Role of Academic Incubators in Promoting Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Skills among Students in India

In order to promote entrepreneurship and new business ventures, particularly in developing nations like India, business incubators must be integrated into universities. Due to their youth and lack of financial responsibilities, many students are more inclined to take chances and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of academic incubators in India, their function in fostering entrepreneurial abilities, and their role in the launch of new businesses. The paper offers insights into how universities can better prepare students for entrepreneurial success by analyzing the opportunities and challenges in the current academic incubation landscape

Effect of Financial Leverage on Financial Performance of Indian Public Sector Banks

The study aims to analyse the effect of financial leverage on financial performance of Indian Public Sector Banks using random effects regression model. The model is based on panel data consisting of 12 Indian Public sector banks studied over a period of 14 years from financial year 2010-11 to 2023-24. Financial performance is measured using Return on Equity (ROE) and financial leverage is measured using Debt-to-Equity ratio (DE) and Debt-to Total Assets ratio (DTA). It is observed that Return on Equity (ROE) bears a positive significant relationship with Debt-to-Equity ratio (DE) and Debt-to Total Assets ratio (DTA). The results are in consonance with agency cost theory and other empirical studies. The study indicates the efficient use of debt capital by the Indian Public Sector Banks in increasing the return to its shareholders. Financial leverage helps in increasing returns to shareholders, when the profit generated exceeds the debt-servicing costs

Navigating the Evolution: Transitioning from Transactional to Relationship Marketing: A Case of Banking Institution in Kalyani Town in Nadia District

The concept of the Marketing Continuum, initially introduced by Grönroos (1994, 1996), signifies a fundamental shift in marketing paradigms. Positioned at opposite ends of this continuum are two distinct orientations: transaction marketing and relationship marketing. At the leftmost point, transaction marketing emphasizes the maximization of economic gains within the exchange between seller and buyer. This approach prioritizes the individual transaction, competition, and firm-centric value, where the buyer is perceived as passive, the firm is viewed as the central authority, and interactions are short-term and independent, with a clear delineation of boundaries. Conversely, relationship marketing, positioned at the continuum’s right end, advocates for a more collaborative and cooperative approach. Here, the focus is on long-term partnerships, with both firms and buyers seen as active participants in a dynamic, interdependent process. The firm's role becomes integral to the process, and boundaries are blurred, fostering a networked environment. Relationship marketing emphasizes a long-term commitment, interdependence, and customer-centric strategies, such as database marketing, interaction marketing, and network marketing. In this context, the present study will examine various facets of relationship marketing, seeking to explore its practical application within the marketing field. Additionally, the research will gather feedback from customers within selected regions of West Bengal, specifically focusing on the banking sector, to assess the real-world impact of relationship marketing practices

A Comparative Study on the Digital Services Offered by Commercial Banks and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): A Survey of Standard Chartered Bank Lusaka Customers

This study aimed to compare the utilization of digital financial services provided by Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and mobile network operators (MNOs) among customers in Lusaka, Zambia, with the ultimate goal of enhancing financial inclusion. The specific objectives included analyzing usage trends, examining determinants affecting customer choices, and identifying potential improvements based on customer experiences and expectations. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights. The findings revealed that MNOs were the most frequently used digital financial service providers, with 39.7% of respondents indicating a preference for services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money. SCB also had a significant user base, with 36.2% of respondents utilizing its digital financial services. Convenience emerged as the most influential factor in determining customer choices, followed by security and ease of use. However, several challenges were identified, including the complexity of services, poor customer service, and lack of awareness. The study also highlighted significant differences in satisfaction levels across different income groups, suggesting that income influences perceptions of service quality. Based on the findings, the study recommends simplifying user interfaces, enhancing security measures, increasing awareness and education, improving customer support, and expanding service features to address the identified challenges and promote greater financial inclusion. These recommendations aim to guide policymakers, financial institutions, and service providers in developing more user-centric and effective digital financial solutions. The study concludes that addressing these areas can significantly improve the user experience and increase the adoption of digital financial services, thereby advancing financial inclusion in Zambia

Business Accelerator Interventions and MSME Growth in Lusaka, Zambia

Despite numerous interventions by the Zambian government and stakeholders, the failure rate of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambia remains high at 50% (Chilembo 2021). This study investigates the influence of business accelerator programs on MSME growth. Employing a mixed-methods approach with 5 business accelerators and 50 MSMEs in Lusaka, the study found that accelerator programs offered MSMEs interventions including capital, mentorship, training, and networking. Training emerged as the most valuable intervention for participants. The study concludes that increased capital funding and expanded training opportunities are crucial for boosting MSME growth. It also recommends enhanced post-program mentorship and a shift in program emphasis from funding to broader growth support

An Overview of Financial Education Initiatives in India – A Descriptive Study

The genesis and significance of financial literacy have come into the limelight since the worldwide economic collapse. Financial literacy is expected controlling device for the unrestricted poverty and economic disparity in India. The Government and financial sector regulators have envisaged “National Strategy for Financial Education” (2020-25) through a very new “5-C” approach “Content”, “Capacity”, “Community”,” Communication” and “Collaboration” to uplift the existing reduced financial literacy rate. This paper elucidates on different initiatives grabbed by the supervisory agencies of India to excel the “financial literacy” among the individuals in the country and alongside compares financial literacy rates state wise in India and with fastest growing countries in Asia. This paper is purely based on various documents published by the regulatory bodies and reviews of research articles. The significance of this paper is advocated as policy makers and research scholars may see it as a value addition to the present literature of financial literacy

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Telecommunication Sector: A Case of Zamtel Ltd.

