THAKUR DS THAKUR Mini Project
THAKUR DS THAKUR Mini Project
On
“Sales & Business Development of Decorative Laminates Industry at
ICON Enterprises”
By
“Mr. Devendra Singh”
“2200520700019”
Submitted at
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Department of Business Administration
Institute of Engineering & Technology Lucknow
STUDENT DECLARATION
I undersigned, hereby declare that the project titled “Empirical Execution of Accounting data”
submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of Degree of Master of Business Administration is a
bonafide record of work done by me under the guidance of Dr. Raji. This report has not
previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or similar title of any
University.
Place:
Date:
Signature
Devendra Singh
2200520700019
2
3
4
Department of Business Administration
Institute of Engineering & Technology Lucknow
This is to certify that Mr.Devendra Singh, Third semester student of Master of Business
Administration, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sitapur Road, Lucknow has completed
the project report entitled “Sales & Business Development of PVC Products at ICON Enterprises”
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Business
Administration.
Date:
Place:
5
Department of Business Administration
Institute of Engineering & Technology Lucknow
This is to certify that Mr. Devendra Singh, Third semester student of Master of Business
Administration, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sitapur Road, Lucknow has completed
the project report entitled “Empirical Execution of Accounting data” towards partial fulfillment of
the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration under my
supervision.
Date:
Place:
Signature
Dr. Raji
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PREFACE
This project was undertaken as a part of the curriculum of MBA course, which is compulsory for
each student to have the project in any new ideas to the development of the student capabilities
and gain the knowledge. This exposure enables the mentor to learn effective and efficient ways
and means to solve the real problems faced by the organization and also to understand its
dynamics.
In this internship report, I delve into my enriching experience at ICON enterprise. Throughout
my tenure, I actively engaged in diverse tasks, honing my skills in analyzing date to plan and
design projects as per state and local regulations, conducting a risk analysis of each project,
and repair & maintenance of constructed projects. This report encapsulates the invaluable
insights gained, challenges overcome, and contributions made during my immersive journey
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who gave me the possibility to
complete this summer internship project in “ICON Enterprises” and I am sincerely thankful to
I am extremely thankful to MR .Rajeev Maurya for guiding me throughout this project and
continuously encouraging me. It would not have been possible to complete this project without
his support.
I am also thankful to all the faculty members of Department of Management Studies, Institute
of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow and particularly my mentor Dr.Raji for helping me
Devendra Singh
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Sr.No. Particulars Page No.
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Sales and marketing are two distinct yet interconnected functions within a business. The main
Difference lies in their primary objectives and methods. While sales focuses on closing deals and
generating revenue, marketing encompasses a broader set of activities to create awareness, generate
Firstly, sales involve direct interaction with potential customers, actively persuading them to purchase
a product or service. To close deals, sales teams utilize cold calling, product demonstrations, and
negotiation techniques. In contrast, marketing employs various strategies to attract and engage a larger
audience. This includes marketing research, branding, advertising, content creation, and marketing
Secondly, sales focus on the immediate conversion of leads into sales to meet revenue targets. On the
other hand, marketing takes a more long-term approach, aiming to create brand recognition, nurture
Furthermore, sales teams are primarily concerned with individual transactions, while marketing takes a
holistic view, considering the overall market and target audience. Moreover, marketing aims to
understand customer needs and preferences, create value propositions, and develop compelling
messaging to differentiate a product or service in the marketplace. Sales then leverage these marketing
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Features of Sales & Marketing
• Systematic Process:-
It is the systematic process of identifying customer needs and wants; and satisfying them by designing
and developing the right products which involve designing products as per customer requirements,
fixing the right price, effective promotion of product and distribution of the product at the right place.
Marketing is undertaken to design and sell goods and services, as well as ideas.
I. Marketers design and distribute tangible goods like FMCG products and consumer durables.
II. Marketers sell intangible services such as that of banks, airlines, hotels, insurance, etc.
III. Also, ideas are marketed by social and Govt. organizations, which include campaigns relating
• Target Markets:-
Marketing is concerned with target markets. One cannot sell everything to everyone. Therefore,
A marketer needs to design goods and services for a particular target segment or market. For example,
a marketer cannot design and sell a particular model of car to all prospective buyers. He has to design
different models for different segments of the market depending upon their income, status, preferences,
etc.
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• Customer Satisfaction:-
Customer satisfaction is the outcome of a correlation between product performance and customer
expectations: When product performance matches customer expectations, the customers are satisfied.
When product performance is below customer expectations, the customers are dissatisfied. When
product performance exceeds customer expectations, the customers are delighted. When product
performance exceeds very much more than expectations, the customers get astonished.
• Competitive Advantage:-
Effective marketing helps to face competition in the market. Professional marketers are proactive in
decision-making. They come up with innovative designs or models, creative promotion schemes,
effective customer relationship techniques; etc .Proactive decisions give a competitive advantage to
professional marketers.
