1.

0 Introduction:
1.1 Origin of the Report This report is prepared with respect to the course of Strategic Management (MGT480). We are assigned to prepare a term paper by our honorable course instructor Mr. Mohammad Sajjad Hossain. Our task is to make a report on Akij Group and complete a study that covers all important factors regarding the dawn of their business and their various accomplishments and hurdles along the way. 1.2 Objective of the report 1.2.1 General Objective The general objective of our report is to discuss the about the company of Akij Group as a whole. We have focused on different sectors of their business. 1.2.2 Specific Objective To define the enacted environment of the Akij Group To explore different terms of management Analyze recruitment and selection process of Akij Group To find out how Akij Group have operated their endeavors To describe the sectors they have

1.3 Scope of the report This report is created on the details of Akij Group. This report will help people understand the process of making and operating a company. 1.4 Limitations The company had followed some privacy policy. For that reason they did not tell us everything we needed but we managed to find most of the necessary data. Because of some unfortunate reasons, not all the employees were helpful in giving information nor were they very much acquainted with the concept of preparing a report like this.

2.0 Company Information

2.1 Background A sister concern of Akij Group, Akij Corporation Limited is the most organized distribution company in the country. Akij Group is countrys one of the leading business conglomerates. Initially Akij Corporation Limited was known as Amin Enterprise and started its operation in 1992. In June 1997 Amin Enterprise was renamed as Aminuddin Enterprise Limited and in 2001 Aminuddin Enterprise Limited was again renamed as Akij Corporation Limited. Akij Corporation Limited is responsible for the marketing and distribution of three industries of Akij Group namely Dhaka Tobacco Industries, Akij Match Factory Limited and Akij Zarda (chewing tobacco) Factory.

2.2 History of Akij Group History of Akij Group stretches back to later part of the forties. In its infancy, the Group started in humble way with jute trading which was known as the golden fiber of the country, earning highest amount of foreign exchange. Akij Group's ceaseless efforts with dynamic management and support from their numerous clients have led their Group in diversifying its business activities. In the second phase, the Group went into manufacturing handmade cigarettes popularly known as bidis. This sector gave a real boost to the revenue earning of the Group as well as making a substantial contribution to government exchequer. With the passage of time, the Group undertook new ventures and presently there are 15 units of industries under its umbrella like cigarettes, handmade cigarettes, printing & packaging, textiles, hand board, pharmaceutical, leather processing and real-estate business are in operation, catering jobs for more that 32,000 people in various categories. The Group has plans for setting up more projects. The projects are already in pipeline. Foreign investors have shown keen interest in joining with us for joint ventures. The matter is under our active consideration and will hopefully soon mature. This will also help the nation's economy growth and will create job opportunities to various professionals. 2

Akij Group is also involved in socio-cultural activities. The Group has been operating a sizeable orphanage free of charge in district town. The Group has also acquired a modern mother & children hospital previously owned by Save the Children (UK). The hospital is being operated as a non-profitable concern by Ad-Din Welfare Trust.

Contract address: Akij Chamber 73, Dilkusha Commercial Area Dhaka - 1000, Bangladesh Phone: (+880-2)9563008-9, 7169017-8 Fax: (+880-2)9564519 e-mail: info@akij.net

2.3 Mission and vision of Akij group of industries: In this era of mass production, as it is very hard to stand out with one product, Akij Group focuses on making the best in all sectors. Any companys vision is actually the dream to which the company always strives to reach where it may become possible or not. Akij Group is not something different. Expanding the business in the abroad and becoming one of the market leaders internationally are the visions of Akij Group. The mission of Akij Group is to be the market leader through their best effort, suitable and competitive marketing strategy and the consumers support. Now they are in the position of challenger and their vision focuses on those missions, goals and objectives which will make them able to be the leader from the challenger to the leader in the market.

2.4 Owners and Board of Directors: 2.4.1 Owner of Akij Group: Founder Chairman, Akij Group: Mr. Sheikh Akij Uddin Chairman, Akij Group: Mr. Sk. Nasir Uddin 2.4.2 Board of director: Chairman: Mr. Sk. Nasir Uddin Managing director: Mr. Sk BashirUddin Director: Sheikh Jamil Uddin Director: Sk Shamim Uddin

3.0 Profile of AKIJ Group:

3.1 Enterprises under AKIJ Group Business Enterprises: Akij Bidi Factory Ltd. Akij Cement Company Ltd. Akij Computer Ltd. Akij Corporation Ltd. Akij Food & Beverage Ltd. Akij Institute of Technology. Akij Jute Mills Ltd. Akij Match Factory Ltd. Akij Online Ltd. Akij Particle & Hard Board Mills Ltd. Akij Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Akij Printing & Packaging Ltd. Akij Real Estate Ltd. Akij Textile Mills Ltd. Akij Zarda Factory Ltd. Ad-Din Hospital (Philanthropic). Dhaka Tobacco Industries (Cigarettes). Dhaka Tobacco Industries (Leaf). Navaron Printing and Packages Ltd. S.A.F Industries Ltd.

