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Field Trip

The Department of Commerce and Management organised a field trip for the students of SY B.Com and TY B.Com as a part of the learning process in the subjects of New Venture Planning and Retail Management Strategies respectively, on Wednesday, 18th October 2023. The objective of organising this field trip was to provide the students with practical exposure and experience of the process and techniques of retailing in rural markets and to understand how it is different from marketing in urban areas.

The students gathered in the College campus and Dr. Rodney D’Silva, teacher incharge of the activity welcomed the students and gave them details about the itinerary and timings. The bus left at 8.00 a.m. from the College premises. The first destination was Banastari local market. Since, local markets are the essence of Indian economy, the students were given an exposure to the marketing activities in rural areas. They were asked to observe the marketing pattern and techniques keeping in mind pricing strategies, lot size, product quality, etc. The local market was flooded with Goan local products like spices, vegetables, groceries, handmade artifacts, pottery items, handmade jewellery, coconut and coconut products, etc. The students enthusiastically asked questions to the local vendors in order to learn more about the marketing patterns adopted by vendors.

The next destination was Decathlon. It is a French goods retailer with over 2080 stores in 56 countries and regions, it is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Decathlon has a unique business model – they design, test, manufacture, and retail their own brands. Students got an opportunity to learn that when retail spaces are shrinking and the world is moving online, Decathlon chooses to open outlets that are the size of a warehouse. The store allows the customers to test and use the sport equipment before purchasing.

The third destination for the day was Mall de Goa, Porvorim. The students were taken to the mall to understand the difference between rural and urban marketing. The TY B.Com students were made to observe the retail stores at the mall pertaining to convincing power of the storekeepers towards the customers, pricing patterns, marketing strategies, branding, etc. The students expressed their joy and actively took part in this learning process. The students were accompanied by Dr. Rodney D’Silva, Associate Prof. in Commerce, Mr. Sandesh Gaonkar, Asst. Prof. in Commerce and Ms. Swati Bhat, Asst. Prof. in Commerce. The trip ended with the students expressing positive feedback of the activity. The students returned to the college campus at 2.15 p.m. 54 students participated in the field trip.

Field Visit to Goa Shipyard Limited

The Department of Commerce and Management organised a visit to Goa Shipyard Limited on 17th October 2023 for the students of SY B.Com as an activity in the course Fundamentals of Cost Accounting.

The field visit commenced with the students being instructed and guided by a company representative who led them to a classroom within the premises. The Senior Manager extended a warm welcome to the students and faculty members and provided an informative overview of Goa Shipyard. He also screened two short films: one detailing the operations and activities of the Goa Shipyard Company and the other focusing on safety guidelines for both workers and visitors.

Subsequently, the students were escorted to the shipbuilding factory, where they were guided by Mr. Hitesh. He offered a comprehensive explanation of the entire shipbuilding process, which encompasses receiving orders, designing, molding, assembly, installation, painting, and the final launch. The students gained insight into the intricacies of shipbuilding, including the substantial costs involved, which can range from 400 crores and beyond, contingent upon the ship’s size and design.

During their visit to the factory, students had the opportunity to ask questions, providing them with a practical understanding of process costing within a shipbuilding company. 27 students participated in the visit, and they were accompanied by Assistant Professors Akshada Gaonkar and Rochelle Fernandes.

Research Presentation

The Research and Development Cell of the college organized a faculty presentation session on 14th October 2023 as an initiative towards promoting a culture of research and knowledge sharing within the organization. The session was delivered by Ms. Preksha Chopdekar, Assistant Professor in Commerce.

Ms. Preksha is presently pursuing her PhD in the area of “Panchayat Accounting” and is a Research Scholar under the Research Cluster of the College. She commenced the session by introducing the research gap in the area of Accounting for Panchayats in the state of Goa. The objectives of her study included financial performance and efficiency evaluation of all the Panchayats in the state of Goa. She elaborately took us through her methodology and findings.

Ms. Preksha’s Research guide, Dr. Sanjay Sawant Dessai was also present for the session. She was offered with some insightful suggestions by the guide and senior faculty members to make her research much more robust. The session concluded with the audience appreciating the efforts put in by Ms. Preksha.

