the project, resulting in to time overrun but also inflated the cost
estimates, endangering the very basic viability of the project. Sterile
Industries proposal at Ratnagiri in Maharastra had to be scrapped for
ecological considerations. Kudangulam Atomic project and Sethu Canal
in Pak ?strait have caused major political storms in the country.
Environmental / Ecological appraisal, therefore, assumes a great deal of
significance. Such an appraisal/analysis becomes particularly important
the case of Power Plants, Dams, major irrigation Projects, Chemical &
such other environment polluting industries. The case of tanners in Tamil
Nadu is case in point.
An environment appraisal/analysis considers the following questions
because answers could have a serious impact with regard to both the
time span and costs involved in the project.
The likely damage caused by the project to the environment
Whether the damage is irreversible, permanent
Whether the impact can be reduced or mitigated
The cost of the restoration measures or mitigation
What are the acceptable limits the environment can sustain
The State and Central Pollution Control Boards have industry wise
guidelines for issue of certificates in respect of Air, Water and sewerage
emissions as well as chemical, biological and radioactivity wastes and
their disposals. Due to legislation for pollution control permission to start
may become difficult or impossible to obtain. Any disregard to these
aspects, in the event of a disaster, may impose on the company both
monetary and criminal liability as in he case of Union Carbide Industries.
This philosophy of this aspect is explained by the statement, "You have
not inherited the earth. You have borrowed it from the next generation".
Appraisal ? Financial
A project should be technically feasible and financially viable also before
investment is made. Financial Appraisal focus on the aspect of
assessing the financial viability
From the financial perspective, the following aspects are analyzed.
1. Capital cost of the project
2. Sources of funds (Meaning of financing and long term funds)
3. Production, Sales Projections/Estimates
4. Production costs
5. Working capital requirements and sources of working capital
These information are then presented as
1. Projected working results/profitability
2. Break even point Analysis
3. Projected cash flow/Statements
4. Projected Balance Sheet
For easy understanding and comparison and analysis.
1. Capital cost of the project
Capital cost of the project includes the cost and related capitalized
expenses in respect of the following:
a) Land & site development
b) Buildings
c) Plant & Machinery
d) Engineering & Consultancy fees
e) Misc. Fixed Assets
f) Preliminary and Pre-operative expenses
g) Provision for contingencies
h) Margin money for Working capital.
2. Sources of funds
This capital cost is met by the following sources:
a) Equity Contribution
b) Venture capital participation as equity
c) Long term loans from public raised as debentures
d) Bank or institutional finance as long Term Loan
e) Borrowings from friends/relatives etc (secured or unsecured)
f) Government incentives like subsidy /seed capital etc.
Once cost of the project and means of finance are identified and finalized
then the profitability of the operations and the expected cash flows are
estimated. The projected financial statements are then used to analyze
the viability of the project using financial tools like
Ratio Analysis
a) Debt Equity Ratio
b) Current Ratio
c) Debt Service Ratio
d) Profit ratio such as Gross profit margin, Net profit margin and
retained profit ratio
Break-even Point
Margin of safety and operating and financial leverages
Project evaluation and Discounted Cash Flow Techniques such as
1. Pay back method
2. Average rate of return
3. Profitability Index
4. Net Present Value
5. IRR
In addition in large infrastructure projects a social cost benefit analysis is
also done.
Component of Cost of the Project
The various components of the cost of the project, which are required to
be financed by long term funds covers the following: The cost referred
here could vary considerably depending upon the location, topography
and such other factors.
1. Land and site development
i.
Basic cost of land, stamp duty and conveyance charges
and other associated fees/duties
ii.
Premium payable on lease-hold and registration charges
iii.
Cost of leveling and development
iv.
Cost of developing approach and internal roads and
enclosures and gates
v.
Cost of Cost of bore /open tube wells/water supply
arrangements like piping, overhead tanks
2. Civil construction works
i.
Main building housing plant and equipments.
ii.
Buildings for support services (workshops, water supply,
laboratories, steam supply etc.)
iii.
Godown, warehouses, open storage/yard facilities.
iv.
Administrative and general use buildings like Guest
houses, Time office Security Towers, Canteen, Staff
quarters, Project Office Garages etc.,
v.
Other civil works like Sewer, drainage, Effluent Treatment
Plants etc.
3. Plant and machinery
i.
Cost of machinery
Cost of machinery purchased locally would include core cost,
sales tax, transport charges to site, octroi taxes etc.
Cost of imported machinery would consist of either FOB (Free
on Board)or CIF value, transportation cost, import duty,
clearing and forwarding charges and loading, unloading
charges etc.
ii.
Cost of stores and spares
iii.
Foundation and installation charges will also be added and
capitalized with the cost of machinery.
4. Technical know-how and Engineering fees
Payment made to consultants for preparing detailed technical
project reports, finalization of a particular technology, selection
of plants/machinery, the vendor/supplier and such other
matters.
5. Expenses on training for project commissioning
Expenses towards travel, stay, salaries and allowances of
foreign technicians for initially setting up the project and
commissioning the same through trial runs and training
national technicians abroad have to be considered as a part of
project cost.
6 Miscellaneous fixed assets
Miscellaneous Fixed Assets used by the factory would generally
include.
i.
Furniture
ii.
Office Equipment
iii.
Vehicles
iv.
Generating sets and Transformers
v.
Effluent Treatment Plant (if applicable)
vi.
Workshop/laboratory/safety equipments
vii.
Deposits for utilities for water/electricity/telephone etc.
5. Preliminary expenses
Expenses incurred on project identification, market research, and
feasibility report, company formation are considered as
Preliminary Expenses.
6. Capital Issue Expenses
Expenses like underwriting and brokerage fees, printing and
postage expenses, advertising and publicity expenses, listing fee,
stamp duty etc. incurred to raise capital from the market are
referred to capital issue expenses.
7. Pre-operative expenses
Expenses, which are incurred before commercial production, are
referred to as pre-operative expenses and they include
i.
Establishment expenses
ii.
Rent, rates and taxes
iii.
Traveling expenses
iv.
Interest and commitment charges on borrowings
v.
Insurance charges
vi.
Mortgage expenses
vii.
Interest on deferred payments
8. Provision of contingencies
Contingencies provision made to cover unforeseen expenses and
escalation are provided for normally at
i.
10% of total cost if implementation period is a year or less
and
ii.
An additional 5% provision is made for every additional
year beyond a year.
9. Margin money for working capital
Commercial bank do not provide 100% working capital finance
and insist on part of working capital being contributed by the
borrower. This contribution towards working capital by the
promoter is known as ,,margin money.
Sources of Funds/Finance
The usual sources of project finance are as follows:
i.
Equity/share capital
ii.
Terms loans
iii.
Debentures
iv.
Deferred credit/payment
v.
Incentives/subsidies
vi.
Internal accruals (for existing units/companies)
vii.
Misc. sources like
Public deposits
Deposits from Friends/Relatives
Unsecured loans from promoters
viii.
Venture capital
ix.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
x.
Foreign Institutional Investment (FII)
Choice of a particular source, depends upon
1. Government regulations
2. Terms and conditions of financial institutions like
Debt Equity ratio (ideally 1:1)
Promoter contribution (25% or more
etc.,)
3. Rte of interest, loan term, market conditions with
regard to cost, risk, control and flexibility.
For the purpose of understanding the concept of cost of the
project and means of finance a sample financing plan is given
below
ABC Ltd decided to finance their project for setting up a studio and
software facilities by way of an equity issue. The cost of the project and
the means of finance were as follows:
PROJECT COST
Rs. (In lakhs)
? Land and buildings
315
? Equipments
328
? Misc. Fixed assets
76
? Software production, procurement/
Commissioning
129
? Preliminary and pre-operative expenses
15
? Margin money for working capital
58
? Provision for contingencies
12
_______
Total
933
_______
MEANS OF FINANCE
Rs. (In lakhs)
? Rights Issues of equity shares
589
? Public issue of equity shares
344
________
Total
933
________
While the project finance could be obtained from various sources , the
specific means of finance for a particular project under consideration is
typically determined by
A) NORMS OF REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND FIs:
The approval of the regulatory authority/agency is a pre requisite
to the proposed means of Project Finance and should conform to
certain norms laid down by the Government or the Financial
Institutions in this regard. This is to ensure prudential
norms/practices to project financing decisions and to providing a
certain degree of protection to the investor..
B) KEY BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS:
The key business considerations, which are relevant for the
project financing decisions, are:
i. Costs (Involved)
ii. Risks (Envisaged)
iii. Control (Desired)
iv. Flexibility (Expected)
Project Implementation
After appraisal and sanction of the project, the sanctioned funds are
disbursed by the lending agencies and by the management or by
venture capitalists if equity is raised The supervision/follow up of the
project starts from disbursement to commissioning by these agencies on
an ongoing basis
Process of disbursement by banking or lending institutions:
1. Issue of sanction letter/ advice indicating the normal terms and
conditions and special conditions if any communicates sanction
2. The customer/borrower conveys his acceptance of the terms and
conditions (within 30 days from the date of receipt of sanction
advice)
3. A loan agreement stating clearly the various terms and conditions
of the loan. Is executed by duly authorized signatories.
4. Security to the loan as agreed upon will be charged in favour of
the lender.
5. Money disbursed in tranche as agreed on progressive basis
ensuring end use.
After completing of all the necessary formalities regarding disbursement
of loan, furnishing of security and creating of charge, special attention
needs to be focused on the implementation phase to ensure that there
are no cost and time over-runs and that the project financed would be
executed/implemented within the time schedule and financial outlay
envisaged.
During project implementation monitoring agency bestows attention upon
internal and external causes, which could lead to time and cost overruns.
The various reasons for cost and time over-runs could be summarized s
follows:
Change in the project concept
Change business environment.
Overspending or underestimation of costs
Leakages and deliberate seepages (corrupt practices) in
the purchases of construction materials and equipments.
Delays in recruitment of staff, availability of utilities like
water and power
Failure to adhere to terms of sanction and delay in
disbursement.
Delays Short supplies of materials/ machinery installation
Changes in Government policies like licensing, excise
customs duties etc.
Foreign currency fluctuations.
These over runs could impact the project implementation resulting
in
Increase in pre-operative expenses.
Adverse impact on viability of the project and industrial
sickness.
Lost market opportunities.
To avoid such a situation, an information-monitoring system is
established with various repots to ensure effective monitoring and follow-
up to detect and remedy any adverse overruns.
Project Report ? format and content
A Project Report is a detailed plan of action. It helps decision-making
and follow- up of the project through various stages of implementation. A
Project Report, therefore, is a comprehensive report on all aspects of
appraisal financial, marketing, technical, competitive, regulatory or
managerial ? in detail. It spells out modus operandi for project
implementation and realization of the Project objectives.
Such a report referred to as the Detailed Project Report (DPR), is a pre-
requisite for Project Funding. The quality of the contents of the DPR has
a significant impact on the extent of reliance that can be placed on using
it as a decision tool.
The Detailed Project Report should cover and analyze the following
FINANCIAL ASPECTS:
Intimate Project cost and Means of finance
Specify Margin money/promoters contribution requirements
Advise on Capital structure and Promoters equity/stake
Provide Detailed Financial Analysis for term Loan/Working Capital Loan
Provide Profitability and rate of returns and Pay Back etc.
Calculate Break-even point
Work out Ratio Analysis, Cash flow/Funds flow
Indicate Diversion of funds (if any)
? From one unit to another
? From current to Fixed Assets.
Spell out Credit/collection policies
Provide information on Trends in financial markets
Specify control measures on Cost/Time over runs
Indicate labour requirements, wage levels and cost,
Indicate working capital requirements,
Specify actions plan for execution of project and expenditure control
during construction, Analyze profitability
MARKETING ASPECTS:
Estimate demand for product, market size, market share
List details of competition
Advise on Pricing, Distribution and Promotion
MANAGEMENT ASPECTS:
Draft Promoters Vision/Mission
Spell out the experience of the promoters in execution of projects in the
past.
Provide Information on
Management style & Response
Organization Building & Climate
Organization Structure - Person/System oriented
Succession policy/problems
TECHNICAL ASPECTS:
Should list required equipment by type, size, and cost, specification of
sources
Specify in broad terms input and outputs norms
Indicate Technology, alternate techniques of production, choices in
process
Indicate plant size, Plant capacity,
Indicate raw materials Spares/components needed with sourcing details,
List and describe alternative locations,
Detail Collaboration tie up, Collaborator Detail and Collaborator Track
Record
Provide Detailed Project Engineering, Logistics and Maintenance
information
Information on Back-ups, Quality orientation, and Quality standards
List of buildings required and structures by type, size and cost,
Inform specifically supply sources and costs of transportation services,
water & power Supply and preparation of layout
Advice on pollution control norms/methods
Regulatory social-public issues
Examine Policy in respect of the specific industry in the areas of
Economic & Industrial
Financial & Taxation
Law and order & Environmental
Manpower availability & Employment generation
Social Advantages/disadvantages
Environmental impact
Distribution/Disbursed impact
The DPR should conduct a sensitivity analysis to
Assess degree of risk
Assess sensitivity to changes in the assumptions
and determine their criticality.
Related concepts in project evaluation
Project evaluation comprises of financial, non-financial and technical
aspects. Technical aspects deal with engineering and scientific aspects
and commercializing technology. Non-financial aspects may include legal
requirements, management philosophy and social causes. But whatever
the other aspects, financial appraisal or evaluation is a must for every
project even though the outcome may not be the decision criteria for
establishing the project.
Concept and Computation of cash flows
Financial appraisal of a project deals with cash flows. Cash, which goes
out of the firm, is known as cash outflow. Typically an investment in a
project is an out flow. The cash that is received in future from the project
is an inflow. We should remember that cash is different from income.
Cash flow and not income flow is central to project evaluation. The
results of an evaluation of a project are only as good as the accuracy of
our estimation of cash flows. The following illustrates computation of
cash outflow.
Cash outflow on instal ation of a machine world include
Cost of new equipment
Labour and erection costs
Maintenance costs
While computing such outflows we should not include interest costs on debt employed.
If the cost is not incurred all at once but over a period of time say as in installment
purchase then the out flow will continue in subsequent years also till the entire cost is
paid out. In computing cash flows sunk cost are ignored and only incremental costs and
benefits must be considered. If the machinery bought has any scrap value or salvage
value the same would be an inflow in the year of actual receipt and this may improve the
overall cash flow pattern. When the implementation of a project involves additional
inventory receivables etc., then the same are treated as cash outflow at the time they
occur. As increase or decrease in working capital can occur at any time during the
project, the incremental working capital (increases) treated as outflows and decreases
treated as inflows when they occur. In the case of replacement of an existing asset with a
new one, any salvage value or sale value of the old asset should be treated as cash inflow
and the cash outflow should be accordingly adjusted.
Estimation of cash inflows is comparatively more difficult and calls for greater caution
and accuracy. The correct computation of cash inflows depends upon accurate
estimation of production and sales. The additional sales, the selling price, gross revenue
and the costs associated with such sales need to be estimated. It is important that while
estimating the revenues, one should consider possibilities like selling price reduction due
to competition, Labour cost going up, production delays and losses etc., In essence the
estimate takes into account possible future down sides and likely changes in the business
environment. It is important that while estimating the cash flows the effect of inflation is
also considered. But if the effect of inflation is considered at the time of estimating the
net revenue or net savings, then the same need not be adjusted at the time of evaluation.
However while considering costs, the interest associated with the cost should not be
considered. In evaluation of proposal, the required return or the cost of capital used as a
discounting factor would include the interest /dividend cost. A separate inclusion would
therefore result in double counting and hence to be avoided.
Depreciation is an important factor in computing cash flows but it must be remembered
that the incremental depreciation alone can be accounted in the computation. Similarly
the net revenue should be adjusted for tax and the cash flow is computed as after tax cash
flows.
To illustrate with a simple example,
Amount in Rs.
Sales revenue
1000
Cost (including depreciation of Rs. 70) 600
Net revenue
400
Less Tax at 30% 120
Revenue after taxes 280
Add Depreciation 70
Net cash inflow 350
Some times cash flows are computed in terms of net savings. This happens when an old
machine is replaced with a new machine and savings are obtained. As in the case of net
revenue these savings have to be adjusted for depreciation and tax. The following
example illustrates the computation of net cash inflows and treatment of depreciation.
A new machine is purchased in replacement of an old machine to effect savings.
Depreciation is on straight-line method and depreciation rate is 20% and the life of new
machine is 5 years with no salvage value. The remaining life of the old machine is also 5
years. The book value of the replaced old machine was Rs. 2000. The annual cash
savings by reduction in cost would be Rs. 8000. Tax rate 50%
Amount in Rs.
Purchase price of a new machine 18500
Installation charges 1500
Cost of the new machine 20,000
Depreciation on the new machine 4000
Depreciation on the old machine . 400
Cash savings on replacement of old machine
8000
Depreciation on the new machine Rs. 4000
Less Depreciation on the old machine Rs. 400
Additional depreciation charge Rs. 3600
Additional income before taxes Rs. 4400
Tax @ 50% Rs. 2200 2200
Additional income after taxes Rs. 2200
Net cash inflows after taxes
5800
Cash flow Patterns
Figure 1
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6
Cash Inflow 0 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Cash Outflow -5000
Net Cash flow -5000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Where the cash inflows are equal over the years then they are recognized as annuities.
Figure 2
Years 1 2 3 4 5 6
Cash Inflow 0 6000 12000 16000 11000 5000
Cash Outflow -15000 4000 7000 10000 7000 4000
Net Cash flow -15000 2000 5000 6000 4000 1000
In figure 2, the cash flows are uneven over the years due to various factors like additional
investment made, the revenues from the project tapering off due to project becoming old,
salvage value etc., This only reiterate the point that cash flows can vary depending upon
the project and time. The cash flow patterns by themselves do not have any significance
in evaluation of projects. But for a seasoned finance manager, they indicate the nature
and risk of the project at a glance.
Concept of time value of money
Look at the following examples carefully
The price of 10 grams of gold in 1970 was Rs. 430. The price of the
same is Rs. 9000 in 2006.
If we deposit Rs. 1000 in a savings bank account, which gives us 4% return, we would
get Rs. 20 additionally at the end of six months as interest and the value of Rs. 1000
invested would be Rs. 1020.
If we compare Rs. 1000 which we can have to day with Rs. 1000 we can have one year
later, we value the amount of Rs. 1000 available to day more than what would be
available after a year.
This relationship of the relative values of money over a period of time is known as time
value of money. The value of money over a period is affected by various factors like
inflation, rate of interest (rate of return) method of computing the return (interest on
interest) and the duration or time involved.
The concept of time value is central to understand financial mathematics and its
applications. The process of computing time value of money has two dimensions
a) Computing future values from present values (known as compounding)
b) Computing present values from future values (known as discounting).
Compound Interest and future values
The term compounding implies that interest payable on a loan or
investment is not paid at the end of the interest payment term but is
added on to the principal and interest is calculated on the total sum in
future. This in effect means that interest is paid on interest.
To understand let us take an example.
A person has Rs. 100 in his account. The interest rate is 8%. Interest is payable annually.
Let us compute what the he would get over a period 5 years with compounding of
interest annually at the end of different years.
Period Beginning Interest End of term value
Value earned during
The period
1 100.00 8.00 108.00
2 108.00 8.64 116.64
3 116.64 9.33 125.97
4 125.97 10.08 136.05
5 136.05 10.88 146.93
From the above table we understand that the 1-year interest is Rs.8 and the investment of
Rs.100 will be worth. Rs.108.But the second year interest the investment earns Rs.8 on
the Rs.100 and also Rs.0.64 on the interest of Rs.8 added to the principal at the end of the
year. In other words there is an interest on interest, which is otherwise known as
Compound Interest.
Mathematically compound interest can be calculated using the formula
A = P0 (1+ r) n Where
A = the end value after adding the interest (this also known as future value or terminal
value)
P0 = the original investment (or principal) at the beginning of the period
r = rate of interest per annum (expressed as a decimal) and
n= the number of years at the end of which the FV is desired.
In the above example
A = 100 x (1+0.08) 2
= 100 x 1.1664
= 116.64
Interest compounding at intervals more than once a year
In our illustration we assumed that the interest is paid (or charged)
annually. But there are transactions where interest is paid or charged not
annually but once in 6 months (Government bonds). Banks offer interest
once a quarter or even monthly. In such cases how do we compute the
future value?
Even in such case we can use the same formula for computation but with a slight
modification. In our formula the r represents annual interest. If interest is paid half yearly
then the interest rate for the half year would be r/2.If it is paid quarterly then the rate
would be r/4 and so on.
Substituting this in our formula we obtain the future value for Rs. 100 at 8% but
compounded semiannually for a period of one year.
A = P0 (1+ r) n Where P0 = 100, r = 8/2, n = 1,
A = 100 x (1+0.04) 2
= 100 x 1.0816
= 108.16.
At 8% interest the future value of Rs. 100 would be Rs 108 if the compounding is once a
year. But if the compounding is semiannual the future value would be Rs. 108.16. The
excess of Rs. 0.16 represents interest earned on interest of Rs. 4 paid at the end of six
months.
The general formula for computing the future value can be thus expressed as
A = P0 (1+ r/m) n m Where
P0 = Principal or original investment at time t0
r = Rate of interest in decimals
n = Number of years of investment
m= Number of times interest is paid in a year.
Some points to remember about compounding interest
calculations
For the same rate of interest,
if more number of times interest is paid during the year, greater will be the future value at
the end of the given year
Greater the number of years, greater the difference will be in future values, if computed
using different methods compounding like yearly and semi annually.
When compounding is continuous the future value can be computed by
P x (2.71828) rm
Continuous compounding gives the maximum possible future value at a
given rate of interest for a given number of periods.
Future value increases at decreasing rate as the compounding interval
shortens.
The formula for computing future values primarily focus on interest rates
and amounts. But this concept and formula can be applied in many
situations where any sort of compound growth is involved and future
position needs to be ascertained.
Present Values
Future values tell us what a Re is worth at a given rate of interest after n
number of years. Present value tell us what is the present worth of a Re.
receivable after n number of years with a given rate of interest. Present
value is just the opposite of future value.
For e.g. future value of Rs.100 due in 5 years at 8% interest is Rs.
146.93. This means that the present value of Rs. 146.93 receivable after
5 years when the interest rate is 8% is Rs. 100.
In other words present value is a future amount discounted by some
required rate to reflect it worth as at present.
Understanding present values is very important for financial analysis.
There are number of situations which require an understanding as well
as computation of present values.
Consider that you wish to invest Rs. 1000 one year from now. If the
current rate of interest is 8%, how much should set aside now to invest at
the end of the year. This problem can be resolved by computing the
present value of Rs. 1000
For finding out the future value we used a formula. Let us make use of
the same to understand the concept and computation.
In computing the future value we used the formula
A = P0 (1+ r) n Where
A = the end value after adding the interest (this also known as future value or terminal
value). Now A becomes our desired future value i.e.Rs.1000
P0 = the original investment (or principal) at the beginning of the period will mean the
amount I have to set aside or the Present value
r = rate of interest per annum (expressed as a decimal) and
n= the number of years at the end of which the FV is desired.
Substituting the figures we get
1000 = P0 x (1+0.08)
Therefore P0 = 1000 / 1.08
= 925.93
That the present value of Rs.1000 at 8% due at one year is Rs. 925.93
Stated another way, if you set aside Rs. 925.93 and if it fetches an
interest of 8%, at the end of one year you will have Rs. 1000 to make
your investment.
So we can express the formula for present values as
P0 = A / (1+ r) n Where
A = Value due at the end of n years
P0 = Present value
r = rate of interest per annum (expressed as a decimal) and
n= the number of years
This formula can be used where interest compounding is more than once
a year.
When discounting is continuous the present value can be computed by
A / (2.71828) rm
Continuous discounting gives the lowest possible present value at a
given rate of interest for a given number of periods.
The interest rate is called compounding in the case of computation of
future values as it represents a growth. In calculation of present values,
the value is reduced and hence is known as discounting rate.
Present value of an annuity
An annuity is a series of equal or even payments made at fixed intervals
for a specific period. For e.g. Rs. 1000 received at the end of each month
for the next one year. Annuities can occur either at the beginning or end
of the period.
If payment occur at the end of the period they are called ordinary or
deferred annuities. E.g. Mortgage or loan payments.
If payments occur at the beginning of the period they are called annuities
due.
E.g. rental payments, life insurance premiums. Unless specifically stated
annuities are treated as ordinary annuities in financial texts.
In calculating the present value of an annuity we may simplify the
computation by directly applying the discount factor shown in the PV
tables, which states that value of one Re. per year, n years at r%. as
illustrated below.
If Re. 1 is received at the end of each year for three year, PV of this
annuity can be calculated as under assuming a discount rate of 8%
PV of Re. 1 to be received at the end of 1 year Rs. 0.92593
PV of Re. 1 to be received at the end of 2 year Rs. 0.85734
PV of Re. 1 to be received at the end of 3 year Rs. 0.79383
Present value of the series Rs.2.57710
If we use the annuity tables for even streams we find the discount factor
2.5771, which can be used directly.
Amortizing a Loan
One of the important uses of present value concept is to determine the
equated periodic installment of repayments for a loan. The distinguishing
feature of the Equated Installments (they can be monthly, quarterly, six
monthly or yearly) is that the loan is repaid in equal periodic payments,
which take care of both the interest and principal.
The loan continues to earn interest on outstanding balance, which is
compounded. The repayments are also compounded and used to reduce
the outstanding. There is a proportionate adjustment towards interest
and principal out of the repayments. At the initial stages greater share of
repayment amount is appropriated towards interest burden. At the end of
the loan tenor EI completely clears the entire principal with interest at the
given rate and at the given compounding interval.
To understand the concept let us illustrate with a case of simple case.
Loan amount Rs. 25,000
Interest rate Rs. 10%
Tenor of the loan 6 years
The annual equal payments that are made in 6 years at 10% should
cover the entire loan of Rs. 25,000 with interest. In other words, the
present value of six payments discounted at 10% should equal the
present value of Rs. 25,000.
That is Rs. 25,000 = x / (1.1) 6
Using the even annuity table for 10% at 6 years we get a discount factor
of 4.3553 that the value of (1.1) 6. Substituting the value in the equation
we get
25,000 / 4.3553, which equals 5740.13 Say 5740. Thus Equated annual
Installments of Rs. 5740 will completely amortize the loan of Rs. 25,000
with interest at 10% compounded annually in six years.
Some points to remember about discounting interest (present value)
calculations
For the same rate of interest, if more number of times interest is paid during the year,
lower will be the present value at the end of the given year. Present value decreases at
decreasing rate as the compounding interval shortens
Greater the number of years, greater the difference will be in present values, if computed
using different methods of compounding like yearly and semi annually.
Greater the number of years or higher the rate of interest lower will be the present value.
Self-Testing Questions:
1. Economic Viability of any project should be in conformity with the
government`s Goal to achieve equitable distribution of income ? Do you agree?
2. Explain in detail the technical parameters off appraising the project.
3. Explain with examples the importance of economic viability and technical
feasibility studies proving that they are complementary to each other for success
of any project.
4. The financial appraisal of any project is an ongoing exercise throughout the life
of
the project. Discuss
5. Managerial appraisal points more to the integrity of the entrepreneur than the
Capability to run the unit smoothly ? Discuss
6. A project report should lay equal stress on technical, financial, commercial and
Managerial appraisal. Do you agree with this statement?
7. What factors would you take into account for identifying promising investment
Opportunities?
8. What questions would you raise in a SWOT analysis for project appraisal?
9. What types of information are required for market and demand analysis?
10. What are the important sources of secondary information in India? How would
you evaluate the quality of secondary information?
11. Often secondary information is not adequate for market and demand analysis
Comment.
12. Discuss the steps involved in a sample survey. What factors can vitiate the
results of market survey?
13. Describe the types of relationships used in Trend analysis.
14. Critically evaluate trend projection method for demand forecasting.
15. Describe and evaluate the end use method for forecasting.
16. Discuss the leading indicator method for forecasting.
17. What are the sources of uncertainties in demand forecasting? Discuss them.
18. Discuss the steps involved in constructing and using an economic model.
19. What is DPR and what are its components?
20. What is time value of money?
UNIT-III
Financial Evaluation of projects under certainty: Pay back method, Average rate
of return method and Net Present Value method-project evaluation under
uncertainty and risk
PROJECT APPRAISAL
Project Appraisal is a process of detailed examination of several aspects of a given
project before recommending the same. The lending institution has to ensure that the
investment on the proposed project will generate sufficient returns on the investments
made and that loan amount disbursed for the implementation of the project will be
recovered along with interest within a reasonable period of time.
The various aspects of Project appraisal are:
1. Technical Appraisal
2. Commercial Appraisal or Market Appraisal (Demand of the product, supply of
the product, distribution channels, pricing of the product and government
policies.
3. Economic Appraisal
4. Management Appraisal (assessing the willingness of the borrower to repay the
loan)
5. Financial Appraisal
PROJECT FINANCING
Project financing may be defined as the raising of funds required to finance a capital
investment proposal which is economically separable. The assets, contracts cash flows
are separated from the parent company and the assets acquired for the projects serve as
col ateral for loans. The repayments are made from the revenue generated from the
projects.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PROJECT FINANCING
1. There is a presence of a special project entity.
2. The component of debt is very high and therefore gives raise to a highly
leveraged firm.
3. Project financing is separated form the parent company`s balance sheet.
4. Debt servicing and repayments are done only from the cash flows arising from
the projects.
5. Project financier`s risks are not entirely covered by the sponsor`s guarantee.
6. Third parties like suppliers, customers, government and sponsors commit to
share the risk of the project.
Conventional Financing Vs Project financing
CONVENTIONAL FINANCING
PROJECT FINANCING
Creditor makes an assessment of Cash flows from project related assets
repayment of his loan by looking at all cash alone are considered for assessing the
flows and resources of the borrower.
repaying capacity.
End use of the borrowed funds is not The creditors ensure proper utilization of
strictly monitored by the lender.
the funds.
Creditors are interested only in their money Project financiers are keen to watch the
getting repaid.
performance of the enterprise and suggest
measures.
Creditors have no say in the management Project financiers can appoint their
of the organization.
nominee is the Board of directors of their
clients.
SOURCES THROUGH SHARES
ORDINARY SHARES:
Features
Advantages
Disadvantages
PREFERENCE SHARES
Features
Types
Advantages/Disadvantages
SOURCES THROUGH DEBT
DEBENTURES/BONDS
Features
Types
Advantages/Disadvantages
TERM LOANS
ICICI
IDBI
IFCI
SIDBI
Equity/Ordinary Shares:
Equity share represent ownership capital and its owners- ordinary share holders/ equity
holders-share the reward and risk associated with the ownership of corporate enterprises.
They are also called ordinary shares in contrast with preference shares.
