Vol. 9, No. 2

BOOK ALERT

MAY 2012

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

My unforgettable memories : Mamta Banerjee

Autobiography, Mamta Banejee, Life of Mamta Banerjee

BIOGRAPHY

Behenji : A political biography of Mayawati

Eminent journalist Ajoy Bose brings his in-depth experience of covering Indian politics for over three decades to this pioneering political biography of Mayawati. He explores the background of her meteoric rise and examines the growing national clout of this unique woman who could, quite possibly, determine the shape of the next Indian government, and even be the country’s prime minister one day.

Biography of Mayawati, Life of Mayawati

CIVIL LIST - IAS

Combined list of IAS Officers appointed under various categories defined by the Indian Administrative Service.

Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances and Pensions , Department of Personnel and Training , Government of India; New Delhi, 2012 (Page-386)

CIVIL LIST - IPS

Combined list of IPS Officers appointed under various categories defined by the Indian Police Service.

Ministry of Home Affairs , Government of India; New Delhi, 2012 (369pg)

CORPORATE SECTOR

This book presents a series of documents that gives detailed and up-to-date information on the performance of corporate sector in India.

Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt Ltd (CMIE); Mumbai, 2012 (199pg)

Corporate sector, Non financial-Growth, Profitability, Forex transactions, Asset Utilisation, Cost analysis, Inventory and liquidity management ratios, Sources and uses of fund, Aggregates

CONSUMER MARKET

The tiger roars : An in-depth analysis of how a billion plus people consume  

A report ‘The Tiger Roars: An In-Depth Analysis of How a Billion Plus People Consume’ by CII and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) was released at the National Retail and FMCG Summit, a flagship event of the CII, held in Mumbai on 16 February, 2012. The report examines in detail the shape and size of consumption expenditure in India, and its expected evolution over the next decade. While India’s robust consumption growth presents attractive opportunities for companies, its unique diversity and variety makes it challenging to capture these opportunities. Towards that end, the report presents a framework and approach on how to de-average the opportunity to better segment consumers and effectively understand their buying preferences.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Boston Consulting Group; Mumbai, 2012 (44pg)

Consumers Markets, Indian Consumer Market, Shopping Behaviour, Food & Groceries, Consumer Durables, Apparel, Consumer Marketing, Marketing, Retail, FMCG, Consumer Study, Consumer Research

CONSTRUCTION

This directory presents contact details of 13000 members of Builders' Association of India. A very useful database of companies dealing in engineering construction in India.

DEFENCE

Directory of Indian defence & aerospace companies

The directory will be instrumental in facilitating Joint Ventures and finding out Indian offset partners. The directory will be circulated to the Ministry of Defence, all the defence establishments, Indian Armed Forces, Foreign Embassies/High Commissions, foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Indian & Foreign Companies and many prospective buyers/partners.

Directory, Defence, Aerospace Industry

DEFENCE

Creating a Vibrant Domestic Defence Manufacturing Sector

This joint CII-BCG report looks at best practices across defence manufacturing countries to understand key success factors, different ecosystem management and regulatory approaches used and examines these for their relevance in the Indian context. The study also suggests a way ahead towards achieving self reliance and indigenization in Defence Production.

Manufacturing, Defence Manufacturing, Indian Defence Manufacturing, Indigenization in Defence Production

DOING BUSINESS

Doing business with Eurasia

India’s relationship with Eurasia has been essentially state driven so far. Despite the historically friendly bilateral relationship between India and countries of Eurasia. India’s major trading partner in the Eurasian region are Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, constituting more than 90% of India's total bilateral trade with this region. The true potential of bilateral trade and commercial relations is yet to be explored and tapped. India - Eurasia “Trade Basket” needs to expand by exploiting each other’s “Comparative Advantages”, quickly bridge the “Information Gap” by ways of Information Dissemination regarding new and emerging areas of opportunities to the business communities of both regions, and this book is actually a concrete step towards it. This book is first-of-its-kind and hopes to address most of these issues through this publication by providing a reference material to the business community of India and Eurasia.

Eurasia Region, India-Eurasia Region, Bilateral Trade Relations, International Trade, Business Opportunities in Eurasia Region

DOING BUSINESS

Doing Business 2012 is the ninth in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulation and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 183 economies. The report rankings on ease of doing business have expanded to include indicators on getting electricity. The report finds that getting an electrical connection is most efficient in Iceland; Germany; Taiwan, China; Hong Kong SAR, China; and Singapore.

