The third convocation of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship, the first School of Excellence of Punjab Technical University, concluded amid cheers at its Mohali campus today afternoon. In a proud moment for the Institute, 205 students, graduating in B.Tech.-Industrial Engineering and Management, with specialisation in Total Quality Management, received their degrees.

The annual report, highlighting the Institute’s multi-faceted achievements, was presented by the CEO, Mr. Manish Trehan. He reported that a new industry-linked program for working graduates – an Executive MBA – has been launched, this year, which has got a very good response. He also reported that the graduating B.Tech. students, who had joined the programme as working Diploma Holders, undertook 54 projects in the final semester, in their own organizations, which resulted in average financial saving of Rs. 58 lacs per project per annum.

In his convocation address, the Chief Guest, Prof. Manoj Datta, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, reminded the graduating engineers about the huge challenges before Indian industry and hoped that they would make the nation proud by their achievements. He lauded the efforts of the students who successfully balanced pressure of home and work to complete their B.Tech degree.

Registrar of Punjab Technical University, Dr. H S Bains, conferred the degrees and called upon the graduating students to utilize the knowledge gained from this unique application-focused programme for betterment of one and all in our society.

An Orientation Programme was organised for the 1st Batch of Punjab Technical University’s Executive MBA programme for working graduates at PTU's Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship, the first School of Excellence set up by PTU.

Working professionals from more than 30 reputed organisations in the North-west region, with experience ranging from 2 to 33 years, have enrolled in the 1st Batch of this globally relevant but India-specific programme.

The immediate past President of CII-Northern Region, Mr. R M Khanna, delivered the keynote address on “Preparing Managers for India of Tomorrow”. Complimenting the School for starting an MBA programme for working graduates, he expressed his happiness at the good response that the programme had received from industry, and hoped that the programme will fulfill the career aspirations of the participating executives.

With global competitiveness becoming increasingly critical for Indian industry and business, there could be no better timing for the launch of this programme, said Mr. P K Verma, Director-HR, Alchemist Group. He shared his thoughts on industry’s expectations from managers in today’s globally competitive world. The School, with its strong linkages with industry, was ideally suited to launch this unique  programme of PTU, he added.

CEO of the School, Mr. Manish Trehan, welcomed the participants who have enrolled in the School’s 1st Batch of Executive MBA, which will cause no dislocation of career, family life or income for the students. Assuring them of a journey of transformation, through this innovative programme, developed by the best of practicing managers and experts, he called upon them to be the change they wish to see in the world.

Punjab Technical University has launched an industry-linked

Executive MBA programme in partnership with its first School of Excellence, PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship at Mohali.

Complimenting PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM, Mr Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Punjab, remarked that the programme is an important step in Punjab’s initiative of developing this region as a veritable knowledge economy and taking it to the next level of excellence by empowering its working professionals in various industries and businesses.

The Executive MBA shall, not only enhance managerial and leadership capabilities of working professionals but more importantly, contribute to bringing competitive advantage to their organizations, pointed out Mr. Keshav Sachdev, former Managing Director, DCM Engineering, during his talk on “Developing Competitive Advantage”.

Mr. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the School’s governing council, who has been effectively spearheading the Total Quality movement in this region, said that there could be no better timing for the launch of this programe since global competitiveness is becoming increasingly critical for Indian industry.

For this region, Executive MBA programme is a trend-setting and life-changing opportunity for working professionals, said Dr. Buta Singh, Dean Academics of PTU. The School, with its strong linkages with industry, was ideally suited to launch this unique  programme of PTU, he added.

CEO of the School, Mr. Manish Trehan, informed that this India-specific but globally relevant Executive MBA Programme for working graduates has been designed with a lot of industry inputs. The classes for this 4-semester, application-focused programme, will be held over weekends or in the evenings, and will cause no dislocation of career, family life or income for the students.

Admission for July 2011 batch is open to graduates in any field from a recognized university with at least two years work experience on the date of enrolment, for which admission form can be downloaded from the School’s website, www.tqmbizschool.org.

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The region’s most prestigious Awards for quality, the

7th North-West Qualtech Awards, were presented during a day-long Convention here today.

Over 200 delegates from more than 60 companies participated
in this annual quality convention at PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship, Mohali.

From amongst the manufacturing category Philips Electronics India Ltd., Mohali won the Vardhman Quality Navigator Award for large business segment, while Trident Quality Pioneer Award for medium business was bagged by Winsome Textile Industries Ltd., Baddi.

