ASIAN JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT RESEARCH
VOLUME 2, NO 1 - 2011
CONTENTS
Some Aspects of Women Entrepreneurship in India
Author(s)- Ray Sarbapriya, Aditya Ray. Ishita
ABSTRACT
Rapid growth of women’s self-employment and entrepreneurship corroborates that this is a significant avenue to improve women’s employability. This avenue is widely recognized at the global level. Self-employment and entrepreneurship are increasingly important for women as a way to ensure income from work in the context of declining job security and flexibilization of work contracts across India. This paper focuses on woman entrepreneur in India and also the paper talks about the status of woman entrepreneurs and the problems faced by them when they set up and managed their own businesses in the competitive world of business environment. At last, some general measures have been suggested to encourage women entrepreneurship in India.
Industrial exports and economic development in Iran
Author(s)- Safdari Mehdi, Zaroki
ABSTRACT
This research is seeking to determine the effect of human capital and physical and non-oil exports of industrial sector, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the country during 1959 to 2007. Initially we tested using stationary or non stationary of Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) important macroeconomic variables and the results show that all variables of type unit root or not, all without a single root. Furthermore, as is proven by Pesaran in 2001, his model explains Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) or make the appropriate interrupt can obtain a model of long-term adjustment coefficients between the desired variables. This research has been used in a logarithmic model was used to test models of the years 1995 to 2007 data. Estimated results obtained from these tests, says that while the physical and human capital are positive and significant role in the Iranian real GDP, exports of industrial sector was less effective than expected real GDP of Iran and due to fluctuations in Oil markets should be more attention to policies to encourage non-oil exports.
Assessment of service quality in apparel retailing-A study of three select cities
Author(s)- Udaya Bhaskar.N, Raja Shekhar.B
ABSTRACT
The Indian Retail Industry is witnessing a rapid transformation and is the fastest growing sector contributing ten percent of countries’ GDP. Indian retail market is estimated to grow from $427 billion in 2010 to $637 billion by 2015. India became the prime destination for the global retailers because of favorable demographics, high disposable income levels, changing life styles and increased customer awareness. Indian apparel retailing is the country’s largest opportunity for the organized retailers after food retailing. The fast pace of the Indian retail industry presents many companies with a host of daily challenges. In today’s competitive environment and with the growing importance of services, delivering high quality services has become the basic retailing strategy. The present paper studies the impact of service quality on apparel retail customer satisfaction and also indentifies the critical factors of service quality from customer’s perspective. The sample consists of 300 respondents from the popular cities having potential for high Retail Growth in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. A structured questionnaire was administered for data collection. Secondary data was collected from research databases, reports, journal articles etc. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results will help the Retail service managers to plan and design their service strategies effectively.
A comparative study of buying behavior of mobile phones among rural, semirural and urban teenagers of Nepal
Author(s)- Boby Joseph. S.J, Vishnu Khannal
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this study is to assesss the buying behaviour of Nepali teenagers towards mobile phones and to compare the behaviour between urban, semirural and rural teenagers of Nepal. The aspects of buying behaviour assessed were choice of brand, source of information, factors affecting buying decision, source of finances and the level of satisfaction with the product. The perception of the respondents about the significance of having a mobile phone was also determined. There is no published literature on the buying behaviour of Nepali youth towards mobile phones. This study serves as an exploratory study on factors affecting the buying behaviour of Nepali teenagers from different localities.
Celebrity Diplomacy- The Case of U2’s Bono
Author(s)- Parkee Bhatnagar, Amit Mittall
ABSTRACT
Over the last decade, celebrities have increasingly used their star power to help draw the world’s attention to international issues such as poverty, debt eradication, and pandemic diseases. Yet, little discussion has taken place to examine whether the emergence of celebrity diplomats have had a beneficial impact in addressing some of the most challenging international issues of our times. What has come to be called “celebrity diplomacy” attracts global media attention, costs significant money, and provides top official access around the world. But is this phenomenon just the latest fad, or a marketing gimmick? Are celebrities dabbling in an arena that is out of their depth, or are they bringing justified notice to important problems that might otherwise be ignored? This paper aims at discussing the concept of celebrity diplomacy with the special reference to Paul David Hewson, popularly known as ‘Bono’ of the phenomenal rock band U2. U2 is an Irish Rock band with 22 Grammy awards to its credit, more than any other band.
