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In difficult times, people turn to poetry, reading, and writing for solace and peace. In emotionally intense and traumatic times, people use poetry to process and understand the lived eyepieces. The havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals all across the world. Poetry has emerged as a savior in these difficult times. A phenomenon, "lockdown poems", came into existence as individuals all across the globe processed and shared their lived experiences of isolation, pain, and suffering through poems. In the present paper, students of a management program process and share their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent lockdowns, and their community work experience. Poetry as a therapeutic and hope-building tool is discussed in the paper along with the original poems written by the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the association of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths with mental health, unemployment and financial markets-related search terms for the USA, the UK, India and worldwide using Google Trends. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use Spearman's rank correlation coefficients to assess the relationship between relative search volumes (RSVs) and mental health, unemployment and financial markets-related search terms, with the total confirmed COVID-19 cases as well as deaths in the USA, UK, India and worldwide. The sample period starts from the day 100 cases were reported for the first time, which is 7 March 2020, 13 March 2020, 23 March 2020 and 28 January 2020 for the US, the UK, India and worldwide, respectively, and ends on 25 June 2020. Findings: The results indicate a significant increase in anxiety, depression and stress leading to sleeping disorders or insomnia, further deteriorating mental health. The RSVs of employment are negatively significant, implying that people are hesitant to search for new jobs due to being susceptible to exposure, imposed lockdown and social distancing measures and changing employment patterns. The RSVs for financial terms exhibit the varying associations of COVID-19 cases and deaths with the stock market, loans, rent, etc. Research limitations/implications: This study has implications for the policymakers, health experts and the government. The state governments must provide proper medical facilities and holistic care to the affected population. It may be noted that the findings of this study only lead us to conclude about the relationship between COVID-19 cases and deaths and Google Trends searches, and do not as such indicate the effect on actual behaviour. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the USA, UK and India and at the global level and RSVs for mental health-related, job-related and financial keywords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, marked by stringent lockdowns and reduced human activity, resulted in a significant decrease in air pollutant emissions. This study investigates the impact of these altered atmospheric conditions on human health by focusing on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and meta-xylene (BTX), comparing data from before, during, and after the pandemic lockdowns. The objectives were to assess changes in Total VOC (TVOC) concentrations and to evaluate the associated health risks, particularly Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) from benzene exposure. Analysis of the data revealed a notable reduction in TVOCs during the 2020 lockdown, with average concentrations of 12.15 ± 20.49 µg/m3 in 2019, 8.08 ± 5.50 µg/m3 in 2020, and 5.12 ± 7.56 µg/m3 in 2021. LCR values also fluctuated, with averages of 1.12 × 10−5, 1.23 × 10−5, and 6.91 × 10−6 or pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, respectively. The findings highlight the potential effectiveness of lockdowns in reducing air pollution and underscore the need for continued, targeted environmental policies to improve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A developing country like India has realized the vital role of Entrepreneurship in economic growth, and mindfulness is very crucial for becoming a successful entrepreneur. The paper examines the relationship of mindfulness with Entrepreneurial orientation and all of its dimensions. The data was collected from 152 working professionals using a purposive sampling technique. MANOVA is performed to measure the impact of independent variables (gender, thought of doing business and level of mindfulness) on dependent variables, i.e., Entrepreneurial Orientation, Innovativeness, Proactiveness and Risk. Firstly, the results conclude that interaction among the combination of mindfulness, thought of doing business and gender variables have an impact on combined entrepreneurial orientation. Secondly, it is found that mindful females who have thought of doing their own business have a stronger entrepreneurial orientation. The presence of more women in leadership roles will contribute to business growth; thus, such talent must be educated and trained for the benefit of the organization and the nation as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important factor of development and has been playing a crucial role in capital creation and accelerating economic growth in India. Women entrepreneurs are also increasingly contributing towards the economic growth. By Women Entrepreneurs we mean, women who are engaged in an act of business and business creation that empowers women economically, builds financial stability as well as create a position for themselves in the society. Although incredible opportunities exist, few business challenges as inadequate funds, lack of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) knowledge etc. deter women entrepreneurs. This paper attempts to find the potential of ICT to support women entrepreneurs' in business ventures, and address certain problems peculiar to women, since ICT has helped expansion of many businesses and carry it to the international level too in quite a short span of time as compared to conventional business practices. This paper uses the qualitative research strategy and primary data collected from women entrepreneurs of northeast and eastern India. The result highlights, that there is limited use of ICT by these entrepreneurs in their business operation in such areas as purchasing system, website designing, internal communication etc. The present study may provide insight to existing and prospective entrepreneurs in considering use of ICT for business expansion and may help policy makers in getting relevant information to provide a sound support and information system to women. Conducive legal and institutional provisions will help future growth of women entrepreneurs and will also motivate more in creating new ventures with new hope in the