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SUPERVISED BY
SUBMITTED BY
Ayesha Hashmi
UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR
Session: 2005-2009
January 2010
UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR
SUPERVISOR
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EXTERNAL EXAMINER
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Ii
List Of Graphs Iv
List Of Charts V
List Of Acronyms Vi
Executive Summary Vii
Section 1
Chapter – 1
Section 2
REVIEW
Chapter – 2
An Overview Of Standard Chartered Bank
2.1. Meaning Of Bank 6
2.5. Branches 8
Chapter – 3
3.2.4. Motivation 20
Chapter – 4
4.1.4. It Department 27
Chapter – 5
5.2. Lockers 32
5.3. 24 Hours Banking 32
5.4. E-Statements 35
Section 3
ANALYSIS
Chapter – 6
Critical Analysis
6.1. Financial Analysis 37
6.3.1. Strengths 52
6.3.2. Weakness 56
6.3.3. Opportunities 60
6.3.4. Threats 62
Section 4
Recommendations
7.3. Advertisements 66
7.17. Centralization 70
Section 5
ACTION PLAN
Chapter 8
Implementation Plan 71
Persons Interviewed 79
Bibliography 80
Annexure 81
PREFACE
Learning the emerging skills is one of the means to keep the pace with
time. Business is most dynamic and ever progressing field. Newer skills
are developing day by day. Hence to keep the pace, learning of basics of,
is taking the first step.
The appeal of being a part of an organization, which has its root in the
history of 19th century, augmented with a rich cultural background, was
extremely fascinating and finally I decided to see and explore this
multinational organization.
Utmost efforts are made to complete this internship report in all respect.
However, I think, there is always room for improvement. Internship
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In this first meeting of eight weeks with my practical life, I have the
honor of working with some highly talented, successful, initiative,
impressive, and inspiring banking executives specially Miss Noor, Mr.
Akmal Khan, and Mr. Adil Khan who guided me in learning the works
performed by them in their routine tasks.
AYESHA HASHMI
Student of BBA HONS
Institute Of Management Studies
University of Peshawar
January 2010
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF GRAPHS
LIST OF CHARTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AM Accounts Manager
BFC Banca Financial Consultant
BOM Branch operations manager
CRO Customer Relationship Officer
DFI Development Finance
Institutions
EBBS Electronic basis banking system
FM Floor Manager
GBP Great Britain Pound
MCB Muslim Commercial Bank
NBP National Bank Of Pakistan
PFC Personal Financial Consultant
SBP State Bank Of Pakistan
SCB Standard Chartered Bank
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The report aims at appraising the working of Standard Chartered Bank, its
functions and operation and attempts to assess its performance. Certain
recommendations are presented for the potential areas of improvement. An
implementation plan of the recommended steps is given at the end of the
report.
The financial analysis of the bank shows that bank had a sound financial
status in the previous years as compared to 2009 due to global economic
recession and the current situation of law and order.
SECTION 1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Broad Purpose
Specific Purpose
The scope of the study covers two areas and their related variables.
a. Annual reports
b. Internet
c. Brochures of bank
d. Books
1.4.3. Limitation
While collecting data there were many limitations faced which if not were
present may resulted in a better and more accurate report. Some of the
limitations are
Section 1
Introduction to Report
Chapter 1
Section 2
Review
Chapter 2
Introduction to Bank
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Departments of Bank
Chapter 5
Section 3 Analysis
Chapter 6
Financial Analysis
Section 4
Chapter 7
Recommendations
Section 5
Action Plan
Chapter 8
Implementation Plan
SECTION 2
REVIEW
CHAPTER 2
HISTORY OF SCB
Some authors write that the word bank is derived from Italian word
“bancus” or “banque” which means a bench. Because in the old days the
Jews used to make banking settlements by sitting on the benches, therefore
it was given the name of bancus, which changed to bank.1
Some other authors are of the opinion that the word bank is derived from a
German word “back”, which means “joint stock fund” & when the major
part of Italy was occupied by the German then this word ‘back’ was
Italianized in to the word bank.
Standard chartered is named after two banks, which merged in 1969. They
were originally known as the standard bank of British and South Africa
and the chartered bank of India, Australia, and china. Both banks were
keen to capitalize on the huge expansion of trade between Europe, Asia,
and Africa and to reap the handsome profits to be made from financing
that trade.
