Business Times

FDI in Retail

2006-11-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

Bharati is in talks with Tesco,Walmart and CarreFour for joint venture in India. Indian retail sector is only 3% organised as of now. Which makes MNC's clamour for a share in the Indian Market. As there is a huge potential.

Looks like retail has a bright future.

India Ranks 61

2006-11-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

India has stood 61 out of 62 countries covered in th elevel of globalisation. Only Iran is ranked below India in a study carried out by AT Kearney. The parameters taken into consideration were of the like inbound FDI, Political climate etc. Even countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh et al have scored better on that front. Looks like India has to do a lot of running to catch up with global fast runners.

Bye for now.

Indo China Bilateral Ties

2006-11-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

The chinese president is on a four day visit to India. THere were totally ten agreements signed. Tourism is to be promoted and India looks forward to double its trade with China to 40 billion $ by 2010 from the present 20 billion $. But there are issues to be resolved like China considers Arunachal Pradesh to be their integral part, which is objectionable to India. Trade can be used to ease out tension between the two nations, any ways, since 1962 there has been no major stand off between the two nations. Peace with a neighbour means peaceful sleep for India, decreased defence budget and more prosperity for the nation.

FDI Estimate

2006-11-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

FDI in India is expected to be 12 billion $ according to the commerce minister Kamal Nath. Last year it was 7.7 billion $ and this year in the first two quarters it is doubled from 2.2 Billion dollars last year to 4.4 billion $ this year. But this is peanuts considering that the NRI's of India have a Investible surplus of 360 billion $ which they are reluctant to part with in favour of India. Pathetic state of affairs.
Well keep reading, keep enjoying.

Good News For Open Source

2006-11-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Microsoft and Novell are coming together. They are making the two o.s. Windows and linux more interoperable and compatible. Good news for corporates who are using both the operating systems. Also it seems that Linux SUSE stands to gain as it could be distributed through MIcrosft retail outlets. Well Microsoft seems to have come to terms with the fact that open source is here to stay. As a large number of corporates and Govt. sector has adopted Linus as high end server market. Do yu think Windows OS share will erode due to this step?

Ambani's Tussle

2006-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Ambani brothers seem to be unreenting in their race for supremacy in Indian business landscape. Anil recently moved high court for implementation of gas-supply agreement. In the strange world of business sometimes friends go on to be perfect partners and sometimes even siblings fail to live up to parents expectations.

PSS for Indian

2006-11-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Indian is launching a Passenger Service System. It is implementing a CRM module worth 30 crores to serve its 7 million passengers annually. Tickets could be booked through mobile or ATM. It will also facilitate Web check in and self service check in service. It also includes getting passenger information, and baggage facilitations, the common sources or irking customers.

Human Trafficking

2006-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

It has already assumed high proportion of crime rate. The increase in population is more from Bihar, UP, MP, Jharkhand et al which are poor states, hense any increase in the population is only going to result in an increase in the incidence of crime and human trafickking. Some economists and Guru's including noted Mr. Arindam Chaudhuri feels that population is an Asset. Only time will unfold the mystery.

Unbelievable Facts

2006-11-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

This year India was ranked 70 th most corrupt nation from 88th last year. First time India improved its position. But its score out of 10 is a measly 3.3 which means that India is still horribly corrupt. Crores of rupees are spent as bribes every year. The sting operations by media is a definite hit below the belt of these spineless creatures. Hope government doesn't pass the bill to curb sting operation. Long live democracy, death to the corrupt.

NDTV to Expand

2006-11-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

NDTV is planning to expand into a few more channels, a Hindi General Entertainment Channel, a lifestyle channel and Metro TV Channels over the next few years. NDTV is forming a fully-owned subsidiary "NDTV Ventures" that will lead the comapny's foray into these areas. Funds for it would be generated either internally, through private placement of equity or the IPO route.

Wal-mart Acquires Trust-Mart

2006-11-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

In a deal worth $ 1 Billion Wal-Mart is to acquire Trust-Mart in China, which has about 100 outlets, outbidding CarreFour. The chinese retail market is worth a huge $500 billion. This huge market has a great strategic importance for walmart as it can achive in China what it achieved in China in 1 year what it could achieve in US in 20 years. Wal-Marts international business grew by 32% last year.

The TV News

2006-11-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Losing their focus on informing to Entertainment. Switch on any channel and you see them celebrating Ash or Shah Rukh's birthday or promoting some other films. Although what stars do is news, but I don't think more than 5 minutes should be devoted to that segment. Also I don't like the presentation of the news of any channnel. They spend crores on setting up Infrastructure but miss out on the crucial part of presentation. The old fashioned news paper is better than TV if not the best. People have power and they have arrogance or ignorance, god knows what.

