A Thematic Study on Green Finance
Today, 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.
- Published in Commerce Current Happenings, Departmental News, News, Research News
Economics Students Admitted to Esteemed Global Universities
Getting into one of the global universities of great repute is an impactful motivation for every aspiring student to accomplish even greater things. It opens the gateway to a promising career they have been passionately dreaming of. Two exceptional students from the Department of Economics have been offered admission to highly esteemed international higher education institutions. Gayatri and Sruti, the final year Economics students of SRM University-AP, have been accepted into the Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands, and the Russell Group Universities.
Ms Gayatri Jonnala was ecstatic while reading the offer letter to study MSc at a leading global university. She has been accepted into the Erasmus School of Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands, an institution among the QS top 50 universities.
‘‘The curriculum at SRM University-AP is very similar to the requirements of a Master’s in Economics abroad. Taking part in co-curricular and extracurricular activities helps build a holistic statement of purpose. The reading material in the library for the English proficiency tests was adequate for good preparation’’, said Gayathri while elaborating on her learning experiences at the campus.
Ms Sruti Poolla was shocked and delighted to receive her offer letters from the world-renowned Russell Group Universities. She chose the University of Birmingham from the list of universities she has gotten accepted into. The Russell Group universities are known to be research intensive and very hard to get into because of their competitiveness. It is among the world’s top 100 universities, according to QS Ranking.
‘‘There was not much preparation I did. I had to write an English proficiency exam for which I prepared. The other aspects for admission were a statement of purpose, a letter of reference from my professors and my college transcripts. I can say that I have had good grades since my first semester, and my professors encouraged and trusted me enough to say good things in my LOR. The experience I’ve gained in my three years at SRM University-AP formed a good SOP for me to get accepted,” said Sruti while asked about her preparation strategy.
Sruti and Gayatri shared how the faculty of SRM University-AP have been very enthusiastic to know about their future plans and constantly encouraged all students to choose the right career option. The varsity’s curriculum has improved the students’ knowledge in various subjects, which will only be an advantage for them while pursuing further education. Sruti extended her gratitude to the Dean-Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and all the faculty at the Department of Economics.
‘‘My dissertation supervisor, Dr Manzoor Hassan Malik and Prof. Bandi Kamaiah, provided continuous guidance and support to receive the offer letter from a prestigious university, for which I’m very thankful,’’ added Gayatri.
Both look forward to a bright future after completing their master’s at reputed global universities.
- Published in Departmental News, Economics News, News, Students Achievements
EEE students venture into Entrepreneurship
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.
- Published in Departmental News, EEE NEWS, IDEA NEWS, News, Students Achievements
Role of Covid-19 Disruption
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.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Research News, SEAMS
Changes and Challenges in the Finance Domain
The B-School of SRM University-AP frequently organises invited lectures and guest talks by renowned industry experts that enlighten the students of the Paari School of Business on the evolving domains of business, finance and management. A recent guest talk featuring Dr Manish Jha, MD of Briisk Limited, founder and MD of Finkai and Myra Academy, as the keynote speaker was conducted on the topic “Digital Transformation in Financial Services: Challenges and Opportunities” on May 27, 2023.
Dr Manish Jha explicated the various nuances of the industry and advised the students on the specific skillsets that have to be mastered to survive in the rat race. He stated that improvisation skill is more important to survive in this dynamic field. Dr Jha explained the importance of an MBA and the difference in expectation and reality while pursuing a Master’s in Business. A detailed overview of different specialisations along with their scopes and opportunities was also discussed. He had also real-life examples from his own journey that deeply impressed and motivated the students and faculty of the school. Dr Jha also addressed Ms Sudha, who was also a guest at the talk and remarked that she is an inspiration for all the girl students who are interested in building up themselves.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings
Best Paper Award: Conferred to Dr Raviteja KVNS at RAISE 2023
The Department of Civil Engineering is glad to announce that Dr Raviteja KVNS, Assistant Professor, has received the Best Paper Award for his paper titled “Compressibility Characteristics of Bentonite Amended Fly Ash Liners Exposed to Phosphate Contamination” at the 2nd International Conference RAISE 2023 (Recent Advances in Sustainable Environment) held on May 15-16, 2023. Dr Raviteja collaborated with Dr Janga Jagadeesh Kumar and Dr Krishna R Reddy, Civil, Materials and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago for the research paper. Their cutting-edge research focused on developing alternate liner materials for waste containment systems.
Abstract
Waste containment systems like landfills, and impoundments are often lined with low permeable clays of hydraulic conductivity less than 10-7 cm/s. However, it is often challenging to get large volumes of low permeable clays near the project site. Conveyance of large volumes of clay from distant locations can be unsustainable due to the associated carbon emissions and energy costs, and not viable financially. Hence, there is a need to identify alternative liner materials without compromising on the containment capabilities. This study proposes the use of fly ash, amended with bentonite, as an alternative to the traditional liner systems. From preliminary studies, it is understood that a mixture of 80% fly ash amended with 20% bentonite is optimal to function as an effective liner material. However, the hydro-mechanical stability of liners needs to be investigated under different contamination scenarios. The present study reports the compressibility behavior of the proposed liner system under phosphate contamination, typically found in landfill leachate, impoundments, and stormwater retention ponds. One-dimensional consolidation tests were conducted on pure bentonite and fly ash with water to study the compressibility characteristics of individual materials. The optimum mix (80-20) was then tested at three different solutions exposure: water, 3.2 mg/L PO4-3-P and 12 mg/L PO4-3-P. It is depicted that the addition of 20% bentonite to fly ash did not affect the compressibility significantly, while the presence of phosphate contamination did not compromise the hydro-mechanical stability of the proposed liner system.
- Published in CIVIL NEWS, Departmental News, Faculty Achievements, News, Research News
MoU with NITTE (Deemed to be University) to foster research in Biological Science
SRM University-AP inked an MoU with NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, on June 16, 2023, to promote academics and research in Biological Science. The MoU was signed at the NITTE Mangalore campus by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, SRM University-AP and Prof. Dr Harsha Halahalli, Registrar, NITTE, in the presence of Prof. Dr MS Moodithaya, Vice-Chancellor, NITTE.
Prof. Dr MS Moodithaya termed this association a very important one for the university and expressed his confidence that the formal agreement will foster a mutually beneficial relationship through knowledge exchange, academic excellence, and research of societal relevance between the Universities. “I hope this collaboration can leverage both university’s strengths and complementary skills to undertake research projects that require a combination of expertise. I look forward to the synergy leading to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes”, commented Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, in response to the MoU.
Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Head-Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University-AP and Dr Krishna Kumar, Associate Professor, NITTE University Centre for Science, Education and Research (NUCSER), have been collaborating for the last couple of years in the field of antimicrobial resistance. Prof. Anirban Chakraborty, Director- NUCSER and Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, SRM University-AP, are the authorised representatives from the respective universities. The Director, R&D; Director, Projects and DST-NUTEC; Director, Academia- Industry collaborations; Director, Institute Innovation Council; and Director, PG Studies and Clinical Research were among the others present on this occasion.
- Published in Biology News, Departmental News, MoU, News
Harnessing Body, Mind and Spirit
“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.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News, student affairs news
SRM University-AP Signs MoU with DBS Bank, India
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.
- Published in Departmental News, IDEA NEWS, MoU, News
Physics Graduate Secures Two 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!
- Published in Departmental News, News, Physics News, Students Achievements