INLEADers at the Health Insurance Conference 2013 at FICCI Federation House

INLEAD facilitated an industry visit for students pursuing Healthcare Administration from INLEAD.

INLEADers attended the Health Insurance Conference 2013 which was held at the FICCI Federation House, New Delhi. It was great value addition for the students of MBA in Healthcare Administration.  

Students were introduced to the Health Insurance Sector which has witnessed dramatic growth since the liberalization of the insurance sector in 2000. The sector today is faced with the critical challenges of driving growth in the coming decade in the face of continuous losses, artificial pricing, operational inefficiencies and insurer-provider dynamics. This sector and its various constituents need to drive the vision for the next phase of reforms and initiatives so that future growth in this segment creates a win-win for all stakeholders. The building blocks of the next paradigm will comprise numerous structural changes including regulatory, legal, product-related, new operating entities, partnership with providers, universal health coverage etc.

Students were also given a broad understanding of the growing affluence of the Indian middle-class accompanied with lifestyle-related diseases and inflationary healthcare costs are driving the demand for health insurance in India today. On the other hand, Government Sponsored Health Insurance Schemes are providing low cost health insurance facility to the BPL population. However, the portfolio of Indian health insurers still relies on standard products and indemnity-based annual contracts.

“It was an insightful session throwing light on the growth of the insurance sector”, says Anshi Mishra, a student at INLEAD.

MBA in Internaitonal Hotel Management : A Visit to GALAXY HOTEL, INLEADers share their experience!!!

As a part of its continuous Industry Exposure Initiative, INLEAD facilitated an Industry Visit to Hotel Galaxy, Gurgaon

An industry orientation helps a International Hotel Management student apply their theoretical learning with their practical exposure which they get when they visit a hotel. 

It teaches the students about the various departments of the hotel and also the various segments it caters to. Galaxy  Hotel has been acknowledged across the world for its style, grandeur, sophistication and excellent services the hotel commits to provide the best in accommodation and tailored to the needs of today’s global traveler. The room amenities and hotel facilities meet demanding standards with a Food and Beverage facility of the highest standard.  

After a brief introductory session on the concept /tag line of Hotel Galaxy which is Hotel, Shopping and Spa, the students began their property tour with the guest floors were they saw the various categories of rooms such as Base category, Spa rooms and Executive Suites. They were told about the dynamic pricing concept adopted by hotels today.

Food and Beverage orientation included of Zinnia, the largest banquet hall of the hotel measuring 12,000 sq.ft and other meeting spaces for social gatherings and conferences. The students were appraised about the various banquet set-up’s, pre- function area, buffet counters.

Following this was a visit to the Food and Beverage outlets. First on the list was The Monk- a modern Zen setting restaurant serving Oriental cuisine. The students came to know about the concept of a live kitchen, the fact that the restaurant does not accept prior reservations and there is average waiting time of 1 hour. Next on the list was Howzatt- India’s first cricket themed pub brewery serving fresh styles of beer. They learnt about beer making process and the concept of fresh beer. They also were briefed about Bean Stalk- café and pastry shop and Axis- a multi cuisine restaurant with an exhibition kitchen.

Our first industrial visit at the Galaxy Hotel was great. The visit began with a property tour which included different categories of rooms. The students were also given an insight into the hotels USP, average sale and daily pricing for rooms says Himanshu Razora, a student at INLEAD.

Rahul Shinde, a student at INLEAD says, “The orientation was good followed by a property tour. What I liked the most was ‘HOWZZAT’, the brewery and the Spa rooms”.

Event management and PR : Mr.Ajay Sharma's take on 'Branding & Advertising'

INLEAD facilitated an Industry Expert Workshop by Mr.Ajay Sharma for students pursuing Event Management & Public Relations at INLEAD.

Mr. Sharma is associated with the Leading  marketing firm providing today's marketers with best-in-class strategic and creative services that meet their brand-building needs across all communications channels – McCANN WORLDGROUP.

He discussed a lot of attributes and pre requisites that you require to build your own ‘brand’ in the market. He also taught students that being a brand manager of a brand anytime in the future you should know how to pollute the consumers mind only then will you be successful.

 Coming to what we understand by ‘brand’ – in totality it means an association or an identity which you make for your product. He then dwelled on the academic definitions of Brand Equity and Brand Language and how brand managers take any route in establishing the Brand Equity.

Mr. Sharma says, “Branding facilitates consumer purchase decisions. “He also mentioned that, “Marketing Communication, is no science or arithmetic alone, it is an art form.” Further to which he elaborated by saying, It’s a craft we need to learn and evaluate an art form. One needs to understand the intricacy of the craft.

