International Journal of Social Sciences and Management

1-2

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract

9-26

Authors: Ramesh Neupane

The main purpose of this research is to examine the effects of brand image on customer satisfaction and loyalty intention. It also examines the relationships between the brand image and customer satisfaction, brand image and loyalty intention as well as customer satisfaction and loyalty intention on the context of retail supermarket chain in UK. The hypotheses were formed on the basis of existing literatures and data was collected to test the hypotheses so it is deductive research. The survey strategy is used to collect information from the customers of the main six retailers based on London through structured closed ended questionnaires at a point of time and so it is cross-sectional research. A sample of 120 customers was selected through convenience sampling technique. The statistical and mathematical tools such as percentage analysis, correlation and regression analysis are used for data analysis through SPSS 20. This study asserts that the overall brand image has significant effects (P = 0.000 and β = 0.880) on customer satisfaction. Similarly, the overall brand image has significant effects (p = 0.000 and β = 0.780) on overall customer loyalty intention; and also customer satisfaction has significant positive effects (p = 0.000 and β = 0.859) on customer loyalty intention in an organisation. However, this study considered just five variables of brand image and five variables of customer satisfaction. There may have other important factors which may influence the findings. A small sample size of just 120 customers from just six stores of the main retailers may not represent the vision of all retail customers. Thus, it is recommended that a large scale research with more variables, large sample size with more stores from different parts of the UK to validate these findings.

31-35

Authors: Shilpa Dhamuniya

This research presents the realistic overview of the state of Higher education in one of the largest Indian State, Rajasthan. There are many imperative problems which go back to the princely States, however reorganization of State has uplifted the status of education but the situation still is dismal. The introduction of E-governance by the Government is appreciable for the reason that it shows commitment to bring out fundamental changes in the scenario related to education. The research results are pointing out to definitive policy shifts; to be specific it will be pertinent to draw inferences in entirety. The scientific research epitomizes the basics that need to be addressed in terms of deconstructing some myths about the policies; constructing some new perceptions about educational institutions and reconstructing new paths to attain the finality of this fundamental objective. The societal transformation will remain unattended unless this sector is strengthened. This study is just a beginning to understand the ground realities and on the basis to visualize the prospective thrust. This particular research has also pointed out some fallacies regarding the tall claims put forth by the government on account of being serious about implementing E-governance but the data collected tells a different story altogether.

40-51

Authors: Meena Bhatia, Bhawna Agarwal

The study is based on companies that went through IPO on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and/or National Stock Exchange in the period 2011-2012. The paper applied a disclosure index comprising of 78 items to quantify the amount of information regarding intellectual capital included in the IPO prospectuses of Indian companies. The sum of disclosed score is divided by 78 to arrive at the index. For disclosure index content analysis is used. Multiple regression model and Correlation is used to examine the significance and association between disclosure index with independent variables. The main objective of this paper is to study the extent of intellectual capital disclosures in Initial Public offering (IPO) prospectus of Indian companies and also to examine the factors that influence the intellectual capital disclosure. The regression results reveal that of all the independent variables studied i.e. Board size Board independence Size Age Leverage Managerial ownership and Industry differences; Intellectual capital disclosure is influenced by industry differences. India is considered as knowledge economy and has highest contribution in gross domestic product from services sector wherein intellectual capital plays the most important role. As regards intellectual capital the studies have been insufficient. To our knowledge this is the first research on intellectual capital disclosures in IPO prospectuses of Indian companies.

68-73

Authors: B. Razia

The study aims to explore the relationship of study habits with socio-economic status and gender. The research was carried out on a sample of 224 students studying in class IX of Aligarh district. Standardized scales were used to collect the data which in turn was analyzed by applying Mean (M), Standard Deviation (SD), Product moment correlation (r), t-test and ANOVA. Findings revealed that significant difference exists in the study habits of students in relation to gender. Significant and positive relationship exists between study habits and Socio-economic status but interaction effect of gender and SES was not found on study habits. Finally the study puts forth some suggestions to enhance the study habits of secondary school students.

120-121

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract

129-138

Authors: Marius Ikpe, Alwell Nteegah

Social insecurity has in recent time constituted a major hurdle to the Nigeria authorities. Theoretically, it is believed to have a strong negative link with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and levels of economic growth. This in Nigeria’s context ranges from Niger Delta crises, to the un-going Boko-Haram Islamists Militants insurgency. Given paucity of empirical literature on this line of investigation into this form of socioeconomic problem, this study empirically examines the link amongst social insecurity, FDI and growth of the Nigerian economy. The study adopted the Augmented Cob-Douglas production function in its analysis, introducing the variable (social insecurity) into the FDI model and subsequently traces its impact on economic growth. Result indicates that social insecurity stimulates the inflow of foreign technology, rather than inhibit it. The paper attributes this to merging of these distinct forms of social insecurity in the study and consequently recommend an explicit examination of these forms of social insecurity-FDI association Nigeria.

143-159

Authors: Lordwell C.T. Nkhwangwa

As the business environment becomes volatile and competitive and as more bank services and financial institutions battle for recognition in the market, numerous strategies are needed by business firms for dealing with such fierce competition. For the banks to win the much anticipated competition, the business strategies they employ have to be strategically integrated with human resource management strategies. A strategic fit between business strategy and human resource management strategy helps in retaining and motivating employees translating into high organizational performance and competitive advantage for the firm. This paper studied how the commercial banks in Malawi are strategically achieving a fit between business strategies and H.R.M strategies. The findings of the study indicate a correlation and a strong fit between business strategies and HRM strategies in the commercial banks in Malawi. The fit is achieved through an integrated process where HRM strategy is an integral part of the business strategy, alongside other functional strategies

164-168

Authors: Bikal Koirala, J. P. Dutta, S. C. Dhakal, K. K. Pant

This research was conducted in the month of June (2012) at Chisapani, Nagdaha and Kathjor VDCs of Ramechhap district of Nepal to analyze the impact of sustainable soil management practices on household food security. Pre-tested semi structured interview schedule were used to collect the primary data from 120 farmers, 40 farmers from each VDC by applying simple random sampling technique. It was found that before adopting sustainable soil management practices the food sufficiency from own production was 3.98 months and after the adoption the food sufficiency months was 7.67 and farmers perceived that there is increased access to food. Similarly, the income and expenditure on food consumption before the adoption of practices were Rs. 25758.33 and Rs. 12133.33 respectively and after the adoption of practices were Rs. 51675 and Rs. 7175 respectively. Farmers expressed that increase in production and productivity was major reason in adopting sustainable soil management practices. The increase in the production and productivity was the main reason for contributing towards household food security. Lack of irrigation facilities was major problem in adopting the sustainable soil management practices. The study revealed that sustainable soil management practices had significant impact on food sufficiency, income and production of different crops which ultimately results to improvement in food security in the study area than before. Finally, this study concludes that the sustainable soil management practices had high contribution to household food security.

86-87

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract

93-102

Authors: Serpil Ünal Kestane

In almost all contemporary societies the position and importance of non-governmental organizations in terms of the way they handle and solve social issues, is undeniable. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are voluntary non-profit organizations that engage in many activities ranging from cultural events to health, environment, education, law, human rights issues as well as many others. Women Focused Non-Governmental Organizations (WFNGO) in Turkey are also non-profit, engaging in combating and seeking solutions for a multitude of women- related issues. As is the case with other NGOs, their main objective is to achieve social benefits. For that reason alone, “marketing” should be perceived as a commercial activity by NGOs, but all too often this important business function is considered either as a secondary purpose or one that is completely neglected. The main objective of this study is to ascertain the marketing and communication strategies WFNGO’s utilise whilst engaging in their activities and to determine the marketing problems that inform and enlighten these organizations. An additional goal is to acknowledge the achievement of their social benefits in terms of the proposals made to the WFNGO’s, finding solutions on how to increase their reach to target groups and how to use their resources more efficiently and effectively. In line with these main objectives and sub goals, a questionnaire has been developed, entitled Marketing and Communications Problems of WFNGO in Turkey. Altogether 105 organizations active in various Turkish cities have been interviewed either face-to-face or by telephone to seek answers to the questions. The resulting data has been analyzed and interpreted using the SPSS 18.00 computer software programmed. The findings of the study reveal the general structure of WFNGO’s, within the framework of the organizations reached and establish that the common problems of almost all WFNGO’s in Turkey are of a financial and organizational nature, together with bureaucratic restrictions and a shortage of suitably qualified personnel. Another important finding of this study is that Turkish WFNGO’s consider marketing to be nothing more than a ‘vending, presentation and publicity’ activity, with 66% of the organisations interviewed considering marketing to be unnecessary. The results of this study conclude that WFNGO’s, just like profit-orientated organizations, need a strategic marketing plan and they should be advised accordingly. In a literature review it is possible to find many essays, books, journals and publications on marketing activities in non-profit organizations. However, this paper is a first in relation to marketing activities for Women Focused Non Governmental Organizations. Furthermore, in line with the information and findings obtained as a result of this study, the proposals made towards marketing activities of WFNGO’s can be used as an effective guide for such organizations.

108-112

Authors: Repalle Giddaiah, Padmasree Karamala

Core banking services are increasingly becoming popular because of convenience and flexibility. The study was undertaken all the banking customers of Nandyal town. The sample size of the study was 250. The present study is based on the primary as well secondary data. The primary data is collected from the bank customers who are residing in Nandyal town. Data is analyzed and presented in tables. Statistical tools like percentages and weighted average method were used with the help of SPSS packages. The paper examines to know the customer preference attributes in the usage of core banking services and factors affected them in using core banking services. The finding of the study is majority of the customer’s are preference is given by attributes convenience, availability of places, safety and security and familiarity of services followed by attributes cost of transactions, reliability, availability of time and accessibility of services. The study is useful to the corporate world to tap this area and improve the e-service standards of the banking sector.