Preference Shares:
Preference share is a unique type of long term financing in that it combines some of the
features of equity as well as debentures. As a hybrid security or from of financing:
It carries a fixed/stated rate of dividend.
It ranks higher than equity as a claimant to the income/assets.
It normally does not have voting rights.
It does not have a share in residual earnings/assets.
A preference share ordinarily does not carry voting rights. It is, however, entitled to vote
every resolution if:
The dividend is in arrears for 2 years in respect of cumulative preference shares.
The preference dividend has not been paid for a period of two/more consecutive
preceding years or for an aggregate period of three/more years in the preceding
six years ending with the expiry of the immediately preceding financial year.
Debenture/ Bonds/ Notes:
Promissory note, debenture / bonds, represent Creditors hip securities and debenture
holders are long term creditors of the company. As a secured instrument, it is a promise
to pay interest and repay principal at stipulated times. In the contrast to equity capital
which is a variable income (dividend/ security, the debenture / notes are fixed income
(interest) security).
Term loans:
Term loans are also known as term/ project finance. The primary source of such loans is
financial institutions. Commercial banks also provide term finance in a limited way. The
financial institutions provide project finance for new projects as also for
expansion/diversification and modernization, whereas the bulk of term loans extended
by banks is in the form of working capital term loan to finance the working capital gap.
Though they are permitted to finance infrastructure projects on a long term basis, the
quantum of such financing is marginal. The term may be 6 to 10 years.
Shipping Credit Investment Company of India Ltd (SCICI)
SCICI is promoted by ICICI for the development of fishing and related industries.
Financing of projects are based on commercial viability after careful evaluation of each
project. This is so because the amount involved will be very high and the gestation
period is also very long.
Advantages/Disadvantages
A balance has to be struck between debt and equity. A debt equity ratio of 1:1 is
considered ideal but it is relaxed up to 2:1 in suitable cases. Further relaxation in debt-
equity is made in the case of capital intensive projects. All long term loans/deferred
credit are treated as debt while equity includes free reserves.
PROMOTER'S CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS
The norm of promoter`s contribution in the project is 22.5% of project cost with a lower
contribution for projects promoted by technical entrepreneurs. Normally the promoter`s
contribution should be in the form of equity capital. If unsecured loans from
promoters/directors form an integral part of the means of finance, it should be assumed
that they would not be withdrawn during the currency of the loan and do not carry higher
interest than that is payable on the institutional loans. Preliminary expenses incurred by
promoters are included in the promoter`s contribution. It is important that no gap is left in
the financing pattern of the project. Otherwise, it will result in delays in the
implementation of the project. The financial institutions stipulate a condition that
promoters shall arrange for funds to meet any overrun in the cost of the project
OTHERS
(1) DEFERRED CREDITS
Projects are financed through deferred credits obtained form the suppliers of machinery
and equipment and/or bankers to the suppliers. If the credit is routed through the
supplier and backed by his financial obligation, it is called supplier`s credit and if it is a
direct credit given to the project, it is called buyer`s credit.
Supplier's credit
Suppliers do provide credit extended over a period, usual y a substantial portion neatly
80-90% of the equipment cost as a part of the sale contract. These facilities are available
generally in export of machinery and the credit is covered by the insurance and
guarantee cover of the export insurance agency of the supplier`s country. The supplier
sells the machinery against a down payment and asks the buyer to pay the balance over a
fixed number of years in half yearly or annual installment, with interest at a specified
rate. These credits are mostly backed by bills of exchange drawn on the buyer by the
supplier or his banker.
Buyer's credit
When the banker of the buyer gives a guarantee to the deferred payments by either
issuing a unconditional guarantee or by accepting or co-accepting the bills drawn on the
buyer it is called as buyer`s credit. When a bank gives financial guarantees beyond 12
months it is called a deferred payment guarantees.
Deferred payment guarantees can be classified into the fol owing:
1. Expressed in Foreign currencies
a) Favouring foreign lenders for financing plant and machinery.
b) Favouring Foreign lenders for financing raw material and stores
c) Favouring Indian financial institutions.
2. Expressed in Indian currency
Such deferred payment guarantees were very common in the past under a
special scheme formulated by the IDBI in order to enable the indigenous
machinery suppliers to sel the machine on credit terms.
(2) LEASE FINANCING
Lease as a source of project financing is mainly suitable for expansion projects. This is
because of the reason that repayment of lease rentals start immediately after acquisition
of the leased asset by the lessee. New projects will take time for generating cash for
repayment whereas existing projects that go for expansion can start repaying
immediately out of their cash generation from their existing facilities.
(3) UNSECURED LOANS
If there is some shortfall in the mean-of-finance, the promoters/directors can mobilize
funds from their fiends, relatives and well-wishers. Such loans are always unsecured i.e.,
the lenders cannot have any charge over the assets of the company. Banks and financial
institutions stipulate the following conditions if unsecured loan is to form part of the
means-of-finance.
- The promoters shall not repay the unsecured loan till the term loan persists.
- Interest if any payable on unsecured loan shall be paid only after meeting the
term loan repayment committees.
- The rate of interest payable on unsecured loan shall not be higher than the rate of
interest applicable for term loans.
Normally unsecured loan component is expected not to exceed 50% of the equity
capital.
(4) INTERNAL ACCRUALS
Internal accruals form a part of the source of finance in respect of expansion projects.
Depreciation which is not cash expenditure and profits retained after payment of
dividends are the main sources of internally generated funds. As existing company that
foes for an expansion/diversification/modernization project may opt to finance a portion
of the capital investment out of internal cash accruals.
(5) BRIDGE LOANS
This is a temporary loan meant for tying up the capital cost of the project. The necessity
for bridge finance arises in situations where finance from particular source is being
delayed. However, the availability of finance from that source is certain.
Example: The project cost of a new project is estimated at Rs.100 lakhs. The promoters
are able to bring in a capital of Rs. 30 lakhs. The project is eligible for an investment
subsidy of Rs.10 lakhs. The financial institution that has appraised the project is ready t
sanction a term loan of Rs.60 lakhs. Means of finance for project cost is as under:
Promoter`s contribution - Rs. 30 lakhs
Investment subsidy - Rs. 10 lakhs
Term loan
- Rs. 60 lakhs
_______________
Rs.100 lakhs
_______________
Though the eligibility of investment subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs for the project is certain,
there maybe certain procedural formalities involved in getting it.
E.g.2 Food processing industries that are eligible for special product subsidy can
avail if only their product gets ISI/Agmark certification which is possible only after the
project is completed and production taken out.
Thus if the availability of subsidy though ensured, is likely to be delayed, the
banks/financial institutions come to the rescue of the project promoters by sanctioning a
bridge loan to the extent of the subsidy.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT SUBSIDY
Government provides subsidy for setting up of industries. The subsidy offered is of two
types:
(i) Area Subsidy (ii) Product Subsidy
(i)
Area Subsidy: This is available for projects set-up in notified backward
areas. Government notifies backward areas from time to time based on the
industrial activity prevailing in different parts of the country. It will be
between 15%-20% on the investment on fixed assets. Government also
extends subsidy to projects coming up in Industrial estates.
(ii)
Product Subsidy: This is available for projects that manufacture specified
products. These products that are eligible for subsidy are identified by the
government by keeping in view the potential for the economic development
of the country in such sectors of industries and notified by the government.
It ranges from 10%- 20% for different types of notified products.
A project can avail only one subsidy. For example if food processing is eligible for 20%
product subsidy and if the project is going to be located in a notified backward area that
is eligible for 15% area subsidy, the project promoters can choose only one, who will
obviously choose 20% product subsidy.
DISBURSEMENTS OF LOANS/LOAN ARRANGEMENT
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING TERM LOANS FOR
PROJECTS
Terms loans are granted subject to the following terms and conditions.
1. Clear title to land as security.
2. Insurance of assets, building and machinery separately.
3. Scrutiny of Articles of Association to ensure that it does not contain any
restrictive clause against covenants of the financial institutions.
4. Lien on all fixed assets.
5. Personal and corporate guarantees of major shareholders and associates
concerns.
6. Approval of appointment of managerial personnel by DFI.
7. Payment of dividend and issue of bonus shares subject to the approval of
financial institution.
8. Undertaking for non-disposal of promoters shareholding for a period of 3 years.
Before the loan is disbursed, documents have to be executed and submitted. Stamp duty
and registration fees have to be paid.
PROCEDURE FOR DISBURSEMENT OF LOAN
After the loan has been sanctioned, the security documents should be obtained and
charge on the assets ? present and future ?created in favour of the bank. Thereafter,
suitable disbursements may be made, keeping in view the following aspects:
1) The bank should verify the status of implementation of the project. If no
progress at al has been made the reasons should be ascertained and satisfactory
answers obtained.
2) As far as possible, disbursement should be made direct to the supplier of
machinery or other services in order to ensure that the proceeds of the term loan
are not diverted for unauthorized purposes.
3) It is preferable to disburse the loan in installments instead of in one lump sum.
Lump sum disbursement of the entire loan will be permitted if the project or
scheme involves one-time acquisition of machinery.
4) It should be ensured that the projected debt-equity ratio of the project is
maintained at al stages of disbursement.
5) If the loan is sanctioned by a number of lenders to the project, the concerned
bank`s disbursement should be in proportion to its share in the loan.
6) After the disbursement of one instal ment, the next installment should be
disbursed only after verifying whether the earlier installment had been properly
utilized.
7) Sometimes the borrower would request for interim loans or bridge loans, before
the security and other formalities are completed. Such requests may be acceded
to by granting interim advances for short periods of, say, 3 months, provided the
bank is satisfied that the requisite formalities would be completed within a short
period.
After these requirements are complied, disbursements are made on the basis of assets
created at site. There has to be security matching, every disbursement starting with land
and buildings. As machines arrive, term loan is disbursed at 75% of their value, the
cheque being made in the name of the supplier. In case of large projects, disbursements
are need based. In such cases, promoters have to bring in their entire contribution.
Monitoring and Follow-up
The most important and yet quite difficult part of any loan is to monitor proper
utilization of the loan and follow-up the borrower`s performance and working results, so
that the borrower does not default on his financial commitments to the lender.
The follow-up can be split into: (a) follow-up during the implementation stage of the
project; (b) follow-up after commencement of commercial production.
The objectives of the follow-up during the implementation stage are:
(a) To ensure that the borrower mobilizes the various sources for the project in time.
(b) To ensure that the physical progress of the project is in accordance with the
project implementation schedule; and
(c) To ensure that, in the event of an escalation in the cist of the project, due to
reasons beyond the control of the borrower, the promoters bring in their
proportionate share.
The above follow-up could be done by obtaining periodical reports from the borrower
on the progress ? both physical and financial of the project.
Objectives of follow-up after commercial production commence:
Once the project is set up and commercial production commences, the bank should put
in place a suitable mechanism to follow-up the performance of the project.
1) To ensure that the assets created or acquired for the project are put to effective
use and well maintained.
2) To monitor periodically the borrower`s financial position and working results by
comparing the actual performance with the earlier projections; if there is
substantial variance, especially negative, the reason thereof should be critically
analyzed.
3) To ensure such corrective action, as may be warranted, on the basis of warning
signals thrown up during the course of monitoring.
4) To ensure that the borrower conforms to the terms of the loan more particularly
periodical payment of interest and repayment of loan.
CAPITAL BUDGETING AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS
INVESTMENT
Investment is an activity of spending resources (money, labour and time) on creating
assets that can generate income over a long period of time or which enhances the returns
on the existing assets.
Investments that generate returns over a number of years can be classified as:
Investment in financial assets
Bank deposits,
deposits with companies,
contribution to provident fund (in excess of
compulsory deduction),
shares and debentures,
government bonds
purchase of NSC,
personal lending
Investment in physical assets
Purchase of land,
building,
machinery,
plants
Investment in human capital
Expenditure on skill formation through
education and training that
increases
productivity and earning capacity of a person
Miscellaneous investment
Expenditure on replacement of depreciated and
obsolete machinery,
product diversification,
R & D,
installation of safety measures for employees,
pol ution control for public health and safety,
meeting legal requirements
Techniques of Investment Analysis
The investment decisions are commonly known as capital
budgeting or capital expenditure decisions. Capital Budgeting
means planning for capital expenditure in acquisition of capital
assets such as new building, new machinery or a new project as a
whole. Thus capital budgeting involves the following steps.
1. Consideration of investment proposals including alternatives.
2. Application of suitable evaluation technique for selecting the project.
3. Estimation of profits, cash flows and analysis of cost benefit of the project or
scheme.
4. Estimation of available funds and utilization thereof.
5. The objective is to maximize the profits with the utilization of available funds.
In the investment decisions, the cash flow is very important. Each proposal involves two
types of cash flows.
1Investment i.e., cash outflow 2. Cash inflow as a result of new investment.
Capital investments mean the acquisition of durable assets and includes
1. Modification and Replacement of existing facilities.
2. General Plant improvement.
3. Quality improvement
4. Additional capacity.
5. New products or expansion of existing products.
6. Cost reduction.
7. Research and development.
8. Exploration.
9. Mechanisation Process.
10. Replacement of manual work by machinery
The various methods for evaluation of capital expenditure
proposals are as follows:
1. Pay-back period (PB)
2. Average Rate of Return (ARR)
3. Net present Value (NPV)
4. Profitability Index
5. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
6. Discounted Payback Period(DPP)
1. PAYBACK PERIOD METHOD (PB)
Payback period is defined as the length of time required for the stream of cash proceeds
produced by an investment to equal the original cash outlay required by the investment.
FORMULA
Initial Investment in projects
Payback period =
---------------------------
Annual cash inflow
It is the number of years required to recover the investment. Incase of unequal cash
inflow, it can be found out by adding up the annual cash inflow till the total is equal
to the investment. Many firms use the payback period as a decision criterion because
it is easy to calculate. Cash inflow is the sum of net profit after tax and depreciation
which is a non-cash expense.
ACCEPTANCE RULE
Management of the firm may establish a norm or standard for acceptable pay back
period, usually based on cost of capital. It is called cut-off point
The project which gives shortest payback period is to be selected
ADVANTAGES
1. It is a very simple measure of economic feasibility.
2. It is very easy to apply, calculate and interpret.
3. It is easy to understand.
4. It emphasizes the liquidity and solvency of a firm.
5. For projects involving uncertain returns, it is appropriate to select a measure that
concentrates on early returns.
6. The payback period is a meaningful indicator of economic feasibility in case of
the firms where the risk of obsolescence is high. In comparison to other
projects, risky projects are expected to pay for themselves faster.
7. It weighs early returns heavily and ignores distant return.
8. It takes less time to calculate and hence the cost of analysis is low.
9. This criterion emphasizes early Pay-off and hence the projects with shortest
payback period will be selected.
LIMITATIONS
1. The main limitation is that this method fails to take into account the time value
of money. All cash flows are treated and weighted equally regardless of the
time period of their occurrence.
2. It does not measure the profitability of a project. It ignores the cash inflow
beyond the payback period. Thus it is a biased indicator of economic value.
3. It does not differentiate between projects requiring different cash investments
and thus it does not provide a meaningful and comparable criterion.
4. It does not show the economic return on investment.
5. It fails to consider the magnitude of cash inflows i.e. varying cash-flow patterns.
2. ACCOUNTING RATE OF RETURN OR AVERAGE RATE OF RETURN
This method take into account the total earnings expected from an investment proposal
its full life time. The method is called accounting rate of return method, because it uses
the accounting concept of profit i.e., income after deprecation and tax as criterion for
calculation of return.
Computation of A.R.R
a.) Total income method;
Net Profit after dep & Tax
Accounting Rate of Return = --------------------------- x 100
Original investment ? scrap value
b.) Average investment method;
Net Profit after dep & Tax
Accounting Rate of Return = --------------------------- x 100
Average investment
Average investment is again a dispute term. The following four alternatives used;
Original investment
(i) Average investment = --------------------------- or
2
Original investment ? scrap value
(i )Average investment = --------------------------- or
2
Original investment + scrap value
(i i)Average investment = --------------------------- or
2
Original investment ? scrap value
(iv)Average investment = --------------------------- + Additional W.C+ scrap
2
ADVANTAGES
1. It is simple to understand and use.
2. It places emphasis on the profitability of the project, rather than on liquidity as in
the case of payback method.
3. It considers the entire stream of incomes over the entire life of the project.
4. It can be calculated by using the accounting data without another set of workings
like cash flow etc.
LIMITATIONS.
1. The serious limitation is that this method also ignores the time value of money.
2. It gives equal weight to both near money and distant money. It does not consider
the differential timing of receipts.
3. Cash inflow is not taken into account. Only net profit tax is considered.
4. It does not consider the length of project life.
5. This method is not consistent with the objective of maximizing the market
values per share value do not depend upon the average rate of return.
3. NET PRESENT VALUE METHOD (NPV)
This method follows the DCF Technique and recognizes the time value of money. It
is an index used to ascertain the economic worthiness of the investment proposals. If
the investment i.e. cash outflow is made in the initial year, then it is present value
will be equal to the amount of cash actual y spent. If the cash outflow is made in the
second and subsequent year also, its present value also should be found out by
applying the appropriate rate of interest which is the firm`s cost of capital. It is the
minimum rate of return expected to be earned by the firm on the investment
proposals. Similarly all the cash inflows (i.e. Net profit after tax + Depreciation) are
also to be discounted at the above rate in order to find out the present value of cash
inflows occurring in the future periods. Then the net present value is to be found out
by subtracting the present value of cash outflows from the present value of cash
inflows. It is defined as the difference between the present value of cash outflow and
present value of cash inflows occurring in the future periods over the entire life of
the project.
ACCEPTANCE RULE
If the NPV is positive or at least equal to zero, the project can be accepted
NPV > 0 should accepted
NPV < 0 should be rejected
NPV is positive = cash inflows are generated at a rate higher than the minimum
required by the firm.
NPV is Zero = Cash inflows are generated at a rate equal to the minimum
Required.
NPV is Negative = Cash inflows are generated at a rate lower than the minimum
Required by the firm.
The market value per share will increase if the project with positive NPV is selected
CALCULATION OF NPV;
NPV =
1
R
R2
3
R
Rn
-I
1
( K)
1
( K 1
)
1
( K)2
(1
n
k)
Where NPV = Net present value
R = Cash inflows
K= Cost of capital
I = Cash out flows
MERITS OF NPV METHOD
1. The important one is that it recognizes the time value of money.
2. It uses the discount rate which is the firm`s cost of capital.
3. It considers all cash flows over the entire life of the project.
4. By accepting the Project with the highest positive NPV, the profit will be
maximized. Hawkins and Pearce state that NPV, the profit theoretically
unassailable. If one wishes to maximize profits, the use of NPV always finds
the correct col ection of projects.
5. Hence it is consistent with the objective of maximizing the wealth of
shareholders.
6. It is superior to the other methods.
7. It is simple to find out the acceptable projects.
LIMITATIONS
1. It is difficult to calculate.
2. It is difficult to workout the cost of capital especially the cost of equity capital.
3. Unless the cost of capital is known, this method cannot be used.
4. It may not give correct answer when the projects with different investments are
compared, in such cases, profitability index method will be better.
5. It may mislead when dealing with alternative projects or limited funds under the
conditions of unequal lives.
6. NPV method favors long lived projects.
7. Both NPV and IRR methods may often give contradictory results in the case of
alternative proposals which are mutual y exclusive.
8. It may give different ranking in case of complicated projects as compared to
IRR method.
9. It assumes that intermediate cash inflows are reinvested at the firm`s cost of
capital which is not always true.
4. INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN
Internal rate of return is the rate of which is the sum of discounted cash inflows equals
the sum of discounted cash outflows. In other words it is the rate at which equals the
aggregate discounted cash inflow with the aggregate discounted cash outflows. It is the
rate of discount which reduces the net present value of an investment to zero. It can be
stated in the form of a ratio
Cash inflows
IRR = --------------------------- = 1
Cash out flows
Calculation;
a) Where cash inflows are uniform the internal rate of return can be calculated by
locating the factor in annuity table. The factor is calculated as follows.
I
F=
C
Where:-
F = factor to be located in annuity table
I = Investment or cash outflow
C = Cash inflows per year
(b) When cash inflows are not uniform the IRR is calculated by making trail
calculations in an attempt to compute the current interest rate which equates the present
value of cash inflows with the present value of cash outflows
Procedures:
1. The trail rate of return is taken arbitrarily.
2. The second trail rate and even third trail rate of determined. The second total rate
of return is determined by considering initial cost of the investment and present
value cash inflows arrived at as per the trail rate of return. If the present value of
cash inflows arrived at as per the first trail rate of the return is less than the initial
cost of the investment, then, the second trail rate has to be lower than the first
trail rate. On the other hand if the present value of cash inflows arrived at as per
the first trail rate is more than the initial cost of investment, the second trail rate
has to be higher than the first trail rate.
After determining the present value of a project at two or three trail rate of return, the
trail rate of return at which the present value is very closely to initial cost of the project is
roughly taken as the initial rate of return. If greater accuracy in the IRR is desired, then
the exact IRR can be determined as follows.
NPV at lower rate
Lower trail rate + --------------------------- * diff. between the higher & lower
Diff.between the NPV at trail rate
Lower trail rate and the NPV
At higher trail rate
Merits of IRR Method;
1. like all other DCF based method, IRR also take into account the time value of
money and can be applied where the cash inflows are even or unequal
2. it also consider the profitability of the project over its economic life and thus the
true profitability of a project can be accessed
3. Cost of capital or pre determined cut off rate is not a pre requisite for applying
IRR method hence it is better than NPV and PI methods. In al those situations
where determining cost of capital is difficult
4. IRR provides a ranking of various proposal because it is percentage return
5. it provides for maximizing profitability.
Demerits of IRR method:
1. it is a complicated method and may lead to cumbersome calculations
2. The underlying assumption of IRR that the earnings are reinvested at IRR for
the remaining life or the project is not a justifiable assumption. Form this point
of view NPV & PI which assure re investment at cost of capital are better
3. The results obtained through NPV or PI methods may differ from that obtained
through IRR depending on the size, life and timing of the cash flows.
COMPARISION AND CONTRAST OF IRR AND NPV TECHNIQUE
Comparison of both the techniques
1. Both techniques use Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) method.
2. Both recognize the time value of money.
3. Both take into account the cash inflows over the entire life of the project.
4. Both are consistent with the objective of maximizing the wealth of shareholders.
5. Both are difficult to calculate.
6. Both techniques may often give contradictory result in the case of alternative
proposals which are mutual y exclusive.
Contrast i.e., points of difference
1. Interest rate. NPV uses the firm`s cost of capital as Interest rate. Unless the cost
of capital is known, NPV method cannot be used. Calculating cost of capital is
not required for computing IRR.
2. NPV may mislead when dealing with alternative projects or limited funds under
the conditions of unequal lives. IRR al ows a sound comparison of the project
having different lives and different timings of cash inflows.
3. NPV nay give different ranking in case of complicated project as compared to
IRR method.
4. NPV assumes that intermediate cash flows are re-invested at firm`s cost of
capital whereas IRR assumes that intermediate cash inflows are reinvested at the
internal rate of the project.
5. The results of IRR method may be inconsistent compared to NPV method, if the
projects differ in their (1) expected lives or (2) investment or (3) timing of cash
inflow
6. IRR method favors short-lived project so long as it promises return in excess of
cut-off rate whereas NPV method favors long-lived projects
7. IRR may give negative rate or multiple rates under certain circumstances. NPV
does not suffer from the limitation of multiple rates.
5. PROFITABLILITY INDEX (PI) OR BENEFIT COST RATIO
PI is found out by comparing the total of present value of future cash inflows and the
total of the present value of future cash outflows. This is other wise called excess present
value index or benefit cost ratio. This can be put in the form of the following formula.
Present value of Cash inflows
(a) PI = -------------------------------------
Present value of Cash out flows
Present value of future Cash inflows
(b) PI = -------------------------------- --------- * 100
Present value of future Cash out flows
Acceptance rule;
PI > 1 = accept the project
PI < 1 = reject the project
PI = 1 = may be accepted
PRE-REQUISITES OF CAPITAL BUDGETING
Capital budgeting is essentially a process of conceiving, analyzing, evaluating and
selecting the most profitable project for investment.
Capital budgeting is generally irreversible.
The very survival of the firm depends on how well planned, the capital expenditure is.
Long-term capital expenditure includes the following items:
(a) Expenditure on new capital equipments by a new firm in the short-run;
(b) Expenditure on long-term assets by a new firm;
(c) Expenditure on expansion or diversification of
assets and addition to
the existing stock of
capital by old firms;
(d) Expenditure on replacement of depreciated capital;
(e) Expenditure on advertisement which bears fruit over time; and
(f) Expenditure on research, development and innovation.
A clear vision of plan period is necessary for the following ends:
(a) effective planning, execution and control;
(b) possible dovetailing of old plan with new ones for future and integrated development of
the company;
(c) assessment of economies of scale and determination of plant-size; and
(d) Financial planning and timely acquisition of necessary finances.
CHOICE OF DECISION RULES
STEP
DECISION
1
Clearly define the objective of investment
2
Select the criteria for evaluating projects *
3
Decide on the approach for final selection of projects $
* Important evaluation criteria are
(a) Pay-back period,
(b) Discounted cash flow (present value criterion) and
(c) Internal rate of return (marginal efficiency of investment)
(a) Accept - Reject approach (when resources are limited)
(b) Ranking approach (when resources are larger)
DATA COLLECTION
Collect relevant, reliable and adequate data
Alternative revenues of investment?
Cost of investment projects?
Expected returns from projects?
Period of maturity?
Productive life of projects?
Market rate of interest?
Availability of external and internal finances?
PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATING EARNINGS (E) ON CAPITAL
EXPENDITURE
Earnings of each project should be separately estimates
2 most important factors (cost savings and sales expansion) must be taken into
account
Project projections must be based on estimated future prices and costs
Also take opportunity cost into account
Present value of earnings must be ascertained
Average of invested capital per time unit should be used instead of initial capital
outlay
Productivity (should be estimated) = [earnings over life time of asset -
investment cost]
In a highly competitive market, abnormal profits create conditions for self-
destruction and this should be thoroughly examined
Necessary adjustments should be made on account of margin of error
MOST COMMONLY USED CRITERIA
PAY-BACK PERIOD METHOD
The pay-back period is defined as the time required recovering the total investment
outlay from the gross earnings, i.e., gross of caporal wastage or depreciation.
Initial Investment in projects
Payback period = ---------------------------
Annual cash inflow
Example:
40000
Pay-Off period =
8000
= 5 years.
CALCULATION OF PAYBACK PERIOD
Year
Total fixed outlay
Annual cash flows
Cumulative
(Rs.)
1st
10,000
4,000
4,000
2nd
-
3,500
7,500
3rd
-
2,500
10,000
4th
-
1,500
11,500
5th
-
1,000
12,500
The break-even for initial outlay (Rs. 10,000) is reached at the end of the 3rd year. Thus,
pay-back period is 3 years.
Ranking of projects should be done in case of multiple options. First calculate the pay-back
period of each alternative and then rank them in increasing order of pay-back periods.
RANKING OF PROJECTS
Projects
Total
Annual
Pay-back
Rank
outlay
return
periods
(Rs)
(Rs)
(yrs)
A
36,000
6,000
36,0000 / 6000
4
= 6
B
24,000
8,000
3
1
C
20,000
5,000
4
2
D
15,000
3,000
5
3
Capital budgeting techniques
Traditional method
Time adjusted methods
Pay back period
Accounting rate of return
Discounted cash flow methods
Profitability index
NPV
IRR
NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) METHOD
Concept of present value of money is well reflected in the proverb a bird in the hand is
worth two in the bush.
In general, money received today is valued more than money receivable tomorrow.
Cash in hand is valued more because it gives:
(a) liquidity
(b) opportunity to invest and earn return
This is called time value of money.
Example:
A sum of Rs. 100 held in cash today is deposited in a bank at
10 percent rate of interest. After one year, Rs. 100 today will
increase to Rs. 110. The amount (principal + interest) is
worked out as:
Amount
= 100 + 100 (10/100)
= 100 + 100 (0.1)
= 100 + 10 = 110
X n
PV =
(1 + r) n
110
PV = = 100
(1 + 0.1)
It follows that Rs. 110 expected one year hence is worth only Rs. 100 today. This means
that Rs. 100 is the present value (PV) of Rs. 110 to be earned after a period of one year.
Present value of an Income Stream:
TPV = R1/(1+ r) + R2/(1+ r)2 + R3/(1+ r) 3 + .... + Rn/(1+ r) n
TPV = Rn / (1+ r) n
Net Present Value and Investment Decision:
NPV =
PV ? C
NPV = Rn [1 / (1+r)n] - C
C = total cost of investment without any recurring expenditure.
The investment decision rules can be specified as follows:
a) If NPV > 0, the project is acceptable;
b) If NPV = 0, the project is accepted or rejected on non-economic
considerations;
c) If NPV < 0, the project is rejected.
If the investment is a recurring expenditure, then
Total Present Cost (TPC) = Cn / (1+r)n
NPV = Rn / (1+r)n - Cn / (1+r)n
NPV = [Rn - Cn] / (1+r)n
INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR)
The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is defined as the rate of interest or return which
renders the discounted present value of its expected future managerial yields exactly
equal to the investment cost of project.
Alternative Names for IRR:
(a) MEI ? Marginal Efficiency of Investment
(b) IRP ? Internal Rate of Project
(c) BER ? Break-Even Rate
IRR is the rate of return (r) at which the discounted present value of receipts and
expenditures are equal.
Rn /(1+r)n = Cn / (1+r)n
IRR = Rn / (1+r)n] - Cn / (1+r)n] = 0
Example:
FLOW OF NET INCOMES
Cost of project
1st year
2nd year
Project A
100
0
140
Project B
100
130
0
NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) METHOD
Project A
Project B
Expected rate of return = 10%
Expected rate of return = 10%
PV = (0/1 + 0.10) +
PV = (130/1 + 0.10) +
(140/ 1 + 0.10)2 = 115.70
(0/ 1 + 0.10)2 = 118.18
NPV = 115.70 ? 100
NPV = 118.18 ? 100
= 15.70
= 18.18
Accept Project A
Accept Project B
Expected rate of return = 20%
Expected rate of return = 20%
PV = (0/1 + 0.20) +
PV = (130/1 + 0.20) +
(140/ 1 + 0.20)2 = 97.22
(0/ 1 + 0.20)2 = 108.33
NPV = 97.22 ? 100 = - 2.78
NPV = 108.33 ? 100 = 8.23
Reject Project A
Accept Project B
INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR) METHOD
Project A
Project B
NPV
NPV
0 + (140/ 1 + r)2 ? 100 = 0
130 /(1 + r) + 0 ? 100 = 0
r = 0.183 or 18.3%
r = 0.3 or 30%
Project A
Project B
r
NPV
R
NPV
0
40
0
30
10
15.70
10
18.18
18.3 = IRR
0
20
8.33
20
-2.78
30 = IRR
0
Hence, there is a conflict between the two criteria.
