AN ORGANISATION STUDY

REPORT ON

RASHTRA DEEPIKA. LTD.

KOTTAYAM, KERALA

SUBMITTED TO
MAHATMA GANDHI UNIVERSITY, KOTTAYAM

in partial fulfillment of the 3rd semester requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Business Administration of the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

SUBMITTED BY

Ms. KELEN JAMES
REG.NO. 21942

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Prof. Siby Joseph
Faculty, BIMS

2010-2012

DECLARATION I, Kelen James hereby declare that this project report entitled “ORGANISATION STUDY AT RASHTRADEEPIKA.. LTD.” has been prepared by me during the year 2010 – 2011, under the guidance of Mr. SIBY JOSEPH, Department of Management Studies, BIMS, Changanacherry.
I also hereby declare that this project report has not been submitted to any other University or Institute for the award of any degree or diploma.

Changanacherry Kelen James 13 - 06 - 2011

Acknowledgement
First of all I would like to thank God Almighty for His love, mercy and abundant grace that he has showered upon me during my project period and preparing the report. I would like to thank the Principal of St.Berchmans College, Fr. Tommy Padinjareeveetil for all his support and encouragement. I express my gratitude to Head of the Department Dr. Mathew Joseph and my project guide Mr. Siby Joseph for helping me for helping me and guiding me throughout the course of work and for having helping me and for valuable suggestions and for providing me with necessary books and reference materials. I also thank both of them for having encouraging and inspired me to complete the project at the right time.
I acknowledge my profound gratitude towards Msgr. Thomas Malekudy, Chairman and Mr.P.P.Sunny, Managing Director for giving the opportunity to do my organizational study in the company.
I extend my deepest gratitude towards Mr.Korah Joseph, The Senior HR Manager for his support and friendly approach towards me and my organizational study. He had been a great help throughout my OS, helping me acquire an overall knowledge of the working of the organization. I also extend my sincere gratitude towards all of them for giving access to some of the core documents, which has helped a lot while consolidating this report.
I greatly appreciate the assistance provided by other employees of the company during my repeated visits to the different departments, especially the production department of the company.
I would also like to thank all other individuals who supported me in completing this project.

Changanacherry Kelen James

Executive Summary

A newspaper is a regularly scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a day. The worldwide recession of 2008, combined with the rapid growth of web-based alternatives, caused a serious decline in advertising and circulation, as many papers closed or sharply retrenched operations
This project deals with the Organization study conducted in Rashtra Deepika Ltd. Kottayam. The Rashtra Deepika Ltd. Company came into existence in 1887, and has its Head Office based in Kottayam. The newspaper is published from 8 units in Kerala.
The Organizational Study was conducted at Rashtra Deepika Ltd.Kottayam. This study helped me to understand the functions, structure, policies and different procedures of the organization. The main objective of this study was to identify the functions of various divisions in the organization and also to gain knowledge about the organizational atmosphere and to find the importance of this industry in the society.
James Hooke’s quotes that "MBA students need more than professed values. They need to know that the world is morally complex and morally dangerous. They need to know that bad deeds can come from good values. They need to know that valuing integrity enough to keep one's hands off other people's money is only the beginning, not the end of business ethics."

CONTENTS SR.NO. | TITLE | PAGE NO. | I | CHAPTER:1 | | 1.1 | Introduction | 1 | 1.2 | Importance of the study | 2 | 1.3 | Objectives of the study | 3 | 1.4 | Methodology | 4 | 1.5 | Limitations of study | 4 | II | CHAPTER:2 | | 2.1 | Industry profile | 5 | 2.2 | World Scenario | 6 | 2.3 | Indian Scenario | 6 | 2.4 | State Scenario | 7 | 2.5 | Present Scenario | 7 | 2.6 | Predicted scenario | 8 | 2.7 | Major Government Policies | 9 | III | CHAPTER:3 | | 3.1 | Company profile | 12 | 3.2 | Objectives of the company | 16 | 3.3 | Product Profile- Publications | 17 | 3.4 | Organization structure | 21 | 3.5 | Functional Areas | 23 | 3.5.1 | Production Department | 24 | 3.5.2 | Editorial Department | 28 | 3.5.3 | Marketing Department | 31 | 3.5.4 | Circulation Department | 34 | 3.5.5 | Finance Department | 43 | 3.5.6 | HR Department | 46 | IV | CHAPTER:4 | | 4.1 | SWOT Analysis | 49 | V | CHAPTER:5 | | 5.1 | Findings | 51 | 5.2 | Suggestions | 51 | 5.2 | Findings | 52 | 5.3 | Conclusion | 52 | | | | 6.1 | Bibliography | 53 |

| LIST OF FIGURES | | SER.NO | TITLE | PAGE | 3.5 | Organization Structure | 36 | 4.1 | Structure of Editorial Department | 38 | 4.1.1 | Structure of the functioning of Editorial Department | 39 | 4.2 | Structure of Circulation Department(Deepika) | 41 | 4.2.1 | Structure of Circulation Department(Rashtra Deepika) | 42 | 4.3 | Structure of Marketing Department | 55 | 4.4 | Structure of Production Department | 58 | 4.5 | Structure of Finance Department | 62 | 4.6 | Structure of HR Department | 66 | List of Tables | TABLENO | TITLE | PAGE NO | 4.1 | Allocation of Unit circulation managers and executive for Rashtra Deepika | 43 |

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. -Thomas Jefferson, 1787.

The history of newspaper is probably one of the most notable episodes of human experience. The origin of newspapers dates back to Renaissance Europe. It was during this period that local European merchants began the habit of distributing handwritten newsletters amongst each other. However, it was the Germans who introduced the earliest forms of printed newspapers way back during the 1400’s. Since then the outlook of newspapers has undergone tremendous evolution. In recent times the total number of newspaper count has increased to a mammoth 6580. A normal newspaper of today comprises of various sections like editor’s columns, newspaper classified ads, newspaper display ads, forecasts, comic strips, entertainment section and much more. Unfortunately the financial downturn has hampered the growing rate newspaper classified advertising, simultaneously encouraging the rise of web- based newspapers or e-papers.

History and origin of Newspapers in India The history of newspapers in India is equally intriguing. The introduction of newspapers in India was actually the result of spreading sense globalization amongst the countrymen. These countrymen craving for updates around the world demanded for a source that gratified their thirst for knowledge. Finally the first newspaper of the country was introduced in Calcutta (Kolkata). Titled Calcutta General Advertise or Hickey’s Bengal

Gazette this newspaper was the brainchild of an eccentric Irishman called James Augustus Hickey during the 1780’s. Soon newspapers like Herald and Bombay came into being following the success of their precursor. Over the years the country has witnessed the rise of multiple newspaper dailies out of which broadsheets like Times of India, the Telegraph,
Hindu, Hindustan Times, The statesman, Economic Times, Ananda Bazar Patrika, The Tribune etc have become the highest circulated newspapers in India.

Objectives of the study Several attributes such as the activities taking place within a company, how its different departments function, how these departments are interdependent etc can be studied personally, and proves to be of immense value when an actual job is embarked upon later. It is also essential to know how the different resources of the company, like money, material men and machinery are managed by the officials to achieve the vision of the organization. The objective of this study is to shed light on these aspects, to understand the functioning of the organization, to obtain firsthand experience of a managerial job environment and to interact with the people who manage and ensure the smooth running of the organization and also the following.

* To relate theory with practice. * To understand how key business practices are carried out in the organization. * To understand how information is used in the organization for decision making at various levels. * To understand the organizational structure * To do a SWOT analysis for the organization

Scope of the Study

The scope includes familiarization of the organization in all business aspects. The organization study at Deepika, Kottayam provides hands on experience of the various business practices existing in the organization. The study helps in bridging the gap between the theory and the practices existing in the organization.

* The organization study incorporates the structure, products, policies, the different activities and a SWOT analysis of the organization. * It also sheds light on the organizational atmosphere and the challenges and the opportunities of the industry in general. * This study aims at generating the practical awareness about the management. * This study helps to understand different management activities. * This study helps to make a comparison between the classroom knowledge with the real situation in the organization. * This study helps to interact with the organizational executives of the company

Methods of Data Collection

The study is primarily descriptive and analytical in nature. For conducting the study both primarily and secondary data were used.
Primary data:
Primarily data was collected by observation and personal interviews with the managers and other staffs in the organization.

Secondary data: The secondary data was collected from company records, previous studies conducted in the organization and company official website.

