Examining the impact of FinTechs in extending capital access to MSMEs

The advancement in technology in the finance sector has given birth to FinTech. South Asia will be witnessing the highest FinTech growth rate in the next five years. Indian MSMEs have been seen to be riding this tide, and FinTechs are well aware of that. This study aims to examine the role of Fintech-based microfinancing in the growth and sustainability of MSMEs. We have followed qualitative methodology to understand the impact of FinTech services on the MSMEs\u27 overall development. Insights from interviews revealed many problems, especially credit-related, faced by MSMEs. The participants accepted that FinTechs have helped them overcome the problems by offering quick and customized short-term loans. The study establishes that the support from FinTech has made the MSMEs more financially stable, resulting in their growth. This study will be the first to investigate this relationship between Fintech and MSMEs. The evidence found in our work points towards the overarching effect of such ecosystems on the nation\u27s economy

Training through the Utilization of Ginger into Syrup Products for the Community in Padukuhan Wirik, Gunungkidul Regency

Ginger is one of the natural products in Padukuhan Wirik, Umbulrejo Village, Ponjong District, Gunungkidul Regency, which is widely grown in family medicinal plants. This training activity aims to provide new ideas for the community to do business and build MSMEs. In addition, this activity is also intended to increase the utilization of ginger into a more value-added and marketable product, namely ginger syrup. The method used was explaining the material, making ginger syrup, and discussing the question and answer. The audience of this activity was 35 PKK women in Wirik hamlet. This training activity succeeded in increasing the knowledge and skills of PKK women in processing ginger into syrup. The results of empowerment found that participants actively asked questions and practised the process of making ginger syrup. In line with the program, the PKK women of Wirik hamlet are interested in implementing the business idea of utilizing ginger in ginger syrup products to improve the family economy

NATURAL RESOURCES AND POLICIES FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM: AN UTTARAKHAND PERSPECTIVE

This paper in particular deals with the analysis and reviews of the ecotourism policies and the framework of the state of Uttarakhand and the Indian government. In general, it evaluates and discusses the future and significance of the natural resources for the development of the community-based ecotourism in Uttarakhand for the sustainable development of the villages including conservation of biological diversity. This paper argues that the homestay programme, if encouraged, might help the state to achieve its goal of ecotourism and the green economy. Tourism was given an industry status by the government of Uttarakhand in 2018, providing attractive incentives and subsidies. Nevertheless, there is still a need for the appropriate policy framework for the better management of the natural resources, development and the training of the various stakeholders and the entrepreneurs involved in the community-based ecotourism industry

Strategy Formulation for Performance Improvement of Indian Corrugated Industry: An Application of SWOT Analysis and QSPM Matrix

Strategy formulation and implementation is one of the most important tasks that managers in every organization need to perform. This process has emerged with a range of approaches that enjoyed different levels of support and recognition over time. But, somehow in Indian unorganized SMEs, it has not been applied effectively. The aim of the present study is to develop an appropriate strategy for Indian corrugated firms. To reach this object, the study suggests SWOT analysis along with QSPM and SPACE matrix. Vast literature survey was done to explore different factors for SWOT Analysis and then the weight and importance of each factor was defined by using Focus Group approach. Based on the inputs given by experts during focus group session, EFE and IFE matrixes were developed. The result of SPACE matrix showed that aggressive strategies are required to pursue. The QSPM after analysis resulted in to selection of “Development of R&D Department” strategy with score of 4.06. This proposed strategy is very much beneficial for corrugated industry as the whole possibility of success is based on customization aiming more space in minimum dimensions at best quality and price

Safety Intervention Role Played by Various Entities in Disaster Risk Reduction in Eldoret Municipality Industries, Kenya

