I happened to see my blog today and that’s when I noticed that my last blog was posted long ago….
There’s a lot that happened during this time. We went to Vijayawada during Dusshera. This was a much needed break after stress filled 3 quarters in 2009. And then we came back to Pune and that’s when I realized what I was missing a lot. No prizes for guessing!!! I was actually missing my bike rides. So I immediately took upon the task of getting my bike to original form after messing with its handle bar which kept me away from riding the bike. One fine morning when the state of Maharashtra went for polls, I set out to get my bike repaired. I spent the next few days trying to source parts from various parts of the city and finally the bike is ready to be driven. And this is where I learnt that its very easy to get any kind of automobile spare part in Pune. One should have patience and little knowledge about the shops and the accessories available out there are end less.
After staying close to two years in Brahma Suncity, I and my wife understood the intricate details of owning a flat in big residential projects. Guess this would help us a lot in our flat purchasing efforts which might get started soon. The most important thing which we understood is that society formation is the critical thing in ensuring a head-ache free stay in these big projects. The lack of society is always exposed in Brahma Suncity during every week-end and during festivals like diwali. These are the kinds of places where watchmen are employed in little numbers and even these are reduced to star gazers who look lost during nights. You are either disturbed by a late night party or a fight between two residents over an issue which nobody else can understand.
After the outbreak of swine flu in Pune, we didn’t see many movies in multiplexes. So there was some void in the ways we went about spending time during our week ends. There were no movies, no window shopping and the fact that our last movie Love Aaj Kal was a completely boring and forgettable dud led to a lull. However we quickly got over these feelings after we watched All The Best and Azab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani both of which were comedies with 0 story. I guess I need not review them as there are many people who are paid to do so and I don’t wish to rob them of their livelihood. But watching movies in Bollywood E-Square, Kharadi has reminded me of my city where movies were the only source of entertainment. Hero’s entry would be acknowledged with whistles and heroine’s entry with strange sounds (no stupid ideas here please) which will always make your movie watching experience livelier. I still laugh when I saw people clapping to the introduction scene in Sarkar when the protagonist goes about beating the bad guy with a dumbbell in a large than life way.
We finished celebrating Dusshera, Diwali and the New Year is fast approaching. This possibly explains the express pace at which the current year is progressing. That’s actually good news as the next year is always like India’s next cricket match which always look positive and exciting until the time you realize that hope is endless.
Its been quite some time since I have gone on long drives. So there is nothing much to write about…
My sister got engaged on 1st Nov and the marriage is scheduled for 19th Nov, which is exactly on the same day I got married 2 years ago. Our family is busy making all the arrangements to welcome my BIL into our family on 19th Nov and I would be joining the preparations for these arrangements on 13th Nov. I would be taking a break for another 1 week which should rejuvenate me comfortably for another 6-7 months and any kind of stress can be handled with either long drives or a 2-3 day break. This celebration will be the only get together/function in our family for the next 2-2.5 years after which my next sister would get ready for nuptials.
After I come back from my vacation, my professional life would be busy in preparing for the year-end reviews and reports. And before we get over the habit of correcting 09 to 10 whenever we mention date, it would probably be the end of first quarter in 2010.
Catch you all later….BTW I modified my comments section which will enable you to comment without revealing who you are. So you should and without fail comment now….
And today is a Monday…..
Monday, November 9, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Interesting Fwded Mail...
After a long time, somebody fwded an interested mail. This surely is a stand out from the regular donation, fwd or die, donations, bill gates donating funds etc kind of emails which keep pounding you.
This mail has reminded me of how a child thinks and tries to reason about the functioning of any machine around him. We grow-up questioning everything with anxiety in childhood. Thus this series of pictures is a tribute to how far an imagination can stretch...
This mail has reminded me of how a child thinks and tries to reason about the functioning of any machine around him. We grow-up questioning everything with anxiety in childhood. Thus this series of pictures is a tribute to how far an imagination can stretch...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Week that should not have passed by….
Almost 2 years of safety driving came to an end on the evening of 28th July’09. Everything was fine till 19:30 Hrs on that day. A few more feet and I should have been on a good tarmac on my way to home and suddenly the bike crashed and I was all over the road. I couldn’t believe for 2 minutes that I had an accident until I regained my senses with some help from passers-by. And I am back on my feet and rode back to my home after this freakish accident. There were minor scratches but the biggest of them was on my right knee. I lost count of hits/scratches/cuts on my knees, especially the right one took. It being a knee will usually take a little more time to heal because of simple physics. I had a small DIY first-aid with Dettol, cotton and gauge cloth. The next day I took a break and worked from home. And finally the day-after, I gave my bike to Castrol bike zone for repair-work. This damage though a small one costed me 4000 bucks and I have applied to claim insurance. But on the positive front, the same side of the bike got damaged again which took a small dent a couple of months ago while the bike fell to its right when parked. So I would be getting a near-brand new bike. And this accident has given me all the motivation to go in for small modifications. I am going to start with only clip handle bar for the time-being. May-be, I would go in for a much wider rear tyre and more powerful bulb in the head-light in the near future. If I get more inspired, I might even go for performance modifications which include K&N etc. I have completed 2 years and out or warrant which though comes with many ifs and buts.
And on Saturday, we decided to watch Love Aaj Kal though we understood it was pathetic from reviews. We had to watch it because we couldn’t get tickets for a Telugu movie in Pune. Now that’s something I should feel great about. Love Aaj Kal was pathetic, immature and unbearable. There are two things evident from the movie. Saif can’t dance and Deepika can’t act. Both are equally attractive in their own ways none of them can’t carry a movie on their shoulders. They either require a strong/good story (Eg- Hum Tum or Omkara) or a other actors in the same movie who can entertain (OSO, Bachna Eh Haseeno) to make us watch them. Imtiaz Ali tried his hand at a movie aimed at current generation. I believe that would have been achieved had Saif told Rishi Kapoor to mind his own business when the latter starts giving advices. That’s what Kareena says the station master in Jab We Met…..
It is very disheartening to see myself limping around office answering every question regarding the reasons for my condition. I wish to fully utilize my legs ASAP and get on my bike…
And again there is one more month with no holidays during week-days. Come September and they really start pouring in making weeks more enjoyable.
Any BTW we managed to book tickets for telugu movie, Magadheera for Monday. I should have already watched the movie by the time i could migrate this blog from MS Word file onto web.
And on Saturday, we decided to watch Love Aaj Kal though we understood it was pathetic from reviews. We had to watch it because we couldn’t get tickets for a Telugu movie in Pune. Now that’s something I should feel great about. Love Aaj Kal was pathetic, immature and unbearable. There are two things evident from the movie. Saif can’t dance and Deepika can’t act. Both are equally attractive in their own ways none of them can’t carry a movie on their shoulders. They either require a strong/good story (Eg- Hum Tum or Omkara) or a other actors in the same movie who can entertain (OSO, Bachna Eh Haseeno) to make us watch them. Imtiaz Ali tried his hand at a movie aimed at current generation. I believe that would have been achieved had Saif told Rishi Kapoor to mind his own business when the latter starts giving advices. That’s what Kareena says the station master in Jab We Met…..
It is very disheartening to see myself limping around office answering every question regarding the reasons for my condition. I wish to fully utilize my legs ASAP and get on my bike…
And again there is one more month with no holidays during week-days. Come September and they really start pouring in making weeks more enjoyable.
Any BTW we managed to book tickets for telugu movie, Magadheera for Monday. I should have already watched the movie by the time i could migrate this blog from MS Word file onto web.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Time is running….
First 6 months are already over in 2009. Now this is what it means when somebody says life is on a fast track. Around the same time last year, I was consoling myself that “It’s only July…” But after 365 days I am reminding myself that “It’s already July…”
IPL-2, Elections, T20 World-Cup, Budget and many other inconsequential have finished. Delayed or no monsoon has taken away the fun part of Pune life to a large extent. Lack of plush green locations is dampening our spirits. Lonavala & Khandala are synonymous with Pune life but these days’ people are hearing very less mentioning of these two iconic places.
We finished 6 months and these 6 months is really a so-called fantasy period in professional life. You get your increments, bonuses, budget surprises and few other pleasant things. But after that fun part is all over. The real number games start in the 7th month and continue till the fun part starts again. Targets, estimates, short-fall, back-up plans, what-ifs, how to…? And many such tough words begin to ring in your ears. In simple words, you begin devising “strategies” to convince others that 2+2 is 8 and not “6” (I mean it and it’s not a typo). But this is the real fun part of working.
