Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been selected by US based digital media solutions provider Adobe, as a Premier Partner, the highest level of partnership among Adobe’s global ecosystem.“The new partnership will enable TCS clients to fully leverage Adobe’s Marketing Platform and its core solutions, allowing them to design and execute customized strategies and integrated marketing campaigns to suit specific target audiences and customer profiles. “ noted TCS in an statement.“With a fast accelerating shift to digital channels by enterprises, marketing is becoming one of the most active frontiers of Digital Re-imagination. We are excited by the possibilities this creates for our customers to strengthen bonds with their target segments, increase the efficiency of their marketing operations and dramatically improve the contribution of marketing to the top line. We are delighted to be the premier partner with Adobe,” said N. Chandrasekaran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services.TCS’ further added that its strength in digital marketing and services combined with Adobe’s leadership in its Digital Marketing Platform and core solutions will provide customers with an industry-leading, best-in-class, complete end-to-end integrated marketing solution.Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO, Adobe said, “Customers will benefit greatly from the global partnership of Adobe and TCS as they transform their enterprise businesses, obtain a richer view of their customers and create differentiated experiences for them. Marketing is now moving beyond the traditional marketing department and touching a wide variety of business stakeholders; this partnership will empower customers to stay ahead in this rapidly changing digital world.”The partnership aims at allowing enterprise clients to manage complex digital marketing requirements, drive customer acquisition, strengthen retention programmes, increase marketing ROI, build stronger customer relationships, and increase brand value and market share.
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Global rating agency Moody's has changed its outlook for the Asian steel industry to negative from stable, citing steelmakers' declining profitability amid a growing supply glut. "We expect Chinese steelmakers' earnings will decline considerably in the coming 12 months as the country's steel glut worsens amid declining demand and steady capacity," the agency quoted Jiming Zou, a Moody's Vice President --Senior Analyst as saying. "Steel demand from Southeast Asia and India will likely increase but will be insufficient to offset the decline in China," Moody's report stated. In the first four months of 2015, Chinese steel demand, as measured by total output less net exports, fell 4%, versus a 2.5% drop in full-year 2014, the report said. However, steel production and capacity will remain stable as Chinese steel companies boost exports. In the first four months of 2015, Chinese steel demand, as measured by total output less net exports, fell 4%, versus a 2.5% drop in full-year 2014, the report said. However, steel production and capacity will remain stable as Chinese steel companies boost exports. This spells trouble for Indian steelmakers such as Tata Steel and JSW Steel, who have been cutting selling prices drastically to beat cheap Chinese imports coming into India. Japanese steel companies such as Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation and JFE Holdings will continue to benefit from the weak yen, despite slightly weaker demand in the country. Moody's said it could change its outlook back to stable if it expects that year-on-year growth in the EBITDA per tonne of major steelmakers will stabilize over the next 12 months and China's Purchasing Managers' Index stays above 50, indicating manufacturing growth. A change to a positive outlook is unlikely, however, the agency added.(Source: Moody's.com)
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Indian base metals industry is expected to grow by 8-10 per cent annually over the next three years on the back of increased demand from power, construction and automotive sectors, rating agency Moody's said on Monday (13 July)."We expect India's consumption of base metals to increase by 8-10 per cent annually over the next three years, driven primarily by demand from three sectors, power, construction and automotive," Moody's Vice President - Senior Credit Officer Alan Greene said here."Our projections reflect domestic GDP growth -- forecast at 7.5 per cent in fiscal year 2016 and 7.6 per cent in fiscal 2017 -- and the government's efforts to boost infrastructure spending," he added.According to Moody's, domestic installed capacity for all three base metals - aluminium, copper and zinc - is sufficient to meet demand growth, having grown sharply over the past decade.However, aluminium sector will become oversupplied as large expansion projects come online over the next three years.The aluminium manufacturers will continue to rely on exports to maintain high utilisation rates, but increased demand for copper and zinc will absorb some excess capacity, says the rating agency.Moody's expects profitability to increase for companies with captive raw material sources and adequate scale -- such as Hindalco Industries and HZL -- but smaller players such as Hindustan Copper and National Aluminium Company will be limited by scale and production capacity, respectively.(PTI)Vedanta is expanding its aluminium output, but its limited access to raw materials constrains its profitability, Moody's said.In addition, the new mines and mineral law, which came into effect earlier this year, aims to increase the availability of minerals and fuel sources for domestic metals companies. Prices for these materials should decline as a result and subsequently support metals manufacturers' profitability, notes the rating agency.Moody's said that Indian companies' favourable cost structures insulate them against competitive threats. They will likely become even more cost efficient and profitable as their capacity utilisation rates increase in response to growing domestic demand.
