The wait is over, the mouths which were on raves are now amazed with the extravagant breath stopping Nimitz finally docking off the Chennai coast. The world's largest warship occupies a mammoth 4.5 acre and is powered by two nuclear reactors. It is loaded with 90 aircrafts and helicopters, 6000 personnel, 50 bedded hospital and a barber shop too. Its a veritable city in itself and is a feast to the eyes.
I regret the protests undertook by environmentalists and other so called leaders (Jayalalitha to name) who questioned the enviromental hazard it may create due to nuclear reactors. The carrier has 6000 personnel on board and i dont think Americans are dumb enough to create a threat to their own lives. Failing to understand this, ironically many of the environmentalists staged a protest.
After the warship bliss with a bit of regret, its time to get into the speculation or may be they are facts. Many questions remain unanswered with the arrival of the carrier as the real intention of its journey still remains in the dark. One of first thoughts is that they are identifying strategic positions on waters. Through out its journey, the anchoring positions have been identified and the radars, aircrafts are being tested. If this is true, then are Americans looming for a war?. If yes, then who could the adversary be. The first guess is China. USA might be preparing a war against China as this is one of the strongest communist base which is an economic threat to the Americans. Accidentally or should i call it perfect timing, Rice calls for a dissolution of NAM explaining it to be irrelevant to the current scenario of the world. Americans have clearly identified India as the pulsating, dynamic and the fastest emerging super power on which they have to depend on for the rest of the years if their ambitions have to be fulfilled. So if India walks out of NAM and becomes a strategic partner of USA, then the advantage that America gets is priceless. With the deteriorating relationship with Pakistan and the political turmoil that is haunting Pakistan, India is the inevitable choice for them to curb the south asian countries leading to their achievement of goals.
The geographical position of India also adds an advantage as India is at the center of China and the middle east countries. Strikes on China and middle east can be carried out if Indian waters are a base. By saying this, can this be treated as the lightening before the thunder. Economically, the warship boards the F-18 Super Hornet which the USA wants to sell it to India. This can be considered as a demo displaying the capabilities of the aircraft which are commendable.
Let the reason be political, geographical or economical, the ripples the Nimitz has created and the perfect timing of Rice has made this a splendid convivial ambience of the Nimitz gala.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Developmental Stages of Mind
Some realize it early, some realize it late, some dont realize it at all. The title may sound like a philosophical blog, but it is very close to reality. Every human being is born the same way and die the same death though the cause may be different. The journey from birth to death is what we call the life. Every life must have a purpose. Every journey must have a destination. In this blog i will introduce three kinds of lives : the vacillator, the dreamer and the achiever.
The life of a vacillator symbolizes the weak. A blowing wind can easily change this person's thinking. Such people do not resist change. They are very flexible. They are the wanderers. They never bother to set their destination. When you dont know where to go, every road leads you there. Taking life in a simple way and adjusting to everything in life.
The life of a dreamer is a bit stronger than the vacillator. A dreamer is motivated, but not motivated enough to set his plans into action. A dreamer, dreams of all the best possible luxuries or happiness in life, he is motivated to get these happiness but his motivation does not last long. Due to this inability to sustain the motivation for long, he finds his happiness only in his dreams. This person's destination is not very clear. Its hazy, just like in a dream.
The life of an achiever is the strongest. An achiever dreams, gets motivated and reaches his goals. This person is an executionist. This person sets his destination and reaches it. The world bends for him and the luck favours him. Almost all the successful people belong to this category.
The above mentioned categories can be seen in any individual. He or she would in any of these three developmental stages of life. Those who are achievers need not have to worry as the world is waiting for them to be ruled. But for people who are vacillators need a vision, their purpose of existence must be explained to them and i strongly recommend counselling. And for people who are dreamers a little more motivation is necessary to get into the achiever's stage. Its our mind which resists this change. Initially it may take lots of hard work, but later it become a part of you. Change your mind, get motivated, go on.. be an achiever.
