Research & Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement)
Research & Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement)
Research & Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement)
BRAC UNIVERSITY
66 MOHAKHALI, DHAKA-1212.
Letter of Transmittal
3 September, 2015
Dear Sir,
It gives me enormous pleasure to submit the internship report on “Research & Planning of M. I.
Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement)”. I expect this report to be informative as well as
comprehensive.
While conducting the report, I have gather lots of knowledge about backward and forward
linkage and many unknown facts, problems and prospect of research and planning. I believed
that the experience I acquired from the study will facilitate me a lot in my future career life.
It has also to be mentioned that without your expert advice and cooperation it would not have
been possible to complete this report. I shall be pleased to answer any sort of query you may
have regarding the report.
Sincerely Yours
---------------------------
S. M. Atiqur Rahman
ID: 10264023
Acknowledgement
At the beginning I am very much grateful to almighty Allah for giving me strength and
opportunity and sound mind to complete the internship report. It is common practice to thank all
those people who contributed to the task that one has to achieve I see no reason to change this
custom.
Preparing the internship report on “Research & Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown
Cement)”.it is not an easiest assignment where the information should be analyzed properly and
some data yet to be disclosed on the report. This descriptive paper is the outcome of my practical
working experience in M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement). For successful completion
of this report, I have been fortune to have the support, assistance and encouragement of a number
of individuals. Many of them played a decisive role in helping me making this report, although I
honestly accept full responsibility for all the errors and omission.
There are those people who have read, reviewed and provided moral support and encouragement.
My special thanks go to Md. Atwar Hossain, Assistant Manager of Research and Planning
department who always encourage who contributed in conducting my report, those who have
provided information and those helped me through my report period with his valuable advice. He
is very supportive in supervising my works and I am so much grateful to all the employees of M.
I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement) for their whole hearted cooperation.
Finally, I am very much thankful to my honorable faculty Mr. Suntu Kumar Ghosh
, Assistant Professor, BRAC Business School, BRAC University, who always gave guide lines
and suggestion during the period of completing my internship report.
Executive Summary
It’s the job of the marketing research to produce insight into the customer’s attitudes and buying
behavior. Marketing insights provide diagnostic information about how and why we observe
certain effect in the market place and what that means to marketers. We define marketing
research as the systemic design, collection, analysis and reporting of data and finding relevant to
a specific marketing situation facing the company. Most every organization will benefit from
even the most elementary market research. If it does not provide new information, it will confirm
what is known.
Market research is the process of gaining information about your market. Preferably, this is
specific information about your target market and the key factors that influence their buying
decisions. Use market research and marketing analysis to gain valuable insights about your
customers, the market conditions and the competitive landscape. Use this knowledge to build a
more effective marketing plan.
A sound market research provide information, options, assessment to serve the planning,
decision-making and performance measurement needs of the company. It helps the company to
take the right decision on time.
To survive competitively in the market any business whether is it production or service oriented
should make their product and services more diversified. Responding to the market demand M. I.
Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement) complete array of commercial corporate and covering
some segment of society. Now Cement manufacturing companies are emphasizing on market
research due to maximize sales and reducing unexpected loss of market shares at different
market areas. That is why I have decided to prepare my internship report on “Research &
Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD (Crown Cement)”.This report has been conducted to find
out the possibility of establishing the position of Crown Cement in terms of market Research &
Planning.
Though there is a tough competition in this sector, but to achieve a leading position Crown
cement should consider more its market research & planning.
Table of Content
1.1 Introduction……………………………...………………………………………2
Chapter-04: Learning....................................................................................................23
Chapter-06: Conclusion…………………………...................................................27
References…………………………..…………………………………………………29
CHAPTER-01
THE ORGANIZATION
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1.1 INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh cement industry is the 40th largest market in the world. Currently capacity of the
industry is about 20 mn tonnes (MT). Top 13 players are alone controlling over 78% of the total
industry capacity. However, the balance capacity still remains quite fragmented. Per capita
consumption remains poor when compared with the world average; only 99 kg (FY 2011) while
our neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan, have per capita consumption of 135 kg and 130
kg respectively. Many countries cannot produce enough cement to meet their internal demand,
and they depend on imports. However, Bangladesh is self-sufficient in fulfilling local demand
for cement. Even so, the installed production capacity is higher than local demand.