Let’s talk about something good to hear and read about.
India has lost the T20 world-cup. Who cares when Indians have a weak memory and ICC is making life easy for us. I sympathize with Afridi when he says what it’s too early to have the next edition with-in 9 months. But his excuse was exciting, “Pakistan will be known as champions only for 9 months….”
Elections are over. Congress government at center is no surprise while it was a complete shocker at state level (Andhra Pradesh). But the loss of PRP has made us happier than the disappointment caused by TDP’s loss.
Then came the budget. I was wondering why Indian media tries to blow everything out of proportions now-a-days. First it was elections and then came the turn of budget. In both the cases, each incident was advertised as “Biggest in Indian history…”.If Dhoni doesn’t look at Sehwag in a photo-shoot, the next thing you see in the media is an altercation between them and a rift in the team. Some sections of media even went ahead and said that budget is the much need quota of steroids to the stock market. Sensationalizing the issue has been the main agenda for “some” media channels. But they are doing a very good thing of not letting government take people for granted. The idea of blowing things out of proportions is scaring many politicians and frightening them by constantly reminding them that they can be in the hot seat of tomorrow’s 9 PM talk shows where a simple many-to-one arithmetic rule is followed.
These 6 months have also seen the fall of GM and an attempt to reclaim the lost fame by FIAT India. While GM was a ticking time bomb, FIAT unsurprisingly grabbed all the attention of automobile critics and reviewers. Both FIAT and Yamaha are trying to regain the lost ground by launching fantabulous automobiles. Only time can tell how successful they can be in the long run considering the ASS and cost of spares.
Recently I have been feeling the urge to take a break and go on a vacation. Well the necessity of taking a break is not too far as we might be having a ceremony in my home @ Vijayawada.
If this year’s calendar is a friendly for all those people waiting for holidays during week-days, next year might be a disappointment considering that many of the standard/national holidays would be either on Saturdays/Sundays in 2010. We already lost August-15 this year.
I am hoping to make my next blog more pictorial with some scenic snaps which I plan to click in my next long drive which we are planning in the next couple of weeks. So let’s kick some dirt before the lands start drying up, before the hills start losing the green sheen etc (You know where I am going with this!!!)…
Before anything, its time for mid-year review.
And for all those music lovers, dont forget to listen to Dhan Tana Tan from Kaminey. Vishal Bharadwaj can make anybody look rustic. First it was Saif and now it is Shahid. I vote for this flick as the most awaited movie of the year.
IPL-2, Elections, T20 World-Cup, Budget and many other inconsequential have finished. Delayed or no monsoon has taken away the fun part of Pune life to a large extent. Lack of plush green locations is dampening our spirits. Lonavala & Khandala are synonymous with Pune life but these days’ people are hearing very less mentioning of these two iconic places.
We finished 6 months and these 6 months is really a so-called fantasy period in professional life. You get your increments, bonuses, budget surprises and few other pleasant things. But after that fun part is all over. The real number games start in the 7th month and continue till the fun part starts again. Targets, estimates, short-fall, back-up plans, what-ifs, how to…? And many such tough words begin to ring in your ears. In simple words, you begin devising “strategies” to convince others that 2+2 is 8 and not “6” (I mean it and it’s not a typo). But this is the real fun part of working.
Let’s talk about something good to hear and read about.
India has lost the T20 world-cup. Who cares when Indians have a weak memory and ICC is making life easy for us. I sympathize with Afridi when he says what it’s too early to have the next edition with-in 9 months. But his excuse was exciting, “Pakistan will be known as champions only for 9 months….”
Elections are over. Congress government at center is no surprise while it was a complete shocker at state level (Andhra Pradesh). But the loss of PRP has made us happier than the disappointment caused by TDP’s loss.
Then came the budget. I was wondering why Indian media tries to blow everything out of proportions now-a-days. First it was elections and then came the turn of budget. In both the cases, each incident was advertised as “Biggest in Indian history…”.If Dhoni doesn’t look at Sehwag in a photo-shoot, the next thing you see in the media is an altercation between them and a rift in the team. Some sections of media even went ahead and said that budget is the much need quota of steroids to the stock market. Sensationalizing the issue has been the main agenda for “some” media channels. But they are doing a very good thing of not letting government take people for granted. The idea of blowing things out of proportions is scaring many politicians and frightening them by constantly reminding them that they can be in the hot seat of tomorrow’s 9 PM talk shows where a simple many-to-one arithmetic rule is followed.
These 6 months have also seen the fall of GM and an attempt to reclaim the lost fame by FIAT India. While GM was a ticking time bomb, FIAT unsurprisingly grabbed all the attention of automobile critics and reviewers. Both FIAT and Yamaha are trying to regain the lost ground by launching fantabulous automobiles. Only time can tell how successful they can be in the long run considering the ASS and cost of spares.
Recently I have been feeling the urge to take a break and go on a vacation. Well the necessity of taking a break is not too far as we might be having a ceremony in my home @ Vijayawada.
If this year’s calendar is a friendly for all those people waiting for holidays during week-days, next year might be a disappointment considering that many of the standard/national holidays would be either on Saturdays/Sundays in 2010. We already lost August-15 this year.
I am hoping to make my next blog more pictorial with some scenic snaps which I plan to click in my next long drive which we are planning in the next couple of weeks. So let’s kick some dirt before the lands start drying up, before the hills start losing the green sheen etc (You know where I am going with this!!!)…
Before anything, its time for mid-year review.
And for all those music lovers, dont forget to listen to Dhan Tana Tan from Kaminey. Vishal Bharadwaj can make anybody look rustic. First it was Saif and now it is Shahid. I vote for this flick as the most awaited movie of the year.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
GM Crumbles & Files Bankruptcy - But Why?
Why has the world's best known car company gone bankrupt? Before making very general statements, lets understand the actual reasons which mad this iconic brand AKA American giant go kaput....
A killer combination - In a nutshell, very high labour costs, rising competition from foreign car makers, a frightening spike in fuel prices, freezing of credit, the collapse of the American economy, drop in sales caused by lack of purchasing power among Americans due to the recession, etc have formed a lethal concoction leading to the bankruptcy of the iconic carmaker.
However, General Motors's problems run much deeper. Here's why. . .
Over the years, protesting workers' unions at GM managed to get the company to agree to contracts that provide lifetime benefits to the members. This excessive cost of lifetime benefits pushed labour costs through the roof.
These costs have now reached an unmanageable proportion and the automotive giant just does not have enough money to either make these payments or to keep the company afloat, given the decline in sales and plummetting profits. Expansion, upgrade, new investments were totally out of the question.
Reports suggest that GM is paying more than $1,500 per car that is built as just benefits to people who are not even working for the auto giant any more. An interesting bit of statistics says that the cost of steel used in a car made by GM is less than what it pays its retired union members in terms of benefits.
Added to this is the huge pay that GM workers draw even for low-level jobs at the company.
The company does not have much cash and even if it adds receivables to this, it accounts payable and accrued expenses are many times higher than that figure. Even adding the company's current assets (inventories, equipment on lease, etc) to this still leaves it way behind it current liabilities.
The first signs of GM's gargantuan financial troubles began to surface in early 2008. When by mid-2008, the prices of furl touched a historic high, there was a stunning change in consumer behaviour with Americans deciding to keep off big fuel-guzzling cars and SUVs in favour or smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. The sudden rise in the price of oil, the deepening recession and the falling sales led to Detroit's Big Three - GM, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Co - almost throwing in the towel.
Car loans too were difficult to come by as banks, already reeling under the world's greatest financial crisis, decided to freeze credit. More and more people failed to qualify for loans, leading to a huge drop in car sales. A study conducted by the car firms said that the historic spike in fuel prices was the '500-pound gorilla' that almost single-handedly kayoed GM.
Is this a lesson for everybody? A company which ignores the ground reality is bound to face the same situation. Everything in this world has to evolve over a period of time and failure to do will also result in doom. Change is the only constant thing in this world and innovation is the only way to succeed. Will this be the begining of the climax for the current recession or is it a curtain raiser? Obama's speech on the day of filing this bankruptcy has a lot to understand and interpret. But again can we learn from this slowdown and avoid any future re-occurences? By saying so,are we defying the laws of nature-that everything has to see ups and downs. Can somebody really forsee a situation where "Everything that goes up stays there"...But one should really hope to see only one recession in his lifetime!!!
