bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance and Stock Market Liquidity
Authors: Sidhu Manjit Kaur
Published: September 2016

Corporate governance has an impact on both quantity and quality of corporate information disclosure which affects the level of information asymmetry and thus impacts the changes in market liquidity of stock. This article attempts to discern the relationship between corporate governance and the stock market liquidity of Indian manufacturing companies included in the S&P BSE 100 Index during the period 2009-2012 by invoking pooled regression model. The empirical results support corporate governance implications of stock market liquidity as measured by Amivest measure (1985), that is, better governed companies has higher liquidity. The results of the present study are in support of arguments made by Chung, Elder, and Kim (2010), i.e., firms may improve stock market liquidity by adopting corporate governance practices that mitigate informational asymmetries.
Determinants of Profitability of Automobile Industry in India
Authors: Kaur Navleen , Kaur Jasmindeep
Published: September 2016

The present study is an attempt to ascertain the determinants of profitability of automobile industry in India by taking a sample of all the automobile firms covering various segments of automobile industry in India viz. commercial vehicles, three wheelers, two wheelers, and passenger vehicles which are listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), for a period of eleven years from 2003-04 to 2013-14. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, firm-specific factors viz. financial leverage, size of firm, tangibility of assets, growth of firm, liquidity, inventory turnover ratio, debt equity ratio, debtors turnover ratio, total assets turnover ratio, average payment period, and cash liquidity of firm are regressed against return on assets ratio. Firstly correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis are applied to identify the factors affecting profitability of sample firms. Further, to find out the prominent factors that account for the variation in profitability of sample firms, step-wise regression analysis has been carried out. It was found that profitability of automobile industry in India is significantly influenced by the liquidity position of firm, growth of firm, inventory turnover ratio, debt equity ratio, and average payment period.
Adoption of Cloud Computing Amongst Indian SMBs: An Extension of TAM Framework
Authors: Srivastava Vibhava , Dewan Saurabh
Published: September 2016

Cloud computing has been gaining recognition amongst enterprises due to its wide range of applications. Its adoption is found to be driven by factors like industry, geography, size of organization, and nature of business etc. Gradually researchers started exploring adoption of cloud computing from users perspective particularly behavioral factors driving the same. The present study intends to explore different behavioral predictor of intention to use cloud computing, by adopting the recent Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) 3 developed by Venkatesh & Bala (2008). A total of 100 users who are involved in purchasing computing solutions or are key stakeholders/decision-makers of Indian Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) constituted the sample for this study. Data collection was done through online survey. The findings suggest that perceived ease of use has significant effect on attitude towards usage which subsequently affects intention to use cloud computing. The findings are consistent with the previous researches on technology adoption factors. At the end, the theoretical and managerial implications of the study are discussed.
Educational Entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu - A Profile
Authors: Raja Siluvai
Published: September 2016

Education has been considered as an indispensable asset of every individual, community and nation today. Indias higher education system is the third largest in the world, after China and the United States (World Bank). Tamil Nadu occupies the first place in terms of possession of higher educational institutions in the private sector in the country with over 46 percent(27) universities, 94 percent(464) professional colleges and 65 percent(383) arts and science colleges(2011). Studies to understand the profile of the entrepreneurs providing higher education either in India or Tamil Nadu were hardly available. This paper attempts to map the demographic profile of the entrepreneurs providing higher education in Arts and Science colleges in Tamil Nadu through an empirical analysis, carried out among 25 entrepreneurs spread across the state. This paper presents a summary of major inferences of the analysis.
Entrepreneurship through Marigold Cultivation: Evidence from Laxmibill Area of Tripura
Authors: Deb Rajat , Uddin Anich
Published: September 2016

