Poornaprajna Institute of Management

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate how digital technology integration enhances operational efficiency and expands financial inclusion within India's microfinance sector. It also seeks to analyze beneficiary satisfaction levels with digital microfinance services to inform strategies for improving service delivery and overall impact. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilizes a mixed-methods research design, integrating both quantitative techniques such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and qualitative data gathered through a structured questionnaire. This approach enables a thorough assessment of beneficiary satisfaction with digital microfinance services in Kerala, offering valuable insights into enhancing service delivery and maximizing sector-wide impact. Findings/Result: The study reported high satisfaction levels among respondents with digital microfinance services in Kerala, particularly noting that Digital Savings Accounts and Mobile Payments significantly enhance satisfaction due to their convenience and accessibility. However, Advisory Services and Micro insurance Products were identified as areas with potential for improvement. Originality/Value: The study adds unique value by examining how digital technology integration specifically enhances beneficiary satisfaction within Kerala's microfinance sector. It provides detailed insights using both quantitative methods like Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and qualitative data, offering actionable recommendations to optimize digital microfinance services in the region. Paper Type: Empirical Research.

Purpose: Having the capacity to effectively manage one's financial resources is critical to achieving success in one's life. Every member of society, especially women, should make it a priority to develop and implement efficient ways for managing their finances. The findings of the research have demonstrated that the capacity of women to manage their finances is a critical factor in determining their spending behaviour. When it comes to having a good handle on one's personal finances, one of the most important rules to follow is to save money for the future and spend less than one earns. When you pay close attention to the things that you purchase on a monthly basis, you can easily detect any money that is left over, which can help you raise rate of savings for retirement, emergency fund, and even net worth. But the reality is that a lot of people are not successful in budgeting their salary and saving more money. Because of this, the purpose of this research paper is testing the relationship between income and spending behaviour of women teachers in Kodagu district. Design/Methodology: The study uses both primary and secondary data and looks at how wealth influences the spending habits of female instructors. Structured questionnaires were distributed to women teachers in various institutions around the Kodagu area to collect primary data. Secondary data were gathered from websites, journals, newspapers, magazines, publications, and case studies. The created conceptual model is empirically validated and examined utilising the ABCD analytical approach. Originality/value: The relation of income in influencing spending behaviour and how financial literacy affects spending behaviour of women teachers in Kodagu district, the study findings provide to a deeper understanding of complex interplay between women teachers' salary levels, financial literacy, and spending behaviour, which can inform policy development, educational activities, and support systems aimed at enhancing their financial well-being. Paper type: Empirical research.

Purpose: The study aims to examine the impact of digital microfinance programs, including digital microloans, on financial inclusion and economic empowerment in India, and to assess their contributions to poverty alleviation and enhanced livelihoods among marginalized communities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs a systematic approach to conduct a comprehensive literature review on microfinance and digital microloans in India. The methodology includes thorough searches across academic databases, institutional reports, and policy documents to compile pertinent literature. Additionally, ABCD analysis was conducted to provide detailed insights from the perspectives of both consumers and service providers. By synthesizing existing knowledge, the research aims to elucidate the evolution, impacts, challenges, and contributions of digital microfinance initiatives towards poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth among marginalized communities in India. This systematic review not only consolidates the current understanding of digital microfinance but also identifies gaps for future research, aiming to inform policy-making and enhance the effectiveness of financial inclusion strategies in the region. Findings/Result: Based on the comprehensive literature review, the findings highlight the transformative impact of digital microfinance initiatives in India. These initiatives have significantly contributed to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment among marginalized communities by expanding access to financial services and fostering entrepreneurship. The evolution towards digital platforms has streamlined operations, reduced transaction costs, and improved credit accessibility, thereby enhancing economic opportunities and resilience. These advancements underscore the critical role of digital microfinance in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development across India. Originality/Value: This research enhances the existing understanding of digital microfinance initiatives by illuminating how digital platforms have expanded access to financial services. The study underscores the pivotal role of technology in promoting inclusive growth and enhancing economic resilience among marginalized communities, thereby contributing valuable insights to sustainable development efforts in emerging economies like India. Paper Type: Conceptual Analysis.

