For Any Further Information, Contact
Effective & Efficient.....
Effective / Effectiveness & Efficient / Efficiency
Effective and Efficient OR Effectiveness and Efficiency –
These words are very commonly used in our day-to-day work environment. In any
industry or business (manufacturing or service), a comparison always been made
between individuals or processes or system or anything on the basis of these
two parameters. But meaning or concept behind these two words is bit confusing.
Explaining these 2 words below with a simple example.
Dictionary Meaning
Meaning of Effective is – Having the power to produce a
required effect or effects – Producing a decided or decisive effect.
Meaning of Efficient is – Making good, through or careful
use of resources; not consuming extra – Especially, making good use of time and
energy (money).
Effective mainly concerned about completion of a task
(completed or not) but not on how it has been done (at what cost or resources
consumed).
Effective is to have pre-decided or desired or target
effect whereas Efficient is achieving result with minimal wastages or no
wastages.
Management expects all employees to be Effective and
Efficient and not only Effective OR only Efficient. This task is not easy. Both
Effective and Efficient are subjective and in comparison, to others. Hence, it’s
of most importance to strike a balance between these two. One can’t afford only
to be Effective OR Efficient, but it has to be Effective
and Efficient. Both these concepts are widely used for employee’s
performance measurement and annual appraisals thereby increments.
Both are an important and useful management tools for employee’s
performance indicators / assessment. As both these parameters are interrelated;
should be utilized concurrently. Both these terms are expected to provide
motivation to employees for further improving their performances.
Effective or Effectiveness
Effective or Effectiveness is normally subjective,
non-analytical. Its more about someone is completing the task successfully and
comparison about completion of a task.
Its more about completing the task accurately – actual achieved against the
desired.
Effectiveness may not be concerned about the time consumed but only bothered
about completing the assigned task.
Always expects to find / explore new ways for achieving the desired task.
Efficient or Efficiency
Technically or scientifically, efficient or efficiency is
the simple ratio of output to input. Efficiency will be higher if output is
more for same input or if output is same for lesser input.
It’s about doing the things in a correct way for minimizing the inputs.
Time is also considered as an important factor in this concept.
Efficiency is in relation with the present state and more about a process. It’s
expected to be consistent, repetitive process.
Let's us understand this further with a help of a very
simple example; real life situation will be more complicated.
Example
Task
Let’s consider a task of picking up a envelop from a place and to deliver it to
another place. A envelop is to be picked up from a Town industrial area which
is about 4 kms away from town bus stand. It has to delivered in another city which
is about 40 kms away from the town and place to be delivered is about 5 kms
from City bus stand. Three different person A, B and C has been assigned the
same task.
Person A
Person A collects the envelop and hires a taxi straight
from Town office to City office. As per the prevailing rates, taxi will cost
him about Rs. 12/- per km and total charge for 49 (4 + 40 + 5) kms will be Rs.
588/- (49 x 12). He will deliver / complete the task in 1.00 Hr. (mainly travel
/ driving time from town office to city office). Means he has completed the
task in 1.00 Hrs at cost of Rs. 588/-.
Person B
Person B collects the envelop from Town office and walks
down to local bus stop near to office. From bus stop, takes a local bus to Town
Bus stand (@ 4 Kms., 0.75 hr, for Rs. 5/-). From Town bus stand intercity bus
to City bus stand (@ 40 kms. 1.50 hrs, for Rs. 50/-). From City bust stand he takes
local bus to City office (@5 kms, 1.00 hrs, for Rs. 8/-) to deliver the
envelop. Means he has completed the task in 3.25 hrs. (0.75 + 1.50 + 1.00) at
cost of Rs. 63/- (5 + 50 + 8).
Person C
Person C collects the envelop from the Town office and
hires a taxi from Town office to Town Bus stand (@ 4 Kms., 0.25 hrs, for Rs.
48/-). From Town bus stand he takes an intercity bus to City bus stand (@ 40
kms., 1.50 hrs., for Rs. 50/-). He hires a taxi from City bus stand to City
office (@ 5 kms., 0.5 hr., for Rs. 60/-). Means he has completed the task of
delivering envelop at City office in 2.25 Hrs. (0.25 + 1.50 + 0.5) at cost of
Rs. 158/- (48 + 50 + 60).