In Bangladesh, there are around 55 cement manufacturing companies, most of which are in
operations either on a large or small scale. A total of 34, including multinational cement
manufacturers, are in commercial production.
The installed production capacity of the 34 cement factories is 1.85 crore tonnes a year,
according to Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association (BCMA) data.
There are many cement Manufacturers in Bangladesh like Shah, Premier, Lafarge, Holcim, Scan.
At present among other manufacturer Crown cement operating their operations effectively and
efficiently and meeting customers’ demands with a view to acceleration socio-economic
development of the country. Crown cement is one of the growing cement brands in Bangladesh
in terms of efficiency, capital adequacy, asset quality, product quality, market force, human
resources, sound management and profitability having strong liquidity. Day by day new
competitors appears with better ideas and products as well as services.
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1.2 Historical Background of M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement).
M. I. Cement Factory Ltd. is a public limited company and one of the leading manufacturers of
cement in Bangladesh. On December 31, 1994 it started its journey with the commitment for
providing high quality cement to the country. Its brand "Crown Cement" has own renowned
both at home and abroad.
Initially the plant was installed with a capacity of producing 600tpd (ton per day) of Portland
cement. With the passing of time the demand of Crown Cement increased day by day. Therefore
the sponsors expanded the project thrice. By dint of quality Crown Cement soon gained
acceptability both at home and abroad which raised the necessity for expanding the plant from
initial 600tpd (ton per day), 800tpd 2nd unit in 2002, 1400tpd 3rd unit in 2006 and 3000tpd 4th
unit in 2011 thereby raising the total production capacity to 5800tpd i.e. 1.740 million metric ton
per annum.
The company has been listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange in 2011.
Its high growth agenda have been highly appreciated by the shareholders, and have won
investors trust. Its backward and forward integration endeavours have given new dimensions to
its growth platform. With this end in view, the associate industrial units' viz., Crown Polymer
Bagging Ltd., Crown Power Generation Ltd., Crown Mariners Ltd., Crown Transportation &
Logistics Ltd., Crown Cement Concrete & Building Materials Ltd. have been set up and are
already in operation. The company has also acquired a handy max size ocean going ship to
facilitate transportation of raw materials from abroad. It is hopefully expected that these new
growth platforms will facilitate creation of new dimensions and frontiers to the mother
company M. I. Cement Factory Limited.
Crown Cement pioneered in export of cement in 2003 and paved the way for earning hard-
earned foreign currency. Recently Crown Cement Achieved the National Export Trophy (Gold)
twice for attaining the top most place among the cement exporters in Bangladesh.
The factory possesses well communications facility both through water and road. It is located as
West Mukterpur, Munshiganj on the bank of the river Dhaleswari. It is connected by a metallic
road (Dhaka-Munshiganj Highway) linked with the whole country.
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1.3 Operational Network Organ gram
Board of Directors
Executive Director
General Manager
Sr. Manager
Manager
Deputy Manager
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1.4 Mission & Vision of M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement)
Mission:
As a modern cement company, we manufacture cement (Brand Name: Crown Cement) to meet
the needs of clients through innovative products & services that create value for all our
stakeholders.
Vision
Our vision is to make a contribution to the nation by creating opportunities in the arena of
industrial growth and development of Bangladesh, and to provide a solid foundation for society's
future.
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1.6 Organization Principles of M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement)
Integrity in all their dealings
Excellence in everything they do
Total commitment to customer satisfaction
Thinking ahead and taking new initiatives
Product Overview
We manufacture the following types of cement:
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CHAPTER-02
The Department
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2.1 Description of the Department
Research & Planning is an important department of M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown
Cement). It started its journey at 1 January, 2013. The department has seven employees. Mr. Md.
Atwar Hossain, Assistant Manager, is the departmental in charge who reports directly to the
Additional Managing Director of M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement). Research &
Planning department has some responsibilities, like:
• Collect data regarding specific market, retail outlets, market share of major players etc.
• Provide reports regarding channel partners’ brand loyalty, pushing efforts and market
development initiatives.
• Responsible for the marketing of company products and services to the right market
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CHAPTER-03
THE PROJECT
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3.1 Description of the Project
The report has been prepared as a mandatory requirement of the Master’s of the Business
Administration (MBA) program under Department of BRAC Business School, BRAC
University, Bangladesh. This report entitled “Research & Planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD
(Crown Cement)”.My institutional supervisor Mr. Suntu Kumar Ghosh assigned me the topic of
the report. The primary goal of the project papers is to provide on the job coverage to the student
and an opportunity for translation of theoretical conceptions in real life situation.
