ShodhPrabandhan: Journal of Management Studies
ShodhPrabandhan: Journal of Management Studies, is a half-yearly journal of studies focused on Management studies, in which research papers are published in Hindi and English language. This journal combines all topics related to Management studies. Management studies is an academic discipline that focuses on the theory and practice of managing organizations and businesses. It encompasses a wide range of topics related to managing people, resources, and processes to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively. Editor-in-chief: Dr. Praveen Kumar S. (Professor and Dean, Department of Commerce, School of Commerce and Management, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) Managing Editor: Dr. Tina Porwal (Ph.D., Maharani Laxmibai Girls P.G. College, Indore, India)
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author. It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board. This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
MEASURING THE IMPACT OF CSR INITIATIVES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERCEPTION: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPROACH ACROSS INDIAN SMES AND MNCS
This study investigates how stakeholder perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) quality—encompassing dimensions of transparency, community impact, and environmental focus—influence sustainable development outcomes in the Indian corporate landscape, and how these relationships differ between Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Multinational Corporations (MNCs). Drawing on stakeholder theory, signaling theory, and the legitimacy framework, this research proposes and tests a comprehensive structural model in which stakeholder trust mediates the relationship between perceived CSR quality and sustainability outcome perception. A stratified random sample of 524 respondents—comprising employees, investors, and community members—was surveyed across four Indian states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and West Bengal) using a validated 38-item Likert-scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the measurement model and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the structural relationships. Multi-group analysis was employed to examine whether the proposed model differs significantly across SME and MNC contexts. Results confirm that CSR quality perception significantly and positively influences both stakeholder trust (β = 0.67, p < 0.001) and sustainability outcome perception (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), with stakeholder trust serving as a significant partial mediator (indirect effect = 0.31, 95% CI [0.22, 0.41]). Multi-group analysis reveals significant structural differences between SME and MNC respondents, with trust playing a stronger mediating role in SME contexts. Environmental focus emerges as the most influential dimension of CSR quality perception in MNCs, while community impact dominates in SME contexts. The paper concludes with managerial implications for enhancing CSR communication strategies and policy recommendations for differentiating CSR frameworks by firm size.
Copyright (c) 2024 Surilee Saraf Jain, Dr. Ruchi Maheshwari Bangur (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AMONG NEPALESE YOUTHS: INFLUENCE OF TRAINING, FINANCE, AND BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
The factors influencing the sustainable youth entrepreneurship development in Nepal in growing unemployment, underemployment and labour migration have been explored in the paper. Youth entrepreneurship is identified as one of the important strategies for job creation, innovation, poverty reduction and overall sustainable development among the youth population of Nepal. The objective of the paper was to examine the influence of entrepreneurship training, access to finance, business development services and their relationship on youth entrepreneurship development sustainably. The quantitative research approach followed by descriptive and analytical research designs were employed in the study. The primary data of the study were collected from 300 youth entrepreneurs of Bagmati Province of Nepal using structured questionnaire and convenience sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and analytical interpretation methods. The study revealed that entrepreneurship training had a significant impact in enhancing entrepreneurial knowledge, managerial skills and business sustainability among the youth entrepreneurs. Similarly, access to finance had remained one of the major hindering barriers for entrepreneurial growth because of poor collateral availability, loan procedure complexity. On the other hand, business development services like mentorship, consultancy, marketing support and advisory services had been able to contribute to the entrepreneurs' sustainability and improve business outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Youbaraj Poudel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXPLORING GENDER DIFFERENCES IN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS OF UNDER GRADUATION STUDENTS IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT FIRST GRADE COLLEGES OF KARNATAKA
Gender has emerged as an important dimension in entrepreneurship research influencing access to opportunities, resources and skill development. But, the level of women participation in entrepreneurship in India remains comparatively low as reflected by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report (2022) NITI Aayog Report(2023). The study, in this backdrop intends to examine whether entrepreneurial skills differ significantly based on gender among under graduation students, focusing on risk-taking ability, leadership skills, creativity and innovation. Primary data have been collected using a structured questionnaire with 14 Likert-scale items from final-year BA, BCom and BSc students in selected Government First Grade Colleges across Tumakuru, Davanagere and Chikkaballapura districts for a sample size of 140. The study employed an independent samples Welch’s t-test to analyse gender differences, while Hedges’ g was used to measure effect sizes and Holm’s correction was applied to adjust p-values for more robust statistical inference. The study findings reveal significant gender differences across all three mentioned dimensions, with large effect sizes indicating a substantial gap in entrepreneurial competencies. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance women’s entrepreneurial skills and promote balanced as well as inclusive entrepreneurial development among female students in particular.