future and a win-win situation for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmer producer companies (FPCs) have widely transformed the livelihoods of the people and mainly squeezed the income and living standard conditions in the rural sectors, specifically a primary sector engaged majorly with village economies. This article diagnoses the collective cooperative concept and formation of FPCs in the country since their establishment in the year 2008–2021. We utilized secondary data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the outcome of the study discusses the state and zone‐wise performance of FPCs in the country. The result found that only a few zones are performing in the FPCs businesses which makes it sustainable. The study further adds the sustainable measures for performance of the FPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corruption enables private gains for public purposes, violates democracy, and incapacitates the majority of people. Though under-discussed, business or corporate corruption rather flourishes from governments' various omissions and commissions. The field-responses in several parts of West Bengal, India reveal that people have sound understanding of both business and government corruption, but their individual efforts are too inadequate in countering corruption. Still, such awareness; and people's continued interest in politics sets the context before collective capability: by non-violent means, people need to use the state's space for asserting empowerment and agency; and revitalize the regulatory agencies, as countervailing forces for strengthening democracy's space against corruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Political leaders in a modern democracy have the authority and duty to design intricate economic regulatory frameworks within which various commercial and industrial sectors are to operate and be managed. The present study describes the relationship of businesses in India with political changes. The article examines the influence of business organisations in Indian politics. The normative and scholarly value of investigating the influence of business in Indian politics cannot be overstated. Inevitably, as the private sector spearheads India's rapid economic modernisation, there will be a shift in political power towards business interests. In a capitalist economy, business organisations play a significant role in the economy and have the right to take part in politics. The crucial relationship is found between them and discussed wisely in the present study. The paper also studies how the Government of India has initiated its inputs to uplift the business sector to accelerate economic growth and increase foreign reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper delves into the evolution, current trends, and impact of e-commerce on various aspects of business and society. It examines the technological advancements that have facilitated the growth of e-commerce, the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses, and the transformative effects on consumer behavior, the economy, and regulatory frameworks. India is on the verge of a revolution in e-commerce. E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. It has evolved significantly since its inception and has had a profound impact on various aspects of business, society, and the economy. Here's an overview of its evolution and impact. India's e-commerce market is expanding thanks to factors including rising smartphone adoption, rising wealth, and affordable data plans, which are fuelling the expansion of online retail. India is the second-largest internet market in the world with over 800 million users and 62 billion UPI transactions in 2022. Even though e-commerce has been popular in the nation for more than a decade, it is only in recent years that the proper ecosystem has already begun to develop. The speed of internet access, the astonishing widespread use of mobile devices, and active investment have fuelled this industry's expansion, and if present if predictions are accurate, India is on track to become the fastest-growing e-commerce in the world. India has seen a growth in the use of smartphones and the internet in recent years. Due in large part to the "Digital India" effort, there were 830 million internet connections worldwide in 2021. 55% of all connections to the internet were in metropolitan areas, and 97% of those connections were wireless. The number of smartphones has also greatly grown, and by 2026, that number is anticipated to be 1 billion. India's digital economy has benefited from this, and by 2030, it is predicted to be worth US$1 trillion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disputes are an integral and inevitable part of the society but the failure to address their pendency can be pernicious. Traditionally, the predominant mode of dispute resolution in India has been litigation, which has been losing its sheen for quite some time now due the cost, time, complications and hardships involved in it. This assumes specific importance in disputes that concern commercial matters in the light of the bearing they have- both at micro and macro level. The adverse impact of inefficiencies in dealing with commercial disputes is much more than it meets the eye. It hampers the deliverance of justice and also portrays India as a country plagued by an inefficient system and an unfriendly business environment. The idea of mediation, as an alternative to litigation is being mooted for long now. It has received recognition from the courts of law as well as the legislature to some extent and the benefits it entails are praise-worthy and seem promising. In this background, this paper seeks to study the present dispute resolution scenario surrounding commercial disputes. Further, various facets of mediation including its relation to happiness have been studied and its recognition under the Indian law has been highlighted. Thereafter, the advantages and limitations of the use of mediation in such cases have been elaborated upon. Lastly, some data from the Commercial Courts of Delhi has been analyzed and suggestions mooted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the orthopedics markets in the US and the EU reaching a plateau, the market size in countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China is steadily growing. As a result, major orthopedic companies are shifting their focus towards these markets and developing products tailored to their needs. However, a significant challenge associated with this new opportunity is the requirement for the development of more affordable prostheses compared to those sold in the US and Europe. With the introduction of these lower-cost models into the market, this article aims to assess their performance in comparison to traditional models. A literature review