Marking a significant stride towards expanding academic offerings and equipping students with the skills required for the evolving business landscape, The Paari School of Business at SRM University-AP has launched two new specialisations for its B.Com. programme – B.Com. (CA Integrated) and B.Com. (Fintech and Banking).

The event witnessed the presence of stalwarts from Banking, Data Analytics and Chartered Accountancy along with the Vice Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-Paari School of Business, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Head-Department of Commerce Dr A Lakshmana Rao, faculty, staff and students from the school. Mr Ruhbir Singh, CEO of Tatvic, a Global Analytics Firm, was the Chief Guest; Mr Bala Iyer, MD of Barclays Bank, was the Guest of Honour, and CA Ravi Kishore, President of ICAI Vijayawada Branch, was the Keynote Speaker.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora appreciated the school for its launch of specialisations that will generously benefit the management education offered at the university. Dean Prof. Bharadhwaj briefly spoke on the objective of launching the two new specialisations and the expected outcome of the B.Com. programme. “At Paari School of Business, we offer modern, contemporary, and cutting-edge programmes that meaningfully align with current market demands. The curriculum of the two new specialisations is tightly integrated with the Fintech and CA fields and will be taught by industry experts and seasoned professionals,” stated Prof. Bharadhwaj in his welcome address.

This initiative by the Paari School of Business invokes innovation, inspiration, and excellence. In his address, Mr Ruhbir Singh, a pioneer in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics, elucidated the strategies for making it big in the business frontier. He remarked, “Critical thinking, keeping abreast with technology, and learning to present yourself are the pivotal skills graduates must equip themselves with to sprint to high-impact placements.”

Guest of Honour Mr Bala Iyer emphasised the importance of networking and building connections among different strata of the business and economic fields as the real wealth that one must accumulate. In his keynote address, CA Ravi Kishore also underscored the significance of practical and soft skills accompanied by a mindset for continuous learning triumph over academic qualification in the real world. Both dignitaries launched the specialisations B.Com. (Fintech and Banking) and B.Com. (CA Integrated) respectively.

The event also witnessed the launch of the much-awaited two-day Business fest AMEYA’25 by the Chief Guest Mr Ruhbir Singh. AMEYA’25, the Management Mavericks’ Meet will hold numerous formal and informal events, ranging from Business Development to PR and Entrepreneurship, with a prize pool of Rs 1.75 Lakh. The fest will welcome students and participants from management colleges and universities in Vijayawada and Guntur. The event concluded with the felicitation of the esteemed dignitaries and a vote of thanks from the Head of the Commerce Department.

The Department of Commerce, under the Paari School of Business, is proud to present the research publication of Dr Lakshamana Rao Ayyangari, Guest Faculty Dr Sankar Rao, and Research Scholar Mr Akhil Pasupuleti. Their research paper, titled “Assessing the impact of ESG scores on market performance in polluting companies: a post-COVID-19 analysis,” is featured in the Q2 journal “Discover Sustainability.” Here is an interesting abstract of their research.

Abstract:

The study aims to unravel the impact of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) scores on the firm’s market performance of polluting companies. Moreover, the study also finds out the moderating effect of green initiatives. The study’s population consisted of 67 companies that were chosen from the list of polluting companies given by the Central Pollution Control Board of India for the post-COVID-19 timeframe of 2020–2023. The results indicate that the performance of ESG will improve the financial performance of the company.

Practical Implementation:

The analysis showed that companies with higher ESG scores generally perform better in the market. This means that firms that are more responsible in terms of environmental, social, and governance practices tend to do well financially. However, the study found that green initiatives did not have a significant impact on this relationship.

These findings are important for company managers and stakeholders. Understanding the connection between ESG practices and market performance can help managers create strategies to improve their ESG scores, ultimately boosting their financial performance.

Future Research Plans:

i) Focus on the R&D investment and sustainability.

ii) Studying the relationship between green finance and sustainability

iii) Exploring the relationship of CSR in sustainability

Link to the paper

In a significant contribution to the academic discourse on corporate frauds and investment behaviour, Dr A Lakshmana Rao, Head of the Department and Associate Professor in the Department of Commerce, has published an insightful book chapter titled “Perception of Investment Behaviour in the Light of Corporate Frauds with Special Reference to India,” the chapter is a part of the book “Cybersecurity, Law and Economics: The Case of India,” published by Routledge, a prestigious Taylor and Francis Group.
Dr Rao’s work delves into the intricate dynamics of investor psychology and market trust, particularly in the aftermath of corporate scandals. His research provides a nuanced understanding of how investors navigate the complex landscape of financial decision-making when confronted with corporate malfeasance.

The chapter is poised to serve as a valuable resource for students, academics, and professionals interested in the intersections of finance, law, and cybersecurity. It also underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks and transparent corporate governance in maintaining investor confidence in the Indian market. With this publication, Dr Rao has made a notable contribution to the literature on economic security and investment strategies, offering a timely examination of the challenges and considerations unique to the Indian context.