The bank is trusted across its network for its standard of governance and
corporate responsibility as well as its commitment to making a difference
in the communities in which it operates.
Africa, the United Kingdom, and the America. Standard chartered is one
of the world’s most international banks, with employees representing 80
nationalities.
The bank is trusted across its network for its standard of governance and
its commitment to making a difference in the communities in which it
operates. Standard chartered is one of the world’s best international banks.
In all their markets they are
2.5. BRANCHES
The bank with its long heritage of nearly 150 years is capable to change
with time, offering quality products by means that are convenient to the
potential customers. The bank has currently 162 online branches across
Pakistan in all the four provinces and major cities, which ensure that the
services are being performed quickly and efficiently.
Countries of Operations 56
Table: 2.1.
Source: www.standardcharteredbank.com
SCB is one of the most dynamic and progressive bank in the banking
industry of Pakistan. This is due to its impressive growth and
3
www.standardchartered.com
The expansion and growth of the banking sector in Pakistan has been
remarkable. Until 1942, the growth of banking comprised the phases of
laying the foundation of the banking structure. The establishment of SCB
has started a new era in the banking system. This was the phase
competition with the already established giants. Banking underwent a
complete change; clients were naturally attracted to the bank, which
provided better and quicker banking services. When standard chartered
bank challenged the major banks of the time they began evaluate their
policies and were surprised to find that they had a lot to change before
long. They began to change and adopt a more modern and relevant
strategy.
The bank has always played key role in the promotion of foreign trade
especially in financing of exports. The bank’s achievement in the area is
commendable, as it has not only to compete with the domestic banks but
with the large international financial agencies as well.
CHAPTER 3
Africa, South Asia, Europe, North, and Central America etc with an office
for each region. Furthermore, Standard Chartered has also functional
divisions like consumer banking, corporate and institutional banking,
human resource, etc, which are headed by the functional managers.
Reporting to the regional heads, we have the CEOs of different countries
and the country heads of various functional departments. The country head
of Pakistan who is the senior group representative reports to the regional
head in Dubai they have a board that provides a good balance
In cities with more than one SCB branch, there exists one main branch, all
other branches report to the main branch. Apart from this SCB has divided
At the SCB Peshawar branch, the workforce has been divided into
different groups on a functional basis and raked according to their
positions at the bank.
PFCs are responsible for marketing the bank’s products and services and
bringing in fresh business. This is why they have the direct sales
Other department at the bank is credit card department. The credit card
department does not report to the floor manager but rather to the credit
card regional manager in Islamabad. One collection and service officer
forms it. Two sales agents also work in this department. The collection
and the services officer is salaried worker while the sales agents work on
the commission basis. The bank also hires a telephone operator on contract
basis. Organizational structure of the branch is as follows
organizational objective. SCB has devised its own policies for the
recruitment, training, and motivation of employees.
SCB has developed its own recruitment process based on the requirements
of the bank’s policies. The first step is advertisement, online
advertisements and advertisements in print media are given which are
main source of pools of applicants. Among the pools, selection of
candidates is done based on the above-mentioned criteria. These selected
candidates are called for a written test. Those qualifying the tests are
further asked for an interview in the main branch of the region. The
committee including the manager of retail banking services and treasury
manager evaluates the candidates based on the personality,
communication skill, and educational qualifications. Short listing restricts
a small group of candidates selected for the final interview. The committee
including chief manager administration seeks the potential candidates,
evaluating their subject knowledge, analytical experience, general know
how and particular information about the job. The successful candidates
are enlisted for the job.
SCB exercise two kinds of training and development programs for the
employees.
a. Initial training
3.2.4. Motivation
a. Promotion
b. Medical Allowance
c. Punishment
d. Salary
Beside a basic pay scale bonus is given to employees if they achieve more
than their targets.
Inspection teams are sent from time to time from main head office Karachi
to evaluate the performance of employees. Apart from this audit, reports
are also made annually on the performance of employees, which are sent
to the main head office that are helpful in promoting and appraising
employees thus a positive mean of motivation.
CHAPTER 4
DEPARTMENTS OF SCB
PESHAWAR BRANCH
4.1. DEPARTMENTALIZATION
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(on-line) Available http://www.hrdictionary.com
• Locker services
• Remittances
• Deposit
4. IT department
5. Credit card department
1. Sales Department
The job of sales department is to attract the customers to open account in
the bank. Sales department is headed by Mohammad Adil Khan (floor
manager). He mainly is responsible to look for the whole sales personal
along with the customer relation departments. Assisting the floor manager
are PFCs (personal financial consultants), direct sales representatives
(DSR), and customer relations officers (CRO) reporting to him. PFCs
report directly to the floor manager.