3.2 Growth Time Line of AKIJ Group: 1950: Akij BIDI Factory Ltd Hand Made Cigarettes 1950: Akij Transport Agency Ltd Transport 1960: SAF Industries Ltd. Crust & finished Leather

1981: Dhaka Tobacco Industries Leaf Processing Plant Leaf tobacco Leaf Processing Plan

1974: Akij Printing & Packages Ltd. Printing & Packaging factory

1966: Dhaka Tobacco Industries Ltd (Cigarettes)

1983: Akij Corporation Ltd Trading House

1987: Akij Housing Ltd. Housing

1992: Akij Match factory Ltd Match

1996: Akij Particle Board Mills Ltd Particle & Hardboard

1995: Akij Cement Company Ltd. Cement

1994: Akij Jute Mills Ltd Jute Yarn & Twine

1996: Akij Pharmaceuticals Ltd Medicine

1997: Akij Computer Ltd. Hardware & Software

1998: Sonar Bangla Cement Ltd Cement

2000: Akij Jarda Factory Ltd Flavored Chewing Tobacco

2000: Akij Online Ltd Internet Service Provider

1998: Akij Textile Mills Ltd Cotton Yarn

2001: Akij Institute of Technology Ltd IT Education & Training

2001: Nebula Ink Ltd. Ink

2001: Savar Industries (Pvt.) Ltd

2006: Akij Food & beverage Ltd. Food & beverage

2003: Afil Toiletries Ltd. Toiletries

Other enterprises are Akij Gas Ltd., Akij Real Estate Ltd and Ad-Din Hospital (philanthropic).

3.3 AKIJ JUTE MILLS LTD.

AKIJ JUTE MILLS LTD. a unit of Akij Group is a 100% export oriented Jute yarn Industry catering to the need to carpet manufacturers and other end users of jute yarn all over the world. Apart from being a member of a leading industrial group of Bangladesh, the mill is running by a team of qualified and highly experienced professionals whose principle objective is customer satisfaction. In respect of production the mill is one of the largest in Bangladesh producing about 20,000 Metric Tons of Jute yarn annually. The mill is creating jobs to over 3,000 people most of them are destitute females of the locality.

3.3.1 The Specialty of Jute Yarn: i. ii. iii. iv. Hydrocarbon free/Vegetable oil treated Jute yarn on demand. Using of the world's finest hard district Jute in the batch. Maintaining strict shipment schedule. Do not compromising when it comes to quality and Akij Jute Mills Ltd. may most humbly claim that they are the cleanest Jute mill in the world.

3.3.2 Product Range:

Count Ply Quality Make-up

lbs

(9.6

Nm/16

Lea/104

Tex)

to

200 lbs (0.14 Nm/0.24 Lea/6890 Tex) 2 to 5 Ply CRX/CRT/CRM/Axminister a) Wooden, Plastic, Paper Cones, and Tubes (parallel spool). b) Coreless Spool. 8

Winding Joints Packing Capacity Speciality

Precision & Mackroll. Spliced, Latex and Weaver's knots. Yarn may be packed in stretch wrapped pallets / gunny bags and paper made cartons. 20,000 M.Tons(Approx) per annum. High number of doubling in drawing and computerized feeding in the spreader for excellent regularity of yarn.

