Cranfield has been ranked 3rd by Wall Street Journal (2009 rankings). [Source http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125191359248380317.html]
Its good to hear, especially because I have been offered a place for the Full Time MBA starting Sept 2010. I am pretty excited about it and very happy to know about the rankings.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Admitted to Cranfield School of Management, class starting Sept 2010
Wow ! Was waiting for the acceptance mail from Cranfield soon after the interview ended. Was very eager and when it finally arrived I could not believe it really did. The Subject read "MBA offer", and I did not have to guess what was the result of the interview.
Yes, I got an offer from Cranfield. And so the quest for admission to a good/decent B-School is over now. It all started in June 2009 when I started preparing for the GMAT, and after long nights of studies (for GMAT) and application writing, it finally paid off. I am happy and excited.
Though I have not yet accepted the offer formally, I have made up my mind to join the school. As this is the only admit I have got ;). Though, there are few formalities which I need to complete before I can say for sure that I am joining. Paying the initial deposit, and loan approval being two of them. Of course, I will need a visa to travel as well. Have started researching about these things and I think I will ready by Aug, if not before. Also planning to attend the preparatory course at Cranfield that starts a week or two before the actual start of the program.
About the accommodation, I will be staying in campus, and have shortlisted Fedden house meant for couples. I do not know for sure if my wife will be staying with me as she is yet to get a job in London, but to be on safer side will book the studio apartment at Fedden house.
About the cost of the program, it is 31,000 GBP + Living expenses (approx 12,000 GBP). So a total investment of 43,000 GBP. Will apply for the HSBC loan, as its the only hope for me. None of the banks here will give me this huge a loan without a collateral.
About the admission packet, I am yet to receive it, but eagerly waiting for the same.
About the VISA, will apply as soon as possible. But only after loan gets approved.
About Cranfield School of Management:
1. See complete details on the SOM website , and About Rankings/accreditations
2. Cranfield Ranked 26th in FT 2010 rankings. (Download PDF of FT 2010 rankings). 5th in UK, 12th in Europe, 6th for top salaries today in Europe.
3. Cranfield Ranked 9th in the world for Value for Money as per FT 2010 rankings.
4. Cranfield Ranked 10th in the world for Career Progress as per FT 2010 rankings.
5. Cranfield Ranked 2nd in Businessweek rankings by ROI
6. Cranfield Ranked 16th in The Economist 2009 Rankings (above INSEAD !)
7. See the full school profile by The Economist
8. Triple Accreditation - Cranfield is one of only a handful of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.
9. The QS World MBA Tour 18th annual MBA employer survey reveals the business schools employers prefer to recruit from, and Cranfield ranked top 3 in the UK and top 11 in Europe.
10. Forbes ranked Cranfield as the 2nd in the UK and 5th in Europe in the top business schools ranking of one-year programs.
Yes, I got an offer from Cranfield. And so the quest for admission to a good/decent B-School is over now. It all started in June 2009 when I started preparing for the GMAT, and after long nights of studies (for GMAT) and application writing, it finally paid off. I am happy and excited.
Though I have not yet accepted the offer formally, I have made up my mind to join the school. As this is the only admit I have got ;). Though, there are few formalities which I need to complete before I can say for sure that I am joining. Paying the initial deposit, and loan approval being two of them. Of course, I will need a visa to travel as well. Have started researching about these things and I think I will ready by Aug, if not before. Also planning to attend the preparatory course at Cranfield that starts a week or two before the actual start of the program.
About the accommodation, I will be staying in campus, and have shortlisted Fedden house meant for couples. I do not know for sure if my wife will be staying with me as she is yet to get a job in London, but to be on safer side will book the studio apartment at Fedden house.
About the cost of the program, it is 31,000 GBP + Living expenses (approx 12,000 GBP). So a total investment of 43,000 GBP. Will apply for the HSBC loan, as its the only hope for me. None of the banks here will give me this huge a loan without a collateral.
About the admission packet, I am yet to receive it, but eagerly waiting for the same.
About the VISA, will apply as soon as possible. But only after loan gets approved.
About Cranfield School of Management:
1. See complete details on the SOM website , and About Rankings/accreditations
2. Cranfield Ranked 26th in FT 2010 rankings. (Download PDF of FT 2010 rankings). 5th in UK, 12th in Europe, 6th for top salaries today in Europe.