The main branch has a BSU in which many activities are performed.
Cashiers and tellers are also part of it. Normally BSU is related to the
operations department and they carry out activities collectively. Entry in
BSU is not for everyone specific code is given to the workers of BSU to
enter in by putting the code. This dept is backbone of all activities of the
bank. BSU and universal tellers work in this division and they coordinate
the activities of the front office. This division deals with operational
issues. This BSU is also located in the cash section and only authorized
personnel can enter. Universal tellers do not handle cash directly. Instead,
they offer other services.
BSU has further many divisions but before going into details of sub
divisions let us have a quick review of basic functions of BSU
b. Remittances
a. Strong Room
All the money at the bank is kept in the strong room, which is located
within the cash department. Only authorized personnel are allowed inside
the department, and no one else.
b. Teller Services
Cashiers working in the BSU dept are called tellers. The department is
headed by a TSM. This department handles all physical cash. The
functions of this department are:
b. Cash balancing
c. Locker Services
The bank also offers locker service for the safe custody of valuables. The
locker service also falls in the BSU division. Lockers are provided to
customers who maintain an account with the bank. The fee varies with the
size of the locker.
Locker Rent
The rent of locker is determined by the Bank. Charges for year 2008 are:
d. Remittances
The remittances department transfers the funds from one bank to other
bank and from one place to another place.
e. Deposit
4. IT Department
department at Peshawar branch is a restricted area and only the senior staff
is allowed inside.
CHAPTER 5
Some of the products and services offered at SCB Peshawar branch are
below
5.1. Accounts
5.2. Lockers
5.3. 24 hours Banking
5.4. E-Statements
5.5. Priority Treatment
5.1. ACCOUNTS
Apart from the verity of currency accounts some of the other types offered
are below
a. Current account
b. Easy saver account
c. Xtra Mile Account
a. Current Account
Now customers can open Xtra mile account and maintain an average
balance of 15000. They will get a debit card, which they can use at all fuel
stations across Pakistan. Account opening balance is 15000 only.
Apart from above mentioned accounts there are many different types of
accounts that are available but could not be covered due to shortage of
time.
5.2. LOCKERS
a. The customer must attach a copy of ID card with the locker rental
form.
b. He must be an account holder at the bank.
The rent of locker is determined by the bank. New charges for year 2008
are:
a. ATM/ CDM
b. Phones banking
c. SMS banking
d. Internet banking
a. ATM / CDM
b. Phone Banking
Customers can carry out the transactions through phone. With phone
banking services now, customers can avail following facilities
• Balance inquiries
• Transactional details
c. SMS Banking
SCB offers SMS banking through this customer can check balance and
last five transactions on the go. SMS alerts can also be activated and get
informed on every transaction.
d. Internet Banking
“You like to bank in your own time we provide you instant access online”
“Your banking activities are important our alerts keep you updated”
Receive free SMS and email alerts on your transactions. Stay informed
anywhere, anytime!
Customers can receive bank accounts alerts and credit card alerts. Any
deposit in account, withdrawal, transfer, or purchase on debit card can be
received through alerts.
5.4. E-STATEMENTS
SECTION 3
ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 6
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The financial analysis is divided into two parts one is comparative analysis
of the financial statements and other is ratio analysis of the bank based on
its national performance. The different ratios calculations are taken from
the semiannual financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2009
and June 30, 2008.
The SWOT analysis comprise of the strengths it has, the weaknesses that
are a part of it, the opportunities that it can exploit and the threats it faces
from competitors. However, it encompasses generally the Peshawar main
branch.
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(on-line) Available http://www.financaildictionary.com
summarizes the revenues and expenses of the firm over a particular period,
usually a year or a quarter. While the balance sheet represents a snap shot
of the firm's financial position at a moment in time, the income statement
depicts a summary of the firm's profitability over time.
In this report, half-yearly statements of 2008 and 2009 are analyzed and
compared. Balance sheet and profit and loss account are given at the end
in annexure one and two.
1. PROFITABILITY RATIOS
This ratio measures the margin of gross profit in the overall sale. The rest
of the margin represents the portion occupied by the cost of services.
