Adoption of Mobile Payment Systems: An Empirical Analysis of Consumer Intentions using the UTAUT2 Model and PLS-SEM

Mobile payment systems have emerged as a key driver of financial inclusion in India, particularly in the context of digital transformation and the government’s push toward a cashless economy. This study investigates the determinants influencing consumer adoption of mobile payment systems using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. A structured questionnaire was administered to 124 respondents in Jharkhand, India, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS. The results reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and price value significantly influence behavioral intention to use mobile payments, whereas social influence, trust, and habit were found to be insignificant predictors. Furthermore, behavioral intention showed a positive and significant effect on actual usage behavior. These findings provide empirical support for UTAUT2 in the Indian context and highlight the growing role of perceived value and technological convenience in shaping mobile payment adoption. The study offers theoretical contributions to digital finance literature and practical implications for policymakers, fintech firms, and service providers aiming to enhance mobile payment penetration in emerging economies

Reforms and Economic Transformation in India: A Stocktaking

In early 1991, a major economic crisis occurred in India due to worsening balance of payments situation. To tackle the problem the country introduced a policy of macroeconomic stabilization and structural reforms. The widening gap between the public revenue and public expenditure resulted in growing fiscal deficit which was financed by borrowings. The internal imbalance in the fiscal situation and the external imbalance in the payments situation wee closely related. A widening current account deficit and fiscal deficit precipitated the crisis. To counter the worsening economic situation India launched a programme of economic reforms that principally had two components: Structural reforms and Macroeconomic stabilization. In the last three decades or so the Indian economy has flourished by registering sustained economic growth. There is improved fiscal management and the external payments situation has substantially got better. The economy is much bigger in size and the per capital income an indicator of rising living standard has risen substantially. India currently is the fifth largest economy in the world. Rising economic growth has been accompanied by sharp decline in poverty, expansion of trade, industry and services and rural transformation

ESG: Implementation, Reporting, and Internal Audit\u27s Role

This paper explores the implementation, reporting, and role of internal audit in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within organizations. It examines the growing importance of ESG factors in corporate decision-making, the challenges associated with their implementation, and the role of internal audit in ensuring effective ESG reporting. A survey comprising nine questions was conducted, focusing on the Consumer Electronics, Metals and Mining, Automobile, and Chemical industries. The transition of ESG factors from conceptual and investor preferences to regulatory requirements presents challenges for all stakeholders, particularly in integrating sustainability risk factors into existing Risk Management Frameworks

Financial Capability (FC): A Systematic Review of Literature and Prospects for Future Research

The available research literatures concerning the emerging area of financial capability demonstrates a broad range of perspectives on both the definition and assessment of this concept. Although there is an ample amount of research literature available for reviewing measurement domains and indicators, there is a lack of extensive bibliographic analysis in this area. The primary objective of this study is to pinpoint major contributors, focal areas, existing dynamics, and propose potential avenues for future research within this specific domain. The systematic literature review (SLR) adheres to the protocol outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). This study employs a methodological approach involving systematic literature review, alongside bibliometric, network, and content analysis. This scoping review conducted an analysis of scholarly literature on financial capability from the years 2007 to 2023. In total, 363 studies satisfied all the inclusion criteria for the present study. Utilizing bibliometric techniques, four distinct research clusters have been discerned, and an in-depth content analysis has been conducted on the papers associated with these clusters. The predominant research emphasis in this field revolves around impact of financial capability on financial satisfaction and financial well-being followed by it’s impact on financial behaviour. Subsequently, the focus extends to influence of financial education on financial capability and the measurement of its level. Later part of this study includes recommendations regarding the standardization of measurement for the components within financial capability and the assessment of financial capability itself.&nbsp

Enhancing Financial Literacy for Sustainable Future: A study among Kerala’s Rural Cashew Workers

The impact of financial literacy on rural cashew workers\u27s long-term economic security and growth is explored in this research from Kerala, India. It stresses the need of financial education in raising financial literacy, a prerequisite for economic agency. The study looks at the effects of financial literacy on leadership, time management, financial wellness, decision-making, income management, and other aspects of economic growth. This study uses Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) as part of its deductive quantitative technique to examine data collected from 426 rural cashew workers who are economically disadvantaged. The results show that there are strong links between knowing how to handle money and being financially independent in the long run. The study highlights how financial education and literacy may help rural cashew workers become more financially independent and secure, which in turn helps achieve sustainable development goals and more financial inclusion

