Friday, October 31, 2008

Dragon heart


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Landmark & pragmatic reforms by Deng rescued China in the late 1970s. Around 30 years since, the stupendous Chinese growth story has inspired the entire developing world

He had taken China almost to the brink of disaster. Mao Zedong, the perpetrator of the Great Leap Forward (or backward, depends on whose side you are on) and the Cultural Revolution, had caused tremendous damage to human life as well as to the economy with his policies. Under Mao, (Deng was his close associate till he was disgraced and made to flee Beijing during the Cultural Revolution), China’s economy was completely State-controlled. The word “incentive” was banned in the poet revolutionary’s famed Red Book; and you had only to utter it to be dubbed a reactionary and to join the ranks of those such as Deng.

Disillusionment with Mao’s governance enabled Deng Xiaoping to return to prominence on the political scene in 1974, but actual revival commenced when he began unshackling the Chinese market in 1978. That was when the Chinese could actually see a boom other than that of babies! Once Deng got into the act, the initial reluctance to his policies gave way to emulation. None regretted the reversal any further – not even the dyed-in-wool Maoists, who found, to their enormous relief, that Deng’s ingenious brand of “capitalist socialism” was no threat to the power the party men wielded. Only the staunchest of Mao’s followers remain in opposition.

“Reforms are the only solution,” Deng advocated, explaining to comrades the danger of “tiptoeing along as slowly as women with bound feet.” And who can forget his most famous quote, “It doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.” Deng’s Open Door Policy – thus named because it emphasises equal trading rights among participating countries – was announced in 1978. Under it four southern cities – Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou and Xiamen – were designated as SEZs. Their geographic proximity to overseas Chinese communities like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, and their vast overseas links, made their choice inevitable.

SEZ– were designated as SEZs. Their geographic proximity to overseas Chinese communities like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, and their vast overseas links, made their choice inevitable. And ever since, China’s growth rate has been among the world’s highest – and between 1979 and 2000, at 9.5%, it was the highest. Its world trade ranking too has greatly improved – from number 27 in 1979 to number 3 in 2004. By then, it had approved well over half-a-million foreign fund firms and inward FDI had exceeded $1 trillion. In 2007, China’s national economy continued to exhibit features of rapid economic growth leading to increased efficiency and improved lifestyles. Preliminary estimates show that GDP for the year was 24.66 trillion yuan – up by 11.4%, or 0.3% higher than the previous year. It represented the fifth successive year of over 10% growth.

Is it any wonder then that, right since 1993, of all countries in the developing world, China continued to be the favourite investment destination while major global economies were heading towards recession? Dr. Song, senior research fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of World Economics and Politics feels that the very Chinese talent for attracting investors, with self-devised infrastructural & other inducements gives China its edge. Argues Dr Song: “The past 20 years have seen China’s economy grow at an amazing pace. Significantly, this growth, far from being a threat to other economies, is actually an opportunity to grow together with it. What we are seeing, is controllable sharing of the fruits of growth and development.”

As financial journalist R. Gopalakrishnan points out: “China’s basic strengths have lain in the low cost of raw materials and infrastructure. Export subsidies in China are believed to be in the region of 7% to 10%.” Even allowing for the occasional hype, there is no doubt that the volumes China regularly rakes in are altogether too large for objective observers to miss. The country’s economy is set to eventually surpass Germany’s, and is well on way to becoming the world’s second biggest power after the US.

Now China is increasingly investing in overseas markets and taking new risks. For instance, an overseas entrepreneur, Jacob Wood (born Hu Jieguo in Shanghai) has been building and consolidating his African business empire, the Golden Gate Group, for almost 30 years. The group includes hotels, restaurants, construction and real estate firms employing some 20,000 people, mostly Nigerians. China’s investments worldwide – especially in US – are colossal. US trade deficit with China has been rising at the rate of $1 billion a day. In a recent issue of Atlantic Monthly correspondent James Fallows rightly called it ‘The $1.4 Trillion Question’.