Formula
2008 = 31.97%
2009 = 40.91%
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.1.
Interpretation
SCB has been able to increase the level of gross margin from 31.97% in
2008 to 40.91% in 2009. The ratio means that SCB has earned Rs. 0.31
and 0.40 against sales of Rs.1 in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The higher
the ratio the better is the cost controls compared to its sales revenue. If we
look at the sales revenue volume, it is almost the same and there is hardly
any difference or improvement during the one-year period. The increase in
gross margin is because of the decrease in cost of services.
b. Return On Assets
The return on asset ratio indicates how much income each rupee of asset
will generate on average. It shows the efficiency of the investment of
business.
Formula
2008 = 2.81 %
2009 = 2.56 %
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.2.
Interpretation
This ratio indicates a low-income generation for each rupee of assets but it
is a normal figure for commercial banks. The ratio tells us that SCB is able
to earn 2.81% and 2.56% on single rupee investment in capital in the year
2008 and 2009 respectively. From the values, we can see that SCB’s
return on assets has decreased showing that in 2009 the investments were
not efficient compared to 2008. This decrease can be due to management’s
inefficiency in controlling costs or decrease in net profit.
c. Return On Equity
This ratio indicates how much rupees were generated from each rupee
investment by the shareholders. The net profit is the ultimate result of the
operations of the firm. After all the claims are satisfied, the net profit is the
share of the owner of the capital. The prime objective of the owner of the
capital is to earn profit and if the firm is not able to achieve that objective,
the firm is useless.
Formula
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.3.
Interpretation
This ratio tells us how much income will be generated for each rupee of
investment made by the owners. From the above figures, we can see that
the owners of the bank will get more return on equity in 2009 as compared
to 2008. It is a very high return for shareholders and thus too much
attractive for investors.
2. LIQUIDITY RATIOS
Liquidity ratio indicates how quickly and easily a company can generate
cash for its needs. They compare short-term obligations to short-term or
current resources available to meet these obligations. From these ratios,
much insight can be obtained into the present cash solvency of the firm
and the firm's ability to remain solvent in the event of adversity. Some of
the ratios used to identify liquidity of firm are following
a. Current Ratio
Current ratio compares the current liabilities of the bank with its current
assets and measures the bank's ability to pay its current liabilities out of its
current assets. The owner would like to have a low level of current ratio
because current assets are supposed to be less productive. On the other
hand, creditors would like to see a higher level of the liquidity ratio
because it is a guarantee for them that their loans will be paid to them
when they come due.
Formula
2008 = 0.86
2009 = 0.83
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.4.
Interpretation
The current ratio of SCB Pakistan was 0.86 in the year, 2008 and has
decreased to 0.83 in 2009. There is no significant change. This means that
for single rupee of current liability bank has less than a rupee of current
assets. The bank is able in the short run to pay its current liabilities with its
current assets. SCB needs to improve its current ratio.
3. DEBT RATIOS
Debit ratios measure how much a company owes to others. The financial
analyst uses the debt ratio to assess the relative size of a firm’s ability to
pay off the debt.
Formula
2009=243548342/287538157= 84.7%
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.5.
Interpretation
These values show that in the year 2009 SCB has financed assets form
liabilities more as compared to equity. The difference between the two
figures is nominal. This means that for each Rs. 1 invested in the total
assets of the Bank, the creditors have brought Rs. 0.83 and Rs. 0.84 during
the years, 2008, and 2009 respectively.
This ratio states to what extent the firm assets are financed through
debt. A low debt ratio would indicate that we have sufficient assets to
cover our debt load. Creditors and management favor a low debt ratio.
This ratio shows the relationship between the debt and equity in financing
the assets of the bank. The SCB debt to equity ratio shows that the
contribution of liabilities in financing the assets is much higher than
owner's equity. The bank has Rs 221 million contributions from liabilities
against Rs 38 million contributions from owner's equity in 2008. In 2009,
the total liabilities were 243 million against equity of 38 million.
Formula
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.6.
Interpretation
Debt to equity ratio shows that firm has increased its creditor-supplied
fund in 2009 as compared to 2008. This means that for each Rs. 1 brought
by the shareholders, the creditors have brought Rs. 5.87 and Rs.6.3 during
the years 2008 and 2009 respectively, to finance the SCB. The lower the
debt to equity ratio the lower the financial risk for the creditors and vice
versa. The debt to equity ratio of Bank has inclined in the year 2009 as
compared to 2009. A higher ratio shows great risk for creditors in case of
insolvency and is not a good sign in case of attracting and satisfying the
creditors.
