Page 159 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

Parallels and Principles in Modern Industries
1. Root-Cause Analysis in Problem Solving

Nirukta’s approach of uncovering the true meaning and origin of words can be
likened to modern root-cause analysis in business practices, where the focus is on
identifying the core problem rather than just addressing superficial symptoms.
In Six Sigma methodologies, the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve,
Control) process involves analyzing the root causes of defects or inefficiencies. For
example, if a manufacturing company experiences a high defect rate in its products,
the company would use Root Cause Analysis (RCA) tools to investigate why the defects
are occurring—whether due to machinery, training issues, or material flaws—before
implementing corrective actions. This mirrors the Nirukta principle of understanding
the origin and context of a problem.

2. Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Just as Nirukta helps interpret the true meanings of words, modern businesses use
data analytics and business intelligence (BI) to extract actionable insights from vast
amounts of data, thereby identifying patterns and understanding the underlying
drivers of business performance.
In sales and marketing, tools like Google Analytics or customer relationship
management (CRM) systems track consumer behavior to uncover root causes for
issues such as a decline in sales or customer dissatisfaction. For instance, a company
like Netflix uses data analytics to analyze viewer behavior, identify the reasons for
customer churn, and adjust its content strategy accordingly. This process of analyzing
data for deeper insights is similar to the practice of Nirukta, which seeks to uncover
the true meaning behind words and concepts.

3. Quality Management and Continuous Improvement

Nirukta’s focus on deep analysis is aligned with modern quality management
practices, such as those used in Total Quality Management (TQM), where companies
continuously assess and improve processes to eliminate inefficiencies and improve
product quality.
A company like Toyota, through the Toyota Production System (TPS), conducts root-
cause analysis regularly to identify inefficiencies in the production process. When a
problem arises, teams will go beyond surface-level solutions to find the underlying
cause, whether it’s related to worker training, machine malfunction, or process flaws.
This reflects Nirukta’s deeper investigation into the cause and meaning behind a
problem, leading to long-term improvement and sustainability.

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