3. Cranfield Ranked 9th in the world for Value for Money as per FT 2010 rankings.
4. Cranfield Ranked 10th in the world for Career Progress as per FT 2010 rankings.
5. Cranfield Ranked 2nd in Businessweek rankings by ROI
6. Cranfield Ranked 16th in The Economist 2009 Rankings (above INSEAD !)
7. See the full school profile by The Economist
8. Triple Accreditation - Cranfield is one of only a handful of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.
9. The QS World MBA Tour 18th annual MBA employer survey reveals the business schools employers prefer to recruit from, and Cranfield ranked top 3 in the UK and top 11 in Europe.
10. Forbes ranked Cranfield as the 2nd in the UK and 5th in Europe in the top business schools ranking of one-year programs.
London council to fine 'paan' spitters
Read this article http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/mar/24/peeved-london-council-to-fine-paan-spitters.htm
Old habits die hard. Truly ! Its disgusting that people from south Asia carry this habit when they move abroad.
Its always disgusting to see people spitting in public spaces, be it in India or anywhere. They are a nuisance to the society and the nation. Not to mention the bad image they project of the country they belong to.
I hope they are fined heavily and if required jailed as well. India should also implement such rules.
Old habits die hard. Truly ! Its disgusting that people from south Asia carry this habit when they move abroad.
Its always disgusting to see people spitting in public spaces, be it in India or anywhere. They are a nuisance to the society and the nation. Not to mention the bad image they project of the country they belong to.
I hope they are fined heavily and if required jailed as well. India should also implement such rules.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Google vs China : Who will be the winner
Google has now decided to stop censoring its search and show uncensored search in China. Following a series of negotiations with Chinese officials who did not allow google to show uncensored searches, Google finally decided to do what it thinks right.
Google runs the risk of getting its services blocked, but its a risk it needs to take. There are various reasons why:
1. Google needs to compete with Baidu which is the market leader in search currently in China. A completely open market, void of censorship is destined to give google the much needed acceleration.
2. Though, google runs the risk of getting its services blocked in China, but this is a very minimal risk. At most it will have to relocate or let-go its 600 employees in China. China will lose more in terms of credibility and 'face-value', not to mention the ire it will earn of the google-china employees.
3. Google's China business contributes very little to its topline, and hence it will not be a bad decision (financiall) to quit China on moral grounds (ethically). Though, in longer run, Google might be relinquishing a BIG market. But there are other avenues to attract Chinese market.
If Google succeeds in continuing to provide uncensored services without any problem, this will be landmark victory for independence of speech/freedom of business in China. Other companies might also get inspired and follow suit.
Time will tell what the Chinese will let them do, and what Google''s follow up strategy will be.
[References]
Read this article on wsj for more
Read more on censorship in china in this NYTimes article.
Google runs the risk of getting its services blocked, but its a risk it needs to take. There are various reasons why:
1. Google needs to compete with Baidu which is the market leader in search currently in China. A completely open market, void of censorship is destined to give google the much needed acceleration.
2. Though, google runs the risk of getting its services blocked in China, but this is a very minimal risk. At most it will have to relocate or let-go its 600 employees in China. China will lose more in terms of credibility and 'face-value', not to mention the ire it will earn of the google-china employees.
3. Google's China business contributes very little to its topline, and hence it will not be a bad decision (financiall) to quit China on moral grounds (ethically). Though, in longer run, Google might be relinquishing a BIG market. But there are other avenues to attract Chinese market.
If Google succeeds in continuing to provide uncensored services without any problem, this will be landmark victory for independence of speech/freedom of business in China. Other companies might also get inspired and follow suit.
Time will tell what the Chinese will let them do, and what Google''s follow up strategy will be.
[References]
Read this article on wsj for more
Read more on censorship in china in this NYTimes article.
Pune and Kochi Added to IPL Teams
Pune and Kochi will be the two new teams in IPL 4. Its amazing to know how much they are worth. Pune was bought for 370 million USD, and Cochin for 320 million USD.
This is good for Indian cricket, especially for young/club level cricketers from all over. Its also good for the tier-2 cities like Pune and Cochin who will be now able to host matches and flourish. We have cricket-crazy crowd all over India, and surely a good market for such business to prosper.
Its also worth noticing that most of the teams and cricket stadiums are concentrated in the south and west of India. Our eastern states are laggards. [Source : TTOI - March 23, 2010]. They should also come up and form some kind of strategy to get a share of the big pie that IPL is eating. They can spend on world-class stadiums and infrastructure to lure the organizers to their states.
