Ratish KMML Project
Ratish KMML Project
Project Report
Of the
By
RATISH KANT.R
Mrs. Bindi.K.R
NORTH PARAVUR
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this is a bonafide record of the Project titled “A Study on the
work done in partial fulfilment of the MBA programme of Mahatma Gandhi University
and that this report has not formed the basis for award of any degree/diploma or other
to do the Organization Study. I would also like to thank the Director of SNGIST
Dr. C. Karthikeyan, Head of the Department Mr. Kuppachi Sreenivas and Faculty
Mrs. Bindi K R for encouraging and guiding me for my project at The Kerala
Minerals and Metals Ltd,. Chavara and encouraging me to learn a lot of new
subjects.
KERALA MINERALS AND METALS LTD Mr. James Paul and the whole of
THE KMML family for their help throughout the Organizational Study and
I would also like to thank all the staffs in the organization for their timely help
and co-operation.
Ratish Kant.R
INDEX
2 Introduction
3 Industry Profile
4 Company Profile
5 Product profile
8 Research Methodology
A. Research Design
B. Source of Data
C. Sample Design
D. Research Instrument
E. Analysis of Data
G. Limitations of Study
10 Screenshots of MkIS
11 Review of Literature
14 Conclusions
15 Bibliography
16 List of Abbreviations
17 Questionnaire
LIST OF TABLES
1. List of Tables
19 Are there any needs for shifting from the current MkIS to ERP
systems.
INTRODUCTION
2. Introduction
All aspect of information including its collection, storage, processing, retrieval and use must
be managed. The marketing oriented firm needs some form of process to carry out this
activity. What is needed is some form of system devoted to the management of the entire
information needs of the organisation. Such a system is called a Marketing Information
System (MkIS). Marketing research is a component part of an integrated MkIS.
Marketing is the management process that anticipates and delivers customer value more
effectively and efficiently than the competition and, in a profit making organisation, does so
at an acceptable level of profit. Many markets are dynamic rather than static. The only thing
really certain about the future is that it will be different from today. Marketing management
needs to anticipate and stay ahead of these changes. Much marketing decision making a t the
strategic level requires some form of prediction or forecast of likely future conditions across a
wide variety of areas. Marketing information systems can be used to provide information for
use in a wide range of decision areas. Not all of these invo lve forecasting. However it would
be true to say of any information system or decision support system, that the end product is
usually a decision about the future made in the present, often based largely on information
about the past. This process by its very nature involves forecasting.
The term ‘system’ often conjures up thoughts of computers in the minds of many people.
They incorrectly feel it must be too sophisticated for their business and must require a great
deal of technical skill to design and implement. As we shall see such a system can be purely
manual. Hence companies of all sizes are carrying out information audits in an attempt to
design systems that will meet their information needs and give them a competitive edge.
Kotler defines an MkIS as:
‘…. consisting of people, equipment and procedures to gather, sort, analyse, evaluate and
distribute needed, timely and accurate information to marketing decision makers.’
A formal MkIS can be of great benefit to any organisation no matter what it’s size or the
level of managerial sophistication. It is true today that in many companies an MkIS is
operated as part of a computer system. If no computing capability is available, the design and
implementation of an MkIS is still possible can be based entirely on a manual system of
reference cards and files. Such a system will lack the ease of storage and retrieval of a
computer system, but some form of manual system is better than having nothing and leaving
the management of information to chance. To manage a business well is to manage its future
and this means the management of information (MIS) of which the MkIS is an integral part,
which is a valuable resource to be carefully managed as any other resource e.g. human
resources and financial resources.
INDUSTRY PROFILE
3. Industry Profile
Mr. Reb Williams Gregor was the one who found the unfamiliar block of magnetic sand
blended with titanium at first. It was Mr. Kapoth who discovered the titanium. The name
titanium was derived from the Greek word ‘Titan’. The first commercial production of
titanium was an alloy addition to iron steel. In 1906 Ferro alloys were developed in the
US. A decade later TiO2 pigment was produced on a commercial scale.
