IIPM BEST PUBLICATION

POWER BRANDS 2010-11 UNVEILED

2012-01-04T17:04:00.002+05:30

Planman Marcom unveiled Power Brands 2010-11, a research driven brand book of India’s most powerful brands on February 4, 2011 at Hotel Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place, New Delhi. The biggest brand book of India featuring the most powerful brands across the categories is a first of its kind initiative that will act as a strategic tool in reinforcing the supremacy, legacy and credibility of brands, thereby bridging the gap between perception of consumers and the brand. The first book in two different avatars, Power Brands offers its readers a never before experienced interpretation about the brands on the most exhilarating writing and an extra-ordinary style of design and production complimenting the theme of the book, Evolution to Revolution.

The grand evening opened with a classic performance by Australia’s leading strings sensation ‘MASKE’ followed by a Power speech from Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri and famous Ad Guru Alyque Padamsee. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the much-awaited book, Power Brands 2010-2011, which was followed by felicitations for all Power Brands of India in their respective categories. The mega launch was attended by the who’s who of the corporate world making it a complete powerful evening.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2011.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
IIPM in sync with the best of the business world.......
IIPM Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri on Internet Hooliganism
Arindam Chaudhuri: We need Hazare's leadership
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM RANKED NO.1 in MAIL TODAY B-SCHOOL RANKINGS
Planman Technologies

Managing The Retail Return Nightmare

2011-12-28T15:24:00.003+05:30

Product life cycles have been crashing, while product variety has been increasing, making markets harder to predict

Most retailers consider product returns to be a costly but natural consequence of doing business. Consumers will inevitably return unwanted or faulty products. However, over the past few years the levels of retail returns have been increasing dramatically. Research undertaken at Cranfield indicates that the value of retail returns in the United Kingdom is currently running at £6 billion annually, while some estimates in the United States put the value at around $100 billion. With costs spiralling, retailers and manufacturers need to take an integrated and holistic approach to managing the problem.

The reasons for this dramatic growth can be explained by a number of factors. Liberal return policies have often been associated with high returns and although some companies have tried to be more restrictive, for many, it is central to their value proposition and hard to change. Marks & Spencer (a British retailer headquartered in the City of Westminster, London), for example, used to offer a 90 day return policy, but conceded that they needed to reduce it.

They still offer a very generous 35 days. The most significant factor has been the increasing number of channels to market, notably, online sales. Originally, retailers plied their trade through their stores. Customers could see the product before they bought and staff were on hand to provide product information. Internet retailing does not allow this and so customers will often ‘try before they buy’ by ordering a number of items to be delivered. Once the right product has been selected they will return the surplus – often at no cost to themselves. The result means that online retailers can expect return levels as high as 30%.

However, liberal return policies and the changing channels to market do not tell the whole story. In fact, much of the retur

ns problem is the result of poor planning and decision making in the supply chain. To understand the problem we need to look at the revolution that has been taking place in our supply chains. Much of what is sold on the high street today has been outsourced and off-shored to contract manufacturers in low cost economies. This has extended the lead time for supply. In addition, product life cycles have been crashing, while product variety has been increasing, making markets harder to predict. Traditional theory will tell you that in order to provide high service levels in unpredictable markets, over longer lead-times, you need to hold a lot of safety stock. But then, the problem with holding lots of stock with a short shelf life is the risk of obsolescence. The cost of obsolete stock not only includes the costs of reverse logistics, but also the loss in asset value.

Effective management of retail returns certainly calls for a holistic approach, which extends well beyond supply chain operations, and normally requires integration of financial, product design, marketing, commercial and purchasing functions. It may also need to look outside the business at suppliers and customers. In our experience, very few companies know the full cost of reverse logistics.

Therefore, the first thing to establish is the size of the prize and develop a clear business case for change. It is not uncommon to find more staff dedicated to reverse logistics operations than forward logistics, when you take into account staff in call centres, customer service and repair centres.

KARBONN’S RURAL TO URBAN SAGA

2011-03-21T17:55:00.000+05:30

KARBONN HAS MADE WAVES IN SEMI-URBAN AND RURAL MOBILE HANDSET MARKET. HERE, SHASHIN DEVSARE TALKS TO SURBHI CHAWLA ON HIS PLANS TO SCORE IN URBAN INDIA

He started late in the telecom revolution in India entering the mobile handset market in 2009 only. But within the first year, Shashin Devsare, Executive Director, Karbonn Mobiles has taken quantum leaps to make his company a major player in the semi-urban and rural market. With over 5 million mobiles sold till date, Shashin aims to take on urban India replete with confidence.

You have a very aggressive marketing strategy; what can we expect from Karbonn Mobiles in terms of the entire 360 degree plan?
I think that the high impact activities are going to continue. The important thing is that we have seen a lot of clutter being created, so, obviously we would be looking at clutter breaking activities. The approach is going to be in terms of defining ATL and BTL activities in such a way that there is a high impact that is created at market place and consumer segments, whether it is semi-urban, rural or urban. Initially we were only looking at semi-urban and rural markets but now we are also looking at urban customers.

What marketing strategies are you adopting for the urban market?
Obviously the marketing mix has to undergo a change once your target audience definition becomes broader. Media mix will undergo a change. What we are going to look at is similar high impact activities like IPL.

Now that you have a fair brand presence, will you focus entirely on BTL marketing activities?
There are two strategies. One is that we have a very interesting array of products that are going to be unleashed in the second half of this year, so we are going to be looking at specific product messaging. Secondly, it is going to be through BTL which is the product experience itself.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2011.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri (IIPM Dean) – ‘Every human being is a diamond’
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Planman Technologies – IT Solutions at your finger tips
Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine

IIPM B-School
Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri
Planman Consulting

IIPM in sync with the best of the business world.......

One-Eyed Monsters or Design Calamity?

2011-01-11T15:22:00.002+05:30

After 18 months, 40 focus groups and a secret operation worthy of Mission Possible-IV, London has finally unveiled the the mascots for Olympcs 2012. The one-eyed figures, called Wenlock and Mandeville (created by London-based creative agency Iris) are intended to capture the imagination of children and work as well in the digital world as they will in costume form at trackside in 2012. “Our brief was to create mascots that would excite and inspire young people and encourage them to get involved in sport,” said Grant Hunter, Creative Director, Iris London to the media. The mascots apparently pay homage to London taxis, by sporting a yellow light on top of their head, with an initial in the middle. While Wenlock is named after the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock (where, in the mid-19th century, the Wenlock Games became the inspiration for the modern Olympic movement), Mandeville’s name is derived from Stoke Mandeville hospital, in Buckinghamshire, (the birthplace of the Paralympic Games).

Design critics the world over are calling the mascots a “design calamity” and feel that thousands of pounds have simply been wasted on their creation. The controversy follows a similar row over the 2012 logo, which was unveiled in 2007 after organisers spent £400,000 on its design. Sebastian Coe, Chairman, London Oganising Committee, however, defended in public, “We’ve created our mascots for children. By linking young people to the values of sport, Wenlock and Mandeville will help inspire kids...” Really?

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri (IIPM Dean) – ‘Every human being is a diamond’
Arindam Chaudhuri – Everything is not in our hands
Planman Technologies – IT Solutions at your finger tips
Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine

IIPM ranked No 1 B-School in India
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
IIPM: Management Education India
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website

IIPM B-School
Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri
Planman Consulting

The journey has surely been very exciting so far, but going forward, the times may turn challenging. Amit Nandi, Head - Probiking, Bajaj Auto shares

2010-12-22T17:21:00.001+05:30

Are you also planning to take the format overseas also?
As of now, there are no plans to take the format overseas. We will be limiting ourselves into the Indian market only.

With the KTM bikes making their inroads into the Indian market in the coming time, how will you be able to make the showroom as a distinctive place for the three – Bajaj, Kawasaki and KTMs?
The KTMs will be available in the Indian market by next year. In fact, all the bikes that are meant for performance from Bajaj will find a place in the Bajaj’s Probiking showrooms. We will have a separate section for Bajaj products as well as the Kawasakis and KTMs.

How different will be the marketing strategy in the case of the Kawasaki products?
In case of premium bikes, the marketing strategy focuses more on interacting with the consumers and to give him an experience wherein he gets to touch feel and ride the product. That’s how the prospective consumer converts into a loyal consumer.

What are the other plans for the format in the current year?
According to the plan outlined, we shall be standing at 35-40 Probiking showrooms wherein the figure currently stands at 32 showrooms.

How has the role changed for the Probiking showrooms after the launch of Kawasaki products in the Indian market?
The importance has certainly gone up as now we have almost 80-90% market share in the above 250cc market and there is a market for superbikes that will grow with the time.

THE (DIS)LOYALTY MARKET UNVEILED

2010-11-15T18:10:00.001+05:30

The need for a greater customer intimacy is getting amplified by the changing trends in consumer behaviour

The need for a greater customer intimacy is further getting amplified by the changing trends in consumer behaviour, which are engineering a shift from Customer Relationship Management to Customer Managed Relationships, where customers want organisations to be more transparent with the information they have on them and give them the choice to define how that information should be used to make the consumption of products and services more convenient for them. Organisations need to start thinking on these lines and ready themselves for this shift in the balance of power or they will find themselves increasingly irrelevant to their customers. Perhaps its not too late for everyone to consider seriously what Robert Lauterborn proposed (in as early as 1990) to do away with the product oriented 4Ps of marketing, which was the bedrock of all marketing strategies for several decades, to the customer oriented 4Cs – Consumer wants and needs, Cost to satisfy, Convenience to buy & Communication for our times.

Loyalty practitioners have hailed this approach all along and brought to market many strategies that resulted in organisations coming closer to their customers. The early adopters – airlines, hotels & retail companies have led from the front and now almost every business is thinking about it to build sustainable & profitable relationships with customers. It therefore comes as no major surprise that all forms of loyalty marketing have seen an unprecedented growth in the last decade. An estimate on the spending through loyalty marketing in India is an impressive Rs.3,500-4,000 crore, and with the advent of technology in mobile marketing & social networking giving marketers the power to reach & build a relationship with every customer, the marketing budget will continue to split in favour of such programs. Ultimately, the consumer marketer relationship will have to tread on carefully with its ear to the ground in these times where change is the only constant but for the fact that the consumer is driving it.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

2010-10-19T16:06:00.002+05:30

The french lass Kalki Koechlin aka Chanda of Dev D gets candid about her future projects, love for handsets and the Alps with 4Ps B&M

If there were a role reversal in Dev D and you were offered the role of Paro, what would have been your reaction to it?
Ah…I think Paro is a beautifully written role. It is an ideal role for kick-starting the career of any actor. It’s one of the strongest characters of the film; so obviously, I would have been very excited. That’s not to say that Chanda was not a good role. All in all, the concept of the film truly shows the woman power.

What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?
I love to go to the mountains. I would like to go to a place where there is no connection with the outer world and no one can disturb me.

Have you ever done that?
I do that all the time… I put my phone on a switch-off mode and go to the mountains. In fact, recently I went to Kashmir. I grew up in the mountains and would love to go to Alps sometime.

They say you are in love with gadgets...
I really find phone gadgets very useful because of the kind of life that I live. I am always on the go and multi tasking. Currently, I am using an Asus phone, because it has all sorts of connectivity.

Are you there on any social networking portal?
I am on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook is closer to me as I use it for being in contact with my friends. It is a little private, hence I answer messages from fans on Facebook; but then I don’t add all the fans on that site. I keep in touch with them through Twitter.

What are your future projects?
Currently, I am working in a film titled Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara.

Neha Saraiya

IIPM Delhi - Guest Lecture by Mr. Azzar Abbas Abidi

2010-08-28T10:34:00.003+05:30

Mr. Abbas Abidi who has worked with prestigious organizations like Hewitt associates, WNS Global Services, Wipro, visited IIPM Delhi campus to deliver a lecture on Resource Retention. Retaining the right talent has always been a challenge for most companies. The investment that goes into recruiting, training and honing on-the-job skills can cause both tangible and intangible loss when a productive resource leaves the organization. Mr Abidi explained the various strategies used by the industries these days to retain its employees. After the lecture, the session was opened for Q&A, which he answered with great interest.

The IIPM Fest - AAGMAN - 26th July 2010 - IIPM Delhi/Noida

2010-08-27T10:30:00.001+05:30

What began as carefree get-togethers for auditions, long practices, and competition, ended as one of the better experiences ! Aagman for the batch SS/ 2010-12 was conducted on 26th July 2010 at Kamani Auditorium. The journey of aagman preperations was almost for a month. It seemed no less than a scene fresh out of a bollywood movie. There was action, drama, comedy (very sad one at that ), dance, music, forgetfull fights, fresh couples (Err… Best friends) and a lot more.