That question wouldn’t even have arisen had there been no Deng – the diminutive visionary who transformed China, turning it into the world’s Manufacturer-in-Chief and ultimately the global investor’s most favoured destination. Certainly there’s no question about that!

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

AKHIL KUMAR - Olympic Dream


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AKHIL KUMAR
Olympic Dream


Quick, AKHIL KUMAR - Olympic Dream name one Indian boxer you can remember… Well…come on…no one? 99 out of 100 people in India would have trouble recalling the name of a past or current Indian boxing champion. That says far more about the sorry lack of genuine world champions (and Olympic medalists) that we’ve produced in boxing than it does about our general knowledge. Now with the Beijing Olympics just round the corner, Indians don’t expect our boxers to shake us out of our chronic apathy and disinterest with the sport. But one man is hoping to change that. Akhil Kumar, this 27 year-old boxer from Haryana is even making skeptics sit up and take notice.

Admittedly, he lost in the first round at the Athens Olympics, but since then he hasn’t looked back. He won the gold for India at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and followed it up with a truly gritty display of quality boxing for the Asian qualifiers for Beijing Olympics by winning gold again, comprehensively beating Worapoj Petchkoom, Olympic silver medalist at Athens. “He is definitely our best hope. I haven’t seen him boxing this well, ever. At Bangkok (the venue for the qualifying event) he stopped all the boxers before the allotted time and accumulated a 24-point overall lead! He also won the ‘Best Boxer’ award at the event,” says his proud coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu. “He can surely bring home a medal from Beijing. However, boxing is a very individualistic sport and a lot will depend on the draw and his (Akhil’s) form on that day,” he adds cautiously. But, if there’s one thing that can spoil the expected celebrations, it is, if Akhil were to break down again. “He is injury prone, especially in the wrist area. In fact, even now, he is in South Africa receiving treatment for his wrist,” rues Mr. Sandhu. However, it is a minor injury and is not expected to interfere with his preparations. Let’s hope now that Akhil is in top shape when the time comes because he has made one thing sure...this time, at least when the Olympics roll around, more than a few people will be glued to the telly, rolling with the punches and egging him on.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM - Admission Procedure
IIPM, GURGAON
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IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...
4Ps Power Brand Awards 2007
When IIPM comes to education, never compromise
IIPM is A World of Career
Why Study Abroad When IIPM Gives You 3 global Advantages!
IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...


Tuesday, October 07, 2008

ANIL AGARWAL - Ttag-along champion


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ANIL AGARWAL
Ttag-along champion


A firm believer in the native wisdom of various lands, Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Resources Plc. continues to improve the socio-economic infrastructure of the communities he serves. In addition to numerous community development initiatives and sustainable development programmes that the group is actively pursuing, Anil is also setting up the Vedanta University in Orissa which will cater to educational requirements of the future generations. Anil Agarwal’s philosophy is very straight forward, “We have to give society back what we have taken in this lifetime.” Vedanta’s processes and performance continue to evolve in line with vision set out as part of its health, safety and environment (HSE) and social policies. The company has been very particular about enhancing the quality of life for all communities. The company has been taking forward its initiatives with help of local and regional authorities.

His vision for India is very clear – “The developed countries have all undergone changes which India is witnessing now. Their biggest strength lay in world-class infrastructure which supports large industries. India too is in a position to evolve as a high-quality and low-cost manufacturing base.” He proposes to take advantage of India’s natural resources, democracy, an English-speaking population & skilled manpower. And with all these strengths he sees no reason why at least 25 infrastructure projects cannot succeed every year. Though he faced criticism and allegations from various quarters in his early days, one thing stands for sure – Anil’s made progress, and he wants to tag-along with India on his journey.

