Evaluation and Effectiveness of Training Systems in Indian Industry [A Research Study in Greater Pune]

Training and Development as an HRD intervention plays an important role in the success of the organization. The purpose of Training and development is to increase the skills of the employees; therefore it is increasingly believed that the training expenditures are not the costs but an investmentAttracting and retaining talent becomes difficult task for the organization. It is also true that successful outcomes are possible only with the quality of the training provided to the employees. It is equally important to assess the need of the training, the nature of the training provided, the methods and the selection of the training programs and ultimately evaluation of the training programs are important for the sound health of the organization.A study was carried out in the City of Greater Pune with the industries in different sectors excluding Information Technology and Chemical Industry

A review of the inferred geodynamic evolution of the Dharwar craton over the ca. 3.5-2.5 Ga period, and possible implications for global tectonics

The geological history and evolution of the Dharwar craton from ca. 3.5–2.5 Ga is reviewed and briefly compared with a second craton, Kaapvaal, to allow some speculation on the nature of global tectonic regimes in this period. The Dharwar craton is divided into western (WDC) and eastern (EDC) parts (separated possibly by the Closepet Granite Batholith), based on lithologi-cal differences and inferred metamorphic and magmatic genetic events. A tentative evolution of the WDC encompasses an early, ca. 3.5 Ga protocrust possibly forming the basement to the ca. 3.35–3.2 Ga Sargur Group greenstone belts. The latter are interpreted as having formed through accretion of plume-related ocean plateaux. The approximately coeval Peninsular Gneiss Complex (PGC) was possibly sourced from beneath plateau remnants, and resulted in high-grade metamorphism of Sargur Group belts at ca. 3.13–2.96 Ga. At about 2.9–2.6 Ga, the Dharwar Supergroup formed, comprising lower Bababudan (largely braided fluvial and subaerial volcanic deposits) and upper Chitradurga (marine mixed clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks and subaqueous volcanics) groups. This supergroup is preserved in younger greenstone belts with two distinct magmatic events, at 2.7–2.6 and 2.58–2.54 Ga, the latter approximately coincident with ca. 2.6–2.5 Ga granitic magmatism which essentially completed cratonization in the WDC. The EDC comprises 2.7–2.55 Ga tonalite–trondhjemite– granodiorite (TTG) gneisses and migmatites, approximately coeval greenstone belts (dominated by volcanic lithologies), with minor inferred remnants of ca. 3.38–3.0 Ga crust, and voluminous 2.56–2.5 Ga granitoid intrusions (including the Closepet Batholith). An east-to-west accretion of EDC island arcs (or of an assembled arc – granitic terrane) onto the WDC is debated, with a postulate that the Closepet Granite accreted earlier onto the WDC as part of a “central Dharwar” terrane. A final voluminous granitic cratonization event is envisaged to have affected the entire, assembled Dharwar craton at ca. 2.5 Ga. When Dharwar evolution is compared with that of Kaapvaal, while possibly global magmatic events and freeboard–eustatic changes at ca. 2.7– 2.5 Ga may be identified on both, the much earlier cratonization (by ca. 3.1 Ga) of Kaapvaal contrasts strongly with the ca. 2.5 Ga stabilization of Dharwar. From comparing only two cratons, it appears that genetic and chronologic relationships between mantle thermal and plate tectonic processes were complex on the Archaean Earth. The sizes of the Kaapvaal and Dharwar cratons might have been too limited yet to support