International Journal of Management and Development Studies

Progress and Performance of Life Micro-Insurance in India: A Comparative Analysis of LIC and Private Sector

2025-10-14T09:50:46-04:00

The micro-insurance sector in India has emerged as a crucial instrument for promoting financial inclusion and social protection, particularly among low-income and rural populations. This study examines the progress and performance of life micro-insurance in India between 2019-20 and 2023-24, focusing on the comparative performance of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and private sector insurers. Data has been collected from the Annual Reports of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The analysis encompasses the trends in the number of micro-insurance agents, new business under individual and group life insurance schemes, and associated premium collections. The findings reveal that while private insurers have achieved substantial expansion in agent networks and group business coverage, LIC continues to dominate in terms of individual policy premiums despite declining policy volumes. The Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) analysis highlights a gradual yet consistent increase in overall distribution networks but indicates volatility in new business performance. The results underline the need for strategic reforms, digital integration, and increased awareness campaigns to enhance penetration and sustainability of micro-insurance products across India.

India’s Fiscal Federalism: Historical Evolution and Constitutional-Institutional Perspectives

2025-10-15T10:24:29-04:00

This paper examines the concepts of federalism, fiscal federalism, and fiscal decentralization, with a focus on the Indian context. It outlines the constitutional and institutional foundations of India’s federal structure, tracing the historical evolution of fiscal decentralization from the colonial period to the post-independence era including pre- reform era. The study analyses revenue-sharing mechanisms, taxation policies, and grants-in-aid, alongside the roles of key institutions such as the Finance Commission, GST Council, and NITI Aayog. Findings highlight persistent vertical and horizontal imbalances, the positive impact of GST on state fiscal autonomy, and the continuing need for equitable and efficient fiscal arrangements. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperative federalism, enhancing state-level fiscal flexibility, and improving transparency in intergovernmental transfers.

Two Faces of Tourism in Himachal Pradesh: A Grassroots Assessment of Growth and Gaps

2025-10-25T06:05:36-04:00

Tourism enhances infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and utilities, in the area. Tourism not only generates jobs but also makes a significant contribution to the state’s GDP. However, over-construction can damage fragile hills and strain water and electricity supplies. This paper is based on a structured questionnaire given to the general public in Himachal Pradesh. This study aims to examine the impacts of tourism on the local community, culture, and economy, while also highlighting the role of public participation in shaping future tourism policies.

Exploring the Determinants and Challenges of Employee Retention in International Non-Governmental Organizations within the Colombo District

2025-10-27T13:00:17-04:00

This study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction and employee retention within International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 50 respondents representing ten INGOs through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Spearman’s rank-order correlations were utilized to examine the relationships between key organizational and individual factors and overall job satisfaction.

The results indicate a moderate level of job satisfaction among INGO employees. Job characteristics, organizational reputation, and work–life balance demonstrated strong positive correlations with job satisfaction (r = 0.57, r = 0.49, and r = 0.45, respectively; p < 0.01), underscoring their significant influence on employee morale and retention. Full-time employees reported slightly higher satisfaction levels than contract staff, suggesting employment status as a potential moderating factor. Among employee engagement variables, role clarity exhibited a statistically significant association with job satisfaction (p = 0.02), while supervisor support, recognition, and professional development showed positive but non-significant relationships.

Contrary to expectations, perceptions of job security and the broader national economic crisis did not produce statistically significant differences in satisfaction levels. These findings suggest that intrinsic job-related attributes and the internal organizational climate exert a stronger impact on employee satisfaction than external macroeconomic factors. The study recommends enhancing internal communication, clarifying job roles, and fostering supportive work environments as strategic measures to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover within Sri Lanka’s INGO sector.

Impact of Financial Knowledge on Financial Autonomy of Women Working in the Manufacturing Sector

2025-10-27T15:28:58-04:00

The rapid digitalisation of the manufacturing sector under Industry 4.0 has transformed the nature of women’s work and financial participation. This study explores how digital skills influence the financial autonomy of women employed in manufacturing industries such as textiles, garments, and food processing. Drawing on Kabeer’s (1999) framework of empowerment—resources, agency, and achievements—the research assesses how women’s access to technology affects their financial knowledge, decision-making power, and independence. Using primary data from 133 respondents, the study applies non-parametric tests such as the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests to examine variations in financial autonomy across income and employment groups. Results indicate that digital competence and stable employment significantly enhance women’s ability to manage finances, access credit, and exercise decision-making power. However, socio-cultural barriers and unequal access to technology continue to limit inclusive participation. The findings underscore the importance of integrating digital literacy training into workplace development programs to promote women’s sustainable financial empowerment.

