A PROJECT REPORT ON

Process Time Analysis

Project Submitted in fulfillment of Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

Submitted by: Derly Thomas Roll No. P1114 Batch 2011-2013

Under the guidance of Prof. Prasana Salvi

Declaration

I, Derly Thomas, solemnly declare that the project work entitled Process Time Analysis at Linear Exports, Andheri east (Mumbai) , is my original work, it is neither copied from any earlier submitted work elsewhere or not merely copied, this is specifically prepared as a part of PGDM curriculum, to be conducted in Year 2012.

Signature of the student: ________________________ Name of the Student: Derly Thomas

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled Process Time Analysis at Linear Exports, has been successfully and satisfactorily completed and submitted by Mr.Derly Thomas bearing a roll number, P1114 as a student of Chanakya Institute of Management Studies & Research as Prescribed by AICTE in fulfillment of the requirement for Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) during the year 2011 13.

Internal Guide

Director

Prof. Prasana Salvi

Mr. Biswa B. Das

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Mr. Aji Chako who has always helped me think beyond and helped me add value and do justice to this project. I would also thank my Institution and Prof.Prasana Salvi without whom this project would have been a distant reality.

Date:

Sign:

Table of Contents Executive Summary................................................................................. 8

Purpose ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Set of Objectives and Approach................................................................................................................ 9 Limitations of the Study ............................................................................................................................ 9

About the Organization ......................................................................... 10

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Core Values ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Organization Chart .................................................................................................................................. 13

Introduction to Exports ......................................................................... 14

Disadvantages of exporting..................................................................................................................... 16 Advantages of exporting ......................................................................................................................... 19

Exports in Indian Context ...................................................................... 20

History ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 Leading Export Items of India ................................................................................................................. 21 Restriction on the Exports of Items ........................................................................................................ 21 Export Trends .......................................................................................................................................... 21 The Way Ahead ....................................................................................................................................... 21 The Opportunity...................................................................................................................................... 21 Problems of the Indian Export Sector ..................................................................................................... 22 Directional Change in Exports ................................................................................................................. 22 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................... 22

Literature Review .................................................................................. 23 Research Methodology ......................................................................... 27

Sampling Technique ................................................................................................................................ 28 Sample Size ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Methods of Data Collection .................................................................................................................... 28 Nature of Questions Asked ..................................................................................................................... 28

Variables of the study ............................................................................................................................. 28 Data Representation ............................................................................................................................... 28

Data Collection and Analysis ................................................................. 29

Export process in general........................................................................................................................ 30 Export Process at Linear Exports............................................................................................................. 34 Process Time At Linear Exports ............................................................................................................... 37 Questionnaire: ........................................................................................................................................ 38 Result ...................................................................................................................................................... 40

Suggestions for Improvement ............................................................... 48

Suggestions provided by the Clients ....................................................................................................... 51

Conclusion ............................................................................................ 52 Bibliography .......................................................................................... 54

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Organisation Chart of Linear Exports ........................................................................................... 13 Figure 2: General Exporting Process ........................................................................................................... 31 Figure 3: Export Process at Linear Exports.................................................................................................. 32 Figure 4: Sample data depicting the Total Time Taken............................................................................... 36 Figure 5: Nature of business of Clients handled by Linear Exports ............................................................ 40 Figure 6: No. of years in business, the clients have been ........................................................................... 41 Figure 7: Clients experience working with other exporters........................................................................ 42 Figure 8: Clients exporting activity.............................................................................................................. 43 Figure 9: Information about the existence of Linear Exports ..................................................................... 44 Figure 10: Ratings provided by the Clients ................................................................................................. 45 Figure 11: Delay faced by the clients .......................................................................................................... 46 Figure 12: Reason for delay of services ...................................................................................................... 47

Executive Summary
Logistics and process management is an integral part of every organization. Managing and handling the resource is of utmost importance. Also, one must consider that the time taken and the cost incurred during the procedure by the organization, per case, is an important part of exporting which many a times is ignored by the organizations. This project aims at: 1. 2. 3. 4. Understanding the process and its requirements Analyzing the past records for the time taken Finding the loopholes if any Successfully chart out solutions for improving the procedure.