This is good for Indian cricket, especially for young/club level cricketers from all over. Its also good for the tier-2 cities like Pune and Cochin who will be now able to host matches and flourish. We have cricket-crazy crowd all over India, and surely a good market for such business to prosper.
Its also worth noticing that most of the teams and cricket stadiums are concentrated in the south and west of India. Our eastern states are laggards. [Source : TTOI - March 23, 2010]. They should also come up and form some kind of strategy to get a share of the big pie that IPL is eating. They can spend on world-class stadiums and infrastructure to lure the organizers to their states.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Exploring "Imagining India" - a book by Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani, former CEO Infosys, talks about his book in the videos below:
He is a great thinker and visionary. I think he should be involved more in policy making and strategy for Indian Urban Renewal, Indian Education Reforms, and other forward looking processes like these. In fact, the government should use gems like these to help us accelerate to a more developed economy.
Index:
http://imaginingindia.com/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-chapters/
Ideas that have arrived:
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-that-have-arrived/
Ideas in progress (agreed upon but not implemented)
http://imaginingindia.com/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-chapters/ideas-in-progress/
Ideas in battle
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-in-battle/
Ideas to anticipate
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-to-anticipate/
He is a great thinker and visionary. I think he should be involved more in policy making and strategy for Indian Urban Renewal, Indian Education Reforms, and other forward looking processes like these. In fact, the government should use gems like these to help us accelerate to a more developed economy.
Index:
http://imaginingindia.com/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-chapters/
Ideas that have arrived:
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-that-have-arrived/
Ideas in progress (agreed upon but not implemented)
http://imaginingindia.com/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-chapters/ideas-in-progress/
Ideas in battle
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-in-battle/
Ideas to anticipate
http://imaginingindia.com/imagining_india_wordpress/explore-and-discuss-the-book/explore-the-sections/ideas-to-anticipate/
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Free Trade Theory of Comparative Advantage
I am reading one of the great books of modern times, The World is Flat. The writer, Thomas Friedman is a visionary. It is a must read for any MBA aspirant.
While reading, came across this Free Trade Theory of Comparative Advantage, put forth by David Ricardo in the late 19th century. It states that any nation which can produce a good in a cost effective and productive way should trade that good with other goods with other countries which can produce those other goods in mass and cost effective way. This will lead to high trade volumes in both nations and ultimately income levels of both nations will increase. This theory entails that each nation should engage in production of goods in which it has relative advantage like low cost of raw materials, labor cost etc.
One good example is the way US outsources its low skilled manual jobs to China and India which can be accomplished here in lower cost and thus increases the income levels of Indians. Then these affluent Indians in turn can be the market for the iPod, KFC or Microsoft Windows.
In the context of globalization this hold very true. In an ideal world free of trade barriers, this could lead to equal distribution of wealth and employment opportunities. However, believers in protectionist systems disagree and hence we have trade barriers between nations.
This law applies everywhere, other than between trading nations as well. For example in the context of India, it applies between states. Example, Bihar can provide low cost labor to other states, and in turn create a market for the textile industry of Gujrat or Mumbai.
References:
1. David Ricardo on Wikipedia.
2. The World is Flat
While reading, came across this Free Trade Theory of Comparative Advantage, put forth by David Ricardo in the late 19th century. It states that any nation which can produce a good in a cost effective and productive way should trade that good with other goods with other countries which can produce those other goods in mass and cost effective way. This will lead to high trade volumes in both nations and ultimately income levels of both nations will increase. This theory entails that each nation should engage in production of goods in which it has relative advantage like low cost of raw materials, labor cost etc.
One good example is the way US outsources its low skilled manual jobs to China and India which can be accomplished here in lower cost and thus increases the income levels of Indians. Then these affluent Indians in turn can be the market for the iPod, KFC or Microsoft Windows.
In the context of globalization this hold very true. In an ideal world free of trade barriers, this could lead to equal distribution of wealth and employment opportunities. However, believers in protectionist systems disagree and hence we have trade barriers between nations.
This law applies everywhere, other than between trading nations as well. For example in the context of India, it applies between states. Example, Bihar can provide low cost labor to other states, and in turn create a market for the textile industry of Gujrat or Mumbai.
References:
1. David Ricardo on Wikipedia.
2. The World is Flat
Friday, March 19, 2010
Ten world monuments I want to see before I die
Here is a list of ten world monuments I want to see before I die. I
have already seen the Golden Gate bridge in CA, USA, so wont mention it here.
have already seen the Golden Gate bridge in CA, USA, so wont mention it here.
