What differentiates Active and Passive Investors?

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : What differentiates Active and Passive Investors? 

Author Name  : Sofia Jasmeen, S.V. Satyanarayana 

Synopsis  : 

The investor groups can be clearly bifurcated into two — Active investors and Passive investors. While the passive investors do not constantly reshuffle their portfolio, the active investors do rebalance their portfolio constantly. The research paper is aimed at determining the factors that are considered by active and passive investors while making investment decision and to identify whether both these groups of investors are different in terms of significance they attach to the use of Dividend Models, Asset Pricing Models, and Return explaining Models, Firm Characteristics and Financial Ratios for making investment decisions.  Data is collected from 285 respondents and Discriminant Analysis was employed and the discriminant function (Canonical Correlation) revealed a significant association between both these groups (active and passive) and all predictors, accounted for 32.49% of between group variability.

Brand Preference Towards Water Filters – An Analysis

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Brand Preference Towards Water Filters – An Analysis 

Author Name  : M. Nandhini, M. Usha , P. Palanivelu 

Synopsis  : 

Water is important to the mechanics of the human body.  The Importance of using a Water Filter in recent years especially home water filters have gained widespread popularity. As the logical, most convenient and most economical solution for high quality water, water filters offer many benefits over tap water and bottled water. Home water filtration offers a higher quality water product than bottled water and the convenience of tap water. Point of use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body. The purchase of a countertop filter results in a source of clean, healthy water that costs much less than bottled water. Water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from drinking water. A solid block carbon water filter can selectively remove dangerous contaminants from drinking water while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water. Drinking clean, filtered water protects the body from disease and leads to overall greater health.

Determinants Of Brand Equity And Its Causes & Consequences - A Study of Automobiles oil from Peshawar Region Pakistan

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Determinants Of Brand Equity And Its Causes & Consequences - A Study of Automobiles oil from Peshawar Region Pakistan 

Author Name  : Shahzad Khan 

Synopsis  : 

The word brand equity is known to every marketer and they wish that they have positive brand equity for their brands. The question arises why customers will play extra amount for one particular product? There are many variables which create brand equity. These variables include Brand awareness, familiarity, brand image, association, loyalty, preferences and availability. But it is important to find that how each of these variables contribute towards brand equity for auto mobiles oil. To find out which of these variables contribute how much towards brand equity a sample of 100 auto mobile oil users has been contacted from Peshawar region. On the basis of their responses a regression and correlation analysis was conducted. Findings and results of the study shows that brand loyalty and brand familiarity has more influence on brand equity in case of automobile oil in Peshawar Pakistan.

An Interpretivist Analysis of Safety Culture: Discourses of a Smoldering Fire Department

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : An Interpretivist Analysis of Safety Culture: Discourses of a Smoldering Fire Department 

Author Name  : Kathryn Toelken 

Synopsis  : 

This study employs an interpretive approach to examine fire fighters’ firehouse communication as it contributes to safety culture. The International Communication Association Communication Audit (ICA CA) short answer section was used to collect the written comments and short stories of 225 firefighters.  This study examines the dominant themes of Fire Fighters’ discourses and offers insight into the impact of organizational discourses on safety culture.The study demonstrates that organizational communication is a key component of safety culture.

Inhibiting factors for a lady to be a challenging entrepreneur in Kerala

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Inhibiting factors for a lady to be a challenging entrepreneur in Kerala 

Author Name  : R. Jubi 

Synopsis  : 

Kerala being one of the outstanding states of India, 100 percent literacy and renowned as “God’s own country” it is lagging a lot in women empowerment. The highest literate ladies of India belong to Kerala, are still in a shell of inhibition to become free birds to boom in different environments. Even different types of movements are initiated but there is no powerful transformations seen in connection with making a lady a fully fledged entrepreneur. In this scenario this article tries to irradicate the factors contributing the inhibiting factors among the ladies to move into such a world of difference. The particular study is concentrated with respect to all the districts of the Kerala state. The article tries to identify the problems faced by a woman in reaching a home maker to an effective entrepreneur. Family bindings, Gender disparity, Effective family support, Risk taking ability, financial instability etc were the factors identified by the women entrepreneurs in the same scenario which are the binding factors for a lay to become an entrepreneur. Among these Family bindings is the highly rated factor since it may be a factor deducted from our cultural heritage.