Economic Nationalism and Indigenous Commerce: Bhagat Singh’s Anti-Colonial Economic Vision

2025-10-27T15:35:46-04:00

Bhagat Singh is predominantly remembered as a martyr and revolutionary nationalist, but his writings and ideological evolution reveal a robust and sophisticated economic vision deeply rooted in Marxist and socialist principles. This paper critically examines Bhagat Singh’s economic philosophy, focusing on his conceptualizations of class struggle, labor rights, and opposition to exploitative colonial commerce. Drawing upon his essays, prison writings, and HSRA manifestos, the study explores how Singh viewed imperialism not merely as political domination but as an economic system engineered to drain India’s wealth and suppress its working classes. His advocacy for dismantling feudal structures, ensuring equitable labor conditions, and fostering collective ownership aligns closely with early 20th-century socialist economic thought. Singh’s engagement with global revolutionary movements, especially Soviet Marxism and the writings of Karl Marx and Lenin, further shaped his vision for a post-colonial economy driven by justice, labor dignity, and national self-sufficiency. By situating his philosophy within the broader framework of anti-colonial political economy, this research reveals the ideological sophistication of Singh’s revolution — one that extended beyond slogans and sacrifice to articulate a structured critique of capitalism and imperialism. In doing so, the paper contributes to the emerging scholarship that reevaluates freedom fighters not only as political actors but as theorists of economic justice in the decolonial struggle.

School Management Practices and Students’ Performance in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Nyamasheke District

2025-10-30T13:29:40-04:00

This study examined the influence of school management practices on students’ performance in biology in public secondary schools in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda. Specifically, it sought to determine instructional leadership practices that enhance students’ learning competence in biology, assess disciplinary control practices affecting students’ performance, and evaluate the role of teacher supervision and support in improving biology teaching and learning outcomes. The study was guided by educational leadership and management theory and adopted a mixed-methods approach. The target population comprised 4,750 participants, including students, teachers, directors of studies, and head teachers. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings revealed that instructional leadership accounted for 41.1% of variations in students’ competence (β = 0.641, p < 0.001), disciplinary control explained 35.8% (β = 0.598, p = 0.000), and teacher supervision and support contributed 38.8% (β = 0.623, p = 0.000). The study concludes that effective leadership, structured discipline, and supportive supervision are crucial for enhancing biology performance. It recommends regular supervision, provision of laboratory resources, consistent enforcement of rules, and capacity-building programs for teachers and administrators to improve instructional quality and student achievement.

Head Teachers’ Leadership Role in Implementation of Inclusive Education Policy in Primary Schools in Rusizi District, Rwanda

2025-10-30T13:33:56-04:00

This study examined the influence of head teachers’ leadership role in the implementation of inclusive education policy in primary schools in Rusizi District, Rwanda. The objectives were to: assess the influence of resource management and allocation on inclusive education policy implementation; analyze the influence of professional development; examine the influence of monitoring and evaluation (M&E); and assess the influence of stakeholder collaboration. Guided by Distributed Leadership and Vygotsky’s Social Development theories, a mixed-methods descriptive survey design was employed, involving 316 respondents, including head teachers and teachers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (≥0.70), while validity was ensured through expert judgment. Results revealed that resource management and allocation explained 41.1% of the variance in policy implementation (R = 0.641, R² = 0.411, B = 0.721, p < 0.001); professional development accounted for 32.7% (R = 0.572, R² = 0.327, B = 1.047, p < 0.001); monitoring and evaluation explained 39.3% (R = 0.627, R² = 0.393, B = 0.572, p < 0.001); and stakeholder collaboration explained 39.3% (R = 0.627, R² = 0.393, B = 0.572, p < 0.001). The findings indicate that strategic resource management, continuous professional development, robust M&E, and stakeholder engagement have significant positive impacts on inclusive education implementation. The study concludes that effective head teacher leadership integrating these aspects enhances accessibility, quality, and sustainability of inclusive education. Recommendations include strengthening teacher training, institutionalizing M&E systems, ensuring timely resource provision, and promoting collaborative stakeholder frameworks. Further research should explore long-term impacts, assistive technology use, and community participation in inclusive education.

