Meaning_and_definition_,_nature_,scope_of__Business__B.COM_Sem-1[1].pdf

Meaning and definition of business Business denotes busi-ness, that is the state of being busy – any activity in which one keeps himself busy. But the economic term of business refers to work, efforts, and acts of people or human busy in connection with the production of wealth. Business is the sum...

Meaning and definition of business Business denotes busi-ness, that is the state of being busy – any activity in which one keeps himself busy. But the economic term of business refers to work, efforts, and acts of people or human busy in connection with the production of wealth. Business is the sum of total activities which are connected with the production or purchase and sale of goods and services with the main objective to earn profit. According to Urwick and Hunt, “Business is any enterprise which makes, distributes or provides any service which other members of the community need and are willing to pay for it”. Nature of Business Man always wants and wants more. In fact he is a wanting being having insatiable innumerous wants. For satisfying his wants he works and works harder so as to make use of scarce resources available. Making use of scarce resources to the best advantage for the satisfaction of human wants is termed as economic activity. Economic activities, thus deal with the activities of living and making a living. For this purpose everyone of use follow an occupation according to our inkling, capacity, knowledge and training. One therefore, may either follow a profession (rendering specialized expert and personal service), or seek employment (under taking to work for others according to terms and conditions set for the purpose), or set up a business engaging in production of wealth. Characteristics of Business 1. Production or Acquisition of Goods Every business whether small or large scale deals with goods and services. The goods may produce, manufacture or procure. Business is either to produce, manufacture or procure and then to supply for a price to those who are in need of the goods so produced, manufactured or procured. 2. Profit – The basic motive of business Profit is an essential part of business; in fact profit is the motivation factor behind a business one carries on. Profit is stimulus and a guarantee to continue the business. Profit is the factor which ensures the survival of the business. Profit is the reward of all those individuals engaged in a particular business. The efficiency of a businessman depends on the profit which he is able to make during the business operation. He renders singular service to the continuity by satisfying the needs of the people. He expected a reward for such a service rendered and if he gets the double and redoubles his efforts and plans his future in such manner so as to render best possible service to the community. 3. Risk – Uncertainty of future Every business involves risk and uncertainty while carrying on its operations. Future is uncertain and business activity focuses on future. This focus on future and uncertainty of future naturally entails risk. It is risk which every businessman takes when he embarks upon a business activity. 4. Dealing in Goods and Services Business refers to goods and services dealt with a view to supply to those who need them and are ready to make payment for the same. Dealing in goods and services is business. The goods may either be consumers’ goods (Cloth, books, electronics appliances, medicine etc) or Producer goods (machinery, tools etc) or services (courier or transport services etc).  5. Regular Dealings One of important characteristics of business is regularity and recurrences. Business is not a single operation. A single operation would never constitute a business. It should a regular and continuous entity. Recurrence of dealing is a must to constitute a business. On selling furniture of his household with a view to replace it with new one is not business. But if the same person procures a variety of furniture, keeps the stock and sells them to the consumers, he carries on a business dealing in furniture. Scope of Business The Scope of “Business” is wider than that of the terms “Trade” and “Commerce”. The terms trade and commerce are often used synonymously. Trade is one of the branches of commerce. It is concerned with exchange of goods and services. It performs the function of acting as an intermediary and thereby it transfers goods from the producer to the consumer. On the other hand, commerce is a wider term. It includes “Trade” as well as, Aids to trade i.e. the various activities which facilitate trade. 1. Industry The word “Industry” refers to that part of business activities which is apprehensive with the extraction, production or fabrication of products. The products which are raised, produced or processed by an industry may either be used by the ultimate consumer or by another concern for further production. If the goods produced by an industry are consumed by the final customers, these are named as ‘consumer’s goods’ e.g. clothes. If the goods are used for further production of wealth they are called producer’s or capital goods. In case the goods produced by an industry are further processed into finished products by another concern they are called as intermediate goods. i.e Plastic. Types of Industry On the basis activity industry is further classified into various types are as under:- (i) Extractive Industries Extractive industries are those industries which extract, raise or fabricate raw materials from above or beneath surface of the earth. i.e. Mining, fisheries forestry, agriculture. (ii) Genetic Industries Those industries which are engaged in reproducing and multiplying certain species of animals and plants and selling them in the market for profit are named as genetic industries. i.e. Cattle breeding farms, poultry farms, plant nurseries. (iii) Constructive Industries Constructive industries as the name signifies are engaged in the construction of building, canals, brides, dams, roads etc. (iv) Manufacturing Industries Manufacturing industries are those which are concerned of converting raw material or semi finished products into finished products. E.g. Shoes Company, Textiles Mills. (v) Service Industries Service industries are usually engaged in the manufacturing of intangible goods which cannot be seen or touched by naked eye. The service of professionals such as doctors, lawyers is examples of service industries.  (vi) Commerce The second element that comes in the scope of business is Commerce. It is a very important component of business and is concerned with the buying and selling of goods. It includes all the activities which are connected to the transfer of goods from the place of production to the ultimate consumers. The whole ranges of commerce activities are classified are as under:- 2. Trade The process of buying and selling of goods is called Trade. It is the exchange of goods and services among buyers and sellers in which both the parties are benefited. Trade is classified into two types. (i) Internal Trade The process of buying and selling of goods within the edge of a country is called internal trade. Wholesale Trade. The process of purchase of goods in huge quantity from producers and their resale to retailers is known as wholesale trade. The retailer then further sells these goods to the final consumers. Retail Trade. The retailer sale the goods and services to the ultimate consumers is known as Retail Trade. (ii) External Trade The purchase and sale of goods between two countries are called external trade. It is also called foreign trade. There are two types of external Trade. Import Trade Export Trade. 3. Aid to Trade The activities which help in the purchase of goods and services are called aids to trade. The aids which are compulsory for the development of the trade are as follows:- (i) Transport The different ways of transport help in carrying goods from the places of production to centers of utilization e.g. Railways, ships, airlines etc. (ii) Insurance Insurance is very essential aid to trade. The risk of damage of goods due to fire, flood, earthquake or other causes us covered by insurance. (iii) Warehousing Warehousing is a kind of storeroom. Nowadays most of the goods are produce in anticipation of demand. They are stored in safe places and are released as and when demanded in the market. Warehousing thus helps in overcoming the barrier of time and creates time utility. (iv) Banking The commercial banks play a vital role in financing the different trade activities. They are funding the traders for stock holding and transportation of goods. They also support the buyers and sellers of goods in receiving and making payments, both at the national and worldwide level. The credit facility in the form of cash credit, overdrafts and loans is provided to the traders. (v) Advertisement Selling of goods is the most difficult problem for the producer. Advertisement regarding the product through newspapers, magazines, radio and television has greatly helped the consumers in choosing the goods of their taste. So advertisements play a vital role in increasing sale of goods. Meaning, Definition of Business Organisation An entrepreneur organizes various factors of production like land, labour, capital, machinery, etc. for channelizing them into productive activities. The product finally reaches consumers through various agencies. Business activities are divided into various functions, these functions are assigned to different individuals. Various individual efforts must lead to the achievement of common business goals. Organization is the structural framework of duties and responsibilities required of personnel in performing various functions with a view to achieve business goals through organization. Management tries to combine various business activities to accomplish predetermined goals. Present business system is very complex. The unit must be run efficiently to stay in the competitive world of business. Various jobs are to be performed by persons most suitable for them. First of all various activities should be grouped into different functions. The authority and responsibility is fixed at various levels. All efforts should be made to co-ordinate different activities for running the units efficiently so that cost of production may be reduced and profitability of the unit may be increased. Definitions: Louis Allen, “Organization is the process of identifying and grouping work to be performed, defining and delegating responsibility and authority and establishing relationships for the purpose of enabling people to work most effectively together in accomplishing objectives.” In the words of Allen, organization is an instrument for achieving organizational goals. The work of each and every person is defined and authority and responsibility is fixed for accomplishing the same. Wheeler, “Internal organization is the structural framework of duties and responsibilities required of personnel in performing various functions within the company. It is essentially a blue print for action resulting in a mechanism for carrying out function to achieve the goals set up by company management”. In Wheeler’s view, organization is a process of fixing duties and responsibilities of persons in an enterprise so that business goals are achieved. Koontz and O’Donnell, ‘The establishment of authority relationships with provision for coordination between them, both vertically and horizontally in the enterprise structure.” These authors view organization as a coordinating point among various persons in the business. Oliver Sheldon, “Organization is the process so combining the work which individuals or groups have to perform with the facilities necessary for its execution, that the duties so performed provide the best channels for the efficient, systematic, positive and coordinated application of the available effort”. Organization helps in efficient utilization of resources by dividing the duties of various persons. Characteristics of Business Organisation 1. Economic activity: Business is an economic activity of production and distribution of goods and services. It provides employment opportunities in different sectors like banking, insurance, transport, industries, trade etc. it is an economic activity corned with creation of utilities for the satisfaction of human wants. It provides a source of income to the society. Business results into generation of employment opportunities thereby leading to growth of the economy. It brings about industrial and economic development of the country. 