Hycron Electronics, Baddi was the winner of Winsome Quality Pathfinder Award in the small business segment.

This year, the Educomp Quality Innovator Award for the service sector companies was won by Tata Teleservices Ltd., Mohali. 

Addressing a galaxy of corporate leaders and quality professionals, Mr. K C Mehra, Chairman, National Board for Quality Promotion, Quality Council of India (QCI), remarked that “Quality is not expensive, it is priceless”.

Commending PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship for spearheading the quality movement in the region, Mr. Mehra announced setting up of Mohali chapter of QCI in the School.  Quality, he reiterated, is a must for national well-being and QCI has the agenda to get people in the country appreciate the value of quality, which will be met through the QCI’s chapter. 

Mr. Ramesh Suri, Chairman, Subros Limited, Gurgaon, in his keynote address, said that quality is the only differentiator in the highly competitive world that can assure success of any organization.  However, the onus lies on the leader who plays most crucial role in implementing total quality in an organization.
Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the School informed that a large number of project entries were received from various companies from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, out of which 22 teams were short-listed for the final competition, after a detailed evaluation of their project papers, presented their projects before an eminent jury.

He informed that these 22 finalists had been able to achieve extraordinary results through structured quality improvement initiatives and had been able to achieve a total savings of Rs. 27.09 crores, he added.

Mr. Trehan also announced the launch of Punjab Technical University’s 2-year Executive MBA programme, designed for working professionals, which will commence in July, this year.
 
Chairman of the School’s Governing Council, Padmashri Chandra Mohan, expressed happiness at the increasing number of entries from far-away geographies, their variety and depth, and enthusiasm of the participating teams this year, which is a clear reflection of the awakening of this region to quality.
Addressing the Convention earlier, Mr. R.P. Sehgal, Director Works, SML Isuzu Limited, said that any company to stay competitive in the globalised world must enforce a culture of quality, which is again an issue of people’s mindset working in an organization who must involve themselves wholeheartedly to make quality into a mass movement.

The second convocation of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM &

Entrepreneurship, the first School of Excellence of Punjab Technical University, was held today morning at its Mohali campus. It was a proud moment for the School, when 260 students, graduating in B.Tech.-Industrial Engineering and Management, with specialisation in Total Quality Management, received their degrees and 196 students received their Advanced Diplomas in the same discipline on completion of first four semesters of the B.Tech. programme.

It was a day of fond memories and achievements for the students who received their well-earned degrees and diplomas with much excitement. This was followed by administration of oath to the new graduates, a unique feature of this convocation ceremony. Prizes were given to the toppers in academics and also to those students whose projects had been adjudged the best.

Addressing the graduating students and distinguished invitees from industry and academia, the Chief Guest, Mr. S C Agrawal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Punjab, reminded them of the large and unique challenges before Indian managers and the need for narrowing the gap between promise and delivery. He mentioned that through proper education, our youth can make India one of the most powerful nations of the world.

In his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Technical University, Dr. Rajneesh Arora, called upon the graduating engineers to work towards inclusive growth in order to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. He reminded them of their obligation to society that has provided them an opportunity to excel in their chosen field of activity.

Padma Shree Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Governing Council of the School, observed that its students, who form the TQM brigade, have made a valuable contribution towards uplifting quality in industries of this region. “Quality is not about machines alone”, he said, “it is also about mind and environment. Quality cannot be piecemeal – it has to be all pervasive”.

Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the School, presented the annual report highlighting the School’s multi-faceted achievements. He reported that Corporate Training & Consultancy, which is the cornerstone of the School’s symbiotic relationship with industry, has received a major thrust this year. He also reported that the graduating batch of B.Tech. students undertook 89 projects in the final semester, in their own organizations, which resulted in average financial saving of Rs. 59 lacs per project per annum.

Manish Trehan, CEO of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship (PGSTE) has been invited to present his paper titled “TQM Journey of a Government-run Milk Producing Cooperative in India” at the 2nd Canadian Quality Congress to be held from 23-25 August at University of Toronto, Canada.

The paper is all about the adoption of TQM techniques by MilkFed, the apex milk cooperative in the state of Punjab in North India under the consultancy of PGSTE. It demonstrates how TQM principles can be used to create an organization-wide environment of continuous improvement in a cooperative sector organisation, seeped in tradition and facing numerous challenges not only in Private Business but also in Govt. run Cooperative Sector.

