How to manage the competition through 'competitive intelligence'?

After the globalisation, every company is competing with each other to secure their share of business.  Even the countries are competing with each other to get other's market.

In spite of the huge population and non-transparent communist Government, China is now competing globally with US and other European countries.  Even India is looking at China as a major competitor.

What makes China to become globally powerful?  Is it their product capability only?  The major reason for China's success is the 'competitive intelligence'.

During the recent visit to India, Prof. Muralidharan of Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Sydney in an exclusive interview for PodUniversal explained in detail about the secrets behind China's success story.  He even suggested that instead of looking at China as a competitor, India needs to develop partnership with them.

"Instead of fearing about the competition, learn from the competitors", he said.  In the conversation, he also explained the concepts of business intelligence and the competitive intelligence.  He regretted that Indian companies do not attach much importance to the competitive intelligence, to manage the competition.

He visited India recently, to conduct a workshop at Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai and we have also covered about this workshop in detail in our earlier posting.

Prof. Muralidharan can be reached at murali2000@hotmail.com

Please listen to his interview (8 minutes)

This podcast interview may also be listened form the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8eY2wWhIQA

Read More

'competitive intelligence' is essential to manage competition

One group  working on competitive strategies in the 'War  Game'.
Prof. Prakash Sai (IIT) and Prof. Murali Dharan (MGSM) looking on

Department of Management Studies (Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai) jointly with Madras Management Association and Macquarie Graduate School of Management (Macquarie University, Sydeny) organised a two-day workshop for the senior corporate executives on 'Business and Corporate Intelligence" on 28th and 29th October 2011.  

In the highly competitive world, all the companies are required to compete globally to fight for their space.  Before preparing for the competition, the companies need to spend enough time to know about their competitors also.  This is known as 'competitive intelligence'. It should be done in a legal and ethical way.  It is reported that many of the Indian Corporates do not take the 'competitive intelligence' seriously and hence they lose many good projects. China is one of the good examples of using competitive intelligence and hence, they are dominating in the world as a powerful nation. 


Probably for the first time in India (since no data is available), IIT has organised this workshop to create an awareness about 'competitive intelligence among the Indian Corporates. .


As part of the workshop, they also organised a 'War Game'.  They divided the participants into four groups.  Each group represented one major existing company viz. Infosys, TCS, Accenture and IBM.  The groups were given before hand the real profile of each company and they were also advised to collect more details about their company and their competitors through various other sources.  


An Imaginary Government e-Health project worth of 10 billion dollars, spread over 10 years was given as the project for 'bidding'.  The groups have to prepare their competitive strategies based on their strength and the competitors' strength.  


Finally, all the groups were made to present their strategies for evaluation.  The concept of 'War Game' can also be used in the training workshops.  It is reported that some of the major MNCs use this 'War Game' concept within themselves, to understand more about their competitors.  Some of their own employees will be made to represent their competitors in their 'in-house war game'. 


At this stage, I am reminded of a Thirukkural, by Saint Thiruvalluvar who wrote this following couplet 2000 years back.  This Thirukkural summarises how modern day corporates can manage the competition.


வினை வலியும் தன் வலியும் மாற்றான் வலியும் 
துணை வலியும் தூக்கிச்செயல் -  Thirukkural 471


(Before undertaking any task, weigh judiciously (1) the nature of the task on hand, (2) your own strength, (3) Competitor's strength and (4) the strength of your support team, allies and partners.)


PodUniversal Edition 142


This Thirukkural shows, how important is the 'Competitive intelligence' before undertaking any task.  Please watch 8 minutes interview on this workshop.

This video may also be watched from http://youtu.be/6eouWvA7IlM

Read More

Lord Ganesha symbolises an ideal CEO

PodUniversal Edition 109

Today (11th September 2010) is Ganesh Chaturthi and Hindus across the world celebrate this day  and  worship their favourite God Lord Ganesha popularly known as Lord Vigneshwara or Lord Vinayaka.  Lord Ganesha with His big elephant head, an elephant trunk, two large ears, two small sharp eyes, two tusks (of which one is broken), four hands, a big pot belly with a mouse under His feet symbolises the role of a CEO, to render better governance.