After the traditional lighting of the lamp by Prof A. Sandeep (Dean, All India, IIPM) the night proceeded with an enthralling performance by the IIPM band, comprising of Samuel David Dennis and Gurusharan Randhawa.

IIPM choreography teams set the stage ablaze as they performed on the latest chartbusters. There was a live bull fight, beautifully depicted in the form of a choreography act presented by Nishita Mahajan and Allen Robertson. Students from IIPM Noida went the balle balle way and the crowd cheered on. Simranjeet singh and Akhilesh Rana got all the applause as they performed their comic acts to whet the crowds appetite.

Then came the most awaited event for the evening. The fashion show! This year, the fashion police at IIPM went beyond the usual as they took us to the streets of Chicago where men paid the price of disloyalty , took us to the glitz and glamour of bollywood and had us rejoice in a FIFA carnival.

Aagman 2010 had all the ingredients of a perfect show. Flawless emcees, terrific performances viewed by a wonderful audience.

IIPM 4Ps Business & Marketing - Nutrivita PRESENTS 100 MARKETING BRAINS THAT MOVE AND SHAKE INDIA

2010-08-26T10:56:00.000+05:30

Tarun Jha

Head – Marketing, Skoda India

Skoda has been stepping up the ladder of success in the Indian market with outstanding contributions from its people like Tarun Jha. Though the Fabia is still to deliver the desired, other products like Octavia, Laura and Superb have made brand Skoda a synonym for luxury in the Indian market. The Superb, in particular, has been the driving force for the company during the year gone by along with volume-puller Skoda Octavia. In fact, the concept of boutique showrooms – which was initiated by Tarun Jha – coupled with its marketing strategy has managed to lure consumers towards the Skoda brand apart from adding a grace to the automaker that is matched by few.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

IIPM 4Ps Business & Marketing - Nutrivita PRESENTS 100 MARKETING BRAINS THAT MOVE AND SHAKE INDIA

2010-08-25T11:30:00.001+05:30

Lloyd Mathias

CMO, TTSL

The most defining marketing moment for me was to launch the Mountain Dew brand in the country as it involved creating a whole new category that prior to its launch did not exist in the country. The second thing that is really close to my heart is the entire episode of turning Motorola around from a 1% market share to all the way through. I think that was really something.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Nutrivita PRESENTS 100 MARKETING BRAINS THAT MOVE AND SHAKE INDIA

2010-08-23T13:58:00.000+05:30

Milind Bade

Head-Marketing, Bajaj Auto

At Bajaj, Pulsar has been our identity for the youth in the country. We had been spending a lot of money on conventional advertising by the mediums of TV and Print to make the Pulsar brand a success in the country and similar was the trend for the other products. But investments into creative mediums like MTV Stunt Mania have resulted in immense popularity for both the Pulsar and the Bajaj brand among the target audience. That particular moment is very close to my heart. In fact, we are still looking for such creative mediums to generate higher following for the Pulsar brand.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

WHY HUMOUR PAYS IN AD LAND

2010-08-20T16:33:00.001+05:30

In the stressful times we live in, laughter – well packaged – can be a huge high and the ultimate bridge between a brand and its consumer

Once upon a time, the staid, starched and propah’ Ad-Gurus believed that advertising was deadly serious business and people don’t buy from clowns! But over the last decade, this thinking has been buried amidst wild laughter with humour taking on a superstar’s role! Why? Because humour and fun have become the breath of life in a lot of the advertising we see and advertainment is pretty much the new lingua franca in the communication delivery mode. Why? “Because humour disarms and makes one more accepting of certain thoughts and images that could be hard to take in a serious discourse,” says adman George Louis. He has constantly hit out at “scientific fools, marketing windbags stiffass bureaucrats, research fascists and pompous biggies” because he believes a lack of humanity (read: humour) kills great communication. People don’t respond as target consumers or demographic cross-sections. They respond as ‘him’ or ‘her’. You and me.

Louis says he finds a huge ra-ra constituency totally rooting for the Ha-Ha factor to attract, interest, provoke, desire and trigger the purchase intent in the consumer universe targeted. Ad film-maker Prahlad Kakkar, who began his foray into ad films by providing (at that time) a total break from conventional reason with audacious tongue-in–cheek, whacko stuff [It’s different, Boss!] believes humour is a great leveler because it breaks down barriers and distances in one fell swoop. Prasoon Joshi (whose Thanda Matlab & Happydent white ads plug humour with all cylinders firing) defines humour as a social lubricant that’s easy to catch and hang on to because it’s the most basic emotion. It comes easier than sorrow or grief. Successful recent TVCs that have hit the humour button include Centre Shock, Zoozoo, Fevicol, Naukri.com, Fastrack among others.

People around the world often find “compression” a good way of getting the point across in an effective manner. Arnold Schwarzenegger was once famously described as a guy “looking like a bunch of walnuts wrapped in a condom!” The writer confessed that he wasn’t consciously trying to be funny – only endeavouring enough to convey something in the least number of words. If compression leads to humour, then humour lead to a smile. Legend has it that a Chinese hospital reported a dramatic drop in the number of complaints after instructing their staff to show at least eight teeth while smiling at patients!

On a serious note, the reason why humour is so powerful in advertising is really very basic: it’s a bridge that links the brand to the consumer, because laughter is still the shortest distance between two people… and a smile, really, is that amazing meeting of minds. It signifies a positive and physical feedback from your audience. Wit invites participation. Humour ensures higher recall and memorability, and triggers word-of-mouth communication as no other mode can. Incidentally the best jokes aren’t based on imagination, but on observation of real people. See how they speak, gesture, react, joke, even kiss, and oh, how they never look at each other in a lift. Anything’s really funny as long as you know how to use the situation!

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

ORANGE ALERT, BROWNIE POINTS & GREEN BEHAVIOUR

2010-08-19T15:25:00.002+05:30

Consumers will be willing to pay premium for a direct tangible benefit of a green product, if it reduces exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals at home

But why does human mind not think consciously and urgently about global warming, compared with, say, terrorism? Human psychology attempts to address the baffling puzzle. First, we, the social mammals, think about living beings and their evil designs; if global warming had been unleashed on us by a ruthless despot, we would have been more concerned. Second, if a violation fails to transgress moral boundaries, it may not put our brain on orange alert. No human society has moral rules about atmospheric chemistry. Global warming is bad. Yet it does not make us feel nauseated, angry, or disgraced. So we don’t feel compelled to react against it. Third, the threat in any case is still lurking somewhere in future. We get alarmed by clear and contemporary attack, not to something which is not even in our line of vision. Finally, a stimulus must break the threshold barrier in order to get noticed. The rate of change for environmental degradation is so gradual that it goes unnoticed; it fails to cross the threshold for the common man.

MAKE THEM GREEN INCLINED

But precisely due to this reason – because it fails to trip the brain’s alarm – global warming is a deadly threat. There is a need to address the problem through 6 A’s: Customer’s attention needs to be drawn towards the issue of environmental depredation; he has to be made aware about the problem and the possible solutions; he has to assimilate the details of what is at stake and what can be done to mitigate the situation; he must accept his roles and responsibilities in saving the planet; he must actually take action to do so; and, finally, he must adopt the green values to the extent that they are deeply embedded in the recess of his mind. Attention, awareness, assimilation, acceptance, action, and adoption together should produce green citizens.

Often customers lack the information that would enable them to make positive choice. Three things could help. One, knowing why I should care; two, I should get easy cues for making better choices; and, three I must have accessibility to a right decision as easily as a wrong one. If any of these components is missing from green marketing it will fail. In Netherlands, a night club, WATT, serves drinks in recyclable cups, while the toilets flush with rain water. And, power is generated for lighting the dance floor when dancers prance on it. A meter shows how much power is being generated, making revelers want to go even wilder. The visitors also get a ‘pee experience’ when they watch rain water from the roof travel through transparent pipes, which they flush.

This news surely needs something better than a smirk when we are told that there is a new Indian organic underwear brand containing extracts from the neem tree, basil leaves, and flecks of silver to keep the user safe from bacterial infection. The range of sexy (company’s usage, not ours!) panties are supposed to prevent wrinkling and clear all infections. SEWA has launched a high end, eco friendly collection of fashion garments, made from biodegradable material dyes, and organic cotton fabric.

Reva did not prove to be tempting enough for most Indians, despite its almost non-existent carbon footprint. Because Indians believe in more space for less money. Had its looks compensated for the lack of room, the car still would have perhaps caught the fancy of youth. In 2010, now, Reva NXR will be launched. It will be powered by a futuristic lithium-ion battery, which the company plans to recycle. This will on one hand reduce the cost of ownership and on the other it will increase the car’s eco friendliness. To add to the acceptance of an zero emission product the company has also provided for advanced telematics which will support remote diagnostics, healing, and even infuse a reserve amount of charging.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

CLUTTER CLUTTER EVERYWHERE

2010-08-18T14:44:00.000+05:30

K S. Chakravarthy, NCD of Draft FCB Ulka (who had been associated with Airtel’s border commercial and is now working on the brand communication of Tata DOCOMO) disagrees that the telecom service brands have managed to keep themselves de-cluttered and have been able to make a distinct brand positioning in the minds of the Indian masses. He argues that, “all the telecom brands have tried everything at some given time or the other. One can look at Airtel, they have been talking about everything in one way or the other or at some point of time or the other and basically gone all over the place. The only telecom service provider that has been pretty consistent in terms of its communications has been Vodafone. Even when it was Hutch, then too, it was talking about similar things and now when the brand name has been changed to Vodafone it’s still talking about the same things. So, when we had to launch a new brand in the form of Tata DOCOMO, we saw it as an open field and a great opportunity to have a very clear positioning for our brand. We realised that there was a clear dissatisfaction in the minds of the end consumer, wherein subscribers thought that they are being taken for a ride by their service operators. Hence, we came in as a brand that would be transparent in its dealing and would be youthful, credible and fresh. We have made our mark and not as a price brand”.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

IT’S GOING TO BE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-08-17T17:11:00.001+05:30

‘When times are good, you should advertise. When times are bad, you must advertise.’ Though some marketers were not swayed by the logic then, they have now realised that the fastest way to set things right is with a powerful dose of a great advertisement

If you thought this was all, think again, for there is somebody else who is out with a new advertising campaign to showcase the world its new image. Taliban is softening their stance in Afghanistan and are making full-on attempts to change their image. Believe it or not, but their new policy of cutting off ears, nose or tongues is finding its way in a new ad campaign. Do not try to access it on YouTube for this commercial is banned from being viewed in our country, but this is one smart organisation that has learnt its marketing lessons well and understood the power of a good ad campaign.

This next one that I am going to talk about is still reeling under the hit it got last year – from a golf club I bet! Post Tiger Woods, Accenture is still struggling to get its act together. It’s also out with a new ad campaign. It would be spending between $40-50 million bucks on this one, which shows different animals doing things they normally wouldn’t do. An elephant surfing, a frog leapfrogging other frogs, et al, with the punch line ‘Who says you can’t be big and nimble?’ God knows how the ads would fare. But one thing is sure: this one would have all animals except the tiger! Of course, the fastest way for Tiger Woods to rebuild his image would be to stay away from commercials this year. But for others, it’s time to put in a spring in your walk, a cherry smile and try to win back customers and lost market share with advertisements that sell ‘Hope’ and ‘Happiness.’

This time, creativity will count the most. Remember, you can’t out-spend the competitor every time, and more so not in today’s times with very tight budgets. However, you sure can out-think them.

Choose a theme that gels with the feelings of today’s consumer and you can bet that this time things will get better, and it’s sure going to be a Happy New Year!

Rajita Chaudhuri

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

THE PACK LEADERS

2010-08-16T15:42:00.001+05:30

There’s nothing more lethal than the mighty combination of creativity and effectiveness in the ad world. Veterans say that any ad campaign worth its weight in pure gold is not complete without a potent mixture of these two ingredients. In 2006-07, when Hewlett Packard (HP) launched a global integrated communication campaign – Computers are personal again – a first of its kind creative positioning for a PC, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (its then ad agency) used all forms of traditional media (TV, print, online), which was created for the North American, European and APAC markets. By 2008, not only had brand HP gained 9% in terms of brand value (as per Interbrand), it had also recorded an increase of 15% in net revenues in the quarter-ending January 2008. Despite financial turmoil, year 2009 saw India churn out numerous creative campaigns – Idea’s Walk & Talk, Cadbury’s Pehli Tarikh, Vodafone’s egg-heads, Tata Tea’s Jaago Re, et al – certainly creative campaigns, but were they equally effective? Taking the global benchmark of effectiveness – Effies 2009 – as a selection criterion, 4Ps B&M presents India’s Most Effective Integrated Advertising Campaigns for the year passed by...