The objectives of the study are to assess the different motivating factors for marigold cultivation and to report the problems the respondents are exposed to. A schedule comprising 50 questions with personal interview is used to collect data from a sample size of 130 respondents chosen using different non-probability sampling techniques. Different statistical tests like Factor analysis, Maan-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test have been performed to assess support for the hypotheses. The findings document that to improve the financial status, to become self-employed, good profit margin, and availability of inputs are the prime motivating factors for cultivation. Further, paucity of capital, frequent change in weather, insufficient government support, and shortage of skilled labourers are the constraints for cultivation. The sample size is considerably low as well as sample has been selected using different non-probability sampling techniques which themselves are not flawless. The results obtained from the study have practical implications not only for existing entrepreneurs, but also for potential entrepreneurs about the motivational forces and the problems they could encounter if they commence the cultivation, and accordingly can formulate their strategies for sustainability.
Management Competencies of Female Entrepreneurs of Khulna City, Bangladesh
Authors: Bose Tarun Kanti , Mannan Jakia
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate competencies practiced by female entrepreneurs. A sample of 135 female entrepreneurs was selected to judge the management competencies. From this study, it is found that female entrepreneurs are in better position in the skills of organizing, motivating, liaising, communicating, group dynamics, decision making, problem solving, and dedication to work whereas in relative weak position in planning, leading, controlling, negotiation, risk assuming, and creativity and innovation. The result of the study also detected positive correlation among female entrepreneurial venturing and the skills of planning, leading, organizing, motivating, communication, risk assuming, decision making, problem solving, creativity and innovation, and dedication to work. This study concludes that there is a positive significant linear relationship exists between the women entrepreneurship and managing qualities.
Working Together Locally-Performing Better Internationally: Alliance-FSAs-SME Internationalisation
Authors: Bose Tarun Kanti , Bristy Jannatul Ferdous
Published: September 2016

The present study directs towards investigating the impact of local alliance on global performance of SMEs. In order to explore such impact, a conceptual three stage model has been developed covering three main variables: strategic alliance, developing firm specific advantages (FSAs), and internationalization. Qualitative and explorative descriptive studies on fifty SMEs of Khulna city, Bangladesh were carried out to detect the key underlying variables exist in the context. From the data recorded and archived a total of ten variables covering various types of strategic alliances were developed, in the next stage a total of 20 FSAs were identified which can be obtained through such alliances and in final stage again ten variables were detected that describe different internationalization competencies which can be developed through building those FSAs. This study contributed toward developing a model for successful alliance FSAs internationalization framework from the observations of the respondents firms.
Commercial Banks Finance and Economic Empowerment in Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises in India- A Study on Engineering Sector of Howrah, West Bengal
Authors: Gupta Manidipa Das , Basak Radhagobinda
Published: September 2016

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) play a significant role in introducing high level of socio-economic empowerment to all levels of social beings with its huge contribution in production, export promotion, employment generation, and value addition. Besides, it is well capable in redressing off the concomitant hazards of our nation like unemployment, poverty etc. The beneficial effect of the very sector is increased sharply if it is being participated by the marginalized gender section of our society, women. Notwithstanding, the sector cannot protect itself from several down-gradation in its survival due to several controllable and/or uncontrollable causes amongst which the inadequate need-based finance is considered to be the most severe one (All India Fourth Census Report of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), 2006-2007). In this context, the Central Bank has declared many promotional financial policies for the neediest sector of economy which has been allowed to be practiced by all the financial institutions of which the Commercial Banks (CBs) are the most significant ones. But CBs sometimes are blamed for their unfriendly partial attitude towards the very sector for their sole emphasis on commercialization. The women-owned MSEs in this context sometimes suffer a lot for the gender-discriminative credit policy of the CBs. In India, amongst different states, West Bengal (WB) is taken as a significant contributor so far as the number of women-owned MSEs and their performances are concerned. WB here specially recognizes the engineering sector of Howrah, the former Birmingham of the East, for its special contribution in socio-economic development of it. Though men-dominated sector, women-owned units here are also found to perform prestigiously irrespective of different hindrances mainly originated from need-based financial lacuna. CBs here are also found to be responsible ones reflecting the nation-wide picture over there which ultimately puts a question on proper implementation of financial policies to serve the marginalized gender section of the society. The present paper, therefore, aims at identifying to what extent the financial assistance of Commercial Banks empowers economically the women-owned micro and small engineering enterprises of Howrah and recommending some suggestions for further improvement following descriptive research methodology and relevant statistical tools and techniques.
Interrelationship between Self-efficacy, Gender and the Entrepreneurial Career Choice
Authors: Kothari Hem Chandra , Patra Sidheswar
Published: September 2016