Purpose: A central bank Digital currency or Digital rupee or e-Rupee is a legal tender digital form backed by sovereign currency attributed to Nobel laureate James Tobin economist In the year 1980, more than 105 countries were exploring CBDC among 50 countries in the advance phase of digital currency (as per NASCUS tracker) to create an environment for a cashless economy with the Government owned Blockchain Distributed ledge Technology (DLT) along Conventional centrally controlled database structure of Digital Public infrastructure of India Stack technology-driven and 5G digital revolution and innovation to close the gaps in Financial innovation and the financial inclusion, Government of India and RBI has made provision in the legal framework in the RBI ACT 1934, Banking Regulation Act 1949, Finance Act, 2022, The coinage Act,2011, FEMA Act 1999, Information Technology Act, 2000 and Payment and Settlement Act,2007 to expand access to financial services and cashless economy with blockchain technology $1.1 trillion has impact on Indian GDP. RBI has created a Retail transaction in P2P, P2M and wholesale transactions in the secondary market including commercial papers, corporate bonds, and deposit certificates. In contrast, retail transactions stood at 2.73 cores and wholesale CBDC transactions stood at 1329. The tokenization of global illiquid assets is estimated to be$16 a trillion-business opportunity by 2030 (BCG analysis) for the payment system of token-based and account-based for sustainable prosperities and Five C ‘s FI CBDC approach has created a wide range of Financial Inclusion and to achieve Sustainability Development Goals. Methodology: The research draws upon secondary data from publications such as journals, magazines, websites, and periodicals, in addition to a review of previous conceptual and empirical studies to assess the paper's objectives. Result/Analysis: The implementation of the RBI's CBDC has a substantial impact on reaching the SDGs. It increases prospects for FinTech entrepreneurs while lowering operational expenses as compared to traditional money systems. Originality/Value: The study’s significant contribution of 5 C's Approach towards CBDC. Social Implications: The research article will create more insight into digital currency and Financial Inclusion. Type of Research: Descriptive Analysis.

Purpose: Tech-business analytics, by its actionable insights, operational optimisation, and promotion of innovation throughout the value chain, essentially plays a critical role in helping organisations make the shift to a Circular Economy. Through the utilisation of data analytics, enterprises may adopt sustainable methodologies, reduce wastage, and generate enduring benefits for both the environment and society. Design/Methodology/Approach: Organisations may capitalise on new chances for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability while generating long-term value for the environment and society by embracing a methodical and integrated approach to digital business analytics in the Circular Economy. Findings/Result: Findings/Result: Throughout the history of the sector, the paper examines the ways in which digital business analytics have been employed to manage the circular economy's growth. Originality/Value: A description of the ways in which tech business analytics, in the context of the circular economy, vary from traditional business analytics. It also covers thirty newly published research proposals linked to Tech Business Analytics in circular economy and contains a general design that may be used for technical purposes. Paper Type: Exploratory Research on Technology Management.

Purpose: Nowadays, we use LED tube lights or batten instead of fluorescent tubes. It is energy efficient and has higher light intensity. But it runs shorter than our old tube runs. After one or two years, it becomes defective and replaced with new ones at a higher cost. It would be great if we could reuse it. Here, we describe how to reuse our LED batten once it becomes defective. Another exciting thing is that we can add more value to it. In our everyday life, sometimes our bedroom light needs to be operated from the bed. Here, we will also describe the procedure for how our LED batten can be operated from our sweet bed using a mobile phone WhatsApp application. Design/Methodology/Approach: The system's heart is a NodeMCU built of an ESP module. To switch on the load power, we use a solenoid relay module. The ESP module is powered up using a 5V power adaptor. Using the provided credentials, it will try to communicate with the internet. Once connected, it will connect with the ThingESP server to inform us whether the device is live or connected. When we send a WhatsApp command, it reaches the ESP Module via Twilio and the ThingESP server. We need to create an account in Twilio and ThingESP to use them. The ESP module executes two actions. One is to trigger the connected load and send a response back to the user via that server to keep the user informed. Findings/Result: The mobile phone has become an essential electronic gadget nowadays. Most of the time, we keep it with us. Now, we desire to control every electrical gadget that uses it. We can control anything from our pocket cell phone using the provided procedure. If the internet is healthy, the device offers good performance. Originality/Value/ Novelty: The mobile is available in almost every house. We do several tasks using our mobile. There are several apps available to control home appliances using the mobile phone. Most of the applications run using Alexa. However, the main drawback is that occasionally, the voice cannot be detected in a single try. So, message-based appliance triggering is becoming famous. WhatsApp is a popular mobile application. The dream has come true. Here, we describe how to control any electronic home appliance using our favorite mobile application, WhatsApp. So, these contemporary works provide value to us. Type of Paper: Experimental-based Research.