Picture courtesy and source: YGOY

Prof. Bala Balachandran, the Founder of Greatlakes Institute and a globally well known Management Guru during his recent visit to India gave a podcast interview to PodUniversal over phone on the various symbolism of Lord Ganesh.

Please watch / listen to his explanation (12 minutes).

This video may also be watched from the following link.
http://youtu.be/S69bE6OthlY 

Read More

Music, and dance develop 'team playing skills'

Presently, the biggest challenge before the Corporates across the globe is the lack of 'team playing skills'. Many of the HR Managers complain that the team members do not sync with the team policy or team project. The problem arises, because, the children right from their school days, are not allowed to play in a team. They learn to live separately and independently. Many of the parents care more for the education of their children, than developing their skills to sync with the society. Only good 'team players' subsequently become 'good leaders'.

I had the opportunity of witnessing a wonderful dance event organised by Premalaya Natyaniketan at Nanganallur, suburb of Chennai. This Institution trains large number of young children in Traiitional Bharata Natyam (Indian classical dance).

Four children viz. Sunanda (Age 13), Bhoomija (Age 9), Sripriya (Age 11) and Sruthi (Age 12) are the students of 'Premalaya Natyaniketan'. They have been performing their shows together in various Sabhas and Temples even at this age. The event I witnessed was their 60th joint performance. :)

The manner in which these children synchronised their dance performance with behind-the-scene operators like Choregrapher Latha Aravindan, Musician Sowmya and Sarayu (Jathi) was really amazing. I also understood that these children were not only excelling in their dance performance, but also in their studies.

It made me to think further. How such activities trigger the young children to perform better in other fields too. I wanted to share my joy and concern with other netizens too. . In my personal view only music, dance and sports will help the youth to develop 'team playing skills'. Parents should provide more opportunities for the children. The entire 90 minutes show is brought down in 9 m 30 seconds.

Please click 'play' to watch the video. (The streaming will be smooth in broad band connections. If you find streaming not smooth, right click this link and save the link to your desktop to download wmf format of the file. The file can be played through windows media player.



The video may also be watched from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/2188237

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiutXIQsfE

Latha Aravindan (Premalaya Natyaniketan) may be contacted at latha_aravindan_ajay@yahoo.co.in

Read More

The impact of 'Information overload' on the society

PodUniversal Edition 78

With the increase in technology, social media, mass media, the society is largely suffering from 'Information overload'. Even an ordinary event gets blasted through social media and mainline media. How does it affect the stakeholders?

Many Mergers and Joint ventures are over-hyped, creating more expectations from the stakeholders. The stakeholders get disappointed when the outcome is not according to the expectations, raised due to 'Information overload'.

Even a recent 'car launch' got a huge hype through social media and mass media. Probably, this scared away the prospective buyers and the registration did not match with the estimate of the company.

Is there any way, we can handle the Information overload? Is the 'Information overload' specific to certain cases or is it common amongst the corporates?

May 2009 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deals with the "information overload' based on the research conducted by International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). As part of the lead story, we interviewed Mr Madan Bahal, Managing Director, Adfactors Public Relations, one of the top 3 Indian PR Agencies.

Please listen to his podcast interview by clicking 'play' in the flash player. (This streaming of this audio will be smooth in broad band connections. If the streaming of audio is not smooth, you may right click this link and save the link (target) in your desktop as mp3 format and then listen). - 8 minutes



This podcast may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857424

Read More

Is current recession or slow down an opportunity for growth and out-of-the-box thinking?