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM - Admission Procedure
IIPM, GURGAON
IIPM : EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
IIPM’s 36th Glorious Year of Academic Excellence
IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...
4Ps Power Brand Awards 2007
When IIPM comes to education, never compromise
IIPM is A World of Career
Why Study Abroad When IIPM Gives You 3 global Advantages!
IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...


Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Motorised national sport


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A1 Grand Prix is set to be the next ‘Olympics’ car sport format, globally


In a scenario where tech investors are scouting for different propositions to safeguard their portfolios from the possible global recession, Hewlett Packard (HP), numero uno in terms of global revenues amongst PC manufacturers, has once again surpassed analyst expectations, with yet another wonderful quarter under the leadership of Mark Hurd. “Robust consumer and mobile PC sales across all regions were the two main drivers of HP’s overall growth. The company experienced the strongest growth among the top five vendors in the fourth quarter of 2007, as its shipments increased 23.3% in the quarter,” said Mikako Kitagawa, Principal Analyst, Gartner.

Well, not only did Hurd bail out HP from doldrums back in 2005, he also made sure that HP retained its tag of being the leading computer manufacturer. Initially, in 2006, Michael Dell did pose a strong threat with Dell placed neck to neck with HP in global PC shipments. However, things changed slowly with Hurd’s renewed focus on emerging markets. Consequently, during Q4 2007, 69% of HP’s total revenues came from outside US, thus largely safeguarding the company against recessionary issues. Interestingly, this strategy also helped Hurd to counter the growing prowess of Dell to an extent that while HP’s market share has increased from 15.9% to 18.2% since 2006, Dell has struggled with its market share decreasing from 15.9% to 14.3%. “HP remains well positioned for profitable growth as we continue to focus on our numerous cost initiatives and improve our market coverage,” says Mark Hurd, CEO of HP.

Amusingly, even now, Hurd is at a crossroads, confronting several challenges. Having implemented cost cutting and operational improvement measures, there remains little room for further improvements in efficiency. Moreover, after a few dismal quarters, Michael Dell is taking all possible measures to address cost and productivity across Dell’s entire operations, while revamping its strategic outlook by refreshing its product cycles with a renewed focus on cost & design.

Dell also made public his intentions to embrace an indirect marketing model. Matthew Wilkins, Principal Analyst, iSuppli agreeingly asserts, “Despite a renewed focus on its PC business, and the return of Michael Dell to the company’s helm, Dell’s channel business is taking time to ramp up and will have an impact on company sales.” Well, with Dell’s new strategy scheduled to gather momentum during 2008, juxtaposed against HP’s focus on the emerging markets, Dell & Hurd will soon be at loggerheads, yet again. And yes, with these two spending sleepless nights, there are two others who will have a sound sleep – the investors and the consumers!

To add excitement, fame, and ultimatly fans to A1, the legendry Italian sports car marque Ferrari is all set to become the official supplier of engines to all A1 GP cars, as A1 calls for all competing cars to be similar to each other in technical terms. The present combination of Zytec engines and Lola chassis has been doing duty for the competing 22 cars. Explains A1 GP’s Nikki Rooke, “While Zytec provided us with reliable engines throughout the first three seasons, the opportunity to partner with Ferrari provides new commercial prospects as well as an opportunity to work with a brand that is known beyond the core motorsport fanbase.”

The prancing horse on every 550 hp car will surely take things to the next level for A1. There’s enough for Ferrari here too. With five more countries entering the sport next season, there are enough audiences to tap interests for fast cars. All set to take the term motorsport to the next level, A1 is here to stay; and it’s just a matter of some good strategies and time, provided the horses too run out of capital breath.

Edit bureau: Karan Mehrishi

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008

An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM, GURGAON
IIPM : EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
IIPM’s 36th Glorious Year of Academic Excellence
IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...
4Ps Power Brand Awards 2007
When IIPM comes to education, never compromise
IIPM is A World of Career
Why Study Abroad When IIPM Gives You 3 global Advantages!
IIPM Ranked No. 1 B-School In Global Exposre - Zee...