Mapping Prospective International Student Migration Using Digital Traces (SRI LANKA, 2014-2024)

2025-11-05T06:59:31-05:00

This article examines prospective international student migration (ISM) trends from Sri Lanka between 2014 and 2024, using digital traces from Google Trends and Facebook Audience Insights as proxies for migration intentions. Amid growing global student mobility and significant socio-economic changes in Sri Lanka, including the COVID-19 and recent economic crisis, traditional data sources often fail to provide timely insights into emerging migration patterns. This study utilizes anonymized, aggregated search query data on keywords such as “student visa,” “scholarships,” destination countries, and levels or fields of study to analyze the volume, destination preferences, demographic composition, and educational interests of potential student migrants. Findings reveal a marked increase in interest in studying abroad, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and during the economic crisis. Australia remains the top preferred destination, followed by the UK, with notable regional disparities within Sri Lanka. The data indicate a male dominance (61%) among interested individuals, with the 25–34 age group showing the highest engagement. Master’s degrees emerge as the most sought-after qualification, while Management, IT, and Applied Sciences are the most popular fields. This research highlights the value of digital trace data as a near real-time complement to traditional approaches for monitoring migration trends and provides key insights into the drivers and dynamics of contemporary Sri Lankan ISM.

The Green Illusion: Misleading Marketing and EV Adoption – An Empirical Study

2025-11-13T10:56:42-05:00

Purpose: The primary goal of the research is to understand how misleading marketing tactics influence consumer perceptions, awareness, adoption rates and purchasing decisions related to electric vehicles (EVs). It also aims to uncover the extent to which deceptive advertising affects the overall success of EVs in the market. Ultimately, the research seeks to contribute to more informed consumer choices and genuine EV adoption by identifying the negative effects of misleading marketing. Design: This Empirical study used snow ball sampling technique and collecting primary data through a Structured Questionnaire using Google Forms survey of 237 EV owners and potential buyers in Bengaluru and the reliability of the research instrument (11 items, Likert Scale) is supported by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.711. Statistical methods, including percentage analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation and linear regression analysis, were applied to analyse the data. Key Findings and Managerial Implications: The study reveals significant interest in electric vehicles (EVs), yet misleading marketing and consumer knowledge gaps hinder adoption. Higher consumer awareness negatively impacts purchase Behaviour of electric vehicle adoption, while effective and transparent marketing positively influences it. Managers should focus on transparent marketing, collaborate with regulators to prevent deceptive advertising, and invest in educational initiatives to build consumer trust and confidence, alongside improving infrastructure and technology to support EV adoption. Scope for Future Research and Limitations: Future research should explore the long-term impacts of misleading marketing on EV adoption across diverse regions, investigate consumer education's role in mitigating green washing, and assess the influence of regulatory frameworks and technological advancements on consumer perceptions and behaviours. Limitations include potential sampling and response biases, along with the study's focus on a specific region.

A study on Digital Advertising Effectiveness and Audience Engagement Survey

2025-11-13T11:08:42-05:00

In the contemporary digital marketing landscape, understanding customer behavior is critical for designing effective advertising strategies. This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of digital advertisements and the level of audience engagement with JB Arrow Start Company Ltd. The primary objectives are to assess how customers rate the company’s ads and whether they recommend them to others, with secondary objectives examining the relevance and visual appeal of the ads. Data was collected through an online survey from 33 clients across various regions of India, with 32 valid responses analyzed. The respondents comprised 67% males and 33% females, with the majority (72%) from Karnataka. Descriptive analysis revealed that most users clicked on ads primarily due to discounts or offers (33%), followed by curiosity (24%) and relevance to personal needs (24%). Inferential tests, including the z-test, t-test, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis test, indicated a significant difference in ad-clicking behavior across genders at the 10% level of significance, while no significant difference was found concerning age or clarity of the message. The findings suggest that although the company’s ads are generally perceived as good, further clarity in messaging and stronger female-oriented targeting are needed. Additionally, men were found to engage more through Instagram, emphasizing platform-based strategy refinement. Overall, 63.66% of clients recommended the company’s ads, and 66.66% reported engagement with purchases, reflecting a positive but improvable digital ad performance.