Global Forum for Public Relations, (GFPR) a global body of PR professionals launched their Chennai Chapter on 9th May 2009. Young team of PR professionals and students took oath as Managing Committee members. (see picture below)

PodUniversal Edition 77

The launch function was followed with an "UnConference" on the theme "Communication during recession". Since it was an UnConference, all the participants had the opportunity to share the views. Experts like Madan Behal (MD, Adfactors PR), Ravi Srinivasan (Editor, Mail Today), Arun Aroa (Associate VP, GMR Dial), C J Singh (MD, Core PR) and Chandra Mouli (CEO, Blue Lotus PR) shared their views live during the UnConference over telephone from their places. They also answered the questions from the audience. B N Kumar (CEO, Concept PR), T N Ashok (Corporate Consultant and former Economic Editor of PTI), Susan Koshy (Former General Manager - Corporate communication, IDBI), B K Karuna (National President, GFPR) were personally present and shared the views.

The important issues that were discussed were:

1. whether recession is a myth or a relaity?
2. Which are the sectors that are affected by this slow down?
3. How to convert this situation into an opportunity for growth and out-of-the-box thinking?
3. What are the communication strategies that we need to adopt?

and many more issues. Please listen to the excerpts from the UnConference session, by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. If the streaming of audio is not smooth, you can right click this link and save the target as mp3 file in your desktop and listen through your player. (22 minutes)



The audio may also be listened from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857418

Read More

Young Professionals should get connected to the Industy

PodUniversal Edition 76

Public Relations (PR) industry has started growing in the past one decade enormously. Many educational institutions have started separate courses on PR to prepare the students for this industry. Many educated youngsters join this industry with fat salary. PR is no longer 'Media centric'. The clients expect to get 360 degree brand image, to face the global competition.

The curriculum in the educational institutions do not match with industry needs. The youngsters who come out with book knowledge, need to get integrated with the industry. This could be possible only through continuous updating and learning process.

Do the young professionals take initiative in updating their knowledge and skills? Do the young professionals have a right attitude to connect to the industry? Even when the opportunity is provided, how do they utilise this to their advantage? To what extent senior professionals in the industry take interest in grooming the seniors? Is the learning aligned to the right practices? Do the professionals share the case studies with fellow professionals?

With these questions, we contacted Mr Vikram Kharvi, a Mumbai based young journalist turned PR professional over phone for an exclusive interview. Mr Vikram Kharvi is moderating a discussion group on PR for the past one year and also publishes a PR newsletter from this month. He is one of the few young professionals, who take lot of interest in developing the profession.

Please listen to his free and frank views, by clicking 'play' button in the flash player. (The audio streaming will be smooth in broadband connections. If the streaming is not smooth, please right click this link and save the link/target to your desktop in mp3 format and listen)



This audio podcast may also be listened from the following links
Podbazaar
Odeo

Read More

Bhagwad Gita defines 'leadership' relevant for modern days.

PodUniversal Edition 71

Bhagwad Gita, rendered by Lord Krishna during the Mahabarata war is more than a spiritual text book. Gita contains lot of management techniques and tips.

In the present day competitive world, we find dearth of leadership. People always mistake the leadership either as position or power. Many of the great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King never held any positions or enjoyed any powers. They were conducting themselves as 'role models' for others.

Today, many corporate leaders talk more and never 'walk the talk'. That is not leadership. Whatever the leader does, it should be followed by others. The leader should leave a legacy behind him.

Mr Srikumar Menon, a Corporate Trainer and passionate researcher on Bhagwad Gita quotes from Chapter 3 of Bhagawad Gita, under Karmayoga. In one of the slokas, Lord Krishna in response to a question of Arjuna, explains the qualities of a 'leader' or a 'role-model'. Lord Krishna says that a leader should be one who is being followed by others. Please listen to the podcast of Mr Srikumar Menon, who explains the sloka in a simple language. (7 minutes)

This podcast can also be listened from 

http://youtu.be/0-vcZuYwc_0 

Read More

Exclusive interviews with Dr Abdul Kalam and Dr Y S Rajan, duo of India Vision 2020

This ezine completes two years and enters third year successfully. Feb 2008 issue is the Special Second Anniversary Issue. This issue is unique in its own way.