Work place disasters have been a major global concern. In Kenya, media reports and literature sources indicate that the government has poor safety standards and inadequate disaster preparedness. Disruption of business activities as a result of disasters can be attributed to inadequate attention to disaster risk prevention and poor management by organizations as an economic and business issue. A much closer interaction between businesses and government as well as related organizational bodies is needed to ensure appropriate risk reduction strategies and adequate measures for implementation. This paper thus evaluates the safety intervention role played by various entities and organizations in reducing the Disaster risks. Eldoret Municipality in Kenya is the area of focus given that it is one of the towns with the biggest manufacturing industries in Kenya. The authors carried out a survey of large, middle and small scale factories in Eldoret. Purposive sampling was used to select the industries and simple random sampling to select the study units which included Managerial staff and operational workers as well as labor officers in the Ministry of labor (Public Health Officers), fire brigade officers, Kenya National Environment Management Authority (KNEMA) and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Regional officials. Interviews and questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found out that there is need for a combined effort of disaster risk reduction between international agencies, national governments and the local community as well as individuals at work since each one has a role to play in ensuring safety of the workplace. The paper recommends enhancement of work-based interventions in all the organizations despite the level of production. Organizations and individuals must adhere to and be accountable to health and safety requirements of their workplace in order to reduce risks. Key words: Disaster, Risk reduction, International agencies, Local agencies, Safety, Collaboration

Biodegradation of the Azo Dye Airedale Yellow CHD: Understanding using residuals

Textile industries are heavy users of water and also produce lots of contaminated effluents. The main contaminants are azo dyes. Hence, the effluents are to be treated before leaving in the environment. In this study, the azo dye Airedale Yellow CHD was biodegraded using two bacteria Thalassospira frigidphilosprofundus (NCIM no 5438) and Erwinia chrysanthemi Burkholder (NCIM no 5213) in shaking conical flasks. Effect of Various parameters like pH, temperature, agitation, and concentration of dye solution on its decolorization was investigated. The biodegradation was statistically worked out using MINITAB software for the ANOVA. The residual plots along with the scatter plots for the decolorization of Airedale Yellow CHD using T. frigidphilosprofundus and E. chrysanthemi Burkholder are also obtained and included in this work. The maximum percent removal of the azo dye was obtained by using T. frigidphilosprofundus (77.41%) whereas it was reported at 74.64% by using E. chrysanthemi Burkholder. The obtained results formed a good fit according to the obtained normal residual plot which can conclude that the findings of the study are accurate and satisfactory

A Comparative Study of Inter-Regional Intra-Industry Disparity

This paper investigates the inter-regional intra-industry disparity within selected Indian manufacturing industries and industrial states. The study uses three measures - the Output-Capital Ratio, the Capital-Labor Ratio, and the Output-Labor Ratio - to critically evaluate the level of disparity in average efficiency of labor and capital, as well as capital intensity. Additionally, the paper compares the rate of disparity of per capita income between six major industrial states. The study finds that underutilization of capacity is driven by an unequal distribution of high-skilled labor supply and upgraded technologies. To address these disparities, the paper suggests that policymakers campaign for labor training and technology promotion schemes throughout all regions of India. By doing so, the study argues, the country can reduce regional inequality and improve economic outcomes for all.Comment: 1 map, 5 tables, 7 figure

Recent trend of village and small enterprise sector: exploring and exploiting its opportunities in the North Eastern Region of India touching upon its profile and barriers

Development of village, micro and small enterprises in India has a special significance with regard to bridging up the disparities between urban and rural sectors of the economy on the one hand and the more industrialized and the less industrialized states on the other. It would also channelize to the mainstream the forces of development in the rural and remote areas presently strewn with the immense possibilities of manufacturing and service activities. Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned this long back, but Indian planners exhibited their preference to development of large-scale industries first. However, after having taken a step further to globalization and liberalization, India has recognized the relevance of small enterprises. Enactment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 is an instance of the action taken in the wake of this recognition. The North Eastern Region (NER) of India comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, all well known for their handicrafts. The Schedule Tribes form the majority of population there. Most of these states are hilly and have remained agriculturally as well as industrially backward. Promotion of small enterprises is most suitable for their timely development. In this paper we present a statistically detailed profile of small enterprises in the NER. We explore the possibilities of development of the small enterprises sector and discuss the constraints on the same