3.4 AKIJ MATCH FACTORY LTD.

Akij Match Factory Ltd. has been established in the year 1992 at a beautiful site near Muktarpur Ghat on the bank of river Sitalakshaya. It is a fully automatic match factory which produces 100% Carburized high quality safety matches. Dolphin is the brand name of the matches produced from this factory. Immediately after the introduction of the brand it became very popular among its consumer because of the high quality and intensive distribution in every nook and corner of the country. Most of the raw material comes from various parts of Bangladesh by river. The river Shityalakhkha flows next to the factory and facilitates transportation greatly. Some of the wood used to make match sticks comes from Pakistan. A cutter with a circular saw cuts the logs into 15 portions. The bark is taken off the portions and these are then put through the peeling machine which peels layers of wood off the log. These layers are chopped into the rough shape and size of match sticks. As these sticks are usually quite moist, they are dried. Carburization and treatment with other chemicals such as Boric acid occurs at this point. This is to ensure that the match sticks dont break when ignited and that their quality is preserved even in highly humid conditions. The chemically treated sticks are polished in two stages to give them uniform proportions. The quality is very strictly controlled. At every stage, non standard products (wood layers or sticks) are rejected. However, these are not wasted. The sticks, wood layers and any other scrap wood goes to be recycled in AKIJ Particle and Hardboard Mills. The faults in the rejected matches are dealt with and these are packed manually. The bulk of the matches are packed by rotary packers and these go directly to the market. These contain almost 60% of the total market share.

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3.5 AKIJ FOOD AND BEVERAGE LTD. Brings Quality in Life. Akij Food & Beverage Ltd (AFBL) a big name in Food processing & marketing sectors started their journey officially on 2006 with three products but within this six year company able to add lot of products on its rosters. Akij Food & Beverage Ltd sectors are a result of visionary concept of Mr. Sk. Akij Uddi and its owner is Mr. SK. Shamimuddin. AFBL is a manufacturing type of business and its main products are CSD, Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks, Juices, Dairy Products, Snacks, Chips, Drinking Water. AFBL manufactures a wide rang of Snacks and Beverage for both National & International market like Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia, Middle East And Africa.. AFBL is a project worth $ 70 million & is funded by the parental company Akij Group. Its total annual sales volume is US $ 5 Million US $ 10 Million. Its export percentage is 21%30%. AFBL factory is located 50 kilometers outside from capital Dhaka in Krishanapura, Dhamrai. The factory is above 100,000 square meters. The total numbers of employees are about 1200 people. And among them the number of R&D staff are above 50 people and number of QC staff are 21-30 people. To bring the vision of this visionary entrepreneur into reality AFBL has been built with most modern operating facilities of European origin for processing & packing including aseptic filling line which is lone example in the entire subcontinent. AFBL started its production at 400 bph in the carbonated soft drinks line and 300 bph in the juice line. In a span of one and a half years they have increased their capacity to 1800 bph. At present their capacity is at the ground breaking rate of 1900 bph. During this same period most of their brands became either number one or are almost on the verge of becoming number one in their respective categories. Most of their machineries have been imported from world famous brands as Krones, Tetra Pak, Alfalaval, Sipa, Husky to achieve the best quality. Most of their Raw materials come from various foreign countries. The quality is very strictly controlled. At every stage, non standard products are rejected.As quality was the main object of the founder Mr. Sk, Akij Uddin that is why his saying is "Uncompromising quality even in adverse situation" the main force behind the success of Akij Food & Beverage Ltd. 11

3.5.1 Business Philosophy

Akij Group diversified their business in Food & Beverage industry because in Bangladesh there are 14 corers people. It is large market size to serve and food is required continually for the population. Akij food & beverage want to serve quality food for their target market. In chips industry, there are many local & foreign companies. Akij want to be local unique chips producer with the same quality of foreign company. For this purpose AFBL produces chips for young target group who like to live stylish life. Main slogan of AFBL is Brings Quality in Life. Akij Food & Beverage Ltds mission is to earn a respected position in food & beverage sector. While working in harmony with their consumers, employees and business partners they try to discover and understand the desires & needs of the community. And its vision is to be the market leader in Food & Beverage sector excelling in product quality, social, technical & marketing creativity & service to their consumers through skill and cordial commitment of their employees. 3.5.2 Product of AFBL: The products which are offering now by the company are given below:

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Product Category Cola

Brand Name MOJO

Size 150ml can, 250ml pet and can, 500ml pet, 1 liter pet, 2 liter pet.

Cloudy Lemon

Lemu

150ml can, 250ml pet and can, 500ml pet, 1 liter pet, 2 liter pet.

Clear Lemon

Clemon

250ml pet and can 500ml pet, 1 liter pet, and 2 liter pet.

Energy Drink Drinking water Juice

Speed Spa Frutika (Mango,Red grape, Red orange)

250ml pet and can 500ml pet, 1 liter pet, 2 liter pet 250ml pet, 1 liter.

Milk Malt Beverage Cheese Flavored Snacks (Crackers) Real Potato Chips

Farm Fresh UHT milk Wild Brew Cheese Puffs

liter tetra pack. 250ml can. 22 gm/pack.