was conducted, analyzing four parameters—the Hospital for Special Surgery Score, Knee Society Score, Range of Motion, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index—to evaluate different models. The findings indicated that low-cost models perform either equally well or, in some cases, slightly worse than traditional ones. It is worth to mention that the existing literature on this topic is limited, resulting in a relatively small number of models and studies included in this specific study. Nevertheless, this latter serves as a valuable foundation for future in-depth analyses and investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulnerability is a pivotal concept for understanding transnational commercial surrogacy and the ethics of reproductive travel. While implicitly recognizing vulnerability as important, existing scholarship falls short of understanding the dynamism of vulnerability. Placing our empirical analysis in conjunction with the rich theoretical literature on this concept, we explore vulnerability in surrogacy arrangements in India as a "mode of openness," defined by its multilayeredness and context specificity. We focus on two retellings of vulnerability. In the first narrative, we analyse the journey of an intended parent who becomes an agent, while in the second narrative, we focus on the trajectory of a surrogate and egg donor becoming an agent. In both narratives, the layers of vulnerability across different interconnected circuits of reproduction—of intended parent, agent, and surrogate—are explicated. Our analysis illustrates the complex and conflicting meanings of vulnerability and illustrates vulnerability as an instigator of agency and resistance; how it can propel upward social mobility and animate attempts to transform an unjust system, but also how such individual agency and empowerment may serve to uphold exploitative relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Healthcare innovations are one of the drivers of healthcare sector growth in India. Innovation policies are challenging because of the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the innovations. Hence, there is a need to understand the interface between policies and healthcare innovations to identify gaps and propose timely recommendations. Accordingly, this study uses the Indian healthcare start-up sector as a case study to analyse the above linkages, gaps and propose recommendations. Methodology: Quantitative data from the Start-up India portal along with qualitative data from key informant interviews have been analysed to draw insights. Findings: Healthcare start-ups have made significant contributions to the economy and healthcare sector, but there are gaps and room for improvement especially in the areas of awareness, funding and mentoring. Conclusions: Based on the study findings a conceptual framework has been created for understanding the nature of gaps and their linkages in the healthcare innovation lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information Technology has been playing an important role in the development of the business in emerging economy like India. People are using smart phones internet regularly and continuously for their business purpose as well as for their other task. Smart phone users are increased because of that E-Commerce accessibility has been reaching to the customers conveniently. It can be expected for the future advancement helps a lot in development of the business. E commerce has a lot of benefits which we have seen during the covid-19 and the pace of that is increased because the reach of the customer of physical marketing was low due to the covid-19. It becomes an opportunity for e-commerce now the traffic on these sites are increased sales of these sites are increased they are like using a new product new services or sing in a new area. After 2016 E-Commerce has reached at a new era of success it was hundred million in 2016 now it is expected to increase twice by 2022 as per global retail development Index. The objective of this paper is to study about the growth of E commerce and linkages between sales bill volume and market share as well as strategies followed by selected E commerce companies during covid-19 to increase market share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global health diplomacy has gained significant importance and undoubtedly remained high on the agendas of many nations, regional and global platforms amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many countries have realized the importance of the health sector and the value of a healthy workforce. However, there is little control on issues related to trade that impact on human health due to the dominance of profit-oriented business lobbies. A balance, however, needs to be struck between economic profits and a healthy global population. This paper aimed to highlight the importance of building capacity in global health diplomacy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic so that health personnel may effectively negotiate on the multisectoral stage to secure the resources they need. The recent proposal to waive off certain provisions of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19 by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization (WTO) presents an important opportunity for all governments to unite and stand up for public health, global solidarity, and equitable access at the international level so that both developed and developing nations may enjoy improved health outcomes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the implications of Goods and Services Tax (GST), a major tax reform in India launched in July 2017 on the Make in India initiative launched in the year 2014. The GST is expected to trigger its impact on the following eight elements: warehouse efficiency, interstate check‐post operations, informal to formal business transition, interstate business expansion by micro, small, and medium enterprises, simplicity and transparency in tax collection process, logistics cost reductions, ease of doing business in India, and working capital cost realignment, which in turn may accelerate the manufacturing growth in Indian economy. In order to study the impact of the factors of GST on the Make in India initiative and the manufacturing growth, a system dynamics approach has been adopted in this paper. A number of simulation runs carried out using the system dynamics modelling have provided meaningful insights to the policymakers and strategic planners for evolving strategies for manufacturing growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing debates and discussions about sharing economy revolve round its definition, regulations and impact on economy, business and consumers. The paper attempts to develop a theoretical framework that define the sharing economy and analyse