The core objective of this study is to analyze research & planning of M. I. Cement Factory LTD
(Crown Cement) & other competitors in Bangladesh and draw a comparison between these
manufacturers to identify the position in the cement industry. The objectives of the report are as
follows:
Broad Objective:
Specific Objective:
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3.1.2 Methodology of the study
Data Collection:
Both the primary as well as the secondary form of information was used to prepare the report.
The details of these sources are highlighted below:
(a)Primary Source
(b)Secondary Source
Internal Sources
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3.2 Project Work
During my internship period, I have done many works. I have visited two districts; Gazipur and
Shariatpur. During visiting time, I have collected thana wise retail market information through
the questionnaire form. I have to input lot of information at the questionnaire form like thana
name, Market Point name, Retail name, Proprietor/ Manager name and number, Regular Selling
Cement Brand name, Sales Quantity, Cost Price, Selling Price, Regular Commission, Dealer
Information, Branding information, Effective promotional activities, Brand wise dealer credit
information, Problem on selling Crown, Customer complains, Comments/Suggestions for
Crown. After collecting and input the data, I have prepared various general and observational
reports. From that report we can easily understand the district market size, thana wise market
situation or market point wise position of Crown and other competitors.
Now-a-days, building design/plan approvals are stopped by Gazipur City Corporation. However,
RAJUK approvals for building design are not so easy. That’s why building construction are not
as rapid as City Corporation area. Whereas cement consumption is not swift as compared to
country growth, also for political issues there are not so much project / construction site. The
contractor of Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway Project deals with most of the Brick Fields to
delivery their Brick at that project, that’s why general consumer is not getting Brick as their
demand. But in this regard, most of the brand tries to increase their market share by
implementing new promotional offer, credit facilities, and huge branding activities etc. Shah and
7-Ring is on head on competition for leadership at Gazipur.
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Gazipur Sadar
Crown’s dealer is less interested in retails located at highway in Gazipur Sadar. In this
area most retailers comment is alike: Seven Rings and Shah Cement employees come
almost every day whereas Crown’s employees are seen not frequently. Most of the
retailers at Chowrasta-BARI Gate and near others market complain about Gazipur
Builders for underrating to the retailers and also retailer site.
Marketing employees of Crown are not so much smart for marketing as compared to
other competitor brands commented most of the dealer at Gazipur Chowrasta. They are
not frequently visit at site as so not take initiative to increase retailer sales capacity most
of the dealer added.
Huge communication gap at Hydorabad, Harbaid and Pubail area, most of the retailer’s
sells 7-Rings at that area due to mini delivery system and some of case they sell Shah.
At Gazipur sadar retailers are now interested to sell Shah Special and 7-Rings Special
instead of Shah Popular and 7-Rings Normal respectively, which creates scope for Crown
to elaborate its market share by using its good brand image. Now-a-days, Holcim is also
trying to grab its market share by using huge branding activities, and customer perception
of good brand.
Mr. Polash, one of Sales officer of Tonny Enterprise has created business transaction
problem which has bad impact at those market point as well as brand image.
Crown has operation by three dealers- Dhaka Trade Link, Baten Traders & Tonny
Enterprise at Square gate-Navana gate (Kashimpur, Konabari) this market point. That’s
why underrating has occurred and retailers are unhappy due to lower profit.
According to the retailers, Crown cement bags become clotted within short tome (Molla
Traders-Square Gate, Tusher Ent-Jorun Bazar etc.)
Mr. Shaheen Khan, the owner of M/S. Khan Trading Corp.-2 complained about Lower
profit and lower credit facilities of Crown. He also mentioned scan has captured one of
his crown’s sites.
M/S. Monir Enterprise, one of crown’s retailer stopped selling Crown due to site sell of
M/S. Comilla Traders. Another retailer Bormon Enterprise at Monipur complained about
dealer’s site sell @ tk. 420.
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Recommendation
Tongi
Shah, Seven rings, Holcim are operated their business very smoothly for their huge credit
facilities, promotional offers, and branding activities. Most of the retailers complain
about less communication of Crown employee.
Lower Advertisement such as shop sign, paint, bill board etc compared to Shah, Holcim,
scan & 7-Rings.
