MBA, Life in a Trickle, Nature's Nursery

Prince and the Coach.

2006-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

After watching the Portugal Vs Holland 'Boxing' match (Sorry football) I can understand how difficult is to manage a Pro.

In the carribeans, India was winding up a tour frought with lot of missed opportunities and lots of lessons learnt. Could things be different had the "Prince" were part of the India team and had he Captained it. Was there any opportunity costs of Losing the 'Most Successful' captain of India.

There is no definite answer to such a question. But could something had been done different to Manage and vex out any issues between the Coach and the Prince.

The whole episode forgotten and laid to rest is springing back again. Not only this but also Rise of Sania a.k.a a New product launch and trickle of wisdom from football, hockey etc.

Where else. If all goes as planned (Which Indians are very poor at. Chinese are much more action oriented and follow a plan with a result oriented action. e.g. Golden Quad, privitization of PSUs, Upgradation of Airport, Bangalore International Airport, the list goes on)

the first batch of Pgpx will Have the honour to listen to Mr & Mrs Harsha Bhogle in person as a part of the 'Leadership Module'.

Ahoy Mr Ganguly Ahoy Mr Chappel.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1681188.cms

Sixer from Saudalpur

2006-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

After 5 months of pursuing, the man from Saudalpur has hit a big sixer.

The ball has been discovered in the boardroom at Arcelor HQ.

Bloomberg reports that Arcelor has agreed for the takeover (for 40.37 EPS)of the company by Mittal Steel and the combined entity will be called 'Arcelor Mittal'

I saw a direct advt in HBR from Mittal Steel directed towards Arcelor's share holder. Talk of effective communication. Nothing better than this. Reactions from the big shareholders and late realization from Lux govt about the issues wrt to severstal have contributed to this turnaround.

Its heartening to see the victory of 'Business Sense' over the parochialistic economic regionalism.

Monkey Money is not Monkey Money at all.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000087&sid=aA_RsM0HQoVQ&refer=top_world_news

Zoo returns to fore

2006-05-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the long gap (Dont remember how long, it seems like ages here)

Blogging had taken sidestep to academic concerns. Now that I know where things stand, its time I continue to ramble something or other.

Term 1 is about to end in a few days. (20% of MBA would have been done by then)

I have started to appreciate few learnings from the class, like usage of Stats in understanding the roller coaster Sensex, etc etc.

One can get drowned academically here. The place is competitive, culture is performance oriented and mercenary.

Its very difficult to keep the big picture in mind without getting drowned at the same time mastering the art of swimming. All dimensions are equally required.

I am really intrigued by the Arcelor Mittal affair. There is so much learning here. Game Theory, Strategy, BATNA, Poison Pills, Ethics, Free Markets, Synergy, Volume Vs Variety Strategy, Marketing Strategy in a Matured Market, M&A, Corporate Governance and the list goes on.

Last heard, Arcelor merges with Severstal of Russia. Much more interesting is what happened before a couple of weeks. Arcelor created a "S Cube" - Strategic Steel Stitching in Netherlands, transferred ownership of Dofasco to it. In Eventual Mittal takeover, Mittal may not be able to sell Dofasco to ThyssenKrupp as it cannot control the S3 Board. Hence Mittal may have to sell alternative source to honor its own agreement with Thyssenkrupp.

Also Reuters says that Arcelor may face possibel shareholder revolt over severstal deal..

Richard Daly Effect, Diversification as Comp Adv

2006-04-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

First problem definition using Xlogics (More than 1 exist)
1.

Xchaas = Luchaas*Mvar + Muggos*Lvar (Pls refer Motley's http://motleyfoolatiimapgpx.blogspot.com/ detailed definition about Luchaas and Muggos)

Lvar = Conversion rate at which Luchaas can convert to Muggos
Mvar = Muchaas can convert to Luchaas

Lvar < Mvar
2. CI and Richard Daley Effect. As the no of 'Alleged contribution from Richard Daly' increases the CI decreases. At one point in X axis the CI reaches 0. Richard Daly's contribution to English Language might have benefitted him. But we the Luchaas are being bludgeoned by it. We were shot through our heart for atleast 6 consecutive times. For the more inquisitve mind, here is the link,

http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutwordorigins/quiz

When some one told me WIMWI was tough sometime back, I thought it was an 'Arbit' Comment. Now I realize how true he was.

The amount of learning that is happening here is outstanding. I have learned so much in 25 days what I would not have done had I not decided to become a 'Xchaa'. Opportunity Benefits far outweigh Opportunity costs.

Shifting to a different plane.

What causes a Firm to diversify. From my Eco Learning I derive that 'Managerial Decision' -like Managers may simply want to run a large firm, Eco of Scope etc can cause the Firm to Diversify.
At the same time I was also looking for some Oout of Box Factor that can cause a Firm to diversify/attempt to diversify.

I stumped upon the argument by Ramachandran in Hindu about Mittal Vs Arcelor

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/04/18/
stories/2006041800641000.htm

The fact that the hostile bid may result in favor of Mittal or Arcelor is unimportant, important thing is in the process what has Mittal done to Arcelor.

Mittal and Arcelor - No 1 and 2 Companies in terms of Volume and Profits vice versa globally.

1. Mittal dampened Arcelor's spectacular growth figures by announcing the bid before Arcelor's Shareholder's conf.
2. Arcelor spend(ing) huge amount of money/efforts to hold its fort
3. Arcelor is taking a 4Billion USD loans from European Banks to manage the new dividend payouts and other activities that have arised after the hostile bid. (Apr 26 Eco Times)

So in effect without tasting the blood, Mittal in its attempt to diversify by acquiring Arcelor, has managed to setback few gains of Arcelor.

In net I believe 'Diversification' has been used as a Competitive Weapon in this case.

Lets see how the game proceeds.

Advance Ski range and a Novice

2006-04-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Much water has flown over the last 10 days. IIMA is a demanding place. Shifting to 4th gear after years of lazying around in neutral gear has not been a easy task.