Purpose: Utilising cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, and entrepreneurial strategies to promote innovation, develop resilience, and drive sustainable growth are the main goals of Tech-Business projects in the Blue Economy for industries associated to the marine sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: A methodical approach that combines cutting-edge technologies, analytical techniques, and commercial strategies is used to implement Tech-commercial initiatives in the Blue Economy. Findings/Result: The results highlight the revolutionary effect of Tech-Business endeavours in propelling eco-friendly expansion, stimulating creativity, and fortifying the Blue Economy. Stakeholders can open up new possibilities and build a more affluent and sustainable future for coastal communities and marine ecosystems by embracing data-driven initiatives and utilising technology. Originality/Value: The uniqueness of Tech-Business endeavours in the Blue Economy is found in their creative methods of resolving persistent issues and opening up fresh doors in the maritime sector. Paper Type: Exploratory Research on Technology Management.

Purpose: The chemical industry sector stands at a pivotal juncture, with rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics driving the need for innovative strategies. This study aims to unlock the untapped potential within the chemical industry by employing a unique SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: A comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was gathered through industry reports, market surveys, and financial analyses, while qualitative insights were derived from expert interviews and case studies. Findings/Result: The SWOT analysis revealed significant insights into the current state of the chemical sector. Strengths such as technological innovation and research capabilities were identified, along with weaknesses like regulatory challenges and environmental concerns. Opportunities in emerging markets and sustainable practices were highlighted, while threats including global competition and supply chain disruptions were also recognized. Originality/Value: This study offers a fresh perspective on the chemical industry's potential by combining traditional SWOT analysis with innovative methodologies. It provides actionable insights that industry stakeholders can leverage to drive strategic decision-making and unlock new growth opportunities. Paper Type: Empirical Study

Purpose: The success of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) hinges on effective decision-making amidst challenging economic circumstances, necessitating the ability to anticipate and navigate future business conditions. This research aims to explore the relationship between financial performance and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on MFIs listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India. By analyzing financial data and employing statistical techniques, the study seeks to elucidate the resilience of MFIs during the pandemic and the role of financial ratios in predicting earnings per share (EPS). Additionally, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between financial indicators and organizational outcomes within the microfinance sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing secondary data obtained from quarterly financial reports of selected MFIs listed on the NSE from 2018 to 2022. Statistical analyses such as paired t-tests, correlation, and regression are employed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recession on MFIs' profitability and to investigate the relationship between financial ratios and earnings per share (EPS). Findings/Result: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic recession, the profitability of Indian Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) remained largely unaffected, as indicated by non-significant differences in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) before and after the pandemic. Regression analysis highlighted significant influences of financial ratios like the current ratio, total asset ratio, net profit ratio, and gross profit ratio on earnings per share (EPS), underscoring the sector's resilience and the importance of financial analysis in predicting MFI performance. Originality/Value: This research offers novel insights into the resilience of Indian Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the significance of financial analysis in guiding strategic decision-making processes within the microfinance sector. Paper Type: Empirical Research.

Background: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are compelled to reassess their branding strategies to thrive in the digital landscape. This abstract introduces the concept of Purposeful Branding, proposing the integration of "Purpose" as the 8th element in the marketing mix. This addition aims to bolster brand equity within management institutions, leveraging technological integration to navigate the digital evolution effectively. Objectives: The primary objective is to explore the integration of Purpose into the marketing mix, emphasizing its role in fostering deeper connections with stakeholders and driving sustainable growth. The abstract seeks to advocate for genuine dedication from companies to align their practices with professed values, thereby enhancing brand equity in the digital era. Design/Methodology: The research employs a qualitative approach, drawing from various case studies and industry insights to illustrate the implementation and impact of Purposeful Branding. It examines how organizations strategically position themselves amidst the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing authenticity and transparency in executing Purpose-driven marketing strategies. Findings: The findings underscore the significance of Purposeful Branding in generating substantial value for businesses. Authentic alignment with professed values cultivates stronger bonds with consumers, employees, and society at large. The abstract highlights the potential of Purpose-driven marketing mix to fortify brand equity and adapt to the dynamic demands of the digital era. Results: The integration of Purpose into the marketing mix yields tangible results for organizations, including enhanced brand loyalty, improved reputation, and increased competitive advantage. By harnessing the power of Purposeful Branding, companies can foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders, driving sustainable growth in the digital realm. Implications: The implications of Purposeful Branding extend beyond immediate financial gains, encompassing broader societal impact and long-term sustainability. This abstract advocates for a comprehensive exploration of Purpose-driven marketing strategies, emphasizing their role in addressing contemporary challenges and advancing organizational objectives in the digital era. Type of Paper: Conceptual Research.