Doing Business, International Trade, Business Opportunities, International Business

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

World Economic Outlook, April 2012

The April 2012 edition of the World Economic Outlook assesses the prospects for the global economy, which has gradually strengthened after a major setback during 2011. The threat of a sharp global slowdown eased with improved activity in the United States and better policies in the euro area. Weak recovery will likely resume in the major advanced economies, and activity will remain relatively solid in most emerging and developing economies. However, recent improvements are very fragile. Policymakers must calibrate policies to support growth in the near term and must implement fundamental changes to achieve healthy growth in the medium term. Chapter 3 examines how policies directed at real estate markets can accelerate the improvement of household balance sheets and thus support otherwise anemic consumption. Chapter 4 examines how swings in commodity prices affect commodity exporting economies, many of which have experienced a decade of good growth. With commodity prices unlikely to continue growing at the recent elevated pace, however, these economies may have to adapt their fiscal and other policies to lower potential output growth in the future.

International Economy, Global Economic Prospects, Commodity Prices, Commodity Exporters, Household Debt

ELECTORAL REFORMS

Recommendations of the CII Task Force on Electoral Reforms

CII has constituted a National Task Force on Electoral Reforms comprising senior leaders from the industry as it believes that for improved polity and governance, reforms in the Electoral process and environment are necessary and needed urgently. The Task Force after due deliberation and wide discussions with political leaders/practitioners as also with legal experts has arrived at its recommendations on few key areas of Electoral reforms.The recommendations of the Task Force on Electoral Reforms are focused on significant electoral issues. They aim at reforms that are practical, simple, and doable with minimal bureaucratic procedures.

Electoral Reforms, CII Recommendations

EMERGING ECONOMY

Breakout nations : In search of the next economic miracles

In Breakout Nations, the author shows why the economic 'mania' of the twenty-first century, with its unshakeable faith in the power of emerging markets - especially China - to continue growing at the astoundingly rapid and uniform pace of the last decade, is wrong. The next economic success stories will not be where we think they are.
In this provocative book, Sharma analyses why the basic laws of economic gravity (such as the law of large numbers, which says that the richer you are the harder it is to grow your wealth at a rapid pace) are already pulling China, Russia, Brazil and other vast emerging markets back to earth. To understand which nations will thrive and which will falter in a world reshaped by slower growth, it is time to start looking at the emerging markets as individual cases. Sharma argues that we must abandon our current obsession with global macro trends and the fad for all-embracing theories. He offers instead a more discerning, nuanced view, identifying specific factors - economic, political, social - which will make for slow or fast growth.

Economic Growth, Emerging Markets, Business Strategy, Economic Landscape, Emerging Economy

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

When the penny drops : Learning what's not taught 

An invaluable source of inspiration and guidance to help leaders understand themselves and their own barriers to success. R. Gopalakrishnan, author of the best-selling The Case of the Bonsai Manager, has many stories to tell. With forty-three years’ corporate experience across countries, each story recounted here has taught him a valuable lesson in some intuitive way. Each one is narrated here for you to allow you to reflect and learn for yourself how to improve and develop. When the Penny Drops: Learning What’s Not Taught encourages you to reflect on yourself. It will help you learn by identifying the success mantras embedded in you and releasing the lessons that might be entrapped within yourself.

Leadership Skills, Understanding self, Emotional Quotient, Emotional Intelligence

ENERGY

Wind power directory and year book 2011-12 

The Wind Power Directory and Yearbook (2011-12) presents the latest information on the Indian wind industry, including the latest developments in policy, regulation, projects, technology and financing. It also provides key up-to-date information on all leading wind energy organisations - their areas of business, key operating units, subsidiaries and joint ventures. It also lists top managers/officials with their contact information.

Directory, Power, Wind power, Wind developers, Wind Energy

ENERGY

Power scenario in Northern India  

The report on ‘Power Scenario in Northern India’ seeks to analyze the performance of the power sector across in the Northern region of India.

Power, Power Scenario, Energy, Northern States in India

ENERGY

Power scenario in Western India  

The report on ‘Power Scenario in Western India’ seeks to analyze the performance of the power sector across in the Western region of India

Power, Power Scenario in Western States of India, Energy

ENERGY

Power scenario in Eastern India : A report 

The report on ‘Power Scenario in Eastern India’ seeks to analyze the performance of the power sector across in the Eastern region of India.