All said and done, I see a difference in myself.

Multi dimensional thinking - thats what teachings in an MBA class equip you with.

When u see a person shopping, I become curious to observe

why he is shopping, how he is shopping,
Is he getting what he wants,
how does the customer service rep treats him/her,
What is the probability he will choose one brand over other,
How does the shopping mall keeps a supply of 'Kellogg's Mango Puree'. I find it everytime when I search for it in the aisle,
How much amount the mall is making on a single 'Kellogg's Mango Puree'.

and the list goes on.

Arguably there is no other professional program that can make you think in so many angles.

After a couple of bouncers, I am still trying to find my feet here. Hope I shall find them soon. :)

On an interesting note - Arcelor started their first production facility in India couple of days ago. Let the world learn the free market fundas from India.

Pgpx Kicked Off

2006-04-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Today morning the IIMA Pgpx Program was kicked off by the Chairman of Board of Governors, IIMA Mr. Narayana Murthy.

It was a historic day for all 61 of us dressed in Pgpx T shirts and accompanied by Friends and Families.

We had our classes and after 7 (Short?, Avg W.E - 9 Years) years I sat in a formal class room setting.

My 5 mths Kid was appreciative of the Kick Off Ceremony and held her nerves till the lighting of lamp.

Group Profile, IIMA Pedagogy, Professors, Facilities are excellent.

2Morrow I have my First Case discussion. Trying hard to get those dusty brain cells to be active again.

Tail Ender:-

I loved the 'Brickly Beauty' a.k.a IIMA Old Campus. Louis Kahn smiles thru the open places, geometric shapes and hidden alleys.

Leadership is a Noble Calling

2006-03-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

IIMA beckons 63 of us in a short while. Looks like there are 4 droputs from the proposed 67 batch of First Pgpx Class.

My sincere apologies to friends and readers of my blog for being out of action for a long time.

Over the last 45 days I spend quality time with my family. Since last 10 years I have visited my parents only in short stints. Thanks to Pgpx I could spend time with them at the behest of Pre MBA relaxation :).

Oh Mighty Lords of heaven and Rulers of dark worlds let the force be with all the '63' of us.

Congragulations and all the best to fellow Pgpxians @ IIMA.

Leadership is indeed a Noble Calling.

Compagnie des Indes

2006-02-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

The year was 1664. French formed their first trading company in India 'Compagnie des Indes'.

Along came the BEIC and both the European companies fought numerous battles and claimed their own piece of companies, lands, governments and kingdoms in India.

French did a 'hostile acquisition' and acquired 'Pondicherry' .

No One called it a 'Badly Prepared acquisition'.

More than 3 centuries later Lafarge acquired Indian cement Units of Tata Steel, Raymond etc.

No One called it a 'Badly Prepared acquisition'.

On a side note Lafarge also bid a 'Hostile acquisition' for Blue Circle (Britian's largest Cement Maker in 2000).

No One called it a 'Badly Prepared acquisition'.

Now Arcelor is a 22Billion USD takeover target for 'Mittal Steels'.

France's 'Maurem & Prom' oil firm might be a 3Billion USD takeover target for 'IOC'.

People who were a few minutes away tomtomming about Liberalization are suddenly finding the deals 'Badly Prepared'. 'Meaningless'. War cries for economic patriotism are being heard from the land which gifted the 'Lady of Liberty'.

My take- In an open society where globalization is the norm 'Business' is always the winner.
Mittal Steel hasnot committed a grave crime for godsake. All it has done is to make a bid. Atleast analyze it based on global standards of commerce. Then if you find it unviable disapprove it.

'Compagnie des Indes' was finally wiped out from India as there were much stronger and bigger players in the trade.

History will repeat.

cheers
Nature Interpreter

Idealogy, Business Needs and Ethics

2006-01-25T02:45:00.000-08:00

Google in China. Though it already has a stake in Baidu.com( no 1 Search giant in China), it has entered the Chinese Market after many years of serious thinking. It is planning to move the search servers for the Chinese Search site into China thereby adhering to Chinese govt policies on what is allowed to be shown on the net and what not.

In my perspective, Google's much avowed success is related to

1) Its simplicity of Use,
2) Better Features & Benefits of Usage
3) Fairness in search results based on a goal to put up the entire world information on the net Fairly.

While the first 2 factors have cemented Google's success and ability to attract more users, It finds itself a bit shaky on the last one. In China it will have to play according to the rule of the land and may end up compromising search results.

This is a classic ethical dilemma for Google to resolve. It has to abide by Chinese law as well as maintain its Integrity by keeping the shine on its idealogy.

According to Google, It might end up blanking out certain results while at the same time informing Users about the links banned and the reasons behind.

It looks fair game for me. When you are dealing with diverse set of people with complex backgrounds there will be issues in which you will have to take decisions that is practical and fair to everyone.

There are few Universal truths in the world. When there are two parties to an issue no Universal truth holds good as both can have their own ethical interpretation of the issues.

In such a Scenario the ethical solution is one which is fair game for both parties. Google has shown the way.

adios.
Nature Interpreter.

Pink Cow is a disruptive innovation is a Blue Ocean

2006-01-13T05:37:00.000-08:00

A Pink Cow is a Disruptive Innovation. Its also a Blue Ocean. Its interesting to see how a hazy known idea crystallizes to a thought, widely represented in different flavors until finally taking a concrete form as an unique strategic insight.

Any product/concept that is unique in its attribute, can add value to customers with its function, price and usability will create a market space of its own. This is more or less common sense. But the idea had to mature and refine to become a strategic weapon. Now creative minds and well known academics are unbreaking this idea and are creating trailblazing strategies for the 21st century.

After reading insights from the following people, I interpreted that all three of them are pointing at the same thing in different flavors.

Pink Cow - Seth Godin
Disruptive Innovation - Clayton Christensen
Blue Ocean - Kim & Mauborgne.