Field Visit to Dharohar: National Museum of Customs and GST

The Department of Commerce and Management organized a visit to Dharohar: National Museum of Customs and GST on 14th October 2023 for the TY B.Com Income Tax students.

The main aim of thisvisit was to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of taxation, to understand the historical evolution of the GST departments in India and to observe the artefacts, documents, and exhibits related to the functioning of these departments.

Upon reaching the museum, students were guided by a museum guide who led them through various sections of the museum. The guide offered a comprehensive overview of the history and development of GST departments in India. The museum displayed a diverse collection of historical artefacts, including the Manuscript of Ain-i-Akbari, Replica of Amin pillars, and seized metal and stone artefacts. Following the tour, there was a Q&A session that allowed students to ask questions and clarify any doubts regarding the material presented during the visit. The guide and museum staff were highly informative and supportive.

The field visit to Dharohar: National Museum of Customs and GST proved to be an enriching and educational experience for the Income Tax students. The students gained a deeper understanding of the history, processes, and documentation involved in Income Tax and GST administration.

67 students were accompanied by Asst. Prof. Ainsley Bernard and Asst. Prof. Akshada Gaonkar.

Workshop on ‘Excel Applications in Financial Management’

The PG Department of Commerce (M.Com) in association with the Training, Internship and Placement Cell and Alumni Engagement Cell organized a highly informative and engaging workshop on ‘Excel Applications in Financial Management’ on 14th October 2023 between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the Smart Classroom. The Resource Person for the session was C.A Shravan Swarup, an expert in Microsoft Excel and Proprietor of D Shravan Swarup & Associates, Margao. The workshop aimed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills to effectively utilize Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, calculations and decision making. Ms. Petalia Coutinho of M.Com Part-II introduced the Resource Person.

Shravan Swarup commenced the session with an introduction to Microsoft Excel and its relevance in financial management. He emphasized that Excel is not merely a spreadsheet program but a versatile tool that can revolutionize the way we manage data, analyze information, and present results. He explained the concept of future value and demonstrated the application of Excel’s FV function for time-value-of-money calculations using real-life scenarios. He also covered the goal seek feature which is used to solve for an unknown variable to reach a specific goal. Students were also taught to calculate Equated Monthly Installments (EMI) for loans and investments using Excel’s PMT function. In addition, students were also taught to calculate Net Present Value (NPV) a crucial tool for evaluating investments projects using the Excel function. The Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) and Payback Period calculations were also covered during the session.

Throughout the workshop, practical examples were used to reinforce the concepts discussed. Students were encouraged to work on Excel spreadsheets and apply the functions to solve financial management problems. This helped to bridge the gap between theory and practical. The workshop was a valuable learning experience for the M.Com students. It provided them with practical skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to their academic coursework.

The Vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Sheryl Antao of M.Com Part I, expressing gratitude to CA Shravan Swarup for sharing his expertise and to all the students for their active participation. 60 students from M.Com and B.Com programmes attended the session. The Flyer of the Workshop was prepared by Ms. Shine De Souza of M.Com Part II.

The Report is contributed by Miss Sushmeeta Suresh Chauwan of M.Com Part I and Ms. Petalia Coutinho of M.Com Part II

Session on “IFRS and its Impact on Financial Accounting”

The Department of Commerce and Management organized a session on “IFRS and its Impact on Financial Accounting” for FY B.Com Financial Accounting and TY B.Com DSE 4 Financial reporting students on 13th Oct from 9:00am to 10:00am in the smart classroom. The Resource Person was CA Prasheel Kamat, Propreitor of Prasheel G Kamat & Co. The primary goal of this session was to enlighten the students on various crucial topics related to IFRS and its implications for Financial Accounting.

Ms. Marjina Shaikh, Assistant Professor in Commerce, presented a potted plant to CA Prasheel Kamat as a token of appreciation. The introduction of the Resource Person was skillfully handled by Ms. Viti Pai, a TY B.Com student. The session delved into critical topics such as the meaning of accounting, accounting concepts, the meaning of IFRS, the need for IFRS, the necessity for convergence of IFRS with Ind AS, and the difference between AS and Ind AS.

