Sweet Memories: Rajesh's Birthday Dinner @ The Avenue

Contribute to my Capstone Project: Second Life

Hello!!!

First week of MPE semester III and there is lot of action already. We have just started work on our Capstone projects. Let me share what I am going to do as part of my Capstone project.

Project Title: "Second Life's impact on future of business world"

Background:

As you may know, Second Life is an online, 3D virtual world imagined and created by its residents / users. It started as an internet-based video game created by Linden Lab, first launched on June 23, 2003. Today, it's much more than a game. With more than 14residents, living and doing business (with Linden dollor as currency), it's truly a happening world to be in.

Official Site: http://secondlife.com/
Economy Stats: http://secondlife.com/whatis/economy_stats.php
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

How does "future of business" fit in here?

Do you know Arcelor Mittal had organised shareholder meeting in Second Life? Yes, Fortune 500 companies, like IBM, also have presence in the Second Life. Organizations use Second Life as a platform (http://secondlifegrid.net/) to achieve:

• Increased Productivity
• Effective Collaboration
• Improved Communication
• Enhanced Engagement with stakeholders
• Reduce cost, etc.

Objective of my project:

I would like to study various implications such a platform may have on future business scenario. Also, look at various opportunities and challenges for the organizations leveraging the Second Life for business purpose. I also wish to use Second Life and demonstrate a business transaction as part of my project.

Who am I in the Second Life? Well, you need to figure that out by actually being in that world. Just a hint, I am a Mahatma!!!

My Humble Request:

Over next 5-6 months, if you come across any insightful article, news or information on this topic, please share them with me. What better option that to post them as comment to this blog entry itself? Looking forward to your support and encouragement.

See you there in the Second Life...

MPE Journey so far....

Exactly one year back on May 27th, 2007, I left US to enroll for MPE at NMIMS in India. The GD & PI went well and I headed for a much-needed 1 month vacation. It's been quite a journey since then.

1st semester was fun. New environment, new place, new friends... My project team was excellent. Well, let me first introduce them.

1. Anand: I still don't understand what he is doing in a Telecom company. He is a entrepreneur material - I just can't wait see him make it big in the business world.
2. Anshu: Balanced personality - very mature, thinker, well-read as well as someone who enjoys every moment in life.
3. Lakshmi: If you want to see a truly honest person, you must meet Lakshmi. I admire the way she conducts herself in every situation. Very accommodating and hard-working too.
4. Namita: Extrovert, Fun, Party, "Can do" attitude! Without Nami, our group would be incomplete. She truly makes it fun working as a team. Also, a very good manager, I must admit.
5. Prachi: Before meeting Prachi, I always thought it would be impossible for a working mother to manage study in a B-school. It says a lot about her passion and hard work. Also, a style icon!

In B schools, you learn from your peers as much as you do from faculties. I have learned a great deal from my peers and I must thank all of them.

We worked on various projects and assignments together.

• Marketing to Kids (Marketing Management)
• Personality and Development (Organizational Behaviour)
• Knowledge Management using IT (Information Management)
• Study of General Insurance Industry in India (Managerial Economics)
• Project Financing (Financial Analysis & Management)
• Various Case Studies (Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc.)

Of course, there was enough doze of parties, entertainment, movies, games as well.

Comparatively, the second semester has given less opportunities to work in groups. We just completed a couple of projects.

• Sales Management in IT Industry (Sales Management)
• Latest trends and challenges in Performance Appraisal (Human Resource Management)

At the same time, we did more case studies in this semester . Hilton, Intel, US Army, Apple, etc.

It's been quite a learning experience so far. So, what's next? We have few parties, one presentation and final exam lined up in next few months!!!