The history of Indian titanium industry bearing mineral dates way back to 1909 when the
German geologist Mr. Schomberg discovered the presence of monazite in the black beach
sands attached to the traditional export item-coir. The first shipment of Ilmenite from
India left Chavara in 1922. M/s FX Pereira & Sons Travancore Pvt Ltd established the
first fully fledged Ilmenite mineral industry in 1932. By the end of 1940, there were four
companies engaged in export of Ilmenite mineral along the Chavara beach. FX Pereira &
Sons Travancore Pvt Ltd which was involved in mineral separation technology was taken
over by ‘The Kerala State Govt.’ in the year 1956. This continued to function as FXP
Mineral Deposit of Chavara. It was the richest mineral asset of the state which required
larger exploitation. This led to the formation of ‘The Kerala Minerals & Metals Ltd’ in
1972. The Travancore Titanium Products Ltd, Trivandrum was the first pigment industry
in the country from 1951. The KMML started the production of TiO2 pigment using the
chloride technology from 1985.
COMPANY PROFILE
4. Company Profile
Around a century ago, the local folks spun ropes out of coir on the beaches of Kerala,
which was not only used to tie the masts of the sails in the ships but were exported in large
quantities to Europe and other countries. These ropes were smeared with the sands of the
beaches.
Once out of sheer curiosity, Dr. Schomberg, a German scientist analyzed this cla y and
to his surprise, it was found to contain traces of monazite in it. This exciting discovery
changed the destiny of the sleepy coastal hamlet Sankaramangalam in south Kerala, from
where the coir was exported.
Today The Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited, one of Kerala’s flagship companies
in the public sector exports Titanium Dioxide, produced from the sand mined from the beach,
to over 45 countries worldwide. The landmark discovery led to a series of studies into this
offering of nature. The researches revealed that the sand contained several rare elements like
Ilmenite, Zircon and Rutile. The commercial possibilities of these precious metals gave a
renewed impetus to the mineral processing industry. To derive maximum advantage from
these minerals, which are available in abundance along the shoreline, the Kerala Minerals and
Metals Ltd (KMML) was set up in 1972.
KMML is the world’s only integrated Titanium Dioxide plant- right from mining to
the final pigment. It is also India’s only producer of Rutile grade Titanium Dioxide by the
chloride route. The state of the art factories located at Sankaramangalam and Kovilthottam
have access to the world’s richest mineral beaches is an advantage which makes the
company’s product highly competitive in the international markets. KEMOX, the branded
Titanium Dioxide of KMML is in great demand all over the world.
KMML produces six different grades of Titanium Dioxide to meet the specific needs
of various industries. Products like Titanium Tetrachloride, Ilmenite, Rutile, Leucoxene and
Silimanite are the basic raw materials for a number of industries. Zircon and Monazite find
their use in nuclear technology. Apart from these, KMML also produces Iron Oxide bricks, a
popular building material. Titanium Dioxide pigment manufactured by KMML is known for
its extra gloss, longer tint retention and for its easy dispersion qualities.
The high quality of its products, the superior technology and its reputation of being a
professionally managed company has helped KMML to rise to the position of a formidable
and respectable company. The awards and international acclaim are a testimony to its
committed and impressive performance over the years.
With continued growth and demand in the economy and industry, the products of KMML are
being lapped up by the eager market. This has in turn set the wheels turning for KMML’s
expansion. KMML has always been responsive to social and environmental causes. Some of
the initiatives taken by KMML have made a significant change to the area and its people.
The Vision Statement
To be a world class producer of mineral and sand based value added products.
To become nodal agency for promoting and establishing mineral based industries in
the state to ensure value addition, effective and controlled exploitation of mineral
reserves.
To develop adequate supply base for the service and utility for development of
mineral based industries.
To become the leader in controlling green house gas emission so as to promote the
concept of Green Earth.
PRODUCT PROFILE
5. Product Profile
Titanium Tetrachloride
General Description
Application
Titanium Tetra Chloride is exclusively used in the manufacture of Titanium dioxide pigment,
Titanium sponge/metal. Titanium salts, Butyl titanate and Titanium oxy-chlorides.
Titanium Dioxide
Kemox RC 800
General Description
KEMOX RC 800 is a low absorption medium durable alumina treated Rutile Titanium
Dioxide pigment produced by the chloride process. It has a high gloss producing properties
for interior trade sales paints and industrial coatings. It exhibits high brightness, excellent tint
strength in gloss and semi- gloss enamels.
Application
KEMOX RC 800 is recommended for printing inks, high gloss coatings, industrial coatings,
low abrasivity pigment for letter press gravure, polyamides and exterior applications where
maximum chalk resistance is not required.
Kemox RC 800PG
General Description
KEMOX RC 800PG is low oil absorption, medium durable alumina treated plastic grade
rutile pigment produced by the chloride process. It has high tinting strength and excellent
dispersion property. RC 800PG exhibits comparatively low abrasivity.
