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 Jaidev Kaushik

Dr Seema Rani

seema-rani0

Yoga Day Celebration

“Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is a union with the self, union with the universe. The universe lies outside and inside us. If we connect with ourselves, that means we are connecting with the universe” said Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP on the occasion of International Yoga Day Celebration held on June 21, 2023.

A yoga session was held under the joint venture of the Directorate of Sports and Directorate of Student Affairs. Prof. Arora, who participated as the Chief Guest in the programme addressed the staff and students through a session on Meditation and Wellness and announced the starting of a Yoga Club in the varsity.

Dr Abdul Mohimin, Assistant Director of Sports, spoke at length on the practice of yoga. Additionally, students of the varsity demonstrated dance yoga and clap yoga sessions, which left the audience invigorated. Dr R Premkumar, Registrar; Prof. Vishnupad, Dean-SLASS; Dr K Mohan, Director-ITKM; Dr Vijay Kumar Upadhyay, Director-Sports; Dr Manish Kumar, Director-Human Resources; Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director-Communications; Mrs Suma N, CFAO; faculty; staff and students participated in the celebration.

SRMAP MoU DBS

Hatchlab Research Centre, a technology and livelihood incubator, under The Directorate of Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship has accomplished a milestone achievement as it joined forces with DBS Bank, India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two parties in order to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the varsity. The collaboration aims to empower startups and offer incredible opportunities for our entrepreneurial community at SRM University-AP.

Senior Vice Presidents, Mr Sushant Shetty and Mr Rama Rao Peri, other senior members of the leadership team from DBS Bank India, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP ; Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, SRM University-AP and Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director – Entrepreneurship and the leadership team of Hatchlab Research Centre graced the occasion.

Dr Rajendra Kumar

Dr. Kiran Kumar Nallamekala

Dr Pratikanta Mishra

Md-Shoaib International Internships

In an era where competition in the job market is on the peek, internships give you an edge over the rest of your peers. It gives you an opportunity to get real-time experience and put to practise what you have learnt. But not everyone manages to acquire an internship, while most students manage to barely secure a single internship, Md Shoaib, has bagged not one, but two exciting international internships in the field of Quantum Physics!

Here’s what Md Shoaib has to say on his remarkable achievement: “ I am excited to delve deeper into this topic and participate in enriching lectures, workshops, and interactions with experts in the field. It will be a valuable experience to learn from renowned Quantum scientists from various countries and broaden my understanding of Quantum Cryptography.”

Md Shoaib, a BSc Physics (Hons) with Research student has secured the prestigious Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) internship programme along with a Summer School “Quantum Cryptography” internship offered by the University of Gdańsk, Poland. The internships not only offer a stipend but also covers travel, accommodation and logistic expenses.

We wish Md Shoaib the very best in his endeavour!