[Source : google See
http://www.google.com/help/maps/streetview/gallery/#world-landmarks]
1. Space Needle, Seattle Washington : The Space Needle is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and a
symbol of Seattle.
2. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada : The Canadian national tower (named after the railway company that built it) is a communications and observation tower standing 553.33 metres.
3. Burz Dubai, Dubai : The tallest building in the world !
4. Big Ben, London : It is the great bell of the clock at the northend of the Palace of Westminster in London.
5. Tower Bridge, London, UK : Often confused as London Bridge. This is one of the monuments that is recognized world over.
6. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France : The icon of France. Do I need to say more.
7. Opera House, Sydney, Australia : The Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of both Sydney and Australia. I have seen it in at least a dozen movies.
8. St Peter's Basilica : Vatican City, Italy : It is the symbolic "Mother church" of the Catholic Church and is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites.
9. Museum De Louvre , Paris, France : This is the largest national museum of France, the most visited museum in the world, and a historic monument. Have seen it in the movie 'Da Vinci Code'.
10. Petronas Towers, KL, Malaysia : The tallest twin towers in the world.
Welcome changes in Tier-1 Immigrant Visa for UK – From April 2010
A good news for all those who want to apply for the Tier-1 Visa for working in the UK.
Here are the changes done (I am listing the major ones):
1. Now you can score points for Bachelors Degree as well. In the previous changes to rules for Tier-1 in 2009, the points were awarded only for Masters and PhD. Now you can easily get 30 points for having a bachelors degree.
2. New point system for previous earnings. You do not get any points for earnings under 25000 GBP. See statement of policy below to see the full table.
3. New point system for age. You get 20 points for agent 29 or under, 10 points for age 30-34, 5 points for 35-39 and no points for 40 or above.
4. Earnings multiplier (currently 5.3 for India) is going to change. Actual change has not been announced yet.
All these rules apply for applications submitted after April 6' 2010.
References:
[updated on April 6th 2010]
- Immigrants working on Tier-2 visa (intra company) will not be eligible for permanent settlement as per new laws now. Read more here
Here are the changes done (I am listing the major ones):
1. Now you can score points for Bachelors Degree as well. In the previous changes to rules for Tier-1 in 2009, the points were awarded only for Masters and PhD. Now you can easily get 30 points for having a bachelors degree.
2. New point system for previous earnings. You do not get any points for earnings under 25000 GBP. See statement of policy below to see the full table.
3. New point system for age. You get 20 points for agent 29 or under, 10 points for age 30-34, 5 points for 35-39 and no points for 40 or above.
4. Earnings multiplier (currently 5.3 for India) is going to change. Actual change has not been announced yet.
All these rules apply for applications submitted after April 6' 2010.
References:
- Case worker guidance manual - Complete guidance for all documents and all prerequisites. - http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/ecis/hsmpcaseworkerguidance/
[updated on April 6th 2010]
- Immigrants working on Tier-2 visa (intra company) will not be eligible for permanent settlement as per new laws now. Read more here
Thursday, March 18, 2010
I am back again ...
I was long gone. But I was engrossed into a lot more than blogging. I was busy watching Sachin score is 200 in ODI. I was just amazed and could not think of anything else, let alone blogging. Here are a few memorable quotes from who's who around the world on Sachin. I got them as a email forward, and copying it here.
@Hashim Amla
"Nothing bad can happen to us if we're on a plane in India with Sachin Tendulkar on it."
Hashim Amla, the South African batsman, reassures himself as he boards a flight
@yaseer hameed
"Sometimes you get so engrossed in watching batsmen like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar that you lose focus on your job."
"To Sachin, the man we all want to be"
- What Andrew Symonds wrote on an aussie t-shirt he autographed specially for Sachin
Beneath the helmet, under that unruly curly hair, inside the cranium, there is something we don't know, something beyond scientific measure. Something that allows him to soar, to roam a territory of sport that, forget us, even those who are gifted enough to play alongside him cannot even fathom. When he goes out to bat, people switch on their TV sets and switch off their lives"
BBC on Sachin
But the finest compliment must be that bookmakers would not fix the odds - or a game - until Tendulkar was out.
"Tuzhe pata hai tune kiska catch chhoda hai?"
Wasim Akram to Abdul Razzaq when the latter dropped Sachin's catch.
@Brian Charles Lara
Sachin is a genius. I'm a mere mortal.
