Krishna Bhattacharya and Mahima Ahuja
The debate to find a solution for domestic price support under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) has been a long one. The stance of India is critical to determine due to its…
Abstract
Purpose
The debate to find a solution for domestic price support under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) has been a long one. The stance of India is critical to determine due to its large population. This paper aims to analyse the benefits or demerits of minimum price support and what approach could be adopted by India.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a mix of both analytical and theoretical research. The paper first provides a background on the issues related to public stockholding and further analyses some data at which India procures wheat and rice from the farmers and then compares it with retail market prices in India.
Findings
The paper finds that the difference in price between minimum price support and retail market prices in India for wheat and rice is minimal. Therefore, the concern that India might be taking advantage of the minimum price is uncalled for. India also needs to balance its own interests as well as abide by its WTO obligations. The paper finds that cooperation among countries or regional blocks might help to address the problem of food insecurity.
Originality/value
The paper portrays India’s stance with regard to WTO AOA as well as studies the Indian market for wheat and rice.
Details
Keywords
Madhura Bedarkar, Gurudas Nulkar, Akriti Chaubey, Mahima Mishra and Komal Dhiwar
The purpose of this study is to learn what kinds of obstacles Indian businesses face when trying to make biodiversity protection a top priority as part of their corporate social…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to learn what kinds of obstacles Indian businesses face when trying to make biodiversity protection a top priority as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Interventions are proposed to elevate biodiversity protection to the ranks of CSR priorities among Indian businesses.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy to glean information from in-depth interviews with leaders and professionals in CSR.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that the main factors influencing Indian companies’ CSR area choices are existing processes and stakeholder pressures. Companies prioritise engaging with local communities and employees when selecting CSR activities. The major challenge is integrating biodiversity into business plans, with CSR heads struggling to secure investment due to long gestation periods and limited media coverage. Implementing agencies face issues with project deliverables, mainly due to land ownership and lack of local government support. Companies can also encourage employee involvement in pro-environmental behaviours. The study also provides practical solutions for Indian companies to enhance their CSR engagement in biodiversity conservation.
Research limitations/implications
The research only focuses on the opinions of CSR specialists and leaders, so it may only consider part of the situation’s complexity inside the organisation. The results may only apply to the business climate in India; hence, extra care is warranted when extrapolating them to other countries. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the interplay between CSR and biodiversity protection that might inform future studies and policy initiatives.
Originality/value
This research fills a gap in the literature by investigating an uncharted territory: the role of CSR in protecting biodiversity in India. Examining obstacles and variables affecting CSR objectives illuminates business involvement in biodiversity conservation. The recommended treatments have real-world consequences for improving CSR involvement in this critical area.
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Chander Velu and Mahima Khanna
The study aims to provide insights into the changing nature and dynamics of business model innovation in India over the last decade.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to provide insights into the changing nature and dynamics of business model innovation in India over the last decade.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a unique hand‐collected data set of 95 observations that mentioned business model innovation in India in the financial press between 2001 and 2008. The study analyses business model innovation trends across industries, firm types and newness of innovation.
Findings
First, with time the percentage share of business model innovations by new entrants has been increasing. Second, new entrants increasingly attempt efficiency improvements while targeting novel ways of meeting customer needs, whilst incumbents predominantly adopt efficiency‐based business models. Third, over the period of the authors' study, there was a clear shift in business model innovation away from IT‐related industries towards consumer goods, media and financial services. Fourth, new entrants introduced new‐to‐industry, whereas incumbents introduced new‐to‐firm innovations. Fifth, novelty‐centred business models of new entrants and incumbents were predominantly new‐to‐firm; but efficiency‐centred business models of new entrants and incumbents were new‐to‐firm and new‐to‐industry, respectively. Sixth, over time, novelty‐centred business model designs adopted by firms changed from being new‐to‐industry to new‐to‐firm type, whilst efficiency‐centred business model designs remained relatively unchanged.
Originality/value
Business model innovation is increasingly becoming a priority for firms globally in order to create competitive advantage, but little is known about the nature and dynamics of such type of innovation in India. The study analyses how business model innovation in India has evolved between 2001 and 2008. The study draws policy implications to stimulate and sustain business model innovation in India.
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Mahyar Khorasani, Jennifer Loy, Amir Hossein Ghasemi, Elmira Sharabian, Martin Leary, Hamed Mirafzal, Peter Cochrane, Bernard Rolfe and Ian Gibson
This paper reviews the synergy of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing (AM) and discusses the integration of data-driven manufacturing systems and product service systems as a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reviews the synergy of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing (AM) and discusses the integration of data-driven manufacturing systems and product service systems as a key component of the Industry 4.0 revolution. This paper aims to highlight the potential effects of Industry 4.0 on AM via tools such as digitalisation, data transfer, tagging technology, information in Industry 4.0 and intelligent features.
Design/methodology/approach
In successive phases of industrialisation, there has been a rise in the use of, and dependence on, data in manufacturing. In this review of Industry 4.0 and AM, the five pillars of success that could see the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics and materials science enabling new levels of interactivity and interdependence between suppliers, producers and users are discussed. The unique effects of AM capabilities, in particular mass customisation and light-weighting, combined with the integration of data and IoT in Industry 4.0, are studied for their potential to support higher efficiencies, greater utility and more ecologically friendly production. This research also illustrates how the digitalisation of manufacturing for Industry 4.0, through the use of IoT and AM, enables new business models and production practices.
Findings
The discussion illustrates the potential of combining IoT and AM to provide an escape from the constraints and limitations of conventional mass production whilst achieving economic and ecological savings. It should also be noted that this extends to the agile design and fabrication of increasingly complex parts enabled by simulations of complex production processes and operating systems. This paper also discusses the relationship between Industry 4.0 and AM with respect to improving the quality and robustness of product outcomes, based on real-time data/feedback.
Originality/value
This research shows how a combined approach to research into IoT and AM can create a step change in practice that alters the production and supply paradigm, potentially reducing the ecological impact of industrial systems and product life cycle. This paper demonstrates how the integration of Industry 4.0 and AM could reshape the future of manufacturing and discusses the challenges involved.