SPG End Term: 13 September 2026, Set 1-2 (May 2026 term)

Review the case(s) or question(s) provided and answer the following. In your response, clearly explain why you think the approach or solution is best suited, using relevant theories or frameworks discussed in the course or from the field of management.
[Growth Mindset] Reflect on a significant professional or academic challenge that forced you to step away from your familiar routine. Apply the Four Zones Model of Growth to analyze your journey through this experience. In your analysis, track the evolution of your mindset, behaviors, and actions from the onset of the challenge to its conclusion, clearly mapping your personal progression to each stage of the framework. (Answer in 100 words, 5 marks)

Review the case(s)/question(s) provided and answer the following. In your response, clearly explain why you think the approach or solution is best suited, using relevant theories or frameworks discussed in the course or from the field of management.
[Systems Thinking] Reflect on ONE Systems Thinking Habit discussed in the Systems Thinking module and relate it to your own everyday experience. Address the following: a. Identify and briefly describe the Systems Thinking Habit you have selected. b. Explain how you apply this habit in your studies, work, daily life, or when dealing with a real-world situation. Provide a specific example to illustrate your application. (Answer in 100 words, 5 marks)

[Fiscal and Economic Sense] Case Study: Kumar’s Blueprint for Financial Freedom
Background & Current State: Kumar (Age 25) recently graduated with a postgraduate degree and secured a job in Bengaluru with a fixed salary of ₹24,00,000 per annum. His take-home pay is ₹1,50,000 per month.
Liabilities & Cash Flow Dilemma: To fund his education, Kumar took a student loan of ₹20 Lakhs. His monthly EMI for this loan is ₹35,000. To celebrate his new job, his friends are pressuring him to purchase a luxury car worth ₹15 Lakhs on a 5-year loan. Kumar is trying to map out his cash flow to see if he can comfortably manage both EMIs while building his wealth.
Future Planning & Asset Allocation: Kumar wants to start building his own investment portfolio. He is deciding whether to put his monthly surplus into 8.05% Taxable RBI Bonds or diversify into Equity Mutual Funds. He is also aware that long-term inflation in India hovers around 7%. Furthermore, his bank account currently holds just ₹1,00,000, and he wants to build a proper safety net before aggressively investing.
Investment Returns & Real Estate: Kumar recently analyzed an old family real estate transaction: his father bought a plot of land for ₹1 Crore and sold it exactly 5 years later, netting ₹1.48 Crore after expenses. His father boasts about a massive '48% return.' Looking ahead in his own 30-year blueprint, Kumar plans to eventually acquire three residential properties: his primary residence in Bengaluru, a second home in his native place of Coimbatore, and a third property to keep entirely vacant and locked as a pure long-term investment.
Question: Evaluate the father's claim of a "48% return" on the real estate transaction. Explain the difference between Absolute Return and CAGR in the context of this 5-year investment. (Answer in 100 words, 3 marks)