Applying competitive strategy in quantity surveying firms: An evolving process
Author(s)- Nazirah Zainul Abidin et.al.,
ABSTRACT
An exigent construction industry demands all construction firms including Quantity Surveyors (QS) to continuously improve their service provision to create a competitive edge. Rivalry is not limited to fellow existing QS firms but extends to new entries and foreign firms. Thus, employing the right strategy is an essence of successful competition. But, how do we know the strategy we have chosen is the ‘right’ one? This paper analyses the suitability of four widely accepted competitive strategies that can be adapted into different characteristics of QS firms. It further argues that the process of adopting the ‘right’ competitive strategy should comprise of several stages which suggesting an evolving development. Through extensive literature, a model of this evolving process is presented which illustrates four stages: (1) weighing option stage; (2) application stage; (3) performance evaluation/measurement stage and (4) turning point stage. It is stressed that an effective application of any competitive strategy is when the strategy chosen pave way for a more successful outcome or able to outperform its rivals.
Simple and multiple relations between strategic human resource management and organizational innovation at Iranian Universities
Author(s)- Susan Bahrami et.al.,
ABSTRACT
Human resources are considered as one of the most important competitive advantages of organizations. University executives should be aware of how to manage this strategic resource and how to utilize it effectively. Moreover, organizational innovations are necessary to cope with and influence environmental changes. A descriptive-correlative research method was utilized. The Statistical population included all faculty members of state Isfahan universities during 2010-2011year from which a sample 492 was selected through stratified random sampling. The data gathering instruments included strategic human resource practices (SHRP) questionnaire based on Chen and Hung's study (2009), and organizational innovation questionnaire based on Hongming's et al study (2007). The questionnaires' face and content validity confirmed by experts and their reliability were estimated 0.95 and 0.93 respectively through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The gathered data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. (SHRP) and organizational innovation mean scores were lower than mean criteria and there was a significant multiple correlations between (SHRP) and organizational innovation. Beta coefficients among (SHRP) and administrative innovation and technical innovation were significant and no autocorrelation existed and regression model were significant. Faculty member's opinions about relationship between (SHRP) and administrative innovation with regard to demographic characterizations were the same. Educational organizations in general and universities in particular should provide a setting for administrative and technical innovations. Proper human resource practices can facilitate this matter.
A study of problems faced by customers during visit of organized retail malls
Author(s)- Katole Hemant J
ABSTRACT
The objective of this research paper is to find out the problems faced out by consumers visiting shopping malls. Some of the problems faced include long waiting queues for payment of bills, parking problems, less number of trial rooms, unorganized display etc. The focus is to make the shopping experience at malls worthy and less time consuming. Researcher proposes to achieve by finding the time spent by consumers in malls, time taken for payment and obtaining suggestions from the consumers. A research design was developed for understanding the all the above parameters. Researcher used Online Questionnaire method for collecting data. Two-way ANOVA, Chi-Square, Friedman testing methods have been used to analyze the obtained data. Considering the retailers point of view as well as the consumers point of view, based on malls visited and the data gathered from the survey, researcher infer that most of the problems caused in the malls are due to overcrowding and these problems can be resolved to some extent by implementing new technologies as well as providing additional facilities as per the consumer’s preferences along with considering the feasibility of implementing them.
Assessment of operational efficiency of a leased out sugar cooperative
during cooperative and private management regime
Author(s)- Shinde U.R, Herekar P.M
ABSTRACT
India is prominently an agrarian economy. Most of its population is dependent on agriculture and agro-ancillary activities. Agricultural and allied sectors’ contribution in India’s GDP is 183 US billion dollars which amounts to 17.2% of the total. Sugar industry is second largest agro processing industry in India. Maharashtra state is one of the major contributors of National Sugar Production whose sugar industry is dominated by cooperative sector. Since last decade this industry is paralyzed by various problems like price crash, operating inefficiency, and financial crises. Cooperative Sugar Factories (CSFs) are the only farmer owned enterprise that changed lives of crores of farmers that are now in deep trouble. They are becoming sick and inefficient. In changing economic environment for their survival these sick CSFs are leased out to private management. A pioneer experiment of such leasing out was done in the Maharashtra state in case of Ajara Taluka Shetakari Sahakari Sugar Factory Ltd. Gavase Taluka - Ajara in the Kolhapur district.