This research paper examines the interpersonal relationship between gender, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial career choice. The present study has been conducted in Uttarakhand, a province of India. An item pool was developed on the basis of focus group interviews and literature survey. A scale was developed on the basis of item pool after an item analysis for checking its consistency and reliability and was included in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered on 880 graduation final year students studying in different colleges. An interpersonal relationship between gender, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial career choice was examined using Pearsons chi-square test and Students t-test. Results show significant relationship between gender and self-efficacy, self-efficacy and entrepreneurial career choice, and gender and entrepreneurial career choice. Male respondents were found to have higher level of self-efficacy than female respondents. This paper also explores that male respondents are more likely to opt for an entrepreneurial career than females.
Government Policies and Rural Entrepreneurship- Case Study of an Horticulture Entrepreneur
Authors: Sambrani Vinod N.
Published: September 2016

India is a country which is in forefront of being called a developed nation. To be a developed nation, India has to first look at its rural development, because 70 percent of the population live in rural areas, which means more than 700 million people are spread across 6,27,000 villages. Rural development is more than ever before linked to entrepreneurship. Establishments and agencies promoting rural development now look at entrepreneurship as a strategic development medium that could speed up the rural development process. Development institutions believe that rural entrepreneurship offers a huge potential for employment. In this paper a case study of a young entrepreneur who has taken up horticulture (vegetable plants nursery) as his full time profession, with a mission to help the neighbouring farmers is studied, the purpose of this paper is to understand the government role (policies and schemes), the difficulties faced by the entrepreneur during the startup time and knowledge transfer from the horticulture department, nursery management. The methodology followed is in-depth interaction with the entrepreneur. The outcome of paper will be to understand how rural entrepreneurship is helping improve the quality of life for families, communities and individuals leading to sustainable economy and environment.
A Study and Modelling for Improving Secure Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Vidhya B. , Joseph Mary , Girinath D. Rajini , Malathi A.
Published: September 2016

Storage nodes play a vital role in wireless sensor networks for carrying out the storage activity of data sent by the sensor node once after capturing the details of the environment and in turn to answer the sensor data related query to the network owner. Because of the less storage capacity on the sensor node, storage node takes the whole responsibility for pre-processing the data as well as to respond to queries returned by the owner. Duplicate sensor/storage node imposes a major threat to the wireless sensor networks. The proposed approach focuses on carrying out the effective techniques for data transfer by using Elliptic Curve Encryption for encrypting the image captured from the environment and also to transmit the encrypted critical text data from source to destination, aggregate Signature to validate the sender of the message for data verification, stenography to hide the encrypted content within an image. The proposed ideas are well suited for transferring the details secure in WSN.
Mitigating Virtual Machine Denial of Service Attacks from Mobile APPS
Authors: Guster Dennis , Abdul Raqeeb , Rice Erich
Published: September 2016

With the advances in cloud computing and the use of virtualisation, the complexity of computing systems had never been greater. Due to this greater complexity securing these systems have also become more complex and difficult, especially given the ease with which hackers can bring to bear Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Luckily, advances in technology have also provided the means of administering these complex computing systems through the use of mobile devices, such as with an Android OS based smartphone. In this paper we provide an option for managing the eradication of rogue processes created through DoS attacks by way of a mobile device application or app. Through the use of this mobile app built on the Android platform a system administrator would be alerted to a potential security incident and be given the tools to kill a rogue process without having to be onsite or initiate a terminal session through secure shell or another terminal program. This type of option could be very appealing to small or mid-sized enterprises which cannot afford the cost of having personnel staffed onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The mobile app was built with security in mind and would provide a system administrator a quicker and more direct ability to curtail DoS attacks before they caused greater harm.
Application of Quaternion Numbers in Identification Scheme
Authors: Alimoradi Reza
Published: September 2016

The goal of an identification procedure is access control. Methods that permit an identification are called identification protocols. In this paper, first we introduced quaternion numbers. In addition we proposed a new identification scheme based on quaternions. Finally, the security of our scheme is analyzed.
Determinant of Employees Job Satisfaction and the Role of Male and Female Differences: An Empirical Study at Hotel Industry in Iran
Authors: Hashemi S. M. , Jusoh J. , Kiumarsi S. , Hashemi F.
Published: September 2016