• Corporate Image:-
Effective marketing enables a firm to develop and enhance its corporate image. a firm achieves higher
performance in terms of sales, market share, and profits. Therefore, corporate image improves in the
minds of Employees, Customers, Dealers, Suppliers, Shareholders, and other stakeholders good
corporate image in the minds of stakeholders helps a firm to expand and grow.
• Expansion of Business:-
Marketing facilitates the expansion of the firm. Due to effective marketing, the performance of the
organization improves in terms of sales, profits, and market share. Therefore, a firm may adopt an
expansion strategy. For the purpose of expansion, the firm may undertake various activities.
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1.2 Industry profile
As this material is believed to be more environment-friendly and has many other advantages as we will
note below, Wood-Plastic Composites as a market is growing slowly, yet steadily. According to a
survey that took place in 2017, the global WPC market enjoyed revenue of nearly $4 Billion. The
market is expected to grow at a rate of 9.3%. While currently, WPCs find the highest applications in
the United States of America, as well as Europe, WPC and PVC board manufacturers in developing
economies like India and China, have a lot to look forward to. Factors like increasing urbanization,
rise in nuclear family systems along with a push for ecological sensitivity, will drive demand and
India PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes market size was estimated at USD 177.71 million in 2022.
During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the size of India PVC pipes market is projected to
grow at a CAGR of 7.21% reaching a value of USD 269.85 million by 2029. Major growth drivers for
the India PVC pipes market include an increasing urbanization and industrialization. Notably, the
launching specific initiatives like PradhanMantri Awash Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchai Yojana, with a strong focus on infrastructure development. These government-led programs
are expected to significantly boost the India PVC pipes market. Also, other growth factors for the
market include expanded government infrastructure investments, a surge in residential and commercial
construction, the growth of industrial production, development in the irrigation sector, and the
replacement of aging pipes with more advanced polymer alternatives, particularly CPVC pipes, in
applications like hot and cold-water plumbing. Major players in the industry have displayed robust
growth, with a substantial increase in PVC pipe production. Government initiatives like "Har Ghar Jal
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Yojna" and "Jal Jeevan Mission" are set to further drive demand for plumbing pipes and fittings, and
the industry is projected to witness continued growth in the years ahead. This positive outlook is
underpinned by the government's strong commitment to national development, policy support, and a
focus on self-reliance.
PVC pipes are a type of pipes manufactured through the extrusion process using polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) raw material. They are recognized for their notable qualities, which encompass high tensile
strength, ductility, durability in extreme temperature environments, and resistance to corrosion. These
PVC pipes serve a wide range of applications across commercial and industrial sectors, including the
chemical industry, electronics, semiconductors, food and beverage, maritime, mining, agriculture, steel
processing, and wastewater treatment facilities. Their uses extend to underground potable water
supply, sewer and drainage systems, irrigation, medical devices, and more. They are commonly
deployed in various infrastructural settings such as banks, healthcare facilities, airports, marine
Black Cobra Group is a distinguished pillar of the Indian building materials sector since 1992. If
manufactures high- quality plywood under the brand name Black Cobra, which is among the top 10
plywood brands in the India. The Group has over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space spread
The group also manufactures Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) under the brand name of "Alex
Panels", which is among the pioneers of the ACP industry in India and among the top 5 ACP brands in
the country. The products of the group are trusted by the leading institutions in the India such as ITC,
DLF, Super tech, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Indian Oil, LIC, SBI, HDFC, LG, Patanjali,
Volkswagen, PWD, Samsung, Airports Authority of India, MMRDA, IGL, Shapoorji Palling, & more.
Durian Group:-
On February 1st, 2006, Durian opened its cutting-edge facility for producing decorative high pressure
laminates. Our plant is prepared to make Metal Foil Laminates, Abrasion Resistant Laminates, Dry
Wipe Marker Board Laminates, Chalk Board Laminates, Post Forming Laminates, Digital Printed
Laminates, Screen Printed Laminates, and Door Skins in addition to Decorative High Pressure
Laminates. Additionally, the business has a cutting-edge chemical unit that produces the resins needed
to make laminates
Century Ply:-
Leading the laminate industry has been Century Ply. This company is the first to be ISO 9002
accredited in India. Under the Nesta brand, the company produces plywood of various grades,
ornamental laminates, particle boards, medium density fiber boards (MDF), and wood veneers. It also
Among the world’s top three producers of laminates, Greenlam Laminates brings a legacy of
exceptional artistry, unsurpassed quality and unyielding passion for excellence to the table.
Green Ply Industries Ltd. is an India-based multi-national company that has a strong presence in the
plywood, veneers, particle board and decorative laminates market in India. They have team of 2500
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1.3 Company Profile
ICON Enterprises
The company incorporated in the year 2009 at Luck now, ICON has emerged as one of the leading
names in the plywood and laminate industry. Three state-of-the-art plants are the pride of our group,
which are producing all kinds of plywood, boards, shuttering, high-pressure laminates, flush doors,
ICON has spread its footprints across 2 states and over 11 cities across India. After gaining ground in
the domestic market, we are now keen on developing an international market for our products.