Trading Opportunities In Indian Commodity Market - A Focus On Bullion Market

Vol. 7 No. 1

Year : 2012

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Trading Opportunities In Indian Commodity Market - A Focus On Bullion Market 

Author Name  : Suresh Chandra Bihari, Shrey Kumar Jain 

Synopsis  : 

A commodity is a good for which there is demand, but which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. A futures trading is organized in such goods or commodities as are permitted by the Central Government. Commodities market essentially represents another kind of organized market just like the stock market and the debt market. However, commodities market, because of its unique nature lends to the benefits of a wide spectrum of people like investors, importers, exporters, producers, corporate etc. Commodity trading is the market activity, which links the producers of the commodities effectively with their commercial consumers. Commodity trading mainly takes place in the commodity markets where raw or primary products are usually exchanged. The raw commodities here are traded on regulated commodities exchanges, in which they are bought and sold in standardized forms of contracts. The objectives of the paper include identifying trading opportunities and statistical arbitrages for low risk takers in the commodity market. Futures’ trading is one of the processes of trading commodities. As in other cases of investments, such as stocks and bonds, when trading futures, one actually does not buy anything or own anything. It is just about speculating on the future direction of the price in the commodity one is trading. This is like betting on future price direction. With the help of the data gathered I have made an attempt to understand various opportunities the market presents to the investor and also analyze various strategies adopted and comment on the effectiveness of those strategies. The authors have also tried to present an in depth analysis of the bullion commodity and have been able to make certain comments and recommendations in relation to the trade of the commodity. The paper also tries to identify the benefits provided and challenges faced by Gold ETF in India and its future prospects.

Risk Management and Corporate Governance in Nigerian Banks

Vol. 6 No. 4

Year : 2012

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : Risk Management and Corporate Governance in Nigerian Banks 

Author Name  : Uremadu S.O, A. M. Azeez 

Synopsis  : 

In this paper the concept of risk management and its applicability to business operations in Nigeria with a view to raising the banking firm’s performance was brought into sharp focus.  We employed three research methodology approaches: descriptive, industry and economic analysis models in the study to investigate the applicability or otherwise of risk management techniques and corporate governance principles to raise banking sector’s performance in Nigeria.  Findings showed that (1) Nigerian banks indulged in excessive risk taking and never cared to apply risk management techniques over the years thereby leading to total collapse of majority of them (2) causes of bank failures arising from poor risk management are giving loans without proper appraisal and documentations, giving loans to public (political) office holders with their positions (status) as collaterals, poor internal control system, insider abuses, poor corporate governance practice, financing illicit contracts, etc and (3) Banks carry various kinds of risks in their normal business of banking such as lending and borrowing and other financial services activities.  We therefore recommend that if full application of risk management techniques and concepts embedded in the basic principles of corporate governance and revival of culture of trust in our society and among bankers and their customers are brought to bear (applied) in the business of banking in Nigeria, the banking sector’s performance will greatly improve thereby raising the economic growth of Nigeria in the years ahead. If our recommendations in the paper are applied to the letter they will reduce, to the barest minimum, corruption and lack of application of risk management and corporate governance in the Nigerian business environment, so to speak.

Performance of Micro Credit Institutions in Financing Self Help Groups

Vol. 6 No. 4

Year : 2012

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : Performance of Micro Credit Institutions in Financing Self Help Groups 

Author Name  : T.R. Gurumoorthy, AR. Annadurai 

Synopsis  : 

In India micro credit groups are being recognized by the Government as an effective tool for achieving the distributional objectives of monetary policy. In the recent period, considerable emphasis has been placed on promotion of micro credit enterprises in view of perceived inadequacies of existing agencies in providing productive credit to those with little or no previous access to formal credit facilities. In a country like India, where almost 70% of the population is in rural areas, with little or no access to mainstream financing options, SHGs has a large role to play and a huge population to uplift. Micro credit, thus simply brings SHGs and offer best form of credit for reaching the unreached and under reached. The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has made considerable progress since its inception in the early 1990s, both in terms of the number of SHGs credit linked with banks as also the bank loans disbursed to SHGs. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the progress attained by banks in financing these SHGs in the recent past. After highlighting the need for SHGs, their objectives and features, performance of micro credit institutions in terms of number of SHGs financed, extent of credit provided and the status of recovery are analyzed in this paper.

Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Officers of Public Sector Banks - An Empirical Study

Vol. 6 No. 4

Year : 2012

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Officers of Public Sector Banks - An Empirical Study 

Author Name  : SURYANARAYAN MOHAPATRA, Subhashree Panda 

Synopsis  : 

This paper attempts to evaluate the job satisfaction level of bank officers in the Indian public sector banks in the contemporary scenario characterized by financial sector reforms, deregulation, intense competition and large scale technology adoption.  It focuses on identifying the factors of job satisfaction and their influence on the overall job satisfaction level of bank officers. For the purpose of the study, data were collected from 180 bank officers using convenient sampling technique and analyzed by using statistical tools like factor analysis, correlation and multiple regression analysis. The result reveals that Reward, Recognition, Supervision, Opportunity for Promotion, Workplace environment, Social contacts among co-workers, Pay and other facilities, Job Security and Challenging nature of job influence the level of Job satisfaction of bank officers.

Smoldering Foundations put the Fire House at Risk: A Functional Communication Audit

Vol. 6 No. 4

Year : 2012

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : Smoldering Foundations put the Fire House at Risk: A Functional Communication Audit 

Author Name  : Kathryn Toelken, Thomas Shaw 

Synopsis  : 

This study examines fire fighters’ firehouse communication as it contributes to safety culture. This study employed the International Communication Association Communication Audit (ICA CA) to survey 228 firefighters.  This study demonstrates that organizational communication is a key component of safety culture.  This study also serves to replicate previous research using ICA CA and examines the relationships between upper management and the rank-and-file across five different scales: receiving, sending, follow-up, interpersonal, organizational, and channels of communication.  Significant findings among five of the eight scales from the ICA CA demonstrates real and systematic differences between upper management and the rank-and-file.  This series profiles communication behaviors and suggests a set of recommendation for new communication practices which may improve organizational communication and safety culture.

The Value of Integrity, the Confucian Perspective

Vol. 6 No. 4

Year : 2012

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : The Value of Integrity, the Confucian Perspective 

Author Name  : Sik-Liong Ang, Patrick Low Kim Cheng 

Synopsis  : 

In this article, the practitioners/academicians examine leaders who embrace and practice the value of integrity from the Confucian perspective in South East Asia, more so, in the Brunei context. From Confucius comes the emphasis on leadership with integrity which is linked to positive, harmonious relationships as well as to the values of benevolence and reciprocity that bring many benefits to business prosperity. The practice of Confucian teachings can bring much peace, learning, and growth for business sustainability.

Contributions Of Cognitive Conflict in Corporate Creativity

Vol. 6 No. 3

Year : 2012

Issue : Dec-Feb

Title  : Contributions Of Cognitive Conflict in Corporate Creativity 

Author Name  : V. Gopakumar, Shamla N.K 

Synopsis  : 

Conflict, though often unsettling, is a natural part of collective human experience. It can leave participants ill at ease, so it is often avoided and suppressed. Yet conflict, when well managed, breathes life and energy into relationships and can cause individuals to be more innovative and productive. Conflict is present everywhere whether we like it or not. Researchers must find ways to legitimize critique and controversy within organizational life. This paper examines cognitive conflict within the context of different industrial sectors. Here conflict is employed as a means to promote individual and organizational learning and growth.