Surbhi Chawla & Savreen Gadhoke

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Hayward’s wayward BP ways?

2010-08-13T15:51:00.002+05:30

B&E’s Steven Philip Warner talks to various global oil & climate experts from the likes of Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Standard & Poor’s, Argus Research, JBC Energy & Varda Group to find out what awaits BP’s fate? Will BP, which as recently as two months back was the second most valued oil major in the world, disappear?

Will BP get smaller, as Bengini forecasts? Only if you call a rise in total asset base from $99.2 billion in FY2009 to $136.4 billion by FY2015 “getting smaller” (forecast by Goldman Sachs). Hayward will not be around by the time this Gulf of Mexico tale becomes the next most remembered disaster (after the 1989 spill of Exxon Valdez tanker in Prince William Sound in Alsaka), but BP will.

Hayward’s agreement with Obama to put aside $20 billion in the escrow account is also being portrayed as an act of helplessness. Quite contrarily, the BP Chief has managed the “two birds with one stone” trick with his submission “on being ordered” by the Senate. One on hand, this act will help mellow down the negative publicity that BP has been earning during the past two months, while on the other, and most importantly, it will ensure a continuation to rights of deep-water exploration in US for the company, a geographical zone from where it derives 34% of its annual supply of crude oil (valued at $78.96 billion as of FY2009).

As far as damages and litigations are concerned, he has two cushions to rest his tired self on, again, unknown to many. BP owns only 65% of the damaged well, under the terms of the ‘Macondo prospect’ contract, and is therefore directly liable for only an equivalent proportion of the damages. Texas-based Anadarko Petroleum has a 25% interest and Japan’s Mitsui owns the remaining 10%. Philip Weiss, Energy Expert of US-based Argus Research tells B&E, “BP is self-insured for its share of the damage.

Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), there is, however, a $75 million cap on damages. Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to retroactively increase this cap to $10 billion. In short, the government has frequently stated its intent to make all parties associated with the incident pay for the damages and clean-up.” For now, all that BP should worry about is paying-up $75 million; and the $20 billion that it has pledged should more than suffice. And who says Hayward doesn’t know his way to the court? Putting aside all matters pertaining to Hayward & BP, you might just find someone questioning the US Congress for bringing this Gulf of Mexico’s two month-old pirate to the interrogation room, but ignoring the carnage that’s on in a far less-glamorous country in Africa – Nigeria. As per a report by WWF, the World Conservation Union and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the amount of oil that has been spilled by oil companies in the Niger Delta since 1960 add up to 540 million gallons – 50 times the Exxon Valdez tanker disaster! In 2009 alone, as per Amnesty International, nine million barrels of oil were spilled in the region.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

$1 trillion? Sure...

2010-08-12T15:48:00.001+05:30

The US has announced the discovery of minerals apparently worth $1 trillion in Afghanistan – the IIPM Think Tank believes much of this made up value is balderdash and pure hogwash forwarded by the US

There’re three reasons for the June 2010 re-branding of old news. First: when it comes to fragile governance, the Afghan government is already a top contender. It is today standing on legs largely because of foreign aid, which is over 70% of its budget. Undoubtedly, the announcement of this discovery will give Karzai – who has recently mended fences on his own terms with Obama – a new lifeline in his fragile political career, as he would be able to wishfully promise the mineral rich regions to tribal chiefs and Taliban representatives. Second: the announcement will give an excuse to the US to postpone their decision of withdrawing troops out of the country. Third: the US has been trying hard to figure out ways to attract foreign investment into the region. The announcement will jump start the proceedings. One can easily visualise deals being signed under pure promises and conjectures than on realistic data – leading to future litigation.

There is a huge downside for Afghanistan due to this announcement. Mineral and oil discovery announcements have led to social unrest in various countries; and Afghanistan is a country that is still struggling to come out of a war like condition. African nations like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Nigeria and Sudan saw a decade long violence and civil unrest after similar discoveries. An analysis of the top oil rich countries would show that around 10-12 nations in the top 50 list are unstable. For Afghanistan, the announcement would exacerbate the ongoing power politics. If on one hand the local clans, Taliban, Al-Qaeda and the likes will fight a bloodying conflict to tap these supposed resources to fund their anti-social missions, then on the other, China, which last year grabbed the Aynak copper mine in Logar, would leave no stone unturned to expand its influence over the region and country in particular.

All this is not to say that there are no reserves – of course, there are. But in all probability, only around 1/5th of what has been announced – which anyway would be exploited by US firms. It’ll take decades for other investing companies to realise they’ve been had. By then, Obama will be out of power, and Afghanistan will no more be a priority.
Sray Agarwal

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Satisfied with the performance of NDA Chief L.K. Advani?

2010-08-11T12:54:00.000+05:30

The BJP's Man of Iron, the former Deputy Prime Minister and one of the talismans of the Ram Mandir movement seems to have lost all steam. BJP insiders have repeatedly blamed him for failing to re-invent the BJP's image in the post-Mandir agitation political scenario. While his role is now more symbolic, the party patriarch has also had major differences with the various outfits of the Sangh Parivar.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Mimi to become mama!

2010-08-10T13:00:00.000+05:30

Mariah Carey has been cutting back on work as she’s taking time off for her family, but the exact reason being cited behind her keeping a light schedule for the rest of the year is that she’s pregnant with her first child! Spotted leaving a fertility clinic, insiders have confirmed the news and have also divulged that the 40-year-old is expecting not one but two bundles of joy! Twins must be great news for Mariah and her hubby Nick Cannon. Some people just seem to have it all...

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Rabindranath Memorial Awards

2010-08-09T16:35:00.001+05:30

A Landmark Felicitation Ceremony

National Award winning film and stage actor Soumitra Chatterjee was awarded for his contribution to immortalise Tagore-created characters and poems through his acting and recitation respectively. Due to some personal engagements, he couldn’t attend the ceremony, but film director Anjan Das received the award on his behalf. Each of these awardees received Rs. 1,00,000 in prize money each, including a gold medal and a citation.

Along with these awards, IIPM also announced the institution of three foundations (worth Rs. 10,00,000 each) in the memory of four legendary contributors, namely Shambhu Mitra (theatre), Satyajit Ray (film), Nandalal Bose & Ramkinker Baij (fine arts). The earnings from each of these funds will be utilised to honour and nurture the talents in these three fields. The ceremony ended with an expectedly inspiring speech of the Honorary Dean of IIPM, Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri. In his uniquely majestic deportment, Prof Chaudhuri took us down the memory lane of his childhood and spoke about his love for Tagore. He said, “Tagore’s vision of equitable society is still prevalent. We haven’t yet been completely successful to craft a society where humanistic values like ‘survival of the weakest’ will be a common practice. We need to imbibe Tagore’s philosophy and make our society a better place to live for the future generations.”

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Alright, just this time

2010-08-07T15:03:00.001+05:30

Truthfully, we don’t necessarily believe in global warming and the jazz that goes with it; but just for once, we decided to step into the enemy’s shoes and see why the carbon emission spiel of the developed world might work for India Inc. (just this time) by Gyanendra Kumar Kashyap

As a matter of fact, while ONGC is actively involved in biodiversity conservation, IndusInd Bank under its “Green Office Project” is resorting to solar–powered ATM, which is estimated to save around 1,980 kw of energy annually besides reducing carbon emissions by 1,942 kg. For their part the IT behemoths, Infosys, Wipro and HCL are doing everything from recycling water, building computers and laptops without carcinogenic products, lowering their per capita consumption of power to generating at least 30 % of their energy needs from renewable sources. The efforts by the IT behemoths in terms of meeting approximately one-third of their energy requirement from renewable sources will go a long way in increasing the current share of renewable energy projects in CERs (Certified Emission Reduction units), which is currently pegged at only 19%. Numerically speaking CERs will increase to 76 million by December 2012 from the current 14 million units, which translates to a mindboggling Rs.40 billion by 2012 (assuming a price of €10 per unit of CER). This certainly is a big enough reason as to why companies both big and small are looking to cash in on this opportunity.

Interestingly, going by the prevailing rates at which CERs are being traded at the exchanges, it is not so big companies like SRF, Torrent Power, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, Navin Flourine International and Rashtriya Chemical & Fertilisers, which according to UNFCC estimates have reduced their emissions respectively by 3.8, 3.1, 3.0, 2.8, and 0.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, are set to mop up huge amounts from the market. Anmol S. Jaggi, Director, Gensol Consultants (a 360 degree Carbon Solution Provider) says to B&E, “Over the last 5-7 years, green has shifted from being a mere CSR activity to a balance sheet activity. It pays to be environmental friendly.” To put things in perspective, consider the case of HUL, the first soap manufacturer to go green. Just by adopting environment friendly manufacturing process HUL has earned 15,000 CERs (1 CER point is granted for the reduction of 1 tonne of CO2) meaning an addition of nearly €150,000 to the company’s books.

Though the attempts to garner greenback against their carbon foot prints are more visible now, it’s still a fact that owing to their lack of awareness, most Indian companies are losing on the opportunities to monetise carbon credits. KPMG in a report in November 2007 (Climate Change: Is India Inc. Prepared?) stated that only a measly 21% of top CEOs in India had taken steps to mark out their ‘carbon footprint’, and believe it or not the number hasn’t improved since then.

So, as Professor Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, India Observatory, London School of Economics says, “The world needs to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 2 tonnes per capita by 2050 and India would need to do the same,” this would be the biggest opportunity for India Inc. to prove a point in front of their global peers, if not for a social cause, then at least for few million dollars more.

Gyanendra Kumar Kashyap

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

The intrigue of the islands

2010-08-06T12:09:00.003+05:30

A mysterious and fascinating set of islands lie in the Bay of Bengal, ready to give your most adventurous imagination wings…

The people of Andaman, or to be more precise the tribes of Andaman, are the most mysterious element of the culture and history of the place. Precisely because little is known about them and their nature and way of life varies from one island to another. There are about 12 such tribal units, among them the major ones being the Jarawas, Shompen, Nicobarese, The Great Andmanis, The Little Andamanis, The Onges and the Sentinelese.

The origins of these tribes have been difficult to establish, although the most accepted theory remains that the Negritos made their way into the islands from the east in Burma. The Jarawas were the tribe that I had a glimpse of while on a bus to Baratang. I was told immediately that it was a matter of extreme fortune that I managed to see a tribal ‘live’ and not in a painting in the museum. Apparently, most of the tribes remain notoriously elusive and cut-off from civilisation. The Jarawas, who inhabit middle Andaman and South Andaman, are of Negroid origin and are mostly hunters and foragers. On the Nicobar Island live the Nicobarese, of mongoloid origin, and as legend would have it, they are descendants of an exiled Burmese prince.

This tribe is the most advanced of the lot in the sense that they use modern agricultural and animal rearing methods unlike the other tribes, where the people are mostly hunters and foragers. Then there are the Onges, who live on the Little Andaman and Rutland Islands. Part of the Nicobarese, the Shompen (about 200 of them remain today) live on the Great Nicobar islands.

The Sentinelese are reportedly the fiercest and most evasive of the lot and inhabit the Sentinel Islands. Most of these tribes have little or no contact with the settlers in the island except for the Nicobarese.

Despite the isolation, the aborigines’ right to their resources and way of life has increasingly been under threat for the past few decades, as the influx of settlers has passed on diseases, increased deforestation, and cut-off access to resources (like the Andaman Trunk Road that runs through the Andaman Island that has limited the Jarawas reach into fresh hunting grounds) and posed a threat to these rare communities.

Ultimately, Andaman is about islands. Whether it be the Barren Island, home to the only active volcano in India or Ross Island, once the seat of British power and now a collection of ruins ravaged by time and serving as a grim reminder of how the mighty can fall, every island tells its own story. That is what the essence of these islands is about – fascinating tales and stories. Some are well documented, some perhaps figments of some creative guy’s imagination. But as you look around and explore, you also get to fill up some of the blanks with your own imagination.

Tareque Laskar

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

So what do we do about burning cars?

2010-08-05T15:56:00.002+05:30

As car manufacturers double up efforts to ensure cars don’t catch fire, it is important for customers also to understand how they might be ‘the’ problem in such incidents. by Pawan Chabra

The email came directly from Nikkei in Japan to us some time ago. The question was quite straightforward: “Have you heard about the Nano units catching fire? Do you think you can get inputs for us?” For once, despite our immodestly sensationalist bent, we were given to defend the various incidents that were being alluded to by the Japanese media giant. Without doubt, a photograph (like the one yours truly has provided above) of a car burning brighter that Roosevelt’s July 4 celebrations, especially of a model that has been at the top-of-the-charts for the most part of last year, is enough to let the Marxian spin doctors weave their immediate socialist hypothesis of why they always knew that small and cheap cars like the Nano would have lesser quality parts, with almost all the commentaries ending with, “Didn’t we tell you?” We’d say, pretty wrong!