Power, Power Scenario, Eastern States, India, Energy

ENVIRONMENT

Environment, Integrated Environmental Assessment, Global Environment Outlook, State of the World Environment

ENVIRONMENT

Into the furnace : The life cycle of the Indian iron and steel industry

The iron and Steel sector is the fifth industrial sector to be rated by GRP. The Green Rating Project (GRP) is a very innovative project from CSE, designed to push industries towards better environmental performance and accountability.
GRP has rated India's top steel companies (all with production of more than 0.5 million tonnes of steel) on more than 150 parameters, using life cycle analysis tools. Final assessment is that the Indian steel sector is struggling to meet even the minimum national pollution standards and therefore, has tremendous scope for improvement in all areas -- energy, water, pollution, health and safety etc. As a whole, the steel sector received a mere 19 per cent marks and the One Leaf Award. Of the 21 companies rated by GRP, only three scored over 35 per cent marks and got the Three Leaves Award – which points to an average performance.
The Report recommends to the government and the industry is that the steel sector must be pushed to leapfrog towards global best practices; marginal improvements will not help as the sheer growth of the sector will lead to insurmountable social and environmental problems.

Environment, Steel Industry, Iron and Steel Sector, Environmental Performance, Green Rating Project

FICTION

Empire of the Moghul : Raiers from the North

This book introduces Babur, a charismatic warrior and ruler of Ferghana, a kingdom north of Afghanistan, a leader determined to emulate his ancestors at all costs…
1494, and the new ruler of Ferghana, twelve-year-old Babur, faces a seemingly impossible challenge. Babur is determined to equal his great ancestor, Tamburlaine, whose conquests stretched from Delhi to the Mediterranean, from wealthy Persia to the wild Volga. But he is dangerously young to inherit a crown and treasonous plots, tribal rivalries, rampaging armies and ruthlessly ambitious enemies will threaten his destiny, his kingdom, even his survival.

Fiction, Historical Fiction

FICTION

Life Love Kumbh  

On 13th of January 2010, a day before the first of the Eleven great baths of the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, the largest human congregation in the Universe; Agastaya, Annant and Aditi, journey along in their lives; crossing each other's path; reminiscing of the past gone by and being wary of the future. But as the day nears its end, destiny would throw them in a situation from which there would be no running away. Will they face up to the challenges of living, loving, longing, leaving, learning and come out unscathed from the play of destiny and the cycle of Karma. What of their identity; their Philosophies and the quest for Yogic excellence. Like the Kumbh Fair, this book promises to open the doors of its readers' thinking, coaxing them to tarry for a few moments and re-examine their priorities in life.

Fiction, English Fiction, Priorities in Life

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Unbroken history of broken promises - Indian state and the tribal people

This book is an attempt to present the panorama of tribals in India after independence, the problems they are currently facing and about the union government for abdicating its constitutional responsibilities. This book also summarises all the necessary constitutional and legal documents.

Tribals, Tribals Life s in India, Status of Tribals in India, Development of Forests, Environment, Economic growth and Indigenous People, Social Change

INFRASTRUCTURE

Urban Mass Transit Directory and Yearbook 2011

The Urban Mass Transit Directory/Yearbook 2011 presents the current scenario and latest information on urban mass tramsit systems in India. It includes recent developments in the sector - current and future projects (BRTS, MRTS etc.), policy initiatives, financing, and key trends and issues. The directory provides key up-to-date information on all leading urban mass transit organisations - their areas of business, operating units and special purpose vehicles. It also lists top managers and officials with contact information.

Infrastructure, Directory, Urban Infrastructure, Urban Mass Transit

INNOVATION

Jugaad Innovation  

Jugaad Innovation goes farther than conventional business books that chart consumer growth in Brazil, Russia, India and China. It explains how emerging economies are pioneering the art of “frugal engineering,” then it provides practical tips on how Western companies — from tech startups to multinational industrial corporations — can likewise do more with less.  A provocative and entertaining read for 21st century business leaders.

Innovation, Indegenous Innovation, Frugal Innovation, Jugaad Innovation, Rural Innovation

LEADERSHIP

Salient ideas by Ram Manohar Lohia  

Salient Ideas… is a compendium of Dr. Rammanohar Lohia’s views on different subjects and situations, in Lohia’s own words. Eminent scholar and writer, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith Award winner, Dr. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya, undertook this work in a spirit of devotion to Dr. Lohia and after going through his whole voluminous writings, compiled this book as his last tribute to his mentor. He could not see this book in print because he passed away after completing the work and handing over the script to his friend Dr. Hari Dev Sharma. After Dr. Sharma’s death, this manuscript was found in his papers. Dr. Lohia mingled with all sorts of people from rickshaw-pullers and waiters to writers, artists, philosophers and politicians and, therefore, all of them have something to say with some authority, about what Lohia said or thought. This is likely to create confusion at some point of time. This book gives an authentic version of what Lohia said on different matters.

