Professor profile
Nagendra Chowdhary is Dean of the Icfai Business School Case Development Centre (IBSCDC).
1. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on six different case studies: (a) How Netflix is using neuroscience to understand consumer behavior, (b) Would the Microsoft-Yahoo deal go through the competition authorities’ scrutiny? (c) Why is it that there are no world-class Indian consulting houses although there are world-class Indian consultants? (d) What is the future of the newspaper industry in US given the fact that the users are demanding the content free of cost? (e) Why has there been an increase in labor unrest in India in the last two years? (f) With the rise in entrepreneurial spirit in India, what would be the shape of New Age Indian Entrepreneurs?
2. A case study that you think is important. Why?
According to me there are two series of case studies that I rate a must read for everyone: (a) Ryan Air – Dogfight Over Europe (A,B and C), and (b) Honda (a), Honda (b) and British Motorcycle Industry at a Cross Roads. They are interesting because they highlight an important aspect of strategy formulation. In strategy, there are two divergent schools of thought – one argues that strategy can be deliberate while the second says that strategy would be emerging/ evolving, as opposed to being a deliberate effort. Both the case series clearly demonstrate how beautifully strategy has evolved for these two iconic companies and how the firms made important choices related to resources.
3. A management book you think highly of. Why?
There are many favourites. But Only The Paranoid Survive by Andrew S. Grove (Broadway, 1999) ranks the highest for me, for several reasons. The most important being it articulates a powerful and useful concept. The concept of Strategic Inflection Points is the highlight of this book, which I believe is so central to keep individuals and companies well prepared.
4. A very recent management title you read and/or one you would like to read. Describe.
Buyology by Martin Lindstrom (Broadway Business, 2008). I happened to read this book while doing a case study on Netflix. It’s just an amazing book. It’s as amazing as the maverick author.
5. What is one of your well-liked teaching moments (case, discussion topic etc.)?
The most cherished moment is when I taught an MBA class discussing a serious topic on monetary policy – the interlinkages between inflation, interest rates and exchange rates. I would rate that as the most cherished moment of my teaching life.
6. If tomorrow an angel investor offered enough money to start up a company, what sort of new product or service would you like to offer?
A mobile and pocket-based servant.