the possible association between the sharing economy and sustainability. The paper also assesses the need for an institutional and regulatory framework to strengthen sharing economy as an economic driver, potentially contributing to the more sustainable growth of the world economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet technology has flourished in India keeping pace with other developing countries. In keeping pace with this advancement, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is also spreading in India. Government of India (GOI) has realised IoT's business prospect and published draft policy on IoT in 2015. To achieve a better result, the prospective users are required to be kept aware regarding the prospect of IoT and for this, social media is expected to play a pivotal role. Social media can highlight advantages of IoT and in turn, these advantages would be made known to other potential users through Word of Month (WOM). This would bring in projection of a new business paradigm as contemplated by GOI. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting actual use of IoT by the potential users of India and to develop a conceptual model. The model has been verified through survey with inputs from 208 participants identified from three metropolitan cities of India. The responses have been quantified through 5-Point Likert scale. The result shows the implication that social media and WOM almost equally influence Indians to use IoT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates and compares the continuance intention of full-time business school students and faculty in India and Italy who moved from traditional pedagogy style to the digital classroom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study integrates the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) to examine their continuance intention. Survey data was collected from 396 business school students and 130 faculty members from India and Italy and analysed using SmartPLS 3 software. The study found that perceived usefulness, satisfaction, and task-technology fit significantly impact the continuance intentions of students and faculty. Multigroup analysis of students indicates that Italian students are more driven by task-technology fit as compared to Indian students in their continuance intention; in comparison, Indian students rely more on gaining experience and knowhow on technology. Finally, the multigroup study of faculty suggests that Italian educators have a comparatively stronger orientation towards the fit between digital classroom technology and a portfolio of related tasks. In comparison, their Indian counterparts rely more on the perceived usefulness of technology. The strength of relationship between task-technology fit and continuance intention is comparatively lower for faculty as compared to students in both countries. Finally, implications for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of IoT appears to be based on trading off security for convenience. The futuristic technology brings with it a landscape scattered with vulnerabilities. The paper traces the exponential growth of IoT and its business potential. It then journeys into the dark alleys of IoT exposing the real and present dangers that the technology poses to all demographics and Nation- States. The paper then explores the cyber policy landscape in the USA, the EU and in India and analyses the procedural hazards for enforcement emanating fromthe principle of territoriality, which the cyber domain clearly poses a challenge to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The empirical relationship between trade openness and economic growth of India has been a debatable issue. The existing literature fails to provide an unambiguous answer. The paper examines this empirical relationship for the time period 1970-2010 using Vector Autoregression method and demonstrates that the relationship has evolved over time following the regime change in the early 1980s when the Indian economy started to move from a state-led growth model to a pro-market regime. Therefore, any assumption of a static trade-growth nexus may lead to inaccurate findings. Our econometric results indicate that growth in trade volumes accelerates economic growth of India since 1980-81 onwards. We do not find evidence of any significant association between trade barriers and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adults with visual impairments encounter a twin burden of attitudinal and access barriers, which inhibits their employment inclusion. There exists a dearth of comparative research focused on the negative influence of attitudinal barriers on their employment outcomes. This article juxtaposes previously un-researched barrier perceptions associated with employers' discrimination of qualified YAVI from Oslo and Delhi. Employers' discrimination is couched in the social model approach, and its nuances are understood through the concept of disablism. A qualitative case study was conducted from November 2017 to June 2018, wherein 29 YAVI (12 from Oslo and 17 from Delhi) were interviewed. This article demonstrates unanticipated similarities associated with the perception of employers' discrimination in two dissimilar labour markets. It calls for further Global North South research to better comprehend the influence of employers' discrimination and concludes with some potential recommendations for different stakeholders. Globally, vision impaired people face difficulties to get employment. Employers discriminate against vision impaired people during the recruitment process in developed and developing countries. It is rare to come across comparative research involving Norway, a developed country, and India, a developing country. Comparing employment experiences of vision impaired youth across developed and developing countries is also scarce. For the first time, stories of discrimination from young adults with visual impairments from Oslo and Delhi are compared. These youths shared similar experiences linked to discrimination during job interviews. The voice of youth with visual impairments from developed and developing countries should be heard to better deal with the problem of employers' discrimination. Based on the employment experiences of the vision impaired youth, recommendations are offered to policy-makers, prospective employers, disability organisations and other vision impaired youth to overcome discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand how features of an app can enhance smartphone app retention behavior among its users. Based on the literature review five features (relationship features, self-congruity, presentation style, novelty, and social connection) have been identified to influence the app self-connection, and app self-prominence, which in turn, eventually predict the affective