This ratio tells the relative efficiency with which the bank utilizes its
assets to generate sales. Wholesale Banking delivered a strong broadly
based performance across all geographies, products, and customer
segments.
Formula
2009 = 0.05 or 5%
Graphical Representation
Graph 6.7.
Interpretation
Comparative statements are useful to the analyst because they contain not
only the data appearing on single statement but also information necessary
to the study of financial and operating trends over a period of years. These
statements bring out more clearly the nature and trends of current changes
a. Total Assets
There has been an increase in total assets in the year 2009 as compare to
2008 i.e. assets have been increased from 264 million to 287 million.
Graph 6.8.
The year 2008 and 2009 has been not very successful for standard
chartered bank profit before tax is 2,084,561 (2008) and due to
economical recession decreased in 2009 i.e. 295,081 (in 000).
Graph 6.9.
c. Net Revenue
Graph 6.10.
Basic diluted earnings per share decreased from 2008 to 2009 i.e. 0.34 to
0.05.
Graph 6.11.
Graph 6.12.
f. Net Investments
Total investments given by bank as collateral or held by bank for the year
2008 and 2009 are 29 million and 66 million respectively.
Graph 6.13.
SCB has some unique factors like being the oldest bank of the area, which
adds to its worth. Its foreign background and the look of multinational
institutions create appeal for people.
6.3.1. STRENGTHS
“A skill or capability that enables an organization to conceive of and
implement its strategies”
SCB benefit from a few points, which ultimately makes its backing,
strengthened. Some of these points are as follows:
1. Reputation
SCB is a renowned bank all over the world. Its branches are spread across
all the continents. It is the oldest foreign bank in Pakistan as well. In
Pakistan, it has a wide network of branches. This enables customers to
make transaction easily inside and outside of the country. This old
presence of SCB in the region makes its reliability and its name is
generally considered a name of quality and trust. As far as NWFP is
concerned, the SCB brand is the most powerful and distinguished name in
the region is banking sector.
4. Atmosphere Of Branch
SCB offers a wide range of products to its customers to suit their needs. It
offers various kinds of accounts from local to foreign currency in different
profit and interest ratios. Its credit and debit cards are also valuable to the
customers as they can be used in more than 10,000 outlets across Pakistan
providing ease to its customers.
6. ATM Network
7. Online Bank
The bank has established the EBBS system, which stands for electronic
basic banking system. It has made all the branches of the SCB online,
which means that they are interconnected with each other and in full
8. Security
The data is highly secured in the bank as no one can send mails outside the
banks as the system is centrally locked. Even USB cannot be connected to
the computer thus; the data stored is highly secured.
Security cameras are also attached and linked to the central head office
Karachi and the regional head of the bank has facility to connect anytime
to the cameras to check what is going on in the branch.
SCB is the first bank in Pakistan to introduce the technology of CDM i.e.
Cash deposit machine. From this machine, customers can deposit 30 notes
of any denomination at a time. They simple need to enter their account
number and insert their money. It will be automatically added to the
account.
know that they would be appreciated and paid for their efforts. The stipend
is given to the interns at the end of internship program.
The priority banking centers of the bank offer an unmatched where the
customer receives highly privileged services in a highly elegant
environment. It gives the chance of experiencing new standards in
banking. Designed especially for those who appreciate only the finest
things in life, Priority Banking offers the very highest levels of
personalized banking to match customer’s unique status.
Banking through phone, SMS, internet, ATM, email etc has been made
easy by SCB and this ease of connection with one account is biggest
strength of the SCB.
6.3.2. WEAKNESS
During internship program the weakness I witnessed and are visible were
following
1. Old Building
The poor condition of building poses a great threat to the bank’s outlook.
The Peshawar main branch is an old building, though the bank has tried to
give a new look to it but still the employees are at risk. Even during
internship program, a mishap occurred when the ceiling of the bank fell
down but fortunately with no injuries. The building is centrally heated and
air-conditioned but during summers, there was a lot of suffocation in
branch due to nonworking condition of the generators.
2. No Parking Area
There are only three cash counters in the main branch among which one
counter is for foreign currency, because of which the customers have to
stand in long queues waiting for their turn. However, the bank has CDM
for deposits and drop box facility for cheques but mostly customers are not
content by them.