Limitations of the Study

1. To understand an organization and its working completely, a period of 30 days was not sufficient.
2. Other departments of the company were warned to be out of bounds, so it was not possible to study in detail their activities and overall atmosphere.
3. The company by policy never reveals its financial information and this limits the exhaustiveness of the study.
4. The detailed data of other companies related to the same business could not be obtained and hence a comparative study was not possible.
5. The time constraint is also a limitation of this study 6. Most of the employees were busy with their job so much interaction was not possible.

Chapter: 2 Industry Profile

Chapter: 2 Industry Profile Man’s urging to communicate with ones neighbors led to the development of languages as well as newspapers. In the past new stories were revealed by word of mouth than through the written materials.
An American Dramatist Arthur Miller says, "A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself”.
The earliest version on a newspaper was a daily sheet published in 59 BC in Rome called 'Acta Diurna' (daily even). The earliest known printer newspaper was in Beijing in 748 AD. The 1700 were a century in which market elements were created that encouraged the development of daily newspapers. The first daily newspaper was 'The Daily Courant' in London 1702. Newspaper and Newspaper advertising have been the most important tools in shaping the growth and development of the modern society. More than anything, they have been very instrumental in bridging communication gap between people and contribute to the air of awareness in a society. One of the most crucial tasks of the newspaper industry is to contribute towards the economic and industrial development of a country through the assimilation of people's thoughts and opinions.
2.2 WORLD SCENARIO
The first newspaper in the world of which there is a record was 'Pecking Gazette' published between AD 600's and 900's China. It was printed by wood block, the kind of printing invented by the Chinese in the year 594. Less than*

100 years after Johannes Guttenberg developed printing press in year in 1447, there appeared pamphlets and single sheet notices announcing particular events.
The first English newspaper was 'Oxford Gazette' brought out in 1665 in England. That publication gave rise to the word NEWSPAPER in 1670.

2.3 INDIAN SCENARIO The colonial power of British introduced newspaper in India. The first newspaper in India was 'Bengal Gazette' published in English by an English man J.A Hickey in 1780. In 1819, Gangadharan Bhattacharya and Harichandra Roy launched a paper in Calcutta by name 'Bengal Gazette' in Bengali. It was the first newspaper launched in an Indian language. The Indian Newspaper industry has passed through various stages of evolution to reach the stage that it enjoys today that of a leading press arena in the world. There are hundreds of newspapers that reach out to the people of this vast country in enormous numbers every morning. A typical Indian daily newspaper is almost like a staple diet, which brings to him news from around the globe.
Indian newspapers have played a very significant role in shaping the country's economical development. In fact, the newspaper industry of any country for that matter spreads the knowledge and awareness amongst the people by propagating itself as a medium for a wide area of topics such as politics, sports, social issues, medicine, entertainment, advertising, marketing and so on. The popularity of newspaper has lived through ages.
We know that newspaper and newspaper advertising have been very instrumental in branding the communication gap between people that contributes to the air of awareness in the society. Newspaper is an important media for spreading both national and international news. It plays a crucial role in the society.
In recent years, India's steamroller economy has diversified well beyond tech and outsourcing, including a big boom in the news media. Circulation has been steadily growing

at Indian newspapers, and new dailies and magazines are popping up on a monthly basis. India is a fascinating country where history is being made in many respects so it is a great place for good journalism.

2.4 STATE SCENARIO
The newspaper in Kerala was introduced in 1887. The first newspaper launched was 'Deepika' on 15th April 1887. After Deepika, the next newspaper to be launched was Malayala Manorama in 1888. But the circulation was very limited due to the low literacy rate at that time. During 1900's, there was a tremendous growth in the newspaper industry in Kerala with the emergence of other newspapers like Deshabhimani, Kerala Kaumudhi, and Mathrubhumi etc. At the initial stage, most part of the funds needed by the dailies were raised from the proprietor's personal investments or as the donations collected from the public. But now, the finance is raised from advertisements, circulations etc.
Print Media The introduction of the printing press has made producing multiple copies of a document much easier and convenient. This machine has changed the totality of the written language. It was a breakthrough in spreading literacy in the lower classes as books and other printed materials are now easily reproduced. Many more copies of a document could be made making the documents more available to the masses.

But have you ever wondered how these books, magazines or newspapers are produced? Are these printed materials literally written and colored by the writers? Absolutely not! Just imagine how long it will take to write a single copy of a book. It would seem impossible to actually produce one copy if one has to do it manually. Then how are they able produce thousands of copies in just a short period of time? The answer to that is press printing. Press printing can make copies of words and images by placing link on paper.

In the past, when the printing press was not yet invented printing a hundred copies of a book can take a year to produce. But after the printing press was developed, it takes only a few months to print not only hundreds but thousands of copies. The printing presses available today can do more things than those available in the past. There are those long ones that can print different colors and those short ones that can print only black colors. There are also those that can connect to a computer to make printing much easier.
The traditional process of press printing has several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Printing Machine Press printing offers good color precision. This printing technique can create much brighter print outputs. If you are a person who is particular with color precision, press printing may be the right choice for you. You can also use different types of color with press printing. Whether its colored papers or pitch black type, you have the liberty of deciding which is best for your printed material. Additionally, color printing will look smooth and flawless as fine line screens are available with press printing. Wide array of finishing options are also available such as foil stamping, embossing, and die cutting. Hence, using press printing techniques can help you produce materials that really stand out.

Disadvantages of Printing Machine Press printing can be quite costly. Films and plates need to be produced adding to the overall cost. It is also time consuming as setting up, aligning the press and washing the press needs a considerable amount of time. Then after this process, folding, cutting and other finishing have to be done. Thus, print jobs done with press printing can cost twice as that of digital printing.

What the Printing Operators Do?

Printing machine operators, also known as press operators, prepare, operate, and maintain printing presses. Duties vary according to the type of press they operate. Traditional printing methods, such as offset lithography, gravure, flexography, and letterpress, use a plate or roller that carries the final image that is to be printed and copies the image to paper. In addition to the traditional printing processes, plateless or nonimpact processes are coming into general use. Plateless processes—including digital, electrostatic, and ink-jet printing—are used for copying, duplicating, and document and specialty printing, usually by quick printing shops and smaller in-house printing shops. Digital presses with longer run capabilities are increasingly being used by commercial printers for short-run or customized printing jobs. Digital presses also allow printers to transfer files, blend colors, and proof images electronically, thus avoiding the costly and time-consuming steps of making printing plates that are common to lithographic or off-set printing. Work Environment

Operating a press can be physically and mentally demanding, and sometimes tedious. Press operators are on their feet most of the time. Operators often work under pressure to meet deadlines. Most printing presses are capable of high printing speeds, and adjustments must be made quickly to avoid waste. Pressrooms are noisy, and workers in certain areas wear ear protection. Working with press machinery can be hazardous, but the threat of serious accidents has decreased. Newer computerized presses are equipped with safety features and allow operators to make most adjustment from a control panel.

Many press operators, particularly those who work for newspapers, work weekends, nights, and holidays as many presses operate continuously. They also may work overtime to meet deadlines.

Chapter: 3
Profile of the Company

Chapter: 3
Profile of the Company India`s first Malayalam Newspaper Deepika was first published in 1887 April 15. Early it was known as Nazrani Deepika .A renowned Priest and perceptive, creative thinker of those times Fr. Emmanuel Nidhiri made great attempt to take the dream of many into realization. The newspaper was initially printed on a crude, hand-made wooden press built by the legendary and far-sighted visionary Carmelite Monk.Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara (now Blessed Chavara) at Mannanam, a small village near to Kottayam town. The Carmailtes of Immaculate Mary (CMI) Congregation managed the newspaper till 1989. Later it was converted into a Public Limited Company named Rashtra Deepika Limited. The founders of this newspaper had great ambitions for this unique project that served as a major milestone in the evolution and advancement of literacy in Kerala. Under the dynamic leadership of Fr.Emmanuel Nidhiri and his team members Nazrani Deepika marched over the years into the 20th Centuary.The frequency in printing gradually increased from weekly to twice a week and later thrice a week. People had contributed to this endeavor from all segments of the society. Nazrani Deepika was converted into a Daily on January 3, 1927, the first ever of the State. The Daily tried to re-emphasize the goals put forward by the founders of this newspaper namely; * To represent the needs of the common man to the rulers. * To protest and safeguard the inalienable rights of the people. * To fight for Truth, Justice and Freedom and to unite the separated brethren of Kerala.

