Guest Session by Mr. Sriram Haridass

Embark College hosted an engaging and globally minded Guest Session featuring Mr. Sriram Haridass on

13th March 2026, exclusively for BSc. Business Management (BSc. BM) and MBA students. Mr. Haridass,

a seasoned international business executive with deep expertise in supply chain management,

operations excellence, digital transformation, and emerging-market strategy, delivered a compelling

perspective drawn from his extensive career across multinational corporations in Asia, the Middle East,

and beyond. Currently serving in a senior leadership role focused on regional operations and

sustainability initiatives for a global conglomerate, he has led large-scale transformations in

manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and technology integration in dynamic economies similar to

Nepal’s.

The session was crafted to resonate with both BSc. BM undergraduates who are strengthening core

business concepts in operations, strategy, and international business and MBA candidates advancing

toward strategic leadership and consulting roles. Mr. Haridass opened by highlighting the critical role of

efficient, resilient supply chains in driving business competitiveness, especially in emerging markets like

Nepal where infrastructure development, trade liberalization, hydropower growth, tourism rebound, and

digital connectivity are reshaping economic possibilities. He framed modern operations not as back-end

functions but as strategic levers that influence cost leadership, customer satisfaction, risk mitigation, and

sustainable growth.

He explored key contemporary challenges and opportunities in supply chain and operations

management with direct relevance to Nepal. Mr. Haridass discussed how global disruptions, pandemics,

geopolitical tensions, climate events, and raw material volatility have accelerated the shift toward

resilient, agile, and localized supply networks. In Nepal’s context, he addressed specific realities:

dependence on imports for industrial inputs, seasonal transport constraints (monsoon impacts), customs

and border logistics complexities, the rise of e-commerce logistics, and the potential of hydropower and

agriculture value chains to create export-oriented opportunities. He shared practical strategies for

building redundancy (multi-sourcing, near-shoring), leveraging technology (IoT for tracking, AI for

demand forecasting, blockchain for traceability), and optimizing costs while maintaining quality insights

that help students envision how Nepali businesses can compete regionally and globally.

A major focus was digital transformation in operations. Mr. Haridass illustrated how Industry 4.0 tools

automation, predictive analytics, cloud-based ERP systems, and data-driven decision-making are

transforming traditional manufacturing and service sectors. He drew examples from his experience

implementing smart factories, real-time inventory management, and sustainable procurement practices

in emerging markets, encouraging students to consider how these technologies can addressNepal-specific bottlenecks like energy reliability, skilled labor shortages, and informal supply ecosystems.

He also touched on the growing emphasis on circular economy principles and ESG integration in

operations reducing waste, adopting green logistics, ensuring ethical sourcing, and aligning with

international buyer standards areas increasingly important for Nepali exporters in garments, handicrafts,

tea, coffee, and hydropower components.

The session emphasized leadership in operations excellence. Mr. Haridass stressed that successful

transformation requires not just technical tools but strong change management, cross-functional

collaboration, stakeholder alignment, and a culture of continuous improvement. He shared stories of

overcoming resistance during large-scale implementations, building high-performance teams in

multicultural settings, and measuring success through KPIs like on-time delivery, inventory turnover, cost

savings, and sustainability metrics lessons directly applicable to students preparing for internships,

capstone projects, or future roles in operations, supply chain, consulting, or entrepreneurship.

The format encouraged active participation: Mr. Haridass facilitated interactive discussions and quick

case analyses where students evaluated hypothetical Nepali business scenarios (e.g., scaling a local

manufacturing startup, optimizing tourism logistics, or integrating digital tools in a hydropower project

supply chain). Participants received his insightful feedback, helping them connect theoretical models to

practical execution in resource-constrained yet opportunity-rich environments.

Mr. Haridass’ distinguished background lent exceptional credibility and inspiration. With decades of

progressive leadership in global operations, supply chain strategy, and digital initiatives for multinational

firms, he has successfully navigated complex markets, led multi-million-dollar transformation programs,

and mentored emerging leaders across Asia. His ability to blend strategic vision with operational detail,

combined with genuine interest in Nepal’s growth story, made the session both aspirational and

grounded.

The session wrapped up with a vibrant Q&A covering career pathways: pursuing certifications (e.g.,

APICS, Six Sigma, Lean), gaining hands-on experience through internships in manufacturing or logistics

firms, developing data literacy for operations roles, and positioning oneself in Nepal’s evolving industrial

and service sectors. Students left motivated, equipped with fresh ideas on leveraging operations as a

competitive edge, and inspired to think strategically about Nepal’s place in regional and global value

chains.

Embark College continues its commitment to providing BSc. BM and MBA students with exposure to

world-class practitioners like Mr. Sriram Haridass. Such sessions bridge classroom learning with

real-world excellence, ensuring graduates emerge with the operational acumen, technological

awareness, and global outlook needed to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable success in Nepal’s

dynamic business landscape.