Thursday, 30 January 2014

Managing Projects with CMMI

Managing Projects with CMMI http://wp.me/p46XVz-2B
Project Management and planning is one of the process areas in CMMI. The purpose of Project Planning is to establish and maintain plans that define project activities. Project managers follow certain criteria’s to make the process of a project easy.
These days every one you meet in a corporate managerial position is talking about project management. Why? Is it actually that important? Yes, it is necessary to have a good project management system at a workplace. Nowadays many companies, whether their business is big, medium or small opt for a project management specialist. Project managers are paid well.   Organizations believe that these managers can get the maximum returns by using the minimum resources, help cut expenses, increase productivity of employees and their team mates. Project teams are coached to work professionally to give the customer the required satisfaction.
Presently IT businesses are in great competition.  There is a need to perform better than the other companies.  Products and solutions designed have to be out of the box and innovative if they have to sell. Project management ensures both creativity and innovation is adapted in order to make the project unique. Project management helps you to complete the work systematically as everything is done in a proper sequence starting from setting the goals and objectives of the project to implementing the strategies for achieving these goals.
Earlier organizations used traditional means of project management for running a business or a project. They had to constantly ensure that the project techniques used was new and different to ensure success. These days project managers are employed to make tasks easy.
CMMI’s core objectives are to help developers adopt best practices in requirements management to achieve greater efficiency, improve product quality and ensure that the product will meet customer needs most accurately.
CMMI helps implementing best practices in business process improvement. However, the CMMI approach does not say exactly “how” to achieve this, which allows each company to create its own approach, based on what works best. Because there are many ways in which an organization can perform these activities, each process can be unique to each individual company.
Project Management is an umbrella term, it covers  various techniques, methods, processes and strategies. The main purpose behind this is to manage the risk involved and minimize the loss or failure of a project. Companies that adapt CMMI ensures that every detail in a project is covered, be it resources or  deadlines given for any project, it is all channelized and structured.
 
 
 
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Thursday, 16 January 2014

Remembrance of 2013 Arowana Consulting



2013 was an eventful year. A lot of unexpected events and initiatives began in this year. Five projects were launched. A film was produced and won the National award... A lot more events that added fun to the year. Watch this video to find out what Arowana did in the year 2013..... The team of the present year 2014.
 

Tuesday, 7 January 2014

Lessons in forgetting travel story

Around the globe in a years time Lessons in Forgetting made its journey. The earth is round and it would not stop traveling. LIF set sail and was released in theaters on 19th April 2013. An Independent Film produced and distributed by Arowana Studios, sister firm of Arowana Consulting. The content and style of the film reflected the film makers artistic vision. The marketing of LIF was characterized to be like any other independent film with a limited release, but at the same time was screened at local, national, or international film festivals.
LIF wins the National Award
Anita Nair's book Lesson in Forgetting was scripted to a movie which was produced by Prince Thampi and Directed by Unni Vijayan, which won the National Award. It was nominated and screened at various Clubs and film festivals. The story of the film is based on social issues such as female infanticide and rape. Many people who watched this movie at film festivals opened the floor for discussions on related issues.

The film in this one year's course has been nominated for various posts such as Best Director, Best story, Best music score, Best make up. It has been screened at 29 various venues and at been nominated and has won various awards at these festivals. One of the best awards that LIF has won is a Piaggio Vespa at River to River. Florence Indian Film Festival, Italy. 

This heart warming story has not only touched the hearts of other of film lovers and socialist but it has also touched the heart of several film makers as well. 

Lessons in Forgetting and its team have added several plumes to its hat and will add a few more in this present as the journey of this ,movie still continues. 



LIF being screened at Atta Gallata
 
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Monday, 6 January 2014

Arowana 10 year success story

"Success is determined by our mind in life as it controls the things we want. Success is when we achieve our goals in life and being happy about it.