effective thermal blanketing and thus accommodate Wilson Cycle onset. However, tectonically driven accretion and amalgamation appear to have predominated on both evolving cratons.L'histoire géologique et l'évolution du craton de Dharwar ( 3,5–2,5 Ga) sont examinées et sommairement comparées a` celles d'un second craton, celui de Kaapvaal, afin de permettre une certaine spéculation sur la nature des régimes tectoniques globaux durant cette période. Le craton de Dharwar est divisé entre une partie ouest (WDC) et une partie est (EDC), lesquelles sont possiblement séparées par le batholite granitique de Closepet. La division est basée sur les différences lithologiques et des événements génétiques métamorphiques et magmatiques inférés. Une évolution tentative du WDC comprend une protocroûte précoce, 3,5 Ga, formant possiblement le socle des ceintures vertes du Groupe de Sargur, 3,35–3,2 Ga. Ces dernières se seraient formées par l'accrétion de plateaux océaniques reliés `a des panaches. Le complexe gneissique presque contemporain de Peninsular provient possiblement de vestiges sous les plateaux et a conduit au métamorphisme élevé des ceintures du Groupe de Sargur, il y a environ 3,13–2,96 Ga. Vers 2,9–2,6 Ga, le supergroupe de Dharwar s'est formé; il comprend le groupe de Bababudan inférieur (principalement des dépôts fluviaux anastomosés et des dépôts volcaniques subaérien et le groupe de Chitradurga supérieur (un mélange de roches sédimentaires marines clastiques et chimiques et des roches volcaniques subaquatiques). Ce supergroupe est préservé dans des ceintures de roches volcaniques plus jeunes, il témoigne de deux activités magmatiques distinctes, `a 2,7–2,6 Ga et `a 2,58–2,54 Ga, cette dernière activité coïncidant approximativement avec le magmatisme granitique 2,6–2,5 Ga qui a essentiellement complété la cratonisation dans le WDC. La partie est du craton de Dharwar comprend des gneiss TTG (tonalite–trondhjémite–granodiorite) de 2,7–2,55 Ga et des migmatites, des ceintures de roches vertes approximativement contemporaines (dominées par des lithologies volcaniques), avec des restes mineurs d'une croute 3,38–3,0 Ga inférée et de volumineuses intrusions granitoïdes (incluant le batholite de Closepet) 2,56–2,5 Ga. L'accrétion de l'est vers l'ouest d'arcs insulaires du EDC (ou d'un terrane d'arc granitique assemblé) au WDC est discutée, mais il est concevable que le granite de Closepet ait été accrété plus tôt au WDC en tant que partie d'un terrane « Dharwar central ». Un événement final de volumineuse cratonisation granitique aurait affecté, vers 2,5 Ga, tout le craton de Dharwar assemblé. Bien que des événements magmatiques globaux et des changements eustatiques de dégagement vers 2,7-2,5 Ga puissent être identifiés sur les deux cratons, lorsque l’évolution du Dharwar est comparée a` celle du Kaapvall, la cratonisation beaucoup plus précoce (vers 3,1 Ga) du Kaapvall contraste fortement avec la stabilisation du Dharwar vers 2,5 Ga. En comparant seulement deux cratons, il semble qu’a` l’Archéen les relations génétiques et chronologiques entre les processus thermiques du manteau et la tectonique des plaques étaient complexes sur la Terre. Les tailles des cratons de Kaapvall et de Dharwar pouvaient avoir été trop limitées pour déja` soutenir un isolement thermique efficace et ainsi permettre le début d’un cycle de Wilson. Toutefois, l’accrétion poussée par la tectonique et l’amalgamation semblent avoir prédominé sur les deux cratons en évolution. [Traduit par la Rédaction]National Research Foundation and the University of Pretoria, South Africa.This research has also been supported by grant entitled RRF and SHORE (PSC0205) funded by the CSIR, India.http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/journal/cjeshb201

