The Playing Field Is Being Leveled

Recently read a very insightful and informative book on Globalization 3.0 named ‘The World Is Flat.’ The first chapter of the book has a description of Bangalore, India describing it as India’s Silicon Valley with presence of companies like IBM, Microsoft, HP, Texas Instruments etc. Further the author talks about the ultra modern Infosys campus with its state-of-the-art technology global conferencing center with the help of which Infosys can hold a virtual meeting of the key players from its entire global supply chain for any project at any time on a supersize screen. Reading all this description on India in the very first chapter of an International bestseller should make Indians extremely proud.

The book by Thomas L. Friedman analyzes globalization, in the early 21st century. The title is a metaphor for viewing the world as a level playing field in terms of commerce, where all competitors have an equal opportunity. Countries like India are now able to compete for global knowledge work as never before. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, ‘the playing field is being leveled.’

Freidman has described 10 ‘flatteners’ that have flattened and are still flattening the world even as we speak. Few of the flatteners which I personally found very interesting to learn about are as follows:

Open Sourcing - Self-Organizing Collaborative Communities

Describes shareware programs which are developed by a bunch of geeks working online in some kind of chat room. He talks about the open-source movement, which involves thousands of people around the world coming together online to collaborate in writing everything from their own software to their own operating systems to their own dictionary to their own recipe for cola-building. The word ‘open-source’ comes from the notion that companies or ad hoc groups would make available online the source code - the underlying programming instructions that make a piece of software work - and then let anyone who has something to contribute improve it and let millions of others just download it for their own use for free. According to the author, the geeks do it for the psychic buzz that comes from creating a collective product that can beat something produced by giants like Microsoft or IBM, and even more important - to earn the respect of their intellectual peers. This seems to be a powerful movement. If given a proper direction might give the Microsofts of the world a run for their money.

Outsourcing

Outsourcing means taking some specific, but limited, function that your company was doing in-house - such as research, call centers, or accounts receivable - and having another company perform that exact same function for you and then reintegrating their work back into your overall operation. This section mainly describes the growth of outsourcing in India and how over capacity in fiber optics, created during the dot com bubble benefitted India. Talks of how India’s education system has finally paid off resulting in a rich pool of talent which now India can use to its advantage. The opening up of the economy in 1991 further boosted India’s growth. The Y2K crisis proved to be a great opportunity for India. The Y2K upgrading work was humongous and tedious. India with its ample of software engineers from the IITs and private colleges was in the perfect position to carry it out. Y2K introduced India to the rest of the world. Since then there has been no looking back for India.

Offshoring

Offshoring is relocation of a company's manufacturing or other processes to a foreign land to take advantage of less costly operations there. This flattener is mainly related to events in China. China's joining the WTO took Beijing and the world to a whole new level of offshoring - with more companies shifting production offshore and then integrating it into their global supply chains.

Supply Chaining

The author states Wal-Mart to be the pioneer in building an extremely efficient supply chain with 108 distribution centers around the US serving some 3000 Wal-Mart stores. While other retailers guarded information, Wal-Mart shared it. Wal-Mart approached its suppliers as if they were partners. By implementing a collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR) program, Wal-Mart began a just-in-time inventory program that reduced carrying costs for both the retailer and its suppliers. In its supply chain innovation it has introduced RFID tags to replace barcodes.

Insourcing

Heard of United Parcel Service (UPS)?? This company and more like it are no longer only delivering packages. They are in fact managing the global supply chains of companies both large and small. For example, if you own a Toshiba laptop computer that is under warranty and it breaks and you call Toshiba to have it repaired, Toshiba will tell you to drop it off at a UPS store and have it shipped to Toshiba, and it will get repaired and then be shipped back to you. But here's what they don't tell you: UPS doesn't just pick up and deliver your Toshiba laptop. UPS actually repairs the computer in its own UPS-run workshop dedicated to computer and printer repairs at its Louisville hub.

For years, the bane of most Ford dealers was the auto maker's ultra slow system of transporting cars factory to showroom. Cars took as long as a month to arrive, that is, when they weren't lost along the way. And Ford Motor Co. was not always able to tell its dealers exactly what was coming, or even what was in inventory at the nearest rail yards. After UPS got under Ford's hood, UPS engineers redesigned Ford's entire North American delivery network, streamlining everything from the route cars take from the factory to how they're processed at regional sorting hubs - including pasting bar codes on the windshields of the 4 million cars coming out of Ford's U.S. plants so they could be tracked just like packages.