I wish to write more about this with my own perspectives once I finish reading this masterpiece.
http://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/

NewPGP'E'X flavor from IIMC. 8 Lacs. Course starts Dec 06.

cheers
Nature Interpreter.

Noble Calling @ IIMA Pgpx on a Sunday

2006-01-11T04:05:00.000-08:00

With the commencement of the 1 year MBA program at IIMA, I thought it will not be very long when other IIMs also follow suite.

IIM Calcutta is next on the line with a new 1 year program costing around 6-8 lakhs.

A stock list of available 1 year program in India reveals, ISB, IIMA, SPJain, XLRI, GLIM and now IIMC. Most of these targetting people with sufficient work experience. With ISB proving the corporate demand for experienced professionals with a MBA background in India, I believe the whole business education system might go for an overhaul.

We will start to see more experienced people even in the regular 2 Year PGP programs of IIMS.

So will one outwin other. Will 2 Year MBA programs slowly disappear and 1 Year take center stage. Or vice versa or can the both coexist.

I believe both models will coexist and flourish. There is a huge room for growth at multiple corporate levels. India will continue to demand quality analysts and middle/senior managers alike.

On the IIMA front. Pgpx has started rolling with all of us working thru Pre MBA courses. After being out of touch with academics for a long time, my attention span has reduced.

I hope it improves b4 the d-day.

My classes are going to start on Apr 2. Its a Sunday. Vow now thats something to consider. Who on the world will start an Initiative on Sunday. Probably a point being proved there.

'No day is special day at IIMA, No Weekday or Weekend, Its Action everyday'.

Getting ready for a rough&tough ride :).

Dew drop memories

2006-01-04T01:46:00.000-08:00

My first memory of him goes back to my child hood. He had a petty shop at the end of my street. He was middle aged; pot bellied always wearing a yellow neck less t shirt. Whenever I used to pass by his store he used to fondly call me and enquire about my health and studies.
There were occasions when I have got chocolates and groundnut sweets from him. He was also strict on other hand. During rainy seasons I along with my friends spend most of our time outside the house. If I hear a distant thunder, next minute I am out of my house fooling my mother 'Mom I am at Ganesh's house' or 'Mom I am visiting Uncle's house to see raindrops falling on the pond'. But I often end up playing in the ground opposite to petty shop. When I return home I always find my grandfather with a stick waiting to grace me. It meant that the Yellow T-shirt villain had paid a visit to my house reporting all my mischief.

On one day during a heavy monsoon season I was playing with my friends in the ground opposite to petty shop. Water outlets were heavily flooded and while trying to kick the football I lost my balance fell forward. I was hurt heavily with blood running down the nose and all over the face. I lifted my head and saw a yellow giant running towards me. I lost my conscience. When I woke up I was in the city hospital surrounded by my amma, father, grand mom, grandpa and other friends & relatives. I scanned the room and found my yellow giant savior at the corner of hospital room. He was smiling at me with all affection.

Years rolled by. I joined engineering college and went out of town. During Sem breaks I used visit my hometown. I seldom had time to observe things going on my hometown as I was busy with my friends who used to come over to my place during holidays. Then one day my mom enquired whether I visited the Shop uncle at the Street corner. I was engrossed in India Pak cricket match and mumbled something. On the day I had to return to college, my mom was packing a lot of eatables and she ran short of elastic bands to tie them. Understanding the situation I jaunted to the Petty Shop at the corner. I saw him after a long time; he was quite old then with wrinkles on his face and faded specs on his nose. He smiled with the same affection and enquired about my health and studies. Being in a hurry I threw a 5 Rs note, snatched the elastic bands and answered him over my shoulder. I had crossed at least couple of houses by then.

I graduated went to Live in Europe, North America, Married and settled. On the last visit home I was happy to spend time with all my family members. There was a famous religious festival and lot of activities was going on in the ground nearby. I walked to the ground and enjoyed the activities to for some time. Then something struck me. There was this man wearing a dirty Yellow shirt & potbellied having a petty shop opposite to the ground. I turned and saw a tailor shop there. With thumping heartbeat I walked over and asked the man busy sewing a cloth. Sir there was a Yellow t-shirt guy running a petty shop. Where has he gone? The tailor looked up and answered ' Sir I believe you have come here after a long time. He was electrocuted while trying to save a small girl few monsoons back'.

My heart stopped for a moment. I felt as if some one pricked my heart with a needle. I have been so selfish, so engrossed with my things that I failed to appreciate a Beautiful Life. I failed to recognize a wonderful person. Even though he was a giant I had ignored his presence. Tears started rolling my eyes.

Tailor asked me 'Sir why r u crying? Shall I bring something for u'.

I turned my back towards him and started to walk away.
I felt a cold breeze and in distance I heard a thunder stroke.

Identity Crisis

2005-12-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

I suddenly felt a quick shiver through my spine. The Officer before me was repeating for the second time. 'Sir, You do not look like the person on the Passport. Get yourself a New Passport. Then you get your visa'.

I was about to return to land of lady liberty for couple of months before starting a trip to the hallowed grounds of IIMA. But that was not the way it was supposed to be.

I happily accepted the Officer's advice and acknowledged the refusal under 221G.
What next. A Homage to the Indian PP Office for a replacement PP. I thought it will be atleast a month before I can see me smiling on a new passport. Alas, I had a sweet surprise. The efficiency of External Affairs ministry impressed me. Service on par with international standards. Here on the very 4th day of applying I have my new passport.

Now I have decided to serve my 2months notice period in India only and then head to IIMA.
I would really like to thank my boss for being very considerate and allowing me to complete all formalities in India only.

cheers
Zoombazoo

Poet, Basic Principles and Corporate Finance

2005-10-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

A friend had requested me to start adding some life to my blog. Thanks Ramki.
I have to start from this picture here. Its been a childhood memory still etched in mind. The ride from sea shore to this place on picture is hardly 5 minutes but it was my first adventure. For the first time I sensed the beauty of nature here. The statue on the right is of an ancient tamil poet. His words of wisdom written 2000 years ago still holds good. A great thinker and philosopher. Like Zen and the Art of War, Machiavelian Management tactics, Thiruvalluvar's couplets offer unique perspectives on Management, Leadership and Ethics.