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Core Values:
➢ Quality: We are dedicated to delivering products of the highest standard to exceed customer
expectations.
➢ Innovation: Constantly seeking new and creative solutions to address the evolving needs of our
clients.
Key Achievements:
➢ Awarded the Green Innovation Prize for our environmentally friendly product line.
➢ Featured in leading design and architecture publications for our contributions to sustainable
construction.
VISION:
“We strive to be pioneers in the industry, driving positive change and inspiring a shift towards
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MISSION:
“At Mica PVC Wood, Inc., our mission is to lead the transformation of the construction and
design industry through the relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. Prioritizing
environmental responsibility, quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, we aim to set new
Lucknow-226025
GSTN:09AAGFI5289P3ZE
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1.5 SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
➢ Innovation and Product Development: Mica PVC Wood, Inc. is recognized for its continuous
innovation in the development of synthetic materials, staying ahead of industry trends and
➢ Sustainability Focus: The company's commitment to sustainability sets it apart in the market,
appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and aligning with growing green building
trends.
➢ Quality Assurance: Mica PVC Wood, Inc. maintains high-quality standards in manufacturing,
ensuring that its products meet or exceed customer expectations. This dedication to quality
➢ Diverse Product Range: The Company offers a diverse range of synthetic materials for various
applications, including interior panels, exterior cladding, decking, and flooring, catering to a
➢ Industry Recognition: Mica PVC Wood, Inc. has received awards and recognition for its
environmentally friendly products, contributing to its positive brand image and credibility
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Weaknesses:
➢ Market Penetration Challenges: Despite its innovations, Mica PVC Wood, Inc. may face
challenges penetrating certain markets where traditional materials still dominate or where
➢ Dependency on Raw Materials: The Company may be vulnerable to fluctuations in the prices
or availability of raw materials used in the production of its synthetic materials, impacting
production costs.
➢ Brand Recognition: Mica PVC Wood, Inc. may have limited brand recognition compared to
more established competitors in the industry, which could affect market share and consumer
trust.
impacting costs.
➢ Limited Distribution Channels: The Company may face challenges in expanding distribution
channels, limiting its reach to potential customers in certain geographic areas.
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Opportunities:
➢ Market Expansion: Corporation has the opportunity to explore and enter new markets, either
geographically or by targeting different customer segments, to increase its customer base.
➢ Strategic Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with other companies or industry leaders
can open avenues for collaboration, shared resources, and mutual growth.
➢ Diversification of Product Portfolio: Introducing new product lines or expanding the existing
portfolio can attract a broader range of customers and increase revenue streams.
➢ E-commerce and Online Presence: Investing in e-commerce and enhancing the online presence
can tap into the growing trend of digital shopping, reaching a wider audience and improving
customer convenience.
➢ Sustainability Initiatives: Embracing sustainable practices not only meets consumer demands
but also aligns with global trends, potentially attracting environmentally conscious customers
and investors.
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Threats:
➢ Intense Competition: The industry landscape is highly competitive, with new entrants and
existing competitors constantly vying for market share, potentially leading to price wars and
➢ Supply Chain Disruptions: External factors such as natural disasters, geopolitical issues, or
global pandemics can disrupt the supply chain, leading to shortages and increased production
costs.
➢ Rapid Technological Changes: Rapid advancements in technology can render existing products
obsolete or require significant investments in research and development to stay competitive.
➢ Changing Consumer Preferences: Shifts in consumer preferences or trends may impact the
demand for Corporation’s products, requiring constant market research and adaptability.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
A review of literature is a summary and evaluation of the existing research and knowledge on a
specific topic or field. A review of literature of study of sales and marketing strategies of the industry
of Decorative Laminates would involve searching, selecting, and analyzing the relevant sources that
address the research question or problem of the study. Some of the possible sources are:
1) T. Mallikarjum Appa and Shaini Naveen (2016) combined examination on comparative analysis of
risks and return in respect of CNX Bank Nifty Stocks. This test reduces the risk and return to the
keeping money segment. They consider. the implementation of the 12 recorded banks in the Nifty. The
bank index examination basically examines the implementation of managing account reserves
considering the required rate of return and the risk of a particular stock in light of various opportunity
2) Dr. Anubha Srivastava directed a through inquiry into the performance of marketing units Austin
Ply in India in that review, researcher exam MERINO LAMINATES and SHARON. The
implementation of the products was directly identified in this investigation with the economic system
of the country.