Application
KEMOX RC800PG finds applications in plastics requiring a blue white high dispersion
TiO2. Other areas of application are powder coating, polyethylene films and vinyl sheet
goods. It is used in most other common plastic/rubber floor like applications.
Kemox RC802
General Application
Application
KEMOX RC 802 is recommended for both interior and exterior applications. This is
recommended for architectural and industrial paints both solvent and water based.
Kemox RC 808
General Application
KEMOX RC 808 is a chloride process rutile titanium dioxide pigment surface treated with
alumina, zirconia and silica. It is designed to a universal grade suitable for multi purpose
applications where outstanding optical properties, very good gloss retention and chalk
resistance are required. KEMOX RC 808 gives high gloss, haze free finishes and high
brightness. It is easily dispersed and has very high tinting strength and produces clean shades
in tints.
Application
Kemox RC 813
General Description
KEMOX RC 813 is a highly treated rutile pigment produced by the chloride process. It is
surface treated with alumina and silica. It has highest dry hiding properties. KEMOX RC 813
has he highest durability in exterior weathering. It has excellent dispersibility.
Application
KEMOX RC 813 can be used in both interior and exterior low gloss and flat paints and
coatings both solvent and water based. It finds application in interior flat wall paints, exterior
low gloss or flat chemical coatings etc. KEMOX RC 813 can be described as universal
pigment for all coatings formulated at higher percentage pigment volume concentrations.
Kemox RC 822
General Description
KEMOX RC 822 is a silica-alumina and organic treated titanium dioxide pigment produced
by the chloride process. It has the highest degree of weather resistance, gloss and tint
retention properties in exterior film applications. It is characterised by an optical balance of
high initial gloss, ease of dispersion, opacifying power and exterior weathering properties.
Application
KEMOX RC 822 is recommended for interior and exterior enamels and lacquers for
industrial and architectural purposes.
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
6. Objectives of the study
I was interested to study about the marketing information systems of KMML. The main
scope of this study is how to impact the marketing information system in KMML for future
decision making or future activities. Marketing system meets the information needs of an
organization in sales, sales, distribution, advertising, market analysis, market research,
product research, customer profile and other marketing functions.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
8. Research Methodology
The success of a research mainly depends on the methodology on which it is carried out. The
applied methodology will improve the validity of findings. The research methodology
describes the method of data collection, sample size, population and sampling procedure and
so on. In this there are so many steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying
the research problem along with the logic behind them.
Research Design
The research design simply is the framework or plan for a study that guides. The collection
and analysis of the data function of a research design is to ensure that the required data are
collected accurately and economically.
For this study exploratory type of research was used. So an extensive survey is
conducted to serve the purpose. The objective of exploratory research is to generate new
ideas based on the views and opinion of the employees and customers.
Source Of Data
1. Primary data:-
Primary data are those collected for the first time for the particular purpose
and thus original in character. For this study primary data was collected through observation,
interviews, questionnaire and by personal visit.
2. Secondary data:-
Secondary data are those which have already been collected for their purpose,
which includes data collected from previous annual report, company brochures etc. For this
study, secondary data was collected from magazines, company website etc.
Sample Design
For the study the instrument used was structured questionnaire and unstructured
interview. Questions are prepared on the basis of objectives of the study.
Analysis Of Data
After the collection of data, each question were classified and tabulated subject to analysis.
The data obtained were analysed in the percentage analysis
Diagram and graph is one of the methods to simplifying the complexity of quantitative data
and to make them easily intelligible.
Restricted access inside the premises due to security aspect was also a major limitation.
INFORMATION SYSTEM OF KMML
9. Information System Of KMML
The company is following many systems for their developments of marketing information
system, marketing intelligent system and decision support system. But the company is
concentrating more on marketing information system.
KMML is a member of chemical & allied product export council (CAPEXIL) Bulletins of
CAPEXIL are regularly received by KMML and more used to obtain the latest trend of TiO2
demand for various customers both indigenous and foreign.
KMML subscribes ‘Paint India’ a leading publication of paint industry and also’ Mineral
market report’ which provides valuable information about TiO2 at national & international
level.
KMML uses the service rendered by Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) which conducts
valuable research programs as advised by KMML. For this KMML has to pay fees annually
for their research studies. These are the ways in which KMML gets information about the
pigment market in general and the recent trends prevailing in the industry.