Corporate Shirking Responsibility ( CSR)

2006-11-02T03:57:00.000-08:00

REcently NASSCOM has launched NAC test to certify BPO employees at a nominal fees of 100-200 Rs in Rajasthan, soon to be launceh in 7 other states. A good ploy to collect Hafta from the unemployed considering that the selection rate is about 3-4%, looks like a money spinning move. Previously BPO firms have employed massive PR initiatives to showcase BPO career as a shining path. REcently a survey found that majority of current call center workers believe that they are being exploited and have to work at odd hours for non-commensurate payment. A brazen act of selfishness and apathy. Shame on NASSCOM to be involved in such initiatives.

Competitive SME

2006-10-31T03:31:00.000-08:00

Government will soon announce strategy for increasing the competitiveness of Indian SME's. SME's are major employment generators. Modernisation of Indian SME's is required so that they can grow into competitive future large companies and exporters. Management of SME's should be groomed so that they can follow modern practices and catapult their companies form mediocre performance to excellence in whatever product or service they offer. With the advent of the e-marketplace, it could take only months for asmall company to harness the global market.

Short Term Deposit Gain Popularity

2006-10-30T02:48:00.000-08:00

Last five years have seen fluctuating interest rate movements and hense people have changed their pattern of investment. Short term deposits be it 90 days to 6 months, and 1-2 years period has seen increase in the rate of deposit. The 3-5 year period and 5 plus period has seen a erosion in the total deposits. People are cautious and want to decrease the interest risk of their portfolio. So thinking of investing, go for short term bank-fixed deposit.

CEO Outage

2006-10-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

According to a study by EMA Partner International India saw a churn of 66% of CEO's in the last five year. Whopping Indeed! Indian companies saw 57% and their MNC counterparts saw a attrition of 86%. The expectations from CEO's is also increasing, they are expected to deliver results in shorter period of time. They are also expecting better remuneration. IT / ITES saw the highest turnover at 88%, humongous, followed by banking at 70%, Pharma ( 67%) and FMCG ( 61 %) , the reason for churn cited being Resignation( 41%) ,retirement ( 24%).

Farmer Suicides

2006-10-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

1000 farmers in Maharastra commited suicide last year. What is the solution? Microcredit should be provided to them. Also private companies shouls come forward to insure the crops at a payment of reasonable affordable premium. Maybe ITC should take up the initiative for both the above solutions. Also better irrigation facilities shold be provided to the farmers. Those on the brink of extinction, loans for them should be wavered or repayment period extended. Also strong arm tactics should not be used aginst them by banks and money lenders. Farmers should be educated in using sophisticated technology for better yield and marketing their produces at best prices, for which again physical infrastructure like roads should be improved. It is noted that compared to 5% growth in the past decades , last year agriculture grew by just 2%.
"Pathetic state of affairs."

Corruption to be licenced : Govt. Says

2006-10-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

First the blog was blocked. Now there are talks about bringing a legislation against sting operations. I have only one thing to say to the govt.. Don’t see the process of selling tapes, look at the end result of catching the corrupt which is anyhow not the job of these reporters. Putting their lives in danger, certainly not the 4.5 to 5 lakh rs they earn through it. They would be better of robbing. Such people need to be given Param Vir Chakra for exposing high profile criminals who are plundering the country of wealth and setting wrong leadership example. Why extinguish the spirit of true patriotic India. This blatantly shows the state of affairs of Indian polity.

Legalise criminals to fight elections, legalise rapes, murders, bank-robberies et al. Every body knows the truth, the question is who shall bell the cat, especially if it has paws like tigers.

"Vande Matram".

Of Acquisitions

2006-10-21T04:42:00.000-07:00

Tata-Corus deal seems to be going through at $7.7 dollars. A huge takeover. Spoiler and counter-bids notwithstanding, India is ona firm footing and shows business confidence. A slew of M&A's only indicates the same.

Data Theft in Call Centers

2006-10-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

People working for self interestss. Cheating at workplace is an area which requires enquiry. What are the reasons for theft? Does it point to other evils existing inside the org.. Is hostility and collective group pressure a reason. Is it due to bullying by boss. Is it acquired or imbibed?
Or is it genetic or learned?
"Any Guesses?"

Compelling Print Media : Mumbai

2006-10-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

With the launch of DNA and HT Mumbai's print media has become democratised. There is a healthy competition to provide compelling stories to the reader. I felt like reading more than one newspaper at times. Smelling competition TOI improved its offering by introducing Mumbai Mirror and working on giving better stories in the TOI. Blogosphere has been another democratising force which precludes newspapers to form cartel or mafia and serve filtered facade of the nation.
"Thank americans for blogs".