Inference
For our better understanding, let’s summarize the perform
in a tabular form.
|
Person |
Total
Time taken, Hrs. |
Total
Cost, Rs. |
|
A |
1.00 |
588/- |
|
B |
3.25 |
63/- |
|
C |
2.25 |
158/- |
Its evident from the above data that Person A is Very Effective
(taken only 1.00 hr.) but Not Efficient (spend Rs. 588/-). Person B
is Not effective (taken 3.25 Hrs.) but Very Efficient (spend only
Rs. 63/-). But Person C is very impressive as he is Effective
(taken 2.25 hrs.) and also Efficient (spend Rs. 158/-). Person C has struck
a balance between delivery time and cost. In both the parameters Person C is
neither a highest nor lowest but has delivered in optimum time and at optimum
cost. Therefore, Person C is Effective as well Efficient.
In the above example, only 2 parameters; time and cost has
been considered as it was easy to understand. But in real life, there could be
more or different parameters such as quality, productivity and so on.
Karma -- Kriyamana Karma - Sanchita Karma - Prarabdha Karma
Karma
-- कर्म
Karma, a widely, commonly used word in Hindu religion.
It has been used very frequently in Bollywood movies and dialogs. But what is
Karma? In a most simplified words, Karma means any activity, action. Every day,
morning to evening, we do n number of activities or Karmas. Certain daily
Karmas are even essential for our survival such as eating, drinking, breathing
and so on. It's also said, widely accepted and believed that what we are today
is because of our past Karmas. If we have done good Karmas in the past, we will
be in good condition; happy; enjoying life. And if we have done bad Karmas in
the past, we will be suffering today, not happy and cursing every other person
for this situation. Its human tendency to take the credit of good thing (I, Me
have done) but for any bad, not good incident, we blame all others except self
or attribute it to the Luck. But when we say (proudly) that what I am today is
because of my efforts or good deeds or Karma in the past then it's equally
applicable to our present bad, not good conditions. We are having or rather are
in such condition due to our past bad Karmas. Further inference of above few
sentences is that we can decide & perform todays Karmas in line with what
we want to be in future. Means in case we want to be in good, enjoying life,
having money and other luxury, should keep doing good Karmas today. And in case
one wants to be in opposite condition, can do bad Karmas. So now very
interesting, revealing or eye-opening fact is that our future LUCK or future Fate
is decided by us by the way we choose, decide and perform todays (Bad or Good)
Karma.
आपले नशीब आपल्या हातात आहे.
That’s why, it is said that it's in our hand or Karma
what we wish to be in future. But it's not one or two or few thousand Karmas.
One need to keep doing / following the actions of Karma (good or bad – individuals’
choice) as a way of living life. As such there is no target that one has to do
1000 Karmas or one million Karmas. It should be way of our life, personality.
What’s said in Bhagwat Geetha – Keep doing Karma (of course good), do not wait
or care for result. It will happen automatically.
कर्म करत राहा;
त्याच्या निकालाची वाट पाहू नकोस..
Karma law – कर्माचा नियम
Just like Newtons law – Every Action has the Reaction
=> Every Karma has its consequence, result, फळ. And without
any exception, one has to face it, go through it. This rule is applicable to
each and every Karma. When we do Karma of breath, body gets oxygen (result);
when we ate, stomach gets food and no more hunger. So, for every Karma, there
is result or reaction and only after result or reactions, that particular Karma
is closed. Just like when Karma has a credit entry in our account and result
has debit entry against concern Karma credit entry. No escape from the result
of Karma, must face it, bear it and no exception on any ground is available. Karma
credit and result debit is a continuous process and entries will be countless.
As per the Vedas and other ancient books, Karma is
broadly of three types.
Kriyamana or Vartamana Karma - क्रियामन कर्म
Sanchita Karma - संचित कर्म
Prarabdha Karma - प्रारब्ध कर्म
Kriyamana Karma
This is also known as Vartamana Karma. Day-to-day, morning to evening, 24 x 7, 365
days a year and the entire life and / or occasional; all activities we perform
are known as Kriyamana Karma. All Karma will have their result, fruit (Phal) and
has to face, bear or sustain. Its said that 90% of total Karmas being performed
to fulfill own desire and only 10% are to satisfy others wish.