O Potato Spicy Cocktail

22 gm/pack

3.5.3 GROWTH TIME LINE OF AKIJ FOOD & BEVERAGE LTD:

14th April 2006 Speed, Mojo, Lemu

7th April 2007 Spa

7th September 2007 Farm Fresh UHT Milk

7th October Clemon

November 2008 Wild Brew 13

AFBL has its own marketing & sales department in Akij chamber. The functions of this department are very wide and dynamic. Main functions performed by this department are: Product development Raw material sourcing Find out or create market for its product Price set up Packaging development Developing communication strategy Preparing sales forecast Maintain sales management in the field Keeping record of sales and stock Collection & analysis of competitors information

Besides these, it performs a number of activities to conduct their day-to-day business. Under marketing & sales department, a Brand team performs the key role of real marketing. In AFBL Marketing and sales department a number of employees work under Sr. G.M (Marketing & sales). Numbers of employees are working in different positions in the 4th floor of Akij chamber. Senior General Manager General Manager National Sales Manager Brand Manager 14

Purchase executive Research executive Brand executives Brand officers Event management officers.

Beside these employees, AFBL has a Sales team working all over the country. Four Regional sales managers control these sales forces. An area sales manager & an area sales officer is engaged to conduct regular sales management for each sales area. They work at the retail outlet with the authorized distributors. The actual marketing activities of AFBL are performed by the Brand office under Marketing and sales department.

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3.6 AKIJ CEMENT COMPANY LTD.

AKIJ Cement has established a foot hole in the cement market. It was established in 1995. Encouraged by consumers response and confidence AKIJ Cement is in the process of expanding its capacity by many folds. From unloading the raw materials at the jetty to loading the finished product onto boats, all the stages are to be automated and computer controlled. Two fix swing cranes will unload the clinker and gypsum and put them on a belt conveyer to be put into storage. These are then loaded into the bins and measured by two belt scales before entry to the ball mill grinder. This allows the ratio of clinker and gypsum to be controlled. From there the ground cement goes to the vortex separators by the means of a bucket elevator and chain conveyer. The vortex separator separates coarse and fine cement by using high pressure. The fine cement is the finished product whereas the coarse cement needs to be ground again. The fine cement is stored in silos and intricately controlled conditions. This cement goes to the packing machine by a screw conveyer and from there to the jetty by a belt conveyer. The factory is equipped with air filters in order to minimize pollution and recycle any cement that is suspended in the air. The entire production process is computer controlled and there are sensors to monitor various factors at regular intervals. The level of automation reduces dependence on staff and risk of human error. The software controlling the machines allows engineers to view progress on a computer stimulated model of the factory. It also reports problems and permits fine control of every stage.

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The laboratory is not only involved in quality control but also on improving the cement to being the best brand available. As well as equipment to determine chemical properties of the product, there is apparatus to measure physical factors both before and after the cement has set. 3.7 DHAKA TOBACCO INDUSTRIES:

Dhaka Tobacco Industries came under control of Akij Group during the late seventies after the government decided to disinvest and handover the factory, which was up till then state-run, to private sector. The Factory is located at Morkun near Tongi and lot of investment into MEN & Machineries has turned the Factory in to a Modern cigarette producing unit. It employs about 1,200 people who work in a congenial atmosphere to deliver right quality to satisfy the million of Smokers taste and needs. Currently, Dhaka Tobacco industries produce eight brands of cigarettes. These are Navy, Legend White, Five Star, Red & White, K2, Surma and Diamond. Approximately one billion cigarettes are produced per month by the companys factory in Tongi, Gazipur. One hundred million of the Navy brand are exported quality and are sold in Dubai. In storage, the tobacco is kept in air-conditioned and moisture controlled rooms where its perfection can be maintained for up to two years. The bales of processed tobacco are sliced in uniform sizes and ground. This is stored in the blending silos in specific ratios. The tobacco (lamina) is moistened, cut and dried. Some of the excess stem produced in National Leaf is also used. It is fed into a conditioner using auto feed. Then, it is cooled and stored in silos to be processed further when necessary. A steam roller is used to flatten the stem so that it is ready to be cut first by the cutter and then by a millicutter. It is moistened using steam in low pressure and dried to attain the desired level of humidity. At this point the lamina and stem come 17