Purpose
The factors which contribute to the longer process time need to be studied and suitable methodology should be used to reduce the duration. Purpose of this project is to study the process cycle time, analyze the time taken per case and come to a solution for it improvement. This project also aims at providing a long term solution to this business concern.

Scope
The project is defined only to the extent of information made available from the organization with respect to the recruitment process.

Set of Objectives and Approach

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Understanding the nature of business Understanding the process of the org Getting information from the past records to understand the potential and existing gaps Getting information from the existing clients through questionnaire Coming to possible solution.

Limitations of the Study

1. Information collected is limited to the scope mentioned above 2. Respondents did not have an earlier experience of answering questionnaires 3. Lack of experience as a researcher

About the Organization

Introduction
LINEAR Exports Offers specialized solutions to dangerous cargo handling and transportation. Linear Exports is established by a team of Professionals who have over 15 years of experience in handling cargoes of all kinds. With headquarters based in Mumbai, its dedicated associated offices are located all over India to offer best services to its clients. Linear Exports Company is a preferred logistic partner for a number of reasons. For instance it is one such logistic company that even specializes in dealing with any kind of dangerous cargo or hazardous cargo handling and transportation. It is important to note that the requirement for specialist handling of hazardous goods has increased to a very large extent. Along with that, there is also a good increase in penalties as well as regulations associated with the transportation of dangerous goods. At Linear Exports all such factors are well taken care of and best solutions are offered accordingly.

Core Values
Our people are our enduring advantage. Accountability is clear and personal. We work and win in Team We understand and respect our customers. Our reputation is indivisible.

Organization Chart

Figure 1: Organisation Chart of Linear Exports

Introduction to Exports

This term export is derived from the conceptual meaning as to ship the goods and services out of the port of a country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to as an "exporter" who is based in the country of export whereas the overseas based buyer is referred to as an "importer". In International Trade, "exports" refers to selling goods and services produced in the home country to other markets. Any good or commodity, transported from one country to another country in a legitimate fashion, typically for use in trade. Export goods or services are provided to foreign consumers by domestic producers. Export of commercial quantities of goods normally requires involvement of the customs authorities in both the country of export and the country of import Export means the transferring of any good from one country to another country in a legal way for the purpose of trade. Export goods are provided to the foreign consumers by the domestic producers.

Disadvantages of exporting

For Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SME) with less than 250 employees, selling goods and services to foreign markets seems to be more difficult than serving the domestic market. The lack of knowledge for trade regulations, cultural differences, different languages and foreignexchange situations as well as the strain of resources and staff interact like a block for exporting. Indeed there are some SME's which are exporting, but nearly two-third of them sell in only to one foreign market. The following assumption shows the main disadvantages:

Financial management effort: To minimize the risk of exchange-rate fluctuation and transactions processes of export activity the financial management needs more capacity to cope the major effort

Customer demand: International customers demand more services from their vendor like installation and startup of equipment, maintenance or more delivery services.

Communication technologies improvement: The improvement of communication technologies in recent years enable the customer to interact with more suppliers while receiving more information and cheaper communications cost at the same time like 20 years ago. This leads to more transparency. The vendor is in duty to follow the real-time demand and to submit all transaction details.

Management mistakes: The management might tap in some of the organizational pitfalls, like poor selection of oversea agents or distributors or chaotic global organization.