Corporate Social Responsibility can be defined as a concept whereby businesses willingly integrate social, environmental and ethical standards into their operations in order to improve the organisation’s performance, lives of employees, local communities and the society as a whole. The study focused on determining the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility in the telecommunication sector: a case of Zamtel Limited. Previous studies have mainly focused on investigating the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and the company’s financial performance. Very little information is available on the concept with regard to the reasons why companies in the mobile telecommunication industry are engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. The researcher used a descriptive research design. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to select a sample which comprised managers, unionised employees and customers of Zamtel limited. Out of a sample of 145 participants, only 120 questionnaires were answered and returned. This represented an 85 % response rate which was very satisfactory. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire which had both quantitative and some qualitative questions. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the independent variables being; the economical, ethical, legal and philanthropic responsibilities had a relationship with the dependent variable which is the company performance. The conclusion of this study was based on the multiple linear regressions, which examined the cumulative effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The multiple linear regressions gave a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.979, which showed that the relationship between the four independent variables cumulatively on the dependent variable was very strong and positively correlated. This implied that by investing in Corporate Social Responsibilities, companies in the telecommunication sector will have improved performance owing to customer and employee loyalty among other reasons. The study recommends that Zamtel Ltd invests in its employees and increases the support to social causes

A Study of the Viability of Zambia Co-Operative Federation (ZCF) Installed Solar Milling Plants in Zambia

This portfolio thesis is aimed at critically evaluating the viabilities of the Solar milling plants and thought process of cooperatives in rural areas on repaying back of loans using pragmatic action research. This thesis contributes to the empirically and theoretically based understanding of, the impact of the presidential funds in Zambia. A case study of Solar Milling plants across Zambia via ZCF. This study was a participatory in nature, hence, a cross sectional approach was undertaken in the first half of 2016, 2017 and part of 2018 to access primary, district and provincial corporative responses regarding viability of the solar milling plants in the community and to ZCF. In the results, several findings were established which tried to satisfy the objectives of the study. The correlation model revealed that there was a significant difference in between monthly target and monthly recovery fund.  A weak relationship was found between the two variables that indicate differences exist between the two groups. This implies that a The viability of solar milling plant and loan recovery is low and not very feasible. This result was found to be significant with p values less than 0.05 and the entire model was significant at p-values (0.0387<0.05). Regarding the factors related to Zambia Co-operative Federation (ZCF) Debt recovery on the installed solar milling plants in Zambia were revealed to repayment history, capacity of machine, Binding cooperative contract, raw material and system of recovery, OR=0.8494, p=0.001.  It was also found that despite minor difference these factors were established to directly related to debt rectory. Recommendations have been made to ZCF management to also provide resources for the cooperatives who are managing the milling plants with startup capital to buy maize and packaging materials for the mealie meal and also provide tools for recovery officers to use when following up loan payments from cooperatives. The need to train cooperators on corporate governance, book keeping so that there is comprehensive general accountability

Women in Combat: The Rise of Women in Defense Forces

The role of women in the Indian Armed Forces has evolved significantly over the past decades, shifting from supportive roles to leadership and, more recently, combat positions. This article outlines the historical milestones that have shaped women’s inclusion in India’s defense services, starting from their entry during World War II and leading up to the landmark Supreme Court ruling of 2020 that granted women permanent commission status. Despite these advances, women in the Indian military still encounter challenges, including limited access to certain combat roles, gender bias, and societal perceptions of traditional gender norms. In this article, we explore the historical milestones that have shaped women’s participation in the Indian Armed Forces, the challenges they continue to face, and the path ahead toward full integration and equality. By examining the role of women in shaping modern defense strategies and leadership, the article offers a comprehensive overview of their contributions and the path forward for an inclusive Indian Armed Forces

Assessment of Government’s FDI Policies in the Health Care Industry

The healthcare sector has been flourishing effectively in India compare to the rest of the world. Medical travel, telemedicine, hospitals, surgical instruments, clinical trials, outsourcing, and health insurance are all included in the healthcare industry. The rapid expansion of the Indian healthcare sector is being driven by the country's huge coverage, services, and increasing public and private expenditure. To establish the performance of FDI in the healthcare industry the study assessed the different policy measures taken by the government in the health sector and tried to gauge the effect of FDI in the healthcare industry concerning policy measures taken by the government. A descriptive analysis method is used in this study to assess the performance of FDI in the health sector concerning the UK, USA, and BRICS countries. The Paper showed that the liberalisation of government policies has induced FDI to perform better in the healthcare industry