DIGITAL–GREEN TRANSFORMATION IN MANUFACTURING MSMES IN TAMIL NADU: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE

Title: DIGITAL–GREEN TRANSFORMATION IN MANUFACTURING MSMES IN TAMIL NADU: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE
Author: Praveen Kumar S, Sathya Priya N and Rajan Chinna P
Abstract:

Purpose: The research examines the mediation role of digital transformation in the adoption of green manufacturing practices and introduction of sustainable performance in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) manufacturing in Tamil Nadu in India. There are more than 3.5 million registered MSMEs in Tamil Nadu (textiles, automotive parts, leather products and precision engineering) with a total contribution of about 8% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the state and more than 25 million employments. Although with this industrial role, the opportunities of Industry 4.0 technologies to boost MSME competitiveness and environmental performance in the same direction have not been properly investigated in the context of the regional emerging-economy.
Methodology: A PRISMA-based systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken in four large databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) that included peer-reviewed articles to support the years 2015 to 2024. After screening had taken place according to a four-step process, a final corpus of 33 studies underwent thematic analysis.
Findings: The following three mutually reinforcing themes were found: (1) Industry 4.0 technologies as the sources of manufacturing transformation; (2) digital technologies as structural enablers of green manufacturing, through real-time monitoring, predictive optimisation and integration of the cycle economy; and (3) sustainable outcomes in performance measured by the triple-bottom-line (TBL) framework. An imagined framework of Digital-Green Transformation (DGT) and five propositions of research that can be tested is created. The main challenges to adoption are financial constraints, the complexity of technology and lack of digital skills.
Originality / Value: The paper is the first attempt at combining Industry 4.0, green manufacturing, and TBL performance in the context of a particular institutional and industrial setting, i.e., in Tamil Nadu manufacturing MSMEs. The research propositions and DGT framework promote the context-heavy viewpoint of sustainability transition theory in emerging economy manufacturing and furnish contextually appropriate policy production straight to regional policy makers, managers of MSME, and furnish technology suppliers. The results of the study are explicitly mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 12, 13, and 17.

Keywords: Digital transformation, green manufacturing, MSMEs, Industry 4.0, Sustainable performance
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8231
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 02-04-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

GROWTH TREND OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM

Title: GROWTH TREND OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM
Author: Mamata Borthakur
Abstract:

Commercialization of agricultural activities is considered as the major tool for rural economic growth of a region. Involvement of small and medium classes of farmers in high income generating agricultural activities contributes not only to a positive growth of the economic status of the farmers, but such change of activity generates new areas of market and trade potentials. Like any other district of Assam, Sonitpur presents noticeable changes in its agricultural sector of economy over last five decades. Since 1980s, a variety of commercial agricultural farms immersed in the rural areas reflecting vibrant changes in the socio-economic landscape of the district. Present paper intends to focus on the growth trend of commercial agricultural activities in Sonitpur district of Assam and its impact on rural economic growth and employment generation of the region.

Keywords: commercial farms, income growth, employment generation, rural economy, marginal & medium farmers.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8230
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 01-04-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

PARTICIPATION TREND OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN RANGAPARA REGION OF SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

Title: PARTICIPATION TREND OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN RANGAPARA REGION OF SONITPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
Author: Mamata Borthakur
Abstract:

Since the dawn of history tribal people have practised self-sustainable agricultural and allied agricultural activities. Prior to the introduction of monetary & market- based economy by the Britishers in Assam, the tribal people of the region were accustomed to bartered system of economy. The entry of the tribal people of North East India including Assam into commercial activities has been a slow and steady process, which restricted their economic growth parameter within specific limits. But, over last few decades the tribal people appear to catch the vibes of commercial activities contributing significantly to their socio-economic lives and living. The present paper intends to evaluate the trend of commercial activities adopted by the tribal women of Rangapara region which covers Chariduar and Rangapara Community Development Block areas of Sonitpur district of Assam. It is interesting to find that the tribal women who had long been served as housewives & agricultural fieldworkers of their male counterparts playing active roles in adopting commercial activities over last four decades. Such a role of the tribal women adversely motivated their male counterparts, too, to opt for certain other commercial activities. The work also makes an assessment on income & employment generated by the commercial activities of the tribal women in the study area.