Copyright (c) 2026 Girisha K. R, Sarala K. S (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI-POWERED FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS AND RETIREMENT READINESS AMONG IT SECTOR EMPLOYEES IN INDIA:A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING APPROACH
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in personal finance has created new avenues for improving retirement readiness among India's growing IT workforce. This cross-sectional empirical study investigates the influence of AI-powered financial planning tools — including robo-advisors, AI-based budgeting assistants, and algorithm-driven investment platforms — on the retirement readiness of IT sector employees in India. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Financial Capability Framework, this study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on data collected from 412 IT professionals across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai during the calendar year 2024. The results reveal that perceived usefulness of AI financial tools (β = 0.421, p < .001) significantly mediates the relationship between digital financial literacy and retirement readiness. Trust in AI recommendations (β = 0.318, p < .01) emerges as a significant moderator. The model explains 64.3% of the variance in retirement readiness (R² = 0.643). The study contributes original empirical evidence on the role of AI-driven financial awareness in shaping long-term financial security among India's IT sector workforce and offers practical implications for employers, financial institutions, and policymakers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Khushboo Shah, Dr. Arpan Parashar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON MARKETING STRATEGIES IN FAST-PACED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly important factor in shaping the marketing strategies of businesses operating in competitive and rapidly changing environments. This paper examines how AI influences marketing strategy effectiveness by focusing on five key dimensions: data-driven decision-making, personalization, customer engagement, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. We used a quantitative research approach, as part of a broader mixed-methods doctoral study, and collected primary data from 410 marketing professionals through a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to assess the strength and significance of relationships between AI factors and marketing strategy effectiveness. The results show that AI has a strong positive effect on marketing outcomes (R² = 0.551, F = 31.89, p < 0.001). Data-driven strategy and personalization emerged as the strongest predictors, followed by competitive advantage and customer retention. The findings confirm that AI not only improves operational efficiency but also acts as a strategic tool that helps organizations improve their agility, responsiveness, and value creation in dynamic markets. This study contributes to the growing literature on AI in marketing and offers practical guidance for organizations looking to use AI for competitive advantage in changing markets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akshay Goel, Dr. Anil Kanwa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ROLE OF ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES IN SHAPING REVENUE DYNAMICS OF BUDGET HOTELS: A REVIEW PAPER
OTAs (online travel agents) are the dominant intermediaries of hotels‚ particularly for chain-affiliated budget hotels which require strong online presence‚ rapid conversion for booking‚ and a competitive price․ The OTA economy is complex․ On the positive side‚ OTAs create a market‚ making more hotels discoverable and increasing their occupancy rates․ On the negative side‚ OTAs create commission costs to hotels and drive price competition‚ reducing the hotelier's ability to drive customers to book direct․ This review paper uses findings from the literature and industry to examine the role of OTAs in budget hotel revenue management․ It discusses the concepts of hotel revenue management‚ OTA intermediation‚ channel conflict‚ consumer booking behavior‚ as well as OTA pricing pressure and profitability in the context of the budget hotel sector․ The review concluded that OTAs are effective at driving customer acquisition for hotels with little brand presence and poor marketing capabilities․ However‚ the review found that overreliance on the OTAs can lead to hotel net revenue declines due to commission leakage‚ discounting pressure‚ and a lack of direct customer relationships․ From this the paper concludes that distribution should not be seen in isolation from the overall revenue management strategy of budget hotels․ It suggests that budget hotels should adopt a balanced channel strategy in which OTAs are used to ease market access and demand stimulation‚ but which is supported by direct booking‚ online review management and guest retention to deliver long term profitability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Surbhi, Pankaj (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY ON TIME MANAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS AMONG STUDENTS
