WalMart - Time to change?
Dec 22, 2006
Nice Article by Jack Trout :-
Nothing has excited and riled up the advertising agency business as much as
Wal-Mart's recent firing of Julie Roehm and the agency she just hired.
It was all over the business press, but nothing captured it better than
the big headline in Advertising Age magazine that proclaimed: "Unruly Julie and
the Scandal That Rocked the Ad World."
Exam Results - 9 days to go !
Dec 18, 2006
I am nervous for the first time waiting for the result. Heck ! I should be...after reading this post
See for yourself. Go on. READ IT
See for yourself. Go on. READ IT
Mulally targets Muda - The Way Forward !
Dec 16, 2006
Welcome to the world of waste management. Muda, as it is called in Japan, is a key concept in Toyota Production System. New Ford Chief, Alan Mulally, finally discovers what Taiichi Ohno discovered 5 decades ago. Finally, the giant has woke up and flexing its muscles!
Read this article in the Forbes.
Mulally's "The Way Forward" plan has begun to unfold and we will have a lot to watch!
Read this article in the Forbes.
Mulally's "The Way Forward" plan has begun to unfold and we will have a lot to watch!
Necessary but not sufficient
Dec 13, 2006
It was a wonderful week as I was totally immersed in Goldratt's book : "Necessary but not sufficient". Ever since I read "The goal" by this man, he never ceases to amaze me. Be it "The Critical Chain" or "It's not luck", each of his books has the same common sense and de-bottlenecking approach which you simply can not deny. What is even more amazing is the simplicity of his ideas and his ability to put things in a perspective so easy to understand. He frames the scenario in the perfect way.
The book revolves around BGSoft,an ERP provider which makes the translation from a software package provider to value provider. The switch was not discretionary but forced by the market conditions. After amazing success and unprecedented growth rates for last so many years, BGSoft faced danger of market saturation and started looking for ways to expand into other markets or grow into existing markets. In a turn of event, one of their clients involves them into their day-to-day operation and in the process, BGSoft learns ways to survive and lead. So much so that they teach their client certain things about their home turf.
While this is the problem on the surface, the story is based on the power of Theory of Constraint, Buffer Management and Drum-Buffer-Rope Techniques. How BGSoft integrates various facets of supply Chain into its ERP software to add value to the client and in turn, make themselves as a much more robust company. Also, the characters often think aloud in the book which helps your thinking process to develop.
An absolute heart-winner ! All Technically-bent-minded people must read this.
You may also find the links below to be relevant while you are on your journey to become a TOC expert:
and Last but not the least:
Even an MBA can do it !!!
Dec 10, 2006
Take it easy...Just a little bit of fun: Standard disclaimers apply. This video may or may not represent my opinion about the values or arrogance level of an MBA. (Official Link)
My MBA Journey - Just another brick in the wall
Dec 9, 2006
By now, I am sure all my regular readers would be aware that I am "enrolled" in the MBA Program at NUS, Singapore. Well, today was a special day in my MBA journey!
I finished my last examination of semester 1!
I am happy for the fact that I can afford to relax for a while and at the same time, I am sad as I have nothing to be stressed about! You accept it or not, we are so used to stress in our lives that we choke at the very thought of a free and relaxed state. At least, I do. I am at equilibrium when I am at chaos. The moment particles stop colliding with each other and everything comes to standstill, I feel choked.
Aarghh! I again started philosophizing on things I have so limited knowledge about! Back to my MBA journey! When I was coming back from the college yesterday, I was reflecting on the last 4 months and trying to figure out if I indeed learnt anything in these 4 busy months. I will turn a bit jargonful now, so , please bear with me! I made a mental list of things I learnt and could do now as a result of perspiring for 4 months!
- Analytics was something I knew already! Forecasting was a new concept and I learnt to do magic. You give me 3-4 data points and I can forecast for forever! Isn't it magic? Do not blame me if the forecasts don't turn out to be true. Blame the choice of method and ofcourse to the devils codenamed as MAE, RMSE and MAPE.
- Accounting taught me that I can find everything about a company's present state, where is it coming from, where is it going, how well is it doing, how efficiently is it using its assets and how well is it managing its liabilities. All of them just with an honest annual statement of the company. Isn't it amazing? I am proud of myself for being able to do that. Later, I read about so many accounting frauds in the recent past that sort-of-Calvin has gotten into me whenever I open any annual statement. I have become skeptic.
