On the cards is a broadening of the group’s client base to include more companies from outside the Tata stable. Towards this end, TSMG is targeting the Asia Pacific region, among others. The objective is to provide creative and innovative strategy advice to clients, help them develop their businesses with made-to-order solutions, and render tangible value at competitive prices.

In this interview with Shobha Ramswamy, TSMG chief executive R. R. Bhinge speaks about the group’s range of offerings, the advantages it delivers to clients, and its future plans.

On TSMG's mission
Since its inception, TSMG has striven to improve the strategic direction and long-term competitiveness of our clients. Our aim is to provide creative strategy advice and customised solutions to enhance the businesses of our clients.

TSMG has assisted Tata companies as well as multinational and other Indian corporations with its innovative thinking and implementation support, and by setting up world-class business planning processes. We tackle the top-of-the-mind needs of our clients through a range of contemporary offerings.

Modest beginnings
We commenced operations in 1991 with just five people. Back then we did not even know how to write a proposal, let alone how to survive independently. Prof S. K. Bhattacharya, a former professor with the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad), helped us get TSMG off the ground. He was our external consulting advisor, guide and sounding board. His insights and consulting experience enhanced the group.

We have had our share of teething troubles. Professor Bhattacharya's sudden demise (in 1993) was a moment of crisis for us. At the time TSMG was just a start-up; it had yet to gain experience and build credibility. However, our core team was undaunted and we confronted the situation head on.

We were quick to learn and innovate. Our team achieved several breakthroughs — in concepts, methodologies and client acquisitions, including public sector undertakings. This characteristic, of fighting back when the chips are down and learning by doing, is ingrained in the TSMG ethos and has been sharpened by our initial trial by fire.

TSMG’s range of offerings

Our range of offerings includes business portfolio review and divestment, competitive strategy, growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions and e-business strategy.

Once the strategy is developed, its implementation assumes prime importance. We assist clients in forming appropriate management structures, and institutionalising performance management structures by using the balanced scorecard approach.

TSMG has also worked extensively to improve the competitiveness of businesses by developing an efficient and agile supply-and-delivery chain to enhance customer satisfaction, increase margins and improve asset turnover. We optimise the costs of procurement, logistics, fixed overheads and distribution. To improve efficiency and enhance reach in a cost-effective way, we also offer guidance in optimising sales and distribution channels.

On TSMG's impressive clientele
We have grown rapidly over the last few years in terms of the number and variety of the assignments we handle. Today we have more than 35 consultants and an impressive client roster.

Within the Tata Group we have worked with Tata Steel, Tata Engineering, Tata Chemicals, Voltas, Tata International, Rallis, Tata Power, Lakme, Trent, Nelco and Tata Infotech. Outside the group we have worked with Venky's, Amrutanjan, Indian Petrochemicals, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Larsen & Toubro.

We have accumulated and built expertise in many key industry segments, such as infotech, power, infrastructure, telecom, retail, chemicals, steel and metals, consumer products and automobiles.

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