Category: Reality Bytes

Aakash Tablet – More Than Just the $35 Price Tag

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It was a revelation for me to read the background story about Aakash ($35 tablet) in this FastCompany write-up.

Firstly, its impressive to know that the design for this potential-commercial-success is coming from an academic campus (IIT). The design is then sold to a commercial manufacturer (DataWind) with a challenging price target to meet. The challenge for the manufacturer is sweetened with access to a large protected market (subsidized purchases by the government).  This sounds like a good example of the value chain making the best of the strengths of the individual players (IIT / design – DataWind / commercial manufacturing – Indian government / distribution with a cause). The understanding of this definitely increases the credibility of the project for me.

Secondly, the fact that the IIT students (& professors) are getting involved in a live product development experience is amazing. And that too a ground breaking product (price point) of a worthy impact (distribution across government schools). Kudos to the people involved.

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Grainy Ganesha

Came across this bigger-than-lifesize Ganesha idol made completely with rice grains & other edible grams. The idol was part of a promotional stall set up by a prominent rice brand.

The Ganesha lingers on beyond his festival.

What are the right motivators to keep employees engaged?

www.fastcompany.com screen capture 2011-8-16-11-26-17

This blog post talks about the right motivators that managers & leaders should deploy for effectiveness & longevity of top talent within organizations.

  • More often than not, individuals don’t realize themselves what their primary motivators are.
  • The challenge for leaders / managers / organizations is to align individual’s personal strengths / goals towards organizations goals. While this is easier said than done, it could be a very effective talent management strategy.
  • I’m sure many of you come across this animation by Dan Pink about Drive. If not, its a highly recommended watch.