If all the Indians chant with pride the 'Vision 2020' mantra, the entire credit goes to the duo Dr Abdul Kalam and Dr Y S Rajan, who authored the book India 2020 together. This edition is Guest Edited by Dr Y S Rajan and we carry the exclusive interviews from Dr Kalam and Dr Rajan.

Download the ezine

Please download the ezine from the following link ( 250k in pdf)
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0208.pdf

PodUniversal - Edition 28 - Podcast interview of Dr Kalam

Please listen to the exclusive interview with Dr Abdul Kalam - click to play ( 6 minutes)


You may also watch this podcast from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/698761

You may download this podcast in wmv format - right click and save

PodUniversal Edition 29 - Podcast interview of Dr Y S Rajan

To listen to the podcast interview of Dr Y S Rajan - click to play (13 minutes)

Click to play to listen to Dr Y S Rajan

You may also listen this podcast from the following link
http://blip.tv/file/692523

You may download this podcast in mp3 format - right click and save (12 mb)

Read More

ABCI celebrates Golden Jubilee

Association of Business Communicators of India (ABCI) is the first organisation in India to be set up for professional communicators established in the year 1957. Their Golden Jubilee coinced with the 47th Annual Awards Nite held on 11th Jan 2008 at Mumbai. ABCI's Awards are considered as "Oscars of Business Communication". PodUniversal brings out two special podcast features on ABCI.

These podcasts are part of the lead stories published in Jan 2008 issue Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense, published by Prime Point Foundation. All the back issues of PR-e-Sense can be downloaded from http://www.corportezine.in/.

Jan 2008 issue of PR-e-Sense may be downloaded from the following link (280 k in pdf)
http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense0108.pdf

Now please listen to the podcasts:

PodUniversal Edition 26 - ABCI - Specail feature - Part I

In this podcast, we have brought out exclusive interviews with Mr Yogesh Joshi (President of ABCI), Ms K Bhavani (Director of Communication of Singapore Govt and Global Communicator Award winner from ABCI) and Mr G P C Nayar (Chairman SCMS Group of Educational Institutions and Life Time Achievement Award winner from ABCI)

Please click to play (10 minutes)

Click To Play

You may also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857064

Right right click this link to download and save to desktop ( 9.3 mb)

PodUniversal Edition 27 - ABCI - Specail feature - Part II

In this podcast, we have brought out an exclusive interview with Mr K S Neelakantan, a doyen in the PR and Communication industry. He has received many awards, including that of 'Life Time Achievement Award' from ABCI

Please click to play ( 8 m 43 s)

Click To Play

You may also listen to this podcast from the following link
http://www.podbazaar.com/permalink/144115188075857067

Please right lcick this link to download and save to desktop (8.3 mb)

Read More

Right to Information Act

PodUniversal - Edition 24

Mr A K Venkatasubramanian IAS (Retd), Former Secretary to Govt. India, in an exclusive podcast interview talks about the various aspects of Right to Information Act. He also speaks about the various benefits the general public can derive by extensive and intelligent use of this RTI Act.

Mr Venkatasubramanian is a well known Citizien Activist. He runs more than 200 Citizen centres in Tamilnadu.

This interview is part of the lead story of December 07 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense. The December 07 isue of PR-e-Sense may be downloaded from the following link (248 k in pdf format)

http://www.primepointfoundation.org/presense/presense1207.pdf
All the earlier issues of ezine may be downloaded from
http://www.corporatezine.in

Please listen to the interview of Mr Venkatasubramanian. Click to play

Click To Play

The audio of the interview may be downloaded in mp3 format (9.31 mb) - Right click and save this link

Read More

Corporate arrogance and human insensitivity

PodUniversal - Edition 23

In an exclusive podcast interview, Mr T S Krishna Murthy, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India speaks about the various corporate arrogances and human insensitive activities practised by Corporate executives. He also suggests various measures to improve the human aspect in the day to day functioning of the Corporates.