Entrepreneurial Personalities among the Entrepreneurs of MSMEs
(With reference to Puducherry)
Author(s)- Natarajan. P, Siva. S
ABSTRACT
In the recent past, it is perceived that managers are also asked to function as entrepreneurs and additionally, to surpass the competitors, entrepreneurs are also advised to act as managers. A manager has to learn how to develop the drive for utilizing/exploiting opportunities from an entrepreneur while an entrepreneur could learn from a manager how to optimally utilize resources for achieving target/goals. For a successful chief executive office (CEO), both are essential and required. A modest attempt has been made to ascertain the personality styles of MSMEs in Puducherry and its outcome is given in this paper.
A study on factors influencing values among engineering college students
Author(s)- Ravikanth Balijepalli, Krishna Murthy Naidu.S, Subba Raju.G.V
ABSTRACT
Our values are the lens through which we view the world: they stem from our underlying beliefs and assumptions, which are generally neither articulated nor questioned. However, rarely in engineering education is any consideration given on values of the engineering students, what they are and how they would have evolved. Engineering students are often forced to take electronics, electrical or information technology courses in engineering education. Subsequently, they struggle to bridge the gap between the technical and non-technical world. As a result, they usually fail to understand the significance of values in the every-day functioning of their domain area. This empirical paper attempts to understand the values of engineering students in the remote areas of Andhra Pradesh and tries to figure-out in what way a bridge can be built between the student’s values and the corporate values. The results were quite interesting. Most of the students irrespective of family profession, economic conditions, branch of study and gender prefer “Family” as their preferential value. Ignoring significant values such as Intellectual & Professional values students’ preferences only in family needs careful analysis and further studies should be undertaken to understand the impact of family values on career performance of individuals.
Non performing assets: Issues, Causes and remedial Solution
Author(s)- Poongavanam.S
ABSTRACT
The banking industry has undergone a sea change after the first phase of economic liberalization in 1991 and hence credit management. While the primary function of banks is to lend funds as loans to various sectors such as agriculture, industry, personal loans, housing loans etc., in recent times the banks have become very cautious in extending loans, this is due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs). Therefore, an NPA account not only reduces profitability of banks by provisioning in the profit and loss account, but their carrying cost is also increased which results in excess & avoidable management attention. Apart from this, a high level of NPA also puts strain on a banks net worth because banks are under pressure to maintain a desired level of Capital Adequacy and in the absence of comfortable profit level, banks eventually look towards their internal financial strength to fulfill the norms thereby slowly eroding the net worth. Considering all the above facts banking industry has to give more importance to NPA and to structure proper remedial solutions.
E-procurement milestones
Author(s)- Salkute.V.R
ABSTRACT
Nowadays organizations are struggling for innovative methods in order to achieve competitive advantage. This paper is about how to improve its e-procurement processes by taking advantage of information technology and systems for business innovation.
A study on the correlation between market capitalisation and economic value added as measures of profitability
Author(s)- Maya Balaji
ABSTRACT
There are several measures of profitability for a company including return on investment (ROI), Earnings per share (EPS), Return on Equity (ROE) and many others. However none of these takes into consideration the cost of capital. Thus a new measure namely Economic Value added was introduced by Stern Stewart. This paper tries to find if there is any correlation between market capitalization and economic value added of select companies listed on the BSE.The reason for choosing these two measures is that the former is purely based on the psychology of the investors and cannot be controlled by the firm directly. However the latter (EVA) is calculated based on the book values of the company and also considers the return required by investors (cost of capital).
The key of managerial problems in fuzzy world: Technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution
Author(s)- Pragati Jain
ABSTRACT
Managerial Problems include both qualitative and quantitative attributes which are often assessed using imprecise data and human judgments. The paper presents the solution of multi attribute problems by using the technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The fuzzy evaluation values are given by triangular fuzzy numbers. A new distance is defined using which the distance of each alternative from the positive and negative ideal solutions are calculated. Finally a closeness coefficient is defined to determine the ranking order of the alternative.
Moderating effect of social support on personal financial constraints and job stress relationship
Author(s)- Ajjad Ahmad et al.,
ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of social support (which may be supervisory, friends, family and relatives) on the relationship of personal financial constraints and job stress relationship. Sample consists of 294 respondents from randomly selected 28 branches of 22 banks located across all major cities of Pakistan. Moderated regression analysis has been used to test the hypothesized relationships. Personal financial constraints enhance job stress and social support moderates this relationship. Job stress increases when an employee faces financial constraints but decreases in the presence of social support. Practical and theoretical implications are drawn. This research is conducted in banking industry, so its results can’t be generalized to other industries. This paper is the first which examines the impact of a non-work related variable, personal financial constraint on job stress along with buffering role of social support. Its findings have great implications for employers for increasing productivity of employees.
