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Purpose: Given the dominant share of India in global production of fruits and vegetables, this paper intends to analyze the export competitiveness of India and other major food exporters in the world trade. The purpose of this study is to examine export structure, substitutability and complementarity of selected fresh and processed fruits and vegetables of top ten food exporters for the period 2010-20. Design/methodology/approach: Balassa's (1965) revealed comparative advantage (RCA) index was used to measure RCA indices of selected fruits and vegetables under study. Also, revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA) and normalized RCA (NRCA) indices have been calculated. Further, Spearman rank correlation coefficients were computed to analyze changes over the study period for India and other competing countries. The export data have been sourced from UN Comtrade, an electronic database of United Nations, as well as World Trade Statistical Review, a database of World Trade Organization. The analysis was undertaken at Harmonized System (HS) four-digit classification for the period 2010-20. Findings: The results disclosed an improvement in India's comparative advantage over the period of 2010-20 in HS 07 product category, whereas the advantage ceded to other competitive nations in HS 08 product category. Further, Spearman rank correlation coefficients revealed that India faces competition from countries like China, Indonesia, Brazil, Thailand, Argentina and European Union for HS 07 product category, while countries like Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil and Thailandare the major competitors of India in HS 08 product category. Originality/value: The paper expands the existing agricultural trade literature in three ways. First, it is one of the very few studies that have analyzed RCA for Indian fresh and processed fruits and vegetables using three different types of indices, namely, Balassa's RCA, RSCA and NRCA. Second, the authors provide a number of comparisons related to RCA for Indian fruits and vegetables with other top food exporters in the world for a period of 10 years (2010-20). Third, the authors contribute to agricultural trade literature by assessing the substitutability or complementarity of India in the export of fruits and vegetables with other competing nations by using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate empirically the perceptions of the stakeholder regarding their relevance based on their perceived preference in terms of climate strategy proactivity (CSP) which is an outcome of the importance and influence of the category of the stakeholders of Indian companies. Revolutionized by the liberalization–privatization–globalization, the practices and strategies of the companies in the developing country such as India have been marked by dynamic changes in the several past decades. In these circumstances, it has become imperative to understand the relevance of the stakeholders in terms of CSP displayed by these companies to seek help in developing appropriate strategies in the emerging competitive market. Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a research design comprising descriptive analytical method using non-probability purposive sampling method to collect data from a sampled 701 respondents representing eleven categories stakeholders, with the help of a cross-sectional, self-administered online survey questionnaire. Findings: The findings of the study detail the evaluation of the stakeholders relevance based on their perceived preference in terms of CSP attaching significance to the stakeholders' perception as a useful tool. While the findings hint at the incessant growth of stakeholder awareness urging corporations to analyze effects and adopt appropriate strategies in developing countries, they also evaluate empirically the perceptions of the stakeholder regarding their relevance based on their perceived preference in terms of CSP which is an outcome of the importance and influence enjoyed by the category of the stakeholders of Indian companies. The findings confirmed the adequate level of awareness of the stakeholders of Indian companies responsible for making them adopt CSP. Research limitations/implications: This study had the limitations such as collection of information through a self-reported questionnaire which might have the impact of self-bias despite all the preventive and corrective measures, and the risk of creation of a subjective viewpoint due to the assessment of the perceptions of varied stakeholders. Nonetheless, meeting the objective of this study, the study succeeds in providing a stakeholder perspective to the existing body of knowledge with respect to CSP, a stakeholders-centric concept which is in infancy in the context of developing countries and their corporations. Originality/value: The paper is original as it adds value by providing empirical evidence from the perspective of different stakeholders, including but not limited to managers or shareholders only, like majority of previous studies. By doing so, it successfully attempts to contextualize them indicating the need to unlock huge potentialities and substantial significance for other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the convergence in per-capita income (measured as per-capita net state domestic product) of regions in India during the period 1990–1991 to 2017–2018. Two separate analyses have also been done for the sub-periods, i.e., 1990–1991 to 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 to 2017–2018, to find out the effect of the second phase of economic liberalization in India. Design/methodology/approach: In a panel data study, the estimation of absolute and conditional beta (β)-convergence and sigma (σ)-convergence across 17 Indian regions have been done. To measure the dispersion of per-capita income across the regions in India, the standard deviation of logs, Gini coefficient, Mehran measure, Piesch measure, Kakwani measure and Theil index have been estimated. In addition to this, these indices have been regressed over time. Findings: This study finds the presence of absolute and conditional β-convergence; the regions with low initial per-capita income have grown faster than the regions with high initial per-capita