Sanchita Karma
As per rule; without any exception; all Karmas will
give the fruit, result and performer has to face, take or sustain it. Most of
the Kriyamana Karma will have the immediate result and hence will also be
closed immediately. But certain Karmas will not give the result or Phal
immediately. Such Karma will get accumulated and called as Sanchita Karma. It's like balance (good or bad) in our account and will remain there till fruition
of Karma to deliver its result or Phal and once it's been done that particular
Karma will be closed. Sanchita Karma can be from last birth and if not cleared,
may carry forward to next birth. As per Vedas and Puran, next birth body (such
as human or animal or) is decided on the basis of Sanchita Karma.
Prarabdha Karma
Sanchita Karma which after fruition is about to
deliver result or Phal are called as Prarabdha Karma. Our present activities or
Karmas are not responsible for the Prarabdha Karma. These are from our Karmas
saving account, may be this or last birth (again may be good or bad), whichever
are matured and now ready to deliver its result or Phal.
Once we do a Karma, unless we go through the result,
enjoyed the fruits, we have no escape. There are no ways out to avoid these
results and no exception of any sort is available.
Have tried, made an effort to clarify /
explain the concept of Karma and brief introduction of three various types of
Karma. I welcome sincere feedback if have committed any mistake or suggestion
for future improvements.
Rebirth subject is most complicated and requires a
very deep study, knowledge, maturity and wisdom to make even a simplest comment
on the subject. Accept, have no knowledge or authority on this subject. But my
request / expectation is that if we all focus doing only good Karmas; not only for religion but to
become a good human being and thereby making a huge contribution toward
building our nation.
Shri Renuka Devi Temple Mahur, Maharashtra
Shri Renuka Devi Temple
Mahur, Maharashtra
Goddess Renuka Devi
Temples situated at Mahurgad, Maharashtra is of great significance and very
popular, famous. Temple is at hilltop (gad). Mahurgad is about 2.5 kms from
Mahur village. Its about 200 kms from Nagpur, Maharashtra or about 140 kms from
Wardha (nearest railway station). Temple is situated on a hilltop (Mahurgad)
surrounded by beautiful nature.
It is said that temple
has been constructed about 800 years before by Yadava King of devgiri. Its also
considered as one of the Shaktipeeth of Maharashtra. Annual festival during Navaratri
is celebrated and a huge fair is organized every year on Dasara day.
Few points as below observed during recent visit to Mahurgad.
Car Parking
Goddess Darshan
Unlike other famous
temples, no special darshan is available. There is only one line for darshan and
that too without any payment.
Even though its free
darshan, peoples were quite disciplined and were following the que without
creating any ruckus / nonsense for others. It was really a very pleasant
experience. Even inside the sanctum sanctorum also, no pushing other / overpower
other to move first.
Temple Management
Temple management body
is governed by the government officials and hence entire working / arrangement
inside the temple and around (except the local vendors) were very polite,
disciplined and co-operative.
President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer were all government officials and are holding these responsibilities by their posts. Looking at this arrangement and experience with such system, feel to have same arrangement at all pilgrims / temples.
In all a good experience
and can return with lot of positive energy. Only suggest is to avoid visiting
on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Navaratri period. But this doesn’t apply to
the individuals who are full of energy and willing to take more trouble to have
Darshan on such special days.
Shri Chintamani Ganesh Temple, Kalamb
Shri Chintamani Ganesh Temple
Kalamb (Vidarbha, Maharashtra)
In Hindu religion, Shri Ganesh or Shri Ganapati or commonly called as
Bappa is very important and popular god. Before worshipping any god or goddess or
any festival pooja, first Shri Ganesh is worshiped. All over India and more particularly
in Maharashtra State, every year 10 days of Shri Ganesh festival is celebrated.
During this period, Ganesh idols are installed and worshiped not only at public
places but also almost at every family house, particularly in Maharashtra. Ashtavinayak
or Ashtaganesh (8 temples of Shri Ganesh) around Pune city in Maharashtra State
are very popular and visited by many tourists. Visiting these 8 temples or Ashtavinayak
Yatra has its own importance for pilgrims. All these 8 temples are situated near
Pune city of Maharashtra. But many of us may not know that there are another 8
Shri Ganesh temples which are known as Ashtavinayak of Vidarbha (part of Maharashtra
State around Nagpur). Vidarbha Ashtavinayak temples are as below.
Shri Chintamani Ganesh Temple at Kalamb is one of the Vidarbha
Ashtavinayak. Kalamb is on Nagpur to Yavatmal road about 22 kms from Yavatmal and
about 132 kms from Nagpur by road. Nagpur to Kalamb road is excellent and
driving down is very enjoyable. This temple is unique being underground (about
35 feet below ground level and about 29 steps down).