Towards a quality culture: The distance learning perspective
Author(s)- Prafulla Kumar Das
ABSTRACT
Quality has become a contentious issue in the globalised economic scenario. Organizations are trying hard to remain relevant to survive and grow. To meet the international competition in the liberalized and privatized era, the role of open and distance learning (OD) in lifelong skill development is undeniable. ODL, particularly in a developing economy like India, has also to meet the social objectives of reach and relevance being packaged in affordability. But they are not excused if they failed in delivering the goods to meet the growing expectations of learners. In this topic the author tries to analyze the ODL system of education in its capacity to deliver quality education. He comes out with suggestions for few measures to meet the necessary skill-need of the future learner amid widening gap of quality amongst various players.
Designing model for measurement effect of cultural capital component on Iran's economic growth
Author(s)- Farzaneh Chavoshbashi et al.,
ABSTRACT
Quality has become a contentious issue in the globalised economic scenario. Organizations are trying hard to remain relevant to survive and grow. To meet the international competition in the liberalized and privatized era, the role of open and distance learning (OD) in lifelong skill development is undeniable. ODL, particularly in a developing economy like India, has also to meet the social objectives of reach and relevance being packaged in affordability. But they are not excused if they failed in delivering the goods to meet the growing expectations of learners. In this topic the author tries to analyze the ODL system of education in its capacity to deliver quality education. He comes out with suggestions for few measures to meet the necessary skill-need of the future learner amid widening gap of quality amongst various players.
A study on role of cellular design in rate of personnel’s satisfaction and flexibility of production and montage lines: Case-working- clothing industry- production company
Author(s)- Nasser Hamidi, Targol Tabari
ABSTRACT
Flexibility and employee satisfaction important factor is the success of any organization. Each of the different methods can produce different effects on flexibility and employee satisfaction has. The purpose of this study is the role of cellule design in employee satisfaction and flexibility of production and assembly lines in production company .This study to collect data and information, using the questionnaire to be able to answer research hypotheses. All dependent and independent variables are Likert type of response needed .Statistical population the study are all of the company. Data collected are analysised by spss software the study analyzed data from the regression analysis and correlation. The results show a high correlation with the satisfaction of cell design and flexibility has employees.
Organisations’ support to quality circles – A comparative study of public and private sector in India
Author(s)- Kannan S, Govinda Rajan S.R
ABSTRACT
The present study determines whether QCs in public sector are functioning more effectively than the private sector in India, in terms of length of participation, training, participants’ feelings about QCs, and organisational support to QCs. The study was conducted in six organisations (three public sectors and three private sectors) of a large scale manufacturing. The sample for the study consists of 132 Quality Circles selected randomly from these organizations. The results of the study show that participants from both sectors experienced their improvement in work life after joining in the QC programme with job satisfaction. However, a significant difference was observed between the sectors in the organisational support to QC activities. Higher positive results were found in public sector organisations.
Women empowerment through SHG,s in Kovilangulam panchayat, Usilampatti taluk, Madurai district –A case study
Author(s)- Manonmani. I.K, Prabhakaran.V.P
ABSTRACT
The word 'empowerment' means giving power. According to the International Encyclopedia (1999), power means having the capacity and the means to direct one's life towards desired social, political and economic goals or status. Empowerment provides a greater access to knowledge and resources, more autonomy in decision making, greater ability to plan lives, more control over the circumstances which influence lives, and freedom from customs, beliefs and practices. Empowerment of women not just a goal in itself, but key to all global development goals. Empowerment is an active multidimensional process to enable women to realize their identity and power in all spheres of life. This paper explains the women empowerment in Kovilangulam Panchayat, Chellampatti Block, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District as a case study.