commitment and behavioral attachment (i.e. word of mouth) of the app users. From a value orientation perspective, apps can be classified under three categories, namely, (i) Utilitarian apps, (ii) Hedonic apps, and (iii) Social network sites apps based on their usage and functionality. To enhance the generalizability of the study, data were collected from 750 active app users, i.e. 250 respondents from each category and a multi-group invariance analysis was performed to determine the significant effect of each category of apps on app retention behavior. The empirical results of the analysis highlighted the differential values exhibited by these five app features across three categories of smartphone apps. The findings escort the app-based marketers, and app developers to have a more sophisticated understanding of the respective category app features for desired business outcomes. The uniqueness of the present study is highlighted in its proposed integral framework that conceptualizes specific features of an app that the marketers can focus on to develop better-designed apps the users want. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common information model (CIM) in vogue represents transmission and distribution components, and market operations in the perspective of electrical system, as unified modeling language (UML) objects. UML is object centric. CIM can offer interoperability and facilitate model exchange for large systems and is being adopted by many utilities. However, dealing effectively with multiple business processes is the backbone of the restructured power systems. Since CIM lacks chronological process sense, this has to be superimposed on CIM models, which is not easy due to inherent limitations of UML. To overcome this, this paper proposes to utilize business process modeling notation (BPMN) standards as a kind of pre-processor. BPMN is used to represent process centric interoperability requirements as business objects. UML object representation in CIM model is derived subsequently from it. The proposal is illustrated with an application use case—deriving CIM model of day-ahead market (DAM) transaction of distribution company, from its business process representation. Semantic model of DAM transaction using CIM IEC 62325 (Markets) and extensions required are presented with a sample Indian system. DAM models in BPMN and CIM can be utilized to build an efficient software application. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Medical education in India that includes MBBS and specialty post-graduation programmes are intense, thorough and well acclaimed. The new medical education curriculum introduced by the National Medical Commission in 2019 is all set to be uniformly implemented. It is a welcome move in the direction of competencies-based assessment, as well as enhancing soft skills and integrated learning. It is also important for medical students to learn other aspects and skills that are highly important in shaping their career, practice, and life after their education is completed. These include business, finance and administrative skills and knowledge, medicolegal aspects, interacting with and tackling different kinds of patients, understanding the scope and benefits of general practice, family medicine and holistic healthcare, making informed career choices, and selfcare that involves coping skills, building resilience, managing stress, and maintaining one's own physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate philanthropy is a highly misunderstood & misinterpreted term in India, people often interlink this two term which are having altogether a different prospective. Some Indian companies believe that they are complying with laws & regulations fulfill their need for social responsibility. A corporate must take these activities with sincerity in order to provide a growth full nation. Although India is a favorable business destination but unless poor people have equity in the growth of economy, India can never achieve the title of super economy. Corporate social responsibility is one such important area of corporate behavior & governance that needs to be given thorough importance. At the same time csr is one such effective tool that synergizes the efforts of corporate & the social sector agencies towards sustainable growth & development of the societal objectives at large. This paper emphasizes that how CSR has become a ladder for development of any corporate organizations. This paper tries to bring out CSR initiatives taken by various organizations in India. An emphasis has been made in order to have an understanding about how corporate are utilizing the initiates at name of philanthropy and counting them to be there CSR activity and how the upcoming ceiling of mandatory 2% CSR is getting on their nerves and making them to enter and explore some hidden unexplored arenas of governance. This paper is completely a work based on articles and secondary data so collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand whether the adoption of environmental management practices and firm characteristics influence the environmental benchmarking in Indian firms. It further looks into the impact of environmental benchmarking practices on firms’ environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study conducts a research survey to obtain the practitioner’s responses on the different aspects of environmental benchmarking. The survey data of 104 firms provide an empirical basis to investigate different research hypotheses using statistical techniques. Findings – The results indicate that the firms which implement environmental management practices are more likely to adopt environmental benchmarking in one or more areas of their operations. The findings signify that firms which benchmarks for environmental purposes are more likely to have better environmental performance. The study confirms that large firms have significant chances of having environmental benchmarking compared to small and medium sized firms. The firms in different sectors have different relative preference to eight different areas of environmental benchmarking. However, all these preferences are not significant at 95 per cent confidence level. Research limitations/implications – The research use only qualitative responses on environment management aspects and could be further extended by incorporating the quantitative (emission) data of different industries. Practical implications – The study provides an insight into the environmental benchmarking practices of Indian firms for better management of environmental performance of the firms. Originality/value – The study investigates the experience and attitude of Indian firms to environmental benchmarking based on an empirical research. It adds to the knowledge in the field of environmental benchmarking in developing countries