One of the important specialities of KMML’s market information system is that the grade-
wise sales report is prepared in the company after the implementation of information system.
KMML implemented the information system in the year 2000. Till the year 2000 there was
no export sales in KMML. The sales and production increased after implementation of the
information system. The profitability position also reflected a great change after the
introduction of the information system at KMML.
Yearly sales report of 2000-2008
Year MT
2000-2001 23501.500
2001-2002 26202.175
2002-2003 26758.815
2003-2004 27485
2004-2005 32153
2005-2006 31884
2006-2007 31415
2007-2008 35768
2008-2009 38465.540
Review of related literature plays a significant role in any type of research work. It
allows the researcher to acquaint with current knowledge in the field or area in which the
researcher is going to conduct his research. Review of related literature implies locating,
reading and evaluating report of casual observations a nd opinions that are related to the
individual’s planned projects.
The related literatures reviewed for the present study are classified as:
Marketing is the process of transferring goods from the point of production to the
point of consumption. Marketing is the essence of commerce. It makes goods useful
to the society by getting them transferred to those people who want them.
The information system has a very important role in marketing activities. The
information system meets the marketing information of an organization. The
information system in marketing is primarily customer oriented. Marketing
information needs of an organization is sales, advertising, distribution, market
analysis, market research etc.
Better Service
5
Lesser Paperwork
2
Efficiency Improvement
12
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the people believe that the main reason for shifting from the traditional marketing
activities to the MkIS is for improvement of the efficiency.
2. Implementation of MkIS has improved the efficiency of the employees.
Yes
19
No
1
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the people believes that the implementation of the MkIS has improved the
efficiency of the employees.
3. Present MkIS is user friendly to operate.
Yes
16
No
4
Total
20
Inference:
16 out of the 20 employees believe that the present MkIS is user friendly to operate.
4. MkIS helps in increasing the profitability of the organization.
Yes
19
No
1
Total
20
Inference:
19 out of the 20 employees believe that the MkIS has helped in increasing the profitability of
the organization.
5. Are there technical problems/system failures with the current MkIS.
Yes
6
No
14
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the employees opinion that they do not face problems/system failures with the
current MkIS.
6. MkIS at KMML is effective in handling your customers.
Yes
19
No
1
Total
20
Inference:
19 of the 20 employees are of the opinion that the MkIS at KMML is highly effective in
handling the customers.
7. MkIS more helpful in forecasting and decision making than the traditional system.
Yes
16
No
4
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees are of the opinion that the present MkIS is more helpful in forecasting and
decision making than the traditional system.
8. Current system is up to date to cater the present needs of the organization.
Yes
14
No
6
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the employees are of the opinion that the present MkIS system is up to date to cater
the needs of the organization.
9. Frequent training programmes are conducted for the employees to increase the efficiency in
handling the MkIS.
Yes
18
No
2
Total
20
Inference:
18 out of the 20 employees has the opinion that frequent programmes are conducted for
them to increase their efficiency in handling the MkIS system.
10. Are you satisfied with the security aspects of the current MkIS.
Yes
15
No
5
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the employees are satisfied with the security aspects of the current MkIS.
11. Implementation of new systems are necessary even though it causes loss of jobs to employees.
Yes
10
No
10
Total
20
Inference:
Half of the employees have the opinion that implementation of new systems are necessary
even though it causes loss of jobs.
12. Do you receive proper follow-ups from the service technicians to keep the systems properly
functioning.
Yes
15
No
5
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees accept they receive proper follow-ups from the service technicians to keep
the system properly functioning.
13. MkIS is not limited to use by the staff’s only, but also provides information to
The Govt.
4
Shareholders
0
Customers
12
Stockists
4
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees believe that the MkIS helps in providing information to the customers apart
from the employees.
14. Marketing activities of KMML runs smoothly with the help of MkIS.
Yes
18
No
2
Total
20
Inference:
18 out of the 20 employees believe that the marketing activities of KMML runs smoothly
with the help of MkIS.
15. The processed information from the MkIS disseminates the needs of the employees at the right
time.
Yes
11
No
9
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the employees believe that the information processed by the MkIS reflects the
needs of the employees at the right time.
16. MkIS helps to meet the global challenges that the company face in the marketing fields.
Yes
16
No
4
Total
20
Inference:
Most of the employees believe that the MkIS helps to meet the global challenges that the
company faces in the marketing fields.
