Institute of Management Development and Research(IMDR)

Millions of people worldwide, particularly in poorer nations, rely heavily on inland fisheries for their food, livelihoods, and income. They do, however, have several difficulties that jeopardise their viability. This research examines the marketing, financial, and production challenges faced by Kerala, India's inland fishermen. According to the report, Kerala's inland fishermen deal with several production issues, such as outdated gear, contaminated water, overfishing, erratic weather patterns, and inadequate training. In addition, they deal with financial issues, including high equipment expenses, high operating costs, poor investment returns, a lack of insurance, and a heavy debt load. Low pricing, limited market accessibility, expensive transportation, rivalry, a shortage of storage facilities, and market volatility are some of the issues facing marketing. The study concludes that these issues represent serious obstacles to Kerala's inland fisheries being sustainable. To solve these issues, it suggests a variety of measures, such as giving fishermen financial support, expanding market accessibility, and encouraging sustainable fishing methods.
Keywords:- Inland Fishing, Production Problems, Financial Problems, Marketing Problems, Sustainable Fishing.

The main purpose of the study is to validate a job satisfaction model and to find the relationship between the different dimensions of the concept using the structural equation model. The current study uses the scientific method to identify a few variables that influence the work-life balance of employees in the Newspaper industry in ensuring job satisfaction. The study focuses on the responses to nine Job satisfaction statements from 385 respondents selected from various newspaper establishments in Kerala. The present study will benefit newspaper organisations in designing an effective workplace with an effective work-life balance and thereby maximising the job satisfaction of employees. The study indicates that compensation, technology, flexible schedules, career prospects, training, reputation of employer, assuming more responsibilities, health and retirement benefits, and peer relationships have a significant effect on Job satisfaction.
Keywords:- Job Satisfaction, Newspaper Industry, Principal Component Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Work-life Initiatives.

This study examines the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on adolescents' cognition, creativity, and motivation. It explores how AI tools influence cognitive flexibility, creativity, and intrinsic motivation to learn. A sample of 120 college adolescents from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, participated in the study, with measurements taken using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). The findings revealed significant positive effects of AI usage on cognitive development, creativity, and motivation, indicating that AI tools can enhance adolescents' cognitive and creative abilities while fostering greater intrinsic motivation.
Keywords:- Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Creativity, Motivation, Adolescents, AI Tools, Intrinsic Motivation, Cognitive Flexibility.

In this modern era, the consumer is influenced by various modes of advertising practices. Some people consider advertisements as a waste for misleading the common people, and some of them consider it as a source of information. Green advertising is the use of environmental appeals in promoting a particular product or service. The present study helps us to find out the factors influencing consumers in purchasing the advertised green products. The study also discusses the relevance of green advertising in the modern era and the reaction and response of consumers towards it. This study is beneficial to companies to manage and maintain green advertisement practices in a productive way to reduce the effect of consumer scepticism. Gender and educational qualifications are the two important factors to take into consideration while analysing the satisfaction level
of respondents. The consumer's satisfaction level after consumption of green products is properly monitored and discussed in this study.
Keywords:- Consumer Scepticism, Green Advertisement, Green Products, Environment Appeals, Consumer Satisfaction.

This study explores the financial challenges and quality of life of rubber plantation workers in Kerala, focusing on systemic barriers impacting their economic stability and overall well-being. The analysis reveals persistent issues such as insufficient wages, dependency on high-interest loans, and rising education and healthcare costs. These challenges exacerbate cycles of debt and poverty, leading to substandard living conditions and psychological stress. Regression analysis underscores education costs and loan repayment difficulties as critical factors negatively affecting workers' quality of life. This research advocates targeted interventions, including debt restructuring, subsidised education, healthcare programs, and improved wages, aiming to mitigate hardships and enhance socio-economic conditions. The findings emphasise the need for collaborative policies to ensure sustainable livelihoods for this vulnerable workforce.
Keywords:- Financial Challenges, Socio-Economic Conditions, Quality of Life, Rubber Plantation Workers, Support.