2. Buying and Selling: The basic activity of any business is trading. The business involves buying of raw material, plants and machinery, stationary, property etc. On the other hand, it sells the finished products to the consumers, wholesaler, retailer etc. Business makes available various goods and services to the different sections of the society. 3. Continuous process: Business is not a single time activity. It is a continuous process of production and distribution of goods and services. A single transaction of trade cannot be termed as a business. A business should be conducted regularly in order to grow and gain regular returns. Business should continuously involve in research and developmental  activities to gain competitive advantage. A continuous improvement strategy helps to increase profitability of the business firm. 4. Profit Motive: Profit is an indicator of success and failure of business. It is the difference between income and expenses of the business. The primary goal of a business is usually to obtain the highest possible level of profit through the production and sale of goods and services. It is a return on investment. Profit acts as a driving force behind all business activities. Profit is required for survival, growth and expansion of the business. It is clear that every business operates to earn profit. Business has many goals but profit making is the primary goal of every business. It is required to create economic growth. 5. Risk and Uncertainties: Risk is defined as the effect of uncertainty arising on the objectives of the business. Risk is associated with every business. Business is exposed to two types of risk, Insurable and Noninsurable. Insurable risk is predictable. 6. Creative and Dynamic: Modern business is creative and dynamic in nature. Business firm has to come out with creative ideas, approaches and concepts for production and distribution of goods and services. It means to bring things in fresh, new and inventive way. One has to be innovative because the business operates under constantly changing economic, social and technological environment. Business should also come out with new products to satisfy the growing needs of the consumers. 7. Customer satisfaction: The phase of business has changed from traditional concept to modern concept. Now a day, business adopts a consumer-oriented approach. Customer satisfaction is the ultimate aim of all economic activities. Modern business believes in satisfying the customers by providing quality product at a reasonable price. It emphasize not only on profit but also on customer satisfaction. Consumers are satisfied only when they get real value for their purchase. The purpose of the business is to create and retain the customers. The ability to identify and satisfy the customers is the prime ingredient for the business success. 8. Social Activity: Business is a socio-economic activity. Both business and society are interdependent. Modern business runs in the area of social responsibility. Business has some responsibility towards the society and in turn it needs the support of various social groups like investors, employees, customers, creditors etc. by making goods available to various sections of the society, business performs an important social function and meets social needs. Business needs support of different section of the society for its proper functioning. 9. Government control: Business organisations are subject to government control. They have to follow certain rules and regulations enacted by the government. Government ensures that the business is conducted for social good by keeping effective supervision and control by enacting and amending laws and rules from time to time. 10. Optimum utilisation of resources: Business facilitates optimum utilisation of countries material and non-material resources and achieves economic progress. The scarce resources are brought to its fullest use for concentrating economic wealth and satisfying the needs and wants of the consumers. Objectives of Business Organisation Economic Objectives: Economic objectives of business refer to the objective of earning profit and also other objectives that are necessary to be pursued to achieve the profit objective, which include, creation of customers, regular innovations and best possible use of available resources. (i) Profit Earning: Profit is the lifeblood of business, without which no business can survive in a competitive market. In fact profit making is the primary objective for which a business unit is brought into existence. Profits must be earned to ensure the survival of business, its growth and expansion over time. Profits help businessmen not only to earn their living but also to expand their business activities by reinvesting a part of the profits. In order to achieve this primary objective, certain other objectives are also necessary to be pursued by business, which are as follows: (a) Creation of customers: A business unit cannot survive unless there are customers to buy the products and services. Again a businessman can earn profits only when he/she provides quality goods and services at a reasonable price. For this it needs to attract more customers for its existing as well as new products. This is achieved with the help of various marketing activities. (b) Regular innovations: Innovation means changes, which bring about improvement in products, process of production and distribution of goods. Business units, through innovation, are able to reduce cost by adopting better methods of production and also increase their sales by attracting more customers because of improved products. Reduction in cost and increase in sales gives more profit to the businessmen. Use of power looms in place of handlooms, use of tractors in place of hand implements in farms etc. are all the results of innovation. (c) Best possible use of resources: As we all know, to run any business we must have sufficient capital or funds. The amount of capital may be used to buy machinery, raw materials, employ men and have cash to meet dayto-day