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)