South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

Analysis of the Impact on Economic Growth of GST1 (2017) and GST2 (2025) in India: A Quantitative Case Study

Dalia Ignatius — 2025-10-11

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST), launched in 2017 as GST 1.0, fundamentally transformed the country's indirect tax framework by unifying multiple tax streams. On September 22, 2025, GST 2.0 was implemented, introducing a streamlined two-slab system (5 percent and 18 percent), extensive rate reductions across more than 375 items, and enhanced compliance protocols. This study employs official government data and projections to assess these reforms' structural and economic implications. Results indicate consumer savings of approximately 13 percent on household groceries and highlight potential short-term revenue adjustments. While reforms foster affordability and economic growth, challenges remain in broad sectoral inclusion. Key recommendations include integrating petroleum products into GST and advancing AI-enabled compliance.

Digital Financial Inclusion and Household Economic Vulnerability: Evidence from China's Fintech Development

Ting Liu — 2025-10-03

As digital finance becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, its dual impact on household well-being demands closer scrutiny. Through mobile banking, fintech platforms, and algorithm-driven credit systems, digital finance has expanded access to financial services for previously underserved populations. This study investigates how the adoption of digital financial tools-captured through digital finance usage-and the development of economic awareness influence household financial behaviour. The primary dataset is the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS), covering the 2021, 2022, and 2023 waves. While digital platforms have expanded access to financial services, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities, particularly by accelerating access to credit and altering consumption behaviour. Using a nationally representative dataset, we examine how variables such as technology access, financial literacy, and risk tolerance shape outcomes like market participation, consumption patterns, and financial stress. As household debt levels rise globally, understanding these dynamics is critical for ensuring that digital finance supports—not undermines—financial stability. The findings reveal that while digital finance fosters economic inclusion, it can also amplify financial fragility, especially among households with limited financial capability. These effects are highly context-dependent, underscoring the need for targeted digital literacy programs and responsible fintech regulation to ensure that digital finance serves as a bridge to prosperity—not a pathway to debt. The results underscore the importance of distinguishing between access and usage, and between short-term liquidity and long-term financial health. While digital finance holds promise for inclusive growth, its benefits are not automatic. They depend on the quality of platform design, the regulatory environment, and the financial capabilities of users.

The Investment Behaviour with Overconfidence Bias: Impact on Volume and Volatility in Indian Stock Market

Md Qamar Azam — 2025-10-03

The study conducts an empirical investigation in a VAR environment from 1st January 2015 to 31^st December 2022 to analyze the market wide overconfidence bias in the Indian stock market using daily observations of NSE Nifty50 and BSE SENSEX. The study attempts to investigate the presence of overconfidence bias in pre and post covid-19 periods and its impact on Indian stock market (ISM). The results show that the positive impact of past market returns on current turnover in the market is significant in post COVID-19 period and we do not find any lead-lag relationship in the pre COVID-19 phase. The market volatility used as the measure for market risk impacts market turnover significantly in the sub-samples. The study indicates that Indian investors are ill-informed about any market return movement and market turnover during COVID-19 period indicating overconfident (optimistic) behaviour of the investor. The continuous learning about market trends, investment strategies, and behavioural biases may help investors recognize the bias while making financial decision.

The Impact of Labour Migration on Family Structure and Transportation Systems: A Case Study on Santal Tribe in Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India

Shyamsundar Hemrom — 2025-10-04

This paper surveys the impact of labour migration on the family structure and transportation patterns within the Santal community of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. It investigates how migration disrupts traditional familial roles while fostering economic mobility. Qualitative data collected from 100 labour migrants across multiple blocks in Mayurbhanj reveal a significant decline in joint families and a corresponding rise in nuclear households, reflecting broader shifts toward urbanization and individualism. Additionally, post-migration advancements in transportation technologies, such as increased motor bike and tractor usage, highlight improved economic conditions and integration into modern lifestyles. However, these changes also introduce challenges, including cultural conflicts and fragmented family structures. The findings emphasize the dual nature of migration as both a symbol of development and a disruptor of traditional systems.