A series of Sandwich TQM workshops for imparting training in structured problem solving and project-by-project improvement approach were conducted for senior executives from all the plants/units of Milkfed. Sandwich workshops comprise of 4 sessions of training of 2 days each spread of a period of 4-6 months. In the first phase, 14 teams of 76 senior/middle level executives were trained. Each team implemented an improvement project, which was facilitated by the consultants. In the second phase, workshops will be conducted at each plant/unit, for wider spread of TQM culture. These 14 projects have resulted in a saving of Rs. 4.18 Crore per annum for Milkfed.

These workshops brought about a transformation in the attitude of employees, created team culture, break-down of departmental ‘silos’, improvement in labour-management relations, and sharpening of analytical skills.

Form clusters and apply lean manufacturing techniq ues

The techniques focus on reducing seven types of waste, including over-production, inventory, transportation, over-processing and defects. The scheme is basically a business initiative to reduce these kinds of waste, yielding improved quality, improved delivery and reduced cost.

SMEs that manufacture bathroom fittings and accessories in Mohali have come together to form a mini “cluster”, under the lean manufacturing competitiveness scheme introduced by the Union ministry of MSME.

A similar cluster has been formed at Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) by SMEs that manufacture engineering goods. They, too, will adopt lean manufacturing techniques.

Further, the consultancy division of Punjab Technical University’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship (PGSTE) has been appointed lean manufacturing consultant for the Mohali and Baddi clusters, said Manish Trehan, chief executive officer of the school.

Under the scheme, 80 per cent of the project cost will be born by the Union government. The scheme will be implemented under the supervision, control and direction of the development commissioner, MSME, through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up by the cluster.

Trehan said the assignment was formally initiated last week by signing a tri-partite agreement between PGSTE, the SPV formed by the cluster and National Productivity Council, which has been nominated to act as the national monitoring and implementing unit by the ministry of MSME. It will be completed over a period of one year.

Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing philosophy that has its roots in Japan. It emphasises the use of “just enough” resources and continuous effort to “do more with less”, thereby increasing productivity.
Trehan added, “The participating units will be assisted in becoming ‘lean’ through better planning, better manpower allocation, better space utilisation, scientific inventory management, improved process flows and reduced processing time with the application of lean manufacturing techniques.”

The programme was kick-started last week for the Mohali cluster by Vijay Kapoor (who is principal consultant) and Naresh K Chawla (general manager, consultancy services) of PGST. It was mutually agreed that to achieve a sustainable rate of growth and build competitiveness, it is essential to reduce “waste” (“non-value added” activities) in manufacturing.

Trehan further added, “It has been noticed that SMEs are so engaged in day-to-day management issues that they do not have the time and resources to dedicate to acquiring various techniques, which would help them in enhancing their productivity and being competitive in the world.”

PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship, the first school of excellence of Punjab Technical University, held an orientation programme at its Mohali campus for the 9th Batch
of students, who have enrolled for B.Tech.- Industrial Engineering & Management (specialisation in Total Quality Management).

As many as 124 working diploma holders from 70 organizations in the north-west region, with experience ranging from 2 to 20 years, have enrolled in the 6th Batch of this unique distance learning programme, which was launched in November, 2005.

Dr. Ashok Kundra, IAS (retd.), former Secretary to Government of India, was the Chief Guest. He said that consequent to the economic reforms unleashed by successive governments during the last decade and the process of globalisation, business in India is witnessing a process of rapid change. The new challenges cannot be surmounted with yesterday’s concepts and strategies. It requires a new cadre of professionals with intellectual curiosity, ability to think futuristic and knowledge of contemporary concepts.

Mr. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the Governing Council of the School, mentioned that this innovative degree programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for career advancement to Diploma holders, in a field of growing importance, since the curriculum and course material of this application-focused Programme has been developed by top-notch professionals and industry experts. He complimented the School on its success in spreading TQM culture in the North-west region, within a short span of four years, since inception.

CEO of the School, Manish Trehan in his address congratulated the participants on their bold decision to strike out on new paths rather than travel the worn and accepted. He urged them to strive for organisational excellence by making quality a life-long habit and assured them of a journey of transformation through this innovative programme, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He also highlighted the universal appeal of this innovative programme through the combination of TQM, industrial engineering and general management in the curriculum, which is reflected in the registration of more than 110 students in each of the 6 batches from diverse industries, different functional areas and various levels of responsibility.

from the CEO’s desk

It gives me immense joy to present the 2nd issue of Pragati. The warm reception extended to the 1st issue by our alumni, current learners, corporates and academics of the region has been highly motivating. We hope this newsletter will give you a quick glimpse of the School's activities as well as a better sense of connectedness with us.