New data on the mineralogy of chromite from the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Western Dharwar Craton, Karnataka, India : petrogenetic implications

The occurrence of rhythmic layering of chromite and host serpentinites in the deformed layered igneous complexes has been noticed in the Nuggihalli schist belt (NSB) in the western Dharwar craton, Karnataka, South India. For this study, the chromitite rock samples were collected from Jambur, Tagadur, Bhakatarhalli, Ranganbetta and Byrapur in the NSB. Petrography and ore microscopic studies on chromite show intense cataclasis and alteration to ferritchromite. The ferritchromite compositions are characterized by higher Cr number (Cr/[Cr + Al]) (0.68–0.98) and lower Mg number (Mg/[Mg + Fe]) (0.33–0.82) ratios in ferritchromite compared to that of parent chromite. The formation process for the ferritchromite is thought to be related to the exchange of Mg, Al, Cr, and Fe between the chromite, surrounding silicates (serpentines, chlorites), and fluid during serpentinization.These research results are part of an ongoing DST project by PVSR (no. GAP 538-28 [PVSR]), funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1755-672

Does the merger improve the operating performance of the company? Evidence from the beverage industry in India [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background There is fierce market competition both locally and globally. Every organisation seeks to maintain itself and, more crucially, to develop quickly through inorganic means. The expansion of a company through mergers and acquisitions is an inorganic process. Organic growth takes a very long period and is time-bound, but inorganic growth through mergers may be achieved quickly. This research aimed to determine whether the operating results of Indian beverage firms have improved after the merger or not. Methods In order to assess merger-related advantages to the acquiring firms, this study used the operating performance technique, which contrasts the pre-merger and post-merger performance of corporations using accounting data. Secondary data were used to carry out this study. The operating performance was assessed on six operating parameters (ratios) i.e. Operating Profit Margin, Gross and Net Profit Margin, Debt-Equity, Return on Net Worth and Capital Employed. The comparison was done for three years pre and post-merger period of these operating ratios. Results The findings demonstrate that mergers do not seek to increase owner wealth. This finding shows that rather than just becoming larger and achieving covert goals, managers should pay more attention to post-merger integration challenges in order to produce merger-induced synergies. Conclusion This study shows that the M&As have not had a good effect on a company’s operating performance, especially for the chosen beverage companies in India. Since financial measures cannot fully account for the influence of mergers on business performance, future research may create other metrics for merger-related gains. Research that provides profound insights into the causes and trends of post-merger business performance through the different types of mergers and industries would also be beneficial

Isotope dilution with high pressure asher acid digestion for the determination of platinum group elements in chromitite from katpal chromite mine in the Sukinda Ultramafic Complex, Eastern India

Chromitite samples were collected from a core from the Katpal chromite mine of Sukinda chromite field for characterization of mineralogy especially the platinum group minerals (PGM). Isotope dilution with High Pressure Asher (HPA-ID) technique has been used in this study to evaluate its ability to determine compositions from small quantities of sample (two grams of sample). Enrichment of Iridium group of platinum elements (IPGE) (Ir ~ 1717 ng/g; Ru ~ 20 ng/g) at depth of ~ 35-80 m in the investigated core suggests the presence of a strong potential zone for IPGE mineralization. The obtained data suggests similarities with the ‘Reef-type’ mineralization

Corporate social responsibility & students’ perceptions: evidence from Indian higher education institutions [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: For many, the understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may sound a rather new topic, but it has been pondered upon by great thinkers of the world for many decades. The initial form of CSR was more of philanthropic which has become more of mandatory norm in Indian context. We believe the future of a nation are the youth of the nation and their perceptions on the matter of CSR are of great importance. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the many viewpoints that students have about CSR and to determine whether or not socioeconomic characteristics (gender, age, professional experience, and academic degree) influence these views. Methods: The research methodology comprises of utilization of an accepted scale (PRESOR) for collecting data of perception on CSR. Data was collected using an online questionnaire, distributed to students at Higher Educational Institutes of Northeast India. Responses from 272 students were received out of which we rejected unengaged responses of 25 students, and we continued with responses from 247 students. We have utilized Factor Analysis, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), t-test for the scrutinizing the collected data. Results: The perceptions of students show a variety of dimensions, which may be categorised as: (a) value CSR, (b) against CSR, and (c) neutral to CSR. It is also found that the sociodemographic variables have a statistically significant influence on students' notion of CSR. Conclusions: This study is one of the first investigative works that has utilized modified PRESOR model for examining the perception of CSR in Indian context. The model was found to be fit to be used in Indian context. The study concluded that sociodemographic variables such as Age, Education, Professional Experience influences perception of CSR

