Showing posts with label problem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label problem. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

CATWOE Stakeholder Model of Soft Systems Management

THE SOFT SYSTEMS APPROACH
ROOT DEFINITION and CATWOE MODEL
By
VIKRAM KARVE


The first step in Soft Systems Methodology ( SSM ) is to formulate the Root Definition of the System you are studying, analysing, designing, evaluating or even quality assuring, inspecting or certifying.

ROOT DEFINITION

A Root Definition is a structured description of a system. It is a clear statement of activities which take place (or might take place) in the organisation being studied.
 
A properly structured root definition comprises three elements [what, how, why] and is of the form: 

A System to do X, by (means of) Y, in order to achieve Z.

X – What the System does
– How it does it
– Why it is being done

The 'what' is the immediate aim of the system,
The 'how' is the means of achieving that aim,
The 'why' is the longer term aim of the purposeful activity.

CATWOE analysis helps in proper formulation of a Root Definition.

CATWOE is a mnemonic which helps identify and categorize all stakeholders [people, processes, environment, entities] of the System being analysed for formulating the Root Definition.

CATWOE MODEL 

C = CUSTOMERS OR CLIENTS
A = ACTORS OR AGENTS
T = TRANSFORMATION PROCESS
W =WELTANSCHAUUNG or WORLD VIEW
OWNERS
E = ENVIRONMENT

To elaborate a bit:

C: The ‘customers of the system’ , clients or System Beneficiaries. In this context ‘customers’ means those who are on the receiving end of whatever it is that the system does. Is it clear from your definition of “C” as to who are the beneficiaries of the system?

A: The ‘actors’, meaning those who would actually carry out the activities envisaged in the notional system being defined. Actors transform inputs into outputs.

T: The ‘transformation process’. What does the system do to the inputs to convert them into the outputs?

W: Weltanschauung - The ‘world view’ that lies behind the Root Definition; the perspective from which the Root Definition if formulated. Putting the system into its wider context can highlight the consequences of the overall system. For example the system may be in place to assist in making the world environmentally safer, and the consequences of system failure could be significant pollution.

O: The ‘owner(s)’ – The person(s) who has commissioned the system and who has sufficient formal power over the system to stop it existing if they so wished (though they won’t usually want to do this).

E: The ‘environmental constraints’. These include things such as ethical limits, regulations, financial constraints, resource limitations, limits set by terms of reference, and so on.


CATWOE Analysis yields a more elaborate all encompassing Root Definition of the form:

A System owned by O to do W by A by means of T given the constraints of in order to achieve X for C.

A briefer version of Root Definition is:  a T system in which do W for C 


Illustrative Example of application of CATWOE Model 


EDUCATION SYSTEM CHARACTERIZATION
 
Here is a CATWOE Model of a hypothetical Higher Education System [a University or College]:

C – Students
A – Teachers
T – School Pass Outs are transformed into Graduates [Degree Holders]
W – Graduation [a Degree] is a means of assurance to potential employers that the Graduate [Degree Holder] possesses a specified standard of proficiency and skills in the domain of qualification.
O – The University or College Governing Body or Top Management
E – The Prescribed Educational, Academic Quality, Assessment and Accreditation Standards and Requirements.

Now this CATWOE Analysis may yield a Root Definition that this particular Higher Education Institution is a university owned system to award degrees to students (X) who successfully qualify assessment (Y) in accordance with prescribed standards in order to certify assurance (Z) to potential employers that the students possess the requisite proficiency, capabilities and skills. 
 
Is this Root Definition okay or is there something amiss...?

Suppose we define Potential Employers [or Industry] as CUSTOMERS [C] and include students as ACTORS [A] along with teachers – won’t we then get a more apt Root Definition and consequently realise a better Educational System in keeping with current needs and ground reality...?

It is vital to accord apt attention to optimizing the System Root Definition for the System under consideration for best results and in this the CATWOE Model is very helpful.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

At a recent alumni meet of a prestigious Engineering College I asked a few recently passed out alumni [who were working for a leading IT company for just over a year] as to how much of what was taught in his four year Engineering Degree Course in his college was useful in his work.