The Newspaper was shifted to Kottayam on August 1, 1939, which was a nerve centre for printing and publishing in the state. In order to give a secular outlook it´s name was changed into Deepika. Deepika has been continuously trying to make a strong impact on the people, becoming the voice of the voiceless, standing for truth and justice, freedom and equality for all. Nowadays it turned to be a dignified newspaper and really committed to genuine social, ethical and cultural values.

In 1986 Deepika´s year-long centenary celebrations were inaugurated by Pope John Paul II and the newspaper commemorated its 100th year of publication in April 1987.Deepika was well grown over the past 120 years standing fully for the public people fearing and favoring none. This newspaper has strongly fought for the well being of farmers, the weaker and the right of the minorities irrespective of caste and creed. This newspaper does not support any political parties or politicians.

Deepika was converted into a Public Limited Company, Rashtra Deepika Limited in August 1989.This was to facilitate the organization to gain corporate dimensions, stimulation and new ethos so as to enable it to meet the challenges of the ever growing and highly competitive world. The event has been the turning point in the history of the organization.

CLASS OF READERS

Rashtra Deepika publications are being widely read by the influential class of Kerala society, mostly middle and upper middle class Christian families, who form the bulk of its readership.

DEEPIKA´S VISION The newspaper’s founding fathers envisaged the evolution and advancement of literacy in Kerala through the rich and educative columns of the newspaper. The management, 124 years later, today remains committed to the noble goals had put forward at the inception of the newspaper, namely:

* To present the needs of the common man to the rulers. * To protect and safeguard the inalienable rights of the people. * To fight for Truth, Justice and Freedom and to unite the separated brethren of Kerala. Deepika also pledges to remain standing out as a voice of the voiceless; perpetuating truth, freedom and equality. It always aims at being a credible, authentic, secular and dignified newspaper, committed to genuine social, cultural and ethical values. It further serves as a mouthpiece of the oppressed, a source of inspiration for many and has carved out as a distinctive personality for itself in the world of newspapers; leading by example from the front.

DEEPIKA´S MISSION

* Our reader comes first. We commit ourselves to their service and will ensure their satisfaction in every service we offer. * We will stand by the people for social justice and security by providing accurate and objective information on time. We will also strive to influence public opinion for positive social change.

* Our employees are our assets. We will also ensure transparent and professional work environment and constantly assist our people to grow along with the Company. * We cherish the contribution of our business associates in the value addition of our products and services. We will treat them as partners in our continuous effort for quality improvement. * We recognize the plurality of our society and our role in it. We will promote and undertake social and cultural activities that will educate, enrich, and synergize the society we leave in and bring people closer. * We appreciate the confidence our shareholders have in us. We commit ourselves to protect their interest in the Company and will strive to increase shareholder value in both monetary and prestige terms. * We will ensure, as a team, quality and consistency in every task we undertake. Also we will conduct ourselves in a manner that befits the dignity and image of our organization.

DEEPIKA MOTTO

* Excellence in Performance. * Best Service to all our readers and customers. * Respect for ourselves, our colleagues, our company, our products and our customers.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPANY
Rashtra Deepika aims to stand 1st everywhere. Deepika is 124 year old edition. It was a journey of impressive progress and growth for the company from 1887.

The Team: -
> Focuses on all problems.
> Delegates and develops.
> Seeks help.
> Helps others succeed.
> Create high performance standards. HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY
Deepika is the oldest Malayalam language newspaper in circulation and is also counted amongst the most popular Newspapers in Malayalam. The word "Deepika" in Malayalam mean 'lamp' and the Newspaper was first published on 15th April, 1887. The principal objective of Deepika during its inception was to represent the needs of the common people to the rulers and to protect and safeguard the prime rights of the people.
Deepika was first published by a Syrian Christian Priest, Nidhirikkal Manikkathanar, under the main head "Nazarani Deepika". As its first name denotes, Deepika began as a paper of Syro Malabar Nasranis or Catholics of Kerala's Syrian tradition. For many years it was run by Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1989 it was transferred to a Public Limited Company, "Rashtra Deepika". On August 1, 1939, the newspaper shifted to Kottayam, which has since become a nerve center for printing and publishing in the state. To give it a more secular outlook, its name was also then changed to Deepika. Over the years, Deepika has continued to make a strong impact on the masses, becoming the voice of the voiceless, staunchly standing out for truth, justice, freedom and equality for all. It is today a credible, authentic, secular and dignified newspaper committed to genuine social, cultural and ethical values. It is a mouthpiece of the oppressed, a source of inspiration for many and has carved out a distinctive personality for itself in the world of newspapers in Kerala; bravely and boldly leading by example from the front.

In 1986, Deepika’s year-long centenary celebrations were inaugurated by Pope John Paul II and the newspaper commemorated its 100th year of publication in April 1987. Well over the past 120 years, Deepika has grown in strength and stature, standing out boldly for the people, fearing and favoring none. It has relentlessly fought for the well being of farmers, the weaker sections and the rights of the minorities, irrespective of caste or creed. It has also maintained a neutral political stand, earning the appreciation of politicians and a leader, both national and regional, which has helped it earn added credibility and respect.

In August 1989, Deepika was converted into a Public Limited Company, Rashtra Deepika Ltd. This was to facilitate the organization to gain corporate dimensions, stimulation and new ethos so as to enable it to meet the myriad challenges of the ever growing and highly competitive world.The event has been the turning point in the history of the organization, which has grown leaps and bounds,ever since. Deepika publishes editions from, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The readership of the Newspaper is drawn mainly from the Syro Malabar Catholic laity.Dr.Francis cleetus is the Chairman, Rev. Dr. James Aerthayil is the Vice Chairman, Mr. P.P. Sunny is the Managing Director and Fr. Alexander Paikkada is the Chief Editor of the Newspaper

PRESENT PROFILE AND PERFORMANCE IN RECENT YEARS

The Kerala Catholic Church has taken over the newspaper and the company from January 2008 and it is under the direct management of this church. Since then, the company shows a tripled increasement in the area of circulation and advertisement. Special value added publications have been brought out in recent years such as The Indian Christian Directory, Exotic Eastern Paradise, higher Studies and Nursing Directories, Exclusive volumes on Blessed Chavara and St. Alphonsa etc. The company made a big effort to improve the quality and content of Deepika Daily and it´s seven allied publications. Each department of this company is controlled by most efficient and experienced people. Several professionally qualified and eminent persons have joined the management team as Directors to further strengthen its base.

RANKING Deepika as a newspaper holds certain principles and ethics more over it is a predominantly regional newspaper. It would be ranked as the fourth largest in Kerala in terms of sales volumes, preceded by Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhoomi and Kerala Kaumudi. It hopes to improve its position to the second position in an organized and systematically planned manner over the next few years.

MANPOWER Over 500 dedicated and qualified personnel working in the Rashtra Deepika Ltd in its various printing units and offices all over Kerala and India in different capacities. Matters related to personnel are handled by the Human Resources Department at the company’s Head office in Kottayam, to enhance its readership portfolio and become an even more forward looking, progressive, popular and profitable newspaper in the days ahead, living up to the myriad expectations of its discerning readers.

Deepika has a long tradition of going for bold innovations. It introduced many changes in Malayalam journalism. The following is but a sample of its impressive achievements:- * First newspaper in Malayalam to be published on a daily basis. * First among Malayalam newspapers to go online. It is still the largest Indian vernacular online newspaper. * First Malayalam newspaper to devote a full page for sports and agriculture news. * Rashtra Deepika, its sister-Eveninger, is the largest circulated of its kind in India according to ABC. * Online edition-Deepika.com, Deepika global, Deepika global Radio are also popular among Malayalees the world over. * Altogether, Rashtra Deepika group has more than 15 million readers all over the world. * Kuttikalude Deepika, Business Deepika, Children's Digest, Rashtra Deepika Cinema, Streedhanam, Karshakan, are the other publication of the Rashtra Deepika Ltd. DIFFERENT PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT 1886 : 'Nazrani Jathyega Sangam' was formed for the development of the community. It decided to start a news paper. 15th April : First edition of Nazrani Deepika was published, this was done twice 1887 a month. 3rd Jan : Nazrani Deepika became a daily. 1927 1st Aug : Name was changed to Deepika and the publications head office 1939 was based in Kottayam. 1958 : Kuttikalude Deepika was introduced. 16th Sep : Rashtra Deepika was formed. 1989 29th Oct : Business Deepika published in Kochi. 1992 16th July : Sthreedhanam magazine was published in Pala. 1994 15th July : Business Deepika International was 1st issued in Mumbai. 1995 Sep 1995 : First edition of Rashtra Deepika Cinema was launched. 8th Jan : Childrens Digest was introduced. 1997 Oct 1997 : Deepika Online started. 23rd May : Indian Christian Directory was inaugurated in Rome. 2000 1st Oct : Introduction of Europe Deepika. 2004 17th Nov : Deepika International was launched in Dubai. 2004