with specific focus on India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diabetic foot is an unfortunate complication of diabetes, but it is one that is preventable. One such strategy to prevent this complication is by using appropriate footwear. Footwear should, however, be considered a 'double-edged sword' as it can prevent foot complications, as well as cause them. Although there are various guidelines on footwear laid down by different international bodies, it can be difficult to execute them in practice, as there are various factors that govern usage of diabetic footwear in developing countries. The authors suggest a simple and practical approach for using diabetic footwear in these developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although business groups benefit firms when markets fail, does group affiliation continue to be an advantage for firms in deregulated, globally competitive industries? I argue that affiliation allows firms to tap into the knowledge and connections of sister affiliates. This enables them to attract clients from more industries and foreign markets than can unaffiliated firms, and to attain higher international sales. Using data from the Indian software industry, I find support for these hypotheses, but only for 2000-02, when competition increased as a result of new deregulation. These results suggest business groups continue to provide benefits to group-affiliated firms, including information on market opportunities and "reputation signaling" to clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between competitivenessand environment-friendly behaviour of producers under an economic liberalisation regime. For that purpose, it employs a probit model and estimates the influence of the prime movers of industrial growth suchas technical change and economies of scale on environmental degradation. The empirical results of the study of pulp and paper industry, identified as one of the most polluting industries in India, indicate that these variables, as the key players of competitiveness improvement, have positive influence on environment-friendly behaviour. Such findings, therefore, fail to provide support to a view that articulates ruthless exploitation of the environment under economic liberalisation programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Co-operative banks have come to constitute an important segment of the financial system, occupy a unique position and organized on co-operative principles. Present study evaluates the performance of the West Bengal State Co-operative bank Ltd. from the year 2001-02 to 2010-11. The West Bengal State Co-operative Bank Ltd. is performing its role of leading the co-operative movement of the state of West Bengal. The objectives of the paper are to explore and evaluate the growth prospect, operational profitability, stability and recovery performance of the WBSCB Ltd. In order to measure the growth prospect of the banks some important parameters like deposits, loans and advances, and business are analysed from the year 2001-02 to 2010-11. The study shows that all the variables exhibited positive and significant growth during the period of study. It is found that overall profitability of the bank during the study period is satisfactory as "Burden Coverage Ratio" in all the years is more than 1. Results obtained in the study shows that WBSCB Ltd. have satisfactory Z score that means probability of book-value insolvency has decreased during the study period, suggesting that banks are sufficiently stable during the period of study. The study finds that recovery performance of WBSCB Ltd. is satisfactory during the period of study. The management of WBSCB Ltd. should focus on diversification of business activities of the banks, modernization of the services rendered by the bank, proper methods of borrower appraisal and credit management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

corporate social responsibility also known as corporate conscience, corporate citizenship, responsible business. CSR policy functions as a self regulatory mechanism whereby a business monitors & ensures its active compliance with spirit of law, ethical standard & international norms. In the present scenario of financial crisis, increasing income inequality, environmental and other calamities linked to some corporations, there is a greater demand and requirement for CSR globally which is increasing at fast pace.CSR is still relatively new corporate function that continues to change & evolve. The changing marketing innovations demands direct linkage of CSR practices with business corporate strategies. Unlike United States and other major countries in the world, which have greater realized voluntary approaches to the adoption & awareness about CSR, India on the other hand has chosen mandatory approach to CSR. This paper focused on the India's emerging CSR regime & its potential strength & weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores the effect of dividend payment behavior on firm value. The research looks into the effect of varying dividend behavior on Tobin's Q, a proxy for firm value. For determining the dividend behavior of the corporates, total sample of 269 companies is distributed into four quartiles based on average dividend yield. The result shows that dividend payout ratio and change in dividend fail to have a significant effect on firm value in the least dividend-yield companies. However, it is interesting to see that for the high dividend paying companies, dividend payout and change in dividend affect the firm value positively suggesting evidence of clientele effect in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the composition, social organization and wide range of activities of the Indian maritime merchant of the early modern period. Regional contrasts between Gujarat, the Coromandel coast and Bengal are discussed. The last section of the paper discusses the interaction between the Indian maritime merchants and the Europeans, both the corporate enterprises as well as private traders. It is argued that the Indian merchants displayed a remarkable degree of adaptiveness and resilience and refused to be overwhelmed by the competition provided by the Europeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little has been reported to date on human resource aspects of international joint ventures (IJVs) between Australia and India. On the basis of nine case studies, this paper examines the influence of HR practices on selecting the IJV as an entry strategy to invest in India and the role of efficient HR management in ensuring IJV success. The case findings suggest that there is a very moderate HR-related influence on the entry mode decision, whereas HR management plays a significant role in IJV success. The paper also identifies several HR issues in relation to Australian-Indian