They said: “Less than 5% (five percent)” – which means that his employer had to invest heavily [almost 95%] in his training and the rest he had to learn on the job. 
 
Maybe the educational institution needs to introspect and have a relook at its CATWOE Model and reformulate its ROOT DEFINITION and restructure its curriculum and revitalize its pedagogic methodology to meet the challenges of current needs and envisage seamless integration of fresh BE and B. Tech. Engineering Graduates into the industry.

Systems Approach to higher education incorporating increased partnership and congruence between the industry and universities is the sine qua non of optimal human resource development in science and technology.


The disconnect between the industry and the educational system must be bridged. The Soft Systems Approach incorporating the CATWOE Model is ideally suited for analysing and optimising education systems since all education systems are Human Activity System (HAS) and not Hard Systems.


THE SOFT SYSTEMS APPROACH
ROOT DEFINITION and CATWOE MODEL 
By 
VIKRAM KARVE

This article written by me in 1991 and posted online by me a number of times including at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/system-analysis-soft-approach.html

Copyright © Vikram Karve 1991
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

ARE CHILDREN “INNOCENT VICTIMS” OF DIVORCE ?

Around 15 years ago – I would travel frequently by the Deccan Queen between my workplace Mumbai and my hometown Pune.

It was an entertaining 3 hour journey – especially as I loved to observe my co-passengers – and there were so many interesting characters and situations.

This evening – while on my evening walk I suddenly remembered a short story I wrote at that time – 15 years ago – in the year 2000.

So – let me delve deep into my creative writing archives and pull out this story – and abridge and update it a bit  for you to read.

Do tell me if you like it...

ARE CHILDREN “INNOCENT VICTIMS” OF DIVORCE ?
A Story
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I am going to tell you about a very intriguing conversation I had with a naughty boy while travelling from Mumbai to Pune on the Deccan Queen last evening.

As I walk towards my seat in the Ladies’ Coach of the Deccan Queen  I find a smart boy sitting on my window seat talking to a handsome man sitting on the seat beside him.

“Excuse me,” I say to the man, “this is the ladies’ compartment…”

Before the man can answer, the boy says, “I’m only seven years old – I am below 12 – I can travel in the ladies compartment…”

“Don’t be rude, Rohan,” the man admonishes the boy.

Then the man rises from the seat, moves into the aisle, making way for me, and he says, “Sorry, Ma’am, I am getting off. I just came to see off my son. Is it okay if he sits in the window seat…?”

“It is okay,” I say – and I sit down next to the boy  on the seat by the aisle.

“Actually I was waiting for you to come,” the man says.

“Me...?” I ask, flabbergasted, wondering whether the man is trying to flirt with me.

“My son – he is travelling alone…” the man says.

“I always travel alone…” the boy interjects.

“Of course you travel alone  you are a big boy now aren’t you...?” the father says lovingly to his son.

Then – the man turns towards me and he says to me: “His mother will come to receive him in Pune. – I have SMSed the coach and seat number to her – and my son Rohan has got his cell-phone too…”

“Don’t worry – I will take good care of your son and deliver him safely to his mother,” I assure the man  not wanting to talk to him too much.

“Thanks,” the man says to me.

Then – he turns to his son and says affectionately, “Give me a call when you reach – and make sure you come to Mumbai next weekend…”

“Of course Papa  I will be here to meet you next weekend on Saturday morning. You be here to get me off the Deccan Queen. I have got three days holidays – we will go off somewhere on an adventure trip…” the boy says to his father.

“Yes. Yes. I will do the bookings…” the man says to his son.

Suddenly – we hear the guard’s whistle – the engine blows its horn  and the train starts moving.

“Bye  Papa...” the boy jumps across me and hugs his father  who bends down and kisses his son on the cheek.

Then – the man disengages and quickly moves to the exit  turning once to wave out to his son – and jumps down on the platform

The Deccan Queen gradually picks up speed.

The small boy called Rohan sits down in his seat  takes out his fancy mobile phone  and a pair of earplugs.

My curiosity gets the better of my discretion  and I say to the boy, “That’s a real good mobile phone you have...

“Yes. It’s cool – the latest smartphone – it’s got everything – touch screen – music – internet…”

“Your father gave it to you?”