3) Dr. S. Krishna Piranha and Mr. M. Vijay Kumar led the exam on risk and return analysis selected
stock risk and return examination in India assumes an essential role in fundamental leadership the
process of most bookmakers. Long term financial experts may benefit from the low market volume
volatile when compared to the market and with the prices in it,
4) According to certain Sri Lankan supermarket managers, in-store marketing make up significantly
more than 40% of the promotional spending for all major products .This is primarily due to modern
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marketers' pervasive idea that visual merchandising may have a significant influence on consumers'
purchasing decisions. Despite this, it appears that some customers select businesses based on outside
marketing tactics, such as parking spaces, location and kid-friendly parks, rather than being inspired by
5)Vijay Bhasker says the Indian automobile industry the largest industry the word and the growing
number of foreign companies in Indian and an important sector of the economy Employment in the
6) Dharma raj and N. Kathirvel Economic analysis appreciation for the performance and growth of
selected Indian auto companies she has shown by recent past performance and says companies are
4) Dr. M. Murtha Gopal krishnan and DR. K.V. Raman combined studies on instability in trading
Indian securities- Post and preseason period study. In this investigation, researchers attempt to break
price void in Indian securities exchange. Evaluating market depression money related masters will
help destroy their volatility or determine their risk record of daily opening price, shutting value, high
using spectral record Nifty on 28-03-2013 and low cost of 31 selected institutions. This investigation
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2.2 Conceptual Understanding
SALES- Sales is the process of selling goods or services to customers in exchange for money or other
assets. Sales involve various activities, such as identifying prospects, building relationships, presenting
solutions, negotiating prices, and closing deals. Sales also aim to solve the customer's problems and
needs, and to create customer satisfaction and loyalty. Sales are an important function for any business,
as it generates revenue and growth. There are different types of sales, depending on the audience,
➢ Inside sales: Sales done remotely, usually from an office or online, without meeting the
customer in person.
➢ Outside sales: Sales done in person, usually by traveling to the customer's location or meeting
them at events or trade shows.
➢ B2B sales: Sales done between businesses, such as selling software, equipment, or services to
other companies.
➢ B2C sales: Sales made between businesses and consumers, such as selling clothes, electronics,
or food to individual customers.
➢ Business development: Sales done to create new opportunities and partnerships for the
business, such as finding new markets, customers, or channels.
➢ Agency sales: Sales made by a third-party agent or broker, who acts as an intermediary
between the seller and the buyer and earns a commission for each sale.
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➢ Consultative sales: Sales done by providing expert advice and guidance to the customer and
helping them find the best solution for their needs.
➢ E-commerce sales: Sales done through an online platform or website, where the customer can
browse, order, and pay for the goods or services online.
➢ Direct sales: Sales done directly by the seller to the customer, without any intermediaries or
retailers, such as selling through catalogs, phone calls, or home parties.
➢ Account-based sales: Sales done by targeting specific accounts or customers and providingthem
with personalized and tailored solutions.
offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large. Marketing involves
various activities, such as identifying customer needs and wants, developing and positioning products
and services, setting prices and distribution channels, and promoting and selling the offerings to the
target market. Marketing aims to attract, satisfy, and retain customers, and to generate revenue and
➢ Traditional marketing: Marketing that uses offline channels, such as television, radio, print,
direct mail, and word-of-mouth, to reach and influence customers.
➢ Digital marketing: Marketing that uses online channels, such as websites, social media, email,
search engines, and mobile apps, to reach and engage customers.
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➢ Content marketing: Marketing that creates and distributes valuable, relevant, and consistent
content, such as blogs, videos, podcasts, eBooks, and webinars, to educate, entertain, and
persuade customers.
➢ Social media marketing: Marketing that uses social media platforms, such as Face book,
Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, to build relationships, communities, and awareness with
customers.
➢ Email marketing: Marketing that uses email to communicate and deliver personalized and
timely messages, offers, and newsletters to customers.
➢ Search engine marketing: Marketing that uses paid or organic methods to increase the visibility
and ranking of a website or a web page on search engines, such as Google or Bing.
➢ Affiliate marketing: Marketing that involves a third-party website or a publisher that promotes
a product or a service of another business and earns a commission for each sale or action
generated.
➢ Influencer marketing: Marketing that involves collaborating with influential people, such as
celebrities, bloggers, or experts, who have a large and loyal following, to endorse or
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HOW SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY HELPS TO GROWING BUSINESS OF ICON
Enterprises?
A sales and marketing strategy is a plan that outlines how a business will attract, convert, and retain
customers for its products or services. A sales and marketing strategy helps a business grow by:
➢ Increasing brand awareness and reputation among the target market and the industry.
➢ Generating qualified leads and prospects that are interested in the business's offerings.
➢ Closing more deals and increasing revenue and profitability for the business.
➢ Enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty and reducing churn and attrition.
➢ Market Analysis: - Evaluate the current market trends, customer needs, and competitive
landscape to identify opportunities and challenges.
➢ Customer Segmentation: -Analyze and segment the target customer base based on
demographics, psychographics, and behavior to tailor marketing strategies.
➢ Product Positioning: - Determine how the product or service will be positioned in the market,
emphasizing its unique selling propositions and value proposition.
➢ Sales Funnel Optimization: - Study and optimize the sales funnel to improve conversion rates
at each stage, from lead generation to closing the deal.
➢ Sales Training and Development: - Assess the effectiveness of sales training programs and
identify areas for improvement to enhance the skills and performance of the sales team.
customer satisfaction.