Other factors of concern are as follows: Barriers Trade barriers are generally defined as government laws, regulations, policy, or practices that either protect domestic products from foreign competition or artificially stimulate exports of particular domestic products. While restrictive business practices sometimes have a similar effect, they are not usually regarded as trade barriers. The most common foreign trade barriers are government-imposed measures and policies that restrict, prevent, or impede the international exchange of goods and services. Strategic International agreements limit trade in, and the transfer of, certain types of goods and information Tariffs A tariff is a tax placed on a specific good or set of goods exported from or imported to a country, creating an economic barrier to trade. Usually the tactic is used when a country's domestic output of the good is falling and imports from foreign competitors are rising, particularly if there exist strategic reasons for retaining a domestic production capability. Some failing industries receive a protection with an effect similar to a subsidies in that by placing the tariff on the industry, the industry is less enticed to produce goods in a quicker, cheaper, and more productive fashion. Another reason for a tariff involves addressing the issue of dumping. Dumping involves a country producing highly excessive amounts of goods and dumping the goods on another foreign country, producing the effect of prices that are "too low". Too low can refer to either pricing the good from the foreign market at a price lower than charged in the domestic market of the country of origin. The other reference to dumping relates or refers to the producer selling the product at a price in which there is no profit or a loss. The purpose (and expected outcome) of the tariff is to encourage spending on domestic goods and services. Protective tariffs sometimes protect what are known as infant industries that are in the phase of expansive growth. A tariff is used temporarily to allow the industry to succeed in spite of strong competition. Protective tariffs are considered valid if the resources are more productive in their new use than they would be if the industry had not been started. The infant industry eventually must incorporate itself into a market without the protection of government subsidies. Tariffs can create tension between countries.

Subsidies To subsidize an industry or company refers to, in this instance, a governmental providing supplemental financial support to manipulate the price below market value. Subsidies are generally used for failing industries that need a boost in domestic spending. Subsidizing encourages greater demand for a good or service because of the slashed price. The effect of subsidies deters other countries that are able to produce a specific product or service at a faster, cheaper, and more productive rate. With the lowered price, these efficient producers cannot compete. The life of a subsidy is generally short-lived, but sometimes can be implemented on a more permanent basis. The agricultural industry is commonly subsidized, both in the United States, and in other countries including Japan and nations located in the European Union (EU).

Advantages of exporting
Even after the existence of many concerns and disadvantages, exporting comes with a breath of brightness and a hope for betterment. Ownership advantages: The firm's specific assets, international experience, and the ability to develop either lowcost or differentiated products within the contacts of its value chain. Expansion plans in other countries is achievable Internationalization advantages: are the benefits of retaining a core competence within the company and threading it though the value chain rather than obtain to license, outsource, or sell it. If the company and its products are equipped with ownership advantage and internalization advantage, they enter through low-risk modes such as exporting. Exporting requires significantly lower level of investment than other modes of international expansion, such as FDI. As you might expect, the lower risk of export typically results in a lower rate of return on sales than possible though other modes of international business. In other words, the usual return on export sales may not be tremendous, but neither is the risk. Exporting allows managers to exercise operation control but does not provide them the option to exercise as much marketing control. An exporter usually resides far from the end consumer and often enlists various intermediaries to manage marketing activities.

Exports in Indian Context

History
The history of Indian exports is very old. During ancient times India exported spices to the other parts of the world. India was also famous for its textiles which were a chief item for export in the 16th century. Textiles and cotton were exported to the Arab countries from Gujarat. During the Mughal era India exported various precious stones such as ivory, pearls, tortoise stones etc. But during the British era, Indian exports declined as the East India Company took control of foreign trade.

Leading Export Items of India

In the past ten years, Indian exports have grown at a rate of nearly 22%. Some commodities have enjoyed faster export growth than others. Some of India's main export items are cotton, textiles, jute goods, tea, coffee, cocoa products, rice, wheat, pickles, mango pulp, juices, jams, preserved vegetables etc. India exports its goods to some of the leading countries of the world such as UK, Belgium, USA, China, Russia etc.

Restriction on the Exports of Items

However there are some restrictions on the export of goods. Under sub section (d) of section 111 and sub section (d) of section 113, any good exported or attempted to be exported, contrary to any prohibition imposed by or under the customs act or any other law is liable for confiscation.