Keywords: Tribal women, Commercial farms, Household activities, Traditional, Economy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8229
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 01-04-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

STRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NUTRI-CEREAL FOOD PRODUCTS FOR FUTURE FOOD SECURITY

Title: STRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NUTRI-CEREAL FOOD PRODUCTS FOR FUTURE FOOD SECURITY
Author: A. ANISHA and Dr. K. CHANDRASEKAR
Abstract:

This paper will explore how sustainable practices could help improve the production, distribution, and consumption of Nutri-cereals, in the context of enhancing ecological balance and availability of food in the long term. The Nutri-cereals, which are characterized by their resistance to climate and their nutritional quality, have a lot of potential in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system. The study is quantitative whereby primary data will be used to gather information on the main stakeholders such as producers, distributors, retailers and consumers. The use of a structured questionnaire to collect the relevant data and the interpretation of the data through the use of analytical tools like percentage analysis, correlation analysis, etc. were employed. The research explores different aspects of sustainability such as resource efficiency, supply chain practices, level of awareness, and stakeholder involvement. This paper fits into the knowledge of how ecological sustainability may be addressed into the Nutri-cereals value chain to align with the food security objectives. It highlights that the stakeholders have to work together, support policies, and raise awareness in order to encourage sustainable production and consumption trends. The research offers a conceptual and empirical framework on how the sustainable food systems can be enhanced by promoting the Nutri-cereals.

Keywords: Sustainability, Ecological, Nutri-cereals product, Food security.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8228
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 01-04-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ‘DE-INFLUENCING’ ON REVERSE LOGISTICS COSTS IN E-COMMERCE

Title: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ‘DE-INFLUENCING’ ON REVERSE LOGISTICS COSTS IN E-COMMERCE
Author: Khushi Amit Mandot and Divyam Shrenik Kotecha
Abstract:

The paper discusses one of the newly emerged topics of De-Influencing. It is the exact opposite of the term Influencing or Influencer Marketing, which is responsible for driving gross sales through Impulse Buying of the Consumer. However, this surge in consumption has been shadowed by a proportional rise in reverse logistics challenges, with return rates in sectors like fast fashion exceeding 30%. This paper investigates the phenomenon of “de-influencing” – a social media trend characterized by creators discouraging the purchase of overhyped or low-quality products and its quantifiable impact on the supply chain.
While traditional thinking views de-influencing as a threat to revenue, this study adopts an operation centric approach. By examining the correlation between viral de-influencing cycles and return volume metrics, the research explores whether the reduction in bracketing and impulse driven returns offset the loss in initial transaction volumes. The study utilises sentiment analysis of social media metadata with a behavioural survey of e-commerce consumers. Preliminary findings suggest that de-influencing enhances Quality of Sale. The paper concludes by proposing a new financial framework for e retailers to integrate De-Influencing into their inventory and return management systems forecasting, suggesting that in the era of sustainable commerce, “less” may indeed result in “more” for the bottom line.

Keywords: De-Influencing, Reverse Logistics, E-Commerce Returns, Bracketing, Quality of Sale, Consumer Behaviour
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8227
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 01-04-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF NIFTY 50 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFS) AND THE BENCHMARK INDEX: A STUDY OF VOLATILITY AND RECOVERY (2020-2025)

Title: COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF NIFTY 50 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (ETFS) AND THE BENCHMARK INDEX: A STUDY OF VOLATILITY AND RECOVERY (2020-2025)
Author: Surendra J. and Dr. Sandhya B.S
Abstract:

This study examines the performance of Nifty 50 Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in comparison with the Nifty 50 benchmark index during the period 2020–2025. The Nifty 50, representing 50 large-cap companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India, serves as a key indicator of India’s equity market performance. With the growing popularity of passive investing, ETFs tracking this index have become increasingly important for both retail and institutional investors.
The study adopts a quantitative research design using secondary data, including daily closing prices of selected ETFs—Nippon India ETF Nifty BeES, SBI ETF Nifty 50, and ICICI Prudential Nifty ETF—and the benchmark index. Key performance metrics such as Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), tracking error, expense ratio, and liquidity indicators were analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of ETFs in replicating the benchmark.
The findings reveal that Nifty 50 ETFs closely tracked the benchmark, delivering returns in the range of 11.9% to 12.5% compared to the benchmark return of approximately 12.8%. However, minor underperformance was observed across all ETFs, primarily due to tracking error, expense ratios, and liquidity constraints. Among the selected ETFs, Nippon India ETF Nifty BeES demonstrated the highest efficiency, with the lowest tracking error (0.12%), minimal expense ratio (0.05%), and superior liquidity.
The study concludes that while ETFs are not perfect substitutes for the benchmark index, they provide a reliable and cost-effective means of achieving diversified market exposure. The results also highlight the importance of liquidity and cost considerations in ETF selection. These findings are particularly relevant for investors seeking passive investment strategies in India, as well as for policymakers aiming to enhance market efficiency and investor participation.
Overall, the research contributes to the understanding of ETF performance in emerging markets, especially during periods of significant market volatility such as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery phase.