SUPPLY SIDE
SOURCES OF CAPITAL
(I)
Sources of capital
(II)
Cost of Capital
(1) INTERNAL SOURCES OF CAPITAL
Internal savings are generated in 2 ways:
(a) creating depreciation funds
(b) Ploughing back the profit through retained earnings.
The main managerial task with regard to raising internal funds is:
(a) Forecasting the availability of internal funds;
(b) Determining the depreciation reserve and plough-back profit; and
(c) Deciding the amount for long term investment.
(2) EXTERNAL SOURCES OF CAPITAL
(a) Sale of bonds
(b) Issue of new common stock (or equity)
(c) Issue of preferred stocks
(d) Convertible securities, direct loans
CAPITAL BUDGETING AND INVESTMENT
UNDER UNCERTAINTY
UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty refers to a situation in which there is more than one outcome of a business
decision and the probability of no outcome is known or can be meaningfully estimated.
For the purpose of decision-making, the uncertainty is classified as:
(i)
complete ignorance (risk taker or risk-averter)
(i )
partial ignorance (subjective probability distribution)
INVESTMENT DECISIONS UNDER UNCERTAINTY
STRATEGY
STATES OF NATURE
N1
N2
N3
N4
S1
20
12
6
5
S2
15
16
4
-2
S3
16
8
6
-1
S4
5
12
3
2
(A) WALD'S MAXIMIN CRITERION
The decision maker must specify the worst possible outcome of each strategy and accept
a strategy that gives best out of the worst outcomes.
Result: Strategy S1 (value=5)
(B) MINIMAX REGRET CRITERION
The decision maker must select a strategy that minimizes the maximum regret of a
wrong decision.
Regret Matrix
STRATEGY
STATES OF NATURE
N1
N2
N3
N4
S1
0
0
0
0
S2
5
2
2
7
S3
4
4
0
6
S4
15
0
3
3
Result: Strategy S4 (value=3)
(C) HURWICZ DECISION CRITERION
The decision makers need to construct a decision index of most optimistic and most
pessimistic pay-offs of each alternative strategy. The decision index is a weighted
average of maximum possible and minimum possible pay-offs, such that the sum of the
probabilities equals one.
Di = Maxi + (1 - ) Mini
State
Max
Max
Min
(1-)
(1-)Min
D
S1
10
0.8
8
6
0.2
1.2
9.2
S2
20
0.8
16
10
0.2
2
18
S3
15
0.8
12
5
0.2
1
13
S4
12
0.8
9
-10
0.2
-1
8
Result: Strategy S2 (value=18)
(D) LAPLACE DECISION CRITERION
The strategy with the highest expected value is selected.
Subjective probability distribution
STRATEGY
STATES OF NATURE
N1
N2
N3
N4
S1
0.50
0.30
0.20
0.00
S2
0.60
0.20
0.10
0.10
S3
0.40
0.40
0.15
0.05
S4
0.55
0.35
0.10
0.00
STRATEGY
Pay-off multiplied by probability
Expected
value
S1
20 (0.5) + 12 (0.3) + 6 (0.2) + 5 (0)
14.80
S2
15 (0.6) + 19 (0.3) + 4 (0.1) - 2 (0.1)
12.20
S3
16 (0.4) + 8 (0.2) + 6 (0.1) - 1 (0.05)
10.79
S4
5 (0.55) + 12 (0.35) + 3 (0.1) + 2 (0)
7.25
Result: Select strategy S1 (value=14.8)
CAPITAL BUDGETING AND INVESTMENT
UNDER RISK
RISK
Risk means low probability of an expected outcome. From business decision-making
point of view, risk refers to a situation in which a business decision is expected to yield
more than one outcome and the probability of each outcome is known to the decision
makers or can be reliably estimated.
There are two approaches to estimate the probabilities of outcomes of a business
decision i.e.
(i)
a priori approach (approach based on deductive logic or intuition)
(i )
posteriori approach (estimating the probability statistically on the basis of
past data) eg. Standard deviation, coefficient of variation.
INVESTMENT DECISIONS UNDER RISK
(A) THE PAY-OFF MATRIX
A Pay-off matrix is a tabular array of strategic actions and their corresponding pay-offs
under different states of nature.
Strategy (S) means one of several alternative actions that can be taken to achieve a
certain goal. The states of nature (N) refer to the future market conditions in the long run
on which the firm has no control.
STRATEGY
STATES OF NATURE
N1
N2
N3
N4
S1
20
12
6
5
S2
15
16
4
-2
S3
16
8
6
-1
S4
5
12
3
2
Subjective probability distribution
STRATEGY
STATES OF NATURE
N1
N2
N3
N4
S1
0.50
0.30
0.20
0.00
S2
0.60
0.20
0.10
0.10
S3
0.40
0.40
0.15
0.05
S4
0.55
0.35
0.10
0.00
STRATEGY
Pay-off multiplied by probability
Expected
value
S1
20 (0.5) + 12 (0.3) + 6 (0.2) + 5 (0)
14.80
S2
15 (0.6) + 19 (0.3) + 4 (0.1) - 2 (0.1)
12.20
S3
16 (0.4) + 8 (0.2) + 6 (0.1) - 1 (0.05)
10.79
S4
5 (0.55) + 12 (0.35) + 3 (0.1) + 2 (0)
7.25
Result: Select strategy S1
(B) RISK ADJUSTED DISCOUNT RATE METHOD
Risk adjusted discount rate (d):
D = 1 / (1 + r + u)
Where r is the risk free discount rate and u denotes the risk probability.
Example: Risk-adjusted present value of return (R5) expected 5 years hence can be
obtained as:
PV = 1 / (1 + r + u)5 * R5
Risk-adjusted NPV = Rn / (1 + r + u)n - Co
(C) CERTAINTY-EQUIVALENT APPROACH
Certainty-equivalent NPV = Rn / (1 + r)n - Co
Where is risk-equivalent coefficient (factor).
(D) PROBABILITY THEORY APPROACH
Cash
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
flows Probability Expected Probability Expected Probability Expected
(Rs.)
Returns
Returns
Returns
1000
0.5
500
0.5
500
0.7
700
2000
0.25
500
0.4
800
0.3
600
3000
0.15
450
0.1
300
0
-
4000
0.1
400
0
-
0
-
Total
1
1850
1
1600
1
1300
Problems:
The company has determined the following probabilities for net cash flows generated by
a project:-
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Cash flows
Probability
Cash flows
Probability
Cash flows
Probability
1000
0.10
1000
0.20
1000
0.30
2000
0.20
2000
0.30
2000
0.40
3000
0.30
3000
0.40
3000
0.20
4000
0.40
4000
0.10
4000
0.10
Calculate the expected net cash flows. Also calculate the present value of the Expected
cash flows using 10% discount factor.
Answer
Calculation of Expected net cash flows (ENCF)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
C.F
Probability Expected C.F
Probability Expected C.F
Probability Expected
value
value
value
1000
0.10
100
1000
0.20
200
1000
0.30
300
2000
0.20
400
2000
0.30
600
2000
0.40
800
3000
0.30
900
3000
0.40
1200
3000
0.20
600
4000
0.40
1600
4000
0.10
400
4000
0.10
400
ENCF
3000
ENCF
2400
ENCF
2100
Present Value (ENFC) = 3000*0.909 + 2400*0.826 + 2100*0.751
Rs.6286.50.
Risk adjusted discount rate Vs.Certanity equivalence
The certainty equivalence approach recognizes risk in capital budgeting by adjusting
estimated cash flows and employs risk free rate to discount the adjusted cash flows.
The risk adjusted discount rate adjusts for risk by adjusting the discount rate.
The certainty equivalence approach is superior than the risk adjusted discount rate
because it can measure risk more accurately.
Certainty equivalence
Problem
1. A project involves an out lay of Rs.100000. its expected cash inflows at the end of the
year 1 is Rs.40000. therefore it decreases every year by Rs.2000.It has an economic life
of 6 years. The certainty equivalent factor is t = 1-.05 t. Calculate the NPV of the
project if the risk free rate of return is 10%
Solution:
The NPV is calculated as follows:
Year
Estimate
Certainty
CE value
D.F @10%
Present
CIF
equivalence
value
factor(CE)
0
-100000
1.00
-100000
1.00
-100000
1
40000
0.95
38000
0.909
34542
2
38000
0.90
34200
0.826
28249
3
36000
0.85
30600
0.751
22981
4
34000
0.80
27200
0.683
18578
5
32000
0.75
24000
0.621
14904
6
30000
0.70
21000
0.564
11844
Net present value Rs.
31098
Exercise: 1
The expected cash flows of a project, which requires an investment of Rs.1000000
Years
Cash flows
1.
200000
2.
300000
3.
400000
4.
300000
5.
200000
The risk adjusted discount rate for the project is 18%. Is the project worth while?
Exercise: 2
Vels Hydralics limited considering an investment proposal involving an outlay of
Rs.4500000 the expected cash flows and certainty equivalence co-efficient are:
Years
Expected cash flows
C.E. Co-efficient
1
1000000
0.90
2.
1500000
0.85
3.
2000000
0.82
4.
2500000
0.78
The risk free rate is 5%. Calculate NPV of the Proposal.
(E) DECISION TREE METHOD
First, the decision makers are required to make a choice (or series of choices) from
alternative investment avenues available to them.
Second, the decision-makers know for sure that all the decisions will yield a positive
outcome, but they cannot tel in advance the exact outcome of a decision.
A decision tree is a graphical device to map all possible managerial decisions in a
sequence and their expected outcomes under different states of the economy.
Project A:
Total expected value = Rs. 580 million
Less: Project cost = Rs. 500 million
Net expected value = Rs. 80 million
Project B:
Total expected value = Rs. 470 million
Less: Project cost = Rs. 400 million
Net expected value = Rs. 70 million
Result: Invest in Project A.
(F) SIMULATION
Simulation is a mathematical technique used to produce alternative target variable under
certain stipulated conditions.
A simulation model is built. Nets the probability distributions are generated. A computer
programme is used to stimulate the target variables (rate of return, profit or cash flows).
Iterations are done for various factors.
The computer builds a frequency distribution of the rates of return on different sets of
conditions. The decision makers can choose one or many from the options generated by
simulation technique.
What do we mean by "simulation?"
When we use the word simulation, we refer to any analytical method meant to
imitate a real-life system, especially when other analyses are too mathematically
complex or too difficult to reproduce.
Without the aid of simulation, a spreadsheet model will only reveal a single
outcome, generally the most likely or average scenario. Spreadsheet risk
analysis uses both a spreadsheet model and simulation to automatically analyze
the effect of varying inputs on outputs of the modeled system.
One type of spreadsheet simulation is Monte Carlo simulation, which
randomly generates values for uncertain variables over and over to simulate a
model.
How did Monte Carlo simulation get its name?
Monte Carlo simulation was named for Monte Carlo, Monaco, where the
primary attractions are casinos containing games of chance. Games of chance
such as roulette wheels, dice, and slot machines, exhibit random behavior.
The random behavior in games of chance is similar to how Monte Carlo
simulation selects variable values at random to simulate a model. When you roll
a die, you know that either a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 will come up, but you don't know
which for any particular roll. It's the same with the variables that have a known
range of values but an uncertain value for any particular time or event (e.g.
interest rates, staffing needs, stock prices, inventory, phone calls per minute).
What do you do with uncertain variables in your spreadsheet?
For each uncertain variable (one that has a range of possible values), you define
the possible values with a probability distribution. The type of distribution you
select is based on the conditions surrounding that variable. Distribution types
include:
.
To add this sort of function to an Excel spreadsheet, you would need to know
the equation that represents this distribution. With Crystal Ball, these equations
are automatically calculated for you. Crystal Ball can even fit a distribution to
any historical data that you might have.
What happens during a simulation?
During a single trial, Crystal Ball randomly selects a value from the defined
possibilities (the range and shape of the distribution) for each uncertain variable
and then recalculates the spreadsheet.
WHAT IS A MODEL?
Crystal Ball works with spreadsheet models, specifically MS Excel spreadsheet
models. Your spreadsheet might already be a model, depending on what type of
information you put in your spreadsheet and how you use it.
Data vs. analysis
If you only use spreadsheets to hold data -- sales data, inventory data, account
data, etc., then you don't have a model. Even if you have formulas that total or
subtotal the data, you might not have a model. For analyzing data, you can use a
time-series program.
A model is a spreadsheet that has taken the leap from being a
data organizer to an analysis tool.
A model represents a process with combinations of data, formulas, and
functions. As you add cells that help you better understand and analyze your
data, your data spreadsheet becomes a spreadsheet model.
HOW DO YOU ANALYZE THE RESULTS OF A SIMULATION?
For every spreadsheet model, you have a set of important outputs, such as totals,
net profits, or gross expenses, which you want to, simulate and analyze. Crystal
Ball lets you define those cells as forecasts.
A forecast is a formula or output cell that you want to
simulate and analyze.
You can define as many forecasts as you need, and when you run a Monte Carlo
simulation with Crystal Ball, Crystal Ball remembers the values for each
forecast for each trial.
During the simulation, you can watch a histogram of the results, referred to as a
Frequency Chart, develop for each forecast. While the simulation runs, you can
see how the forecasts stabilize toward a smooth frequency distribution. After
hundreds or thousands of trials, you can view the statistics of the results (such as
the mean forecast value) and the certainty of any outcome. The example below
is a forecast for Total Remediation Cost.
What is certainty?
Certainty is the percent chance that a particular forecast value will fall within a
specified range. For example, in the chart above, you can see the certainty of the
remediation project costing more than $8,724 by entering the $8,724 amount as
the lower limit. Of the 2000 trials that were run, 80.13% of those had a a cost
greater than $8,724, so your certainty of the remediation costing more than
$8,724 is 80.13%.
Certainty is the percent chance that a particular forecast value will fall
within a specified range.
Therefore, the forecast results not only show you the different result values for
each forecast, but also the probability of any value. Other charts allow you to
examine different facets of your model:
The Sensitivity Chart lets you analyze the contribution of the assumptions (the
uncertain variables) to a forecast, showing you which assumptions have the
greatest impact on that forecast. What factor is most responsible for the
uncertainty surrounding your net profit? Which geological assumptions are most
important when calculating oil reserves? Sensitivity analysis lets you focus on
the variables that matter most.
The Overlay Chart lets you display multiple forecasts on the same axis, even
when the forecasts are from separate spreadsheet models. Which of six potential
new projects has the highest expected return with the least variability (smallest
range of values) surrounding the mean? With the Overlay Chart, you can
compare and select the best alternatives.
The Trend Chart lets you stack forecasts so that you can examine trends and
changes in a series. How do your risks change over time?
(G) SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Sensitivity analysis is a simple version of a full-fledged simulation technique. While
simulation technique uses the whole range of probability distributions of each decision
variable, sensitivity analysis uses the probabilities in the high range only. This helps the
decision makers in eliminating unimportant variables thereby concentrating on the most
important ones.
Procedures
1. Set up the relation ship between the basis underlying factor (like the quantity sales,
units selling price, life of the projects, etc.) and NPV
2. Estimate the range of variation and the most likely value of each of the basic variables
(Typically are factors varied at a time)
Sensitivity analysis ? advantages
1. It compels the decision maker to identify the variables which affect the cash flows
forecasts. This helps him in understanding the investment project in totality
2. It indicates the critical variables for which additional information may be obtained.
The decision maker can identify the weak spot in the project and rectify them.
3. It Helps in identifying inappropriate forecast and guides the decision maker to
concentrate relevant variables.
Sensitivity analysis ? Disadvantages
1. It does not provide clear cut result. the term` optimistic` and pessimistic mean different
things to different people
2. It facts to focus on the interrelationship between variables. For eg. Sales volume may
be related to price or cost. A price cut may lead to high sales and low operating cost.
Problem
Ameth Corporation is considering the risk characteristics of a certain project. The
firm has been identified that the following factors, with their respective expected
values have a bearing on the NPV of this project.
Particulars
Rs.
Initial investment
30000
Cost of capital
10%
QTY. Manufactured and sold annually
1400
Price per unit
30
Variable cost per unit
20
Fixed cost
3000
Depreciation
2000
Taxation
50%
Life of the project
5 years
Net salvage value
Nil
Assume that the following underlying variables can take the values as shown below:
Underlying variables
Pessimistic
Optimistic
Qty. Manufactured and sold 800
1800
Price per unit
20
50
Variable cost per unit
15
40
a).Calculate the sensitivity of NPV to variation in i) Qty. Manufactured and sold i ) Price
per unit and iii) Variable cost per unit
b).Calculate accounting break even & financial break even of the above project.
Answer
i).The sensitivity of net present value to variations in quantity manufactured and sold is
calculated below:
Particulars
Range
Pessimistic
Expected
Optimistic
Investment
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Sales quantity
800
1400
1800
Price per unit
Rs.30
Rs.30
Rs.30
Sales
Rs.24000
Rs.42000
54000
Variable cost per unit
Rs.20
Rs.20
Rs.20
Variable cost
Rs.16000
Rs.28000
Rs.36000
Fixed cost
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Depreciation
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Pre tax profit
Rs.3000
Rs.9000
Rs.13000
Taxes
Rs.1500
Rs.4500
Rs.6500
Profit after taxes
Rs.1500
Rs.4500
Rs.6500
Cash flow from operation
Rs.3500
Rs.6500
Rs.8500
Salvage value
Rs.0
Rs.0
Rs.0
Net present value
-Rs.16732
-Rs.5360
Rs.2222
(NPV)**
**NPV = - Investment + cash flow from operation @10% for 5 Years
ii) The sensitivity of net present value to variations in price per unit is calculated below:-
Particulars
Range
Pessimistic
Expected
Optimistic
Investment
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Sales quantity
1400
1400
1400
Price per unit
Rs.20
Rs.30
Rs.50
Sales
Rs.28000
Rs.42000
Rs.70000
Variable cost per unit
Rs.20
Rs.20
Rs.20
Variable cost
Rs.28000
Rs.28000
Rs.28000
Fixed cost
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Depreciation
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Pre tax profit
Rs.5000
Rs.9000
Rs.37000
Taxes
Rs.2500
Rs.4500
Rs.18500
Profit after taxes
Rs.2500
Rs.4500
Rs.18500
Cash flow from operation
Rs.500
Rs.6500
Rs.20500
Salvage value
Rs.0
Rs.0
Rs.0
Net present value
-Rs.31895
-Rs.5360
Rs.47711
(NPV)**
**NPV = - Investment + cash flow from operation @10% for 5 Years
iii) The sensitivity of net present value to variations in the variable cost per unit is
calculated below:
Particulars
Range
Pessimistic
Expected
Optimistic
Investment
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Rs.30000
Sales quantity
1400
1400
1400
Price per unit
Rs.30
Rs.30
Rs.30
Sales
Rs.42000
Rs.42000
Rs.42000
Variable cost per unit
Rs.40
Rs.20
Rs.15
Variable cost
Rs.56000
Rs.28000
Rs.21000
Fixed cost
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Rs.3000
Depreciation
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Rs.2000
Pre tax profit
Rs.19000
Rs.9000
Rs.16000
Taxes
Rs.9500
Rs.4500
Rs.8000
Profit after taxes
Rs.9500
Rs.4500
Rs.8000
Cash flow from operation
Rs.7500
Rs.6500
Rs.10500
Salvage value
Rs.0
Rs.0
Rs.0
Net present value
-Rs.58431
-Rs.5360
Rs.7908
(NPV)**
**NPV = - Investment + cash flow from operation @10% for 5 Years
b) Calculate the accounting break even point and financial break even point of the above
project.
Accounting Break eve point:
Sales
Rs.42000
Variable cost
Rs.28000
Fixed cost
Rs.3000
Depreciation
Rs.2000
Fixed costs Dep.
The accounting BEP =
Contribut onm
i
arg inratio
3000 2000
=
=Rs.15000
3
.
0 33
Where the Contribution margin ratio is
variablecost
28000
= 1-
= 1-
= 0.333
sales
42000
Financial BEP:
Variable cost
0.667 Sales
Contribution
0.333 Sales
Fixed Cost
Rs.3000
Depreciation
Rs.2000
Pre tax profit
0.333 Sales ? 5000
Taxation @ 50%
0.5(0.333 Sales- 5000)
Profit after tax
0.5(0.333 Sales-5000)
Cash flows
2000+0.5(0.333 sales-5000)
Since the cash flow lasts for 5 Years, its present value at a discount Rate of 10% is:
PV (cash flows) = (0.1665 Sales -5000) x Discounted present value
== (0.1665 Sales -5000) x 3.791
The project breaks even in NPV terms with the present value of these cash flows equals
the initial investment of Rs.30000. Hence the financial break even occurs when
(0.1665 Sales ? 5000) x 3.791 = 30000
0.631 sales ? 1895.5 = 30000
0.631 sales = 30000+1895.5= 31895.5
Sales = 31895.5 / 0.631 = 50548
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS:
1. Payoff ltd is producing articles mostly by manual labour and is considered to replace it
by a new machine. There are two alternative models M and N of the new machine.
Prepare a statement of profitability showing the pay back period from the following:-
Machine M
Machine N
Estimated life of the machine
4 years
5 years
Cost of Machine
Rs.9000
Rs.18000
Estimated savings in scrap
Rs.500
Rs.800
Estimated savings in direct wages
Rs.6000
Rs.8000
Cost of maintenance
Rs.800
Rs.1000
Cost of supervision
Rs.1200
Rs.1800
Ignore taxation.
Solution;
Statement of calculating pay-back period
Machine M
Machine N
Savings in scrap
Rs.500
Rs.800
Savings in direct wages
Rs.6000
Rs.8000
-------------
----------
Total savings (A)
6500
8800
=========
========
Cost of maintenance
Rs.800
Rs.1000
Cost of supervision
Rs.1200
Rs.1800
----------------
--------------
Total cost
(B)
2000
2800
============
=========
Net cash flows (A-B)
4500
6000
Pay back period
9000/4500
18000/6000
2 years
3 years
Since machine M has shorter pay back period, it should be preferred.
2. ABC ltd. Is considering two projects each requires an initial investment of
Rs.10000.The net cash inflows from investment in the two projects X and Y are as
follows:-
Cash inflows
Years
Project X
Project Y
1.
5000
1000
2.
4000
2000
3.
3000
3000
4.
1000
4000
5.
----
5000
6.
----
6000
The company has fixed three years pay-back period as the cut-off point.
Solution:
Cash inflows
Years
Project X
Project Y
CIF
Cum.CIF
CIF
Cum.CIF
1.
5000
5000
1000
1000
2.
4000
9000
2000
3000
3.
3000
12000
3000
6000
4.
1000
13000
4000
10000
5.
---
13000
5000
15000
6.
---
13000
6000
21000
1000
Pay-back period X = 2+
= 2+0.33
==2.33 Years
3000
Pay-back period Y = 4Years
Inference: - The Company has fixed the cut-off point of 3 years and also the payback
period of project X is shorter than Project Y and cut-off point, we can choose project X.
3. There are two Projects X and Y. X requires an initial investment of Rs.26000 while Y
requires an investment of Rs.38000 The cost of capital is 12%. On the basis of the
following and the present value of Re.1 at 12%. You are required to state which project
should be accepted. Under NPV method.
Cash inflows
Years
Project X
Project Y
Presents value
Of
Re.1@12%
1.
9000
8000
0.893
2.
7000
10000
0.797
3.
6000
12000
0.712
4.
5000
14000
0.636
5.
4000
8000
0.567
6.
4000
2000
0.507
7.
3000
16000
0.452
8.
3000
---
0.404
9.
3000
---
0.361
10
3000
---
0.322
Solution:
Cash inflows
Years DF@12%
Project X
Present value Project Y
Present value
Cash inflows
Cash inflows
1.
0.893
9000
8037
8000
7144
2.
0.797
7000
5579
10000
7970
3.
0.712
6000
4272
12000
8544
4.
0.636
5000
3180
14000
8904
5.
0.567
4000
2268
8000
4536
6.
0.507
4000
2028
2000
1014
7.
0.452
3000
1356
16000
7232
8.
0.404
3000
1212
---
----
9.
0.361
3000
1083
---
----
10
0.322
3000
966
---
----
----------
----------
Present value of CIF
29981
45344
Initial investment
26000
38000
-----------
--------
-
Net Present Value
3981
7344
=======
====
4. A project cost of Rs.16000 and is expected to generate cash inflows of Rs.4000 each
for 5 years calculate IRR.
Initialin es
v tment
Factor =
cashflows
16000
=
= 4.00
4000
IRR= 8%
5. A company is contemplating investment in a project which requires an initial
investment of Rs.40000 and generating a cash inflows of Rs.16000 each for 4 years
calculate IRR.
Initialin es
v tment
Factor =
cashflows
40000
=
=2.5
16000
IRR= 22%
6. A company has to consider the following project;
Initial cost Rs. 10000
Years:
1
2
3
4
CIF
(Rs.) 1000
1000
2000
10000
Compute IRR and comment on the project if the opportunity cost is 14%
Solution
Assuming DF@ 10% and @ 20 %
Years
CIF
DF@10%
PV
DF@20%
PV
1.
1000
0.909
909
0.833
833
2.
1000
0.826
826
0.694
694
3.
2000
0.751
1502
0.579
1158
4.
10000
0.683
6830
0.482
4820
-----------
----------
Total present value
10067
7505
Less: initial investment
10000
10000
----------
-----------
NPV
67
-2495
======
=======
67
IRR =
10% +
* 10
67 (2495 )
67
=
10% +
*10
2562
=
10+.026
=
10.26%
IRR is 10.26% is less than the cut-off rate, that is 10.26 < 14%, Therefore the project
should be rejected.
7. Rank the following projects on the basis of
(a) payback (b) Accounting rate of return and (c) Net present Value
Particulars
Year
Project
Project
Project
A B C
Investment
0
30,000
30,000
30,000
Annual savings I
13,800
36,150
-
Annual savings II
13,800
- -
Annual savings III
13,800
-
46,287
Discount factors@ 10% for the year 1, 2 and 3 are 0.909, 0.826 and 0.751 respectively.
Solution.
(a) Payback Period
2400
Project A = 2 years +
= 2.17 yrs.
13800
30,000
Project B = 2 years +
= 2.83 yrs.
36 1
, 50
30,000
Project C = 2 year +
= 2.64 yrs.
46 8
, 27
Hence, the project A has low payback period which is better than Project B and Project
C.
(b) Accounting Rate of Return (ARR)
AverageAn u
n alSavings
ARR =
x 100
OriginalInvestment
13 8
, 00
Project A =
x 100 = 46%
30,000
12,050
Project B =
x 100 = 40.16%
30,000
15,609
Project C =
x 100 = 52.03%
30,000
Project C is selected based on higher ARR.
(c) NPV
Calculation of NPV for Project A
Year
CI
PV at 10%
PV of CI
1
13,800
.909
12,544
2
13,800
.826
11,398
3
13,800
.751
10,638
________
Total PV of CI
5
,
44 80
(-) Total PV of CO 30,000
_________
NPV
14,580
========
Calculation of NPV- Project B
Year
CI
PV at 10%
PV of CI
1
36,150
.909
32,860
2
-
.826
-
3
-
.751
-
Total PV of CI _________
32,860
(-) Total PV of CO 30,000
_________
NPV 2,860
=========
Calculation of NPV for Project C
Year
CI
PV at 10%
PV of CI
1
-
.909
-
2
-
.826
-
3
46,827
.751
35,167
________
Total PV of CI
35,167
(-) Total PV of CO 30,000
_______
NPV
5,167
========
Project C is selected due to higher NPV.
Ranking
Project
Payback
ARR
NPV
A
1
2
1
B
2
3
3
C
3
1
2
PROBLEMS
1. Jol y company has an investment opportunity costing Rs.40, 000 with the following
expected cash inflow (i.e., after tax and before depreciation):
Year
Inflow PVF 10% Year PVF 10%
1
7,000
0.909
6
0.564
2
7,000
0.826
7
0.513
3
7,000
0.731
8
0.467
4
7,000
0.683
9
0.424
5
7,000
0.621
10
0.386
Using 10% as the cost of Capital (rate of Discount) determine the (i) NPV and (i ) PI
2. A company is considering as to which of two mutual y exclusive projects it should
undertake. The Finance Director thinks that the project with the higher NPV should be
chosen where as the managing director thinks that the one with the higher IRR should be
undertaken especially as both projects have the same initial outlay and length of life. The
company anticipates a cost of Capital of 10% and the net after tax cash flows of the
projects are as follows:
(Figures in Rs.`000)
Year
0
1
2 3
4 5
Project X (200) 35 80 90 75 20
Project Y (200) 218 10 10 4 3
Required
(a) Calculate the NPV and IRR of each project
(b) State, with reasons, which project you would recommend.
The discount factors are as follows:
Year 0 1 2 3 4 5
PVF 10% 1 0.91 0.83 0.75 0.68 0.62
PVF 20% 1 0.83 0.69 0.58 0.48 0.41
3. A project Costs Rs.20, 00,000. It yields profit during the life of the project i.e., 5 years
which are follows:
Year
Profit after Tax and Dep.
1 1, 00,000
2
1,50,000
3
2,50,000
4
2,60,000
5
1,60,000
The plant and machinery can be sold after 5 years for Rs.1, 60,000. Calculate the rate of
return.
Text Books:
1. I M. Pandey-Financial Management, Vikas Publishing House Pvt.Ltd, 8th
Edition,1999.
2. Prasanna Chandra, Financial Management, Theory and Practice, Tata Mc Graw Hill
Publishing Company Ltd, 5th Edition-2001.
Reference Books:
1. Aswat Damodaran, Corporate Finance Theory and Practice, John Wiley & Sons-
2000
2. Hrishikes Bhattacharya-Working Capital Management, Strategies and Techniques,
Prentice-Hall of India Pvt.Ltd., New Delhi-2001.
3. James C.Vanhorne-Financial Management and Policy-Pearson Education Asia
(Low priced edition) 12th edition-2002.
4. Khan and Jain-Basic Financial Management & Practice-Tata Mc Graw Hill-5th
edition-2001.
UNIT - IV
A PROJECT REPORT:-
A project report is a statement prepared by an expert after the detailed
study and analysis of the various elements of a project.
Project report include the information on the following aspects.
(i)
Economic Aspects
(i )
Technical Aspects
(i )
Financial Aspects
(iv)
Production and managerial aspects.
INTRODUCTION
Project appraisal is a way of detailed examination of several elements of
a given project before recommending the same. In other words project
appraisal is the systematic analysis of costs and benefits of a proposed
project with the ultimate aim of assuring a rational allocation of limited
funds among alternative investment opportunities in a view of achieving
certain specified goals.
MEANING:-
Project appraisal means the assessment of a project interims of its economics, social and
financial viability. In other words it is the multidimensional analysis of the project ie a
complete scanning of the project.