Firstly, the facts. Yes, Nanos have caught fire – and those cases are well documented; one suspects more so because of the hype with which this small a-promise-is-a-promise-car was launched. How many new car brands have been launched with this kind of rabid coverage? Ashok Raghunath Vichare, the buyer of the first Nano, is a mini-celebrity in his own way, after having received his from the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Ratan Tata, under massive media coverage. Almost the same coverage was provided to the episode involving a Nano that took place on March 21, 2010 at Mumbai’s Eastern Express Highway. Just 45 minutes had passed after an insurance agent Satish Sawant had collected his brand new Nano from a showroom in Prabhadevi, when the car – while he was driving it home – burst into flames. A similar incident involving a Nano happened in Vadodara (Gujarat) on April 7, 2010 – and there, all the Gueveras jumped out of their graves demanding immediate justice.

Tata Motors’ spokesperson Debasis Ray is more forthcoming, when he accepts, “There were three separate incidents in September and October 2009 of smoke coming out – not fire – from behind the steering column and localised meltdown of some plastic parts in three Tata Nanos. Those incidents were traced to a defective combination switch. Supplies of these switches were changed immediately and further issues have been comprehensively addressed since then.” As per him, the two fire incidents that took place have already been investigated by a team of experts, highlighting that the Nano has all the required certification by the Automotive Research Association of India, the designated authority under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, for road safety and other parameters.

While it makes sense to criticise any car manufacturer for manufacturing defects, the fact is that many incidents of cars catching fire are not really linked to issues with the manufacturers. Ajay Seth, a Delhi-based businessman, had a near death experience when his Hyundai Accent caught fire due to a leakage in the LPG pipe. However, Seth was unable to claim the damage from the insurer as his car had a retrofitted LPG kit which literally didn’t have any certification. The case was similar with Pramod Sharma, another Delhi-based businessman; who opted to give his car to a neighbourhood service centre instead of an authorised service station. The car caught fire during the servicing process and the dashboard console soon turned to ashes. “Though the owner of the garage didn’t charge for the damage, my car has been continuously troubling me since then. I am planning to sell it rather than continuing to invest in it,” Sharma tells B&E.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Finally, a wrong move?

2010-08-04T12:54:00.001+05:30

You can look at it as an advantage or as a drawback, but when Apple makes any kind of play, it is bound to invite numerous discussions, debates and scrutiny. The same is true for its latest acquisition of Intrinsity. Is Steve Job’s new penchant for semi-conductors the ‘wrong move’ that experts had been waiting for so long? by Amir Moin

It’s hard to discount the ability of Apple Computers to offer differentiated, futuristic and well designed products that enthrall customers across the globe, a fact that the iPod and iPhone have proved beyond doubt. But Steve Jobs also realises the perils of not watching his back. In what comes out as the latest edition of Apple’s endeavours towards becoming a fully integrated consumer electronics company, Apple has acquired Intrinsity, a small Austin-based firm for $121 million, that makes embedded processor cores, circuit design tools, design services and intellectual property based on their proprietary Domino Logic.

The reason why this acquisition is ringing alarm bells in the industry is because Apple had acquired another fabless semiconductor company, P.A. Semiconductors in April 2008; subsequently, in April 2009, Apple hired two former ATI/AMD chip designers. One was Raja Koduri, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at AMD’s graphics group and the other was Bob Drebin, who held the same position at AMD before Koduri.

The induction of these highly skilled hires also coincided with Mark Papermaster’s official return to work at Apple. Papermaster was instrumental in developing the PowerPC architecture with IBM. His return at Apple was delayed owing to the legal settlement between them and his former employer, IBM. These developments have led the industry to believe that Apple plans to have the chips custom made in its own backyard. Tom R. Halfhill, Senior Analyst, The Linley Group, US, tells B&E, “By developing custom SoCs and embedded-processor cores, Apple is assuming more risk, but the potential payoffs are great: less dependence on third-party suppliers, greater differentiation, higher retail prices and richer profit margins.” Given the super secretive nature of the company, this revelation shouldn’t come as a surprise.

But there is more to this than meets the eye. By acquiring Intrinsity, Apple buys four things: Intrinsity’s Fast 14 technology, exclusive access to Intrinsity’s processor cores, a skilled processor design team and a multi-gigahertz Fast 14 implementation of ARM’s Cortex A9 Dual core processor. The last item has been in development for the past one year and could figure in Apple’s plans for future iPhones, iPads, and other gadgets.

With the acquisition of Intrinsity, Apple is poised to do what IBM did in the 1980s. It will be ‘legitimizing’ tablet computers, just as IBM had legitimized personal computers with its first PC in 1981. IBM was late in the market, but set a standard that soon dominated the market. In order to make tablets practical, five technologies have to mature – lightweight rechargeable batteries with high energy density; low-power microprocessors with enough performance to run complex software; flat, lightweight screens with pen or touch sensitivity; sophisticated graphical user interfaces; and smartly incorporated broadband wireless networking. These technologies are now on the verge of a boom. “With iPad, Apple is adding its usual extra elements: superlative user interface, trendy industrial design, cultural caché & unmatched marketing hype,” says Halfhill.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Fiends on the prowl

2010-08-03T13:06:00.001+05:30

A TSI sting operation finds how paedophilia has turned into a thriving business in Delhi, NCR and Mumbai. Taking advantage of kids’ poverty and craze for brands and gadgets, middlemen get rich by supplying minor boys and girls to satiate the desire of sick, rich men, many of them NRIs and foreigners. By Abhishek Kumar and Neeraj Rajput

We could feel that Ansh did not appreciate us having a long conversation with the boy. But since we don’t want to take them to a hotel or any other place, we need all our answers then and there. It’s an uncomfortable situation; but we press on. We said we were surprised that kids were so easily available here in India too. The boy immediately replied that India was getting rapidly westernised and you get to find such kids in virtually every corner of the country. He added he wanted money so that he could buy a Yamaha Fazer motorcycle. Asked if he would feel awkward later, he categorically said no.
Boy-You are from Australia?

TSI- Ya, I am from Australia. You must be studying?
Boy-Smiles

TSI- I am surprised that this all happens here and availability is so easy.
Boy-Everything is getting westernised here too and people are copying everything.

TSI-How do you know him (Ansh)?
Boy-I got in touch with him through e-mail.

TSI- Is this your first time?
Boy- No. Must be 7th or 8th time.

TSI- Are you in touch with others as well?
Boy-Yes, there are many.

TSI- Why did you come into this profession?
Boy- I have to buy a motorbike.

TSI- Which one?
Boy- Yamaha’s Fazer.

TSI- You must be feeling really awkward to do all this?
Boy-Not at all.

TSI- Is this a hobby or for money?
Boy-Mainly for money.

TSI- You have done it earlier as well, hope nothing bothers.
Boy –Not at all. I have already done it 5 to 7 times.

Now either this boy was extremely well-trained by Ansh or he could be a professional, hardened and experienced enough to know what to say to his clients.

Mumbai was our next stop. We had contacted a few pimps before arriving. Upon hearing that the client was an NRI, everybody was eager to make a killing. We met Maria in a restaurant. She had come to test us out. She assured us that she would try for boys but if they were not available, she could definitely arrange for minor girls. We could understand that her trade involved only call girls. But we had the airs of a typical NRI millionaire who was sure of what he wanted and stuck to our demand for boys. The next day, when we met her again, she was sitting there with two young boys. One of them, quoted below, wore nail polish and lipstick.

TSI - What is your name?
Boy - Rupesh

TSI - What more do you do, buddy?
Rupesh - I teach classical dance.

Maria asked us where we would take them to. But we told her we wanted to talk to the boys but not in her presence. Rupesh and Salim looked like 22 and 24 respectively. Looking at their demeanour, we could sense that Rupesh was our man. The only thing left was to make him trust us. We told him that we were only interested in small kids. He said that he could arrange for some kids aged between 10 and 12 years. He added that he was a dance teacher and that he would bring his students over. Then came the most pathological of all statements.
Rupesh told us that since the kids were very small, they were unable to do anything by themselves, implying that we had to take active role.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Are they ‘Nuts’?! A crazy success recipe...

2010-08-02T13:01:00.002+05:30

There was a time when buying aircraft and flying overseas appeared just another plan for Indian aviators. The slowdown ensured everybody cut on fleet and rationalised routes. All except one – SpiceJet! Are they nuts (apart from being, er, India’s only profitable airline company right now)?! by Steven Philip Warner

A better understanding about the superiority of domestic operations over international operations can be got from Jet Airways’ Profit & Loss account, disclosed on January 25, 2010, for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2009. Despite global operations contributing to 54% of total revenues (Rs.6.0 billion) during FY2008-09, it is Jet’s domestic operations which contribute more to EBIDTA (Operating Profit) – a figure of Rs.2.56 billion, which represents 55.2% of EBIDTA. The other obvious point to note, as a London-based aviation analyst says to B&E, is that “a larger part of ‘Other unallocable expenditures’ (which totals $5.14 billion) can be attributed to its international operations, which naturally means greater outflow of funds.”

For SpiceJet, this is good news as there are still domains left unexplored within India, as John Siddharth, Aerospace Analyst, Frost & Sullivan tells B&E, “SpiceJet is well positioned in the Indian market. Now it should focus on increasing its market share (from the current 12%) by strengthening its position in South India. This would not be the right time for SpiceJet to go international as the domestic market isn’t tapped completely, and SpiceJet needs to improve its market share.” SpiceJet defends that it plans to begin with a “neighbour approach”. The airline plans to start its overseas operations with flights linking Indian cities to neighbouring overseas destinations like Kathmandu, Dhaka and Colombo. This is unlike what the likes of Jet and Kingfisher did. While Jet began focussing on far-off locations like London, Brussels, New York, Toronto & Newark within the first three years of its going global, Kingfisher dedicated all attention to connecting London in the first phase.

But there is some ground to the domestic only theory. A comparison of revenue-per-passenger kilometer (RPK) proves that it is higher in the case of domestic flights. The best fare RPK (for Jet Airways) for a Mumbai-London flight on June 1, 2010, is Rs.2.25 while that for a Delhi-Toronto flight is Rs.2.67. Comparatively, the best fare RPK for the same carrier for a Mumbai-Delhi flight comes to Rs.2.84, while that for a Delhi-Pune & Delhi-Chennai flight is Rs.4.05 & Rs.2.96 respectively.

If the dynamics of the cost structure are related – as is evident – to the distance of the overseas destination, then SpiceJet’s initial plan to cater to “closer” destinations might clearly be less risky. But some analysts still complain about SpiceJet’s stock’s high P/E value of 490.4 (as compared to the industry average of 0.9), and speculate that there will be a correction soon. That may well be true, as markets have no method to the madness most of the times. But as long as there is market recovery and increased air travel (“Traffic was up by 20% during October-March 2010 period,” says Prasoon Majumdar, Head, Global Strategy Investment Consulting), however ‘Nutty’ it might seem to the world, SpiceJet might just be fantastically successful in conjuring up a crazy recipe for business and personal success!

Steven Philip Warner

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Unscarred! And no more

2010-07-31T13:10:00.001+05:30

With medical miracles becoming the order of the day, it ain’t that tough to save your skin anymore... While skin grafting has given hope to many patients in the past, with the introduction of artificial skin transplants in India, the process offers a ray of hope to even those who are left without a shred of skin

In recent years, improvements in medical science have taken enormous leaps. Some years back, fatal ailments or life-threatening injuries would render one helpless, sometimes for life. But now, thanks to the advancements in medical science, on the horizon flickers a ray of hope for those struggling to battle more than just pain.

Parijat Bora, an employee at HCL (Hindustan Computers Limited), stared death in the face and went through the pain when her saree caught fire one day while she was offering prayers. With over 60% severe burns, Parijat’s life had come to a standstill. “My body was completely burnt face downwards and I could not even move my head. I still get goosebumps when I talk about the incident… oh what pain…” recounted Parijat with moist eyes. The injury had not just affected her physically, but had also destroyed her confidence, self esteem and her will to live. “I removed all the mirrors from my house and I could only figure out how ugly I looked from the reaction of people who came to visit me”, said Parijat. A skin grafting surgery came as a boon to Parijat, but that, again, wasn’t easy. A skin transplant surgery, grafting in Parijat’s case, had to be done using artificial skin (Integra). “An artificial skin surgery had never been done in India”, informed Dr. Sunil Choudhary, Consultant, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgey at Max Healthcare, who performed the surgery on Parijat. He also adds that this is an “extremely painful and long process.” India has only one vendor who provides artificial skin, so the skin had to be imported from the US. Parijat’s will coupled with wonders of medical science lead to the successful completion of this first-of-its-kind surgery in India. To celebrate such path-breaking medical advancements and the perseverance displayed by such people, an event called ‘Patients of Courage’ was recently organised at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. With Parijat, were other such brave souls – six-year-old Nikita Sodi, who suffered multiple facial fractures, and Jalal, an Afghan war soldier who had no flesh on one cheek and got back his usual appearance with skin grafting.