An example:-
Easy to every man the speech that shows the way;
Hard thing to shape one's life by words they say!

Its easy to say something but very difficult to act according to what has been said. If you are a great leader then you should talk the talk and walk the walk. Any thought without action is useless.

As Humans we get lost in details. We go such an extent that we even forget our basic principles. Above statement is a very fine basic principle. But too many times we dont follow what we say.

A thumb rule of corporate finance states that for any investment to be profitable it should cross a minimum acceptable hurdle rate. That means the returns from the project should be more than a minimum acceptable rate. Too many times many individuals and corporates forget this principle and investments turn red.

There is no obvious connection between the Philosopher mentioned above and corporate finance. But there are few simple Universal Rules which will help us see the forest through the trees.

adios.

It Rains in Rojapur

2005-10-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

That was the name of my first eco-amiable 'shortstory' that I ever wrote. Rain is a very soothing phenomenon. The freshness of the rain and the sweet fragrance after rain reminds me how young 'Nature' is. Generations come and go, nations rise and fall, winners loose, losers win, everything goes comes around, but Nature remains the same. It was gentle thousands of years ago. It still rains with the same serenity. It was violent thousands of years back. Even today there is a Tsunami here, Earth quake there. Still violent. The inherent nature remains the same. So whether should we be afraid of nature?. Subdue ourselves to something that we cannot control. Or just plainly ignore the existence and simply term natural tragedies as 'One Kind Of External event'?. These thoughts have evoked multiple questions in me and I am still in search of an answer. I feel happy when I enjoy the beauty of Rising Sun. I feel sad when innocent people's lives are taken away in a stroke of natural calamity. Many lives plucked even before ripe. Roses have not withered away but knicked at bud with such a force that even generations are lost.

Why can't I see water in the form of gentle raindrop always.
Why would it take a form of Tsunami.
Why can't the wind be a gentle breeze that I enjoy.
Why would it turn to a cyclone.

Mother Nature why can't you be what you are Motherly and caring?
Why would you be taking away all our memories and dreams?

Sky is crying outside with a thunder
corner of my room I too cry with a heavy heart...

adios.

Road Finally Leads to IIMA

2005-10-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes,

I finally made thru India's prestigious business school - Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Hope it will be a fun filled, sleep deprived, action packed 1 Year at IIMA Pgpx program.

I did see few souls with 760/780 GMAT getting rejected. So some thought would have gone in selecting the final list of candidates.

6 months of wait is over, Now its the time to take stock and prepare for a new journey.

cheers
Nature Interpreter.

Asia Lunch

2005-06-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Back after a fortnight break. I have recovered now from fever and cold and world looks wonderful once more.

Asia's Lunch - Developed western countries???. I read a interesting myth blower about American workforce's ability to innovate. Its true that many of the top innovations are still coming from America, but the author of this book I read argues that behind every successful technological domination there is a clear and focused government strategy.

Consider this, Boeing was nurtured by the govt and govt spend lots of money providing gift deals before it became a pioneering company as it is now.

AT& T Bell labs, Army's Internet discovery and many such examples.

I read somewhere that during the great depression of 1920s govt intervened and started spending money on building critical infrastructure like roads, railways etc and that in turn provided steady income to many families and ignited the recovery.

All said and done I feel the 'American Spirit' represented by many a person from Edison to Wright Brothers to the pioneer explorers of wild west is not pervasive now and whatever the advances made over the last 350 years may not be enough for America in a new flat world of double barreled dragons and Sprinting Elephants.

IIMA - Deadline for Pgpx is tomorrow 06/30. I see that few last minute souls are scrambling to rush in their apps and alas the website is down.

Hopefully IIMA should extend the deadline by couple of days. These are applicants who are really interested in the program and I don't wish to see them :( ..

All the best..

cheers
Nature Interpreter

Ozone Alert

2005-06-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Scorching heat over the weekend has taken its toll. And here yours truly is running a fever with throat infection.

On a interesting note, while driving to NY on Saturday I observed the 'Ozone Alert' displayed prominently in few places. This is the first time I am seeing such a thing. May be the UV radiation was higher.

whatever it is, I could see a clear difference from Spring and how Summer is really on. Being in North East the best thing one gets is to appreciate the season change. It was a wonderful transformation from Winter to Spring this year. When I heard the sweet voices of birds outside my window this early spring, I was thrilled. And the trees, it was just magical to watch those skeletons transforming into Green angels with full of life.

Now its turn for the Sun God to take his place and boy he is back with a big bang..

Happy Summer time everyone.

My throat aha...

Clock Ticks

2005-06-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

20 More days before the Curtain falls on IIMA pgpx application period.

Any time in July end/Aug First week, lucky ones will find a invite for interview and leadership profiling.

Best of luck all applicants..

cheers
Nature Interpreter

On Ice Cold water

2005-05-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

You can see the early morning dew. Sun God is still too shy to show his face. There is biting chillness in the spring air. Before me I see crystal clear waters of the great river with even ice cold surface.

I slowly dip my leg into the freezing water. Its like a mini electric shock. I remove my leg from water as fast as I can.

I stand just on the bank dilly dallying should I or should not. Should I plunge into the water or head back to close warm comfort of my hotel room and tuck under those cozy blankets.

This is an one time opportunity, its a risk. Standing on the banks of Ganges I mull, what if I take a plunge and satisfy my insatiable desire and experience an exhilarating phenomenon.

Being a Nature Lover, I cant but compare this situation to classic Why MBA question. Most of the prospective MBA students are leaving well secured jobs - read warm blankets and cozy sleep to 1 or 2 Year rollercoaster, life changing MBA experience - read exhilaration one feels after overcoming initial shock of plunging into ice cold water.