income. Further, this study finds that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow and the availability of power enhance growth across regions. However, this study finds the presence of σ-divergence, which indicates that the economic inequality among the regions in India has widened over the periods, calling for policy interventions to promote growth in the backward regions through the promotion of FDI inflow and the availability of power. Originality/value: This study highlights the rising economic inequality among the regions in India by analyzing the latest available data through appropriate econometric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A multispecialty hospital possesses sustainable competitive advantage if it continuously improves performance, repeatedly delivers quality service and unique value to the patients and the sources of competitive advantage are valuable, rare, inimitable, non-substitutable or causally ambiguous. The term sustainable competitive advantage is vague and ambiguous and the environment in which hospitals operate is dynamic, turbulent and disruptive. Therefore, sources of competitive advantage must change and evolve with time. This paper aims to explore the themes of competitive advantage in a dynamic environment for multispecialty hospitals in India by studying data from secondary sources for five hospitals. Design/methodology/approach: The findings of the case study were based on the analysis of secondary data that are extracted from the official websites of the hospitals, with the grounded theory approach. Findings: Five identified themes are as follows: changing and adapting; clinical excellence; creating unique value; managing unpredictable circumstances and patient-centric approach. All the themes supported hospital performance, service and value delivered to patients and therefore may help in building a competitive advantage of the hospital. However, sustainability factors were inconsistent across the themes. Practical implications: The CXOs and CMOs of hospitals can review the themes periodically and re-align the business strategies to build a sustainable competitive advantage. Originality/value: The findings of the study uncovered the criticality of re-alignment of resources deployed in the unpredictable and ever-changing environment in which hospitals thrive to build sustainable competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the impact of economic integration on trade competitiveness and demonstrate its effects on trade and investment performance of member nations. Design/methodology/approach: The study compiles some price indices to provide a systematic assessment of competitiveness in the BRICS region. The panel regression framework estimates the impact of integration on trade competitiveness and the external sector performance of BRICS nations. Findings: The findings of the research highlight the prospects for strong, closer and sustained integration in BRICS and, more importantly, the contribution of competitiveness to FDI receipts and export growth. Research limitations/implications: The assessment of exports and investment experiences of BRICS nations, particularly China and India, provides further evidence in support of the logical design and strategic use of their foreign trade policies. Originality/value: The economic partnership that wants to sustain this high road to global economic space needs strategic orientations to promote their partnership in other interest areas to make the cooperation more competitive in price terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to understand the competitive landscape of emerging market economies (EMEs) and the implications of business models and strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to enter and operate in such landscapes. It does so by considering the aviation sector in an emerging economy -- India, and by studying the strategies pursued by AirAsia India -- the Indian joint venture of AirAsia Investment Limited and Tata Sons. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper follows a case study approach. Secondary data sources from the library, company website and newspaper articles have been used to build a case that would encourage students to discuss and analyze the competitive strategies followed by MNEs in EMEs. Findings -- Emerging markets offer attractive investment opportunities to MNEs across several industries. However, their markets for intermediate goods and services possess imperfections. Competitiveness in such markets will require going beyond country-specific and firm-specific advantages. MNEs will need to integrate location-specific advantages with internalization advantages of these market imperfections to operate successfully in the complex environments of EMEs. A one-size-fits-all approach of transposing successful strategies from home markets will fail to create value. Practical implications -- MNEs, such as AirAsia, will need to develop participatory skills to leverage the location-specific-advantages of EMEs and reduce their own curse of foreignness to be able to succeed in EMEs. Originality/value -- This paper contributes to extant literature by studying the competitive strategies pursued by a global leader in an EME. The case of the 'World's Best Low-Cost Airline" -- AirAsia's India operations seeks to go beyond the Eclectic Paradigm and the country-specific and firm-specific advantages framework, to provide a location-internalization paradigm for operating in EMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Manufacturing excellence is critical to our nation's economy. Indian Government's National Manufacturing Policy, drafted in 2011, is being revamped to include the aspects of Industry 4.0. Initiatives, both led and assisted by government and industries, are being launched to catalyze and transform India's manufacturing competencies. This paper aims to study the functional areas which can potentially leverage Industry 4.0 technologies and help India's manufacturing establishments to transform. It does so in context of the aspirations of India's small and medium discrete manufacturing establishments (SMME) towards adopting digital technologies for the identified functional areas. The study draws its context from the relevant literature review intended to examine