Sridhar Vaithianathan and Karthikeya P. Bolar
Business/technology strategy. The purpose of the case is to enable the students to understand the following: how technology implementation can change the face of business like cab…
Abstract
Subject area
Business/technology strategy. The purpose of the case is to enable the students to understand the following: how technology implementation can change the face of business like cab service? How information technology deployment can influence competition? How investment in company's IT infrastructure affects the bottom line?
Study level/applicability
The case can be discussed at Master of Business Administration (MBA)/Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) level students as well as executive education program. It is aimed at graduate level and postgraduate level management courses such as management information systems, strategic information systems, and technology management.
Case overview
Meru Cabs, started in April 2007 at Mumbai, was one of the firsts to provide “radio taxi” service in India. Meru Cabs delivers a reliable taxi service by concentrating on three C's, namely customer, call centre and chauffeur. Much of its growth can be attributed to successful deployment of the technology. This case presents the growth of Meru Cabs and how it has differentiated itself by utilizing the technology to attain market leader position in the four cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore, where it operates. Also the case discusses about the future of cab service in general and what it has in store for Meru Cabs. With the flurry of cabs service coming up in every city and the competition getting intense, the case put forth the opportunities and challenges existing for cab companies in general and Meru Cabs in particular.
Expected learning outcomes
To enable the students to understand that technology is a strategic tool: to enhance customer relationship, to manage business operations, to achieve sustained competitive advantage and that forms an integral part of company's growth and/or expansion strategy.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
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Debadutta Kumar Panda, Sriharsha Reddy and Sridhar Vaithianathan
This paper aims to study the adoption of a public policy (cashless transaction system by implementing demonetization) from the institutional and technology adoption theories.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the adoption of a public policy (cashless transaction system by implementing demonetization) from the institutional and technology adoption theories.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach was followed and data was collected from 900 samples randomly selected from different cities in India. The content analysis method was applied to analyze responses collected from personal interviews, and descriptive statistics and cluster analysis methods were used to process the data.
Findings
The determinants of the cashless transaction policy adoption were institutional issues and technology-related issues. The non-adopters were falling into either technology antagonist or technology ignorant, whereas the adopters perceived user-friendliness, necessity and usefulness. Institutional bottlenecks and perceived security issues were serious concerns.
Originality/value
This study examined the factors influencing the adoption and non-adoption of mobile payments for two reasons. First, the nature of adoption here is more of a forced adoption rather than organic/natural adoption. Second the context – emerging market, India – also demands that it would be more useful to carry out exploratory study and understand the factors from the stakeholders – merchants and customers – themselves than examining existing technology adoption theories.
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Vishal Mishra and Sridhar Vaithianathan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of customer personality and customer relationship proneness (CRP) on customer’s relationship satisfaction (CS) with the firm…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of customer personality and customer relationship proneness (CRP) on customer’s relationship satisfaction (CS) with the firm in emerging economies context. In the study, the authors state that the relationship proneness of the customer (CRP) would be influenced by personality trait of the customer. To examine the argument on personality trait, the authors have adopted Big Five personality trait theory in this study. The authors also argue that CRP would influence CS. Furthermore the authors put forth that customer’s perception of marketer’s relationship orientation (RMO) would mediate the relationship between CRP and CS.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for the study were collected through structured questionnaire. A sample of 428 respondents was obtained through questionnaire survey (response rate 41.19 percent) and the hypotheses depicting the aforementioned relationships were empirically tested in the context of banking services in India. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used for data analysis.
Findings
The results confirm that personality traits influences CRP. Further, customer’s perception of RMO is found to have a mediating effect.
Research limitations/implications
The study utilizes cross-sectional data, so the results of the study might vary depending upon the context (country/sector).
Practical implications
The outcomes of the study can be utilized by the marketers, particularly in the emerging economies like India for formulating targeted strategies in accordance with the personality type of the customers.
Originality/value
The relationship between CRP, personality traits and CS of the customer using Big Five personality theory has been empirically analysed in the context of an emerging economy.
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Vratika Jain, Shreya Chaturvedi, Shahid Jamil, Rama Tyagi, Satyadev Arya and Swati Madan
This review paper delves into the comprehensive understanding of Ashwagandha, spanning its botanic occurrence, conventional applications, extraction techniques and pivotal role in…
Abstract
Purpose
This review paper delves into the comprehensive understanding of Ashwagandha, spanning its botanic occurrence, conventional applications, extraction techniques and pivotal role in addressing various disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
Introduction Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a remarkable botanical resource with a rich history of use in traditional medicine.
Findings
In botany, Withania somnifera thrives in diverse ecosystems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Its extensive distribution across regions, the Canary Islands, South Africa, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, India and China underscores its adaptability and resilience. The traditional uses of Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine systems have persisted for over 3,000 years. With over 6,000 plant species utilized historically, India, often regarded as the “botanical garden of the world,” has firmly established Ashwagandha as a cornerstone in traditional healing practices.
Originality/value
Extraction methods play a pivotal role in harnessing the therapeutic potential of Ashwagandha. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography are among the techniques employed to obtain the key bioactive compounds. Ashwagandha’s significance in modern medicine is underscored by its potential to address a spectrum of health issues. The multifaceted bioactivity of Ashwagandha is attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, heart conditions, metabolic disorders, renal ailments, hepatic diseases and adaptogenic properties, making it a subject of increasing interest in contemporary medical research. This review synthesizes the assorted perspectives of Ashwagandha, from its botanical roots and conventional employments to its advanced extraction strategies and its intention to basic well-being challenges, advertising important bits of knowledge for analysts, specialists and healthcare experts alike.