The life of a vacillator symbolizes the weak. A blowing wind can easily change this person's thinking. Such people do not resist change. They are very flexible. They are the wanderers. They never bother to set their destination. When you dont know where to go, every road leads you there. Taking life in a simple way and adjusting to everything in life.
The life of a dreamer is a bit stronger than the vacillator. A dreamer is motivated, but not motivated enough to set his plans into action. A dreamer, dreams of all the best possible luxuries or happiness in life, he is motivated to get these happiness but his motivation does not last long. Due to this inability to sustain the motivation for long, he finds his happiness only in his dreams. This person's destination is not very clear. Its hazy, just like in a dream.
The life of an achiever is the strongest. An achiever dreams, gets motivated and reaches his goals. This person is an executionist. This person sets his destination and reaches it. The world bends for him and the luck favours him. Almost all the successful people belong to this category.
The above mentioned categories can be seen in any individual. He or she would in any of these three developmental stages of life. Those who are achievers need not have to worry as the world is waiting for them to be ruled. But for people who are vacillators need a vision, their purpose of existence must be explained to them and i strongly recommend counselling. And for people who are dreamers a little more motivation is necessary to get into the achiever's stage. Its our mind which resists this change. Initially it may take lots of hard work, but later it become a part of you. Change your mind, get motivated, go on.. be an achiever.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Initial Stages of a Business
Every business functions on some set of rules. These rules are adapted, the right term would be “stolen” from other companies. Ages ago, some big brains in business management developed different business models. These business models have been used since many years with some customization depending on a company needs. Here I take this opportunity to present my view of the initial stages of a business.
Let me use this figure to explain how it works…
Initial Investment
The Loop
Profit Zone
Initial Investment
This is the initial phase of the business. It needs a lot of research, lot of cash and lot of dedicated hours. Research is done through market survey. The best way is to interact with people who have already done similar kind of business. Scope of the business is very important. By scope I mean how long the business will last. Long term business involves lot of investment and risk in the initial stages. Always aim for long term business. Planning must be done for atleast 5 years ahead. This phase is more of fund raising. Bank loans are the best way to get the required capital. Its important that the right pay back scheme from the bank is chosen. Its better to choose for a scheme where interests need to be paid when the business reaches profit zone (see figure). Only the necessary investment must be made at this stage. The sufficient investment will be made in the loop zone (see figure).
After getting all the information, it must be refined. Implemental and practical ideas carry more weight than weird ideas.
The Loop Zone
When the investment is made and all the infrastructure set and the business actually starts running, the business enters the loop zone. As the name suggests the business enters a loop. It’s a stage when profits are yet to yield and no more investment can be made. Most of the companies are stuck in this loop. All the investment would have been made in the initial investment and hence there is no chance to invest any more. Profits are yet to yield as business has just started. The business is waiting for its sales. No sales and no revenue and hence no marketing and no sales. It’s a perfect loop. Remember roam was not built in one day.
Quicker the business gets out of the loop, quicker the profit. Some ways to get out of the loop quickly-
Making investment in the right direction in phase one.
Keeping absolutely no investment in the loop phase.
No wastage of investment in phase one.
Concentrating on sales and marketing in phase one.
Profit Zone
It an all smile zone. The zone where investment is not dependent on sales. Any investment can be made as business is in complete profit and from then on there is no looking back for any business.
Let me use this figure to explain how it works…
Initial Investment
The Loop
Profit Zone
Initial Investment
This is the initial phase of the business. It needs a lot of research, lot of cash and lot of dedicated hours. Research is done through market survey. The best way is to interact with people who have already done similar kind of business. Scope of the business is very important. By scope I mean how long the business will last. Long term business involves lot of investment and risk in the initial stages. Always aim for long term business. Planning must be done for atleast 5 years ahead. This phase is more of fund raising. Bank loans are the best way to get the required capital. Its important that the right pay back scheme from the bank is chosen. Its better to choose for a scheme where interests need to be paid when the business reaches profit zone (see figure). Only the necessary investment must be made at this stage. The sufficient investment will be made in the loop zone (see figure).
After getting all the information, it must be refined. Implemental and practical ideas carry more weight than weird ideas.
