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

Review the case(s) or question(s) provided and answer the following questions. 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] Caselet: Shendhan, a lead hardware architect, is tasked with designing a new ultra-low-power sensor module. During the first two prototyping phases, the modules fail the thermal stress tests. Frustrated, Shendhan tells his team, "I am a digital logic guy; I just don't have the natural intuition for these thermal dynamics. We need to hire someone else, or this project will fail." His manager responds by praising him: "Don't worry about the outcomes, Shendhan. You are brilliant, and your effort is what truly matters."
Question: Diagnose both Shendhan’s and his manager’s mindsets. Using the 4R strategy of Growth Mindset, how should Shendhan apply to move forward constructively? *(Answer in 100 words, 5 marks)

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.
[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 : Briefly identify the five major heads of income under the Indian Income Tax Act. For Kumar's proposed real estate portfolio, comprising two self-occupied homes and a third kept strictly vacant, determine the applicable income head and explain the specific tax treatment for that third property. (Answer in 100 words, 3 marks)