➢ Channel Management: - Study the effectiveness of various sales channels (e.g., direct sales,
distributors, online platforms) and optimize their performance.
for improvement.
➢ Marketing ROI and Performance Metrics: - Assess the return on investment (ROI) of
marketing campaigns and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of
➢ Customer Feedback and Satisfaction: - Collect and analyze customer feedback to understand
satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the overall customer
experience.
➢ Brand Awareness and Perception: - Evaluate the current brand awareness and perception in
the market and develop strategies to enhance and manage the brand image effectively.
➢ Market Expansion Strategies: - Explore opportunities for expanding into new markets or
reaching untapped customer segments, considering both domestic and international markets.
➢ Ethical Marketing Practices: - Assess the adherence to ethical marketing practices and
propose strategies to ensure the company operates with integrity and transparency.
➢ Sales Forecasting and Budgeting: - Develop accurate sales forecasts and budgets based on
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historical data, market trends, and the organization's strategic objectives.
➢ Pipeline: - A sales pipeline is a visual representation of sales prospects and where they are in
the purchasing process. Pipelines also provide an overview of a sales rep's account forecast
and how close the rep is to making quota, as well as how close a sales team as a whole is to
reaching quota. This enables sales reps and sales managers to forecast the number and dollar
➢ Cold Calling: - Cold calling is a form of sales solicitation from businesses to customers
who’ve never interacted with the salesperson making the call. It generally refers to phone-
based conversations (hence cold calling) but technically covers in-person door-to-door
interactions, too. Granted, most businesses that use cold calling today no longer adhere to the
original meaning. With unknown numbers increasingly associated with scams, it’s more
common for companies to use warm calling, or calling from a list of potential customers
garnered through lead gathering. That doesn’t necessarily mean the prospect is expecting the
call, but it does mean more research on the caller’s part, some sort of prior connection (via a
referral, LinkedIn, etc.), and an increased likelihood that the prospect won’t immediately hang
up the phone.
➢ Closing: - Closing a sale, an important part of personal selling process refers to completing a
sales transaction – it is the final step while making a sales call to the customer. It effectively
refers to the customer signing on the dotted line of the agreement completing the sale.
➢ Up selling: - Up selling is a sales technique where a seller invites the customer to purchase
more expensive items, upgrades, or other add-ons to generate more revenue. While it usually
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involves marketing more profitable services or products, it can be simply exposing the
customer to other options that were perhaps not considered. (A different technique is cross-
selling in which a seller tries to sell something else.) In practice, large businesses usually
➢ Cross selling: - Cross-selling is a sales technique that increases revenue by offering related
➢ Quota: - A sales quota is the performance expectation that sellers must achieve during a set
time period to earn their target incentive pay. Quotas are also called goals or targets and can
➢ Sales funnel: - A sales funnel is a marketing term used to capture and describe the journey
that potential customers go through, from prospecting to purchase. A sales funnel consists of
several steps, the actual number of which varies with each company's sales mode.
➢ Sales forecasting: - Sales forecasting is the process of estimating future revenue by predicting
how much of a product or service will sell in the next week, month, quarter, or year. At its
simplest, a sales forecast is a projected measure of how a market will respond to a company's
go-to-market efforts.
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➢ Target audience: - Your target audience refers to the specific group of consumers most likely
to want your product or service, and therefore, the group of people who should see your ad
campaigns. Target audience may be dictated by age, gender, income, location, interests or a
➢ Market segmentation: - Market segmentation is the practice of dividing your target market
➢ ROI (Return on Investment): - Marketing ROI is the practice of attributing profit and
investment, organizations can measure the degree to which marketing efforts either
initiatives.
➢ Content marketing: - Content marketing is a marketing strategy used to attract, engage, and
retain an audience by creating and sharing relevant articles, videos, podcasts, and other media.
This approach establishes expertise, promotes brand awareness, and keeps your business top
➢ SEO (Search Engine Optimization): - SEO means Search Engine Optimization and is the
process used to optimize a website's technical configuration, content relevance and link
popularity so its pages can become easily findable, more relevant and popular towards user
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search queries, and as a consequence, search engines rank them better.
➢ SMM (Social Media Marketing): - Social Media Marketing (SMM) is marketing that targets
social platforms like Face book, Instagram, TikTok for brand promotion, target audience
➢ Call to Action (CTA): It is a prompt on a website that asks users to perform a specific action
like signing up for a newsletter, downloading a demo, or buying a product. A CTA can appear
as a clickable button or as hyperlinked text, and is often seen directly on the page, in pop-up
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CHAPTER-3 RESEARCH METHOLOGY
challenge that needs to be addressed or solved. A problem statement for ICON Enterprises could be
- How to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty in the competitive and dynamic Building
Decorating material?
- How to innovate and diversify the product portfolio to meet the changing needs and preferences
of the customers?
- How to expand the global presence and market share of the company?
➢ Raw Material Sourcing: Difficulty in securing a stable and cost-effective supply of high-
quality timber for plywood production. Mica companies face challenges in obtaining consistent
and ethically sourced mica, addressing concerns related to child labor and environmental
impact.
