Shivani Rustagi, Sheeba Khan, Tanu Jain, Ranjana Singh and Vinod Kumar Modi
Gluten is a triggering factor for gluten-related disorders. However, the present market provides expensive, less varied and poor nutritional products. Therefore, this study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
Gluten is a triggering factor for gluten-related disorders. However, the present market provides expensive, less varied and poor nutritional products. Therefore, this study aims to develop gluten-free muffins and improve their nutritional profile, as well as evaluate the physical, chemical and sensorial aspects of them.
Design/methodology/approach
A combination of pearl millet, buckwheat and amaranth was used to formulate gluten-free muffin using central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology for optimization of selected parameters (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose [HPMC], baking temperature and baking time). The optimized muffins were incorporated with Moringa leaves powder. Finally, the final products were compared with the wheat muffins.
Findings
The optimization range of selected variables was 1% HPMC, 170°C baking temperature and 30.33 min baking time with a desirability function of 0.75. The incorporation of 5% Moringa leaves powder enhanced the nutritional profile of gluten-free muffins – increased protein (38%), fiber (208%), iron (224%) and calcium (25%) values. However, the overall acceptability reduced due to decrease in flavor and odor.
Originality/value
Nonetheless, the ease of accessibility of these convenience gluten-free muffins as well as the nutritional density can help the food research and nutritionists to bridge the gap in current gluten-free market. This puts focus on the use of underutilized crops such as millets and buckwheat which are nutritionally dense.
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Barani Kanth, Ananda Krishnan and Debasmita Sen
India has a distinct family hierarchy and a vertical collectivistic culture. Indian traditional cultural norms discourage young adults from having romantic or sexual relationships…
Abstract
India has a distinct family hierarchy and a vertical collectivistic culture. Indian traditional cultural norms discourage young adults from having romantic or sexual relationships before marriage. Romantic liaisons and marriages are fiercely opposed outside the caste and social network. Despite this cultural practice, research in the last decade demonstrated that more young adults in India engage in premarital romantic relationships and prefer a marriage of choice. However, they strongly wish their parents to approve of their partner and arrange their marriage. This increasing trend of love-cum-arranged marriages could be considered how Indian culture adapts to the demands of modernization strongly impelled by globalization. This chapter discusses the dynamics of change in the romantic and marital agency among young adults in India. First, the authors provide a brief historical introduction to the Indian marital system. Then, the authors discuss the changing cultural dimensions that promote marital choice and independence in partner selection (e.g., filial piety). Further, the authors provide an overview of the trends in premarital romantic relationships in India. In addition, the authors discuss the distress and conflict in Indian families due to the increasing premarital romantic and sexual relationships among Indian youth, as evidenced by eloped marriages, forced marriages, and honor killings.
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Subhash C. Kundu, Rina S. Phogat, Saroj Kumar Datta and Neha Gahlawat
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of various workplace characteristics on work-family conflict among dual-career couples in India.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of various workplace characteristics on work-family conflict among dual-career couples in India.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data based on 393 employees belonging to dual-career couples were analyzed. Using multiple regression analysis, the study has attempted to find out the effects of workplace characteristics on work-family conflict in dual-career couples.
Findings
The findings indicate that not all workplace characteristics effect work-family conflict in dual-career couples. Out of 13 characteristics, 8 workplace characteristics, namely, development and flexibility, co-worker support, supervisory support, job competence, self-employee control, practicing overtime, flexibility and discrimination, are found to have significant effects on work-family conflict in dual-career couples.
Research limitations/implications
As this study is limited to the dual-career couples employed mainly in organizations operating in India, these results may not be generalized to other areas such as traditional career couples, self-employed member of couples and in other national contexts.
Practical implications
It would be beneficial for organizations to understand and implicate that adoption of certain workplace characteristics provide appropriate choices, freedom and environment for dual-career employees, which further encourage them to build effective amalgamation of work and family roles suiting their individual circumstances.
Originality/value
This study is an important and almost first study on dual-career couples in India on such issues. As a very scant number of researches have examined the impact of workplace characteristics on work-family conflict on such extensive basis, it definitely contributes to HR literature.
