A STUDY ON MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM OF

By Bibhav Adhikari

A Case Study Report

Submitted To: Tika Upreti Apex College Faculty of management Pokhara University
In the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Masters in Business Administration

Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1337494

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Management Information System Course offered on MBA program at Apex College under Pokhara University requires the students to undertake fieldwork assignment. I feel proud in accomplishing this case study in NTV. The study was helpful not only from an academic viewpoint but it is also helped to expand my knowledge on broadcasting system.

So, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the esteemed official of NTV, who have given their valuable time and given us chance to learn something despite having their busy schedule. Their support and assistance proved to be a helping hand for us to accomplish this scheme successfully.

I also would like to extend my gratefulness to Er. Suraj Thapa and other staff members for their assistance, support and also presenting with an opportunities for me to have a practical experience in this organization. I would also like to thank all my friends and teachers especially Mr. Tika Uprety (MIS Faculty) for the preparation of this case study report.

Bibhav Adhikari MBA-EP (FERVOR)

Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1337494

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TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................... i TABLE OF CONTENT............................................................................................. ii CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION: .................................................................................... 1 1.2 OBJECTIVES:........................................................................................... 1 1.3 LIMITATION:........................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................. 3 REPORT BODY ....................................................................................................... 3 2.1 BACKGROUND OF ORGANIZATION: .................................................. 3 2.2 OBJECTIVES OF ORGANIZATION: ...................................................... 4 2.3 ORGANIZATION STUCTURE: ............................................................... 4 2.4 OBSERVATION AND COLLECTION OF DATA: .Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.1 Current network at NTV: ...........................Error! Bookmark not defined. 2.4.2 Logical diagram of the Network: ............................................................... 6 2.4.3 NEPAL TELEVISION EXISTING FACILITIES: .................................. 10 2.4.4 Drawbacks of the current Network: ......................................................... 13 2.5 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:...................................... 14 2.5.1 New Network:......................................................................................... 14 2.5.2 Logical diagram: ..................................................................................... 15 2.5.3 Use of different terminologies of the logical diagram: ............................. 16 2.5.4 About Media library: ............................................................................... 17 CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................... 18 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ......................................................................... 18 3.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: ........................................................ 18 CHAPTER 4 ........................................................................................................... 19 RECOMMENDATION:.......................................................................................... 19 4.1 RECOMMENDATION: .......................................................................... 19 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................... 20 Annex-1: ................................................................................................................. 21

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION: This report is prepared as a summary of the Organizational visit to Nepal Television for the fulfillment of course requirement to Management Information System offered on MBA program at Apex College under Pokhara University. During my visit I consulted to the Engineering department of NTV in order to gather the required information for the case study. The main purpose of my visit was to analyze the management information system of NTV and prepare a case study report for academic purpose. For this, I gathered necessary information by using observation method and interviewing with employees of NTV.

1.2 OBJECTIVES: As I mentioned above, the main objective of this visit was to analyze the management information system of NTV and prepare a case study report, followings specific objective can be setup: To know the existing information system of the NTV. To analyze the current network of the NTV. To collect the necessary data related to network, design the of MIS at NTV

1.3 LIMITATION: The following are the limitation of the study: The study has been undertaken to meet the partial fulfillment of the requirement as the part of our study at the college and is purely on academic exercise. It has thus naturally been constricted by the time. Some of the terms that were included in the interview were too technical and beyond my existing knowledge. Much information may not have been disclosed by them to me due to internal security and data privacy purpose.

2 1.4 METHODOLOGY: In order to explore the functional activities of NTV, different methodologies were taken into consideration, which includes data based on primary and secondary sources. The primary source of data is the interview with concerned officials of NTV itself. I visited different departments and met the employees to collect the necessary data. The secondary sources were the brochures and website of NTV. I collected the necessary data and information through these sources to design this case study report. I even consulted with my friends, which was quite useful to broaden my understanding of technologies. I also read books and blogs related to MIS to collect technical information.