Recommendation:
Kaliakoir:
Shah is the market leader at Kaliakoir. At Sadar market point total market size is about
20,000 bags where Crown is only about 2,200 bags. Crown retail is 6 out of 14 retail at
this market point. Retail communication is not frequent at Kaliakoir Sadar. Retailer
doesn’t get new offer/update information by the dealer or marketing employee. Few
retailers are still confused regarding 2% free bags. Crown program (Retail/Mason/Eng.
Meet) is very low at this area for this reason peoples are not aware regarding Crown
Cement.
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At Fulbaria market point most of the retailers complain about underrating. In this regard
retailers are diverting to sell other brands and Crown is losing its market share. Three
dealers (Rafi-3 Retails, Comilla-3 Retails & Bhuiyan-4 Retails) are operating at this
market which creates underrating.
Huge communication gap at Chandra/ Shafipur / Boroibari /Majhukhan /Ratanpur /Malek
Spining Road/ Rakhaliarchala area, most of the retailer are sell Shah Cement. Shah
arranged mason meet and special consultant to Engineer for getting new site. At Shafipur
and Vannara most of the retailer complains about Tonny Ent for underrating.
N.B: At Kaliakoir thana four dealers of Crown: Tonny-10 retails, Comilla-13 retails, Bhuiyan-04
retails and Gazipur Builders-04 retails are operate.
Recommendation:
Sreepur
Bhuiyan Enterprise, Comilla Traders, Shofiqul Enterprise, Guzi Builders, Rubel Enterprise are
operated at Sreepur Thana. That’ why, underrating has occurred at this area.
At Crown retailer’s more than one dealer try to competition delivery in any price but in
GAP market dealer are not take initiatives to develop that market.
Clotted bags were not replaced. (Evan Trading-Mawna, Pathan Ent-Sathkhamair)
Crown marketing officer were not visited all market point.
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Recommendation:
Kapasia
Only three retailers sell the crown cement at whole kapasia thana, & also they claimed
that they were not received promotional gift, commission properly.
Most of the market are GAP for Crown (8 out of 11 Market Point)
Two outlet of Comilla Trading & one outlet of Mollah Ent, Shibpur, Norshindi.
Most of the retailer said that they did not know about crown cement dealer & other
facilities.
Lower demand of crown cement is the main problem of crown cement, due to mason.
Mason does not advise to use crown cement. They are preferred to use 7-ring & Shah
Cement.
Sometime visit marketing people of dealer. But most of retailer said that no marketing
people came to visit the retail from crown cement.
No industry at kapasia. Agricultural & Foreign remittent based market.
Recommendation
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Kaliganj:
Seven rings is the market leader at Kaliganj. Fresh and Premier is developing their
market aside 7-Rings. Crown retail is only 4 out of 57 retrials.
Seven rings doing well at Kaliganj by implementing more credit facilities, mini delivery
system and top of mind brand image. Retail communication is decreased day by day by
Crown’s employee and dealers are not taking initiatives to develop the market.
Most of the market are GAP for Crown (4 out of 6 Market Point)
Recommendation:
Crown should deploy one more employee (MPO) for smooth communication to all
market point
Assign and reinforce dealer for smooth D/O to grab retail coverage and market share
immediately
Should inform latest offer/update information at time to time as soon as possible
BTL and outdoor advertisement should ensure at every area
GAP market should be minimized
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Overall Recommendation
Crown should deploy one employee (MPO) for each thana and one more smart Engineer
for Gazipur District to frequent site visit.
If we have to continue our business by existing dealer, business area should be restricted
to control market; otherwise market may fall.
Homeowners meet, Mason meet for outside Gazipur Sadar, Contractor meet especially
for Gazipur Sadar, Retail meet may be organized.
BTL and Oudoor advertisement should be ensured through Shop sign and high wall paint,
Bill Board (Chowrasta, Vogra Bypass) etc.
D/O rate may be rationalized to the all retailers.
Penetration during peak season should be ensured through both demand creation and
smooth delivery to the retail outlet.
All business transaction problems with the retailers should solve immediately.
Clotted or damaged bags should be replaced with short time and maintain good business
relation.
Dealer’s counter sell or underrating at retailer’s site should decrease gradually.
A-Z market monitoring (Dealer, Retailer, Employee, Site Visit, competitors’ activities
etc.)
Ensure 24 hours smooth Ghat delivery to retailer.