A killer combination - In a nutshell, very high labour costs, rising competition from foreign car makers, a frightening spike in fuel prices, freezing of credit, the collapse of the American economy, drop in sales caused by lack of purchasing power among Americans due to the recession, etc have formed a lethal concoction leading to the bankruptcy of the iconic carmaker.
However, General Motors's problems run much deeper. Here's why. . .
Over the years, protesting workers' unions at GM managed to get the company to agree to contracts that provide lifetime benefits to the members. This excessive cost of lifetime benefits pushed labour costs through the roof.
These costs have now reached an unmanageable proportion and the automotive giant just does not have enough money to either make these payments or to keep the company afloat, given the decline in sales and plummetting profits. Expansion, upgrade, new investments were totally out of the question.
Reports suggest that GM is paying more than $1,500 per car that is built as just benefits to people who are not even working for the auto giant any more. An interesting bit of statistics says that the cost of steel used in a car made by GM is less than what it pays its retired union members in terms of benefits.
Added to this is the huge pay that GM workers draw even for low-level jobs at the company.
The company does not have much cash and even if it adds receivables to this, it accounts payable and accrued expenses are many times higher than that figure. Even adding the company's current assets (inventories, equipment on lease, etc) to this still leaves it way behind it current liabilities.
The first signs of GM's gargantuan financial troubles began to surface in early 2008. When by mid-2008, the prices of furl touched a historic high, there was a stunning change in consumer behaviour with Americans deciding to keep off big fuel-guzzling cars and SUVs in favour or smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. The sudden rise in the price of oil, the deepening recession and the falling sales led to Detroit's Big Three - GM, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Co - almost throwing in the towel.
Car loans too were difficult to come by as banks, already reeling under the world's greatest financial crisis, decided to freeze credit. More and more people failed to qualify for loans, leading to a huge drop in car sales. A study conducted by the car firms said that the historic spike in fuel prices was the '500-pound gorilla' that almost single-handedly kayoed GM.
Is this a lesson for everybody? A company which ignores the ground reality is bound to face the same situation. Everything in this world has to evolve over a period of time and failure to do will also result in doom. Change is the only constant thing in this world and innovation is the only way to succeed. Will this be the begining of the climax for the current recession or is it a curtain raiser? Obama's speech on the day of filing this bankruptcy has a lot to understand and interpret. But again can we learn from this slowdown and avoid any future re-occurences? By saying so,are we defying the laws of nature-that everything has to see ups and downs. Can somebody really forsee a situation where "Everything that goes up stays there"...But one should really hope to see only one recession in his lifetime!!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
IPL and ZooZoos!
IPL is over and T20 once again proved why its such a lovable form of sport. Before the start of tournament, nobody would have given Deccan Chargers any chance to win the second edition. But the unexpected has become the reality and thats the thrilling aspect of this format.
After a long time, one was glued to the TV set even during the commercial breaks. Welcome to the world of ZooZoos!ZooZoo, a ridiculously cute marketing campaign dreamed up by Ogilvy and Mathers India (O&M) and brought to life by ad-filmmaker Prakash Varma of Nirvana Films.ZooZoos are strange all-white alien-esque humanoids who run around on our television screens, chirping in their incomprehensible language and breaking into belly laughs at the drop of a hat. They're silly. They're funny. They're adorable. Most importantly, they're a massive success and a marketing miracle. The client? Vodafone.....
One story/service explained per day, 30 days in total. O&M did this to draw viewers into the ZooZoo world, so that they looked forward to and anticipated each new instalment.
With only Rs 30 million (Rs 3 crore), O&M was able to finish 30 different ads. Each spot is roughly 20-30 seconds long. The economics of this ad campaign have been beautifully planned because creeating the same viewing experience using cartoons would have costed 10-15 times more. Now thats the reason why we call Indians as the most effective people who can surprise the world.
So how did O&M shoot this visual treat...
In order to create the otherworldly animated effect, only women of slight build -- and occasionally children -- were cast as ZooZoos, to enhance the contrast between their big heads and bellies and their tiny limbs. The women came from Mumbai dancing troupes and ballet groups, which explains the ZooZoos' fluidity and grace, despite their goofiness.
The sets were done in neutral greys, to draw maximum attention to the ZooZoos. One minute the ZooZoos is super-happy with an ear-to-ear grin. The minute the ZooZoo is frightened, its mouth pursed in tight 'O'.
The ZooZoo campaign represents Vodafone's second impressive knock at the IPL. Last's season's irresistibly-cute-tiny-dog-chases-things campaign made the pug India's temporary canine of choice. But although no animals were harmed in filming, the spots still drew the ire of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA. Vodafone, by using bodysuit-clad humans in the ZooZoo spots, has pleased PETA. So much so, in fact, that the ZooZoo campaign was awarded by the animal rights group earlier this month.
ZooZoos, everyone loves them!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Drive to Shirdi
Its been quite some time since we have gone on a long drive. This thought has been urging me to go on one and this time we went to Shirdi, an exact 200 KM drive from my parking. Quite contrary to what we thought about the condition of road, it surprised us with the newly laid tarmac. It took us about 210 minutes to drive to Shirdi and was never a tiring journey. A lot of credit goes to my car for the driving pleasure it offers.
08-May-09_7:30 AM - Left from our home. Reached Shirdi by about 11 AM and checked into a hotel. Apart from the temple visit, i was also looking forward to some authentic Andhra food available. All those yummy onion dosas and thalis activate my taste buds instantly. We had a darshan in the afternoon and it was pretty fast and satisfactory. Then we had a short nap and went again for darshan and this time it was arathi. Again, this went on very smoothly.
09-May-09_7:30 AM - Today was the big day as it was my first love's birthday. We went for a early morning darshan at 3:00 AM and it was a very good experience for us. We could feel all the early morning freshness and spiritual enchanting which was very enlightening. We actually had plans of going to either Nagpur or Aurangabad but had to stop because we had to attend a puja ceremony at 13:30 PM. This was Sai Vrat which is done by almost every couple very frequently. It was a very short one and done very crisply. Then we had lunch and headed back to Pune. The journey back was also very exciting as we were on the right kind of road by twilight.
The road to Shirdi from Pune Via Ahmednagar was good and newly laid. So all those people who are planning to go on this trip can look forward to some good driving experience right through the heart of Maharashtra, Sugarcane fields. An occasional stop for freshly squeezed sugar cane juice on road side is highly recommended. A nice photo shoot near the wind mills will add to your memories in your photo album.
Have you heard this tale? It is the tale of two contractors and scope management
In a mythical land - rain laden at this time - exists a beautiful historical community called Avondale. Avondale has seen its trials and tribulations over the years. Most houses were built before the great depression and have withstood hurricanes, tropical storms, and few ice storms here and there. Today we are going to focus on one particular house on winding way. The owner of this winding way home wanted her fireplace to work. It had been sealed since she bought the house some 20 years ago. So a year or two ago, she hired Jethro - a contractor to open up the sealed fireplace and make it a gas fireplace instead of wood burning. Jethro promised he could get the work done in a month and half. He proclaimed it was "no big deal", he had done this before. He could start tomorrow.
Our home owner was pleased, her request would be satisfied. In the late fall, she would sipping warmed cider by a warming fire. It was early May now.
Unfortunately as goes the tale with this contractor, there were some sudden items which popped up - here and there. The fireplace plugging took longer to remove than anticipated, apparently the gas line needed to be extend to the fireplace - this needed to be fixed. The nice remote control to turn on and off the gas fire was not clearly understood as being needed by Jethro. Time continued to slip by some days Jethro showed. Other days he was no where to be found. Maybe he suffered from the salt water flu - a common affliction of surfers in the Florida area - our homeowner mused. Come early September, our homeowner saw the finish touches about to be completed and was hopeful. All that was left was the inspection. Unfortunately, the 1921 Fireplace apparently needed to be hurricane proof, and it currently wasn't. Surprisingly to Jethro, the code had changed over the last 90 years. So throughout the month of October and a most of November, the fireplace was made hurricane proof. The homeowner watched her next years vacation funds going towards the hurricane-proof fireplace as she wondered why had they gotten here and how had so many things changed.