expenses. Thus, business activities require various resources like men, materials, money and machines. The availability of these resources is usually limited. Thus, every business should try to make the best possible use of these resources. Employing efficient workers. Making full use of machines and minimizing wastage of raw materials, can achieve this objective. B. Social Objectives: Social objective are those objectives of business, which are desired to be achieved for the benefit of the society. Since business operates in a society by utilizing its scarce resources, the society expects something in return for its welfare. No activity of the business should be aimed at giving any kind of trouble to the society. If business activities lead to socially harmful effects, there is bound to be public reaction against the business sooner or later. Social objectives of business include production and supply of quality goods and services, adoption of fair trade practices and contribution to the general welfare of society and provision of welfare amenities. (i) Production and Supply of Quality Goods and Services: Since the business utilizes the various resources of the society, the society expects to get quality goods and services from the business he objective of business should be to produce better quality goods and supply them at the right time and at a right price It is not desirable on the part of the businessman to supply adulterated or inferior goods which cause injuries to the customers. They should charge the price according to the quality of e goods and services provided to the society. Again, the customers also expect timely supply of all their requirements. So it is important for every business to supply those goods and services on a regular basis. Adoption of Fair Trade Practices: In every society, activities such as hoarding, black- marketing and over- charging are considered undesirable. Besides, misleading advertisements often give a false impression about the quality of products. Such advertisements deceive the customers and the businessmen use them for the sake of making large profits. This is an unfair trade practice. The business unit must not create artificial scarcity of essential goods or raise prices for the sake of earning more profits. All these activities earn a bad name and sometimes make the businessmen liable for penalty and even imprisonment under the law. Therefore, the objective of business should be to adopt fair trade practices for the welfare of the consumers as well as the society. (iii) Contribution to the General Welfare of the Society: Business units should work for the general welfare and upliftment of the society. This is possible through running of schools and colleges better education opening of vocational training centres to train the people to earn their livelihood, establishing hospitals for medical facilities and providing recreational facilities for the general public like parks, sports complexes etc. С. Human Objectives: Human objectives refer to the objectives aimed at the well-being as well as fulfillment of expectations of employees as also of people who are disabled, handicapped and deprived of proper education and training. The human objectives of business may thus include economic well-being of the employees, social and psychological satisfaction of employees and development of human resources. (i) Economic Well-being of the Employees: In business employees must be provided with tan remuneration and incentive for performance benefits of provident fund, pension and other amenities like medical facilities, housing facilities etc. By this they feel more satisfied at work and contribute more for the business. (ii) Social and Psychological Satisfaction of Employees: It is the duty of business units to provide social and psychological satisfaction to their employees. This is possible by making the job interesting and challenging, putting the right person in the right job and reducing the monotony of work Opportunities for promotion and advancement in career should also be provided to the employees. Further, grievances of employees should be given prompt attention and their suggestions should be considered seriously when decisions are made. If employees are happy and satisfied they can put then best efforts in work. (iii) Development of Human Resources: Employees as human beings always want to grow. Their growth requires proper training as well as development. Business can prosper if the people employed can improve their skills and develop their abilities and competencies in course of time. Thus, it is important that business should arrange training and development programmes for its employees. (iv) Well-being of Socially and Economically Backward People: Business units being inseparable parts of society should help backward classes and also people those are physically and mentally challenged. This can be done in many ways. For instance, vocational training programme may be arranged to improve the earning capacity of backward people in the community. While recruiting its staff, business should give preference to physically and mentally challenged persons. Business units can also help and encourage meritorious students by awarding scholarships for higher studies. D. National Objectives: Being an important part of the country, every business must have the objective of fulfilling national goals and aspirations. The goal of the country may be to provide employment opportunity to its citizen, earn revenue for its exchequer, become self-sufficient in production of goods and services, promote social justice, etc. Business activities should be conducted keeping these goals of the country in mind, which may be called national objectives of business. The following are the national objectives of business. (i) Creation of Employment: One of the important national objectives of business is to create opportunities for gainful employment of people. This can be achieved by establishing new business units, expanding markets, widening distribution channels, etc. (ii) Promotion of Social Justice: As a responsible citizen, a businessman is expected to provide equal opportunities to all persons with whom he/she deals. He/ She is also