Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Kanyakumari District and Its Problems in A Digital Era
Authors: Dr. R. Dharmaragini, Dr. S. Lakshmi
Abstract: woman entrepreneur is a person who accepts challenging roles to meet her personal needs and become frugally independent. A strong desire to do something positive is a hallmark of an entrepreneurial woman who is capable of contributing value in both her family and social life. Many women start a business due to some shocking event, such as divorce, discrimination, or the ill health of a family member. But a new talent pool of women entrepreneurs is forming today, as more women opt to leave the corporate sector to chart their own destinies.
A Comprehensive Assessment Of Millet Cultivation In Chhattisgarh: Present Scenario, Trends, And Future Opportunities
Authors: Gulshan Goyal, Dr. Preeti Kansara
Abstract: Millets, as climate-resilient and nutritionally dense dryland crops, have emerged as a significant agricultural resource in Chhattisgarh’s transforming farming landscape. The study presents an in-depth review of millet cultivation in Chhattisgarh, paying attention to current status, production habits, and emerging future potential. Millets such as Kodo, kutki, and finger millet play a vital part in the state’s rainfed farming systems due to their tolerance to drought, minimal input requirements, and high nutritional value. Recent government initiatives, including the Millet Mission, have contributed to expanded cultivation, improved productivity, and increased farmer participation. Analysis of area, yield patterns, and market linkages indicates a positive shift toward millet-based agriculture. The report also outlines future potential such as value addition, processing, and increased supply-chain integration. Overall, the evaluation emphasizes millets as a viable strategy to improve Chhattisgarh’s climate- resilient agriculture, farmer income, and food security.
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Credit Risk Management Practices In Commercial Banks: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sweety Ratnakar Dhole, Dr. Ujwala Narkhede
Abstract: Credit risk remains one of the most significant risks faced by commercial banks and plays a critical role in determining their financial stability and performance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of credit risk management practices in commercial banks through a comparative analysis of selected institutions. The research examines key components of credit risk management, including credit appraisal procedures, risk identification and measurement techniques, credit monitoring systems, and loan recovery mechanisms. Both quantitative and qualitative data are utilized, drawing from financial statements, regulatory reports, and structured interviews with bank officials. Financial indicators such as non-performing loan ratios, capital adequacy, and profitability measures are analyzed to assess the relationship between credit risk management practices and bank performance. The findings reveal notable differences in the effectiveness of credit risk management across banks, largely influenced by the strength of internal controls, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and the adoption of advanced risk assessment tools. The study concludes that robust and proactive credit risk management practices significantly enhance asset quality and financial performance. The results provide valuable insights for bank management, regulators, and policymakers in strengthening credit risk frameworks to ensure sustainable banking operations.
An Analytical Study Of Human Resource Development Practices For Risk-Centric Auditing In Private Banks Of Nagpur
Authors: Mr. Fazle Mobin Siddiqui
Abstract: In the contemporary banking environment, increasing regulatory pressures, technological advancements, and emerging financial risks have significantly transformed the role of internal auditing. Risk-centric auditing has emerged as a proactive approach that focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that may hinder organizational objectives. In this context, Human Resource Development (HRD) plays a crucial role in equipping audit professionals with the necessary skills, competencies, and risk awareness. This article analytically examines the Human Resource Development practices adopted by private banks in Nagpur to support risk-centric auditing. The study highlights the importance of training, skill development, performance appraisal, and continuous learning in enhancing the effectiveness of risk-based internal audit functions. The findings emphasize that structured HRD initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening audit quality, governance, and risk management in private sector banks.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18265449
Cultural Heritage And Authenticity In Tourism
Authors: Nimisha sharma, Vikas singh Rana
Abstract: This paper critically investigates the multifaceted relationship between cultural heritage and authenticity within the tourism domain. As destinations increasingly commodify historical and cultural resources for tourism development, authenticity has become a central yet highly contested analytical concept. The study engages with prominent theoretical frameworks on authenticity, examines the transformative effects of tourism practices on cultural heritage, and evaluates the implications of authenticity for visitor experiences and host communities. Employing a qualitative research design that integrates systematic literature analysis with selected case studies, the research identifies key challenges and strategic opportunities in the sustainable management of heritage tourism. The findings underscore that tourism can contribute to the reinforcement of cultural identity and heritage conservation when authenticity is conceptualized as a dynamic, negotiated, and socially constructed phenomenon rather than an immutable attribute. The paper concludes by outlining policy and managerial implications and suggesting avenues for future scholarly inquiry.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18278769