Employee satisfaction is a parameter used to measure of the extent to which employees are pleased with their particular jobs and working environment. Continuously improving the spirits and self-confidence among employees can be of incredible benefits to any organization, given that happy employees are anticipated to put in more energy and time, take less leave of absence, and remain dedicated to the company. There are a number of factors that improve or sustain high employee satisfaction, which sensible employers thrive to implement. This objective of this study is to determine the level of employees job satisfaction and to investigate the effect of gender on employees job satisfaction. Important factors that have an impact on job satisfaction are supervision, relationship with co-workers, rewards, work condition, and opportunities for promotion. Data for this research were gathered from employees of four 5 rated-star hotels in Iran. The illustrative evaluation executed to decide the grade of employees job satisfaction. Furthermore, independent sample t-test was utilized to empirically test relationship between employees job satisfaction and their gender. Findings suggest that employees are moderately satisfied with their job and there is no significant difference in between male and female employees job satisfaction.
Customer Relationship Management Practices Adopted by Hospitality Industry in Selected States of North India
Authors: Kaushal Aarti
Published: September 2016

The use of a Customer Relationship Management application is to create a business strategy is an excellent way to increase customer loyalty and customer retention. By personalizing a customers stay, a hotel can ensure that customers will come back again and again simply by remembering their favorite beverage, pillow or other preferred amenity.
What Motivates Young People to Attend Music Festivals and What Role Do Peer Pressure and Alcohol Consumption Play in Attendance?
Authors: Gill Kerryn , Ollenburg Claudia , Nash Robert
Published: September 2016

Australia is host to over 350 music festivals every year however, it has become apparent that very little work has been done to determine why young people choose to consume large amounts of alcohol at these events and in turn, what role peer pressure plays in their decisions. This study adds to research, investigating the motivations of those who attend music festivals, as well as exploring how peer pressure impacts young peoples choice to attend and consume alcohol. Data was collected from students attending four Queensland Universities and identifies the importance of alcohol consumption to attendees. This study both substantiates previous research, as well as support academic theories.
An Assessment of Customer Satisfaction with First Level Hotels in Gondar: International Outlook
Authors: Tesfaye Sewnet , Sharma Sukarn , Girma Sileshi
Published: September 2016

Gondar, due to its historical palaces and churches, has been one of the top tourist destinations in Northern Ethiopia. For that matter, the number of domestic and international tourists visiting the town is increasing from time to time. Looking at this potential of Gondar many people are venturing into the field of hotel business. This study was conducted to assess customer satisfaction with first level hotels in Gondar. The responses of the international tourists were taken for the purpose of analysis. Only the international tourists were approached so as to have a holistic and unbiased analysis of the hotel sector in the town. A total of 352 tourists staying in first class hotels of Gondar were approached for data collection in between 22nd March- 22nd April 2013. However, only 313 questionnaires were completely filled and thus considered for study. It was found that though the staff is hospitable, the hotels are neat and comfortable, the taste of food is good and some services such as credit card facility is available in the hotels still efficiency in service, variety of food items, location of the hotel, the landscaping, spaciousness of rooms and value for money are some burning issues which demand immediate attention by the hoteliers.
Determinants of Satisfaction with Destination Attributes An Empirical Study of Udaipur, Rajasthan
Authors: Singh Ashok , Tiwari Ranjana
Published: September 2016

The study involves identifying the important factors contributing to the level of satisfaction from the destination attributes of Udaipur, Rajasthan. An extensive review of literature was done before the study. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 350 international tourists who visited Udaipur, Rajasthan in peak tourist season. Further, factor analysis was used in order to identify the most important destination attributes contributing to the satisfaction level of the tourists. Services provided at the tourist spots were the most important destination attributes which included parking facility, communication system, cleanliness etc. Further, nine factors including accessibility and cultural factors were identified as the important factors in destination attributes. The results of this study offer practical suggestions to destination and the tourism suppliers looking to develop positioning and marketing strategies for Udaipur tourism. The study could be useful to the tour operators, tourism stakeholders or destination management organizations to focus on the most important factors leading to tourist satisfaction, which can help them to develop the strategies for further development accordingly.
Moderating Effect of Personal Background Variables on the Relationship of Multi-Dimensional Organisational Commitment and Perceived Work Environment - Sub Group Analysis
Authors: Khan S. M.
Published: September 2016