Export Trends
If the Indian economy grows at the same pace, India would most definitely export goods worth US $500 billion by 2013 and may supersede the exports of other large developing countries like Brazil.

The Way Ahead

India needs the right mix of policy formulation sector focus and industry led initiatives to move up the value chain in the global export basket

The Opportunity
It is very clear that Indian exports have still not achieved their true potential and there exists immense opportunities for expanding the basket of Indias exports. With a strategic attention on the new markets that are evolving due to free trade, India is witnessing a boom in both manufacturing and services.

Problems of the Indian Export Sector

There are few problems which need to be solved before India makes a mark for itself in the export sector. The Indian goods have to be of superior quality. The packaging and branding should be such that countries are interested to export from India. At the same time India must look for potential market to sell their goods. The government should frame policies which gives boost to the exports.

Directional Change in Exports

India has seen massive directional change in the context of origin of demand for Indian products. Till 2001-02 North America and the EU markets shared nearly 21% and 23.2 % respectively of total exports and the remaining to the rest of the globe. By 2006-07, North America had a share of only 16% of the total exports and the EU's share was 21.2%.

Challenges
Exporting to foreign countries poses challenges not found in domestic sales. With domestic sales, manufacturers typically sell to wholesalers or direct to retailer or even direct to consumers. When exporting, manufacturers may have to sell to importers who then in turn sell to wholesalers. Extra layer in the chain of distribution squeezes margins and manufacturers may need to offer lower prices to importers than to domestic wholesalers.

Literature Review

India today said it expects exports, which have witnessed contraction for two consecutive months, to turnaround by September-end.

We are seriously monitoring the situation. I think with the steps which have been taken and with the announcements, there will be some revival in exports and turnaround this autumn (around September), Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told reporters here. Sharma is on a three-day visit (Aug 3-5) to Sri Lanka to attend the India Show and a CEO forum meeting. Hit by slowdown in the Western markets, Indias export growth declined 5.45 per cent in June to $25 billion.

Besides reflecting slowdown in the domestic economy, imports too dipped sharply by 13.46 per cent to $35.37 billion from $40.8 billion in June 2011, resulting in a narrower trade deficit of $10.3 billion for the month.

The decline in the countrys shipments comes amid Indias economic growth slipping to a 9-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12, and subdued industrial output in the first two months of the current fiscal. Markets in the Euro Zone, the US, China and Japan are still not showing healthy growth.

There is a contraction in demand in the tradition market and there is wobbly recovery in the EU. We have been able to survive because of diversification of market, Sharma said.

According to the data released by the Commerce Ministry, exports during the April-June quarter of 2012-13 fiscal dipped 1.7 per cent to $75.2 billion from $76.5 billion in the same period last fiscal.

Imports during the first quarter of this fiscal dipped 6.1 per cent to $115.25 billion from $122.74 billion in the April-June period of last fiscal. Trade deficit during the quarter stood at $40 billion.

www.businessline.com, dated Aug-4-2012

Indias merchandise exports fell 5.5 per cent to $25 billion in June, compared with $26.5 billion in the corresponding month last year, as demand in the struggling European economies continued to decline. Imports recorded a much sharper fall declining 13.5 per cent to $35.4 billion, compared with $40.9 billion in June 2011. This sharp fall reflected the industrial slowdown. Total exports during the quarter ended June stood at $75 billion, a 1.7 per cent fall compared with $76.50 billion in the year-ago period. Cumulative imports, too, fell six per cent to $115.3 billion, against $122.7 billion in the first quarter of 2011-12, according to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry today. Amid the prevailing environment of gloom, however, was some good news. For the quarter ended June, the trade deficit narrowed to $40.05 billion from $46.23 billion in the corresponding period last year. The trade deficit for June also fell to $10.31 billion from $14.4 billion in June 2011.
LACKLUSTRE SHOW
Export-import sector performance in April-June 2012-13 ($bn) Products Top Five Export Engineering goods Petroleum products Gems and jewellery Drugs and pharmaceuticals Ready-made garments Top Five Import Petroleum products Gold and silver Machinery Electronic goods Pearls and semi-precious stones
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Value

