'Make in India' and Military Systems

'Make in India' -- have we gone beyond the slogan coined by none other than the PM of India?
Were we not 'making in India' before the slogan came?
Can Indian defence forces claim 'make in India'?

Ghumakkad attempted to answer these and similar questions pertaining to Military Systems in a customised workshop for serving Army officers at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore. These officers belonged to the combat arms of Indian Army. The workshop was based on real-life experience of Ghumakkad while he served the Navy for 30 years. Eight different caselets spanning the spectrum of challenges faced during design, development, integration, financial approvals, life-cycle support and denial of technology by countries like USA were discussed. Case discussions generated lively debate and insightful analysis. However, the insights are not meant for open domain. Interested reader may contact Ghumakkad.

One aspect which came out loud and clear is the need for greater synergy between the defence services, research organisations and production agencies both in public and private sector.

Few pictures are here but not of the participants. It shows the campus both during the day and night.

Readers may browse an earlier story on 'Military Systems Management' here.

Ghumakkad also met few MBA students at IIM Indore who were alumni of BITS Pilani. It was such a pleasure meeting them. Though separated by 43 years, yet the bonding was instantaneous. Special thanks are due to GP- Gnanapriya Gnaprakasam of  IIM graduating class of 2017- and an alumnus of BITS Goa campus. These alumni graduated from Pilani and Goa campuses. 
A snapshot of the post on FB group 'BITSians for Each Other' follows:

Thanks are due to IIM Indore for such a wonderful opportunity and to all the participants from Indian Army for their active participation in case-based workshop.

Coming back to the question Is 'Make in India' a reality for defence forces? For the Indian Navy- certainly yes! And the credit for this achievement goes to the men in uniform of 1960s who had the vision and foresight to embark on the challenging path of 'Make in India'.

Thanks for browsing. Your comments and insights are most welcome.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ 3rd November 2017

Military Systems Management

Your Ghumakkad was back to work last week when I conducted a workshop on Military Systems Management at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore. 

The workshop involved real life cases on managing the Military Systems in Indian context. Based on 30 years of experience in weapons and electronics systems design, development, integration, maintenance, and complete life-cycle support, these cases were custom-developed for military audience.
The workshop helped in experiential learning by army officers serving in various roles to provide support to combat formations. The workshop was part of a customised Management Development Program (MDP) conducted by IIM Indore. Few pictures.

Prof Rohot Kapoor of IIM Indore introduced me to the MDP participants.

Excerpts of topics covered in the workshop.

Outsourcing of non-core functions has become the norm in the industry. How far can this concept be applied in the Armed Forces? 

What is the way ahead? Specially in the light of recent "Make in India" thrust given by the Govt of India?

Importance of providing complete life-cycle support-- also known as 'womb-to-tomb' concept-- is aptly summed up in a quotation by Napoleon who said:

The beauty of having served in the Army/Navy/Air Force is instant bonding which happens when you meet fellow officers even though from another Service. See the group shot below.

It was a welcome change for me from MBA classes and B-school environment to be back where I belonged. Felt privileged and delighted to have been invited and to have conducted the session at a leading B-school in India. Thank you IIM Indore for giving this wonderful opportunity.

While at IIM Indore, I also met few BITSians (alumni of BITS Pilani my alma-mater from where I graduated 43 years ago) doing their MBA. More on bonding of a different kind later.

Thanks for browsing.

    -Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ 24th Nov 2016