Volume 7 Issue 6 Nov-Dec 2025

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.

This paper examines the role of social entrepreneurship in poverty reduction in Maharashtra. Using secondary data (National Multidimensional Poverty Index reports, Maharashtra Economic Survey) and published case studies and evaluations of social enterprises and community finance (SELCO, SHGs, UNDP/Donor assessments), the study synthesizes evidence on how market-led social interventions—affordable energy, food programs, microfinance & SHGs, women-led enterprises, and livelihood linkages—contribute to multidimensional poverty reduction. Findings show Maharashtra made substantial gains in reducing multidimensional poverty between 2015–16 and 2019–21, and that social enterprises have contributed through targeted service provision, product innovation, and linkages to finance and markets. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to scale high-impact social enterprises, strengthen public-private-civil society linkages, and improve measurement and financing mechanisms for poverty-focused social ventures.

This is a case study on Dr. S. Venkata Kumar, Vice Principal, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, India. This case aims at bridging the gap between the theory and practice of leadership. This piece of research shows some instances and incidences in the college that will help understand how leadership theories can be applied in educational institutions. Some real-life examples from Dr. Kumar’s life show how a leader can lead by example. He has many qualities that make him a true leader. The case shows how various theories of leadership can be related to his life.

CBDC initiatives in India have resulted in various leading banks rolling out multiple Digital Rupee wallet applications. Various dimensions of user adoption, satisfaction, and app performance need to be understood for the benefit of strengthening the CBDC ecosystem. Based on real data collected from the Google Play Store, this paper presents an analysis of download numbers, user ratings, Android users, and tablet ratings of CBDC wallet apps launched by major Indian banks. This research identifies patterns in adoption, evaluates user satisfaction, and highlights lapses in application performance. For analysis, the quantitative approach was used to analyse download volumes, average ratings, and user feedback trends. The research indicates there is significant variation in the adoption across banks. SBI and ICICI demonstrate high downloads, but satisfaction levels remain mixed, while other banks, such as IDFC First Bank, have lower downloads coupled with high ratings. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing the usability, performance, and awareness of CBDC wallets.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global commitment to achieving social equity, economic growth, and environmental protection by 2030. Attaining these goals requires individuals and organizations to develop competencies that align with sustainability principles. This paper explores how training and development initiatives can cultivate sustainable mindsets and strengthen SDG-related competencies. It reviews existing literature, identifies theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and highlights research gaps. The study concludes that integrating sustainability into training and development enhances organizational performance, employee engagement, and societal well-being.

The automobile industry in India is one of the largest and fastest growing markets globally contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. With the increasing emphasis on sustainable transportation, the Indian government has implemented the “Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles” (FAME) scheme targeting the deployment of 6 to 7 million electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2020. Despite these efforts, the adoption rate of EVs particularly electric two-wheelers remains low compared to other major markets like the US, China and Europe. This study aims to analyse consumer perceptions and purchase intentions towards electric two-wheelers in Karnataka by identifying key determinants and providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Employing a quantitative research approach, data was collected through structured surveys administered to a diverse demographic across Karnataka. The survey measured factors such as environmental awareness, economic benefits, technological advancements, social influences and attitudes towards electric two- wheelers. Statistical analyses including multiple regression and factor analysis were conducted to identify significant determinants and understand their impact on consumer behaviour. The findings indicate that environmental awareness, economic benefits, technological advancements and social influences play crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and purchase intentions. However, barriers such as limited charging infrastructure, high initial costs and concerns about reliability persist. Based on these insights, the study offers strategic recommendations for policymakers, manufacturers and marketers to enhance the adoption rate of electric two-wheelers. These include enhancing incentive programs, developing robust charging infrastructure, investing in product innovation and executing targeted marketing campaigns. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical insights into consumer behaviour towards electric two-wheelers in Karnataka. It underscores the importance of a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to foster a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem.

Embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) are changing the way financial services are delivered and used, letting financial products be easily added to platforms that aren’t financial. The main reasons that make people want to use embedded finance and BaaS solutions, as well as the problems that arise, are investigated in this study. The study uses technology adoption models and real-world data to show how trust, perceived risk, data security, performance expectations, and social influence play important roles in shaping user intentions and business strategies. The results show that strong security frameworks, user-centred design, and the proper integration of APIs are necessary to build trust and encourage adoption. The study also shows how important it is for embedded finance and BaaS projects to follow the rules and come up with new technologies to be sustainable and scalable in the long term. These insights can help financial institutions, fintech companies, and policymakers use embedded finance and BaaS to improve the customer experience, make operations more efficient, and help more people get access to money.

Saving behaviour and financial planning play a vital role in ensuring the economic security of young adults. The present study aims to examine the savings habits and financial planning practices of young adults in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The study is descriptive in nature and is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire. A sample of 200 respondents aged between 18 and 35 years was selected using the convenient sampling method. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis, tables, and charts to understand savings patterns, preferred saving instruments, and factors influencing financial decision-making. The study shows that many young adults have limited awareness of financial planning and rely mainly on basic saving methods, with low engagement in organized investment options. Insufficient knowledge and guidance hinder effective long-term financial planning. These findings highlight the need for targeted financial literacy programmes for youth, especially during college and early employment, and offer insights for policymakers, educators, and financial institutions. As the study is limited to a single district, further research across broader regions is recommended.

This study explores the impact of sustainable marketing on consumer behaviour and brand equity, using Simpli Namdhari’s—a 100% vegetarian omnichannel retailer in Karnataka—as a case study. As sustainability becomes a strategic imperative in retail, brands like Simpli Namdhari’s are leveraging ethical sourcing, residue-free produce, and community engagement to build trust and loyalty among consumers. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews with 320 participants across Karnataka. Findings reveal that sustainability significantly enhances brand awareness, perceived quality, and emotional connection, leading to increased brand loyalty. Cultural alignment and digital engagement further amplify these effects. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for retailers aiming to integrate sustainability into their brand identity and marketing efforts.

Good productive employees are essential for every organization because it creates great working environment and increases overall productivity which leads to large profitability, favourable economic growth and better social progress. Low staff productivity prevents profitability and results to poor customer satisfaction which may result to loss of business for an organization. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between extrinsic motivation and employee performance in the operating sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were; to determine the relationship between monetary pay and employee performance, to examine the relationship between working conditions and employee performance, to assess the relationship between top management function and employee performance, and to establish the relationship between job security and employee performance in the operating sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. The study was guided by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Motivator Hygiene theories. The study utilized the descriptive research design with a quantitative approach as well as the correlational research design. The target population was 3818 permanent employees of the operating sugar manufacturing firms in Western Kenya. Yamane’s formula was used to obtain a sample size of 362. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample from each of the sugar firms. Primary data was collected by use of a structured questionnaire. Expert judgment was used to establish the validity of the instrument while Bartlett’s tests were used to measure the study constructs. Reliability of the instrument was established by Cronbach Alpha Coefficient at 0.7 threshold level. Inferential statistics of Pearson correlation Moment and Linear Regression which assessed the relationship and the cause and effect between the independent and the dependent variables respectively were utilized in analysis of data. Data was presented using values, tables, and narration. The study findings revealed that: there’s a correlation between extrinsic motivation and employee performance and that monetary pay, working conditions, top management, and job security each significantly contributed to employee performance  = 0.365, p = 0.000,  = 0.546, p = 0.000;  = 0.404, p = 0.000;  = 0.749, p-value = 0.000 respectively. The study concluded that monetary pay, working conditions, top management and job security have a significant positive relationship with employee performance. The study recommends: HR practitioners should adopt extrinsic motivation for improving employee performance since the findings reveal that increasing monetary pay, working conditions, top management and job security improves performance of employees.; scholars should use the study and its findings as a reference tool as it contributes new knowledge to existing literature that extrinsic motivational factors motivate employees to perform ; relevant government agencies should use the findings as a basis to formulate policy guidelines on extrinsic motivational factors especially in the sugar sector since the study findings reveal that there is a relationship between the two variables. The practical implication of the findings is that extrinsic motivational factors can be used as a business strategy for improving employee performance in organizations. The researcher recommends; further studies to investigate the relationship between extrinsic motivation factors not covered in this study and employee performance and a comparative study on the two variables between government and privately owned sugar firms.