Prof. Larry J. LeBlanc is spreading crucial knowledge about spreadsheet optimization models for business management at the Rai Business School. Prof. LeBlanc teaches Management Science in Spreadsheets at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee in the U.S. He is an expert in optimization models using Microsoft Excel. The Rai Business School, in its attempt to interact with international knowledge leaders, regularly hosts leading global academicians from India and abroad. Prof. LeBlanc through his three lectures imparted essential knowledge of how managers succeed using Microsoft Excel during October.

Prof LeBlanc emphasized that globally expanding enterprises need large numbers of managers who can efficiently use modern spreadsheets. The use of spreadsheets in business management has had long lasting impact not only on industry but also on management education. In the U.S., Prof LeBlanc's class enrollments skyrocketed after he began using Microsoft Excel as a teaching platform for management science.

Prof LeBlanc admired the performance and image of the Indian BPO industry. He strongly supported free enterprise, as inherently American, even if it means loss of some jobs back home. On his stint with students at RBS, he said that advanced training in Microsoft Excel would further prepare them for world-class management. Prof. LeBlanc was also very impressed with students' behavior in classes and zeal to learn.

Deepika Arora, Dean of the RBS, said that the effort is to bridge the gap between industry and academia. Bringing international knowledge leaders gives glimpses of future trends and equips RBS students to take India Inc. to new heights.