joint ventures which emerged during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations from hotel sector are increasingly embracing the practice of corporate strategy in anticipation that this will translate to improved performance. Corporate strategy represents the way a firm plans to deploy its resources and to use its capability to achieve its goals. Recent research has pointed out the important role of the business environment on the corporate strategy choices by organizations. However, most of the researches have been conducted in advance economies. This paper extends the research on business environment and corporate strategy by presenting results from an emerging economy. Using data collected from hotels in India we demonstrate that in an emerging economy concerns about the environmental dynamism is the factor with the strongest influence on corporate strategy choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on an ethnographic study of mobile stores' business practices in a slum community in Mumbai. The basic mobile phone store that sells small "talktime" (the period of billing per call) is graduating to repair, formatting, and maintenance of phone hardware and software. Central to this process of store expansion and skill building is the store entrepreneur. He forges relations with procurement channels and mediating agents, renewing existing ties and expanding business loops by interweaving social and business networks. We refer to these aggregations as "hybrid networks," and we highlight their maintenance as a critical resource governing enterprise potential. By evoking the ecology of the mobile phone business in an urban slum setting, the paper draws attention to the following concepts: 1) the unique potential of ICTs as an entrepreneurial commodity, 2) the micro- and small enterprise (MSE) as a functional model for local technology immersions, and 3) local social networks as pivotal in expanding technology adoption and aligning with the needs of the low-income consumer. In essence, we locate the small mobile phone store as the site of convergence for the commercial expansion of mobile phone technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Bulgaria's electronic trade with India between 1967 and 1990. The developing world became a formative learning experience for the computer industry, as it came up against both a highly protectionist state trying to foster its own industry, and competition from Western companies playing to different rules than COMECON rivals. In order to gain a place in this lucrative market, Bulgarian computer enterprises developed their technical services, advertising and negotiating capacities, learning how to be capitalists in a socialist world. This 'learning through competition and copying' was a feedback channel that changed the way that the company operated in other parts of the world, diversifying its marketing and user services within the socialist world too, standing out from the other socialist industries. As such, this global operation was a formative experience for many executives and technicians, making them a group that was plugged into international expertise networks. Thus the computer became a channel for being part of the emerging information economy, and the Global South became a place to meet the First World without restriction. The article thus shows India's importance to Bulgaria as a space to learn from and profit in, rather than an object of socialist development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business Management Education in India has shown an upward growth trend in the last couple of decades. Due to the diverse nature of the course, students from diverse academic backgrounds are being admitted to the course. Therefore, differences in students’ abilities and their learning styles have a significant effect on their learning outcomes. Meanwhile, with the development of learning technologies, learners can be provided a more effective learning environment to optimise their learning. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to automatically detect the students’ learning styles from their personal, academic and social media data and make recommendations for students, teachers, educators and administrators for overall improvement of learning outcomes. Data analysis in this research was represented using data collected from post-graduate business management students in India. A 10-fold cross-validation was used to create and test the models. The data were analysed by R and R-Studio. Classification accuracy, Precision, Recall, Kappa, ROC curve and F measure were observed. The results showed that the accuracy of classification by the C4.5 technique had the highest value at 95.7%, and it could be applied to develop Felder-Silverman’s learning style while taking into consideration students’ academic, personal information and social media preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on family politics and exchange of goods in British India. This paper also situates Anglo-Indian gifts within a spectrum of emotionally-charged exchange mechanisms through which products circulated in British India. The gift-giving and market-orientated consumer behaviors occupied shifting positions within a register of exchange in Anglo-India.

This paper presents the findings of a study of purchasing and supply management professionals in India conducted to identify the key ethical issues they face in carrying out their work related responsibilities as well as to determine the extent to which various factors appear to be helpful or to present challenges to their efforts to act ethically in the course of their work. The Indian findings are then compared to those for studies conducted among purchasing and supply management professionals in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. Key findings for the four studies are summarized and implications for business and the professions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical colleges have become a business industry nowadays, where rich businessmen in the name of trust and foundations are resorting to making huge profits by collecting heavy amount of capitation fees from students without providing quality education to them. It has been observed especially in some of the recently established medical colleges, that the regulations laid by National Medical Council are flouted, and these medical colleges are run with very little patients in the hospital, poor infrastructure and huge number of "Ghost faculties", who are available only during the time of inspection by the regulatory authorities. The regular faculties who are working are overburdened with teaching work, and are also denied relieving and experience letter if they submit their resignation. There is a great need for the regulatory authorities to have a strict scrutiny on such