Expect the Unexpected

We have a subject called Mgmt Information Systems (MIS) in this term. The focus of this course is on information technology issues facing today’s managers. As part of this course we have to complete a group project. The details of the project are as follows:
1> Form groups of 5
2> Pick up an SME in and around JSR. The business could be Auto ancillary, Construction business, Retail business, Professional Service, etc.
3> The project should provide a brief description of the organization, any internal/external systems that employees use as TPS/MIS and communication & collaboration requirements.
4> If the group feels that there is need for a change in the existing system or need for a new system then the same needs to be justified. Also the group has to design the new system and discuss any constraints that they foresee in implementing the new system.
As luck would have it in my group there are 4 techies (from CTS, TCS & Tech Mahindra) including myself and one guy from Operations background. Now, since I have worked in DW&BI for the last 6 years there was always this danger of trying to showcase my expertise/knowledge and getting carried away in the process.
I have noticed many people (who are experts in their respective domains) somehow getting carried away in similar situations and ending up in a pompous display of knowledge. This may not be appreciated by everyone always. BTW, I have observed the reverse phenomenon as well.
Anyways, there is one thing which amused me. In this project we have to create some DFDs and ER Diagrams. Just prior to writing this post I was creating some stuff in ERwin. I had last worked on these stuff several years ago when I used to be a Data Modeler in IBM. I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would be working with Erwin/MS Visio while pursuing MBA in a B-school (especially in a General Management Programme). Life is funny, there are so many unexpected things that just keep happening :-)

Today is Dandiya Night @ XLRI

Beautiful Thoughts

I came across a couple of beautiful quotes today and thought of sharing them with you guys.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill

For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
Alfred D. Souza

Life in a B-school

Life has been super busy lately but I feel purposeful and happy. The negative part of it is that I am so wrapped up in the routines of daily life. Days roll into weeks and time just flies by. I’ve been consistently productive for quite some time now, yet the amount of work just continues to pile. It's been more than 4 months that I've joined XLRI and only about 6 months or so remain before I'm outta here. Today I'd like to share with you some observations made during these few months.

1> Students are very competitive, very grade-conscious and work too hard.
2> Majority are focussed towards securing grades rather than towards assimilating knowledge.
3> A lot of students are in a state of flux and have no idea why they are here and/or where they would want to be post-mba.
4> A 1-year mba is extremely intensive & quite stressful and you always keep wondering why there are only 24 hours in a day!
5> Peers evaluate you in terms of your scores/grades.
6> Friendship & camaraderie are passe.
7> Finance & Consultancy rule!
8> Quite a few students would make excellent secretaries (to bosses) since they are able to start taking notes even before the Prof. has uttered a single word.
9> Finally, if MBA is a religion then Profs are God...period!

These are observations based upon my personal experience and you have every right to agree/disagree.