Women ICT Based Enterprises In Kerala: Analysis On Sales Performance, Agency Support And Stakeholders Relationship

Vol. 6 No. 3

Year : 2012

Issue : Dec-Feb

Title  : Women ICT Based Enterprises In Kerala: Analysis On Sales Performance, Agency Support And Stakeholders Relationship 

Author Name  : K.S. Chandrasekhar, C.S. Siva Prakash 

Synopsis  : 

The benefits of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have flowed mainly to particular groups: to the rich rather than the poor; more to men rather than women.  However, there are signs that ICTs may be able to reach across these divisions, delivering both economic and social benefits to some of the most excluded groups, such as women in poor communities. In this research paper we are only focusing and analyzing the major activities of the ICT based micro enterprises under the aegis of Kudumbashree, demographic profile of women members working ICT micro enterprises, analysis on member strength and average sales performance ICT micro enterprises, analysis on women ICT micro enterprises relationship with  stakeholders and support of agency  to ICT enterprises.

The Impact Of Bank Capitalization In The Performance Of Ngerian Banking Industry (1986-2006)

Vol. 6 No. 3

Year : 2012

Issue : Dec-Feb

Title  : The Impact Of Bank Capitalization In The Performance Of Ngerian Banking Industry (1986-2006) 

Author Name  : Ikpefan Ochei Ailemen 

Synopsis  : 

This study investigates the impact of shareholders’ fund on bank performance in the Nigerian deposit money banks (formerly known as commercial banks- 1986-2006). The study captured their performance indicators and employed cross sectional and time series of bank data obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).The formulated models were estimated using ordinary least square regression method. The study identified a positive relationship between shareholders fund and bank loan. We also find that there is significant relationship between shareholders’ fund and banks’ liquidity, bank deposits, and bank loans. The efficiency of management measured by operating expenses is negatively related to return on capital. The implication of this study, among others, is that adequate shareholders fund can serve as a veritable stimulant in strengthening the performance of Nigeria deposit money banks and also heighten the confidence of customers especially in this era of global economic melt-down that has taken its toll in the Nigerian financial system.

The relationship between value, net income, and book values

Vol. 6 No. 3

Year : 2012

Issue : Dec-Feb

Title  : The relationship between value, net income, and book values 

Author Name  : Chao-Hui Yeh, Ti-Ling Wang 

Synopsis  : 

The central variables of this paper are value, net income (wealth creation), book values (wealth accumulated), and dividends (wealth distribution). This paper provides a conceptually useful foundation for the study of net income, book values, and dividends as to how these variables relate to equity value. The discussion makes the case that the analysis is also of empirical interest. This paper systemized overview of the Ohlson 1995(O95) literatures. The paper considers situations in which price equal capitalized forward net income add growth in net income and book values. Accounting, or the financial reporting model, has its own rules, and these make their presence felt all the time. The CSR has a role to interlock the book values and net income. Book values differ from net income because the latter need a capitalization factor to be of the same order of scale as book values. Dividends decrease market value on a dollar-for-dollar basis as dividends (A) decrease book value similarly on a dollar-for-dollar basis but (B) do not affect the expected residual income series. This paper shows further that the value replacement property tangles closely with the idea that dividends decrease subsequent periods’ expected earnings. That is, the more the dividends today pay out; the less the book values accumulate today. The less the book values accumulate today; the less the future net income will come tomorrow. Finally, this paper studies two simple ideas. First, one can use residual income valuation model to predict stock value. Second, mathematical zero-sum series equality provides the analytical starting point and ensures analytical simplicity. These two ideas combine to yield many closed- form valuation models. Without violating the PVED precept, one obtains explicit and basic models relating market value to book value and income.

Vol. 6 No. 3

Year : 2012

Issue : Dec-Feb

Title  : Importance of Transaction Cost, Resource-Based View, and Dependence in Logistics-Based Exchanges 

Author Name  : Harash J. Sachdev 

Synopsis  : 

Although the antecedents of governance mechanisms have been studied in depth in manufacturer-distributor and procurement literatures, using transaction cost, resource-based view, and socio-political frameworks. Do the guidelines provided by these frameworks hold true for logistics-based exchanges as well? Regression analysis is used to test a key relationship-driver from each of these frameworks, namely, asset specificity, logistics capability, and dependence and their relationships with two social governance mechanisms of commitment and information sharing. In order of importance, logistics capability is positively related to both the dependent variables; asset specificity is of secondary importance and positively related to information sharing only. The impact of dependence is non-significant.