- Finance was the most wonderful thing which happened to me. Time Value of Money! It's as if you add another dimension to money-Time Value. It took me a week or so to realize that it's the same compound interest formula (formulated backwards) disguised into a world full of jargons. But I don't blame the textbook for that. I did learn a thing or two here and this course was an eye-opener! I really look forward to studying investment analysis next semester
- Marketing was something I would cherish forever. Why? Because it equipped me with Consultant's Power. Articulating a simple statement into a concept and sending 12 researchers to prove it from all corners. Wow ! Whenever I read marketing books, I used the power of paraphrasing to help me understand the basics and then reversed it by decorating the same with B-World Jargons. We did an amazing marketing plan for a bank. The plan was aimed at restructuring bank's marketing plan to re-enter into a particular banking area they are not so good at. It was street-smart idea when you lay it on paper. The entire concept could have been explained in a sentence or two. But, not so fast! We did prepare an "exhaustive marketing plan" which could convince anyone why we are saying what we are saying! Someone has rightly said: "Build a Better Mousetrap and the World Will Beat a Path to Your Door" doesn't happen! You need to tell the world what have you got! Marketing taught us the power and ways to do exactly that!
-Organizational Behavior was again helpful in structuring what we already knew into a better way by adding certain new things. Though a lot of people do not particularly enjoy humanities subjects, I like them a lot. That statement doesn't make me a humanities god and in all my powers, I could very well stink when the grades are out! But, that is a different matter! Let's not mix grades and learning, for a moment! That's a solace for people like us who are not particularly lucky when it comes to acing the exams!
So, that's five! These five devils kept me so busy for 4 months but in hindsight, it was a wonderful semester and I did learn a lot. Pardon my sarcasm when I describe certain things. That's the way I am coded! Right now, I am feeling learned, enlightened and knowledgeable! Look forward to having a blast next semester with Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Leadership, Strategic Procurement in Supply Chain Management, Investment Analysis, Managing Operations and Corporate Strategy! Don't count, that's seven. If I have enough courage by the start of next semester, I would continue with all 7 or drop it to 6 to make it more manageable for me! Wish me luck.
I finished my last examination of semester 1!
I am happy for the fact that I can afford to relax for a while and at the same time, I am sad as I have nothing to be stressed about! You accept it or not, we are so used to stress in our lives that we choke at the very thought of a free and relaxed state. At least, I do. I am at equilibrium when I am at chaos. The moment particles stop colliding with each other and everything comes to standstill, I feel choked.
Aarghh! I again started philosophizing on things I have so limited knowledge about! Back to my MBA journey! When I was coming back from the college yesterday, I was reflecting on the last 4 months and trying to figure out if I indeed learnt anything in these 4 busy months. I will turn a bit jargonful now, so , please bear with me! I made a mental list of things I learnt and could do now as a result of perspiring for 4 months!
- Analytics was something I knew already! Forecasting was a new concept and I learnt to do magic. You give me 3-4 data points and I can forecast for forever! Isn't it magic? Do not blame me if the forecasts don't turn out to be true. Blame the choice of method and ofcourse to the devils codenamed as MAE, RMSE and MAPE.
- Accounting taught me that I can find everything about a company's present state, where is it coming from, where is it going, how well is it doing, how efficiently is it using its assets and how well is it managing its liabilities. All of them just with an honest annual statement of the company. Isn't it amazing? I am proud of myself for being able to do that. Later, I read about so many accounting frauds in the recent past that sort-of-Calvin has gotten into me whenever I open any annual statement. I have become skeptic.
- Finance was the most wonderful thing which happened to me. Time Value of Money! It's as if you add another dimension to money-Time Value. It took me a week or so to realize that it's the same compound interest formula (formulated backwards) disguised into a world full of jargons. But I don't blame the textbook for that. I did learn a thing or two here and this course was an eye-opener! I really look forward to studying investment analysis next semester
- Marketing was something I would cherish forever. Why? Because it equipped me with Consultant's Power. Articulating a simple statement into a concept and sending 12 researchers to prove it from all corners. Wow ! Whenever I read marketing books, I used the power of paraphrasing to help me understand the basics and then reversed it by decorating the same with B-World Jargons. We did an amazing marketing plan for a bank. The plan was aimed at restructuring bank's marketing plan to re-enter into a particular banking area they are not so good at. It was street-smart idea when you lay it on paper. The entire concept could have been explained in a sentence or two. But, not so fast! We did prepare an "exhaustive marketing plan" which could convince anyone why we are saying what we are saying! Someone has rightly said: "Build a Better Mousetrap and the World Will Beat a Path to Your Door" doesn't happen! You need to tell the world what have you got! Marketing taught us the power and ways to do exactly that!
-Organizational Behavior was again helpful in structuring what we already knew into a better way by adding certain new things. Though a lot of people do not particularly enjoy humanities subjects, I like them a lot. That statement doesn't make me a humanities god and in all my powers, I could very well stink when the grades are out! But, that is a different matter! Let's not mix grades and learning, for a moment! That's a solace for people like us who are not particularly lucky when it comes to acing the exams!
So, that's five! These five devils kept me so busy for 4 months but in hindsight, it was a wonderful semester and I did learn a lot. Pardon my sarcasm when I describe certain things. That's the way I am coded! Right now, I am feeling learned, enlightened and knowledgeable! Look forward to having a blast next semester with Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Leadership, Strategic Procurement in Supply Chain Management, Investment Analysis, Managing Operations and Corporate Strategy! Don't count, that's seven. If I have enough courage by the start of next semester, I would continue with all 7 or drop it to 6 to make it more manageable for me! Wish me luck.