"We did not lose to a team called India...we lost to a man called Sachin"
- Mark Taylor, during the test match in Chennai (1997)
@M. L. Jaisimha:
"The more I see of him the more confused I'm getting to which is his best knock."
@Glen McGrath
"The joy he brings to the millions of his countrymen, the grace with which he handles all the adulation and the expectations and his innate humility -all make for a one-in-a-billion individual"
@Anjali, Sachin's Wife
"I can be hundred per cent sure that Sachin will not play for a minute longer when he is not enjoying himself. He is still so eager to go out there and play. He will play as long as he feels he can play,"
by Matthew Hayden- i feel is the best SACHIN QUOTE-he said
"I HAVE SEEN GOD, HE BATS AT NO.4 FOR INDIA"
"Even my father's name is Sachin Tendulkar."
Tendulkar's daughter, Sara, tells her class her father's name after the teacher informs them of a restaurant of the same name in Mumbai
Anil Kumble:
I am fortunate that I've to bowl at him only in the nets!
@ Shahrukh
quoting Shahrukh from an interview
Que: Who do you think as most important celebrity ?
Shahrukh: There was a big party where stars from bollywood and cricket were invited. Suddenly, there was a big noise, all wanted to see approaching Amitabh Bachhan.
Then Sachin entered the hall and Amitabh was leading the queue to get a grab of the GENIUS!!
@Navjot Singh Sidhu
India me aap PrimeMinister ko ek Baar Katghare me khada kar sakte hain..Par Sachin Tendulkar par Ungli nahi utha Sakte..
@waqar younis
He can play that leg glance with a walking stick also .
A banner once said-
' I WILL SEE GOD WHEN I DIE BUT TILL THEN I WILL SEE SACHIN '
that quiet defines Sachin-The greatest.
Sachin Tendulkar has often reminded me of a veteran army colonel who has many medals on his chest to show how he has conquered bowlers all over the world
-- Allan Donald
And i remember reading in one of Allan Donald's interview. This interview was in Cricket Talk and 7-8 yrs ago.
I was bowling to Sachin and he hit me for two fours in a row. One from point and the other in between point and gully. That was the last two balls of the over and the over after that we (SA) took a wicket and during the group meeting i told Jonty (Rhodes) to be alert and i know a way to pin Sachin. And i delivered the first ball of my next over and it was a fuller length delevery outside offstump. And i shouted catch. To my astonishment the ball was hit to the cover boundary. Such was the brilliance of Sachin. His reflex time is the best i have ever seen. Its like 1/20th of a sec. To get his wicket better not prepare. Atleast
u wont regret if he hits you for boundaries.
Peter Rebouck - aussie journalist
On a train from Shimla to Delhi, there was a halt in one of the stations. The train stopped by for few minutes as usual. Sachin was nearing century, batting on 98. The passengers, railway officials, everyone on the train waited for Sachin to complete the century. This Genius can stop time in India!!
NKP Salve, former Union Minister
This was when he was accused of ball tempering
"Sachin cannot cheat. He is to cricket what (Mahatma) Gandhiji was to politics. It's clear discrimination."
Andy Flower:
There are 2 kind of batsmen in the world. One Sachin Tendulkar. Two all the others.
@Hashim Amla
"Nothing bad can happen to us if we're on a plane in India with Sachin Tendulkar on it."
Hashim Amla, the South African batsman, reassures himself as he boards a flight
@yaseer hameed
"Sometimes you get so engrossed in watching batsmen like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar that you lose focus on your job."
"To Sachin, the man we all want to be"
- What Andrew Symonds wrote on an aussie t-shirt he autographed specially for Sachin
Beneath the helmet, under that unruly curly hair, inside the cranium, there is something we don't know, something beyond scientific measure. Something that allows him to soar, to roam a territory of sport that, forget us, even those who are gifted enough to play alongside him cannot even fathom. When he goes out to bat, people switch on their TV sets and switch off their lives"
BBC on Sachin
But the finest compliment must be that bookmakers would not fix the odds - or a game - until Tendulkar was out.
"Tuzhe pata hai tune kiska catch chhoda hai?"
Wasim Akram to Abdul Razzaq when the latter dropped Sachin's catch.
@Brian Charles Lara
Sachin is a genius. I'm a mere mortal.
"We did not lose to a team called India...we lost to a man called Sachin"
- Mark Taylor, during the test match in Chennai (1997)
@M. L. Jaisimha:
"The more I see of him the more confused I'm getting to which is his best knock."