CHAPTER 2 REPORT BODY

2.1 BACKGROUND OF ORGANIZATION: Nepal television (NTV), the first ever television station in Nepal, came into existence as a project in January 1985 in accordance to the guidelines of the Sixth Development Plan of Nepal. In February 1986, project evolved into a full-fledged corporation under the communication act of the government. NTV began its experimental transmission for Kathmandu Valley in a very modest manner with VHS equipment and in the UHF band. The first signals that were aired by NTV were the pictures of Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah on a state trip to Australia. In those days, there were only about 400 TV sets in Kathmandu, the majority of which were used basically for video purposes. Regular transmission of two hours was commenced by the end of 1985. Today it broadcasts 18 hours a day and its signal cover around 65 per cent of the land area. NTV today is highly respected for the quality of its creative output, integrity of its approach and contribution to Nepalese multicultural society. At a time when great changes are taking place, NTV has been a credible source of information and a platform for cultural and regional harmony. NTV today stands at an important juncture of time, where it faces the opportunity of serving the Nepalese people more than ever before. The challenge now for NTV is to build on this strength and popularity to provide top class programming in the changing context of electronic media in Nepal. NTV has also been transmitting its second channel-NTV 2 Metro. The project was developed and constructed under the Chinese grant. NTV 2 Metro consists of a 5 KW transmitter with 72 meters transmitting tower and state of the art studio complex. NTV 2 Metro began its transmission from 27th Semptember 2003, with a firm commitment to lift the television entertainment to a new level. By focusing on youth and housewives, NTV 2 Metro aims to become the clear market leader for those segment viewers.

4 2.2 OBJECTIVES OF ORGANIZATION: Considering the vital role of television in the development process, the slogan of Nepal Television was rightly devised as Communication for Development. The objectives of NTV have been incorporated in its mission statement which reads, Produce and telecast programs on educational, religious and cultural conservation to promote national unity, conserve heritage and promote national interest. Accordingly, NTV focuses its zeal towards a higher purpose of national integration apart from its core business of providing credible information and a complete entertainment to its viewers.

2.3 ORGANIZATION STUCTURE: NTV has two tiers of management. The first tier is the Board of Directors, whose members are appointed by the Ministry of Information and Communication. The Board is led by the Chairman and consist four members including the General Manager and a representative of the staff. The Board is responsible for formulating long-term policies and strategies. The second tier is the executive body headed by the General Manager, who is assisted by three Deputy General Managers and seven Directors of various divisions. Five units of different of offices directly function under General Manager. There are various sections under each division. Total No of such sections are 22. NTV has a total of 400 employees, and a significant portion of those is well-qualified and experienced professionals. A majority of the technical people has a background of advanced training in their respective fields from aboard. NTV encourages a culture of excellence within the organization, where members strive to find out ways for bettering ones own performance. This corporate culture will transform NTV into a powerful force in electronic media despite the proliferation of national and international Television channels (See Annex 1 for Organizational Chart). The major Divisions at NTV are: Engineering Division Programme Division Administration Division News Division Business Division Financial Administration Division Operation Division

5 2.4 PLANNING AND ORGANIZING NTV being a oldest broadcasting cororation of Nepal, plans to be a market leader in its sector. Apart from providing regular entertainment and News programs, it plans to provide informational and educational programs with Online broadcastion on the internet and different other services. Its long term IT strategy is thus set towards fulfilling these goals. The IT department will be adapting itself to new technologies while fulfilling the long term strategy of the organization. 2.4.1 Information Architecture

Nepal Television is using intelsat 704 at 66 E for its broadcasting through satellite. Nepal Television is using Sagarmatha earth station of Balambu as its earth station for uplinking its signal. Optical fiber is used to link Singh Durbar broadcasting studio (master control room) with the earth station. Transmission over the country is satellite based terrestrial broadcasting. NTV is broadcasting free to air signal to most of the parts of the country and has planned to extend its coverage through out the country. Currently it has 14 transmission stations on different parts of the country. Currently NTV has about 15 computers inside engineering department and only few in NTV 2 METRO building connected through SWITCH and twisted pair cables. Though other departments have computers they are not connected to the network and are therefore not able to access internet and share information. NTV has taken the wireless network from the World Link of about 64kbps. So, its current Network looks like the following diagram:

Basic diagram of current network

6 2.4.2 Processes, organization and relationship

Nepal Television is an organization that highly need information technologies, and thus has prioritizes its IT resources in line with business needs. Engineering department of NTV plays a major role in implementing the services in the organization. Senior executives and managers in the organization are equipped with good knowledge of technology with adequate trainings and thus play major role in integrating IT strategy with business need. Whenever any new services are to be added, top management and responsible authority from the government sit together and look at the feasibility, available resources and the cost-benefit associated with the new system. Then every staff associated with the implementation of new system are informed about the service, the organization is going to implement. Staff opinions are taken into consideration and any queries from the staffs are satisfied. After every one is ready, the implementation process is started. 2.4.3 Manage IT human resources

Nepal Television's technological issues are undertaken by its engineering department with highly qualified and experienced people having specialized knowledge in technology. Computer Engineers, software engineers, network system administrators and technicians work in different shifts to provide continuous service. Apart from this, top level managers in the organization have also adequate knowledge with some having expertise in the field for more than 20 years. The IT employees in the organization are trained frequently to update them in their work. New employees are provided with orientation training and frequent trainings are provided to adapt to the new systems. On the job training are provided by senior staffs to the junior staffs. 2.4.4 Manage quality

Quality of information is very important for NTV and is well driven by the competition given by the private sectors. They are always conscious on the information they provide to the general public. So it has an image that the information it provide is more authentic and reliable for the Nepalese audiences and viewers over the world. There are clear set of standards communicated in quantifiable measurable standards to the staffs and stakeholders. Whenever any new equipment and software are to be purchased, quality requirements must be fulfilled. Human resources in the organization are selected so as to ensure quality in their performance. Thus, The

7 Engineering department constantly monitors the existing system and tries to resolve it immediately whenever there is any interruption on service. 2.4.5 Assess and manage IT risk

Nepal Television has backup servers, virus protection system, CCTV and door locking system as essential tools for risk mitigation. It is ready with plans and policies to face the unplanned event that may occur in the future and it believes it is a leader in setting trends within the organization. 2.4.6 Manage projects

The delivery of the ongoing projects results within agreed time frames, budget and quality. Since the planning phase is carried out thoroughly, these problems rarely arise. If somehow any of these problem persist, management and concerned authority sit together to find out the solution. All the stakeholders are actively participated at the different stage of the project development. For example software for media library are customized according to their requirements and they are regularly approached to deliver the type of service they want. Projects, especially software development have their own set of guidelines. Spiral and agile model of software development are carried out at the software section of the organization. Apart from these other projects also follow set of procedures form need identity to feasibility study and implementation process. 2.5 ACQUIRE AND IMPLEMENT 2.5.1 Identify automated solution

Nepal Television considers both make and buy strategy for acquiring new software. . It develops specific and security involved software and built in-house and it buys the operating systems, office package and other standard applications. It follows well defined software development life cycle to see if the given project is technically, operationally and financially feasible For instance, the website of the company although hosted outside, is maintained internally.

As Nepal Television have to fully depends upon technology and no compromise can be made to choose the right hardware and software for the company. Proper software development life cycle is followed (spiral model and agile model) while developing the software and operational and feasibility studies are carried out thoroughly while

8 acquiring software. It follows well defined software development life cycle to see if the given project is technically, operationally and financially feasible. It performs
o Requirement analysis o Coding o Testing o Debugging o Retesting o Implementing o Schedule maintenance

2.5.2

Acquire And Maintain Technology Infrastructure

The organization acquires, maintain and protect its infrastructure in line with agreed technology strategies. Any change in the technology is closely monitored and if necessary adaptation of new technology is carried out. The company constantly upgrades its hardware and software resources. For example NTV is soon going to new network architecture that would be able to connect as many computers as possible. It would connect all the buildings of the NTV. It would be more powerful and flexible than the current network. The new network will have following features: 128kbps of broadband wireless receiver from ISP. Optical fiber and wireless connection. Web server, mail server, network server and video server.

The engineering department looks at the monitoring and maintenance task of available resources. 2.5.3 Enable Operation And Use

Before implementing or designing a new system it studies the advantages and risks and while doing so each and everything is well documented. As in the context of network expansion, web based application and application development software; it carries thorough documentation covering every minute detail involved in those. It provides training to staffs about the new system covering its application as well as benefits. It then ensures the end user satisfaction by collecting feedbacks, frequent visits to end users and also through frequent communication.