With increasing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance factors, employee engagement plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable development goals of the banking sector. This study examines the relationship between employee engagement dimensions and sustainable banking practices among private sector bank employees. The findings reveal a significant but moderate correlation (r = 0.338, p = 0.000) between employee engagement and sustainable banking practices. Regression analysis indicates that absorption (β = 0.287, p = 0.002) and dedication (β = 0.218, p = 0.016) significantly influence sustainable banking practices. The study underscores the importance of engaged employees in fostering sustainability initiatives in the banking sector.
Keywords:- Employee Engagement, Sustainable Banking Practices, Employees' Perceptions, Private Sector Bank Employees, Employee commitment.

Handicrafts serve as powerful cultural symbols, representing the heritage, identity, and artistic traditions of communities. In Kerala, traditional handicrafts not only preserve the region's rich cultural legacy but also contribute significantly to the local economy, particularly within the tourism sector. With the evolving consumer landscape shaped by digital access and growing demand for authenticity, the relevance of geographical indications, especially in the context of Geographical Indication (GI)- has become increasingly vital. Geographical indication offers a promising technological solution to ensure the authenticity, traceability, and branding of traditional handicraft products. This study aims to explore the role of geographical indication in branding
Kerala's traditional handicraft market. Specifically, it assesses the relevance of geographical indication in enhancing brand recognition, expanding market access, protecting product originality, and reinforcing cultural identity. Furthermore, the study evaluates the direct and indirect implications of geographical indication, including its ability to prevent counterfeiting, improve product credibility, increase demand, and sustain a premium pricing structure rooted in cultural value.
Keywords:- Geographical Indication, Implication, Culture and Heritage, Handicraft, Branding, Cultural Identity, Traditional Value.

This study explores the factors influencing customer satisfaction in digital banking, focusing on user experience, security, personalisation, and technology.
Conducted in Alappuzha with 165 respondents, it examines awareness levels and the impact of demographics such as gender, education, and occupation on satisfaction. Using both primary and secondary data, statistical tools like percentages, charts, and ANOVA were applied. The findings aim to help banks enhance digital platforms, offer personalised services, and improve overall customer satisfaction. These insights are crucial for strengthening the digital banking experience and supporting the growth and stability of India's banking sector and economy.
Keywords:- Digital Banking; Customer Satisfaction; Service Quality; User Experience; Technology Adoption.

In this constantly evolving business landscape, enterprises encounter new challenges when acquiring and optimising human resources. Human resources are considered valuable and scarce capabilities and serve as a competitive advantage over the long run. This study delves into the influence of HRM practices on job satisfaction among employees in the public sector banking sector in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, namely State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda. Focusing on five HRM dimensions - Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Employee Participation, Rewards and Recognition, and Work-life Balance - the research draws data from 240 employees across three banks. Using SPSS 29 for correlation and regression analysis, the study identifies key HR practices that significantly impact job satisfaction. The findings offer valuable insights for developing effective HR strategies to enhance employee engagement and organizational performance in the competitive banking sector.
Keywords:- Banking industry, Competitive Advantage, Human Resources, HRM Practices, Job Satisfaction, SPSS.

Patient satisfaction is an essential indicator of the quality of healthcare service, determining both institutional image and therapeutic outcome. The current study investigates the determinants of the satisfaction level of the patients in NS Cooperative Hospital, Kollam, through an analysis of four important dimensions: medical care quality, communication and patient participation, staff attitude and administrative interaction, and infrastructure and safety. A formal 25-item Likert-scale questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 66 patients. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that all four aspects are significantly related to overall satisfaction, with communication, medical care quality, and infrastructure being significant predictors. The regression model predicted 38.7 per cent of the variance
in levels of satisfaction. The results highlight the imperative for hospitals to implement a multifaceted service delivery strategy, focusing not just on clinical quality but also on interpersonal interaction and facility infrastructure to augment patient-centred care. This research adds to the literature on healthcare quality by offering insights tailored to semi-urban cooperative hospitals in India.
Keywords:- Cooperatives, HealthCare, Patient Satisfaction, NS Hospital, Communication and Participation.