together in the mixing cylinder where chemicals are added. There are different silos for each blend and the cut tobacco is stored in these. Four Rotary feeders are involved in transporting this to the secondary manufacturing department. A Molins Plug making machine makes filters. The filter making machine is capable of making plugs of different length and dia. There are cigarette making machines of various brands and speeds. Recently, the company has invested in Molmac Mark 9 machines. They are equipped with a system to remove ferrous material and stems from the tobacco supplied to the machine. In addition, there is an automatic system of weight and density control to maintain uniformity. Focke Hinge Lid Packers are used for packing cigarettes. Quality Test Module is used to test the circumference of cigarettes and filters using a laser mike head, the total ventilation with closed ventilation zone and the pressure drop in cigarettes is a completely encapsulated condition. The percentage of moisture, nicotine and sugar in various blends is found using the Infra lab TM Gauge. A Tobacco Oven determines the total oven volatile content of tobacco and stems. There are a variety of other installations to measure both physical and chemical properties, with the most impressive being a latest smoking machine. The machines run around the clock except on Friday when most of the maintenance work is done. The well disciplined environment and efficiency of this factory has caused man multinational companies to offer us deal to manufacture their product in order to supply the subcontinent. Dhaka Tobacco Industries has been contributing considerable amount of revenue to the government exchequer and also providing employment since its inception. In the financial year 2005-2006, the Company contributed Tk. 1002.58 crore to the government exchequer as duty and VAT. During the financial year (2006-2007) DTIs contribution to the government exchequer will be to the tune of Tk. 1050.00 crore.

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3.7.1 Products of Dhaka Tobacco Industries (DTI): High Segment: a) Castle Full Flavor b) Castle Lights Presently DTI enjoys more than 10% market share in this segment. Medium Segment: a) Navy Presently DTI are contributing 48% market share in this segment. Lower Medium Segment: a) Sheikh b) Real Presently DTI are enjoying more than 80% market share in this segment. Low Segment: a) Five Star b) K-2 c) Surma & d) Read & White DTIs market share in this segment is about 50%. Currently, Dhaka Tobacco industries produces eight brands of cigarettes. They are -Navy, Legend White, Five Star, Red & White, K2, Surma and Diamond. The factory produces approximately one billion cigarettes per month. About a hundred million of Navy brand are exported to Dubai monthly. The company recently invested in Molmac Mark 9 machines. They are equipped with a system to remove ferrous material and stems from the tobacco supplied to the machine.

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3.8 AKIJ TEXTILE MILLS LTD.

A sister concern of Akij Group, Akij Textile Mills Ltd (ATML) has been in operation since 1998. One of the biggest conglomerates in Bangladesh, the company has been operating its business by supplying excellent quality yarn primarily in the export market. The yarns produced by ATML are sold to the export oriented knit & woven garments industry. ATMLs production capacity is around 50 tons per day - 25 tons combed & carded from Ring Spinning, 20 tons from Schlafhorst Autocoro & 5 tons from BD Rotors. The mill can produce all yarn counts from Ne 6/1 to Ne 100/1. The counts mostly being produced are Ne 20/1 to Ne 40/1 combed & carded 100% cotton yarn from Ring Spinning, Ne 6/1 to Ne 26/1 from Schlafhorst Autocoro machine and Ne 7/1 to Ne 16/1 from BD Rotors. The blow rooms are equipped with Vision Shields - foreign fiber (contamination) detectors. From the process of bale breaking to the packaging of yarn, everything is done with automation & state -of - the -art- technology. Quality is of utmost significance and is therefore very carefully controlled. Beside other routine equipment to measure various properties of the cotton, sliver and yarn, the lab is equipped with a H.V.1 spectrum. It is used to check the suitability of the cotton from each bale and according to the results; the bale would either be accepted or rejected. The software in the machine is able to select the bales which do not meet the set standards and compile a list of them automatically. The Ulster T4 is used to test sliver, roving and yarn. It measures thickness variation per kilometer. Frequent samples are taken and tested meticulously.

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The levels of computerization of the machines on the factory floor also mean that their performance can be monitored from the lab. ATMLs factory is situated in Golora, Charkhanda, and Manikgonj, and the company produces about 40,000kg of their goods. 3.8.1 Products of Akij Textile Mills Ltd include: Yarn Dyed Fabrics (Oxford, Chambray, Fill-a-Fill etc) Olid Dyed Fabrics (Twill, Canvas etc)

