If the US attacks us, they know what we’ll do...

Obama has little choice but to go after earnest development in the US foreign policy

Manouchehr Mottaki (MM) is the Foreign Minister of Iran, a country that has ensured that it continues to remain in the bad books of the United States; not only because of its suspicion worthy nuclear ambitions, but also partly because of the war of words that Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has loosely declared on the West. Despite various talks of attacks on Iran, Bush has not fortunately put his words into action. The question is, will Barack Obama mirror standard establishment think when it comes to a so-called ‘dangerous’ country like Iran? Though initial reports do suggest to the affirmative, in this exclusive interview, Iran’s Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says the media needs to be patient as Iran waits for Obama’s next move. He also deflates the chances of full-fledged military confrontation between Iran and US saying that America cannot afford to undertake another conflict in the region.

B&E: What is your opinion on the election of Obama as the US President?
MM: We take into consideration the statements of Americans but we are awaiting their statements and stances after January 21. We should wait and act with further consideration. Obama himself has asked for more time to reflect upon dialogue with Iran and it should be given to him.

B&E: So are you looking forward to the new administration?
MM: Everyone is looking forward to the US administration because everyone is bearing in mind the question of what will be the subsequent strategy of the United States. It is easy to find several criticisms of ongoing policies of the US. That’s why in our understanding, the next administration has little choice but to go after earnest and considerable development for modification in the US future policies, including its policy towards Latin America, Middle East, Iraq, and of course Iran.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

 

Cavo Tagoo Hotel, Mykonos

Make your trip to Mykonos even more memorable with your stay at the Cavo Tagoo hotel. A unique luxury hotel, Cavo Tagoo sits pretty on an impressive cliffside, near the town of Chora, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Unparalleled hospitality, state-of-the-art facilities, and an ideal location is what sets the Cavo Tagoo apart in comparison to the other hotels in its league. The hotel lives up to its reputation as the Top Resort hotel, earning 1st Prize of Applied Architecture in the Aegean Sea Region, and is also the winner of 10th International America Award for Quality 1998. Pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa centre or burn that flab away at the hotel’s fitness centre. Indulge in the delicacies served by the Tagoo restaurant or revitalise yourself with a swim in the indoor swimming pool. With all this and more, Cavo Tagoo is unarguably ‘The hotel’ to be in.

The view : Enjoy a quiet evening gazing across the breathtaking panoramic view offered by the hotel and enjoy the jet-setting vibes of Mykonos.

Archi type : Cavo Tagoo exhibits a blend of Mykonian architecture with a contemporary flourish. The hotel has an exquisite setting of whitewashed walls, blending effortlessly with its Cycladic surroundings, sleek lines and imposing designer urns in shades of the Aegean.

Bon appétit : Enjoy spectacular sunsets from the pool-side restaurant while you savour the delicacies on a platter. The restaurant serves a distinct Mediterranean cuisine, Greek specialities and also has a sushi bar.

Around the corner : The hotel is ideally located at a stone’s throw distance from the Mykonos town. The retreat proves to be an ideal base for shopping, beach visits and the town's famous nightlife.

From under the carpet : Since the hotel is located between the old port and the new port, where cruise ships anchor, the noise levels in and around the hotel can be a bit of botheration.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

An Italian hamlet

Stretching over 50 km along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most intriguing coastlines in Europe. Deep valleys run down to the sea, confirming the conventional interplay between land and sea. The coast is made up of soaring limestone cliffs terraced with scented lemon groves. For some of the most scenic coastal villages in the world, Amalfi is also listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. While savouring the Coast at twilight is a fantastic pleasure, renowned for its rugged terrain, Amalfi is fast becoming the numero uno choice for trekkers!

Once in Amalfi, a visit to The Cathedral (Duomo of St. Andrew), decorated with modern mosaic, is a must. It has a magnificent portico with pointed arches and The Crypt contains the remains of the Apostle St. Andrew. The Arsenal is located on the left of the ‘Porta della Marina’, one of the oldest doors through which soldiers ventured into the sea. Renowned for its emerald green waters, Emerald Grotto, is set in the charming bay of Conca Dei Marini.

Located along the entire stretch of the coast are small towns like Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Salerno. Statle 163 – the road connecting these picturesque towns – is built around mountains, and provides a breathtaking view of the sea.