At the end of session, Ms. Urvashi Pagi, a TY B.Com student, expressed gratitude and extended a warm Vote of Thanks. The session was coordinated by Dr. Sheetal Arondekar, Dr. Maithili Naik, and Ms. Marjina Shaikh. 91 students actively participated, enriching their understanding of Financial Accounting and gaining valuable insights during this stimulating and interactive session.

Yachting Regatta Camp Phase-I

8 Kar Naval Unit NCC organized Yachting Regatta Camp Phase-I at Royal Mysore Sailing Club, Mysore from 2nd – 11th October 2023. The aim of the camp was to provide the cadets with information about sailing. Cadets Christopher D’Souza and Aman Kumar from our institution attended the camp.

During the camp, the cadets participated in a swimming test, which required them to swim for a distance of 50 meters. They also acquired practical knowledge of various sailing techniques and engaged in sailing competitions. As part of the camp’s itinerary, the cadets had the opportunity to explore Chamundi Hills and visit several historical sites, including Mysore Palace, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, and Chamundeshwari Temple. The camp concluded with cultural programs and a campfire.

EBSB Camp-II

79 UK Battalion NCC, Uttarakhand, organized the EBSB-II camp for all 17 directorates in India from 27th September to 12th October, 2023. The aim of the EBSB-II camp was to celebrate the unity in diversity of our nation, maintain and strengthen the traditionally existing emotional bonds between Cadets from across the country, promote the spirit of national integration, and showcase the rich heritage, culture, customs, and traditions of each State and Union Territory. This engagement aimed to foster a sense of common identity, establish long-term connections, and create an environment that promotes learning by sharing best practices and experiences.

Throughout the camp, Cadets participated in various activities, including volleyball and cultural performances. Karnataka and Goa achieved first place in the cultural activities, specifically the group dance representing Goan culture. The Cadets also attended sessions conducted by Ex NCC Cadets, known as EXPA. These sessions exposed the Cadets to practical training on flood rescue, fire extinguishing, and medical emergencies, including CPR and First Aid.

During the camp, the Cadets had the opportunity to visit Nainital, the Raj Bhavan of Uttarakhand, a mountain-top zoo, and Nainital Lake. They gained insights into the diverse culture of Uttarakhand. The Cadets also took on various duties, such as serving as ‘Santri’ for two hours at night, providing them with a unique and memorable experience.

Cadet Magaj Naik from our institution represented the Karnataka and Goa directorate, being one of the two Cadets from the NCC Naval Wing who attended the camp from Goa and Karnataka. Cadet Magaj Naik was selected after qualifying through interview rounds and undergoing a selection process.

Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign

The NSS unit of the College organized several activities to promote environmental sustainability and awareness in the local community as a part of the Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign from 15th September to 2nd October 2023. The activities are as follows:

Cleanliness Drive

As part of Swachhata Pakhwada- Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 ‘Ek Tareekh-Ek Ghanta, all teaching and non-teaching staff, NSS volunteers, and NCC Cadets of the VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, Margao conducted a cleanliness drive on 1st October 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 128 participants participated in the same. The total participants were divided into seven groups and allotted different places to conduct cleanliness including the campus and its surrounding areas. The participants collected all the paper, plastic, and electronic waste during the drive.

Cloth Bag Making and Distribution

On October 2, 2023, the NSS unit organized a cloth bag-making and distribution activity under the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign. This initiative aimed to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and educate the shopkeepers and people of Margao about the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives.

The NSS volunteers distributed cloth bags free of cost to the shopkeepers in the Margao area and also encouraged them to offer the cloth bags to their customers as an alternative to plastic bags. This step aimed at promoting the use of cloth bags as a sustainable choice for shopping. 17 NSS volunteers participated in the activity.

Awareness Drive

On 2nd October 2023, the NSS volunteers created awareness about single-use plastic and cleanliness in their respective locality. Volunteers explained the adverse effects of plastic bags on the environment and emphasized the benefits of switching to cloth bags, such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact. They also created awareness about waste segregation among the public.