Purpose: The study aims to examine Indian Household and Personal care sector using the ABCD analytical methodology. It uses factor analysis and elementary analysis to evaluate some of the benefits, drawbacks, limitations, and advantages of the Indian Household and Personal care sector, offering a thorough grasp of the problems and their possible advantages. Methodology: Exploratory: The exploratory research method is used where the relevant information are collected through keyword-based search using search engines like Google, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPTs and analysed, compared, and evaluated using suitable analysing frameworks. The results are interpreted as new knowledge obtained from this research and suggested in the form of outcome postulates. Findings/Result: The ABCD analytical approach indicates that both organizations and individuals are utilizing sustainable strategies to tackle pressing issues. By examining the Indian household and personal care sector, stakeholders can contribute to its growth, competitiveness, and societal impact, while ensuring responsible business practices and sustainable development. Originality/Value: This study employs the ABCD analysis method to analyse the Indian household and personal care sector. The study explores the sector's dynamics, market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory landscape enabling businesses to develop effective strategies for product development, branding, distribution, and marketing through determinant issues and key attributes. Paper Type: Empirical Analysis

Purpose: Nanomaterials have sparked a paradigm shift in nonlinear optics and photonics, presenting unparalleled advantages over bulk materials. Their distinctive attributes, encompassing a substantial surface area, customizable optical properties, and quantum confinement effects, position them as optimal candidates for an array of nonlinear optical applications. Despite their immense potential, the field faces several challenges and future directions. These encompass tailoring nanomaterials for precise applications, establishing scalable fabrication methods, ensuring device stability, broadening application scopes, comprehending fundamental nonlinear optical mechanisms, and advancing predictive theoretical models. Addressing these challenges promises to propel nonlinear optics and photonics into new frontiers, fostering technological advancements that benefit society across multiple domains. Methodology: This paper uses exploratory research methodology to analyse, compare, evaluate, interpret, and create new knowledge to address the challenges and to predict future perspectives of nanomaterials in nonlinear optics and photonics by collecting relevant information using appropriate keywords through Google, Google scholar, and AI-driven GPT search engines. Results & Discussion: This paper underscores nanomaterials' transformative impact on nonlinear optics and photonics. With their unparalleled characteristics and versatile applications, nanomaterials are poised to revolutionize various technologies, offering innovative solutions to contemporary challenges and heralding a new era of scientific progress and technological innovation in various fields including development of Optical Computers. Originality/Value: The paper explores the significance of Nanomaterials in Nonlinear Optics and Photonics, overviews the characteristics of nanomaterials in nonlinear Optics, identifies various important Applications of Nanomaterials in Nonlinear Optics and Photonics, evaluates Prominent Nanomaterials in Nonlinear Optics, and hence analyses and interprets Challenges and Future Directions. Type of Paper: Exploratory Study.

Purpose: The research paper is an interesting blend of social science and mythology. The researchers explain how Jung personality complexes to Professional & Psychology students with the help of characters from Mahabharata. As the personality grows person develops some complex in their personality and which guides person’s behavior and aspirations in life. Each individual has different personalities and different type of complexes in them with different level of intensity. Thus, the outcome of the research helps individual personalities to discover them as well as to understand basic individual personality complexes. Objectives: The researchers have set the following primary objective and the current study investigates 1 broad research question: To interpret characters from Mahabharata to explain Jung personality complexes. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. Hypotheses are stated for the various variables selected and analyzed to prove or disprove the same without any errors. Findings/Result: There were correlations between Jung personality complexes & from Mahabharata characters to individuals with the ancient Indian texts. As much as individuals behave differently in different situations, our behavioural reactions can be clubbed into personality complexes as similar reactions across ages and cultures. To conclude, we can say that each one of us is uniquely different yet distinctively similar as well. Research Limitations/Implications: In the present research an attempt is made by the researchers to understand the research gap in the area hence a conceptual idea is proposed and the research goes further to advance significance to discover the degree of relationship to interpret characters from Mahabharata to explain Jung personality complexes. Originality/Value: Many of the earlier studies have proved the soul of Indian mythology is beyond simple good and evil. If one cares to dig deep, there’s an interesting story at each and every step. Psychologists explain this by segregating personality into a private and public persona. Private is the ‘real’ inner person, while public is the way that the individual presents themselves to the outside world. We may be confident and outgoing in some situations and less sure of ourselves and more retiring in other situations. A case where a shy reserved person joins an organization but eventually becomes an arrogant and stubborn boss. This fits the explanation of how our personalities differ situationally. Paper Type: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. There are many characters in the Mahabharata, with each one having good and bad qualities. Many characters are similar in personality complexes but differ in their ethical characteristics. Hence researchers have tried to identify and give the major characters in the research. However, this is not a definitive list.