Cross-Functional Application Of Novel Causal Manifold Schrodinger Bridge In Electricity Market Negative Pricing Optimization
Authors: Uma Perumal, Vasantharajan Renganathan
Abstract: Existing methods like Bayesian, Hamilton-Jacobi and Gaussian process are with limitations. A novel method with modifications of treating uncertainty propagation through time as a stochastic optimal transport problem on evolving manifolds, where the manifold structure itself is learned causally is developed named Novel Causal Manifold Schrodinger Bridge (NCMSB). This method is synonymous with fluid mechanics and uses modified Schrodinger Bridge and Riemannian Manifolds. This is applied as a cross-function to electricity market to deal the problem of negative pricing (NP) arising due to renewable energy integration to the grid. NCMSB is used to mitigate the losses faced by electricity operators (EO) due to power generating equipment shut-down and prepare the EO to plan accordingly for an unexpected situation, reduce loss and run the electricity system with lesser stress that improves the life and loading-unloading cycle of the equipment.
Awareness Without Commitment: Cryptocurrency Investment Patterns Among Higher Education Investors in Shimla
Authors: Mrs.Anita Verma
Abstract: Cryptocurrency is transforming the way individuals perceive money, savings, and investment decisions across the world. In recent years, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for cryptocurrency adoption, particularly among young and educated investors. Reports such as the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index (2023) and observations by the Reserve Bank of India (2023) highlight a steady rise in cryptocurrency participation, reflecting growing curiosity, technological awareness, and expectations of higher returns. Despite this expansion, cryptocurrency investment in India continues to face challenges in the form of regulatory uncertainty, high volatility, security risks, and limited financial literacy. The present study examines the investment behavior, awareness, and perceptions towards cryptocurrency among investors associated with higher education institutions in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Using primary data collected from 140 respondents through a structured questionnaire, the study analyses demographic characteristics, income and investment patterns, risk tolerance, portfolio composition, and specific attitudes towards cryptocurrency. Descriptive statistical tools, supported by tables and charts, are used for analysis. The findings reveal that although awareness about cryptocurrency is relatively high among educated investors, actual participation remains limited. Most respondents prefer traditional investment avenues such as mutual funds and equity markets, allocating only a small portion of their income to cryptocurrency. High perceived risk, lack of regulatory clarity, and security concerns act as major deterrents. The study concludes that cryptocurrency is currently viewed as a supplementary or speculative investment rather than a core financial asset. The paper offers region-specific insights and contributes to the growing literature on cryptocurrency investment behaviour in India.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18296407
Economic Incentives And Managerial Decision-Making In Sustainable Business Models-Through Rural Development Related Projects
Authors: Dr. Rajesh Kumar Raju, Dr. Akanksha, Nishi Kant Niraj
Abstract: The proliferation of global environmental and social challenges has driven organizations to transition toward Sustainable Business Models (SBMs), which demand the simultaneous creation of economic, social, and environmental value—often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). This transition presents a critical managerial challenge: reconciling short-term financial performance targets with long-term sustainability imperatives. This abstract explores the pivotal role of economic incentives, both external (market-based mechanisms) and internal (organizational compensation), in shaping managerial decision-making within SBMs. External incentives, such as carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, and government subsidies, function by correcting market failures and internalizing environmental externalities, thereby making sustainable practices financially advantageous and unsustainable practices costly. This external pressure directly alters the cost-benefit analysis employed by managers, encouraging investment in clean technologies and resource efficiency. Internally, the research highlights how performance-based pay and non-monetary rewards must be carefully redesigned to align executive and employee behavior with TBL metrics. By linking compensation to measurable sustainability outcomes (e.g., waste reduction, social impact, energy efficiency), organizations mitigate agency conflicts and foster a strategic culture of behavioral consistency. Ultimately, this analysis concludes that economic incentives are essential catalysts, serving as the link between abstract sustainability goals and concrete operational choices. Effective incentive design is critical for managers to successfully navigate competing institutional logics and leverage sustainability not as a cost burden, but as a source of long-term competitive advantage and innovation.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18297481