Street Play on Cleanliness

A Street Play organized by the NSS Unit of the College, aimed to address the pressing issue of cleanliness in our community. The event took place on 2nd October 2023 at the KTC bus stand Margao. It was designed to engage and educate the public on the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment. The street play portrayed everyday scenarios highlighting the importance of cleanliness. It featured scenes depicting littering, waste segregation, and community cleanup drives. The play culminated with a call to action, urging the audience to be responsible for keeping their surroundings clean. The street play attracted a diverse audience. Spectators were actively engaged throughout the performance, and their reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Many were seen nodding in agreement. A group of 11 dedicated volunteers from NSS participated in the casting and underwent rigorous rehearsals to ensure a flawless performance.  The street play on cleanliness was a resounding success. It not only raised awareness but also ignited a sense of responsibility among the community members.

All the activities were conducted under the guidance of NSS PO Incharge Sanjay Velip.

Pre-Republic Day Camp

Cadets from the College NCC Naval wing participated in different phases of RDC camp. The main aim of the Pre-RDC camp was to prepare students for the Republic Day Parade, enhancing their self-confidence, deepening their value systems, and providing exposure to the rich culture and traditions of our nation.

Pre RDC-I 

Pre RDC-I took place from 10th to 19th September 2023 at Jadhav Nagar, Belgavi, organized by the 28 Karnataka Battalion NCC. The camp started every day at 5.30 am and ended at 9.00 pm. A total of 483 cadets participated from Karnataka and Goa Directorate, with 30 cadets from Goa, of who 5 were from our institution. Biometrics and attendance were recorded on arrival, both for morning and evening muster. On the second day, Col. PP Kishore, the Commanding Officer of 28 Karnataka Battalion NCC, addressed the cadets. Training commenced based on their respective events, including Best Cadet, Drill, Cultural, Guard of Honour, and Flag Area. Tests began from the third day, and cadets with better potential and abilities were shortlisted and selected for the next phase, RDC-II. Written and practical exams were conducted for qualification. The last day was a joyful one, with cadets participating in a cultural program. The camp concluded with a campfire and cultural program.

Cadets from our institution who attended Pre-RDC Phase-I:

CC Laxita Suthar
POC Vaishnavi Borkar
LC Pranav Pawar
LC H. Tribhuvan
Cadet Joeston Fernandes

Pre RDC-II

Pre RDC Phase 2 was held from 20th to 29th September 2023 at Jadhav Nagar, Belgavi, conducted by the 26 Karnataka Battalion NCC. At the opening ceremony, Col. Darshan, the Commanding Officer of 26 Karnataka Battalion NCC, welcomed the cadets to the second phase of Pre RDC.

In the second phase, cadets competed in various categories, such as Best Cadet, Drill, Cultural, Guard of Honour, and Flag Area.

Cadets from our institution who attended Pre RDC Phase-II:

CC Laxita Suthar
POC Vaishnavi Borkar
LC H. Tribhuvan
Cadet Joeston Fernandes 

Pre-RDC-III

The CATC/Pre-RDC Phase-III was held from 30th September to 1st October 2023 at Jadhav Nagar, Belgavi, conducted by the 25 Karnataka Battalion NCC. An opening ceremony addressed by Lt. Col. Pankaja, the Commanding Officer of 25 Karnataka Battalion NCC, welcomed the cadets to Phase 3 of Pre-RDC. All events were conducted smoothly, and various tests were held to select the best cadets of the Belagavi Group for the Inter-Group Camp (IGC) in Bellary. Ninety-five cadets were selected to represent the Belagavi Group in IGC.

Cadets from our institution who attended Pre-RDC Phase-III:

CC Laxita Suthar
POC Vaishnavi Borkar
LC H. Tribhuvan

IGC (Inter Group Camp)

The CATC/IGC took place from 11thto 20thOctober, 2023at PRTC, Toranagallu, Ballari. The event was organized by the 34 Karnataka Battalion NCC, Ballari. During this phase, cadets were required to give their best as, from this point onward, selected cadets would compete with their counterparts from the other 16 Directorates.

The 3 NCC (Navy) cadets from our institution who attended the IGC were CC Laxita Suthar, POC Vaishnavi Borkar and LC H. Tribhuvan.

CC Laxita Suthar competed for the Best Cadet title and also participated in the drill. POC Vaishnavi Borkar was involved in cultural activities, while LC H. Tribhuvan and Cadet Joeston Fernandes were assigned to the flag area. CC Laxita Suthar served as the parade commander until IGC.

POC Vaishnavi Borkar has been selected for the next phase in RDC