Kalamb village is located on the banks of River Chkravarti. Kalamb has
got its name from the Kadambu tree commonly found in this area. It is believed that
this temple is made by Rishi Kadamb. It is also believed to be established by
God Indra. One has to go 29 steps down for darshan of Shri Chintamani. Annual
fair of this temple is organized in the month of Magha Shuddha from Chaturthi
to Saptami.
It is believed that this temple has been constructed in the 7th
or 8th Century. It is also believed that this is the place where God
Ganesh has blessed God Indra and relieved him from the curse of Rishi Gautam.
This temple has the reference in the Skanda and Mudgal Puranas as well as in
the Ganesh Puran.
After every 12 years, water from the Ganesh Kund in front of the sanctum
begins to rise and partially submerges the Shri Ganesh idol. Shri Ganesh idol
is very beautiful, about 4.5 feet high and unique feature is that idol is
Dakshinabhimukhi (facing south). Temple is well maintained, very quiet,
peaceful and with full of spiritual feel. Temple is not crowded except special days
such as Chaturthi or annual festival. A must visit place…
A Heart-Breaking & Shocking Truth - Sad Angle of Beggars
A Heart-Breaking & Shocking Truth
We
keep reading / listening about the various stories of beggars. Beggars are not
welcome anywhere in the world. Honestly, I feel no body becomes the beggar by
choice. Situational circumstances compel a person to beg. But now-a day we also
listen that many has opted this as a profession and even certain anti-social elements
are running mafia; forces innocent children to beg. We always have sympathy
about the beggars thinking that these peoples have no proper place to live and
not able to afford two meals a day. But this doesn’t apply to all. Am sure, you
must have heard about Mr. Bharat Jain, the richest beggar in the world from
Mumbai. As per Aug 2021 data, Mr. Jain earns about 2500 INR per day by begging
for 8 to 10 hours a day. No doubt, this is more than a average Indian earning.
More shocking; Mr. Jain owns two 1 BHK apartments and one shop (rented out) in
Mumbai. Income from rent is in addition to his begging income. Let’s stop here
as have no intention to highlight or discuss this today. So, what I want to
impress is that beggars are not unknown to India and one can always find them
in plenty at crowded places such as railways stations, bus stands, temples,
tourist place so on.
In
June 2021, I went to Shri Kshetra Gangapur with family. This is very holy place
and famous Dattatray Peeth, associated with Shri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an
incarnation of Lord Dattatray. This is on the bank of the Bhima River in
Azalpur taluka in Gulbarga district of Karnataka. This place is about 42 kms. from
Gulbarga railway station, about 105 kms by road from Solapur (Maharashtra) and
about 250 kms from Hyderabad (Telangana). One can find more details about this
place from the below link.
Sri Kshetra Gangapur - Dattatreya Devsthan (dattatreyatemple-gangapur.org)
As we know, one can found beggars in abundant
numbers at temples, places for worships and tourist spots. Shri Kshetra
Gangapur is no exception. In fact, considering the popularity of this temples among
devotees (very powerful shaktipeeth of Lord Dattatray), was expecting more
beggars at this place. This was my first visit to this place and was stunned to
see the number of beggars. Before we get down from the car in the paid car
parking area, we were surrounded by about 8 – 10 beggars. This number further
increased. From car parking till we enter the temple, we were surrounded,
accompanied, escorted by about 12 to 15 beggars continuously begging for money.
As we approached near the temple, these beggars were joined by the peoples
eager to perform pooja, archana, abhishek on your behalf; of course, for the
money. We were surrounded by so many peoples and believe by design; they formed
a group of 4 to 5 beggars targeting each member of our family. We were unable
to speak with each other’s. Was wondering number of beggars around us. Were
very much annoyed by the time we enter the temple and started showing the signs
of losing the temper, cool. This place is very powerful and full of positive energy
but were so unfortunate, were not able to enjoy the peace and refill ourselves
with the divine positive energy because of this nuisance. We came back feeling
very sad and dejected.
