Question 1
I have read and understood the guidelines
I have read the guidelines

The IIT Madras BS Strategies for Professional Growth (SPG) Quiz 2 paper sat on 12 Apr 2026, in the January 2026 term: 22 questions for 32 marks in 120 minutes. Every question is below with its answer. Take it as a timed mock test to be marked, or read it through first.
I have read and understood the guidelines
I have read the guidelines
Correct answer
I have read and understood the guidelines
Review the case provided and answer the given 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. [Content Redacted – Not for Distribution]
A written answer, not marked automatically.
[Breaking Point at StratEdge Consulting] Using five Emotional Intelligence constructs, analyze the interaction between Ritika and Arjun in the case. Explain how applying those competencies could have improved the outcome of the discussion.(Answer in about 100 words, 5 marks) Max Word Count : 100 Min Word Count : 0 Highlight min word : Yes Single Line Response : No Number of Rows : 10 Number Of Columns : 70
A written answer, not marked automatically.
[Breaking Point at StratEdge Consulting] Using any five of the 10Cs of Communication framework discussed in the course or any other relevant business communication framework evaluate the communication between Ritika and Arjun in the case.(Answer in about 100 words, 5 marks) Max Word Count : 100 Min Word Count : 0 Highlight min word : Yes Single Line Response : No Number of Rows : 10 Number Of Columns : 70
A written answer, not marked automatically.
[Breaking Point at StratEdge Consulting] Using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, identify the conflict styles demonstrated by Ritika and Arjun.(Answer in about 100 words, 2 marks) Max Word Count : 100 Min Word Count : 0 Highlight min word : Yes Single Line Response : No Number of Rows : 10 Number Of Columns : 70
A written answer, not marked automatically.
[Breaking Point at StratEdge Consulting] What is Ritika’s leadership style? Is her leadership approach appropriate for Arjun’s level of experience?(Answer in about 50 words, 2 marks) Max Word Count : 50 Min Word Count : 0 Highlight min word : Yes Single Line Response : No Number of Rows : 10 Number Of Columns : 70
A written answer, not marked automatically.
Which of the following best describes the "Real Rate of Return" in personal finance?
The absolute percentage increase in an investment's value over one year.
The interest rate provided by fixed-income instruments like FDs before any taxes are deducted.
The net return on an investment after adjusting for inflation, taxes, and expenses.
The return calculated using the Simple Interest method for long-term investments.
Correct answer
The net return on an investment after adjusting for inflation, taxes, and expenses.
Consider the following statements: 1. Inflation increases the nominal value of assets such as real estate and gold. 2. Inflation causes a decline in the purchasing power of money over time. 3. Inflation leads to higher interest rates in the economy, making loans more expensive. 4. Even if the nominal amount of money remains the same, its ability to purchase goods and services decreases over time. Which of the statements above best explain why inflation is called a “silent killer” in personal finance?
1 and 2 only
2 only
2 and 4 only
1 and 3 only
Correct answer
2 and 4 only
Under the Indian Income Tax, which of the following is among the major heads of income? 1. Income from House Property 2. Income from Capital Gains 3. Income from Agricultural Activities 4. Income from Business or Profession 5. Income from Other Sources 6. Income from Salary Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1, 2, 3, 4, 6 only
2, 4, 5, 6 only
1, 2, 4, 5, 6 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Correct answer
1, 2, 4, 5, 6 only
When constructing a Personal Balance Sheet, how should home appliances be classified?
An appreciating asset that increases net worth over time.
A liability, because it requires monthly maintenance expenses.
A depreciating personal asset whose market value declines over time.
A financial asset, as it can be liquidated immediately for cash.
Correct answer
A depreciating personal asset whose market value declines over time.
Which metric is most suitable for measuring the performance of an investment involving irregular cash inflows and outflows?
Absolute Return.
Simple Interest.
CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate).
XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return).
Correct answer
XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return).
If the average annual healthcare inflation in India is 15%, a medical procedure that costs ₹1,00,000 today will cost approximately how much in 5 years? (Use compound interest logic).
₹1,75,000
₹2,01,135
₹1,50,000
₹2,15,450
Correct answer
₹2,01,135
Using the "Rule of 72," if an investor wants to double their money in 8 years, what is the approximate annual rate of return they need to generate?
7.2%
8.0%
9.0%
12.0%
Correct answer
9.0%
A professional invests ₹50,000 in a mutual fund. After 3 years, the value of the investment is ₹75,000. What is the approximate CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate)?
