Pune : NXP Semiconductors N.V.has introduced an advanced technology course on RFID, the NXP RFID Business Solutions Programme, for management students at the Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), part of Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune. This course is targeted at students studying for an MBA specializing in the fields of Operations and Marketing & Finance at the institute, and aims to boost their understanding of the role that high technology can play in business. The first batch of 16 students completed the course on October 8, 2010.

The course is aimed at exposing students to applications of RFID technology and creating awareness and competence in architecting RFID business solutions. The course includes case studies, basic aspects of RFID technology, and most importantly, a project on executing an RFID use case for a real-life situation. The course charter has been defined by NXP and SCHMRD, such that the students undergo 30 hours of classroom training followed by hands-on experience on building a project case study in one of the identified target markets.

During the course, NXP along with its ecosystem partners shared the learnings and actual case studies of a field implementation. NXP also shared several RFID case studies across verticals such as logistics, Supply Chain Management (SCM), banking, and transportation. The students were also taken to visit a live RFID project site. As part of their final evaluation, the students worked in groups on case study projects, which were presented to an eminent panel of judges from industry.

“NXP believes that nurturing talent at the university level is the best way to build competencies given the existing gap in high-quality technical talent in India. Identification and associated applications are no longer solely technology issues. They involve business management and successful implementation. So, when SCMHRD approached us, we saw an to contribute,” said Mr. Ashok Chandak, senior director, global sales and marketing, NXP Semiconductors. “We have been running such courses for technology students in India over the last few years. Teaching courses at a management school, however, means that we are educating not just the technology developers, but also the business leaders of the future, which is crucial.”

“At Symbiosis, we place a huge premium on making our students well-rounded, industry and future- ready. RFID technology has evolved to become relevant in a variety of fields, whether it is government, industry or education,” said Prof. K. S. Subramanian, director, SCMHRD. “Therefore, we are pleased to partner with NXP, the leader in ID technology, to train our students in this key area. Our students have responded very enthusiastically to this course.”