1. The A2Z GROUP Newsletter Volume 05, May 2010
Innovation Interviews
The Crux of Growth Meet our Real Heroes and Inspiring Leaders
2. Message from the Founder & MD
It is my privilege and take this opportunity to
congratulate all those who have contributed in making
the new Horizons a huge success. It gives me immense
pleasure to see the A2Z Family communicate through
this interactive platform. Effective communication in
any organization is important as it creates a mutual
understanding between the management and the
employees. At A2Z, efforts are being made to streamline
the communication process and Intranet will soon be
introduced. Our cover story tells you all about this.
As you all know, innovation is critical to the A2Z Group
and I am sure you will enjoy reading the in-depth story
explaining why innovation is the key to a sustainable
and competitive business advantage today. While Stop
Press and Group Updates will inform you about the new
national developments, Global Footprints will update
you about our forays in the international market.
I am sure you appreciated the Book Review in the last
issue. It’s always inspiring to read about the works of
some of our eminent leaders. This time, acquaint
yourself with N R Narayana Murthy’s A Better India, A
Better World.
Realizing the impact of leaders on the young generation,
Leadership Profiles have been made more intensive,
exploring some of the eminent personalities of the A2Z
Group. We are also starting Real Heroes, a section
featuring the engineers from our sites who bring result
to all our projects.
I urge you to actively participate and make Horizons an
e v e n big g e r s uc c e s s . Yo u c an r e ac h me at
horizons@a2zemail.com.
3. Cover Story
Bonding the Organization through Intranet
Intranet, as we Intranets are secure and easily Procurement, etc. In addition to
all know, is a accessible via the internet. They static documents repository,
platform enable employees to access Workflow applications like
within the relevant information from any requests for leave, stationery
organization location simply by using a web and support from various
Mr Navneet Jain where browser. This helps the departments may also be
Group CIO employees organization in effective and integrated with intranet to make
exchange instant communication. it more useful and effective. It
information Intranets help organizations in therefore can act as the single
and get insight into latest building knowledge base, saving point of contact/support
development. It is a website/ overhead costs and reducing platform for all.
portal created for the paperwork.
Depending on the business
employees, not meant for usage
It is also an effective tool for needs of the organization,
by the external world. It is
storing information related to Intranets differ in their
backed by security measures
Process Documentation of appearance and content.
that restrict unauthorized
various departments like Following are some of the
access to information available
Finance, HR, Information examples frequently sought
in the intranet database.
Technology, Projects,
4. Cover Story
? information by employees with problems with Mjooz: The ‘A to Z’ of
which may be made hardware, software and A2Z Group comes together
available on intranet: networks, various IT
policies
Vision and Mission ? Appraisal procedures and Mjooz has helped knit the
statements organization together and bring a
schedules, employee
? Message from top synergy in all its operations. Mjooz
policies, expenses forms
management listing out is a revolutionary technology which
and annual leave requests,
priorities of the can convert a SMS into an email and
staff discount schemes, vice versa.
organization / general
new vacancies
speech ? Personalized pages
? Latest news about projects, All employees in the A2Z Group have
covering employee been provided a set of unique
services, new customers
personal details, payslips, numbers corresponding to the
acquisitions, press
appraisals, trainings, various departments in the
coverage including
movements, etc. organization. A simple SMS sent from
pictures and videos Various applications like their mobiles can be escalated in the
? Announcements like new
Document Management form of formal requests/complaints
recruitment and their
System (Scan, Index, Store and through Mjooz by converting them
profile, organization into emails. It has made the work life
View of important
structure changes, training of employees a lot simpler. A
documents), ERP, email, chat,
schedules, who is who employee when faced with any
etc. can also be made
? Telephone / Address difficulty, has 24*7 access to all
available through extended
directory departments of the organization. He
Intranets which truly make
? E-newsletter gets his query resolved within a day.
? Calendars, meeting room one platform for employees to
bookings, car bookings communicate fast and
Employees also receive important
? Departmental budgets, effectively.
news and information from various
business plans, annual departments through this unique
At A2Z, we plan to introduce
reports and organizational mechanism. The change has
Intranet at the earliest.
performance helped A2Z do away with the old
? Virus alerts, tips on dealing and redundant ways of logging
complaints.
5. Group Updates
A2Z Maintenance & Engineering Services Private Limited
becomes a Public Ltd Company
A2Z Maintenance & Engineering Services Private Limited has recently been converted into a Public Limited
Company. Its name is changed to A2Z Maintenance & Engineering Services Limited and a fresh Certificate of
Incorporation, consequent upon the change of name dated 26th March, 2010 has been issued by the Registrar of
Companies, NCT of Delhi & Haryana.
It must be noted that all future correspondences should be done with this new name - 'A2Z Maintenance &
Engineering Services Limited'. The registrations, tenders, office stationery, letter heads, seals, etc. will hence forth
reflect New Entity's Name.