A couple of years went by and our homeowner decided to once again endeavor into home improvements. This time, she wanted to get the kitchen remodeled and replace the electric stove with a gas stove. She went with a new contractor Stan. Stan was the man. When our homeowner invited Stan into appraise the work, Stan took a couple of moments and explained how the process would work and the actual work with the kitchen remodeling and replacing the stove. They both agreed and then Stan said something different. "Let me share with you a little bit on how we are going to assure we understand the same things. I'm going to provide you with a binder notebook of what I understand we are looking to accomplish. I'll have one too. Yours will be here in a couple of days. I have a few things I want to check to make sure it is right. In a week or two, let's sit down together and review making sure we have everything right. You'll sign both copies, and I'll sign both copies. After we understand what is needed we can decide when to start. Along the way if something comes up or changes, just let me know. If I see anything I'll discuss it with you. We can evaluate the changes together looking at the implications and see if the juice is worth the squeeze. Then we will both sign the updated changes and add it to our books. This way at the end we will compare what's in our book to what was done. " Our homeowner was a bit hesitant as work wouldn't start right away, but was willing to try something new. She was suspicious of the time involvement this would take from her. She got the book a couple of days later, and there were some minor changes - it didn't take long to review about half an hour. A week later she and stan reviewed the book together and agreed to what was needed. During the construction, there were some changes here and there. Stan and her evaluated them together. All changes had reviewed the downstream effects to budget, resources, and schedule. Some where good suggestions for now, others were good for next years home improvement effort. When all was said and done, Stan and our homeowner compared the delivered work to what was in the books. Everyone was on the same page, and work had been delivered to schedule. If the change needed a schedule change, and it was an approved, then the schedule changed to accommodate it. Our homeowner reflected on the two construction efforts and realized taking the time to plan was good, but collaborating on suggested changes was what really made the experience pleasant.
Courtesy - http://www.anticlue.net/archives/000917.htm
Our home owner was pleased, her request would be satisfied. In the late fall, she would sipping warmed cider by a warming fire. It was early May now.
Unfortunately as goes the tale with this contractor, there were some sudden items which popped up - here and there. The fireplace plugging took longer to remove than anticipated, apparently the gas line needed to be extend to the fireplace - this needed to be fixed. The nice remote control to turn on and off the gas fire was not clearly understood as being needed by Jethro. Time continued to slip by some days Jethro showed. Other days he was no where to be found. Maybe he suffered from the salt water flu - a common affliction of surfers in the Florida area - our homeowner mused. Come early September, our homeowner saw the finish touches about to be completed and was hopeful. All that was left was the inspection. Unfortunately, the 1921 Fireplace apparently needed to be hurricane proof, and it currently wasn't. Surprisingly to Jethro, the code had changed over the last 90 years. So throughout the month of October and a most of November, the fireplace was made hurricane proof. The homeowner watched her next years vacation funds going towards the hurricane-proof fireplace as she wondered why had they gotten here and how had so many things changed.
A couple of years went by and our homeowner decided to once again endeavor into home improvements. This time, she wanted to get the kitchen remodeled and replace the electric stove with a gas stove. She went with a new contractor Stan. Stan was the man. When our homeowner invited Stan into appraise the work, Stan took a couple of moments and explained how the process would work and the actual work with the kitchen remodeling and replacing the stove. They both agreed and then Stan said something different. "Let me share with you a little bit on how we are going to assure we understand the same things. I'm going to provide you with a binder notebook of what I understand we are looking to accomplish. I'll have one too. Yours will be here in a couple of days. I have a few things I want to check to make sure it is right. In a week or two, let's sit down together and review making sure we have everything right. You'll sign both copies, and I'll sign both copies. After we understand what is needed we can decide when to start. Along the way if something comes up or changes, just let me know. If I see anything I'll discuss it with you. We can evaluate the changes together looking at the implications and see if the juice is worth the squeeze. Then we will both sign the updated changes and add it to our books. This way at the end we will compare what's in our book to what was done. " Our homeowner was a bit hesitant as work wouldn't start right away, but was willing to try something new. She was suspicious of the time involvement this would take from her. She got the book a couple of days later, and there were some minor changes - it didn't take long to review about half an hour. A week later she and stan reviewed the book together and agreed to what was needed. During the construction, there were some changes here and there. Stan and her evaluated them together. All changes had reviewed the downstream effects to budget, resources, and schedule. Some where good suggestions for now, others were good for next years home improvement effort. When all was said and done, Stan and our homeowner compared the delivered work to what was in the books. Everyone was on the same page, and work had been delivered to schedule. If the change needed a schedule change, and it was an approved, then the schedule changed to accommodate it. Our homeowner reflected on the two construction efforts and realized taking the time to plan was good, but collaborating on suggested changes was what really made the experience pleasant.
Courtesy - http://www.anticlue.net/archives/000917.htm
Monday, May 11, 2009
DDIS VDi
The above letters are synonymous for a monstrous engine....
I am happy to have a VDi as my first car and it never disappointed me. 10800 KMS and still in love with this beauty which makes you go crazy on road tempting you to challenge the dynamics of nature.
The real pleasure starts at 2000 RPM with the adrenaline rushing. Roll down the windows and you could hear the wind gushing in and that explains this beast's power. With a mileage of 20-22 KMS/Litre, you will definitely look for week-ends to unleash the beast. If Seabiscuit needed another horse to stare in its eye, this just needs a gentle push of accelerator and before you could realize, it generates raw power which will make you go wild.
Yes,its got its own problems which are irrevelant and biggest of them happens to be rattles. With a nice ICE set-up in your car, you can definitely ignore them and enjoy the ride. Maruti Suzuki really is the company in the country to own a car from. Their service really makes you fall in love with the brand and creates an eternal bond. I really dont fancy owning any other car other than from maruti stable in the future. Their service network coupled with the right attitude of their serivce men is simply superb.
And coming back to car, this engine,DDIS has been a sensation from the day it was launched. Though its the same as in FIAT PALIO, LINEA or TATA VISTA, Maruti has tweaked it to perfection and that is clearly visible from the VDi sales numbers which simply outnumber their nearest competetors inspite of having a 2 month waiting period. I still remeber numerous pre-lauch reviews of recently launched cars which claimed that this will be the end of DDIS. And after their launch, i see more of them lying in showrooms rather than on roads. I am tempted to name what these cars are but resisting out of respect to these giants which failed to read Indian consumers pysche. We Indians are smart and doesnt get fooled by silly claims. What happened to IPhone and Fabia are two small examples which cease to stay out of your memory...
Apart from its crown jewel (engine), the other biggest USP of this car is its ability to give confidence to the driver. It gives you a feeling of having complete control on the road and drives as if it is tightly grounded. This gives that extra ooooomph feeling to the entire driving experience which makes you drive more and more. Agreed that the rear leg room is congested, but a DINK is really not bothered about the rear seats. You buys cars and you buy engines. But in VDi's case you buy both and thats the rear feat which Maruti has achieved. They had a world class engine and by the time they launched DDIS in India, they had a proven car design in the form of SWIFT LXi/VXi/ZXi which was already doing wonders. I still remember one of the auto shows where the reviewer compared the driving experince with a merc. The comparison itself is sufficient to underline the engine's capabilities.
I still love to polish my car on every Sunday myself and get it cleaned inside-out. Its my prized possession and my second love. Its the perfect statement when Maruti says that,"India drives home in a maruti".....
I am happy to have a VDi as my first car and it never disappointed me. 10800 KMS and still in love with this beauty which makes you go crazy on road tempting you to challenge the dynamics of nature.
The real pleasure starts at 2000 RPM with the adrenaline rushing. Roll down the windows and you could hear the wind gushing in and that explains this beast's power. With a mileage of 20-22 KMS/Litre, you will definitely look for week-ends to unleash the beast. If Seabiscuit needed another horse to stare in its eye, this just needs a gentle push of accelerator and before you could realize, it generates raw power which will make you go wild.
Yes,its got its own problems which are irrevelant and biggest of them happens to be rattles. With a nice ICE set-up in your car, you can definitely ignore them and enjoy the ride. Maruti Suzuki really is the company in the country to own a car from. Their service really makes you fall in love with the brand and creates an eternal bond. I really dont fancy owning any other car other than from maruti stable in the future. Their service network coupled with the right attitude of their serivce men is simply superb.
And coming back to car, this engine,DDIS has been a sensation from the day it was launched. Though its the same as in FIAT PALIO, LINEA or TATA VISTA, Maruti has tweaked it to perfection and that is clearly visible from the VDi sales numbers which simply outnumber their nearest competetors inspite of having a 2 month waiting period. I still remeber numerous pre-lauch reviews of recently launched cars which claimed that this will be the end of DDIS. And after their launch, i see more of them lying in showrooms rather than on roads. I am tempted to name what these cars are but resisting out of respect to these giants which failed to read Indian consumers pysche. We Indians are smart and doesnt get fooled by silly claims. What happened to IPhone and Fabia are two small examples which cease to stay out of your memory...