Economic benefits of paradigm shift in business ownership and management in Nigeria: An empirical analysis of telecom sector in southwest, Nigeria
Author(s)- Sotunde Olalekan Anthony
ABSTRACT
The revolution experienced in the telecommunication sector in Nigeria is sequel to the privatization and commercialization of the sector. The model shift in the ownership of telecommunication service operation provided the needed impetus required for the sector to thrive in a capitalist economy like Nigeria. The explosion that increased telephone lines from about 450,000 active NITEL lines in 2001 to over 60 million in 2008 must have been accompanied by some economic benefits. This research seeks to investigate some of the economic benefits that accrued as a result of privatization of telecom sector in Nigeria. A study of over one thousand telephone users spread over major cities in Southwest Nigeria namely Ibadan, Akure, Osogbo and Abeokuta was conducted to ascertain their perception about the privatization of telecom sector. Data was collected with a well structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation, while the hypothesis formulated was tested with t-test. The result revealed that privatization of telecom sector really brought some economic benefits
Exponentially weighted moving average control chart
Author(s)- Kalgonda A.A, Koshti.V.V, Ashokan. K.V
ABSTRACT
The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart was introduced by Roberts in 1959, which is a good alternative to the Shewhart control chart when one is interested in small shifts. Several studies were made for the properties of ARL of EWMA control chart. Roberts (1959), using simulation developed monographs of ARL s for normally distributed observations. Robinson and Ho (1978) used a numeric procedure to determine the ARL, presenting several combinations of L and λ for change in the process mean with the help of an Edgeworth series expansion. Crowder (1987, 1989), presented tables for ARL of the EWMA chart, by solving a system of integral equations. Crowder (1987) has given a computer program that calculates the ARL of the EWMA chart for controlling the mean of a normal process. Lucas and Saccucci (1990) presented table and graph of ARL values for different values of L and λ. They have evaluated the run length properties of EWMA control schemes by representing the EWMA statistic as a continuous Markov chain. In the present paper, simulation is carried out to calculate the ARL values using C-programs. Observing these values it is seen that approximately the same values of ARL are obtained by simulation method using C- programming. That is, the Markov chain approach by Lucas, Saccucci and the present simulation technique yields the same ARL results.
Organized retail in India - Drivers facilitator and SWOT analysis
Author(s)- Deepika Jhamb, Ravi Kiran
ABSTRACT
The Indian retail sector is witnessing tremendous growth with the changing demographics and an increase in the quality of life of urban people. Retail Sector is the most booming sector in the Indian economy. With a growing economy, improving income dynamics, rising awareness, and a youth-heavy customer base, India is well on its way to become one of the most prospective markets for the domestic and global retailers. The main objective of this paper is to strategically analyze the Indian retail Industry. The present paper identify the drivers which affect the growth of the Indian retail market, looks at the major factors affecting the retail business and to carry out the SWOT analysis of organized retail in India. The results of the study depict that infrastructure, economic growth and changing demographics of consumers are the major driver of organized retail in India. The location of the retail store, management style and adequate salaries to personnel enhance the effectiveness of retail business and are important factors for retailers’ success.
Psychological contract violation and its impact on intention to quit: A study of employees of public sector and old generation private sector banks in India
Author(s)- Lishin Moothery Joshy, Srilatha S
ABSTRACT
The banking industry in India is undergoing major changes due to increased competition and changing customer preferences. This changed environment in which the bank employees find themselves in is posing myriad challenges to the HR Professionals. The banks have come to expect more and more from the employees to withstand the competition in the market. But there has not been a proportionate increase in the inducements offered to the employees of public sector and old generation private sector banks in India. This can lead to the non-fulfilment of expectations of the employees and thus to Psychological Contract violation. The major problem faced by HR managers of these banks is related to retaining their talented employees. The fulfilment of Psychological contract of the bank employees will help the HR managers, to some extent, to solve this problem. For measuring the contents of psychological contract, the items (Promotions, High pay, Pay based on performance, Training, Job Security, Career Development and Support with personal problems) have been taken from Rousseau, Robinson, Kratz (1994). The degree of Psychological Contract violation was measured by an adaptation of a multiplicative scale developed by Turnley and Feldman (1998). Intention to quit was measured using a 3 item scale. The results reveal that an employer’s failure to fulfil its commitments is significantly associated with bank employee’s intention to quit the organization. Bank’s HR Managers must properly assess the state of psychological contract of employees so that they will be able to formulate retention strategies for those employees whose psychological contracts are being violated. This study enables the Banking HR professionals to understand the importance of psychological contact and its relevance in understanding employment relationships.