Developing a Standardized Scale to Assess Farmers' Attitudes toward Agricultural Diversification in Northern Bangladesh

Md Mamunur Rashid — 2025-10-07

Farmers' attitudes may have an impact on their decision to diversify their farms by implementing various strategies. So, the present study was conducted to develop a valid and trustworthy instrument in order to determine the farmers' attitudes regarding agricultural diversification in northern Bangladesh. The “Likert’s summated rating approach” was used to develop a standardized attitude scale. A total of 40 statements, both positive and negative, were collected and reviewed based on Thurstone & Chave and Edwards & Kilpatric's fourteen principles, and 32 statements were retained, which were sent to 45 judges to evaluate their relevancy. Considering the relevance test's results, 25 statements were given to 32 farmers in the non-sampling areas for item analysis. Of the 25 statements, 14 statements having ‘t’ values more than 1.75 were selected for the final attitude scale. The reliability was measured by Cronbach’s Alpha, and validity was examined with the help of content validity. The reliability coefficient was found to be 0.985, which confirmed the internal consistency with higher reliability of the developed scale. So, this standardized scale can be utilized by other academics and researchers in related domains to assess farmers' attitudes, which will help policymakers and extension professionals make the best decisions to promote the adoption of agricultural diversification.

The Entrepreneurial Journey: Levels, Dimensions, and Dynamics of Action among Ghanaian University Students

Mustapha Bin Usman — 2025-10-07

Introduction: Against the backdrop of global economic shifts, entrepreneurship emerges as a promising solution to pressing challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana. However, despite the nation's entrepreneurial potential, many Ghanaian university students with intentions to embark on entrepreneurial ventures find themselves unable to translate these intentions into actionable business actions.

Objective: This study sought to investigate the correlation between entrepreneurial intentions and subsequent actions among Ghanaian university students, while also examining the various levels, dimensions, and dynamics of their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Methods: The study employed a mixed-method approach, utilising structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of 927 final-year university students from various institutions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was analysed through SPSS, Excel, AMOS for SEM, and thematic analysis techniques.

Results: The quantitative model accounted for only 4% of the variance in Entrepreneurial Action, implying that in this area, the "intention-action gap" is very much present. Contrary to established theory, Subjective Norms negatively affected the action; hence, Attitudes (Instrumental and Affective) were non-significant predictors. There are three major findings and contributions: First, the study provides strong empirical evidence that traditional intention-based models, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, are inadequate for explaining entrepreneurial behaviour in this context. Secondly, the study identifies that contextual factors, specifically gender (males being more engaged) and family entrepreneurial background, act as stronger drivers of action than personal attitudes. Thirdly, qualitative data suggest that the key barriers to action include financial constraints and educational demands, while personal ambition remains the primary catalyst.

Conclusion: The primary contribution of this research is to contest the direct application of Western entrepreneurial intention models to Ghanaian higher education. The findings showed that the development of entrepreneurial attitudes without removing contextual impediments such as social pressure and access to finance is ineffective. Therefore, we argue that educational and policy interventions should move beyond the cultivation of intention and give concrete, actionable support that addresses the actual socio-economic constraints facing Ghanaian youth.

The Influence of Digital Loans, E-Commerce Marketing, and Business Location on MSME Performance in Malang City toward Indonesia Emas 2045

Gunawan — 2025-10-07

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of digital financing, e-commerce marketing, and business location on the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malang City. Indicators of MSME performance include sales growth, customer reach, and operational efficiency. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, the study also examines the combined influence of these factors on MSME performance.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research employed a quantitative design with a descriptive approach. Data were collected from 200 MSME actors in Malang City through online (Google Forms) and offline surveys. The sample size was determined using the Malhotra formula. Responses were measured on a five-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed using SmartPLS to assess convergent validity, R², and hypothesis testing (t- and F-tests).

Findings: The results show that e-commerce marketing (t = 2.770, p = 0.006) and business location (t = 5.582, p = 0.000) significantly and positively affect MSME performance. However, digital financing access does not have a significant impact (p = 0.282). Together, these three variables explain 30% of the variance in MSME performance.

Theoretical Implications: By applying the RBV framework, this study contributes to the understanding of how intangible resources (digital tools and marketing) and tangible resources (location) shape MSME competitiveness and performance.

Practical implications: The findings highlight the importance for MSME actors to prioritize e-commerce marketing and strategic business locations to strengthen competitiveness. Policymakers and financial institutions should also improve financial literacy programs and facilitate technology adoption to enhance the effectiveness of digital financing.