PRODUCT PROFILE

The Rashtra Deepika group of publications includes the following: * Deepika -Daily * Rashtradeepika - Eveninger * Business & Financial Weekly * Karshakan - Agricultural monthly * Sthreedhanam - Women's monthly * Rashtra Deepika Cinema - Film Magazine * Kuttikalude Deepika - Children's Fortnightly * Children's Digest - Children's Monthly (English) * www.deepika.com - Online newspaper * Chocolate - Educational Supplement

PUBLICATIONS FROM RASHTRA DEEPIKA Ltd in detail…
1. DEEPIKA DAILY Deepika Daily is company’s main publication and has been a trendsetter among newspaper of the State, pioneering innovation and new technology. It has ever stood for quality, truth, justice and human rights in society as well as persistently fought for obtaining fair prices for agricultural commodities-the backbone of our economy as well as encourage the use of high yielding crop varieties and scientific fertilizers. Pope John Paul II Inaugurated deepika’s year long centenary celebrations in 1986 during his maiden visit to India. In 1987 late Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was the chief guest at the centenary concluding ceremony.

2. RASHTRA DEEPIKA EVENINGER Rashtra Deepika Eveninger was launched in April 1992 as Kerala’s first organized and professionally edited Eveninger in the State and that too, coming from an established and reputed Daily newspaper group. It is today the largest selling newspaper of its kind in Southern India with 10 editions and a readership of over a million, every afternoon. It provides the latest and the best of news in an attractive and handy format. Businessmen, traders and the traveling public alike, throughout the State, eagerly read and appreciate its variety contents. On exclusive occasions, when circumstances call for, additional editions are printed to keep the public informed of the most up-to-date information on exceptional issues. More editions are in the offing in the days ahead. Rashtra Deepika Eveninger is printed from Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Mallappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

3. BUSINESS DEEPIKA-Economical and Financial Weekly Business Deepika is Kerala’s only Economic, Financial and Commercial Malayalam weekly newspaper, published since November 1992 and launched by India’s then President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. It provides informative and qualitative news of corporate Kerela and India, covering a wide range of related issues. Bankers, financial experts, stock brokers, investors, traders, businessmen, management experts and students; all form part of the newspaper’s readership group

4. STHREE DHANAM-Women’s Monthly Sthreedhanam was launched in 1994 as women’s and a family magazine. Over the years it has evolved into a periodical of stature and popularity in Kerala. It’s myriad contents are widely appreciated and alluring to readers, particularly women. The magazine encompasses their tastes, fancies and preferences in an elegant and appealing maner. |

5. RASTRADEEPIKA CINEMA Rastra Deepika Cinema is a popular and appealing film weekly. It was launched in September 1995. It is designed in an appealing and aesthetical manner. It provides the latest news in the film industry especially in Bollywood as well as in Hollywood. This weekly does not support any cheap gossips. It has got certain credits in the success of many films. This weekly tries to include the opinions and suggestions of many people of the film industry.

6. KUTTIKALUDE DEEPIKA: CHILDREN´S FORTNIGHTLY Kuttikalude Deepika owes its credit as the first Malayalam monthly for children. It was launched in 1952. It is considered as a worthily magazine for the new generation. Kuttikalude Deepika contains stories puzzles and features of all kinds. Children allover Kerala eagerly read this monthly.

7. CHILDREN´S DIGEST: CHILDREN´S ENGLISH MONTHLY Children´s Digest was launched in January 1997. It is an English monthly and it has been a winner from its very first issue and today it is considered to be the second one in its quality and content. This monthly is very popular in India and abroad even among youngsters and elders. Readers Digest has an array of interesting, amusing, educative and mind – testing features that make it the largest selling magazine in its class.

8. KARSHAKAN
Karshakan, an agricultural monthly catering to the needs of farmers and agriculturists, was launched in March 1993. Karshakan is the preferred magazine of every strategist who wishes to enter the environs of rural Kerala. It appeals effectively to the agricultural sector; it echoes the heartbeats of Kerala farmers from plantation owners to small-scale farmers.

9. Special Publications
Seasonal
Deepika Varshika Padhipu
Thirusanidhanam (Sabarimala Season)
Nursing Directory (English)
Directory of Higher Education in India (English)
Non Seasonal (Not Regular)
Indian Christian Directory (2005)
Health (2006)
Exotic Eastern Paradise (2007)
These which are not regular are priced high.

Free Publications
Smart drive '07
The Gold Souk Ende Vide
These are given along with the newspapers free at cost.
Other products
This includes diaries, calendars etc. stories and puzzles, it combines all the elements to make a classic with the juniors.
10. DEEPIKA ONLINE In 1997 October www.deepika.com made history by becoming the first Malayalam daily in the worldwide web. Receiving over three million hits per day and combained with its unique features including easy accessibility, live news broadcast, personalized websites and e-kathu; a rare and exclusive provision that facilitates Malayalees all over to communicate online in their mother tongue, our internet edition is today the largest read online Malayalam daily. www.deepikaglobal.com English edition is one of the premier internet English editions in south India. The modern web radio-Deepika Global Radio, is widely appreciated the world over. Deepika Global SMS sends news to over 25000 Malayalees in 125 countries. “Helping the Helpless” the online charity fund promoted by deepika.com, continuous to receive tremendous response and to-date, under its auspices over five million rupees has been given to the needy and deserving in society, on behalf of well-wishers and philanthropists for all over the world.

11. DEEPIKA CHILDRENS LEAGUE (DCL) The Deepika Children´s League was set up in 1952 as an extension of Deepika´s commitment to society. The aim has primarily to train school children,irrespective of cast or creed and imbibe in them noble virtues and prinsciples to enable them to become responsible citizens and confidently face the emerging challenges of the developing world. DCL has since its inception enrolled and trained over 6 lakh youth,of whom many are today successfully placed in various walks of life .DCL organizes diverse,training and leadership camps,competitions and workshops,wherein children are provided opportunities designed to help them achieve a positive sense of self,sense of community, and stronger success skills. It also publishes better living books and conducts scholarship examinations.

PRINTING UNITS Deepika Daily is printed from our Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram units. We have our own presses and premises at Kottayam and Kannur whereas we use rented presses for printing at other units. Kottayam unit covers Kottayam,

Idukki, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. Trivandrum unit covers Trivandrum and Kollam districts. Thrissur unit covers Thrissur and Palakkad. Kozhikode unit covers Kozhikode, Mallappuram and Wayanad.Kannur unit covers Kannur, Kasargode, Banglore and Mangalore.

BASIC ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP- PUBLICATIONS.

Deepika Daily is brought out each day under the leadership and direction of the Chief Editor with a team of Senior Editors and Sub Editors under him to implement the preparation of editorial content for pages at each Unit. Each Unit also has a senior New Editor coordinate affairs, with Sub Editors under him to assist in preparation of the Daily. Rashtra Deepika Eveninger is being brought out similarly under the leadership of an Editor in-charge at Corporate Office, Editors-in-charge and Sub Editors at each printing Unit. Allied publications are being brought out almost single-handedly by an Editor-in-charge for each, though one or two have an additional Sub Editor and others a DTP operator and lay out artist to assist them. A photographer also helps in taking photographs for the allied publications as per need.
BASIC ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP- OFFICE The office administration at head office is under the control of the Chief General Manager (Admn) with the other departmental heads reporting to him, i.e. Human Relations, Advertisement Circulation, Finance, Public Relations, Production. The legal section comes under the purview of the Finance Department as also the shares, deposits and charity section. The company also has Bureaus, Sub Offices or Local Reporters (Stringers) in virtually all major towns of the state. These are for better acquiring News and Advertisements, coordinating Circulation Promotion and facilitating collection of newspaper dues. Funds received at these places are later sent to the respective Unit Office or remitted in the Bank. All such sub offices will be having Editorial as well as Advertisement and Circulation department personnel. The present marketing setup of our publications has the DGM marketing at the helm of the Advertisement Department with Unit Advertisement Managers (UAMs) reporting to him and the General Manager – Circulation at the helm of the Circulation Department with Unit Circulation Managers. (UCMs) coordinating matters at each Unit. Under them reporting

to the UAM and to UCMs are field executives, who are primarily responsible for coordinating and promoting business (Advertisement space selling) and Circulation promotion. The senior executives are assigned a specific area and –charge of the office there. Local Reporters in prominent localities also render external support to the Advertisement and Circulation staff in their promotion work.