➢ Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality in plywood products, meeting industry standards,
and minimizing defects in the manufacturing process. Maintaining quality standards for mica to
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➢ Market Competition: Intense competition in the plywood industry, leading to price wars and
challenges in differentiating products. Mica companies face global competition, requiring
environmental impact issues associated with mica extraction and processing, aiming for
sustainable practices.
regulations in the mica industry, particularly those related to ethical sourcing and labor
practices.
encountering challenges in establishing secure supply chains and meeting demands from
various industries.
specific customer requirements and addressing concerns related to ethical sourcing and
transparency.
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innovate in extraction and processing methods, as well as exploring new applications for mica-
based products.
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3.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
➢ To understand Market: - A detailed study in project sales marketing helps businesses
understand the market dynamics, including customer needs, preferences, and trends. This
understanding is crucial for developing effective sales and marketing strategies that resonate
in the market.
detailed customer personas and tailoring marketing strategies to address the unique needs of
each segment.
➢ To Optimize Sales Funnel: - A study in project sales marketing involves analyzing the sales
funnel to identify bottlenecks and optimize the conversion process. This leads to more efficient
lead nurturing, better conversion rates, and improved overall sales performance.
brand advocates.
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sales marketing enables organizations to integrate technology seamlessly into their strategies
➢ To Mitigate Risk: - Identifying potential risks in the sales and marketing processes is crucial.
A comprehensive study helps businesses anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans
to mitigate risks associated with market changes, economic fluctuations, or unforeseen events.
➢ To Decision Making In Data-Driven: - In the age of big data, studying project sales
marketing enables businesses to leverage data analytics for informed decision-making.
Analyzing key metrics helps in measuring the success of marketing campaigns and adjusting
➢ To Expand Global Market: -For businesses aiming for global expansion, understanding
diverse markets, cultural nuances, and international competition is crucial. A study in project
sales marketing provides insights into the complexities of operating in different regions.
➢ To Make Alignment with Organizational Goals: - Sales and marketing strategies should
align with the overall goals and objectives of the organization. A detailed study ensures that
these strategies contribute to the company's mission, vision, and long-term growth plans.
➢ To Adopt Industry Trends: - Industries and markets are constantly evolving. Studying project
sales marketing helps businesses stay abreast of industry trends, enabling them to adapt and
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3.3 HYPOTHESIS-
A hypothesis is a tentative and testable statement that predicts the relationship between two or more
variables in a research study. A hypothesis should be specific, clear, and relevant to the research
problem and objectives. A hypothesis can be either null or alternative, depending on whether it states
that there is no relationship or there is a relationship between the variables. Hypotheses for the study
of customer satisfaction by ICON products by adopting the sales and market strategies of BLACK
COBRA Company.
-Null hypothesis (H0): There is no association between the level of the customer satisfaction with the
-Alternative hypothesis (H1): There is an association between the level of the customer satisfaction
This hypothesis is based on the objective of the study, which is to compare and analyze the customer
satisfaction level with the price, design and attribution of the ICON products. It is also based on a
literature review, which suggests that customer satisfaction is influenced by various factors, such as
product quality, performance, features, design, price, service, and brand image. It’s also based on
research methodology, which involves collecting and analyzing data from surveys, interviews, and
online reviews. This hypothesis is testable, as it can be verified or falsified by using ANOVA and T-
test analysis. It is also clear, concise, and specific, as it defines the variables, population, and
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3.4 RESEARCH DESIGN:
Research design is a conceptual structure within which research was conducted. A research design the
detailed blueprint used to guide a research study towards its objective. It is a series of advanced
decision taken together comprising a master plan or a model for conducting the research in consonance
with the research objectives. Research design is needed because it facilitates the smooth sailing of the
various research operations, thereby making research as efficient as possible yielding maximum
information with the minimum effort, time and money. I propose to first conduct intensive secondary
research to understand the full impact and implication of the industry, to review and critique the
industry norms and reports on which certain issues should be selected! Which I feel remain
unanswered or liable to change this shall be further taken up in the next stage of exploratory research.
This stage shall help me to restrict and select only the important question and issue which inhabit
RESEARCH PROCESS
The research process has four distinct yet interrelated steps for research analysis.
Each step is viewed as a separate process that includes a combination of task, step and specific
procedure. The steps undertake are logical, objective, systematic, reliable, valid, impersonal and
ongoing.
The various tasks that I have undertaken in the research design process are:
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There are different types of research designs that can be used to test the hypothesis of customer
satisfaction between the customers of ICON Enterprises and other companies, such as:
Exploratory design: is a type of research design that is used to investigate a research question
when the researcher has limited knowledge or understanding of the topic or phenomenon under study.
The primary objective of exploratory design is to gain insights and gather preliminary information that
can help the researcher better define the research problem and develop hypotheses or research
Some of the common methods of exploratory design are literature review, pilot study, case study,
focus group, expert opinion, observational research, and open-ended survey. These methods can help
the researcher to identify the gaps in the existing knowledge, explore the range of opinions and
attitudes, identify patterns of behavior and interactions, and generate ideas for further research.