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Rashmi Ranjan Parida and Sangeeta Sahney
The purpose of this paper is to draw qualitative insights about Indian rural markets and marketing. First, the key aspirations of the rural customers are listed; then the paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw qualitative insights about Indian rural markets and marketing. First, the key aspirations of the rural customers are listed; then the paper explores an understanding about this potential market among marketing professionals; and finally, issues and concerns of customers in the Indian rural market are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to achieve the objectives, qualitative methodologies were used. An interview approach was adopted to identify the aspirations of rural customers. To draw insights into the perspectives of marketing professionals, focus group discussions (FGDs) and open online responses along with content analysis were used. FGDs were conducted to obtain insights pertaining to issues and concern from rural customers.
Findings
The paper enlists and ranks the key aspirations of Indian rural customers; a well-furnished concrete house tops the list followed by acquisition of land and property. The marketing professionals discuss their understanding of rural markets from the perspective of brand consciousness to the wave of changes they see. The rural customers speak about how children are new opinion leaders to the cultural threat they perceive.
Research limitations/implications
The Indian rural market, where roughly 12 percent of the global population resides, provides umpteen business opportunities. An understanding of the rural market would help marketers and business organizations build appropriate market strategies to tap the market.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to explore an understanding on the Indian rural market, which has not been researched extensively. The research frame work is holistic and involves the views and perspectives of key stakeholders.
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Vinod Kumar Khanna and Ruby Gupta
The Japanese have had a phenomenal impact on the world's market using 5 “S” and total quality management (TQM) philosophy. Though Indian companies also claim to follow these…
Abstract
Purpose
The Japanese have had a phenomenal impact on the world's market using 5 “S” and total quality management (TQM) philosophy. Though Indian companies also claim to follow these philosophies, however India has not been able to make substantial s in this regard. India has been ranked very low (India's rank has been 35 out of 59 economies) as per the IMD world competitiveness year book 2012 report. During a literature survey, it was found that competency-based training contributes to a greater extent for the success of 5 “S” and TQM implementation. Therefore, research was undertaken to study the effect of competency-based training on the implementation of 5 “S” and TQM principles. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper attempts to assess and compare the role of competency-based training on the status of 5 “S” and TQM in Mayur Uniquoters Ltd (MUL) and SKH Metals Ltd. This paper compiles a list of the most important competency variables and prepares a competency training module for the industries. Quality award models will be used to compute a competency index, 5 “S” index, and TQM index before and after competency-based training in MUL. However, in the case of SKH Metals Ltd, the competency index, 5 “S” index and TQM index will be analyzed only after competency-based training. The index methodology has been used to assess and compare the level of performance in competency, 5 “S”, and TQM and the result will be validated through a two-sample t-test.
Findings
The paper reveals that competency-based training has a positive correlation on, 5 “S” and TQM, and is instrumental in improving the level of 5 “S” and TQM in both industries. Based on a two-sample t-test, the performance of 5 “S” and TQM improved by 74.4 and 84.5 percent, respectively, in case of MUL. This paper also prepares the competency-based training module.
Research limitations/implications
The investigation and research findings are still exploratory. Future research can focus on and establish the correlation based on a larger number of organizations. A broadly based and larger sample size would provide a better picture of the relationship between competency, 5 “S” and TQM philosophy. The data have been collected before and after competency-based training in Mayur Uniquoters, whereas, in the case of SKH Metals, the data have been compiled only after competency-based training.
Originality/value
The study has been able to compile competency variables based on the feedback of 84 industries and also prepares a competency training module. Competency index, 5 “S” index and TQM index have been analyzed before and after competency-based training in MUL and two-sample t-test was also performed. In the case of SKH Metals Ltd, the data have been analyzed after competency-based training. The study has been able to identify that both organizations could perform better in 5 “S” and TQM after competency-based training. India stands a better chance in improving its competitiveness in the world ranking if all organizations focus on competency-based training, apart from training on 5 “S” and TQM.
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Sterilisation in India (and globally) has a contentious and deeply politicised history. Despite this troubling legacy, India continues to rely on female sterilisation as the main…
Abstract
Sterilisation in India (and globally) has a contentious and deeply politicised history. Despite this troubling legacy, India continues to rely on female sterilisation as the main form of contraception and family planning. Abortion, which has been legal under broad grounds since 1971, intersects with sterilisation at different points over women's reproductive lifecourse. Drawing on three case studies exploring women's abortion trajectories in Karnataka, India (2017), this chapter examines sterilisation as a reproductive technology (RT) in women's abortion narratives. These include experiences of failed sterilisation necessitating abortion, as well as narratives around pre- and post-abortion counselling with sterilisation conditionalities. Women report healthcare workers shaming or scolding them for not being sterilised after their last pregnancy – demonstrating the prominence of sterilisation as an enforced social norm using ‘health’ frames. Using reproductive justice (RJ) as a lens, I analyse how sterilisation interacts with abortion and the narratives of shame and stigma that surround the two technologies and make visible the ways in which it results in the denial and restriction of women's reproductive freedoms.