He self-proclaimed few rules for establishing brands which he has formulated with the help of his experience in this field.

Rule 1: Theory of how to pollute consumers and make them brand loyal
Rule 2: Treat them well, make them feel special. And “we love it”
Rule 3: Hard Sell not the Best Sell
Rule 4: World is after us, why left behind?
Rule 5: Heart over Brains (Minimize their brain use)
Rule 6: Promises make it sound genuine
Rule 7: Check your diary, easy catches aren’t memorable
Rule 8: Help them dream & enter into their dreams
Rule 9: Share a secret & Share it with everyone
Rule 10: When it’s time to hit- HIT HARD 

Post this; Mr. Sharma also discussed the ‘Brand Culture’ with the students. He elaborated on the following:

LOGO ->Story & Culture ->Packaging ->Shoppers Marketing->LOGO









He also emphasized on the different archetypes which the brand managers need to sort and position for their brand. He cited few examples for example:
1) creator is the type of an archetype which helps us craft something new. Example: APPLE
2) lovers is the type of archetype which helps us in having a good time. Example: Chanel, Gucci

The class was also engaged in a group activity wherein they were to devise and plan the creation of a need of a particular product for the consumers.

To conclude, the session was very fruitful and enlightening. It was very interactive and productive.

Hard Work OR Smart Work?

There are two kinds of people in this world. The first category consists of those who use hard work as the climbing ladder towards reaching the top. On the other hand, the second category consists of a totally different kind of people. This category includes people who do not necessarily reach the top but they survive on smart work. 

In this competitive world, we must work hard to achieve our targets and goals. At every stage in life, we need to compete with each other. Today, we shall discuss what we understand by ‘Hard Work v/s Smart Work.’

There is a thin line between ‘Hard Work’ and ‘Smart Work’ and equal weightage is given to both these terms.

Planning and assessment is required in both, while working hard as well as working smart.

It is important that before you plunge into something, you need to be enthusiastic and excited. Give yourself enough time. Sit back and think about the pros and cons and accordingly set realistic goals for yourself.

Prepare a checklist, jot down pointers and follow it in that order. It prevents duplication.

Learn to say no. Avoid over-scheduling yourself and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a single day.

Limit your goals. Choose one thing at a time and give it your 100%.

Let’s understand the difference between ‘Hard Work’ & ‘Smart Work’?

     1) Hard Work means working most of the time and putting a lot of hours. Whereas, Smart Work means putting in lesser hours and still achieving the target.

     2)  Hard Work may not be productive as compared to smart work. Smart work involves proper planning of the task, hence increases the productivity.

     3) Hard Work might not help us in correcting our mistakes, we might be involved in the same practice which could be incorrect. However while we work smart, we discover and correct mistakes and keep working.

     4) Hard Work for some could be putting in many hours in doing a particular task, and for some smart work is all about how in lesser time, you can achieve more. Smart Work therefore involves being creative.

If we were to choose between one…I don’t think we can, each has its own way of working. Some might keep working the entire day; some might just put in 2 hours, both might resulting in giving similar results. It is difficult to choose. None is right or wrong.  An accurate blend of the two is what is required. When you have enough time, work hard. And when you don’t have enough time and are still expected to give similar results work smart to attain the focused goals.

All the Best!!!

Expert Lecture on 'Wedding Management' by Mr. Sharad Mathur, Director – EMG Entertainment Pvt. Ltd

INLEAD facilitated an industry expert workshop for students aspiring to become wedding planners in the coming years. Mr.Sharad Mathur, Director EMG Entertainment conducted this workshop. He closely works on corporate events and has recently stepped into the wedding industry.

The agenda of the expert lecture focused largely on Wedding Management which included both domestic weddings and destination weddings.

We all know that ‘weddings’ are the most important event in a lifetime for the bride and bride groom and equally important for the parents.                                        

As a wedding planner himself, Mr.Mathur said, “There are no re-takes; you are as good as your last event/ wedding”.

It was a superb session, everyone was happy, as we all have been associated  closely with a ‘wedding’ at least once till now.

“A wedding is the most valuable, most awaited, most important day of your entire existence” so plan it well says Mr.Sharad Mathur.

But, weddings are just not about the fancy décor, the food, and the clothes!

A lot of hard work is put in the making of this event. For a wedding planner, it’s not glamour but the hard work which is required behind the scenes.
A wedding planner is solely responsible for fulfilling the dreams of the bride, the groom , the family...

Brides, bride grooms and their parents can be very emotional during the wedding planning process and on the wedding day. As their wedding planner, you are often their confidant, psychologist and mediator says Mr.Mathur.

Mr.Mathur discussed the major challenges he faces in this industry. 

