INTRODUCTION
Today, the computer and IT have changed the complete global
scenario. Computers are widely used in every sphere of life and have wide
ranging commercial use coupled with internet such as e-mail, browsing, web
browsing, ecommerce, e-governance etc. An internet cafe or cyber cafe is a
place which provides internet access to the public, usually for a fee. This
project profile is proposed for information technology related services such as
Internet & Desk Top Publishing (DTP), Scanning Work, Printing work, etc. You
will be wondering how will you manage to set up your own business without any
experience and sufficient money. Once you decide to set up your own Computer
Business Centre (CBC), it is not difficult to do so. Guidance and help is
available at different sources.
1 OBJECTIVES After going through this lesson, you would be
able to l identify major inputs to a business unit l identify various
components of capital required for a CBC l estimate the profits of a CBC l
learn various sources of help and finance for setting up a CBC l adopt good
business practices required for an entrepreneur
2. MARKET POTENTIAL The IT services sector, being the
fastest growing has tremendous potential for growth. India is one of the
leading nations in e-commerce and other IT enabled services. The younger
generation is very much inclined towards computer and IT. These factors have
created a need for Cyber cafes servicing center with IT enabled services. The
Plant and machinery for the project is available in local market.
3. INPUTS TO A BUSINESS The important inputs to a business
are :-
·
Place:
for a CBC unit involves generally a room of the minimum size of 20 sq. metre.
The space should be sufficient for installing computer and accessories, office
space and space for visitors. The space may be your own or rented. For a CBC
unit, it is better if the place is near to a commercial complex or government
offices. The office space must have electricity and telephone connection.
·
Capital : Once you decide on the place of your
business, you require money. Money invested in the business is called Capital.
Two types of capital are required: Capital is fixed when it involves procuring
land, building, equipment, machinery, vehicles, furniture and fixtures, etc.
Working capital is required for meeting day to day expenses of an enterprise.
These include purchase of raw material, stationery, payment of bills like
water, electricity, telephone, wages of staff/labourer and traveling/conveyance
charges.
·
Finance: Fixed capital generally remains
constant over a longer period and is required only in the beginning stage. On
the other hand, working capital is required frequently. It is implied that
after sometime money starts coming out of the business and thus working capital
is met out of the turnover For a basic CBC the fixed capital involves the
following equipement and furniture.
Item Quantity
Computer (with VDU, CD drive, UPS and Keyboard) - 4
Scanner (optional) - 1
Laser Printer (optional) -
1
Inkjet Printer / DM - Printer -
1
CD Writer -
1
Computer Table -
1
Computer Chair -
1
Office Table -
1
Chairs for staff and visitors -
4
Internet Centre 1 Presently this minimum requirement may be met within
about One lakh rupees.
Working Capital : is required for purchase of raw material (like
paper, cartridges, floppies, CDs, etc.), for making payments to staff,
electricity and telephone bills, conveyance and travel, etc. In DTP business
the returns are quick and generally turnover starts within a month. It is
estimated that the working capital of Rs. 12,500 is sufficient for a month. In
the table below, we have given a model for working out the fixed capital,
working capital and expected profit. Please note that the estimate below is
only an illustration. Keeping in view your specific requirement, you have to
make your own budget.
ACTIVITIES FOR COMPUTER BUSINESS CENTRE
The main activities which a computer Business center may carry on are
Word Processing: You may do
Word Processing jobs like preparing personal/ business letters of individuals,
small traders and business firms. Bio-data/resume for the purpose of jobs and
marriages may also be prepared. Some documents like Income Tax Return,
Application for PAN, Passport Forms, Application form for enrolling as voter
may be stored as a Template and used frequently for your customers. You may
also contact the Free-lance writers, Journalists and Researchers and prepare
their articles and reports. Similarly Projects and Dissertations of the
students may be documented.
Data Processing: Individuals and small business firms generally do
not have their own computer facilities for storing their data. You may contact
them and maintain this data for them. Data may relate to:-
·
Personal Address Books
·
List of
Suppliers
·
List of
Vendors
·
Inventory
·
Record of
Investments
·
Record of
Taxes like Sales Tax, Excise and Custom Duty
Accounting:
If you have an aptitude for the accounting work, you may like to maintain
the accounts of individuals professionals like Doctors, Lawyers, Freelance
Writers, Artists etc and small business firms. For this you need, is some basic
knowledge of Accounting and a Software package. These days many accounting
software package are available in the market. The commonly used ones are MUNIM
and TALLY
Diversified Activities: At a CBC, the following activities may
also be undertaken
Fax facilities Fax facilities may be made available to you
customers by installing a separate fax machine or through a fax-card installed
in the computer. A fax machine may cost you about Rs 10,000-20,000 depending on
the model you choose. Fax machine with a Plain-Paper mode is better than a
Thermal-paper one. The fax card costs only a few hundred rupees and may be used
in conjunction with your existing computer, scanner and printer.
Internet Cafe You may provide internet surfing service to your
customers. This service requires installing a few move computers and
proportionate space for making cubicles/ cabins. Internet customer may use this
service for downloading information, email, internet telephony and retrieving
small queries like getting examination results or for finding the status of the
train reservation. Many more diversifications like Call Centre Operation,
Medical Transcription, Computerised Design Centre, On-line Trading Centre (For
shares and Securities etc.) may be thought of by your own imagination and growing
experience. Always keep yourself up-dated with the new technological advances.
News papers, Professional Journals, Internet, Professional
Conferences/Associations are a good source of knowledge. Make the best use of
them.
GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES
Other than the financial aspects of a business, an entrepreneur should
also take care of good business practices. These practices not only pay in the
long run but also create harmony and cordial environment in the society.
These practices are:
(1)
Be polite to the customers. Always greet and
receive them properly. Remember that Service with a Smile does not cost but
brings reputation and goodwill to your business.
(2)
Be punctual and adhere to the Delivery Schedule.
If the job of a customer is not ready by scheduled time, inform her/him in
advance and apologise.
(3)
Be honest in dealings. Charge reasonably and
honestly from the customers. Make prompt payments to your suppliers.
(4)
Pay your dues and taxes in time. It is our
earnest duty to pay the taxes honestly. Taxes are the revenue for the
government. This money is used for the welfare of the society.
(5)
Pay reasonably to your staff. Payment to them
should commensurate with their qualification, experience and the output they
produce. Besides you have to comply by the Minimum Wages Act in this regard.
(6)
Try to explore new business opportunities.
Diversify your business. Please note that scope and opportunities in any
business are indefinite and so with the CBC, only sky is the limit. Wish you a
happy business.