3.8.2 Employee Hierarchy:

It describes very shortly the whole activities of ATML. This department operated by 11 members with a peon. Every member is highly trained & very much cordial with their activities. All perfect individual work makes the ATML in the ranking position of Textile Industries. 1. Mohammad A. Sohel Sr. manager (Sales & Marketing) Sales & analyzing of market Follow up all related marketing as well as commercial department. 2. Md. Nizamul Haque Asst Manager (Commercial) Banking and collection of Yarn export documents. Yarn marketing & sales Reconciliation with accounts deptt. for acceptance & payment 3. Sk. Md. Salim Hossain Sr. commercial executive

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Preparing & issuing BTMA certificate GSP & Cash (Corresponding with Buyer about BTMA) Yarn marketing & sales keeping all kinds of Lc information. Keeping & handling all Mushak. 4. Md. Arifur Rahman Sr. Marketing Executive Marketing & sales Developing & upgrading customer Collect market information & analysis After sales follow-up. 5. Rajib Kumar Saha and Nurullah As Shafa Marketing Executive Marketing & sales. Collecting new customers. Communicate with existing customer. Market coordinating. After sales follow up. 6. Md. Al amin Marketing Assistent Send & receive party acceptance to buyer. Sortig document for commercial deptt. Keep info of all documents. 7. Md. Miraz Uddin Marketing Assistent Send & receive party acceptance to buyer. Sortig document for commercial deptt. 22

Support commercial deptt & MKTG deptt also. 8. Mehedi Hasan Computer Operator Issuing P/I & hand over the customer, D.O against L/C Direct coordinate with Sr. manger, marketing & commercial deptt. Keep & create up to date info regarding PI, D.O & L/C 9. Mohammad Ali Com. Operator cum marketing Asst. Sales export & local Independently Handling & planning distribution Issuing local D.O & ensuring Payment Coordinate with all sales & prod. Factor (between Mktg Deptt. & Fac).

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3.9 AKIJ PARTICLE BOARD MILLS LTD.

Akij Particle & Hard Board Mills Ltd. has come with the best particle board in Bangladesh. It started business in the year 2001 & already it has created a place in the market for improved quality. The factory is situated at Torraghat in Manikgonj District on the bank of the river Kaliganga. There are about 1001-5000 employees in this factory. Akij Particle Board is a Timber substitute three-layer board made of wood chips. The objective is to produce and supply international standard Particle board to meet the demand of Architect, Interior Designers & Furniture Manufacturers in the country. With the guidance of Honorable M.D. Sheikh Akij Uddin, Akij Particle & Hard Board Mills Ltd. will maintain quality and better service to satisfy its valued customers and users. Due to the high levels of humidity in Bangladesh, wood is not a long lasting building material unless it is of the best quality and is excellently treated. However, good quality wood is very expensive and often acquired through the illegal eradication of forests which has led to many species becoming scarce. The rate at which objects made of wood need to be replaced is greater than the rate at which most trees grow. Particle boards are longer lasting, less expensive and greener alternative of wood. A lot of the scrap wood produced by various factories in the group is recycled to be particle boards. The wood is put into the Kolckaner drum chipper to be made into small pieces and then into the Maier flaker. By this time, the wood is reduced to very small chips. A hammermill is used to crush these chips and then a pair of coupled driers dries them. A refiner is used to make the chips even finer and a screener separates the various sizes of chips. Coarse and fine chips are put into separate silos. These are separately weighed by two batch-weighers and put into the glue blender where they are mixed with glue, paraffin wax and hardener. Each is blended separately and the fine and coarse chips receive different amounts of the chemicals. These blended chips then go to the former and come out of its three outlets. The first and third one is for the fine chips and the second for 24

coarse chips. As a result a three layered, reinforced particle board is produced with fine particles on the external layers and a layer of coarse chips inside. There is an online moisture meter in the forming machine. An automatic weighing scale is involved in the quality control of the boards which are 4feet x 12feet.The thickness currently in production are 19mm and 12 mm. From the forming machine, the boards go to the Diffenbachger autopress and then to edge trimming, sanding and master sanding. Some of the boards are also veneered with woods such as teak.

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3.10 AKIJ PRINTING & PACKAGING LTD. Akij printing & Packaging Ltd (APPL) is one of the biggest printing & packages in Bangladesh. It was established in 1974. The most modern and sophisticated technology of APPL have ensured the high quality printing and packaging including the best quality wide format digital printing system in Bangladesh. Two factories situated in Tongi and Navaran provide almost all the packaging required by the group. Besides this, they also provide packaging for other companies. The paper needs to be slit and trimmed before printing. Goebel Optima 2000 are multiple slitters; they are able to work with paper, board and film. There are various types of printing machines. The Heidelberg Speed master CD102 does four colors offset printing. It is capable of printing 45,000 impressions per shift. There is a Gravure 7 color printing machine capable of printing 150 m per minute. Some of the stations may be shut off to enable images of smaller numbers of color to be printed with this machine. The printed media are then cut to the appropriate sizes by easily programmable machines. These then go through the folding and gluing process. There are wet and dry laminating machines for waterproof packaging. These factories are engaged in advertising and not only printing posters. A state of the art new printing machine is able to print front-lit, back-lit and other types of signs on a variety of media.