“Integrating Ethical and Spiritual Leadership into Management Education: A Framework for Developing Purpose-Driven Business Leaders”
Authors: Dr. Akanksha, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Raju, Pankaj Kumar Singh
Abstract: Contemporary business challenges have underscored the need for purpose-driven leaders who not only follow rules but also find meaning in their work. Ethical leadership – the modeling of honesty, fairness, and accountability – provides a structure for “doing the right thing,” while spiritual leadership – emphasizing personal purpose, calling, and altruistic love – adds the motivation of “why it matters.” This paper proposes an integrated framework for embedding both dimensions in management education. Drawing on transformational and social learning theories, we argue that leaders learn values through role models who both exemplify integrity and inspire a shared vision. Experiential and reflective pedagogies (e.g. service projects, mindfulness practice, values dialogues) can then make these lessons personally salient. We review current practices and case examples (e.g., NYU Stern’s Mindfulness in Business program[1]) and identify common barriers – notably faculty discomfort with “spiritual” content and crowded curricula[2][3]. Finally, we outline future research paths, especially longitudinal studies tracking graduates’ long-term impact and cross-cultural comparisons of how values education plays out in different contexts[4][5]. By integrating ethics and spirituality, educators can cultivate graduates who not only do things right, but also do the right things for meaningful reasons.
Cultural Renaissance and the Rise of Heritage-Based Luxury in Thailand’s Hospitality Sector
Authors: Dr. Aphisavadh Sirivadhanawaravachara
Abstract: This article looks at how Thailand’s hospitality area is using its heritage to create fancy experiences. This trend is taking off because people traveling all over are now valuing real, cultural, and meaningful experiences, along with Thailand trying to bring back its culture after the pandemic. Thailand’s history, practices, and beliefs are now setting it apart in the high-end travel world. By studying hotels like The Siam and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, we can see how Thai culture combines with modern luxury. The article also talks about how Thailand’s focus on its own culture, what customers want, and being sustainable affect this market. It suggests ways to keep heritage alive, get visitors involved, and stay relevant to Thai society. This article shows that Thailand is leading a world cultural rebirth, changing what luxury means today by focusing on its heritage.
Impact Of GST On Import And Export
Authors: Mohd Sohrab Shaikh
Abstract: All the necessary steps are being taken for the effective implementation of much-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) from April 2017 in India. GST will eradicate 17 indirect taxes and as a result the Indian economy will get a major push as many economists have predicted a 2 – 2.5 per cent boost for the country's GDP. Apart from manufacturing sector, logistics, warehousing and even the common man will benefit from the amendment. GST will be beneficial to the Centre, states, industrialists, manufacturers, the common man and the country at large since it will bring more transparency, better compliance, an increase in GDP growth and revenue collections. The research concludes with suggestions, including simplifying compliance, enhancing support for small businesses, and fostering digital literacy. As GST continues to evolve, a strategic and adaptive approach, coupled with stakeholder collaboration and education, is deemed essential for navigating the intricate dynamics of import and export trade within the GST regime.
From Digital Natives to AI Natives: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of E-Commerce Decision-Making among Generation Z and Generation Alpha
Authors: Dr.K. Srikanth, Dr M. Raghava Reddy, Dr T Siva Ratna Sai, Mr GLN Sravan Kumar
Abstract: The digital trade history has seen a paradigm shift once Generation Alpha, a group of people who were born wholly in the 21 st century, replaces the digitally savvy Generation Z. This paper examines the cross cultural online shopping pattern between these two groups in order to establish the dissimilarity in the psychology of consumers. The main aim is to find out how social proof, interface design and cultural brand affinity influence the buying decisions. Through a quantitative research method and a sample of N=100, research data were gathered through structured questionnaires on cross-cultural variances in decision making. The paper employs independent sample t-tests to determine the statistical significance of the difference among the groups. Findings have shown statistically significant difference (p<0.05p < 0.05p<0.05) in terms of the impact of algorithmic personalization, with the Generation Alpha exhibiting greater dependency than the Generation Z. Nevertheless, unlike the conventional cultural paradigm, the two groups exhibited homogenized global versus local brand preferences indicating a convergence of the digital culture. This research is a valuable contribution to every marketer seeking to customize the strategies to meet the demands of the upcoming economic drivers.