Conservation, a state of mind
Worldwide, more than 300 million metric tons of
paper and paperboard is produced every year. We
are perennially complaining about the depleting
green cover of the Earth but what are we doing to
ensure a greener tomorrow?
Bring in a CHANGE
Use paper judiciously. Take printouts if you really
need to. Recycle paper. Use your discretion while
using paper napkins.
A2Z Scholarship Program
The A2Z Group, since its inception, Number of Scholarships
has achieved great heights and has 5 for Class X
crossed many milestones. This 5 for Class XII
growth would not be possible
without the inexpressible hard Procedure to apply for Scholarship:
work and integrity of all the
Mr Rajesh Send your applications on a plain paper
employees of the A2Z Family. In its mentioning the following details, along with the
Kataria
Head HR & endeavour to recognize the efforts necessary documents:
Insurance of its employees' children in 1. Employee name & Staff ID
academics, the management has
rkataria@a2zemail.com 2. Name of the child
09650877555. consented to award Scholarship to
3. Name & address of the school
Top 5 scorers in Class X & XII. The
scholarship will be awarded on 4. Education Board
the following criteria: 5. Class passed
6. Aggregate percentage
Eligibility
7. Attested copy of certificate & mark sheet
90% & above aggregate in Class X or XII for the
academic year 2009-2010
The employees are requested to send the above
Duration of Scholarship: mentioned details to Head HR by June 15, 2010.
1 Year Management's decision in awarding the scholarship
will be final and binding to all applicants.
6. Welcome on Board
The A2Z Group Infrastructure
Ms Kohli comes with experience of 12 years
Dr Vatsa brings with him
in teaching and 6 years in the insurance
experience of 19 years in the
sector. An entrepreneur, Ms Kohli is MA
areas of Business
Economics, B Ed and a Diploma holder in
D eve l o p m e nt , B u s i n e s s
Business Management. She was Director,
Administration and Project
Advatech Implex Pvt. Ltd. She comes with a
Coordination. An MBA and
Ms Vandana Kohli vast knowledge in developing and Dr Kaushlendra PhD, his last assignment was
Head CSR- A2Z Group maintaining public relations and enhancing Pandey Vatsa with Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn
CSR practices.
Assistant VP Ltd. Prior to that, he has
Business Development worked with companies like
An Information Technology Professional BIPS Systems, Orient Craft
from NIIT, Mr Jain brings with him 23 years and JMIC at senior levels. He
of experience in leadership roles. He has will report to Mr Rajneesh
worked in pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Mehra and will be based at
healthcare, consumer electronics and retail HO, Gurgaon.
sectors. His last assignment was with
Mr Navneet Jain Continental Engines as Group CIO. He has
Group CIO worked with companies like VLCC Health CNCS
Care, Punj Group, and Honda Motorcycles at
senior levels. He will report to Mr Amit Mittal Mr Deshpande comes with
and will be based at HO, Gurgaon. experience of 17 years and
has held important positions
Mr Singh comes with very rich experience of in the hospitality sector. He
34 years in the field of engineering, design was actively involved in
and construction of EHV transmission line operations in facility
up to 765 kV. He retired as chief engineer Mr Anand management services. He
from the central electrical authority. Deshpande has been associated with our
Mr Karnail Singh Regional Head team since March, 2010.
Operations (West)
Sr VP Transmission
A Successful Leadership Meet
A leadership meet, with the agenda of introducing Details of group
new businesses and leaders to the members of the companies
Mr Anand
A2Z Group leadership team and different functions ?Deshande
Regulations and
was held on April 16 & 17, 2010. Insights and plans policies related to
to find ways to resolve the prevailing grid locks and the industry and
to make the A2Z Group a leader in its respective economies.
fields were discussed at the meet. The issues
Mr Arjun Khanna and Mr Arnab Roy from Zeus
covered were:
? Risk factors, both internal and external Consulting also participated at the meet.
? Business and Industry details
? Company history
? Details of management
7. Stop Press
We
TE
CRE
a2z Infrastructure
MA
care.
AT
Private Limited
LI
I
C NG
CLEANER
Business report card CNCS grows by leaps
a2z Infrastructure has been making
steady progress in all its projects. The and bounds
4 SPVs have now been officially CNCS has grown as a company
formulated. Agreements for Aligarh proving its mettle to one and all,
Mr Rupesh and Meerut have been signed on establishing a firm footprint in
Sharma April 5, 2010 and that for Varanasi on Nitu Mishra
Senior Business the Western region of the
Business
Development
April 21, 2010. The operations at Development country. The quality process
Executive CNCS
Manager Patna have already become delivery has ensured a continuing
profitable. An official from the relationship with the existing
British High Commission during his visit to Patna clients which has prospered and grown in a
was given a demonstration of vehicle tracking great way. Apart from the existing set of clients,
system using GPS at the commissioner's office and CNCS has acquired several fresh contracts in
a video on C&T operations was also displayed. He the recent times.
was highly impressed by the same.
Kanpur Project
? The production of phosphate rich organic
manure has commenced in addition to the
production of vermicompost, organic compost
and RDF
? Marketing arrangements have been finalized
with leading fertilizer companies such as IPL
(Indian Potash Limited) and KRIBHCO (Krishak
Bharti Co-operative limited). A fully functional
modern laboratory has been set up.
? A training program with 10 managers and 40
supervisors was conducted for the first time.
They were given exposure on subjects such as
HR management, Waste Management (both C&T
and P&D), Cost Analysis, MIS, Computer
Application, and the impact of the projects on
our environment.
New Business
a2z Infraservices Pvt Ltd is delighted to
announce its new clients, won over recently.
Muzzafarnagar
U.N.Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research
The civil work is on the verge of completion and
Centre, Pantaloons Retail, ITC limited, Apollo
after the installation of machines and electrical
Hospital, VVF Ltd, Voith Hydro Ltd, Mercure
connections the project will be at its full swing.
Hotel, Tata Nano. As always, the company will
live up to its clients expectations at all times.
8. Stop Press a2z Powercom
Private Limited
D12 project: A2Z MES adds another
feather to its cap
a2z Powertech, after its inception in September,
2009 has facilitated A2Z MES in conception and
commissioning of the Effective Metering Project
under MPPKVCL Jabalpur utility. The Project has
commenced from Sep, 2009 and is being considered
as a prestigious project by the utility. The Projects
has been funded by ADB. A one of its kind, project
initiated by any power utility, it focuses on the
reduction of AT&C losses in actual demonstrated
manner.
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with A2Z
Maintenance and Engineering Services Ltd, the parent
company of A2Z Group, for adding 45 MW of renewable
power to the state grid from their three cogeneration
power projects being set up by the company in the
Cooperative Sugar Mills at Morinda, Nakodar and
Fazilka in Punjab.
Announcing the news, PEDA Chief Executive Tejinder
Pal Singh Sidhu, informed that the MoU was signed by
Mr Balour Singh, Director, PEDA and Mr Amit Mittal,
CMD, A2Z Maintenance and Engineering Services Ltd.
April proved to be a great month for Powercom projects
as the dreams turned into reality. Bhoomi Poojan was
performed at Fazilka, Nakodar and Morinda Projects
and this marked the commencement of civil work at all
the three projects in Punjab.
9. The Art of Appraisal
Big Boss: This year your performance was good, Kumar: Last year that process gave me 'excellent '.
excellent and outstanding. So, your rating is “average”. This year just 'average'? Why is this process pushing
Kumar: What? How come 'average'? me up and down every year?
Big boss: Because .. err.. uhhh … you lack domain Big boss: That's a complicated process. You don't want
knowledge . to hear about it.
Kumar: But last year you said I am a domain expert Kumar: I'll try to understand, go ahead.
and you put me in this project as a domain consultant. Big boss: Well, we gather in a large room , write down
Big Boss: Oh is it? Well. In that case, I think your the names of sub ordinates in bits of paper, and throw
domain knowledge has eroded this year. them up in the air. Whichever lands on the floor gets
'average' whichever lands on table gets 'good',
Kumar: What??? whichever we manage to catch gets 'excellent' and
Big boss: Yes, I didn't see you sharing knowledge on whichever gets stuck on the ceiling gets 'outstanding'.
purchasing domain. Kumar: (eyes popping out) What? Ridiculous! So who
Kumar: Why would I? Because I am not in purchasing , gets poor rating?
I am in manufacturing. Big boss: Those are the ones we forget to write down.
Big boss: This is what I don't like about you. You give Kumar: What the hell! And how can paper bits stick on
excuses for everything. the ceiling for 'outstanding'?
Kumar: huh? *confused* Big boss: Oh no, now you have started questioning our
Big boss: Next, you need to improve your 20 years old organizational process!
communication skills. Kumar: *faints*
Kumar: Like what? I am the one who trained the team
on “Business Communication”.
You sat in the audience and took notes, you remember?
Big boss : Oh is it? Err… well I mean, you need to
improve your Social Pragmatic Affirmative
Communication.
Kumar: Huh? What the hell is that? *confused*
Big boss: See! That's why you need to learn about it.
Kumar:*head spinning*
Big boss: Next, you need to sharpen your recruiting
skills. All the guys you recruited left within 2 months.
Kumar: Well, not my mistake, you told them you will
sit beside them and review their code, and most
resigned the next day itself. Couple of them even
attempted suicide.
Big boss: *stunned* (recovers from shock) Err….
Anyway, I tried to give you a better rating, but our
Normalisation Process gave you only 'average'.
10. Kudos to our Team in Gujarat
We bagged our first job from BHEL for Construction ( Civil Works ) of
220 KV Switch yard at GPPC's 700 MW Power Plant in village
Kovaya, Taluka Ruajua, Dist Amreli, Gujarat. This is the first project
for the company in Gujarat and is proving to be quite challenging.
Firstly, because of its remote location (9 hours by bus from
Mr Atul Ahmedabad). Secondly, due to the three-tier supervision by BHEL, Rajeev Kumar Chetan Modasia
Vashishta Tata Consulting Engineers & GPPC Officials, and Thirdly, due to the Srivastava
VP Projects nuisance created by the local anti social elements.
The project work started in June, 09 while India was reeling under drought
conditions , we, in Pipavav faced 46% excess rains that added to our difficulties. Our
team, headed by Mr Rajeev Kumar Srivastava, Mr Ankit Dixit and
Mr Chetan Modasia, played a crucial role in getting the work completed. Ankit Dixit
As on date, major parts of the project including complete foundation work, earth
mat, drainage , CLF and roads etc. have been completed. We are confident of
completing the project much before the deadline of July, 2010.
Management Quotient
Bringing out the best in your people
Consider a vice president of else has much to offer”. These flaunting their own IQs and
product development who, leaders – we call them more about fostering a culture
despite having more than “diminishers”- underutilize of intelligence in their
4,000 top-notch software people and leave creativity and organizations. Under the
engineers on staff, admits that talent on the table. leadership of these
he listens to only a couple of “multipliers”, employees don't
people at development At the other extreme are the feel just smarter, they
meetings, claiming “no one leaders who care less about become smarter.
The five types of Multipliers and Diminishers What Millennials Want
Millennial is referred to youth or the young generation people.
Diminishers Multipliers From their boss From their company To learn
The Empire Builder: The Talent Magnet:
Attracts talented people and Will help me Will develop my Technical skills
Hoards resources and
navigate my skills for the future in my area of
underutilizes talent uses them to their highest
career path expertise
potential
The Tyrant: Creates a tense The Liberator: Creates an Will give me Has strong values Self-
environment that suppresses intense environment that straight feedback management
requires people's best and personal
people's thinking and
productivity
capabilities thinking and work
The Know – it –All: Gives The Challenger: Defines an Will mentor and Offers customizable Leadership
directives that demonstrate opportunity that causes coach me option in my
how much he or she knows people to stretch their benefits/reward
thinking and behaviors package
The Decision Maker: Makes The Debate Maker: Drives Will sponsor me Allow me to blend Industry or
centralized, abrupt decisions sound decisions by for formal work with the rest functional
development of my life knowledge
that confuse the cultivating rigorous debate
programs
organization among team members
The Micro-manager: Drives The investor: Gives other Is comfortable Offers a clean Creativity and
result through his or her people ownership of results with flexible career path innovation
personal involvement and invests in their success schedules strategies
Harvard Business Review; May, 2010
11. Real Heroes
From the Field
Here, we met our Real Heroes, the engineers from our sites who
deliver results to all our projects.
Jharkand is in the midst of an internal that. We have also faced destruction from the
turmoil and extremism is a real challenge twister.
facing the state. In such a scenario, getting Despite the odds, the project is now on the
any work done here poses multiple verge of completion because of real heroes
problems as danger lurks everywhere. like Mr Joydeb Majumdar, who has worked
The main purpose of the Lohardaga Project hard and fearlessly, for days and nights.
Mr Joydeb is to provide electricity to the people living Mr Majumdar communicated with Naxalists,
Majumdar below the poverty line. People like Mr
AGM Project
and was the one who went and met them and
Joydeb Majumdar are risking their lives for negotiated with them for saving the life of
bringing electricity and hope to such people. Mr K P Tripathi and Mr Vikas Jha. He
The A2Z Group took the pledge to complete educated farmers about the benefits of the
the project in such a critical area. project by distributing pamphlets. A2Z's
The problems we faced during the project initiative was unstoppable and now, two
were not normal. Kidnapping of employees, substations are at the stage of completion.
extortion, threats of getting killed, The project will be completed by end of
opposition from local farmers and not just July 2010.
FMS has two main departments: Technical challenging task, to say the least.
and Housekeeping. The technical division is Some of the clients are - Hindustan Times,
providing services for equipments like Hindware and Fosco Engineering Works.
generators, air conditioners (air handling A2Z's key strengths in this business are good
units), fire fighting, transformers, high team coordination and good support from
voltage distribution etc. The Housekeeping the management.
division is providing housekeeping and
Mr Ved Pal The management tries to solve all problems
State Manager cleaning services.
Facility Management with mutual coordination. Deployment of
Services The A2Z Group uses systematized approach manpower in remote locations, training
in planning, procuring, installing and them frequently, ensuring customer
maintaining the spare parts of equipments satisfaction through constant feedbacks are
for providing excellent services to clients. few of the challenges which are efficiently
Our Security services are currently managed by strong planning and processes.
operative in area of 1150000 sq ft. and are
handling around 55 different clients. It's a
12. An IBS Hyderabad pass out, Mr Anand has experts. Technically very sound and
worked for companies like B P Energy and innovative, the team is providing solutions for
British Petroleum. He has the experience of waste management.
working with government organizations and The biggest challenge in the Patna project was
the Income Tax department as well. His that of liasoning. A number of players were
recommendations made Tropicana achieve not able to execute the project because they
the number one position in the Indian fresh were not equipped to communicate effectively
Mr Abhishek
Anand juice market. He joined the A2Z Group in with the government officials. But the A2Z
Operations Manager, October 2009 inspired by his noble thought of
Patna Group didn't encounter any problems because
wanting to contribute to the development of of its communication strategy. First, we
Bihar. created a communication platform, and then
Mr Anand is responsible for the planning, approached all the officials with it and today,
strategic management and levelling of the the project is in full swing.
Patna Project. He is directly dealing with The concept of Green Field Area has a lot of
Patna government. A2Z's key strength in potential because it is a virgin territory and
Patna is its good relations with the clients. presence of private players in this area is very
This has been possible because of the efforts limited. The scope of business opportunities in
of a hardworking and collaborative team of solid and liquid waste management is huge.
Mr Pandey is working on a project with The biggest challenge in this task was
Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut managing the highly dispersed terrain that
Vitran Company Ltd (MPPKVVCL) for meter made the integration of the system
data acquisition, development of IT cumbersome. The A2Z team solved the
infrastructure and erection. Mr Pandey is problem with strategic resource planning and
working with a team of 35 qualified IT implementation. Because of decentralized
engineers and till date they have installed architecture of the system, managing and
Mr Mohit Pandey
Senior Manager, 8000 modems, operative in 16 circles. Also, monitoring data was difficult. But the A2Z
Powertech they are providing ERM (Enterprise Resource team solved this problem with effective
Management) solutions to clients for project management. Our key strengths in
MECOMS, SAP and Oracle. His last this business: providing cost effective and
assignment was with HCL technologies. flexible solutions.
Mr Bhindar has been associated with the A2Z operations for the 33 MW Cogen Plant and was
Group for the last one year. He is the Project promoted to the post of Assitant General
in-charge for the Powercom projects in Manager for his exemplary work. Mr Bhindar
Punjab. Mr Bhindar comes with rich holds a long association with Rana Sugars
experience of more than 17 years in Project where he had been responsible for the
Management. He has handled several power erection and commissioning works of the
Mr S S Bhindar plant projects at Bajaj Hindustan. He has Sugar Plant.
Project Manager, handled erection and commissioning works Mr Bhindar describes his journey with A2Z as
a2z Powercom
while he was posted at Muzaffarnagar and highly challenging and is very enthusiastic
Amritsar. He has also been associated with about the three upcoming projects at Nakodar,
AB Sugar Ltd. where he had undertaken Morinda and Fazilka in the state of Punjab.
13. Leadership Profiles Meet the Leaders
We realize the impacts leaders can have on the young generation. Here,
we explore more about three eminent personalities of the A2Z Group.
Success = Dedication & Perseverance Mr Mehta highly commends the book “How to
Stop Worrying and Start Living” and describes it
Mr Mehta is Vice President, as a must read for everyone. He summerises the
Finance, A2Z Group. He has more book in three key learnings :
than three decades of experience
1. Live in a day tight compartment
in the field of Banking and Finance.
2. Every yesterday was Today and every
He has pursued his education from
Tomorrow will be Today
Meerut and holds a Bachelor's 3. Whenever one faces tough times one must
Mr Subhash
Mehta Degree in Science and is a post think of the worst possible situation and then
V P Finance graduate in Economics. He had an try to improve the situation. Doing so
illustrious career at Union Bank of whatever small gains one would achieve one
India where he served for 34 years. would gain maximum satisfaction as one was
prepared for the worst situation
A family man
Mr Mehta is blessed with 3 children. While his
eldest daughter is married, his elder son is an Of Life and Power
advocate and owns a law firm. His youner son is
Mr Anil Sharma has been
pursuing Engineering in Computer Science from
appointed as Executive Director,
Manipal University. He describes his mother and
a2z Powertech. He comes with
his elder brother as his pillars of strength from
over two decades of rich
whom he has imbibed the virtues of patience and
experience in Power Sector. He
perseverance.
hails from a middle class family
Mr Anil Sharma
Executive Director
and has spent his formative
Life beyond work years in the city of Calcutta. He
A self confessed workaholic, he loves to come to
did his schooling from Calcutta
office even on Sundays and holidays. Even when
and pursued his Bachelors of Technology in
he is not working, he engages himself in different
Electrical from Rural Engineering College,
activities. He enjoys watching news channels and
Kurukshetra. He has, to his credit, several
financial channels and is particularly fond of
professional courses which he attended at
following the share market. He advises making
various training programmes at BHEL, NTPC
sound investments in long term financial
and NPTI.
instruments. His most cherished moment was
when he built his own home at a young age of 27.
Despite being a workaholic, he strikes perfect
Professional journey
After his graduation, he joined erstwhile Haryana
balance between work and social life and never
State Electricity Board now known as DHBVN
fails to fulfill his personal commitments.
since 1993. At the time of joining, his assignment
was to operate 210 MW Thermal Power Plant at
Success mantra Panipat. He remained as Thermal Operation
His success mantra is to work hard with dedication
Engineer till August, 1996. After which, he was
and perseverance and not desire for result. "One
assigned to work on the distribution and retail
must be focused to attain goals," he says.
supply business activities in the Distribution Wing
of DHBVN. During the tenure of working with
Life at A2Z DHBVN from August, 1996 to October, 2007; he
He joined A2Z on September 1, 2006 as GM Finance was posted in different activity centers which
& HR. He describes his journey so far as exciting include hard core operations,
and challenging.
14. metering and protection, construction, material December, 1994. He has twenty years of
management, vigilance, planning and design cell experience in Accounts, Finance, Audit, Taxation,
in the capacity of Executive Engineer. Secretarial Matters, Public Issues (IPOs) & Fund
Management with different companies and
Later on, he quit DHBVN in November 2007 and consultancy organizations.
entered the corporate world by joining a2z
Powertech as Executive Director for developing His last assignment was with a listed 100%
businesses in areas of IT application in power Export Oriented Unit (R Systems International
sector, substation automation, DMS, distribution Ltd., a listed software development and BPO
franchisees etc. company) where he was working as CFO
India/Vice President (Finance) & Company
He recalls his seniors and professional colleagues Secretary (Compliance Officer) heading Finance,
at DHBVN, as some of the most significant people Accounts and Secretarial Department. He has
who played a major role in his professional life, also worked with Ernst and Young.
together with his family and friends.
A family man
When not at work A working life partner and a school going son
He relishes spending time with family and completes his family, who he considers have
friends. He shares a passion for sports especially played a very significant role in shaping up his
cricket, swimming, TT and badminton. He is also life. A proud father, Mr Sardana believes the birth
fond of soft music and long drives. He gives credit of his son to be the most cherished moment of his
to his wife for balancing his work and social life. life.
Life at A2Z Life beyond work
He joined A2Z on Feb 18, 2008 and the journey so
Mr Sardana believes that in today's day and age,
far has been very exciting and challenging. His
maintaining a healthy work life balance is an art
most cherished moment was when he, along with
and can be achieved only with consistent efforts.
his team, was awarded the first IT related project
He is an apt example that all work and no play lead
for AMR application by MPPKVCL, Jabalpur.
you to nowhere. An avid cricket lover, he loves to
play cricket in his leisure time. He can also be a
Success mantra couch potato off and on. He loves to be break off in
Success to him is all about being a true between his hectic work life to recharge his
professional and exhibiting zeal, dedication and energy for the battles ahead.
sincerity towards work.
Success mantra
Success, according to Mr Sardana, is an
Focus on Actions, Results will follow accomplishment of the goals set by an individual.
He believes in doing the work consistently and
Mr Nand Sardana has been focusing on action rather than the results, which
appointed as Senior Vice President – follow automatically.
Finance for the A2Z Group. He hails
from a humble background with a
Life at A2Z
small but a close knit family. Born
He joined A2Z as Senior Vice President Finance.
and brought up in Delhi, Mr
Mr Nand He believes the journey so far has been very
Sardana Sardana completed his graduation challenging and satisfactory.
Sr V P Finance (BSc. H) from Shaheed Bhagat Singh
College of the Delhi University. “Never stop or get disheartened, continue the
Subsequently, he passed Chartered Accountancy efforts and you will get success,” his mantra for
in November, 1989 and Company Secretary in life.
15. Innovation
Key to Sustainable, Competitive Advantage
A genius idea alone has a zero-value. What
makes it priceless is the quality of follow-through
and the speed of execution around the genius
What is innovation?
idea. Daily ripples of excellence becomes a Here are a few examples
tsunami if success.
Robin Sharma ? Some years back, a soap manufacturing unit at
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) was facing a
'Innovation' is the new buzz word in today's problem. They had an automated soap packaging
business world. Companies use this word to line and some of the soap wrappers escaped
justify just about everything. without the product. This was of serious concern
for the management as those empty covers were
But the question is: Do the companies use it in attracting a bad image on the brand. Experts
right way? In simple terms, Innovation is the deliberated and concluded that they should
process that transforms ideas into new business install an X-ray soap scanner on that automated
values. Innovation is different from invention. line. It called for an investment of a few million
While Invention is the creation of new ideas, dollars. One day they were about to place its
implementing those ideas into business order, a worker came up with an idea. He
practices is innovation. suggested the installation of a high speed fan
instead of an X-ray scanner. The fan would blow
the empty boxes out of the line and ensure no
Companies need Innovation for empty soap wrappers. Simple and innovative!
attaining sustainable advantage
as this is the best way to stay
ahead of competition. If a
company wants to retain and
increase its customer base,
constant innovation is the key.
Innovation helps in creating
flexible and more adaptive
business processes with changing
? Colgate is another case in study. The company's
business environments. management was worried about its decreasing
sales. The quality measures were fine, sales and
distribution channels had no problems and
Innovation enables faster and accurate actions expenditure on advertisement, promotional
and allows companies to better anticipate activities were high. So, what was the problem? A
disruptions in day-to-day business operations clerk suggested a way to increase sales. An
that help in taking proactive and quick measures increase in the diameter of the toothpaste's
to improve results. Some of the business giants mouth. With this, more paste would come out of
like GM got bankrupt and the biggest reason for the tube and will lead to an increase in the sales
that was that they failed to innovate and adapt. of the toothpaste, he suggested. How unique and
effective!
16. It is not necessary that only research experts and the business models that is 'Public Private
think tanks can be innovative. A middle level Patnership'. A2Z is using unique solutions like
employee or a machine operator can also be an installing the biggest HVDS in Punjab. Another
innovator because he is the one who knows the example of A2Z's unique approach is its practice
process, and he is a part of it. One just needs to of identifying Waste as a valuable Resource for
think out of the box. the future. Waste Management is one of the
biggest challenges for India and and our
We, at the A2Z Group, are aiming to sustain our organisation has taken a definite Leadership
innovation edge. We are seeing the best results in position.
A2Z's Field Innovations
In-house designed Transformer mounting Mechanism using Tractor hoist
In-house designed Augurs and saw-toothed Spiral Augurs
Special in-house designed vacuum cleaner
Mr Sujoy Kr Mitra
Deputy Manager,
Corporate Development
17. EHV Transmission Line
Construction and Checking
At present, the highest rating of will be connected with another line( 765 kV S/C
transmission line available in India Khurja-Agra line), being constructed by M/s EMCO
is 765 kV. Efforts are being made by for POWERGRID. The total time period to complete
Power Grid Corporation of India 130 KM Meerut-Agra (Khurja) line is 22 months as
Ltd. to go up to 1200 kV in the near per order but A2Z has planned to complete it, 2
future. months ahead of the schedule.
Mr R Ranjan
Project President
The first EHV transmission line for The walkover survey has been done in record time
A2Z in the category of 765 kV, of 3 days and within 2 days, the reports were
awarded by Power Grid submitted to POWERGRID indicating 3 routes.
Corporation of India Ltd., is under construction. After detailed presentation made by A2Z to
This is S/C line having Quad ACSR Bersimis Engineering Dept. of POWERGRID, Regional Head
conductor, total length of 130 KM(approx.), from Office at Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi and
Meerut to Khurja passing through wind zone - 4 POWERGRID site office , the final most suitable
(47 meters/sec) having normal span of 400 mts., line route was approved by POWERGRID. The
height of tower around 45 meters and the weight detail survey and check survey work are already
of tower without extension varies from 23 in full swing and expected to finish by June/ July
MT(type–A) to 47 MT (type–D).The maximum ’10 against the schedule i.e. Sep’10 for detail
extension allowable in this line is up to 25 meters survey and Nov’10 for check survey.
and due to extension the increase in the weight of
These days, the survey of EHV transmission lines
Tower will be 7 to 8 MT (approx.).
is being made by Modern techniques.
Total value of this contract is Rs 99.68 Cr excluding
Fundamentals of survey of EHV transmission lines
cost of Conductor and Insulators which will be
by modern techniques.
supplied by POWERGRID. At Khurja end, this line
18. The Walkover Survey
In this phase, three alternative alignments are distance and angle. Once the line is surveyed, the
drawn for the Transmission line keeping in mind profile is prepared using PLS CADD Software.
all relevent constraints. These routes are then During survey, tree are counted and forest
analysed for minimum forestry, minimum length, proposal is also prepared wherever forest trees
considering different types of crossing of line etc. need to be cut. The proposal for various
These routes are surveyed using the high statutory clearance is also initiated by the Client
resolution GPS Equipment (Global Positioning based on survey feedback. The Survey of India
System) for checking the actual situation on the topo sheets(scale 1: 50000) are further updated
ground. All the required co-ordinates are with the help of latest satellite images which is
collected using the GPS at all Angle Points, being purchased from identified sources. During
crossings etc. Once the walkover is completed, detailed survey, fixed marking etc. are made for
one final route is chosen as the best route out of all angle points and different crossings to
three identified routes. The required topo sheets ascertain the route in the future.(PLS CADD
are procured & scanned and geo-referenced in Software prepares the profile and the Tower
WGS 84 system. The co-ordinates obtained from Schedules).
field are verified with this database. (GPS gives
the co-ordinates of the location identified on The Check Survey
ground). The check survey is conducted just before the
construction of the line. This check survey
The Detailed Survey establishes the exact route on the ground. Pegs
Once a route is identified as the proposed route, are placed at each tower location.
detailed survey is done using the Total Station (The soil investigation is also a parallel activity
and GPS. Total Station will give exact which is preferably done during the check survey)
19. Book Review
A Better India, A Better World
What will it take for India to bridge the The book is a collection of 38, well-
great economic divide? When will the arranged speeches delivered by
fruits of development reach the poorest of Narayana Murthy on different occasions.
the poor, and wipe the tears from the eyes Murthy, who took the world by storm
of every man, woman and child, as with software revolution, spells out his
Mahatma Gandhi had dreamt? And how vision on modern India. A country that is
should this, our greatest challenge ever, be growing with one of the highest GDP
negotiated? growth rates, in the world, with
N R Narayana Murthy, the founder and advancements in technology, industry
mentor of Infosys and who pioneered, and entrepreneurship. On the flip side, a
designed and executed the Global number of people are in the clutches of
Delivery Model that has become the hunger, unemployment, illiteracy and
cornerstone of India's success in malnutrition. 'What will it take for India
information technology ser vices to bridge this great divide?' Through this
outsourcing. In his extraordinarily book, the author tries to offer a solution to
inspiring and visionary book he shows us a seemingly difficult question. Overall,
Author: N R Narayana Murthy the book will be an enjoyable reading if
that a society working for the greatest
welfare of the greatest number — samasta we consider the context of each speech.
Publisher: Penguin Books However, the book falls short on reader's
jananam sukhino bhavantu — must focus
expectation on offering a comprehensive
on two simple things: values and good
view to 'bridge the gap between the rich
Other details: 320pp, 499 INR leadership. Drawing on the remarkable
and the poor' and to lead India and its
Infosys story and the lessons learnt from
masses to a brighter tomorrow. The book
the two decades of post-reform India,
has an ability to move our thoughts on
Narayana Murthy lays down the ground
various subjects concerning our polity.
rules that must be followed if future
generations are to inherit a truly The thoughts that guide the Infosys
progressive nation. employees on accountability and
transparency are worth mentioning, and
Compiled from Narayana Murthy's
they are repeated at several places in the
lectures delivered around the world, A
Review: A Mohanty book. 1. The softest pillow is a clear
Better India: A Better World, is a manifesto
VP – SCM & Logistics consciousness. 2. In God we trust,
for the youth, the architects of the future,
everybody else brings data to the table. 3.
and a compelling argument for why a
You can disagree with me, as long as you
better India holds the key to a
are not disagreeable. 4. When in
better world.
doubt, disclose.
A2Z Knits 16000 employees Employees having any queries, issues or problems can
get them resolved by sending an SMS to the
through www.MJOOZ.com corresponding telephones nos:
Received very good response. Keep Sending
Department Mobile no.
In an effort to provide immediate and direct access to HR Electrical 9560190351
the 14000 employess of the A2Z Group across India, an HR Infrastructure,
enterprise communication solution has been
Powertech & Powercom 9560190352
developed. The solution provides every employee,
having a mobile phone, who may not have the access to HR Infraservices 9560190353
internet or PC or even GPRS, to connect directly to HR Escalation 9560190354
important departments like HR, Finance and even the
Finance 9560190355
CMD. A simple SMS will ensureimediate corrective
action on all queries, issues, complaints etc within Finance escalation 9560190356
3 days. CMD Cell 9560190357
20. Contest
Candid Camera
Thank you all for your participation!
We are pleased to receive such an encouraging response from all of you. Keep
sending your entries. And remember, the winner not only receives a reward of Rs
5,000 but also gets featured in Horizons!
Take pictures of the sites/projects you are working on and let the magic begin!
Eligibility: All employees of the A2Z Group across all locations
The Judging Process: The best shots will be selected by an independent jury
comprising professional photographers
All entries to be sent
The 1st Prize: 2nd Prize: 3rd Prize:
Rewards: at
Rs 5000 Rs 2000 Rs 1000 horizons@a2zemail.com
And the Winner is…
Ashish Gosh
Project Engineer
Kargil
The Jury has decided on one winner
A2Z Group goes digital
For staying relevant and "live-wired" in this age of "Digital Economy", A2Z Group
launches the following digital initiatives:
1. A2Z Group on Twitter
Now follow A2Z group updates on A2Z group on www.twitter.com/a2zgroup
You may get most corporate communication updates on this by just linking it to
your email id.
2. A2Z Channel at Youtube
Mr Sujoy Kr Mitra Mr Vipin Sahni Mr Arvind Bagga
http://www.youtube.com/thea2zgroup Deputy Manager, Marketing Management Trainee
3. A2Z Blogging Corporate Development Executive Corporate Development
http://a2zgroup.wordpress.com
This is just the beginning. Now you can look forward to more such initiatives in
the days to come. Watch this space.
Printed, Published & Edited by Mr Hemant Gupta, for and on behalf of A2Z Group. Designed by
5th & 6th floor, Enkay Square, Plot No. 448-A, Phase-V, Udyog Vihar, Gurgaon 122 016, Haryana, India. Idiom Communication Pvt Ltd
Tel.: 0124-4517600 Fax: 0124-4380014 Website : www. a2zgroup.co.in Email : info@a2z email.com idiomcommunication@gmail.com