9 2.5.4 Manage changes

According to the studies, the main problem of current network is the slow accessing of the internet. This is due to the low bandwidth and the computers connected through twisted pair cables at longer distances and due to the slow access, expanding of the current network is meaningless. So, it would not be able to connect the production and administration department. So With new networks, all the servers and the main receiver (internet) would be in NTV 2 METRO building. The engineering, administration and production building would be connected to NTV 2 METRO receiver through optical fiber. The business department building would be connected through wireless receiver which would be used to send and receive information from NTV 2 METRO building. It would be better to take a separate internet access for business department. Though, it would be an expensive network it would be a complete network for NTV. The network will looks like a following diagram:

Fig. Basic diagram of the new network

10 2.5.5 2.4.2 Logical diagram of the Network:

As we see from above diagram the engineering department consists of one router which is directly connected to the receiver (64kbps). Router is then connected to the 16 port switch which is used to connect the computers inside engineering department. The last port of the switch is connected to the HUB which is used to connect another switch inside the e NTV 2 METRO building.

2.4.3 NEPAL TELEVISION EXISTING FACILITIES: At present, NTV is broadcasting approximately 18 hours of programs per day with following facilities. 1. Broadcasting Studio: Thomson-broadcast of France equipped the studio under the grant aid from the government of France to Nepal, 1990/1991.The area cover by this studio is 150-sq. meters areas. This studio is link with Sagarmatha earth station of Balambu and production studio of Singh Durbar via optical fiber. This studio acts as a master control room for broadcasting NTVs signal. Signal from this studio goes to Sagarmatha Earth Station via optical fiber where the signal is digitized and uplink to intelsat 704 at 66E

11 Equipment camera camera control teleprompter VTRs (3 Betacam SP & 2 Umatic Sp) Video mixer-SEG 2550AP Audio console (Thomson) Character Generator (CG) Cassette Recorder Caption camera 2. Production Studio: This studio is designed and equipped by NTV technical staffs procured by NTV with funding provided by the government of Nepal. The area covered by this production studio is 150 Sq.m. This is being used as programme production studio for producing Children program, talk-based program, cultural program, to record interviews, telefilm etc and also for live telecast. This studio is linked with master control room via optical fiber. Video Equipment camera SONY Camera control Production switcher (8 inputs) Digital chromakeyer DCK-500 VTRs Editing System (Non Linear) Character Generator (CG) Character Effect interface operation unit CE-100 Audio Equipment

12 Audio Console (16 Channel, SONY0 Monitoring system Cassette recorder Intercom system 3. Outside Broadcasting Van (OB van): OB vans are designed to cover all production requirements such as sports, news or shows and other cultural events for live telecast as well as recording. NTV has two OB vans; the mini OB van and big OB van. Big OB van Video equipment 5 camera (Ikegami HL-59) chains (Seven camera options) Camera control VTRs Hard Disk recorder Editing System Dynamic Motion Controller (LVS Tektronix) Ext. inputs (analogue and /or digital) Grass valley GVG 1200 production switcher DVE (DVE XTREME, Pinnacle) Character Generator (CG) Patch Panel Audio Equipment Audio Console (16 Channel, DDA) Patch panel Monitoring system Cassette recorder

13 CD-Player DAT Recorder Multi effect unit Compressor/Limiter Intercom system Small OB van Equipment camera SONY (with 1 more option) Camera control 1 Betacam Sp VTRs (with 1 more option) SEG 2550AP production Switcher Audio console (8 Channel, MXP-290, SONY) Monitoring system Intercom system 4. Satellite feed to Intel sat 704 at 60E. Nepal Television has feed facility to intelsat 704 at 60E from its central office Singh Durbar, Kathamandu. 5. Kohalpur Regional Production & Transmitting Center: NTV has regional transmitting center at Kohalpur, located at the western region of the country. It produces and transmits regional and cultural programs of one-hour duration daily at 5:00 PM to 6:00PM, which reflects the social, cultural and traditional background of that region. 2.4.4 Drawbacks of the current Network: According to the studies, the main problem of this network is the slow accessing of the internet. This is due to the low bandwidth and the computers connected through twisted pair cables at longer distances.

Due to the slow access, expanding of the current network is meaningless. So,
it would not be able to connect the production and administration department.