Originality/Value: This study provides novel insights into MSMEs in Malang City by integrating RBV theory with digital financing, e-commerce, and location factors. Unlike prior research that treats these variables separately, this study tests their individual and combined effects on MSME performance.

Research limitations/Implications: The study is limited to MSMEs in Malang City, which may restrict generalizability. Future research could expand the scope to other regions, explore moderating variables such as digital literacy, and apply longitudinal designs to capture performance over time.

Trade Credit Financing and Sustainability Performance: Evidence from Indian Firms

Yun Li — 2025-10-08

TCF, which has been defined as the granting of credit to commercial enterprises along an enterprise supply chain, allows firms to alleviate cash flow constraints and take advantage of working capital. TCF is gaining traction in India as companies try to manage financial frugality with sustainability aspirations. This study explores the influence of trade credit financing (TCF) on firms’ sustainability performance index (SPI) in India. Employing data from Indian firms publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2023, demonstrate a positive and statistically significant association between TCF participation and SPI. Trade Credit Financing (TCF), is a dummy variable set to 1 if a firm’s annual report contains keywords related to trade credit financing, such as “accounts receivable financing,” “trade credit,” or “supplier financing.” Another key variable is the Sustainability Performance Index (SPI), which represents firms’ sustainability performance scores obtained from Bloomberg. TCF mitigates financial restrictions and enhances operational visibility, which enhances the SPI. The findings are robust to other measures of TCF and SPI and are confirmed after controlling for endogeneity concerns. TCF helps foster sustainable business practices by covering financial and transparency aspects. The results provide statistical significance for both channels, highlighting that TCF is a driver of sustainability. This research adds to the literature on sustainable finance by emphasising the use of TCF in advancing sustainability in emerging markets. TCF is, therefore, a key enabler of sustainability through lowering financial barriers and enhancing the transparency of operations. These findings are consequential to decision-makers and practitioners balancing financial and sustainability objectives.

Socio-demographic Determinants of Mobile Technology Use and Digital Inclusion among Rural Women in Ondo State, Nigeria

Blessing Mamah — 2025-10-10

Aims: This study aimed to examine the socio-demographic determinants of digital inclusion and mobile technology use among rural women in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed whether factors such as age, marital status, household size, number of children, education, religion, ethnicity, and income-generating activities predicted functional digital engagement.

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed.

Place and Duration of Study: Data were collected in rural communities of Ondo State, Nigeria, in June 2025.

Methodology: A total of 120 women were surveyed using structured interview schedules capturing socio-demographic characteristics, digital usage patterns, and livelihood activities. The dependent variable was a digital inclusion index derived from reported use of mobile phone functionalities (internet browsing, WhatsApp voice/video, multimedia sharing). Independent variables included age, household size, number of children, education, marital status, religion, ethnicity, and livelihood income. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlations, ANOVA and linear regression model were applied to test associations.

Results: The sample was predominantly married (65%), Christian (88.3%), and Yoruba (89.2%), with a mean age of 38.4 years. The OLS regression showed weak explanatory power (R² = 0.049), with no socio-demographic predictor reaching conventional significance (p < .05). However, religion (Christian, b = –0.376, p = .063) and ethnicity (Yoruba, b = –0.342, p = .079) demonstrated marginal negative associations with digital usage. Among livelihood activities, petty trading was significantly and negatively correlated with digital inclusion (r = –0.534, p = .049).

Conclusion: Digital inclusion among rural women in Ondo State is not strongly patterned by socio-demographic variables but appears more influenced by structural and socio-cultural constraints. Interventions should therefore prioritize improving affordability, access, and digital literacy while tailoring training to livelihood groups.

Competencies Integrating 21st-Century Skills of Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Teachers in Northern Samar, Philippines: A Quantitative Case Study

JODAN G. GALIT — 2025-10-10

This study aimed to determine the extent of competencies integrating 21st-century skills among Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers in the Division of Northern Samar and examine their relationship to performance of TLE teachers. Specifically, it assessed teacher competencies based on the Philippine TVET Trainers Qualification Framework (PTTQF) in the areas of communication, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, life-long learning and career skills, learning and innovation, information management, occupational safety and health, environmental literacy, and entrepreneurial skills. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved complete enumeration of 170 TLE teachers, 15 school heads, and 15 department heads across 15 technical-vocational schools. Data were gathered using a structured survey and analyzed through Pearson correlation to explore relationships between competencies and performance, as measured by Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) ratings.