Purpose: Research in "Innovations, Best Practices, and Distinctiveness in Higher Education Administration" through case studies of universities aims to identify novel approaches, successful strategies, and unique initiatives implemented by higher education institutions. By analyzing these case studies, researchers can uncover innovative practices that contribute to institutional excellence and effectiveness in administration. Ultimately, the research seeks to disseminate valuable insights and lessons learned to improve higher education administration and foster continuous improvement across universities. Methodology: Exploratory research methodology is used where required information are collected through keyword-based search using Srinivas University website, Google search engine, Google scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPT MLM search engines. Analysis & Interpretation: Ther information collected from relevant sources are analysed, compared, evaluated, and interpreted using various frameworks. This includes innovations and best practices in infrastructure administration, Innovations and best practices in Library Administration, Innovations and best practices in Maintenance of Campus Infrastructure, Innovations and best practices in Alumni Engagement, Innovations in Vison and Leadership, Innovations in the development of Institutional Strategic Plan, Innovations in Effectiveness of Administration, Innovations in Faculty Empowerment Strategies, Innovations in Financial Management and Resource Mobilization, and Innovations, best practices, and institutional distinctiveness in Internal Quality Assurance System. Originality/Value addition: Based on the analysis some Suggestions on Innovations, Best Practices and Distinctiveness in Administrative related Activities are provided. By implementing the suggestions systematically, the university can realise its dream to become one among many world-class universities. Type of Paper: Case study based scholarly research analysis

Purpose: Roger self theory is an important section in every organization in handling individual’s personality. Personality is a combination of behaviour, attitude emotion, perception and thought pattern that define an individual. On approach to personality emphasizes the self and it is characteristic. The research paper is an interesting blend of “I” or “Me” to self and relationships of “I” and “Me” to others to management, science and mythology. The researcher explains how self-theory to professional & psychology students with the help of characters from Mahabharata. The outcome of the research helps individual personalities to discover them as well as to understand basic individual differences. Objectives: The researchers have set the following primary objectives and the current study investigates 2 broad research questions: (1) To examine self theory from character sketch of Mahabharata (OCEAN). (2) To identify whether self-theory applies to actualizing tendency (Real Self). Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. Hypotheses are stated for the various variables selected and analyzed to prove or disprove the same without any errors. Findings/Result: After analysis researchers conclude there is a fairly high degree of positive correlation between theory aspects and renewal trend. Therefore, the study concludes there is a correlation between the elements of theory and the renewal trend from Mahabharata characters to individuals with the ancient Indian texts. Research Limitations/Implications: In the present research an attempt is made by the researchers to understand the research gap in the area hence a conceptual idea is proposed and the research goes further to advance significance to discover the degree of relationship to interpret characters from Mahabharata to explain self-theory. Originality/New Knowledge/Interpretation/Value: Roger’s theory is very essential to safeguard the individual’s personality and committed himself to understanding the how attitude, behavior and perception change can come about. Thus, the researchers work aims at finding the self-theory & its impact on individual’s personality. Psychologists explain this by segregating personality into a private and public persona. Private is the ‘real’ inner person, while public is the way that the individual presents themselves to the outside world. We may be confident. Paper Type: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. There are many characters in the Mahabharata, with each one having self-theory. Many characters are similar but differ in their personality. However, this is not a definitive list.

