Showing papers in "Iimb Management Review in 2015"

Adoption of ERP system: An empirical study of factors influencing the usage of ERP and its impact on end user

Abstract: Complex information systems like the ERP integrate the data of all business areas within the organization. The implementation of ERP is a difficult process as it involves different types of end users. Based on literature, we proposed a conceptual framework and examined it to find the effect of some of the individual, organizational, and technological factors on the usage of ERP and its impact on the end user. The results of the analysis suggest that computer self-efficacy, organizational support, training, and compatibility have a positive influence on ERP usage which in turn has significant influence on panoptic empowerment and individual performance.

Financial inclusion: Policies and practices

Abstract: As a key enabler for development, financial inclusion is firmly placed on the agenda of most governments as a key policy priority. Against this background, this round table provides a global and regional perspective on the policies and practices of financial inclusion. Using macro data, the collection reveals the diversity in the efforts towards achieving financial inclusion and the need for a progressive approach in financial inclusion. Further to this, the round table provides the regional perspectives on the policies and practices of financial inclusion in India, South Africa, and Australia.

Critical success factors for implementation of supply chain management in Indian small and medium enterprises and their impact on performance

Abstract: Globalization of the economy, e-business, and introduction of new technologies pose new challenges to all organizations especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this scenario, successful implementation of supply chain management (SCM) can give SMEs an edge over their competitors. However, SMEs in India and other developing countries face problems in SCM implementation due to lack of resources and direction. Against this backdrop, this paper identified 13 critical success factors (CSFs) for implementation of SCM in SMEs and studied their impact on performance of Indian SMEs. Top management commitment, long- eterm vision, focus on core strengths, devoted resources for supply chain, and development of effective SCM strategy emerged as the most pertinent CSFs. To measure improvement in performance, the authors considered different measures related to customer service and satis- faction, innovation and growth, financial performance, and internal business. Results are ana- lysed by testing research propositions using standard statistical tools. a 2015 Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Retail investors' financial risk tolerance and their risk-taking behaviour: The role of demographics as differentiating and classifying factors

Abstract: This paper empirically examines whether demographic factors namely gender, age, marital status, income, occupation, and education could be used individually or in combination to differentiate among retail investors in terms of financial risk tolerance (FRT) and risk taking behaviour (FRB), and classify retail investors into FRT and FRB categories. A single cross sectional survey was conducted among 778 retail investors with various levels of investment experience, through a structured questionnaire covering a variety of demographic factors. Four of the six demographic factors were found to be useful in differentiating between levels of investors' FRT and FRB as well as classifying individuals into different FRT and FRB categories.

Affordable housing: Policy and practice in India

Abstract: Affordable housing is a problem that many countries are taking stock of, world over In India, the problem is much more stark with an estimated shortage of around 18 million houses, with 99% of this in the economically weaker sections of society This paper sets out the definitions of affordable housing in India and across the world; the issues with the various definitions of affordable housing; the institutions and agencies responsible for formulating and implementing affordable housing policies in the state; the opportunities and challenges in affordable housing as well as a discussion on learnings from international experience in this sector

A study on the impact of investment experience, gender, and level of education on overconfidence and self-attribution bias

Abstract: This paper aims at studying the impact of investment experience, gender, and level of education on two specific biases—overconfidence and self-attribution, and exploring the relationship between the two biases. Data collected from a sample of 309 mutual fund investors were analysed. The results show that overconfidence is higher among men than women and increases with investment experience and education. Self-attribution increases with education, but there is no significant association between self-attribution bias and gender, as also between self-attribution bias and investor's experience. The findings also show a significant association between self-attribution and overconfidence.

Do commitment based human resource practices influence job embeddedness and intention to quit

Abstract: This empirical paper provides evidence that commitment based human resource practices (CBHRP) influence employees' turnover intentions by embedding newcomers more extensively into organisations. The study was conducted with 501 managers in 19 financial service organisations in India. Results reveal that CBHRP enable organisations to actively embed employees. The results also indicate that on-the-job embeddedness (on-the-JE) is negatively related to turnover intentions and mediates relationships between CBHRP and employees' intention to quit.