Pre-requites for a Wedding Planner:

1.           Know the budget of the wedding, the functions etc. 
2.           Discuss in detail the nature of the wedding 
3.           Know the culture, rituals, and traditions of every community. Be it a Muslim wedding, Hindu wedding, Jain wedding etc.) 
4.           Maintain a good rapport with vendors (food vendors, décor vendors etc.) 
5.           Suggest newer and innovative concepts to your client, do a thorough study on the type of stages, the entrance, the mandap etc. 
6.           It is essential to understand the dream of the family, and as a planner it is your duty to change their dreams into reality. 
7.           Set reasonable timelines for yourself. Don’t over commit to your client. Avoid making false promises. 
8.           Prepare a customized plan for your client, which definitely should be in their favour. 
9.           Help the client with budgeting, the expenditure involved etc. 

It was a very interactive session. The students thoroughly enjoyed. Mr.Mathur also showcased his work by showing glimpses of some videos and photographs.

He concluded the lecture by expressing his appreciation for the tremendous exposure INLEAD extends to its students. He added that, “INLEAD is an excellent platform for each student.”

Team Management – Do’s and Don’ts

A leader is expected to lead the team into success through building an environment that stretches and yet encouraging growth.

In a recent study by TowersWatson, an international HR consulting firm, fewer than 21 percent of employees surveyed described themselves as "highly engaged," down from 31 percent in 2009. 8 percent admitted to being fully disengaged.

When your talented employees are engaged, they are able to perform spectacularly and build and improve your business.

Here we have shortlisted a few do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind while handling and managing your team:

Do’s while handling a team

·         Identify Your Goals:
-Set daily or weekly targets your team must meet.
-Use sticky notes, make a checklist and paste them on the pin board next to your work station.
-Review your list frequently; keep revising it from time to time.

·    
 Know Your Team:

-Know the strengths and weaknesses of each team member to balance the productivity of your team.

·    
 Interact with Team Members
-Regular one-on-one meetings are critical and are important aspect in managing your team well.

-Often sit with your team members, in case they are not performing well know what is the disturbing them etc.

·    
 Give feedback on Performance:
- Discuss the previous week’s deliverables; including what went well, what areas require improvement for next time and how that improvement might be obtained.

·    
 Jot Down Minutes of the Meeting:
-Ask your team members to jot down minutes and then circulate the same with everyone in the team
-Very important practice, tells you what is supposed to be done and what is the way forward.

·    
 Ask for ideas:
- Ask your team members to come up with newer and fresher ideas from time to time.
- Rotate a mail amongst the members asking them to provide great innovative ideas and the one giving the best idea can be rewarded in some form.

·    
 Motivate:
-Motivation is the key for continuing results.

-Ask them what motivates enough for doing the job well
-Hold sessions for them, site examples etc.

·    
 Reward Performance:
- Recognition is an effective tool. If you have the authority, give your team mate a half day.
- Incentive is also a good option in providing recognition to the students

Don’ts’s while handling a team:

·         Don't reprimand
-Don’t hurt any team member in front of other members
-Discuss the issue personally

·         Avoid Long Hours at Work
- As managers; you might have certain benefits or incentives which the company provides. Don’t forget that you need to maintain a balance in your personal and professional life.
-Come on time, leave on time

·
      Don’t Get Angry
-People can commit mistakes, they are humans
-Explain the team mates in a sober and polite way

·         Don’t Bully Your Team
-If the work has been assigned to any of your team mate, let them receive the credit for the same.
- Don’t hide too many things from your team mates, involve them let them know the vision of the company where it is heading etc.

Be the LEADER!

Dr.Tushar Pal Choudhary, Zonal Head – MAX Healthcare at INLEAD

Today, 5^th December’13 INLEAD facilitated an industry expert session for the students pursuing Healthcare Administration. The speaker of today’s session was Dr.Tushar Pal Choudhary, Zonal Head – MAX Healthcare. The agenda of the session was “Medical Quality”.

Dr.Choudhary prior to MAX Healthcare was associated with Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata. Today, he shared his experience with young aspiring professionals.

 “The degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.”

The lecture focused on highlighting the difference between service quality and medical quality.

He emphasized on the role of quality infrastructure, quality human resources (clinical & non-clinical) and certifying bodies like NABH and ISO. 

Dr.Choudhary laid emphasis on a few topics mentioned below:

      1)      Hospital Building Specifications

      2)      Hospital Equipment 

      3)      Hospital Manpower

      4)      How to maintain medical quality in clinical service

      5)      Role of clinician to maintain medical quality

      6 )     Role of nursing staff, support service staff to maintain medical quality

He elaborated on topics like maintaining medical quality in clinical services. The various clinical indicators of quality. He also discussed the various departments like emergency and imaging services and the service quality parameters of the concerned department.