The School crossed a major milestone in its journey in January 2010, when students of the 1st Batch of its flagship B.Tech.-Industrial Engineering & Management (Specialisation in TQM), were conferred degrees during the 1st Convocation. It was a very emotional and satisfying moment for all of us. Yet, the only thing constant in today's dynamic environment is “change”. Therefore, the B.Tech programme, after a successful intake of 8 batches, has been totally revamped, and it is being launched in a new Avataar from July 2010 session. Our Alumni Association has come into being and vigorous activities are around the corner. We are actively engaged in further expansion of our consulting and corporate training activities.

As we move ahead, we look forward to your support and suggestions. Do write in and let us know your thoughts!          to read more click here

Finance Minister of Punjab, S. Manpreet Singh Badal today
conferred the North-West QualTech Awardsfor 2009 in a glittering
ceremony at PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship, Mohali, the first School of Excellence of Punjab Technical University. Instituted in 2004, these are the most prestigious Quality Awards of the region, which recognize project teams from organisations which have achieved outstanding results in their Quality Improvement journey.

In the manufacturing category, Subros Ltd., Noida won the Vardhman Quality Navigator Award for large business, Moser Baer Photo Voltaic Ltd., Noida won the Trident Quality Pioneer Award for medium business, and Hycron Electronics, Baddi won the Winsome Quality Pathfinder Award for small business. In the service category, Tata Teleservices Ltd., Mohali won the Educomp Quality Innovator Award.

“Such Quality awards have a tremendous impact on the work culture & productivity of organisations, and this year’s recipients have shown how quality, innovation and an unending quest for excellence are helping India march forward on the road to global competitiveness,” Mr. Badal said.

Mr. R C Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., in his keynote address, shared his experiences of building a world-class organization. Complimenting the School for organizing an event of this stature, he said, “companies today face a huge challenge of sustaining growth while driving improvements to create and retain a competitive edge.”

The competition this year was intense, informed Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the School. “The winners were selected from a field of 40 applicant teams from various companies from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, after a rigorous evaluation,” he said. 18 teams, who were short-listed for the finals, presented their projects before an eminent jury and an august gathering of industry professionals during a day-long event. “The 18 finalist teams reported a total saving of Rs. 29.16 crores as a result of these projects,” he added. 

Chairman of the School’s Governing Council, Padmashri Chandra Mohan, expressed happiness at the enthusiasm shown by the participating teams this year, which is an indicator of the increasing response to the competition for the North-West QualTech Awards. “Not only has the number of entries risen, the depth and substance of entries has improved considerably, over the years,” he said.   

The first convocation ceremony of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School
of TQM & Entrepreneurship, the first School of Excellence of
Punjab Technical University, concluded amid cheers at its
campus in Mohali today morning. In a historic moment for the
School, 77 students, graduating in B.Tech. - Industrial
Engineering and Management, with specialisation in Total
Quality Management, received their degrees.

The convocation address was delivered by Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, who also conferred the degrees on the first batch of formally qualified quality professionals. He recalled that PTU had indeed taken a bold decision six years ago by dedicating its first School of Excellence to the uncharted domain of TQM & Entrepreneurship. Launch of India’s first B.Tech. programme, specializing in TQM, for working diploma holders was a pioneering step. He emphasized that continuous learning is a way of life in the world. He called upon the graduating engineers to utilize the knowledge gained from this unique application-focused programme for the betterment of one and all in our society including the rich and the poor, the urban and the rural.

The audience was also addressed by Mr. Suresh Kumar IAS, Principal Secretary, Technical Education, Punjab and Padma Shree Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Governing Council of the Institute. Mr. Chandra Mohan expressed great satisfaction at the fact that his dream of creating a pool of engineers having expertise in the field of TQM has been finally realized. These TQM professionals have already started making an impact on the organisation in which they work. “The next decade” he said, “clearly belongs to those who excel in quality”.

Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the Institute, presented the progress report in which he highlighted the various achievements of the Institute, especially the brisk progress made in reaching out to industry in the North-west region through technical consultancy, corporate training and Awards for excellence in Quality. He also reported that the graduating batch of B.Tech. students undertook 26 projects in the final semester, in their own organizations, attaining an average annual financial saving of Rs. 60 lacs per project.