DEFINITION:-
Project appraisal can be defined as the promoter taking a second look
critically and carefully at a project as presented by the promoter person
who is in no way involved in or connected with its preparation and
objective and view of the project in its totality as also in respect of its
various components.
CONCEPT OF PROJECT APPRAISAL:-
Due to the impact of New Economic and Industrial Policy financial
institutions are ready to provide required fund to the project. At the same
time institution that is going to fund the project has to satisfy itself before
providing financial assistance for the project. The main aim of the
financial institution has to examine whether the investment on the
proposed project will generate sufficient return on the investments made
and that the loan amount disbursed for the implementation of the project
will be recovered along with interest with in a reasonable period of time
or not.
Project appraisal is ex-ante analysis. It identifies and values the expected benefits of a
project. Project evaluation is ex-post analysis of an executed project. It determines the
real costs and benefits of the project. By comparing the real costs and benefits the project
real profitability is certained by evaluation stage. However, sometimes the concepts of
appraisal and Evaluation are used interchangeably.
APPRAISAL PROCESS:-
Project appraisal is a systematic and a scientific tool. It indicates whether the project is in
a potential environment which enjoys priority for Economic development of the region /
state concerned. The following are the process involved in Appraisal of a project.
(I)
Economic
(IV)
Managerial
(II)
Technical
(V)
Operational
(III)
Organisational
(VI)
Financial
I. ECONOMIC ASPECTS:-
Economic appraisal measures the effect of the project on the whole
economy. The economic appraisal are the fundamental as shay basically
precede all other aspects, because the banker will provide finance to the
project only on the assurance of projects having high - priority use of
region's resources. The economic benefits brought about by a successful
project normally take the form of an increased output of goods or
services either directly or indirectly. Automatically the increased level of
production generate many different forms of additional income. Such as
increased employment of Labour, more government revenues, higher
capital appreciation to the owners and so on.
E
INCREASED OUTPUT
C
O
ENHANCED SERVICES
N
O
INCREASED EMPLOYMENT
M
I
LARGER GOVERNMENT REVENUES
C
A
HIGHER EARNINGS
S
P
HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING
E
C
INCREASED NATIONAL INCOME
T
S
IMPROVED INCOME DISTRIBUTION
II. TECHNICAL ASPECT:-
Technical appraisal of a project broadly involves a critical study of the
following factors.
(a) RAW MATERIAL SUPPLIES:-
The process of manufacturing may sometimes vary with the raw material
selection. Certain industrial units are located nearer to the source of raw
material. But certain industrial units are located far away from the Raw
material Supplies. But anyhow nearest sources of raw material is the
advantageous for the industrial units.
(b) PROXIMITY OF MARKETS:-
In case markets are geographically spread, nationally or internationally,
manufacturing units may be established in close proximity to the major
markets.
(c) AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT:-
Transportation facilities are the ultimate need of industrial development.
Places with a high transport disadvantage are not likely to attract
industries. In India there may significant variations in transport costs
between different locations. In order to overcome this difficulties
Government of India providing transport subsidy to industrial units
located in industrially backward and hill regions.
(d) POWER AND FUEL SUPPLY:-
Power and fuel supply influence in the greater role of establishing industrial units.
Specifically cheap power or fuel and its uninterrupted supply is an important attraction
for constructing industries. Electrification of various parts of the country, including the
villages is encouraging decentralization of industries.
(e) MANPOWER:-
For the establishment of industrial units depend upon the availability of
Labour forces. ie not only for the Quantity but also the skill levels of the
available manpower. Cheap Labour is particularly important for industries
where labour accounts for a significant part of the total value added.
(f) NATURAL AND CLIMATIC FACTORS:-
Natural and climatic factors also play an important role in the
establishment of industrial units as the absence of these conditions will
necessitate additional expenditure to create favourable conditions
artificially.
(g) STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS:-
Establishment of strategic industries, the special care is taken to assure
that the location chosen is not easily accessible to the military forces of
other countries.
(h) INCENTIVES AND DISINCENTIVES:-
In India the union and State Government offer a various fiscal, monetary
and physical incentives for industries for Economically backward areas.
But incase of certain disincentives like higher taxes may discourage
industries in certain regions. Government may ban for setting up new
industrial unit in congested areas.
(i) SOCIO - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FACTORS:-
Socio - economic and political factors is highly influenced in the
establishment of public sector units. And at the same time some of the
large scale public sector units are located in backward regions due to the
socio - economic factors.
(j) MISCELLANEOUS FACTORS:-
Apart from the above factors, some other factors that may influence the
decision of industrial location i.e. proximity of complementary industries,
prospects of development of the region, personal factors, historical
factors etc.
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY:-
The project must be technically feasible. This is judged by a detailed
assessment of the following factors.
(i)
Selection of process / technology
(ii)
Scale of operations
(iii)
Raw material (IV) Technical know how
(iv)
Collaboration agreements
(v)
Product mix (VII) plant layout
(vi)
Location of the project (IX) project scheduling and
implementations.
III. ORGANISATIONAL ASPECTS:-
In case of lender and a development institution, the bank plaes particular
stress on the need for an efficient organization and responsible
management for the execution of the project. During appraisal, these two
essential dimensions of a project are examined. The foremost aim of this
appraisal is to make sure that the project is adequately carried out and
that a locally-staffed institution, capable of contributing effectively to the
development of the sector in Questions created.
IV. MANAGERIAL ASPECT:-
Management is the very important factor that can sole responsible for
making a project either success or failure. A good project at the hands of
a poor management may fail while a not-so- good project at the hands of
an effective management may succeed. Banks and financial institutions
that lend money for financing projects lay more emphasis on
management appraisal. The Companies Act, the Industries
(Development Regulation) Act etc. empower Government to exercise
power of control over the management, including the take over of
management of industrial undertakings. If a proper appraisal of the
managerial aspects is mode in the beginning itself, in this way future
problems can be avoided to a very large extent.
V. OPERATIONAL ASPECT:-
In the project appraisal scale of operation is signified by the size of the
plant. Economic size of the plant for a given project can be arrived at by
an analysis of capital and operating costs as a function of the plant size.
If the size of the proposed project is below its economic size, means, it
must be analyzed carefully as to whether the project will survive at the
proposed size or not performance of existing units operating at below
economic size will throw some light on this aspect.
VI. FINANCIAL ASPECTS:-
Financial appraisal refers to find the financial viability of the project. In
this regard careful scrutiny of the following aspects i.e. cost of the
project, sources of finance, profitability, Repayment Capability,
Repayment Schedule and so on.
METHODOLOGY FOR PROJECT EVALUATION:-
Project appraisal is a process of transmitting information through the
feasibility studies into a comprehensive form in this way the decision
maker undertake a comparative appraisal of various projects and embark
a particular project or projects for allocating scarce sources. In order to
achieve the overall objectives of the enterprise in view all those of the
project, appraisal process carried out by employing certain criteria viz.
profitability or social profitability.
Methodology is a systematic way for completion of given work. The
following techniques are generally suggested as the project appraisal
methods.
(i)
Payback period
(ii)
Accounting rate of return method
(a)
Return on average investment method
(b)
Return on original investment method
(iii)
Discounted pay back method
(iv)
Net present value method
(v)
Internal Rate of return methods
(vii) Profitability index or Benefit cost Ratio.
Apart from these a public sector project is appraised by employing social
cost benefit analysis, so as to high light its importance to the country's
industrial development or society development.
I. PAY BACK PERIOD:-
Meaning
-
i. Pay-back period method
It is a traditional method for evaluating the profitability of investment proposals. Pay
back period is the period in which the project will generate necessary cash to recover
original investment of the project. Normally, shorter pay back period of the project
should be recommended.
Procedure for the calculation of pay back period
a) In the case of even cash inflows
Pay back period
=
Original cos t
Annual cash inf low
Annual cash inflow = Net savings or net profit + Depreciations
Note: Suppose cash inflow is given in the problem, no need to find out cash inflow.
If cash inflows are not given in the problem, we have to find out cash inflow.
b) In the case of uneven cash inflows
If cash inflows are not uniform, the calculation of pay back period takes a cumulative
way ie, arriving at net cash inflow until the total is equal to original cost of the project.
ii. Post Pay Back Method
Calculation
Total cash inflow from the Proposal
during its Economic life
x x
Less original cost
x x
---------
Post pay back profitability
x x
---------
SUITABILITY OF PB METHOD:-
(i) Payback technique is suitable when the project has shorter gestation
period and also the project cost is small.
(ii) In a period of cash shortage and depends on the internal generation
of cash under this situation it is the best method of appraisal.
(iii) This method is suitable in which project belongs to high risk
category.
(iv) If is the best method for deciding upon overseas investments when
there is political uncertainty in such countries.
MERITS OF PAY BACK PERIOD:-
(i)
It is easy to workout and simple to understand.
(ii) It is preferred on the ground that returns beyond three or four years
are so uncertain that is better to disregard them altogether in a
decision.
(iii) It give the guidance for industries with a high rate of technological
obsolescence in which the receipts beyond payback are regarded
as totally uncertain.
(iv) As the method considers the cash flows during the payback period
of the project the estimates would be reliable and the results may
be comparatively more accurate.
DEMERITS:-
(i)
This method could not consider the earnings beyond the pay back
period.
(ii)
It ignores the time value of money.
Problems & Solution
-
Problem 1 : Each of the following projects require a cash outlay of Rs.10,000. You are
required to suggest which project should be accepted if the standard pay back period is 5
years.
Project X
Project Y
Project Z
Year
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
1
2500
4000
1000
2
2500
3000
2000
3
2500
2000
3000
4
2500
1000
4000
5
2500
-
-
Solution
All the three projects recovered their original capital Rs.10,000 with in the period of 4
years. Here project X has constant cash inflow. Project Y initially has higher cash
inflows but gradual y decreased.
Project Z initially has low cash inflows but it has gradually increased.
As per the constant return point of view project X is recommended.
Problem 2 : A Company has to choose one of the fol owing two mutually exclusive
projects. Both the projects have to be depreciated on straight line basis. The tax rate is
50%
Cash inflows (Profit before Depreciation and tax)
Project A
Project B
Year
Rs.
Rs.
0
15,000
15,000
1
4,200
4,200
2
4,800
4,500
3
7,000
4,000
4
8,000
5,000
5
2,000
10,000
You have to use pay -back period as the criterion
[M.SC ITM May 2000 PU]
Solution
Project - A
Profit
Cumulative
(-)
Add
Cash
Profit
After
Tax PAT
Cash
Year
Depreciation
Depreciation Inflows
Rs.
Depreciation Rs.
Rs.
Inflows
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
1
4200
3000
1200
600
600
3000
3600
3600
2
4800
3000
1800
900
900
3000
3900
7500
3
7000
3000
4000
2000 2000
3000
5000
12500
4
8000
3000
4000
2000 2000
3000
5000
17500
5
2000
3000
-1000
--
-
3000
2000
19500
1000
[PAT = Profit after Tax]
Pay back period = 3 years and 6 months
Working
Investment is Rs.15,000
Upto three years ie first three years
Capital recovered is Rs.12,500
Balance of Rs.2500 recovered during the 4th year
I year
3,600
II year
3,900
III year
5,000
---------
12,500
Balance
2,500
----------
15,000
----------
=
12 months x 5,
2 00
=
How many months?
0
,
5 00
Time taken for recovery of this amount of Rs. 2,500 = 6 months. Pay back period = 3
years 6 months.
Project - B
Profit
Cumulative
(-)
Add
Cash
Profit
After
Tax PAT
Cash
Year
Depreciation
Depreciation Inflow
Rs.
Depreciation Rs.
Rs.
Inflows
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
1
4200
3000
1200
600
600
3000
3600
3600
2
4500
3000
1500
750
750
3000
3750
7350
3
4000
3000
1000
500
500
3000
3500
10850
4
5000
3000
2000
1000 1000
3000
4000
14850
5
10000
3000
7000
3500 3500
3000
6500
21350
(PAT = Profit after tax)
Note : If necessary only prepare cumulative cash inflows, otherwise there is no need.
Pay back period = 4 years and 8 days
Result and decision : Project A is preferable, because it has a shorter pay back period as
compared to project A.
Workings
Initial investment is Rs. 15,000
Its recovered :
I year
-
3,600
II year
-
3,750
III year
-
3,500
IV year
-
4,000
---------
14,850
Balance
150
---------
15,000
Time taken for recovery of this amount Rs.150/- = 8 days.
For recovery of Rs.6,500 in the 5th year
Time required = 365 days
For recovery of Rs.150 in the 5th year
Time required being 365 x 150 8days
6500
Depreciation
Project A
Project B
Cost = 15,000
15,000
Rs.3,000
Rs.3,000
Life
5 years
5 years
Problem 3 : Using the information given below compute the pay-back period under
a) Traditional pay-back method and b) Discounted pay-back method
Initial outlay
Rs. 80,000
Estimated life
5 years
Profit after tax
End of the years
year 1
Rs. 6,000
2
Rs. 14,000
3
Rs. 24,000
4
Rs. 16,000
5
Nil
Depreciation has been calculated under straight line method. The cost of capital
may be taken 20% p.a and the PV of Re.1 at 20% p.a is given below.
Year
1
2
3
4
5
P/V factor
83
.69
.58
.48
.40
[MBA Nov.98 Madras] [M.Com Calcutta]
Solution
Profit Before
PAT
Add
Depreciation
P/V factor at
Present
Year
(A)
Depreciation but after Tax
20%
Value
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
1
6,000
+ 16,000
= 22,000
.83
18,260
2
14,000
+ 16,000
= 30,000
.69
20,700
3
24,000
+ 16,000
= 40,000
.58
23,200
4
6,000
+ 16,000
= 22,000
.48
15,360
5
Nil
+ 16,000
= 16,000
.40
6,400
(PAT = Profit After Tax)
Total present value
83,920
Less : Initial investment 80,000
Net Present Value
3,920
Traditional payback method
I year Rs.
22,000
II year Rs.
30,000
------------
Amount recovered for 2 years
52,000
Balance Rs.
28,000
------------
80,000
------------
III year profit is Rs.40,000. But we require only Rs.28,000 to meet the original
investment of Rs. 80,000.
= 12months x
0
,
28 00 = How many months?
0
,
40 00
i.e. 2 years 8 months
b) Discounted pay back method
I year
18,260
II year
20,700
III year
23,000
IV year
15,360
-----------
77,520
Balance Rs.
2,480
-----------
In the V year Cash inflow is Rs.6400. But actual y we require only Rs.2480 to meet
the original investment of Rs.80,000
12months x 480
,
2
=
How many months?
400
,
6
ie 4 years 4 months
Pay back period = 4 year 4 months
Note: Depreciation
II. ACCOUNTING RATE OF RETURN METHOD:-
It considers the earnings of project during its entire economics Life. It is
known as Return on investment method. Simply return on investment is
the ratio of earnings after deprecation to original cost of investment.
This method is otherwise known as accounting rate return method or return on
investment or average rate of return method. It can be expressed in the following ways.
i) Average rate of return
=
Average annual profit
Original investment
ii) Return Per unit of investment method
Return per unit of investment
=
Total Pr ofit x 100
Net Investment
iii) Rate of Return on average investment method
Return on average investment
=
Pr ofit after depreciati on tax
Average investment
Average investment
=
Original Investment
2
iv) Average return on average investment method
Average return on average investment =
Average annual profit x 100
Average investment
v) Rate of return on original investment method
Return on original investment
=
Pr ofit
Original investment
III. NET PRESENT TECHNIQUE:-
Net present value may be defined as the excess of present value of
project cash inflows over that of outflows.
IV. INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN:-
The internal rate of return for an investment proposal is the discount rate that equates the
present value of initial cost of the investment with the present value of the expected net
cash flows. In other words, it is the rate which discounts the cash flows to zero.
Normally, the internal rate of return is found by trial and error method. It can be stated in
the form of the following way.
Cash inf low s 1
Cash outflow s
Procedure for calculation
a) Where cash inflows are uniform
In any project, the cash inflows are uniform. The IRR can be calculated by locating the
factor in annuity table. The factor is calculated as follows.
F = I
C
Where
F = Factor to be located
I = Initial Investment
C = Cash inflow per year
The factor, thus calculated, will be located in table II on the line representing number of
years corresponding to estimated useful life of the asset.
b) Where cash inflows are not uniform
The internal rate of return is calculated by making trial and error method.
Procedure
i) First trial rate may be calculated in the following way.
In order to have an approximate idea about the rate, it will be better to find out the factor
to be calculated in the following formula.
F = I
C
The above factor is treated as first trial rate.
ii) The second trial rate and third trial rate is determined
iii) After applying the second and third trial rates, we have to apply the following
formula for the purpose of arriving at exact IRR.
IRR = Lower trial rate +
NPV at low er rate
x Difference between higher
NPV at low er rate NPV at higher rate
and lower trial rate
V. PROFITABILITY INDEX OR BENEFIT - COST RATIO:-
It is a time adjusted method of evaluating profitability of the investment proposals. By
calculating the profitability indices for various projects the financial manager can rank
the projects according to their profitability.
Profitability index =
Pr esent value of cash inf low s
Initial cashoutlay
(or)
=
Pr esent value of futurecashinf low s x100
Pr esent value of futurecashoutflow s
Decision Rule
Present value index of the project is equal to or more than 1 or 100% is to be selected.
VI) DISCOUNTED PAY BACK METHOD
Under this method, the present value of all cash inflows and outflows are
calculated at an appropriate discount factor. The present values of all
inflows are cumulated in order of time.
Problem : A Ltd company is considering to invest in a project requiring a capital outlay
of Rs.2,00,000. Forecast for annual income after depreciation but before tax is as
follows.
Year
Rs
1
1,00,000
2
1,00,000
3
80,000
4
80,000
5
40,000
Depreciation may be taken as 20% on original cost and taxation at 50% of net income.
You are required to evaluate the project according to each of the following methods.
a) Pay-back method.
b) Rate of return on original investment method.
c) Rate of return on average investment method.
d) Discounted cash flow method taking cost of capital as 10%
e) Net present value index method.
f) Internal rate of return method.
[M.Com Madurai] [MCA
Madras]
Solution
Profitability Statement
Profit after
Less
Add
Profit before
PAT
Year depreciation
Tax
Depreciation
Depreciation
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
but after tax Rs.
1
1,00,000
50,000 50,000
40,000
90,000
2
1,00,000
50,000 50,000
40,000
90,000
3
80,000
40,000 40,000
40,000
80,000
4
80,000
40,000 40,000
40,000
80,000
5
40,000
20,000 20,000
40,000
60,000
a) Pay Back Period
I year
90,000
II year
90,000
-----------
1,80,000
1,80,000
Balance
20,000
--------------
2,00,000
--------------
Balance amount recovered from III rd year
i.e.
12months x
000
,
20
= 3 months
000
,
80
Pay back period= 2 years 3 months.
b) Rate of Return Original Investment Method
Year
Net Profit after
Tax and depreciation (Rs.)
1
50,000
2
50,000
3
40,000
4
40,000
5
20,000
------------
Total Return 2,00,000
------------
Rate of Return on original investment
=
Re turn
Original investment
Return represents the Average Return
Average Return should calculate in the following
= Total return
Number of years
=
0
,
00
,
2
00
5
Average Return
= Rs.40,000
Rate of return on original investment
=
000
,
40
x 100
000
,
00
,
2
= 20%
ii) Rate of Return on Average investment method
=
Re turn
x 100
Average investment
Return
= Rs.40,000
Average Investment
= Original investment
2
=
000
,
00
,
2
000
,
00
,
1
2
Rate of Return on Average investment
=
0
,
40 00 x 100 40%
0
,
00
,
1
00
c) Discounted cash flow method [Cost of capital @ 10%]
Discount Factor
Present
Year
Cash inflows
At 10% p.a.
Value
Rs.
1
90,000
0.909
81,810
2
90,000
0.826
74,340
3
80,000
0.751
60,080
4
80,000
0.683
54,670
5
60,000
0.621
37,260
Total present value
3,08,130
Initial Investment
2,00,000
Net Present value
1,08,130
d) Net present value index
Total present value of cash inf low s
130
,
08
,
3
541
.
1
Total present value of cash outflow s
000
,
00
,
2
1.541 x 100
= 154.1%
e) Internal Rate of Return method:The annual cash inflows are not uniform. We have
to apply the following formula to determine the approximate rate of return.
F = I
C
F = Factor to be located
I = Initial investment
C = Average annual Cash inflow
F =
0
,
00
,
2
00
0
,
80 00
= 2.5
Showed Table No II at this factor rate of return in the column for 5 years is 28%
Discounted cash flow [cost of capital @ 28%]
Discount Factor
Discounted
Cash inflows
Year
At 28%
Cash inflows
Rs.
Rs.
1
90,000
.781
70,290
2
90,000
.610
54,900
3
80,000
.477
38,160
4
80,000
.373
29,840
5
60,000
.291
17,460
Total Present values
2,10,650
Less : Initial investment
2,00,000
Excess Present Value
10,650
Note : The present value is higher in the level of Rs.10,650. Now we apply higher
discount rate i.e Taking 30% as cost of capital.
Discounted cash flow at cost of capital is 30%
Discounted Cash
Cash inflows
Discount
Year
inflows
Rs.
Factor
Rs.
1
90,000
0.769
69,210
2
90,000
0.592
53,280
3
80,000
0.455
36,400
4
80,000
0.350
28,000
5
60,000
0.269
16,140
Total present value
2,03,030
Less : Initial investment
2,00,000
Excess Present value
3,030
The excess present value at 30% is Rs.3,030. So the internal rate of return be slightly
higher than 30% Small amount will not affect huge level in the organisation. Hence
internal rate of return is more or less 30%.
Results & Decision
Investigation of project with the help of all the techniques show that the
new project seems to be fairly attractive.
COMMERCIAL APPRAISAL:-
Market appraisal occupies a prime place in project appraisal. Really the
modern management concept gives the importance to the marketing
management than in earlier years. This is because of the reason that the
survival and success of any project depends on the Question as to
whether the product offered by the project is commercially successful or
not. Market analysis should give a comprehensive account of the market
opportunity as well as the marketing. Strategy appropriate for converting
the opportunity into a reality.
Commercial successfulness of a project offered the following angles.
(I) Demand for the product
(II) Supply position for the product
(III) Distribution channels
(IV) Pricing of the product
(V) Government policies
(I) DEMAND FOR THE PRODUCT:-
The term Demand can be defined as the number of units of a particular
goods or services that consumers are willing to purchase during a
specified period under a given set of conditions. If any organization will
find it difficult to earn profit if its products are not demanded by the
consumers, even though technologically advanced production process
and efficient financial management.
Demand analysis forms a major part of project appraisal, because of
important role played by demand as a determinant of profitability
estimate of expected future demand for the product proposed to be
manufactured constitutes a key element in all planning processes.
Generally some of the techniques are followed by firms while
determining its future demand.
(a) SURVEY METHODS:-
(i) Jury of expert's opinion method
(ii) Consumers survey method
(iii) Sales forecast composite
(b) STATISTICAL METHODS:-
(i) Trend analysis (ii) Regression techniques
If the business man want to obtain maximum profit, he should analysis
the following major aspects.
(i)
Analysis of market opportunity and specifying marketing
objectives.
(ii)
Planning the process of marketing the product
(iii)
Organisation of the marketing process
(iv)
Control of the implementation of the marketing plan which
facilitate taking corrective action when the actual results deviate
from the estimates or expectations.
Normally market opportunities expressed in terms of demand forecasts
and market shares are based on a host of factors outside the control of
the promoter whereas marketing strategy and marketing process are
largely under his control.
II. SUPPLY POSITION FOR THE PRODUCT:-
In the economics sense supply means the amount offered for sale per
unit of time. In other words if it is effective supply, supply always relates
to a price and to a commodity. According to the law of supply other
things being equal, supply expands when price rises and contracts when
price falls. At the time of project appraisal the supply factor influencing
tremendous effect. Because the total production and productivity effect
depend upon the supply position. Due to the relationship between cost of
production and profitability of the firm. If supply increase the price also
increased but supply decreases price also decreased. The following
factor is responsible for the changes in supply.
(i) Changes in the price of factor of production
(ii) Changes in technology
(iii) Changes in Government policy
(iv) Changes in the price of other goods
(v) Strikes and lockout by the workers.
III. DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS:-
A channel of distribution (some times called a marketing channel) is a
group of individuals and organizations that direct the flow of products
from producers to customers. The main function of this element is to find
out appropriate ways through which goods are made available to the
markets.
Distribution channel are most complicated phenomena encounted in the
project appraisal of the firm. The concept of distribution as a 'gap' is only
of theoretical value. This approach fails to explain planning and control
aspects needed in channel management. Some times one type of
product a particular channel would be ideal but for another type an
alternative channel may be more suitable. In both cases gap is the same
but different approaches are necessary. In our Indian economy there is
an increasing emphasis an specialisation and the division of labour. As a
result of this gap gets developed between producers and uses.
Generally the distributive channel render some important functions to the
business are as follows.
(i)
Physical movement from the point of production to the point of
consumption.
(ii)
Storage function
(iii)
Communication of information concerning the availability,
characteristics and price of the goods in transit inventory and on
purchase.
(iv)
Enable to create various utilities to the products through the
prompt and efficient functioning of physical distribution system.
During the project appraisal the following points must be considered
while selecting the channels.
(i)
Nature of market
(iv)
Competition
(ii)
Nature of products
(v)
Financial consideration
(iii)
Consumers Buying Habits (vi)
Cost of channel
IV. PRICING OF THE PRODUCT:-
Price is the value placed on what is exchanged. In other words price is
the measurement of value commonly used in exchanges. Either in the
manufacturing of product or Establishment of new industrial units the
pricing decisions are of permanent importance in marketing strategy. The
price of the product should be related to the achievement of marketing
and corporate goals.
In addition, pricing division is important for its direct and indirect effect
upon profits. For instance price not only effects the margin through its
revenue impact but effect the Quantity sold through its influence on
demand. Organisational objectives depend upon the pricing objectives.
The following are the important pricing objects are as follows:-
(i)
Return on Investment
(ii)
Market share
(iii)
Meeting competition
(iv)
Profit.
At the time of project appraisal the price policies are designed the
following aspects should be considered to make the policy effective and
meaningful.
(i)
Utility to the buyer
(ii)
Return to the buyer
(iii)
Comparable and substitute products - actual and brand
(iv)
Custom and customary prices
(v)
Prestige position of the product and brand
(vi)
Presence of buying habits, motives and
(vii) Psychological aspects
(viii) Cost of production
(ix)
Stages in the product life cycle
V. GOVERNMENT POLICIES:-
Government and political policies is characterized by numerous laws
passed by the central and State Governments and even by the local
administration. The legal framework as often seen, and appears to be
true, is a political remedy to popular issues. Further irrespective of the
political ideologies, intervention in the marketing process has almost
become common in any nation. The history of business legislation during
the past hundred years has been characterized by three distinct
legislative philosophies.
(i)
To prevent monopoly and protect competition
(ii)
To protect individual consumers
(iii)
To protect society
The legal environment is also referred to as public policy environment.
The vast governmental network of laws and regulations, policy decision,
government bureaucracy, and the legislative processes have varied
impact on project appraisal.
SOCIAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS:-
The foremost aim of all the individual firm or a company is to earn
maximum possible return form the investment on their project. In this
aspect project promoters are interested in wealth maximization. Hence
the project promoters tend to evaluate only the commercial profitability of
a project. There are some projects that may not offer attractive returns as
for as commercial profitability is concerned but still such projects are
undertaken since they have social implications. Such projects are public
projects like road, railway, bridge and other transport projects, irrigation
projects, power projects etc. for which socio-economic considerations
play a significant part rather than mere commercial profitability. Such
projects are analysed for their net socio economic benefits and the
profitability analysis which is nothing but the socio-economic cost benefit
analysis done at the national level.
All the projects imposes certain costs to the nation and produces certain
benefits to the nation. The cost may be of two types i.e. direct cost and
indirect cost. In this respect the benefit derived from any project will also
be of two types i.e. direct benefits and indirect benefits.
The social cost benefit analysis is a tool for evaluating the value of
money, particularly of public investments in many economies. It aids in
decision making with respect to the various aspects of a project and the
design programmes of closely interrelated project. Cost benefit analysis
has become important among economists and consultants in recent
years.
MAIN FEATURES OF SOCIAL COST - BENEFIT ANALYSIS:-
(i) Assessing the desirability of projects in the public as opposed to the
private sector
(ii) Identification of costs and benefits
(iii) Measurement of costs and benefits
(iv) The effect of (risk and uncertainty) time in investment appraisal
(vi)
Presentation of results - the investment criterion.
STEPS INVOLVED IN SOCIAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS:-
(i) Estimates of costs and benefits which will accrue to the project
implementing body.
(iii) Estimates of costs and benefits which will accrue to the community.
(iv) Estimates of costs and benefits which will accrue to the National
Exchequer.
STAGES OF SOCIAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS:-
(i) Determine the financial profitability of the project based on the market
prices.
(ii) Using shadow prices for the resources to arrive at the net benefit of
the project at economic process.
(iii) Adjustment of the net benefit for the projects impact on savings and
Investment.
(iv) Adjustment of the net benefit for the projects impact on income
distribution.
(v) Adjustment of the net benefit for the goods produced whose social
values differ from their economic values.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS OF SOCIAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
(i) Economic Rate of Return
(ii) Effective Rate of Protection
(iii) Domestic Resource Cost.
LIMITATIONS FO SOCIAL COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Social cost Benefit analysis suffer from the following limitations.
(i) The problems of Qualification and measurement of social costs and
benefits are formidable. This is because many of these costs and
benefits are intangible and their evaluation in terms of money is
bound to be subjective.
(ii) Evaluation of social costs and benefits has been completed for one
project, it may be difficult to judge whether any other project would
yield better results from the social point of view.
(iii) The nature of inputs and outputs of projects involving very large
investment and their impact on the ecology and people of the
particular region and the country as a whole are bound to be differing
from case to case.
COMMERCIAL OR FINANCIAL PROFITABILITY:-
In order to assess the operational efficiency of a project and its
profitability most of the industrially advanced countries including India to
employed various technique for the purpose of profitability analysis.
Profit is the primary objective of an enterprise. The word profit implies a
comparison of the operations of business between two specific dates
which are usually separated by an interval of one year.
The maximization of profit within a socially acceptable limit implies that a
proper regard for public interest has been shown. Really it is the growth
of profit which enables a firm to pay higher dividends to its ordinary
shareholders.
According to the Economists point of view profit is the reward for
entrepreneurship.
FACTORS AFFECTING PROFIT:-
Various factors influence the profit variations. They are as follows.
(i) The volume of sales plays a tremendous part in profit making. So
long as a sustained maximum volume continues at the top of
capacity curve, break - even point would be far away.
(ii) To attain real sophistication in profit calculation, the true profits at
any given volume which should exist at a planned break even point
are separated from the profits created by the performance at one
attained volume.
(iii) A change in variable costs and selling prices changes both the break
even point and the marginal profit.