institutions and implement remedial measures to correct these irregularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine causal relationships among the macroeconomic entities tourism and output dynamics in India, using the frequency-domain causality approach. Our results show that there is a bidirectional causality between openness and tourism as well as between output and tourism, at various frequency bands. Hence, this study suggests a multiplier effect of tourism on the Indian economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a country with great social diversities. It has been stated as well as accepted by several national leaders that comprehensive monetary advancement remains a national objective. Various government programs have been started that soak up the soul of comprehensiveness. What is intriguing, be that as it may, is to see the corporate social obligation deliberate rules regarding the service of corporate undertakings. To cite Salman Khurshid, the clergyman of state for corporate issues in 2009 "... the corporate part is likewise remaining amidst a maintainability emergency that represents a danger to the specific presence of business. What we have before us is where one way drives us to comprehensive development and the other may prompt an unsustainable future. ... the business division likewise needs to assume the liability of displaying socially capable business houses that guarantee the appropriation of riches and prosperity of the networks in which the business works." There is definitely a case to be made about the relationship or the causal effect of CSR on inclusive growth. India would do well to harness this resource of CSR to aid the progress of the country and its citizens. This article is an effort towards establishing a relationship between CSR and inclusive growth in India, including suggestions on optimal utilisation of CSR for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local people in the Himalayan region use a wide range of wild and non-cultivated edible plants (WNEPs) for food, spice, medicinal, and cultural purposes. However, their availability, use, status and contribution to livelihood security are poorly documented, and they have been generally overlooked in recent agro-biodiversity conservation and management programmes. The study aimed to investigate WNEP diversity and current status in a part of the Kailash Sacred Landscape--a transboundary landscape shared by Nepal, India and PR China--in terms of collection, use, management and conservation initiatives. Methods: Multiple methodologies and tools were used for data collection. A series of participatory tools (45 key informant interviews, 10 focus group discussions, a crop diversity fair, direct observation of species through a transect walk and rapid market assessments) was followed by a household survey (195 respondents) and complemented by a literature review. Results: The study recorded 99 WNEPs belonging to 59 families of which 96 were angiosperms, one gymnosperm and two pteridophytes. Species were used for food, spice, medicine, rituals and income generation. Thirty-five species had multiple uses, including these: 40 species were used for fruit and 31 for vegetables. WNEPs contribute significantly to daily food requirements, especially the vegetables. The use value of Dryopteris cochleata was found highest (0.98) among frequently used vegetable species. The values of informant consensus factor were found maximum for worms in the stomach (0.99) and minimum for skin disease treatment (0.67). Nearly 85% of households depended exclusively on WNEPs for at least more than a month per year. Results on the importance and use of different species, gender roles in WNEP activities and conservation approaches are presented. Conclusions: People living in the Kailash Sacred Landscape depend significantly on WNEPs, and this is especially critical in times of food shortage. The WNEPs have considerable potential as an important supplement to cultivated food crops. Farmers prioritise species with multiple use values and popular vegetables. However, there are numerous challenges and interventions needed to ensure conservation and management of species and their continued availability to support food security and local livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every individual is characterized by a learning style which an individual develops over a course of time. The learning style may be shaped by different cultural environment. This study aims to find and compare the learning style of Indian and German business students by examining the learning styles of 81 students from India and Germany. The study uses Learning Style Questionnaire introduced by Honey and Mumford. The findings suggest that there is significant difference in the learning style of Indian and German students. Indian students are found to be observed to reflect, analyze and theorize whereas German students are more oriented towards practical application of theory followed by reflection and analysis. Findings have also been thoroughly discussed in terms of the geographical constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This article aims to understand the status of business continuity planning (BCP) in hospitals in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The article also focuses on the role played by hospitals during a disaster. Subject and methods: A mixed-methods research design was applied by developing a research instrument with qualitative and quantitative questions and collecting data by personally interviewing respondents. Two hundred seventeen interviews were conducted. Of these, 190 interviews were held with doctors and officials from hospitals in the NCT of Delhi. Twenty-seven experts from government departments, civil society organisations and the United Nations were also interviewed. Results: This study shows that there is only limited understanding of the level of preparedness required for hospitals to continue functioning during and after a disaster event. All respondents confirmed having a BCP, but on investigation these plans were found to be either fire safety plans or contingency plans looking at mass casualties. A holistic plan for all critical aspects of hospital BCP is not available in 95.8% of hospitals; 47.4% of hospitals have poor to low levels of preparedness for all disaster risks; 48.4% of hospitals have a moderate level of preparedness, and only 4.2% have a high level of preparedness. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the level of preparedness in hospitals in Delhi varies greatly. There is a need to approach BCP in a holistic manner, starting from an understanding of hazardous events, their impact on assets and planning for the continuation of critical functions when disaster strikes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]