“It was a good session, we were told about the differences in medical and clinical audit, which was an eye opener for many” says Priyanka Kaparwan, a student pursuing Healthcare Administration from INLEAD. 

100% PLACEMENTS? INLEAD Guarantees it!

When you take admission in a good college, 100% guaranteed placements are just an added advantage for the students.

We at INLEAD are overwhelmed to announce that CRISIL, A GLOBAL ANALYTICAL COMPANY PROVIDING RATINGS, RESEARCH, AND RISK AND POLICY ADVISORY SERVICES has rated INLEAD with providing 100% placements to all the students.

CRISIL has verified the placement data for the undergraduate students presented by INLEAD. 

Talking about placements, for each course that is offered to students at INLEAD we provide an extremely strong recruiting mechanism.

Each student has a placement tutor, who personally provides the students with undivided attention throughout the course of study.

Coming to employers, some of the top firms recruiting students from INLEAD are as follows:

Top Employers	Course
Prada	International Business Management
Wills Fargo	International Business Management
JP Morgan Chase & Co	International Business Management
Walmart	International Business Management
Standard Chartered Bank	International Business Management
Marks & Spencer	International Business Management
Medanta Medicity	Healthcare Administration
Fortis	Healthcare Administration
Artemis	Healthcare Administration
Rockland Hospitals	Healthcare Administration
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital	Healthcare Administration
Apollo Hospitals	Healthcare Administration
Wizcraft	Event Management & Public Relations
Network 18	Event Management & Public Relations
Oxfam	Event Management & Public Relations
Candid	Event Management & Public Relations
Jagran Solutions	Event Management & Public Relations
Event Bizz	Event Management & Public Relations
Times of India	Infrastructure Management
Genpact	Infrastructure Management
Aircel	Infrastructure Management
Vatika	Infrastructure Management
Aditya Birla Group	Infrastructure Management
Nestle	Infrastructure Management
ABN-AMRO	Infrastructure Management
Jindals	Infrastructure Management

With many employers increasingly looking for experience as well as academic achievement in candidates for their positions, work placements have an increasing importance in gaining a good job.

Our past placements records have been fantastic. The highest package going as high as Rs.19.2 lac.

To view the past placement records click on the link - http://www.inlead.in/placement.php

Join INLEAD for guaranteed placements!

10 Tips & Tricks to Manage Your TIME

Managing time means managing yourself to begin with…

WIKI defines time management as, “An act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity.”

Here, we have summed up a list of 10 tips that you should follow to manage your time...

10 Tips and Tricks to Manage Your Time

1)       Create a to-do list:

a) Make a list of things you need to complete during the day
b) Assign tasks if required

2)       Set realistic goals & follow your plan

    a) Focus on the goals you have set for yourself
    b) Prioritize your tasks
    c) Set long and short term goals both at the same time

3)       Create a planner (daily/ weekly / monthly)

a) Take a calendar, pin it up on your study table and mark your important dates (submission dates/ due date etc.)
b) At the end of the day tick of the tasks that you were required to do as per your plan
 

4)       Be focused / Have a vision

a) Have a positive attitude towards life and work
b) Have a clarity on what is important to you
c) Know where you are heading in life/ career

5)       Limit your distractions:

a) Switch off your phone or put it on silent mode. Even a 5 minute phone call conversation by a friend can be very distraction for someone who is working with great concentration.

6)       Take small breaks:

a) Take short term breaks for tea/ coffee etc. Even in those short breaks that you take, avoid talking on the phone.
b) Take a walk in the lawn outside your house and enjoy Mother Nature.

b) Avoid watching T.V, video games in that break, if the need be take a power nap and refresh yourself

7)       Get 6-8 hours of sleep:

a)  A good sleep is a sign of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration. Hence increases efficiency.
b)  Avoid late nights, go to bed on time.

8)       Schedule time for yourself:

a) Take out time for exercise, relaxation, and Socializing.
b) Plan a list of activities, that you would love to do in your free time

9)       Maintain Work-Life Balance:

a) Know where to draw a line (extreme of anything is unhealthy)
b) spend time with family/ friends

10)   A-B-C Analysis

a) Follow this theory
b) Mark your to-do list in the, b and c format. “a” being the highest

Time management is becoming increasingly important, yet it seems to be extremely difficult to manage it. Time management is essential in every field of life. A very single moment which passed once will never come back; make the most of that particular time. Time management helps you do your task in time and utilize your time more productively. It helps you to identify the useless activities which can be avoided and time can be saved. It helps you give proper time to a task and perform the task more efficiently.

Manage your time, don’t let it manage you!!!