Anamika Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd; New Delhi, 2012 (496pg)

Ideas of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Leadership, Capitalism, Socialism, History, Religion and philosophy

LEADERSHIP

The one minute manager

The One Minute Manager reveals three secrets to productive and efficient managing as told through a young man's search for the perfect managing and leading skills. The One Minute Manager is focused on, not surprisingly, a one minute manager. The man is a venerable leader that is highly spoken of by his employees, his three secrets being the key to his success. This is a quick read that emphasizes key points throughout. The message is clear, and implementing the ideas is straight-forward and laid out in the book. This makes it simple to utilize the knowledge and techniques that the one minute manager style offers. Due to these factors, I find The One Minute Manager an effective tool for developing leadership.

Leadership, Motivation and Self Improvement, Managerial skills

LEADERSHIP

Mind Positive Life Positive 

Leadership, Developing Positive Attitude, Character Development, Leading a Positive Life, Self Motivation, Effective Manager, Personality Development, Managing Success

LOGISTICS

Logistics directory and year book 2011-12 

The second edition of Logistics Directory/Year Book (2011-12) presents the latest information on the Indian logistics industry. It provides a comprehensive current status, key data and statistics of all key segments (airports, ports, railways, roads and warehouses) and on each end-user industry (agro products, automotive, FMCG, retail, pharmaceuticals, electronics and textiles), the policy and regulatory framework as well as the road ahead. It also provides up-to-date information on all leading logistics industry organisations - contact information, areas of business, product/ service offerings, revenues, etc. It also lists the top managers and officials of each organisation.

Directory, Logistics, Infrastructure, Road transport, Airports, Ports, Railways, Roads and Warehouses

MACRO ECONOMY

India: A Pocket Book of Data Series 2012  

This pocket book from EPW Research Foundation captures these trends and patterns, from data sets for a variety of social and economic indicators and presents them in a compact manner in both discrete and continuous annual series. The five major components of data sets are: Macro Economy, Social Sector, Infrastructure, Profile of States and International Comparison. It is a quick and handy reference tool for academics, executives, students and researchers and for anybody interested in the saga of India’s development.

Economy, Macro economy, Social sector, Profile of States, International Comparisions

MANAGEMENT

Four Practical Revolutions in Management : Systems for Creating Unique Organizational Capability  

In Four Practical Revolutions in Management: Systems for Creating Unique Organizational Capability, authors Shoji Shiba and David Walden significantly revise their classic text on leading management systems -- A New American TQM. This book is a comprehensive approach to business management that goes beyond business operations improvement. The authors demonstrate a program for establishing a sophisticated, state-of-the-art management system that creates unique organizational capabilities. Containing new methodologies and case studies, the book is one of the most extensive in the management field and provides a step-by-step program for implementing leading management techniques.

Management, Leadership, Busines evolution, Customer focus, Management Systems, Case Studies, Management Techniques

SMEs

The SME whitebook 2011 - 12 

The SME Whitebook 2011-2012 provides the latest data and analysis. Leveraging the research of industry associations and research consultancies like FICCI, Dun & Bradstreet India, IndiaMART.com and Technopak, this edition provides a sectoral analysis of industry verticals crucial for SMEs. This book also carries industry knowledge pieces by experts which put the sector's future in perspective. This edition takes a close look at:

• Expansion trends in the ITeS and BPO sector with a special emphasis on technology-adoption trends among SMEs.
• The labour-intensive handicrafts sector which provides employment to around 6 million artisans.
• The chemicals sector which is poised to grow at the rate of 140 per cent by 2020.
• The healthcare sector which is on the path of exponential  growth.

SMEs, MSMEs, BPO industry, Chemicals industry, Information Technology, ITeS, Healthcare Sector

SPIRITUAL READINGS

The Bhagavad Gita according to Gandhi  

The Bhagavad Gita ("The Lord's Song") is a profound religious text and an essential part of the Hindu religion. This is the first volume in any language to include Gandhi's Gita text and commentary together in their entirety. Presented to his disciples at prayer meetings over a nine-month period in 1926, Mahatma Gandhi's commentaries on the Gita are regarded in India as among the most important of the century. In them Gandhi addresses the issues he felt most directly affected the spiritual lives of common people.

Bhagavad Gita, Gandhi, Mahabharata, Arjuna and Krishna, Spiritual Readings

SPIRITUAL READINGS

The Bhagavad Gita : With text, translation 

This book presents the original Sanskrit text of the Bhagavad Gita with verse by verse translation in English, followed by notes on them compiled from Sri Aurobindo's Essays on the Gita.

Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Aryan fighter, Deva and Asura, Spiritual Readings

STRESS MANAGEMENT

A calmer you: witty tips to beat everyday stress

The book helps tackle everyday irritants and tension in life - be it the daily stresses relating to work and colleagues, traffic and road rage, etiquette or self esteem. This title helps us to put our priorities into perspective. The book is something that would make you smile and at the same time ruminate deeply about your way of leading lifE....A MUST READ FOR ALL the guys who want to relax their mind.