Thus, several departments are over loaded with extra work. This
overburdens the employees, which leads to frustration and anger,
provoking several other problems. This problem is explained in detail in
the later part of the report.
5. Low Salaries
6. Nepotism
7. Employee Teams
8. Careless Attitude
Most of the time the organizations work under the logo of customer is
always right but in SCB main branch customers are ignored, because of
laid-back attitude of some of the employees, their work is delayed, and
due to too much work burden, the phone of the bank is kept engaged to
avoid customers call for balance enquiry. Some employees also provide
account information to customers without proper confirming the
customer’s identification. This may pose serious security problems.
Secondly, the bank applies the status policies intensely. Clientele with
small deposits are not given proper attention and consideration. The upper
class clients with large deposits are shown opposite behavior and
Last but not the least the bank employees show irresponsible behavior
while making use of bank resources at times. Stationary, for example is
wasted in abundance.
Sometimes due to technical error the links are down of whole bank which
result in problems for the customer because it is an online bank and cannot
do anything unless and until the links are working which result in wastage
of whole day.
The first thing one notice on walking into the bank is the lack of female
employees. At present, the bank employs two female personnel, all the rest
being male. This does not fit well with the international image of the bank,
giving out the negative impression that the bank policy might be
discriminatory, when it comes to human resource utilization.
SCB lacks behind in advertisements, they only use direct selling as their
strategy and are missing verity of ways of marketing.
Due to lack of customer, seating most of the customers have to stand and
wait for their turn. On busy days especially on Monday, mostly the bank is
crowded and some customers have to stand or leave come later.
In Cantt branch there is not a single prayer room. Officers are seen in
different places offering their prayers and there is no proper arrangement
for female staff.
6.3.3. OPPORTUNITIES
1. Attract Customers
The group from its survey and analysis of it companies has found out that
there are many companies that are not satisfied with its current bank, so
SCB with its superior service quality and long working hours can capture
those customers.
To invest in those sectors which are given less importance i.e. agriculture,
small and medium enterprises and of the entire range of retail products
3. New Market
The greatest opportunity for the business sector that has manifested itself
in present times is of course, the development of the Afghan nation. A
peaceful and developed Afghanistan will present tremendous opportunities
for all types of businesses. Peshawar, due to its strategic geographic
position will no doubt play a crucial role in this economic development,
making it an ideal spot for banks to invest in. NWFP is the place where
the majority of purchases for the Afghan reconstruction are made,
meaning that a lot of capital is being circulated in the region. A bank like
SCB has the experience and resources to take full advantage of an
opportunity of this magnitude. In addition, SCB can venture out to be one
of the first banks to be established in the post war Afghanistan.
With the globalization of the world, large numbers of Asian students are
going abroad to study or to work. This is also true in Pakistan where every
year hundreds of students leave for foreign countries to study. To take
advantage of this development, SCB should concentrate on developing
products and services, which will be especially beneficial to traveling
students, taking advantage of this relatively new market segment. A
lending program can also be developed for students going abroad for
higher studies.
5. Conversion Facility
Bank can also implement the conversion facility for example if the ATM
receives the request for payment of amount in dollars then it should pay
the customer in Dollars.
6.3.4. THREATS
Threats are the unseen, futuristic, probable events that can occur and prove
dangerous in consequences. Every organization is faced by some category
of threats in its operations and functions.
The growing tension in Pakistan and especially in NWFP since the start of
war on terror, has reached an unstable point now. The increase in bomb
blasts has leaded the business activities to a gradual cease. The so-called
war on terror would prove hazardous to the economy of the country.
Especially in north and south of the province, the conditions are worse.
Swat branch is closed due to these war situations.
2. No New Investments
The government must maintain the law and order situation in order to
attract foreign investor. The suicide bomb blasts in all over Pakistan and
daily blasts in Peshawar created an atmosphere of being unsafe amongst
the customers residing. Incidents like these enormously affect the
economies of countries. If the foreign investor will not feel safe in
Pakistan, then why is it possible that he will invest money here? SCB
seems to lose a number of possible foreign clients because of the uncertain
law and order situation prevailing inside the country.
New banks are entering the banking industry, which are providing same
services at lower rates thus posing a threat to the customers of the bank.