Who is better?
Dec 7, 2006
Vs
Decide for yourself ???? I am confused
21st Century Business Leadership
Dec 5, 2006
Everyone's talking about green and sustainability these days. Looks like profitability and "increasing shareholder values " have become things of past. Finally, the MNCs have realized that if they don't save the earth, they would have to look for a different planet. Not a very attractive proposition.
Have a look at the new definition of business leadership and a new direction MNCs are taking now:
Have a look at the new definition of business leadership and a new direction MNCs are taking now:
BP is one step ahead. Environment and Sustainability has become one of the prime drivers of the company. So much so that they take all the pain of making a sustainability report every year. It looks no less researched than their annual report. They have been doing this for 7 years now!
It's heartening to see that these global citizens are walking that extra mile to make a difference.
Visibility in Supply Chain
The CEO of Arena Solutions , Michael Topolovac, talks about the importance of visibility in Supply Chain and ends the note with a brief sales pitch about his company which does Product Life-Cycle Management.
This month will be Supply Chain and Economics Special. Expect lots of gyan (knowledge) here. So keep an eye and watch the space.
Yahoo Answers Google
Dec 3, 2006
5 months back, I was surprised to see billboards in Hyderabad (India) for "Yahoo Answers". I was wondering if Dotcom has come back. Do they really have so much money that they have started offline advertising.
My post earlier last month "Google Google Little Star" writes all good things about Google. I was amazed to see that Gogle is setting its foot almost everywhere and that too in style with substance. Well, not this time.
This morning, I was looking for an answer and opened "Google Answers". This is what I found out
My post earlier last month "Google Google Little Star" writes all good things about Google. I was amazed to see that Gogle is setting its foot almost everywhere and that too in style with substance. Well, not this time.
This morning, I was looking for an answer and opened "Google Answers". This is what I found out
So, finally all those billboard advertisment has paid off. Or is there another underlying reason attached to it. From whatever I know about business, the reason why Google shut down the "answers" may be because:
- Google Answer never became as popular as Yahoo Answers and with the launch of a similar service by Microsoft (Windows Live QnA), things became worse.
- People are not willing to pay to get their answers online. Especially whne there are equally good services available for free
- Google follows "GE's Policy" when it comes to running or closing a business. Quit if you are not number 1 or 2 in that business. Google Answers was around for 4 years now. Since it was a pet project of the founder Larry Page, Google waited for some time else it would have vanished long back.
Whatever the reason be, Yahoo has pulled victory in atleast this battle. There wil be so much to see in the years to come with the trio (Microsoft, Google and Yahoo) fighting over things. (Operating system being one of them). People would surely be opening champagne at Yahoo Camp. But is it the end of the beginning? Is it not possible that the giant (read: Google) is planning for a MAJOR re-launch of its answer services. Well, time will unfold such questions but it will be worth a watch!
Walmart finally breaks in!
Dec 2, 2006
The world's largest company, Wal-Mart has finally managed to bypass the Indian bureaucracy and other retailing giants like Tesco and Carrefour are likely to follow suit.
The giant has come in the disguise of Bharti. The retail shops will be owned by Bharti Enterprises under the Wal-Mart franchise. Bharti was also in talks with Tesco and Carrefour, according to London Times. Now, since Tesco has been apparently left alone by Bharti, it's time to wait and watch how it flexes its muscle. It is unlikely that TESCO would just let it go. I won't be surprised if a new name comes up in the coming months in the form of ITC, HLL or Pantaloon. Indian Retail Sector is too hot to avoid. Retailers are keen to enter the Indian market, which is growing at nearly 30 per cent a year, but are allowed only to run franchises or licenses, or operate on a cash-and-carry model, under restrictive rules on foreign investment. We are likely to see a major fight in the organized retail sector in the coming year with deep pockets players joining the foray. From what has been uncovered till date, Bharti, Reliance Industries, the Tata group and the Aditya Birla Group are in the race. Cigarette maker ITC Ltd. has also opened its first grocery stores and plans to add outlets quickly.
Though organized retail industry makes up only 3% of the $ 300 billion retail industry, this number is expected to grow 15-18 percent by 2011/12 (according to Reuters). The industry itself is forecast to grow to $427 billion in 2010 and $637 billion in 2015, according to consultancy Technopak Advisors.
What does it all mean to me? Well, I couldn't be happier. Right when the industry is ripe, I would be available to these lucky guys as their Supply Chain and Logistics Consultant. Till then, I must watch what they are upto and make my moves accordingly.
anshuman hemingway !
This afternoon, this amazing feeling crept all over me - to take up writing as a career! I don't know what instigated these feelings but within a span of two hours, I already thought about two scripts I am gonna work on...
To my suceess !
To my suceess !
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