expected to provide equal opportunities to all the employees to work and progress. Towards this objectives special attention must be paid to weaker and backward sections of the society. (iii) Production According to National Priority: Business units should produce and supply goods in accordance with the priorities laid down in the plans and policies of the government. One of the national objectives of business in our country should be to increase the production and supply of essential goods at reasonable prices. (iv) Contribute to the Revenue of the Country: The business owners should pay their taxes and dues honestly and regularly. This will increase the revenue of the government, which can be used for the development of the nation. (v) Self-sufficiency and Export Promotion: To help the country to become self-reliant, business units have the added responsibility of restricting import of goods. Besides, every business units should aim at increasing exports and adding to the foreign exchange reserves of the country. E. Global Objectives: Previously India had very restricted business relationship with other nations. There was a very rigid policy for import and export of goods and services. But, now-a-days due to liberal economic and export-import policy, restrictions on foreign investments have been largely abolished and duties on imported goods have been substantially reduced. This change has brought about increase in competition in the market. Today because of globalisation the entire world has become a big market. Goods produced in one country are readily available in other countries. So, to face the competition in the global market every business has certain objectives in mind, which may be called the global objectives. Let us learn about them. (i) Raise General Standard of Living: Growth of business activities across national borders makes quality goods available at reasonable prices all over the world. The people of one country get to use similar types of goods that people in other countries are using. This improves the standard of living of people. (ii) Reduce Disparities among Nations: Business should help to reduce disparities among the rich and poor nations of the world by expanding its operation. By way of capital investment in developing as well as underdeveloped countries it can foster their industrial and economic growth. (iii) Make Available Globally Competitive Goods and Services: Business should produce goods and services which are globally competitive and have huge demand in foreign markets. This will improve the image of the exporting country and also earn more foreign exchange for the country. Evolution of Business The economic development of a country is measured by the development of commerce and industry. The development of business activities in India has been going on with the changes in civilisation. There was a time when there was no commerce at all and now its development has brought the whole world together. There have been different stages through which the development of trade and industry has passed.  A brief description of evolution of business activities has been discussed herewith: 1. Barter System: Barter is a system of exchange of goods for goods. The earlier system of producing or percuring only for one’s needs gave way to barter system. With the increase in demand for more and more goods and surplus in one’s own production, there was a search for those who wanted to exchange goods for goods. The families started producing more than their needs. The surpluses were exchanged with those goods which they needed. At a later stage some places were fixed where people used to come for exchanging their surplus products with others. The payment for using the services of other people was also in kind. Though commerce had come into being but it was at an elementary level. There was a problem of bringing together persons who needed each other’s goods. There was no common yardstick for measuring the value of goods to be exchanged. 2. Village Economy: People started setting at particular places and began to sow seeds and rearing cattle on the land which they shared with community. These tribes started producing the things which they required and it was a system of self-sufficiency. With the advent of private ownership of land and cattle, the tribe system split into families. Some families started concentrating on occupations other than agriculture. This led to exchange of goods for satisfying family needs. There was a system of village economy and all the requirements of the village were met by the people themselves. In order to facilitate exchange, a class of people called traders also emerged. Different families started specialising in producing different goods or taking up specific jobs. All these developments led to a self-reliant village economy. 3. Introduction of Money: The difficulties faced in barter system compelled people to find out some common medium for exchange. In the beginning some commodities were used as a denominator for exchange. The commodities like stones, shells, cattle, feathers etc. were used to value the goods to be exchanged. Gradually, metals like iron, copper, bronze, silver and gold were taken to be more convenient, as a medium of exchange. The metals were weighed and stamped to fix their value. The metal money facilitated trade not only in the country but also with foreign countries. The coins were also used to make payments for various types of services availed. It was ultimately the use of paper currency which led to all round development of business activities. 