They are also giving salaries, which are more as compared to the SCB,
hence the bank has to face completion to keep their employees and attract
new ones as well. SCB also faces competitors in the market. Citibank and
Abn Amro bank are already online. These two banks also enjoy sound
financial backing and come from a rich background. Also working are
other foreign banks like bank Alfalah, emirates bank and Faysal bank.
Bank Alfalah proposes serious threats to SCB in its auto loans market.
Various domestic banks like MCB and others have also shown
improvements. To survive amongst all these competitors, SCB needs to
keep in touch with modern technology, keeping flexible and customer
oriented policies, and adopting the latest trends of banking.
5. Global Recession
Economy is one of the major external factors influencing the existence and
functioning of a business entity. The economic situation in the year 2008
was dark. With global recession, and War on Terrorism, the business
sector scenario was bleak. There was uncertainty in global markets and
consumer confidence was badly hurt. Due to such calamities, business at
banks also slowed down and the rate of bad debts went up, as many
businesspersons went bankrupt. Even today, in the year 2010, the world is
still not out of the danger zone as far as the economic recession is
concerned and the business sector might take a long time in getting back
on its feet.
6. Threats Of Substitutions
SECTION 4
CHAPTER 7
RECOMMENDATIONS
“Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it
the least.”
Criticizing several factors at SCB Peshawar branch does not mean that
these aspects are permanent flaws of the branch. Instead, it is intended that
these mistakes be removed. For the confiscation of these errors, certain
recommendations are forwarded.
7.3. Advertisements
The first thing that SCB needs to do is to prepare for the tough
competition impending, especially the arrival of a formidable competitor
such as Citibank. SCB at Peshawar needs to increase its advertising budget
and be creative and diligent in promoting its brand. It should start putting
up billboard signs; advertise in electronic and print media. The bottom line
is that SCB should no longer take its superior position and image in the
market for granted because soon new and better will be appearing in
NWFP. It must vigorously market itself and introduce new products to
stay at top.
The bank should increase the number of cash counter, as this is main
branch and centrally located which is the reason it is approached by all
customers whether they are customers of the branch or not, this results in
long queues. To avoid it the bank should calculate the time consumed by
the customers in the bank along with the cost of making a new cash
counter. The new cash counter is cost must balance the waiting time of the
customer and the over burden on the employees.
The bank staff should be properly educated about the customer’s value.
The bank should use the marketing approach and customer satisfaction
should be taken into account. There should be no status discrimination
between customers. The bank staff should be courteous to all customers. A
customer is fascinated and brings other customers to the bank if the
service is efficient and courteous.
Customers, waiting for their turns, should be provided with proper seating
arrangements. Often it was visible that during peak banking hours many
customers use to stand anywhere they wanted to. This created stress for
the employees as well as other customers waiting for their job being done.
A specific place should be reserved for the customers by placing chairs
there. The staff should politely tell the customers to be seated until their
work is ready. This would ease the job of the employees as well as clients
will not bear the pain of being standing still and waiting.
Those employees who are not aware of the banking practices they should
be sent for on the job trainings instead of those employees who are well
trained and they need a break from their daily activities instead of going to
learn something.
The employees in the bank are only concerned about what their job is.
They do not know what their other collogues are doing. So whenever any
collogue is absent it creates problems for the employees and customers
too. As no one else, know how to perform the activities of their fellow
employee. To avoid such a situation it is important to train all employees
through job rotation so that the banking activities continue in a normal
way.
One expects a bank like SCB to be more professional and better organized
than other banks in the region. However, when it comes to interns, the
bank is irresponsible as compared to its competitors. There is a lack of a
proper internship program and interns are trained in very discouraging
manner. They are not taken seriously enough and are often neglected or
given boring tasks just to get them out of the way and keep them busy.
This is a very wrong of attitude for a professional bank like SCB to adopt.
It needs to develop a proper and standard training program for interns and
make sure that the trainees get a thorough understanding of the bank and
its functions.
There is a lot of works load on each employee, specially the junior staff.
Usually, the CRO’s job is related with operations and customers relations.
However, here in SCB they are also given targets to bring in new
accounts. Due to this, they cannot attend the customers properly. In
addition, their work is sometime delayed which causes the dissatisfaction
among customers. CRO represents the whole organization so if their
attitude is not good then whole organization’s impression is inferior.
7.18. Centralization
SECTION 5
ACTION PLAN
CHAPTER 8
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
not even complete even still working for 4 hours after the bank working
hours had ended.