Apart from its crown jewel (engine), the other biggest USP of this car is its ability to give confidence to the driver. It gives you a feeling of having complete control on the road and drives as if it is tightly grounded. This gives that extra ooooomph feeling to the entire driving experience which makes you drive more and more. Agreed that the rear leg room is congested, but a DINK is really not bothered about the rear seats. You buys cars and you buy engines. But in VDi's case you buy both and thats the rear feat which Maruti has achieved. They had a world class engine and by the time they launched DDIS in India, they had a proven car design in the form of SWIFT LXi/VXi/ZXi which was already doing wonders. I still remember one of the auto shows where the reviewer compared the driving experince with a merc. The comparison itself is sufficient to underline the engine's capabilities.
I still love to polish my car on every Sunday myself and get it cleaned inside-out. Its my prized possession and my second love. Its the perfect statement when Maruti says that,"India drives home in a maruti".....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2 Years of Professional Life
Suddenly at the end of a very hectic day, i realized that i am on the verge of completing 2 years in profession. I still feel that i joined my current organization only a couple of weeks ago. I still wonder how the 2 years passed by so quickly. I guess the reason might be because of heavy work from day 1.
More than anything i am happy for assimilating very valuable knowledge which is never taught to anybody anywhere. "How to deal with people?" is something which i have learned so far and will love to learn on anyday. I have dealt with people on both the sides of the horizon. This helped me a lot in estimating the type of attitude required from me to deal with different kinds of people. It was difficult, frustrating and irritating in the initial days. But later i learnt the secret of considering every meeting as an adventure rather than a head-ache. This has helped me a lot in trying to make a discussion out of a boring meeting.
Also, i have learnt the art of losing some arguments to win bigger ones. Ultimately life is all about giving some and taking more. The fact is that one cant win everything and cant be in lime-light everyday. For you to win a bigger battle or be in the lime-light, you have to lose some insignificant battles and intentionally let someone else take credit for your work. Mark my words!!! These small sacrifices/doings will propel you into lime-light automatically with minimum effort.
But one thing i want to get rid of quickly is to come out of my obsession with the word "Sir". Though not required in a MNC, i somehow got addicted to using while interacting with senior people condisering the fact that i was fresh out of college. But these days i have realized the fact that there are only a very few handful of people around me whom i will be addressing with "Sir".
Now the reason i wrote this blog is to let the management students coming out of colleges understand about what to expect from initial years of career. Its not only marketing strategies or financial caluclations that should be expected. Its actually the art of dealing with people in your organizations that one should look forward to.
These experiences are worth more than anything else atleat in the initial years as they lay a solid foundation for one to build a career.
Bye for now!!!
More than anything i am happy for assimilating very valuable knowledge which is never taught to anybody anywhere. "How to deal with people?" is something which i have learned so far and will love to learn on anyday. I have dealt with people on both the sides of the horizon. This helped me a lot in estimating the type of attitude required from me to deal with different kinds of people. It was difficult, frustrating and irritating in the initial days. But later i learnt the secret of considering every meeting as an adventure rather than a head-ache. This has helped me a lot in trying to make a discussion out of a boring meeting.
Also, i have learnt the art of losing some arguments to win bigger ones. Ultimately life is all about giving some and taking more. The fact is that one cant win everything and cant be in lime-light everyday. For you to win a bigger battle or be in the lime-light, you have to lose some insignificant battles and intentionally let someone else take credit for your work. Mark my words!!! These small sacrifices/doings will propel you into lime-light automatically with minimum effort.
But one thing i want to get rid of quickly is to come out of my obsession with the word "Sir". Though not required in a MNC, i somehow got addicted to using while interacting with senior people condisering the fact that i was fresh out of college. But these days i have realized the fact that there are only a very few handful of people around me whom i will be addressing with "Sir".
Now the reason i wrote this blog is to let the management students coming out of colleges understand about what to expect from initial years of career. Its not only marketing strategies or financial caluclations that should be expected. Its actually the art of dealing with people in your organizations that one should look forward to.
These experiences are worth more than anything else atleat in the initial years as they lay a solid foundation for one to build a career.
Bye for now!!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Six-Sigma GB Project - DMAIC
I have completed my Six-sigma project which leads to a certification in Green-Belt. Below is a short description of the problem statement, solution offered, tools used and brief description of each tool.
Problem Statement
Customer is an OEM who manufactures and market the ozone generator system, which is used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. There is no centralized tool available in ODC which tracks rework and defects data across all the projects. More than 10% of schedule slippage will be cost to Oaces and defective deliverables are also affecting the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). Every resource spends about 15%of his annual billable MH doing rework which is resulting in a loss of revenue.
Our Solution
The situation demanded a procedure which could measure and reduce rework in offshore design projects. Complexity Rating (CR) is required which is dependent on historical data, design activity itself, stake-holders, decision making process, resource skill set and technical aspects of the project. The biggest risk for this rating would be subjectivity which can be progressively minimized using historical data. Generating CR would be interactive process between PM and framework. The advantages of CR are as follows:
#Tool to help PM identify manifestation of complexity within a project process
#Plan resources in order to minimize the impact
#Identify the factors and issues influencing and contributing to complexity in design teams
#Will help minimize the gap between customer expectations and actual project achievements
Identification of defects closer to their point of origin will help in reduction of rework MHs.
Through this project we have identified the need for phased reviews of every project. Based on the CR of every project, a reviewer is identified in SOW. These phased reviews will help us in measuring the following.
#Errors-Potential Defects that are found during the phase that created them
#Defects-Errors that escape to the subsequent phase or delivered to customer
Based on these parameters, we can measure Total Containment Effectiveness (TCE), Phase Containment Effectiveness (PCE) and Defect Containment Effectiveness (DCE).
We have also identified the need for utilizing the services of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during requirements capture phase. The primary objective is to assess the adequacy of the documents/inputs received from client which are used for compiling the Statement of Work (SOW).
We also proposed the requirement to compile Minutes of Meeting (MOM) and query tracker which has to be made mandatory in Project Planning Document (PPD).
Proper buffer selection, efficient time-line and scheduling techniques also assist in reducing rework. Resources should also be trained to properly categorize rework into one of the following.
#Rework-Defects
#Rework-Change in Inputs
#Rework-Vendor/CM
Tools Used
#Define & Proposal Stage - Project Charter && TMAP
#Measure Stage - SIPOC
#Analysis Stage - PMAP As is Process && PMAP for Ideal Process
#Improve Stage - FMEA
#Control Stage - Control Plan
Brief description of tools used
Project Charter
Defines plan of actions, current situation, overall plan, proposal and business impact,formal project approval, defined task, team, budget, business outcome and schedule
Thought Process Map
Thought process map is a live document that is used to list down what we know and what we don’t know. It is a document that closes out when the project is finished. What we don’t know is discussed with the customer so that the requirements are captured in depth with clear specifications. This tool helps in developing the thought process going in a design at various levels in different phases of the project.
SIPOC
The acronym SIPOC stands for Suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers. A SIPOC diagram is a tool used by a team to identify all relevant elements of a process improvement project before work begins. It helps define a complex project that may not be well scoped, and is typically employed at the Measure phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology.
PMAP
It is a hierarchical method for displaying processes that illustrates how a product or transaction is processed. It is a visual representation of the work-flow either within a process - or an image of the whole operation. Process Mapping comprises a stream of activities that transforms a well defined input or set of inputs into a pre-defined set of outputs.
FMEA
FMEA is a tool, which helps us to identify the failure modes in advance and allows us to anticipate the effects of failure in the design, before hand. This helps us in fine-tuning the design from the identified failures. Function map eases in identifying the failure modes as the design is more or less clear at the block level.
Control Plan
Control Plan makes sure that the experiences and practices are documented for other engineers to refer in their designs in future
Problem Statement
Customer is an OEM who manufactures and market the ozone generator system, which is used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. There is no centralized tool available in ODC which tracks rework and defects data across all the projects. More than 10% of schedule slippage will be cost to Oaces and defective deliverables are also affecting the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). Every resource spends about 15%of his annual billable MH doing rework which is resulting in a loss of revenue.