The objective of the present study is to analyze the relationship between time management and academic success among students. In this research, data was collected through a questionnaire-based survey utilizing a quantitative research methodology. The study assessed various dimensions of time management—such as time planning, prioritization, effective time utilization, and procrastination—and correlated them with the students' academic performance. Statistical analysis involved the application of descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression techniques. The results clearly indicated the existence of a positive and significant relationship between time management and academic success. Students who demonstrated superior time management skills also exhibited a relatively higher level of academic performance. Furthermore, time management was identified as a significant predictor of academic success. The study also suggests that effective time management not only enhances academic achievement but also reinforces self-discipline, goal-oriented behavior, and stress management among students. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to organize training programs and workshops aimed at developing time management skills among students. This study offers valuable guidance for education policymakers, educators, and students.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rajendra Kumar Singh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EDUCATION OF TRIBAL GIRLS IN INDIA: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Education plays a crucial role in the social, economic, and cultural development of individuals and communities. In India, tribal communities, officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs), constitute a significant section of the population and often remain socio-economically marginalized. Among them, tribal girls represent one of the most disadvantaged groups in terms of access to education. Despite several governmental initiatives and policies aimed at improving educational opportunities for tribal communities, tribal girls continue to face multiple barriers that hinder their educational participation and achievement. These barriers include poverty, geographical isolation, cultural practices, language barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and gender discrimination. This research paper examines the educational status of tribal girls in India and highlights the major issues and challenges affecting their educational development. It also discusses the socio-economic and cultural factors that influence tribal girls’ education and evaluates various government initiatives aimed at promoting educational inclusion. The paper further proposes strategies to enhance access, retention, and quality of education for tribal girls. Ensuring educational opportunities for tribal girls is essential for achieving social justice, gender equality, and sustainable development in India.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Arun Kumar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL FACTORS AND SUBJECTIVE NORMS ON INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS
Investment decision-making is increasingly influenced by social surroundings, especially in an environment shaped by digital media, peer interaction, family guidance, and widespread access to financial information. The present study examined the influence of social factors and subjective norms on investment decision-making among Gen Z and Millennial respondents. The study was based on primary data collected from 480 respondents and analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS 4. The findings show that social factors significantly influence investment decision-making directly and also affect perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. Subjective norms also significantly influence investment decision-making in both generations. However, the multigroup analysis indicates that the path differences between Gen Z and Millennials are not statistically significant. The study concludes that social influence is an important determinant of investment behavior, but this influence operates in a broadly similar way across both generations. These findings support earlier literature highlighting the relevance of social influence, behavioral context, and normative pressure in financial decision-making Alshebami and Aldhyani (2022), Ikhsan and Wulandari (2024), Singh et al. (2025), Thanki et al. (2025).
Copyright (c) 2026 Surbhi, Dr. A.K. Govilla (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MEDITATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AMONG FACULTY MEMBERS: A THEORY-DRIVEN REVIEW OF WELL-BEING, ENGAGEMENT, AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
This is a theoretical review of recent studies regarding the correlation between meditation and psychological capital (PsyCap) in regard to faculty members, with a particular emphasis on the well-being, work engagement, and performance outcomes in higher education. Faculty work has been described as involving high cognitive load, emotional work and long-term performance stress, which require effective individual resource-building processes. The paper is based on the conceptualization of meditation, especially mindfulness-based meditation, as a self-regulating and resource-boosting exercise that facilitates the growth of PsyCap elements, i.e. hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism (based on the contemporary research, 20212025). The review incorporates the findings of positive organizational behavior and occupational health theories to describe the role of meditation in affecting faculty engagement and performance indirectly via improved psychological capital and having direct impacts on well-being. Through the synthesis of scattered evidence, the paper explains how concepts are conceptually linked, the trends and gaps within the methodologies, and the importance of meditation-based interventions to sustainable development of faculties and effectiveness of institutions in higher education.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sreenivas Peddi, Dr. Neha Pandey (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INDUSTRY-WISE VARIATIONS IN CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) has become an essential skill of professionals in the context of the growing globalization, when they have to operate in the diversified and multicultural setting. This paper examines the change in levels of CQ in various industries such as Consulting, Information Technology (IT), Manufacturing, and others and its correlation to the performance of business. The research design adopted was quantitative and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data by administering it to professionals on a 5 points Likert scale. Mean differences were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was the method of testing the statistical significance of CQ differences between industries. The findings show that there are vast disparities among industries in terms of CQ levels with the highest mean CQ score being the Consulting sector, then IT and other sectors and the Manufacturing being relatively lower. Further analysis shows that there is a significant positive relationship between CQ and the performance of the business and people with high CQ show better results. The post-hoc analysis with the help of Tukey HSD test also indicates the presence of certain inter-industry differences, which supports the role of industry context in the formation of cultural competencies. The research highlights the significance of the formation of CQ as a competitive organizational advantage and suggests specific training interventions, in particular, in those industries, where CQ is lower. These results add to the increasing amount of literature on cross-cultural management and they are relevant to the real world of improving the effectiveness of workforce in a global business context.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jinto Jose, Dr. Navdeep (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FROM CHALLENGES TO OPPORTUNITIES: THE EVOLVING ROLE OF WOMEN IN BANKING
The banking industry is one of the main sectors that enables a country's economic growth and stability. The sector has evolved through the years as one of the most dynamic and flexible sectors with numerous job opportunities for both men and women. Also, this financial products development and their wide spread have led to the increment of women's population in banks. The expanding presence of this sector has led to growth in social and economic aspects. The present study is examining the different role of working women in in banking sector and how they are manages the challenges and opportunities in their professional and personal life. This study focuses on Career Development, Workplace Environment, Organizational Support and their Work-Life balance of women employees in Public and Private sector banks. It also highlights the issues such as Gender Bias, Work related stress, and Work-Life imbalance, and also shows that positive changes like employee training, inclusive policies and better management support. The findings reveal that women employees in the banking sector of Shivamogga city are transforming challenges into opportunities for professional growth and empowerment. The study highlights that continuous organizational support, genderfriendly policies, and strong mentorship contribute significantly to improving women’s equality, leadership and career development in the banking sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 ShodhPrabandhan: Journal of Management Studies
THE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING STRATEGIES OF A GLOBAL MAKEUP BRAND: HUDA BEAUTY
The global cosmetics industry has experienced significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness, digital marketing, and the influence of social media. International brands are adopting innovative marketing strategies to expand their presence in global markets. Huda Beauty, founded by beauty influencer Huda Kattan, has become one of the most successful global beauty brands through effective digital marketing, influencer collaborations, product innovation, and strong brand positioning. This research paper examines the international marketing strategies adopted by Huda Beauty and how these strategies contribute to its global success. The study focuses on segmentation, targeting, positioning, digital marketing strategies, and customer perception. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 100 respondents aged between 18–35 years. The findings show that social media marketing, influencer endorsements, product quality, and brand image play a significant role in shaping customer awareness and purchase decisions. The study concludes that strong digital engagement and customer-focused marketing strategies are key factors behind the international success of Huda Beauty.