4. Town Economy: With the use of money for exchange purposes, the volume of trade started increasing. The system of self-sufficiency gave way to division of labour. Instead of producing for family needs people started meeting needs of the whole village. People started specialising in different products. Certain places were being fixed where people could come to buy and sell goods. There used to be weekly mandis or fairs where people from nearby villages would come to sell their surplus products and buy goods for their needs. The mandis or fairs became a regular feature. The increased volume of trade encouraged more and more division of labour. A separate class of traders and artisans came into existence. These persons  started settling at central places and established their business premises there. These places were known as towns and became trade centres for people living in villages. The villagers brought raw materials, cattle, milk, etc. to the towns for sale. The artisans would manufacture goods as per the needs of the people. The traders became a link between farmers and artisans. The traders also started bringing luxury goods from outside places for sale in towns. As the journey was risky, the traders used to move in caravans and with the protection of armed men. The town economy gave further philip to commerce. 5. Industrial Revolution: The word ‘Industrial Revolution’ is used to describe a series of changes in the industrial field in England during the period between 1760 and 1850. The changes of far reaching effects took place during this period. Generally, the word ‘Revolution’ is used for an abrupt change but in this case it is used to describe ‘fundamental change’. A number of inventions took place in England which changed the entire technique of production. Some of the important inventions were the Spinning Jenny of Hargreaves, the Water Frame of Arkwright, the Mule of Crompton and the Power-loom of Cartwright. With the help of these inventions industrial production started at a mass scale. The machinery was used for production, division of labour was introduced and the modes of transport were improved. The use of steam-engine in place of labour helped to increase production manifold. The use of machines required more capital investments and it led to the change in ownership from a sole proprietorship to a joint stock company. According to Mr. L.C.A Knowles, “The so-called Industrial Revolution comprised of six great changes or developments-all of which were inter-dependent”. These changes were: (i) Development of Engineering: Industrial revolution brought about a change in engineering skill. Engineers were required to design machines for textile and coal- mixing industries. The tool making for repairing ships and locomotives were also essential. There was a need for sufficient number of trained persons for taking up these jobs. The development of trained people was a part of industrial revolution. (ii) Revolution in Iron-making: The casting of iron for manufacturing machines was the other need of this revolution. A sufficient quantity and goods of iron was the need of the time. This development helped in producing sufficient number of machines. Use of Steam Power in Textiles: The use of mechanical devices in textile industry raised its production. First steam power was used in spinning. It created a surplus of yarn because man- made and traditional methods of weaving could not cope with the situation. It necessitated the use of power for weaving purposes also. The use of power was also extended to other aspects of textile industry. (iv) Rise of Chemical Industry: The use of power in textile industry necessitated suitable changes in the processes like bleaching, dying, finishing or printing so that production could be accelerated to keep pace with the output of piece goods. All this was possible only with the development of chemical industry. (iv) Development of Coal Mining: The development of coal mining was inter-dependent on other developments. The coke was needed for smelting and refining iron and pig iron respectively in blast furnaces as also for producing the steam power which had also become the motive power of the industry. (vi) Revolution in Transport: The above mentioned developments could not have been possible without the improved modes of transport. The horse driven carriages could not cope with the needs of large scale production. The moving of inputs to centres of industrialization and then distribution of manufactured goods to places of consumption will be possible only with better transport means. The industrial revolution led to large scale production. The production large scale reduced prices of goods. The commodities which were considered luxuries earlier were within the reach of a common man. The division of labour was introduced in factories and this led to specialisation. 6. Revolution in Transport and Communication: Industrial production increased manifold after the mechanisation of production methods. There was a need for more and more markets to sell the goods. The discovery of new sea routes, opening of Suez Canal, introduction of railways, steamships, aeroplanes and automobiles revolutionised transport system. The movement of goods among different countries became easy and fast. The trade crossed national boundries. The trade expanded from local to national and from national to international boundries. The facilities such as insurance and banking also gave philip to the development of trade. The revolution in communication methods has further facilitated the growth of business activities. The use of telephone, telegraph, radio, T.V. etc. has helped in creating world market for goods. The latest edition of internet, intranet, e-commerce and advanced IT methods has radically changed the structure of trade and commerce both at national and international levels. 7. Advancements in Modern Business: A number of advancements have occurred in commerce and industry in the last fifty years. These changes have revolutionised production and distribution. Some of these changes are described as follows : (i) Improved Methods of Production: The use of latest technology has revolutionised production methods. The rate of production has increased substantially. Mechanisation and automation have also helped in controlling wastes and reducing cost of production. Productivity of workers has also gone up. (ii) Large Scale Production: The growth of multinational companies has increased the scale of production. The goods are not produced for local or national markets only but international demand is taken into consideration. (iii) Specialisation: The division of labour has led to specialisation in every industrial activity. Industrial units produce small number of components but specialise in them. Big industrial units also encourage specialisation in small units. The specialisation helps in raising productivity and competitive strength of the units. Even at international level countries produce only those goods in which they can specialise and have natural advantage. This specialisation has further increased international trade. (iv) Research and Development: The focus of industrial units is to devise better and better products on a regular basis. This has necessitated an emphasis on research and development. The thrust now is on revolution and not on evolution. Research and development helps in controlling costs, increasing production and raising standards of living of people. (v) Expansion of International Trade: International trade is expanding at a greater pace. The organisations like WTO are helping to bring together the whole world by removing various hindrances imposed by countries in the flow of goods and services. The whole world is now becoming one big market. 