The Loop Zone
When the investment is made and all the infrastructure set and the business actually starts running, the business enters the loop zone. As the name suggests the business enters a loop. It’s a stage when profits are yet to yield and no more investment can be made. Most of the companies are stuck in this loop. All the investment would have been made in the initial investment and hence there is no chance to invest any more. Profits are yet to yield as business has just started. The business is waiting for its sales. No sales and no revenue and hence no marketing and no sales. It’s a perfect loop. Remember roam was not built in one day.
Quicker the business gets out of the loop, quicker the profit. Some ways to get out of the loop quickly-
Making investment in the right direction in phase one.
Keeping absolutely no investment in the loop phase.
No wastage of investment in phase one.
Concentrating on sales and marketing in phase one.
Profit Zone
It an all smile zone. The zone where investment is not dependent on sales. Any investment can be made as business is in complete profit and from then on there is no looking back for any business.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Shilpa shetty in the Big Brother
"I represent India.. is this UK all about.. its scary" these were the words from the Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty after getting into a war of words with Jade. Hats off to Shilpa. She maintained the dignity through out the confrontation. While Jade Goody was a perfect example of an illiterate, boorish, unscrupulous citizen of United Kingdom. The show is called "Celebrity Big Brother" a special edition of Big Brother and was meant to be only for celebrities. Jade was a former winner of Big Brother and her claim to fame was her friendly and lovely nature. But this time, its the evil side of Jade which has taken over the show. Undoubtedly, the viewership has escalated to 33% from 17% after the racist furore broke out. About 27,000 complaints was registered with the Channel 4 in which this show is broadcasted. This episode has knocked the doors of the British parliament with MPs discussing over the racist comments passed from Jade to Shilpa. Gordon Brown justified that UK is always against racism when he faced questions on this incident in his Bangalore trip.
The flame of hatred fired up when Shilpa cooked chicken for all the housemates but was not cooked properly. Jade commented saying that Indians are thin because they ate half cooked food. Supporting to this Danielle another paritipant who became a celebrity after her Miss Great Britain title was dismissed due to her boy friend who was a part of the panel commented saying "Indians eat food with their hands and i wonder where she (Shilpa) has been keeping her hand". The initial trigger came from Jackie (Jade's mother) a nerd, who often referred to Shilpa as "the Indian" and other offending names due to her lack of ability to pronounce her name (wonder if it is a tongue twister !!!). Jade went face to face with Shilpa in an outrageous war over the cubes. Jade abused Shilpa in a F-language which had the extensive usage of the word "fuck". But Shilpa behaved extremely descent and matured and handled the situation boldly. She never used any abusive words nor over reacted. She kept her calm through out and also made several attempts to calm Jade who was on a rampage but in vein. The agitated bull took several hours before its ire tranquilized.
This episode has caused a major outcry of racism in UK. The carphonewarehouse who are the sponsors of Big Brother pulled out of its 3 million contract. The perfumes of Jade were withdrawn. Jade came under severe criticism from all over UK and India. Yesterday night, Jade and Shilpa were nominated for the eviction. People had to vote to any of these two contestants. Results arrived and Jade was evicted. All credits to Shilpa Shetty who played the real life role of the brand ambassador of India and carried the Indian pride on its high.
The flame of hatred fired up when Shilpa cooked chicken for all the housemates but was not cooked properly. Jade commented saying that Indians are thin because they ate half cooked food. Supporting to this Danielle another paritipant who became a celebrity after her Miss Great Britain title was dismissed due to her boy friend who was a part of the panel commented saying "Indians eat food with their hands and i wonder where she (Shilpa) has been keeping her hand". The initial trigger came from Jackie (Jade's mother) a nerd, who often referred to Shilpa as "the Indian" and other offending names due to her lack of ability to pronounce her name (wonder if it is a tongue twister !!!). Jade went face to face with Shilpa in an outrageous war over the cubes. Jade abused Shilpa in a F-language which had the extensive usage of the word "fuck". But Shilpa behaved extremely descent and matured and handled the situation boldly. She never used any abusive words nor over reacted. She kept her calm through out and also made several attempts to calm Jade who was on a rampage but in vein. The agitated bull took several hours before its ire tranquilized.