(iv) The rate of marginal profit is affected by a change in variable costs,
selling price and operating performance as against planned
performance.
(v) When both the fixed and variable costs change and when they move
in tandem, the effect of break even point is pronounced and definite.
When they move in opposition to each other, the effect is very weak.
(vi) The marginal break - even point is that point of output at which out of
pocket costs are recovered. Depreciation and amortisation costs are
excluded from them.
All the business organizations ultimate aim is to earn a profit. But the first
problem is to determine the factors which determine the level of
profitability. Profitability should first measure the relationship between
profits and the funds committed in the business to earn that profit. The
first step in devising the strategy is to measure the task. For private
industry the measure of task is the gap between the level of profit
achieved by a business without the introduction of any major changes
and the level of profit which the target profitability measurement indicates
should be earned.
The measurement and control of profitability in a company or any other
business organization should form one of the principal objectives of the
finance function of a management.
Profitability is an indication of the efficiency with which the operations of
the business are carried on. Poor operational performance may indicate
poor sales and hence poor profits. A lower profitability may arise due to
the lack of control over expenses. Bankers and other financial institutions
look at the profitability as an indicator whether or not the firms earns
substantially more than it pays interest for the use of borrowed funds and
whether the ultimate repayment of their debt appears reasonably certain.
Owners are very much interested to know the profitability as it indicates
the return which they can get on their investments.
TECHNIQUES USED TO MEASURE PROFITABILITY:-
The following are the techniques generally adopted to measure the
profitability of the project or the organization.
i. Overall profitability Ratio.
ii. Gross profit Ratio.
iii. Net profit Ration.
iv. Earning per share.
(i)
OVERALL PROFITABILITY RATIO:-
It is otherwise called as Return on Investment or Return on capital
employed. It indicates the percentage of return on the total capital
employed in the business. Return on Investment may be either the
Return on Average investment or Return on original Investment. It should
be computed on the basis of the following formula.
(a) RETURN ON INVESTMENT:-
(i) Return on original Investment:-
Formula
:
Return
Original Investment
(ii) Return on Average Investment:-
Formula
:
Return
Average Investment
Return: It refers to profit after tax.
Average Investment :
Original Investment
2
(b) Return on capital employed:-
Operating profit
x 100
Capital employed
The term operating profit means profit before interest and Tax.
The term capital employed has been given different meanings by
different accountants.
Some of the popular meanings are as follows:-
(i) Sum total of all assets whether fixed or current.
(ii) Sum total of fixed assets.
(iii) Sum total of long term funds employed on the business.
i.e.
Share capital
xx
Reserves and samples
xx
Long term loans
xx
----
xx
(-)
Non business assets
xx
Fictitious assets
xx
----
xx
----
Capital employed
xx
-----
2. GROSS PROFIT RATIO:-
This ratio expresses relationship between Gross profit and net sales. It
should be computed with the help of the following formula.
Formula:
Gross profit
x 100
Net Sales
3. NET PROFIT RATIO:-
This ratio indicates net margin earned on a sale of Rs.100. It is
calculated as follows.
Formula:
Net operating profit
x 100
Net Sales
Net operating profit is arrived at by deducting operating expenses from
Gross profit.
4. EARNING PER SHARE:- (E.P.S.)
In order to avoid confusion on account of the varied meanings of the
term capital employed, the overall profitability can also be judged by
calculating earning per share with the help of the following formula.
Net profit after Tax and preference divided
Number of Equity shares
5. PRICE EARNING RATIO:- (P.E.R.)
This ratio indicates the number of times the earning per share is covered
by its market price. This is calculated according to the following formula.
Market price per Equity share
Earning per share
6. OPERATING OR EXPENSES RATIO:-
This ratio is a complementary of net profit ratio. In case the net profit
ratio is 20%, it means that the operating ratio is 80%. It is calculated as
follows.
Operating costs
Formula
x 100
Net sales
7. Pay out Ratio:
This ratio indicates what proportion of earning per share has been used for paying
dividend. The ratio can be calculated as follow.
Dividend per equity share
Earning per equity share
8. Dividend yield ratio:-
This ratio is particularly useful for those investors who are interest only in dividend
income. The ratio is calculated by comparing the ratio of dividend per share with its
market value. Its formula can be put as follow.
Dividend per equity share
X 100
Market price per shares
Indicators for measuring income:-
T.A.Lee has suggested following indicators for measuring income. He is of the opinion
that income is
(i)
A guide to dividend and retention policy.
(i ) A measure of management effectiveness.
(i i)
A measure of management stewardship of the entity resources.
(iv)
A means of evaluating the result of past decision and of working on future
decisions.
(v)
A managerial aid in a variety business entity.
Profit planning:-
Profit planning represents an overall plane of operation, covers a definite period of time
and formulate the planning decision of management. It consists of the operating budget
covers revenues and expenses
Steps in preparation of profit plan:-
i.
To prepare the sales budget.
ii.
The conversions of projected sales into projected production as a basis for planning.
iii.
Direct materials budget deals with the number of units of each kind of raw material.
iv.
Purchase budget determines the number of unit to be purchased and the timing of
the purchases.
v.
Manufacturing expenses or overhead budget is prepared for each department
vi.
The budgeted cost of goods sold is estimated.
vii.
Distribution and administrative expense budgets are prepared together with the
sales budget.
viii.
The budgeted balance sheet indicates the effects of planned operations on the
assets, liabilities and capital of the company.
ix.
The profit plan is put into operation.
Characteristics of profit planning:-
(i)
Profit planning is an indicator of the future holds for a company.
(i )
Flexibility
(i i)
Excellent direction and control
(iv)
Support
(v)
Organization
(vi)
Confidence
(vii)
Performance
(viii) Individual
(ix)
Management by exception
(x)
Effective communication
(xi)
Cost consciousness
Profit motive is the prime mover of business activity. In real sense profitability is the most
useful overall measure to the health of an enterprise. In other words the profitability of an
enterprise in any one year is the relationship between the profit made and the funds
employed to earn the profit profitability analysis is a useful tool or technique to
maximizing profit and to bankers and financial institutions to arrive at the viability of the
enterprise and its financial needs
Social or national profitability:-
Public projects like road, railway, bridge and other transport projects, irrigation, projects,
power projects, etc for which socio economic considerations play a significant part, rather
then mere commercial profitability. Such projects are analysis for their net socio
economic benefits and the profitability analysis of such projects is know as national
profitability analysis which is nothing but the socio- economic cost benefit analysis done
at the national level
Steps involved in determination of national profitability:-
(i)
National profitability analysis takes into account the real cost of direct costs and
real benefit of direct benefits,. For instance, some of the inputs may be subsidized. Only
the subsidized prices of input is what is relevant for assessing commercial profitability.
However the national profitability analysis takes into account the real cost of inputs i.e.
cost of input had they not been subsidized. Accordingly the required adjustment to direct
cost of input are made for national profitability analysis.
(i )
National profitability analysis takes into account the indirect costs and indirect
benefits to the nation. While a nation bears the indirect, the people of the nation enjoy the
indirect benefit. Hence indirect costs and benefits are given due recognition and accounted
for in social cost benefit analysis. It is however difficult to assess exactly the quantum of
indirect costs and indirect benefits. For example a pharmaceutical company and its
contribution to the society night be more than what the society pays as price for the drug.
Thus the social benefit might be much more then the benefit that accrue to the
pharmaceutical company by way of returns. Just as benefit has two different meanings to
the project promoters and to to the society.
The cost of for as the pharmaceutical company is concerned is only the financial cost
which is nothing but the direct cost. Apart from this there are indirect costs to the
society viz. environmental pollution caused by the pharmaceutical industry, the harmful
side effects of the drugs produced if any etc. Suppose construction of a bridge over a
river. It`s indirect benefits may include improved communication facilities reduction in
transportation costs, reduction in traveling time etc. while the indirect cost may include
acquisition of private land by the state, removal of industrial, commercial, agricultural
activities that prevailed in the land that was acquired disturbance of ecological balance
etc.
National profitability analysis can thus be regarded as a refinement over commercial
appraisal taking the hidden factors into account. National profitability analysis is mainly
used for evaluating public investment projects.
From the society`s standpoint, the project should maximize the aggregate consumption
or the addition to the flow of goods or services in the economy investor looks for
maximization on his individual basis, the society`s interest should look for
maximization of the total output of the economy. The need total thus arises to have an
analysis done of social costs and social benefits.
The various inputs required for the project are drawls out of the resources of the
economy and constitutes social costs. And the output of the any of the publics project
represent social benefits. The input of goods and services and the outputs should be
valued with reference to their relative value tom society
Commercial Vs financial profitability:-
The national development point of view there are always more projects than there are
resources and hence the necessity to appraise projects for selection. While the obvious
choice will be the projects with higher returns the complexity arises because of the need
to appraise projected outcome based on forecasts in a world of uncertainly, particularly
in the context of endemic inflation. In the case of large projects, particularly public
sector projects involving the building up of infrastructure it is essential to assess the
social merits of the investment proposals.
Projects emanate from diverse and dispersed sources, such as individuals firms or
institutions, and government at the state and central levels. In instance where the state
government is not the owner of the business. The traditional yard stick of commercial or
financial profitability is used for selection of projects for implementation. The financial
benefits get related to the financial costs of the project and if there is a net surplus the
project merit choice. While the process of selection of individual projects thus meets the
profit criteria of the individual investors or promoters, the combination of choices may
not necessarily result in the most socials profitable allocation of resources. For
developing economies this is the very important factor but it cannot be ignored.
Commercial or financial profitability as the sole deciding factor has two major
limitations viz.
(i)
Financial or market values seldom match with social values and
(i )
What is beneficial to one segment of society may not necessary be so to
the entire society.
In financial analysis the market values of input and outputs are reckoned and compared.
And since market distortions are many these values fail to reflect the relative worth on
the society`s value scale. From society`s stand point, goods and services should be
valued in terms of relative contributions to consumption. In the same manner the social
value of resource should be reckoned interns of its opportunity cost, represented by the
output or consumption value that it is capable of yielding in its next best alternative use.
In a free market economy the dominance of the forces of demand and supply has the
effect of the market prices being kept close to social valuation. In a developing
economy however there are several distortions entering into the market prices and they
are far removed from their social valuation. The distortions arise from the monopolistic
status of many large enterprise a system of administered prices in a control ed economy
and from various government policy measures such as taxes, duties, controls and
foreign exchange regulations.
A project may confer considerable good to society that does not get reflected in financial
projections others though financially very rewarding may have some harmful effects on
society that the financial results fail to interpret. These effects that are outside the purview
of financial projections are known as externalities and are essential ingredients in the
social profitability computations. The emphasis in social cost benefit analysis is the import
on the whole society and not one segment.
The economic problem of choice:-
The nation`s aim to maximize the aggregate consumption or the standard of living the
options are many and diverse, but the resources are limited. The resources can be
deployed for setting up thermal, hydro or nuclear power projects or for rural electrification
or for establishing import substitution or export oriented industries. The decision makers
at the national level have the task of making the right choices among these alternative and
al ocate scarce resources in a manner that will generate maximum benefit to the economy.
International project appraisal:-
The assessment of strengths and weaknesses of an organization is necessary for evolving
a strategy that can achieve corporate objectives
Meaning;-
International project appraisal also known by a variety of names such as internal company
analysis, profiling the organization, capability or resource audit position and strategic
advantage analysis, is the process of evaluating a company`s posture relative to its
business competition within and outside the country, overall performance and its
capability in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
Significance of International project appraisal:-
(i) The organization`s deficiency should also be compared with those of its successful
competitors such perceptive self appraisal when matched with environmental
analysis facilities management to grasp the opportunities and combat the threats
inherent in the environment.
(i ) International project appraisal has such a vital significance in international corporate
planning that without such am exercise it will not be possible to formulate economic
strategy for an organization on the objective basis.
(i i) It helps the management in choosing the most suitable niche for the
organization.
(iv) Economic opportunity may bound in different parts of the World but not the ability
to prose ate.
(v) Position audit of the organization highlights its distinctive capabilities on which
empire of foreign business can be gainfully built. It also enables management to
formulate suitable competitive strategy.
(vi) Ti focuses sharply on the areas where it is strong and can operate most effectively
with this kind analysis the management can decide on the type of business company
should engage in a country an what business abandon.
It provides an insight into the weakness of the organization, through this way the
management can take steps to remove the weaknesses of the organization in the long run.
Steps in international project appraisal:-
With the intention of developing the strategic advantage profile of an organization the
management should first collect information from external or internal sources both from
formal as well as informal channels and then interpret as well as informal channels and
then interpret them incisively to determine its strengths and weaknesses. The following
steps involved in international project appraisal.
(i)
Identifying strategic factors:-
The first step in the process of corporate analysis is the identification of all those factors
which are crucial to the success of an international organization. These factors may rekate
to different aspects of the organization . these factors could conveniently be found in
different functional areas sucb as marketing finance personal, research and development.
(ii)
Determining the importance of factors;-
After identifying crucial factors for corporate appraisal the management wil have to
determine the importance of each of these factors. Since all the factors may not be of
equal value to the organization for accomplishing its purpose it will be very necessary to
attach due importance to them.
(iii)
Determining strengths and weaknesses:-
Once the relative significance of different factors has been assessed the
Management should then attempt to determine the position of the organization in each of
these factors. Normally the strengths and weakness of a firm can be assessed by with the
firms own past results, comparing with accomplishment of competitors and also by
comparing with what they ought to be.
(iv)
Constructing strategic advantage profile of a firm:-
After weighing the significance of each factor for the company in its environment, the
management compiles a strategic advantage profile for the firm and compares it with
profiles successful competitors of the potential of host countries to develop a pattern of the
firms strengths and weaknesses relative to its present and proposed product market
strategy.
ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CAPABILITIES
The Multinational Organisation Should confined the competence analysis to those
crucial factors which contribute to the accomplishment of the overall desired result of the
organization analysis of international project will be made with reference to marketing,
manufacturing finance human resource and management.
1. Marketing
2. Manufacturing
3. Finance
4. Human resource.
5. Size Advantage
6. Infrastructure system
7. Management:-
TECHNIQUES OF COMPETENCE ANALYSIS:-
Some of the techniques used to determining the Financial Soundness of the international
project appraisal.
(I)
Common size statement
It is a financial tool of studying key changes and trends in the financial position of a
company. In this technique each item is stated as percentage of the total of which that
item is a part.
(II)
Ratio Analysis
Ratio as tools of measuring the liquidity, profitability, efficiency and financial position of
the company.
(III) Fund flow Analysis:
Fund flow statement derived from as analysis of changes that have occurred in assets
and liabilities items between two balance sheet dates, enable the investors creditors and
other interested parties to evaluate the use of funds by the enterprise and to determine
how these uses are financed.
(III) Break-even Analysis:
It is used to study the cost volume profit relationship at varying levels of output and to
determine the point where revenue and cost agree exactly.
(V) Market Research:
Market research method is employed as a supplement to financial analysis, where in
opinions of leading customers, top executives of leading organization and scientists who
are capable of evaluating technological capabilities and trends and obtained by seeking
interviews with them.
(VI) Factor Rating:
Under this method various factors affecting the capability of an organizations are rated in
terms of their influence on financial marketing and operations management of the firm.
Some of the methods for rating factors such as opinion survey, equilibrium approach etc.
Suggested Questions:
1. Explain meaning and scope of project appraisal.
2. Briefly explain the project appraisal process.
3. What are factors involved in Technical appraisal of the project.
4. Write short note on concept of project appraisal.
5. List out the methodology for project evaluation.
6. What is meant by payback period ? Explain the merits and demerits of pay back
period.
7. Explain the stages of commercial appraisal of the project.
8. What is meant by social cost-Benefit Analysis?
9. List out the features of social cost Benefit Analysis.
10. Explain the stages of social cost Benefit analysis.
11. What are the limitations of social cost Benefit analysis?
12. What is meant by profitability? What are the factors affecting profit of the
organization.
13. List out the Techniques used to measure profitability of the concern.
14. Commercial Vs National profitability.
15. Discuss social or national profitability.
16. What is meant by international project appraisal? Bring out the significance of
international project appraisal.
17. What are the steps involved in international project appraisal?
Unit- V
5.0 Project management ? introduction
Overview of project management
Development of a Project System
Components of a Project Management System
Steps in project management
Project management environment
Benefits of project management
Obstacles in project management
Project management ? a profession
Project manager and his role
5.1 What is a project?
Definition of project
Features of a project
Types of projects
Classification of project
Project life cycle
Phases of project life cycle
Pre-investment phase
Implementation phase
Operation phase
Project life cycle curves
5.2 Project planning
Nature of project planning
Need for project planning
Functions of project planning.
Steps in project planning
Project Planning Structure
Planning and decentralizing:
Areas of project planning
Types of project plan
Project objectives and policies
Project policies and principles:
Tools of project planning
5.3 Project implementation
Project implementation stages
5.4 Project control
Projected Control Purposes:
Problems of Project Control
Ganit charts
Weaknesses in bar charts
Milestone charts
5.5 Network techniques - PERT and CPM
Objectives of Network Analysis
Managerial applications of network analysis.
Advantages of Network Analysis
Limitations of Network Techniques
Terminology of Network Analysis.
Construction of Network Diagram
Critical Path Method (CPM)
Advantage of CPM
Limitations of CPM
Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Methodology of PERT
Application of PERT
Limitations of PERT
Advantages of PERT-Cost
Limitations of PERT-Cost
5.6 Crashing the Project
5.7 Project Abandonment
5.8 Resource Levelling
Resource Smoothing
5.9 Line balancing
5.0 Project Management ? Introduction
Project management is an existing new profession, which receives
attention in these days. It is concerned with the management of resources
successfully to complete the project, the resources being time, money, materials
and equipment and the most expensive resource of all ? namely the human
resource.
Project management is concerned with achieving a specific goal in a
given time using resources available for that period only.
Project management can mean different things to different people.
Project management as regards ongoing projects within a company refers the art
of creating the illusion that any outcome is the result of a series of
predetermined, deliberate acts when, in fact, it was dumb luck. It is designed to
make better use of existing resources by getting work to flow horizontally as
well as, vertically within a company.
An overview definition of project management is the planning,
organizing, directing and controlling company resources for a relatively short-
term objective that has been established to complete specific goals and
objectives. Further more, project management utilizes the system approach to
management by having functional personnel assigned to a specific project.
Project Management has been evolved as a distinct discipline ever
since the Second World War. Though it is special discipline it got elevated only
in the recent times, it has been in practice ever since the times of construction
activities in this world. Constructions such as British Aisles, the Taj Mahal,
Eiffel Tower, London Bridge etc., stand testimony to the fact that the doctrine of
Project Management are not new.
Project Management resembles functional management in all respects for
all practical purposes with a little difference. It is concerned with the
management of resources successfully to complete the project, the resources
being time, money, materials and equipment and the most expensive resource of
all ? namely the human resource. To understand the project management one
must first understand the basic concepts and different approaches to the study of
management. An overview of different management approaches with specific
emphasis on System approach to management and its relevance to project
management, brief mention about the steps in project management, benefits and
limitation of project management, and also an outline about effective project
management are discussed in this lesson.
Thus, the project management is designed to manage or control company
resources on a given activity, within time, within cost and within performance.
This has been depicted in the following diagram.
OVERVIEW OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Time Cost
Resources
PERFORMANCE
Project management involves project planning and project monitoring
and includes such item as
Project planning.
Definition of work requirements.
Definition of quantity of work.
Definition of resources needed.
Project monitoring.
Tracking progress, comparing actual to predicted.
Analysing impact and making adjustments.
Thus, the successful project management can be defined as the process of
achieving the project objectives within the cost (budget), at the desired
performance and within the allocated time.
Development of a Project System
The three major groups of management theorists ? the structuralists, the
functionalists and the behaviourists ? differ some what on how the project
manager deals with problems shifting job environments but they are
unanimous on the utility of the task force as a useful device in group problem
solving situations.
The structuralists argue that the project manager, as a unifying agent,
integrates the parochial interests of autonomous organizational elements
towards a common objective through the formation of some standard
organization instead of functional or product departmentalization.
The functionalists argue that project management is in reality simply the
application of the systems concept to organizational problems. They visualize
integration into a separate organizational system of activities related to
particular projects or programmes. Management science techniques, computer
simulation approaches and information decision systems are just a few of the
tools that will make it possible for management to visualize the firm as a total
system.
The behaviouralists see the task force as organized around problems (not
products, programmes, projects or tasks) arranged in an organic rather than a
mechanical model in which the executive becomes the link pin or coordinator
but human speaking the diverse languages or research and who has skills to
relay information and mediate between groups. People will be differentiated
not vertically according to rank and status but flexibly and functionally
according to skill and professional training and replacing bureaucracy as we
know it.
Components of a Project Management System
The vital components of a project from the systems perspective are:
Objective: The fundamental rationale of a system that must be
accomplished.
Requirement: A sine qua non or a fundamental and irreducible constituent
of a whole system that may even satisfy the objective to some extent.
Alternative: A surrogate, a secondary course of action. If one fails out the
other will substitute and fulfil the needs of a system.
Selection criteria: The matter of carrying out` is focused on assessing the
choice and selecting the best course of action.
Constraint: A demarcation point, which describes the frontiers of a system
within which the alternatives must move and devote their resources.
It can be inferred that the basic theories and philosophies, governing the age-old
corps and projects had a stormy attack by the systems approach to management.
Owing to the fact that project management is a subset of total management cult,
it would be comforting oneself to describe the principles of general systems
theory. The general systems approach can be squared with a information across
many fields of knowledge. Systems theory attempts to strike at problems with a
holistic view rather than through an analysis of the individual components.
STEPS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management basically consists of the following five steps.
Grouping work into packages which acquires the properties of a project.
This means that the works so grouped are related to each other, contribute to the
same goals and can be bound by definite time, cost and performance targets.
Entrusting the whole project to a single responsibility centre known as
the project manager, for coordinating directing and controlling the project.
Supporting and servicing the project internally within the organization
by matrixing or through total projectisation, and
Building up commitment through negotiations, coordinating and
directing towards goals through schedules, budgets and contracts.
Ensuring adherence through negotiations, coordinating and directing
towards goals through schedules, budgets and contracts.
Defining what is to be done, maintaining its integrity and ensuring that it
is done and performed as desired, within time and cost budgets fixed for it
through a modular work approach, using organisational and extra-organisational
resources is what is project management.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT
Project management performance will largely depend on the real-world
environment. The project management environment in India, is very different
from any other country. There are many problems which are peculiar to our
country and these are experienced by all those who are concerned in the
execution of both small and big projects. One has to be aware of these problems
in order to be able to cope with the same for successful implementation of a
project.
The most important problem is lack of mutual trust and respect amongst
the participating agencies: owner, financial institutions, consultants, vendors and
contractors. The owner believes that the agencies/contractors would take him for
a ride and, therefore, he should, as far as possible, do things himself. When
consultants are not appointed, projects are likely to have congenial weaknesses
such as wrong selection of technology, wrong site, high risk element, etc.
Sometimes the owner may appoint a consultant for a nominal fee and ask him to
prepare a report which he can sell to the bank. These reports often do not reflect
reality as they are made without any in-depth study, and if cleared, would give
birth to defective projects. This, no doubt, reflects on a consultant`s lack of
professional ethics and can be avoided if the financial institutions use a proper
accreditation, system for consultants.
However, accreditation of consultants may not set everything right. A
site may often be selected purely on personal rather than on techno-economic
considerations. The same may happen with the selection of technology or even
with the selection of the consultant.
It is often suggested that besides technical and financial appraisal of a
project the financial institutions should appraise the entrepreneur himself. It is
also suggested that the financial institutions should introduce an on-going audit
system to prevent diversion of funds and other forms of financial irregularities.
In other words, the financial institutions may not trust the owner/promoter since
an owner may disown a project and the financial institutions have more stake in
the project than the owner himself.
Sometimes a promoter may intentionally underestimate the project cost
with the intention of reducing his contribution. This would inevitably lead to
cost overrun which normally the financial institutions are expected to finance.
Of course, the financial institutions can insist on proportional overrun finance by
the owner, but since the promoter`s stake is low, the institutions take their own
time to decide to finance the overrun, meanwhile the project cost undergoes
further overrun. A project, thus, faces a fund crisis leading to extension of
project completion time. With the extension of the project schedule further fund
problems occur. Financing cost and inflation overtake the revised cost estimates.
Since contingency provisions are too inadequate to meet the inflationary
conditions of the economy, institutions have to provide further funds. But, this
again is not easily sanctioned.
Most vendors and contractors, therefore, do not trust the owner regarding
payment. At the very first sign of delay in payment, they start slackening. They
cannot also be expected to be too enthusiastic about a project where fund
problems are foreseen. A vendor, in such circumstance, may not start the work
at all. This not only delays the project but sours the relationship between the
owner and the vendor.
Over the years, a number of projects have been affected by enormous
increase in prices of cement, steel and transport and energy costs. These are non-
controllable costs as far as the owner is concerned and, therefore, the owner
looks towards the financial institutions for relief. But the overruns even in such
cases do not get automatically sanctioned as the financial institutions do not trust
the promoter and would first like to be satisfied about the reasons for overrun.
Financial institutions often hesitate to disburse their term loans unless the
promoters bring their entire contribution. Sometimes they withdraw their
commitments due to temporary resource constraint, or when they find a project
facing serious technical problems. Thus, due to financial insecurity some
projects cannot progress as desired and end up with huge time and cost overruns.
The problems discussed above can broadly be grouped into four classes
of environmental problems: Social, Economic, Technical and Managerial. As
discussed before, if these problems are not tackled, time and cost overruns
cannot be stopped. Yet management of environment is beyond the scope of
project management. There is no point, therefore, in discussing these problems
in any further detail as they are beyond the scope of this lesson.
While one cannot change the environment for the duration of a project,
one can definitely protect oneself from its adverse influences. This can be done
by creating a strong shield which will not only resist the adverse effects of the
environment but also influence the environment marginally, at least, along the
boundary. This is referred to as boundary management.
A project can shield itself effectively against the environment only if it
engages good agencies, uses good systems and has adequate funds to meet the
requirements of the project. Good systems and good agencies will require good
funds. However, the funds must be used properly otherwise a project cannot be
completed at least cost which is the ultimate criteria for measuring the efficiency
of project management. Unfortunately, at the moment, we are unable to provide
such a shield to all our projects and that must be the only reason for our poor
performance in the execution of the projects.
Projects in India have to be executed to a highly unfavourable
environment but project management must cope with the situation. It has been
suggested that a project must be insulated against adverse environmental
influences by mobilizing good agencies, good systems and above all adequate
funds.
BENEFITS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management helps to avail the following benefits:
Identification of functional responsibilities to ensure that all activities are
accounted for regardless of personnel turnover.
Minimizing the need for continuous reporting.
Identification of time limits for scheduling.
Identification of a methodology for trade-off analysis.
Measurement of accomplishment against plans.
Early identification of problems so that corrective action may follow.
Improved estimating capability for future planning.
Knowing when objectives cannot be met or will be exceeded.
OBSTACLES IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
To enjoy the various benefits of project management given above, the
following obstacles should be overcome carefully.
?
Project complexities
?
Execution of customer`s special requirements
?
Organisation restructuring is a typical task]
?
Project risks
?
Changes in technology
?
Forward planning and pricing.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT ? A PROFESSION
Project management has been evolved as a distinct ever since the Second
World War. It has got elevation the recent times.
Novelty is the hallmark of every project, hence it should exhibit
fascination and dynamism. This requires professional approach in conceiving,
implementing and controlling projects. Though the functional management and
project management are related, the degree of professional approach is highly
essential for the efficient management of projects. The project management is
mainly driven by intellectual operation and skilled and mechanical operations.
Project management is covered by the matrix form of organisation structure
where a role is defined according to a combination rather than functional
specialization.
Only manages with sufficient spirit and dynamism can withstand the
overwhelming dizziness in these incessant operations.
Hence, the project management requires sound expertise and exposure,
which may not be possessed by the project promoter. So they have to resort the
assistance from projects consultants and project managers. A brief description
about the role of project manager and need functions of project consultants are
given below.
PROJECT MANAGER AND HIS ROLE
This is to signify a person who has the overall control of the project and
shoulders responsibilities for its execution and performance. Therefore, he is
thoroughly involved in planning the work and monitoring, directing and leading
the participants and seeks to reach the project goal in time-cost-quality
conundrum. The project manager is either a specialist or a person having
predominantly technical background with sufficient experience, exposure,
expertise on multifaceted, multidimensional and multi disciplinary projects. It is
well evidence from the monumental constructions and projects that have been
around us since heydays, that the role of a project manager is quite distinct and
demands an all round performance.
A project manager is always found shared in the eternal circle of doing,
learning and changing. Only managers with sufficient spirit and dynamism can
with stand the overwhelming dizziness in these incessant operations. An ideal
candidate for project managership should have some prominent personal
characteristics as outlined by R. Archibald.
Flexible and adaptable.
Preference for significant initiative and leadership.
Aggressiveness, confidence, persuasiveness, verbal fluency;
Ambition, activity, forcefulness;
Effectiveness as a communicator and integrator;
Broad scope of personal interests;
Poised with enthusiasm, in agitation, spontaneity;
Able or willing to devote most of his time to planning and controlling.
Able to identify problems;
Willing to make decisions that are acceptable;
Able to maintain a proper balance in the use of time,
This ideal project manager would probably have doctorates in
engineering business and psychology, sustained with a handful years of
experience on similar natured projects or as project officer occupying different
positions, and should have physical fitness to undertake such machiavellian
tasks with feeling of positive stress. Good projects managers in industry today
would probably be lucky to have 60% to 80% of these traits. Good project
managers are willing to identify their shortcomings and know that managing a
project is no less arduous than driving a mobile in a heavy traffic, they have to
balance between the wheels that are mutually exclusive and yet engineered to
run coherently, they ensure that goal is reached by properly accelerating the
vehicle the vehicle to manager the traffic avoiding accidents.
5.1 WHAT IS A PROJECT?
The various scholars and practitioners dealt with the concept of Project`
in their own way. Simply stated, a project pre supposes commitment of task(s)
to be performed within well defined objectives, schedules and budget. Webster
New 20th Century Dictionary refers it as a scheme, a design, a proposal of
something intended or devised. The Dictionary of Management regards it as an
investment project carried out according to a Plan in order to achieve a definite
objective within a certain time and which will cease when the objective is
achieved. Similarly, a project according to the Encyclopedia of Management is
an organized until dedicated to the attainment of a goal the successful
completion of a development project on time, within budget, in conformance
with pre-determined programme specification.
Another school of thought looks upon a project as a combination of
interrelated activities to achieve a specific objective. For instance, a project
according to Project Management Institute, USA, is a system involving the co-
ordination of a number of separate department entities throughout the
organisation, and which must be completed within prescribed schedules and
time constraints. To Sinhas, a project is not a mere action or an activity or an
attempt towards a particular aim; it is rather an integrated effort, including
multifarious actions and activities, towards that aim.
