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Article
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Ekta Sharma and Sandeep Sharma

Today, innovation and creativity are the buzz words in the galore of not only business but also of education. The need to foster creativity and innovation has long been a priority…

Abstract

Purpose

Today, innovation and creativity are the buzz words in the galore of not only business but also of education. The need to foster creativity and innovation has long been a priority in the educational and corporate spheres. The purpose of this paper is to propose the scale for the measurement of teacher’s creativity nurturing behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 356 primary school teachers from various category, e.g. municipal schools, private schools, Indian Certificate Secondary Education board, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board, regional board. The data are collected through the questionnaire with 15 items and four constructs: abstraction, inquisitiveness, motivation and critical thinking. The data have been analysed through SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

The result shows good fit of the model with four constructs or latent variables.

Originality/value

This paper is original and a scale development for creativity nurturing behavior.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Ekta Sharma and Gary N. McLean

India is one of the fastest developing economies, but it faces numerous socioeconomic problems, such as hunger, poverty, under- and unemployment, gender inequity and illiteracy…

Abstract

Purpose

India is one of the fastest developing economies, but it faces numerous socioeconomic problems, such as hunger, poverty, under- and unemployment, gender inequity and illiteracy. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding at the corporate level could tackle these socioeconomic problems, providing support to the nation’s overall development. Mandated CSR expenditures, in alignment with the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, would support the nation’s contributions to building a sustainable future. Several questions, however, remain. Thus, this study aims to explore relationships between a company’s gross and net profits and its expenditures for CSR; and mapped the specific CSR activities used to address each of the 17 UN SDGs and then draw implications for human resource development (HRD).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from published annual reports (2019–23) of 60 Fortune 500 Indian companies. A zero-order correlation was used to find the relationship between CSR expenditure and gross, as well as net, profits. Furthermore, the CSR activities of the sample were mapped with the UN SDGs.

Findings

There was a positive, moderate to strong correlation between CSR expenditures and gross profit (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), but for net profit, the correlation was strong (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). All CSR activities mapped to at least one of the SDGs.

Originality/value

The alignment of CSR activities and SDGs based on Fortune 500 Indian companies has not yet been explored. Also, no study to date discusses the gaps in the CSR expenditures for specific UN SDGs.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

C.L. Kappagomtula

Out of all the countries that rose in a mercurial fashion, after the Second World War, the People ' s Republic of China (in short, China) has emerged as an all-pervasive…

Abstract

Purpose

Out of all the countries that rose in a mercurial fashion, after the Second World War, the People ' s Republic of China (in short, China) has emerged as an all-pervasive dominant nation in the world. It has been giving a stiff competition to the well-developed western nations in all facets of its national growth. Despite the fact that work extracted under duress will not excel in qualitative terms, almost all the large projects that the country has undertaken have been of spectacular success raising every nation ' s eyebrows. At the same time, it is very glaring to note, that despite India too enjoying similar infrastructure growth facilities, and as the other fastest growing economy of the world, has not been able to keep pace with China ' s growth in equal proportions. In order to unearth the causal factors which are aiding China, when compared with its nearest rival India, for its major successes in implementing large infrastructure projects, an empirical, investigative study has been undertaken by the Author. The study spanned nearly 20 years. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study which is the first of its kind to probe into both China and India to compare the success outcomes for large projects. The methodology used was unstructured interviews and administration of a scheduled instrument designed for the study – bilingual (English/Chinese) for the Chinese population and in English for Indian population.

Findings

The study has revealed that, given the same kind of infrastructure facilities for both China and India, China has been able to move their projects onto successful completion, almost staying within the time and cost resources. However, in India, as is the case in most of the other nations of the world, there has always been both time and cost over-runs. The empirical findings conclusively prove that three sociocultural factors in China play a significant role in determining the success outcomes of Chinese projects.

Research limitations/implications

China being a staunchly communistic country, with a close-knit society operating, gaining access to investigative research information has been really challenging for the author. Gaining access to sample populations has been a daunting task, and the researcher had to first get into the “out-group” of the Chinese “wu lun” relationship to elicit responses from an ethnic Chinese sample population.

Practical implications

Being an empirically proven study, the results have wider ramifications for all global nations, especially in knowing why the Chinese are more successful in all their large projects? The study opens up new vistas to other global nations who can emulate the Chinese model of project management. Further, the study also throws open the doors for exploratory as well as post-doctoral research studies in this area.