Action Plan
Thus, now when the basic area of problem is identified, the understaffing,
several measures can be taken into account to deal with this problem.
There are three plans, which are suggested for dealing for this problem.
(For students)
This will be a short-term plan. The short-term plan is devised for students
who would be given the chance to serve in the bank for a limited period.
The bank can introduce a long internship program for its own benefit as
well as these graduates. To keep the normal interns unaffected, it can
reserve a special quota for these kinds of long duration interns. The
selection can be made in the local branches. A specific date can be set for
interviews and the applicants may be chosen on merit. The bank can offer
a six months or a year internship program. The bank can make a promise
that at the end of the program it can give a recommendation report about
the applicant. To get good recommendation on this kind of a report the
applicant will be motivated and will work hard. This will help him in
getting experience as well knowledge about the delicacies of practical job.
Most of the organization requires earlier experience in the field, thus SCB
can be helpful in developing the youth into a positive direction as well.
Since the name of SCB already means quality, this will build many
people’s career in good organizations. The bank will benefit in the shape
of obtaining a motivated and energetic employee and that also at a lesser
cost than the normal employees obtain. The cost would be less because
since these would be fresh graduates seeking experience and
recommendation, hence they can take as interns. They can be paid the
interns stipend and the main purpose of these interns would be to achieve
experience and recommendation, not salary. Thus, they can prove
economical workers for the bank. They would prove useful because after
the initial 2 months period the applicant will be aware of the banks
policies, he can be of great use to the bank. He will also be more devoted
towards the customers, to win their recommendations and sympathies.
More customer-devoted staff will improve the bank’s image also. If the
worker shows extraordinary performance, the bank can also take him as a
permanent employee. Since his last one-year’s performance and his
attitude towards fellow colleagues and customers will be proofs of his
ability or inability, the bank will find it easier to decide about him.
b. Contract Staff
The bank can also employ contract workers also. If the bank wants to be
careful in choosing a better lot among the pool of candidates for its
operations, it can offer contract seats. Contracts seats will be for applicants
who will be employed on contract basis. This program will be different
from the long internship program, as the above program will be just meant
for fresh graduates and new applicants who will get recommendation and
will be paid the interns stipend. However, full salary will be paid to
contract workers. This program will include other banks personnel as well
as experienced people. This can be a sort of brain drain technique that the
bank can use. This will bring experienced, energetic, and capable
employees to the bank, which can work hard and share the responsibilities
of the other workers. As they will be on contract basis, so if the bank, after
the completion of the contract period wants them to leave, it can exercise
the liberty to ask them to leave. Alternatively, if the bank considers them
worthy and wants to take use of their expertise, it can reassign them some
job as well.
This plan would be designed for the permanent employees of the bank, so
that they can prove beneficial to the bank in future. This program would
include picking up the most competent employee amongst the employee
and sending him for further training and higher studies about the bank
policies. Now the question arises that how can he be of any use to solve
the problem of understaffing. The answer is that a more efficient, able,
experienced and motivated employee can handle the job of several
persons. The bank can select amongst the employees based on the
performance the employees show and on achieving targets.
This practice will create a more motivated, efficient and skillful staff. In
addition, it will produce a competitive and healthy environment. A skilful
employee would be more efficient and productive. Hence, his expertise
would replace any additional employee place. This indirectly will replace
the expenses; the bank has endured during the training and development
program.
The above plan if implemented can produce better results for the bank.
The short-term plan would save the bank from unnecessary costs. The
long internship program is economical as well as beneficial. Similarly, the
contract workers can be experienced workers, whose expertise of
invaluable to the bank. The long-term plan would surely cost a little, but
the bank can reap its fruitful benefits in the end.
Wrapping Up
This will give SCB competitive advantage in its chosen markets. In its
unique position as an international bank with strong franchise, Standard
Chartered combines an in-depth knowledge of local markets with global
product expertise to offer effective financial solutions. The bank
capitalizes on its onshore presence across Asia, Africa, and the Middle
East to offer customers convenient and reliable access to the widest range
of currency markets, to date local market information, country-specific
global risk management strategies, and customized capital raising and
liquidity management solutions.
The Bank is trusted across its network for its standard of governance and
corporate responsibility as well as its commitment to making a difference
in the communities in which it operates.
In the past year, there has been an intensified focus on regulation in the
financial services industry and it is working even more closely with
regulators around the world.
PERSON INTERVIEWED
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANNEXURE