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1 – 10 of 43This chapter investigates pandemic impact in a variety of industries, including food, travel, education and pharmaceuticals, considering elements such as isolation, emotions and…
Abstract
This chapter investigates pandemic impact in a variety of industries, including food, travel, education and pharmaceuticals, considering elements such as isolation, emotions and social influences, which can lead to panic buying. The goal of this research is to ascertain how COVID-19 influences the buying decisions of customers. Additionally, the study aims to identify consumer consumption trends for a spectrum of products and services, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), entertainment, pharmaceuticals, travel and tourism. A comprehensive review of different research papers is done to conclude. The papers considered are from 2020 to 2022. Different keywords are used to search the relevant papers such as ‘pandemic’, ‘COVID-19’, ‘behaviour’, ‘impulsive’, etc. TCCM framework has been applied while reviewing the articles. During the isolation, consumer behaviour moved to panic buying and stockpiling, favouring organic basics, and encouraging e-commerce, as well as economic nationalism favouring made-in-India products. This study helps in knowing the reasons for change in consumers' behaviour for different products and services due to unforeseeable situations like COVID-19 and can find possible ways to deal with them. Business owners learn about changing consumer purchasing behaviours and how to modify products. The government can change policies to improve medical tourism and social protection.
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Rahul Gadekar, Kiran Thakur and Peng Hwa Ang
The purpose of this exploratory study is to look at how the Internet was used by political parties and candidates during the Indian parliamentary elections of 2009.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this exploratory study is to look at how the Internet was used by political parties and candidates during the Indian parliamentary elections of 2009.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 31 web sites belonging to political parties and their candidates in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were examined for how they were used to mobilize volunteers and voters. An online questionnaire and in‐depth interviews were administered to the web site coordinators/designers and politicians.
Findings
The study found that sites were not used to their maximum potential but instead, merely for publicity, online presence, and to explore the new medium. There was greater reliance by most candidates on traditional media such as rallies and face‐to‐face interaction. The reason may be due to the limited Internet penetration in India, which also means the Internet may have less influence on voters. Some candidates have shown the way to the potential use of the medium for fund raising and recruiting volunteers. But Indian politicians will likely continue to be cautious in using the Internet.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat and did not consider the impact or the effectiveness of the Internet.
Originality/value
This is the first such study of the use of web sites for electioneering in India. It also documents the development in the use of the new medium for campaigning in 2009 as compared with the elections of 2004.
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Shreya Jha, Shashi Kant, Nishakar Thakur, Pradeep Kumar, Sanjay Rai, Partha Haldar, Priyanka Kardam, Puneet Misra, Kiran Goswami and Shobini Rajan
Prisoners are at a higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviours…
Abstract
Purpose
Prisoners are at a higher risk of HIV infection compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviours among inmates of the Central Prisons in four states of North India.
Design/methodology/approach
The HIV sentinel surveillance was conducted in seven Central Prisons in four states of North India from February to April 2019. Four hundred inmates were included from each prison. The interviews were conducted at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre located within the prison premises. The Ethics Committee of the National AIDS Control Organization, New Delhi, granted ethical approval before the start of the surveillance.
Findings
Overall, 2,721 inmates were enrolled in this study. The mean (SD) age was 38.9 (13.9) years. One-third of prison inmates had comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The proportion of convict (54%) and undertrial (46%) inmates was almost equal. The overall prevalence of HIV infection among inmates was 0.96% (95% CI 0.65–1.40). The odds of being HIV positive were significantly higher in never married inmates, undertrials, inmates who were in the prison for more than three months to one year, inmates incarcerated for multiple times, inmates with history of injecting drug use and inmates with history of intercourse with a commercial sex worker.
Originality/value
The findings from the very first HIV sentinel surveillance in central prisons in North India have been presented in this paper. This has huge implications for future policy decisions.
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Samridhi Tanwar and Surbhi Bhardwaj
Introduction: Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a deciding factor in the insurance industry’s growth in any nation. Besides, similar socioeconomic conditions, some countries tend…
Abstract
Introduction: Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a deciding factor in the insurance industry’s growth in any nation. Besides, similar socioeconomic conditions, some countries tend to attract more FDI inflows. This chapter focuses on exploring the FDI in the insurance industry in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).
Purpose: The chapter aims to explore the current situation of FDI in the insurance industry in BRICS member nations and uncover the factors that have led to higher foreign investments in some countries.
Methodology: Using descriptive and comparative approaches, this chapter explains the FDI scenario in the insurance sector of BRICS nations.
Findings: Based on a comparative analysis, the authors observed that deregulation, increased foreign engagement, and adoption of innovative technology and distribution methods are some avenues that could be worked upon to improve FDIs in the Indian insurance sector.
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Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri, Karunarathnage Sajith Senaka Nuwansiri Karunarathna, M. Shanika Hansini Rathnasiri, Kiran Sood and Aarti Saini
This study aims to determine the impact of health-related views on mobile payment adoption in Sri Lanka from a broader viewpoint. The scale used to quantify each construct was…
Abstract
This study aims to determine the impact of health-related views on mobile payment adoption in Sri Lanka from a broader viewpoint. The scale used to quantify each construct was based on earlier research, with modest alterations to fit the pandemic situation. First, an online survey was administered to undergraduates using convenience sampling to acquire appropriate replies. Eliminating incomplete and unusable questionnaires, 266 responses were gathered with an 88.7% response rate. Finally, after removing incomplete and ineffective questionnaires, 243 responses were selected for the analysis. Health consciousness, perceived ease of use, and usefulness have a significant positive relationship between attitude and behavioural intention to mobile payments. Moreover, the attitude has a significant positive relationship with mobile payment usage. As the health consciousness increases the usefulness and intention to use mobile payments, bank managers can focus on this new customer segment. Accordingly, they can use their promotional campaigns to highlight the importance of shifting towards m-payments during the pandemic times. This is the first study that investigates the role of health-related perceptions on the mobile payment adoption in Sri Lanka to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
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Introduction: Many organisations nowadays use artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource (HR) activities like talent acquisition, onboarding of new employees, learning and…
Abstract
Introduction: Many organisations nowadays use artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource (HR) activities like talent acquisition, onboarding of new employees, learning and development, succession planning, retention of employees, and automation of administrative tasks. When AI is integrated with HR practices, it helps HR personnel to focus more on the strategic aspects of the HR function and relieve them from routine HR activities.
Purpose: The readiness of employees to accept any change depends on organisational facilitation to change, employee willingness to accept the change, the requirement for change, situational factors, etc. This research studies the factors influencing employees’ change readiness towards acceptance of AI in HR practices. The researchers also strive to develop a conceptual technology adoption model for AI in HR practices by studying the earlier models. Finally, the research explores the acceptance of AI by various service sector employees and identifies whether there is any difference in their acceptance of AI based on demographic variables.
Methodology: A conceptual framework was derived using a combination of previous models, including the Technology Readiness Index (TRI), Change Readiness Scale, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) model, and change readiness scale. A structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to 228 respondents from the service sector based on the conceptual framework. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the elements that influence employees’ level of change readiness.
Findings: The exploratory results on data collected from 228 respondents show that the model can be used for further research if a confirmatory factor analysis and validity and reliability test are performed. Employees are aware of AI and how it is used in HR practices, based on the study results. Moreover, while most respondents favour using AI in their company’s HR practices, they are wary of some aspects of AI.
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Aashima Gupta and Mridula Mishra
Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) assists recruiters in effectively and efficiently nominating applicants precisely and accurately. It helps in the screening of resumes…
Abstract
Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) assists recruiters in effectively and efficiently nominating applicants precisely and accurately. It helps in the screening of resumes without biasness. This chapter will identify different AI technology and various organisations using it fully or partially.
Purpose: This chapter aims to get insights about various AI tools that assist human recruiters, save time and cost, and provide modern experiences. It will help identify various applications that are currently in use and their features. It also helps in finding out the benefits and the challenges faced by the recruiters and the applicants while assimilating those applications in hiring.
Need for the Study: The study will be helpful to all those recruiting firms who are presently using AI or not using it to understand the benefits and challenges they might face.