Trait emotional intelligence as indicator of marketing employees’ potential
Author(s)- Srinivasan.J, Umadevi.K
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out at a major FMCG company based in Chennai which was interested in finding out if Emotional Intelligence could be used to gauge the Sales and Marketing personnel’s potential and if Emotional Intelligence differed among genders. As trait emotional intelligence was found be more suitable, the study was carried out using Trait Emotional Intelligence. The study was carried out with 103 marketing employees randomly selected from Tamilnadu and Karnataka. The results show that there is statistically significant relation [F(1,99)=6737, P=0.00] between Trait Emotional Intelligence and Marketing employees’ potential. However there is no significant difference in Trait Emotional Intelligence between the male and female employees.
Optimization of material requirement planning by Goal programming model
Author(s)- Davood Gharakhani
ABSTRACT
Material requirement planning (MRP) is a plan for the production and purchase of the components used in making items in the master production schedule. It shows the quantities needed and when manufacturing intends to make or use them. In this paper, as an extension of work reported by Yenisey (2006), where optimization of material flow in MRP had been presented, a goal programming model is used to minimize production cost, minimize holding cost and minimize costs of the extra time used by resources, and the costs of the lazy time of resources. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness and significance of the Goal programming model for Optimization of Material Requirement Planning. A set of real data from an automobile Gearbox manufacture is used to test the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed model. The model of the example case is solved and the computational results are given. The corresponding results show that the proposed models can help manufacturers make better decisions when they have multiple objectives.
Conceptual understanding of sustainable competitive advantages of family firms through Causal Ambiguity
Author(s)- Mohammad Jasim Uddin
ABSTRACT
Current literature mainly focuses on the competitive advantage of family firm resources. The sustainability competitive advantages of family firms are not explicitly addressed and explained in the literature. Family firms are growing rapidly across the world. A scholarly understanding of such growth would provide a new perspective in the family farm’s literature, especially about the sustainability of family firms. The paper is based on knowledge acquiring from existing scholarly management literature and conceptual understanding. The main aim of the paper is to explain sustainable competitive advantages of family firms emanating from family firms’ structures through causal ambiguity. The paper mainly argues that a high level of inter-firm causal ambiguity and a low level of intra-firm causal ambiguity mainly associated with sustainable competitive advantage of family firm resources. However, further empirical research is highly recommended for exploring more critical insights that could be useful for management scholars and practitioners.
Job burnout and managerial effectiveness relationship: Moderating effects of locus of control and perceivedOrganisational support: An empirical study on Indian managers
Author(s)- Shalini Srivastava
ABSTRACT
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between Job Burnout and Managerial Effectiveness as moderated by Perceived Organisational Support and Locus of Control.
Methodology
The present study was done on a sample of 550 Middle level managers belonging to Private Sector Organizations. Variables in the study were assessed using four validated Instruments. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Factor analysis and Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data. It was found that Job Burnout was negatively related to Managerial Effectiveness and Perceived Organisational Support and Locus of Control moderated Job Burnout and Managerial Effectiveness relationship.
Economic factors and Foreign Direct Investment in India: A correlation study
Author(s)- Nilofer Hussaini. N H
ABSTRACT
Foreign Direct Investment in the past years has generated a lot of euphoria. It is said that “strong fundamentals” of the economy aided by liberalized government policy has led to the boom of FDI inflow in India. This paper highlights the vital economic determinants of FDI inflow in India and there significant correlation with the actual FDI inflows. The paper also examines the sector-wise trend in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow into India during post-liberalization period and the recent trend of India as a falling destination for FDI. The time period for the purpose of study ranges from 1991 to 2009 limiting to the top 10 sectors of Indian economy. It is strongly believed in the analysis that FDI inflow over the decades has shown a very unsteady and fluctuating trend in various sectors of the Indian economy. FDI inflow in India is found to be highly correlated with the economic factors taken into consideration and it is in India’s interest to continue to boost foreign investment by liberalizing rules on equity caps, investment reviews and other provisions that have impeded India’s ability to attract even more foreign investment over the recent years.