@Glen McGrath
"The joy he brings to the millions of his countrymen, the grace with which he handles all the adulation and the expectations and his innate humility -all make for a one-in-a-billion individual"
@Anjali, Sachin's Wife
"I can be hundred per cent sure that Sachin will not play for a minute longer when he is not enjoying himself. He is still so eager to go out there and play. He will play as long as he feels he can play,"
by Matthew Hayden- i feel is the best SACHIN QUOTE-he said
"I HAVE SEEN GOD, HE BATS AT NO.4 FOR INDIA"
"Even my father's name is Sachin Tendulkar."
Tendulkar's daughter, Sara, tells her class her father's name after the teacher informs them of a restaurant of the same name in Mumbai
Anil Kumble:
I am fortunate that I've to bowl at him only in the nets!
@ Shahrukh
quoting Shahrukh from an interview
Que: Who do you think as most important celebrity ?
Shahrukh: There was a big party where stars from bollywood and cricket were invited. Suddenly, there was a big noise, all wanted to see approaching Amitabh Bachhan.
Then Sachin entered the hall and Amitabh was leading the queue to get a grab of the GENIUS!!
@Navjot Singh Sidhu
India me aap PrimeMinister ko ek Baar Katghare me khada kar sakte hain..Par Sachin Tendulkar par Ungli nahi utha Sakte..
@waqar younis
He can play that leg glance with a walking stick also .
A banner once said-
' I WILL SEE GOD WHEN I DIE BUT TILL THEN I WILL SEE SACHIN '
that quiet defines Sachin-The greatest.
Sachin Tendulkar has often reminded me of a veteran army colonel who has many medals on his chest to show how he has conquered bowlers all over the world
-- Allan Donald
And i remember reading in one of Allan Donald's interview. This interview was in Cricket Talk and 7-8 yrs ago.
I was bowling to Sachin and he hit me for two fours in a row. One from point and the other in between point and gully. That was the last two balls of the over and the over after that we (SA) took a wicket and during the group meeting i told Jonty (Rhodes) to be alert and i know a way to pin Sachin. And i delivered the first ball of my next over and it was a fuller length delevery outside offstump. And i shouted catch. To my astonishment the ball was hit to the cover boundary. Such was the brilliance of Sachin. His reflex time is the best i have ever seen. Its like 1/20th of a sec. To get his wicket better not prepare. Atleast
u wont regret if he hits you for boundaries.
Peter Rebouck - aussie journalist
On a train from Shimla to Delhi, there was a halt in one of the stations. The train stopped by for few minutes as usual. Sachin was nearing century, batting on 98. The passengers, railway officials, everyone on the train waited for Sachin to complete the century. This Genius can stop time in India!!
NKP Salve, former Union Minister
This was when he was accused of ball tempering
"Sachin cannot cheat. He is to cricket what (Mahatma) Gandhiji was to politics. It's clear discrimination."
Andy Flower:
There are 2 kind of batsmen in the world. One Sachin Tendulkar. Two all the others.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Another interview call – Cranfield
Received an interview invite from Cranfield. It will be a telephonic one and will be done by Sean Rickard, the Director of admissions at Cranfield SOM.
This is only the second interview call this season for me, the first being XLRI GMP. Pretty excited about the same.
As per the information gathered from various resources, the interview will be an informal talk and will be mainly focused on why MBA, why UK, why Cranfield only. I hope I get to communicate smoothly, as I think telephonic interview is not the best way to face an interview. Also I hope to get some amount of scholarships as well.
As about Cranfield, here are the reasons that made me choose the school:
1. Location - proximity to London. (about 1 hour away)
2. Batch profile - average exp near to mine
3. Brand - Good recognition of the degree and the school within and outside UK.
4. Good in consultancy
5. Good ROI. Very good career progression of students passing out.
[updated on 22 March 2010]
Had an interview with Sean Rickard, the director of admissions. Not so convicing I would say. Lets see what happens.
Here were a few questions asked to me:
1. Discussion on the essay/case-study that was given to me prior to interview.
2. India-vs-china after 25 years.
3. Why Cranfield MBA?
4. How will you cope with highly experienced students of cranfield class. My age is 29 and avg age at Cranfield is 33.
5. Any questions I had - I asked a few.
Overall 25 minutes, and I would say, it can go either way. I could have answered better, I believe.
[updated on 24 March 2010]
Got an Admit !
Finally an admit. I feel like being on the moon. Did not get any scholarship though, but its worth it.