Speaking about the event and throwing light on the medical progress that our country is making, Health Minister, Ms. Kiran Walia congratulated the doctors for their endeavours and the patients for becoming examples for those who lose hope due to such injuries or ailments. “Skin grafting is usually done by removing skin from an area of one’s own body; but after performing Parijat’s surgery using artificial skin, we have got a lot of cases lined up. In fact, we have many people from abroad who are keen to come to India for this surgery. This is a huge leap that medical science has taken in India”, said Dr. Choudhary, beaming with pride.

After being considered as one of the most sought-after destinations for organ transplant, the expertise that India is building for artificial skin surgeries will definitely boost medical tourism in the country, bringing many more people to experience what Parijat calls a miracle. “People believe in miracles, I live one!” she signs off.

Spriha Srivastava

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

Turning the heat on its head

2010-07-30T11:54:00.000+05:30

An early summer and an inspiring growth last year have encouraged consumer durable players to plan aggressive volume expansions. B&E takes a look at the ‘cool’ factors that will enable them to beat the heat by Neha Saraiya

Dial up Shantanu Das Gupta, Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Strategy, Asia South, Whirlpool India and he responds back stating, “Hey, I am currently traveling to Singapore…” The rejoin is not so dissimilar to the one we get from Haier (world’s 4th largest white goods manufacturer), whose top officials; including Eric Braganza, President, Haier India and Shanta Roy, AGM- Marketing are currently busy attending meetings at their headquarters in China. Even LGEIL’s MD Moon Bum Shin was in Korea recently.

What is the agenda of their voyages? Not a holiday for sure! The destinations of these head honchos of consumer durable giants may be different in terms of geography, but their agendas are pretty much on the same lines. With summers setting in and the scorching heat taking the mercury to new highs, this is the ideal time for consumer durable players to crank up on sales volumes. And with last year’s growth trajectory of 10-20% (because of numerous reasons like the stimulus packages, improved inventory management, unvarying input costs, pay revision of central government employees and steady prices) inspiring them to reach greater heights; these players are all geared up for a buoyant summer season ahead.

The Indian AC and refrigerators market is expected to clock 3.2 million units & 6.2 million units respectively by the end of 2010, but the major chunk of sales for consumer durable players comes in the months of April-June. Growth in the air- conditioners segment in Nov-Dec 2009 was just 3% and in refrigerators, it was 2%.The major rationale for this bullish growth is the penetration level of these product categories; which is generally around 3:1(which means that potential for every home with one Television is around three ACs) combined with the weather factor. Sensing the same, all durable players are riding on the growth prospects and laying out plans to clock almost 25-30% of their annual business from this season. Kamal Nandi, Vice-President (Sales & Marketing), Godrej Appliances, points out his plans to take on the heat in an exclusive interview to B&E, “Generally we sell around 4.5 lakh refrigerators during this period but because of upbeat growth rates of 30% in the last year, we are not only targeting a 40% growth this year but also ramping up our production levels by 1.5 lakh refrigerators in this season.” The company has strongly positioned itself in the minds of consumers as well as dealers by extending its combo offers in the pre-festive season itself.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

The first zero-carbon city is here!

2010-07-29T13:31:00.000+05:30

Abu Dhabi takes the lead in showing the world the true meaning of ‘going green’!

In the wake of global temprature rise, with scientists mulling over methods of combating the devastation caused by environmental changes, here’s Abu Dhabi leading by example by building the first-of-its-kind, $22 billion eco-friendly city. Growing population and space constriction had led to the destruction of green belts, and with deforestation came climate change, but Abu Dhabi is taking proactive steps to restore the damage as well as provide a safer refuge to its people.

Masdar, the green city, also called the Silicon Valley of renewable energy, is going to be designed such that it does not contribute an iota to pollution. Imagine living in a city where you don’t have to hear the roaring vehicle engines, but is blanketed instead by a fresh and peaceful aroma. Masdar will be planned such that conventional cars would have to be parked at the city gates and one would have to walk around, inhaling fresh air amidst lush greens. For those who don’t enjoy being on foot, Masdar would have podcars – driverless vehicles powered by solar energy and guided by magnetic sensors.This eco-friendly city would lead to a lifestyle shift, but one that promises to make it a healthier one. Alka Tomar, Assistant Director of CMS Vatavaran (an NGO for wildlife and environment protection) believes that this path-breaking concept will definitely contribute to creating a healthier environment. “Such a technological invention was always present in theory but Abu Dhabi is making it feasible and is showing the way to the world to protect the earth against global warming”, says Alka.

The sun was always an element of discomfort for those living in the desert and bearing the scorching heat. But now the very same heat is being used to the advantage of the city. Every technological gadget is proposed to work on solar energy and good care is being taken to create a cushion of comfort around the citizens. Residents will also enjoy a cool environment from the wind towers that are being built for natural breeze. Abu Dhabi, which was proved to have one of the largest per-capita carbon footprints, in the next eight years, would make the world kowtow to its efforts, with designers Foster and Partners leaving no stone unturned to gift the world the most desirable destination to reside in. When questioned about exploring the possibility of a zero-carbon city in India, Alka sounded positive but also brought forth the roadblocks. “The problem in India is population. It’s difficult to clear out a city to make something like Masdar. Such experiments have been conducted in Pune, but that was in tiny townships on a small scale,” she said. Population apart, what about factors like acceptance of the idea and expenditure? Says Alka, “Oh, change of mindset is not a problem with our people. Indians are pretty much aware of global warming and have been contributing their bit; besides, who wouldn’t want to live in an environment that is greener, cleaner and healthier? Cost, of course, is the biggest problem for constructing a Masdar in India.”

Proposed to accommodate 50,000 people and 1,000 business centres and universities, in eight years from now will perhaps exist one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. Certainly a shining example of what the world can achieve through technology and sheer will, Masdar is truly a breakthrough to a very real global problem!

Spriha Srivastava

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here

Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!

IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN‎

NEPAL WOOS GAY TOURISTS

2010-07-26T15:47:00.000+05:30

Pink Pride:
The world is sitting up and taking notice of homosexual tourism as it scales new heights

It is discrimination that has always hassled homosexuals, who have waged an endless battle to win respect in a predominantly heterogenous world. After years of keeping mum out of fear of being ostracised, it was only recently that the clamour by gays and lesbians demanding their rights reached a crescendo. The first Gay-Pride Parade in India, which was held in 2008 in New Delhi to secure a legal place for ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ in our society, is clearly etched in my memory. Never before had I expected to witness people congregate to plead for the recognition of their very existence! Among the sea of same-sex couples were Lobo and Jijo, who proudly held hands, and apart from various qualms had also shared with me their desire to travel freely. It seems like their pleas were loud, or rather honest, enough to reach the highest peak of the world, literally! To make the dreams of this couple, and many others like them, come true, Nepal has planned to host homosexual weddings at the Everest base camp, and treks through the Himalayas too.

While most countries are scornful or, at the most, tolerant of homosexuals, Nepal is perched at the other end of the spectrum. According to Lonely Planet, Nepal was rated the best romantic destination by gays and lesbians around the world, which stands testimony to this country being a utopia for homosexuals. And hence, the country which breathes on tourism is attempting to reduce its poverty by exploring the multi-billion dollar gay tourism industry. Talking about the growing buzz, John Tanzella, President/CEO of International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) said, “There is definitely a large contingent of LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) tourists who enjoy exotic travel and they are always open to finding new and interesting destinations that are welcoming.” He further added, “In fact, this will motivate gay and lesbian tour operators to include Nepal in their itineraries in the future and raise awareness about the country and the incredible activities offered there.” In 2009, tourism pumped in approximately 350 million dollars and this year, the government officials in Nepal are attempting to double the number of tourists to one million visitors. Nepal would be the first country to celebrate and facilitate homosexual marriages and also provide a honeymoon package comprising an elephant safari through the mountains. Gushing about this romantic idea, Adam, who married George three years ago, said, “I had always dreamt of something as special as this. Although I’m married, I still can’t wait to experience this adventure. It is just so encouraging to see that people like us are being invited to visit their country and are being given an opportunity to marry our partners. It gives our community a sense of identity. With this initiative by Nepal, I am sure the world will treat us with more respect,” said a hopeful Adam.

As homosexuals and Nepal raise a toast to this new genre of tourism, the rest of us can say cheers to our neighbour imminently on the way to becoming one of the world’s most progressive nations

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

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‘Hope floats’

2010-07-02T15:22:00.000+05:30

Looks like the "Ms Congeniality" actress, Sandra Bullock has a proposal coming her way. Her ex-husband, Jesse James, has been spending time with his daughter, and is apparently using her to get Sandra back in his life. Meanwhile, the bombshell Michelle McGee, who poses nude regularly in tattoo magazines, had once said that Sandra should be grateful to her for revealing that Jesse was having an extramarital affair, has now been sending the actress apology letters for causing her pain. Well, the girls should probably join hands and together bring down the culprit of their lives!

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No more begging bowls

2010-06-30T11:37:00.000+05:30

Chennai launches drive to rehabilitate beggars

Chennai has unrolled a visionary programme for the rehabilitation of beggars. From June 6, those begging in common places in the city will be caught and sent to rehabilitation and protection centres with the help of NGOS. Last month Chennai corporation identified some 451 beggars. Out of them 179 persons were mentally challenged. Then they were admitted in hospitals for treatments. Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian is spearheading the campaign.

Commissioner of Chennai corporation Rajesh Lakhoni told TSI that they are identifying beggars in main places of Chennai. “Till now we have identified thousand beggars. They have been categorised into five groups: old aged, physically challenged, mentally challenged, healthy but socially deprived women and mothers begging with children. They will be rehabilitated soon.” According to the drive, old-age persons will be admitted in government homes for old aged and will be given food and medical help. Those who are healthy will be given employment opportunities. There are plans to give education to children also. The homes run by social welfare department will be used for this purpose.

Some eighteen NGOs are girding up to take part in this programme. Also, Lakhoni said the corporation will rope in police to stop beggary in the city. Of late the city has been swarmed with beggars. Begging rackets were also busted. Cases have been reported of women administering sleeping pills to children. That is why the government this time is serious to address the issue.

Kakkum Karangal, an NGO, that supports the drive of Chennai corporation is ready to help the old aged and women. “We told the corporation that we will provide food, medicine and housing to old aged and women,” said Gnanaraj, founder of Karangal. John Milton, co-ordinator of Karunalaya, another NGO told TSI that they are also willing to assist the corporation in their drive by giving children education free of cost.

But some members of the civil society are not happy with the corporation’s move. A Chennai-based writer and social sceintist, A. Marx, is opposing the move. Marx, who was part of a fact-finding team that studied the conditions of beggars in the city, criticised the corporation for its drive against beggars. “First, Chennai corporation Mayor talked about a beggar-free city. Then he said that mentally challenged beggars will be rehabilitated. But only professionals can handle them. Is the corporation prepared for it?” he asked.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Poor sporting spirit!

2010-06-22T12:37:00.000+05:30

Sporting events come heavily on the marginalised population

The upcoming FIFA World cup 2010 in South Africa is seen as a major breakthrough in sporting history. Not only because it’s after a long struggle that an African nation succeeded in grabbing the opportunity of hosting such a mega sporting event, but also as it is expected to refurbish South Africa’s economy. Amidst South Africa’s preparation to make this event a major success, the poorest citizens of the country are being largely neglected. In order to bring up world standard stadiums, the government has ordered massive eviction. In simple words, to make space for stadium and games infrastructure, the South African government has evicted low income housing areas and informal traders. More than 70,000 workers employed on World Cup projects have raised their voices for better wages and conditions. In contrast to 500,000 jobs promises, only 22,000 jobs have been created with occupational health and safety survey giving negative rating to 52 per cent of World Cup construction sites.