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Findings from Shariatpur Market
In this area most retailers comment is alike: Shah & Tiger Cement employees come
almost every day whereas Crown’s employees are not seen frequently.
Lower Advertisement such as shop sign, paint, bill board etc compared to others brand.
Area violation problem at Naria Thana.
Less communication with mason.
No new offer informed instantly by dealer/Mkt
Recommendation
Marketing people and technical team should be visited all market point with all retail.
Ensure shop sign, shop paint and other branding activities.
Dealer area should be restricted.
Organize Mason meet program at Zanzira and Naria.
Crown promotional offer should provide to the retailers just in time.
Shariatpur Sadar:
In this area Crown’s employees are not seen frequently whereas Anchor and King Brand
employees come almost every day.
Anchor is giving various benefits to the masons like per bag sales commissions, gifts, etc.
Lower Advertisement such as shop sign, paint, bill board, project signboard etc compared
to Anchor, Shah, Akij, Premier, Bashundhara and Holcim.
M/S. Shafiqul Ent, one of sub-dealer of Crown, his counter sell is higher than retail sell.
That’s why underrating has occurred.
Due to not having a site Engineer, we can’t increase brand awareness.
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Recommendation
Marketing people should be visited all market point with all retail.
Organize mason meet and Engineer meet program.
Ensure shop sign, shop paint, bill board, project signboard and other branding activities.
Sub-Dealer’s counter sell or underrating at retailer’s site should be decreased.
Site Engineer needed for increasing Brand awareness.
Due to more benefit of 7-Horse, Sub-Dealer Julhas & Brothers push 7-horse more instead
of crown. That’s why; Crown isn’t distributed properly by dealer.
Most of the retailer of Bhederganj wants to business with company.
Recommendation:
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Recommendation
Marketing people should be visited all market point with all retail.
Monitoring on the Sub-dealer Julhas & Brothers for promoting 7-horse Cement.
Dealer area should be specified.
Organize mason meet and Engineer meet program.
Ensure shop sign, shop paint, bill board, project signboard and other branding activities.
Overall Recommendation
Crown should deploy one Engineer and one Brand promoter for Shariatpur District main
focused on Padma bridge construction area.
Organize Mason meet and Engineer/Contractor meet program.
BTL and Outdoor advertisement should be ensured through Shop sign and high wall
paint, Bill Board, project signboard etc.
Crown promotional offer should provide to the retailers just in time.
Sub-Dealers activities should be increased.
Alternative channel partner may search at Bhederganj area.
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CHAPTER-04
LEARNING
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4.0 Learning
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CHAPTER-05
FINDINGS AND
RECOMMENDATION
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5.0 Findings and Recommendation
Company has limited number of marketing employee in the country wide which is a few
in terms of competition. Shah, the market leader in the industry has enough marketing
employee in the country wide. Company should take aggressive marketing strategy to
increase number of employee throughout the country.
Crown cement has insufficient number of vehicle to supply its distributors and dealers.
They should increase vehicle to fast and timely delivery of the products to its customers.
Crown cement organize Mason meet, Engineer/Contractor meet, retail/dealer meet
program which is not sufficient. Company should enhance these types of programs.
BTL and Outdoor advertisement has insufficient compared to shah. It should be ensured
through shop sign, high wall paint, signboard, Bill Board etc.
Crown’s sales and promotional activity is not up to the mark compared to competitor
brands like Shah, Holcim, Scan, and Lafarge. Promotional offer should be rationalized
with other brands.
Crown has not many strong channel partners. But it should be increased.
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CHAPTER-06
CONCLUSION
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6.0 Conclusion
M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement) is making up of all the activities required to
deliver products to the customer, from designing product to receiving orders, procuring
materials, marketing, manufacturing, logistics, customer service, receiving payment and so on.
Anyone, anything, anywhere that influences a product’s time-to-market, price, quality,
information exchange or delivery, among other activities, is part of the supply chain.
As a final point, it is articulated that, M. I. Cement Factory Limited (Crown Cement) still
growing company but it is following different strategies, taking different decisions, planning
and operation, selecting right marketing policy to make their market efficient and respond to
customer demands timely by delivering quality products and service to customers.
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References
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Bibliography
Information of Crown: www.crowncement.com
Marketing Management-13 th Edition-Philip Kotler, Kevin Lane Keller, Abraham Koshy, Mithileshwar Jha
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