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Covid-19, has wreaked havoc in ordinary life, health and finance have taken the worst hit. As for finance, people saw the loss of their livelihood, businesses collapsed and for several mid-scale and large-scale businesses, the working capital and firm performance diminished to a great extent. In the given context, Dr Pradeep Rathore Assistant Professor from The Paari School of Business (PSB) published a compelling research paper titled, “Working Capital and Firm Performance: Role of COVID-19 Disruption” in International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management” where he addresses the issue and analyses the cause.

Abstract

This study examines the performance effect of working capital for a large sample of Indian manufacturing firms in light of supply chain disruption, i.e. the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is based on secondary data collected from the Prowess database on Indian manufacturing firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 500. Panel data regression analyses are used to estimate all models. Moreover, this study has employed robust standard errors to consider for heteroscedasticity concerns. The results challenge the current notion of working capital investment and reveal that higher working capital has a positive and significant impact on firm performance. Further, it highlights that Indian manufacturing firms suffered financially post-COVID-19 as they significantly lack the working capital to run day-to-day operations. This research contributes to the scant literature by examining the association between working capital financing and firm performance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, representing typical developing economies like India.

The study implies that organisations need to have higher working capital during an economic downturn such as COVID-19 as it takes care of present and future financing needs, to facilitate their day-to-day operational activities, and to enhance performance of both working capital and firm performance, operational and financial. The study also suggests that Managers should understand the value of working capital and advocate for higher working capital investment to address supply chain disruptions during economic downturns.

Dr Pradeep Rathore is presently working on topics related to sustainable development
goals, sustainability, and solid waste management.

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‘‘You must give chances for students to explore new environments,’’ said Mr Dilip Gupta, MD of Sagarmala Development Company Ltd., while appreciating SRM University-AP for courageously taking the initiative to revamp the curricula to meet next-generation learning standards. He was one of the Guests of Honour at the Industry-Academia Dialogue held at the varsity with the objective of Revamping Curricula for Achieving Academic Excellence.

The conclave considered the guidelines the National Education Policy (NEP) set forth and discussed the need to revamp the curricula to adapt the varsity’s educational programmes accordingly. Mr Gupta elaborated on why the curriculum of educational institutions should be crafted with windows for students to explore themselves and newer arenas of knowledge. He implored the Vice Chancellor and the varsity faculty to pose a new challenge for the students every day.

Mr V Vinod Kumar, IAS, MD, Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSDC), was the other Guest of Honour at the event. He lauded the impact of a well-crafted and executed curriculum in escalating the employment rate of society while generating skilled professionals. ‘‘You need to impart skill to students while they are at the educational set-up. Polish them inside the educational institution. It is a herculean task, but I’m sure we are on the right path,’’ added Mr Vinod.

Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora lightened the lamp with the Guests of Honour and began the conclave. Prof. Arora presented the university-level curriculum framework in front of the esteemed delegates and the university faculty, while deans of the three varsity schools presented the school’s overviews, achievements, and aspirations. Dr R Premkumar, Registrar and Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean-Academic Affairs and Controller of Examination, graced the occasion with their valuable presence. More than 50 professionals from the industry and leading practitioners from the social sector participated in the dialogue to address the foreseen challenges in higher education and recalibrate the curriculum of the varsity.

Through multiple sessions, the all-day-long dialogue considered the imperative to cultivate and enhance high levels of technological and social skills within the digital era’s present and future workforce. A joint panel discussion on 21st-century skills and Interdisciplinary learning with representatives from Academia and Industries; and a brainstorming session on exploring ways for continuous industry engagement with academia were also held as part of the conclave. The distinguished delegates visited the research centres and facilities at SRM University-AP once the event was over.

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Product Kraft, a student-led community in association with Hatchlab Research Centre had  conducted its first extensive workshop titled Product Kraft Cohort 1.0 of a series of workshops on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in SRM University-AP. The workshop was marshalled under the direction of CEO of Hatchlab Research Centre, Mr Udayan Bakshi, in collaboration with SRM AP E-Cell and industrial partner Mr Baradwaj Avarapalli, co-founder of AB TechVille.

As the demand for professionals skilled in AI/ML and IoT continues to grow, the collaboration between Product Kraft and AB TechVille is poised to significantly impact the participants’ future careers. By providing a comprehensive learning experience and industry exposure, this workshop series aimed to empower participants to take on the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving technological landscape

The workshops covered a wide range of topics related to AI/ML and IoT, and also provided a platform for participants to network and engage with like-minded individuals, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The workshop ended with a “Pitch and Win” contest, where jury members Srikanth Talluri, one of the top 100 Education Leaders and Innovator of Shanmukha 6D model and Sirisha Kasinadhuni, Founder & Director of AI Practices and Empiezo IT solutions evaluated the ideas and the prototype products of the participants. Based on their evaluation, startup ideas such as- Helugu, Oxygen Leakage Detection and Algo Trading Bot were awarded the first three prizes and appreciation medals. Selected startup ideas were endorsed under the HatchLab Research Center through an Elon fellowship to help the students transform their vision into reality through expert mentors present in SRM University-AP.

HatchLab Research Centre, SRM University-AP aims at facilitating a conducive atmosphere where all types of businesses can grow and prosper especially in a socially backward place. Hatchlab has helped in developing multiple projects, but here’s a unique venture by fourth year
Electrical and Electronics Engineering students, Gopichand and Avinash.

Whilst the rest of their batch mates are awaiting lucrative offers from top-tech companies, this duo has decided to venture into Entrepreneurship. Gopichand and Avinash, despite societal pressure, have decided to live their dreams and co-founded Virxon Private Limited. These final year engineering students have developed an AI-based digital platform that would enable schools to post job openings for teachers, along with fully automated ERP and learning solutions for students. After surveying around 400+ schools. Virxon found that, there is a huge gap in the demand and supply which can be automated through AI tools and provide a complete solution which is missing in the market right now.

Thrilled about their decision of swimming against the tide to choose a rather difficult path, these entrepreneur duo said -“It may appear that we might be slogging for 18 hours, and stay awake till 2 am in the morning, balancing our studies and our aspirations, but that is not the case. Our dreams keep us awake and our goals keep us going. We are definitely going to make a difference in society.”

Currently, the students are being mentored on the business model and the marketing strategies by Mr. Jayaprakash Narayan, from HatchLab Research Centre, SRM University- AP.

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