Corporate identity, customer orientation and performance of SMEs: Exploring the linkages

Abstract: This research aims to explore the impact of corporate identity (CI) on performance in B2C small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in food processing, with varying degrees of customer orientation (CO) The research is embedded in the positivistic paradigm Based on a literature review, a conceptual model (consisting of five hypotheses) has been tested with 102 samples using PLS-SEM tool This study establishes the mediating role of CO on the CI and performance linkage, it provides empirical evidence to CI and performance linkage, and makes an incremental contribution by extension of theory of CI and CO in the given context

Investigating India's competitive edge in the IT-ITeS sector

Abstract: The paper investigates the factors instrumental in imparting a competitive edge to the Indian IT-ITeS sector using Porter's diamond model. The paper ascertains the relative superiority of the model in explaining India's prominence in the IT-ITeS sector. The study carries out a “complex” application of the model that is “instrumental” in its attitude by identifying certain distinct factors under the realms of the diamond, the interplay of which catapulted India into the most favoured outsourcing destination. The study posits that the sector is likely to retain its technological prominence in the foreseeable future.

Occupational stress in the armed forces: An Indian army perspective

Abstract: This study attempts to explore factors influencing occupational stress faced by Indian army soldiers and evaluate applicability of the scale used for measuring occupational stressors. Structured interview schedules were used to collect first hand data from a sample of 415 soldiers. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) highlights lack of control at work, role conflict, inadequate awareness about profession, workload and job pressure, and indifferent organisational attitude as the major occupational stressors in the Indian army. In addition, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirms occupational stressor as an eight factor model in the army. The study recommends implementing commitment-based management approach and techniques such as Sahaja Yoga meditation in the army.

Dialogue on leadership development

Abstract: Sharing our considerable experience as teachers who have designed and conducted leadership development programmes, we discuss the challenges in the field of leadership development. We distinguish between leader development and leadership development; differentiate leadership theories from leadership development theories; discuss the goals of leadership development programmes and their implications for the design of such programmes – the knowing , being and doing gap and how the goal, cognitive understanding vs. deeper internalization vs. transformation would impact the design; the need to synthesize Western and Indian approaches to leadership development; and the importance of designing coherent leadership development programmes which combine multiple methods and approaches.

Market response to internationalization strategies: Evidence from Indian cross-border acquisitions

Abstract: The paper provides evidence that shareholders of acquirer Indian corporations engaging in cross-border transactions experience a statistically significant positive average abnormal return on the announcement day as well as cumulative average abnormal returns over multi-day event windows. The gains are significantly positive and higher for the acquisitions of targets in developed markets. The regression analysis in the paper highlights that cross-border acquisitions of high tech sector target firms in developed markets generate better wealth. Further, relatively larger acquisitions create higher gains.

Microfinance clients' awareness index: A measure of awareness and skills of microfinance clients

Abstract: The promotion of financial education for poor people in developing countries calls for work on several fronts, one of which is to develop a measure to evaluate the outcome of financial education in relation to broader development goals. This paper proposes a Microfinance Clients' Awareness Index (MCAI) to determine the level of financial awareness of microfinance clients. This index is a comprehensive measure that incorporates information on several aspects of financial awareness in one single number lying between 1 and 2, where 1 denotes complete ignorance and 2 indicates complete financial awareness of the microfinance product.

Pair copula constructions to determine the dependence structure of Treasury bond yields

Abstract: We estimated the dependence structure of US Treasury bonds through a pair copula construction. As a result, we verified that the variability of the yields decreases with a longer time of maturity of the bond. The yields presented strong dependence with past values, strongly positive bivariate associations between the daily variations, and prevalence of the Student's t copula in the relationships between the bonds. Furthermore, in tail associations, we identified relevant values in most of the relationships, which highlights the importance of risk management in the context of bonds diversification.

Informal businesses and micro-credit—Evidence from financial diaries: A study in Ramanagaram, India

Abstract: Combining quantitative with qualitative data, through a unique methodology of financial diaries, we generate thick descriptions of the informal business involving peddling of vessels and other products in Ramanagaram, Karnataka, India. By dovetailing the cash inflows from the businesses to loan repayments, we show that a standardized microfinance loan is unsuited to their business cash flows. Informal businesses are marked by seasonality and volatility springing from the contextual and socio-demographic circumstances of households running them. A keen understanding of such businesses is imperative for making the informal sector vibrant enough to support the economic lives of the poor.