“Yes. Papa gets me the best…”

“And your mother…”

“Oh – My Mamma is too good – she loves me so much – she takes so much care of me – she lets me do whatever I want. And – by the way – before you ask  I think I should tell you that my Papa and my Mamma are divorced…”

“Oh Dear  I am so sorry…” I say.

“No. No. It’s okay – I am happy they are divorced…” the boy says.

“What...? You are happy your parents are divorced...?” I ask, aghast  totally astonished and incredulous.

“Yes – for me it is better this way that they are divorced. You know – now my Mamma and Papa now have to share me – they have divided me between them – during the week I stay with Mamma in Pune – and I spend the weekends with Papa in Mumbai…”

“But wasn’t it better when you all lived together as one family...?” I ask.

“It was terrible when we lived together as one family. When we lived together Papa and Mamma were just not bothered about me – Mamma and Papa were so busy with their office – their work – their parties  and travelling  and everything – that they just had no time for me. And – whatever little time we were together  Papa and Mamma kept fighting…”

“And now...?” I ask.

“Now – after they have split up and divorced – my life is just too good…!” the boy says.

“Too good…?” I interrupt, taken aback.

“Yes – after their divorce my life has become really good – I like it this way – now both Papa and Mamma care for me so much – they never scold me now like they used to before – now both my Mamma and Papa pamper me so much – just imagine – I had two birthday parties this year – one by Mamma at Pune  and one by Papa in Mumbai…”

“Really...? You had two birthday parties...?”

Yes – and now they let me do whatever I want – they give me so much time – they give me presents – they give me whatever I want – they even give me whatever I don’t want…”

“They give you whatever you don’t want…?”

“Now see –  Papa has given me this fantastic mobile phone – now – once Mamma sees this mobile phone which Papa has given me – she will give me an even better one – or maybe some other groovy stuff – now – after their divorce – it seems like my Mamma and Papa are in competition to make me happy…”

“That’s good – you are really lucky…” I say.

“Oh, yes. I am very lucky – but it is funny  isn’t it…? the boy says.

“Funny...? Whats funny...?” I ask the boy.

“About my Papa and Mamma – when they were married and we all lived together – they neglected me – and now – when they are divorced and we live separately  they pamper me so much. So – now  you tell me – isn’t it better that they are divorced  at least for me…”

I am still trying to analyze the uncanny truth in the young boy’s topsy-turvy logic.

What type of parenting is this...? 
 
First  you neglect your children when you are married together.

And then  you spoil your kids to glory when you are separated and divorced. 
 
Strange  isn’t it…? 

And I thought that children were “innocent victims” in divorce situations...! 

Dear Reader: What do you think...?

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Saturday, May 25, 2013

IMMIGRATION and THE FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION

IMMIGRATION and THE FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION
Musings
By

VIKRAM KARVE

From my Blog Archives:

Is Migration good? 

Or is it bad? 

What are the consequences of migration for the host country? 

When the number of immigrants becomes large, then in a democracy, the immigrants can influence the outcome of elections by becoming a vote bank”. 


Immigration can be legal and illegal.
I have observed that for many bright youngsters in India, their cardinal objective in life is to migrate to America, get a Green Card, followed by US Citizenship and permanently live there all their lives and realize their American Dream. 

People from less developed countries migrate to better developed countries, legally and illegally. 


A few years ago I had written an article on The Flock Theory of Migration

I am posting this article below for you to read. 

FLOCK THEORY OF MIGRATION
Food for Thought
By
VIKRAM KARVE

Long back, me and my friend, a Bird-Watcher, a self-styled ornithologist, were observing birds 

(I am referring to the “winged” variety of birds)

We saw a huge a flock of migratory birds flying in the sky.

It was a fascinating sight to see the flock of birds flying in perfect formation.

I mentioned this to my friend who then told me about the “flock theory” of migration.

He told me that sometimes different kinds of birds that do not belong to the original flock also join the flock and fly along.

The birds in the flock allow these “outsider” birds to fly along with the flock as long as they do not disturb the pattern, movement, flight speed and direction (course) of the flock.