14.6 12.9 10.0 2.1 3.2

41.5 9.4 8.5 7.1 4.6

Exports continue to fall on a year-ago basis, reflecting both weak global demand, as well as likely supply side issues. Indias export-facing industries are relatively more exposed to Europe than most of their Asian counterparts, and these are struggling in the face of weak demand in Europe. The weak rupee, too, appears to have offered exporters little assistance, said Glenn Levine of Moodys Analytics. Commerce Secretary S R Rao said exports would pick up by the end of the second quarter, when the steps announced under the Foreign Trade Policy start showed results. In June, non-oil imports fell 17.80 per cent to $22.68 billion, compared with $27.59 billion in the year-ago month, indicating a slowdown in the domestic economy and a fall in demand by the Indian industry. Non-oil imports during the April-June period fell 11.6 per cent to $73.7 billion, compared with $83 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Moodys said the drastic fall in non-oil imports was a reflection of the plunge in domestic confidence, demand and production. The Indian industry is reeling under high interest rates and slowing demand. In May, industrial output rose just 2.4 per cent, with severe contraction in capital goods adversely impacting investment plans. Oil imports in June fell 4.4 per cent to $12.3 billion from $13.27 billion in June 2011. However, oil imports during the April-June period rose 5.5 per cent to $41.6 billion, against $39.4 billion in the year-ago period. Last month, Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma had stated even if difficulties persisted in Indias traditional export markets the US and Europe these would be somewhat offset by new markets such as Asia, Latin America and Africa. The new markets have not changed our export basket drastically. The slowdown today is more broad-based compared to 2008. So, these markets are also suffering. We still heavily rely on the developed world for our exports. I believe the negative trend is going to continue till at least the second quarter, said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist, Bank of Baroda. The annual supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy (2009-2014), announced last month, offered a slew of measures for exporters. These included extension of the interest subvention of two per cent for labour-intensive sectors and the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme till March 2013. The government has set a target of $350 billion of exports this financial year and $500 billion by 2014. In 2011-12, exports stood at $303.7 billion, while imports stood at $488.6 billion. www.businessstandard.com , dated Aug-4-2012

Research Methodology

Sampling Technique The sampling technique used is simple convenience sampling method. Information is collected only from a representative part of the population; the method of collection is called sampling. Sample Size The sample size taken is 10. Methods of Data Collection The data was collected through: Questionnaire Interview

Nature of Questions Asked The questionnaire consists of: Close-ended, Dichotomous questions

Variables of the study The dependent variable of the study is the efficiency of the Recruitment Process. Independent variable is the Cycle time involved during the process. Data Representation The data are presented through Pie-charts and graphs.

Data Collection and Analysis

Export process in general

Following picture shows the Exporting process and the various activities which takes place generally.

Figure 2: General Exporting Process

Figure 3: Export Process at Linear Exports

Export Process at Linear Exports

Sample data representing Process Time At Linear Exports

Figure 4: Sample data depicting the Total Time Taken

Process Time At Linear Exports

The business being solely dependent on trading, especially exporting the activity shouldnt have taken more than 5 days. Such process must not take a longer period of time as definitely the lag here will result in the delay in the entire upcoming processes and the client may further not prefer this company due to the time lag. Following are the processes due to which the process may get delayed: Document checking Cargo arrival Gate pass confirmation Airway booking Strikes

A questionnaire has been prepared, in an attempt to understand the reason and the cause of the same. It was filled by the current clients of Linear Exports.