A Study On 360 ° Financial Appraisal- A Case Study Of Truck Weigh Systems India Private Limited, Coimbatore

Vol. 6 No. 2

Year : 2011

Issue : Sep-Nov

Title  : A Study On 360 ° Financial Appraisal- A Case Study Of Truck Weigh Systems India Private Limited, Coimbatore 

Author Name  : Ayyappan S, R. Amuthan , Shakthivadivel 

Synopsis  : 

In this study, the researcher had analyzed the financial analysis and profitability position of the TRUCK WEIGH SYSTEMS INDIA PVT LTD by using the financial reports and other documents given by the company. researcher had  analyzed the perspectives of  four directions namely segment wise sales, technical wise, expenditure wise, cash profit and income. Researcher found the importance given for the main product and accessories for the main product sales in segment wise sales. Each Direction carries 90 degrees. Researcher found the good production capacity and controlled stock level in technical analysis. In expenditure analysis researcher found the reasonable expense spent for the production which in turn help to earn good income for the company.

Predictors and Outcomes Of Work Interference With Family By Work Role Characteristics Among The Women Police

Vol. 6 No. 2

Year : 2011

Issue : Sep-Nov

Title  : Predictors and Outcomes Of Work Interference With Family By Work Role Characteristics Among The Women Police 

Author Name  : A. Vimala 

Synopsis  : 

Women employees today strive argument to work and family satisfaction in the work force for its conducive to with lower employee turnover, higher engagement and greater service for both in family and job. The present study examines the predictors and out comes of work-family interference among the women employee in police sector. Work satisfaction with measured in terms of work role characteristics like work demand, work exhaustion and supervisor. The findings revels that job demand and job exhaustion and supervisors support significantly influence on work interference with family of the respondents. Supervisors support is the strongest predictor followed by job demand and work exhaustion on work interference with family. Among the three explanatory variables, job demand and work exhaustion have been showed higher positive direct effect on the dependent variable of work interference with family. The job demand also had higher positive indirect effect through work exhaustion on the dependent variable. Similarly work exhaustion also had higher positive indirect effect on the dependent variable. The findings and implications of the will help the women respondents to overcome their work-family interference.

An Insight into Financial Performance of Indian Automobile Industry with Special Reference to Some Selected Companies

Vol. 6 No. 2

Year : 2011

Issue : Sep-Nov

Title  : An Insight into Financial Performance of Indian Automobile Industry with Special Reference to Some Selected Companies 

Author Name  : RAKESH SHARMA, Kuldeep Kumar 

Synopsis  : 

The present study focuses on operational and financial performance of Indian automobile sector taking into account 8 major auto manufacturing companies. The automotive industry of India rank is the 5th of emerging countries, after Korea, Brazil, Mexico and China. The study also sheds light on the actual economic dynamics of the phenomenon of industrial emergence, especially on how firms and the industry in the country have followed specific technological and competition vs. partnerships strategies, the achievement and outcome of those strategies, the way companies both domestic and foreign in the car business have been able to catch up with the standards set by world leading companies. The study highlights the trajectories of exiting from former centralized models of industrialization in different countries. In that respect, India largely shows a companies-driven trajectory of competition and diversification despite some remaining factors of protection. So far the profitability ratios are concerned, Operating margin, Gross margin, Net margin and Adjusted cash margin found very high in the Bajaj   Holding and Investment Co. Ltd. with high volatility as the mean value and CV of these ratios were very high. Moreover, the study concluded that Short-term financial position of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd seems to very good as compared to other selected companies. The study reported highest dividend payout ratio of Ashoka Leyland followed by Hero Honda Ltd. and Bajaj Holding and Investment ltd. respectively. Whereas this ratio remained more volatile in the companies viz., Hero Honda India Ltd., TVS Motors ltd. & Bajaj Holding and Investment ltd. The study stated that Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. had remained in the first position to retain the net earning and cash earning. Subsequently Mahindera & Mahindera and Tata Motors were in the second and third place for retaining earning and cash earnings. The auto sector serves as a good illustration of the linkage between the gradual and phased out opening of economies on the one hand, and the companies’ objectives and steps of industrial catching-up on the other. This directly relates to the current question of the existence or not of some room for these industries to take significant market shares of the world market. Finally, the study expects that auto industry is bracing for a slowdown in demand with banks saying that they may be forced to increase loan rates due to monetary policy’s reviews from time to time since Jan 2010. Auto manufacture industry sales and new purchases might be affected due to fuel prices rising and high inflation coupled with higher interest rates on loans.

