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The purpose of the experimental investigation was to optimize the process parameters of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. The optimization of the process was performed to identify the relationship between the chosen factors and the tensile strength of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and carbon fiber polylactic acid (PLA) thermoplastic material, FDM printed specimens. The relationship was demonstrated by using the linear experimental model analysis, and a prediction expression was established. The developed prediction expression can be used for the prediction of tensile strength of selected thermoplastic materials at a 95% confidence level.

The Taguchi L9 experimental methodology was used to plan the total number of experiments to be performed. The process parameters were chosen as three at three working levels. The working range of chosen factors was the printing speed (60, 80 and 100mm/min), 40%, 60% and 80% as the infill density and 0.1mm, 0.2mm and 0.3mm as the layer thickness. The fused deposition modeling process parameters were optimized to get the maximum tensile strength in FDM printed ABS and carbon fiber PLA thermoplastic material specimens.

The optimum condition was achieved by the process optimization, and the desired results were obtained. The maximum desirability was achieved as 0.98 (98%) for the factors, printing speed 100mm/min, infill density 60mm and layer thickness 0.3mm. The strength of the ABS specimen was predicted to be 23.83MPa. The observed strength value was 23.66MPa. The maximum desirability was obtained as 1 (100%) for the factors, printing speed 100mm/min, infill density 60mm and layer thickness 0.2mm. The strength of the carbon fiber PLA specimen was predicted to be 26.23MPa, and the obtained value was 26.49MPa.

The research shows the useful process parameters and their suitable working conditions to print the tensile specimens of the ABS and carbon fiber PLA thermoplastics by using the fused deposition modeling technique. The process was optimized to identify the most influential factor, and the desired optimum condition was achieved at which the maximum tensile strength was reported. The produced prediction expression can be used to predict the tensile strength of ABS and carbon fiber PLA filaments.

The results obtained from the experimental investigation are useful to get an insight into the FDM process and working limits to print the parts by using the ABS and carbon fiber PLA material for various industrial and structural applications.

The results will be useful in choosing the suitable thermoplastic filament for the various prototyping and structural applications. The products that require freedom in design and are difficult to produce by most of the conventional techniques can be produced at low cost and in less time by the fused deposition modeling technique.

The process optimization shows the practical exposures to state an optimum working condition to print the ABS and carbon fiber PLA tensile specimens by using the FDM technique. The carbon fiber PLA shows better strength than ABS thermoplastic material.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry currently faces multiple challenges, including rising costs and slowing export growth, which in turn have limited its ability to expand presence in global canvas. Given the nature of sectoral dynamics, a pharmaceutical firm must undertake huge investments in R&D to introduce product innovation, in turn enhancing market share and sustaining profit streams. The development of novel medicines, confirmed by the granting of patent rights, provides a pharma company edge over its competitors. In addition, presence of innovator firms within the industry invigorates the sectoral value chain and raises efficiency. Hence, it is important to analyze whether granting patent rights enhances the exports of pharmaceutical products in the Indian context.

The current study explored this question using a simultaneous-equation framework. Specifically, the authors use the methods developed by Davidson and MacKinnon (1993) and Greene (2003) to obtain heteroscedasticity-consistent estimates. The time-series properties of the data were further probed, and robust estimates were used to test the theory. Methods developed by Baltagi (1981) have been used further to refine the authors’ estimations.

After controlling for relevant variables, it is observed that granting of patents caused a significantly positive impact on pharmaceutical exports. Furthermore, the change in the patent administration regime had a significant impact on patent fillings, which further impacted their exportability. Compared to patents granted patents filed had a higher impact on pharmaceutical exports.

This study attempts to apply the framework developed by Goldstein and Khan (1978) with necessary modifications to suit the context of a developing country. The application of the 3SLS method to estimate the export supply equation for pharmaceutical products is a novel approach to the research question in general and to the Indian context in particular. System autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity tests were performed to refine the results further.

One of the major objectives of India's National Auto Policy (NAP) (2018) is to help the country emerge as a hub for automotive production and research and development (R&D). In order to fulfill this long-term objective, two policies had been proposed by NAP (2018). First, possibility of exploring regional trade agreements (RTAs) with leading countries, having attractive markets for Indian players, was considered. Second, the policy aimed to evaluate the potential implications of joining the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) WP.29 1958 agreement within the next 5 years for tackling the potential major technical barriers to trade (TBT), as India's current accession in UNECE WP.29 1998 agreement may not be sufficient for ensuring mutual recognition of standards in many of the partner countries. India is presently engaged in RTA negotiations with several developed and developing countries, with potentially beneficial repercussions for automobile exports. However, the question of accession to UNECE WP.29 1958 agreement has not received similar attention of late, which may restrain the anticipated sectoral export growth, particularly through RTA-led market access outcomes. Given this background, the current analysis considers India's potential sectoral trade growth with eight partner countries, in the case of RTA-led tariff reforms, through a WITS-SMART simulation exercise. The obtained simulation results indicate that India needs to focus on the technical standard harmonization question for reaping the full benefits arising from tariff reforms in several upcoming RTAs, for boosting auto-exports in the post-RTA period.

The liberalization initiative commenced in India from 1991 onwards, replacing the four-decade long import substitution policy. The primary objective was to enhance the role of foreign and private investment, in line with the newly embraced outward-oriented growth model. The government had undertaken several policy initiatives since then, especially to strengthen the manufacturing sector which plays an important role in the economic development of any country. The current study evaluates the effects of the liberalization policy in India on industrial outcomes. Recent studies have found that when firm heterogeneity is present in trade models, reforms will lead to a decrease in the number of firms and a rise in their average size (Melitz, 2003). A dataset of 24 manufacturing industries had been used in the current study. We test empirically whether liberalization had led to a rise in the average size of establishments as stated in the literature. We also attempt to analyze the magnitude of trade costs in terms of the impact of reforms on wages and prices. The empirical analysis based on the difference-in-difference (DID) estimation method shows that on average, trade reforms do not lead to an increase in the real wages and average size of establishments. In addition, prices appear to increase in the long run due to liberalization, with potential ramifications.

This chapter focuses to study the aspect of dynamic profitability of the Indian computer industry in the post tariff rationalization period, i.e., complete elimination of tariff on imported computers parts and component after implementation of Information Technology Agreement (ITA) in 2004. If trade liberalization affects profitability, then it also interrupts the firm's financial structure because a firm reduces its short-run debts when it generates huge profit. On the contrary, higher marginal return or profitability of asset encourages the debtor to invest more. In fact, trade liberalization may affect investment through marginal profitability of asset by varying projected sales and costs of imported inputs, i.e., by altering the imported input price. This study examines the viable relationship between dynamic profitability and directives of the ITA. The sample selected from 51 Indian computer firms (14 hardware firms and 37 software firms) level data ranging from 2000–2001 to 2018–2019 and by application of dynamic panel data, the results are analyzed in this research work. This chapter observes that return on asset is negatively significant with the ratio between short-term liability and total liability for both the software and hardware sector of Indian computer industry in post-ITA policy timeline.

Asia has emerged as the fastest growing economic region in the world at present. The region is endowed with 60% of global population with a huge market size, making the region an attractive destination for trade to the countries around the world. In 2017, almost 38% of global import was made solely by this region. Among the Asian countries, India has been able to establish itself as a consistent performer in trade during last three decades. The volume of its global trade (export + import) has increased remarkably by more than 32 times (from 33.22 billion USD in 1988 to 1,081.36 billion USD in 2017) within this period. India's trade with its major Asian partners has gone through a considerable change in its volume, direction, nature, and composition in the period of trade liberalization. Both export and import have increased manifold during this period with a faster increment in imports over its exports, resulting a huge trade deficit of 109.36 billion USD in 2017. Undoubtedly, it is a matter of concern for India. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the changes in pattern of India's trade, volume of export and import, and balance of trade with other Asian countries in the context of changes in trade policy, tariff rates, exchange rates, FDI, and economic growth during 1988 to 2017.