On
19th Oct 2022, seen / heard a news that the dead body of a elderly
woman has been eaten by stray dogs on 18th Oct at Gangapur, the
temple city. Who was this woman and what was she doing there? Immediately,
remembered our experience of beggars at Gangapur and thought she might be one
of the beggars which turn out to be correct. Once again started thinking;
though will find beggars near any temple; why so many at this temple. After
reading the news article further, was shocked for the life time.
Old
woman who was died on 18th Oct and was eaten by stray dogs, was
actually abandoned at this pilgrimage place. With a great shock understand
further devotees, mostly from Maharashtra and Karnataka, abandon aged and
mentally ill family members at this place / temple. This practice is continued
since many years with a belief that if these peoples stays few days / months at
temple or temple town, they will be cured. Another possible reason (very
difficult to digest) could be to get rid of elderly / aged family members /
parents. It’s very simple; Visit the temple with aged family members; get
misplaced / rid of (???) and return without aged family members. Because of old
age, illness these peoples are not able to remember their home address, city or
contact number. Even if somebody remember, they do not want to share simply
because they were abandoned by these same close (?) relatives. What happens to
the dead body? As these peoples has no family contact / trace, last rites of
the dead are done by temple trust. Number of abandoned peoples must be very
high; may be more than 100 persons.
Because
of this incident administration will be in action for some time. They will try
to keep a eye on the peoples who are abandoning the aged family members or will
try to provide help / basic amenities to such peoples. But how many days
government can do this? Why we should expect govt. to do this? We take a huge
pride in our Indian culture, heritage, respect for elders / parents. We even
perform the pooja of animals. Then can we not be responsible enough? Can we not
effectively follow / adhere to our Indian culture and stop this shameful act.
Instead of government, we need to held ourselves responsible for this and it’s
our responsibility to correct ourselves and in turn our society. Let’s do it
and let’s be proud of our Indian culture.
Reality Shows – Real Or Dramas And What For?
Reality Shows – Real
Or Dramas And What For?
Background of Reality Shows
In India, since about 15 to 20 years, Reality Shows has
become very popular and is a buzz now-a-day. Reality shows are the television
programmes of common peoples or celebrities or combination of both. Every
television channel has the reality shows; it can be Singing, Dancing –
individual or couples, Quiz, Game, Celebrity, Talent etc, etc. All reality
shows tops in TRP among all the programmes; many thanks to its super creative
producers and directors. Reality shows when started, were genuine, real. But to
contrast, now a days most of the shows are scripted, unreal. Reality shows is
not a very new concept. Reality shows started actually as Radio Show “Candid
Microphone” in 1947 and first television reality show started in 1948 as
“Candid Camera”. This was just a beginning, and those days shows were very close
to reality. In the same year, even the concept of audience voting was also
introduced.
Trend of New Generation or today’s Reality Shows started
from 1970 and by end 90 / beginning of 2000 were a huge hit and started ruling
the TRP, most important success parameter of television industry. Current Reality
Shows are produced by specialists and master of creating or making sudden /
shocking / surprising situations or series of incidents. “Big Brother” Reality
Show first started in Netherlands in 1999 and immediately gained huge popularity
all over the world. This was a sensation in about 70 countries. Indian licensed
format version of this Show is “Big Boss”.
Indian Regional language version of this show are also ruling the TRP’s.
Why Reality Shows So Popular?
Watching the same family serial or daily soap week after
week, month after month or for that matter year after year is very, very boring
/ annoying. Even though audience is
aware about scripted nature of the Reality Shows, it’s most preferred over the
previous one simply because of well written drama, surprising mode of events,
laughter’s, flavour of celebrities / talent and stunts. Joy of anticipation /
prediction and subject for chatting with the friends makes audience happier.
Though we all know that these Reality Shows are fabricated /
written by smart directors, we Indian still like to believe that theses are
real ones. This is because of these are very close to normal daily life and we
expect surprising events occurring (scripted) in the Reality Shows, to happen
in our daily life or rather we dream about this.
Before starting of
any season of a Reality Show or during the season, must note the kind of
advertisement, marketing by the TV channel, Show Producer. Big, big hoardings are
displayed all over the cities. Making participants and / or celebrities to
visit various shopping malls, public places to promote the Reality Show.
Whenever we watch Reality Shows, we like certain participants
and don’t like certain participants. Reason could be anything such as from same
region or religion, personality, content expertise, honesty, attitude and so on.
Knowingly; unknowingly we develop a special bond with liked one and starts
hating the others. We start praying for the liked ones and in India, some times
we arrange special pooja for them. We enjoy immense in voting for them and
takes a great pride in asking / requesting others to vote for our liked ones.