The experience is personal, its bliss, it may sound risky and uncertain, but its worth every initial chill across the spine and the soothing calm that follows a dip in pure, cold waters of Ganges in an early spring morning.

Common what r u thinking folks. Ready to take the Plunge..

adios.

Leadership and Persuasion

2005-05-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Persuasion is one aspect of Leadership. I read an article about Persuasion in CIO magazine and was impressed. The author emphasizes content as well as context in scenarios where lot is at stake.

Also the author presses on 'Establishing a credibility' for any successful persuasion.

I have been wondering how many times I have failed to sail my points across in meeting even though valid. Looking back I can see atleast couple of cases where context would have really helped to turn the tide in my favor. One incident I remember is when I had make a presentation about recently completed project to my companies top management. I made a powerpoint packed with all metrics/ROI for client/New business won because of the successful completion of this project etc.

Stage was set but our VP came late 15 minutes. I started, breezed through the entire presentation and ended. Mid way I realized that some thing had gone wrong and VP looked disinterested. What should have been an excellent presentation turned out to be a damp squib. I later came to know that he was not happy with our quarterly results which were just out that morning and boy here Iam preaching how my Project had generated new businesses for our company. Though my contents were cent percent apt the context didnt help me. I should have realized the bad quarterly performance and altered my presentation accordingly concentrating on Execution efficiency instead and leave the new business talk for a later day..

Lesson learnt. Adapt your presentation to suit the audience mood. Before going into a major presentation a little status update on audience and latest happenings is absolutely essential.

adios.

Snippets of IIMA

2005-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

These courses at IIMA are interesting. I donno if these courses will be available for Pgpx batch but I have heard these are very interesting courses esp ERI.

communication area, ERI (Explorations in Roles & Identity), CRI (Careers, Roles & Identity)

Some of the various special interest groups and clubs on campus pertain to: marketing (Niche), finance (Beta), drama (IIMACTS), nature (Prakriti), astronomy (Star Gazers), entrepreneurship, consultancy, music & literary activities, to name some.

Mad Money - Jim says Google and Yahoo will end lower tomorrow and over the rest of week. And ebay is the stock to watch for and invest a little money. Though I donot own Google ($265 and trading at 52 week high) , it may end lower as I agree with Jim that there is a Internet stocks overload now and these stocks may go down in next couple of days.

Lets see what happens and What Google's Eric is going to reveal inGoldman Internet Conference..

League of Extraordinary B Schools

2005-05-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

When deciding on applying to 1 Yr MBA program at IIMA I followed a Natural thought process. I wrote down all questions that came across my mind and answers to these questions. These are some of my thoughts..

What will happen to the image of ISB with IIMA's program?

ISB and IIM will compete and cooperate. Competition is always a welcome change. But sooner or later ISB will have to get permanent faculty as in the long run this really matters in the long run. My guess is that each program will end up with only a smaller common set of applicants as both the programs though 1 Year have different flavors.

Do companies that come specifically at IIMA (talking IBs/MCs here) will consider the Pgpx candidates?

Yes. There is a tremendous opportunity for these companies to recruit at Senior Levels. Since many of the top companies have excellent relationship with IIMA, this will be a win-win situation for both. IBs may not show that much interest as its a 1 Yr program and normally most of the Banks recruit from pool of summer interns. MCs will find a new recruiting ground and new leaders from Asia's primier business school. I can see IIM Ahmedabad on the leagues of Ashridge/Insead/IMD/Oxbridge supplying students with leadership experience and transnational management skills.

What impact will Pgpx have on IIMA's flagship 2 yr MBA program and viceversa?

IIMA' s flagship program has been running for last 4 decades. It has moulded many a leaders over the last 40 years. The inputs for this program is great and participants best of the best. The only missing piece is the lack of realworld business experience. Most of them have minimal or zilch experience. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by these students are great. Where as the 1 Yr Pgpx program caters to mature crowd with many years of leadership and business experience. I believe there will be great synergy between these two programs. Realworld perspectives from the Pgpx crowd combined with the zeal of Pgp students will elevate IIM Ahmedabad to a higher level playing field.

More trickles will fall....

Mad Money

2005-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have been watching Jim Kramer's Mad Money program in CNBC. This guy rocks with enthusiasm. But this show pales in comparison with Kudlow and Kramer. The latter was much enjoyable to watch with analysis from Politics to Petroleum prices.

Jim looks a tired person but he still carries much of his exuberance that was visible in K&K show. Today he listed top 10 stocks 'that have not done anything yet'. He bets on these stocks as a safe investment in these times where no one can say its Bull or Bear..

Out of 10 I root for Yahoo and UPS. Lets see what happens in the coming days..

Whats happening with Siebel though?? This stock is now lingering in single digit mark and how long will it be before IBM or SAP or Oracle or do I hear Microsoft come knocking with a quote at Siebel's door..

On the MBA front - I still have lot of pending action items. I hope to resolve atleast 2 items by this weekend. One question that is lingering on my mind is What will happen to the image of ISB with IIMA's program. Do companies that come specifically at IIMA (talking IBs/MCs here) will consider the Pgpx candidates? What impact will Pgpx have on IIMA's flagship 2 yr MBA program and viceversa? Will International students consider India as a MBA education destination and join Pgpx (After all ISB's 5Yr old program with International professors still doesnt have a sizable chunk of International students. Most of the internationals are NRIS)
And are Indian corporate really warmed up to the Idea of 1 yr MBA program and recruiting at Lateral levels) How about the faculty at IIMA will they be efficient enough to tackle,inspire and prepare students with high Industry experience and maturity. How dramatic a shift it will be for them to enter a classroom filled with kids of almost zilch experience and the one filled with students in their late twenties and many years of corporate experience under their belts)

Will Pgpx finally propel IIMA towards the International top 20 league. (CEIBS is already almost there, FT ranking of CEIBS is 22. International students 20%)

I will answer these questions in detail tomorrow.