Mr. J S Bedi, Chairman, Gian Jyoti Institute of Management & Technology and Member, Governing Council proposed the vote of thanks.

After the award of degrees, Prizes were given to toppers in academics and also to those students whose projects had been adjudged the best. Two outgoing students shared their experiences in which they described the manner in which this unique, application-oriented course had helped them in the betterment of industrial practices resulting in significant financial benefits to their organisations. A unique feature of the convocation ceremony was the administration of oath to the new graduates.

Student Success Story

Hardev Singh, student of our 1st B.Tech. batch, who graduated in July, 2009, writes:

I dedicate my success to PGSTE who are offering first ever hybrid course
which is having brain of old experienced managers and the strength of strong
shoulders of young managers of the Indian industry. It is providing us a
platform to discuss various work related issues with the eminent faculty of the
School, comprising of top-notch industry professionals and academicians,
who are familiar with best industrial practices.

This course is also meant for self development and encourages the learners to develop their overall personality. This course has transformed my life by enhancing my level of thinking and making me a quality conscious person. It has boosted my career tremendously. At the time of joining this course, I was working as a Dy. Manager Mechanical) in a cement grinding unit and now I am working as Dy. General Manager (Projects) in a 3 million tonne full fledged cement plant. In my current profile, I along with my team (comprising 20 managers and engineers), have achieved a lot of milestones during execution of our Rs. 700 crore green field project. We have brought down the monthly manpower supply bills from Rs. 18.00 lacs to Rs. 2.00 lacs by eliminating wastes, without affecting the work progress.          to read more click here

September 29, 2009

An inaugural function was held for a Six Sigma Black Belt
training programme at PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM &
Entrepreneurship, Mohali on 4th September 2009. The School
is one of the premier institutions of North India, engaged in
promoting quality culture and conducts capsule courses aimed
at quality improvement in addition to the B. Tech. Industrial
Engineering & Management (Spl in TQM).

Six Sigma is an organisation-wide approach used to achieve breakthrough improvements in the performance of an rganisation. A dramatic reduction in errors leads to improvement in the bottom line.

The programme provides a thorough knowledge of 6 Sigma philosophies and principles including supporting systems and tools. A certified Black Belt exhibits team leadership, understands team dynamics and assigns his/her team members, roles and responsibilities. The programme is split in four sessions of two days each spread over a period of four months, commencing from 4th September 2009.

The programme shall be conducted in the School premises in association with QT&T Consulting (Asia) Private Ltd. Singapore by Mr. Santosh Bhosale, Principal Consultant from Mumbai, who is a Certified Master Black Belt.

As many as 35 participants from various corporates of the level of Engineers and Managers will be participating in the programme.

Inaugural session was chaired by Padma Shree Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Board of Governors. He stressed the importance of a programme of this nature which leads to adoption of TQM practices in the industries where it is implemented. Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the School gave a brief presentation highlighting the activities of the School.

PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship,
the first School of Excellence of Punjab Technical University,
and Maruti Center for Excellence held an orientation
programme at Pearl School of Business for the students,
who have enrolled for B.Tech. - Industrial Engineering &
Management (specialisation in Total Quality Management)
in Delhi NCR.

60 working diploma holders from over 40 organizations in
the Delhi NCR, with average experience of 17 years, have
enrolled in the 1st Batch of this unique distance learning programme, being started in Delhi NCR. This programme was launched in November, 2005 in Mohali where 8 batches are already running.

Mr R B Madekar, CGM, MACE, congratulated the learners joining the B.Tech. programme and the School for starting this innovative programme. The programme will help the learners in improving their skills and performance.

CEO of the School, Manish Trehan, congratulated the participants on their bold decision to venture out on the Quality path rather then traveling the worn and accepted tracks. He assured them that this application-focused programme will transform their careers by bridging the gap between theory and practice, since the curriculum and course material has been developed by top-notch professionals and industry experts. He highlighted the universal appeal of this innovative programme through the combination of TQM, Industrial Engineering and General Management in the curriculum, which will produce well-rounded engineer-managers.

Dr. Krishan Kumar, Director Maruti Center for Excellence, was the Chief Guest. He highlighted the need for TQM professionals to make India globally competitive. We should focus on doing things right the first time and do away with the “Chalta hai” attitude. He said that this program will open up a world of new opportunities for the students.

Maj. Gen. N K Dhir, Program Director, mentioned that this innovative degree programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for career advancement to Diploma holders, in a field of growing importance. He thanked the management of MACE and Pearl School of Business for their support to start the programme in Delhi NCR.

PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship,
the first school of excellence of Punjab Technical University,
held an orientation programme at its Mohali campus for the
8th Batch of students, who have enrolled for B.Tech. -
Industrial Engineering & Management (specialisation in
Total Quality Management). The program was held on
19th July and 26th July 2009.

More then 100 working diploma holders from over 60 organizations in the North-west region, with experience ranging from 2 to 22 years, have enrolled in the 8th Batch of this unique distance learning programme, which was launched in November, 2005.

Brig. Surinder Singh, Program Leader, mentioned that this innovative degree programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for career advancement to Diploma holders, in a field of growing importance. Change is the order of the day and all of us must remain receptive to new idea.

CEO of the School, Manish Trehan, congratulated the participants on their bold decision to venture out on the Quality path rather then traveling the worn and accepted tracks. He assured them that this application-focused programme will transform their careers by bridging the gap between theory and practice, since the curriculum and course material has been developed by top-notch professionals and industry experts. He highlighted the universal appeal of this innovative programme through the combination of TQM, Industrial Engineering and General Management in the curriculum, which will produce well-rounded engineer-managers. This is reflected in the registration of more than 952 students in the first 8 batches of this programme from various industries and functional areas.

Mr. T K Magazine, Director TRAAM Services Pvt. Ltd., Chandigarh was the Chief Guest. He said that this program will open up a world of new opportunities for the students. He emphasized that quality should reflect in our day-to-day activities. It inculcates good habits which are reflected in our professional life. He said, in the industrial recession as we are experiencing these days, TQM is the only possible saviour.

North-West QualTech Awards, the most prestigious Quality
Awards of the region,have been instituted to recognize project
teams from organisations who have achieved outstanding results
in their Quality Improvement journey. The 8th competition for
these awards was a day-long event at PTU’s Gian Jyoti School
of TQM & Entrepreneurship, Mohali, the first School
of Excellence of Punjab Technical University.

Inaugurating the Convention in the morning, Mr. S C Bagrodia, President, PHDCCI and Chairman, Winsome Group said best Quality at the lowest price was the only route to survival, in the recession which has hit the entire world today. Such Quality Awards go a long way in building the culture of Quality, he emphasised.

Addressing a galaxy of corporate leaders and Quality professionals during the evening’s Award ceremony, Chief Guest Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University, spoke of the urgency of spreading the Quality Movement across the length & breadth of the country for building an India of our dreams.

Doyen of India’s Quality Movement, Dr. Krishan Kumar, who led Maruti’s Quality initiative since its inception, and now heads Maruti Centre of Excellence, delivered the keynote address. Complimenting the School for organizing an event of this stature for promoting the spirit of competition, he said that the Convention provided an excellent platform for sharing best practices and linking industry with academia.

Guest of Honour, Mr. VK Singh, IAS, Managing Director, Milkfed, the first CEO of a Cooperative enterprise in the region to adopt Total Quality Management (TQM) as a business strategy, highlighted the positive impact of TQM on Milkfed’s Top management teams from 11 plants of Milkfed, going through the School’s unique Sandwich TQM Programme.

Chairman of the School’s Governing Council, Padmashri Chandra Mohan and its CEO, Manish Trehan, also addressed the delegates. They expressed happiness at the roots which TQM was developing in the region, as evidenced by the growing participation in this competition. Giving the details of the competition this year, Manish Trehan informed that 14 projects from different companies were short listed for the final presentation, in various categories, based on an independent evaluation of the Quality Improvement Project papers submitted by the applicant teams. The projects were presented before an eminent Jury during the day-long competition. Average savings achieved by these 14 teams for their respective organizations are to the tune of Rs. 79.9 lacs per annum.

The awards were presented at a glittering award ceremony. In the Large Business Category (turnover above Rs. 350 crores), Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Mohali bagged the Vardhman Quality Navigator Award. Philips Electronics India, Mohali and Vardhman Spinning & Gen. Mills, Ludhiana were the 1st and 2nd runner up respectively.

Trident Quality Pioneer Award for Medium Business Category (turnover between Rs. 100 to 350 crores) was won by DCM Engineering, Ropar with Gates India, Lalru as the 1st runner up.

In the Small Business Category (turnover less than 100 crores), the Winsome Quality Pathfinder Award was won by Hycron Electronics, Baddi while Chang Yun, Gurgaon and Cosmo Ferrites, Solan were the 1st and 2nd runner up respectively.