Findings revealed that TLE teachers demonstrated very high levels of competence across most domains, with occupational safety and health emerging as the strongest area. However, relatively lower ratings were observed in critical thinking, learning and innovation, and the application of learning theories, indicating areas for further development. Teachers also received outstanding performance ratings based on their IPCR assessments. Notably, significant positive correlations were found between teacher performance and the domains of critical thinking and problem solving, learning and innovation, and environmental literacy. Conversely, a surprising negative correlation was observed in the area of communication, suggesting a potential gap between perceived competence and actual instructional effectiveness. The study concludes that while TLE teachers are generally well-equipped to integrate 21st-century skills, targeted professional development is needed to strengthen strategic thinking, innovation leadership, and reflective communication to further enhance performance of TLE teachers.

Public Transportation and Urban Tourism Transformation: A Case Study of Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) Jakarta

Mauridz Prasetiawan Baga — 2025-10-13

Aims: There is a lack of comprehensive, evidence based studies that link transportation accessibility directly with tourism competitiveness and sustainable development in PIK. So this study thoroughly analyzes various perspectives from stakeholders regarding public transportation in the Pantai Indah Kapuk tourist area and offers targeted solutions that have a significant positive impact on tourism.

Study Design: A combined qualitative and quantitative study design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Jakarta, specifically in the Pantai Indah Kapuk area, for 6 months (February-July 2025).

Methodology: A mixed quantitative and qualitative method using two types of populations. The research population for the quantitative component focuses on transportation users, namely all public transportation users relevant to access to PIK (e.g., TransJakarta users, online transportation, or other transportation going to/through PIK). The population for the qualitative component in this case includes public transportation operators serving routes to PIK, PIK tourism destination management or operators, as well as representatives of local communities or businesses around PIK that are affected by tourist visits and transportation. The quantitative data collection technique uses a structured questionnaire with indicators of accessibility, vehicle capacity, smoothness and speed, and public transportation service quality (SERVQUAL) using a Likert scale.

Results: This study assessed the effectiveness of public transportation in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area, Jakarta. The main modes of transportation included Transjakarta, DAMRI, shuttle buses, tourist vehicles, and KRL access. A survey of 108 respondents showed that public services were effective, integrated, and supported tourist mobility, especially for those of productive age (28–43 years). Satisfaction with overall service. 52.8% agree and 19.4% strongly agree with the overall quality of PIK public transportation. With a total of more than 70% of respondents satisfied, it can be concluded that PIK public transportation is effective, although there is still room for improvement. The majority of users were satisfied with the quality of service, but there were obstacles such as traffic congestion, limited fleet, and access to bus stops. Qualitative analysis suggested strategic solutions such as adding routes and fleets, digitizing services, weather-friendly bus stops, and public education to improve transportation comfort and accessibility.

Conclusion: The survey shows that the majority of PIK visitors have a positive assessment of integration, economic impact, staff service, and overall satisfaction with public transportation. Neutral responses emerged in terms of waiting time, capacity, and comfort. PIK 2 is considered effective in attracting tourists, but improvements are needed in terms of fleet, bus stops, and security. The findings imply that urban tourism and transportation planning in PIK should prioritize improving comfort, fleet capacity, stop facilities, and safety standards while strengthening integration across transport modes.

The Impact of Remittances Sent to India (1980-2021) on Economic Growth and Capital Formation: An Econometric Case Study

Seemarani Meher — 2025-10-14

The present study analyzes the impact of remittances on economic growth in India from 1980 to 2021, using annual time series data sourced from World Development Indicators, World Bank. This study utilizes the Johansen co-integration test, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Granger Causality test to investigate the long-term equilibrium linkages and short-run dynamics among gross domestic product, gross capital formation and remittances. The findings indicate the existence of long-run relationship, suggesting that capital stock has a positive and significant impact on growth, whereas remittances contribute positively to economic performance, their impact is relatively modest, because a substantial portion of remitted funds is directed toward household consumption and non-productive use rather than investment in productive sectors. In the short-run, remittance and capital stock influence growth with an 18% rate of adjustment towards equilibrium. Granger causality test indicates a unidirectional causal relation from remittances to economic growth and from remittance to capital stock. The findings suggest that while remittances may not directly stimulate economic growth, they indirectly facilitate capital accumulation, human capital enhancement and household spending, therefore adding to India’s economic performance. The study emphasizes the necessity for policies that direct remittance inflows towards productive investments to optimize their developmental potential.

Influence of Brand Ambassadors on Purchase Decisions among Gen Z Students in Selected Universities in Western Kenya

Kennedy Ntabo Otiso — 2025-10-14

This study investigates the influence of brand ambassadors on purchase decisions among Generation Z (Gen Z) students in selected Universities in the Western region of Kenya. With Gen Z emerging as a significant consumer segment, digitally native, socially conscious, and highly engaged on social media, their responsiveness to brand ambassadors, including celebrities, influencers, and peer representatives, is shaping modern marketing dynamics. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 120 Gen Z students across 4 selected universities. The study examines the relationship between ambassador credibility, relatability, authenticity, and Gen Z’s purchasing behaviours. Findings provided insights for marketers and brands seeking to design effective ambassador-based campaigns tailored to Gen Z preferences in Kenya. The research also sheds light on the relative influence of different ambassador types, social media platforms, and student demographics on buying intentions.

Analyzing Development of Commodity-Based Economic Zones in Bebesen District, Central Aceh, Indonesia 2019-2023: An Econometric Case Study

Rizki Fitra Ajhar — 2025-10-15

Bebesen District (Central Aceh Regency) has strong potential in horticulture and Gayo Arabica coffee, yet development is constrained by fluctuating productivity, technological gaps, and unstable market access. This study identifies leading commodities, classifies Bebesen’s sectoral position, and formulates actionable development pathways grounded in local economic strengths. A convergent mixed-methods design integrates quantitative diagnostics—Location Quotient (LQ), Klassen Typology, and quantitative SWOT—using 2019–2023 statistics from the Central Bureau of Statistics, with qualitative evidence from semi-structured interviews and a focused group discussion with farmers, traders, cooperatives, and local agencies. Results show five horticultural commodities—potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, spring onions, and shallots—have LQ>1, confirming base-sector status, while Gayo Arabica coffee exhibits declining productivity and is currently non-base. Klassen Typology places Bebesen in Quadrant I (advanced and fast-growing). Qualitative findings illuminate input bottlenecks, post-harvest losses, price-transmission frictions, and certification/market-linkage gaps that condition feasibility. Synthesizing both strands, the preferred strategy is an aggressive (SO) path emphasizing downstream integration for horticulture (storage, grading, processing), digital transformation of marketing, targeted revitalization of Gayo coffee, and selective agrotourism models. The integrated framework enhances value chains, strengthens regional branding, and positions Bebesen as a resilient, competitive commodity-based growth hub at regional and national scales.

Enhancing Cardamom Price Forecasting: Integration of XG Boost Model for a Robust Ensemble Model

Anoop P. S. — 2025-10-16

This study focuses on predicting future cardamom prices in Kerala using data from the Spices Board of Kerala (2014–2024). We propose an ensemble model that integrates the XG Boost machine learning algorithm to enhance predictive accuracy. Our analysis identified daily average price and date as sufficient predictors for forecasting cardamom prices. The results demonstrate that the hybrid ensemble model, particularly with XG Boost, outperforms traditional forecasting methods. These findings highlight the effectiveness of tailored machine learning approaches for complex agricultural markets and suggest a generally stable price structure for cardamom in Kerala, underlining the importance of strategic planning to support farmers' livelihoods.

The Effect of Financial Policy on Firm Value with Profitability as a Moderating Variable

Wahyu Nugroho — 2025-10-16

This research aims to examine and analyze the effect of financial policy on firm value with profitability as a moderating variable. The study applies quantitatively. Furthermore, the population consists of LQ-45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2020-2022. The data collection technique used saturated sampling. In line with that, there were 45 companies as the sample. Therefore, 135 total samples were analyzed. Moreover, the data analysis technique used multiple linear regression and interaction test of Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) with SPSS 25. The research shows that both investment decisions (PER), operational decisions (TATO), and profitability (ROA) have a positive effect on the firm value of LQ-45 companies listed on IDX during 2020-2022. Funding decisions have a negative effect on the company value of LQ-45 companies listed on the IDX during 2020-2022. In addition, profitability (ROA) moderates the effect of investment decisions (PER), funding decisions (DER), and operational decisions (TATO) on the firm value (PBV) of LQ-45 companies listed on IDX during 2020-2022.