My verdict is that I have immense confidence on the value Indian Management can offer to the world and the potential of this world class institution called IIMA.

adios.

The Three Four Rule

2005-05-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Bruce Henderson the legendary founder of BCG came up with this wonderful rule based on empirical data.

Three Four Rule - For any product there can be only three major competitors in any market.
Also the market share of the largest firm can not be more than four times the share of smallest firm. Or if interpreted in a different way, a firm cannot compete effectively if it's market share is less than the quarter of market leader's share.

A very interesting thought indeed.

cheers

MBA Humm

2005-05-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I did a casual scan on how much it costs for some of the top MBA programs
including living exp, excluding opp costs (in USD)

All top 10 MBA programs in US - >125k
Insead, IMD -> 90k
Oxford/Cambridge/Ashridge/Manchester - 75k

Such high costs even after internship money and pre mba savings of 20k One is going to end up with 90K in debt for any top US program. While with European programs one can expect 70k debt for Insead/IMD with around 50k debt for European programs.

Compare this with IIM - 22k, ISB - 36k and CEIBS - 36k.

For a person interested in working in Asia the Asian programs are really great.

With avg MBA sal of 85k the after MBA salaries have remained the same from 2000 levels in case of top US MBA programs. If you have a 100k debt how long will it take to repay it considering higher standard of living post mba. Anywhere from 5-8 years I believe.

cheers..

Case Interviews and approach Strategy

2005-05-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Case interviews are increasingly used not only by top MC and IB companies but also by many top business schools to filter applicants.

Generally any case interview falls in one of the following types - Project, Market Sizing, Analytical, Puzzle type or one which tests one's leadership skills.

I am familiar with the Project, Market Sizing and Puzzle type cases. In my preparation run up to IIM A interview (What a high confidence you may mention, I need this one badly and I am not going to leave any stone unturned) I have divided the preparation into 5 parts.

1. Know thyself completely
2. Know everything you can about this institute.
2. IIM A questionnaire - From Why MBA to Whats buoyancy
3. Leaderhip/Case interview preparation
4. Awareness of current business happenings in India and abroad.
5. Other Misc things.

Trickles will fall...

Woods do whisper

2005-05-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

There is a very good library near to my house. Every sunday its my routine to check out some of the fine books in the library along with a fresh cup of White choclate mocha from the inhouse Starbucks..

Its my favorite past time. This week I came across a book called 'The secret ways of the Forest'. Interesting and intriguing read. I also watched one program called Nature in PBS. How do the big Brazilian Walnut tree is spread over the amazon basin. It part of the amazons natural ecological structure. Its seeds are as big as a canon ball.

The reason lies in the numerous burrow rats that bury these seeds in ground and forget to retrieve the treasure back. These seeds often lie underground dormant for many years until some of the growth above diminishes and sunlight seeks its way into the forest bed. Result new growth and a new Walnut tree.

Lessons that nature teach us are enormous. Like the Brazil Walnut tree we have to strike when the opportune time arrives, till then persist with patience.

More trickles will fall...

Vietnam and its lessons

2005-05-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a case study on Major Shoe Company in vietnam. Its an amazing read about how a global coalition of Non Profit organizations and volunteers helped bring a positive change on the company and three of its Vietnamese sub contractors. Almost a decade into globalization things have started to stabilize now and both the private companies and national governments through out the world have come to realize that utilizing cheap labor while ignoring the social issues will put everyone at peril.

This case study is effectively written by Prof Deepti Bhatnagar of IIMA. If get a chance get hold of this case study. A good read.

On the IIMA front my official GMAT score hasnt reached IIMA. I am little worried as I have already requested ETS twice to send my GMAT scores but in vain. So atlast I contacted Ahmedabad and spoke with a nice gentleman called Mr. Bose. He is taking up my cause with ETS..

Some thing very important happened over the last few days, Lenova a chinese company buying IBM's PC division. Its a watershed for Asian business community.

I will not be surprised if in the future an Indian IT giant buys a top US based technology service provider.

More trickles will fall..

IIM Ahmedabad,Yale and La Jolla

2005-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Do you find any similarities between IIM A, Yale and Salk Institute La Jolla..

How about 1963 and 1974.. does it make any sense..

How about AIA 25 Year Award.

I am talking about Louis Kahn, one of the greatest architects of last century who designed IIM Ahmedabad circa 1963 (Institute of Public Administration in those days) , Yale Center for British Arts circa 1973 and the inspiring Salk Institute at La Jolla.

What I find curious with this legend is that Light forms an integral part of his architecture master pieces. Though I havent visited IIMA I have been told that it is kind of spiral in shape with indoor suited for habituation and outdoor sunny. Also this is a brick building without any glass and there are gaps in the building through which light enters and fills the space beautifully. Though I am not an architectural student, I am curious because most of his thoughts have derived from Nature itself and there is a search for truth and simplicity in his architecture. This is the essence of Nature - True, simple and functional..

I am visiting the Yale center for British Arts this weekend to see firsthand the AIA 25 year award winning classic designed by the master himself 1 year before he died..

cheers..
Nature Interpreter.
'

Microsoft's Business Solution Strategy

2005-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

When Microsoft entered CRM market couple of years ago every one from SME vendors to big enterprise vendors had a nervous look. Two years on but nothing major has come out of Microsoft that could unsettle small and big enterprise players..

But hold on. The creative minds at redmond have dug deep in their hole to build new suite of enterprise applications based on 'Affordable Adaptability' concept. Satya Nadella, corporate VP of Microsoft writes in his blog that the new version of Microsoft business solutions will be based on SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and solution adapted to 50 company roles. People and Process forms the core part of the strategy.

Lets say a HR Manager needs an HRM application that can automate all his process and from which he can derive value by intelligent analytics. While at the same time Operations Manager can use the same application to perform his/her tasks.