Keywords: Nifty 50; Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs); Benchmark Index; Tracking Error; Expense Ratio; Liquidity; Market Volatility; Passive Investing; India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8226
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 30-03-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

IMPACT OF CAREER GUIDANCE IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY UNDER NEP 2020

Title: IMPACT OF CAREER GUIDANCE IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY UNDER NEP 2020
Author: Dr. Nusrat Z Hirani
Abstract:

Unprecedented technological innovation, emergence of new digital pedagogies driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the way content is delivered across classrooms. It has redefined the role of educators and students. The pathway from classroom (physical as well as virtual) to boardroom is now cobbled with multiple diverse stepping stones which if not tread carefully may become a stumbling block in a learner’s career. Peer pressure, shrinking job market and global uncertainties have now more than before necessitated the need for correct guidance to allow every young mind and soul to contribute in Prime Minister Modi’s dream of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. This paper explores the role that must be played by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India, in providing effective career guidance to youth especially in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It discusses how career guidance and placement cells in HEIs can support youth empowerment, employability, and provide equitable access to opportunities. Data was collected over a period of five years i.e. from year 2020 to year 2025, from 1400 graduates of a Nagpur city-based Commerce college. Structured questionnaire and interviews were used. Analysis of the collected data reveals that correct career guidance led to decrease in dropout rates of students. Besides there was a considerable shift in career choices made by commerce students. This paper provides empirical evidence in support of the proposition that career guidance initiatives have a positive impact on students in terms of increasing the number of students who pursue further education after graduation and influences their shift from traditional commerce programs to non- traditional programs

Keywords: Career guidance, commerce students, employability, NEP 2020, Role of Higher Education Institutions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8225
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 30-03-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

LISTING DAY PERFORMANCE AND SECTORAL TRENDS OF MAINBOARD AND SME INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS IN INDIA

Title: LISTING DAY PERFORMANCE AND SECTORAL TRENDS OF MAINBOARD AND SME INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS IN INDIA
Author: Soumali Bose and Dr. Soubarna Pal
Abstract:

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) have gained major impetus in India, with companies viewing it as more than just a means of raising funds, but as a vehicle towards gaining visibility, credibility, and access to a wider investor base. Listing of stocks in the secondary market enhances the market reputation and attracts investor attention for the issuer company. Furthermore, a public issue serves as a prospect for exit and profit realization by private capital providers. With a booming start-up ecosystem and established organizations looking for expansion, the new issues market has surged. Robust regulatory framework, increasing retail investor participation and conducive Government policies have fueled this surge further. However, not every public offering will create wealth. Pricing patterns of IPO stocks during the last 10 fiscal years, has undergone a lot of changes owing to regulatory and legal reforms for public issues in India. This research paper aims to analyse the trends in pricing and performance of Mainboard and Small and Medium Enterprises Initial Public Offerings floated through the last 10 financial years on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Some recent offerings, especially those structured as pure Offers for Sale, don’t raise fresh capital, limiting future growth potential. Also, high valuations in select issues and macroeconomic uncertainties – such as global oil price swings and foreign fund outflows – could dampen returns post-listing. Issues priced close to their listing-day close price are considered fair for issuing firms and investors. Many of the companies going public belonged to high-growth sectors like Fintech, e-Commerce/Tech Platforms, and specialized manufacturing, all of which commanded high investor appeal and premium valuations.