STILL STRONG AND GALLANT

In an increasingly aggressive and dynamic market, Rashtra Deepika Ltd. Has significantly enhanced its reader base, advertisement revenue and popularity of its publications. Professional Directors with considerable business experience have joined the organization, giving it added vitality and vivacity. The company also has some of the finest journalistic talent In Kerala, many of who have won laurels; regional, national and international. The internet edition, with value added features and several million hits daily, habitually makes waves and is a major source of news and information for Keralites the world over. Added to this, the unstinted support to its readers together with the invaluable support and confidence reposed by shareholders has helped the organization grow in strength and stature over the years. Equipped with all this, Rashtra Deepika Ltd. Gallantly marches on in the twenty first century, continually setting landmarks and milestones in its relentless pursuit excellence.
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Organization Structure Board of Directors

Managing Director

Chief Editor
CGM

Senior HRManager
GM
(F&A)
DGM (marketing)
General Manager (circulation)

Associate Editor

Finance Manager (unit)
News Desk HR Executives
Unit Adv- Manager
Unit Circ-Mngr

Bureau

EDP Manager Production
Manager
Executives

Asst-Finance Manager
Executives

Executives Executives Account Staff Bureau Head News Editor Purchase Manager

Reporters
Sub Editors

Executives

Department Profile

BASIC ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP OF RASHTRA DEEPIKA Ltd.

The office administration at head office is under the control of the Chief General Manager (Admn) with the other departmental heads reporting to him, i.e. Human Relations, Advertisement Circulation, Finance, Public Relations, and Production. The legal section comes under the purview of the Finance Department as also the shares, deposits and charity section. The company also has Bureaus, Sub Offices or Local Reporters (Stringers) in virtually all major towns of the state. These are for better acquiring News and Advertisements, coordinating Circulation Promotion and facilitating collection of newspaper dues. Funds received at these places are later sent to the respective Unit Office or remitted in the Bank. All such sub offices will be having Editorial as well as Advertisement and Circulation department personnel. The present marketing setup of our publications has the Director-marketing at the helm of the Advertisement Department with Unit Advertisement Managers (UAMs) reporting to him and the General Manager – Circulation at the helm of the Circulation Department with Unit Circulation Managers. (UCMs) coordinating matters at each Unit. Under them reporting to the UAM and to UCMs are field executives, who are primarily responsible for coordinating and promoting business (Advertisement space selling) and Circulation promotion. The senior executives are assigned a specific area and –charge of the office there. Local Reporters in prominent localities also render external support to the Advertisement and Circulation staff in their promotion work.

4.1. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT The editorial department is responsible for pretty much everything that appears in your publication that isn't advertising. Its main goal is to report the news accurately and in a reader-friendly way. This department determines what to present and what to avoid.
4.1.1. STRUCTURE OF EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
CHIEF EDITOR Fig. 4.1.1

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

UNIT NEWS EDITOR

DESK
BUREAU

EDITORS
BUREAU HEAD

SUB EDITORS
REPORTERS

The editorial department works in shifts wherein Rashtra Deepika which is the evening paper the staff work during the morning hours and during the evening and night

Shifts the staff work on Deepika which is the morning daily. Deepika has most of its contents similar except for the local news pages which is changed according to the place under which it covers. On the other hand, Rashtra Deepika concentrates more on the local news. Rashtra Deepika comes under 2 editions which is printed from 10.30 am and reaches the stands by 1pm and the second edition, for which the printing begins from 12.30 pm and reaches the stand by 2.30 pm.

4.1.2 FUNCTIONING OF THE EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Fig. 4.1.2

The Bureau collects news from the reporters who are also known as stringers/liners and it’s posted on the WAN, making it accessible to all units. The reports collected are worked upon by the subeditors under the supervision of the editor.

The matter is typed by the DTP staff. The software used for the same is Quark Xpress and Adobe Photo Express. The present program has been used over the past 3.5 years and it's known for its clarity, speed and layout. The DTP staffs uses software called ALP which is similar to Word Star.
For international news, sites of international news agencies such as PTI, ANI, UNI, AFP etc are accessed by paying a monthly registration fees. The sites in which Rashtra Deepika Ltd. has got registration are PTI (Press Trust of India) and AFP (Associated Free Press).
Once the editorial department has finished with the page layout, the content are posted on to the WAN for access to all other units and is send to the printing press via modem.
4.1.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF KEY PERSONNEL * To publish current news * To find the news of various part of the world * To find out local interesting stories

4.2. CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT

The Circulation Department is headed over by the General Manager and Unit circulation mangers.The main duty of this department is to identify the target customers and their needs and wants and to monitor the collection and issue of monthly products. The General Manager will give directions and assign responsibilities to each unit circulation managers about the circulation of the products. Complaints from customers regarding the issue are handled here.

4.2.1.STRUCTURE OF CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT (DEEPIKA) Fig. 4. 2.1 GENERAL MANAGER |

UNIT CIRCULATION MANAGER(each unit) |

AREA MANAGERS( each area) |

EXECUTIVES |

(Depending on number of districts covered by each unit)

4.2.2. STRUCTURE OF CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
(RASHTRA DEEPIKA)
Fig.4.2.2

GENERAL MANAGER |

DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER |

UNIT CIRCULATION MANAGERS |
(number varying in every unit)

EXECUTIVES | (number of varying every unit)

Allocation of Unit Circulation Manager and Executive for Rashtra Deepika
Table- 4.2.1 UNIT | DISTRICTS COVERED | NUMBER OF UCM | NUMBER OF EXECUTIVES | KOTTAYAM (H.O) | Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappy | 2 | 27 | TRIVANDRUM | Trivandrum & Kollam | 2 | 12 | ERNAKULAM | Ernakulam | 2 | 13 | TRICHUR | Trichur & Palakkad | 2 | 18 | CALICUT | Calicut & Malapuram | 2 | 11 | KANNUR | Wayanad, Kannur, Kasergod | 2 | 15 |

4.2.3. FUNCTIONS OF CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT
Circulation is done through agents and through display of stalls. Here again like advertising department the executives are given targets which they have to achieve. Executives are also in charge of collection. Initially circulation department was concerned with the catholic society but with the growth of the organization Deepika had even started circulation outside India and started a Europe edition which failed due to certain reasons.
Circulation of Deepika is done in different states of India. Also in Dubai and United Kingdom. And in countries outside India the publications are brought to the unit office from where they are send to the foreign readers by air.

4.2.3.1 Circulation of Deepika in Kerala
Circulation is done through agents, and through stalls. For entering into an agreement, a security of 2 months needs to be deposited by the agency. For stalls an agreement is entered into and for the amount not sold, discount is given. For other publications of Rashtra Deepika Ltd. the circulation is conducted by this department and 6 months credit is given and payment has to be made in the form of cash, cheque or demand draft.
4.2.3.2 Circulation of Deepika outside India
For the foreign readers subscription can be made online which is processed through the Head Office at Kottayam. Yearly subscription of up to five years can be made. Currently circulation is there only in Dubai.
4.2.3.3 Administrative functioning of the Circulation Department
Unit level meeting is held every month in the Head office which is presided over by the Managing Director, General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Unit Managers, Section Officers and Financial Officers. Corresponding to this, in each unit area level meeting is held. The unit level meeting sets targets and further discussion on how to attain the targets are made in the area level meetings. The objective is to: * Increase production * Increase distribution * Receiving of cash payments on time.
Units are evaluated on how they attain the objectives and maintain consistency, which becomes a source of healthy competition among the various units and becomes a decision criteria for performance evaluation and giving promotions.
The topics for discussion at the meetings held at the HO include * Last month’s target * Collection * Performance assessment * Next month’s target

4.2.4.1. Other functions performed by Circulation Department
Budget preparation
On the 1st week of April every unit manager prepares a budget which includes decisions on the readers gifts, agencies gifts (which is mostly distributed during monsoons when readership reduces), plans to increase readers, sell without return etc. The circulation department helps in the decision making and highlights the possible groups (people) and places where there is a possibility of more sales.