Purpose: The 21st century has seen an unprecedented surge in nanomaterials research, driven by conventional scientific approaches and the advent of potent AI-based tools. This paper focus on comparative analysis, scrutinizing the trajectory of nanomaterial breakthroughs achieved with and without the integration of AI-based Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs). Historically, advances in nanomaterials have occurred during several historical periods, characterized by the discovery of materials like carbon nanotubes, metamaterials, and self-assembling nanostructures. These turning points, which depended on simulations and testing, influenced a variety of fields, including materials science, electronics, and medicine. On the other hand, the age enabled by AI-based GPTs saw a rapid improvement in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) assisted material design, predictive simulations, automation of synthesis processes, and the development of self-learning nanomaterials and AI-driven nanorobots. Methodology: This paper uses exploratory research methodology to analyse, compare, evaluate, interpret, and create new knowledge to address the use of AI-Driven GPTs in Nanomaterials Research Breakthroughs in the 21st Century by collecting relevant information using appropriate keywords through Google, Google scholar, and AI-driven GPT search engines. Analysis & Discussion: When comparing the timelines, research procedures, and material design were significantly expedited by the inclusion of AI-based GPTs. In addition to accelerating discoveries, automation and AI-driven approaches reduced research expenses, which may democratize access to nanotechnology. These GPTs delved into uncharted chemical territory, discovering new compounds with uses in electronics, energy, and medicine. However, issues with data accessibility, bias in AI models, and moral questions about self-learning nanomaterials continue to be crucial topics that demand close attention in order to make responsible and fair progress. Originality/Value: AI-based GPTs stand as transformative catalysts in nanomaterials research, complementing traditional methodologies. While their integration promises accelerated progress, the responsible and beneficial evolution of AI-powered nanotechnology mandates addressing challenges related to data, bias, and ethical implications for a sustainable future in this burgeoning field.

In the era of COVID-19, most of the business declined and a huge loss of jobs due to no demand and automobile sector is not the exception. Nearly 7.5% of India’s GDP comes from the car industry, and supply chain is one of the key factors in a firm’s overall value creation. The efficient and effective supply chain is dependent on information and communication technologies (ICTs) at present, and hence, it implies that ICT is spine of SCM. The major objective of the study was to draw conclusions on how information and communications technology practices affect supply chain management performance in the Indian auto-sector. The outcomes state that ICT practices have high correlation and direct impact on SCM performance, however, it does not have much impact on operational performance. The research also suggested that better and more effective ICT practices result better supply chain performance. The limitation of the research was the respondents’ voluntary cooperation, and the ICT practices are limited to supply chain operational performance in various departments and functions only and not the applications in any vehicles.

Teaching responsibilities in today’s higher education sector are increasingly demanding. Apart from the focus on the quality of teaching-learning activities, teachers of today are evaluated for their active involvement in professional and societal growth. Women in academia shoulder equal responsibilities as of men, but in India, women play multiple roles in the non-work setting unlike men. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to find out the gender difference in Work-Life Balance (WLB) among teachers of higher education. Institutional Ethical Committee’s approval was obtained. Data was collected using the WLB questionnaire, from 127 male and 136 female faculties employed on a tenure basis in the Public Universities in Karnataka. The multiple regression analysis indicated an association of better WLB with the upper age group, male gender, and faculties of science discipline. Strategies at the organizational level and initiatives at the personal level are essential to address the issues of WLB.

Worker cooperatives have regularly been seen by workers as an institutional choice during hard times. When workers face massive unemployment with few alternatives for work, they have often adopted cooperative solutions, either by purchasing workplaces or by creating alternative firms. In emerging economies like India where the role of the state in economic life is diminishing and privatization has become the preferred route, cooperative enterprises are ideally placed to provide sustainable employment for large numbers of people, even though they are not on a level playing field. One of the most celebrated cases of success of worker cooperatives in India in the recent past, is the Transport Cooperative Society (TCS), Koppa, which throws open a new area of inquiry in industrial relations. Established in March 1991, with the sole aim of providing livelihoods to the suspended employees of a private transport unit, TCS has withstood many challenges to carve out a niche among cooperatives in India. Its challenges are not over yet, and innovative strategies are called for to hold on to its place in the market. But the collective strength of the workforce and their desire to stand together to save their jobs and protect their families, has not only made this cooperative grow into an enterprise with a fleet of 70 buses and more than 244 employees, but due to its competitive strength the private transport house that once used to exploit them, has closed its operations. Apart from highlighting its genesis and operational success, this chapter also throws light on the current difficulties faced by TCS, and the strategies thought out to overcome those difficulties.

Taking a sample of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) by firms listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) from the year 1992 to 2012, we examine two of the key issues concerning SEOs. First, whether SEOs are underpriced, issued at a price lower than the prevailing market price; and second, whether companies time their issues. Study of 162 SEOs exhibits significant underpricing at 1% significance level leading us to conclude that SEOs in India are significantly underpriced. Analysis of abnormal returns for 114 SEOs taking different event windows surrounding issue opening dates reveals that, except for the −1 to + 1 event window, CAAR for all other event windows are significantly negative. This leads us to conclude that investors in India experience significantly negative abnormal returns surrounding SEO issue opening. Overall, findings of the study reveal that SEOs in India are underpriced and that there exist windows of opportunity for SEOs in India.