58-59

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract

64-68

Authors: Timothy Onimisi

The politics of state creation in Nigeria has assumed a worrisome dimension. The demand for creation of new states is growing in an unfortunate manner, political and ethnic associations are at their best to undo one another a head of the 2014 National Conference. The attention of scholars has being drawn to the continuous demand of some leaders agitating for new states considering he weak economic viability of most of the existing states and a near bankrupt of most of the states judging from the indicators and index of the economic agencies in Nigeria. This paper attempt to bring out a clearer economic viability of the existing states and it intend to call on those seeking for more states to cease, judging from the economic situation of the existing states and their total dependence on the central government for survival. The paper recommends the need to reposition and strengthen the existing 36 states structure, and it call on the people of Nigeria to support the Federal government in her attempt to transform the states.

74-85

Authors: Ramesh Neupane

Purpose:The main purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between customer satisfaction and business performance on a case of Lloyds Bank UK. Moreover, it also evaluates the customer satisfaction level and examines the business performance of Lloyds Bank through examining various factors of business performance. Design/Methodology: The necessary data were collected through structured questionnaires from five branches of Lloyds Bank. The sample of 250 customers and 80 management level employees are used in this research. The collected data were analysed through correlation and regression analysis, mean and standard deviation through SPSS 20. Main Findings: The mean score of every variable is more than 3 out of 5 and mean score of overall customer satisfaction is 3.89 (77.8% satisfaction) indicates that there is high level of customer satisfaction in Lloyds Bank. Similarly, mean score of overall business performance is 3.73 (75%) shows a high level of business performance. The Pearson’s coefficient of correlation between overall customer satisfaction and business performance is r = 0.343 indicated that they are positively correlated. But, regression analysis shows that customer satisfaction has not significant effect on business performance as P = 0.139 and β = 0.343. Thus, it shows that customer satisfaction has week positive relationship with business performance. Value: This research refines and reinforces the body of knowledge and understanding regarding to customer satisfaction and organisational performance analysis. These findings may be useful to the organisation for future planning to enhance customer satisfaction to increase business performance. The instruments may have practical implications for examining customer satisfaction and business performance in any business organisations. Limitations: This research was conducted through cross sectional approach and limited sample of 250 customers and 80 employees from 16 branches in the main cities of the UK. So, the findings are limited to a bank in the main cities.

1-2

Authors: Umesh Prasad Shrivastava

No abstract

10-21

Authors: Ephraim Chifamba

Women have the primary role for the management of household water supply, sanitation and health. Water is necessary for drinking, but also for food production and preparation, personal hygiene, care of the sick, cleaning, washing and waste disposal. Because of their dependence on water resources, women have accumulated considerable knowledge about water resources, including location, quality and storage methods. However, efforts geared towards improving the management of the finite water resources and extending access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, have often overlooked the central role that women play in water management. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The research noted that despite increased gender awareness and the availability of much more information on women’s and men’s roles in water management, gender is not yet mainstreamed into this sector. The study revealed that prospects for effective gender mainstreaming in water resource management will hinge on how the main agenda can address the transformation of gender relations and treat water as a human right so as to realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Buhera. A gender equity approach within the water sector, should strive for a more balanced division between women and men in access to information, sharing of contribution, the degree of decision making, access to resources and benefits and the control over water resources. Addressing women’s concerns and mainstreaming gender in water governance through a livelihood approach is critical because this generates an understanding of people’s livelihood strategies and their decision making mechanisms and processes. Significant support and capacity development are required to enhance the participation in decision making processes for the success of water management initiatives.

29-34

Authors: R. K. Kamble

Jardhar village is located in the Himalayan range of Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district of Uttrakhand state of India. The village is divided into 9 wards and 17 hamlets at a stretch of 9 km. The village comprises of about 285 families from general and scheduled caste (2001 census). The participatory learning action (PLA) methodology was adopted for the sustainable development of Jardhar village. A field study was carried out in summer 2013. During filed visit problem matrix analysis was carried out, which revealed 17 problems from the study area. In addition to this, reasons for causes of poverty were also assessed. The problems were ranked according to the priority of villagers from diverse socio-economic background through PLA and suitable S&T interventions were arrived through brainstorming activities. An integrated action plan was prepared which emphasize upon short term and long term measures to be adopted to overcome these problems and to move toward sustainable development of the Jardhar village. The interaction of all these measures for effective implementation has also been suggested. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8961 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 29-34

41-50

Authors: A Mahendran

PDS is considered as principal institutions in the hands of State Governments for providing safety net to the poor against the spiralling food prices of essential commodities. In this regard Tamil Nadu sets a model in the PDS as universal system. The involvement of the Cooperative Societies, and other distribution networks to make ensures safety net, transparency, accessibility and all reduced the less transaction cost. This study found that problems like leakages, poor quality, under weightiest, non-availability of controlled as well as non-controlled articles during certain times, non-availability of ration cards, bogus cards and its affect the impact of the universal system. This study covered Multi-stage random sampling and pre-test analysis was done. To this study showed that universal PDS will help to provide safety net to the poor. The study suggested that new implications of universal PDS in the state.