Questionnaire:
Q1.What is the nature of your company? Manufacturing Trading company Multinational company

Q2. How long has your business been in operation? Less than 2 years More than 2 years Q3. If more than two years, how was your experience in dealing with the earlier exporters? Good Ok Below satisfaction

Q4. Which statement best describes the level of exporting activity for your company? 50% or more of products are exported Some of the products are exported, but the company is interested in exporting a higher share. Company is currently not exporting, but has an interest in doing so in future

Q5. How did you come to know about our company? Website Employee Reference Advertisement cargo related events) Word of mouth

Q6. How do you rate our services? Excellent Good Ok

Q7. Have you ever faced any delay from the services? Yes No

Q8. If yes, what do you think can be the main reason? Document checking Cargo arrival Space Availability Airway Strikes

Q9. How do you think can we overcome the above barriers? a)__________________________
b)_______________________________

doc shud be systemstic with software application made available

Result
A-1.

Nature of Clients dealt with

11% 33%

Manuf Trading MNC

56%

Figure 5: Nature of business of Clients handled by Linear Exports

Interpretation: The above chart shows the nature of business of clients with whom Linear Exports deals with. Maximum clients are into the Trading business thus, Linear must chart out plans in order to attract the Manufacturing industries. Also, this chart can give an insight that there is a tendency of Trading Businesses to remain loyal with this exporting concern, thus Linear must also create a stronger CRM and can choose to concentrate more on attracting different Trading concerns.

A-2.

Years Clients in business

29% Less than 2 years More than 2 years 71%

Figure 6: No. of years in business, the clients have been

Interpretation: Linear Exports boasts of having a clientele who have been in business generally less than 2 years which is evident from the chart above. Also, there is a smaller, 29% of clients who have an experience of above 2 years. What we can also learn from the above chart is that since the company being just 2 years old, it has still managed to attract the older businesses. The other business being new in their respective areas may also be leading to a delay in the process. Thus, Linear Exports must try and provide the necessary information about how the process goes on and that the business in their infant stage must be ready with the necessary documents so as to reduce the delay.

A-3.

Clients Experience with Earlier Exporters

17% 33% Good Ok Below Satisfaction 50%

Figure 7: Clients experience working with other exporters

Interpretation: What we can learn from this chart is that, majority feel their experience with the earlier exporters was ok an also, 17% feel that the experience was below satisfaction. Linear Exports, in order to maintain and continue the relation with the clients must try and understand what was the mistake committed due to which they feel their prior experience was unsatisfactory. They should also try and form such packages which fit each partys need and appear tailor made. This will in turn lead to reduction of process time as the loyal and happy client might line up the further exporting projects, and the exporting concern can prepare for next immediately.

A-4.

Clients exporting activity

0%

38%

50% or more Some 62% Int in future

Figure 8: Clients exporting activity

Interpretation: Generally the clients dealt with are the ones who have a business where in 50% or more of their goods are to be exported in regular basis. Such a target is a good target market for Linear as they are also in their initial stages.

A-5.

Information about this business

9% Word of Mouth 22% 43% Website Employee referance Advt 26%

Figure 9: Information about the existence of Linear Exports

Interpretation: Majority of clients have come to know of the existence of the business through Word-of mouth publicity. This shows the extent of satisfied clients they have produced. But the minority falls in advertisement category. So in order to generate more awareness, the business must go in for attractive modes of advertisements and must not restrict advertisement in the events.

A-6.

Client's rating for Linear Exports

11%

Excellent Good 33% 56% Ok

Figure 10: Ratings provided by the Clients

Interpretation: Maximum clients have rated this exporting concern as an excellent service provider. But there also exists a small category which rates the business Ok which is an area of concern. This small category may turn out in later stages as unsatisfied clients, if the problem is not addressed at the earliest.

A-7

Delay faced by Clients from Linear

33% Yes No 67%

Figure 11: Delay faced by the clients

Interpretation: Though a large % of clients have never faced any kind of delay in the services but 33% of clients feel they have faced the delay while dealing with Linear Exports. This again brings about a situation of concern. In order to understand how the service provided was, the exporting concern must indulge in the habit of providing a feedback form after completion of a particular process/deal. This will enable them to keep a track of their own activities and to know whether the task performed was up to their level and if not then what should they improve on.