This podcast interview is part of the lead story of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense November 2007 issue, published by Prime Point Foundation. (Download 224 k in pdf format)

Please listen to the interview 10 minutes - Click to play

Download the interview in mp3 format - right click this link and save - 9.4 mb

Read More

Public Relations 2.0 - Engaging stakeholders in the new media landscape

(If you want to get the information through email about our future podcasts, please sign up with your e mail id - Click here)

Edition 20 - PodUniversal and August 07 issue of PR-e-Sense - PR 2.0 and New Media

Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) organised a one day conference on Public Relations 2.0 inviting various experts. Probably this is the first time, a conference is being held on this theme.

August 2007 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense carries briefly the proceedings of this conference. Ms K Bhavani, President, IPRS is the Guest Editor of this edition.

Download the ezine in pdf format (214 k)

A podcast has also been integrated with this ezine. Download the mp3 format of the podcast (9.16 mb) by right clicking and saving this link.

You may listen to this podcast by clicking 'clicking to play' button below.

Click To Play

Read More

Corporate Podcast - An exciting branding and marketing communication tool

PodUniversal Edition 13

Corporate Podcasts are emerging as exciting and revolutionary alternate medium and is sweeping across the globe. Many of the Corporates in US, UK and other European countries have started using podcasts for promoting their brand image and positioning their pdocuts and services.

In the developing countries like India, there is lack of awareness amongst the corporates on this new medium. Public Relations Agencies and Advertisement Agencies need to relook into their strategies and effectively use 'Corporate Podcasts' for their clients. Corporate Podcasts will function as 'formidable ally' to the other channels.

June 2007 issue of Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense deals with the theme 'Corporate Podcast'. Mr Sunil Nair (CEO, Nautanki TV), Mr Syed Nazir Razik (Technocrat) and Ms Chinmayee (a well known Radio and Television Jockey and film playback singer) have given their views on Podcasts. This ezine is also integrated with a podcast in audio form.

Please download the ezine in pdf format 190 k

To listen to the Visual podcast, please click 'click to play' below the image. You can download the entire file in wmv format (can be played through windows media player) by right clicking this link and saving to your desktop (6.2 mb)

Click To Play

Read More

Managing your stress in office environment - 3 simple steps

PodUniversal Edition 11 and 12 June 07

During the second week of June 07, PodUniversal conducted an online quick survey to study the level of stress amongst the people and the reasons, they feel. Based on the survey, we conducted two exclusive podcast interviews with Mr D V Sridhar (Founder Director, Yogaraksanam), an eminent Yoga therapy expert and Ms Sangeetha Madhu, an eminent Counsellor and Clinical Psychologist (both based at Chennai). Mr Sridhar gives three simple steps to relieve the stress in the office environment. Ms Sangeetha Madhu explains the reasons for stress with some case studies and gives solutions to cope with the stress.

If you want to download the podshow in wmv format (can be played in windows media player) right click on the links given below and save in your desktop.

Podcast of Mr D V Sridhar (right click this link and save) (4.7 mb)

Podcast of Ms Sangeetha Madhu (right click this link and save) ( 3.74 mb)

If you want to listen to the podcast, please click 'click to play' button below the images. (There are two podcasts)

PodUniversal Edition 11 - Mr D V Sridhar

Click To Play

PodUniversal Edition 12 - Ms Sangeetha Madhu

Click To Play

Read More

Corporate Misconceptions and Idiosyncrasies

Many corporates have wrong perceptions about the Public Relations, communication and Media relations concept. Many of the CEOs and top management officials assume to possess more knowledge in these areas. This Podcast lists out some of the popular misconceptions and tries to provide correct information. This podcast is part of the Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense May 2007 issue.

Click here to download the May 07 issue of ezine (pdf format 212 k)

To listen to the podcast, press 'click to play' below the picture.

If you want to download the entire file in wmv format (you can play with windows media player), right click on this link and save to your desktop (4.3 mb)

Click To Play

Read More

PodMagazine Edition 7 - PR bodies in India - An introspection

In this edition, we bring the views of few eminent people on the various functional aspects of PR bodies in India.