This is only the second interview call this season for me, the first being XLRI GMP. Pretty excited about the same.
As per the information gathered from various resources, the interview will be an informal talk and will be mainly focused on why MBA, why UK, why Cranfield only. I hope I get to communicate smoothly, as I think telephonic interview is not the best way to face an interview. Also I hope to get some amount of scholarships as well.
As about Cranfield, here are the reasons that made me choose the school:
1. Location - proximity to London. (about 1 hour away)
2. Batch profile - average exp near to mine
3. Brand - Good recognition of the degree and the school within and outside UK.
4. Good in consultancy
5. Good ROI. Very good career progression of students passing out.
[updated on 22 March 2010]
Had an interview with Sean Rickard, the director of admissions. Not so convicing I would say. Lets see what happens.
Here were a few questions asked to me:
1. Discussion on the essay/case-study that was given to me prior to interview.
2. India-vs-china after 25 years.
3. Why Cranfield MBA?
4. How will you cope with highly experienced students of cranfield class. My age is 29 and avg age at Cranfield is 33.
5. Any questions I had - I asked a few.
Overall 25 minutes, and I would say, it can go either way. I could have answered better, I believe.
[updated on 24 March 2010]
Got an Admit !
Finally an admit. I feel like being on the moon. Did not get any scholarship though, but its worth it.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Asking for recommendations again and again – How much is too much
Applying to B-Schools is a pain. Especially when you get rejected (as in my case) in earlier rounds, and then you try to apply to as many as you can in later rounds.
One of the things that is required for all B-School apps is letter of recommendation. I asked my manager to write it for me and she obliged. But then I have been asking over and over again, and now the count has gone upto 5.
I don't know about others, but it feels awkward to ask for recommendation more than 2-3 times from the same recommender. I think those who are applying to B-Schools know what I am talking about.
So, how many is too much ?
For me I think the limit is 6. Purely because you simply can not churn out more than 6 apps in the same year. Also if you do not get selected in the first 6 schools you choose, you need to re-think your strategy. Either the choice of schools have been bad, or your profile needs a major rejig.
One of the things that is required for all B-School apps is letter of recommendation. I asked my manager to write it for me and she obliged. But then I have been asking over and over again, and now the count has gone upto 5.
I don't know about others, but it feels awkward to ask for recommendation more than 2-3 times from the same recommender. I think those who are applying to B-Schools know what I am talking about.
So, how many is too much ?
For me I think the limit is 6. Purely because you simply can not churn out more than 6 apps in the same year. Also if you do not get selected in the first 6 schools you choose, you need to re-think your strategy. Either the choice of schools have been bad, or your profile needs a major rejig.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Stupid interview questions
Recently read this article on businessweek
Here are a few interview questions which are termed stupid by this article. Read it and you will know why. I agree to most of it.
A very interesting read...
Here are a few interview questions which are termed stupid by this article. Read it and you will know why. I agree to most of it.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What in particular interested you about our company?
- What would your past managers say about you?
A very interesting read...
[Business Week article]
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Mc Gregors Theory X and Y
Almost everyone knows this theory.
Here is a good explanation for those who don't know it yet - http://www.mgmtguru.com/mgt301/301_Lecture1Page12.htm
Here is a good explanation for those who don't know it yet - http://www.mgmtguru.com/mgt301/301_Lecture1Page12.htm
I am back
Havent been active on this blog for a looong time.
A lot of events have happened in between, and the most important one being Sachin's 200, the first by any batsman.
Well, believe it or not, I was expecting it, on that day. (Its another matter that I expected this many times prior to this as well, in fact every time he goes to bat.)
IPL 3 is about to get started..., pretty excited about it.
And this time I am supporting RCB.
A lot of events have happened in between, and the most important one being Sachin's 200, the first by any batsman.
Well, believe it or not, I was expecting it, on that day. (Its another matter that I expected this many times prior to this as well, in fact every time he goes to bat.)
IPL 3 is about to get started..., pretty excited about it.
And this time I am supporting RCB.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Interview with XLRI profs – a pleasant experience
I had an interview at Chennai for the GMP program at XLRI. It was a wonderful experience. I would not say it was a perfect interview, because I could not answer a few questions that I though I should have. But overall, it was good. The professors were very friendly and the whole thing was like an informal talk. It went for 20-25 minutes.