Introduction of organic farming and reduced dependence on inorganic family has positive implications for the economic viability of the small farming units in India’s agricultural sector. The privatization of access to seeds, fertilizers and other inputs, as an outcome of economic liberalization, has deeply dented the affordability of agriculture, especially at the level of small and micro farms, thereby undermining the export potential of the agricultural sector as well. Zero budget farming can be potentially effective in weathering out the affordability crisis and restoring economic viability of farming at large. This chapter is a moderate attempt to explore how a shift towards zero-budget farming from inorganic farming can improve the access of agricultural goods, as predominant component of their export basket, to the markets in developed countries (DCs), given the rising stringency of sanitary and phytosanitary and environmental standards, as well, coming disproportionately against the exports from developing and less-developed countries (LDCs), including India. With reference to Balassa’s the measure of revealed comparative advantage, the chapter points to the dwindling competitive advantage of India’s agriculture in global market during the last decade. Given the stringent environment standard facing, disproportionately, the exports from LDCs, zero-budget farming can improve the access of agricultural goods, as predominant component of their export basket, to the markets in DCs. The benefit from the creation of public goods by means of organic farming practices can be utilized to deepen the fiscal support to small and marginal farms.

Financial inclusion is an issue of importance and increasing concern worldwide, particularly to policymakers across Africa and the rest of the developing world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of usage of formal financial services among Ghanaian agricultural households as well as factors influencing these levels.

Financial inclusion indicators associated with the usage of formal financial services are selected from the 2017 Ghana Living Standard Survey. Using these indicators, an index measuring the level of usage of formal financial services is developed. A multinomial logistic regression model is implemented to analyze the possible effect that farm and household characteristics have on index measures.

Usage of formal financial services is very low among agricultural households, with many households using no financial products or services. Household expenditure, education, religion, geographic location, and the use of informal financial services were found to be consistent factors impacting household financial inclusion levels.

Findings may assist policymakers in designing policy schemes aimed at improving access to and usage of financial services for Ghanaian agricultural households. This may lead to a more inclusive financial system with the potential to improve the livelihood of agricultural households and contribute to Ghana's overall economic development.

A household-level index measuring usage of formal financial services was developed and characteristics influencing said index measures were examined, providing a more holistic view and understanding of factors influencing usage decisions.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are common in today's corporate world, yet nearly half of them fail. Among such failed M&As, hostile takeovers cover a large proportion. The purpose of this paper is to understand the puzzling evidence of a successful hostile takeover amid multiple red flags, including cultural clash. Towards that end, this study explores the case of a recent successful takeover of Mindtree Ltd. by Larsen and Toubro Ltd. and proposes the role of sensemaking and sensegiving and their interaction within the framework of context, employees and leadership.

This paper uses a secondary data-based case methodology to develop arguments and frameworks. The case study is built on multiple data sources, including newspaper articles, published reports, company data and company reports. This paper also uses public interviews given by the company heads during the process of the takeover. This paper also uses the Corley and Gioia method of qualitative data analysis using thematic coding.

This paper reports a framework based on a real-world case study. This paper explains that a successful alignment of sensemaking and sensegiving between the acquired firm's employees and new leadership could be an ingredient in managing a hostile takeover. The analysis also revealed eight aggregate dimensions of the data structure based on thematic coding analysis.

The proposed model can be further tested using empirical methods. This paper is limited in its access and analysis of only secondary data.

This paper provides novel implications in terms of sensemaking and sensegiving interaction for managers and executives.

This paper is the first to bring the role of sensemaking and sensegiving into the context of hostile takeovers. This paper would provide a new impetus from an interpretive perspective to research hostile takeovers and give novel insights for managers and executives.