Reverse Structural Change in Female Workforce to Agriculture: Insights from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Data

Manjusha P — 2025-10-17

Female labour force participation in India has been historically lower than that of males, with evidence of a long term decline. However, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data between 2017-18 and 2022-23 indicate a modest revival. Rural and urban FLFPR increased by 12.3 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, at all India level. This study examines labour market dynamics through a twofold approach. First, a comparative analysis of sectoral employment between Kerala and India is undertaken using secondary data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey for the period 2017-18 to 2022-23. The analysis highlights structural shifts across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, situating Kerala’s employment trajectory within the national context. Second, a socio-economic assessment of women agricultural workers in Kerala is conducted, focusing on variables such as social group, education, and income levels. The study concluded that there is a reverse structural change in the female workforce to agriculture after 2019-20. It is probably distress-driven. In other words, it can be argued that there is an increasing female labor force participation during the period of COVID in the agriculture sector. But they are not returning to other sectors in the post-COVID period. They were continuing in the low-paid agriculture sector.

Circular Economy and Green Innovation as Drivers of Social Sustainability in Balinese MSMEs

Ni Kd Sioaji Yamawati — 2025-10-17

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in sustaining Bali’s economy, particularly within the tourism and creative industries. However, global challenges, such as climate change and evolving consumer preferences, necessitate new models of business sustainability. This study examines how Balinese MSMEs transform through adopting circular economy (CE) practices and green innovation (GI) strategies, and the resulting impacts on social sustainability (SS). A quantitative approach involving purposive sampling of 90 MSMEs in Bali, both owners and employees, was conducted between January and August 2025, using structured questionnaires. Data reliability and validity were tested using Cronbach’s Alpha and AVE, while hypotheses were examined through SEM-PLS bootstrapping with 5000 subsamples. The findings indicate that both CE and GI exert significant positive effects on MSME social sustainability. Despite a strong commitment to product quality and community benefits, capacity-building activities for local communities remain limited. Theoretically, this research extends CE and GI frameworks to social sustainability in MSMEs. Policy implications are provided for supporting MSME capacity-building and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Analyzing the Financial Performance of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana in India 2016-2024: An Econometric Case Study

Ashwath R — 2025-10-17

Aims: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched in 2015, aims to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises. This study provides a financial analytics-based assessment of PMMY loan disbursements from FY 2016–17 to FY 2023–24, analysing regional trends, category-wise distribution like Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun, institutional performance, and capital adequacy

Study Design: This study uses a quantitative research methodology to assess the financial performance of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

Place and Duration of Study: This study uses a quantitative research methodology to assess the financial performance of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) from FY 2016–17 to FY 2023–24.

Methodology: By combining Descriptive and Analytical research designs, it aims to identify patterns and trends across institutional types, loan categories, and regions. Grounded in Secondary Data from MUDRA Annual Reports, the PMMY Dashboard, and sources like the Reserve Bank of India and NABARD, the analysis employs various financial analytics and statistical tools. Key methodologies include Descriptive Statistics like Mean, Standard Deviation, Coefficient of Variation, and ANOVA for differences in loan performance. Additionally, the study calculates Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to evaluate performance over time.

Results: The results reveal a threefold increase in total disbursement—from ₹1.80 lakh crore in 2016–17 to ₹5.32 lakh crore in 2023–24. South and East regions consistently led in disbursement, while Shishu loans dominated in volume. However, Kishore and Tarun categories showed higher financial allocation and variability. Public sector banks led in volume, while private and small finance banks showed higher efficiency. ANOVA confirmed statistically significant differences across categories and regions. Capital adequacy showed growth with fluctuations.

Conclusion: This study highlights the success of PMMY in enhancing credit access, while also identifying regional and institutional imbalances. The findings are useful for policymakers and financial institutions to improve implementation, ensure equity, and strengthen microenterprise development.

The Role of Financial Literacy in Shaping Household Financial Asset Allocation in India (2019–2024)

Mallikarjun Konnur — 2025-10-21

This paper focuses on the trend of household allocation of financial assets in India in the past 5 years, between 2019 and 2024. Conservative investment options that traditionally include bank deposits and cash holdings are slowly being replaced by diversified financial options like stocks, mutual funds, and pension plans within Indian households. This research is based on secondary sources of data, including publications of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), emphasizing household asset distribution among various financial instruments.