Prioritization of COBIT Framework processes based on Sazehgostar Saipa's Information Technology strategies
Author(s)- Hessam Zandhessami, Mohammad Hasan Kargar
ABSTRACT
In the information age and with "process approach", IT governance guides and directs the organizations as a structure of relationships and processes. Since for many organizations, information and the technology that supports it are the most valuable assets of the organization, there is a need for a proper framework for creating and managing internal controls and suitable levels of security in information technology. The COBIT framework is one of the major IT governance frameworks which allow managers to reduce the gap with regards to technical issues, control requirements and business risks and communicate that level of control to stakeholders. COBIT allows the development of policies and practices for IT control throughout organizations. COBIT is a process and business oriented framework and its process structure provides a comprehensive view of IT and the decisions must be taken about IT. Since COBIT is a generic framework for any organization, it is crucial to prioritize the domains and processes of the framework based on the organization requirements. In this research, the prioritization of COBIT
Determinants of Financial leverage in Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
Author(s)- Franklin John.S, Muthusamy. K
ABSTRACT
This paper attempts to explain the variables that influence the use of debt funds in the Indian Pharmaceutical industry .The results are broadly consistent with the previous research findings. Variables like interest, asset structure, retained earnings and intrinsic value of share are positively associated with leverage while cash flow and interest coverage bear negative association with leverage. Indian pharmaceutical Companies employ substantial amount of debt as is evident from debt-equity ratio as well as total debt to total assets ratio. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is growing at an annual growth rate of 20 per cent is evolving as one of the major industries in the world with its huge market and a great availability of skilled labour and improved laboratories
Important parameters of refrigerators considered during their purchase: An exploratory study in Guwahati city in India
Author(s)- Goswami.S
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to find out the importance of all these aspects as well as the overall importance of refrigerators among consumers. It was carried out through survey of 1000 users (consumers) of refrigerators. This study has revealed that refrigerators are highly important for the people because of the various important features and functions performed by them. Besides, it was also noticed that different parameters like price, cooling capability, anti germ capability, storage capacity, modern features, absence of bad odour, overall quality, user friendliness, warranty, after sales service, customer care, free home delivery, ease of maintenance (for users) as well as other parameters are considered while purchasing refrigerators. Almost all these parameters with the exception of storage capacity, overall quality, warranty, after sales service and ease of maintenance (for users) have influence on their perception regarding overall importance of refrigerators. Besides, it was also noticed that age group, marital status, educational qualification, monthly income and occupation of consumers have influence on their opinion regarding overall importance of refrigerators. However, it has been found from the survey that all companies selling refrigerators should emphasize on all these issues to improve their sales.
A common set of weights idea to measure efficiency and Identify productivity changes
Author(s)- Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi, Ali Payan, Reza Noori
ABSTRACT
This paper studies utilizing common set of weights (CSWs) approach to determine productivity changes by Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). In common methods for obtaining the components of MPI, which are the efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) in different periods, data envelopment analysis (DEA) models such as CCR model, BCC model and so on are used. The efficiency of DMUs in DEA is measured in the most favorite situation in relation to other DMUs. Hence unrealistic (optimistic) scores are assigned to the MPI. One of prosperous methods for removal this problem in DEA is presenting a general decision about input and output weights which led to CSWs approach. In this paper, at first, a new CSWs model is suggested to obtain the input and output weights. Some facts in relation to the model are presented by theorems. Based on the proposed model and by the data at each period the corresponding CSWs is determined. The CSWs of a period are then used for evaluation DMUs in different periods and so the MPI is calculated. Due to the nature of CSWs method the MPI based on CSWs is more reliable than that by the classic DEA methods. Moreover, the proposed method in this paper is remarkable from the computational point of view. At last, the approach is compared with DEA using a numerical example.
Customer satisfaction with ICICI bank ATMs in Tiruvarur district
Author(s)- Kumaran.C
ABSTRACT
The influence of technology over product innovations in banks is enormous. ICICI Bank is the largest private sector banks. This study aims at analyzing the satisfaction levels of the customers of ICICI Bank holding ATM cards in Tiruvarur district with respect to some aspects such as the service quality of ATM personnel, location, sufficient number of ATMs in the district, regularity in working of ATMs, their impact on overall performance and their opinions on various other related issues. 120 customers were selected on random basis. Mean levels of satisfaction of the respondents were calculated using SPSS. The customers are highly satisfied with the availability of cash in the ATMs and the quality of currency notes in the ATMs being ranked 1st and 2nd. The features like security-safety-privacy and behavior of ATM personal were moderately satisfied. The respondents were not satisfied with the availability of complaint book, location aspect and number of ATMs in the city.