Our Solution
The situation demanded a procedure which could measure and reduce rework in offshore design projects. Complexity Rating (CR) is required which is dependent on historical data, design activity itself, stake-holders, decision making process, resource skill set and technical aspects of the project. The biggest risk for this rating would be subjectivity which can be progressively minimized using historical data. Generating CR would be interactive process between PM and framework. The advantages of CR are as follows:
#Tool to help PM identify manifestation of complexity within a project process
#Plan resources in order to minimize the impact
#Identify the factors and issues influencing and contributing to complexity in design teams
#Will help minimize the gap between customer expectations and actual project achievements
Identification of defects closer to their point of origin will help in reduction of rework MHs.
Through this project we have identified the need for phased reviews of every project. Based on the CR of every project, a reviewer is identified in SOW. These phased reviews will help us in measuring the following.
#Errors-Potential Defects that are found during the phase that created them
#Defects-Errors that escape to the subsequent phase or delivered to customer
Based on these parameters, we can measure Total Containment Effectiveness (TCE), Phase Containment Effectiveness (PCE) and Defect Containment Effectiveness (DCE).
We have also identified the need for utilizing the services of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during requirements capture phase. The primary objective is to assess the adequacy of the documents/inputs received from client which are used for compiling the Statement of Work (SOW).
We also proposed the requirement to compile Minutes of Meeting (MOM) and query tracker which has to be made mandatory in Project Planning Document (PPD).
Proper buffer selection, efficient time-line and scheduling techniques also assist in reducing rework. Resources should also be trained to properly categorize rework into one of the following.
#Rework-Defects
#Rework-Change in Inputs
#Rework-Vendor/CM
Tools Used
#Define & Proposal Stage - Project Charter && TMAP
#Measure Stage - SIPOC
#Analysis Stage - PMAP As is Process && PMAP for Ideal Process
#Improve Stage - FMEA
#Control Stage - Control Plan
Brief description of tools used
Project Charter
Defines plan of actions, current situation, overall plan, proposal and business impact,formal project approval, defined task, team, budget, business outcome and schedule
Thought Process Map
Thought process map is a live document that is used to list down what we know and what we don’t know. It is a document that closes out when the project is finished. What we don’t know is discussed with the customer so that the requirements are captured in depth with clear specifications. This tool helps in developing the thought process going in a design at various levels in different phases of the project.
SIPOC
The acronym SIPOC stands for Suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers. A SIPOC diagram is a tool used by a team to identify all relevant elements of a process improvement project before work begins. It helps define a complex project that may not be well scoped, and is typically employed at the Measure phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology.
PMAP
It is a hierarchical method for displaying processes that illustrates how a product or transaction is processed. It is a visual representation of the work-flow either within a process - or an image of the whole operation. Process Mapping comprises a stream of activities that transforms a well defined input or set of inputs into a pre-defined set of outputs.
FMEA
FMEA is a tool, which helps us to identify the failure modes in advance and allows us to anticipate the effects of failure in the design, before hand. This helps us in fine-tuning the design from the identified failures. Function map eases in identifying the failure modes as the design is more or less clear at the block level.
Control Plan
Control Plan makes sure that the experiences and practices are documented for other engineers to refer in their designs in future
Convocation is over
Convocation is over!!!!
Lot of ambiguity and loads of disappointment from the way it was organized. Looks like it was done in a hurry. But, it was managed in the best way it can be considering the number of students, time and many other intangible issues.
And we got the diploma…that’s the most important thing which has been well taken care of during the entire episode. The guest was worth telling to all my colleagues and friends unlike many colleges who invite an unknown personality trying to make a VIP out of the guest. In our case, guest was Dr.John Hood, Vice-Chancellor-Oxford University.
I met all my friends whom I intended to meet and hoped to see them again. We had a dinner party at Barbeque Nation, Kalyani Nagar. To some extent, the scorching sun has dampened the spirits of roaming around the city. But this gave us ample time to sit and talk about our professional experiences and a lot many other things.
I and my friends truly missed Appa Rao who recently shifted to middle-east. His presence would have brought in the unpredictability factor which was a characteristic of his decision making. Also, we have missed Danda Arun Kumar who again is famous for his ambiguities which is again predominant in his decision making.
College had seen a transformation in its infrastructure with new hostel and academic blocks newly constructed. It has got a bigger hostel, new academic block along with a vast library to accommodate the growing popularity. This popularity is in spite of not investing even a single penny in advertising. I have seen everybody who is associated with this college saying that it is the “IIM of Construction and Project Management Sectors”.
I seriously recommend for all the engineers who want to pursue a techno-managerial course which would establish them in the industry in a big way. I am not cynical by recommending it to only engineers as only they are eligible. A course in project management with some wise career decisions coupled along with some smartness will put you always in lime-light in career. Situated in Pune combined with a history of more than 25 years makes this college more reliable. Its association with many industries will help in taking care of placements which is the most important parameter of any post gradaute course
Well, all this while I was talking about NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management And Research.....
Lot of ambiguity and loads of disappointment from the way it was organized. Looks like it was done in a hurry. But, it was managed in the best way it can be considering the number of students, time and many other intangible issues.
And we got the diploma…that’s the most important thing which has been well taken care of during the entire episode. The guest was worth telling to all my colleagues and friends unlike many colleges who invite an unknown personality trying to make a VIP out of the guest. In our case, guest was Dr.John Hood, Vice-Chancellor-Oxford University.
I met all my friends whom I intended to meet and hoped to see them again. We had a dinner party at Barbeque Nation, Kalyani Nagar. To some extent, the scorching sun has dampened the spirits of roaming around the city. But this gave us ample time to sit and talk about our professional experiences and a lot many other things.
I and my friends truly missed Appa Rao who recently shifted to middle-east. His presence would have brought in the unpredictability factor which was a characteristic of his decision making. Also, we have missed Danda Arun Kumar who again is famous for his ambiguities which is again predominant in his decision making.
College had seen a transformation in its infrastructure with new hostel and academic blocks newly constructed. It has got a bigger hostel, new academic block along with a vast library to accommodate the growing popularity. This popularity is in spite of not investing even a single penny in advertising. I have seen everybody who is associated with this college saying that it is the “IIM of Construction and Project Management Sectors”.
I seriously recommend for all the engineers who want to pursue a techno-managerial course which would establish them in the industry in a big way. I am not cynical by recommending it to only engineers as only they are eligible. A course in project management with some wise career decisions coupled along with some smartness will put you always in lime-light in career. Situated in Pune combined with a history of more than 25 years makes this college more reliable. Its association with many industries will help in taking care of placements which is the most important parameter of any post gradaute course
Well, all this while I was talking about NICMAR (National Institute of Construction Management And Research.....
Thursday, April 2, 2009
TOLL FREE NUMBERS IN INDIA
Today morning i recieved a rare "useful" forwarded mail. Such mails make you belive that not all forwarded mails are useless. This mail contained all the important toll free numbers ranging from banks to healthcare. So i thought of sharing the info with everybody. God bless the guy who compiled all this data.