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China uncertainty is still not over, says Paramita Chatterjee Finally, after a week of a roller coaster ride, the markets on Monday (13 July) settled down to close on a positive note, bringing in relief to thousands of investors who have waited with a baited breath for the last two weeks to get cues from the global markets.While no pundit can predict how the day progresses tomorrow, positive sentiments prevailed on the Indian bourses as Greece reached a dealwith its European creditors that have helped the nation retain its position on the eurozone.Back at home, it means at least one worry is gone. Well, at least for now! While the impact of events unfolding in Greece was not set to have any direct impact on India, it is the worry about the nation crashing out of the eurozone that people were cautiously watching. After all, about 25 per cent of the aggregate forex held by all central banks is Euro denominated. People may say that India’s linkage with Greece is minimal but when we talk of our country as a part of global economy, any event outside is bound to affect India.“Though the beginning was on subdued note but announcement of news that eurozone leaders reached an agreement over a third bailout for Greece, triggered positivity in the later half and that prevailed till the end,” said Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution at Religare Securities. The positive sentiment was felt across the board with majority of sectoral indices participating in the run and closing with decent gains. The Sensex closed at 27,961.19, up 299.79 points of 1.08 per cent, on Monday while Nifty ended above 8,450.However, is the celebration for real? Well, not till the China uncertainty is over. While the Asian stock markets soared on Monday, one must also remember that it has not even been a week since the Chinese stock market had crashed, sending money managers into a tizzy!The Shanghai Composite on Monday added 2.4 per cent to 3,970.39, after the government took a slew of measures to halt a dramatic slide. Butit is to be seen how the Chinese market performs going ahead!Also, in the domestic front, over the next few months the focus on quarterly results and progress of monsoons, among other things.
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Delhi-based Hindustan Land Developers, real estate company, has launched its first office spaces cum residential spaces project, iPort, in Noida by using mix land.Spread across 10 acre, this premium residential cum official project consist Retail Shops / Virtual Offices / Rental Offices / Food Court / Bank Spaces, ATM’s, Conference Halls, Clubs, Gym, Swimming Pool and all other amenities conforming to International standards.Kushal Dev Rathi, Founder & MD, HLDPL group said, “iPort is the first project launched by HLDPL, and will take us close to our ambition of becoming the leading infrastructure firm with multinational presence. In the past 10 years, Noida has seen profuse number of people preferring it as residential option above other cities in NCR. The launch of iPort is in line with our strategy of establishing a strong footprint in large developing market primarily of NCR and later across the country.Residents will have access to a sky deck with infinity-edge pool. The sky deck will be made at par with global standards. The ground floor of the project is expected to attract different cafes, retail outlets and food points.Sky Night Golf is another luxurious service provided by iPort to its residents, office bearers and other guests. It is one of the very rare globally and India’s first nine hole “Chip & Putt” night golf course spread over an area of 40 thousand sq. ft. above 110 feet of ground level giving all its multinational entrepreneurs a new mean to rejuvenate their work life amid green lush golf course alongside other world class amenities.iPort features Second Innings Office with a tagline “retire from the job; not the work.” It is designed in a way that even physically challenged, senior citizens can easily work. It offers shared areas for meetings and hang-outs, perhaps most importantly, a chance to socialize and network with others, be the entrepreneurs, professionals or people working in the nonprofit sector.Anuj Gaur, Founder Chairman, HLDPL group said, “I-port has gone one step forward in planning by keeping in view the inter-personal needs of different sections of society and coming up with new concept of "Second Inning Offices" & "Working Women's Workspace". These office spaces will also have personal kitchen, working desk, and a play area for kids. All the activities of the office space will be carried out by women only.”
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General Motors will recall 155,000 vehicles in India, its largest such exercise to date in the country, in order to fix wiring problems linked to a remote keyless entry accessory. The recall, also one of India's biggest, follows a move in 2013 to recall 114,000 Tavera sports utility vehicles. That recall aimed to address issues relating to emission standards and other regulatory specifications. GM India said in a statement on Monday (13 July) that it would recall Chevrolet Spark and Beat hatchbacks and Enjoy multi-purpose vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2014 that are fitted with the accessory, a gadget which allows owners to open their cars without a traditional, mechanical key. "The remote keyless entry accessory meets all the relevant regulatory standards; however, GM India has been made aware of some isolated cases where certain Chevrolet Spark, Beat and Enjoy vehicles were fitted with a faulty accessory," the company said in a statement. An official at the company added that GM had found a potential wiring fault that could make the accessory malfunction and lock customers out. GM India has asked customers facing problems with their remote keyless entry accessory to go to their Chevrolet dealer.(Reuters)
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Cholamandalam Investment (Chola) and Eicher Polaris has signed a pact to extend finance to Multix consumers.For recently launched Multix, Personal Utility Vehicle, Chola has become a preffered financier and aims to offer convenient, quick and easy access to attractive vehicle financing options to prospective Multix’s customers across India.Radhesh C. Verma, Chief Executive Officer, Eicher Polaris Private Limited, said, “We have designed Multix and its entire ecosystem to cater to the unique needs of Independent businessmen, who find other 4 wheel options sub-optimal. What makes Multix special, is its extremely adaptable 3 in 1 design and all road capabilities. Our strategic tie up with Chola ensures customized retail finance programs, keeping in mind the needs of our target consumer. This is a step towards making the Multix solution even more attractive and accessible to the Independent Businessmen”With this, auto retail finance for Multix will now be available throughout the 534 branches of Chola and at all proposed dealerships of Multix across India.Vellayan Subbiah, Managing Director, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, said, “At Chola our aim is to provide the best financial solutions to help our customers enter a better life. The association with Eicher Polaris will help us to expand our customer offerings and cater to the needs of independent businessmen that Multix is designed for. Our wide presence across the country seeks to ensure to the last mile distribution.”Chola’s drive to nurture innovativeness and entrepreneurship strengthens this tie up, providing new dimensions to the targeted segment which Multix aims at.