Four hundred rail engine drivers using purposive sampling were selected from 34 divisions of Central, Eastern, Northern, North-Eastern, Southern, South Eastern, and Western zones of Indian Railways. Sub-group analysis was used to determine the referent effect of personal background variables (age, total dependent family members, income, length of service, and service in present grade) on the relationship of multi-dimensional organizational commitment and perceived work environment. Age, length of service and service in present grade have moderating effect on the relationship of multi-dimensional organizational commitment and perceived work environment. Utility of moderator variables in determining the relationship discussed. HRD Managers and Behaviorists were admonitioned to visualize the relationship in reference to emerged significant referent variables for good health of the organizations.
Defining Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning
Authors: NgaleIlongo Fritz
Published: September 2016

This study aimed at exploring the definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study was the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they had experienced. Data for this study were collected through a semi-structured interview on 20 academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis was done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlighted the following rubrics in respondents definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence: abuse of status, covert and or overt negative behaviors, premeditated intention to impose ones will and suppress that of others, devaluing others, and causing harm to the victims of bullying. Workplace bullying can thus be described as negative group dynamics which has characteristics that are diametrically opposed to those of positive psychology. Workplace bullying impacts negatively on, and compromises organizational effectiveness and efficiency, employee physical resilience, intellectual stimulation, emotional balance, family harmony, self-esteem, self-image, and self-actualization.
The Effect of Retirement on Lifestyle, Well-being and Ability to Cope in Indian Army
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Rishi Parul
Published: September 2016

There may be many challenges that retirees experience when they leave the workplace. Many people are unable to foresee this critical aspect of their future. Therefore, a study of the effect of retirement on army officers lifestyle, well-being and ability to cope, was undertaken keeping in mind that even after laying down the uniform, an army officer continues to have that ingrained code of conduct and ethical values that he has served and practised in his professional and personal life. Retirees experience adversity in emotional and their wellbeing. One must study the disparity that is felt when an officer retires and settles in an environment which may be different from his earlier one. This will help in identifying the coping ability, their well-being and lifestyle factors associated with retirement so that it promotes a peaceful and satisfying post retired life. It was found through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews that retirement might coincide with many important life changes and adopting a new lifestyle. Lifestyle changes may require unforeseen adaptation and adjustments that result in a sense of disenchantment affecting their well-being.
Psychological Capital and Work Attitudes: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Sahoo Bharat Chandra , Sia Surendra Kumar , Sahu Niranjan , Appu Aneesh V.
Published: September 2016

The major thrust of the present paper, pertaining to employees growth and development at work, attempts a systematic analysis of attitudinal outcomes and performance improvement due to psychological capital. The constructs, namely psychological capital, and work attitudes like job involvement, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, cynicism, and turnover intention have been described. Based on far reaching Indian as well as western literature and findings, it is suggested that psychological capital would be positively related to desirable attitudes like job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job involvement whereas negatively related to undesirable attitudes like organizational cynicisms and turnover intention. Through extensive literature and findings, the researcher is aiming to formulate a conceptual model of psychological capital based on propositions and to show how psychological capital is related to job attitudes. With respect to organizational development, this paper also covers practical implication where systematic intervention of psychological capital is given utmost priority. With reference to various organizations and workplaces, how psychological capital can be applied in a scientific direction through proper training, workshop, and web-based programme in order to promote healthy and balanced life.
An Empirical Study on Innovation and Role of Demographic Variables
Authors: Bhatacharya Anindita , Chawla K. L. , Ravichandran N.
Published: September 2016

As organizations face more globalized and fast paced competitive environment today than ever before, the need of the hour has become a concentrated effort by organizations to be innovative. Innovation has emerged as a mainstay of organizational sustenance and thus an empirical study was attempted at, to understand the relationships between innovation and demographic variables, if any. Literature review was done to generate a representative pool of factors influencing innovation. An accepted scale of innovation measurement seems to be missing especially in the Indian context. The study also aimed at understanding the efficacy of including demographic variables as an innovativeness measurement parameter in developing such a scale. Based on the literature review a questionnaire was designed that was used to collect the data. A 7-point Likert scale was used to capture the data on the statements pertaining to innovation. The type of data obtained through the questionnaire was quantitative. Random and judgemental sampling techniques were used to identify the respondent pool for study. The study tried to gauge interrelationship between innovation and employee age, gender and length of service. Based on the findings, the study concludes that age and length of service seem to have strong influences on the innovation potential while gender did not seem to have a very significant impact on innovation process and thus age and length of service can be included as influencing measurement parameter for innovativeness in any innovation scale development.
An Application of Structural Equation Modelling to Search Antecedents Latent Variables in Organisational Health, Occupational Role Stress and Social Support for Organisational Commitment
Authors: Mishra Swati , Khan S. M. , Mishra P. C.
Published: September 2016