Ms Bhavani, President, Institute of PR, Singapore talks about the 'Youth PR Council' formed at Singapore. Dr C V N Reddi (Editor, PR Voice, Hyderabad), Mr C J Singh (Mg. Director, Core PR, Chandigarh) and Mr Yogesh Joshi (President, Associaiton of Business Communicators of India, Mumbai) also share their views.

This podcast is part of the Corporate e-zine PR-e-Sense April 2007 issue.

Click here to download the ezine (180 k) in pdf format

Please 'click to play' to watch this video podcast.




Click To Play

You may also download this podcast in wmv format, which can be played through widows media player. Right Click here and save target

Read More

PodMagazine edition 6 - Corporate excellence through social media

Global Forum for Public Relations (GFPR), Hyderabad celebrated the first Foundation Day and National PR Day on 21st April 2007. K. Srinivasan, Chairman, Prime Point Foundation, Chennai was honoured with 'Golden Triangle Award' for pioneering in online Public Relations and Social media. 'Golden traiangle' represent professionalism, values and ethics.

GFPR will be giving one Award every year from this year to one PR professional.

[In the picture, Bro. Karunaji, President, GFPR is giving the award to K. Srinivasan. Dr C V Narasimha Reddy, (Editor, PR Voice), Mr Chandrasekhar Reddy, (Press Secretary to Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh) and Sr. B K Sarala (Secretary, GFPR) look on]

K. Srinivasan made a presentation on "Corporate excellence through social media". Please listen to the presentation in the following podcast: (13 mintues)

Click To Play

Kindly send your comments to prpoint@yahoo.com

Read More

PodMagazine Edition 5 - PR Education in India

March 2007 edition of PR-e-Sense carries the theme "PR education in India". This edition gives the various aspects of PR education in India, Instituions offering PR education, expert views, etc.

Prof. Sreenath Sreenivasan (Dean of students, Columbia School of Journalism), Prof. U K Chaudhury (Director, Symbiosis Institute of Mass communication), Prof. R Radhakrishnan (Vice Chancellor, Anna University, Coimbatore), Ms Sulosana Karthigesu (Managing Director, PR Academy, Singapore) and Mr S Narendra (Former Information advisor to Prime Ministers of India) have shared their views in the podcast also

Please download the March 2007 issue in pdf format (194 k)

Institutions offering PR education in India

Please download the list (pdf file 99k)

Podcast

This issue of PR-e-Sense is also integrated with a PodMagazine (Edition 5). This podMagazine carries interviews with eminent persons listed above.

Please click 'play' in the flash player to listen to the podcast ( 20 minutes)

Streaming audio is comfortable with broadband. If you find any difficulty in listening to the audio, you may download the mp3 file to your desktop and listen through any mp3 player

If the flash player is not working, please go to Permalink and listen or

Click to download the mp3 file (18 mb)

Read More

Wiki for Corporates - An exclusive interview with Mr Jimmy Wales, Founder, Wikipedia

In an exclusive podcast interview for the 4th edition of PodUniversal, India's first PodMagazine, Mr Jimmy Wales, Founder, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Foundation explains the importance of wikis for Corporates.

On 25th February, India's first Unconference titled 'WikiCamp' was held at Tidel Park, Chennai. Mr Jimmy Wales also participated.

Corporate ezine PR-e-Sense February 07 issue carries the theme "Power of Wiki" based on the 'WikiCamp'.The above Podcast interview is integrated with the ezine, published by Prime Point Foundation.

Feb 07 issue of ezine PR-e-Sense covering WikiCamp and other related features may be downloaded from the Foundation site.

Click 'play' to listen to the 4th edition of PodUniversal, the PodMagazine. Streaming audio is comfortable with broadband. If you find any difficulty in listening the audio, kindly download the mp3 file to your desktop and listen through any mp3 player. (17 m)



If the flash player is not working, you can listen the audio from the permalink or
Click to download the mp3 file (16 mb)

Read More