IT@TT - Online

Rated by Dataquest as the 3rd largest IT training major in India, LCC Infotech is a pioneer in computer training and education in India. Amrita Ghosh of IT@TT met Kirti Lakhotia, MD, to discuss LCC's vision of IT.

IT@TT: When and how did you conceive of a centre for IT training?

KL: It started 16 years ago, when my late husband Suresh Lakhotia founded LCC with big dreams and a small amount of money. IT had just walked into India then. Hoping that it would scale great heights, Suresh walked into it from his Income Tax practice. So we started when computers were physically bigger than man and we're thriving now in the days of palmtops. Suresh conceived the idea of franchisee chains from his travels abroad. He thought that if it could be done with fast food chains then why not computers? And he was right. If you consider a business model, it's much simpler to earn a certain percentage of the revenue and yet see your name growing. Now we have over 800 centres across India and 28 international centres. We train over 75,000 students every year.

IT@TT: But how do you ensure franchises deliver quality service?

KL: Our business model makes us very quality-conscious. LCC follows a stringent screening filter for intending franchises. The activities of our quality support division go a long way in securing our reputation. We conduct checks and have staff training as well as course upgradation programs on a regular basis.

IT@TT: What fueled your shift from a computer centre to specialised training courses and software development?

KL: We flow with industry trends. Technology changes very soon and with it change the specifics of requirements. We got positive feedback from our end-users i.e. students. And apart from the home-market, the overseas response has been extremely encouraging. With time, we've changed our thought process. By imparting training in specialised areas like QQSP, TISM, Expert, BEST and e-Quality, we've added value to our brand. And software development is an integral part of IT. It's been a year and a half since we started that. Developing solutions is an important aspect of training and doesn't dilute our primary focus at all.

IT@TT: What's your backup strength?

KL: We've an in-house team. Our software divisions are primarily in Bangalore and Chennai. One has also come up in Kolkata. Our focus area is web-based business solutions and our main target is the small and medium scale user.

IT@TT: So you export software?

KL: Yes. We've clients in Singapore, Russia, Jakarta.

IT@TT: Do you have any training and business alliances that help you function better?

KL: We've forged business and training alliances with MS, Novell, IDG, Digital Processing Systems, Adobe Systems, SCO (US), FACT (Vedika India) and MacroMedia. Revenue sharing depends on the nature of these alliances.

IT@TT: What about placements?

KL: Much depends on the student's potential and market need. Our personality development program as well as periodic assessments help us to profile students accurately and service needs of the corporate sector effectively. We organize campus interviews and conducted a Career Fair recently. Last year, the initiatives taken by LCC to place students in the medium- and high-sector involved creating a national placement cell. This helped in recruiting our students into organisations like Phillips, Baan, Infosys, Satyam Infoway, Mascot, Silverline, ADA software, HSBC and others.

IT@TT: Are you doing something in IT training that's different from everyone else?

KL: Our offerings are at par with the best in the industry. To be very honest, our course fees are very reasonable here. Our money structure's more flexible than most. We're very accommodating about timing and schedule. Another plus point is our geographical locations. Not only at major cities and towns across the country, but way into the interiors, you'll find a Lakhotia training centre.

IT@TT: How has the response been across towns?

KL: The response has always been encouraging. But it's been more so in many B-class towns, where the market competition is much less. We've encountered many towns where we've been the first institution to offer any kind of computer education. Later on other players have expanded the market.

IT@TT: Are you looking to expand your IT training operations overseas?

KL: We already have centres in Bangladesh, Nepal, South-East Asia and Middle East. We've done very well in a conservative society like Saudi Arabia. In Indonesia, the response has surpassed our expectations. Recently we had a tie-up with Sambalpur University, Orissa, for a PGDIT course. We're planning to set up centres in South Africa soon. We've a business centre in Sweden and intended to set up an office in the US this month. But because of the slowdown, we're playing it a little slow.

IT@TT: Being in IT training, do you agree with the mass perception there is a shortage of competent computer training instructors?

KL: We identify this communication problem also. But these are certain nitty-gritties that you need to combat. Once we find a potential teacher, we conduct intense grooming sessions to suit our requirements. And it makes a distinct difference.

IT@TT: From your own experience, would you consider IT to be a male-centric industry?

KL: Gender bias exists in many industries. But IT makes for a refreshing change. Women are treated at par with men. My experience has been a pleasant one. Where respect and courtesy is due, I've never had cause to complaint.

Interviewed By Amrita Ghosh
[email protected]

Top

Other Articles