Airlines
Indian Airlines -1800 180 1407
Jet Airways - 1800 22 5522
Spice Jet - 1800 180 3333
Air India -- 1800 22 7722
Kingfisher - 1800 180 0101
============ ========= ========= =====
Banks
ABN AMRO -1800 11 2224
Canara Bank - 1800 44 6000
Citibank - 1800 44 2265
Corporation Bank - 1800 443 555
Development Credit Bank - 1800 22 5769
HDFC Bank - 1800 227 227
ICICI Bank - 1800 333 499
ICICI Bank NRI - 1800 22 4848
IDBI Bank - 1800 11 6999
Indian Bank - 1800 425 1400
ING Vysya - 1800 44 9900
Kotak Mahindra Bank - 1800 22 6022
Lord Krishna Bank - 1800 11 2300
Punjab National Bank - 1800 122 222
State Bank of India - 1800 44 1955
Syndicate Bank - 1800 44 6655
============ ========= ========= =====
Automobiles
Mahindra Scorpio -1800 22 6006
Maruti - 1800 111 515
Tata Motors - 1800 22 5552
Windshield Experts - 1800 11 3636
============ ========= ========= =====
Computers/IT
Adrenalin -1800 444 445
AND - 1800 425 6664
Apple Computers - 1800 444 683
Canon - 1800 333 366
Cisco Systems - 1800 221 777
Compaq - HP - 1800 444 999
Data One Broadband - 1800 424 1800
Dell - 1800 444 026
Epson - 1800 44 0011
eSys - 3970 0011
Genesis Tally Academy - 1800 444 888
HCL - 1800 180 8080
IBM - 1800 443 333
Lexmark - 1800 22 4477
Marshal's Point - 1800 33 4488
Microsoft - 1800 111 100
Microsoft Virus Update - 1901 333 334
Seagate - 1800 180 1104
Symantec - 1800 44 5533
TVS Electronics - 1800 444 566
WeP Peripherals - 1800 44 6446
Wipro - 1800 333 312
Xerox - 1800 180 1225
Zenith - 1800 222 004
============ ========= ========= =====
Indian Railway Enquiries
Indian Railway General Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Central Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Reservation 131
Indian Railway Railway Reservation Enquiry 1345,1335,1330
Indian Railway Centralised Railway Enquiry 1330/1/2/3/4/ 5/6/7/8/9
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =====
Couriers/Packers & Movers
ABT Courier -1800 44 8585
AFL Wizz - 1800 22 9696
Agarwal Packers & Movers - 1800 11 4321
Associated Packers P Ltd - 1800 21 4560
DHL - 1800 111 345
FedEx - 1800 22 6161
Goel Packers & Movers - 1800 11 3456
UPS - 1800 22 7171
============ ========= ========= =========
Home Appliances
Aiwa/Sony -1800 11 1188
Anchor Switches - 1800 22 7979
Blue Star - 1800 22 2200
Bose Audio - 1800 11 2673
Bru Coffee Vending Machines - 1800 44 7171
Daikin Air Conditioners - 1800 444 222
DishTV - 1800 12 3474
Faber Chimneys - 1800 21 4595
Godrej - 1800 22 5511
Grundfos Pumps - 1800 33 4555
LG - 1901 180 9999
Philips - 1800 22 4422
Samsung - 1800 113 444
Sanyo - 1800 11 0101
Voltas - 1800 33 4546
WorldSpace Satellite Radio - 1800 44 5432
============ ========= ========= =========
Investments/ Finance
CAMS -1800 44 2267
Chola Mutual Fund - 1800 22 2300
Easy IPO's - 3030 5757
Fidelity Investments - 1800 180 8000
Franklin Templeton Fund - 1800 425 4255
J M Morgan Stanley - 1800 22 0004
Kotak Mutual Fund - 1800 222 626
LIC Housing Finance - 1800 44 0005
SBI Mutual Fund - 1800 22 3040
Sharekhan - 1800 22 7500
Tata Mutual Fund - 1800 22 0101
============ ========= ========= ====
Travel
Club Mahindra Holidays -1800 33 4539
Cox & Kings - 1800 22 1235
God TV Tours - 1800 442 777
Kerala Tourism - 1800 444 747
Kumarakom Lake Resort - 1800 44 5030
Raj Travels & Tours - 1800 22 9900
Sita Tours - 1800 111 911
SOTC Tours - 1800 22 3344
============ ========= ========= ====
Healthcare
Best on Health -1800 11 8899
Dr Batras - 1800 11 6767
GlaxoSmithKline - 1800 22 8797
Johnson & Johnson - 1800 22 8111
Kaya Skin Clinic - 1800 22 5292
LifeCell - 1800 44 5323
Manmar Technologies - 1800 33 4420
Pfizer - 1800 442 442
Roche Accu-Chek - 1800 11 45 46
Rudraksha - 1800 21 4708
Varilux Lenses - 1800 44 8383
VLCC - 1800 33 1262
============ ========= ========= ===
Insurance
AMP Sanmar -1800 44 2200
Aviva - 1800 33 2244
Bajaj Allianz - 1800 22 5858
Chola MS General Insurance - 1800 44 5544
HDFC Standard Life - 1800 227 227
LIC - 1800 33 4433
Max New York Life - 1800 33 5577
Royal Sundaram - 1800 33 8899
SBI Life Insurance - 1800 22 9090
============ ========= ========= =======
Hotel Reservations
GRT Grand -1800 44 5500
InterContinental Hotels Group - 1800 111 000
Marriott - 1800 22 0044
Sarovar Park Plaza - 1800 111 222
Taj Holidays - 1800 111 825
============ ========= ========= ======
Teleshopping
Asian Sky Shop -1800 22 1800
Jaipan Teleshoppe - 1800 11 5225
Tele Brands - 1800 11 8000
VMI Teleshopping - 1800 447 777
WWS Teleshopping - 1800 220 777
============ ========= ========= ========
Others
Domino's Pizza -1800 111 123
============ ========= ========= ====
Cell Phones
BenQ -1800 22 08 08
Bird CellPhones - 1800 11 7700
Motorola MotoAssist - 1800 11 1211
Nokia - 3030 3838
Sony Ericsson - 3901 1111
Airlines
Indian Airlines -1800 180 1407
Jet Airways - 1800 22 5522
Spice Jet - 1800 180 3333
Air India -- 1800 22 7722
Kingfisher - 1800 180 0101
============ ========= ========= =====
Banks
ABN AMRO -1800 11 2224
Canara Bank - 1800 44 6000
Citibank - 1800 44 2265
Corporation Bank - 1800 443 555
Development Credit Bank - 1800 22 5769
HDFC Bank - 1800 227 227
ICICI Bank - 1800 333 499
ICICI Bank NRI - 1800 22 4848
IDBI Bank - 1800 11 6999
Indian Bank - 1800 425 1400
ING Vysya - 1800 44 9900
Kotak Mahindra Bank - 1800 22 6022
Lord Krishna Bank - 1800 11 2300
Punjab National Bank - 1800 122 222
State Bank of India - 1800 44 1955
Syndicate Bank - 1800 44 6655
============ ========= ========= =====
Automobiles
Mahindra Scorpio -1800 22 6006
Maruti - 1800 111 515
Tata Motors - 1800 22 5552
Windshield Experts - 1800 11 3636
============ ========= ========= =====
Computers/IT
Adrenalin -1800 444 445
AND - 1800 425 6664
Apple Computers - 1800 444 683
Canon - 1800 333 366
Cisco Systems - 1800 221 777
Compaq - HP - 1800 444 999
Data One Broadband - 1800 424 1800
Dell - 1800 444 026
Epson - 1800 44 0011
eSys - 3970 0011
Genesis Tally Academy - 1800 444 888
HCL - 1800 180 8080
IBM - 1800 443 333
Lexmark - 1800 22 4477
Marshal's Point - 1800 33 4488
Microsoft - 1800 111 100
Microsoft Virus Update - 1901 333 334
Seagate - 1800 180 1104
Symantec - 1800 44 5533
TVS Electronics - 1800 444 566
WeP Peripherals - 1800 44 6446
Wipro - 1800 333 312
Xerox - 1800 180 1225
Zenith - 1800 222 004
============ ========= ========= =====
Indian Railway Enquiries
Indian Railway General Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Central Enquiry 131
Indian Railway Reservation 131
Indian Railway Railway Reservation Enquiry 1345,1335,1330
Indian Railway Centralised Railway Enquiry 1330/1/2/3/4/ 5/6/7/8/9
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =====
Couriers/Packers & Movers
ABT Courier -1800 44 8585
AFL Wizz - 1800 22 9696
Agarwal Packers & Movers - 1800 11 4321
Associated Packers P Ltd - 1800 21 4560
DHL - 1800 111 345
FedEx - 1800 22 6161
Goel Packers & Movers - 1800 11 3456
UPS - 1800 22 7171
============ ========= ========= =========
Home Appliances
Aiwa/Sony -1800 11 1188
Anchor Switches - 1800 22 7979
Blue Star - 1800 22 2200
Bose Audio - 1800 11 2673
Bru Coffee Vending Machines - 1800 44 7171
Daikin Air Conditioners - 1800 444 222
DishTV - 1800 12 3474
Faber Chimneys - 1800 21 4595
Godrej - 1800 22 5511
Grundfos Pumps - 1800 33 4555
LG - 1901 180 9999
Philips - 1800 22 4422
Samsung - 1800 113 444
Sanyo - 1800 11 0101
Voltas - 1800 33 4546
WorldSpace Satellite Radio - 1800 44 5432
============ ========= ========= =========
Investments/ Finance
CAMS -1800 44 2267
Chola Mutual Fund - 1800 22 2300
Easy IPO's - 3030 5757
Fidelity Investments - 1800 180 8000
Franklin Templeton Fund - 1800 425 4255
J M Morgan Stanley - 1800 22 0004
Kotak Mutual Fund - 1800 222 626
LIC Housing Finance - 1800 44 0005
SBI Mutual Fund - 1800 22 3040
Sharekhan - 1800 22 7500
Tata Mutual Fund - 1800 22 0101
============ ========= ========= ====
Travel
Club Mahindra Holidays -1800 33 4539
Cox & Kings - 1800 22 1235
God TV Tours - 1800 442 777
Kerala Tourism - 1800 444 747
Kumarakom Lake Resort - 1800 44 5030
Raj Travels & Tours - 1800 22 9900
Sita Tours - 1800 111 911
SOTC Tours - 1800 22 3344
============ ========= ========= ====
Healthcare
Best on Health -1800 11 8899
Dr Batras - 1800 11 6767
GlaxoSmithKline - 1800 22 8797
Johnson & Johnson - 1800 22 8111
Kaya Skin Clinic - 1800 22 5292
LifeCell - 1800 44 5323
Manmar Technologies - 1800 33 4420
Pfizer - 1800 442 442
Roche Accu-Chek - 1800 11 45 46
Rudraksha - 1800 21 4708
Varilux Lenses - 1800 44 8383
VLCC - 1800 33 1262
============ ========= ========= ===
Insurance
AMP Sanmar -1800 44 2200
Aviva - 1800 33 2244
Bajaj Allianz - 1800 22 5858
Chola MS General Insurance - 1800 44 5544
HDFC Standard Life - 1800 227 227
LIC - 1800 33 4433
Max New York Life - 1800 33 5577
Royal Sundaram - 1800 33 8899
SBI Life Insurance - 1800 22 9090
============ ========= ========= =======
Hotel Reservations
GRT Grand -1800 44 5500