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
* Primary Data
* Secondary data
PRIMARY DATA: New data gathered to help solve the problem at hand. As compared to secondary
Qualitative or quantitative data that are newly collected in the course of research, consists of original
information that comes from people and includes information gathered from surveys, focus groups,
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independent observations and test results. Data gathered by the researcher in the act of conducting
research. This is contrasted to secondary data, which entails the use of data gathered by someone other
than the researcher information that is obtained directly from first-hand sources by means of surveys,
observation or experimentation.
SECONDARY DATA: Information that already exists somewhere, having been collected for another
purpose. Sources include census reports, trade publications, and subscription services. There are two
types of secondary data- internal and external secondary data Information compiled inside or outside
the organization for some purpose other than the current investigation Researching information, which
has already been published? Market information compiled for purposes other than the current research
effort: it can be internal data, such as existing sales-tracking information, or it can be research
conducted by someone else, such as a market research company or the U.S .government.
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3.5 DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS TOOL
systematically. In a research context, these tools encompass a wide range of techniques tailored to
collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Examples include survey software like Qualtrics or
Google Forms for structured quantitative surveys, interview platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft
Teams for qualitative insights, and organizational records for extracting existing quantitative data. The
choice of tools depends on the nature of the data and the research objectives, ensuring that the
collected information is accurate, relevant, and aligned with the study's goals.
collect, process, analyze, and visualize data to extract meaningful insights, patterns, and trends. These
tools are commonly used in various fields such as business, science, research, and data driven decision-
making processes. Analytical tools help users interpret complex information, make informed decisions,
and identify opportunities for improvement of optimization. Examples include statistical software, data
method is a systematic way of gathering information from individuals to understand their opinions,
attitudes, behaviors, or experiences. It involves creating a set of standardized questions and distributing
them to a targeted group of participants. Here's an overview of the key elements: The primary goal is to
collect structured data to quantify opinions, attitudes, or behaviors within a specific population.
1. Instrument: Utilizes a survey or questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. This instrument
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2. Standardization: Questions are standardized to ensure consistency in the data collection process.
4. Quantitative Data: Primarily generates quantitative data, which can be analyzed using statistical
methods. This data is often numerical and lends itself well to statistical interpretation.
5. Sampling: Involves selecting a sample from the target population. The sample should be
6. Online or Paper-Based: Surveys can be administered online through platforms like Google Forms,
Microsoft Excel:
Description: Excel is a versatile and widely available tool for basic data analysis. It's suitable for
Pros: User-friendly, readily available, and can handle a range of statistical functions
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Interviewer error
There is interviewer bias in the questionnaire method. Open- ended questions can be biased by the
interviewer's views or probing, as interviewers are guiding the respondent while the questionnaire is
being filled out. The attitudes the interviewer reveals to the respondent during the interview can greatly
affect their level of interest and willingness to answer openly. As interviewers, probing and
clarifications maximize respondent understanding and yield complete answers, these advantages are
offset by the problems of prestige seeking, social desirability and courtesy biases.
Respondent error
The respondents selected to be interviewed were not always available and willing to cooperate also in
most cases the respondents were found to not have the knowledge, opinion, attitudes or facts required
additionally
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CHAPTER 4 -DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
YES NO
75% 25%
Source: Questionnaire
Interpretation 1:
The sample drawn on probability basis shows that 75% of the customers were satisfied with ICON
product and only 25% were not satisfied with product variant.
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Table No.2 Factor affecting marketing strategies towards ICON
No, of %
percentage
featur
e
Respondent
low
maint
enanc
e
comf
ort
Feature 14 10
Low Maintenance 45 30
Comfort 27 16
Style 24 15
Interpretation 2: The sample drawn on the probability basis. clearly shows that 30% (45respondents)
are the opinion that low maintenance is the satisfaction factor Scorpio and 22% (30 respondents) of
them who view After Sales Service as a vital factor for customer satisfaction. Followed by Comfort
which corresponds to 16 %( 27 respondents), Style with 16% (respondents) and only 10% (14
Observation: Majority of the respondent are of the idea that low maintenance of the topmost features.
Contributing to customer satisfaction followed by after sales services comfort style and features.
As such, Mahindra should focus on the aspects, which will enhance the customer satisfaction.
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Table No: 3 Customer opinions towards product durability
percentage
Extremely satisfied
27%
Satisfied 49%
Neutral 17%
Dissatisfied 7%
Total 100%
Source: Questionnaire
were satisfied with the durability of MICA. Followed by 27% was extremely satisfied,
17% are neutral and rest of the 7% is more dissatisfied with durability of ICON
product
Observation: As most of the respondents are satisfied with the durability of product,
the company should maintain the same standard and it is suggested to come up with
suitable measure to reduce the negative opinion among the consumer who are of the
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opinion that the is a dissatisfying factor.
percentage
Satisfied 40%
Neutral 27%
Dissatisfied 13%
Total 100%
Interpretation: 100% of respondent 40% of the respondents approached were satisfied with WPA.
