Cohesion Talk Series

Presentation topic:

‘VLM-A transformation journey’

Mr. Rintu Stephen

Lead- Pre-Sales Industry Manufacturing, LTIMindtree

Date: 5th-May-2024

Presentation Summary:

  • Strategic Planning of Education
  • Strengthening of network and importance of peer learning
  • Upcoming opportunities and leveraging the skills gained through this course to dive through the challenges

Mr. Rintu Stephen had an insightful session on interactive learning, work-life balance, and the significance of the PGPEX-VLM program. His current role as “Lead-Industrial Manufacturing Pre-sales” at LTI Mindtree and his experiences as an alum of the 13th batch added immense value to our understanding and appreciation of the course's impact.
His emphasis on strategic planning of education to optimize the benefits of this course was inspiring. It has not only encouraged us to make efficient use of our time but also deepened up our perspectives on preparing for leadership roles within the manufacturing industry. The practical advice and real-world examples shared by him has equipped us better to face upcoming opportunities and challenges in our field.
The session was not just an opportunity to learn but also a platform to strengthen our network, offering us direct mentoring from someone who has successfully navigated similar paths.

Presentation topic:

Manufacturing Excellence and Governance

Mr. Sridhar Prasad

Vice President-Manufacturing, Reliance Industries Limited

Date: 25th-May-2024

Presentation Summary:

  • Excellence and it’s significance
  • 4W1H method and SWOT analysis
  • A fresh perspective about the course and the interconnection between vision and excellence

Mr. Sridhar provided an outline of how a vision can materialize into reality, bringing about significant positive changes in society. He shared some real-life examples from the lives of Dhirubhai Ambani and his colleagues, expressing his faith in his group and how it may serve as an inspiration for all young people with aspirations. He shared real-life instances of how the course altered his viewpoint and helped him overcome numerous organizational issues that had previously looked insurmountable. He emphasized that the course's rigorous schedule inevitably fosters personal growth, often in ways that aren't immediately apparent. Touching upon invaluable life lessons, Mr. Sridhar underscored the significance of time management, the true essence of excellence, understanding the history and the pattern behind everything, perseverance, and active listening. His insights on the 4W1H approach to life's excellence, aiming beyond sustainability towards a contented future, were profoundly inspiring. Additionally, he shed light on the application of SWOT analysis in personal life, emphasizing the importance of weighting each element appropriately. Furthermore, he encouraged us to be thorough professionals and catalysts for societal change.

Presentation topic:

Customer Service In the Automobile Industry

Mrs. Neha Jain

Customer Services Strategist, Mercedes-Benz India

Date: 15th-June-2024

Presentation Summary:

  • Customer service practices in premium brands
  • Luxury automotive industry catering to higher-level needs
  • Solving problems, fostering self-actualization, and creating an emotional connection with the brand.
  • Making customer the star of the story

Ms.Neha emphasized the crucial role of customer service in luxury brands, focusing on customer acquisition and retention. She highlighted that by integrating data and fostering innovation, companies can significantly enhance their Customer Satisfaction Index. She explained how the luxury automotive industry caters to higher-level needs, as outlined in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Customer service in this industry involves solving problems, fostering self-actualization, and creating an emotional connection with the brand.A key insight from Ms.Neha’s talk was making the customer the focal point of the business narrative, ensuring comfort, reducing turnaround times, and prioritizing convenience. Effective communication, both internally and externally, is essential for efficiency and loyalty, and strengthening the brand image.
She also emphasized that execution is the strategy customers truly understand and value.

Presentation topic:

Data management and governance.

 Mr. Swarnendu Srimany

Associate Director, PwC India

Date: 22-June-2024

Presentation Summary:

  • Highlights on world of data management and governance
  • Importance of establishing a robust Data Security Framework and the Data Governance Operating Model
  • key areas of data management, focusing on the essential components to maintain data integrity and usability
  • Introduced the Framework for Enterprise Architecture

Mr. Swarnendu's session had provided key insights into data management and governance. He had emphasized the importance of establishing a robust Data Security Framework and Governance Model to ensure effective data policies. He had highlighted critical areas of data management, focusing on maintaining data integrity and usability, and had introduced the Data Management Function Framework. He had also discussed Data Mapping, the Stage of Adoption for data strategies, and shared insights on Agile Project Management, stressing flexibility, collaboration, and rapid delivery in data-centric projects.

Mr.Somnath Ghosh

Associate Director-Flipkart

Mr. Ashish Ranjan

General Manager Flipkart

Date: 7th-July-2024

Presentation topic:

Warehousing and logistics in E-Commerce

Presentation Summary:

  • Challenges for the E-Commerce Sector
  • Emerging trends in quick commerce
  • Role of people management and organizational behaviour

Mr. Somnath and Mr. Ashish provided a comprehensive exploration of the e-commerce model, warehousing practices, and the emerging trends in quick commerce. They also discussed the challenges confronting the e-commerce sector, highlighting the critical role of last-mile hub operations, demand forecasting, people management, and organizational behavior in optimizing operational efficiency.
Their emphasis on rigorous quality controls and the transformative impact of technology and predictive analytics on supply chain strategies was particularly enlightening. In addition to these technical insights, they offered invaluable career advice, guiding us on navigating the corporate landscape and enhancing their professional trajectories.

Presentation topic:

How digital transformation is reshaping the pharmaceutical sector.

Mr. Sarang Pande

Head of Digital Transformation Office at OpsNEXT. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

Date: 20-July-2024

Presentation Summary:

  • Prof. Shoji Shiba's teachings on "Jumping in the Fish Bowl"
  • Highlighted that business needs, rather than technology alone, should drive digital transformation.
  • Upcoming trends of digitalization in pharma sector

While interacting with the students, Mr. Sarang recalled Prof. Shoji Shiba's teachings on "Jumping in the Fish Bowl" which he learnt from him through the PGPEX-VLM program. He also shared valuable insights on digital transformation in the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing that business needs should drive the process, not just technology. He discussed the industry’s bold strategy of digitalizing end-to-end processes, implementing over 40 digital and AI use cases, and focusing on talent development. Leveraging 4IR technologies like IIoT, AR/VR, and digital twins, the transformation streamlined processes, reduced workloads, and increased outputs.

Presentation topic:

Digital Transformation in Procurement

Mr. Prashant Sinha

National Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Hindustan Coca –Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd

Date: 21st July 2024

Presentation Summary:

  • The procurement life cycle, from identifying needs to the final procurement
  • Value creation through analytics
  • Leveraging data to drive efficiency and foster innovation within procurement and supply chain management.

As a part of "Cohesion," Alumni Connect Series, PGPEX-VLM, 18th batch hosted Mr. Prashant Sinha - Alumnus of 4th Batch PGPEX-VLM National Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, he delivered an insightful session on 'Digital Transformation in Procurement'. He provided a comprehensive overview of the procurement domain, detailing current trends and the procurement life cycle. Mr. Sinha emphasized value creation through analytics, demonstrating how data could drive efficiency and innovation in procurement and supply chain management. He shared valuable insights on the sourcing module, best practices, and the PR PO module. His practical knowledge and real-world examples offered actionable insights for daily operations, making the session highly beneficial for cohort.