Originality/value

This is a maiden empirical study in China and in India. Wide-ranging investigative studies may follow, once this study ' s results are widely disseminated to the world. The author feels that the Chinese model when adopted by other countries in the world may result in both time and cost savings for projects. This may in turn result in increased economic benefits to those nations.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-3162

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2021

Ekta Chauhan and Sanjana Anand

This paper studies the role of heritage walks and tours in promoting inclusive education. It assesses if these walks are an effective method of exhibiting culture and facilitating…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper studies the role of heritage walks and tours in promoting inclusive education. It assesses if these walks are an effective method of exhibiting culture and facilitating inclusive heritage learning. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to establish that walks can play an imperative role in creating greater sensitivity towards heritage and conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a case study approach using mixed methods. Participants for qualitative interviews were chosen using purposive sampling and six interview schedules were sent to walk leaders. Walk participant data were collected through participant observation and standardised survey with randomly selected participants of the case walks. Surveys were sent to participants electronically.

Findings

Heritage walks play a crucial role in not only imparting knowledge about history and heritage but also as a tool for learning other crucial skills, competencies, values, attitudes, etc. This paper attempts to highlight that walks are an effective and inclusive way to shed light on the alternative and forgotten stories. As an educational tool these walks can not only encourage the development of historical knowledge and appreciation but also assist in the development of competency to “de-construct” mainstream “grand narratives”, questioning and learning about the forgotten.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has limited itself to the study of select cases in New Delhi. Since the study has followed a case study design, it does not produce a largely generalizable result, but rather examines and understands the dynamics of particular walks and produces insights that may well be applicable in other contexts. Whilst this paper makes an attempt to understand the changes in perception and attitudes, it does not study behavioural changes.

Social implications

In the long run, walks allow for meaningful citizen engagement with tangible heritage such as monuments as well as intangible heritage such as practices and festivals. This allows for appreciation for the value of heritage resources and leads to a demand for better conservation and preservation from the authorities. In a few cases, local citizens themselves lead heritage management and development activities in a bid to promote their local culture. This paper has shown that heritage walks can be helpful tools in giving “forgotten” voices and stories recognition in contemporary society.

Originality/value

As heritage walks have recently gained popularity, there has been very limited research in the field especially linking heritage walks to heritage education. This is especially true for India. Even a city like New Delhi, which boasts of a robust heritage and is one of the tourism hubs of the country, heritage walks have been a very recent phenomenon. This research aims to address this lacuna in academic research and contribute meaningfully to the field of heritage education and conservation by studying how heritage walks support and promote inclusive heritage education.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Naman Sharma, Ekta Sinha and Kumar Shalender

The purpose of this paper is to develop and propose an espoused model of women's entrepreneurship (EMWE) and test its predictive power on women's entrepreneurial intentions. Also…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and propose an espoused model of women's entrepreneurship (EMWE) and test its predictive power on women's entrepreneurial intentions. Also, the authors examine the moderating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, given its dynamic nature that can be influenced by training.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 303 female students from undergraduate/postgraduate programs in reputed Indian higher education institutions using a self-administered questionnaire.

Findings

The study confirmed that all four factors – perceived entrepreneurial potential, perceived relational support, perceived educational support and perceived structural support – were positively related to the women’s entrepreneurial intentions. Simultaneously, results confirmed the moderating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents that more women may be inclined towards adopting entrepreneurship as their career based on their potential and self-efficacy if adequate educational, relational and structural support was provided.

Originality/value

Existing studies in entrepreneurship have focused primarily on men. This work fills this gap and not only proposes but empirically examines the EMWE in the Indian context. It also provides evidence of a significant impact of perceived entrepreneurial potential and perceived relational support on women’s entrepreneurial intentions and posits the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy as an important moderator, unlike past studies.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

Abstract

Subject area of the teaching case

MBA.

Student level and proposed courses the teaching case can be used on

Master’s level in Change Management, Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management.

A brief overview of the teaching case

Mr Sharma, the dynamic and entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly formed Soni Manipal Hospital (SMH), Jaipur, and Unit Head, Manipal Hospitals [Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd. (MHEPL)], in a meeting with SMH’s Head of Human Resources and the Head of the Nursing Management, Mr Yaduvanshi realised the exponential growth of employee resistance, their lack of skills and technological advancements for documentation hindering the hospital's transformation goal. The case study highlighted the challenges the protagonist faced when taking charge as the CEO after nine months of acquisition and the factors contributing to them.

Expected learning outcomes

Students reading this case are expected to understand leadership theories, strategic and quality management approaches, and theories of social behaviour, such as Herzberg’s two-factor theory and social exchange theory (SET) and the application of these concepts in acquired organisations to develop healthy leadership–employee relations and change management theories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management.

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2022

Ekta Duggal and Harsh Vardhan Verma

Research studies have attributed customer shift from offline to online retail to primarily functional reasons. Indian retailing differs from western counterparts in terms of…

Abstract

Purpose

Research studies have attributed customer shift from offline to online retail to primarily functional reasons. Indian retailing differs from western counterparts in terms of structure and socio-cultural-historical-economic context. The purpose of this paper is to find whether this shift is instigated by positive or negative drive.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through group discussions and reflective experiential accounts in the form of text. The textual material was thematically analyzed to develop thematic networks. By this method, the text’s patent structures were explored, and underlying hidden patterns were identified.