The analysis shows that the portion of bank deposits is decreasing, and the portion of market-linked investments is increasing significantly, which indicates a slow change in the risk appetite and investment pattern. The data shows little fluctuation in insurance and provident/pension funds, suggesting their continued importance as stable, long-term savings options. The paper also points to the increasing role of financial literacy, and the rise of online investments as a factor in household decision-making.

Comparative and trend analysis deliver significant information about the changing financial environment and make a recommendation on how to improve financial education, promote the construction of balanced portfolios, and introduce a more inclusive online audience. The results are of practical value to policymakers, financial advisors, and institutions that seek to increase financial resilience and the involvement of households in formal financial markets.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and Tax Compliance: The Moderating Role of Taxpayer Education

Muktar Abdiwali Ali — 2025-10-22

Aims: This research sought to determine the moderating role of taxpayer education on the relationship between Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms (mediation, arbitration, and Early Neutral Evaluation), and tax compliance.

Study Design/ Methodology: The research used an explanatory research design, where questionnaires were used to collect data from 252 Small and Microenterprise businesses in Nairobi, Kenya. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis to assess the direct effects and the moderating role of taxpayer education.

Findings: The study found out that Mediation, arbitration, and Early Neutral Evaluation significantly enhance tax compliance, fostering trust and efficiency among SMEs. Taxpayer education amplifies these effects, enhance compliance through increased awareness. The findings therefore support the assertions of Conflict Resolution Theory, Legal Realism Theory and Justice Theory. Low awareness can hinder Alternative Dispute Resolutions’ impact on tax compliance thus emphasizing education’s critical role.

Practical Implications: Revenue authorities should integrate mediation, arbitration, and Early Neutral Evaluation into tax frameworks, supported by a robust taxpayer education to enhance compliance among SMEs and informal operators.

An Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Food-Based Training of BIRTAN on Secondary School Teachers at Pirgonj Upazila, Rangpur District, Bangladesh

Md. Sadequl Islam — 2025-10-24

This study examines the factors influencing the effectiveness of BIRTAN’s food-based training program for secondary school teachers in Pirgonj Upazila, Rangpur District, Bangladesh. Adopting a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 172 teachers selected randomly from a total population of 310. Data collection tools included an interview schedule measuring three dimensions of training effectiveness: information received, understanding, and application, each rated on a 4-point scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS software. Findings identified significant positive relationships between training effectiveness and factors such as educational qualification, physical mobility, training received, and knowledge of food and nutrition, while age had a slight negative effect and professional experience was not significant. The regression model explained 41.6% of the variance in training effectiveness, highlighting the importance of these characteristics in enhancing training outcomes. The study recommends emphasizing educational qualifications, physical mobility, and nutrition knowledge of teachers into the design and implementation phases of future BIRTAN initiatives to maximize impact.

From Classroom to Career: Integrating Education, Training, and Sustainability in Tourism

Judy Syawarini Jarianto — 2025-10-15

Aims: This study fills that gap by proposing a holistic framework that integrates education, training, and experiential learning, strengthens lifelong learning and communities of practice, and aligns academia, industry, and policymakers to create globally relevant yet locally adaptive tourism education.

Study Design: This research employs a literature review approach, the study is qualitative and descriptive-analytical, aiming to identify patterns, concepts, and both conceptual and practical gaps in related literature.

Place and Duration of Study: The location of this research in Jakarta, Indonesia. During for this research is one month.

Methodology: This study applied a literature review method, analyzing academic publications, international reports, and institutional documents from UNWTO, WTTC, and OECD. Thematic analysis grouped key issues such as sector definition, industry fragmentation, education-training relations, and lifelong learning. In addition, this study employed a case study of Politeknik Sahid to provide contextual evidence and illustrate how the identified issues and proposed solutions manifest within a specific institutional setting.

Results: The findings of this study are expected to help students understand the importance of integrating technical skills, soft skills, and sustainability awareness as key assets for navigating the dynamics of the global tourism industry. For practitioners, the results can serve as a basis for designing a more holistic human resource development strategy, encompassing both technical competency enhancement and employee well-being and work-life balance.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, this study suggests implications for educational institutions and policymakers, emphasizing stronger institutional linkages, broader skill assessments, adoption of international standards, sustainable funding, and coordinated curriculum alignment to build a future-oriented tourism education system.