20% were more satisfied, 27% of them are dissatisfied with the design of the PVC.
Observation: As majority of the respondents are satisfied with the design of ICON product, the
company should maintain the same standard and it is suggested to come up with suitable measure to
reduce the negative opinion among the consumer who are of the opinion that the design is a
dissatisfying factor.
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Table No.5 Customer perception about the ICON product
Percentage
Very Bad
Good
Average
Bad
Interpretation 5: The sample drawn on the probability basis shows that out of 100% of respondents
47% of the respondents gave good response to ICON product. 20% gave Very Good response, 21%
Observation: As 67% of the respondents are satisfied that they are happy with ICON product, it
satisfies that the customer satisfaction levels are very high. If the company were to identify the
pitfalls in their product and undertake remedial measure, that it will lead to more good word of
mouth publicity.
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CHAPTER 5
5.1 FINDINGS
Based on the data gathered by administrating schedules to customers, the following observations.are
made.
I. ICON products (PLY, MICA, and WPC) have an excellent percentage of customer satisfaction
according to the data shown in table 1 of the data analysis and Interpretation topic.
II. Most of the people are satisfied with its low maintenance cost and after sales service provided by
the company.
III. Based on product durability, most of the people are satisfied with it.
IV. Based on Comfort, Design, & Maintenance most of the people are satisfied with it.
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5.2 Recommendation / Suggestion-
➢ Company has to implement a good customer relationship management strategy that enhances
Marketing Strategies level.
➢ The company can for the undertake R&D to improve the existing feature which field help
increase in the Marketing Strategies.
➢ As the majority of the customers give the opinion that they are satisfied, the factor, services
and design of the product of the company should not only maintain the existing standard but
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5.3 Limitation
➢ The study of sales and promotion strategies of ICON Enterprises is a research project that aims
to analyze the factors that influence the performance and competitiveness of the company in the
automobile industry. However, like any research project, it may have some limitations that
affect
➢ The study may rely on secondary data sources, such as reports, surveys, and online reviews,
which may not be accurate, reliable, or updated. The data may also be influenced by various
➢ The study may use a limited sample size or scope, which may not represent the entire
population or market of ICON Enterprises. The study may also focus on a specific geographic
region, product category, or customer segment, which may not reflect the diversity and
➢ The study may use various tools and techniques, such as SWOT analysis, gap analysis,
SERVQUAL model, and Kano model, to identify and evaluate the sales and promotion
strategies of ICON Enterprises. However, these tools and techniques may have some
limitations, such as being subjective, simplistic, or outdated. They may also not capture all the
relevant factors or dimensions that affect the sales and promotion strategies of ICON
Enterprises.
➢ The study may face some ethical issues, such as respecting the privacy and confidentiality of
the customers, dealers, and employees of ICON Enterprises, and avoiding any conflicts of
interest or plagiarism. The study may also need to obtain the consent and approval of the
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relevant stakeholders, such as the management of ICON Enterprises, before conducting the
research.
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5.4 Conclusion
The conclusion of the study of sales and promotion strategies of ICON Enterprises is the summary and
evaluation of the main findings and implications of the research project. A possible conclusion could
be:
The company has adopted various sales and promotion strategies to enhance its performance and
competitiveness in the automobile industry. The objective of this study was to analyze the factors
that influence the sales and promotion strategies of ICON Enterprises, and to suggest
recommendations for improvement. The study used both primary and secondary data sources, such as
surveys, interviews, focus groups, online reviews, and reports, to measure and evaluate the sales and
promotion strategies of ICON Enterprises. The study also used various tools and techniques, such as
SWOT analysis, gap analysis, SERVQUAL model, and Kano model, to identify the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of ICON Enterprises, and to prioritize the customer needs and
expectations.
I. ICON Enterprises has a strong brand image, reputation, and loyalty among its customers,
II. ICON Enterprises has innovated and diversified its product portfolio to meet the changing
needs and preferences of the customers, such as launching PVC PLY with multicolor &
durability.
III. ICON Enterprises has improved its customer satisfaction and loyalty by using customer
relationship management tools and social media platforms to provide information, feedback,
and engagement.
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IV. ICON Enterprises has improved its financial performance and profitability by using various
ratios and statistical tests to analyze its financial statements and compare them with its
competitors.
V. ICON Enterprises has expanded its global presence and market share by acquiring and
I. ICON should continue to invest in research and development, innovation, and technology to
maintain its leadership position and to cater to the emerging trends and demands of the
customers.
II. ICON should focus on enhancing its service quality, customer experience, and customer
retention, by providing personalized, timely, and reliable services, and by offering loyalty
III. ICON should adopt a segmented and differentiated marketing strategy, by identifying and
targeting the specific segments, niches, and markets that have the potential for growth and
IV. ICON should leverage its digital and social media presence, by creating engaging and
interactive content, campaigns, and communities, and by using analytics and feedback to
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