The construction of N2 Gateway housing project (construction of rental housing for the 2010 World Cup) led to the removal of over 20,000 residents from the Joe Slovo settlement. The government has also came up with the Elimination & Prevention of Re-Emergence of Slums Act to eliminate slums and put homeless shack dwellers in transit camps during the games. Without any apprehension, this mega sporting event would not only will help the country to upgrade their infrastructure but would also help them tap economic gains. But then, the major pie of the profit will eventually go to big business houses and to FIFA.

This is not for the first time that a mega sporting event would create major hurdles for the underprivileged population of the nation. During 1988 Olympic Games, more than 15 per cent of the population of Seoul, Republic of Korea, was evicted and 48,000 buildings were reduced to ruins to accommodate game’s infrastructure. Similarly in 1996 Olympic, around 1,500 social housing units for the poor were destroyed in Atlanta, in 1992 in Barcelona, 200 families were evicted, in Beijing mass evictions were executed, 6000 were made homeless in Sydney in the run-up to the Olympics and similar eviction is predicted to happen in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Besides direct impact such as mass eviction and trade bans, indirect displacement due to gentrification and escalating housing costs can also be led to social crisis. After Olympics, prices of houses rose by 28 per cent in Seoul, by 131 per cent in Barcelona, by 500 per cent in Sydney — to name a few incidents. Many governments went to an extent of criminalising the homeless and marginalised pockets of populations. In Seoul, local authorities created a list of places where homeless people were banned and in Atlanta, homelessness was made illegal. Recently, to address such inhuman issue and rush to the rescue of marganised people, the UN has asked the games organiser to properly scrutinise the host cities and introduce housing provisions in hosting agreements. These nations and host countries should learn from their counterparts like Los Angeles, who uplifted the local economy and permanent housing and an Olympic village.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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CBI’s credibility under scanner

2010-06-19T11:47:00.000+05:30

The HC wants the Rizwanur case to be probed afresh

The latest Kolkata High Court’s order in the Rizwanur Rehaman murder case has justified the necessity to think beyond the prevailing system of delivering justice. The May 18 order of the Division Bench, comprising Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Prasenjit Mondal, has not only cancelled the CBI’s charge-sheet against seven persons, including a few top police officials, but the case as a whole.

Besides, the court has indicted the West Bengal government for its “indecisive and vacillating” attitude. The court has further ordered a fresh CBI probe as “the case is fit for CBI investigation due to the gravity of the situation”. After this verdict, the credibility of the agency is being questioned.

Several advocates of the High Court, including Kalyan Banerjee and Idris Ali, have hailed the judgement as ‘historic.’

Computer graphics teacher Rizwanur’s body was found from railway tracks on September 21, 2007. Prior to that, he was allegedly being harassed by top police officers for marrying a Hindu girl Priyanka Todi, the daughter of Ashok Todi, owner of big hosiery company. He was being pressurised to snap nuptial ties. His murder united the state’s intellectuals, students and Muslims. After being severely criticised by them, the state Chief Minister ordered a CID probe into the whole affair by cancelling a three-day probe by the state-controlled Railway Police. Besides, a judicial enquiry was also announced. Later, the CID handed over all its findings to the CBI, which was asked by Judge Soumitra Pal to monitor the investigation as ‘Special Officer’ and report back to the High Court. The agency had submitted charge-sheet against seven persons, including Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee, DC (Detective Department) Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty and Krishnendu Das of Anti-Terrorist Squad under Section 306 (Abatement to Suicide) of IPC.

The Division Bench observed that Justice Pal has not asked the CBI for a full-fledged investigation, but the Central agency did so. On the other hand, the CID stopped its investigation without any reason and handed over all documents to the CBI. It was after this that the Bench observed that the state has failed to understand the ‘gravity’ of the case. The latest order also pulls up the CBI officials for ignoring the FIR lodged by Rizwanur’s elder brother Rukbanur at Kareya Road police station.

Now, the court has asked the Central investigative agency to file a case under Article 302 against the culprits based on Rukbanur’s FIR and investigate the matter. The CBI has been given only four months time to place its findings in the court. Although the government is upset with the judges’ remarks, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said: “We are not going to challenge the order in higher court”. But the Todis are likely to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Has consumerism overtaken creativity in new-age Kolkata?!

2010-06-16T14:10:00.000+05:30

A special report from Monojit Lahiri in Kolkata

Once upon a time – maybe up till the end seventies, even early eighties – Kolkata and creativity were the made-for-each-other blend! More than any other city, it loved, admired, respected, revered, fostered, nurtured, protected and celebrated its creative community as no other. This was an accepted and acknowledged fact. Kolkata may not have had Delhi’s power or Mumbai’s glamour but the magic and mystique, clout and charisma of its creative quotient invariably worked as a magnet to anyone, anywhere, blessed by the spirit of creativity. In Kolkata 2010, does the creative person still enjoy the same kind of recognition and respect?

Kunal Basu is first off the block. The Oxford-based academician (who leads an exciting double life by teaching management while continuing to pursue writing as a calling and presently winning kudos for his short story, "The Japanese Wife," made into an awesome film by Aparna Sen), says that for a long time he proudly boasted to his friends in the West that Kolkata was one city that still had her heart in the right place. He elaborates, “During an adda with pals, if a millionaire friend or a Fortune 500 CEO buddy dropped in, he would be greeted with nothing more than a casual 'Hi'. However, if it was a poet, painter or musician, there would be general and genuine excitement. It’s simple. There was a huge premium to be in the arts! That has mostly disappeared. The city’s vibrant, exciting, intellectual spirit of enquiry is under siege. However, Basu confesses all is not lost. “My personal book-reading experience in Burdwan, for example, was a startling and heartwarming eye-opener!”

Distinguished and respected social scientist and commentator Ashish Nandy refuses to believe that Kolkata has either abdicated or disowned its umbilical connect with creativity. “The Kolkata Book Fair is the best proof. Until two years ago – when it played in the maidan – it attracted an audience (over three lakhs everyday) that was a hundred times more than the ones at either Frankfurt or Paris! It was difficult to enter some of the stalls! I have seen over a hundred fans follow Tasleema Nasreen because she was perceived as a literary star. Would that happen in Delhi or Mumbai?”

Up next is Bengal’s iconic film maker Aparna Sen. “Let’s face it. We live in a totally media-driven era. Having worked closely with both, a publication house and a TV channel, I can tell you that media is in constant need of fodder to survive and therefore does something which would have been considered both shocking and vulgar in an earlier era … manufacture its own band of celebrities!

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Nepal Conundrum

2010-06-15T16:06:00.000+05:30

The Maoists are mounting pressure on the PM to resign

The red colour draped around the bodies of 1.25 lakh men and women on the streets of Kathmandu is nothing new. The Maoists, under the leadership of Prachanda, have begun their indefinite strike but this time it is not going to be a simple event as stakes are high for both, the Maoists and the ruling parties.

Since 1996, activities initiated by Maoists, including strike and complete closure have regularly added to the woes of this beleaguered nation where the per annum income is not more than $400. But then, this bandh is at a juncture where politics in Nepal has turned a full circle. What began with the ceasefire of 2006 and the consequent government under the leadership of Prachanda shifted into the hands of Madhav Nepal. Maoists are yet again determined for a change and are demanding for the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Nepal has been put forth.

Nepal has a support of 22 parties out of 25 which in effect has 350 Members of Parliament with them in the House of 601. But the truth is that even today the government remains limited to the towns and zonal centres. This also means that development is just a word which might sound alien to more than half the population that has been ravaged with blood and gory murders. The poor common man is finding himself at the crossroads.

With the ceasefire, the cadre of Maoists were sent into barracks at seven division headquaters and the reign of the government was handed over to Prachanda. But then, nothing was done on the part of returning the property which was captured by the Maoists and they did not finalise the rehabilitation of the Maoists cadre into various security, paramilitary and police forces. People are scared that they may get embroiled into violence yet again which had claimed about 13000 lives and a displacement of around 1.5 lakh. What about the constitution which was supposed to be completed by May 28, 2010 ? Here lies the faultline.

This entire scene is the result of primarily two issues. It all started as both sides took strong position on the demand for rehabilitation of Maoists cadre in army and the drafting of the constitution. “The differences cropped up when Maoists demanded for the completion of the drafting of constitution and then rehabilitate its cadre whereas the other parties wanted to finish the rehabilitation of Maoists into the security forces and then complete the drafting of constitution,” says Nihar Nayak, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Here, the important thing to note is that if the exercise of drafting constitution is not completed by May 28, 2010, then the Assembly may get dissolved and the Maoists will lose thair majority status in case Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns or steps down as Prime Minister in between. "Thus, the entire exercise to adopt pressure tactics is to somehow get some decision in favour (of Maoists) and get to rule the government”, adds Nihar Nayak. The Maoists had claimed to gather about 400,000 cadres in Kathmandu but the reports clearly states the number not more than 130,000. Now, once they have congregated such a huge number they should have prepared for logistics of the cadres which the sources say has not been done and this is causing a lot of trouble for the cadre. The National Congress has also made it clear that the solution could be reached with dialogue instead of using bandh and pressure as tactics. With 22 parties making it clear that they are with Madhav Nepal's government, it is going to be a long drawn tug of war. The Maoists know that if they will not be able to get a decision in their favour, then they may face disenchantment amongst the cadre. The ruling parties are of the view that they will not let Maoists succeed in their tactics, as this will only lead to a situation where Maoists will get everything done for their benefits.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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EARTH BEAT

2010-06-14T12:08:00.000+05:30

As the world observed the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, TSI’s Anu Gulmohar took stock of the steps taken by the Indian government, companies and citizens towards preservation of Gaia

Like the blue-skinned Na’vis in the Hollywood blockbuster “Avatar”, India has its own tribe of nature loving people, the Dongria Kondh, whose plight too is akin to the Na’vis. Where the Na’vis world was threatened by the desire of humans to mine unobtanium, the Dongria Kondh tribal community has to fight off the company planning on mining for bauxite on their sacred mountain. Mining on the Niyamgiri mountain in Orissa is expected to cause 36 streams and two rivers to dry up, and the dust and pollution from the mining will destroy people’s key food source – mango, pineapple, orange and other fruit plantations. This reclusive and traditional tribe, with a population of nearly 8000, is hoping that if the fictional story of the Na’vis could move so many people around the world, their very real impending tragedy would stir enough people to avert the devastation of their environment. As India joined with the world in celebrating the 40th Earth Day, one wonders if our nation is indeed working towards becoming greener and more ecologically conscious, or if this was just another day with little meaning and infinite brouhaha.

“There are two Indias – one India is the tribals (sic), the peasants, who are way ahead of western conservation. And then you have the rich India, which is only wanting to predate, which has given up the sensibility of the Indian ecological culture and has not adopted the sensibility of the global environmental consciousness either. So, they want to be global in money grab but not global in environmental responsibility. The problem for India’s environment today is the corporations and the rich. And they have a negative consciousness; not just a zero, but a negative consciousness,” says Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist and author. “Environmental clearances are given, with a bribe. For example, why should Vedanta have gotten environmental clearance either for mining bauxite in Niyamgiri or for creating what they call a Vedanta University in the prime agricultural land between Puri and Konark in Orissa? Both clearances are totally fraudulent!” exclaims Shiva.

The picture today isn’t all that bleak though, where several praiseworthy steps are being taken by the Indian government and the corporate houses. For instance, India’s first eco-friendly sports complex, Thyagaraj Stadium, was inaugurated on April 2 in New Delhi. Built with the latest in green building technology and eco-friendly material, it also makes use of solar energy for lighting purposes and will conserve water through water recycling and a rainwater harvesting system in a bid to minimise carbon footprint. Then on April 14, a bio-diesel train was launched in Bilimora, Gujarat, which will use a blend of 10 per cent bio-diesel, and cause a reduction in the emission of carbon-dioxide to a large extent. “I really applaud Jairam Ramesh on the moratorium on the Bt Brinjal plant, which is very significant for bio-diversity and public health,” adds Vandana Shiva. Another initiative is the Green India Mission, which is a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. On April 13, Environment & Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh announced that the Mission would aim for the afforestation of six million hectares and expand forest cover from 23 per cent to 33 per cent of India’s territory. But the formulation of the Mission is awaited, as the Minister aims to make the process participative through public consultation. Environmentalists are not overly impressed by the Green India Mission though. Vinuta Gopal of Greenpeace India says, “This has been a plan that India has articulated many times over. It is not new. The Green Mission is merely a new avatar.”

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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2010 IFFA WHEN INDIA SPARKLED UNDER THE LA SKY

2010-06-11T13:01:00.000+05:30

this year’s indian film festival of los angeles was all about films(!!), fun, food and famous stars. from meeting the beautiful-and-stronger-than-ever lisa ray to dancing to the beat of the dhol, neha sarin shares with us her unique cultural experience at the 8th edition of iifla.