the academic articles published until the end of September 2018, followed by a maturity assessment survey of Indian SMMEs to establish priority areas Design/methodology/approach: The literature survey has been complemented with a maturity survey of more than 250 of Indian SMMEs to establish adoption gaps by comparing proficiency and sophistication of their present status and proposed adoption aspirations by 2020. The assessment of the organizational aspirations and gap areas identified is expected to indicate which of the Industry 4.0 elements can be adopted by them. Findings: The maturity survey undertaken throws up several insights – Indian SMME community's self-assessment indicates operational measurements followed by manufacturing and design interventions as the aspired transformation cycle. The survey indicates that manufacturers would like to make changes to their design and manufacturing strategies based on performance metrics; therefore, they need to first capture real-time machine data, analyze and then incorporate the resulting improvements in manufacturing and design decisions in that order. Research limitations/implications: The maturity assessment method itself is in evolution stage, and future correlations with benefits will strengthen observations. Industry 4.0 being relatively new initiative for India, availability of country-specific academic literature is limited. The maturity assessment survey undertaken across organizations of North, West and South India therefore carries the risk of not reflecting the views of a wider population. The current maturity, or the lack of it, of proficiency and readiness of India's SMMEs with respect to digital technologies may also be a barrier to self-examine. Practical implications: This research is expected to provide insight into priorities to be adopted for digital-centric transformation by Indian SMMEs. It is expected to facilitate policymakers and influencers from government and industry to help frame policies that facilitate the adoption of digital technologies by Indian SMMEs and facilitate India's technical education community to adopt skill development programs to support industry. It is expected to provide guidance to India's academic institutions to rejig their curriculums to help bridge the critical skills gap that exists between newly inducted engineering professionals and industry. Social implications: Digitalization is expected to foster lean and therefore support sustainability initiatives. Digitalization is expected to help create new, alternative sources of employment which are more relevant to emerging times and foster unlearning the past and relearning of new skills. This emerging diversity of engineering applications resulting from digitalization is expected to also support the larger and poorer agricultural community of India and help the sector to become more efficient and productive, which in turn will reduce economic alienation of a large section of Indian society. Originality/value: Industry 4.0 has been identified as the transformational initiative for India's manufacturing competitiveness. Indian manufacturing sector needs to urgently implement the digital technologies and improve their performance and remain relevant in this dynamic market. This research will help guide them to frame their respective digital strategies and be successful. This research will help government and industry influencers to plan and execute their interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to study the strategy development by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for improving coordination in supply chain in Indian perspective. Globalization and liberalization of the world economy has leveled the field for all competitors around the globe. To face global competition successfully, SMEs have to break isolation of their suppliers and other entities in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach -- For collecting data, a question-based survey was conducted. In total, 251 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by one sample t-test, correlation and regression analysis. Findings -- Uncertainty of customer order/demand, insufficient knowledge of supply chain management (SCM) and involvement of middlemen in supply chain are the main problems faced by Indian SMEs during implementation of SCM. Quality improvements, delivery on time and cost reduction are the major priorities while forming supply chain strategies. Coordination strategies are positively correlated with business performances. Research limitations/implications -- Major implication is that SMEs should develop their strategies effectively after analyzing business environment and future plans. While developing strategies for improving coordination in supply chain of SMEs, they should give due importance to problems and risks they face. However, it is felt that this study can be further explored by considering other aspects of strategy development such as human resource, organization culture, etc. Originality/value -- Finding and issues of the paper will be highly useful for SMEs in framing their strategies for improving coordination in supply chain, and academia for further research in the context of changing market scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop material for classroom teaching in the subject area of general management with retail industry focus. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is a case study approach with an emphasis on building relevant issues for class discussions and providing opportunities for students to analyse using additional resources from the library, company web site and news paper articles. Findings – The case research enabled us to understand the challenges faced by organised retail companies in Indian subcontinent with reference to logistics and sourcing. Organised retail is an emerging industry in India and it provides an interesting analysis for growth and entrepreneurial ventures. The case research also provided important insights into growth of retail industry, extent of consolidation happening within the industry due to the unorganised retail industry players aligning themselves as out sourcing partners for major retailers, etc. To this extent, there is scope for further research in this area of research. Research limitations/implications – There are issues related to ethical practices in sourcing. This issue did not probe into this aspect of the retail industry. Originality/value – This case is originally developed by conducting interviews with company officials and collecting information using qualitative approach. The details provided are true to the timeline given in the case – 2011 in Indian setting – Mumbai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze the competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based upon the Porter’s diamond framework. The major objective is to contribute toward better understanding of various determinants of the diamond model in context within Indian MSMEs.Design/methodology/approach Extent review of the literature has been done to identify various critical factors contributing to developing a competitive advantage. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency tests were performed to verify scales validity and reliability of measuring instrument (questionnaire). In research design, a case study approach has been used, in which MSMEs operating in the pharmaceutical, electrical and electronics, automobile, food and textile sectors were considered.Findings Study findings indicate that the pharmaceutical sector is more competitive followed by food (112.491) as revealed by the high value of surface area i.e. 150.931. The competitiveness among MSME sectors is mostly affected by demand conditions followed by firm strategy, structure and rivalry. Moreover, the score of diamond axes indicates significant difference with respect to determinants. For instance, in the textile sector, the determinants such as factor conditions and related and supporting industries scored low, for example, 4.710 and 4.280, respectively, which indicates it needs to be strengthened as this sector stands at last position with minimum surface area, for example, 67.398.Research limitations/implications Owing to the time and resource constraints, this study was conducted in MSMEs situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and thus generalizations of results are rather limited.Practical implications This study is one of the original being undertaken by authors which helps to underline the importance of various determinants which may help the MSME units to improve competitiveness by implementing effective competitive strategies. The study could be extended to other regions of the country.Originality/value This study is a result of extended research on competitiveness and provides an instrument to measure firm ability to be competitive. CEO’s, managers and policy makers from industries as well as government will be able to use this to evaluate their competitive positioning and identify key problem areas which required improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The textiles and clothing sector is one of India's most important economic sectors, next to the agriculture sector in terms of industrial output and employment, providing employment to more than 30 million people. Many studies predict that India will get a significant share of the world textiles and clothing trade due to the advantage of cheap labor and other factor resources but India's slower growth rate, as compared to other low-cost competitors, indicates otherwise. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the comparative advantage of India and Bangladesh for the clothing sector in the world export trade with the help of Balassa's index of Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA). The study highlights the shift in comparative advantage for India and Bangladesh between two periods. The study also points out constraints restricting the growth of export share of India in world market and offers suggestions to policy makers for enhancing India's export share in the world clothing trade. Design/methodology/approach – RCA indices have been calculated for various clothing product categories (under Harmonized System) up to four digit classification with the help of Balassa's relative measure for India and Bangladesh. Tables have been prepared for India and Bangladesh, highlighting products having comparatively higher revealed comparative advantage. For calculation of RCA indices, the export data have been taken from "UN Comtrade", an electronic database of the United Nations and from the database of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Further, Spearman rank correlation coefficient has been calculated for analyzing the changes over the period 1995-2003 for India and Bangladesh. Findings – Findings reveal that the number of products for which India enjoyed the comparative advantage increased from 23 products to 25 products between 1995 and 2003 and for Bangladesh, this number increased from 21 products to 29 products between 1995 and 2003. Clothing exports of India and Bangladesh are classified on the basis of comparative advantage at the HS 4-digit level for the years 1995 and 2003 and the comparative position is given on the basis of a measure of structural change in exports of India and Bangladesh. The products in which India and Bangladesh have comparative advantage in garment exports are highlighted. Originality/value – This paper has calculated and compared revealed comparative advantage indices over a period of time up to four digits classification of HS product categories. Also, this paper highlights constraints, and offer suggestions which would be helpful to exporters and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an instrument to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach – In an effort to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment in the USA, Black's instrument was used in this paper. Findings – The factor analysis gave a different factor structure from that proposed by Black. Expatriate scores did not merge into three dimensions of expatriates' adjustment; rather they merged into two dimensions. Unlike Black's study, interaction with host nationals was not found to be a separate dimension. A possible explanation is that linguistic skills and the presence of Indian diaspora support Indian expatriates during their interactions with Americans. Research limitations/implications – The exploratory character of this study with its small convenience sample of Indian expatriates makes the findings tentative. Practical implications – The paper is a useful source of information for students planning to make a career in international business and practitioners already engaged in international business activities. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers help in expatriate adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an instrument to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment. Design/methodology/approach – In an effort to measure the dimensionality of Indian expatriate adjustment in the USA, Black's instrument was used in this paper. Findings – The factor analysis gave a different factor structure from that proposed by Black. Expatriate scores did not merge into three dimensions of expatriates' adjustment; rather they merged into two dimensions. Unlike Black's study, interaction with host nationals was not found to be a separate dimension. A possible explanation is that linguistic skills and the presence of Indian diaspora support Indian expatriates during their interactions with Americans. Research limitations/implications – The exploratory character of this study with its small convenience sample of Indian expatriates makes the findings tentative. Practical implications – The paper is a useful source of information for students planning to make a career in international business and practitioners already engaged in international business activities. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information need and offers help in expatriate adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for the firms located inside special economic zones (SEZs) in India and to assess the effect of location on competitiveness of the firm. Design/methodology/approach -- A literature review is done to identify the variables and intermediate variables including sub-variables which affect the location competitiveness of the firm that leads to superior firm performance. Literature support for all the variables in the framework is discussed to establish a logical sequence. Findings -- Hypotheses are formulated in a sequential framework to draw relationships between location of a firm in an SEZ as latent function, intermediate functions, and superior firm performance as a dependent function. Research limitations/implications -- This developed framework is yet to be empirically tested. Such a paper can be applied in manufacturing industries located in an SEZ. Practical implications -- Location competitiveness is an important strategic decision for industries. The paper on location strategy for competitiveness of SEZs helps in identifying a framework including various prepositions that lead to superior firm performance. Originality/value -- The value of the paper lies in its attempt to propose a relationship between firm location and its effect on firm competitiveness. The approach emphasizes multiple interrelationships between sets of variables and also suggests a quantitative research methodology, i.e. structured equation model, to test empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The main aim of carrying out this study was to measure the attitude of employees towards the adoption of information technology (IT)-based banking services among private sector banks of India. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive research methodology is used to accomplish the study using convenience sampling technique. The study is conducted in four private sector banks of India from Bikaner and Jaipur regions of Rajasthan. A questionnaire was developed based on five parameters, i.e. relative advantage, complexity, potential risk, strategic advantage in decision-making process and innovation and development to ascertain the attitude of the employees. The data are collected from 180 bank employees (executive, manager, officer) through structured questionnaire method out of which 129 employees replied to the questionnaire. Frequency percentage and ANOVA test is adopted as the statistical measure. Findings – The study revealed that IT has led to increased customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, reduced transaction time, and gives the bank a competitive edge in reducing the running cost by quick responses in delivery of services. Research limitations/implications – A sample of only four private sector banks is taken into consideration. Practical implications – The study is useful for the banking policy makers in terms of application of IT for spreading the reach of banking services to the mass. Originality/value – This paper explores the use of IT-based banking services for research purposes on private banking. It will be of great value for researchers and professionals involved in IT-based banking services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Auto-components industry is a major subsector of automobile manufacturing sector and largest feeder industry that has put India on the global map for excellence and innovation. The purpose of this case study is undertaken to explore and understand the instruments adopted in designing and implementing the policies by Pune auto-component small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – The study used published literature and field survey for investigating policies designed and implemented by the SMEs in Pune. Survey was planned for statistical homogeneity on the basis of geography, class of ownership and the period of enquiry. Triangulation between methods, respondents, records and documents, was used to increase accuracy between sources. Structured questionnaire response has been analyzed by logical and statistical techniques to arrive at conclusions. One-way analysis of variance was employed for statistical analysis to corroborate the findings. Findings – Pune SMEs have revealed the tri-lateral instrument consisting of conceptualisation, formulation and outcome analysis as a basis for designing policies for business and further exposed bi-lateral instrument, which uses grouping of core and complimentary approaches for effectively addressing the challenges in business, which extends to their accomplishment of continued existence and development. Originality/value – This paper will add value to the knowledge base of entrepreneurship and SMEs especially in auto-components sector. Apart from this it will aid industrialists, entrepreneurs, consultants, and