Automobile Quagmire

2006-10-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

REcently I came across a query put across Mr. Jack Welch in the International Column in 4P's. Will the Auto sector die out in the US. Sooner or later Mr. Welch retorted. Just like the coal and steel industry of US. The death of Auto Industry is seems imminent. But then what should a shrewd businessman do. Man you your self said exit the non-profitable businesses, enter promising sectors. Asian tigers are doing it better, sell to Asians. Quit manufacturing man, enter services. Yours is a developed economy right. Do any value added work. Or just lease the factories.
"Is the solution too simplistic Mr. Welch".

Quality in Education

2006-10-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I was going through an article in 4P's that there is a huge shortfall of skills in IT industry. 5,00,000 by 2010 to be precise. The same is true about various other emerging sectors. What is the solution? Simple. raising the benchmarks of quality across the levels of educational institutes. There should be a rationalisation of quality across various levels of Institutions. It is possible through exchange of ideas and Info. More R&D and research work by lower level educators. Creation of Educational CD's by top rung Institutes and distribution of the same to lower rung school. The lectures of IIM's could be recorded and provided to other institutes across India to take advantage of the management field.
"Are you ready for a better tomorrow".

Superstition Sells

2006-10-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

When in Rome, notice what romans do. Want to do business in India. Superstition works. Even educated people believe in astrology, numerology , tarot and a host of other works. These are ancient healing methods which people have faith in. Even west has taken cue from India and Ayurveda is big business in US. They also think Yoga works andLearn Indian Music. Cross-cultural fertilisation begets enriched minds. Even Americans loose billions of dollars due to scare from 13 number, thinking it to be unlucky. Looks like irrational human behaviour is here to rule the roost be it 18th century or 21st century.
"By the way, is today 13th the Friday..Uh"?

Kudo's to Indian Railways

2006-10-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Indian Railways is getting progressive. It has paid 40 crores to Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd to cover all passages and people carrying a platform ticket from any accident or eventuality with cover upto 4 lakhs. Even the passengers should co-operate to keep the railways running world class. Cleanliness should be given top priority. Also trains running on schedule would help a lot. Co-operating coolies with fixed rent would also make the experience of the passengers hassle-free. Security of the passengers in naxalite affected areas should be given top priority. More facilities should be extended on the railways stations.

"Well Done, Keep India Alive and Running Railways Minister".

Marketing to the Savvier Indian Women

2006-10-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Indian women are breaking the stereotype image. They are no longer seen feeding babies in local transport. Instead they excel in all aspects , in every field. They make men insecure, be it collegues , be it husband or a boyfriend. What drives the 21st century women?
Women no longer want to be seen as a mere home maker exclusively. They want their own identity, their own achievement and want to set new benchmarks. And they have realy proved their worth, be it serving Army or Accompanying the males in space. All this requires a diferent approach to marketing when dealing with these set of young aspirational breed. The products can no longer be marketed to the female genre. The merket needs to be segments into The Older HomeMaker and the 21st century 25-30 somethings. The never say die kind. So the advertisers and marketeers, stop taking a mass approach to women.
The key word when dealing with women is "Discern".

The Radio Raga

2006-10-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

The second phase of FM expansion has so far resulted in 10 new FM channels. Jaipur got 4, Hyderabad and Bangalore got two each where as Chennai and Delhi had to contend with 1 each. According to the experts the problems which will surface eventually would be of lack of differentiation. With each channel playing the same contemporory hits, it would be difficult for the listeners to tell the difference, creating a clutter in the Market. Even the RJ's are boring and monotonous. Also the advertising revenues currently being garnered is just 2% of the total ad pie. But industry pundits have their fingers crossed. They say with fragmentation in the overall media industry, local advertising ( targeted ) through FM will pick up.
"Umeed pe Duniya Kayam Hai".

Trends

2006-10-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last year 30 IAS ifficers either quit or got themselves deputed to reputed private companies. Salaries offered to them in the range of Rs 50 lakh - 2.5 crores p.a. Their job to get clearances from govt. in infrastructure and agro-based projects. It seems that be it actors or IAS or IPS officers. One fine day they realise that what earns respect is not knowledge but power. And knowing the loopholes of the system enebles them to exploit the same to their advantage.
"So man, if you can't beat them join them".

Malls will rule the Future

2006-10-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Of the 350+ malls being constructed 60% are to be builtin the to 7 cities of India the rest in tier II and Tier III cities of India. North India and West India have the highest number of malls ( 49,46 respectively), followed by South India ( 28) and East India ( 11) . These are the modern age temples where people of all caste and creed converge to splurge and mingle. You have a brand choice and product education at one place. Entertainment , movies, gaming, shopping, eateries and hanging extravaganza.
" Want to enjoy, show me the moolah".