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Working in groups has been noticed as a better outcome over time than an individual performer, says A.K. MishraTeam building is a crucial aspect if one wishes to extract the best out of one’s workforce. Employees today are gauged on working smart than just hard for accomplishing the company’s goals. Though it contributes majorly in the way of highlighting an employees’ individualism, but it does not ensure the success of the company in a big way. It takes combined effort of the team which decides the future of the company.One of the very many reasons, why companies use team building activities is because it’s a fun way of gauging employees’ leadership qualities. Other reasons are, improving communication skills and motivation, conducting regular ice-breaking sessions helps the employees to know each other better on their personal front as well as in professional front. Team building activities can be used by scaled organizations, to promote better teamwork in the workplace. Employers know that working in teams together in office further leads to the company’s success.Of all the adages that have made their milestone run since the very beginnings know to mankind, team work and its effective contribution for any professionally structured or unstructured organization has been a positive one. Working in groups has been noticed as a better outcome over time than an individual performer, like the famous old saying of five-sticks. Improved sense of working in the society, with better accomplishment of company goals is a major plus. Team work attributes to positive impact on employees by boosting their morale and keeping their attitude in check.The fact remains unchanged that team work has a positive yet modest impact on companies. Several researchers have found supportive documentations and practical samples across the range of studies ever conducted in a systematic range of work settings. Teams reflect the potential for enhancing performance and worker attitudes, but not all implementations have had the positive results anticipated by researchers or practitioners. Improving teamwork in the workplace can be achieved in several ways.Implement Recognition ProgrammeQuality teamwork should be encouraged by rewarding employees for their respective performance. Incentives to motivate the team by praising and issuing tokens of appreciation or perks should be borne by the project or company name thereby boosting teamwork among group members. This would motivate the employees and boost their morale to perform even better the next time. The team work goes hand in hand. Successful team work always proves to be a positive turn-around for the business. No extra-ordinary efforts need to go in building the team and co-jointly working together, it is the efforts that takes as a team that come out beautifully on completion of a task or a project, while attaining the company goals effectively and efficiently.Encourage Social ActivitiesA trust factor is instilled among the employees when they know each other personally, and can openly discuss their problems among each other. Such a level of camaraderie has to be built among the teams. Grapevine communication can also help the employees to open up and even seek professional help laterally or above, in the hierarchical setting at the workplace. An office trip to the outskirts of town or a tourist locale would help them unwind and relax. It would help them come out of the formal official setting and interact openly with their colleagues, subordinates and bosses, alike.Outline Clear RolesTeamwork can be boosted by outlining clear-cut roles of each employee. At the start of any new project, a clear picture of the work should be allotted to each member involved keeping in mind the hierarchy and set of responsibilities so as to avoid confusion. Also should be kept in mind the caliber of the employees when listing out the tasks and deduce stress arising from unrealistic expectations. The employees can only push themselves to a certain level, after which they begin to wear out and become drawn to depression.Mediate DisputesDetailed instructions shall be given to remedy issues that arise among employees by boosting teamwork by empowering employees to solve issues efficiently and productively. The group should be encouraged to provide proper documentation of their problems without hesitation and any the problems should be rationed out. Teamwork has been at the centre of debates as new forms of work structures are rooting in modern capitalist societies. The traditional Taylorist forms of work organizations are now breaking down into effective teams that further help the organization achieve its fiscal goals. Decentralization of responsibilities helps identify greater initiative among the team members and gives employees a better control of their jobs. It is not uncommon to outcry the vacuum between theoretical and practical approaches, but perhaps bridging this gap through team building can seemingly yet effectively boost professional productivity.The author is founder and director of Art of Success
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