When the number of “immigrant” birds is small, these “outsider” birds quietly assimilate themselves into the flock, obey the rules of the flock and do not disturb the harmony of the flock.

Sometimes the number of these “immigrant” birds increases to a sizeable proportion and they may disturb the harmony of the flock, if these “outsider” birds try to assert themselves.

These “foreigner” birds may even try to control the flock by trying to dominate and alter the flight pattern.

This disturbance in harmony and attempt at domination is not tolerated by the main flock of birds, and violent clashes break out as the main flock of birds tries to remove the “immigrant” birds from the flock and throw them out.

I think a similar hypothesis applies to human migration too.

When you migrate to another country (or when you relocate within your country to another state or city) you must remember this flock theory of migration.

Try to assimilate yourself into your new “host” country or city and acclimatize yourself to the way of life of your new place of residence.

You must mix around and interact with the local inhabitants and imbibe the indigenous culture of your new abode.

You must not “ghettoize” yourself by forming tightly-knit inward-looking groups of your own community but you must embrace the culture of your new land (after all, it is you who have chosen to migrate there).

Always remember that you are the foreigner in their land – you are the “guest” and they are your “hosts” – and a guest must never attempt to dominate the host and try to make the host a guest in his own country.

A large number of my relatives, classmates and friends have migrated to America and have lived there for many years.

However, I find that they mostly mingle among the Indian community (even language and state wise), as is evident from the photos they show us.

When I ask them why they do not have any American friends, they have no credible answer except saying that they do have such friendships, but at the workplace only.

However their children, born and brought up in the USA, have friendships, relationships and even marriages with resident Americans – in fact, Americans now comprise so many types and varieties of ethnicity 

Since over the years, so many persons from all parts of the world have migrated to the USA for a better life and now America has become the melting pot of diverse cultures.

The flock theory applies to all types of migration.


TYPES OF MIGRATION

Immigrants migrate due to a variety of reasons.

Some immigrants “choose” to migrate and willingly accept the majority culture of their host nation and are seamlessly assimilated and integrated into the existing society of their “hosts”.

Some immigrants are forced to migrate, due to a variety of reasons, including political and socioeconomic imperatives, for education, or for reasons of safety and security arising from instability or warlike conditions in their homeland. 

These forced migrants are like “refugees”.

These “forced migrants” are less amenable to assimilating themselves with the majority population.

It is these “forced immigrants” who ghettoize themselves into communities and try to maintain their own distinct identity by refusing the absorb the culture of their new land.

Sometimes the numbers of such “refugee” forced immigrants may increase to a point where the immigrants may alter the demographic balance and try to impose their will on their hosts.

It is then that the “flock theory” will apply and a conflict will start and there will be a struggle for dominance.

When migration takes place, both the “hosts” (natives) and the “guests” (migrants) must remember the Flock Theory and ensure that cultural harmony is maintained and the demographic balance is not upset.


THRESHOLD LIMITS FOR MIGRATION

My “bird-watcher” friend gave a ballpark figure of 30% when I asked him what was the flock theory threshold beyond which the harmony of the flock is disturbed.

Applying the same threshold to human migration, this tells us that the “hosts” must ensure that “guests” (immigrants) do not exceed 30% of the population.

If this is allowed to happen and the 30% barrier is broken, and the number of immigrants keeps on increasing in an unabated manner two things may happen:

1. The migrants will become a sizeable proportion of the population and alter the demographic balance (and become a votebank). In a democracy, this may give the migrants undue power in governance and this loss of power to “outsiders” will be resented by the original inhabitants.

2. The “cultural visibility” of the migrants will become starkly evident and the original local residents will feel threatened and become insecure in their own land. Owing to their dominance, the migrants may try to impose their own ways and try to change the original culture of the land and this cultural invasion will be resented by the original inhabitants.


The flock theory phenomenon is akin to the manner in which the harmony of the “flock” is disturbed and the original birds feel jeopardized and fear that their “flock” will be being taken over by “outsider” birds.

The flock theory of migration teaches us the lesson that if migration is not controlled within acceptable limits, due to clash of cultures and a sense of insecurity, a stage will come when the migrants will not be welcome anymore and this will create dissonance and discord in society. 