4.2.4.2 Distribution Process for Deepika and Rashtra Deepika
1) Unit office prepares * Label * Trip Sheet * Print Order
2) Label * Label contains details such as * Name of the distributor * Place of the agency * Land mark
The labels are specially used in case of Rashtra Deepika where delivery is not done to homes and is distributed through small distributors.
3) Trip Sheet
Trip sheet is used only for Rashtra Deepika and is maintained for
ABC verification.

The details it contains are: * Total number of copies * Number of bundles * Arrival time of the vehicle * Time of departure * Last dropping point * Vehicle Number * Receiver/Drivers name & signature * Co-coordinators name & signature
This has to be returned by the distributor at the unit office and hence a check is kept on the number distributed and whether timely delivery was made.
4) Print Order
This is pasted on the machine for the printing supervisor to refer to. This specifies the number to be printed.
These three documents are sent to the printing press by the unit office and a soft copy is maintained in the office computer at the circulation department for further verification.
After distribution, copies which are not sold have to be returned to the unit office along with a return form which specifies the date and number of copies returned. The return form has to be signed by the Executive Manager, Circulation Manager and the Financial Manager. Return up to 3% is exempted from wage deduction.
5) Records to be maintained in the unit office
Other than the trip sheet the circulation department at the unit office has to maintain the Dispatch Register and the Security Register which contains the following information: * Name of the transporter * Driver name * Vehicle number * Trip sheet number * Number of bundles carried * Time of loading * Time of dropping at the last point * Trip sheet return with time.
These have to be maintained for verification by ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation).
The documents used for verification by ABC include: * Payment Challan * Return form * Agency agreement * Balance confirmation (for 3 months) * Indent (every month) * Dispatch register * Trip Sheet * Security Register * Vehicle agreement

ABC conducts verification every 3 months and certification is given. This also acts as a measure of reputation for the organization as clients at national level give advertisement on the basis of the reports issued by ABC.
6) Payment to distributors
The distribution of Rashtra Deepika relies entirely on distributors who are paid wages as buying and maintaining vehicles for the same is too expensive and can lead to a loss. Distribution outside Kerala is done by railway mail service.
Only on receipt of the return form which is signed the required managers, the distributors are allowed wages.
The distributors are also given gifts and are invited in the yearly meeting so as to improve the relationship of the organization with the distributors.
7) Collecting for circulations
Collection for Deepika is done monthly and for Rashtra Deepika is done monthly and for Rashtra Deepika which is printed for 6 days (excluding Sundays) is collected weekly. While collection can be made by draft, cheque or cash for Deepika in the case of Rashtra Deepika, it has to be paid in the form of challan which is maintained as records and includes the following information * Denomination * Agency details * Code * Place * Name * Data * Amount

9) Process of getting advertisements
Advertisement which forms the main source of income for the news papers and magazines published by Rashtra Deepika Ltd. is collected by the following means * Direct approach of clients * Agencies * Reporters * Direct approach of the clients * Preparation of Client list by advertisement manager * Executive approach clients * Offers are given to clients

Here the performances of the executives are evaluated on the basis of targets they have achieved for which they are given incentives.
Both in the case of agencies and reports, they are given 15% commission on the advertisement amount. And in the case of executives who are given targets to achieve can meet it, by getting advertisements in the newspapers, magazines or even in the internet site of Rashtra Deepika.
Agencies are of 2 types:
1. Agencies with INS (Indian Newspaper Society) accreditation
2. Agencies without INS accreditation.
The rules and formalities applicable for the two are different.
Agencies with accreditation to INS get a 2 months credit for collection and payment of the advertisement amounts, while in the case of agencies which do not have accreditation payment has to be made in the form of cheque or cash and no credit period can be availed.
4.2.4.3.2 Reporters
Reporters get advertisements through regional supplements and for them payment has to be made in the form of a cheque or a post dated cheque for which they are given 60 days credit period.
Both in the case of agencies and reporters they are given 15% commission on the advertisement amount. And in the case of executives who are given targets to achieve can meet it by getting advertisements in the newspapers, magazines or even in the internet site of Rashtra Deepika
.4.2.4.4. RESPONSIBILITY OF KEY PERSONNEL * To increase the circulation of the various publications * To increase the network

4.3 ADVERTISEMENT DEPARTMENT
&
MARKETING DEPARTMENT

The advertisement department in Rashtra Deepika Ltd. Kottayam plays a vital role in the smooth running of the company. The advertisement manager receives advertisements, solves problems and helps all other customers in their needs as they request. He does the booking, billing and proof reading of classified/matrimonial advertisements and ensuring all classified advertisements are published as per the schedule.
TYPES OF ADVERTISEMENTS * Display advertisement-Commercial advertisement displaying product,shop,establishment etc. * Classified advertisement:Advertisements like job invitations,scale of land,rental ads etc. * Obituary:Death advertisements * Marketing Feature * Supplements-Festival,holiday,anniversery related ads etc * Government ads- * P.R.D (Public Relation Department) by state government * D.A.V.P (Directorate of Advertisements & Visual Publication ) by Central government ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF
Advertisement Tariff of advertisements varies in accordance to the type of advertisements, insertion page, and publication colour or black and white etc.Special scheme are also given to commercial clients and agents based on the contract entered with them. Advertisement amount is worked out as per the rates of the category or type of ad based on the area or column size of the advertisements.Noramalsize is 3.8 cms for I column. The marketing department acts as a guide and leads the company’s other departments in developing, producing fulfilling and servicing products or services for their customers. In this department communication plays an important role. The marketing department typically has a better understanding of the market and customer needs, but should not act independently of product development or customer services. The marketing department is strongly involved in the discussion regarding the development of new products and any other customer related functions of the company. The marketing department studies the market and the customers, determines the best way to reach those customers, and works with the rest of the company to help in the determination of new product needs of the market and represent the company in a consistent voice. 4.3.1. STRUCTURE OF MARKETING DEPARTMENT DGM MARKETING |

UNIT ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS |

MARKETING ASSISTANT MANAGERS |

MARKETING EXECUTIVES |

Fig.4.3.1
4.3.2 FUNCTIONS OF MARKETING DEPARTMENT
Marketing department is divided into Circulation and Advertisement departments. The marketing is headed by the Marketing Manager, in the Head Office at Kottayam followed by the Deputy General Manager. In each of the 6 units there is an Advertisement Manager who has 5 to 6 executives or assistant managers as his subordinates. All these posts are filled at the Head Office on the basis of seniority, performance or direct appointments.

Functions of Marketing Division
1) Monitoring advertisement collection activities.
2) Planning, analyzing and implementing the entire activities in the division.
3) Co-coordinating the activities related with the publication of regular and periodical supplement.
4) Co-coordinating the activities of field executives both inside and outside Kerala.
5) Research and development activities.
6) Billing of advertisements.
7) Arranging periodical get together of advertisement agencies and regular clients.

4.3.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY PERSONNEL * To achieve targets * 100% Collection of bills * To make the company profitable

4.5. PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

Production is the functional area, where all the inputs are turned out to be finished goods through a series of production process. Here the production manager is responsible for everything. He prepares the time, work schedule in the production lab. He has to make sure that all the raw materials are used effectively in the production of outputs. The production manager suggests new ideas and supervises the whole activity. He also makes sure that, the whole process of production is running smoothly and effectively. The production manager is supposed to report directly to the Chief General Manager and the Managing Director. Two supervisors and seventeen staff work along with the production manager in the production lab. The supervisors are responsible for the maintenance of the machine and the quality of paper. The production function in the company is split into many activities. The purchasing department will be responsible for providing the raw materials for the production. This department has to make sure that all the tools and equipments are divided among the employee for the smooth running of production. This department also ensures the quality of the raw materials and verifies whether the raw materials reach properly on time. The stores department will be responsible for stocking all the necessary raw materials, tools, equipments required to serve the manufacturing process. The raw materials are kept in the store room under stock keeper’s custody. The works department will be concerned more with the manufacturing of the product. This includes the maintenance of the production line and other necessary repairs. The works department may also have the responsibility for quality control and inspection. All the employees in the production department work together for improving the expected quality of the product.