The pearl of the coast – Positano, is considered to be one of the most striking and expensive places in the world... a “vertical” village with houses organised in a coloured cascade along the hills. The town itself is an engineering marvel; soak up the sun as you hit Santa Croce, or simply climb up the terraces of Villa Rufolo and Cimbone at Ravello, where visitors can admire a wonderful panorama. Of late, Ravello has been gaining popularity because of its Festival Internazionale di Musica. While town hopping, Correale Museum and the Piazza Tasso, the cathedral in the charming town of Sorrento, with its hidden creeks and picturesque beaches makes for time well spent.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

BUMBLING IN THE BACKYARD

The governments of Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh reveal to akram hoque of B&E...

We all know that the Chinese have an interesting proverb used as a subtle and sarcastic barb against foes: “May you live in interesting times”. Now just imagine for a while that Winston Churchill - the man who wanted India forever to be the crown jewel of the British Empire - was entertaining uncharitable thoughts when it was clear to him that the crown jewel would indeed be lost forever in a tidal wave of anti-Imperialism. Did he possibly utter the following words when he thought grimly about Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architects of the modern Indian nation state: “May you live with interesting neighbours?”. There might be endless debates and controversies when we use other adjectives to describe India’s neighbours. But surely everyone will agree that China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka are quite ‘interesting’, if nothing else! In fact, they - and their relationship with India - has been so interesting over the last six decades that it remains the single biggest foreign policy challenge for the country!

Surely Jawaharlal Nehru would not have had thought even in his wildest dreams (or nightmares) back in 1947 that India would face such enormous, enervating and enfeebling challenges while dealing with neighbours in the 21st century? Bangladesh then was not even a figment of imagination.

Pakistan was hostile no doubt; but jihad was something that had happened many centuries ago in West Asia. Nepal was the only Hindu Kingdom in the world with extremely close - almost umbilical - ties with India. Sri Lanka was on the cusp of attaining freedom and emerging as a South Asian paradise where the Sinhalese and Tamils co-existed in harmony. Burma was a free country where tens of thousands of Indians flourished. And yes, China was to be the friend, ally and partner of India as the Third World nations worked as comrades in arms against ‘Imperial forces’.

Read more......

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

Delhi Metro; systemic losses

Pricing the Metro tickets low is ridiculous; is it a social service effort?

Is Delhi Metro a costly mistake? Well, it surely will become a national heritage once it gets completed, but would it qualify on the strictest parameter of becoming a financially sound public transport model? Or has it been set up just to beautify Delhi’s landscape on taxpayers’ money? Let’s see some interesting facts.

The concept of metros has never been a profitable business proposition internationally. There are 135 metros worldwide but only four metros have been successful in making profits. These are Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore and Tokyo. The Kolkata Metro is another example of a staid loss maker. If the financial year 2004-05 saw it incurring losses of Rs.43 crores, last year stood at Rs 48.6 crores (It earned Rs.48 crore from passenger traffic against operating costs of around Rs.91 crore in the same year). In other words, tax payers are paying for the inefficiencies of metro’s employees and processes. The Delhi Metro railway project is purportedly one of Delhi’s brightest projects. The first phase of Delhi metro is complete and the total cost stood at around Rs.10,571 crore. The estimated cost of the second phase is Rs.8,118 crore. In spite of having the lowest fares compared to other metros internationally, Delhi metro has earned operational profits of Rs.398.69 crore. Since there is hefty capital investment and certain amount of operating cost involved, it seems that it will take many years to make net profit.

Claude Jeanrenaud, Council of Europe member, writes in his report, Funding of Urban Public Transport, “Urban public transport systems are systematically loss making,” the reason clearly being pricing travel tickets lower than true cost in an ostensible effort to cater to lower income groups, a clearly misdirected strategy at the cost of other taxpayers. Delhi Metro was not and should not be considered a social service effort, especially when it is not free money that is going in.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

Maruti Suzuki posted mind-boggling numbers

the indian Automotive sector as a whole faced tremendous slowdown in demand but market leader Maruti Suzuki posted mind-boggling numbers. B&E Pawan chabra finds out what the company did differently in the last fiscal to achieve this feat

Not many people know that there is a separate department in the sales and marketing team of Maruti Suzuki dedicated to take care of its rural strategy. There are around 2,500 rural dealerships sales executives currently working in the company out of the total 15,000 sales executives working in the company and “we will be hiring in rural areas very aggressively in this fiscal,” asserts Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki India. The company is aiming at a 15% contribution to the total revenues by the end of this fiscal coming from the rural sales. There is no denying the fact that requirements in the rural part of the country are very different from that of the urban market and hence the company is selling entry level vehicles – Alto, WagonR & Zen Estillo – the most in these areas. Clearly, the company is playing a volume driven game rather than showing unnecessary audacity by offering high end products like a Vitara or a SX4. But Srivastava took no time to mention “that the company is still very much open to meeting any kind of demand that comes from the rural areas.”