In this article, a search for antecedents latent variables of organizational commitment from organizational health, occupational role stress, and social support for Indian Nationalized Bank Managers was made. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to assess the fit of the model that identified autonomy, cohesiveness, goal focus, role overload, and responsibility for the person as statistically significant antecedents of organizational commitment. Our models provided a good fit. Direct and indirect effects of exogenous variables on endogenous variables estimated and resultant percent of variance accounted into organizational commitment reported.
Stress among Forest Personnel: A Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Tripathi Nistha , Upadhyay Bal Krishna
Published: September 2016

Though the field of stress has gained a lot importance in the last few decades, stress studies in the forestry sector are still on cross roads. Looking at the dearth of studies in the field of stress in forestry sector, this paper directs at reviewing the researches about the prevalent stress among the forest personnel. The study encompassed comprehensive review and analysis of physiological as well as psychological stress. A systematic review and meta-synthesis of stress studies was done. The studies met the eligibility criteria only if it had included stress as one of the measures directly or referred to the same indirectly in relation to measured variable in the article by last 50 years. A total of 19 studies/articles dealing with the stress among forestry staff were included in the present study. Both qualitative as well as quantitative analysis were incorporated in the study. The qualitative analysis was directed towards analyzing the paper in terms of various methodologies adopted by the researchers and causes and effects of stress assessed. Further, quantitative analysis was conducted by assessing effect-sizes taking due consideration of methodological approach, source and practical significance of selected studies. The paper concludes with a note on importance and gap in stress related studies pertaining to forestry sector.
Firms Social Responsibility Behaviour Pattern and Climate of the Host Community Environment in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Port Harcourt: A Study in Sustainable Development
Authors: Eketu Continue Anddison , S. Needorn Richard
Published: September 2016

This study examined the relationship between firms corporate social responsibility behavior pattern and the climate of the host community environment. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey and collected data from a cross-section of 50 high class hotels operating in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The research data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the demographics and study variables, and Spearmans Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (rs) for the bi-variate analysis. The study found that companies that exhibit proactive social responsibility behavior enjoy conducive business climate in their host community environment more than those with reactive behavior pattern. However, those with resistant behavior toward social responsibility operate in very unconducive climate in the host community environment. The study therefore concluded that the conductive climate in the host community environment is a function of the firms proactive social responsibility consciousness to the host community. The study recommends that companies should be proactive and consultative in their social responsibility focus and should also adopt the public private partnership (PPP) initiating in the provision of societies social need for harmonious host environment.
Forms of Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning in the Light of the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying
Authors: Ilongo Fritz Ngale
Published: September 2016

This study aims at exploring forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study is the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they are experiencing. Data for this study are collected through a semi-structured interview on twenty academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis is done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlight the following forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence within the context of the study: staff devaluing, expatriate syndrome, authoritarian management, communication bullying, unknown politicized agenda, and economic/financial bullying. The forms of workplace bullying experienced by interviewees are person-related, management-style related, interpersonal, and job resources related, which can be ascribed to the university restructuring programme that is ongoing during the period of this study. From literature review and the findings of the study the researcher has conceived the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying as a conceptual framework for enhancing understanding of forms of workplace bullying within the context of this study.
Effectiveness of Training Evaluation in Autoancillary Industry
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Gangai Khagendra Nath
Published: September 2016

In todays dynamic and competitive world, organizations also need to be dynamic in nature. One of the most important needs of a dynamic organization is right talent. In the labour market of India, though we have a large number of human resources, but skilled workers are very less in numbers. So all organization basically focus on hiring potential candidates and then in training them according to the job profile, skill sets required, and culture of the organization. These training processes involve a large amount of investment, it becomes imperative to analyze benefit of it. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of training for workers and different factors affecting for which study has been done in auto-ancillary Industry. A total of 120 samples were collected for the study from various organizations in the auto-ancillary industry. The Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation was used, which includes reaction, learning, behavior, result as four main dimensions to check the effectiveness of any training programme. The result reveals that the training need identifications have significant impacts on training effectiveness. There is a positive significant relationship among the variables such as training need identification (TNI), reaction, learning, behavior, results, and training effectiveness. Similarly, age and experience have significant influence on training effectiveness, but qualification has no significant influence on training effectiveness. The demographic variables such as age, experience, and qualifications are observed that there has significant influence on the common factor which is leaning during the training programme.
Academic Leadership: Current Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Rishi Parul
Published: September 2016