Findings

Two global themes of “volition” and “violation” were discovered. At the patent level, customers are attracted to online in volition as it allows them to move to higher or desired value space. However, at the deeper level, customer shifted to online as a means to escape from violations involved in human-to-human dealings with offline retailers.

Practical implications

The way forward for offline retailers is to build their advantage based on human interactions. The salvation of offline retailing does not lie in trying to beat online retailers on their position of strength but in leveraging interactions to build social capital.

Originality/value

This study sought to explore and apprehend the meaning of customer shift from offline to online retail at deeper psycho-socio-cultural level.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2009

A.K. Sharma and Ekta Vohra

This study aims to examine the current status of road infrastructure in India, working out the gap in the availability of required length and the quality of roads besides the…

2973

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the current status of road infrastructure in India, working out the gap in the availability of required length and the quality of roads besides the comparison with other economies. It also seeks to analyse the socio‐economic‐political environment in India to assess the country's attractiveness towards private sector participation in road infrastructure development.

Design/methodology/approach

The targets for the road sector development set by the Government of India and the current road status of China are taken as benchmarks to enumerate the existing gap in road development in the country. Growth trends of the road sector and their impact on the manufacturing sector have been worked out to assess the development of road infrastructure and its impact on the industry in the country.

Findings

The study advocates that the present pace of road infrastructure development is inadequate in India vis‐à‐vis other developing economies. The quality of roads compared with China is far below expectations and this poor hinterland connectivity is affecting the trade growth in the country.

Originality/value

The paper significantly contributes in assessing the state of road infrastructure in India and highlighting the weaknesses while comparing it with other developing and developed economies. The key issues identified are of immense help to the policy makers in the country for having detailed insight and correcting the road infrastructure development programmes.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Srishti Nagarajan and Ekta Duggal

The present study aims to provide an overview of the life insurance industry in India and scrutinise various dimensions impacting life insurance uptake in accordance with the…

Abstract

The present study aims to provide an overview of the life insurance industry in India and scrutinise various dimensions impacting life insurance uptake in accordance with the views of the management representatives. An exploratory study was assumed by conducting in-depth face-to-face/telephonic interviews with six employees and one agent affiliated to the most prominent life insurance companies operating in India. The interviews focused on operation of life insurance companies in general, their work culture, approach towards individuals/customers, steps taken to attract and retain their human capital (agents), the overall impact of reforms on the life insurance industry and their tactics which make them unique in the market. The study observed that life insurance uptake in India is discernibly affected by an individual's financial knowledge, needs and the level of trust they have on the company apart from brand of the life insurance company and grievance redressal system. It was also found that reforms (Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy, entry of private players) did bring about a difference in work culture, improved employment opportunities and increased the reach of the insurance industry in the country. The study highlights dimensions that life insurance companies constantly work/need to work upon to remain at the zenith of success, broadens the horizons of the life insurance industry in an emerging nation like India as it is one of the few studies to have probed the management's outlook of the Indian life insurance industry and holds scope for future theoretical investigation and development of a comprehensive model as well.

Details

Modeling Economic Growth in Contemporary India
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-752-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Chaitali Brahma, Bhaskar Saha and Anirban Chowdhury

The purpose of this study is to empower a tradition Bodo attire Dokhona skilled artisan for their livelihoods and preserve cultural and historical legacy by using new themes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empower a tradition Bodo attire Dokhona skilled artisan for their livelihoods and preserve cultural and historical legacy by using new themes influenced by Bodo items.

Design/methodology/approach

To revive the traditional Bodo artefacts by adapting a varied form of motifs inspired from Bodo artefacts which showcases Bodo identity.

Findings

Motifs implemented in apparel (e.g. Dokhona) inspired from Bodo traditional tools and musical instruments, signifying Bodo identity. Such apparels could be purchased by Bodo consumers as they are very keen to sustain their culture and heritage through motifs weaved in their traditional apparel. This study also proves that Dokhona designed with novel motifs developed from traditional artefacts are better than currently available designs of Dokhona as these were more aesthetic and contemporary in look.

Social implications

The motif adapted from traditional artefacts would motivate the weavers to weave innovative motif designs in their apparel bringing some newness in the Bodo traditional attire Dokhona, leads to business and women empowerment.

Originality/value

This study showed the way to create innovative ideas for designing apparel (e.g. Dokhona) from cultural artefacts and helps prospective textile and apparel designers to design sustainable Dokhona.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

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