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Mugdha Vinod Dani, Aradhana Vikas Gandhi and Anshu Sharma
Innovation is a process that enables organizations to sustain and prosper in a competitive business environment. This study aims to understand the key drivers of innovation within…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation is a process that enables organizations to sustain and prosper in a competitive business environment. This study aims to understand the key drivers of innovation within organizations from the lens of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a grounded theory approach based on semi-structured in-depth interviews of 20 professionals working in information technology (IT) firms. Judgmental sampling was adopted to select the respondents. Open coding, inductive analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts to generate relevant themes.
Findings
Emerging themes indicate that innovation within organizations can be triggered as a response to client requirements or the employees’ inherent urge to innovate. Certain factors such as user engagement, formal organizational processes and practices, informal collaborative practices, the role played by experts and leaders and upskilling were seen to enable innovative outcomes within organizations.
Practical implications
Findings from this study will allow leaders to activate the identified drivers by designing suitable organizational processes and strategies to nurture a successful innovation culture within their teams.
Originality/value
This grounded theory-based study looks at drivers of innovation within IT organizations from the perspective of employees.
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Every year, tonnes of flower waste from religious places is dumped into India’s holiest river Ganges, polluting it to virtual death. Pesticides and insecticides used in growing…
Abstract
Every year, tonnes of flower waste from religious places is dumped into India’s holiest river Ganges, polluting it to virtual death. Pesticides and insecticides used in growing these flowers mix with the water, affecting millions of lives through water-borne diseases. Most others may just lament these facts, Ankit Agarwal and Karan Rastogi, childhood friends from Kanpur, used them as inspiration to innovate. Two years of relentless experimentation led to a brilliant idea; that of recycling the flower waste. They founded HelpUsGreen® in 2014 to convert the waste into bio-fertilisers and lifestyle products. Widely appreciated and heavily awarded now, success has not come easy for this well-educated duo. HelpUsGreen® processes hundreds of kilos of flower waste, creating employment for hundreds of underprivileged women. An entirely bootstrapped project with no carbon foot print, the venture hopes to revive the Ganges through Flowercycling®. Currently at 8.5 tonnes per day and at the tipping point of scaling, HelpUsGreen® hopes to process over 50 tonnes of flower waste per day by 2020. Apart from the environmental impact, HelpUsGreen® has achieved huge societal impact, employing over a thousand women who did not previously have formal employment. What also makes the social entrepreneurs stand apart is their entrepreneurial market savviness. They have positioned their products not at the sympathy market but at the high-end premium market. Their products sell under the name ‘Phool’. HelpUsGreen® has set its eyes firmly on spreading operations across 2,000 kilometres along the Ganges and creating over 25,000 jobs for women.
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Shamindra Nath Sanyal and Saroj Kumar Datta
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of country of origin image on brand equity of branded generic drugs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of country of origin image on brand equity of branded generic drugs.
Design/methodology/approach
Brand equity of branded generics is examined through an analytical review. Country of origin image is hypothesised to influence components of brand equity, i.e. brand strength and brand awareness, which in turn influence brand equity. An empirical investigation was carried out among professionally similar respondents, i.e. doctors of different categories in Kolkata megapolis, India.
Findings
Results showed that country of origin image had a positive and significant effect on components of brand equity, i.e. brand strength and brand awareness, derived from factor analysis conducted on brand equity components. The result also showed that country of origin image of branded generics significantly, but indirectly, affected brand equity through the mediating variables, brand strength and brand awareness.
Research limitations/implications
Different variables have influence on brand equity. This study dealt with only one type of variable, i.e. country of origin image, that may limit the total process of brand equity enhancement.
Practical implications
Marketing actions should be implemented to enhance brand strength and awareness levels. Country of origin image should be assessed as a multidimensional concept for enhancing brand equity. Marketers should be aware of the fact that physicians are influenced by the brand's original country image.
Originality/value
This research work has extended prior country of origin research by conceptualising the country of origin image as a brand equity enhancing tool in a new area called branded generic drugs.