Success is when we embrace our visions and dreams as they come from the heart and bring happiness when we achieve them."- 
Rudolph Patrick T Muteswa
Naveen wins a prize for Talefin contest
Arowana was a small fish that swan across great currents. The tiny little minnow   had faced several trials and strived on its way. The little fish was determined, it never gave up. The determination of the fish made it strong and it evolved from a minnow to a strong Arowana. This fish was an inspiration to our company, therefore we are named after it. Every person has the instincts of an Arowana within him/her. One such Arowanite whom we have seen grow and achieve in this company is our very own Arowanite Naveen Kumar. 
Naveen first met Mr P.V Mohanan in the year 1999 and Mr. Prince Thampi in 2003, when Arowana had just found a plot to build its foundation on. They decided to set up a company in India. The company then was opened in a small house at Indiranagar with not more than 10 employees at that point. Naveen was a young, smart and talent man who had a vision and worked towards that vision. 
Initially Naveen assisted Mr Mohanan with administrative work such as registrations and office set up apart from his responsibilities as the technical manager. He played a major role in recruiting the first batch of software engineers. Slowly he began to move into marketing and then as a Project manager. 
In the year 2003 when Arowana's cornerstone was laid Naveen worked with various teams as a product head.  As Arowana grew over time, he watched the company evolve and stabilize. 
Naveen is a man of  good technical background, he is a very enthusiastic person with a pleasing personality. He is very determined when he plans and works in an organised manner.
He connects with his team very easily, whenever they have any technical doubts he clarifies them with ease and patience. 
As a leader and manger he is very strict works towards perfection and would not like it if the committed work has not been completed on time. He knows the tricks of business, he holds good marketing and public relation skill sets. 
Naveen always treated this company like his second home and all the members like a family. He is a gentleman at heart and does not distinguish, he treats all equally. He has a caring attitude and takes care of his subordinates. No matter how hard one's day has been Naveen has a positive attitude and this positive vibe helps you to move a head. 
Naveen is quite open. He leaves an impression, when you speak to him. That impression which he stamps on you is a mark of a good business man. 
He has worked and strived for perfection. presently he is that Arowanite who is a leading example for all of us. 
We congratulate Naveen on completing 10 dedicated years with Arowana. Whatever Arowana is today- Naveen along with P. V Mohanan and Prince Thampi have seen its growth. 
Naveen all the best with your further endeavours. 
certificate of achievement


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Friday, 3 January 2014

Arowana Consulting Reminiscing 2013

Shifting into new office. 
The year 2013 was an 'Eventful Year',- when we say eventful, it means a year filled with happening activities both on professional as well as entertainment levels. In India we believe in, 'Shubh Aarambh' or a 'Good Beginning'. It is believed that all good beginnings have good endings. We began our year by shifting our office to Sanskriti Signet near Silk board. A new well furnished two floored office brought in warm spirits of a healthy work environment. Projects began to flow in, teams were assigned various development projects that needed to meet client requirements. The talent acquisition team have found the best talents to work at Arowana. Young, energetic people who help to keep the work environment fun. A one day excursion was planned and all the employees had gone on a trek to Ramanagara hills. It was a fun day out.

We have a lot of actors in our company some natural, some who love to imitate. In order to bring these actors on stage Vivek Vijayakumar, a theater artist offered to conduct a workshop for the interested actors at the end of the training session. The actors staged a play written, enacted and directed by Arowana Theater team. However, these actors missed a chance of acting for Arowana Studios.

April was a big month for Arowana Studios, sister group of Arowana. 'Lessons in Forgetting' a National Award winning film directed by Mr Unni Vijayan and produced by Mr Prince Thampi was released on April 19th, 2013. The film has been screened across the  globe at  various  film festivals and clubs.

Lesson's in forgetting bags National Award
Halfway through May two projects were launched successfully. Staff travel Management Project for a leading airlines and iStyle, an airline uniform management project went live during this month.

The IPL fever had spread to Arowana. Cricket being the favourite game of our company members, Arowana took part in the inter company cricket match and won the runners up cup on behalf of the company. Soon friendly match began within the members of Arowana, forming the ACL ( Arowana Cnsulting League).







Arowana toastmaster's session
The IPL fever had spread to Arowana. Cricket being the favourite game of our company members, Arowana took part in the inter company cricket match and won the runners up cup on behalf of the company. Soon friendly match began within the members of Arowana, forming the ACL ( Arowana Cnsulting League).


July was the month of new initiatives. LEAD ( Arowana Toastmasters club) was chartered and TALK an initiative to teach Kannada to the non Kannadigas of Arowana began.
Indian Independence, brought in a patriotic feel into the company as all dressed in ethnic attires and gathered to celebrate independence day at office.
September was a floral month when we celebrated Onam at office. All the young and charming ladies of Arowana gathered to put the traditional pookalam on the office premises.

October was a promising month, we began our CMMI campaign- quiz and tagline contest were conducted as part of the campaign activities. India is a land of many festivals, Ayudha Pooja was conducted at Arowana. Towards the end of October, 'Internet Booking Engine Project' or 'ATLAS FLY' was successfully launched, the 'Dream Team' of Arowana.
Chetana a member of Toastmasters club was the first person to complete her Competent Communicator level, she received her certificate of completion from Toastmasters International Club.
CMMI Activity












November saw the biggest and the most unexpected event, Arowana celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava in a grand manner on her premises. An event was organised were all the members of Arowana actively took part in the celebrations. Children can make any environment lively . As a part of PR activity Arowana Toastmasters Club celebrated Children's Day.
Kannada Rajyotsava


December, the last month of the year witnessed the most number of events. Two projects went live during this month. Retail Cross Selling (RCS) Project and SSHR project were the two projects that were launched successfully before the year end. Mr Naveen Kumar and Mr Mohanna completed 10 dedicated years of service to Arowana an honorary was held to felicitate them on their achievements. Dream Team of Arowana were also felicitated for their successful launch of their product.
Smile please- Photo session


Arowana Dubai took part in a one day cricket match at Rugby Sevens stadium. They played friendly matches with their opposite team and had a fun day out.