N.A.
Sustainable Agriculture - The Indian Way
Authors: P. Naachimuthu K.
Published: September 2016

The five natural elements (earth, water, fire, air, and sky), the sun and the moon, plants, trees, birds, and animals, came into existence much ahead of the human beings. In fact, man, as a part of nature, was the last creation in the universe. Though, we (human beings) have been created with the superlative degree of intellect, there is so much that can be learnt from nature, traditions of wisdom from the world teach us that a divine essence flows through all creations. Together with nature, man can co-create groundbreaking ideas that would help create wealth and well-being, for nature offers solutions for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Food scarcity is the major issue concerning the developing countries these days, one out of every 8 person in the world goes to bed without food (FAO, 2012). Of the several hundred million hungry people in the world, 98 percent are in developing countries. There were several things done to alleviate this problem, but the consequences of those actions are even more costly. Usage of heavy machines, pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the soil created a lasting impact causing imbalance in ecosystem, degradation of soil, soil erosion and land degradation. Natural farming is an ancient form of agriculture which follows the principles of nature to develop systems for raising crops, and livestock that are self-sustaining. The present paper attempts to explicate the sustainable nature of natural farming, as against the quick fix solution agriculture of using fertilizers, and chemicals. This holistic learning outlook also tries to bring out the role of farm animals (and remain of farm animals, and farm produces), microorganisms in the soil, in creating food abundance, concerns about food loss and food wastage and its global impact.
Growth and Performance of Agriculture Sector in India
Authors: Singla Naresh , Kaur Mamandeep
Published: September 2016

The growth of agriculture and allied sectors is critical for the Indian economy as about 49 percent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. During the last decade and so, the agriculture sector has undergone profound changes resulting in sharp deceleration in its growth. The study has attempted to analyze growth and performance of the agriculture sector in India since 1980-81 and tries to comprehend some of the factors responsible for the deceleration in growth. The study has shown that agriculture sector has been able to show tremendous improvement in expansion of area and production of food grain and non-food grain crops. However, there are so many underlying factors responsible for slowdown of the agricultural growth. Some of the factors identified include: Increase in area under non-agriculture uses, excessive dependence on rain fed farming, increase in number of agricultural labourers, reducing size of the operation holdings, over use of agri-inputs, inequity in the distribution of agriculture credit along with sharp deceleration in public gross capital formation in agriculture etc. The study pointed in order to achieve higher growth rate, there is a need to enhance the gross capital formation in agriculture sector particularly on irrigation so that more area can be brought under assured irrigation. Bringing equity in distribution of agricultural credit coupled with judicious and need-based agricultural inputs are some of the other recommendations drawn based upon the study.
Towards Enhancing Employability of Young Indians
Authors: Nayak Parameswar
Published: September 2016

This paper analyses the needs, strategies, opportunities, and challenges of developing employability of young Indians (i.e. those in the age group of 14-35 years). Capacity building programmes are strategically essential for enhancing their marketable vocational skills and developing personality. They form about 65% of the total population. Scope of enhancing their employability through existing formal system of imparting technical, professional and management education at the graduate and post-graduate level is limited. Therefore, there is a need for creating more infrastructure and academic facilities to impart vocational skill training. The need for creating the cadre of employable young workforce is not only to meet the human resource requirement of the country, but also meet the increasing global demands for employing low-cost but rich Indian talents in the near future. There is a felt need for doubling the existing training capacity to increase the formally trained workforce by 150 percent. The paper discusses various strategic actions involving government and private institutions through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to realize the mission of creating a human capital with 200 million graduates and 500 million skilled people in India by 2022. A SWOT analysis of Odisha, an economically poor state with low human development index, is made to understand the importance of enhancing employability for economic development. Strategic initiatives of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and National Council on Vocational Training (NCVT) of India through PPP projects, various issues and challenges faced by the key stakeholders in the process of implementation of skill development programmes have been discussed in detail. A model defining road map for success of enhancing employability of young Indians is suggested with short-term and long-term measures. Creation of employment opportunities and employable workforce should go hand in hand. Otherwise, it can create more problems of unemployment. The skill development alone cannot ensure employability of a person unless other competencies such as communication, interpersonal relations and positive attitude towards work and people are developed as per the requirement of different employers. Therefore, vocationalisation of mainstream education needs to be emphasized rather than vocational education. To achieve this, there is need for a hybrid model with a new mindset, a new skill-set and a new DNA of employable human capital.
Understanding Rural Retailer at the Base of the Fortune Pyramid
Authors: Mohanty Nilamadhab
Published: September 2016