DOES INCREASE IN TAX LIMIT IMPACT INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF WOMEN SALARIED INVESTORS WITH REFERENCE TO HIGHER SECONDARY TEACHERS
Tax policy reforms play an important role in influencing the saving and investment behaviour of salaried individuals. This study aims to examine the impact of the revised tax exemption limit on fund utilization and investment behaviour of women salaried employees. The study is based on primary data collected from 538 higher secondary women teachers working in Bengaluru and Tumkur districts using a structured questionnaire. Reliability analysis confirmed the internal consistency of the instrument with a Cronbach’s alpha value above 0.8. The findings indicate that the earlier tax regime encouraged disciplined savings through investments in instruments such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), Life Insurance policies, National Savings Certificates, pension schemes, and tax-saving fixed deposits, offering returns between 7% and 15%. However, the removal of deduction-based incentives under the new tax regime has reduced the compulsion to save, resulting in a shift toward increased consumption and leisure spending. Although investments in mutual funds and the stock market remain preferred avenues, the overall tendency for tax-driven savings has declined. The study concludes that while the new regime enhances disposable income and simplifies taxation, it may weaken long-term investment behaviour unless supported by stronger financial awareness and planning initiatives.
PREFERENCE FOR ONLINE CLASSES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A ‘D-NEEDS’ HIERARCHICAL APPROACH AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
The Covid-19 pandemic affects all over the world and it disrupted the human life. The educational sector is one of the most affected sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Educational institutes are shut down due to the lockdown and the classes are shifted to online mode. But there are some irregularities noticed in students attending online classes. Thus, the reason behind the study is to discover the deficiency needs of the students and their preference towards the acceptance of online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that the students have an unfavourable attitude the towards the online classes. This particular research was perpetrated on 100 postgraduate students in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to analyse their preference for online classes. Primary data collected through a questionnaire. Research question and hypothesis were tested with statistical tools.
The concept of a startup is to work for oneself and to make work to others which warrants parcel of continuity and penance. Enormous populace with high level of centre salary gathering, taught youth with specialized foundation, IT mastery, high web and versatile entrance are a portion of the drivers that have hurled open doors for spreading startup transformation in India. The 'Make-in-India' activities and other government action plans have additionally given a lift to new businesses and ventures with numerous people entering the brawl. Beginning an endeavour is a very much arranged and trained exercise with due thought of both inner and outside elements that may affect the manageability of the endeavour. Time, collaboration and persistence are significant components which decide enterprising success. Infrastructure, government guidelines and accessibility of money at different phases of development could be a portion of the difficulties for new businesses. This paper focus on overview of Indian startups.
Fintech E-Commerce Travel Tech Mudra Yojana
INVESTMENT BEHAVIOUR OF INVESTORS TOWARDS MUTUAL FUNDS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Mutual funds have provided unprecedented opportunities for millions of investors, effectively bringing investment options directly to their doorstep. In India, investors typically seek information that does not offer protection against inflation and frequently results in negative real returns. He perceives himself as an anomaly within the realm of investment. Mutual funds have emerged as a significant resource for these investors. Skilled fund managers and vigilant investors collaborate to make mutual funds successful. In the present context, it is crucial to assess the financial literacy levels of investors and evaluate their investment behaviours. This study seeks to examine the correlation between financial literacy and investment behaviour, specifically in the context of mutual fund investments. This study selected a total of 156 respondents who have invested in mutual funds in Palakkad. The convenience sampling technique was employed for sample selection, and a questionnaire served as the study instrument. The statistical tools employed to accomplish the objectives include Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient and a one-way ANOVA. The study demonstrates a reliability coefficient of 84.6%. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The findings indicate a positive correlation between components of financial literacy and investment behaviour in mutual fund investments. Nevertheless, understanding financial concepts is crucial for enhancing investment behaviours in relation to mutual fund investments. The analysis reveals a notable effect of age, education, annual income, and employment status on individuals' investment behaviour toward mutual funds.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN LEGAL PRACTICE: THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND ADVOCACY IN REDUCING BURNOUT
The legal profession is generally linked with extended working hours, high emotional tolls, and more and more burnout, thus, resulting in work-life balance being a major concern. The present research is based on the premise that Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) and advocacy practices are the ways to increase work-life balance and reduce burnout among the legal sector workers. The paper provides support for the proposition that through supportive actions, collegiality and organizational advocacy, the employee well-being is increased and thus the legal organizations are able to create healthier work environments. The results indicate that positive citizenship behaviours and advocacy-oriented cultures are main contributors to burnout reduction and to the sustainability of professional engagement in the legal practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 ShodhPrabandhan: Journal of Management Studies
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPAREDNESS AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF MILITARY HOSPITALS DURING WARTIME: A GLOBAL REVIEW
In contemporary warfare, military hospitals are central portals for trauma care, disease management, and logistical command in extraordinary and unpredictable circumstances. This is a review of the trajectory, modalities and prospects of pharmaceutical preparedness and strategic hospital management in conflict zones. Basing on historical fact as well as on case studies from the US, Ukraine, China, India and the Middle East, with the data from a few dozen ongoing armed conflicts, military health systems need struggle to achieve those requirements of the multiple contractor environment, associated with supply chains, storages, and emergency procurements and medical logistics in the Pentagon. Some of the key issues identified include drug-shortages, ethical dilemmas in rationing, lack of uniform standard of international guidelines, and cyber security considerations to pharmaceutical information. Among emerging innovations identified and discussed in the review are the AI-supported prediction of needs of blood supply and plasma, blockchain-supported tracking of medication supply, modular systems for field hospitals, support for military-civil cooperation, and systems for telepresence in the field.
CHALLENGES TO PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG STUDENTS IN MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS: THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Purpose This study examines the relations among intercultural problems, emotional intelligence, and university students' psychological well-being from diverse academic settings. The objective of the present study is to investigate the mediation and moderation role of emotional intelligence in the influence that multicultural stressors, such as cultural adjustment problems, communication difficulties, and social integration challenges, may have on the students' psychological well-being and adaptability. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, where a total of 384 undergraduate and graduate students from various universities participated. Data collection was done by standardized tools to assess issues related to multiculturalism, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being. SEM was applied in this research to test various direct, mediation, and moderation effects that the components had. Findings The findings have revealed negative impacts of multicultural problems on students' psychological well-being; at the same time, emotional intelligence plays an important role in mediating or moderating this relationship. Emotionally intelligent students are better able to manage their emotions, empathize with others, and bounce back from adversity; as a result, they are more equipped to navigate the challenges presented by social and cultural diversity. Low levels of emotional intelligence have been found to raise stress and reduce wellbeing within intercultural settings. Originality/value This research extends the literature on intercultural education by underlining emotional intelligence as an important psychological resource. It offers practical implications for educators and policy makers in the design of culturally sensitive treatments and emotional intelligence training programs that aim to advance mental health, inclusivity, and cross-cultural cohesion in school settings.
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The further sophistication of the financial market itself has contributed to embracing the importance of effective risk management as a strategic tool that can guarantee its sustainability and future financial prosperity in the organization. The following paper provides the review of the correlation between risk management practice in the selected companies and financial performance. The study evaluates the key aspects of the risk management process, along with the identification, evaluation, mitigation, monitoring, and adherence to the primary, and secondary data and their impact on financial outcomes, i.e., profitability, liquidity, solvency, and return on investment. These relationships were estimated and their strength and magnitude of the relationship studied using statistical techniques like correlation, regression analysis. According to the results, banks which possess properly developed and properly co-ordinated risk management systems have higher chances of positive financial performance and become bastions against the forces of divergence in the market. It is found in the research that proactive risk management must be part of corporate governance to enhance financial performance as well as sustainability in the long run. Recommendations are made as how companies may improve the robustness of risk management processes so as to be in a stronger financial position and competitive position.