Burden and predictors of hypertension in India: results of SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to investigate the burden and predictors of HTN in India. Methods: 6120 subjects participated in the Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney disease (SEEK), a community-based screening program in 53 camps in 13 representative geographic locations in India. Of these, 5929 had recorded blood pressure (BP) measurements. Potential predictors of HTN were collected using a structured questionnaire for SEEK study. Results: HTN was observed in 43.5% of our cohort. After adjusting for center variation (p < 0.0001), predictors of a higher prevalence of HTN were older age ≥40 years (p < 0.0001), BMI of ≥ 23 Kg/M2 (p < 0.0004), larger waist circumference (p < 0.0001), working in sedentary occupation (p < 0.0001), having diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001), having proteinuria (p < 0.0016), and increased serum creatinine (p < 0.0001). High school/some college education (p = 0.0016), versus less than 9th grade education, was related with lower prevalence of HTN. Of note, proteinuria and CKD were observed in 19% and 23.5% of HTN subjects. About half (54%) of the hypertensive subjects were aware of their hypertension status. Conclusions: HTN was common in this cohort from India. Older age, BMI ≥ 23 Kg/M2, waist circumference, sedentary occupation, education less, diabetes mellitus, presence of proteinuria, and raised serum creatinine were significant predictors of hypertension. Our data suggest that HTN is a major public health problem in India with low awareness, and requires aggressive community-based screening and education to improve health

Epidemiology and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in India – results from the SEEK (Screening and Early Evaluation of Kidney Disease) study

Background: There is a rising incidence of chronic kidney disease that is likely to pose major problems for both healthcare and the economy in future years. In India, it has been recently estimated that the age-adjusted incidence rate of ESRD to be 229 per million population (pmp), and >100,000 new patients enter renal replacement programs annually. Methods: We cross-sectionally screened 6120 Indian subjects from 13 academic and private medical centers all over India. We obtained personal and medical history data through a specifically designed questionnaire. Blood and urine samples were collected. Results: The total cohort included in this analysis is 5588 subjects. The mean ± SD age of all participants was 45.22 ± 15.2 years (range 18–98 years) and 55.1% of them were males and 44.9% were females. The overall prevalence of CKD in the SEEK-India cohort was 17.2% with a mean eGFR of 84.27 ± 76.46 versus 116.94 ± 44.65 mL/min/1.73 m2 in non-CKD group while 79.5% in the CKD group had proteinuria. Prevalence of CKD stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 was 7%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD was observed to be 17.2% with ~6% have CKD stage 3 or worse. CKD risk factors were similar to those reported in earlier studies. It should be stressed to all primary care physicians taking care of hypertensive and diabetic patients to screen for early kidney damage. Early intervention may retard the progression of kidney disease. Planning for the preventive health policies and allocation of more resources for the treatment of CKD/ESRD patients are imperative in India

Comparisons between Tethyan Anorthosite-bearing Ophiolites and Archean Anorthosite-bearing Layered Intrusions: Implications for Archean Geodynamic Processes

Elucidating the petrogenesis and geodynamic setting(s) of anorthosites in Archean layered intrusions and Tethyan ophiolites has significant implications for crustal evolution and growth throughout Earth history. Archean anorthosite-bearing layered intrusions occur on every continent. Tethyan ophiolites occur in Europe, Africa, and Asia. In this contribution, the field, petrographic, petrological, and geochemical characteristics of 100 Tethyan anorthosite-bearing ophiolites and 155 Archean anorthosite-bearing layered intrusions are compared. Tethyan anorthosite-bearing ophiolites range from Devonian to Paleocene in age, are variably composite, contain anorthosites with highly calcic (An44-100) plagioclase and magmatic amphibole. These ophiolites formed predominantly at convergent plate margins, with some forming in mid-ocean ridge, continental rift, and mantle plume settings. The predominantly convergent plate margin tectonic setting of Tethyan anorthosite-bearing ophiolites is indicated by negative Nb and Ti anomalies and magmatic amphibole. Archean anorthosite-bearing layered intrusions are Eoarchean to Neoarchean in age, have megacrystic anorthosites with highly calcic (An20-100) plagioclase and magmatic amphibole and are interlayered with gabbros and leucogabbros and intrude pillow basalts. These Archean layered intrusions are interpreted to have predominantly formed at convergent plate margins, with the remainder forming in mantle plume, continental rift, oceanic plateau, post-orogenic, anorogenic, mid-ocean ridge, and passive continental margin settings. These layered intrusions predominantly crystallized from hydrous Ca- and Al-rich tholeiitic magmas. The field, petrographic and geochemical similarities between Archean and Tethyan anorthosites indicate that they were produced by similar geodynamic processes mainly in suprasubduction zone settings. We suggest that Archean anorthosite-bearing layered intrusions and spatially associated greenstone belts represent dismembered subduction-related Archean ophiolites