Letter

Education wasted

The article “Help! Education drowning” by Anil Seth [EC, July 26] highlights a very important flaw in our education system – creativity is stifled. While it would be difficult to prove the extent to which this stifling occurs, the outcome is quite evident in the Indian infotech industry. For, even after almost a decade of bringing the country so-called glory, the industry in fact does not have a single software or hardware innovation or original creation to its credit. That’s why we have to be content with the tiny revenues that accrue from low-end services on the software side, while at the same time being forced to buy over-priced ‘foreign’ hardware and software products.

Despite this, the foreign media is quick to praise our education system, ostensibly because all they see is the many Indians who have made a success of themselves abroad. Like Mr Seth, I am waiting for that day day when a few colleges and organisations take the bold step of breaking out from the mundane mold and foster creativity and original thinking. Till then we are doomed to suffer a collosal waste of our marvelous human resource and be content with mere crumbs.

—Dilip Singh

Outsource or inhouse?

The article ‘Soft skills training: Outsourced vs in-house’ (IT People issue dated April 26) discusses whether soft skills training should be provided “in house” or be outsourced. As the article suggests, it is not uncommon for HR personnel to initially be of the opinion that in-house training has more advantages. Interestingly, our research and experience has demonstrated that at least as far as IT staff are concerned, soft skills training delivered by an organisation whose focus is IT (as opposed to generic training), and facilitated by individuals with extensive IT management backgrounds, creates a ‘safe environment’ for the professional. In addition, IT-specific real world case studies presented by experienced ex-IT professionals/managers offers a level of credibility not generally found in ‘home-grown’ corporate training/venues. Understanding the unique mind-set of individuals within IT translates into greater success and long-term results, enhancing the alignment between IT and its partners within the other business units.

—John Fallone

Information tools and safety

This refers to the article on ERP implementation in Indofil Chemicals [EC, July 26]. Information and process management hold the key to the way we do our business today and this needs to be extended to all aspects of a business to reduce cost, time and improve efficiency. Many chemical companies are using information management tools to satisfy the regulatory requirement for environment, health and safety. These reporting and analysis tools are built to provide an integrated approach to manage environment, health and safety practices. The use of these tools can help lay increased emphasis on regulatory checks as well as corporate commitment to society.

—Vivek Subramaniam