Going forward, experts believe other players will also aggressively target the rural market. However, going by past results and the milestones achieved by the company, one cannot show its back to the fact that Maruti will not leave any stone unturned to capture the top rank in the automobile sales in the rural market too.

In absolute sales, at 3.6% the company sold lesser than expected in the last fiscal, but analysts believe the growth to be decent keeping in mind the hit that the sector has taken in recent times. In fact, industry watchers claim that its parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has been able to avoid any losses for the Jan-Mar 2009 quarter simply on the back of the boost given by sales figures of its Indian subsidiary. Hyundai & Tata Motors are also strategising to make a beeline for the high-growth hinterlands, but as always Maruti’s first mover advantage will help them rule the strategy war room.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

The third time in india

LG finally had it right the third time in india. now it is decisively upping the stakes

“Our determination for walking the full distance is unwavering. We would like to move faster but we won’t be impatient. A broad consensus in favour of industrialisation (in India) is gradually emerging and we trust that the respective Governments are doing their best...”

Yes, this is a comment from a Korean company on its commitment towards India. But while you may be tempted to think this is LG, it is actually a comment from Posco, when we asked them how, despite the problems with the steel plant, the company continues to stubbornly invest time and money in its India plans. While making steel and making consumer durables are like chalk and cheese, Posco’s determination may be due in part, to the inspiring forays of other Korean MNCs in India; LG in particular.

LG had earlier tested the waters with two unsuccessful attempts (in the form of JVs with Bestavision and Birla group). In March 1997, K. R. Kim (who was then working in Panama) was bought on board to spearhead the Indian subsidiary of the Korean consumer durable giant. Moreover, the market, which was led by the likes of BPL, Onida, Videocon, Weston, Philips, et al, was now changing. LG, along with the other Korean giant Samsung, proved more than a handful for the incumbents, with their aggressive pricing, promotion and distribution strategies.

Cut to 2009, the company has not only clocked a mind boggling turnover of Rs.107.93 billion in 2008 (with a growth rate of 18%) but is also aiming high for its next big fix – the $6-billion revenue target by 2010. But the initial experience of LG in India has not been a cakewalk as the key challenge for the company at the time was not of growth but of survival. From cultural conundrums to corruption, from office space hiccups to high attrition rates, the company had it all. In fact, there was a time when the durable giant had to bear the wrath of the local land mafia and criminal elements at its manufacturing base at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Read more....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

“In india, for india...”

B&E: How did you started off in India?

VR: GE Healthcare came to India in the year 1990 through a joint venture with Wipro Corporation. We obviously started at the bottom of the table as most of the big players had established business in India. GE Healthcare was represented through a GE business unit called IGE, which had some presence in the X-ray imaging business. Thus, our immediate vision was to establish ourselves as a top-of-the-line medical equipment supplier and a preferred partner for Indian healthcare practitioners.

B&E: So, how has been your journey till date?

VR: The biggest challenge we faced was do get business from the government. As we were a new entrant in the market therefore we could not grab a good mind share and were able manage only a meager percentage of its business. It took us time to educate them on our technology and service capabilities. However, today, with our investments in technologies, resources, education, et al, we are getting a good chunk of government business as well. Other learning was to bring in more local products and solutions for the local market. We believe we could have accelerated with “In India, for India” solution a lot earlier.

B&E: What is your advice to a MNC that plans to enter the Indian market in the near future?

VR: India is a huge market, but it’s a unique market. On one hand, it has an urban market, which is at par with the developed world, on the other it has a huge under-developed market that is crying for basic necessities. I would say that the key to growth in India to get a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. One should be patient enough to play a long innings and should bring out products/solutions that are aligned to Indian consumer needs.

Read more....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

The Idiot Box

There are ads, and then there are those 10 that have personified the concept of how branding can be made to work for the product most efficiently and effectively. From creativity to brand recall, from concept to execution, these 10 advertisements have gotten our attention; thanks to the commitment of the teams that created them. We present you with our review of the top three ads.