4.5.1 STRUCTURE OF THE PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT PRODUCTION MANAGER |

PRODUCTION SUPERVISORS |

Technicians |

Printing Supervisors |

Printing Staff |

4.5.2 FUNCTIONS OF PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
Rashtra Deepika Ltd. has its own printing press only in Kottayam, and Kannur. In all other units, the printing is done on yearly contract basis

4.5.2.1 Preprinting Process
The documents send by the Editorial department is received at the printing press by an FTTP server. They are worked upon on using Adobe Acrobat Professional before they are printed. The black & white pages are printed on butter sheet and the colors that can be added to the same are CYMK (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow & Blue).
.
The butter sheet is cut and stuck on the Astron Sheets using cello tape for Rashtra Deepika which is 76cm in width and has a smaller length compared to Deepika, (one Astron sheet covers 4 pages). The astron sheets are then exposed to light for preparing the plates which are used for printing. Previously instead of exposing the Astron sheets to light it was hand washed.
4.5.2.2 Printing Process
The plates are used for printing. 4 units are used by Rashtra Deepika Ltd. 2 for color and 2 for black and white. Out of the 2 which are used for color, one is exclusively used for the outer pages and 1 for inner pages. In Deepika, which has 12 pages 8 pages are black and the rest 4 are white in color.
The units which print color pages, has 4 reels of color one each for cyan, magenta, yellow and blue. These colors are blended in needed proportions to get the required shades.
The print order issued by the unit office is used as reference by the printing supervisor and the same is placed in the printing unit.
In case of any special news, which is collected after the printing process has begun, it is printed in black and white in the first edition and in the second edition it is printed in color giving an elaborate coverage of the news.
4.5.2.3 Paper for printing and inventory control
The paper for printing is purchased from wholesale dealers from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Each reel of paper weighs from 400-470 kilos. And each reel can be used for printing 20,000 to 21,000 pages.
. The reels are transferred directly to the printing press by the wholesalers on receipt of order from the Kottayam Head Office and it is accepted by the printing supervisor appointed by the respected unit. Damages up to l00kgs are exempted above which a demand for discount is allowed.
Where the printing is on contract basis the maintenance of the paper for printing is the responsibility of the printing press. Even the staff and maintenance of the press is the responsibility of the contractor.
4.5.2.4 Post Printing Process
Once the printing process is over, the papers are grouped and wrapped with old editions and the labels issued from the unit office are stuck on the wrapper. During the monsoons as additional plastic cover is used, the papers are sent to the stand using auto rickshaws, buses or two wheelers. This is in the case of the evening paper Rashtra Deepika. And in the case of the morning paper Deepika the stacks are send to the distributing agency in one trip.
4.5.3 RESPONSIBILITY OF KEY PERSONAL
To confirm best Printing quality * To minimize cost * To minimize waste * Timely printing

4.6 FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Finance refers to money or funds available to a firm. A business needs funds at every step to start a business, to operate it and to expand or modernize its operations. The management of finance is essential for the success of the business. Accounts department is handles this by the aid of a senior officer. He plans and implements all the aspects of the finance department. He looks after the budget, finance, costing and audits of accounts. The senior officer accounts takes charge to look day to day affairs of the financial of the company and the establishment section deals with calculating employee wages, provide provident funds, ESI etc. The cost account section prepares cost sheet and evaluate job card. There is an internal audit section that deals with verification of accounts This department looks after the day to day activities of the organization. The feel good factor of any organization is determined by this dept.
4.6.1 STRUCTURE OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT GENERAL MANAGER |

FINANCE MANAGER |

ASSISTANT FINANCE MANAGER |

SECTION & BILLING CLERKS | ACCOUNTANTS |

CASHIER |

4.6.2 FUNCTIONS OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT * Finance department is concerned with efficient use of firms’ economic resources. * Finance department is responsible for procurement of fund and their effective utilization to achieve business objective. * It has the responsibility of profit maximization. * It is responsible for the formulation and implementation of various finance policies. * Another function is to make investment decision. * It is also concerned with the decision regarding dividend. * It is the duty of finance department to ensure that all sections and units of the organization are supplied with adequate funds. * It evaluates the financial performance of the company and implements corrective measure if necessary.

Financial functions occupy a major place in the organization that it cannot be the sole responsibility of one executive. Basically oriented in the Head office, it has assistant finance managers posted in all units.
4.6.2.1 Finance
Finance department in the units maintain the accounts in branch account books which is done using customized Oracle program which forms a database. This is accessed upon by the Head office and is used to maintain accounts using Tally.

* Collection of payments
Payments are accepted in cheque, DD and cash depending on, for what the payment is received. Till 5pm, receipts are accepted and after that temporary receipts are issued.
For payments made from outside India it is accepted in draft form.
Books of accounts are maintained for statutory and internal audit. * Income, working capital and investments
The main source of income remains advertisement and working capital is obtained from hypothecation of newsprint, stores, and vehicles to banks.
Investments remain in Press Trust of India and other unquoted and other statutory investments required by the government of India. * Assets and Expenditure The assets are: * Land & building * Plant & Machinery * Furniture & Fittings * Office Equipments * Vehicles * Library
Expenditure includes: * Raw Materials * Stores * Production expenses * Salaries & wages

* Administrative expenses * Selling & distribution Expenses * Interest & Bank Charges * Depreciation * Deferred expenses * Bad debts
4.6.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY PERSONNEL * To make the company profitable

4.8. HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

The human resource department at Rashtra Deepika, Kottayam id devoted to providing effective policies, procedures, and people friendly guidelines and support within companies. Additionally the human resource function serves to make sure that the company mission, vision, values or guiding principles, the company metrics, and the factors that keep the company guided toward success. It is responsible for the most important asset of the organization which is man power. It makes sure each employee is looked after well It analyzes and rewards them.

4.8.1 STRUCTURE OF HR DEPARTMENT HR MANAGER |

HR EXECUTIVES |

ADMN.STAFF |

4.8.2 FUNCTIONS OF HR DEPARTMENT
Total number of employees is above 500.
The HR department is located only in the Head Office based on which the various units function.
4.8.2.1Salary and Benefits
Components of Salary * Basic Pay:-Every employee will be having a pay scale depending upon the grade and category of appointment. Basic pay will be fixed in accordance to the scale of pay and changes are affected annually through increments. * DA(Dearness Allowance):-Regular employees are eligible for vaiable DA and contract employees are eligible for fixed DA applicable to their category * HRA:-Regular employees are eligible for HRA as per the rates fixed by wage board.Contract employees are eligible for HRA as per the category and scale of pay. * Medical Allowance:-MA is paid to regular employees who are beyond the limit of coverage of ESI(Employee State Insurance scheme)
Benefits
* Employees Provident Fund (EPF):-Employees are eligible for provident fund in accordance to the provision of EPF act. * ESI:-Employees coming under the coverage of currently salary up to 15,000 are eligible for ESI benefits as per the provisions of ESI act. * Gratuity:-Employees leaving the company will be eligible for gratuity in accordance to the provisions of 'The payment of gratuity act'. * Leave:-Employees are eligible for leave benefits in accordance to standing orders of the company.Eligibility of leave depends upon the nature of appointment(regular/contract)and categoryof employees(working journalist or Non working Journalist)

Type of Leave are the following: * Casual Leave * Medical Leave * Previlege Leave * Maternity Leave(female employees)

Other Facilities

1.Accomadation:-Company provides staff quarters for employees for all units.
2.Canteen:-Company has got Canteen facilities for all its units.
3.Night Allowance:-Employees working in the night shift eligible night allawance.

4.8.2.4 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION Recruitment defined as the process of searching for and securing applicants for the various job positions which arise from time to time in the organization. Various sources of recruitment are internal and external sources. External recruiting is done only when vaccancies arises After written exam and interviews right ones are selected. Internal recruitment is done through promotion and transfers.

4.8.2.5 TRAINING To enhance the productivity of employees’ regular training is done in the organisation Entire organisation need to acquit with new product and its production procedures. This task is taken up by the R & D department.

4.8.2.6 PERFORMANCE APPARISAL Performance appraisal in Rashtra DeepikaLtd. is done by the immediate superior officer. This is a confidential report which looks into different attributes and points are awarded to each. This will indemnify employers’ promotion and transfers. Sometimes it will be subjective evaluation which will be based on the superior’s impression.

4.8.2.7 GRIEVANCES HANDILING AND COUNSELING Employees are given assistance when they require. They are free to share their grievance with higher authority and if required personnel officer provide counseling to them. Thus a healthy work-life balance could be maintained among employees.

4.8.2.8 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Meticulous care is given to indiscipline being noticed in the company. Personnel officer issues a notice to employee stating charges labeled against him. He is given 48hrs for explanation. If explanation is not satisfactory, only then further proceedings are carried out.

