Technology plays a major role in helping to face the competitive market situations today.Newspapers all over the world have embraced the technology in order to achievehigh level of efficiency, be it for collecting news, producing the newspaper, reaching the paper before the deadline etc. They aim to reduce the cost, bring in automation and test new business models as there is an increasing pressure to be relevant and profitable. However, such adoption of technology have to be aligned with strategy and one needs to take a holistic approach to technology in relevance to improving the efficiency.

In this context, the role of a production executive is multi- faceted and highly challenged.This workshop will address these concerns and provide an in-depth understandingof how a strategic approach to these issues can help improve overall productivityof the organisation. The programme also includes a six sigma methodology to help improve efficiency and quality and provides a road map.

Note: The workshop will be followed by an optional visit to ‘The Times of India’ printingplant in Airoli on 24th February.

Programme

• Evolution of technology and transformation of newspaper production
• Important production and quality issues
• Process improvement
• Concept of Standardisation – why standardise
• Approach to budgeting
• Role of suppliers and innovation
• Six Sigma - What, why and How
• Six Sigma implementation road map
• Trouble shooting tools,techniques and process mapping
• How to establish and measure production attributes and metrics
• Case study analysis

Target Group
Production Director, Technical Director, General Manger, Operations Manager, Technical Manager, Production Manager, Prepress and Press Manager

Speakers

Kasturi BalajiKasturi Balaji is the Managing Director of Kasturi & Sons Ltd., the publishers of The Hindu. He is the board member of WAN-IFRA and chairman of WAN-IFRA South Asia Committee. He has more than 25 years of experience in technology, production and ink manufacturing.

Sanat HazraSanat Hazra is the Technical DIrector of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., the publishers of The Times of India. He was earlier Executive Director of Production with New York Times, and was responsiblefor its production planning and operation. He is a member of WAN-IFRA South Asia committee and WAN-IFRA Advisory council

Nandkumar Mishra is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He has worked on over 200 Benchmarking, Lean & Six Sigma Projects giving savings of over Rs. 50 Crores. He has trained over 500 Lean Six Sigma professional worldwide and 3000 participants in other areas of HR, Quality and Business Excellence.