managers in managing SMEs, making better and informed decisions regarding the adoption of a tri-lateral approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze industry export competitiveness of India and it tries to achieve this by presenting a multi-dimensional framework for measuring and illustrating industry export competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – The framework considers industry specialization, industry export growth rate, and relative export market share for a dataset of 97 different Indian industries over a five year period (2001-2005). Findings – The analyses identifies four different types of industry groups, namely domestic static, domestic dynamic, global dynamic and global static. The result shows that the majority of Indian industries are dynamic and growing faster than the world export growth rate for the period of study. A total of 40 percent of India's industries are more global, in terms of industry specialization, compared to the world average, with such highly specialized industries as silk, gums, carpets and textiles, floor coverings, pearls, precious stones and metals. The authors show that industry specialization leads to dominance in worldwide export market share. India's global dynamic industries are mainly in the raw materials, commodities and skilled manual labor rather than high tech or manufacturing sectors. Research limitations/implications – The framework allows us to measure and illustrate industry export competitiveness and permits an intra-country comparison, a comparison of various industries of one country, or permits an inter-country comparison, a comparison of one industry across different countries. Practical implications – The framework should help policymakers, government officials, industry associations, and company executives to assess their export competitiveness and focus on protecting or promoting certain industries by directing scarce resources to sectors where they may count the most. The findings of the study can also be useful for international bodies such as UNCTAD and world-bank in identifying regional industry that can foster growth of trade and economies in the South-Asian region. Originality/value – The framework used is conceptually innovative and applicable to a variety of contexts for modeling industry export competitiveness. The framework also facilitates inter- and intra-country export benchmark analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Globalization of markets and increasing expectations of customers have created a turbulent environment for Indian organizations. The purpose of this paper is to study the development of various competencies by small-, medium- and large-scale Indian organizations under various pressures and constraints. Design/methodology/approach -- For collecting data, a questionnaire-based survey were conducted. Out of 241 responding organizations, 193 were small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 48 were larger organizations. Statistical analysis of data acquired from the survey are done by reliability test, t-test and correlation analysis. Findings- Introduction of new technology and identification of market changes have emerged as most important competencies because they are significantly correlated with subjective performance, objective performance and overall competitiveness of organization. Levels of focus given on competencies development by large organizations differ significantly from SMEs. Research -- limitations/implications -- Findings of the study imply that SMEs should be as proactive as large organizations in making changes in terms of various processes such as development of competencies, human resources, upgrading of technology and awareness about market changes. For validating these results, further case studies are recommended. Originality/value -- This study will help organizations in shaping their competitive strategies for developing competencies as per the market needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multinational network hypothesis (Doukas and Travlos 1988), in line with internalization theory argue that due to differential degree of economic development between USA and developing countries, US firms' investments in these countries will enhance their multinational network. The multinational expansion will in turn substantially enhance firms' ability to internalize its foreign operations profitably, increasing shareholders' wealth. There are no studies to the best of our knowledge on the Indian market. In this paper, we look at investor reactions to US investments made in India, using event study methodology. We find mixed investor response to investments in India. The firms experience both positive and negative abnormal returns. There are also number of firms for which we do not get any significant results. Possible reasons for the results are; small investment by US firms in comparison to total investments, and most of the investments studied were sequential and not the first investment by a firm to Indian market. We also carry out a regression analysis, where we regress abnormal returns on important firm level characteristics, such as firm size, cash flows, and Research and Development expenditure. We find firm size has a significant positive impact on abnormal returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IT industry, particularly IT enabled services (ITES), in India has shown remarkable growth over the past decade and continues to show resilience even in the face of a global downturn in the sector. While India has not been able to match China in manufacturing prowess, it may have found its competitive advantage in the area of knowledge-based services to which its factor endowments are uniquely suited. Yet, the tremendous potential and promise of this sector in spurring economic growth and national competitiveness may not be realized, if the numerous obstacles to the sector's growth are not removed. This paper traces the evolution of the IT industry in India, its positives and negatives and its potential to contribute to India's global competitiveness. Structural barriers in the national environment to the growth of this industry are identified and discussed. Conclusions and policy implications are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]