Measuring Customer Satisfaction In E-Commerce: A Comparative Study Across Platforms
Authors: Kailas Vanvas Singade, Dr. Nitin Ganorkar
Abstract: Online shopping is the process whereby consumers directly buy goods, services etc. from a seller interactively in real-time without an intermediary service over the internet. Online shopping is the process of buying goods and services from merchants who sell on the internet. It was a cross sectional descriptive study done in among the population who have done at least once online shopping in any online store. The major objective was to study about factors associated with customer satisfaction towards online shopping inside along with to find out level of satisfaction. In age group the majority of the respondents were from age group 18–24, in gender male was of 69% of total respondent, for level of education bachelor level respondent were at majority. Hindu (53.5%) were major and respondent from nuclear family were more (56%). The factors like education level, occupation, monthly income, religion and type of family were found statistically significant with online shopping.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18309571
A Study an Artificial Intelligence and Women Entrepreneurs in Karnataka
Authors: Dr Nagesha
Abstract: Although AI would ease the operations, make it better in customer interface, and make scalable growth easier for women entrepreneurs in Karnataka, there are several deterring factors against its adoption. Self-learning capabilities and AI-driven data for marketing forecasts and wider customer reach through digital platforms would assist women businesses; however, the following deterrents are at work: high usage costs, limited access to resources and technical know-how, and ingrained gender biases. There is a need to bridge this gap with gender-responsive policies and services. Business ecosystem enablers include programs like Elevate 2024 and the Women Entrepreneur Cell under the Startup Karnataka program. Socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts must be known for AI-based interventions, especially in food processing, handicrafts, and textiles. The Diffusion of Innovations Theory and TAM theories explain the factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of AI by women entrepreneurs. The key strategies would include peer networking, enhancement of digital literacy skills, strengthening public-private partnership for financial support, and mentorship from experienced technology adopters. There is a need to do participatory action research and longitudinal studies in order to analyze the socioeconomic effects of AI on women-owned businesses in Karnataka. With this, overcoming these barriers would empower women entrepreneurs to utilize AI skilfully towards achieving growth and contribute toward an economy that becomes more balanced and sustainable by way of gender equality and enhanced economic empowerment in Karnataka's entrepreneurial landscape.
Impact of Fintech Innovations on Financial Inclusion in India: the Case of Upi and Digital Lending
Authors: Chinmayi G K, Sainath Shet,, Shivarudra Kurubar, Dr. Abhijit Chakraborty
Abstract: This study examines the interplay of financial literacy and digital financial services, especially UPI-based digital payments and digital lending platforms, on financial inclusion in India. Drawing on an exclusively secondary research methodology, this paper synthesizes insights from related peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, surveys by RBI and NPCI, and research papers from credible academic sources. The literature demonstrates that digital financial tools have reduced several barriers to banking access by providing low-cost, user- friendly, and real-time transactions. UPI has emerged as a game-changing platform that has enabled seamless payments, enhanced transparency, and empowered first-time users, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The findings also reveal that while digital platforms expand access, financial literacy gaps limit effective use. Most users, especially those from vulnerable groups, still rely on informal guidance and are uninformed on security practices. The secondary evidence also reveals an uptick in a number of concerns in the area of digital lending, including high interest rates, lack of transparency, aggressive recovery practices, and risk of over-indebtedness among low- income borrowers. By presenting case-based evidence from the articles reviewed, this study concludes that only responsible lending frameworks, user education, strong regulatory oversight of digital finance operators, and secure technological infrastructure can accelerate financial inclusion. Generally, the research shows that efforts toward bridging the digital divide will require sustained activities not only in technological innovation but also in digital education, consumer protection, and policy reform to realize equitable and safe financial participation for all.