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3.11 AKIJ INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

It is firms determination to impart corporate, academic, professional and package training and the uncompromising quality of IT education designed for various segment of the society. The curriculum has been prepared to meet International Standard in view of ensuring a better career of its students. Nowadays, this institute providing Bangladesh government approved 4 years B.Sc. honors in Computer Science under National University. It has five campuses in different divisional cities, to ensure world-class education at students' doorsteps. The institutes commitments to the students and the society are: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. Campus: Elephant Road ECS Computer City 69-71 Multiplan Center, Shop No-917-918, Level-9, New Elephant Road, Dhaka-1207. Phone: +88-02-9671451, +88-02-9671452, 27 Quality Instructor. Hands on practice. Weekly lesson presentation. Compulsory project work for each course. Credit transfer facilities for both home and abroad. International standard curriculum. In service training. Compulsory weekend exam. Demand based curriculum. Reasonable training fees.

Mob: 01711-435378 Email: elrmanager@akijonline.com Chittagong HaliShahar Wapda Gate, House No: 2, Block-H, Port Connecting Road, Halishahar, Chittagong Mob: 01712-212217. Email: ctgmanager@akijonline.com Sylhet Millennium Shopping Complex, (5th Floor) Zinda Bazar, Sylhet. Phone: 0821-8122135-36 Mob: 01712-212216 Email:sylmanager@akijonline.com Khulna Alhaj Latif Mansion, 3rd Floor, Plot # 72, KDA Avenue, Shibbari More, Khulna. Phone: +88-041-720320, +88-041-731100 Mobile: 01732-700348 Email: klnmanager@akijonline.com Rajshahi House No-217(1st Floor) Monni Chatter, Shaheb Bazar, Rajshahi Phone: +88-0721-774378, +88-0721-775690

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Mob: 01712-212220, 01716-049278 Email: rajmanager@akijonline.com

3.11.1 Courses: Degree Course Diploma Courses Professional Course Certificate Special

3.11.1.1 Degree Course

Akij providing Bangladesh government approved 4 years B.Sc. honors in Computer Science under National University. Akij offer credit transfer facility to various foreign colleges and universities. It has five campuses in different divisional cities, to ensure world-class education at students' doorsteps

3.11.1.2 Diploma Courses Duration Diploma in Software Engineering Diploma in e-Commerce Diploma in Networking 576 hrs,1 year 432 hrs,1 year 216 hrs,Six months

3.11.1.3 Advanced Professional Courses: Advanced Professional Courses Computer Fundamentals, Networking & Internet Technology 29 Duration 60 hrs.

Web Design Object Oriented Programming Concepts & C++ Java Oracle 9i & Developer 2000 Oracle 9i Visual Basic 6.0 SQL Server 7.0 Macromedia Flash 5.0 Web design Concepts & Macromedia Dreamweaver 4.0 Linux A+ (PC Assembling, Troubleshooting & Advance Hardware Course) MS Windows 2000 Server & Advance Server(MCSE Track)

72 hrs. 48 hrs. 90 hrs. 100 hrs. 50 hrs. 48 hrs. 48 hrs. 30 hrs. 40 hrs.

98 hrs. 72 hrs.

60 hrs.

3.11.1.4 Certificate Courses Certificate Courses MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) OCP (Oracle Certified Professional) CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) SCJP (Sun Certified Java Programmer) A+ : Duration 280 hrs. 220 hrs. 136 hrs. 70 hrs; 48 hrs; 60 hrs.

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3.11.1.5 Special courses:

Diploma in Computer Teacher's Training, 6 months (360 hours.),As per Govt. approved syllabus for S.S.C & H.S.C classes AKIJ Certificate in Office Automation, 6 months (100 hours.), Course covers Computer Fundamentals & Concepts in different Operating System, MS-Office 2000/XP, Introduction to E-Commerce with special emphasis in Hardware and Software maintenance Certificate in IT Business Stuff Training, 2 weeks (48 hours.), In-service Training for Govt. or Non-Govt., Autonomous, Bank, Insurance and Private Organizations employees. Certificate in IT Business Executive Training, 2 weeks (36 hours.), In-service Training for Govt. or Non-Govt., Autonomous, Bank, Insurance and Private Organizations officers. Step by Step Computer for Kids, 2 months (56 hours.), For the children of 5 to 12 years. Diploma in IT Secretarial Science, 6 months (360 hours.), this course has been designed for the Office Secretary both male & female.