One group of scholars emphasize that a project ? a unique and non-
repetitive activity-aims at systematically co-ordinating inputs in the direction of
intended outputs. To quote Harrison, a project can be defined as a non-routine,
non-repetitive one-offundetaking, normally with discrete time, financial and
technical performance goals. A development project, says Hirschman, connotes
purposefulness, some minimum size, a specific location, the introduction of
something qualitative, new, and the expectation that a sequence of further
development moves will be set in motion.
These are still others whose primary emphasis is on appraising
investment proposals form the economic Social profitability agnles. According
and to Little and Mirrless, we mean by a project any scheme, or part of a
scheme, for investing resources which can reasonably be analyzed and evaluated
as an independent unit. The Manual on Economic Development Projects too
defines a project as the compilation of data which will enable an appraisal to be
made of the economic advantages and the disadvantages attendant upon the
allocation of country`s resources to the production of specific goods and
services. All the above definitions thus suggest that a project is an action ?
oriented enterprise.
Banks and financial institutions have to examine the viability of a project
before providing financial assistance. They have to ensure that the project will
generate sufficient return on the resources invested in it. With the shift form
security-oriented lending to purpose-oriented lending, the study of viability of a
project has become more vital for financing a project. Further, sanction of
financial assistance after proper appraisal alone is not sufficient for success of a
project Disbursement of funds according to the requirements of the project and
close supervision and follow-up are also equally essential to recover the
financial assistance provided. In order to develop proper co-ordination with the
entrepreneurs, many banks and financial institutions are not only providing
financial assistance to viable projects but also assist the entrepreneurs during all
phases of a project viz., identification, selection, appraisal, implementation and
follow-up. All the phases are inter-related and the experience gained during
appraisal and supervision of projects helps the banks and financial institutions to
guide the entrepreneurs in identification and selection of new projects. The
projects which are coming to banks and financial institutions for financing may
be divided into following categories: -
(i) New Projects
-For setting up new units.
(ii) Expansion projects
-For increasing the capacity of existing units.
(iii) Diversification Projects
-For manufacturing new products by
existing units.
(iv) Backward Integration projects
-For manufacturing certain products
which are being used as raw material
by the existing unit.
(v) Forward Integration Projects -For manufacturing certain products
which require the products of the
existing unit as raw material.
(vi) Modernisation Proejcts.
-It can be for any one or more than one
of the following objects -
a) Changing obsolete machinery
b) Enlarging the product mix product range to meet changing requirements of
the market.
c) Reducing the manufacturing cost or for improving the quality of the
product
d) Changing the requirement of raw material (shifting from present raw
material to some other raw material)
(vii)Rehabilitation
- For reviving sick units and making
them viable to compete with
normal/healthy units.
DEFINITION OF PROJECT
A project is a one-shot, time limited, goal directed, major undertaking,
requiring the commitment of varied skills and resources. It has also been
described as a combination of human and non-human resources pooled
together in a temporary organisation to achieve a specific purpose. The
purpose and the set of activities which can achieve that purpose distinguish one
project from another.
-Project Management Institute, U.S.A.
We mean by a project any scheme, or part of a scheme, for investing
resources which can reasonably be analyzed and evaluated as an independent
unit. The definition is thus arbitrary. Almost any project could be broken down
into parts for separate consideration, each of these parts would then by
definition a project.
- I.M.D. Little and J.A. Mirrless.
-
A specific activity with a specific starting point and a specific ending
point intended to accomplish a specific objective. It is something you draw a
boundary around at least a conceptual boundary and say this is the project.
-J. Price Gittinger.
Compilation of data which will enable an appraisal to be made of the
economic advantages and disadvantages attendant upon the allocation of
country`s resources to the production of specific goods and services....
- United Nations.
It may, therefore be summarized that a project is essentially a self
contained, independent entity.
FEATURES OF A PROJECT
A project can be identified by its features. The special features of a project
that would differentiate from any other on going activity are given below:
A project fixed set of objectives. Once the objectives have been achieved,
the project ceases to exist.
It has a specific life span.
Project has a separate entity and normally entrusted to one responsibility
centre.
Project calls for a teamwork.
Project has a life cycle reflected by growth, maturity and decline.
Uniqueness is a salient feature of any project. No two projects are exactly
similar.
Change is an inherent feature in any project out its life.
Project is based on successive principle and hence it is difficult to learn
fully the end results at any stage.
A project works for a specific set of goals with the complex set of
diversified activities.
High level of sub-contraction of work can be done in a project.
Every project has risk and uncertainty associated with it.
Project needs feasibility any appraisal studies. So that the sponsors sweet
dream becomes realizable.
TYPES OF PROJECTS
Much of what the project will comprise and consequently its
management will depend on the category it belongs to. The location, type,
technology, size, scope and speed are normally the factors which determine the
effort needed in executing a project. Though the characteristics of all projects
are the same, they cannot be treated alike. Recognition of this distinction is
important for management. Classification of project helps in graphically
expressing and highlighting the essential features of the project.
Projects are often categorized in terms of their speed of implementation
as follows:
NORMAL PROJECTS
Adequate time is allowed for implementation.
All the phases in a project are allowed to take their normal time.
Minimum requirement of capital.
No sacrifices in terms of quality.
CRASH PROJECTS
Requires additional costs to gain time.
Maximum overlapping of phases is encouraged.
DISASTER PROJECTS
Anything needed to gain time is allowed in these projects. Round the
clock work is done at the construction site. Capital cost will go up very high.
Project time will get drastically reduced.
Besides that, projects in general are classified on several basis as given
in the following illustrative list.
- United Nations Asian and Pacific Development Institute Categories of
projects
Projects
National
International
Non Industrial Industrial
NonConventional HighTechnology Conventional Low
Technology
R&D
Mega
Major Medium
Mini
Gross Root
Expansion
modification
Normal
crash Disaster
CLASSIFICATION OF PROJECT
The project can be classified on several bases. Major classifications of
the projects are given below:
1. On the basis of Expansion:
1. Project expanding the capacity
2. Project expanding the supply of knowledge
2. On the basis of Magnitude of the resources to be invested:
1. Giant projects affecting total economy
2. Big projects affecting at one sector of the economy.
3. Medium size projects
4. Small size projects (depending on size, investment & impact)
3. On the basis of Sector:
1. Industrial project
2. Agricultural Project
3. Educational Project
4. Health Project
5. Social Project
4. On the basis of objective:
1. Social objective project
2. Economic objective project.
5. On the basis of productivity:
1. Directively productive project.
2. Indirectively productive project.
6. On the basis of nature of benefits:
1. Quantifiable project
2. Non-quantifiable project
7. On the basis of government priorities:
1. Project without specific priorities
2. Project with specific priorities
8. On the basis of dependency:
1. Independent project
2. Dependent project
9. On the basis of ownership:
1. Public sector project
2. Private sector project
3. Joint sector project
10. On the basis of location:
1. Project with determined location
2. Project where location is open.
11. On the basis of social time value of the project:
1. Project with present impact
2. Project with future impact
12. On the basis of National Policy:
1. Project determined by inward looking policy
2. Project determined by outward looking policy
13. On the basis of risk involved in the project:
1. High risks project
2. Normal risks project
3. Low risks project
14. On the basis of economic life of the project:
1. Long term project
2. Medium term project
3. Short-term project.
15. On the basis of technology involved in the project:
1. High sophisticated technology project
2. Advanced technology project
3. Foreign technology project
4. Indigenous technology project
16. On the basis of resources required by the projects:
1. Project with domestic resources
2. Project with foreign resources
17. On the basis of employment opportunities available in the
project:
1. Capital intensive project
2. Labour intensive project
18. On the basis of management of project:
1. High degree of decision making attitude
2. Normal degree of decision making attitude
3. Low degree of decision making attitude
19. On the basis of sources of finance:
1. Project with domestic financing
2. Project with foreign financing
3. Project with mixed financing
4. Project with financial institutions
20. On the basis of legal entity:
1. Project with their own legal entity
2. Project without their own legal entity
21. On the basis of role played by the project:
1. Pilot project
2. Demonstration project
22. On the basis of speed required for execution of the project:
1. Normal project
2. Crash project
3. Disaster project
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
Every programme, project or product has certain phases of development.
The different phase of development in an investment proposal or project is
called project life cycle. A clear understanding of these phases permits
entrepreneurs, managers and executives to have better control over existing and
potential resources in the achievement of the desired goals.
PHASES OF PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
Project life cycle is a complex process consisting of different steps
arranged in a sequential order. Different authors have described these steps in
different sequential manner but the concept of the cycle is almost similar in each
case.
According to United Nations Guidelines for Rural Centre Planning, there
are 7 steps in the project life cycle such as project identification and appraisal,
pre-feasibility study, feasibility study, detailed design project implementation,
operation maintenance, monitoring and evaluation.
Rondineli, Dennis & Apsy Palia in their book Project Planning and
implementation in Developing countries identified the following 12 steps in the
project life cycle. Project identification and definition, project formation,
preparation and feasibility analysis, project design, project analysis, project
selection, project activation and organisation, project implementation and
operation, project supervision (monitoring and control) project completion or
termination, output diffusion and transition to normal administration, project
evaluation, follow-up and action.
World Bank Guidelines reveals the following six major steps in the
project life cycle. Conception (identification), Formation (preparation), Analysis
(appraisal), Implementation (Supervision), operation and evaluation.
All the steps given in different studies can be grouped into three main
phases viz.,
?
Pre-investment phase
?
Implementation phase and
?
Operational phase
A brief description of each of these phases is given below:
PRE-INVESTMENT PHASE
The first phase of the cycle describes the preliminary evaluation of an
idea. It consists of identification of investment opportunities, preliminary project
analysis, feasibility study and decision-making. Project idea emanates from the
following problems; potential and the needs of the people of an area; plan
priorities when planning is done by the government demand and supply
projection of various goods and services; Pattern of imports and exports over a
period of time; natural resource which can serve as the base for potential
manufacturing activity; scope of extending existing lines of activity
consumption pattern in other countries at comparable stages of economic stage
of economic development.
On the basis of the investment opportunities, it is possible to conceive a
number of projects out of which a particular project may be consistent with
development objectives of the area. During this phase, the following aspects of
the project must be carefully designed so as to enable implementation.
Project infrastructure and enabling services
System design and basic engineering package
Organisation and manpower
schedules and budgets
Licensing and governmental clearances
Finance
Systems and procedure
Identification of project manager
Design basis, general condition for purchase and contracts
Construction resources and materials.
Work packaging
This phase is involved with preparation for the project to take out
smoothly.
Once a project opportunity is conceived, it needs to be examined.
Preliminary project analysis concerns with marketing, technical financial and
economic aspects of the project. It seeks to determine whether the project is
prima facie worthwhile to justify a feasibility study and what aspects of the
projects are critical to its viability and hence call for an in depth investigation.
More details, through and complete feasibility study results in a
reasonably adequate formulation of the projects in terms of location, production
capacity production technology and material inputs. The feasibility study
contains fairly specific estimates of project cost, means of financing sales
revenues, production costs, financial profitability and social profitability.
Based on the thorough feasibility study the project owner or sponsors or
financiers can decide whether to accept or reject a particular project. In other
words, the decisions whether investment on the project should be made or not
has to be made at this stage.
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE
The implementation phase of an industrial project involves setting up of
manufacturing facilities. After judging the worthiness, project needs to be
designed for implementation. Drawings, blue prints and the sequences in which
the various activities concerning the project need to be carried out. The main
activities under this phase are:
Project and engineering design: It consists of site probing and
prospecting; preparation of blue prints, plant design, plant engineering, selection
of machinery, equipment.
Negotiations and contractions: It covers the activities like project
financing, acquisition of technology, construction of building and civil works,
provision of utilities supply of machine and equipment, marketing arrangement
etc.
Construction: This step involves the activities like site preparation,
construction of building, erection and installation of machinery and equipment.
Training engineers, technicians and workers. Plant commissioning.
OPERATION PHASE
It is the longest phase in terms of time span. It begins when the project is
commissioned and ends when the project is wound up. This is a transition phase
in which the hardware built with the active involvement of various agencies is
physically handed over for production. This phase is basically a clean up phase
for project personnel. The main concern of this phase is on smooth and
uninterrupted operation of machinery and plant, development of suitable norms
of productivity, establishment of a good quality for the product and securing the
market acceptance of the product. It aims to realize the projections made in the
project regarding sales, production, cost of profits. Project monitoring and
project evaluation are two vital activities under this phase.
Project monitoring is a step towards achieving properly identified
objectives through a carefully laid down strategy. Each activity in the project
implementation should be carefully watched so that, the progress may be
measured and any deviation from the expected progress be identified in time.
Project evaluation refers to post-investment analysis. It aims at finding
out whether the project has achieved the objectives for which it was taken up
and whether it has created the anticipated or intended impact. This helps in
developing an insight for future investment and better planning.
Thus the life cycle of a project narrates the methodology of developing
maintaining and controlling an investment proposal at its various phases in the
life cycle. The various steps in the project life cycle are given in the following
diagram.
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE CURVES
1. Information input
2. Investigation of technology,
3. Competition
feasibility, etc.
4. Preliminary evaluation
Conception
1. Post-mortem
Evaluation A
2. Final de-manning
pplication
1. Objectives
3. Final reports
2. Establish goals
4. Commissioning
Definition Pla
3. TQM procedures
aftermath
nning &Designing 4. Setting up control
systems
Development
& Construction
1. Install and field test
2. Quality control
1. Prototype development
1. Establish
2. First units to test market
structure
3. Advertising begins
4. De-bug and redesign
3. Begin campaign
2. Engineering
4. Progress report.
3. Model building
4. Design review
PROJECT LIFE CYCLE CURVES
The project life cycle phases form an interesting pattern indicative of
growth, maturity and decline almost similar to product life cycle. The following
figure shows the typical project life cycle curve.
It can be seen from that curve that effort built up in a projects is very
slow but effort withdrawals is very sharp. It can also be seen that time taken in
the formative and clean up stages together is more than the implementation
stages. These parabolic patterns of growth, maturity and decline itself in all
phases of the project life. This curve enables a project manager to ascertain the
state of health of any project at any point of time.
5.2 PROJECT PLANNING
Project Planning is foreseeing with blue print towards some predicted
goals or ends. Project plan is a skeleton which consists of bundle of activities
with its future prospects; it is a guided activity. It is a plan for which resources
are allocated and efforts are being made to commence the project with great
amount of preplanning, project is a way of defining what we are hoping to do
about certain issue. The project alone is not responsible for what happens during
the course of a planning. Project is a final form of written documents that guides
us as to what steps need to be taken next.
NATURE OF PROJECT PLANNING
One cannot conceive a project in a linear manner. It involves few
activities, resources, constrains and interrelationships which can be visualized
easily by the human mind and planned informally. However, when a project
crosses a certain threshold level of size and complexities, informal planning has
to be substituted by formal planning. Besides that it is an open system oriented
planned change attempt which has certain parameters and dimension. So that,
the need for formal planning is indeed much greater for project work than for
normal operations. The pre-defined and outlined in detail plan of action helps
than managers to perform their task more effectively and efficiently.
There are always competing demands on the resources available in a
region or a country because of the limited availability and ever expanding
human needs. Planning for the optimum utilization of available resources
becomes a pre-requisite for rapid economic development of a country or a
region. Project planning makes a possible to list out the priorities and promising
projects with a view to exercising national choice among various alternatives
available. It is a tool by which a planner can identify a good project and to make
sound investment decisions.
NEED FOR PROJECT PLANNING
One of the objectives of project planning is to completely define all work
requested so that it will be readily identifiable to each project participant.
Besides that there are four basic reasons for project planning.
To eliminate or reduce uncertainty.
To improve efficiency of the operation.
To obtain a better understanding of the objectives.
To provide a basis for monitoring and controlling work.
FUNCTIONS OF PROJECT PLANNING.
The following functions are to be performed carefully in the Project
Planning process.
It should provide a basis for organizing the work on the project and
allocating responsibilities to individuals.
It is a means of communication and co-ordination between all those
involved in the project.
It induces the people to look ahead.
It instills a sense of urgency and time consciousness.
It establishes the basis for monitoring and control.
In planning a project, the project manager must structure
the work into small elements that are:
Manageable, independent, integratable and also measurable in terms of
progress. Planning must be systematic and flexible enough to handle unique
activities, disciplined through reviews and controls and capable of accepting
multifunctional inputs.
STEPS IN PROJECT PLANNING
Planning decisions involves a conscious choice or selection of one
behaviour alternative from among a group o two or more behaviour alternatives.
The three main steps involving project planning decisions are:
1. An individual becomes aware that there are alternative ways of action
which are relevant to the decision to be made.
2. He must define each of the alternatives. Hence, the definition involving a
determination of consequences or impact of each of the pro-posed
alternatives.
3. The individual must exercise a choice between the alternative i.e. he has
to make a decision with maximum input, feed back and participation of
superiors as well as subordinates.
Planning is a systematic attempt to achieve a set of goals within the
specified time limit under the constrains of available resources restrictions
involving the least sacrifice. Broadly speaking planning involves two different
methodologies.
a) Planning by incentive and
b) Planning by direction.
Planning by incentive mainly depends on the controlling of economic
tools to push economic resources towards the attainment of set goals within the
specified period.
Planning by direction gives more emphasis on the direct participation of
the central planning authority in the economic activities to attain the set goal
within the estimated time limit.
Planning is decision making based upon futurity. It is a continuous
process of making entrepreneurial decisions with an eye to the future, and
methodically organizing the effort needed to carry out these decisions. The
following figure vividly explains the key elements involved in the planning
structure. This type of well-structured project plan helps to establish an effective
monitoring and control system.
Project Planning Structure
The various activities involved in Project planning is given in the
following chart as Project Planning Structure.
Work Description
Network
and Instruction
Scheduling
Project Objectives
Master Schedules
Management
Decision making
Budgets
Reports
Time/Cost
Performance
Planning and decentralizing:
The different way of allocating the activities of a project are important
means of delineating various degrees of decentralization. These are three main
ways in which project planning can be decentralized into manageable divisions
viz.,
Project planning by subject
Project Planning by type of plan and
Planning in phases.
Planning by subject is a simplest way of dividing the powers of planning.
The planner takes decision on related operation and planning by subject. He
plans, decides and directs the part of a plan. He is the sale incharge of the plan
from beginning to final completion.
Planning to type of plan broadly define premises and assumptions
leaving the detailing to be done by persons at the grass root level of planning.
Generally such cases involve decisions which are rather routine and involve a
lower degree of professional and financial risk.
Planning in phases are designed to several individuals who participate at
the formulation stage. The level of people involved is directly related to the
phase and the degree of risk involved.
AREAS OF PROJECT PLANNING
Comprehensive project planning covers the following: Planning the
project work: the activities relating to the project must be spelt out in detail.
They should be properly scheduled and sequenced.
Planning the manpower and organizations: The manpower required for
the project must be estimated and the responsibility for carrying out the project
work must be allocated.
Planning the money; the expenditure of money in a time-phased manner
must be budgeted.
Planning the information system. The information required for
monitoring the project must be defined.
TYPES OF PROJECT PLAN
The routinisation of planning is done by types of planning decisions.
They are as follows:
a) One shot or Single use plans and
b) Standing or Standard use plans.
Single use Plans : It includes programmes schedules and special ways of
operating under particular circumstances. Single Plans are meant as objectives
which centre on focused and desired results. It can also be known as short term
plans to deal with the specific problem for specific place with prescribed time
limit.
Standing Plans: Standing plans are those plans which include policies, standard
methods and standard operation, procedures. They are designed to deal with
recurring problems. It may be treated as standard document to be used in
different plans to deal with a set of problems. The design procedure and steps
are already described. It may require adjustments considering the unit of
operation.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Project Planning begins with the end result, the goal and works
backward. Often the focus of project planning is on questions like who does
what and when before such operational planning is done, the objectives and
policies guiding the project planning exercising must be articulated.
If the project team lacks a clear goal, even excellent skills and the best
equipment will not enable the team to do a good job. Well defined objectives
and policies serve as the framework for the decisions to be made by the project
manager. Throughout the life of the project, he has to seek a compromise
between the conflicting goals of technical performance, cost standard and time
target. A clean articulation of the priorities of management will enable the
project manager to take expeditious actions.
An effective project goal has the following characteristics. These
characteristics are captured in the term SMART, an acronym for the aspects of a
goal commitment. These characteristics of a project goal are specific,
measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time framed.
The objectives of a project may be technical objectives.
Performance objectives
Time and cost goals
Policies are the general guide for decision making on individual actions.
Some of the policies of a project are
Extent of work given to outside contractors
Number of contracts to be employed
Terms of the contract etc.
PROJECT POLICIES MUST BE FORMULATED ON THE BASIS OF
FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:
It must be based upon the known principles in the operating areas.
It should be complementary for co-ordination.
It should be definite, understandable and preferably in writing.
It should be flexible and stable.
It should be reasonably comprehensive in scope.
TOOLS OF PROJECT PLANNING
There are different tools available for drawing the project plain in a
formal. They may be grouped into two categories. Traditional tools and network
analysis.
The Gantt Chart
Gantt Chart: It is the oldest formal planning tool designed by henry Gant
in 1903. Under this, the activities of project are broken down into a series of
well-defined jobs of short duration whose cost and time can be estimated. It is a
pictorial device in which the activities jobs are represented by horizontal bars on
the time axis. The length of the bar indicate the estimated time for the job. The
left hand end of the bar shows the beginning time, the right hand and the ending
time. The manpower required for the activity is shown by a number on the bar.
An illustrative bar chart is shown as follows.
Time in weeks from project start
10 20 30 40
jobs
4
1
2
2
8
3
5
4
4
5
The project review dates are indicated by a vertical dotted line and at this
time a horizontal line is drawn beneath each bar to indicate the progress actually
made upto that date. The length of the progress line is then drawn to represent
the percentage of the job that has been completed at the review date. The merits
and demerits of Gantt Chart are below:
MERITS:
1. It is simple to understand
2. It can be used to show progress
3. It can be used for manpower planning
DEMERITS:
1. It cannot show inter-relationship among activities
on large complete projects.
2. There may be physical limit to the size of the bar chart.
3. It cannot easily cope with frequent changes or
updating.
5.3 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
It is common belief that if we have the chance to peep into the debates
and discussions of Legislatures, reports of Commissions and Committees, the
various policy documents etc., we generally come across a very distinct and
popular term known as implementation`. This term is prefixed by a galaxy of
words like policy, plan, programme, project and the like. Simply stated, it
conveys such meanings as to carry out, accomplish, fulfil, or to give practical
effect and to ensure actual fulfilment by concrete measures.
In the context of project management cycle, implementation involves
allocation of tasks to groups within the project organisation. This stage has to
given utmost importance by the planners and decision-makers to derive the
intended objectives. To quote the Planning Commission, The success of the
Plans will rest very largely on the efficiency--with which it is implemented.
Deficiencies in implementation are also found due to inadequate
planning of projects at the initial stage causing slippages in schedules, cost over-
runs and poor performance. The Approach Paper to the Seventh Plan document
has also pointedly referred to the reduction of project implementation delays
through better project management. Thus, when one talks of the failure of
implementation, one has to look upon planning, implementation and evaluation
as an integral process, each deriving strength from the other.
A cursory glance at the plan documents reveals that successive Five Year
Plans have laid stress on the importance of strengthening the implementation
machinery so that programmes and projects could be completed according to
time schedules and targets. The Sixth Plan document rightly observed
Attention to detail in project formulation and implementation and promotion of
a work culture where there is pride in performance, are the twin instruments of
achieving efficiency. This is the task to which everyone involved in
implementation should give utmost attention.
Inspite of the fact that the Administration Reforms Commission,
National Commission on Agriculture, Irrigation Commission, and a large
number of Special Committees, Task Forces, Evaluation Studies, etc., have
identified in detail about the structural, procedural and institutional weaknesses
in the process of implementation and suggested specific remedies, the problem
still persist. In fact, the root cause of implementation arises out of the
weaknesses at all levels of implementing machinery starting with Government
Departments at Centre and the States, through to the various non-secretariat
organizations, autonomous corporations, Boards, and other authorities down to
the organizations in the field at the project, district or village level. However, in
recent years, with the creation of Public Investment Board, Project Appraisal
Division, Monitoring and Evaluation Organisation; restructuring and
strengthening of Department of Public Enterprises; induction of specialists,
internal finance advisers and identifying the project manager much before the
actual approval of the project, and taking the expert services from the renowned
consultancy houses, there have been some rays of hopes in the effective
implementation of the programmes/projects.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION STAGES
The purpose of any successful project implementation is to ensure that
the project activities are completed within the schedule, and within the budgeted
provisions, leading to desired quantum of benefits flowing therefrom. Project
implementation steps are repetitive and each manager has to adopt procedures
according to his own requirement depending on the nature of the project and the
organisation structure. The implementation of the project shall now be examined
under the following seven heads.
1. Initiating the project
2. Specifying and scheduling the work.
3. Clarifying authority, responsibility and relationships.
4. Obtaining resources.
5. Establishing control system.
6. Directing and controlling.
7. Terminating the project.
1. Initiating the Project
Project initiation is the first step which is similar in many ways to the
preparatory stage of project formulation. It involves obtaining approval of the
proposed strategies, project plan, relevant budges and selection of the Project
Manger/other major functionaries.
The section of a project for implementation invariably requires a formal
approval from a competent authority(s), such as legislative organs, executive
organs like Cabinet, administrative department, functional department, planning
agency, funding agency professional organisation, as also other contributing
agencies especially in those cases where the project involves investment of
capital, allocation of foreign exchange, and use of scarce resources (World
Bank, IMF, UNDP, etc.). Sometimes the technical, administrative financial and
legal aspects of a project have to be approved by the respective agencies jointly
as well as separately. This requires finalization of agreements, contract
documents, funding proposals, and the appropriate rules and regulations.
Experience indicates that it takes considerable long time in obtaining the
approval of the project proposal from the various agencies. Generally, this stage
can take one of the following consequences:
The proposal is accepted in to by all the concerned agencies.
The proposal is accepted with a few changes in the proposed
strategies on account of technical or manpower grounds.
The proposal is accepted but at a lower level of funding.
The proposal is rejected.
An analysis of above alternative reveals that first and the last Situations
are two extremes. Once the projects is finally cleared the management can
straight way proceed with recruitment of Project Management and other related
activities. In the case of second and third situation, another thought has to be
given in the finalization of the strategies as well as rescheduling the various
project activities. As such, it becomes the bounden duty of the management that
before the project is taken up for implementation, the various doubts, fears and
misconceptions of various approving authorities, without any prejudice to their
prerogatives, are finally removed.
Project implementation primarily calls for proper supervision of the
discrete units of project activities. As such, it requires special administrative
arrangements. Accordingly, key management staff has to be appointed or hired
for initiating the project. It has been experienced that the earliest appointment of
Project Manager has proved to be highly conducive to the success in
organisation-building process. Naturally, a process of finding suitable candidates
has to be taken up on war-footing. Some of the alternatives usually available
with the management to find out the personnel may be from within the
organisation, borrowing the services from sister organisations or from the open
market itself. In this context, it is always worthwhile to engage the senior most
functionary in the organisation who spearheaded all the conceptual studies right
from the project proposal phase.
It may be cautioned here that supermen or ideal candidates are not likely
to be available. The emphasis should be placed on finding available candidates
who have a reasonable mixture of qualifications. For instance, only those who
are dynamic, development-oriented and able to get things done quickly and
effectively may be appointed as Project Managers. Besides, while searching for
acceptable candidates, undue emphasis to one qualification (like technical or
administrative, or managerial background) to the exclusion of the others should
not at all be given. In fact, the term specialist` is very misleading because the
project Manager is essentially there to coordinate activities of many varied
project participants. Ideally, the Project Manager should have some of the
essential qualifications required for the job, viz., knowledge of organisation`s
environment surrounding the project, receptive to modern management ideas
and concepts, experience in subject-matter of the project, experience in practice
of management, adaptability to changes in the environment` of the project,
ability to communicate effectively with his superiors, subordinates and
customers, and knowledge as to how to make good rapport with the allied
departments to undertake negotiations for resources.
Once the Project Manager is inducted in the organisation, he should be
groomed by rigorous training techniques and briefed about the objectives of the
project, the rationale behind the proposal and the likely pitfalls he is to face in
the implementation process. His job description, formal assignment of authority
and responsibility should also be clearly spelled out. He should have reasonable
access to general management. He may also be henceforth associated with all
the selections and recruitment of staff required for the project. He should also
establish linkages with his staff, suppliers and the beneficiaries by contacting or
paying a courtesy visit to them.
Simultaneously, the project organisation initiates action for preparing an
interim budget and list of supplies and equipment required from time to time.
Thus the approval of the Project Proposal and appointment of Project Manager
completes the first round in the implementation stage of a project.
2. Specifying the Scheduling the Work
After initiating the project, it becomes important to determine about the
project plan by specifying in detail when, where and how the project activities
would be done and who would manage them. In other words, steps in the
direction of defining the detailed activity specifications, determining their
interrelationship, specifying the manner of doing them, the persons who are to
manage them, and the likely duration by which the whole project is to be
completed, have to be taken under the second stage.
At the very outset of a project, a detailed programme network identifying
as many activities as possible have to be drawn. This in turn is known as work
breakdown structure. It aims at dividing the total project work into major
groups, tasks, sub-tasks and so on, with the sole aim that the work at the lowest
rung facilitates to permit adequate control and visibility without creating any
unwieldy administrative problems. A properly designed work breakdown
structure can also be used as a basis for several activities such as describing the
total effort of the project, issuing work authorizations, budgeting, scheduling,
status reporting and tracking performance.
Following are some of the activities which are basically termed as
important during course of project implementation.
--
Finalization of technological parameters.
--
Selection of equipment.
--
Preparation of layouts.
--
Identifications of infrastructure.
--
Preparation of specifications for equipment, buildings, auxiliaries,
utilities and services.
--
Tendering and placement of orders.
--
Execution of civil works structures, procurement of supplies, erection of
equipment, commissioning.
--
Training of manpower.
Such a classification is quite useful in establishing the sequence of
operations i.e., in deciding how each activity is linked with its preceding or
succeeding activities, what are their interrelationships; and by what time each
activity is required to be completed.
In order to determine the inter-relationships among various activities and
estimating project activity times durations, one has to take the assistance of
modern management techniques, like Gantt Charts, Milestone Charts, Bar
Charts, Network Analysis and its variations, etc. These techniques have found
widespread use in scheduling and administering the projects both in developed
and developing countries. These are described as The blueprints` for the
management of a project. Network analysis in simple words involves breaking
up the project in terms of activities and functions to be performed, studying the
interrelationships among them, bringing out causality of each activity and
function, and fixing a time-schedule for each to complete the project by the
target date. One of the distinct features of these techniques is that these can be
applied even without the aid of computers. Besides, size of the project--simple
or complex--in no way stands as a barrier for bypassing the application of
modern management tools. Although using management techniques means
spending more time prior to implementation, it is time well spent. These
techniques not only ensure internal coherence in the project, but also save
implementation time by isolating any problem to the appropriate project
component.