A Brief Introduction of the Book Chapter

This book examines the intersection between cybersecurity and India’s law and economy and offers a course of action for designing efficacious policies against emerging cybercrimes in the country.
It reviews the boom in infrastructure growth in India and the security challenges this presents to the domestic economy and legal system. Contributors conduct a risk assessment of the potential economic impacts and security vulnerabilities, as well as identify the current regulatory and legal gaps regarding cryptocurrency, e-commerce and digital banking. The book also considers the subject of data localisation and sovereignty, and the challenges of establishing an indigenous data architecture. By discussing the economic impact of cybersecurity and incorporating recommendations from scholars, activists, academics, young legal intellectuals, and professionals in the field, the chapters propose new measures and protections for lawmakers and policymakers to adopt.

Significance of the Book Chapter

The book chapter titled “Perception of Investment Behaviour in the Light of Corporate Frauds with Special Reference to India” is a survey-based study that examines the general investor’s intentions regarding their investment behaviour in various investment options and their behavioural changes in the case of corporate frauds.

Co-authors of the Book Chapter

Two co-authors, Dr G Ramakrishnan and Dr Nikhil Kulshrestha, helped conduct the research and survey.

Link to the Book Chapter publication

Publication Details (incl. Publisher, ISBN, Launch date, Edition, etc)
ISBN 9781032852454
232 Pages 8 B/W Illustrations
October 1, 2024, by Routledge
Price: £ 135

We are thrilled to announce that Dr A Lakshmana Rao, Associate Professor from the Department of Commerce along with Ms Sreya B, a distinguished PhD Scholar, have made a significant contribution to the field of public health with their latest publication.

Their paper, titled “A Commentary on ‘Sleep Quality, Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Mental Health in COVID-19 post-pandemic Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study’,” has been published in the esteemed journal Frontiers in Public Health, which boasts an impressive impact factor of 5.2.

This groundbreaking study delves into the crucial aspects of sleep quality, quality of life, fatigue, and mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye. The research provides insightful commentary and analysis, contributing valuable knowledge to our understanding of the pandemic’s long-term effects on human well-being.

The SRM University-AP community is proud of Dr Rao and Ms Sreya B for their dedication and excellence in research. Their work not only enhances the reputation of our institution but also serves as an inspiration for our students and faculty alike.

We congratulate them on their achievement and encourage our readers to access the full paper to learn more about the study’s findings and implications for public health.

Abstract

This commentary examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and sleep quality among the Turkish population, focusing on socio-demographic disparities and gender-based differences. To investigate the lasting effects of the pandemic, a comprehensive cross-sectional, multi-center-based survey was conducted in 2022. The study used robust sampling strategies and validated assessment tools such as WHOQOL-BREF, PHQ-15, DASS-21, GAD-7, PSQI, and FAS to reveal significant associations between poor sleep quality and worsened mental health.

The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions post-pandemic. The study conducted a detailed analysis, including multivariate regression, to explore the interaction between socio-demographic factors, mental health, and sleep quality, providing valuable insights for future public health interventions that consider both socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. In conclusion, the study advocates prioritising interventions that enhance sleep quality as a crucial aspect of post-pandemic public health, offering potential avenues for mitigating mental health disorders. Despite acknowledged limitations, the research’s contributions to understanding post-pandemic mental health challenges underscore its relevance in shaping targeted public health interventions.

Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms

This article discusses a research study conducted in Turkey to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s sleep, quality of life, fatigue, and mental health. The study discovered that numerous individuals experienced sleep problems and mental health disorders following the pandemic, likely due to stress and social isolation. It suggests that enhancing sleep quality could help to improve mental health in the future, emphasising the significance of addressing these issues in public health strategies.

Title of Research Paper in the Citation Format

Sreya B, Lakshmana Rao A, (2024) Commentary: Sleep quality, quality of life, fatigue, and mental health in COVID-19 post-pandemic Türkiye: a cross-sectional study. Front. Public Health 12:1393054. Doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1393054

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated with the Research

The findings of the research have significant practical and social implications for addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Turkish population. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions aimed at improving sleep quality to mitigate long-term mental health challenges. These interventions might involve stress management programs, education on sleep hygiene, and increased access to mental health services. Furthermore, optimising healthcare resource allocation by prioritising mental health services and sleep disorder clinics could enhance support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Public health campaigns focusing on the importance of sleep for mental well-being could raise awareness and promote strategies for improving sleep quality across various demographic groups. Additionally, the research helps reduce stigma around mental health by highlighting the prevalence of mental health symptoms and sleep disturbances post-pandemic, encouraging more individuals to seek support without fear of judgment. Moreover, recognising the impact of social isolation on mental health and sleep quality underscores the importance of fostering social support networks and community connections to aid in post-pandemic recovery.

Policy development informed by the research findings could address broader social determinants of health, such as housing insecurity and access to healthcare, to create a more supportive environment for mental health and sleep quality improvement initiatives. Overall, integrating mental health and sleep quality considerations into post-pandemic recovery efforts is crucial for promoting the overall well-being of the Turkish population.

Link to the Article