Chairman’s message may/june 2009

Did you know that researchers have proved that a flock of 25 migratory birds flying in a “V” formation can fly as much as 70% further than a solo bird using the same amount of energy?

Did you also know that a team of cyclists similarly have a collective advantage riding together? These interesting facts demonstrate that “team work” achieves greater success.
Corporate life equally benefits from emulating the “team work” maxim especially in the field of Project Management. The combination of our project management initiatives, where unique objectives are coordinated within agreed time, cost and performance parameters, has resulted in an amazing growth within the shipping and logistics sectors. It continues to be important that we recognise the influence of developing technologies as having a catalytic role. In today’s world, having a strong Projects Team is a priority for any shipping and logistics company. Whilst there is no magic formula to ensure that projects are successful, I believe that human resources, materials, assets and time are of critical importance. The right proportion, the correct use and a targeted objective which combines them together at an appropriate time engenders a successful project. CSS, being one of the leading companies in the Projects, Oil & Energy sectors in Middle East, is gifted with a blend of professionals who advance our project enterprises successfully.

The Projects division started on a small scale and then moved on to become one of the major divisions of the company engaging in major projects that involved moving and erecting heavy machinery, construction equipment, oil and energy machinery, gas turbines, and huge yachts etc. Now known as The Projects, Oil & Energy Division they have developed into specialists additionally committed to the project management of Oil and Energy equipment. As a successful team within CSS they have undertaken prestigious projects in the Middle East and Sub-Continent. Whilst these are achievements, I am enthused by the example of the birds and the cyclists - flying further, moving onwards and achieving faster - this is how project management will beneficially direct and influence CSS.

CSS India started functioning from Pune

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. has started operations from its new office in Pune. This is CSS India’s 11th office. Pune is one of the premier industrial centers of India. It is home to one of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers. Apart from the auto giants, a large number of engineering, electronic and electrical industries have set up base in the large, medium and small scale sectors of this city. The industrial township of Pimpri Chinchwad, adjacent to the main city, is dotted with over 4,000 manufacturing units. This vast and well established industrial base has imbibed the city with a ‘professional’ ethos and work culture. Atlas Copco, Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Allianz, Bajaj Tempo, Cummins India, Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals, Kirloskar Oil Engines, Kinetic Engineering, Mercedes Benz India, SKF Bearings, Sandvik Asia, Tetrapak India, Thermax, Zensar and various other corporate giants are having its headquarters in Pune. The presence with an own office and dedicated manpower here will definitely be advantageous for CSS India in many ways. We wish all success for the CSS India team at Pune.

14th Anniversary celebrations

CSS Group celebrated its 14th anniversary staff party at Margham dessert camp in Dubai on Friday 27th February, 2009.

The annual party began at 4 pm with an entourage of Land cruisers arriving at the venue.
The evening commenced with musical octaves from Stephen and Anand.
Stephen Devassy, leading pianist and key board player, is a much sought after name in the Indian music industry with experience spanning over a decade. Anand Narayan, a stage performer and an upcoming play back singer from Kerala, India has stunned audiences with his soulful songs. Over 350 employees, their families and guests had the experience of a mesmerizing performance given by Stephen Devassy and Anand Narayan. Kids were entertained with various activities like face painting, balloon making, and bouncy castle throughout the party.

As the venue lit up towards the evening, the party took turn with mimicry by Viji Kumar& team, solo performances from Valencia, Earnest and Group performance from Aparna& team dancing away to the tunes of catchy bollywood songs. The formal part of the party started with T S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group extending his a welcome address expressing his gratitude towards the staff for their hard work and dedication.

This year ‘Employee of the Year’ award was shared between Githesh Krishnan-Accounts Clerk, Dubai and Rahul Radhakrishnan -Operations executive, Abu Dhabi branch for outstanding performance in their respective fields. This was followed by the Chairman recognizing and felicitating employees who have completed 10 years of service. The honorees were Ahmed Al Rais-Sr. VP Air Freight, Angeli Sudheer-Sales Manager, Suku Sudhakaran -Transport Manager, Raufa Sheikh -Pricing Manager, Baiju Sadanand -Asst. Manager, Sharon Cunningham-Sr.Coordinator, Sree Valsan- Transport Coordinator and Angela Fernandes- Front office Assistant.