Keywords: Capital Markets, Public Issues, New Issues, Listing
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8224
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 30-03-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

DIGITAL COMMERCE ADOPTION AND MSME PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM EMERGING REGIONAL MARKETS UNDER THE ONDC ECOSYSTEM

Title: DIGITAL COMMERCE ADOPTION AND MSME PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM EMERGING REGIONAL MARKETS UNDER THE ONDC ECOSYSTEM
Author: Rajani Kumari and Bimal Kumar Mishra
Abstract:

Digital commerce has emerged as a critical driver of small enterprise transformation in developing economies. In India, the introduction of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) represents a policy initiative aimed at democratizing digital marketplaces and expanding participation among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Despite its policy significance, empirical evidence on the economic impact of digital commerce adoption in emerging regional markets remains limited. This study examines the relationship between digital adoption and MSME performance within sub-urban commercial environments. Building on the Technology Acceptance Model, Diffusion of Innovations theory, and the Digital Divide framework, the research develops a conceptual model linking technological capability, digital adoption, and vendor performance. Using a mixed analytical approach combining descriptive analysis, econometric modeling, and interaction-based regression techniques, the study evaluates how smartphone access, education, and digital commerce adoption influence revenue outcomes among small enterprises. The empirical results indicate that digital adoption significantly improves vendor revenue growth and market participation, while smartphone access and education act as enabling factors facilitating digital integration. Interaction analysis further reveals that the economic returns from digital adoption vary across regional market environments, highlighting the role of infrastructure and institutional context in shaping digital transformation outcomes. These findings suggest that digital commerce initiatives can substantially enhance MSME competitiveness, but their effectiveness depends on complementary investments in digital literacy, infrastructure development, and localized support systems. The study contributes to the emerging literature on inclusive digital economies by providing empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which open digital commerce ecosystems influence small enterprise growth in developing regional markets.

Keywords: Digital commerce, MSMEs, digital adoption, ONDC, digital inclusion, regional economies, e-commerce ecosystems
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8223
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 30-03-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026

AI-DRIVEN HR PRACTICES IN DELHI NCR TOURISM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR TALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTION

Title: AI-DRIVEN HR PRACTICES IN DELHI NCR TOURISM: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR TALENT ACQUISITION AND RETENTION
Author: Himanshi Balyan and Vikram Tihal
Abstract:

This paper develops a conceptual framework examining how AI-driven HR practices influence talent acquisition and retention in Delhi NCR tourism sector, which confronts turnover exceeding 40% and acute seasonal hiring pressures. Literature synthesis integrates AI-HRM and tourism scholarship to propose relationships between three AI practice domains (intelligent sourcing/screening, predictive analytics, personalized learning) and two talent outcomes (acquisition quality, employee retention), moderated by governance quality, firm resources, and seasonal volatility. Eight propositions appear: AI-powered screening improves multilingual hire quality in customer-facing roles (P1). Better hires show stronger retention, creating mediation pathways (P2). Predictive turnover tools prove most effective during off-peak windows when interventions face fewer service pressures (P3). Learning platforms succeed when HR teams understand the technology (P4). Strong ethical governance amplifies benefits across outcomes (P5). Larger firms gain more than resource-constrained SMEs (P6). Extreme seasonality disrupts retention gains unless forecasting capabilities compensate (P7). Ethical transparency in recruitment boosts candidate beliefs, enhancing later retention (P8). Conceptual framework requires empirical validation through multi-respondent surveys, structural equation modeling, and longitudinal designs as specified. Framework extends AI-HRM theory to service-intensive emerging market contexts marked by workforce volatility and cultural diversity. Tourism managers should prioritize recruitment AI where efficiency gains appear fastest, invest in staff training, show bias audits before deployment, and preserve human judgment for relationship-building. Policymakers should subsidize SME adoption and create industry- specific ethical standards. Ethical AI deployment proves essential in Delhi NCR diverse labor markets where perceived bias spreads rapidly through professional networks. First India-focused tourism AI-HRM framework embedding seasonality, multilingual dynamics, and ethical governance as central theoretical constructs rather than peripheral considerations.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Human Resource Management, Talent Acquisition, Employee Retention, Tourism Industry, Delhi NCR, Conceptual Framework
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2026.8222
PDF Download
Date of Publication: 30-03-2026
Download Publication Certificate: PDF
Published Vol & Issue: Volume 8 Issue 2 March-April 2026