We all are social and always prefer to be aware about the
present affairs, news, trends in our world. Therefore, we must know what’s happening
in the Reality Shows so that we can participate in the discussions / chat with
our friends, peers or any social gathering.
Reality Talent Shows
These Shows are claimed to be live. In such shows, participants
present their talent such as singing, dancing etc. in front of judges. Participants
are eliminated from the show every week based on judges scoring and / or
viewers voting till a winner is emerged. These shows are very popular as looks
very authentic and participants enjoys a great emotional attachment with
viewers.
Celebrity Reality Shows
These Shows are where daily routine of celebrities is shown
in may or may not be at a particular location. Some times celebrities are shown
performing certain tasks. These shows are well written and directed by a hugely
talented creative director.
Dark Side of Reality Shows
Foremost is that these shows are not Real but these are
carefully written, crafted, performed, produced with a sole aim of to make
masses emotional for profits. Many a times, these shows are not live even
though it is claimed. In certain shows winner is pre decided in exchange of
certain conditions to be followed by winner; it’s some kind of agreement.
Almost all the reality Shows are produced with one and only one
motive i.e., PROFIT. Producers of these shows are bent upon making a profit whatever
case may be. Do agree that they are also in business
and producing the shows is their business but expect to draw line of constraint
and do exercise self-control.
Various stories mostly unreal floated across all the medias.
Fake love stories between participants or between host and judge or marriage rumors are hammered on the peoples. Participant family background (may be 10 years
before) or parents’ profession is being telecasted very frequently in the
Reality Shows to blackmail audience emotionally. Telecasting family background
or parent profession while introducing the participant for first time or may be
once or twice more is acceptable but not every now and then. Because of this,
sometimes spectator forgets the subject or aim of the Reality Show.
Have the strong feeling that these shows are hugely wasting the
time (mainly) and money of spectators / viewers. To some extent this is
applicable to the participants also.
In a pre-decided approach, certain participants have
continuous embarrassment. This may be with or without their consent. This
continuous embarrassment of certain peoples makes masses happy. This is more
true when such a embarrassments if being faced by the participants we don’t
like. Please note that such incidents or situations are very carefully and skilfully
written.
How To Restrict Reality Shows
Have a strong and very strict censor panel for examining and
censoring the content of such shows. Also,
to ensure these shows are true to their main content, theme and mission of
producing the show. Some peoples may say that this is against the freedom of
expression. But feel some times; in some areas we need strict discipline just
like services. Even one can argue or debate on banning such shows; but feel it’s
very harsh.
We can expect to be more socially responsible to exercise
the self-discipline in restricting / avoiding viewing such shows. Know its very
difficult to avoid such temptation even though we know these are fake, not
real.
Another measure though looks practically not possible is
allocating late night time slot and / or removing the word “Reality” from these
Shows’ titles. These shows will be just like other shows and will loose its
main attraction once this word is removed. But in view of the money involved,
to implement this seems to be very difficult. Even recording of the show by
peoples for viewing later should be restricted / made not possible.
Conclusion
Almost all the reality Shows are produced with only one and
one motive i.e. PROFIT. Producers and Directors of such shows are not bothered
at all about growth / learning of participants, damage / spoiling of one’s
reputation and polluting the mind set of masses. Do agree that these Shows Producers
are also in business and producing the shows is their business but expect to
draw a line of constraint and do exercise self-control. All such shows after achieving required
popularity must think and contribute toward society, participants improvement in
content / personality and publishing / promoting the Indian Values and Culture.
Channel Service Partner – New Way of Cost Reduction – But for Whom???
Channel Service Partner – New Way of Cost Reduction
– But for Whom???
“Channel Partner” is todays buzz word. If you call / tried to
contact a company representative for any means, for any work or information,
99% of times you will be landed in contacting a Channel Partner. This Partner network
is increasing and spreading in all areas of a business and across all the
businesses. Doubt whether anybody evaluates the pros & cons of this concept
before introducing in any new domain and that too particularly evaluating how
all concerns / stake holders mainly the so called “KING – Customer” will be
affected.
Earlier days, these Channel Partners were not on the horizon.