Inventory trends in emerging market supply chains: Evidence from the Indian automotive industry

Abstract: In the current paper, using a sample data of 58 firms consisting of automakers and auto component suppliers across a 14-year period, we study the factors contributing to efficient inventory management in the Indian automotive Industry. We use fixed effects regression models to document trends in inventory holdings over time and how this varies across inventory types and across tiers in the supply chain. Our results show that inventory holdings have declined differentially across tiers and across different types of inventories. We find tier-1 suppliers reduced all components of their inventories with the help of TQM and lean efforts.

Telecommunications at the crossroads in India

Abstract: The telecommunications sector is going through an interesting phase in its evolution. Cellular mobile service providers have been at the root of the massive expansion in the number of subscribers and usage. Since last year the pace of growth has slowed down and it is increasingly clear that revenues from voice services alone will not be sufficient. The action has now moved to data. In fact, mobile service providers have seen a rapid increase in their revenues from data. Data, however, is more complex than voice. The key challenges are explored here.

Indian agricultural commodity derivatives market – In conversation with S Sivakumar, Divisional Chief Executive, Agri Business Division, ITC Ltd.

Abstract: Though the agricultural sector contributes significantly to the Indian economy, it faces several bottlenecks, one of those being the antiquated laws governing agricultural marketing and price discovery, leading to low price realization by Indian farmers. In India, six national level exchanges offer commodity derivatives contracts on commodities, with some having electronic spot exchanges to facilitate spot trading of commodities. However, farmers' participation in these exchanges has been poor. ITC-ABD, one of the largest aggregators and exporters of Indian agri-commodities, has started using these exchange platforms to hedge price risk. With experience of over three decades in the agricultural sector, Mr. S. Sivakumar has a deep understanding of the commodity markets and the needs of Indian farmers. This interview aims to get an insight into his views on increasing farmers' participation in commodity derivatives trading and more importantly, to understand ITC-ABD's commodity hedging strategy.

India-Eu engagement and international migration: Historical perspectives, future challenges, and policy imperatives

Abstract: In the absence of a multilateral framework and a rule based global structure for the governance of international migration of people in all its complexities, countries engage in bilateral or regional cooperation in an attempt to engage and harmonize international movements and work towards a win–win situation. The current paper examines if and how the bilateral relationship or engagement between India and the EU has historically evolved and influenced international migration flows between them, and what potential future challenges and policy options they face for a successful engagement and facilitation of movement of people.

Institutional discourses and ascribed disability identities

Abstract: In the present study we asked: how do institutional discourses, as represented in mass media such as newspapers, confer identities upon a traditionally marginalised collective such as those with a disability? To answer our question, we examined Indian newspaper discourse from 2001 to 2010, the time period between two census counts. We observed that disability identities—that of a welfare recipient, a collective with human rights, a collective that is vulnerable, and that engages in miscreancy—were ascribed through selective highlighting of certain aspects of the collective, thereby socially positioning the collective, and through the associated signalling of institutional subject positions. Present observations indicate that identities of a collective can be governed by institutional discourse, that those “labelled” can themselves reinforce institutionally ascribed identities, and that as institutional discourses confer identities onto the marginalised, they simultaneously also signal who the relatively more powerful institutional actors are.

Separation of debt and monetary management in India

Abstract: The discussion highlights the importance of and the need for a separate debt management office, separate from the monetary authority. The objective of debt management is raising resources from the market at minimum cost while containing the risks, while that of the monetary authority is to achieve price stability. In the years preceding the financial crisis of 2008, separation of debt and monetary management was a settled norm and a number of countries with liberalized financial markets and high levels of government debt sought to adopt professional debt management techniques to save cost and to provide policy signals to the market. Separation of debt management is essential to preserve the integrity and independence of the central bank, to ensure transparency and accountability, and to improve debt management by entrusting it to portfolio managers with expertise in modern risk management techniques. In India, debt is managed by the central and state governments, and the RBI. The separation of debt management would provide focus to the task of asset-liability management of government liabilities, undertake risk analysis and also help the government to prioritize public expenditure through higher awareness of interest costs. The separation would also be helpful for the borrowing programme which would have to be completed without the support of the regulatory or supervisory authority. This may lead to widening of investor base and market friendly yield curve. But after the great financial recession of 2008, the issue has re-emerged as in many countries, especially the advanced economies, the scope of fiscal operations was expanded, and the debt to GDP ratios have increased substantially. Similarly, in view of the sensitiveness of the issue, especially amidst less developed financial markets, there has been some re-thinking on the issue; in India, the Reserve Bank has also been re-thinking the separation issue and seems reluctant given the present context of the economy.