Business Saga of LANTEC Technologies, MASAT: A Case Study

Engineering products have been a key sector in overall manufacturing sector. One of the key engineering products is the Electronic Control Panel. As part of the Power Supplying unit these electronic panels support the plant site of the industries. Lantec Technologies is one such company in the electronic panel manufacturing Industries which is extending its services since 2006 and has a history effective 1995 when the owners took first step in engineering product manufacturing. The Company started full fledge operations by 2008 and then there was looking back. Even in the Pandemic the Company could manage to survive with its strength of product quality and better human values. This case study attempts to understand the domain of Electrical Control Panel Manufacturing Business& the strategic skills associated with such Businesses. It further aims togain knowledge with respect to the dynamics of Electrical Control Panel Manufacturing Business with special reference to Lantec Technologies, Masat. The Case creators have extended recommendation models & theories on Business functioning with special reference to Electrical Control Panel Manufacturing Businesses. The case has the potential to benefit the players in the industry. Also it has the potential to benefit the Students especially from commerce & management sphere and the new startups planning to enter the field of electrical panel manufacturing

An Empirical Study Using Meta-Analysis to Learn How Social Media Affects Organic Consumer Goods Purchase Behaviour

The research indicates a steady increase in the population interested in consuming organic food. This interest has primarily been motivated by health concerns. Despite extensive research on many aspects of organic food consumption, no study has comprehensively examined the factors influencing consumers\u27 perceptions of organic products or their purchasing behaviours regarding organic commodities. This is despite the extensive study conducted on organic food consumption. We utilise a sample of 124,353 customers interviewed for one of the 150 research published between 1991 and 2016 to conduct a meta-analysis examining the variables influencing consumers\u27 preferences for purchasing organic food. The articles were disseminated from 1991 to 2016. From 1991 to 2016, these studies were disseminated in scholarly journals. The findings indicate that the search and experience attributes of organic foods are not regarded as highly as their credibility aspects. This illustrates that consumer beliefs regarding the benefits of organic food versus conventionally produced food are the primary impetus for the industry. The results indicate that search and experience characteristics are not less relevant than credence attributes; instead, they reveal that credence attributes substantially influence customers\u27 decisions regarding organic food purchases. The ability to understand consumer perceptions regarding search, experience, and credibility factors can offer organic producers and sellers a distinctive marketing advantage and a unique selling proposition for their products

Trends in Liquidity Position of Indian Automobile Companies: A Study of Companies Listed in NIFTY Auto

Liquidity is defined as a company\u27s ability to meet its short-term obligations. It is one of the important criteria for measuring the financial health of the company. Understanding the liquidity position is crucial for making informed investment decisions over the long term, as dividend decisions often depend on liquidity. Understanding and analysing liquidity position is a challenging task. Therefore, as a solution, the present study aims towards the Indian automobile industry and evaluates the liquidity position by using short-term liquidity ratios and working capital management ratios. A study was performed in the companies listed in the NIFTY Auto index. An attempt has been made to rank the companies from the select list. Users can use this methodology to rank the companies in their portfolio. The study finds the top three and bottom three companies based on liquidity ranking and suggests some practices to enhance liquidity among the automobile companies

Understanding Employee Opinions on Balanced Scorecard Practices in IT & ITES Firms- A Study with Special Reference to Chennai and Bangalore

The Balanced Scorecard is widely recognized as an essential strategic management tool that integrates financial and non financial measures to provide a comprehensive view of organizational performance. This study explores employee opinions on Balanced Scorecard practices in selected IT and ITES firms in Chennai and Bangalore, two major technology hubs in India. The research examines the extent of Balanced Scorecard adoption, the types of metrics used, and the strategic purposes it serves in daily organizational operations. Findings reveal that employees view the Balanced Scorecard as valuable for improving business processes, assessing managerial effectiveness, supporting informed decision making, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. However, challenges such as difficulty in monitoring managerial productivity and gaps in communicating strategic priorities are also noted. Overall, the study shows that the Balanced Scorecard helps IT and ITES firms align strategy with operations, strengthen performance management, and enhance long term organizational effectiveness while highlighting areas requiring improved implementation and communication

Determinants of Financial Well Being: A Study of Urban Working Women in West Bengal

This study investigates the facilitating role of Financial Skills and Financial Autonomy on Financial Well Being of Urban Working Women in West Bengal. In the methodology of the research study, a primary survey was carried out in a cross-sectional manner and 332 participants were studied. It investigates the structural covariance among latent factors like Financial Autonomy, Financial Skill (FSK), Financial Well-being (FWB), and Money Management Stress (MMS) through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The questionnaire comprised of validated questions that evaluated the constructs of interest, and it was developed through a literature review of financial behaviour and psychological well-being found in Behavioural Economics Literature. The final SEM model consisted of three latent variables as per a well-established theoretical framework. The findings indicate that Financial Skills in combination with Financial Autonomy or the ability of an individual to independently manage their finances, make informed financial decisions, and take effort towards their own financial goals emphatically increases Financial Well Being and reduces Money Management Stress in Urban Working Women