The Consequences of Forest Resource Use Conflict over Villigers’ Livelihood

Vol. 6 No. 2

Year : 2011

Issue : Sep-Nov

Title  : The Consequences of Forest Resource Use Conflict over Villigers’ Livelihood 

Author Name  : Dereje Teklemariam Gebremeskel, Girma Tegne 

Synopsis  : 

Literatures indicate that the Thai Government’s policy to conserve forest resource areas result in conflict between local population and local governing bodies though the causes and consequences of the conflicts over villagers’ livelihood remain under-described. Thus, this study was initiated to determine the underlying causes of the conflict and its impact local villagers’ livelihood. Both qualitative and quantitative information was collected from different sources. Descriptive statistics supported with GIS is used in analyzing the facts collected. The findings show that the underlying causes of the conflict have been found to be the different perceptions people (officials and villagers) have towards forest and the way it should be used. This resulted in conflicting national forest protection policy which considers forests to be free from human interference resulting in establishment of conservation areas in place where settlement areas, such as Ban Pang Eka village which is already established for decades. The establishment of such conservation forest areas posed a shock on villagers’ livelihood strategies. Villagers are restricted to practice their agricultural activities which increased the food insecurity level of villagers, stricter restriction on tree lodging which created fuel stress among local villagers, restricted access to grazing land and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and over-all change in income source and peoples ‘social capital. Although it is hardly possible to correlate the forest resource use conflict with the degradation of the forest, first hand physical observation depicts that the forest in the area has been degraded and the conflict over the use of the forest has its own contribution to the degradation. Forest degradation has its own multiplier effect on local people who have been dependent for their livelihood for decades. Furthermore, the attempt used to manage the conflict by establishing a community forest which was proposed by villagers didn’t have institutional and administrative enforcement and hence the conflict was left suspended, without being addressed in a proper and long-lasting manner. Thus, incorporating villagers’ participation at local level and views of forest dependent communities should be part of the solutions made towards building sustainable forest management whereby forest and local communities thrive.

Social Networking Websites in India: Spreading a Social Net & its Corporate Value Proposition

Vol. 6 No. 2

Year : 2011

Issue : Sep-Nov

Title  : Social Networking Websites in India: Spreading a Social Net & its Corporate Value Proposition 

Author Name  : Alok Kumar Singh 

Synopsis  : 

With the speedy circulation of internet all over the world, a new phenomenon called Social Networking sites came into existence in recent time. Not only the youth but the middle aged and elderly segment of population is going crazy for sites like Facebook, Orkut, Youtube etc. This segment of population which connects itself from rest of the world over a virtual network through online socializing is increasing many folds year after year. This paper throws light on the development and proliferation of these sites in India and how it is helping the common man to stay connected all the time with rest of the world. At the same time, this paper will give a framework about how the marketers can evaluate their online marketing through social networking websites.

Best Practices in CSR-A Case Study of Banking Sector in India

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Best Practices in CSR-A Case Study of Banking Sector in India 

Author Name  : Suresh Chandra Bihari 

Synopsis  : 

CSR contribution is set to come as a yardstick for the banks in their future ratings. Corporate social Responsibility could potentially increase the clientele base of the financial institutions by helping to brighten up the image while acting as a potential branding instrument. In the future, a bank's performance may not be rated merely on conventional parameters but their credit disbursements in SME and agriculture as well as CSR contribution are also to come into play. These parameters are also likely to included in the next ratings and other similar performance evaluators to ensure more transparency and competitiveness in such activities. The paper gives a picture of the CSR activities taken up by the banks. It also highlights the decisive contribution that banks make to communities development thanks to their locally focused project policy, based on the relationship with stakeholders. The paper throws light on the various channels of delivery of CSR prevalent in Indian banks and various drivers of CSR. Furthermore, it highlights the areas of CSR addressed in corporate policies. The report also presents the latest ratings of public, private and MNC banks by the renowned networking platform Karmayog. Some of the notable suggestion formed in the paper are every company must spend a minimum of 0.2% of its sales on  CSR activities (i.e. Rs 20 lakhs per 100 crore) A Corporate Sustainability section to be included in the Annual Report and preferably a separate Corporate Sustainability Report (as per the Global Reporting Initiative framework) to be published. Common guidelines on Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) applicable to most industries Industry-specific guidelines linked to the processes of that sector. Companies must use their core competence, skills and strengths while undertaking CSR activities. Create Inclusive Employment - for marginalized groups such as the physically-challenged, with a special emphasis on the local community.

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Analysis of Financial Performance of Beverage Factories

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Analysis of Financial Performance of Beverage Factories 

Author Name  : Dr.Guruswamy Devabathini 

Synopsis  : 

Analysis of financial performance is a best approach for any firm to identify the financial strengths and weaknesses. The overall objective of this research is to assess the financial strengths and weaknesses of beverage factory using different financial ratios. The study is a case study and the present study is mainly based on secondary data. The data have been taken from the board of trustee office as well as from the annual reports of the beverage factory and also from manuals, books, journals, articles and magazines were used. The data was analyzed by different types of financial ratios and a simple t-test of the difference between means was used.  The overall conclusion of this study shows an up and down trends regarding to the financial performance of the factory during the study period.

Exchange Rate policies and their impact on emerging and developed countries

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Exchange Rate policies and their impact on emerging and developed countries 

Author Name  : Dr Koti Reddy Tamma 

Synopsis  : 

The research paper  will discuss the role of exchange rate policies, the role of regulating bodies of different countries weather developed or developing nations in achieving trade balance. In the era of globalised world each nation has trade relationship with various other nations and hence the exchange rate policies are very important in influencing the trade balances. The paper will also discuss about the notion of external balances like current account deficit or surplus which is independent of outcome of the financial market because the policy of nation may be to borrow money to finance investment, or in some cases, consumption.

A study on factors affecting brand preference dimensions with reference to purchase of apparels and its impact on customer satisfaction (With reference to organized retail outlets in NCR)

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : A study on factors affecting brand preference dimensions with reference to purchase of apparels and its impact on customer satisfaction (With reference to organized retail outlets in NCR) 

Author Name  : Vijit Chaturvedi 

Synopsis  : 

With the tremendous  growth in  the pattern of consumerism where the consumer has not to satisfy with the limited availability of products and services available in different traditional shops  which is transformed with modern mall- driven culture the  factors that affect their buying decision is also affected by several factors. Supported by several other factors brought together with the tremendous change in demography, lifestyle, culture, norms and value system followed by changing standard of living, increase in role of working women, disposable income, expenditure pattern and increase in number of manufacturers and service providers there are varied factors that affect the buying decision of customer towards a particular brand especially with reference to purchase of apparels which  not only adds to physical or external satisfaction but are attached to emotional and psychological needs of consumers. Trust, comfort and stylish look seemed to affect brand preference dimension, in Economic category Price of product is seen to affect the brand preference dimension and lastly under product related category.

Since today’s consumer is techno —savvy where by a click information and buying decision and perception towards a brand also changes it is a challenge for manufacturers and service providers to identify factors that affect  brand preference dimensions their purchasing and the  impact of these dimensions on  satisfaction  level of consumers. The present study aims to focus on factors affecting brand choice dimensions and impact on satisfaction level on the basis of response collected through random sampling through different organized retail outlets in NCR and analyzed using Friedman test and multiple regression analysis. It was found that among Information related factors Promotion, past experience affect brand preference decision, under psychological factors Quality of product is seen to affect brand preference dimension of consumers. The present study focuses on the fact that at every step of operation and service delivery it is very important for every manufacturer and service provider to keep into consideration the above factors while planning to retain, satisfy and develop a positive perception towards a brand.

International Small-Scale Forest Carbon Sequestration Program and its Impact on Environmental Sustainability and Livelihood of Local People: Evidences from Central Kenya

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : International Small-Scale Forest Carbon Sequestration Program and its Impact on Environmental Sustainability and Livelihood of Local People: Evidences from Central Kenya 

Author Name  : Dereje Teklemariam Gebremeskel, Girma Tegne 

Synopsis  : 

The proposition which drove this study was that small-scale forest carbon sequestration projects can play their own role of sequestering carbon while thriving the livelihood of local people. The objective of the study was to investigate the impacts of the International Small Group and Tree Planting Program (TIST) upon the livelihood of the local people. A case study was used to investigate the area where the project is undertaken, Central Meru District, Kenya. A total of 90 households were used as sources for the primary data. The findings of the study revealed that the small-scale forest carbon sequestration program has brought considerable livelihood supports (in terms of owning better number of trees, improved food security, housing, financial incentives, i.e. ‘carbon payments’, improved awareness on environmental protection and agroforestry knowledge, and potentially expected further carbon payments). There were, however, program challenges that need to be addressed by the relevant project stakeholders. The major challenges are blurred greenhouse gas (GhG) contract, asymmetry of interest between the program owners and the local people with regard to selecting tree species to be planted, high opportunity cost of land, and community’s lack of confidence over program’s sustainability. So, it is safe to conclude that the long-term sustainability of the small-scale carbon sequestration program is under question. When small-scale forest carbon sequestration projects are considered as options of storing carbon, their impact over the livelihood of local communities need to be considered especially the opportunity cost of using land to plant trees ( than using it to produce crops) should be determined. Furthermore, the contracts made between the local people and the forest carbon sequestering programs should consider capacity limitations of local people in understanding those contracts which have a long-term impact over their livelihood. Therefore, the Government of Kenya can play a role between local communities and the carbon projects so that both forests and local people thrive. To this end, there is a need for appropriate institutional and administrative framework to enhance program sustainability and increase the contractual capacity of powerless local community groups.

Employer Brand in India: A Strategic HR Tool for Competitive Advantage

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Employer Brand in India: A Strategic HR Tool for Competitive Advantage 

Author Name  : V. Tulasi Das, P. Hanumantha Rao 

Synopsis  : 

Employer brand is about capturing the essence of an organization in a way that engages current and prospective talent. It expresses an organization’s ‘value proposition’ the entirety of its culture, systems, attitudes and employee relationships, providing a new focal point for the company. Today, an effective employer brand is essential for competitive advantage.

Employer Brand in India: A Strategic HR Tool for Competitive Advantage

Vol. 6 No. 1

Year : 2011

Issue : Jun-Aug

Title  : Employer Brand in India: A Strategic HR Tool for Competitive Advantage 

Author Name  : V. Tulasi Das, P. Hanumantha Rao 

Synopsis  : 

Employer brand is about capturing the essence of an organization in a way that engages current and prospective talent. It expresses an organization’s ‘value proposition’ the entirety of its culture, systems, attitudes and employee relationships, providing a new focal point for the company. Today, an effective employer brand is essential for competitive advantage.

The Effect of Covert Advertising on Brand Patronage

Vol. 5 No. 4

Year : 2011

Issue : Mar-May

Title  : The Effect of Covert Advertising on Brand Patronage 

Author Name  : Nelson Okorie, Akhidenor Gloria 

Synopsis  : 

The use of covert advertising in film production is an emerging brand communication strategy in the Nigerian society. In this advertising strategy, it integrates an advertiser's product into movies and TV shows on-screen visibility; it involves the inclusion of a product, brand name or the name of a firm in a movie for increasing awareness of the brand and instant recognition at the point of purchase. This paper examines the effect of covert advertising on brand purchase, using the movie ‘Letter to a stranger’. The study also examined if the products advertised were noticed; their level of awareness as well as if the placements contributed to the patronage of the product towards the advertised products. The paper suggests that Nigerian movie producers and advertisers should work together to create more placements in Nollywood movies, but these placements should be creatively done so as to be able to recapture the hearts of many Nigerians.