Quality Pioneers Awarded Advanced Diploma

History was created when Punjab Technical University conferred its first Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering & Management (Specialisation in TQM) to the first batch of students enrolled at its First School of Excellence, the Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship, Mohali. A total of 76 students of the first batch received their Advanced Diploma, which is awarded on completion of first two years of PTU’s pioneering B.Tech.- Industrial Engineering & Management (Specialisation in TQM) programme, specially tailored for working diploma holders and science graduates.

On crossing the first milestone in their journey towards world-class Quality, the students took a pledge to keep abreast of every advancement in the field of Quality and ensure that brand “Made in India” rises to the top in today’s intensely competitive global race and becomes a true reflection of India’s glorious heritage.

Mrs. Sarojini Gautam Sharda, PCS, Registrar, PTU, Jalandhar, who was the Chief Guest for the function, lauded the school for its pioneering effort in disseminating application-focused learning in the field of Total Quality Management (TQM). The registrar highlighted that PTU was committed to making Punjab a knowledge society and courses like this would fulfil the need for making India globally competitive.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the Governing Council, recalled his own experience when he was CMD of Punjab Tractors and used TQM techniques to bring up the company from Zero to Blue Chip. He called upon the students to make Quality a life-long habit.

Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of the School, complimented the students for becoming India's first managers with formal training in a fast-growth field of national priority. In a scenario, where jobs are shrinking and threats are looming large, this qualification, alongwith the tools & techniques learnt by the students, will accelerate the advancement of their careers and help their companies to not only stay afloat but even prosper in troubled times, he said.

During the function, awards were also given to students of all semesters, who secured the first three positions in the University Exams held in June 2008.

Mr. J S Bedi, Chairman, Gian Jyoti Institute of Management & Technology, proposed a vote of thanks.

PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship, one of the premier institutions of North India engaged in promoting quality culture, initiated the first session of the 10-day
workshop on Total Quality Management (TQM) for the senior executives of MILKFED.

Giving the details of this unique workshop, Manish Trehan,
CEO of the School informed that this workshop will be completed in 4 sessions, spread over a period of 4 months.
He mentioned that in the first phase, four cross-disciplinary teams of 20 senior officers from four plants of Milkfed are attending the programme to hone their skills in TQM implementation. During the course of this result-oriented workshop, which is based on Dr. Juran’s globally proven structured approach for quality improvement, the team from each plant will undertake an improvement project in its own premises, applying the skills learnt during the workshop, he added. So far, the School has conducted 6 such workshops with participation from 30 teams from 21 different organisations. Recurring financial benefits to the organisations through improvement projects undertaken by their teams, participating in these workshops, have averaged Rs 50 lacs per annum per team.

Mr. V.K. Singh, IAS, Managing Director, Milkfed Punjab, affirmed that TQM inculcates the habit of excellence that ensures radical positive organizational transformation. He said that this TQM workshop would facilitate the process of transformation of Milkfed to meet the challenges of global competition. We will be implementing TQM projects with full vigour and hope to extend the programme to other units, he added. As a consequence of this workshop various TQM projects will be undertaken by Milkfed and their results will be evaluated. He announced a cash prize of Rs. 1 lac to the best project. “Milkfed and Gian Jyoti School - Together we will create wonders” he said.

Dr. Arwinder Singh, IAS, Additional Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Punjab, highlighted the importance of TQM in the government and cooperative sector, and said that based on the success of this pilot project, we will encourage other Punjab Government corporations to adopt structured TQM. A professional approach will be adopted for implementation of TQM projects which will lead to an improvement in business processes of Milkfed.

Mr. TPS Walia, Manager P&HRD, Milkfed felt that a paradigm shift will take place as a result of this workshop and the changes will not be merely cosmetic in nature.

Total quality management is the only route to ensure productivity, efficiency and profitability of an organization in the current economic situation, said Mr. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the Governing Council of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship. Recalling his own experiences with TQM he said that it had worked wonders for Swaraj Mazda brand of Punjab. “I hope this workshop leads to full-scale adoption of TQM by Punjab Government to enable it to meet the challenges of the future”, he added.

Mr. J S Bedi, Chairman, GIJMT, proposed a vote of thanks.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and PTU's Gian
Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship (PGSTE), the first School of Excellence set up by Punjab Technical University (PTU), signed an MOU to join hands for accelerating the
spread of TQM and sharpening the competitive capability of industry and business to meet the challenges of today’s intensely competitive economic environment.