InterContinental Hotels Group - 1800 111 000
Marriott - 1800 22 0044
Sarovar Park Plaza - 1800 111 222
Taj Holidays - 1800 111 825
============ ========= ========= ======
Teleshopping
Asian Sky Shop -1800 22 1800
Jaipan Teleshoppe - 1800 11 5225
Tele Brands - 1800 11 8000
VMI Teleshopping - 1800 447 777
WWS Teleshopping - 1800 220 777
============ ========= ========= ========
Others
Domino's Pizza -1800 111 123
============ ========= ========= ====
Cell Phones
BenQ -1800 22 08 08
Bird CellPhones - 1800 11 7700
Motorola MotoAssist - 1800 11 1211
Nokia - 3030 3838
Sony Ericsson - 3901 1111
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Advanced Validation Techniques in Excel
Assuming that one knows validation in excel, i am posting this blog which desribes advanced validation techniques in excel.
First let's talk about the problem/scenario which will help one in visualizing what i am talking about.
You have a column in excel where you have defined a drop-down list of items using simple validation. If you require the entries of drop-down list in another column vary in accrodance with the selection made in the first column, these advanced vaqlidation thechniques will help you.
The first column should be defined in the basic way of creating a drop-down box-either by defining a list or by including in the definition field itself. This should be very easy (Assumption!!!)
Now the corresponding items of drop-down boxes must be named with exaclty the same name of the primary list. Let me now take an example.
Option - 1: Numbers which will include 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Option - 2: Alphabets which will include A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H....
Option - 3: Symbols which will include !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*,(,)
In this case Numbers, Alphabets and Symbols will be your primay validation column. Based on the selection in this column, the next column should include items in drop-down box. Now these items should be included in a different column and their lists should be named as Numbers or Alphabets or Symbols-which ever applies. Then in the second column, include the following formula. This will automatically inter-link the primary and secondary columns.
=indirect(Primary Column Cell No)
Now there is another problem which might arise. IF somebody changes the selection of the first column after making a choice in the second column, then one can use the following formula to highlight the error made. This should be defined in the conditional formatting of the secondary column.
=ISERROR(MATCH(Secondary Column Cell No,INDIRECT(Primary Column Cell No),FALSE))
Now this completes the procedure of creating linked drop-down boxes with loose ends tied.
I assume that i was clear enough in describing the problem and solution. In case if i am wrong, one can leave a message describing their question which will be addressed.
First let's talk about the problem/scenario which will help one in visualizing what i am talking about.
You have a column in excel where you have defined a drop-down list of items using simple validation. If you require the entries of drop-down list in another column vary in accrodance with the selection made in the first column, these advanced vaqlidation thechniques will help you.
The first column should be defined in the basic way of creating a drop-down box-either by defining a list or by including in the definition field itself. This should be very easy (Assumption!!!)
Now the corresponding items of drop-down boxes must be named with exaclty the same name of the primary list. Let me now take an example.
Option - 1: Numbers which will include 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Option - 2: Alphabets which will include A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H....
Option - 3: Symbols which will include !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*,(,)
In this case Numbers, Alphabets and Symbols will be your primay validation column. Based on the selection in this column, the next column should include items in drop-down box. Now these items should be included in a different column and their lists should be named as Numbers or Alphabets or Symbols-which ever applies. Then in the second column, include the following formula. This will automatically inter-link the primary and secondary columns.
=indirect(Primary Column Cell No)
Now there is another problem which might arise. IF somebody changes the selection of the first column after making a choice in the second column, then one can use the following formula to highlight the error made. This should be defined in the conditional formatting of the secondary column.
=ISERROR(MATCH(Secondary Column Cell No,INDIRECT(Primary Column Cell No),FALSE))
Now this completes the procedure of creating linked drop-down boxes with loose ends tied.
I assume that i was clear enough in describing the problem and solution. In case if i am wrong, one can leave a message describing their question which will be addressed.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
College Convocation!!!!
Well!!!At last....
Our college management finally woke up and anounced the date for convocation-4th April'09. Its exactly 22 months back when we joined HAIL and finally getting a chance to meet some of my good old friends who otherwise come up with weird excuses for not plannig a trip to Pune.
The convocation is just a couple of days away and friends will start pouring in very soon. Parties, roaming and making fun of old days...NOPE...this wont be the situation this time around. Working till late friday evening and then attending the conocation on Saturday Morning in your Sunday dress is the most practical way of life...it just seems to be the easiest way.
And back to office on Monday...Life has become so routine that we really miss some good things which we did on week days couple of years back...MON, TUE, WED, THU, TGIF and then the week-end comes and again the count starts...and if there is a holiday on a week-day you feel bored as it breaks the rythm and suddenly the next day becomes hell down under...
Well, finished (almost) my second year in Honeywell and also my Six-Sigma GB certification which was running for the past 6-8 months....Some times it feels really bad to comprehend the fact that one is facing the worst recession (or fear) in the 2nd year of career...Well on the positive side, it has made you stronger both emotionally and keep your feet grounded....
After completing my GB certification, i set my target on PMP certification which should be started any time soon....
Amidst all this, i have give my car for servicing...the first 10K Kms have been enjoyable and satisfactory...well i have reserved another posting to describe my experiences...Achtung!!!!
Well..this is not a monday moring nor a stress busting posting...but will start posting more frequently...
Till then keep missing me...
Our college management finally woke up and anounced the date for convocation-4th April'09. Its exactly 22 months back when we joined HAIL and finally getting a chance to meet some of my good old friends who otherwise come up with weird excuses for not plannig a trip to Pune.
The convocation is just a couple of days away and friends will start pouring in very soon. Parties, roaming and making fun of old days...NOPE...this wont be the situation this time around. Working till late friday evening and then attending the conocation on Saturday Morning in your Sunday dress is the most practical way of life...it just seems to be the easiest way.
And back to office on Monday...Life has become so routine that we really miss some good things which we did on week days couple of years back...MON, TUE, WED, THU, TGIF and then the week-end comes and again the count starts...and if there is a holiday on a week-day you feel bored as it breaks the rythm and suddenly the next day becomes hell down under...
Well, finished (almost) my second year in Honeywell and also my Six-Sigma GB certification which was running for the past 6-8 months....Some times it feels really bad to comprehend the fact that one is facing the worst recession (or fear) in the 2nd year of career...Well on the positive side, it has made you stronger both emotionally and keep your feet grounded....
After completing my GB certification, i set my target on PMP certification which should be started any time soon....
Amidst all this, i have give my car for servicing...the first 10K Kms have been enjoyable and satisfactory...well i have reserved another posting to describe my experiences...Achtung!!!!
Well..this is not a monday moring nor a stress busting posting...but will start posting more frequently...
Till then keep missing me...
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