Methodology: The chapter will be based on reviews and industry reports. This chapter will include a study related to human resource (HR) functions where AI is used. To give more insights into AI technology, this study mentions various applications like Mya, Brazen, etc., and their usefulness in recruitment. Also, special emphasis would be given to the recruitment functions as most companies use AI. Some companies like Deloitte and Oracle are using AI fully or partially will also be incorporated.
Findings: The study finds out that although many companies have started to use AI tools for recruitment, they have not explored all the algorithms that can be used to complete the whole recruitment and selection process. Companies like Loreal use AI for candidate applications and recruiter screening, but human recruiters stand strong for assessments and interviews. AI’s widespread use presents human resource management (HRM) practitioners with both opportunities and challenges.
Practical implications: The basic idea of the study is to scrutinise the related literature and find out the features, advantages and limitations/challenges of using AI which would be helpful for recruiters in better understanding of the technology-driven recruitment.
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P. S. Anuradha, L. Mynavathi and M. Anand Shankar Raja
Purpose: This chapter explores the two major schemes applicable to skill development in India: Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and…
Abstract
Purpose: This chapter explores the two major schemes applicable to skill development in India: Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
Need for the Study: The primary objective of this research is to check the role of these schemes in enhancing the skills of socio-economically stressed community members for their livelihoods. The secondary aim is to analyse the outcomes of these schemes through a qualitative inquiry.
Methodology: A survey was conducted, and the data was collected from trainees of the skill development programmes. Based on the responses, a qualitative content analysis was performed, which showed that most trainees have the thirst and urge to enhance their life skills for a minimalistic livelihood.
Findings: The study concluded that though there are many schemes, only PMKVY is active. They focus on more than just youth communities. Instead, they consider individuals in different age categories.
Practical Implications: The Government of India (GOI) is progressing towards a healthy economy to compete with other countries. For this mission to be achieved, skill and labour development is paramount. Appropriate training must be provided and administrated through government schemes.
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Edwina Pio, Rob Kilpatrick and Mark Le Fevre
The purpose of this paper is to illuminate enablers, barriers and vignettes of South Asian women leaders and possible paths to increase the influence and leadership of women in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illuminate enablers, barriers and vignettes of South Asian women leaders and possible paths to increase the influence and leadership of women in South Asia.
Design/methodology/approach
Navratna, the nine precious gems of ancient Indian literature are used to frame reflections on South Asian women leaders, and the Global Gender Gap Report of 2015 is used to give context to five barriers and five enablers to women’s leadership in the region. Illustrative vignettes of South Asian women in leadership roles are presented. These vignettes have been selected based on a case study approach of South Asian women leaders.
Findings
Five enablers that may help empower women towards greater leadership and influence are proposed: involving men in what should change, greater economic participation by women, supportive family, country- and context-specific leadership training, and finally grassroots advocacy, mentoring and role models.
Originality/value
The paper shines new light on women leaders whose sparking excellence in their specific field illuminate paths for others to follow and thus contributes to promoting research on multifaceted women leaders in South-Asia.
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Jyotsna Sharma and Nitin Thapar
Purpose: The purpose of the current chapter is to emphasize the importance of renewable energy sources and their impact on society’s desire to accept them in light of the…
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the current chapter is to emphasize the importance of renewable energy sources and their impact on society’s desire to accept them in light of the substantial energy consumption that determines economic growth and its sustainability.
Need for the study: The ideals of sustainable development are the cornerstones of the green economy. This calls for the creation of new technologies and the adoption of eco-friendly practices that could spur economic growth and boosting efficiency. The chapter tries to measure total efficiency improvement after the adoption of green fuel.
Methodology: This is a qualitative research that uses secondary data sources. It is proposed to include a variety of online databases, e-journals, printed journals, periodicals, newspapers, etc., for the chapter. The scope of the chapter encompasses the discussion about the economic and environmental benefits of green energy resources.
Findings: The results show that the biggest advantages of employing green energy sources are typically acknowledged for their capacity to gradually lower the cost of electricity service, such as the avoided expenses of electricity generation or the avoidance of the need to build new power plants. These advantages may materialize in the short term, the long term, or both.
Practical implications: The result of the chapter implies improvements in life standards and environmental effects. This chapter put forth that renewable energy projects require complicated installation and are sensitive to the local ecology.
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