17. Current MkIS system is outdated.
Yes
7
No
13
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees opinion that the current MkIS system is not outdated.
18. Are you aware of ERP systems.
Yes
12
No
8
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees are aware of ERP Systems.
19. Are there any needs for shifting from the current MkIS to ERP systems.
Yes
12
No
8
Total
20
Inference:
Most employees have the opinion that there are needs to shift from the current MkIS to ERP
systems.
FINDINGS & SUGGESTIONS
13. Findings and Suggestions
Findings
1. The main reason for shifting to the MkIS is for efficiency improvement.
2. Most of the employees of the marketing department at KMML believes that
implementation of the MkIS has drastically improved their efficiency.
3. The employees are of the opinion that the current MkIS is highly user friendly to
operate.
4. Most employees at the marketing department of the KMML believe that the MkIS has
helped in increasing the profitability of the organization to a great extent.
5. The MkIS at KMML is highly reliable and does not cause frequent breakdowns and
crashes.
6. The MkIS at KMML is highly effective in handling the customer queries and
requests.
7. The MkIS at the KMML helps a lot in forecasting and decision making than the
traditional system.
8. KMML has the latest MkIS implemented for catering the needs of the organization.
9. Frequent training programmes are conducted for the employees to increase their
efficiency in handling the MkIS.
10. KMML has a highly secure MkIS system implemented.
11. Employees at KMML has a mixed reaction regarding the implementation of new
systems because it may also result in job loss to some employees.
12. Dedicated service technicians keeps the systems properly functioning.
13. Apart from the employees the main beneficiary of the MkIS at the KMML are the
customers, the govt. and the stockists.
14. Implementation of the MkIS at the KMML has smoothened the marketing activities of
the organization.
15. MkIS helps the employees in fulfilling the needs of the employees at the right time.
16. Implementation of the MkIS at the KMML has helped in meeting the global
challenges faced by the organization.
17. KMML has an Up to date MkIS installed for its employees.
18. Most of the present employees are aware of the ERP systems.
19. As a part of technical advancement, the MkIS needs to be replaced by ERP systems.
Suggestions
4. The present MkIS system should be made more responsive to cater the needs of the
employees.
5. The company should sort out a way for implementing new technologies with out
6. Proper maintenance of the system is to be done in order to prevent it from failures and
frequent crashes.
CONCLUSION
14. Conclusion
Bringing more to your everyday life, KMML touches you in numerous ways. Be it the dress
you wear, the cosmetics you use, the medicines you take, the paints you decorate your home
with or the utility plastic products, our products are there. Eco- friendly & socially committed,
it is the only integrated Titanium Dioxide facility having mining, mineral separation,
synthetic rutile and pigment-production plants. With continued growth and demand in the
economy and industry, the products of KMML are being lapped up by the eager market. This
has in turn set the wheels turning for KMML’s expansion. KMML has always been
responsive to social and environmental causes. Some of the initiatives taken by KMML have
made a significant change to the area and its people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
15. Bibliography
MT - Metric Tonnes
GM - General Manager
MS - Mineral Separation
QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaire on “A Study on The Marketing Information System (MkIS) of KMML”.
Name:_________________ Designation:_______________________
1. The main reason for changing from traditional marketing activities to MkIS.
Adopting new technology Better Service
Lesser paper work Efficiency improvement
2. Do you think the implementation of MkIS has improved the efficiency of the
employees?
Yes No
7. Is the present MkIS more helpful in forecasting and decision making than the
traditional system?
Yes No
8. Is the current system up to date to cater the present needs of the organization?
Yes No
9. Are frequent training programmes conducted for the employees to increase the
efficiency in handling the MkIS?
Yes No
10. Are you satisfied with the security aspects of the current MkIS?
Yes No
11. Do you believe that implementation of new systems are necessary even though it
causes loss of jobs to employees?
Yes No
12. Do you receive proper follow- ups from the service technicians to keep the systems
properly functioning?
Yes No
13. The MkIS is not limited to use by the staff’s only, but also provides information to-
The Govt. Shareholders
Customers Stockists
14. Marketing activities of KMML runs smoothly with the help of MkIS.
Yes No
15. The processed information from the MkIS disseminates the needs of the employees at
the right time?
Yes No
16. Do you believe the MkIS helps to meet the global challenges that the company face in
the marketing fields?
Yes No
19. Are there any needs for shifting from the current MkIS to ERP systems?
Yes No