Customizable enterprise solutions based on a company's need - its still an utopia. More often companies end up changing the process to suit the package or customize package to such an extent that its only used as a basic framework with most functionalities developed by internal IT team. Most of the enterprise CRM projects loose their flair in such an manner.

Best wishes to Microsoft. Lets see how the new versions shape up.

cheers..

Recipe for customer elimination management

2005-04-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Siebel system - pioneer of CRM technology and leader in enterprise CRM market is floundering. Yes this is the same company that rode to great heights in later part of last decade with innovative CRM products..

This year Tom Siebel fired his new CEO and former IBM man before he could complete his term.
Mainstay customers are unhappy about the product, wasted millions and long forgotten ROI word. SAP is eating away Siebel's customers in North America. Funnel looks short. Since 2001 Siebel has lost 40% of its market share and customers..

Is this the end of Siebel or is this the end of CRM. The problem lies in the way Siebel conceptualized CRM (Other vendors just followed suit). Its not about sales automation or automation of business process. Automation is just a means to the end. The end is help companies manage customer expectations and maintain a winwin situation with them..

Siebel and other CRM products have lost their competitive edge as every company has the same software, same forecasts and same way of doing business with customer. Though it helps to lay out basic processes over the last 4 -5 years nothing has changed much in the way CRM should evolve.

Unless the Siebel looks at the concept of CRM and adapt new technologies to enable business maintain successful customer relationship at optimum costs, Siebel will not see light at the end of tunnel rather the headlights of speeding train..

courtesy - CRM Daily

Elements of Pgpx and other thoughts

2005-04-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am detailing the structure and content of Pgpx program. All elements required to make a top general management program topped with an international project.

The objective - develop bright, enthusiastic, and aspirations executives into management leaders and change agents in the global arena.

This program has been divided into 6 sections.
First - Induction session - 3 1/2 days - Preparing for the program, adjusting to environ etc
Second - Building Blocks - 17 courses for 9 areas -240 sessions - approach 14 sessions/course. This one for cementing the conceptual and analytical management knowledge
Third - Top management - Prepares the participant for leadership and change management at top management level. 14 Courses - 180 sessions - approach 13 sessions/course
Fourth - International Project
Fifth - Electives - 120 sessions - Deeper learning, Research based course to reflect past experiences
Sixth - Capstone - 30 sessions - Integrate learning from the course

Total 570 sessions

Similar programs - Insead with 5 sections - 14 building blocks and 10 electives. Structure remains the same, though the leadership piece part of IIM A Pgpx is missing. More electives in fact on the last count 121 to choose from. 2 months gap - internship whereas 3 weeks project in IIMA.

More drops to trickle..

I have been reading a classic on advertising by Oglivy Mather, the legendary founder of one of the greatest advertising firm. Interesting read. He writes about 3 things essential for any successful campaign.

First - Know thy product - Know everything about your product, Do proper homework, learn about the product and client.
Second - Know thy competitor - Understand how your competitors are advertising similar products. What are the positive points that make competitive products sell.
Third - Know thy customer - Understand what makes customers buy a similar product. Research for the qualities that customers are looking for in your kind of product.

How true are these words. These can be applied to any field. How about selling your brand to a top business school. I am going follow his advice and prepare myself for IIMA application..

Vastrapur & Vikram Sarabhai - Making of an MBA

2005-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

IIMA - a world class institution with over 44 Years experience of educating leaders.
Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian Space program and few other spirited individuals started this school on December 11, 1961...
IIM Ahmedabad is the premier business school in India. One of the top schools in Asia. And now it has become the hunting ground for international recruiters as well. Traditionally the 2 year Pgp course is the flagship program of IIM A. Kids with relatively few years of experience or none form this program. I am not looking at this program but at the newly created 1 year Pgp program for executives.
Lets see why I find this program as a best fit for me..
I want a top MBA program which is well recognized in India. No other institute can beat IIMA in this parameter. The content of the program is very much of my liking. 1 year, general management focus, small and focused study group - target audience 50 experienced students. Matured students - lot of knowledge sharing can happen. Excellent academics. Top professors of the country. 15-10% of International student mix. Good functional mix. Excellent post MBA opportunities. Strong network. Relatively with in my budget. Less Opportunity costs. International project is like the cherry on the ice cream. I have decided its my best fit..
Personal bridges - Gujarat. I like this state. My undergraduate school was at Surat. I like the people, culture and food etc.
Now lets see what are the opportunities and risks of this program..
1. Opportunities:-
a. Since the first program one is automatically blessed with Founder member tag
b. Opportunity to shape the program. Since a new program even sky is not the limit for new initiatives. How about a Technology conference at IIM A. We will bring the leading business minds from technical world in a one day conference moderated by a top IIMA professor. I am thinking on the lines of an early tech conference. India needs one and that too from a leading business school.
c. Lifelong network.
d. Trend setters in Indian Business school education.
Risks:-
a. New program. No set rules. evolve constantly
b. How the infrastructure will be shared between pgp and pgpx.
c. Relatively less numbers vs ISB. How the landscape will change.
Now lets see what IIM A requires as part of application and how I stack up
IIM A Myself
Good GMAT Good
Substan Exp 6+ - Good
Leadership/
Management 5 team - Moderate
Good acad Good.
Extra Curri Average
Career Progress Good
Pre MBA Sal Good
Qualitative Items Dont Know.
This is how I stack up against IIMA. I am confident of atleast getting an interview Invite. I am already planning to build the background knowledge about IIMA, Faculty, Students etc etc..
More trickles on the way..

