Institute of Shipping has a word of WISDOM, INTEGRITY, and EXCELLENCE amid innovative methodologies, and integrated approach. To help develop industrial skill and ability, supply industry with developed skills. In a conversation with Mr. Viraat Kasliwal, CEO & Chief Consultant, Institute of Shipping, talks about his brands future plans and the next move.
Please shed some light on the origin, growth and success of Institute of Shipping?
Promoters of IOS have years of experience in Shipping, Chartering, International Warehousing, etc. Our Core business is Consultancy in the same field having client base in around 8 Countries including India. We have our presence in almost all major & minor ports in India like, Kandla, Mundra, Dahej, Pipavav (in Gujarat); JNPT (Mumbai); Goa, Vizag (AP); Chennai (TN); Paradip (Orissa)
Education in this field came to us after getting enough feedback from our own esteemed clients who thrive for Skilled Executive Workforce. Hence, in March 2012 Institute of shipping was formed. Our Academic Team consists of Academicians, Professionals, Ship Captains, etc.
We received International Accreditation for all of our courses from International Accreditation Organization, USA.
Our International Marketing partners – Master Studies, Norway; National Marketing Partners – Shiksha.com; Quickr.com; JustDial.com etc. helped us expand our wings to promote these courses across the Globe and within a short span, we have students from over 50 Country mark which shows the achievement and success of TEAM IOS.
What all Educational services that IOS deals in?
Institute Of Shipping offers Professional ONLINE Education almost all topics related to Cross-Border Trade, viz. Shipping, Chartering, Warehousing & Logistics, Marine & Cargo Insurance, Supply Chain Management, Import-Export, Documentation, Customs, International Marketing, International Banking, Marine Safety, Ship Agency & Communication, Port Management, Stevedoring Management, etc.
We have THREE levels of Courses – Certificate Courses; Diploma Courses & PG Diploma Courses.
What strategies you employ to maintain the standards of your company?
Being into Professional Education, TEAM IOS works hard in improving our Education System including the Course Contents. Our courses are updated bi-annually to match with Current Shipping Industry trends and laws.
We have our own LMS which helps each Student to get interacted with other fellow Students (Enrolled in same Course) from across the globe which helps them widen their horizon and knowledge. Interaction with Fellow Students is as easy as pressing the ENTER button on your computer. Problems and queries of any Student is resolved by Fellow Students through Discussions and ofcourse by our Expert Academic Team.
What are the future expansion strategies?
Looking to the growing Shipping Industry and its growing demand for Skilled Executives, we need to have our presence in almost each and every corner of the Country. We intend to expand through our Franchise Associates on District and State Level.
What motivated you to go for business expansion of IOS?
The response that we get for enrolments from many parts of the Country motivated us for expansion through Franchisee Plan. Through this we expect better and deeper penetration in the designated area through proper & systematic Promotional & Marketing Plans, which will not only boost the business but also help the Industry for procurement of Skilled Executives.
How many outlets of IOS are currently in operation, and how many of them are running through Franchise?
Registered & Corporate Office of Institute Of Shipping is in Jaipur (Rajasthan)
At present, we have our Franchise presence in Ahmedabad (Gujarat); South Delhi (Delhi); Sikar (Rajasthan)
Plus we have a few Enrolment Centers in Jaipur (Rajasthan)
How your business model benefit aspiring entrepreneurs to build a successful career?
Here are a few PLUS for our Institute:
– International Accreditation
– Strong Academic Team
– Online Platform through LMS
– Job Oriented Courses with 100% Job Assistance (India & Abroad)
– Exclusivity in our Franchisee Model at District / State Level
– Unique Courses wherein nearly ZERO Competition from any Counterparts
– ROI (Return Over Investment) is among the best in the Industry
Viewing all the above strong points, any aspiring Entrepreneur (as a Franchisee) has vast scope as career in Education Industry.
What support and training you offer to your partners?
When talking about support from us, we extend all possible types of support before starting the business and even afterwards on regular basis which helps them build their territory with a BANG.
Our support includes:
– Franchisee Kit which assists the Franchisee Office Setup in almost all possible angle.
– We help them develop their Library, Journals, etc for the first year
– Operations Manual which details about the Institute, Operations, Marketing, Recruitment of Staff etc.
– Entire Marketing and Promotional Materials are provided in Hard & Soft Copy (wherever required)
– Online / Face-to-Face Training to their staff
– Regular guidance on working through con-calls / Skype / Personal Meetings
– Getting our Associate Partners connected to each other which helps them widen their knowledge and scope of business.
What strategies do you follow to handle competition from your organized and unorganized counterparts?
Practically, we do not have any major competition (in majority of our Courses) in India. A few Courses like International Marketing, Banking, SCM, Warehousing, etc. might have some competition with our Counterparts but as our approach towards these courses is on the working at International Platform, we see ourselves way ahead of any competition. The following positives may further elaborate about us :
- The Course Fee (for Indians) is placed suitably enabling the students to acquire them easily.
- Secondly, our marketing method is very aggressive.
- Thirdly, our Online Platform eases the aspiring candidate to study at their own place with their own time convenience.
- Also, our placement record is upto the mark which helps each candidate to get assured of their career advancement through our Institute.
What opportunities and challenges are laying ahead in this sector, considering the Shipping Education sector, which is getting bigger with time?
Shipping Sector is very challenging field in terms of Operations and National & International Policies. One has to always be updated for relevant issues. Our Academic team works hard on the same wherein the Course Content is revised twice a year that helps our students gain updated knowledge about the Sector. Also, we issue regular updates to our current students apart from the Curriculum which helps them a lot on the subject. Further, various Journals and Newsletters, Periodicals, Books provided for them in the Library at our Centers. Outlet helps them have larger perspective over the subject.
How are you looking forward in the development of IOS?
TEAM IOS believes in regular updates and development. We spend (both time & money) on R&D very heavily. As the courses offered by IOS, is its own property, we thrive for excellence in our own field although we see nearly NIL competition till date.
R&D is done both on Technical side as well as Academic Side. Hence, we need hard-core entrepreneurs who can promote & market our Courses. Result is must-do requirement for TEAM IOS.
With regards to business, TEAM IOS is very confident of its growth. Shipping sector is very promising and challenging sector wherein there is always scarcity of skilled manpower.