Insourcing is different from supply chaining because it requires a more intimate kind of collaboration. ‘This is no longer a vendor-customer relationship. We answer your phones, we talk to your customers, we house your inventory, and we tell you what sells and doesn't sell. We have access to your information and you have to trust us. We manage competitors, and the only way for this to work, as our founders told Gimbel's and Macy's, is “trust us.” I won't violate that. Because we are asking people to let go of part of their business, and that really requires trust.’

By Sakshi Prakash

Ref.: The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman

E = M C ^ 2

This equation attributed to Albert Einstein has caught the attention of scientists as well as philosophers alike. The common perception is that Einstein was an alternate thinker in a generation filled with reformers, but Einstein had more to him than is commonly understood. The exact essence of this famous equation and particularly its spiritual significance is of interest. Let us first try to decode in a general way before moving on to a profound analysis of the same.

When we take the individual terms we note ‘E’ stands for energy, ‘M’ stands for mass and ‘C’ stands for velocity and in this context specifically the velocity of light which is calculated to be in the order of 3 × 10 ^ 6 m/s. The basic understanding which Einstein advocated using this equation is that energy and matter are interconvertible when either of the two approach the speed of light.

Here the space–time paradigm also comes into the picture, which we refer to as dimension. Another interesting conclusion from this equation is that time is an illusion. This concept is highlighted by philosophers who claim that as any object or matter approaches the speed of light it experiences something called timelessness, and time is just a change in reference.

All these ideologies are better understood when we look at the spiritual aspect of this intriguing equation. Here we look at something which each and every one of us continues to do day in and day out, but with or without awareness. This is thought creation, we think, don’t we? Now how this fits in seems to be an obvious question. Here we need to look at the speed of thought.

The speed of thought varies depending on various parameters like the nature of the thought, the desire behind the thought etc. Now, to get an idea of the speed of the thought, we observe that we can travel beyond space and time using the same. One could think of contrasting things like the sun and an ice cream. Now here we observe that there are no limitations or constraints to our thoughts. So when we compare speed of thought vs. the speed of light, what we find and infer is interesting.

The inference is thoughts can travel faster than light. So what this means in a scientific language comes into the picture now. Thoughts are energy forms and once the speed of the thought becomes equal to the speed of light, time is nullified and once the speed exceeds the speed of light we start travelling backwards in time. Now applying the equation E=MC^2, we note that thought energy is interconverted to matter at the speed of light and this matter which is nothing but an energy form materializes into reality.

Thus thoughts are not just stray forms without significance; they have a deep significance in each one of our lives. We have just pictured how it materializes into reality in more ways than one. So the idea is to think differently to materialize success in any endeavor. This is also the secret behind yogis dwelling in solitude who materialize things out of nothing. So here we conclude that supernatural is only the natural not yet understood and now we understand the power latent in each one of us to unlock a beautiful destiny of choice through pure thinking.

By Rakesh S

A Human Being Is a Microcosm

When we look at the universe, it is a vast expanse of different forms of energy interoperating in a pattern of sorts. When the theory of Doppler Effect which is based on sound is applied to light a common hypothesis arrived at is that the universe is expanding.

This is observed by the scientific study of frequency of light waves reaching the earth from the vast expanse. It is found that the frequency is reducing. This gives an inference to scientists and philosophers alike observing cosmic phenomena that the universe is expanding and this theory has held ground among scientists for a long time now. This can be understood based on science as moving from equilibrium to disorder. A new theory “Reverse quantum cosmology” challenges this theory and comes up with another radically different theory which states that the universe expands and contracts periodically; the value of this theory remains to be seen.

Newton’s Law of entropy states that any system moves from an ordered state i.e. a state of equilibrium to a disordered state and that this cannot be reversed unless acted upon by an external agency which tends to bring the system back to equilibrium; on applying this law to the cosmos we may infer that the universe is in flux and moving towards a disordered or chaotic state now and unless an external agency acts on it the universe cannot regain equilibrium or come back to an ordered state. Who or what acts as the external agency in this context remains to be understood.