I felt there were quite a lot of GK/awareness related questions, and less about why MBA/why GMP/what post-MBA/goals/strengths/weakness etc. I was also hoping to get a few questions on the five essays that I wrote, but none came up. So I would believe that the interview will have a less weightage than GMAT score, academics and other things (like work ex, company worked with etc).
I had the impression that the professors would like to take a stress interview and tear me apart. But it was completely opposite. In fact, one of the professors looked happy with my response and even said "Good". I do not know what that means though. I hope it means good.
I was very happy with the attitude of the professors toward the interview, and I thought it was very comforting and soothing. Especially, because I reached 15 minutes late to the venue. I , along with my wife drove from Bangalore and a missed-turn on NH7, and the Chennai traffic delayed us by 2 hours. Then it took some time to search for the college and park it there. I had taken my formals (jacket, shirt, tie, shoes et-al), and slipped into them in my car itself in the Loyolla College parking lot.
Here are a list of questions I was asked:
0. About my 10/12/graduation marks, to verify that I am the person who filled in the application.
1. Why are you late, what happened?
2. Tell me about yourself, what are your interests outside work.
3. What are the four most developed states in India. ?
4. What are the states constituting the BIMARU belt.
5. How is the manufacturing sector doing ?
6. What are the 4 major things that India exports.
7. About Abdul Kalam's vision 2020
8. Was it a mistake not to select Kalam for a second term for president ?
9. What is the difference between Computer Science, and Engineering ? Is it an engineering discipline or technology. What are bachelor of technology, and bachelor of engineering.
10. Between Barack Obama, and Manmohan Singh who according to you is a better leader ?
11. About my home town - Baharagora in Jharkhand - sudden impulse to education, why ?
12. Maoists, Naxalite problems in Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand.
13. What are Maoists demands ? How can one solve them?
14. Why should we take you ? - 2 reasons.
It was over before I could think of whether it was going good or bad. I thought I did not answer any question completely, and concretely. I had an idea on each topic being asked, but manage to answer only in bits and pieces, especially about Kalams 2020 vision, and about manufacturing/exports. In the end I asked a question - why not Bangalore as a interview venue, and then I picked up a candy and walked out.
However, I feel it went good.I was confident and I think they would like to consider me.
As usual, I will keep my fingers crossed.
I felt there were quite a lot of GK/awareness related questions, and less about why MBA/why GMP/what post-MBA/goals/strengths/weakness etc. I was also hoping to get a few questions on the five essays that I wrote, but none came up. So I would believe that the interview will have a less weightage than GMAT score, academics and other things (like work ex, company worked with etc).
I had the impression that the professors would like to take a stress interview and tear me apart. But it was completely opposite. In fact, one of the professors looked happy with my response and even said "Good". I do not know what that means though. I hope it means good.
I was very happy with the attitude of the professors toward the interview, and I thought it was very comforting and soothing. Especially, because I reached 15 minutes late to the venue. I , along with my wife drove from Bangalore and a missed-turn on NH7, and the Chennai traffic delayed us by 2 hours. Then it took some time to search for the college and park it there. I had taken my formals (jacket, shirt, tie, shoes et-al), and slipped into them in my car itself in the Loyolla College parking lot.
Here are a list of questions I was asked:
0. About my 10/12/graduation marks, to verify that I am the person who filled in the application.
1. Why are you late, what happened?
2. Tell me about yourself, what are your interests outside work.
3. What are the four most developed states in India. ?
4. What are the states constituting the BIMARU belt.
5. How is the manufacturing sector doing ?
6. What are the 4 major things that India exports.
7. About Abdul Kalam's vision 2020
8. Was it a mistake not to select Kalam for a second term for president ?
9. What is the difference between Computer Science, and Engineering ? Is it an engineering discipline or technology. What are bachelor of technology, and bachelor of engineering.
10. Between Barack Obama, and Manmohan Singh who according to you is a better leader ?
11. About my home town - Baharagora in Jharkhand - sudden impulse to education, why ?
12. Maoists, Naxalite problems in Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand.
13. What are Maoists demands ? How can one solve them?
14. Why should we take you ? - 2 reasons.
It was over before I could think of whether it was going good or bad. I thought I did not answer any question completely, and concretely. I had an idea on each topic being asked, but manage to answer only in bits and pieces, especially about Kalams 2020 vision, and about manufacturing/exports. In the end I asked a question - why not Bangalore as a interview venue, and then I picked up a candy and walked out.
However, I feel it went good.I was confident and I think they would like to consider me.
As usual, I will keep my fingers crossed.
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