14 2.6 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION: 2.5.1 New Network: The new network of NTV would be able to connect as many computers as possible. It would connect all the buildings of the NTV. It would be more powerful and flexible than the current network. The new network will have following features: 128kbps of broadband wireless receiver from ISP. Optical fiber and wireless connection. Web server, mail server, network server and video server.

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2.5.2 Logical diagram:

As the logical diagram shows that the NTV 2 METRO will contain the main router to share the internet with the engineering, production, and administration

16 building. The switch will be used to connect the computers inside the respective buildings. The optical fiber switch inside the engineering building would be used to connect the production and administration building. The media converter device will be used to convert the electric data of twisted pair cable into the light so that it could be transferred through optical fiber and vice versa. Every building would have a main server to share data and information. But the server inside the NTV 2 METRO building would be the master controller for the mail, web, network and video servers. It would also be used to share the information from business department. This network has mainly two kind of communication: a) One way communication: This kind of communication would be used to share the internet to all department of the NTV. b) Two way communication:This kind of communication would be used to share the data and information of the NTV from one department to another.

2.5.3 Use of different terminologies of the logical diagram: i) Mail server: It would be used to control the mails of the employees. The needed employees would be given an individual mail account of the NTV so that it would be easier to share the data and information. ii) Web server:It would be used to put and update the information in the web page and intranet of NTV. NTV is planning to build its own web site and intranet (recommended). iii) Network server:It would be used to control the network issues of all the computers of all departments. iv) Video server:It would be used to transfer the video data from one department to another. v) Main server:The main server of NTV 2 Metro building would be used to control all the servers of the network and the main server of other buildings would be used to control their respective computers.

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vi) Router:It is used to receive and send data from and through internet. vii) Switch:It is used to connect more then one computers in the network and exchange information between them. viii) Media converter:It is used to convert the digital data of twisted pair cable to light (which are passed through optical fiber cables) and vice versa. ix) Optical fiber switches:It is used to connect two or more optical fiber links in the network. x) Optical fiber:The main purpose of using optical fiber is for the fast data transmission between the buildings of NTV. It has a higher data transmission rate than twisted pair cables. xi) Twisted pair cables:It is used to connect the computers inside the respective buildings.

2.5.4 About Media library: I also visited the media library and found that they are still using the manual system which is working excellently. The staffs are experienced and know their job very well. They have tried to keep the records in the computer many times but faced many problems. I found that the problem is due to the incompatibility of software they are using and the lack of training of how to use the software. I also found that the process of issuing and storing the cassettes is very complex while manipulating in the software. So, I suggested on building the software which can be shared in network. They asked me to build software for them that can be easily shared through network. I would be more than happy to make the software for them but due to the lack of time and enough experience I may not be able to fulfill their requirement in time. But, I have suggested them to contact with the software companies.

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CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

3.1 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The current MIS of the NTV is working quite well despite it being linked only with the engineering building and few computers of the other building. But due to the work loads the other employees whose computers are not connected to the network are not able to share their data and access internet. So, the requirement of the expansion or modification of the new network is being felt by the employees. I hope that the new network will over come all the drawbacks of the current network. With the new network the employees of different department of the NTV would get benefit on their respective ways. I would like to thank NTV on giving me the opportunity to learn about their system and the employees of NTV in helping me to understand the network which they are planning to implement. My experience with NTV was quite satisfactory. I obtained the valuable experience by conducting the field visit to NTV. I found the employees of all level of NTV very helpful, supportive and cooperative.

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CHAPTER 4 RECOMMENDATION:
4.1 RECOMMENDATION: The proposed new network that they are planning to implement can shorten the drawbacks of existing one. They can share the information in well format. Though it may look a little complex, it would satisfy most of the Information & technological needs of the NTV. I strongly recommend on implementing the new network so that the problems the employees of the NTV will be reduced and the work will be smooth. I would also like to suggest the NTV to build a Media library system and train the employees of that department so that it would be easier for them to process their transactions in an automated way. At last, I would like to request NTV that after implementing the new network system it should conduct the training program to the employees of all departments on how to effectively use the new computer network system.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Computer Networking, Tanenbaum 2. www.allproducts.com 3. www.metrotek.com 4. http://optone.en.alibaba.com 5. http://www.nepaltelevision.com.np

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Annex-1: