INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

GHAZIABAD

“Study on role of manager vis a vis Information Technology in Ashok Leyland”

PGDM -2014-16

SECTION-B

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:Dr. Sunayana Jain Gunjan Singh Rana (BM-014093)Faculty of Information Technology HimeshVerma (BM-014095)

KashSadana (BM-014102)KunalSahni (BM-014109)

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DECLARATION

We, declare that the project entitled “Study on role of manager vis a vis

Information Technology in Ashok Leyland” submitted for the PGDM Degree is our

original work and the project has not formed the basis for the award of any degree associate

ship, fellowship or any other similar titles.

Place: Signature of the student

Date:

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The successful completion of any work would be always be incomplete unless we mention

the valuable cooperation and assistance of those people who were a source of constant

guidance and encouragement , they served as bacon light and crowned our efforts with

success.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our Professor Dr. Sunayana Jain for her guidance.

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SNO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

1 Declaration 2

2 Acknowledgement 3

3 Introduction 5

4 History 6-7

5 Information Technology 8-9

6 Role of Information Technology Manager9-13

7 Conclusion 14

8 Bibliography 15

9 Questionnaire 16

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

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Ashok Leyland is an Indian automobile manufacturing company based in Chennai, India.

Founded in 1948, it is the 2nd largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, 4th largest

manufacturer of buses in the world and 16th largest manufacturer of trucks globally.

Operating six plants, Ashok Leyland also makes spare parts and engines for industrial and

marine applications. It sells about 60,000 vehicles and about 7,000 engines annually. It is the

second largest commercial vehicle company in India in the medium and heavy commercial

vehicle (M&HCV) segment with a market share of 28% (2007–08). With passenger

transportation options ranging from 19 seaters to 80 seaters, Ashok Leyland is a market

leader in the bus segment. The company claims to carry over 60 million passengers a day,

more people than the entire Indian rail network. In the trucks segment Ashok Leyland

primarily concentrates on the 16 ton to 25 ton range of trucks. However Ashok Leyland has

presence in the entire truck range starting from 7.5 tons to 49 tons. With a joint venture

with Nissan Motors of Japan the company made its presence in the Light Commercial

Vehicle (LCV) segment (<7.5 tons).

Ashok Leyland's UK subsidiary Optare has shut down its bus factory in Blackburn,

Lancashire.[2] This subsidiary's traditional home in Leeds has also been vacated in favour of a

purpose built plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet.

HISTORY

Ashok Motors

Ashok Leyland was founded in 1948 by Raghunandan Saran, a freedom fighter from Punjab.[3] After Independence he was persuaded by India’s first Prime Minister Nehru, to invest in

modern industrial venture. Thus Ashok Motors was incorporated in 1948 as a company to

assemble and manufacture Austin cars from England, and the company was named after the

founders only son Ashok Saran . The company had its headquarters

in RajajiSaalai, Chennai (then Madras) with the plant in Ennore, a small fishing hamlet in the

North of Chennai. The Company was engaged in assembly and distribution of Austin

A40 passenger cars in India.

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Under Leyland

Sometime later, the founder Raghunandan Saran passed away in an air crash, prior to that he

had been negotiating with Leyland of Britain for assembly of commercial vehicles as he

envisioned commercial vehicle were more in need at that time than were passenger cars. The

company later under Madras State Government and other shareholders finalised for an

investment and technology partner and thus the British based Leyland Motors joined in 1954

with equity participation by Leyland Motors, changing the name of the company to Ashok

Leyland. Ashok Leyland then started manufacturing commercial vehicles. Under Leyland's

management with British expatriate and Indian executives the company grew in strength to

become one of India's foremost commercial vehicle manufacturers.

The collaboration ended sometime in 1975 but the holding of British Leyland, now a major

British Auto Conglomerate as a result of several mergers agreed to assist in technology which

continued until the 1980s. Post 1975, changes in management structures saw the company

launch various advanced vehicles and pioneering innovations in the Indian market, with

many of these models continuing to this day with numerous upgrades over the years.

Under Iveco and Hinduja partnership

In 1987, the overseas holding by Land Rover Leyland International Holdings Limited

(LRLIH) was taken over by a joint venture between the Hinduja Group, the Non-Resident

Indian transnational group and IVECO, part of the Fiat Group. Ashok Leyland’s long-term

plan to become a global player by benchmarking global standards of technology and quality

was soon firmed up. Access to international technology and a US$200 million investment

programme created a state-of-the-art manufacturing base to roll out international class

products.

Hinduja Group

In 2007, the Hinduja Group also bought out IVECO's indirect stake in Ashok Leyland. The

promoter shareholding now stands at 51%. Today the company is the flagship of the Hinduja

Group, a British-based and Indian originated trans-national conglomerate after Hinduja’s

bought Iveco’s remaining ownership stakes.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Information technology (IT) is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data,[1] often in the context of a business or other enterprise.[2] The term is commonly used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Several industries are associated with information technology, including computer hardware, software, electronics, semiconductors,internet, telecom equipment, e-commerce and computer services

Role of IT manager vis by vis IT in Ashok Leyland :-

1. Technical staff duties2. IT Infrastructure update3. Product identification4. Products purchase5. Product Implementation6. IT inventory management includes issue, maintenance, services7. Internet Connection8. ISP purchase - > Proper utilization

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN ASHOK LEYLAND

1. The IT adoption in Ashok Leyland is considerably high; it is an IT-enabled organization and relies on Information Technology very heavily

• From an IT-enabled organization, Ashok Leyland would like to move to an IT-led organization – more collaboration between business and IT

• The vision is for IT to be viewed as a value center rather than as a cost center

• Social, Mobility, Analytics, and Cloud (SMAC) will be used as vehicles to transform the organization from an IT-enabled to an IT-led organization

• They have a very strong IT engineering platform Background on Challenge

2. Background on Challenge

• The company plans to adopt SMAC to increase collaboration both within the organization as well as with partners & improve agility (They currently use Lync, Sharepoint and SAP for external collaboration)

• Ashok Leyland is represented in Facebook

• They want to churn and translate Big Data available to them into “Big Insights” • They are also considering in-memory computing

3. The need to differentiate from competition is ever-increasing in the areas of product design Due to increasing competition, there is tremendous pressure and need for improving product quality at reduced cost to remain competitive & Warranty cost directly impacts the bottom line of an organization. How can we leverage data to provide insights towards reducing such costs?

Solution:- The ProblemProviding insights by consolidating the data from multiple sources to improve product performance is a challenge Product data today is captured in multiple systems like ERP, CRM, DMS, PLM, MES, etc. performance and enhancing customer experience

4. How can Ashok Leyland leverage Big Data to improve Product performance and reduce warranty costs? The Challenge Statement

Metrics to be achieved in the challenge:

1. Reduce warranty cost by 10%

2. Reduce defects per vehicle by 10%

3. Reduce cycle time in defect capturing to implementation of design modification

4. Improve customer satisfaction by reducing the repair time The Challenge Statement – DetailsAshok Leyland has a centralized Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) and Dealer Management System (DMS) Ashok Leyland has got almost 700 touch points including Dealers, Authorized Service centers, Spare parts retailers, etc. Important Points to Remember

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ROLE OF IT MANAGER

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The main reason for the position, in what context and what is the overall end result)The Information Technology Manager is responsible for installing and maintaining computer hardware, software and networks.

SCOPE

The way that the position contributes to and impacts on the organizationThe Information Technology Manager reports to the Senior Administrative Officer and manage and provides hardware and software maintenance, training and consultation, and recommendations about future planning and development of resources. Providing these servicesin an effective and efficient manner will ensure maximum access to and implementation of technology services and resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major responsibilities and target accomplishments expected of the position including the

typical problems encountered in carrying out the responsibilities.

1.Manage information technology and computer systemsPlan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of information systems and electronic data processing (EDP)

Develop and implement policies and procedures for electronic data processing and computer systems operations and developmentMeet with managers to discuss system requirements, specifications, costs and timelinesHire and manage information systems personnel and contractors to design, develop, implement, operate and administer computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systemsControl the computer systems budgets and expenditures

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2.

Ensure technology is accessible and equipped with current hardware and software Main ActivitiesTroubleshoot hardware, software and network operating system

Be familiar with all hardware and software

Be familiar with network operating system

Provide orientation to new users of existing technologyTrain staff about potential uses of existing technologyTrain staff about new and potential useProvide individual training and support on requestProvide recommendations about accessing information and support

Maintain current and accurate inventory of technology hardware, software and resources

3.Monitor and maintain technology to ensure maximum accessMain ActivitiesTroubleshoot all technology issuesMaintain log and/or list of required repairs and maintenanceMake recommendations about purchase of technology resourcesResearch current and potential resources and servicesProvide network access to all staff and students

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Install work stationsConnect and set up hardwareLoad all required software

Provide network accounts and passwords as requiredMonitor security of all technologyInstall and maintain Foolproof and passwordsInput and maintain IP addressesAdvise staff of security breach and/or change in password or security statusEnsure installation of lock out programsIdentify and prepare hardware for disposal when appropriateEnsure hardware is stripped and secured before disposal

Perform other related duties as required during working hours

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:Computer hardware and software systems and programs Computer networks, network administration and network installation

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Computer troubleshooting, Computer viruses and security Email and internet programs and understanding of the northern economic, cultural and political environment Skills

The incumbent must demonstrate the followingSkills:

Management and supervisory skills

Ability to install and administer computer hardware, software and networks team building skills analytical and problem solving skills decision making skills effective verbal, presentation and listening communications skills

Effective written communications skillsComputer skills including the ability to operate computerized accounting, spreadsheet, word processing, graphics and website development programs at a highly proficient level stress management skills

Time management skills

Personal Attributes The incumbent must demonstrate the following personal attributes includes Be honest and trustworthy be respectfulPossess cultural awareness and sensitivity be flexible

Working Conditions

The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental

Physical Demands

The Information Technology Manager will have to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain. The Information Technology Manager will have to do some lifting of computer equipment, supplies and materials from time to time.

Environmental Conditions

The Information Technology Manager may have to manage a number of projects at one time, and may be interrupted frequently to meet the needs and requests of clients. The Information Technology Manager may find the environment to be busy, noisy and will need excellent organizational and time and stress management skills to complete the required tasks.

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Sensory Demands

Sensory demands include use of the computer, which may cause eyestrain and occasional headaches. The municipal office may be noisy and busy making it difficult for Information Technology Manager to concentrate.

Mental Demands

The Information Technology Manager deals with a very stressful environment as many of the clients are frustrated and require immediate services.

IT managers have a lot in common with project managers but their main difference is one of focus: an IT manager is responsible and accountable for an ongoing program of IT services while the project manager's responsibility and accountability are both limited to a project with a clear start and end date

Most IT management programs are designed to educate and develop managers who can effectively manage the planning, design, selection, implementation, use, and administration of emerging and converging information and communications technologies. The program curriculum provides students with the technical knowledge and management knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate people, information and communication technologies, and business processes in support of organizational strategic goals.

Graduates should be able

1. To explain the important terminology, facts, concepts, principles, analytic techniques, and theories used in IT management.

2. To apply important terminology, facts, concepts, principles, analytic techniques, and theories in IT management when analyzing complex factual situations.

3. To integrate (or synthesize) important facts, concepts, principles, and theories in IT management when developing solutions to IT management multifaceted problems in complex situations.

The importance of IT management is to understand the managing data. There are also difficulties IT managers overcome. The amount of data is increasing; most of the data in is separated between the organizations and collected by different departments. They may not be using the same method or procedure. Data security, quality and integrity is most informant in receiving information. The sources have an impact also on the sources obtained; they may be internal or external. When the information structures do not transfer properly with each other, that can result in unreliable data. An important part to understand in an IT management is Data Governance. It is an approach to managing information across the entire organization or company. Many will also need to know master data management, which is a process that spans all of the Companies processes and business. Without a structure your company will not be able to function properly. Applying these processes in Data bases, it your job to be able to communicate with other departments systems and develop precise communication and holding your organization accountable of certain data issues. Your design and programs helps increase design and technical knowledge throughout the business.

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CONCLUSION

Ashok Leyland is one of the largest Indian commercial vehicle manufacturers and one of the largest suppliers of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army.

IT has become a strategic tool for business excellence for the automotive industry which has a great need for Integrated Digital Design and Manufacture .The IT manager has to face the challenges today while adopting new technology solutions and the balancing act they had to do regarding experiences of ERP implementation at Ashok Leyland and their technology refresh initiatives.

Ashok Leyland implemented a product data management (PDM) system, and at the same time redefined its product lifecycle management (PLM) system to bring about better design quality and improve efficiency. With this system in place, the company’s R&D team members can collaborate virtually in designing products, thereby not only increasing the chances of identifying various manufacturing issues early on and producing better quality products, but also allowing the company’s engineers to be more productive. This has also helped Ashok Leyland save time and money during the physical manufacturing process.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Annual Report of Ashok Leyland 2013

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http://www.ashokleyland.com/sites/default/files/journals/22002news.pdf

www.topgear.com/india

www.ashokleylandlcv.com

www.hindujagroup.com

http://www.rediff.com/money/report/ashok/20071031.htm

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2000/10/19/stories/091959g1.htm

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. From which media source you got the information about Ashok Leyland?a) Advertisement b) internetc) Social media d) Newspaper

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2. Would you prefer Ashok leyland products to someone else?a) Yes b) No

3. Do you think Ashok Leyland products are profitable?a) Yes b) No

4. What do you think of Ashok Leyland as a brand?a) Good b) Very goodc) Average d) Poor

5. How would you rate availability of Ashok Leyland products?a) Good b) Very goodc) Average d) Poor

6. Is the time ripe for a full-fledged ERP solution at Ashok leyland?a) Yes b) No

7. Do you think the IT infrastructure is satisfactory at Ashok Leyland?A) Yes b) No

8. Do you think Ashok Leyland is using its IT services to access consumer behaviour?a) Yes b) No

9. What should Ashok Leyland do to enhance its IT infrastructure?

a) Continue with the home grown solution

b) Undertake a revamp and application renewal exercise

c) Attempt implementation of a product platform

10. How would you rate IT Management in Ashok Leyland as Compared to others?

a) Very Good

b) Good

C) Average

D) Below Average

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