DOES FINANCIAL LITERACY INFLUENCE FINTECH USAGE AMONG WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS? A MICRO-LEVEL STUDY FROM RURAL TAMIL NADU
Financial technology (FinTech) has significantly transformed the financial landscape in India, yet adoption among rural women entrepreneurs remains uneven and strongly dependent on foundational knowledge and confidence in digital finance. This study examines whether financial literacy influences FinTech usage among women entrepreneurs in rural Tamil Nadu. Using a hypothetical dataset of 280 women operating micro and small enterprises, the research evaluates financial literacy, digital confidence, and FinTech usage patterns. The study employs descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent t-tests and simple linear regression to understand the relationship between financial literacy and digital adoption. Results indicate a strong positive association between financial literacy and FinTech usage (r = .62, p < .001), suggesting that women with higher financial knowledge are significantly more likely to engage with digital banking tools such as UPI, mobile banking apps, and online payment platforms. Regression analysis shows that financial literacy explains 38% of the variance in FinTech usage, underscoring its predictive power. Additional analyses reveal meaningful differences in usage across education groups, further highlighting the role of knowledge in shaping digital behaviour. The findings reinforce existing literature emphasising financial literacy as a central determinant of digital financial inclusion (Lusardi & Mitchell, 2014; Ghosh, 2022) and contribute micro-level evidence from rural India. The study suggests that banks, FinTech providers and government agencies should integrate digital literacy modules into entrepreneurship support programmes, simplify digital interfaces, and deliver targeted awareness interventions for rural women. By strengthening financial literacy, policy actors can foster more equitable participation in India’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
SUSTAINABLE MARKETING AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HOME AND KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
The Word sustainable means holding back the customer for the business. These will succeed mostly when the product doesn’t harm society. We should also be aware of which customers are sustainable and which aren’t for the business's growth. Sustainable marketing prevents damage to the environment and promotes well-being for the environment. There are many examples we can bring here, like packaging food. Most customers avoid buying packaged products that are harmful to society; instead, they prefer eco-friendly packaging or products. Most of the customers are looking for products that last long and reduce waste. Sustainability is based on the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND POLITICAL WILL: POLICY LESSONS FROM THE GLOBAL SOUTH
ustainable development in the Global South is not constrained merely by economic limitations but by the complex interplay of political will, institutional priorities, and governance capacity. This paper analyzes how political commitment affects the implementation of sustainability policies in developing nations, using a comparative political economy framework. Drawing from hypothetical case data across 10 countries, it evaluates the relationship between policy intent, governance quality, and actual sustainability outcomes in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Findings indicate that nations demonstrating high political commitment—measured by sustainability budget allocation, participatory governance, and long-term planning—achieve markedly better developmental outcomes. The study concludes that effective sustainability transitions require not only financial resources but consistent political intent, institutional accountability, and citizen involvement.
EXPLORING BUDGETING PROCESSES AND FORECAST PRECISION AT SCHAEFFLER INDIA LTD
During my six-week internship in Schaeffler India Ltd's Finance and Controlling team at the Pune plant, I closely examined how the company handles budgeting and forecasting amid automotive sector pressures. Key tools like SAP ERP, detailed Plant Cost Reports (PCRs), and driver-linked models drive their financial planning, enabling tight cost oversight and better decision support. Through hands-on involvement in budget cycles and variance reviews, I found the system delivers solid results but struggles with raw material swings, power cost hikes, and data handoffs between teams. Rolling forecasts, analytics upgrades, and smoother team coordination could lift accuracy further, making planning more adaptive.
INFLUENTIAL FACTORS IN IN-STORE IMPULSIVE BUYING BEHAVIOUR - AN EMPIRICAL STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO CHENNAI CITY
The aim of this research is to determine the most influential factor that indulge the consumers to buy impulsively at store. The variables used in this study are unplanned purchases, type of products purchased, carrying of shopping list, liking of impulse buying, Comparison of price, quality of the product, experience on return of product, external influencers of unplanned purchases, unplanned buying due to self-inner pressures, impulsive purchases due to my family and friend’s pressures, and the post-purchase evaluation of the consumers. In this study the data was collected from the targeted population of 99 respondents residing in the city of Chennai. This study has carried out Frequency Test, ANOVA Test, and Descriptive Test using SPSS 16.0 on the basis of 99 responses. The results indicate that the six hypothesis were observed insignificant relationship between the variables on Impulse Buying with demographic factors and the four hypothesis were observed to have significant relationship between the variables on Impulse Buying, Whereas the frequency test has been analysed to test the majority of the consumers who make impulse buying and at the same time descriptive statistics has also been measured to compute the three highest rating factor and the three lowest rating factor suggested by the respondents as the reason for which they buy the goods impulsively.