It may, however, be stated that in the finalization of an overall schedule
for the project, a lot of consultations have necessarily to be made with the
various suppliers, contractors, consultants, experts, officers and other operating
staff to solicit their wholehearted cooperation in the venture. Otherwise the
whole exercise remains a wishful planning. In this context,
Prof.M.Thiyagarajan, an expert in the field of Project Management, narrating his
woeful experience of implementation planning of public sector projects, rightly
observed that :
Adhocism prevails from the outset and unrealistic assumptions are
made. Still there is a practice to draw out conventionalGantt Charts.
Systematic and integrated time-planning`, materials-planning`,
manpower planning`. Cost-planning` are not made in a meticulous and
rational manner. Contract planning` is absent. Coordination` needed
among the contractors incharge of different areas is not considered and
included in the plans.
It is high time that in the smooth implementation of the projects, such
serious lapses would not be repeated. Rather, our planners and administrators
should seek the assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development
Organisation which has done yeo-man service in this area. UNIDO, of late, has
been providing developing countries with reference to implementation
programming parameters such as time durations, resources and costs required to
execute the various major activities of industrial projects that have recently been
implemented, with special emphasis on the delays occurred and their economic
impact on the net value of investments etc.
3. Clarifying Authority, Responsibility and Relationships
In the third stage of project implementation, when the project has already
been approved, the key functionaries appointed, the work schedules prepared,
major orders placed for machinery and equipment, and contracts finalized for
civil works, etc., it becomes necessary that the various members of the project
teams vis-?-vis the sponsoring organisation
are made aware of their relationships between authority and responsibility lest
the various functionaries may not be misunderstood with one another thereby
inviting a lot of trouble for the project itself.
Accordingly, the Chief Executive of the sponsoring organisation is duty
bound to settle the following issues relating to authority and responsibility
among the various functionaries in close consultation with his staff aided at the
headquarters and the Project Manager responsible for the implementation of the
project.
(a) Who has the authority to change the project schedule?
(b) Who has the authority to decide substitutes of project resources?
(c) Who can terminate the project prematurely?
(d) Who has authority over contingency funds?
(e) Who can change the project objectives?
(f) Who is responsible for obtaining resources? and
(g) What reports are required and who is responsible for taking these?
In fact, the answer to the aforesaid questions is, by and large, dependent
on the size, complexity and importance of the project concerned. For instance,
in the case of a project which hardly employs large staff, is located in a
particular area, is sufficient itself in obtaining the required resources, and does
not involve too much technology, it is quite possible to decide the various
issues threadbare even in an informal meeting convened by the sponsoring
organisation. On the other hand, such issues cannot be easily resolved
especially in the case of a complex project. In such a situation, it becomes
imperative that the authority and responsibility relationships of all the key
functionaries at different levels is abundantly made known to them in writing.
For example, sponsoring organization would be responsible for all the policy
matters related to the project; the project Manager has to see that project
objectives are economically and efficiently accomplished; the activity manager
has to ensure that a group of activities assigned to him are completed within no
time by consuming minimum resources; and the Liaison Officer assists the
Project Manager as and when required.
A checklist showing the authority and responsibility of the above
functionaries is given in Appendix II as a guide. It can be modified from time
to time in the light of the experience gained. Moreso, such a checklist would
facilitate in fixing pin-pointed responsibility for any negligence on the part of a
particular officer/official.
4. Obtaining Resources
The discussion on resources would be taken up under the following
three headings: Personnel, Finance, Materials and Equipment.
(a) Personnel
Personnel in any project or an organisation is the most scarce and critical
resource. The successful implementation of the Plan/Programme/Project
depends on the efficiency and effectiveness with which personnel engaged at
various levels undertake their tasks and achieve results. Inevitably, manpower
is required for use on some or all the activities of every project. In order to
keep a track of the large variety of human resources required in the project, it
is always advisable to make some codification/classification. For instance,
I.L.O. has prescribed an International Standard Classification of Occupations
(Following Table).
Accordingly, the personnel requirements for a variety of positions can
easily be identified through the code numbers as given on next page.
Manpower requirements are usually determined separately for each
activity and each phase keeping in view the existing availability. If an
organisation engages an outside agency for
Major Group Generalized Code
Code Description of Type of Manpower
0. Professional, Technical and Related Workers
1. Administrative, Executive and Management Workers
2. Clerical Workers
3. Sales Workers
4. Farmers, Fishermen, Hunters, Loggers and Related Workers.
5. Mines, Quarrymen and Related Workers
6. Workers in Transport and Communications
7,8. Craftsmen, Production Process Workers and Labourers not
Elsewhere
9. Service, Sport and Recreation Workers
10.Workers not Classifiable by Occupation.
Project planning, then the manpower requirements for the first phase are itself
assessed by it. During the implementation stage, the manpower mainly comprise
the construction teams and the other supervisory staff. The exact number of the
staff, with certain qualifications and experience and the salary/grades to be given
to them is determined with the aid of network techniques. As regards the
manpower for the last phase, it mainly consists of operative and supervisory
staff.
Over and above the direct manpower requirements of the 3 phases;
personnel are also required to man the project organization. Manpower costs
generally form a sizeable percentage of production or project costs. The total
cost of any individual employee do not merely comprise his salary, but also
include overhead expenses in the shape of statutory payments, discretionary
payments, pensions and other family benefits. To these have to be added the
recruitment costs, training costs and the cost of wastage. Manpower costs so
computed are known as placement costs. Project cost estimates have to take into
account not only the direct manpower costs, but, also the placement costs in
respect to each person in the project area.
Since the manpower requirements vary from activity to activity,
therefore, in manpower planning and optimization, the following two
considerations should be given due weightage:
(i)
Optimum number of persons to be employed for each activity
depending upon the time-cost trade off.
(ii)
Manpower loading or leveling so as to employ uniform labour force
and scheduling of activities on that basis. It will prove to be cheaper
in the long-run to plan the project work in such a manner that a steady
or almost even demand is placed on as much resources as possible.
Once the manpower needs are assessed, early steps have to be taken for
the recruitment, selection and placement of the right people, with right
qualifications and experience, at the right jobs, at the right time. In this context,
the general tendency of appointing, selecting and placing unwanted, mediocre,
inefficient and superannuated personnel needs to be strictly curbed by all
means if we really want to cherish the results of our projects. The Vice-
President stressing the urgency for a gigantic effort for developing human
resources, rightly felt that a country cannot make rapid economic and social
progress unless there are people who are enterprising and have developed the
necessary skills and attitudes.
(b) Finances
One of the acid tests of a Project Manager`s patience and ingenuity
towards implementation is his concerted efforts to manipulate a firm financial
commitment in a bureaucratic environment. This can ensure timely availability
of the funds at the start and throughout the schedule and phased life of a
project. The flow of resources has to be so planned that activities of the project
do not slow down or suffer a set back.
We are well aware that resource consumption takes place during all the 3
phases of the project cycle. During the first phase (pre-investment), resources
are required for investigating various aspects of project idea and for developing
the project design. In the second phase (construction), resources are needed in
providing the basic edifice of the project. During the last phase
(normalization), project requires raw materials and other consumables. The
nature and magnitude of resource requirements thus differs from phase to
phase. So far as finances are concerned, the first phase hardly consumes much.
It is in the second phase that maximum amount of funds are required which are
usually of a non-recurring nature. The last phase also involves consumption of
funds on a recurring basis. As such, funds requirements have to be planned in
an integrated manner.
In view of the imperative need for financial requirements, the Project
Manager should not take this aspect in a casual manner. Sometimes, it is
generally assumed that once the proposal has been accepted, budget prepared
and submitted to the funding agency, there would be automatic flow of the
funds as and when needed. It is an ill-notion. A number of arguments can be
advanced on this account. Firstly, there may be a change in financial picture of
the funding agency. Secondly, inflationary effects may be so high that the
original budget submission no longer covers the amount required. Lastly,
several contingencies (internal as well as external) may also come in the way
of the smooth flow of the funds.
The internal reasons are basically controllable (over spendings in travel,
entertainment, non-productive activities, excessive expenditure on foreign
technicians, under-estimating the project to keep the promoters` contribution to
the minimum possible, additions/alterations in the project concept during the
implementation stage etc.) for optimum utilization of funds. On the other hand,
the external factors which are quite uncontrollable (delays in
sanctions/disbursements of funds, changes in government fiscal policies and
market conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, unforeseen political
developments, etc.) have an adverse effect on the financial administration.
The net result is that due to improper financial planning, the following
consequences are inevitable.
--
Increase in pre-operative expenses, mainly interest during construction,
--
Enterprise`s inability to repay principal and interest as per the
amortization schedule,
--
Adverse impact on viability of the project,
--
Loss on account of lost market opportunities, and
--
Sickness at birth and a host of other unsavoury consequences
associated with industrial sickness.
In this context, the technique of performance budgeting can be very useful
which forms a complement to network analysis. It seeks to bring out what an
organisation intends to do, how much of it, at what cost and with what results. It
ensures that resources available as compared with resources required are
applied in the most efficient and economical manner. In other words, it aims at
to avoid a situation where there is heavy demand on resources at one time and
idle resources at another.
(c) Materials and Equipment
During the implementation stage, a project for its smooth progress
requires machinery, plant, equipment and other materials like cement, bricks,
steel, etc. It is possible to determine the exact requirements and time schedule of
a particular activity from the network chart and aggregate the resource
requirement profile for the total project life span. It may be clarified that the
requirements of suppliers and equipment during implementation stage are quite
different from that of operation stage.
Generally, the Purchase Department of the project is made responsible to
ensure procurement of supplies and equipment at the stipulated schedules in
accordance with the drawing and specifications provided by the functional
departments. Though the exercise for procurement starts simultaneously with
initiating the project, as already explained, the deliveries are to be ensured at the
appropriate time under this stage.
Accordingly, management techniques like network analysis, Scheduling
and Economic Order Quantity which are traditionally popular for operational
situations, are adopted. With the help of network analysis decisions, highest
priority is laid for those resources which fall under the critical activities and vice
versa. Speculations of price changes, discounts, etc., can also be availed of
provided the slacks/floats of events and activities have not exceeded as yet.
However, contingency/emergency purchases have to be resorted to in case of
critical areas.
It is through E.O.Q. that materials are made available just when and
where these are required for various activities. Before the supplies are actually
received at the project site, those must be inspected possibly in the suppliers
premises itself with regard to their quality, specifications and workmanship. All
out efforts should also be made at the project site so that there is no pilferage
and loss of materials except due to natural calamities. Besides, there need not be
either excessive pre-stocking nor shortage of materials which have a direct
bearing both on the project cost and its completion time.
5. Establishing Control System
This stage primarily aims at designing and establishing a control system
so that management at different levels is not only able to direct and control the
project (a succeeding stage) from three parameters, i.e., time, cost and
performance (quantitative as well as qualitative) but, also take corrective
measures.
Generally, there are three main indicators, viz., project proposal, project
schedule and activity descriptions, with the help of which respective managers
are in a position to compare what actually takes place with what was expected.
In order to decentralise the control system to the subordinates, every effort is
made by the Project Manager to ensure that he keeps with himself minimum
number of indicators. For instance, he relies on such indicators that have a
bearing with public response and inter/interagency coordination.
Once the indicators are selected for decision-making purposes, the
control system is designed specifying who reports what to whom and when. It is
here that the Project Manager makes use of various techniques like Activity
follow-up (to watch the general progress of various activities). Resource follow-
up (comparing actual expenditure with the planned ones), and Schedule follow-
up (completion of various activities in the desired time) for the reporting
purposes. But, before the control system is actually put into action, it is always
advisable to test the system on an experimental basis and modifications made in
the light of experience gained.
6. Directing and Controlling
Once the control system has been designed and established, as explained
in the preceding stage, the decks are cleared for the management not only to
motivate the staff for hard work, but also to monitor and control the project
functioning by taking immediate remedial measures (wherever needed) based on
an effective communication and decision-making system.
In this context, the management must take into consideration the various
motivational theories propounded by a number of sociologists, psychologists
and management thinkers like Taylor, Maslow, Herzxberg, McGregor, Argyris,
Likert, etc. It must aim at avoiding any chances of hostility, resentment, and
apathy among the staff due to its coercive policies. On the contrary, it must rely
on the established methods such as economic considerations, pride, work
satisfaction, team spirit, social status, etc., of the project staff.
Again, planning of any type including project planning cannot be a
foolproof system. Changes have to be made according to the exigencies. It is
especially in such eventualities, that monitoring and controlling techniques,
collect the facts about the present status and expected progress of the project. It
also suggests corrective measures, which have to be transmitted to the various
levels for follow-up with the aid of an effective communications system. Such a
system facilities in providing following six types of information to the
management and it is up to the latter to take some decision and implement the
same in the interest of the successful project implementation :
--
No action required when any deviation is not found in the project.
--
Project Manager may have to make necessary changes in the schedule,
budget and staff, which is within his competency.
--
The sponsoring organization like the Project Manager may have to bring
about changes in the project, which are reserved with it.
--
Sponsoring organization may be called upon to reformulate the project
strategies, objectives, designs, and targets.
--
The project may be terminated earlier.
--
Modifying the control system itself to extract more relevant information
for effective monitoring and control.
7. Terminating the Project
The project management implementation cycle is treated as completed
with the termination of the project. Though it is one of the most important and
crucial stage, experience has shown that management generally takes it every
easy and lightly about the future repercussions which follow from it.
Literally termination means ending` and in the context of project
implementation, it spells out one of the four meanings, i.e. (1) normal
termination, (2) non-termination, (3) early termination, and (4) late termination.
When a project is completed within the stipulated resources and time, it is called
a normal termination. In the Indian situation, there are very rare examples of this
type so far as public enterprises are concerned. A corollary of normal terminal is
called as non-termination. In this case, the project becomes a normal functioning
unit of the existing organisation on its completion. Negatively, there is every
likelihood of the project being terminated earlier on account of a number of
factors such as change in policies and programmes of the organisation
concerned, availability of more prospective proposals, vis-?-vis the existing one,
unforeseen and environmental factors, etc. In other words, this stage virtually
deals with the abandonment of the existing project.
As regards late termination of the project, it is generally the case on
account of time and cost overruns. This recurrent phenomenon has been
responsible for adversely affecting the economy of the developing countries.
The only exception for late termination may be on account of development of a
new feature, a new product as an extension to the existing project, which can be
regarded as a healthy sign for its successful growth and survival. As such, one of
the first and foremost duty of the Project Manager and his team is to ensure that
project achieves the intended objectives within the specified time and given
resources. It also becomes the bounden duty of the Project Manager to initiate
steps well in advance to ensure that the existing staff is repatriated as soon as the
project is nearing completion. This in turn would ensure optimum utilization of
the human resources as well.
This stage also deals with the preparation of a balance sheet regarding
the stresses and strains experienced right from the formulation of the project till
its completion. There is no denial of the fact that some mistakes are bound to be
committed hither and thither on every project. There is also a general belief that
we learn by hit and trial, i.e., experience. But as soon as the work is over, we
don`t try to learn from those unpleasant moments, which acted as a stumbling
block in its smooth progress. Such an action is detrimental to our future
performance because we repeat the same mistakes and so is the case with the
projects. Thus, looking back on a project without a thorough post-completion
evaluation (by an insider or an outsider), it is quite easy to come to a general
conclusion that well, it did not really go too badly, after all.
The management, as such, must get a summary report prepared which
can serve, as guidelines for future projects. The report may narrate the
experiences as to where things went right/wrong with detailed explanations; vis-
?-vis to what extent objectives could be achieved, and may suggest some dos`
and don`ts for undertaking similar projects in the future. Normally, such a
managerial experience is hardly passed on and the net result is that the future
projects also become victims of the recurrent mistakes. Thus, termination of
project stage must not be neglected at any cost in the project cycle.
BOTTRLENECKS IN PROEJCT IMPLEMENTATION
There are numerous common factors responsible for the ineffective
implementation of the projects in the developing countries like ours :
1. Lack of perspective project planning.
2. Delays in obtaining approval on various aspects of project from the
concerned agencies.
3. Political expediency and vested interests.
4. Wrong assignment of Project Manager.
5. Delays in getting foreign technical assistance (men, money, materials,
and know-how).
6. Frequent transfers and heavy turnover.
7. Under staffing and over-staffing.
8. Diffusion of implementation responsibilities across the various agencies.
9. No clarity about authority and responsibility relationships.
10.No mechanism for cooperation and co-ordination of the activities of
all connected agencies.
11. Non-availability of materials.
12. Non-commitment to financial resources.
13. Changes in Government fiscal and licensing policies.
14. Integrated cost planning, budgeting and accounting missing.
15. Unrealistic scheduling.
16. No emphasis for monitoring implementation process.
17. No parameters for direction and control.
18. Lack of integrated management information and reporting system.
19. Poor quality control.
20. Frequent changes in the designs, drawings and specifications.
21. Various contractual problems.
22. Accidents during execution.
23. General apathy to application of modern management techniques.
24. No liaison between projects, academics and research laboratories.
25. Changing project priorities.
26. Too many similar projects under way at a time.
27. No consideration to experiences gained from similar projects.
28. Natural calamities.
29. No efforts to promote and maintain interest in individual projects
resulting in less enthusiasm, initiative, attention, and follow-through.
GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
In order to ensure speedy implementation of projects and to achiever
optimum results out of investment, the Planning Commission has framed the
Guidelines, which must be adhered to in all earnestness:
--
Once a project is approved, no new project may be introduced except in
compelling circumstances so that on-going project is completed
expeditiously and resources earmarked for it are not diverted elsewhere.
--
a firm time schedule regarding formulation and implementation of
projects needs to be invariably drawn.
--
With a view that the schedule is strictly taken care of, reforms in existing
procedures may be made to facilitate quick results, e.g., decentralization
of powers, delegation of authority, etc.
--
Before a project is finally undertaken for implementation, technology
etc., must be made.
--
The final data regarding the completion of the projects may be
determined by making use of scientific management techniques like
PERT/CPM, etc.
--
The project (at least in critical sectors) may be funded on a long-term
basis as against the existing practice of annual funding.
--
The persons responsible for implementation should be made to feel a
sense of involvement in fulfillment of targets.
--
Expansioning the projects need not be taken up unless the original one
completed, is fully established, both in regard to physical and fiscal
performance.
--
Project consultancy and design organizations may be developed and
financed in the initial stages by the Government.
--
The implementation efforts may be geared by constant monitoring and
current and post-evaluation of projects so that lessons of experience
enable improvements in the design for future projects.
--
At every stage of planning and implementation, it should be necessary to
involve the administration at the local level as well as the representative
of people particularly the beneficiary groups.
--
Involvement in turn can be achieved by persuasion, mass education,
consultation, and demonstration and by assisting people`s own
organizations for development.
The plan document in the context of implementation of large Investment
projects has also observed that there is a trend towards acquiring capital assets
in increasing quantities, without regard to the availability of funds and the
economic and commercial benefits to be derived from such investments. In
some sectors, the existence of too many unfinished projects in the pipeline also
leads to a rise in capital-output ratio. The document citing the examples of
power, railways and irrigation projects feared that based on 1984-85 rate of
project completion, these were likely to take another 11 years 3 years and 19
years respectively. In order to curb this trend, the strategy in the plan would be
of concentrating on completion or projects as the first priority and strict criteria
for new investments. Besides, a six-members Advisory Council consisting of
eminent industrialists and experts in business management was constituted to
put forward suggestions for the removal of constraints in speedy
implementation of the projects undertaken by the Government.
It is hoped that in the interest of utilization of scarce resources in the
country, the executives would ponder over the above Guidelines and would
firmly ensure its implementation in letter and spirit.
5.4 PROJECT CONTROL
Once the project has been launched, it is essential to control the projects
to achieve the desired results. In this process the control becomes closely inter-
wined in an integrated managerial process. Project control involves a regular
comparison of performance against targets, a search for the causes of deviation
and a commitment to check adverse variances.
Project control serves two major functions:
a. It ensures regular monitoring of performance
b. It motives project Personnel to strike for achieving projects
Objectives Steps in Projects Control.
There are two important steps in the project control viz;
1. Establishment of controls.
2. On-going controlling activities using above controls.
It is nothing but controlling a project when it enters the production period
using the controls established during the initiation period. Control during the
production period involves four steps. There are
1. Setting targets for what should be achieved.
2. Measurement of what is happening including anticipation of what may
happen.
3. Comparison between what should happen and what is happening or
likely to happen.
4. Taking corrective actions to make things happen, as they should these
four steps should fellow each other till the work is completed.
Projected Control Purposes:
The projects control can be exercised on different aspects. Such as:
1. On the progress of the activities.
2. On the performance of project activities.
3. On project schedule.
4. On projects cost.
Problems of Project Control:
Effective control is critical for the realization of project objectives.
Control of projects in practice tends to be ineffective. There are three main
reasons for poor control of projects. Viz.,
1.
Characteristics of the project Largeness and complexities
Maintenance of non-routine activities Co-ordination and
communication problem.
2.
People problems.
Managers do not have required experience & training Lack of
competence and inclination to control projects.
3.
Poor control and information system: Delay in reporting
performance. Inappropriate level of detail unrealible information.
GANIT CHARTS
In dealing with complex projects a pictorial representation showing the
various jobs to be done, and the time and money they involve is generally
helpful. One such pictorial charts, also known is the bar chart, was developed by
Henry Ganft around 1900. It consists of two coordinate axes, one representing
the time elapsed and the other, jobs or activities performed. The jobs are
represented in the form of bars as shown in Previous Fig.
The length of a bar indicates the duration the job or activity take for
completion. Generally, in any project some jobs can be taken up concurrently
land some will have to be completed before others can begin. Hence, in a bar
chart representing a projects, some of the bars run parallel or overlap each other
times-wise (these correspond to concurrent jobs) and some run serially with one
bar beginning after another bar ends (corresponding to an activity that succeeds
a preceding activity). In Previous Fig. For example activities A, B and C can
start at the same time and proceed concurrently or in parallel, though they take
different time intervals for their completion. Activity D, however, cannot begin
until activity A is over. The bars representing A and D therefore run serially.
Let us consider a specific example. A piece of equipment is made of two
parts A and B, which are to be assembled together before they are dispatched.
Part A is of cast steel, which requires a pattern and a mould. Part B is a
machined item made on special machine M that needs to be purchased and
installed. Parts A require special hear-treatment before assembly. The assembly
needs to be tested with a specially constructed rig before dispatch.
The time-scale for each activity is as follows:
Preparing a pattern for casting
4 weeks
Preparing a mould
2 weeks
Costing the cleaning operation of A
1 weeks
Heat-treatment of A
2 weeks
Obtaining and installing machine M
7 weeks
Machining part B
5 weeks
Assembling part A and B
3 weeks
Preparing the test rig
4 weeks
Testing the assembly
2 weeks
Packing for dispatch
1 week
The bar chart for this project is shown in Previous Fig. The various
activities are shown along the ordinate or the vertical axis and the time elapsed
along the horizontal axis.
The chart is self-explanatory.
WEAKNESSES IN BAR CHARTS
The example was deliberately chosen to shown that the bar chart may
appear to be an excellent pictorial representation of a project. However, in
practice, bar charts have serious limitations. A few of these are:
Interdependent of activities:
In a programme where there are a large number of activities that can be
started with a certain degree of concurrency, the bar chart cannot show clearly
the interdependent among the various efforts or activities. This is a serious
deficiency. The mere fact to or more activities are scheduled for simultaneous or
overlapping times does not necessarily make them related or interdependent, or
completely independent. Consider, for example, the project represented in
Previous Fig. Such activities as preparing a pattern, preparing a mould, costing
and cleaning, and heat-treating have to run sequentially, i.e., one activity must
be completed before the other can begin. The bars representing these activities
are not allowed to overlap. On the other hand, installing machine M and
preparing the test rig can proceed simultaneously because they are completely
independent activities and hence the bars representing them c an run parallel to
each other. However, this is exactly the weakness of the bar chart, because two
parallel bars need not necessarily stand for independent activities, as the
following example will show.
Suppose a project involves digging foundation, erecting sideboards or
shuttering, and pouring concrete. The time consumed is shown against each
activity:
Digging foundation 20 weeks
Erecting side boards 14 weeks
Pouring concrete
16 weeks
If the activities are not allowed to run in parallel but in strict sequence,
the total time taken for the completion of the project is 50 weeks. As we can
easily see, erection of the sideboards can start after the completion of, say, one-
half of foundation digging. Similarly, pouring of concrete can start, say, 5 weeks
after the erection of sideboards. The bar charts for these activities will as shown
in Previous Fig. According to this plan, the sideboard erectors still have 4 weeks
of work after the excavation is delayed by 1 or 2 weeks how will reflect on the
sideboard erection or the concrete pouring job? This is not revealed by the bar
chart.
Project progress:
A bar chart cannot be used as a control device since it does not show the
progress of work. Knowledge of the amount of work in progress or jobs
completed is absolutely necessary in a dynamic programme. Changes in plans
are a necessary part of a large project and a bar does not offer much assistance
under such circumstances.
However, a conventional bar chart can be modified to give this
additional information as shown. Suppose 16 weeks have elapsed after the
project started: be the progress made in the project can be depicted by partially
filling in the blank bars. Foundation digging, according to weeks behind
schedule.
Uncertainties:
One of the most important deficiencies of the bar chart is its inability to
reflect the uncertainty or tolerances in the duration times estimated for various
activities. The modern day space system programmes or other complex projects
are largely characterized by extensive research, development and technological
progress. The traditional knowledge or practices play a very insignificant role.
In such situations, the completion of various stages or jobs cannot be forecast
with exactness. Uncertainty about a test becoming successful, or a sudden break
though in technology of know-how will always provide situations which will
make rescheduling of various events a necessary part of the project and give it a
dynamic character which is not reflected in a bar chart.
MILESTONE CHARTS
Because of the shortcomings or the inadequacies of the chart in meeting
the requirements of the modern day management, efforts have been made to
modify it by adding new elements. One such modification was discussed in
Various Section. Another important modification, relatively successful, has
formed a link in the evolution of the Gantt chart into the PERT or CPM network.
This modification is called the milestone system. Milestones are key
events or point time, which can be identified when, completed as the project
progresses. In the Gantt chart a bar, which represents a long-term job, is broken
down to several pieces, each of which stands for an identifiable major event.
Each event is numbered and an explanatory table given identifying the number
with the event. These are specific events (point in time) which management has
identified as important reference points during the completion of the project.
This work breakdown increases the awareness of the interdependent between
tasks.
Two important points to be noticed are that: (a) the long time jobs are
identified in terms of specific events or milestone; and (b) these milestone or
key events are plotted against the time scale indicating their achievements by
specified dates.
While the milestone chart was definitely an improvement on the bar
chart, it still had one great deficiency, i.e., it did not clearly show the
interdependent between events. In a milestone chart the events are in
chronological, but not logical, sequence. A natural extension of the milestone
chart was the network where the events are connected by arrows in a logical
sequence.
5.5 Network Techniques ? PERT and CPM
Network analysis is one of the most popular techniques used for
planning, scheduling monitoring and coordinating large and complex projects
comprising a number of activities. It involves the development of a network to
indicate logical sequence of work content elements of a complex situation. It
involves three basic steps:
1. Defining the job to be done.
2. Integrating the elements of the job in a logical time sequence.
3. Control ing the progress of the project.
Network analysis is concerned with minimizing some measure of performance of
the system such as the total completion time of the project, overal cost and so on. By
preparing a network of the system, a decision maker can identify (i) the physical
relationships (properties) of the system, and (ii) the inter-relationships of the system
components. Network analysis is specially suited to projects which are not routine or
repetitive and which will be conducted only once or a few times. Thus, network analysis
is the organized application of systematic reasoning for planning, scheduling and
monitoring large and complex projects.
Objectives of Network Analysis
Network analysis can be used to serve the following objectives:
Minimization of total time. Network analysis is useful in completing a project in the
minimum possible time. A good example of this objective is the maintenance of
production line machinery in a factory. If the cost of downtime is very high, it is
economically desirable to minimize the maintenance time despite high resource costs.
Minimization of total cost. Where the cost of delay in the completion of a project
exceeds cost of extra effort, it is desirable to complete the project in time so as to
minimize total cost.
Minimization of time for a given cost. When a fixed sum is available to cover costs, it
may be preferable to arrange the existing resources so as to reduce the total time for the
project instead of reducing total cost.
Minimization of cost for a given total time. When no particular benefit will be gained
from completing the project early, it may be desirable to arrange resources in such way
as to give the minimum cost of the project in the set time.
Minimization of idle resources. The schedule should be devised to minimize large
fluctuations in the use of limited resources. The cost of having men/machines idle should
be compared with the cost of hiring resources on a temporary basis.
Network analysis can also be employed to minimize production delays, interruptions and
conflicts.
Managerial Applications of Network Analysis.
Network analysis can be applied to a very wide range of situations involving the
use of time, labour and physical resources. Some of the more common application of
network analysis in project scheduling are as follows.
Assembly line scheduling.
Installation of a complex new equipment, e.g., computers, large machinery
Research and Development.
Maintenance and overhauling complicated equipment in chemical or power
plants, steel and petroleum industries, etc.
Inventory planning and control.
Shifting of manufacturing plant from one site to another.
Development and testing of missile system.
Development and launching of new products and advertising campaigns.
Control of traffic flow in metropolitan cities.
Long range planning and developing staffing plans.
Budget and audit procedures.
Organization of international conferences.
Launching space programmes, etc.
Advantages of Network Analysis
The network analysis offers the following benefits:
Network analysis is simple and easy to apply even by people without advanced
knowledge of mathematics.
It is a powerful tool of planning, scheduling and control. In the planning stage, it helps
to identify the tasks to be performed and the resources required. During scheduling,
network analysis time and resources needed at each stage of activity can be calculated. In
the monitoring phase, it is useful for measuring the actual against the planned
performance.
Network analysis shows in a simple way the inter-relationship of the various activities
constituting a project or a programme. This helps in bringing out clearly the
technological interdependence of the various activities and so in integrating the project
plan.
It helps the management to think through the project systematically ensuring that the
sequence requirements are adequate and necessary. It also forces the management to
prepare time estimates for individual portions of the total project. This in turn helps to
identify possible improvements in these portions or in their relationship to the whole
project.
Network analysis reveals the critical path or the series of activities that require longest
time. When it is necessary to reduce the project completion time, the network technique
can identify those activities for which extra effort would not be beneficial. Extra time can
be taken for some of these without lengthening the total project time.
It develops a discipline and a systematic approach in planning and scheduling which is
not accomplished to this extent by older and traditional methods.