Green Bonds As A Tool For Financing Sustainability: A Comparative Study Of India And Global Markets
Authors: Deeksha N N, K Sunayana Bhat, Dr. Abhijit Chakraborty, Manoj M
Abstract: Green bonds are becoming an important way to raise money for projects that protect the environment and support clean energy. The aim of this study is to understand how green bonds help in financing sustainable projects and to compare India’s progress with major global markets like the US, Europe, and China. To achieve this, secondary data has been used from SEBI, RBI, government reports, and international financial sources. The findings show that global markets are more advanced, with strong rules, high investor trust, and large investment flows into green projects. India is growing quickly in this area, especially in renewable energy, but still needs clearer policies, stronger monitoring systems, better incentives, and more investor awareness to match global standards. The study suggests that if India focuses on transparency, offers financial benefits, and strengthens certification standards, it can attract more investors and speed up the growth of sustainable projects. This will help India support environmental protection and achieve long-term climate goals more effectively.
FUZZY-Aushadhi-Sanchar: Big Data-Driven Sentiment Analysis For Ayurvedic Treatment
Authors: Neh Sharma
Abstract: Millions of users share experiences and opinions across social media platforms, review portals, and online health communities, forming a rich but complex digital footprint. These expressions often reflect overlapping emotions—trust, curiosity, hesitation, and belief—rather than clear-cut judgments. As a result, big-data sentiment analysis, supported by fuzzy and uncertainty-aware models, offers a more realistic way to interpret public attitudes than rigid positive–negative classification. Drawing on studies published between 2020 and 2025, the analysis integrates insights from multilingual transformer-based sentiment models, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) perception research, and the expanding digital health ecosystem. The proposed workflow includes data collection, linguistic preprocessing, fuzzy aspect-level sentiment detection, geotagging, temporal comparison, and topic modelling, allowing sentiment to be represented as a continuum rather than a binary outcome. Across the reviewed studies, Indian users generally express strong and confident positive sentiment toward Ayurveda, shaped by cultural familiarity and routine use. In contrast, global users tend to display graded responses that combine interest with caution, particularly around scientific validation, safety, and standardisation. The paper concludes by outlining policy and communication implications for health and wellness stakeholders, and by identifying future research directions such as multimodal analytics, fuzzy-interpretable models, and real-time sentiment dashboards. Together, these approaches support a more culturally sensitive, evidence-aligned, and uncertainty-aware understanding of Ayurveda’s evolving global presence.
A Study On Green Bonds In India: Opportunities And Challenges
Authors: Ms G. Rajitha, Dr. Thokala Vijayakumar
Abstract: Green Bonds have emerged as a crucial tool in mobilizing capital for environmentally sustainable projects. In India, the green bond market has witnessed consistent growth since its inception in 2015, bolstered by increasing awareness of climate change and proactive government support. While numerous studies have examined the Indian green bond market up to 2023 and a few extended their analysis to August 2024-no comprehensive research has yet incorporated full year 2024 data. As a result, recent developments- such as the municipal green bond issuances by Ahmadabad and Vadodara in early 2024, and the sectoral distribution patterns of sovereign green bonds – remain largely unexamined. This study addresses this significant gap by examining secondary data from 2015 to the end of 2024, offering one of the first comprehensive, data driven investigations into the latest patterns, opportunities and challenges in India’s green bond landscape. Specifically, it reviews issuance volumes along with year- on- year growth trends, assesses policy initiatives and explores sectoral shifts. This paper concludes with policy recommendations to enhance the green bond ecosystem in India.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18413648
Financial literacy and Women’s empowerment in rural India: Empirical evidence from Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Joga Harikrishna, Bhabya Singh
Abstract: Financial literacy has emerged as a crucial determinant of women's empowerment, particularly in rural economies where access to formal financial systems, education, and economic opportunities remains constrained. In the Indian context, rural women often face multiple socio-economic barriers that limit their participation in financial decision-making and income- generating activities. This study empirically examines the role of financial literacy in promoting women's empowerment in rural India, with special reference to the Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh. The research is based on primary data collected from 120 rural women selected from different villages of the district through a structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Financial literacy is assessed using indicators such as awareness of savings instruments, banking services, credit facilities, insurance, and digital financial tools, while women's empowerment is measured through economic, social, and decision-making dimensions. The findings of the study reveal that rural women with higher levels of financial literacy exhibit greater economic independence, enhanced participation in household financial decisions, improved savings behavior, and increased confidence in interacting with formal financial institutions. Participation in self-help groups and access to banking services were found to significantly influence financial awareness and empowerment outcomes. The study also highlights that despite improvements in basic financial knowledge, awareness of insurance products, investments, and digital financial services remains relatively low among rural women. A positive and significant relationship between financial literacy and women’s empowerment is observed, indicating that financial knowledge acts as a catalyst for improving women’s socio-economic status. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing localized empirical evidence from an under-researched region of central India, employing rigorous quantitative methods to establish causal linkages, examining mediating mechanisms and heterogeneous effects, and offering practical recommendations grounded in ground-level realities. The research underscores that financial literacy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for women's empowerment, and that comprehensive approaches addressing knowledge, access, agency, and structural constraints are required to achieve sustainable and transformative change in rural women's economic and social status.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18426517
The Nexus Between Fiscal Federalism, Budgetary Allocation And National Security In Nigeria
Authors: Ishaku, Rimamtanung Nyiputen, Achinulo Ogochukwu Fafour, Nweze Maria Ukamaka
Abstract: This article examines the complex relationship between fiscal federalism, budgetary allocation, and national security in Nigeria. It argues that Nigeria’s highly centralized fiscal federalism, characterized by revenue-sharing arrangements and limited subnational fiscal autonomy, significantly affects the country’s ability to address multifaceted security challenges, including insurgency, militancy, communal violence, and criminality. Drawing from theoretical and empirical literature, the article explores how fiscal federal structures influence budgetary priorities and resource distribution across federal, state, and local governments. It highlights the implications for security provisioning, identifies gaps such as revenue volatility, misaligned incentives, and weak local capacity, and offers policy recommendations to align fiscal arrangements with Nigeria’s evolving security needs. These include reforms to revenue-sharing mechanisms, enhancement of subnational fiscal autonomy, security-sensitive budgeting, and stronger oversight and coordination frameworks. The study contributes to the discourse on governance, public finance, and security in federal systems, with practical implications for Nigeria and other resource-dependent federations.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18426637
Financial literacy and Women’s empowerment in rural India: Empirical evidence from Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Joga Harikrishna, Bhabya Singh
Abstract: Financial literacy has emerged as a crucial determinant of women's empowerment, particularly in rural economies where access to formal financial systems, education, and economic opportunities remains constrained. In the Indian context, rural women often face multiple socio-economic barriers that limit their participation in financial decision-making and income- generating activities. This study empirically examines the role of financial literacy in promoting women's empowerment in rural India, with special reference to the Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh. The research is based on primary data collected from 120 rural women selected from different villages of the district through a structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Financial literacy is assessed using indicators such as awareness of savings instruments, banking services, credit facilities, insurance, and digital financial tools, while women's empowerment is measured through economic, social, and decision-making dimensions. The findings of the study reveal that rural women with higher levels of financial literacy exhibit greater economic independence, enhanced participation in household financial decisions, improved savings behavior, and increased confidence in interacting with formal financial institutions. Participation in self-help groups and access to banking services were found to significantly influence financial awareness and empowerment outcomes. The study also highlights that despite improvements in basic financial knowledge, awareness of insurance products, investments, and digital financial services remains relatively low among rural women. A positive and significant relationship between financial literacy and women’s empowerment is observed, indicating that financial knowledge acts as a catalyst for improving women’s socio-economic status. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing localized empirical evidence from an under-researched region of central India, employing rigorous quantitative methods to establish causal linkages, examining mediating mechanisms and heterogeneous effects, and offering practical recommendations grounded in ground-level realities. The research underscores that financial literacy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for women's empowerment, and that comprehensive approaches addressing knowledge, access, agency, and structural constraints are required to achieve sustainable and transformative change in rural women's economic and social status.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18426658