This episode has caused a major outcry of racism in UK. The carphonewarehouse who are the sponsors of Big Brother pulled out of its 3 million contract. The perfumes of Jade were withdrawn. Jade came under severe criticism from all over UK and India. Yesterday night, Jade and Shilpa were nominated for the eviction. People had to vote to any of these two contestants. Results arrived and Jade was evicted. All credits to Shilpa Shetty who played the real life role of the brand ambassador of India and carried the Indian pride on its high.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Future of Outsourcing in India
With plenty of talent and cheap cost labour, US and Europe are outsourcing all their back office work to India. The ability to understand and communicate in English is one of the competitive advantage that India has over China. Though China has cheaper labour than India, it has never been able to compete in the IT industry. With an intention to have a bite in this outsourcing pie, other countries like Pakistan, Russia, Columbia are already in the race. But India is way a head of this race and leads the show. India is the number one choice for outsourcing in the world. But can India sustain this leading position ?
With George Bush's regime coming to an end in 2009, the next most likely party that would win the elections and come to power is the Democrats. But Democrats have a different tune to sing. They are more concern over the job insecurity which is now a major issue, among the Americans. Infact, a new word called "Bangalored" is added to the dictionary which actually means an American getting a pink slip due to the work being outsourced to Bangalore. Democrats are against the idea of outsourcing. But the business class favours outsourcing as they can get the work done at a cheaper rate, which gives them strategic advantage in the industry competition. Though Democrats cannot take a drastic decision of stopping outsourcing completely, a possibility of making outsourcing difficult cannot be ruled out. The answer to this can be obtained in 2009 after the US Presidential elections.
Though IT companies are enjoying huge profits and low taxes, the rules that favour this industry are valid only till 2009. Indian government wanted to promote IT outsourcing and hence had reduced the taxes and most of the laws favoured IT companies. But in 2009, in order to balance between the economic status of different industries in India, it is likely that the tax would be increased on IT products and services.
Inspite of the above arguments which doesnot favour outsourcing, there is some good news for IT industries in India. The type of jobs that are outsourced to India are those of callcenter types or includes repetitive work which can be easily replaced by automation. But the US and the European countries have realised that Indian talent pool is much beyond this call center job. Top level jobs, strategic jobs, middle level management jobs are also being outsourced to India. The demand will shift from the software engineer's level to the middle and the top level management. With this trend slowly starting, India has nothing to worry about sustaining its position as the "Leader of Outsourcing".
With George Bush's regime coming to an end in 2009, the next most likely party that would win the elections and come to power is the Democrats. But Democrats have a different tune to sing. They are more concern over the job insecurity which is now a major issue, among the Americans. Infact, a new word called "Bangalored" is added to the dictionary which actually means an American getting a pink slip due to the work being outsourced to Bangalore. Democrats are against the idea of outsourcing. But the business class favours outsourcing as they can get the work done at a cheaper rate, which gives them strategic advantage in the industry competition. Though Democrats cannot take a drastic decision of stopping outsourcing completely, a possibility of making outsourcing difficult cannot be ruled out. The answer to this can be obtained in 2009 after the US Presidential elections.
Though IT companies are enjoying huge profits and low taxes, the rules that favour this industry are valid only till 2009. Indian government wanted to promote IT outsourcing and hence had reduced the taxes and most of the laws favoured IT companies. But in 2009, in order to balance between the economic status of different industries in India, it is likely that the tax would be increased on IT products and services.
Inspite of the above arguments which doesnot favour outsourcing, there is some good news for IT industries in India. The type of jobs that are outsourced to India are those of callcenter types or includes repetitive work which can be easily replaced by automation. But the US and the European countries have realised that Indian talent pool is much beyond this call center job. Top level jobs, strategic jobs, middle level management jobs are also being outsourced to India. The demand will shift from the software engineer's level to the middle and the top level management. With this trend slowly starting, India has nothing to worry about sustaining its position as the "Leader of Outsourcing".
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