The literature in the field of rural marketing has paid little attention to intra-rural transaction. However, approaches towards inclusive marketing and rural market development are incomplete without clarity on rural to rural transaction. In this article an attempt has been made to understand the rural to rural transaction in the context of rural retail units. Identification of the supportive features, appreciation of organizational limitations of the business, and design of alternative revenue options were found as three strategies adopted by rural retailers to build a profitable enterprise. Compatibility and desirability of the revenue alternatives have been discussed to be the indicators determining the importance of each of these strategies. Implications are discussed both for commercial ventures involved in rural marketing as well as for agencies concerned with the design and implementation of income generating programmes in rural areas.
CSR Initiatives for Children - Exploring the Practices in Selected Companies in India
Authors: Varghese Ranjana Mary , S. Supraja C.
Published: September 2016

Of late, the concept of corporate social responsibility has gained prominence from all avenues. Across the globe, most of the prominent leading corporations seem to have realized the importance of being associated with socially relevant causes as a means of promoting their brands. Corporate have started moving from what is our share mode to what is our environmental impact and how much we are accountable mode. Nearly all leading organizations in India are involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in areas like education, health, livelihood creation, skill development, and empowerment of not just the weaker sections of the society but the society in large. This paper examines the concept of few notable firms sacrificing profits in the social interest within the environmental realm especially for children. Although the analysis of goodwill and quality of different initiatives within the umbrella of CSR is challenging, an attempt can be made to fulfill the social responsibility. The authors have tried to take four Indian firms who are exclusively into a robust CSR strategy, where child rights are being respected and protected. These programmes aim at holistic development of the concerned. The objective, sector, modus operandi and the scope of the programmes are investigated. Also a small effort has been made to understand the needs of children in India, scope of the corporate in fulfilling those needs and facilitate long term change in the lives of the marginalized children. A brief analysis regarding the best practices by the authors suggests that integrated empowerment is needed for sustainable development in the society. Moreover protecting the rights of children should be integral to every CSR strategy. Corporate can impact the access to the necessities, which are essential for survival and development of children in many ways.
A Supply Chain Collaboration Model for Product Development with R&D Subsidies
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Raman Jyoti , Priya
Published: September 2016

The capability to concurrently design the product and the supply chain is becoming a key competence in manufacturing companies. In spite of this development, this competence is still underdeveloped in industry. Research has not been able to fill this industrial capability gap partly because there is a lack of convergence of the methodologies for concurrent product and supply chain design in the research community. Today, businesses depend on strategic collaboration with their suppliers and customers to create value to develop product and to obtain better market-share. Designing products to match the processes and supply chains processes to match product platforms and supply chains, and supply chains to match the product platforms and process are the ingredients in todays fast developing markets. If this co-design is done well upfront with sufficient focus on product development process managing, product will cost much less overall and the time to market will decrease substantially. This paper presents a supply chain collaboration dynamic model with two innovative R&D sectors for each supplier and buyer: A vertical R&D sector that improves the quality of existing differentiated products and a horizontal R&D sector that creates new differentiated products. The supplier and buyer exchange differentiated products and beneficiate from knowledge spillovers (possibly impulsed by R&D subsidies). The long term policy effects of R&D subsidies in this context had been studied in this paper. In this contribution, we have realized an attempt to integrate the product development model in a supply chain collaboration framework. This enables us to discuss of the optimal research policy integrating some feedback effects from innovation and knowledge spillovers. Our main result is that the effect of a subsidy to vertical R&D (the only subsidy that has a long term effect) depends on the relative innovative capacities of the supplier or buyer that realized this policy.