No kid stuff this

Advertiser: Flipkart.com
Baseline: Shopping ka Naya Address
Agency: Happy Creative Services

4Ps B&M Take: You’ve got to hand it them. They’ve made a sequel and done it flawlessly with zero blunders usually committed by sequel makers. Normally, an idea once liked, if repeated, can lead to viewer fatigue. Not this time though. The latest set of ‘kids as adults’ ads flatter, amuse and educate all at the same time. The result? Classic brand recall that not only spurs those who are already using the brand but also incites those who just didn’t get what the online shopping hullabaloo was all about. The ads are simple and the concept, though old, works again. The first ad, showcases a family (of kid adults) collecting a courier delivery. When the husband (with an endearing false mustache) objects to buying something by just seeing the photo, the kid wife makes a sweet comeback that their marriage was also facilitated similarly. The second ad has the husband complaining about a faulty DVD set bought from Flipkart, and the wife pointedly proves him wrong. What’s commendable is the ease with which the story board integrates the advantages offered by the portal, including cash-on-delivery and replacement policy. Notably, of the $500 billion retail market, just about $500 million is online - excluding online ticket shopping. So if the objective was to build awareness and reinforce reliability, this one scores high on both. QED: 10 year olds can also sell you stuff!

Read more......

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

 

When hero's fall, should brands walk tall?

The ongoing Insurance TVC with Yuvraj Singh has unleashed quite some questions on that should be drawn by agencies... 4Ps B&M’s Consulting Editor Monojit Lahiri attempts to referee this emotional issue

“Jab tak balla chaltha hai, thaat hain. Jab balla nahin chalega tho...” a pause accompanied by an expression of bewilderment, helplessness, and resignation on the (seemingly confident) World Cup hero’s face continues to haunt and leave a chilling, poignant impact on zillions of fans and viewers of this TVC. Where does the ad end ... and stark reality begin? Is the line between reel and real suddenly blurring? Many Yuvi fans and TVC watchers are quick to point out that this ad has been “suitably pruned and frequency upped” to strategically cash-in, full-on, on the present state of the cancer-stricken sports star. This has led to some debate in the public domain with some flagging the TVC as an insensitive act representing commercialism, with the demand/request that the growth of this kind of brand positioning could be discouraged. The advocates of this TVC however wonder what the fuss is all about! They are of the opinion that instead of getting all emotional and sentimental, a little objectivity and maturity trying to understand the brand’s point of view would help. They insist that the so-called offending TVC is only initiating, involving and reminding viewers to be prepared for the worst at all times and the very fact that the protagonist – a cool dude and hi-flyer – is going through a rough patch, out of the blue, only makes the point stronger. The message sent out is brief, direct and sharp for everyone: Life can be uncertain. Hence life insurance. More so for a majority of Indians who remain uninsured purely due to sloth.

Which point of view works? Which doesn’t? Soma Chakravarty, Senior PR Manager at India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) leads the pack with all cylinders firing. She accuses the advertiser of being shockingly insensitive and cynical. “Where is the heart and human feelings? I am amazed at their take on the very concept of communication; gives the profession a bad name!” says Soma. Judhajit Sengupta, VP of the Kolkata-based Megaminds Communications, agrees and adds his bit: “To begin with, the intent is suspect and so is the timing! Don’t these guys remember or respect basic commandments of responsible communication ...that we are first human beings, then consumers? As a communication practitioner I am appalled at the lack of corporate conscience and defense of an ad that hurts any right thinking person’s sensibilities. How low can one stoop to conquer?” Is this the general viewpoint?

Read more....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

The Kim & I’ran

Iran can’t be treated like N.Korea

There are two countries the US seems to be fed up with, Iran and North Korea (no George, ‘Putin’ is not the name of a country). While the reasons of getting fed up seem quite the same – namely, quest for nuclear power/missile capability – the fact is that Iran should not and must not be treated by Obama at the same level of North Korea, a mistake he seems to be committing with his recent comments against the elections in Iran.

A comparative analysis exemplifies that there is a big contrast in these two countries and Obama must respect Iran for the same. Firstly, Iran’s constructive involvement in regional development is unquestioned. Iran has strong leadership in the Middle East. North Korea has almost never contributed constructively to regional issues, leave alone global. Iran is a founder and active member of many regional as well as international bodies like UN, NAM, OIC and OPEC; while North Korea – a derelict member of NAM – has always isolated itself. Freedom of expression, though controlled sporadically, is generally found at ease in Iran. Try that in Korea.

Read more......

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

Tokyo firm rents fake family and friends for weddings

A Tokyo firm rents fake family and friends for weddings, but the trend is not exactly alien to us Indians...

But if you thought these friends of convenience come cheap, sample this. For 20,000 yen (roughly Rs.10,000) one could have a ‘friend’ attend his/her wedding. Add to that 5,000 yen and you can have him perform a song or a dance sequence, while an emotional speech by such a friend could set you back by a cool 10,000 yen... In these times of recession, with requests from at least 100 such weddings, this translates to big business for Office Agents who are only too happy to oblige, and are laughing their way to the bank. However, with a manpower of 1,000 fakes available with the firm, the expenses in terms of salaries alone are perhaps not exactly dirt cheap.