Then why are now??? Due to shear pressure on the companies for offering more
& more at the lesser & lesser cost is the root cause for this. This cutthroat competition and cost pressure, companies are compelled to outsource as
many activities as possible. It becomes dangerous (mostly for end customers) if
no proper / adequate system for customer voice is in place. In the absence of
such important information / mechanism, this concept still is being widely used
in many areas of a company. Recently, due to couple of shifting from a city to
city; have faced this devil – named as “Channel Service Partner”. And
trust me, experience with Channel Service Partners of most of the companies /
corporates is horrifying and you get the feeling of why we have called the
companies for service instead would have been better to get the work done from
third party or freelancer service providers.
First let’s find out the advantages / benefits for a company for outsourcing Service
/ Repair activity to Service Channel Partners. The foremost advantage or
benefit for the company would be the Cost. Particularly in Service arm of any
company, the major cost will be the Employee Cost. This will be in addition to
other costs such as infrastructures cost, spares inventory cost, administrative
cost and so on…. But to me, major cost involved remains to be the employee
cost.
Big question
for all companies is how to reduce these costs to gain advantage over the
competitor, to remain in the business and most importantly to be in green.
Needless to mention that the Agency selected for Channel Service Partner has to
be the L1, with the lowest cost. Let us not forget that agencies interested in to be Channel Partner are also do face stiff competition and forced to quote /
offer the minimum / lowest cost offer to company and not surprised if they are
offering or accepting at even less than their actual cost estimate. So how the
Channel Service Partner agencies will survive???
1. Reduction in spares inventory cost. No system to ensure availability of all (or at least bare minimum required) spares. Spares will be procured as and when required and obviously making customer to wait for the arrival of spares. Reason given to customer for non-availability of spares could be anything such as shortage, obsolete, design change, no supply from company and so on. In short reason could be anything for which Channel Partner are not responsible.
2. Less availability of service personnel making customer to wait on the pretext of more leaves of employees or retaining manpower concern. Sometimes even depending / using freelancers there by increasing the wait time.
3. Most
common is overcharging the customer by
a. charging higher rates than market on the pretext of stipulated by company.
b. Charging for the work which though is not required and hence not done.
c. Making an excuse of arranging the required (???) spares from market as
procuring from the company will take a very long time and thus delay in the
completion of task.
d. Exaggerating the work to be done.
e. Replacing the spare parts even though not required. Customer has no control on this and of no use even brought to the notice of
company. Now reason why company is not bothered to take note of this and
initiate action could be anything – to support channel partner to justify their
own decision of outsourcing or allowing channel partners to recover the
shortages or ___???.
4. After
completion of service, attending technician will ask to make the service
charges payment to his account and he will make the payment to company. Further
he and supported by his superiors, will insist that this is the only procedure
laid down by the company. One has no option but to make payment (whatever asked
by technician) to his personal account or in cash as no possibility of
escalating at that given time.
5. Once
service is completed and payment made online or in cash, then its customers
responsibility to follow for service invoice or bill. Channel partner will not
be willing to provide the same for the obvious reason. Further, in all probabilities, manual invoice / bill will be provided by the Channel Partner
and in many cases without taxes. Bill will be made for the amount customer has
paid and if required, Company will maintain / confirm that the bill provided by
the Channel Partner is correct, error free.
This list has to be kept as open and should be considered as
developing story. Every now and then, above list is required to be updated as
and when new ways and means are discovered.
Functioning of Channel Service Partners and in turn treatment
offered to the end customers’ needs to be constantly monitored / reviewed by
the company and should ensure that it’s not deviated from the predetermined
goals, targets – both in quality & cost and seek frequent feedback from the
customer. Merits and demerits of out sourcing of after sales service / repair
needs to be argued / brainstormed by company before implementation and even at
defined frequency after allocation of contract. Emphasis has to be only and
only on end customer – quality, cost, delivery and satisfaction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Shri Chintamani Ganesh Temple Kalamb (Vidarbha, Maharashtra) I n Hindu religion, Shri Ganesh or Shri Ganapati or commonly called as Bappa ...
-
श्री अंबादेवी व एकवीरा देवी मंदिर, अमरावती, विदर्भ
-
Karma -- कर्म Karma, a widely, commonly used word in Hindu religion. It has been used very frequently in Bollywood movies and dialogs. But...
-
Shri Renuka Devi Temple Mahur, Maharashtra Goddess Renuka Devi Temples situated at Mahurgad, Maharashtra is of great significance and very...