PGSTE is a national pioneer in advanced and application-focused education in Total Quality Management (TQM) and Entrepreneurship, which was launched in December, 2003 by H.E. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, then President of India and dedicated to raising the global competitiveness of Indian business & industry through TQM and fostering modern technology-led entrepreneurs.

Announcing the partnership, Mr. Krishan Kalra, Secretary General, PHD Chamber, said that the two organisations will jointly undertake a range of programmes for industry professionals to impart knowledge and application-based skills in TQM and allied fields. Besides various short-term programmes on Quality Improvement like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, World Class Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S etc., PGSTE’s unique B.Tech.-Industrial Engineering & Management (Specialisation in TQM) programme for working professionals will be extended to the National Capital Region.

Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO of PGSTE, further elaborated that this 3-year B.Tech. programme of Punjab Technical University, which has been successfully running at PGSTE’s Mohali campus, is the country’s first application-focused, distance learning programme for working diploma holders and science graduates, which was launched in 2005. Developed by the best of practicing managers and experts, this programme, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, has received an overwhelming response, with an enrolment of more than 700 professionals from over 300 diverse industries in the first 6 Batches.

Chairman of PGSTE, Mr. Chandra Mohan, hoped that the partnership will facilitate innovation of managerial practices as well as excellence in organisational performance. It will help organisations to succeed in a competitive marketplace by disseminating knowledge about effective methods of improvement and equip individuals with the knowledge, training, and tools they need to adapt to rapidly changing environments.

PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship, the first school of excellence of Punjab Technical University, held an orientation programme at its Mohali campus for the 6th Batch
of students, who have enrolled for B.Tech.- Industrial Engineering & Management (specialisation in Total Quality Management).

As many as 124 working diploma holders from 70 organizations in the north-west region, with experience ranging from 2 to 20 years, have enrolled in the 6th Batch of this unique distance learning programme, which was launched in November, 2005.

Dr. Ashok Kundra, IAS (retd.), former Secretary to Government of India, was the Chief Guest. He said that consequent to the economic reforms unleashed by successive governments during the last decade and the process of globalisation, business in India is witnessing a process of rapid change. The new challenges cannot be surmounted with yesterday’s concepts and strategies. It requires a new cadre of professionals with intellectual curiosity, ability to think futuristic and knowledge of contemporary concepts.

Mr. Chandra Mohan, Chairman of the Governing Council of the School, mentioned that this innovative degree programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for career advancement to Diploma holders, in a field of growing importance, since the curriculum and course material of this application-focused Programme has been developed by top-notch professionals and industry experts. He complimented the School on its success in spreading TQM culture in the North-west region, within a short span of four years, since inception.

CEO of the School, Manish Trehan in his address congratulated the participants on their bold decision to strike out on new paths rather than travel the worn and accepted. He urged them to strive for organisational excellence by making quality a life-long habit and assured them of a journey of transformation through this innovative programme, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. He also highlighted the universal appeal of this innovative programme through the combination of TQM, industrial engineering and general management in the curriculum, which is reflected in the registration of more than 110 students in each of the 6 batches from diverse industries, different functional areas and various levels of responsibility.

Quality and entrepreneurship shall be the two major drivers of our country’s growth, said Dr. N.P.Singh, Dean Examinations, Panjab Technical University, while addressing the students of PTU’s Gian Jyoti School of TQM and Entrepreneurship, here today.

Addressing the faculty and the students of the first school of excellence of Punjab Technical University on its founder’s day celebrations, Dr. N.P. Singh commended the management for spearheading the movement of total quality management in the industry in this region through its innovative programmes that is leading the companies to achieve better productivity and competitive edge.

Padmashri Chandra Mohan, Chairman, Governing Council of the School, which was inaugurated in December 2003 by former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, said that the School’s mission is to propel Indian Industry towards global competitiveness.

The function commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Manish Trehan, CEO, and an audio-video presentation entitled “Journey so far”, which depicted the impressive progress made by the School in a short span of four years.

Mr. J.S. Bedi, Member of the Governing Council of the School, in his vote of thanks expressed hope that more and more organisations in the manufacturing as well as the services sector would come forward to take advantage of TQM mission.

A colorful cultural programme was presented by the students who comprised working diploma holders and science graduates from more than 200 leading organisations of the Northern Region.

Certificates were distributed to all students, who had completed the first year of this application focused B.Tech. programme. Prizes were given away to the meritorious students by the chief guest.