8. Growth of Public and Private Enterprises: Industrialisation in India mainly started after 1947. British rulers wanted India to be the supplier of raw materials and consumer of their finished goods. After independence the government devised specific roles to public and private sectors. Basic and strategic industries were developed under public sector and consumer goods industries were left to be developed under private sector. There were a number of changes in industrial policy from time to time. The public sector enterprises could not provide the required quantum for industrial development. It was in 1991 when government decided to limit the role of public sector only to a few industries and rests of the industries were left to be developed by private sector. Foreign entrepreneurs were freely allowed to set up unit in India. A number of multinational companies, especially in automobile sector and durable consumer goods, have set up their manufacturing facilities in India. Foreign investors are allowed to own majority of equity in a number of Indian industries. There are basic structural changes in Indian industrial sector in the last 15 years. Under world trade treaties every country has to. Allow free access to foreign goods. Indian industries are now operating under intense competition from foreign undertakings. This competition has created awareness about quality and cost among Indian entrepreneurs. Indian exports are now finding good foreign markets. Businessmen are exploring newer and better foreign markets for Indian goods. The government is also giving proper attention to export promotion. Though public sector is also continuing but the thrust has shifted to private sector. Private sector will have to show results in a fairly competitive environment. Modern Businesses Companies that have rapidly reshaped their categories to place previous leaders at a disadvantage or who have created entirely new categories of their own. They have employed a dizzying array of new techniques and technologies and it is often hard to separate their strategy from their execution. However, as more of these companies emerge, it has become clear that there are a consistent set of fundamentals that they all have in common. 1. Committed deeply to delivering individual, social and environmental value that is tightly aligned with the creation of economic value for its stakeholders. 2. Built around a purpose: Enlists employees, customers and partners to help achieve the purpose. 3. Design workplaces and cultures that install employees with passion and autonomy: Employ flatter structures, offer more holistic, human work. 4. Transparent, open and sharing by default. View operations and culture as a competitive advantage. 5. Create ecosystems of shared value within their industry: Utilize platforms and networks to scale value creation and further social and economic goals for a wide range of stakeholders and partners 6. Primarily profit through eliminating waste and breaking barriers within their industries or categories or through enabling greater value for partners and customers. 7. Deliver real value to people and the community, build relationships with customers not transactions 8. Make real progress against social goals and commercial goals Business & Profession Business means to earn profit by supplying goods and services, whereas profession is an advice or service rendered by one or a group of persons which does not include manufacturing or selling of goods. In order to become a professional, a person has to attain certain academic qualifications and training. Examples are Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Advocates,  Engineers, Cost Accountants and Company Secretaries. The points of difference between business and profession are given below. 1. Difference in Educational Qualifications The professional should have the specified academic qualifications to practice the profession, whereas the businessman is not expected to have such specified academic qualifications. 2. Difference in Expert in the Field The businessman need not have expertise knowledge in his field of business. On the other hand, the professional must be an expert in his profession. 3. Difference in Personal Attention The businessman can appoint anybody to manage the affairs of his business. The professional, on the other hand, has to perform the duties personally. 4. Difference in Name of the Reward The reward for business is known as profit. The reward for profession is called as fee. 5. Difference in Code of Conduct and Ethics There is no rigorous code of conduct and ethics to be followed by a businessman. The professional, on the other hand is expected to follow code of conduct and ethics. 6. Difference in Governing Body Association does not govern the business man. He may or may not be a member of any trade association. On the other hand, the association to which he belongs governs the professional. 7. Difference in Motive The primary motive of a businessman is profit. The basic motive of a professional is service, and profit is only secondary. 8. Difference in Advertisement The businessman can advertise his business to attract more and more customers towards his business. A professional, on the other hand, cannot advertise except displaying a name board in front of his office.