Cricket match at Rugby Seven- Dubai





After working for 52 weeks, the last week of December was a week of fun and relaxation. As all the Arowanties actively took part in the Secret Santa game. Each person had a surprise task to give their Child and the tasks were performed with enthusiasm and sportive attitude.

These were just the main and highlighted events of the year . There were many other events that brought all the members together. Arowana launched their new website and began to make their presence felt over the internet. Talk initiative to teach a new Kannada word everyday to the employees began. Talefin- Arowana's internal magazine had some of the best, exciting editions. Our Mascot Shadow had a new look in every edition. Some of best month end activities of the year were- Housie, Treasure Hunt, Jungle and independence day. The best edition of Talefin was the musical edition and the food edition. People pooled in song requests and recipes during these two edition releases.

Arowana consulting began video marketing this year. Several videos were made for various occasion. An in house corporate short film was made on the topic
Tale Fin activity
code commenting. Training sessions were conducted for software developer trainees. Towards the end of the year the Budget planning for the up coming year took place at our Dubai office.

2013 was indeed a year of events, We all look forward to another year filled with challenges, laughter, fun and achievements. We bid good bye to an eventful 2013 and look forward to a successful 2014.









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Wednesday, 1 January 2014

Arowana Consulting Dream Team Achievement

"When we got this project, it was new to us" This was a common answer that we received from all the members who worked on the Internet Booking Engine (IBE) Project for one of the biggest Budget Airlines in the Middle East. The IBE project was first proposed by our Product Head Mr Naveen Kumar to the Dot Net team members. A team of five were recommended to do work on this project. Ravi Tejas (Project Manager), Elango Muthu (Team Lead), Jagadeeshwar, Bhargav and Subeesh. They sat in the conference room trying to understand the client's need, sketching out a plan to develop this particular requirement. Although they found this project a challenge to work on, yet they took the task up and worked as a team. They had good amount and understanding among themselves. The project worked soon began, Elango and Jagadeeshwar were sent on-site, the rest worked from off shore. It was hard for the off shore guys as they had to work at night and co-ordinate with their team members. The time to launch this project and go live was short, at the same time they had to understand the requirement and the booking engine tools to begin development. This Project is a web based solution with wide range of modules to book tickets and receive notifications. a solution flexible enough to handle multiple traveler categories – Individuals, Corporate and travel agents can can interface with SITA reservation system ( New upgrades are being planned for interface with additional systems) for booking, listing, pricing and e-ticketing online through web services. This airline solution is known as ATLAS Fly. The IBE project was designed in a span of three months. As the date of the given deadline neared, there was tension if the product would be launched or not, if there would be any post launch problems encountered. The last few days before the date of the deadline was hectic for the team. All the members grew tensed. They hoped that this project would be a success. A day before the day of the Launch the Product Head approached the team lead and told him the following day was the CEO's birthday if the project went live it would be the best birthday gift for their boss. They sat eagerly expecting the unexpected at midnight with fingers crossed to find out what would the result of their hard word would be. Just as an eager student awaits his examination results and rejoices as he finds out he has done well in the end, in the same way the team sat before their systems waiting for that one call to give them the results. The Team Lead had a bound of joy as he drafted a mail to his CEO wishing him on his birthday and announcing the successful launch of the project. IBE project or ATLAS FLY went live on 25th October 2013. The whole team had done it. They had two bookings within a short span of time after release. The Project has been doing well and our developers are working on phase 2 of the same project. In order to felicitate and honor our Arowanites on their achievement a short honorary was held for them by the company. The Dream Team awards took place on 13th December 2013. Congratulations on completing your team's project ahead of schedule. Your hard work and effort have paid off! A success well deserved, an occasion worth celebrating! All the best with further projects in the present year 2014.
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RETAIL CROSS SELLING SOLUTION

A very large entertainment conglomerate which owned several popular venues offering various multi faceted entertainment avenues like Multiplexes (Cinema), Ice Rinks, Comprehensive facilities exclusively for Children’s entertainment, Aquariums and Gaming Centres wanted to integrate their offerings on one single web based interface to enable consolidation of offerings and create an awareness of the large spectrum of services offered to all their discerning customers.
A single point of information and enablement also helped cross sell opportunities across the spectrum of services, creation of ‘value packages’ which will provide customers benefits by way of aggregation of various services. Thus the conglomerate could sell more business and service more customers, and the customers by aggregating their requirements could access services to their choice of entertainment at concessional / discounted rates.
The Tickets were being sold separately at the venue by the Company and the customers had to procure tickets from each facility. Thus the customers could not be classified and given discounts based on Category and usage. Besides, idle inventory could not be promoted and it remained unsold and unutilized.
Arowana’s Solution was a web based interface, which could be accessed by the customer online or through their mobile. The system provided a single source of information on all facilities with availability. The booking system could reserve time slots and provide value packages which were built around optimizing the Company’s overall offerings with a view to maximize the earnings and also provide ‘best in class’ amenities to the customer.