14.47%
16.67%
25.00%
10.50%
Correct answer
14.47%
An individual has a nominal return of 12% on a fixed deposit. If the inflation rate is 7%, what is the "Real Rate of Return" (approximate)?
1.71%
4.67%
19.00%
8.40%
Correct answer
4.67%
Aisha, an IITM graduate, has just started her first job with a salary of ₹14 Lakhs per annum. If Aisha buys a car for ₹8 Lakhs using a car loan to commute to work, how does this affect her personal balance sheet?
Her net worth increases by ₹8 Lakhs immediately.
Her assets increase by ₹8 Lakhs, but his liabilities also increase by the loan amount.
It has no impact on the balance sheet as it is a personal expense.
The entire ₹8 lakh is recorded only as a liability, since the car was purchased using a car loan.
Correct answer
Her assets increase by ₹8 Lakhs, but his liabilities also increase by the loan amount.
Sujal, a 50-year-old executive, lives with his spouse and three children. His net worth is ₹5 crores, but ₹4.5 crores is tied to commercial plot and his primary residence. His monthly household expenses are ₹2 lakhs, and his liquid assets (bank balance and fixed deposits) total ₹10 lakhs. He is considering taking a ₹40 lakh personal loan to fund a luxury vacation and a new car. Analyzing Sujal’s Balance Sheet through the lens of personal finance management, what is his most pressing "Fiscal Sense" deficiency?
His net worth is too low relative to his age and income.
He has a structural liquidity deficit.
His portfolio is excessively diversified across asset classes.
His debt-to-equity ratio is too low, suggesting he is not using enough leverage.
Correct answer
He has a structural liquidity deficit.
In cross-cultural management, individuals often experience stages of cultural adjustment.Consider the following statements: 1. Constant comparison of the new culture to one’s home culture with a negative bias. 2. Adoption of local habits, such as food preferences or hobbies. 3. Feeling a sense of non-familiarity with one’s original home culture after a very long period. 4. Total rejection of the host culture's values in favor of returning home. How many of the above are characteristic(s) of the "Integration" stage?
One only
Two only
Three only
All four
Correct answer
Two only
Consider the following elements of a culture: 1. Methods of process improvement 2. Approaches to privacy 3. Traditional culinary recipes 4. Concepts of authority and hierarchy According to the Iceberg Principle, how many of the above are considered "Invisible" or "Under the Water"?
One only
Two only
Three only
All four
Correct answer
Three only
Which of the following best describes the role of Psychological Safety in building an effective team?
It ensures that all team members agree with the leader's initial plan in order to avoid conflict, interpersonal risks and failures.
It creates a non-judgmental environment where members feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, admit mistakes, take interpersonal risks, and learn from failures.
It primarily focuses on helping individuals feel comfortable, encouraging interpersonal risk-taking within the team but not open communication.
It encourages open communication in teams, but members may still hesitate to take interpersonal risks due to fear of embarrassment or punishment.
Correct answer
It creates a non-judgmental environment where members feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, admit mistakes, take interpersonal risks, and learn from failures.
State whether the following statement is true or false: “Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences suggests that individuals possess innate multiple intelligences and that these cannot be developed or nurtured through experiences.”
True
False
Correct answer
False
A team is developing a new smart sensor module that involves hardware design, embedded firmware development, PCB integration, and system testing. Two managers adopt different working styles: 1. Shreya, the project manager, ensures the team aligns on technical requirements during the initial design meetings. She then divides responsibilities, such as circuit design, firmware programming, and testing, assigns clear deliverables and timelines, and expects team members to work independently on their tasks. Progress is tracked through structured weekly updates to ensure components integrate correctly. 2. Pratham, another manager, engages hardware engineers, firmware developers, and system testers in an ongoing iterative process. The team frequently discusses design ideas together, jointly debugs issues such as signal noise or firmware compatibility, and collaboratively refines solutions to improve overall system performance. With respect to 10 Cs of Teamwork discussed in the course, what best describes the difference between the two approaches?
The first approach emphasizes coordination, while the second emphasizes collaboration
The first approach emphasizes collaboration, while the second emphasizes coordination
Both approaches demonstrate pure collaboration
Both approaches represent only coordination
Correct answer
The first approach emphasizes coordination, while the second emphasizes collaboration