under representation of women

In an era where numerous policies and measures are taken to give women an equal footing with the rest of the world and where women shoulder equal responsibilities in the family and work front, the representation of women in Indian Politics still lags behind. Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor, Department of Liberal Arts in his paper titled- “The Intersection of Culture and Politics: Understanding Women’s Under representation in Indian Democracy” in the Journal of Asian and African Studies – Sage Journals (Q2 Journal)  has tried to comprehend the issue of women’s under representation in politics.

Abstract

The representation of women in Indian politics has been low and inadequate, with women comprising only 14.4% of the members of the seventeenth Lok Sabha. Despite numerous policy measures aimed at promoting women’s political representation, the under representation of women remains a persistent challenge. This study seeks to understand the intersection of culture and politics in explaining the under representation of women in Indian democracy. The findings suggest that a change in the civic political culture, through a multifaceted approach, is crucial in breaking down the glass ceiling in Indian politics.

Dr Vineeth Thomas is currently engaged in collaborative research works on Public relations, democracy and ethics, poverty in SAARC region and judicial delay in Indian high courts.

tlc teaching practices 1

The Teaching Learning Centre  at SRM University- AP enables the faculty and researchers to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The centre had organised a Teaching Process-Round Table Programme on May 31, 2023 for the faculty to discuss their best teaching practices and strategies in facilitating the students with a better experience.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Deans, Professors and other faculty members were in attendance. Prof. Arora, emphasised on the necessity of such interactive programmes. He called it a “360° feedback session from you, for you.”  The programme also examined the ideas from the Faculty Development Programme conducted in January this year.

Practices like, Experiential learning, Active learning and Peer learning were the highlights of the session. Audio-Visual techniques, storytelling, case studies, Jigsaw technique and technology based learning were stressed upon to make the classes more engaging.

The session ended with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora handing over certificates to the presenters.

A Thematic study on Green Finance, SRM University- APToday, we live in a world where sustainability and sustainable development are the need of the hour and amidst this, Associate Professor, Dr A Lakshmana Rao and Research Scholar, Mr Akhil Pasupuleti from the Department of Commerce have come up with their pacesetting research publication titled – “A Thematic Study of Green Finance with Special Reference to Polluting Companies: A Review and Future Direction.” The research work gives an impetus to many polluting companies to adopt green finance as an option to combat environmental pollution, this can be in the form of business strategy, energy saving, green credit, and innovation.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to understand the phenomenon of green finance in polluting companies through a systematic literature review. The methodology involves the search, selection, classification, and categorisation of thirty-five articles on green finance in polluting companies which were analysed for the time span of eleven years, i.e., 2011–2022. The outcome of the review identified the following five themes: (i) green credit and environmental protection; (ii) green finance and green innovation; (iii) green innovation and environmental protection; (iv) green finance and investment; and (v) green innovation and firm performance. The review has put forward recommendations for further advancement in policy strengthening and the utilisation of extensive data analysis, indicating potential avenues for future research and development. The findings of the study provide insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers about the status of green finance in polluting companies.

Dr Lakshmana Rao Ayyagari and his student Mr Akhil Pasupuleti are working on developing future prospects of Green Finance such as ESG disclosure and reporting practices, its application and the relationship of CSR and sustainability.

Dr Repaka Subha Sandeep

Virxon Pvt Ltd 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.

Prof. Vinay Kumar Nangia

Product Kraft 1.0

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.

Role of Covid-19 Disruption

Pradeep Rathore

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.

Dr Seema Rani

seema-rani0