Management Lessons from Amundsen Expedition

Kapil Edke has also written an article about History and Individuals. One can compare the two articles to understand how history can be effectively used in management lessons.

I am a fan of Roald Amundsen, the first person who visited the geographical South Pole of this Earth. I am also a management professional and HR Executive. Thus, linking my profession to my passion and connecting the dots is something very natural.

When Amundsen decided to go for South Pole expedition, the first task was to arrange the finances. It was difficult to get sponsors in 1910 for purely adventurous tour, and hence some research work was also involved as a part of the expedition (of course, the expedition was initially declared to be heading towards the North Pole, the entirely different story which may be told in some other article). It won't be incorrect to say that the success of such risky travel was dependent heavily on finances, as only adequate finances could ensure hiring right people, right kind of ship, sledges and other tools, buying adequate, healthy food and fuel.

Marketing the self and the expedition was another crucial aspect, not just for arranging finances but also to generate interest among the general public about the expedition and thus, attract the best human talent.

Operations was of paramount importance throughout the tour. But what I think would be one of the best operations management problems is to optimize the locations of food depots on Antarctica that the party set up in summer of 1911.

While Amundsen's expedition is being analysed from various aspects of financial, marketing and operations management, one must not forget human resources aspect - my bread and butter - which ultimately proved to be of supreme importance as frictions between Amundsen and Johansen endangered the success of the expedition and it was only after resolving these conflicts that the party could succeed in their mission.

In summary, Amundsen's expedition (especially his book, "The South Pole") can serve as an excellent study material for a management student, be from any branch of management. I would strongly recommend reading this book to understand the practical applications of management concepts, that too in hostile and challenging environment.

- Kapil Edke, the Human Resource Professional from Bangalore writes articles and short stories.