Influence of Project Management Practices on The Competitive Advantage of Convenience Stores in Kenya: A Case of Naivas Supermarkets in Mombasa County
Authors: Mohammed Tamam Daib, Dr. Johnbosco Kisimbi
Abstract: Project management practices are the fundamental guidelines that should be followed for the effective management of processes, initiatives or projects in organizations. Project management practices have largely been applied by firms to improve their performance, sustainability and competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of project management practices on the competitive advantage of Naivas Supermarkets in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study selected Mombasa County since it had experienced poor performance and closure of various convenience stores in the past five years. The study sought to establish the influence of project leadership, project communication, project risk management and teamwork amongst project staff on the competitive advantage of Naivas Supermarkets in Mombasa County, Kenya. This study applied a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 112 employees in four branches of the supermarkets in Mombasa County, Kenya. The sample size for this study was 88 employees that were selected using stratified random sampling technique. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect the quantitative data required. Prior to the final data collection, the designed questionnaire was subjected to a pilot test that was conducted on 9 employees of Carrefour Supermarket, Mombasa. Data was collected using the drop-and-pick method. The analysis of collected data was done using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and regression analysis. The study findings determined that project leadership (β = 0.747, t = 8.089, p < 0.05) project communication (β = 0.944, t = 10.388, p < 0.05), project risk management (β = 0.455, t = 2.845, p = 0.006) and teamwork amongst project staff (β = 0.744, t = 11.259, p < 0.05) all had a significant influence on competitive advantage of Naivas Supermarket in Mombasa County. The study concludes that project leadership, teamwork amongst project staff, project communication, and project risk management were all essential project management practices for the competitive advantage of convenience stores in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study recommends to organizations such as Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) to ensure that they have a policy that binds organizations in the retail sector into adopting project management practices such as project leadership, teamwork amongst project staff, project risk management and project communication. Moreover, the study makes recommendations to other convenience stores in Mombasa County and also in other parts of the country to adopt project management practices like those adopted by Naivas Supermarkets in Mombasa County. The study provides a recommendation for further research to assess the influence of other project management practices such as project planning, project resource allocation, project culture and project management structure on competitive advantage in the retail sector. This study makes significant contribution to knowledge as it provides empirical evidence of the influence of four project management practices on competitive advantage of a firm in the retail sector. This is because most of the available empirical literature on project management practices is mostly on construction companies that mostly deal with projects. This study therefore provides evidence that firms that are not project oriented can also apply project management practices to enhance their competitiveness in the fast-paced environment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18428045
Beyond The Iron Triangle In Nigeria’s ICT Sector: A Qualitative Study Of Adaptive Project Leadership And Success
Authors: Christian Osita Godson, Otabil Owusu-Ansah
Abstract: Traditional project success measures centred on time, cost and scope are increasingly inadequate in volatile and complex environments. This study examines how project management practice and project success are conceptualised and evaluated within Nigeria’s ICT sector, where rapid technological change intersects with infrastructural constraints and socio-political uncertainty. Drawing on a qualitative exploratory case study, data were generated via semi-structured interviews with fifteen senior ICT project professionals across public agencies, multinational firms, indigenous start-ups, and regulatory bodies, complemented by analysis of project artefacts including project charters, risk logs, stakeholder matrices, and post-implementation reviews. Reflexive thematic analysis reveals five interdependent dimensions shaping effective project delivery: sustained stakeholder engagement enacted as ongoing co-creation; continuous strategic and societal alignment; resilience through adaptive governance and iterative delivery practices; multidimensional success criteria incorporating legitimacy and long-term value; and contextual adaptability grounded in local cultural and institutional conditions. The study extends “beyond the iron triangle” perspectives on project success by providing empirical evidence from a Global South digital economy and reframes the project manager as an adaptive leader who integrates stakeholder governance, resilience, and contextual intelligence to support legitimate and sustainable digital innovation outcomes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18430153