Free Gyan:-

People of vision, above the clouds of doubt,
speak not without substance

How fit are you

2005-04-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Having decided about Why and When of MBA the time has come to take a stand on Where to get an MBA from.It is like choosing a pair of shoes. Which is the most important factor that will decide your shoe. Will it be the color or style or cost? Of course all these factors are very important but there is a one critical factor without which you can forget buying shoes. It is your size. There is always one single size which will fit your feet. Little bigger or smaller the size you wont be comfortable with your shoes. Then you think about color, style and cost and you can arrive at a decision on choosing your pair of shoes.
Translating to MBA terms it is called 'Fit'. What 'Fit' again. You might argue the most cliched term in bschool lingo. My dear friends truth even cliched is truth always. Let me give an attempt in describing the Fit.
My case - Professional aspirations - Looking at a General Management program. Not a career changer. Already has 6 years + experience. More of a career enhancer. Looking at Business roles within technology organizations. More knowledge sharing can happen among people of substantial experience with multi cultural and functional background. I am willing to take time of from my work and absorb the MBA experience fully.
Translating to MBA terms - A general management program building solid management skills while opportunity to explore and extend my competencies in business terms. An MBA program neither filled with freshers (Like most Indian Schools) nor with top management types (Sloan Masters, Executive MBA etc). So Full time program is ideal and if its shorter then it suits me well.
My Case - Personal. I would like to go back to India to avail the in numerous opportunities as well as be with my family there. So a top MBA program well recognized in India will be an ideal fit. Cost wise I am looking at reasonably priced programs.
Translating into MBA terms - Personal attributes -1 Year MBA, Peers with solid work experience, multi cultural and multi functional interaction, Well recognized in India, Reasonably priced.
General attributes - top school, good professors, solid curriculum, Leadership opportunities, Career Opportunities and Strong network..
Now are you so stupid enough that you see the color, style and cost pick up a shoe and later discover that it doesn't fit you. No we all are intelligent people and we choose our shoes wisely.
After my scribbles I have come at a decision about which schools I am targeting
Correct Fit - IIM A Pgpx, ISB, Oxford, Insead and CEIBS.
Ultra Correct Fit - IMD, Ashridge
Comfort Fit - MBS, Cranfield.
More drops will trickle....

Words worth

2005-04-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Caution:- This one is very lengthy one.

Why MBA - Age old question. I have tried to answer this question based on my perspectives below
1. An opportunity to learn some thing solid in a short span of time. In real business world there are always projects, deliveries, dead lines with the factor 'Time' always in short demand. MBA gives an opportunity to master this very vital skill while imparting necessary business essentials
2. Leadership camp. MBA at Leading business Schools are nothing but a Leadership camp. Leader is some one who can not only excel individually but also as a part of team of diverse individuals with varied interests. Throw in multi cultural and multi national background, one has a perfect platform to learn and master vital Leadership skills. Change Leadership (Starting a New club), Team Leadership (Working in Group Projects, Team events, Class participation), Thought Leadership ( Case competitions, Business Plans, Conferences, Analyze Issues and provide solutions to complex business problems), Soft Leadership (Ability convey thoughts effectively, Better communication skills, Ability to empathise) and Business Leadership (Solve critical business problems, Ethics, Socio economic awareness, sensitivity to environment variables, social activities) are some of the gold waiting to be mined in any leading MBA program.
3. See Trees when you should trees and See Woods when you should see Woods. See trees and woods when you need both.
4. Analytical and Business Skills
5. Better career prospects
6. Social esteem
7. Opportunity to be part of a life long network.
These are some of the advantages of an getting an MBA. Not every MBA fits everyone's profile. Once decided about getting an MBA the next question that arise is when to get it....

When MBA

MBA is an experience where the learning takes place in and outside the class room. Peer group matters here. More diverse and more matured the peer group more the opportunities for learning. Here one has to contribute to and learn from the class.
With 6 years of IT consulting experience under my belt, I see the time is ripe for me to participate in a MBA program. Having worked across three continents I have learned to operate and contribute in a diverse environment. I work as a senior consultant in a top 100 company and with an MBA i would have gained a holistic view of management. Appreciation of multi functional influences while analyzing a business problem is very imperative. Any solution to even the most simplest of business problem is not complete unless the decision has been taken with all multi functional influences in mind.
Solid management knowledge are critical in today's world for any one aspiring to be a leader. A person will absorb the management thoughts much better if he/she can relate the fundamentals to their realworld experiences.
Also MBA is critical for Business Leadership. Some are born leaders with acute business sense. they donot need an MBA. But for many others it is a platform from which they can find their ends. Its only a means to the end and not the end itself. That differentiation has to be remembered.
Short term and Long term goals - Career changers, job struckers are few categories where MBA can be a helping hand. My short term goal is to lead a service organization in my chosen area. My niche is CRM consulting - there is tremendous opportunity to increase Customer vale for any firm. My short term goal is to be at leadership position focusing on increasing customer value through technology in a top firm. Translating to Practice Head, Delivery Head, Tech evangelist, Business Head etc.
Long term goal - A niche operational consulting firm?? Huh.. The market for mid market CRM is huge and untapped. Is there a product in market which can be used to engage customers, Increase Sales, Provide efficient Service and Optimize the end-end product life cycle - None. you have CRM products like Siebel, ERP products like SAP and analytical products which are big and cumbersome and costly. Such a product for SMEs seldom exist. How about a Microsoft word like product for CRM. Ease to use, Ease to adapt, Less costly and scalable. My dream is to be build such a company.
Now assume if you haven't had any prior experience and if there is no need for you as an MBA, the only motivation for a person is to get a nice job after an MBA. More over the contributions can only be theoretical and takeaway from the MBA program will be minimal if not none.
What you give is what you get is the secret behind any top MBA program.

Free Gyan:-

Body is externally purified by water;
truth is medicine that purifies the mind

Trickles down..

2005-04-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

It all starts with a trickle.
Little drops of water make a tiny brook
Small streams get together and form a river
Rivers intertwine and flow into a Ocean...
In the mean time there is growth of new life and passage of old things..
My journey is similar to this. My aim is to attend a top business school. A top business school according to my wishes and dreams. Profile - Indian, 6 + Yrs, Good GMAT, Multi Continent Experience, Techie.
This blog is a trickle towards that journey.

Todays gyan -

Success in righteousness is like riding a palanquin;
failure is like languishing under its burden

First Trickle

2005-04-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hi world. Test blog..