This is because no one likes to be dominated by “outsiders” who try to impose their culture on the local inhabitants.

Remember: No “host” likes to be turned into a “guest” in his own house

Dear Reader:

Do you agree with the “flock theory of migration”?

Please comment and let us know your views.

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

NB:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013. All Rights Reserved

Did you like reading this article?
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in my book  COCKTAIL an anthology of Short Fiction.
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:

http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925


Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com
Twitter: @vikramkarve
      
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Monday, March 25, 2013

BRINGING UP CHILDREN - 3 STAGE PARENTING THEORY


Now-a-days there seems to be a lot of role ambiguity about the roles of the mother and father in parenting and bringing up their children

Here is a tried and tested orthodox parenting style which clearly defines the parenting duties of each parent, the father and mother, and removes all role ambiguity in the matter of bringing up children.

TIME TESTED OLD FASHIONED THREE STAGE PARENTING THEORY
By
VIKRAM KARVE

My late father-in-law was a wonderful man, a cherished mentor to me, and I pray that may his soul rest in peace.

He once told me, I think just after my wedding, a time tested age-old three-stage parenting theory for bringing up children.


STAGE 1 - MOTHER IS THE PRINCIPAL PARENT

From birth till a child is five years old, the mother should pay maximum attention to nurturing the child.

In fact, the baby should be under the full care of its mother.

The father should be generally around as a source of amusement and joy. 

The father should play a supporting role, as a father figure. 

He must play with the baby, entertaining him or her, and be a source of happiness, fun and joy for the baby.

Mother Nature has designed that at these young ages, the baby biologically needs its mother’s physical affection (nurturing, breastfeeding, ablutions).

A small baby can do without the father, but cannot do without the mother. 

[However Metrosexual a man may get, to the best of my knowledge, a man cannot breastfeed his baby - only a mother can do that]

A small baby needs the mother physically, and, most importantly, the baby needs the mother’s emotional love the most.


STAGE 2 – MOTHER AND FATHER EQUALLY SHARED PARENTING

Between 5 to 12 years of age the father should play a vital enriching role in the child’s life.

The father supports, buttresses, reinforces and inspires a sense of discipline, security and confidence in the child.

At the same time, the mother plays a complementing role as the more loving and principal parent.


STAGE 3 – FATHER IS THE PRINCIPAL PARENT

It is only after the child becomes 12 years old that the father begins to play an increasing major role in the child’s development. 

Now the father must take charge as the principal parent while the mother recedes into the background (playing the supporting role as the father did in Stage 1). 

As children become teenagers they require firm handling (especially boys) and inculcation of discipline and a sense of responsibility. 

Meanwhile, in case there are younger children, the mother will be busy performing the cardinal role as principal parent looking after the younger children who are in Stages 1 and 2 of their lives.

In case you are a single parent then you will have to perform both the roles in all the parenting stages. 

However this may prove difficult. 

That is why it is not advisable to divorce or separate if you have children.

I am of the view that divorce of parents may adversely affect the all-round development of children. While a mother plays a prominent role in inculcating emotional balance, a father is the one who shapes personality and inculcates discipline.

A parent is like a trustee. 

So once your children become adults and start earning their living and fly off from your nest, you have to just let go and observe your birds fly high in the sky. Then it is best to give advice only when it is asked for.

Dear Reader, do you agree with this conservative three stage parenting paradigm?


SHARED PARENTING 

Let me end on a lighter note.

Now-a-days, in contrast to the parenting theory enunciated above, modern couples talk of shared parenting

Well here is a Mulla Nasrudin Story on the art of shared parenting:

Late one night, Nasrudin’s baby started crying. 

Nasrudin’s wife turned to him and said, “Husband, go take care of the baby. After all, the baby is not only mine — the baby is also half yours.”

Nasrudin sleepily remarked, “Yes, half of the baby is yours and half of the baby is mine. You can do what you like and stop your half from crying if you want to, but as far as I am concerned, I choose to let my half continue to cry.”

Moral of the Story: Too much “shared parenting” leads to confused upbringing

Wishing all Parents and would-be Parents  - a very Happy Unambiguous Parenting.

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this post?
I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@hotmail.com
Twitter: @vikramkarve
      
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