There were butterflies in my tummy, as I braced myself for the red carpet experience – one that had always seemed to be a scene in a faraway land. But now that I was here, it seemed too close for comfort. On my way to the venue, the suave ArcLight Cinemas, located at the famous Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, it started drizzling. Within minutes it was pouring heavily. Travelling with one of the organisers of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), whom I had befriended while desperately trying to register myself last minute, I hoped the rain wouldn't dampen the evening.

A few last minute glitches did crop-up at IFFLA this year, but were handled smoothly by the people behind the scenes, all dressed for the occasion in traditional Indian attire. The red carpet was rolled out in an open courtyard but it had to be dragged indoors, thanks to the untimely rains. As the evening progressed, and expensive perfume filled the air, hordes of known and deserving faces sashayed down the carpet. As they smiled and posed, members from the media hurriedly shot questions at the celluloid heartthrobs even as the furious clicking of the cameras drowned the Indian music in the background. Amongst the first few to show up were Mary Murphy (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Jeff Doucette (“Desperate Housewives”) and Aditya Bhattacharya (“Raakh Redux”). Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s Executive Director and the creator of this magical event, carrying an off-shoulder black gown with absolute finesse, and Arnold Peter, IFFLA’s Chair of Board, in an elegant embroidered black suit, mingled and exchanged pleasantries with their guests.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

The Sunday Indian:- B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!

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Doting donor

2010-06-09T10:56:00.000+05:30

The 37-year-old Hollywood actor, Ben Affleck credits fatherhood for instilling in him a higher sense of responsibility and sensitivity towards other people’s suffering. The “The Goodwill Hunting” actor, who recently launched the ‘Eastern Congo Initiative’ and travelled to the state for charitable causes, feels motivated because of his two daughters – Violet Anne (four) and Seraphina (15 months) – with his wife Jennifer Garner. Such is the impact of charity causes in Ben’s life that he has also ‘confirmed to participate in the World Series of Poker Ante Up For Africa charity tournament’ with celebrity friend Matt Damon. Well, gambling for a noble cause seems noble enough!

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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In trouble for proactive role

2010-06-08T12:24:00.000+05:30

The Governor takes the flak for changing things for good

A court’s negative remark against Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has generated heated debate in the state. Raising the issue in the Assembly, Congress legislators said that the court’s remark against the governor, government and police could send a wrong message to people. The Governor is hyper active in leading the state administration. Andhra lobbyists and the Telanganites have attacked Narasimhan for his role in the ‘ruthless’ handling of Telangana movement. The cops were given full freedom to silence the protesters. The Governor was also attacked for his ‘unusual silence’ on the communal strife in the twin cities.

In fact, Narasimhan has adopted a different style of functioning. His detractors call him tough and stubborn. In an unprecedented move, he started touring the entire state from Adilabad district. Sources said he visited agency areas and interacted with tribal people in their mother tongue. Besides, he forced the state administration to fork out Rs 36 crore crop compensation that the government had promised to release earlier. Interestingly, after his interference the money was released in half an hour. He got down to business just three hours after being sworn-in as Governor of the state. While interacting with the chief minister, he tossed at him tough questions. Top police officials were also not spared. They were asked about the steps taken to maintain peace after Hyderabad was rocked by riots.

Also, the governor dissolved the executive councils of several state universities in order to ‘reform’ them. This was unprecedented as before him no Governor got himself involved with the universities’ functioning. A few weeks after he took charge, he held a vice-chancellors’ meet where he ordered them to submit a report about the universities’ activities once in every six months. He has asked the department to initiate large-scale infrastructure developments in all universities and technical institutions. The Governor’s enthusiasm drew flak from vice-chancellors. “There are officials who have been dealing with higher education and we have been following their orders. It is strange for a Governor to get involved,” a vice-chancellor told TSI on the condition of anonymity. But, minister Sreedhar Babu has welcomed the Governor’s proactive role.

Impressed by him, he says: “The Governor has been making suggestions to improve higher education as the chancellor of the state universities and it must be welcomed.” Narasimhan, known for his simplicity, is planning to hold a ‘Praja Darshan’ in the Raj Bhavan once a week to interact with people and solve their problems.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

The Sunday Indian:- B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!

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Gimme Mori!

2010-06-07T11:33:00.000+05:30

Its Barbara Mori's very first venture in Indian cinema, and she’s already the talk of the town. In a tête-à-tête with Spriha Srivastava, the lissome Latino lass shares the anxiety and excitement of her foray into Bollywood…

The Mexican damsel was preening herself in front of the mirror as I entered the room. She greeted me with her stunning smile and a hearty “Hello”, took a quick approval from the stylist about her tresses and offered me a seat. A pink dress flowed over her curvaceous figure, made complete with towering heels and minimal make-up; Barbara Mori looked as glamorous as she looks in the rushes of “Kites”. Without keeping her guest waiting, she propped up a couple of pillows behind her on the bed to make herself comfortable, her light eyes signaling me to shoot…

Was your foray into Hindi cinema a planned one?

“No, never! You know, in Mexico, you can imagine Hollywood and all, but Bollywood, never. It’s been such a huge and exciting experience.”

New to Bollywood as well as the language, Barbara chose her words carefully – perhaps wary of the controversies shadowing her – and when articulated in that Latino accent, exuberated a delightful charm and an innocent honesty. Barbara Mori is a popular TV soap actress in Mexico and has showcased her talent in many local movies too. When talking about her first reaction to being offered a role in Bollywood, Barbara threw her head backwards, seeming to relive that moment. “Ah! I was surprised. I never imagined myself here. My career was only limited to Mexico. I never imagined that a producer from Bollywood would want me in his movie. So, I’m really fortunate…Yeah, very fortunate to have got this opportunity.

And what impression did you have of Hindi cinema?

“I did know about India and the film industry, but I knew about no one from Bollywood. I knew no Hrithik… nobody from the industry. I never watched any Hindi film also. After “Kites” was offered, for the first time I heard about Hrithik, Rakesh and Anurag.”

She shrugged and laughed apologetically at her embarrassing ignorance of the famous names of Mumbai marquee.

So was it the glitz and glamour of the industry that pushed you to grab the offer?

“Oh no, no! I really fell in love with the script. The love story touched my heart. You know, I always want something like this. When I read through scripts, I feel that the story should make me feel something about it, make me cry…or…should just touch me. This story was something like that. That is why I decided to do this movie.”

Anurag Basu, the director of “Kites” had mentioned that the narration of the script to Barbara was extremely exhausting, for Barbara had to struggle with his Indian accent to comprehend the story. On being reminded, she laughed, nodded in affirmation and reminisced those rough patches while shooting. “At times I did not understand what the scene demanded! Before I started shooting, I was very nervous and scared about how it would turn out to be. Yeah I’d thought that Indian director, talking in Indian accent, will be very hard to understand. But then when I got into it, I realised that it was turning out to be good. Sometimes these guys would get talking and I would not understand anything so I would just say, ‘Hey! Speak in English’. And then Anurag would say ‘I am talking in English!’ I didn’t understand because he would talk very fast and I would find it difficult to grasp. But since the first day Hrithik was always there saying, ‘Don’t worry; I would explain it to you’.”

With all new people – Hrithik, Rakesh Roshan and Anurag - what was the first day at the shoot like?

“Oh! I had to start with an action sequence. I was very excited. It was fun.” And then resting her face on her palm, said, “You know, I found the song and dance thing in Hindi movies little weird. It’s very funny actually. And I had to do the same thing! In Mexican cinema, there is nothing like this. I found it weird because Hrithik, at one moment, is killing someone and has blood all over his arm and then suddenly he starts dancing and smiling. So I always laughed about it.” That’s the innocent honesty I was talking about.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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Split wide open

2010-06-04T12:20:00.000+05:30

Chandrasekhar Bhattacharjee looks at the possible permutations and combinations as 81 civic bodies go to polls in West Bengal.

The Left Front had scored a landslide victory in the 2006 Assembly elections, bagging 235 out of the 294 seats in West Bengal. Data shows the Front secured 50.18 per cent of the total votes polled. In this the leading constituent, Communist Party of India's (Marxist) [CPI(M)’s] share was 37.13 per cent, Forward Bloc got 5.66 per cent, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) secured 3.71 per cent and the Communist Party of India (CPI) managed only 1.91 per cent of the votes. The rest of the votes were divided among smaller partners such as DSP, WBSP and MFB.

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) fought separately to bag 35 and 30 seats respectively. Their vote share was 28.77 per cent and 15.41 per cent respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fought alone and got only 1.93 per cent of the vote share. Besides, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) won two seats. Polls to 81 civic bodies were held in 2005, just a year before the last Assembly elections. The Left Front had secured 51 per cent of the votes, the TMC bagged 21 per cent while the Congress got 26 per cent of the votes. Of the 81 civic bodies, the Left Front won 55 municipalities and municipal corporations. The TMC, INC and others bagged 36 — in some cases as a combine.

In other words, if the TMC and the INC had fought the elections together, their vote share could not have been less than 47 per cent. Figures also show that despite bagging 235 seats in the 2006 Assembly elections, the CPI (M)’s vote share dipped from 43 per cent in 2005 to 37.13 per cent in 2006.

Things started changing since the Singur-Nandigram days. The spontaneous movements launched by people and the TMC leadership’s calculated association with them translated into a rich harvest for the TMC in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009. This time around, the TMC-INC alliance pushed the CPI (M)’s vote down to 33.09 per cent — a 10 per cent decline compared to the 2006 Assembly polls.

The Left Front as a whole got 43.29 per cent of the polled votes, while the Trinamool Congress secured 31.19 per cent and the INC got 13.46 per cent (together they got 44.65 per cent). The SUCI, too, as a partner of the coalition, got a sizeable chunk of the votes.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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Food and fuel is hard to find even at five times the actual cost

2010-06-02T11:27:00.000+05:30

The minister said it would not be possible to ferry goods like oxygen canisters and petroleum products on cargo planes. But the government airlifted 3.5 metric tonnes of medicine and 3.5 metric tonnes of rice from Guwahati on Monday. The Food Corporation of India airlifted 35 quintals of rice to Imphal on Monday on an SOS from the Manipur government. “Another 35 quintals will be lifted tomorrow from Guwahati along with life-saving medicines in a 50-quintal-capacity IAF aircraft because of the ongoing crisis in that state. Every family will get 5 kg rice at Rs 15 a kg on producing ration cards,” M.K. Gogoi, general manager, Northeast, FCI, told TSI. Trucks were on their way to Imphal from Guwahati through NH-150, which links Imphal and Guwahati via Mizoram.

As Muivah is seen as a divider of communities, a threat to the unity of Manipur and responsible for several criminal acts and human rights violations by the people and the state government, people are angry. Muivah should not be shocked if he can recall what NSCN (I-M) under his leadership has done to Manipur and her people. “Kukis can not forget their ethnic cleansing and suffering at the hands of NSCN (I-M) in the 1990s,” says Dhanabir Laishram, a lecturer. Unlike Nagaland or any other region of the world, Manipur is like a mini-India with various communities living together with no restriction of people coming to or going out of the state. It’s been home to Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas and Kuki-chin people with close socio-cultural, economic, political and emotional ties.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) says impending visit of Muivah to Manipur has created a state of confusion among the people. The special treatment fitting for a head of the state accorded to him by GOI is all the more unsettling for the people of the North East. “His supporters call him the champion of peace but he is responsible for killing over 900 Kukis, destroying 350 Kuki villages and rendering over 1,00,000 Kukis refugees in their own land during the 1990s.”

Kuki National Organisation (KNO) secretary Lenin H. Kuki in a statement asserted that it is due to Muivah’s Machiavellian and nihilistic designs that Manipur valley witnessed a bloodbath in June 2001 in which 20 lives were lost. The KNO is of the opinion that until justice is meted out to the victimised Kukis in the form of political dialogue to solve their issues, any sort of peace and security initiatives taken by the government in the northeast would be futile.

The United Committee Manipur and various organisations of the valley oppose Muivah’s homecoming. UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar describes Muivah’s proposed visit to Manipur as “provocative”. The UCM has requested the Centre to exercise political wisdom in cancelling the controversial visit of Muivah to Manipur latest by May 20. It also warned that the government does not heed its advice, the people of Manipur would be left with no other choice but to resist the alleged evil designs of the centre, by launching people’s democratic movement with the declaration of public emergency throughout the state from May 21. It also blamed the central leaders of igniting the political time bomb by unnecessary prolonging the issue.

K.Dutta, a social worker, says it is ironical that the Centre is extending a warm welcome to a person who has fought violently against it for decades. But the same powerful rebel leader is not able to visit his birthplace in Ukhrul, Manipur. Former Manipur chief minister W. Nipamacha says Muivah’s attempt to visit his birthplace is not a simple homecoming. It is a calculated political move.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

The Sunday Indian:- B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!