Now let us look at the spiritual angle which springs forth interesting conclusions. These can be validated by deep contemplation. It may be an odd analogy but it is true that there are parallels which are subtle and can be observed if pondered upon.

The philosophers’ and spiritualists’ famous quote “Man is a microcosm” has to be understood in clarity because there are various doctrines advocating different schools of thought on the same. Let us first start with an assumption that the human being is a microcosm. This would imply that the entire universe is a macro view of the human body. The entire internal machinery within the human body is similar to the entire external machinery operating in the cosmos. As science validates the randomness of the cosmos, this on application to the human body reveals disorder within the human body.

Now here the concept of the spirit comes forth and the innate difference between the human body and the spirit operating it is pictured. We draw conclusions that the human body is in disorder because the spirit and the spiritual energy manifested by the spirit is in disorder and this can be seen by apparent violation of morality and ethics by majority of the human race today.

Now the concept of the external agency has to be understood. Here the external agency is none other than god who is our own spiritual godfather, though views on this may vary based on the background of the individual; it is universally accepted that there is a higher power that we all refer to as god. Now when we look at the abstract picture there is clarity; we realize on introspection that the order of the cosmos is going to be reestablished by the external agency, god and this is accomplished by restoring the order of the spirit that clothes the human body which can be seen in analogy with the cosmos.

So this restoration of the order of the cosmos has to be done by the external agency and no human being within this closed system is capable of restoring this order. Now when we look at it we also realize that no system tends to be in equilibrium at all times and that the degree of randomness increases over time resulting in disorder. This ideology would also validate the cycle of time and role of god in this closed system of the cosmos which operates in a cyclic fashion moving from order to disorder and then back to order again with the help of the external agency god.

By Rakesh S

Cycle of Time

We all know the famous quote “history repeats itself”, but what exactly is it trying to convey we fail to fathom. When we take a look at human history itself we find that recorded history dates back to around 500 B.C. i.e. to around 2500 years before now. Before that the civilizations which flourished have no concrete documentation and are derived in an abstract way.

So here we try to establish the missing links, when we start traveling through the time portal we begin to enter a sphere of arcane realities which somewhere lies latent in each one of us. The only thing needed by us is to unlock this higher reality; for this we need to travel beyond space and time to the core of our being and endeavor to understand timelessness.

This concept is quite intriguing for one who delves deep to understand the subtle realities of day to day life and the complex workings of situations which life throws at us. When we look at the world today we find lot of ancient wonders around which on rational thinking even contemporary technology finds as an impossible feat and marvels at their brilliance. So here the question arises as to how those civilizations achieved feats which even today’s technology fails to accomplish.

When we look at the history books we find that the ancient man was very primal and ordained to life lacking in any form of intelligence or for that matter civil behavior, so therein lies the riddle which we must unlock. When we look at nature we find it is cyclic day-night-day, spring-summer-autumn-winter. Everything we observe tends to follow a cyclic pattern. Take for example a tree - It springs from the seed and wilts away and later the seed from the same tree springs a new tree.

When we travel to the future we get a sense that science is refining and new technologies are unearthed in this process i.e. scientific progress is yielding far greater powers in human hands and enabling one to achieve feats which are impossible as of today. So when we look at the situation and ponder, we find the missing link and realize that the past becomes the future. There seems to be a hidden connection and the past and the future join at a point in human history. This seems to be an odd concept but on introspection we indeed arrive at this.

So here when we look at the broader picture we find things are actually in motion and a lot of energy transfer is taking place and the most important thing is it is cyclic. So let us look at the hidden picture for ourselves and introspect; then we tend to validate that the same set of events are taking place in a cyclic fashion throughout history and indeed history repeats itself. So there you go déjà vu.

By Rakesh S

Metaphysical Realities Brought to Light

Dimensions are an illusion which blind cognition. Metaphysical truths are toying with reality in absurd ways which seem hard to comprehend. Here the line of focus of common individuals engaged in routine work is blinded. This perception is intuitive and comes under the realm of occult studies, but the point is that they are branded.

As the famous quote goes “The supernatural is only the natural not yet understood”, but because of lack of awareness we entrap ourselves in these fatal belief systems which feel comforting but lack wisdom and foresight. The reality is that it is quite obvious for each one of us to experience and also express the supernatural which is but natural.

