On 19thDecember 2024, a group of 40 students from Class 11C and 12C (Commerce stream) visited Grundfos Pumps India Private Limited, Chennai. The main purpose of the visit was to help students connect the theories learnt in class rooms with real life situations. It was an excellent opportunity to see how business houses operate and understand their processes better.
The visit began with a briefing session where the company welcomed us warmly and conducted a fun icebreaker session. They introduced the company, explained its origin, and briefed us about their Origanizational goals, which include a strong focus on sustainability and ensuring water availability for everyone. We were also given a safety briefing and safety vests to wear, to ensure a smooth and safe tour ahead.
Following the briefing, we were taken inside the factory site. We observed how different parts of a pump were tested and assembled, where they were stored, and how meetings and planning were conducted. One of the most exciting aspects was witnessing robots in action and learning about how technology is used to improve efficiency. It was fascinating to see the practical application of the concepts we’ve studied in school.
Towards the end of the visit, we returned to the briefing room for a Q&A session. The company team patiently answered all our questions and clarified our doubts. We also took a group photo to commemorate the visit.
This visit proved to be an invaluable learning experience.
1. One of the most unexpected take away for me was learning about sustainability and how deeply it is integrated into various industries. This experience has inspired us to incorporate small yet meaningful acts of sustainability into our daily lives as well.
2. It is truly a rare and invaluable opportunity to witness how the concepts we learn in theory come to life in the real world.
3. Before this visit, I had a very different perception of what a factory would be like. However, I am leaving with a new understanding—it’s not just a place of production but also a friendly and structured work environment. In many ways, it reminded me of the system we have in schools, with schedules, leadership roles, timetables, and even spaces dedicated to showcasing achievements. This helped me realize how the lessons we learn in school are applied in countless areas of life.
Activity – Case study
The factory visit to Grundfos was made interactive through an interesting activity. We were divided into groups of 4 and we were each given a case study. The case studies were related to the principles and techniques of management which are a part of the business studies syllabus. We were asked to nominate a leader, planner, manager and inspector from our groups to facilitate better understanding of the case study.
The case studies included various real life work situations and the solving of them. For example, we were given a situation where there were conflicts between the employees, we were asked to come up with a feasible solution as to how we as leaders, planners, managers, and inspectors would tackle this situation.
Another case study given was about obsolete machinery. The machinery was not in working condition and was hindering the production process. The group was asked to come up with a proper plan to replace this machinery with a new one and how each person plays a role in its implementation.
This activity created a friendly environment open for discussions and speculations. It also led to curiosity of work life and showed us what to expect from our future work. Grundfos team was very welcoming and patient in guiding us through the entire visit and the team was very diverse and inclusive of all.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Grundfos team for their warm hospitality and insightful explanations. Additionally, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our school for organizing this enriching visit, which offered us a unique opportunity to witness the real world applications of the concepts that we study in our classroom.