CUSTOMER AWARENESS, ADOPTION, AND SATISFACTION WITH MOBILE BANKING APPLICATIONS: AN APPLIED STUDY
The primary objective of this study is to examine the extent to which customers are aware of and satisfied with mobile banking application services. Data for the study was collected using purposive sampling techniques from various districts of Haryana. Data were collected from 510 competitors. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistical techniques were used to answer the research question. All hypotheses based on the literature were accepted based on the study results. The study found that there is a significant relationship between awareness, adoption, and satisfaction with mobile banking applications.
A STUDY ON INCOME TAX RETURN (ITR) FILING PROCESSES AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY AT KEYUR BHAYANI & ASSOCIATES
Income Tax Return (ITR) filing is a core component of India’s direct taxation system, and professional Chartered Accountancy (CA) firms play an essential role in ensuring accurate compliance for individuals and businesses. This research paper evaluates the operational efficiency, process structure, and challenges associated with ITR filing within a mid-sized CA firm—Keyur Bhayani & Associates—based on empirical insights gained during an internship. The study analyzes workflow stages, client interaction mechanisms, documentation management, and bottlenecks in compliance processes. It also highlights industry trends, technological gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Using qualitative analysis of observations, practitioner inputs, and process mapping, the study concludes that while the firm demonstrates strong technical expertise, its operations rely heavily on manual processes, which creates delays in data collection and communication. Recommendations include workflow standardization, digital transformation, and structured client education mechanisms. This research contributes to understanding how CA firms can enhance efficiency and client satisfaction in the evolving taxation ecosystem.
ANALYZING AND UNDERSTANDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE OF SEA FARERS IN SIP MANAGEMENT: A STUDY BASED ON INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE AT STAR SEA MANAGEMENT
Because seafaring is so demanding, work-life balance has become a major concern in the maritime industry. Seafarers work in remote locations with little communication, endure erratic work schedules, and spend long stretches of time apart from their families. Through an analysis of observations made during a four-week internship at the maritime recruitment firm Star Sea Management, this study investigates the work-life balance issues faced by seafarers. The study identifies long contracts, physical exhaustion, emotional isolation, and stress related to documentation as the main causes of work-life imbalance using qualitative techniques like observation, documentation review, and informal interviews. The study highlights the crucial role recruitment agencies and shipping companies play in shaping seafarer welfare and provides targeted recommendations to improve the overall well-being of maritime professionals.
ENHANING EFFICIENCY IN ITR FILING USING EASY OFFICE: AN INTERNSHIP STUDY AT CA SIRAJ MAVANI AND ASSOCIATES
Filing of ITR in India is gradually shifting to more digital platforms, enabling quicker processing with minimum manual errors. This research paper aims to find out how digital software, namely Easy Office, influences the efficiency in ITR filing at a CA firm. The study is done based on the observation during my 4 weeks of internship at a CA firm where I alone filed around 5-10 ITR's using Easy Office. Easy Office is integrated directly with the Income Tax Portal and allows auto fetching and cross verification of taxpayer data from multiple sources. The software supports: • Importing Form 16: The system allows direct uploads of Part A and Part B PDFs. It auto-reads things such as gross salary, deductions under Chapter 5-A, and TDS. The software pre-populates all salary fields into the ITR form, reducing manual entry errors. • AIS Sync: Easy Office connects to the AIS portal and fetches financial information reported by banks, mutual funds, and other institutions. This helps ensure that all the reported income sources are correctly reflected in the return to avoid mismatch notices. • TIS: Taxpayer Information Summary Easy Office automatically matches AIS with TIS instead of manually comparing data and highlights mismatches that may trigger a notice. • Form 26 AS (AS – 26) Fetch: The form fetches directly the data on tax credit (TDS/TCS) from TRACES. Once all the data is generated, the software pulls a pre-generated JSON file, validates it, and it's ready to upload on the Income Tax portal. Personally, I handled 5-10 ITRs a day and took much less time than doing it manually.