But if you thought that such a trend was completely foreign to us Indians, then it would be far from facts. Says Kanisha, Delhi Wedding Planners, “Sometimes we do get requests from families asking for people to pose as relatives at weddings. In fact, in the past, there have been quite a few of such requests. It usually comes from families where there is an inter-caste marriage and many relatives don’t turn up. At such a time, the family hires people to be a part of the baaratis. We also get such requests from those who are settled abroad with their families but choose to have their weddings here in India. Since they don’t have many relatives in the country, people are hired to show a full house at such weddings.”

While, like the Japanese, the Indians value family ties more than most things, let’s just hope that the practice of using fake stand-ins in Japan (even in events like funerals) doesn’t become prevalent in our country too.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

ELECTIONS: COMING TO POWER

Two CMs who bravely defied anti-incumbency and emerged trumps in both assembly and Lok Sabha elections

Above all, while people like Narendra Modi were giving confused signals of looking for a ‘larger-than-Gujarat’ role, Patnaik has ensured that BJD remain largely a regional party. “In the last five years, BJD has sat on the opposition benches in Parliament and we will continue to fight for the demands of our people, we are a regional party,’’ he reemphasises his winning card.

In Andhra Pradesh, YSR Reddy’s claims that allotting seats to a large number of women candidates paid them dividends. Currently, there are six women in the state cabinet, including Andhra Pradesh’s first woman Home Minister, Sabita Indrareddy, widow of former Home minister, Patolla Indrareddy.

“Six women were inducted into the cabinet and I, as a woman, have been elevated to a superior status. This is the chief minister’s democratic humanism,’’ says Indrareddy. A YSR insider, she belongs to Telangana and held the mines and geology portfolio in the last government. “New parties were formed, alliances created, we performed well. Politics is not mathematics. Voters know to choose between state and the centre. We have to accept the verdict.” the first woman to hold a full fledged home portfolio, explains how her party did less spectacularly in the assembly. It had won 185 seats in 2004 assembly polls.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that both Patnaik and Reddy have struck a powerful connection with the people of their respective states over the years. The election results are only the logical end to their exemplary efforts. 

Read more....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)

Under the Bonnie Blue Bahama Sky

Think 700 islands and 2400 cays in an endless expanse of blue…An adventurer’s paradise of pristine waters and pink sand beaches is breathtaking for sure but that’s not all… The Bahamas is the land of undying adventure and never-ending fun. It’s a one stop destination for one and all. And for those seeking a perfect tropical paradise vacation, The Bahamas would be a clear choice. The Bahamas offer some exquisite natural beauty of azure waters, which extends to more than a thousand miles of shoreline and which has some of the world’s most stunningly beautiful and clean beaches to experience. Ranging from the pink sands of the Harbour Island and Eleuthera to the deserted strands of the Exumas and San Salvadore, there is a lifetime of beaches to experience. The Bahamas offer inexhaustible pleasures and mind-blowing challenges to its tourists who are game for snorkelling… with more than 5 per cent of the planet’s reef mass to be explored. The Bahamas have rightfully earned an international reputation for their unmatched variety of marine creatures.

The Bahamas are considered to be as diverse as the days of the year. One could dive with the dolphins, swim with the sharks or just simply snorkel in the numerous pristine reefs. With endless backdrop of gorgeous enchanting blue, kayaking the countless cays around Exumas and lazing on Eleuthera’s beaches would be an out of this world experience. Witness the sailing regattas and cheer for your favourites, and if you’re game, then participate or else just join the crowd gearing up for all the action. The Bahamas also have a few gardens and National Parks, home to rare and endangered species, such as the exotic Abaco Parrot and the Bahamian Iguana.

Read more.....

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri

and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

2012 : DNA National B-School Survey 2012
Ranked 1st in International Exposure (ahead of all the IIMs)
Ranked 6th Overall
Zee Business Best B-School Survey 2012
Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri’s Session at IMA Indore
IIPM IN FINANCIAL TIMES, UK. FEATURE OF THE WEEK
IIPM strong hold on Placement : 10000 Students Placed in last 5 year
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri – A Man For The Society….
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM B-School Facebook Page
IIPM Global Exposure
IIPM Best B School India
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM Links
IIPM : The B-School with a Human Face
IIPM – FLP (Flexi Learning Program)