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Import of chinese SIMs can compromise national security

2010-06-01T14:15:00.000+05:30

Several Chinese and European companies sell SIM cards in India. Other than the Chinese companies, almost every other company has set up its personalisation centre in India. The fact that Chinese companies have not set their personalisation centre in India generates more suspicion. The two main Chinese companies, Watchdata and Eastcompeace, control more than 30 per cent of the Indian SIM card market. Data from Electronic Computer Software Promotion Council, Union ministry of commerce, reveal that during the last year (Between April 2008 and February 2009) around 11,68,17,092 SIM cards have come from China. These companies are selling SIM cards to Indian cellular companies since last three years. As per an estimate, more than 30 crore chinese SIM cards have reached the Indian market. The country head of Eastcompeace, Rajnish Giri told TSI, “We are the largest SIM card and Smart Card manufacturers of Asia. Our personalisation centre is completely safe and is SAS certified.” The SIM secure keys are kept with the Chinese bosses.

When TSI asked why Watchdata does not have its personalisation centre in India, Vijay Parthasarathy, country head, Watchdata Technologies (India), said, “Our personalisation centres are in Singapore and Japan. The whole issue of setting up a personalisation centre in India is ridiculous. I don’t think your question has an answer”.

It is an important question that how safe is our SIM card data in the hands of a country which has been accused of hacking and stealing data of other countries. India and China have a nervy relationship. Apart from the Tibet controversy and Chinese help to Pakistan, India has boundary disputes with China. Stealing important information of countries is part of the Chinese foreign policy. An advisor with the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, Brigadier (retd) Rumel Dahiya says, “Around 30,000 people are supposed to be involved in the task of hacking Cyber and communication networks. Also, a large number of people in China are doing it out of curiosity and nationalism.” There is an unofficial ban in America and European countries on import of mobile phone and communication service equipments from China. If china is viewed with suspicion by not just India but the whole world, there is solid reason behind it. Suvrokamal Dutt, an expert on international affairs, says, “Inquiries into hacking of computers of important organisations around the world has revealed that since the 80s, the source of nearly every hacking was in China. Right from Microsoft and NASA to White House and the British Parliament, all have had their servers and computers accessed by Chinese hackers. As Chinese companies are controlled by the government, they come under suspicion. Union home minister P. Chidambaram’s action is totally correct.”

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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The Delhi government is setting up a secure radio network for the upcoming CWG in Delhi

2010-05-03T11:16:00.000+05:30

Motorola and HCL Infosystems are now even jointly looking at more opportunities in this area. The duo expects business to the tune of Rs10 billion over the next two years through this technology. “Multiple cities are looking at deploying this model because of the advantages that it seeks to offer even in terms of their day-to-day working,” George Paul, Executive VP, HCL Infosystems, tells B&E. And not just in India, TETRA is expected to garner a lot of its profit from across the globe. According to Phil Godfrey, Chairman, TETRA Association, “There is still plenty to do. TEDS technology will bring TETRA’s data capability up to a more useable data rate of 150kbit/s and upwards resulting in many more data applications becoming viable. In addition, the Association has been working with ETSI on a project to develop a Broadband capability for the future. This will ensure that TETRA remains a relevant and current technology.” The global market for TETRA is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% over the next 4 years.

But that’s not the critical part. There is another critical advantage that TETRA offers. During emergencies, phones and other communication networks inevitably get either clogged out because of the increased traffic load on them or are shut down by the government itself (such as what happened during the 26/11 attacks or the bomb blasts in Delhi). And in disaster management scenarios, such networks could even be physically wiped out (the recent earthquake in Chile being a case in point). TETRA apparently doesn’t! TETRA has been a qualified reliable network as it is a dedicated network built with a view to provide seamless communication access even at the time of natural or manmade disasters. In fact, with features like fast and advanced group calls, short and packed data services, TETRA has already found itself a place at many international events, similar in magnitude to CWG and even bigger. As a matter of fact, China had set up a government network on similar routes for the recently held Beijing Olympics! Not only this, TETRA has been widely applied all across the globe, with Australia being the classic example and North America being a classic exception (See graph for more details).

Given that, it’s surprising that the Indian government waited so long to settle in for this network. It is expected that TETRA in New Delhi will have 46 base stations and would be completed by June 2010 giving enough time to the stakeholders to get a hang of things well before the Games begin. Though this network has been set up with the CWG in the mind, one advantage is that it would still continue to provide seamless communication to all agencies and help them with their day to day functioning even beyond the event. However, what has not been answered is whether Indian security agencies will actually use the network to share information? Given the learning experience in the US – where CIA and FBI still mistrust each other to a large extent – the expectations in India are not that encouragingly positive. On a more neutral front, before we seal the notes on how successful this technology would be, it’s important to remember that it’s not tested in real time crisis yet in India. It took one 26/11 for India’s elite NSG to realise they didn’t even have operational backup in key Indian cities. Especially when push would come to shove, would TETRA successfully withstand the nervous edge? We’re not taking a call...

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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PRINCE

2010-04-30T14:54:00.000+05:30

TSI Five-O: A disjointed attempt trying to pass itself off as slick and stylish

As soon as Prince (Vivek Oberoi) says “It’s Showtime”, a piece of advice would be to switch off the receptors of your brain and turn off all sensibilities that one might have. Because Kookie V. Gulati did it for sure while directing this dumbstruck waste-of-time flick. A movie which tries too hard while trying to accomplish almost everything and then ends up doing nothing is what “Prince” is all about.

Laden with the super powers and gadgets of Batman, Spiderman and the rest of the superheroes combined, this so-called ‘smart thief’, Prince, with the most uncharismatic and unimpressive style, has lost his memory and has forgotten how good he was (wonder why?). He apparently steals a coin which has a chip good enough to alter a human being’s memory. The same chip has been used on him and now he needs to find the coin in order to get his memory back.

With conmen, CBI, secret agencies and several others after the lost coin, Prince obviously has to win the race amongst them all. Viewers in search of any morsel of comedy, action or romance shall be thoroughly disappointed and you can thank Vivek Oberoi’s expressionless face and poor acting. Stay at home and beat the heat unless Aruna Shields (who’s looking sizzling hot) sends in a personal request!

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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Mix and match

2010-04-28T11:28:00.000+05:30

The subcontinent was partitioned 63 years ago. Even among the third post-Partition generation, it isn’t uncommon for families to give away their daughters in marriage to men from across the border. Relations between India and Pakistan are strained but nuptial vows continue to transcend the divide.

Take the case Zohra, who married a Pakistani in 1979. Now a grandmother, she misses India. “After living in Pakistan for 31 years I still find it a strange country,” she says. “Even today I cannot move around alone in Pakistan. I am always accompanied by my husband or my sons. But when I am in India I don’t need anyone. Delhi has changed a lot but I face no problems in moving around here.”

Zohra, the eldest of six children who went to a government school of Old Delhi, is married to Arshad Usmani of Hyderabad (Pakistan). She leads a happy life in Pakistan but is totally against the idea of marrying her children in India. Pointing out the flip side of a cross-border marriage, she says: “When my father died I was in Islamabad to get a visa. When I got the news of his death there were so many people around but none from my family. I missed my mother, brothers and sisters badly at that time. Similarly, last year when my mother passed away in Pakistan while visiting me I felt sorry for my brothers and sisters who were unable to attend the last rites.”

Zohra’s husband, who works in Habib Bank of Pakistan, says: “It is because of the peculiar kind of relations which the two countries have that the people of both sides suffer.” Zohra and her husband have made up their minds that they will not marry their children in India come what may.

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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“Can a case be filed thrice?”

2010-04-23T11:11:00.000+05:30

My family was completely ruined by my daughter-in-law. My son, an engineer, is wandering here and there like a mad man. I am living with my 70-year-old husband in a dharmshala. My daughter-in-law has confiscated our house. She and my son moved out of our house after three years of marriage but she continued harassing him. Moreover, she filed a case under Section 498A thrice against us. However, we came out clean twice after police investigation but we were not so lucky the third time. My son was arrested and my daughter-in-law ousted us from our house. My husband was admitted to the hospital for many days. She has been ordered to vacate the house by the Deputy Inspector General but she has not followed the order yet. We are still living in a dharmshala.

My house is situated on Talkatora road in Lucknow and is worth crores. The Supreme Court order says that my daughter-in-law is not entitled to this house but the police is not helping us. How much injustice we have suffered is difficult to describe. I don't know about the Dowry Act but want to ask a simple question: Can this case be filed thrice on a person if he is twice found innocent?

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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Micromax’s unexpectedly quick growth

2010-04-19T12:11:00.000+05:30

So what was the secret behind Micromax’s unexpectedly quick growth? According to Vikas Jain, Business Head, Micromax, “One of the prime reason was that we identified the right need gap in the right market, and offered products relevant to those needs.” Unlike most handset makers who tested waters in the metropolitan areas, Micromax deliberately made an attempt to tap the interior parts of the country first. Realising that the limited supply of electricity was proving the biggest roadblock to the growth of wireless telephony in those areas, the company started by offering a handset that guaranteed a 30-day stand-by battery. Furthermore, the company deliberately focussed on the entry to mid-level segment that was growing at a much faster rate, both in terms of first time buyers, as well as in terms of replacements.

But Micromax’s easy-on-the-pocket proposition doesn’t come sans value evolution. To cater to the wants of the customers to carry two handsets (to make most of the existing on-going tariff wars amongst service operators), Micromax started offering Dual SIM phones. As a matter of fact, its existing product line consists of 27 phones, out of which 23 are Dual SIM. The handset maker isn’t alien to cosmopolitanism either. Catering to the touch-screen loving lot, it plans to launch two such devices in the coming quarter, one based on the platform Windows and another on Android. What’s best, the products will be offered in the price range of Rs.6000 – Rs.7000. Another strategy that has helped this company to grow from a mole-hill to a mountain has been efficient supply chain management. When Micromax realised that established handset vendors were giving as low as 1-2% margin to their channel partners, it offered a 5% commission to those willing to stock up its products. It proved a win-win situation.

It really has been a dream run for the young founders of Micromax, but the question remains – will it become the #2 soon? Honestly, for now, that question matters little in an industry where, over the years, the top leaders have been incessantly losing ground to newbies. So, while on one hand, Micromax has to hold fort against competitors, on the other, it has to continue running hard to become the first Indian to win the Silver in this new age telecom marathon!

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

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Will the new bankers please stand up?

2010-04-16T15:48:00.000+05:30

After many years of waiting, Pranab Mukherjee says RBI will issue licences to new banks. Is the RBI on the same ground as Pranab Mukherjee? Evidently not!

Think of financial ‘inclusion’ in India, and you will invariably discover that financial ‘exclusion’ is far too conspicuous. Digest these for some evidence: out of the 600,000 odd villages in the country, only 5.3% have a commercial bank branch, which translates to one branch catering to 26,000 individuals in rural areas. Even if we take the entire country’s population into consideration, only 40% possess a bank account in India, as compared to 95% in US! The proportion of people possessing any form of life insurance cover is as low as 10%, while those with a non-life insurance is an abysmally low 0.6%. Only 13% Indians possess a debit card, while the credit card cover is as low as 2%. The most recent National Sample Survey Organisation 2008 study reveals that out of the 89.3 million farming households in the country, 51% did not receive credit from either institutional or non-institutional sources of any kind. Even where 33 million ‘no-frills’ bank accounts are claimed to have been opened, 89% of these accounts are dormant today, as per K. C. Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, RBI.

These statistics are perhaps sufficient to prove the extent of financial exclusion in the country. At the same time, there can be no second thoughts on remedial actions that need to be taken in order to unleash the power of fortune at the bottom of the pyramid. Perhaps, it was an admixture of these very glaring statistics, added to the recommendation of the S.S. Tarapore & Raghuram Rajan committee report that played the motivation pill for the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who promised to take a step towards altering this gloomy state of affairs. In his Union Budget 2010-11 statement, he said, “We need to ensure that the [Indian] banking system grows in size and sophistication to meet the needs of a modern economy. Besides, there is a need to extend the geographic coverage of banks and improve access to banking services.

RBI is considering giving some additional banking licenses to private sector players. Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) could also be considered...” Strong reason to smile for many, but the celebrations are still miles away, thanks to the dictionary which does define a ‘promise’ and a ‘policy’ very differently!

For Complete I I P M Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy

THE NEED OF A RIGHT TO FOOD BILL - Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM

The Sunday Indian:- B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!

Outlook Magazine money editor quits
Don't trust the Indian Media!