A-8.

Main reason for Delay

9% 38% 24% Document Checking Cargo Arrival Space Availability Airway Strikes 29%

Figure 12: Reason for delay of services

Interpretation: After understanding that few clients have felt delay in the task performed the reasons were laid down in order to understand which activity they feel must be concentrated on. Majority of the clients feel documentation and documents checking is a problem and an activity that may lead to time lag. Also space availability is a major concern from the point of view of Linear Export. In order to reduce this problem the organization can go in for IATA e-freight documentation which promises to reduce the documentation to half and is also an environmental friendly activity. Also, they can have a contract or tie-up with any airway which will reduce the problem of space unavailability.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. Proper documents must reach in time: Linear Exports must make sure that the necessary documents required must be communicated to the other party properly and make sure that the necessary documents reach within time.

2. Training: Also, if the organization they are dealing with, is entirely new to such a process then they must provide the training and information to the other party which will enable strong bond and loyalty of the other business and also the required documentation can take place without any delay.

3. Feedback form: Another practice that this organization must inculcate is to provide a feedback form to its client after the accomplishment of every task in order to understand the areas of improvement.

4. Cargo should reach on time: Means should be made of proper transportation facility with which the cargo will reach on time. This is an activity which the clients as well as Linear Exports must follow.

5. Website: Efforts must be made in order to make the website should be made more user friendly than just a plain information providing site. It could have an application form for the clients interested in dealing with this exporting concern. Such an initiative is required as currently this essential stage is handled manually. And if, making note of this is forgotten, due to human error then it will only lead to a huge opportunity cost.

6. Account of activities: Also, the help of software should be taken in order to make the system more systematic and keep track of all the activities. Each and every activity must be tracked and the system can be made online. With this the manager or any manager in charge can at any time have a check at it. This track record will also motivate the employees to work more seriously towards the organizational goal.

7. Marketing Team: It has been 2 years since the inception of the Linear Exports, thus its time they plan to have a dedicated team of marketing professionals for further expansion plans, advertisements, CRM, and also to understand which their opportunity is and to tap is at earliest.

8. Restrict the Time: As explained above in the project what is the importance of Process time and how the time taken justifies the efficiency must be kept in mind and the future activities must be planned accordingly. Linear Exports must add this pointer in its agreement or policies stating the time for each activity and if it is crossed due to the clients error then a percent of penalty may be imposed or any other hardliner accordingly.

9. IATA e- freight: it is an initiative for the air cargo supply chain by the air cargo supply chain. It involves carriers, freight forwards, ground handlers, shippers custom brokers and custom authorities. It replaces the pare documents with electronic messages. It promises to provide better service as it enables Greater accuracy Better tracking Meets all the regulatory compliance ( international and local) Increased security Environmental friendly Has a multimodal approach Can be used in all modes of transport Faster supply chain transmit times Reducing costs Increases the competitiveness of airfreight

Suggestions provided by the Clients

1. Application should be made available. 2. Reduce the documentation 3. Specifications must be mentioned on the website. 4. Documents should be systematic with software.

Conclusion

This project gave me an insight about the service sector especially the exporting business. The experience made me realize the value of time and its association with the cost involved. Certainly, providing quality service is of utmost importance but how and when it should be delivered is of utmost importance, which brings us to understanding the process and the process time. Each and every activity is involved when a task performed is delayed. Thus, in order to be careful the activities need to be closely watched. The suggestions provided would prove beneficial not only to this concern but also any other organization dealing with similar problem.

Bibliography

Following are the sites which were used: www.iata.org www.businesssatndard.com www.businessline.com www.indiaexports.com www.eximbankindia.com www.business.mapsofindia.com