But the only criterion is awareness. Here the question arises, awareness of what and the answer is the self. No wonder the most asked question by philosophers around the world throughout history is “who am I”, so here we come to understand that this is the distinguishing factor between ordinary living and extraordinary living.

Great seers and wise men of yore are not any weird beings but their success can be attributed to this simple logic. If we all endeavor to rise above the mundane and seek higher levels of perception it would only require the right knowledge coupled with awareness, and this would mean increased productivity on all levels of life which can be seen in the attitude and outlook towards life a person has.

By Rakesh S

Empires Are First Built in the Mind

Before any empire can be built the seed has to be sown in the mind and this seed is nothing but the thoughts we create. Any successful venture, be it a company or an enterprise works on certain fundamental laws which govern the internal machinery. The pivotal factor in determining success in any team or group is essentially human interaction and at the base of this is human communication. How we fellow denizens come into play amongst each other. This may be based on a number of factors based on the framework of the psyche of each other. But ultimately it comes to morality, as perspectives differ there may be violations or breach of trust but the ultimate aim would be to create group synergy. This paradigm would call for another approach which is not so commonly seen. It is the spiritual angle, as in a work place we tend to identify with various parameters which we ourselves set. We need to look beyond these artificial veils of bias which are very subtle and ingrained deeply. The truth is all of us are intrinsically good but because of certain predispositions tend to alienate ourselves from the crux of human exchanges. Any exchange or a relationship can be pleasant and this would give synergy and contribute to growth and eventually end up in successful empires. But for this we have to understand how this subtle machinery of human interaction works. We find that people working together may be from different backgrounds or in fact have different belief systems which they adhere to. So here we need to exercise utmost caution and constantly be aware of our exchanges with one other as the other person may infer a common sign as a sign of dissent based on perception. So we have to trace the origin of interaction which is as follows: starting with the thoughts it tends to manifest as feelings which are conveyed through signs and eventually through the vocal means. It comes forth in action and behavior which is observed. So here if we realize a subtle truth, our entire approach changes and distances melt improving the foundation of human interaction which is communication. As the famous quote goes, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience but we are spiritual beings having a human experience”. So in view of this when we realize we all are essentially spiritual beings coming into interaction in this field of play, here specifically the work place then the feeling of universal brotherhood dawns and our exchanges become so smooth and loving that the relationship is nurtured and the work culture is empowered and success is just a byproduct of this which can be cherished.

By Rakesh S

M&M – Mothers and Mobiles

Times have changed. From the time the husband earned, and the wife stayed at home to the time now when the husband earns and the wife earns too. But the wife still runs the house and manages children. So, how does she manage to run the house while still at work?

The simple answer to this intriguing question is also simple – through the mobile phone. For working women this gizmo empowers them to run their house and keep a check on their children while still at work. For full-time working mothers the issue of not being able to give enough time to their children oftentimes plagues their minds. Well the cell phone solves this problem partly if not totally.




As per my observation the maximum calls are made close to or after lunch time as this is generally the time when children return from school (see figure given above). (Data has been taken from ANU, AMTA; Impact of mobile phone on work life balance; March 2008.) Questions about their day at school, some test/exam or some competition follow. Children are then instructed to wash up and change and have proper lunch. Often the children’s nannies are also given a series of instructions over the phone.

An appealing topic of discussion between mothers and children on the phone is ‘homework’. The mom’s tone will become strict and she’ll enquire about whether the child has completed his homework or not. If he has done it he will receive a one-minute praise and the mother will then ask the poor child to learn some spellings or do some Math. Only then the child will receive the ticket to go out and have fun or watch some TV. It is torture for the child. I can say this because I have experienced it so many times in my childhood, when my mum called up from her office to check on me. She especially called up during exams and if some exam didn’t go well she first reprimanded for being careless and not preparing well and then consoled and motivated to do better for the next paper.

The calls again peak in the evenings (see figure given above). This is generally the time when children go out to play. I have many times heard negotiations between mothers and daughters/sons – children pleading to go out and play and mothers instructing them to first complete their homework. Many a times children beg to play with their best friend an hour or so longer and it is up to their mommies to allow them or not. It is really fascinating to witness such discussions. It reminds me of my carefree childhood days.

To conclude – Corporates should provide mobile phone allowance to working mothers as a welfare measure and aid them to balance their work with life at home … LOL

By Sakshi Prakash