Kerala's pottery is a traditional craft-based industry that has been an integral part of the state's cultural heritage and economy. Currently, the industry is facing challenges in adapting to the changing modes of modern business, stiff competition and inability to cope with new market trends. An attempt to explore the prospects of sustainability and growth in the pottery industry is made in the study by discovering the perception and awareness of pottery manufacturers on sustainable pottery. The study examines sustainable practices prevailing in the industry and identifies the strategies for revitalising the proud heritage industry of the state. The study is based on primary data collected from a sample of 120 potters in Kerala, using a structured questionnaire. From the data, it was evident that the pottery sector in Kerala severely lacks sustainable practices in terms of awareness and
adoption. There is a high need for designing and implementing strategies for revitalising the pottery industry, thereby bringing sustainable growth. Finally,
recommendations are made to promote and sustain the industry with the help of policy support and government initiatives.
Keywords:- Pottery, Kerala, Sustainability, Growth, Heritage Industry.

This study examines the perception and satisfaction of passengers regarding the services provided by KSRTC. Using a one-sample t-test, it was found that passengers are generally not satisfied with key service areas such as punctuality, cleanliness, staff behaviour, comfort, safety measures, and ticketing transparency. All service quality factors scored significantly below the expected average. A correlation analysis was also conducted, which showed a strong and positive relationship between these service factors and overall passenger satisfaction. Among them, punctuality and staff behaviour had the strongest influence on satisfaction. The study suggests that improving these areas can greatly enhance the travel experience and public image of KSRTC.
Keywords:- KSRTC, Service Quality, Passenger's satisfaction, Perception, Public transport.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the wellness industry, accelerating the shift toward digital transformation in accounting practices. This
paper examines the impact of technology, including cloud-based accounting software, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, on financial management and reporting in wellness centres. During lockdowns, businesses adapted to changing consumer preferences by implementing digital solutions to maintain operations and financial stability. The findings reveal that this transformation has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and customer engagement, enabling wellness centres to not only survive the pandemic but also position themselves for future growth. However, challenges such as data security concerns and the need to upskill the workforce are also acknowledged. Ultimately, the study emphasises the importance of embracing digital transformation in accounting for wellness centres to thrive in a digitised world, alongside discussions on telemedicine, virtual health services, and wellness apps.
Keywords:- Wellness industry, Digital transformation, Technology 4.0, Digital accounting, COVID-19

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is an important component of the global attempt to lessen carbon emissions and to promote sustainable transportation. The adoption of EVs largely depends on the public awareness and acceptance of EV technology. This research paper aims to evaluate the need, awareness, understanding and attitude of people towards EVs by administering an interview schedule. The study also assesses the challenges of EVs. The findings of the study depict a lack of awareness about EVs with respect to factors like incentives and subsidies, vehicle models and types, charging infrastructure etc. Based on findings, the study proposes awareness campaigns and policy recommendations to boost public knowledge.
Keywords:- Consumer awareness, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Emissions, Sustainable Transportation, Incentives and Subsidies, Charging Infrastructure,
eco- friendly.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the service quality of third-party logistics (3PL) providers and the most significant service dimensions in Kerala's food processing sector. Fifty food processing units from Kerala were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to measure the same. The results from factor analysis indicated that the 3PL provider service quality was overall rated as good, and reliability and responsiveness were the most reliable and highly correlated dimensions. However, the assurance and empathy constructs had slightly less internal consistency, especially in terms of tracking expired inventory and knowledge of customer requirements. The research also pointed to improvement areas, such as improving communication on the measures of performance and providing more tailored support, specifically to clients. The research indicates that third-party logistics service providers in the food processing industry in Kerala should look towards making their assurance services robust, maintaining timely and reliable performance measurement, and enhancing empathy by engaging with customers more effectively. The results provide useful information for logistics providers and food processing units looking to improve service quality and operational effectiveness.
Keywords:- Third-Party Logistics (3PL), Service Quality Assessment, Food Processing Industry, Kerala Logistics Sector, SERVQUAL Model, Supply Chain
Optimization.