Finally the raffle draw took place. This year’s raffle draw saw very attractive gifts which were sponsored by ever supporting business associates within the industry. The highlight of the evening was auctioning of the raffle draw prize ticket to any destination of Emirates Airlines. In association with EHCC Association, CSS Group has identified the need for providing medical treatment facilities to Charmson who has been paralyzed after a terrible accident at work site. The bid for the ticket began at 3000 AED ended up being sold for 11,000 AED. Oliver Hahn, IFS Doha contributed to this cause.

It indeed was a display of togetherness when all were seen enjoying every moment of the evening along with their families, colleagues & guests.

CSS India becomes a FIATA member

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. has become a FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association) Member.

FIATA, a non-governmental organisation, represents today an industry covering approximately 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms, also known as the “Architects of Transport”, employing around 8 - 10 million people in 150 countries. FIATA has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (inter alia ECE, ESCAP, ESCWA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). It is recognised as representing the freight forwarding industry by many other governmental organisations, governmental authorities and private international organisations in the field of transport.

Console Shipping Services started its Indian operations from Tirupur in the year 2004 expanded its operations, with in a short period of time to become one of the strongest of its kind in India with centrally located offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Bangalore & Coimbatore with a staff strength of more than 150 professionals. FIATA is the largest non-governmental organisation in the field of transportation. Its influence is worldwide.

Do you doodle?

The chances are that you do “doodle” and that your friends and colleagues have seen you doodle. Their conclusion is probably that you were day-dreaming and not paying full attention to what you were doing! The word doodle, in the early 17th century, meant a fool and led to the early 18th century verb to doodle, meaning “to swindle or to make a fool of someone”. It appears that the modern version, associated with “to dawdle”, has had a meaning of wasting time. But no longer can doodlers be accused of wasting time by not paying attention. Current scientific research has occasioned a different interpretation as it concludes that doodling actually helps the doodler remember and assess important points.
So what is a doodle? Whilst everyone does it I discovered, when I asked this question, that many did not realise what doodling means. Many of us love to scribble away, apparently absent-mindedly, and it is these drawings which are called doodles. Frequently doodles can convey a great deal of meaning and, for the artist especially, may sometimes be the source of inspiration for serious artworks. If you are drawing patterns on pieces of paper, as you are listening or watching something, then you are doodling.
The way doodles inspire us is displayed in both young and old. I was surprised to see that Indian teenage students have started a trend of doodling on the backs of their school white shirts. Using washable blue ink, they have fun drawing designs whilst they are sitting in class or chatting in the school yard. The recipient of the doodle has the amusement of working out what it means. A few weeks ago, whilst at a British Actors’ Equity Council Meeting, I was sitting next to my friend Nicholas Smith. An English multifaceted actor Nicholas is best known internationally for playing the bald, jug-eared manager Mr. Rumbold in the British classic sitcom “Are you being served”. Whilst the meeting’s discussion was in depth and detailed, during which Nicholas made some telling comments and observations, I spotted that he was doodling. Rather appropriately they have an artistic connection with C.S.S. so he signed and dated them for “Lighthouse”. Obviously in Nicholas’s case doodling helped him participate. Scientists at Plymouth University England have shown that, according to their recently published study, subjects given a doodling task while listening to a boring phone message had a 29% improved recall compared to their non-doodling counterparts.
Doodling can also give an insight into what you are really thinking. Nicholas’s print journal design; which includes a speed boat, yacht and sailing ship, would probably be interpreted as showing a desire to move away from his present position and that he has already decided his goal as all the designs are sailing in the same direction. The Indian teenagers, with their designs including curves and straight lines, display opposite aspects of our nature: masculine and feminine, mental and physical, willpower and emotion. Teenagers are more inclined to mix-up shapes as their personalities and opinions are rapidly developing and changing. Those who prefer straight lines tend to have strong willpower, self-control and like facts, while those who prefer curved strokes are more flexible, imaginative and emotional.
There are many articles now available on the Internet which will help you understand and interpret your doodles. Please remember, before you show them to anyone else, that whilst doodles may help you recall events, they are expressions of your subconscious mind. You may be letting someone see more about yourself than you realise !

Dave Eager