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4.8.2.9. EMPLOYEES’ STATE INSURANCE The employees are covered by ESI Act and contribution are deducted from the employee’s salary. Employees whose salary does not exceed Rs 15,000 per month are covered under this act. When employees are registered with ESI, they are entitled to receive benefits of ESI. Benefits received from ESI * Sickness Benefit: 7 days full pay or 14 days half pay sick leave can be availed by the employees at any time. If more than 30 days leave is required medical certificate from an authorized medical attendant should be produced. * Disablement Benefit: Legal heirs of employees get the dependent benefit after his death. Main dependent benefits are Job and compensation. * Maternity Benefit: Women employees shall be allowed maternity leave with full pay for 90 days after date of confinement. In addition, one month leave with wages is also allowed to employee’s who suffers diseases arising out of delivery. * Funeral Benefit: Rs 1000 will be allotted for funeral of the employees.

4.8.2.10. PROVIDENT FUND According to Employees Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952; the employees of the company are entitled to contribute a certain percentage of the salary to this fund. The rules followed are known as Employees Provident – Fund Rules. Employee contribute 12% of his Basic pay and DA as PF contribution.Employer also contributes 12% of employee’s as contribution which is paid to provident fund(3.67%) and Pension Fund (8.3%).Further PF provides insurance under EDLI (Employee Deposit Linked Insurance)scheme.Employee can avial loan from PF account for purchase of property,house,marriage of close kins,serious illness etc.PF scheme provides pension on competition of 58yrs.PF amount gets an annual intrest of 8.5% p.a and the entire amount in PF account can be withdrawn on leaving the services of the company/superannuation.

4.8.2.11.BONUS Bonus is paid in accordance with the guidelines issued by the government from time to time. An employee whose salary is less than Rs 2500 per month is eligible to get bonus. 8.33% of the total salary is the minimum bonus to be paid. Ex-gratia payment depends upon the profit of the company.

4.8.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY PERSONNEL * To recruit more quality staff in editorial marketing, administration and production department

Chapter 5 SWOT Analysis, Findings &Suggestions, Future outlook

Chapter 5 SWOT Analysis, Findings &Suggestions, Future outlook 5.1SWOT Analysis
STRENGTHS
1) Customers
Deepika has a very loyal customer base. Thus they do not face any threat of losing their customers and the cost of maintaining the customer loyalty would be negligible when compared to that required by other newspapers in the market.
2) Employees
The employees of the firm are loyal and thus the firm faces a very low employee turnover. The firm has got a pool of capable and highly experienced work force.
3) Management
A team that is highly committed and confident manages the firm. The firm has been able to attract some of the most talented people to its various departments. Decentralised system of decision making is practiced.
4) Brand image
Deepika has over the years of its existence built up on its brand name as the paper of the working class. The brand name is also perceived as the one that has 'Truth in News'.

5) Social commitment
The social commitment of Deepika is very prominent when one considers its involvement in activities beyond journalism. Deepika also makes it a point to provide credible news.
6) Management Employee Relationship
The firm enjoys a good relationship between the management and the employee. Thus there is a better co-ordination between the various levels in the organization. It is highly noted that in the 125 years of its existence there had never been any types of strikes or lock outs. There are no politically based trade unions although it maintains an excellent relation with its workers.
7) Market Position
Deepika enjoys the privilege of being in the 4th position in the market with regard to circulation and quality. This is one advantage that the newspaper can project in improving aspects such as circulation and advertisement revenue.
8) Intelligent Journalism & Intelligent Business Decision
Deepika, as a policy prohibits character assassination of any individual and is also careful about portraying sensitive news in a very diplomatic manner. The company is also known to maintain very good relations with other prestigious firms in the same industry.

WEAKNESSES * Commercial Job Advertisements is less. * Employment seeking youth/professionals may not be intrested in Deepika Daily. * Improper utilization of distribution network * The company is not in a position to utilize its distribution network to its full capacity. * No of pages less: * Compared with leading dailies Malayala manoramma and Mathrubhoomi,Deepika has less no of pages. * Circulation abroad * The company does not seem to fully make use of the foreign markets.

OPPORTUNITIES
1) The Overseas Market
The firm can widen its customer base by tapping the overseas market in a better way. The strategy to be followed in case of the foreign markets would have to be developed after a detailed study of the market.
2) The Youth Market
Today's markets are youth centric. However, the Kerala newspaper industry is yet to tap this market successfully. Rashtra Deepika can capitalize on this gap in the market by coming out with innovative products focusing on youth.

3) Innovative Marketing Techniques
Today's market is experimenting in marketing and circulation development tactics through tie ups with firms from other industries. Such market developments need to be utilized by the firm so as to improve its position in the market.

THREATS
1) Threat from other leading competitors.
2) Flourishing electronic media
3) Children born and brought up outside Kerala prefer English dailies.

5.2 FINDINGS & OBSERVATION
1. Cost discounts of the canteen provided by the company are excellent.
2. Medical facilities are good.
3. The company is kept neat and tidy.
4. The working environment and policies seem to be satisfactory.
5. Recreation facility provided by the company is good.
6. Employees seem satisfied with the working hours of the company and the leave benefits.
7. Acceptance of the latest technologies.
8. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is very high.
9. Well settled and modernized digital library.
10. Best quality in printing.
11. Friendly atmosphere in the organization.
12. There is no communication gap between employees and the management.
13. Most of the permanent employees are satisfied with their present job.
14. Some of the employees were anxious about their jobs due to the lack of job security.
15. Company did not provide vehicle loan for all employees.
16. Some of the employees seem dissatisfied with the transportation facility.
17. Trade union and the management are on good terms.
18. The unions in Deepika do not have any political affiliation.
19. Workers participation in management.
20. Space marketing is used as a method of marketing.

5.3 SUGGESTIONS
1) Company must take contract employees as permanent according to their experience and performance.
2) Management must provide vehicle loan to all categories of employees.
3) Transportation facility should be provided for all employees. 4) Employees of the works department suggest an increase in their uniform stitching and washing allowance.
5) Improve the overtime payments.
6) New updated technologies should be added to existing ones.
7) Try to provide sufficient resources to make work easier.
8) Try to understand whether employees are aware of their competencies.
9) Do take suggestions from employees for improvement and involve them in decisions taken concerning them.
10) Include group Medical Insurance.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
FUTURE PLANS & PROCEDURES
FUTURE PLANS:

The company is mulling the revamping of its Daily and other publications in a phased manner. More improved output quality, professional coverage of news, starting of new editions, effectively and economically developing its infrastructure, publications quality, news sources, personnel output etc. are being planned. Improved business promotion techniques and strategies are on the anvil.
Ways of facilitating faster productivity and reducing production costs as well as other overheads are being planned. The company further aims to enhance its readership portfolio and become an even more forward looking, progressive, popular and profitable newspaper in the days ahead, living up to the myriad expectations of its discerning readers.
MAIN FUTURE PLANS ARE:
New Press : 2
New Sub Offices : 10
PROCEDURES:-
New procedure includes implementation of latest techniques such as computer to place (CTP) latest printing method etc.

CONCLUSION

It’s a great fortune to get a chance to do training at Rashtra Deepika, one of the leading firms in the field of news media. This training helped to understand what the company is all about and the company's functioning and also to assess the various aspects of Human Resource practices undertaken by the Department of Human Resources at this prestigious institute and also how the department functions and how the decisions taken by this department affects the functioning of the organization as a whole.
The employees are the asset of every organization. The company should make it a point to select the most appropriate persons as their employees. In the past, selection was about matching people to clearly defined jobs. Now emphasis is on wider criteria aimed at identifying flexible people able to fulfill multi-skilled roles. Selection procedures are costly but consequences of choosing unsuitable recruits can be even more costly. The study revealed that the job satisfaction of employees was the key factor for the success of any organization. Deepika stands as an evident example for this. The various IT Application used by the organization was commendable and the SWOT analysis proved that Deepika could easily overcome the threats with its strengths. In short, Deepika has truly pioneer in the newspaper industry

REFERENCES
WEBLIOGRAPHY
* www.management held.org. * www.deepikaonline.com. * www.wikipedia.ors.

BIBLIOGRAPHY * David A Decenzo, Stephen P Robbins. Fundamentals of Human Resource Management ,8th Ed., New Delhi, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2010. * Gupta J B, Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronics, 5th Ed., New Delhi, S P Kataria & Sons, 2005. * Harold Koontz, Heinz Weihrich., Essentials of management, 7th Ed., New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill publishing company Ltd., 2008 * Mahadevan, B.(2009). Operations Management: Theory And Practice. Delhi: Pearson. * Kotler, Philip., Kevin Lane Keller, Abraham Koshy and Mithileshwar Jha. (2009). Marketing Management. Delhi: Pearson.