3.11.1.6 Online Examination facilities:

For Prometric and VUE Online Testing Center facilities, work in progress. These facilities will be available at their premises very soon. They are also firm committed to provide Online Examination System for the distance student and Credit Transfer System for those who are looking higher education both home and abroad.

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3.12 Akij Computer Ltd.

Akij computer limited encompasses 3 separate areas of the IT industry: System Integration, Software Development & Design Services and balanced on two divisions, Hardware & Software. Akij computer was first introduced in 1997. 3.12.1 Hardware Hardware wing is providing services with full contentment to the customers from the very beginning. Now they are assembling their own brand of Personal Computer named 'AKIJ PC' AKIJ PC has expanded its availability across the country by offering its internationalstandard, full-featured systems at a very low price. Their motto is to provide the best-ofclass services and supports as they have qualified system integrators, high quality and brand name components at affordable prices. Apart from their own brand they also integrate the client's needs with reputed brands like HP, Compaq, Samsung, Toshiba, Hitachi, SONY, Intel, Maxtor etc. They maintain a work plan to implement a Network Solution. The steps are: Network System Feasibility study Network Design & Implementation System Integration, Training Support & Professional Consultancy.

3.12.1.1 Service Akij have established 10 Service Center to provide quick and efficient service to the valued customers. These are in Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet. A unit of System Engineers is working in each center. They are beside you for the greater interest of IT users to solve their any sort of IT related problems. 32

This department is fully well equipped with skilled manpower, equipment and tools for providing services to the various departments even up to clients study room. Skilled and knowledgeable representatives are providing services as per Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly basis to maintain the customer satisfaction and liaison with the customer. The Manager, Sales and Marketing is fully responsible for this department.

3.12.1.2 Software With its highly qualified, experienced and trained personnel Akij Software has attained the place of 'Distinctive-Software-Developer'. Akij team has developed several customized software, which are running well with full satisfaction and applauds. During developing the software we always use the latest developing and programming tools. With our sincerest enthusiasm we offer the following services: Software Development Outsourcing Web-Site Development Software Services

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4.0 Talent & Resource Sharing among Enterprises of AKIJ Group:

1. Akij Gas Ltd. Supplied gas to all its sister concerns. 2. Tobacco from Dhaka Tobacco Industries is used in making of Akij bidis and Akij Jarda. 3. Skilled manpower is disseminated and transferred through Akij Computer Ltd., Akij Institute of Technology and Akij Online Ltd. 4. Productions from Akij Cement Ltd. Is used in Akij Real Estate Ltd when needed. 5. Personnel expertise from Akij pharmaceuticals is often accounted in Akij Food and beverages ltd.

4.1 Management process of Akij Group:

Management is extremely centralized in Akij Group of Industries. Although every employee is entitled to report to their direct supervisor and the supervisors are supposed to guide them and take decisions for them, all decisions are checked by the top of the organization hierarchy. Akij Group follows a multi-channel & cross communication style. The management of the group generally helds a meeting in alternate months or at a predetermined date to critically analyze the present & near future situation of the group and its enterprises. All sister concerns are connected to the corporate office through online to take rapid decisions.

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5.0 Conclusion:

The surface-level competitive performance of Akij Group of Industries is rather good, as indicated by quantitative expansions of its exports to major international markets over the time period. Moreover, the group of industry has already initiated the process of enhancing its deep-level competitive performance. Some important areas which require more attention to sustain and enhance deep-level competitiveness of the industry are reduction in production and distribution time, expansion of linkages, compliance with code of conduct of buyers and changes in product/market composition. The Government of Bangladesh should also provide more active policy support.

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6.0 References

Website: 1. www.akij.net 2. www.akijjute.com 3. www.akijtextile.com 4. www.akijfood.com 5. www.akijgas.com 6. www.akijonline.com Office: 1. Akij corporate office Akij Chamber 73, Dilkusha Commercial Area Dhaka - 1000, Bangladesh Phone: (+880-2)9563008-9, 7169017-8 Fax: (+880-2)9564519 e-mail: info@akij.net

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