Network analysis identifies the earliest possible starting date and latest al owable
completion date for each activity.
It provides a comprehensive view of the project and brings about better communication
and coordination between the concerned departments.
Network analysis facilitates control by exception whereby management need act only
when the situation is out of control.
It focuses attention on the critical elements of the project and suggests areas for
increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Network analysis provides up-to-date information on the progress of the project through
frequent reporting and accurate analysis.
It lends itself easily to computers. Several computer manufacturers provide standard
packages of network analysis routines with their equipment.
Limitations of Network Techniques
Network techniques suffer from the following shortcomings.
It is very often difficult, if not impossible, to construct an accurate network for complex
projects. In real world projects interrelationships between activities and events are not
clear cut and precise.
Network analysis based on the assumption that al the resources required to perform any
number of activities simultaneously are available. In reality, resources are very often
limited and less than those needed for the network.
What may appear to be a non-critical path in the network of a project may actual y be a
semi-critical path. In such cases it is quite easy for delays to occur causing the path to
became truly critical even though network does not show it critical.
Several complexities are involved in calculating the project duration in the form of
alternative critical paths, compression and relaxation occurring simultaneously and
critical activities changing to non-critical ones.
Project networks involve a large number of activities and it is very difficult to calculate
valid time estimates for them. This problem applies especially to PERT analysis where
three time estimates are required for each and every activity.
When the network has hundreds of activities use of computer becomes necessary.
Network analysis becomes an expensive exercise.
Terminology of Network Analysis.
The basic concepts, symbols and conventions common used in network techniques are
described below:
Activity. An activity represents some action and as such it is a time consuming part of a
project. It may be an operation, transportation or inspection. It consumes both time and
resources. An activity is represented by an arrow. Each and every activity has a point of
time where it begins and a point where it ends.
Event. An event represents the start (beginning) or completion (end) of some activity
and as such it consumes no time. It has no time duration and does not consume any
resources. It is also known as a node. An event is represented by a circle. An event is not
complete until all the activities flowing into it are completed.
Network Diagram. It is a pictorial presentation of the various events and activities
concerning a project. In a network diagram each arrow represents an activity and each
circle an event. The event which is the ending point of two or more activities is called
node.
Critical Path. Critical path is the longest path in a network. It is the sequences of
activities that requires the maximum time for completion. It is critical because its length
determines the minimum time in which the project may be completed. If there is any
delay in the critical path activities the project is also delayed. The critical path is denoted
by darker or double lines to distinguish it from the other non-critical paths.
Critical Activities. All the activities associated with the critical path are called critical
or bottleneck activities. Such activities require special attention.
Slack. Slack is the time period for which an activity can be delayed without causing
delay in completion of the project. Slack may be positive or negative. Positive slack
represents idle time and resources whereas negative slack occurs when the project
requires more resources than are normally available.
Float. While slack is used for events, float is applied for activities. There are various
types of float, e.g., total float, free float, independent float.
Arrow Diagram. An arrow diagram is a network in which arrow are used to represent
activities.
Construction of Network Diagram
In order to construct a network diagram, the project is split into activities, then the
starting and finishing events of the project are decided. Thirdly, the precedence order is
decided. The activities are then put in logical sequence by using the graphical notations.
The following rules should be observed while constructing a network diagram:
A complete network diagram should have only one start point and one finish point.
Each activity must have one arrow only. No single activity should be represented twice
in the network.
The flow of the diagram should be from left to right.
Arrows should not be crossed unless it is absolutely essential.
Arrows should be kept straight and not curved or bent.
Arrows pointing in opposite direction must be avoided.
There must be no loops in the network.
Angle between arrows should be as large as possible.
Dummy activities should be used only when completely unavoidable.
Once the diagram is complete, the modes (events) should be numbered from left to
right.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
Critical path method was developed by M.R. Walker of E.T. (Deemed
University) Pont de Nemours & Co. of USA in 1956. It is used for optimizing resource
al ocation and minimizing overall cost for a given project. CPM was developed to help
scheduling of routine plant overhaul and maintenance, building of a pilot model plant,
etc. CPM uses two time and cot estimates for each activity one for the normal situation
and other for the crash situation. It is based on the assumption that the time which each
activity in the project will take in precise and known. The relation between the amount of
resources employed and the time needed to complete the project is also assumed to be
known.
The iterative procedure of determining the critical path involves the following steps:
Break down the project into various activities systematically. Arrange all activities in
logical sequence and label them. Construct the arrow diagram.
Number all the events and activities. Find the time for each activity considering it to be
deterministic. Indicate the activity times on the arrow diagram.
Calculate the earliest start time, earlier finish time, latest start time and latest finish time.
Construct a table showing earliest times, latest times and normal times.
Determine the total float for each activity on the basis of difference between the earliest
time and latest time.
Identify the critical activities and connect them with double line arrow. This gives the
critical path.
Calculate the total duration of the project.
If it is intended to reduce the total duration, crash the critical activities.
Optimize the cost by shifting resources
Update the network and smooth the network resources.
Illustration
Consider the following schedule of activities and related information for the construction
of a new plant:
Activity
Expected Time
Expected cost
Rs. 1000
Months Variance
1-2
4
1
5
2-3
2
1
3
3-6
3
1
4
2-4
6
2
9
1-5
2
1
2
5-6
5
1
12
4-6
9
5
20
5-7
7
8
7
7-8
10
16
14
6-8
1
1
4
Construct a network diagram and calculate:
(a)
The critical path
(b)
expected cost of construction of the project
(c)
Expected time required to build the plant.
Solution
(a)From the above diagram, the critical path is: 1--2--4--6 --8
(b)The expected cost is:
5+3+4+9+2+12+20+7+14+4=Rs.8,00,000.
(c)The expected time of completion of the project will be the expected time of the critical
path.
Activity
Expected time
1-2
4
2-4
6
4-6
9
6-8 1
Thus, the expected time to build the plant is 4+6+9+1=20 months.
Advantage of CPM
CPM highlights the critical activities on which management should focus attention to
reduce project completion time.
It helps management in diverting resources from non-critical to critical activities. In
other words, it facilitates optimum allocation of resources.
It provides a technique of planning and scheduling a project. Scheduling helps to
determine completion date and to evaluate progress towards the completion of the
project.
It gives complete information about the significance, size, duration and performance of
an activity.
It helps to identify potential bottlenecks and to avoid unnecessary pressure on the paths
that will not result in earlier completion of the project.
CPM helps to identify the sequence of jobs that determine the earliest completion date
for the project.
Limitations of CPM
CPM operates on the assumption that there is a precise known time that each activity in
the project will take. But this may not be true in real life situations.
CPM does not incorporate statistical analysis in determining time estimates.
Each time changes are introduced into the network the entire evaluation of the project
has to be repeated and a new critical path has to be determined.
CPM is not suitable for a situation which does not have a definite start and definite
finish.
It tends to produce exceptionally good results on the CPM planned job which is not
possible to reproduce on later jobs.
CPM is not a panacea for all ills. It cannot by itself solve a problem. It only facilitates a
thorough examination of the problem and alternative solutions for it.
Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
PERT was developed in 1958 by a Navy-sponsored Research Team in USA. It
was initially developed for use in defence projects like Polaris fleet ballistic missile
programme. But now it has become a very popular management technique for planning
and control ing projects. Under PERT the completion time is assumed to be uncertain
and unknown. Therefore, the probability of activity completion time is estimated. Three
time estimates are made for each activity--optimistic time, pessimistic time and normal
time. Optimistic time is the best time that could be expected if everything want
exceptionally well. Pessimistic time is the worst time that could be expected if
everything went wrong.
Methodology of PERT
The steps involved in PERT are:
Preparation of the network. First of all a list of activities that constitute the project is
prepared. The predecessor and successor activities are determined. A network diagram is
prepared on the basis of dependence between different activities and events. This is
project planning phase of PERT. Events are numbered in ascending order from left to
right.
Network analysis. Estimates of the time required to perform each activity are made.
These estimates are based upon manpower and equipment availability. At this stage the
probability of completing the project or a part of it by a specified time can be computed.
Scheduling. Expected time for each activity is computed from the three time estimates.
Earliest and latest start time and finish time for each activity are determined. Then the
critical path through the network is determined. The slack time associated with the non-
critical activities is also computed.
Time cost trade-off. If management wants to reduce the project completion time,
crashing or compressing of the project is done. The cost of reducing the project
completion time is computed. Time cost trade-offs for the critical path are considered.
Resource allocation. The feasibility of each schedule is checked with respect to
manpower and equipment requirements. Replanning and rescheduling may be necessary
if the resources are limited.
Project Control. Once the network plan and schedule are developed to satisfactory
level, they are finalized. The project is control ed by checking progress against the
schedule, assigning and scheduling man-power and equipment and analyzing the effects
of delay. Whenever major changes are made in the schedule, the network is revised
accordingly and a new schedule is prepared. Thus, monitoring of progress may require
periodic updating of the project and rescheduling to ensure completion of the project in
time.
Illustration
Present the following activities in the form of a PERT network and determine:
(a) Critical path,
(b) Earliest and latest expected time, and
(c) Probability of completing the project within schedule completion of 48 days:
Activity
Completion time
Most expected
Optimistic
Pessimistic
( t m )
(te)
(tp)
1-2
4
12
8
2-3
1
7
4
2-4
8
16
12
3-5
3
7
5
4-5
0
0
0
4-6
3
9
6
5-7
3
9
6
5-8
4
8
6
7-9
4
12
8
8-9
2
8
5
9-10
4
16
10
6-10
4
8
6
Solution
The expected time (te) and the variance a2 for the various activities are given in the
following table :
Activity
Optimistic
Most
Pessimistic
Expected
Variance
(to)
Expected
(tp)
Time
a? =
(t m)
t=[(to+
[(tv-to)/6] ?
4tm+tp)/6]
1-2
4
8
12
8
(8/6)?=1.78
2-3
1
4
7
4
(6/6)?=1.00
2-4
8
12
16
12
(8/6)?=1.78
3-5
3
5
7
5
(4/6)?=0.44
4-5
0
0
0
0
0=0.00
4-6
3
6
9
6
(6/6)?=1.00
5-7
3
6
9
6
(6/6)?=1.00
5-8
4
6
8
6
(4/6)?=0.44
7-9
4
8
12
8
(8/6)?=1.78
8-9
2
5
8
5
(6/6)?=1.00
9-10
4
10
16
10
(12/6)?=4.00
6-10
4
6
8
6
(4/6)?=0.44
The earliest expected times are :
E() = 0, E() = 0 + 8 = 8, E() = 8+4 = 12
E() = 8+12 = 20, E() = max. (12+5, 20+0) = 20
E() = 20+6 = 26, E() = 20+6 = 26
E() = 20+6 = 26, E() = max. (26+=8, 26+5) = 340
E() = max. (34+10, 26+6) = 44
The latest expected times are:
E(L) = 44, (L) = 44-10 =34
E(L) = 34-5 = 29, E(L) = 34=8 = 26
E(L) = 44-6 = 38, E(L) = min. (26-6, 29-6) = 20
E(L) = min. (20-0, 36-6) = 20, E(L) = 20-5 = 15
E(L) = min. (15-4, 20-12)= 8, E(L) = 8-8 = 0
The critical path as shown in the above network is
1-2-4-5-7-9-10
Expected project completion time is
= 8+12+0+6+8+10 = 44 days
Project variance is :
GT? = 1.78 + 1.78 + 0 + 1 + 1.78 + 4 = 10.34
GT =10.34 = 3.216
If due date of completion of the project is 48 days then:
Z = 48-44
______ = 1.24
3.216
From the standard normal table, the probability of meeting the due date is 0.3925.
Application of PERT
The major areas of application of PERT are given below:
In construction industry, PERT is used in building large structures like factories, sky
scrappers, flyovers, dams, etc.
In instal ing plants, computers, offices and in reorganizing new systems.
In overhaul, maintenance and major repairs like refitting ships, steel furnaces,
scheduling aircrafts, etc.
In general administration for long ranges planning, streamlining paper work, corporate
profit planning, manpower planning, etc.
In marketing, PERT is used for advertising campaigns, development and launching of
new products, distribution network.
In accounting, PERT is used in preparing accounts, budgets, etc.
Advantages of PERT
PERT forces managers to plan carefully and study how the various parts fit into the
whole project. It forces planning all down the line because each subordinate manager
plants the event. It enables management to predict time and cost of a project in advance.
It focuses attention on critical or bottleneck elements of the project so that a manager
may either allocate more resources to them or keep a careful watch on them as the
project progresses. It permits control by exception and better management of resources.
PERT is a unique control technique as it assists management in control ing a project.
Once the project begins, PERT calls attention as a result of constant review to delay in
the project completion date. It al ows a manager to calculate the expected total time for
the completion of the project at the time of formulation and planning. Therefore, PERT
provides a forward looking type of control or a feed forward control. It serves a
readymade standard against which performance can be measured.
PERT incorporates the statistical analysis in determining time estimates and enables
determination of the probabilities concerning the time by which each activity as well as
the entire project would be completed. As such it may be considered an advancement
over CPM.
PERT makes possible the pressure for action at the right spot and level in the
organisation at the right time. It suggests areas for increasing efficiency and reducing
cost.
PERT is specially useful for planning and control ing one shot projects as it takes
account of uncertain time factors.
It provides uptodate information on the progress of the project so that the necessary
steps may be taken (e.g., rescheduling, reallocation of resources, etc.), to minimize
delays and interruptions.
PERT helps to coordinate different parts of the total project so as to achieve completion
of the project in time.
PERT focuses management attention on problems ahead, indicating relationships, and
coordination required thereby providing a sound means of control.
One of the major advantages of PFRT is its comprehensiveness. It can be used by
management from the inception of a project to its completion. It provides valuable tool
for unified planning and control of complex projects.
Limitations of PERT
PERT suffers from the following drawbacks:
PERT is based on time estimates rather than known time for each activity. There may
be errors in time estimates due to human bias.
It emphasizes only time and not costs.
It is not practicable for routine planning of recurring activities. It is useful in complex
projects consisting of numerous activities which are independent of each other and
whose completion times are uncertain.
Time estimates to perform activities constitute a major limitation of PERT.
In PERT probabilities are calculated on the assumption that a large number of
independent activities operate on critical path and as such the distribution of total time is
normal. This assumption may not be true in real life situations.
For active control of a project, PERT requires frequent updating and revising of the
calculations. It becomes an expensive and time consuming exercise. It requires highly
trained personnel.
PERT is not a cure al . It does not make control automatic. It does not consider the
resources required at various stages of the project. It is not universally applicable.
Distinction between PERT and CPM
Both PERT and CPM are managerial techniques for planning and control of large
complex projects. Both are techniques of network analysis wherein a network is
prepared to analyze interrelationships between different activities of a project. However,
there are several differences between the two techniques:
CPM is used for repetitive jobs like planning the construction of a house. On the other
hand, PERT is used for non-repetitive jobs like planning the assembly of a space
platform.
PERT is a probabilistic model with uncertainty in activity duration. Multiple time
estimates are made to calculate the probability of completing the project within
scheduled time. On the contrary, CPM is a deterministic model with well-known activity
(single) times based upon past experience. It therefore, does not deal with uncertainty in
projection duration.
PERT analysis does not usually consider costs in a direct manner. But CPM directly
deals with cost of project schedules and their minimization. The concept of crashing is
applied to CPM models. Thus, CPM is more explicit about cost-time relationship. In a
CPM network cost is assigned to each activity.
PERT incorporates statistical analysis and thereby enables the determination of
probabilities concerning the time by which each activity and the entire project would be
completed. On the other hand, CPM does not incorporate statistical analysis in
determining time estimates because time is precise and known.
In a PERT network, each event is represented by a circle and arrows are used to
indicate activities. But in a CPM model, each activity is represented by a circle and
arrows are used to indicate sequencing requirements.
PERT serves as a useful control device as it assists the management in control ing a
project by calling attention through constant review to such delays in activities which
might lead to a delay in the project completion date. But it is difficult to used CPM as a
control ing device for the simple reason that one must repeat the entire evaluation of the
project each time the changes are introduced into the network.
PERT is said to be event-oriented as the results of analysis are expressed in terms of
events or distinct points in time indicative of progress. CPM is, on the other hand,
activity-oriented as the results of calculations are considered in terms of activities or
operations of the project.
In PERT the use of dummy activities is required for representing the proper
sequencing. But in CPM the use of dummy activities is not necessary.
PERT is applied mainly for planning and scheduling research programmes. On the
other hand, CPM is employed in construction and business problems.
PERT Cost Principles
Originally, PERT and CPM network techniques were developed essentially as
time-oriented techniques. They have been used as planning tools to estimate time
required for completing a project and to prepare time schedules. But in recent years,
PERT has been applied in the area of cost control. PERT cost is an extension of basic
PERT. It focuses attention upon costs as well as time. It is designed to develop a
minimum cost schedule or assist in maintaining tight control over costs.
In many projects, the estimated project duration may exceed the target duration.
It becomes necessary, therefore, to reduce (compress or crash) the critical path so as to
complete the project by the target date. This requires use of more workers, better
equipment overtime, etc. These in turn involve direct and indirect costs. A time-cost
trade-off is involved. The length of the project should be shortened to the point where the
savings in indirect project costs are equal to the cost of additional resources. The process
of shortenings a project is called crashing and it is usually achieved by adding extra
resources to an activity. Project crashing requires the determination of optimum time-
cost relationship which involves the following steps:
Subdivide the network of activities into work packages of comparable length and cost.
Find the normal critical path and identify the critical activities.
Calculate the time and cost estimates for different activities.
Calculate the cost slope which indicates the extra cost per unit of time required to
expedite an activity.
Cost slope = Crash cost ? Normal cost
Crash time ? Normal time
Rank the activities in the ascending order of importance.
Crash the activities in the critical path as per the ranking, i.e., activity with lowest cost
slope would be crashed first to the maximum possible extent.
Calculate the new direct cost by cumulative adding the cost of crashing to the normal
cost. In time cost analysis, the shortest possible activity times are referred to as crash
time` and the costs associated with them are crash costs`.
When the critical path duration is reduced, the path also become critical. Therefore
simultaneous crashing of the parallel critical paths is required.
As the further reduction of durations is no longer economical, i.e., the minimum point
on the total cost curve is reached (Fig. 35.5), the time cost relationship is optimized.
Illustration
A network has four activities the minimum feasible times and cost per day to achieve
reductions in the activity times are given below :
Activity
Minimum time
Time reduction direct costs per day.
1-2
2
Rs.40
1-3
2
LRs.35 (first) Rs. 80(second)
2-4
4
None possible
3-4
3
Rs.45 (first), Rs.110 (others)
If fixed project costs are Rs.90 per day, give the optimal time cost relationship.
Solution
Project
Indirect
Activity
Relevant
Relevant
Duration
Cost
Reduced
Direct
Total
(days)
Cost
Cost
10
Rs.900
None
Rs.0
Rs.900
9
810
1-3
0+35=35
845
8
720
1-2, 3-4
35+85=120
840
7
630
1-2,1-3
120+120=240
870
6
540
1-3,3-4
240+150=390
930
As the project progresses, actual costs are compared with budgeted costs to
determine which activities are under-running and which are over-running the budget.
Steps are then taken to add or delete resources. Time and costs estimates for
uncompleted work are revised. In this way PERT-cost provides systematic updating of
the time and cost estimates. The project plan is reviewed and revised. An important
feature of PERT-cost system is the preparation of time and cost reports. Such reports
provide timely information to management indicating problem areas. Management can
analyse such reports to decide the course of action.
Another significant feature of PERT-cost system is time-cost optimization
through proper al ocation of resources. Project is expedited by using additional
resources. If the resources are limited appropriate rescheduling is done. PERT-cost has
been used extensively in government contracts in order to develop accurate project-
estimates and to limit the amount of cost overrun.
Advantages of PERT-Cost
PERT-cost system measures and controls costs in terms of the activities. As a result it
leads to considerable improvements in project cost control.
Under PERT-cost system cost overruns are more easily detected and corrective action
is taken more readily .In fact, this has been the main argument for introducing a project-
oriented cost accounting system.
PERT-cost system supplies relatively more and useful information to management
then possible under conventional cost systems. This enables the management to do a
better job of planning and control. However, a project-oriented cost accounting cannot
always replace the conventional costing systems.PERT-cost has considerably improved
managerial planning and control because under it costs are categorized and reported in
full details. It provides good control mechanism while the project is under way.
PERT avoids frequent lengthy meeting needed for coordination. It cuts down on cross-
checking of unrelated project. It provides progress check points.
With the help of PERT-cost a supplier can tel the customer in advance what it would
cost extra to execute a rush order.
Another use of PERT-cost is in financial planning, i.e., in estimating the funds required
and the point of time they will be needed so that advance steps may be taken to secure
the necessary funds at the right time.
PERT-cost also provides management with a yardstick to measure the performance of
various departments and executives in meeting their cost and time schedules on the
project. It also helps to find future manpower needs which can be met either through
overtime or additional personnel.
Limitations of PERT-Cost
The PERT approach assumes that significant manpower and equipment resources are
available to keep a project on schedule. This may not always be true.
The cost col ection and reporting system required under PERT-cost can be quite
complex. An accounting code structure (i.e., the framework of numbers) is required and
it must be geared to project activities and events. In many situations new cost accounting
systems must be devised for handling labour, material and various indirect costs on an
activity basis.
The PERT network must be complete enough to reflect any activity which incurs cost.
The firm adopting PERT-cost for control should have good data processing capability
and a thorough understanding of the impending accounting requirements before
implementing the system.
In a complex project the number of events is so large that it becomes difficult and
expensive to establish job centre cost accounts for each activity.
There may be several overhead costs which cannot directly be related to an activity.
Sometimes, it may be very difficult to estimate changes in cost resulting from changes
in duration time. Cost curves may not be linear and cost slopes may not be constant.
5.6 Crashing the Project
It is easy then to use the linear programming formulation to determine which
projects to decrease the time for. Suppose we need to complete the house in 40 days, and
we can decrease the excavation by at most 1 day at cost $500/day, foundation by at most
2 days at cost $600 per day, rough walling by at most 2 days at cost $400 per day, and
exterior siding by at most 4 days at cost $300 per day decreased. How can we minimize
cost so that the house is finished in 40 days?
If we let new variables
and represent the number of days we decrease the
time needed for excavation, foundation, walling, and siding, respectively, then we get the
L.P.:
PERT
So far we have assumed that reasonably accurate estimates can be made of the time
required for each activity in the project network. In reality, ther is frequently some
uncertainty about the time an activity can take.
In a PERT network, this uncertainty is summed up in three numbers about each activity:
the most likely value for the duration (m), a pessimistic value (b) and an optimistic value
(a). PERT then fits a particular type of probability distribution to these values. This
distribution (the beta distribution) assumes that the range from a and b encompasses 6
standard deviations (3 on either side of the mean). The mean itself is calculated as
and the variance:
Based on these values, PERT will use an activity network to calculate a mean finishing
time along with a variance about that finishing time. There are two critical assumptions:
the times for the activities are independent of each other, and the critical path identified is
always the longest path in the network, no matter how the activity lengths turn out.
With these assumptions, you can solve a PERT network as follows. Find a
critical path using the CPM method with the mean activity times on the arcs. This gives
the mean finishing time. The variance of the finishing time is simply the sum of the
variances of the activities on the critical path. The overal finishing value is assumed to
be normally distributed, so quintiles are based on the normal distribution.
PERT al ows you to answer such questions as:
What is the probability the total time is less than 40 days?
What is the probability the total time is more than 50 days?
How much should the project budget be increased in order to ensure with 99%
probability that the project will finish by December 10?
Unfortunately, the assumptions behind PERT are very stringent. Be careful when using
any canned package for it hides the assumptions very well. Used correctly, both PERT
and CPM greatly aid in the control and analysis of large projects.
5.7 Project Abandonment
A project may have to be abandoned due to its becoming extremely non-viable.
Such a situation may develop on account of one or more of the following factors:
Change in the Government Policy:
Change in the demand pattern due to long gestation period; and
Obsolescence of the product.
When the prospect of a project turning unprofitable becomes fairly certain and
there is little possibility of making the project profitable in future, the management
should decide to abandon and salvage the investment to the maximum extent possible.
However, such a decision should be taken after a careful consideration of all relevant
factors affecting the goodwill, public image, Government`s regulations, interest of the
financial institutions and the shareholders, etc. The following two points need careful
consideration:
The present value of the after tax cash benefits, which will continue to accrue to the
company if the project is not abandoned.
The realizable value from the disposal of the assets in case the project is liquidated.
In case the present disposal value of the project, as discussed under the point (i ),
is higher than the present value of the cash benefits, as discussed in point (i), it will be
beneficial to liquidate the project.
The ascertainment of the values under both the above circumstances need careful
working on the part of the Finance Manager. He has to look into the future to make his
own estimates by taking into consideration all relevant factors affecting the cash flows
and frame a proposal for consideration of the top management.
An existing concern may also become non-viable at a certain stage and it may
be the victim of industrial sickness. In such a situation urgent steps are required for
prevention of the sickness and the case may have to be referred to the Board for
Financial and Industrial Reconstruction (BFIR), set up under the Sick Industrial
Companies(Special Provisions) Act, 1985. The Board goes through the entire case of
the company and recommends a suitable rehabilitation package or winding up of the
company, As it deems fit.
In case a part of the total operation of the company becomes non-viable, the
decision regarding its abandonment may be taken on the same lines as discussed above.
5.8 Resource Levelling
In PERT and CPM technique there is an implied assumption that required
resources are always available. When resources are limited, two alternative courses of
action are available. In the first alternative, the activities are critically sequenced and the
minimum period of the project is redetermined. This process is called Resource
Levelling. The problem here is to manipulate the activity slacks, schedules and resources
requirements throughout the duration of the project.
In resource leveling two types of problems are involved:
Levelling resource demands with constraint on the total project duration time.
Minimization of the project duration time with a constraint on the total
availability of certain key resources.
The first problem arises when resources are adequate but they are desired to be
used a t a relatively constant rate during the life of the project. The second problem
occurs when the resources cannot be increased and the object is to minimize project
duration with available resources.
Thus, resource leveling or lead leveling is required when the demands on
specified resources are required not to exclude the specified level and the duration of the
project is not invariant.
Resource Smoothing
When there is a constraint on the total project duration, resource scheduling
smoothens the demand on resources so that the demand for any resource is as uniform
as possible and the maximum demand on any resource does not exceed the prescribed
limit. This process is known as resource smoothing or load smoothing.
For resource smoothing and allocation problems, the load is often described in
terms of a Resource Histograms`, which is compared with the available resources prior
to smoothing out the load. A histogram converts the network into a basic diagram. When
the cumulative resources requirements for each time unit below the time scaled network
are plotted we get a histogram. The resource histogram is also known as free curve`. It
establishes the framework within which smoothing or leveling must occur.
5.9 Line Balancing
A production line is typically associated with continuous or flow production
system. Production lines are particularly appropriate for high volume operations. In a
production line work is divided into individual tasks and assigned to consecutive
workstations on the line. In mass production on progressive assembly line the workload
between various machines or workstations should be balanced. The need for balancing
the line becomes obvious when it is considered that the output to be received from the
line is determined by the maximum time involved in the performance of work at one
particular workstation. The imbalances existing in the line would lead to wastage of
time at al other work stations when one work station holds up the total output rate.
Therefore, it is necessary to level out or balance the cycle times at each workstation.
Line balancing refers to the apportionment of sequential work activities into
workstations in order to achieve maximum possible utilization of facilities and to
minimize idle time. In case of wholly automated operations, line balancing is largely
achieved through engineering design. In other cases balancing of equipment capacities
poses a problem. If the time requirements at one workstation are very large in
comparison with other stations, the tasks at the station may have to be further subdivided
or additional personnel may be added to the station. Alternatively, a parallel section may
be provided so that two or more units may be worked on simultaneously. The speed of
an assembly line is determined by the desired rate of output, spacing of products on the
line, time requirements of workstations, and pace considerations appropriate to the
workers.
Many simulation and heuristic models are used for balancing assuming that workers
have constant operation times. These models do not necessary result in mathematically
provable optimal balances. But reasonably good solution can be found. Let us describe
certain terms used in these techniques.
Task: Task is the natural minimum element of work beyond which assembly work
cannot be divided rationally without creating unnecessary work. The tasks are usually
denoted as U i.
Total work content: This is the aggregate amount of work of the total assembly. Thus if
t i denotes the performance time of the ith task, the sum of the performance time is the
total work content if N represents the total number of tasks.
Station work content: This is the time required to perform the work content at the given
station. This is also called operation time.
Cycle time: This is the maximum operation time and determines the rate of output.
Balance delay time: It is the amount of idle time on the line due to the imbalance, if
any. Balance delay is the ratio between the total idle time and the total time spent by the
product in moving from the beginning to the end of the line.
The balancing restrictions are constraints imposed on the order or time sequence in
which work elements have to be performed and these arise from technological
precedence relationships or zoning constraints or due to the nature of the tasks.
Balancing delay of a line (d) can be expressed mathematically as a ratio:
Where d is the balance delay ratio
N is the number of work stations
C is the maximum operation time, and
Is the total work content.
The aim of all line balancing techniques is to minimize the value of d`
which requires that nc must be equal to must be an integer and that al constraints are
satisfied.
is a constant determined by the technology of the process the problem is reduced to
minimizing nc` Nc may be minimized by (a) working from a given production rate and
equivalently a cycle time c` to determine the lowest vale of n` of (b) working from a
given number of work stations and equivalently by a given value of n` to determine the
lowest value of c` the operation time to maximize production rate consistent with the
time and ordering constraints.
Line balancing requires accounting for operator time variability and grouping
work activities so that they most efficiently balance the production line. Simulation has
proved to be a useful technique for studying the efforts of variable performance times. It
reveals worker idle time, waiting time of parts, length of waiting line and average output.
Heuristic methods are widely used for grouping assembly line activities into the
optimum number of work stations. One heuristic method of balancing involves drawing
a precedence diagram complete with activity times and then grouping the activities into
work station zones that do not exceed the specified time availability per station.
Assuming that activities may be combined within a given zone so long as precedence
relationships are maintained, the work zones can be designated on the precedence
diagram. Then appropriate components into preceding zones are moved until there is
maximum possible use of the times.
In order to balance the production line grouping of work activities may become
necessary. Line balancing activities are usually undertaken to meet a specified output.
For example, if a conveyor speed is 4 feet per minute and units are placed at 4 feet
intervals, the output rate will be one unit per minute. Each workstation will have one
minute of available time. If the output is to be two units per minute either the conveyor
speed should be doubled or a 2 feet spacing should be used. In both the cases the time
per unit available at each workstation would be reduced to half a minute. In order to
produce at a specified rate the assembly sequence must be carefully delineated and the
time requirements for each assembly task must be known. An efficient balance among
the activities will complete the required work while maintaining the specified sequence
and minimizing the idle time.
This post was last modified on 14 March 2022