Consumer preference to health drinks in Tiruvarur town
Author(s)- Prakash.C
ABSTRACT
Consumer behaviourable changes make “Yesterday’s luxuries are today’s necessaries”. The present study attempts to know the buyer behaviour of health drink users. Seven brands of health drinks are available in the study area. Horlicks, Complan, Bournvita, Boost, Maltova, Viva and Milo. This study would bring to light which brand of health drink is mostly preferred by the consumers and why they choose a particular health drink. Adopting convenience sampling technique, 120 respondents were chosen among the population of health drinks users in Tiruvarur Town. 34 per cent of the respondents prefer Horlicks. 20 per cent of the respondents prefer Complan and 16 per cent of the respondents prefer Boost. 12 per cent of the respondents prefer Bournvita and 7 per cent of the respondents prefer Maltova and milo. Remaining respondents prefer Viva. Majority of the respondents are satisfied with all other factors except Advertisement namely Price, Quality, Flavour, Taste, Energy. The study implies that there is an imperative necessity on the part of the manufacturers to supply tastier drinks at competitive prices but at the same time should see that the quality or standard is not deteriorated.
The opinion of the dealers of Britannia products in Tiruvarur district
Author(s)- Ganesan.M, Ziaudeen.A
ABSTRACT
The ultimate objective of any business firm is Maximization of profit and that can be achieved only through increasing it sales in the modern competitive world. Producers normally use a number of marketing intermediaries for taking their products to users. There fore it is necessary to sought the opinion of the dealers to identify the problems in the distribution and to take remedial measures to overcome such problems and there by to achieve the ultimate goal of the company. 43 percent of the dealers prefer Britannia product because the Britannia products are fast moving in the markets. 84 per cent of the dealers are not satisfied with the mode of supply. The product Milk Bikis occupies first rank with the support of 36 percent of traders. Marie Light, Dukes Marie and Sweet’n Salt are the first 3 fast moving Biscuits from competitors. As we move into an era of plenty which will be usually an era of intense competition, it will be more and more important to pay attention to the subject of marketing in general and to the subject of dealer development in particular.
The future of unorganized retailing in Kanyakumari district
Author(s)- Sivaraman. P
ABSTRACT
Retailing in India can be broadly categorized into organized and unorganized form of retailing. Organized retailers are registered under Income Tax and Sales Tax. However the chunk comprises of unorganized retailers like petty shops. The study aims at to identify the various impacts of organized retailing on unorganized retailers. The primary data was gathered by administering a structured questionnaire with 100 retailers and 200 customers of seven major towns of Kanyakumari District. The data analysis of customer attitude towards unorganized and organized retailers shows that there was a perceived difference between organized retailers and unorganized retailers on the attributes of store image, range of products, brand choices, price, store ambience, credit availability, shop proximity and complements. However there was no perceived difference on product freshness and customer care. This study clearly point out that the unorganized retailers are facing stiff competition from the organized retailers. This has been reduced their sales, profit, and employment considerably. The operational cost, consumer credit also increased certain level due to the presence of organized retailers. So the initiatives should be taken to protect the interest of the unorganized sector as this sector having the employment opportunity to the majority of the society.
A study on the factors affecting choice criteria of consumers for mobile handsets - A comparative analysis in Ludhiana & Sangrur districts
Author(s)- Sheetal Singla, Sanjeev Bansal
ABSTRACT
Mobiles have now come up with a big impact in India. Mobile users today want their handsets to be loaded with multiple functions, entertainment being the most important among them. They want their mobile to be fully loaded with top-end features, but at the same time they want all these at affordable costs. The research was conducted in order to identify and compare key attributes that influence mobile phone purchasing between Sangrur & Ludhiana consumers. The samples were collected from 795 consumers from Ludhiana & Sangrur Districts. The paper is an attempt to analyze the variables that influence the behavior of the mobile phone users to remain loyal to their existing service providers, to judge their satisfaction & dissatisfaction level and the impact of family members in the buying decision of mobiles by the consumers.
Popularization of Biomass Briquettes- A means for Sustainable rural Development
Author(s)- Nandini Shekhar
ABSTRACT
It is surprising that energy access was not one of the original Millennium Development Goals and the UN has been slow in waking up to the centrality of energy in the poverty reduction agenda. There is a huge current and growing demand to find alternative clean energy sources that meet new legislation requirements to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Agrowaste as a source of energy in India shows great potential. The process of ‘Briquetting’ is the physical transformation of loose raw material mostly made of agro waste like rice husks, bagasse, ground nut shells etcetera and other organic materials like municipal solid waste into high density fuel briquettes through a compacting process. The resultant form change increases the calorific value (combustion efficiency) of the product as compared to loose material. This paper analysis the issues connected with the production and use of briquettes and highlights the huge untapped potential of its possible wide spread use. It also offers suggestions to Corporates and NGOs to undertake these projects as an arm of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
