Institute of Management Development and Research(IMDR)

This study explores the link between women's behavioural perspectives and effective financial management in achieving financial independence in India. Analysing data from 384 women across sectors using t-tests, MANOVA, PROXSCAL, and SEM, findings show that behavioural traits - confidence, decision-making, and perceived control - enhance financial management. Public sector employees and higher-income groups exhibit greater independence. Five key factors - confidence, social/cultural influences, investment habits, financial technology use, and personal attitudes - correlate strongly with management and independence. Financial management mediates the behaviour-independence relationship, highlighting the need for behaviourally informed financial empowerment strategies for policymakers, educators, and institutions.
Keywords:- Behavioural Finance; Financial Independence; Behavioural Traits, Working Women: Financial Management.

The worldwide tendency toward a knowledge-based economy and the need to produce graduates in large numbers with high skills has led to a higher demand for these graduates, which has led to the movement of students across borders. The United Kingdom is the most desired destination among Indian students based on the excellent universities in the country, with a focus on research and employment opportunities at the post-graduate level. The study will explore the perceptions of Indian students in four of the top UK universities (University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London and University of Northampton) of the UK knowledge economy. The current study is performed as an empirical survey (n=100) whereby 25 respondents are selected in each of the universities.
Keywords:- Knowledge Economy, International Student Mobility, United Kingdom Higher Education, Post-Study Work Opportunities

This study examines how socio-economic status (SES) influences achievement motivation, quality of life, and procrastination among 300 college students aged 18-22. Achievement motivation was measured using the Deo-Mohan Achievement Motivation Scale, quality of life via the Dubey, Dwivedi and Varma Quality of Life Scale, and procrastination using the Procrastination Behaviour Inventory by Sreethi and Sananda Raj. Using ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, mediation, and path analysis, results showed that higher SES is linked to greater motivation, better quality of life, and lower procrastination. Parental education, financial stability, and social support mediated these effects, highlighting the need for targeted support for lower SES students.
Keywords:- Socio-Economic Status, Achievement Motivation, Quality of Life, Procrastination, Behaviour.

This study investigates the quality of work life (QWL) among civil police officers in Thiruvananthapuram district, with emphasis on the occupational stressors they encounter. As frontline representatives of law enforcement, police officers often experience extended working hours, insufficient rest, and limited welfare facilities. The research explores the influence of economic and social factors such as interpersonal relations, remuneration, medical care, public perception, training, and personal time on the quality of work life. Primary data were collected from 43 respondents using structured questionnaires, supplemented with secondary sources. The analysis, using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests, identified significant
differences across age and gender groups. Officers above 40 years expressed greater satisfaction than younger officers, while male officers reported higher satisfaction compared to females in areas such as family time and public perception. The findings point to shortcomings in healthcare, welfare, training, and public support. Recommendations include stress management programs, gender-sensitive policies, and updated training modules to strengthen institutional support and enhance the overall effectiveness of the police force.
Keywords:- Quality of Work Life, Stress, Job Satisfaction, Police Officers, Welfare.

Infrastructure is a critical driver of economic development, encompassing the fundamental systems and facilities necessary for the functioning of a region. This study aims to assess the satisfaction level of government and private sector officials regarding infrastructure financing in Kerala. Utilising a stratified random sampling method, respondents were divided into two strata: government and private sector officials, and their perceptions were analysed using statistical tools such as the Independent Sample t-test and the Friedman test. The findings indicate significant variations in satisfaction levels across different infrastructure sectors. Overall, the study underscores the importance of targeted infrastructure financing to address sector-specific challenges and enhance economic development in Kerala.
Keywords:- Infrastructure Financing, Infrastructure Development, Government Financing, Private Financing, PPP

Sustainability and risk management are increasingly critical in pension fund investment strategies. Pension funds provide secure returns for beneficiaries over the long-term, incorporate ESG factors into their portfolios to mitigate risks and capture new opportunities. It is a strategy to align with the SDGs. This paper explores the role of sustainability in shaping risk management frameworks within the NPS, examining how ESG considerations enhance resilience against market, regulatory, and reputational risks. The study was conducted with the help of a questionnaire, and the sample used is 75. Through case studies and analysis of NPS strategies, the paper highlights challenges and the impact of sustainability-driven risk management on long-term fund performance. The findings underscore the significant relationship between sustainability and risk management.
Keywords:- National Pension Scheme, Sustainability, Risk Mitigation, ESG Considerations, Pension Fund.

The study examines the relationship between mutual fund ratings and actual performance in terms of return and risk, focusing on equity mutual funds in India. Using secondary data from Value Research Online and Yahoo Finance, a sample of 30 equity mutual funds-15 high-rated (4-star to 5-star) and 15 low-rated (2-star to 3-star)-was analysed for the period April 2024 to March 2025. The research adopts a descriptive and comparative design, with returns measured through the annual percentage change in Net Asset Value (NAV) and risk assessed using the standard deviation of daily returns. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results show that high-rated funds achieved significantly higher average annual returns compared to low-rated funds, while the difference in risk levels between the two groups was not statistically significant. A strong positive correlation was found between mutual fund ratings and returns, whereas the relationship between ratings and risk was weak and insignificant. Overall, the study suggests that mutual fund ratings are reliable indicators of return potential but not of risk exposure, emphasising the importance of independent risk assessment by investors.
Keywords:- Mutual Fund Ratings; Equity Mutual Funds; Risk ; Return; NAV

The Indian Outbound Tourism Market is rapidly becoming a major global force, driven by sustained economic expansion and a large, aspirational middle
class. Quantitatively, the market reached 30.89 million departures in 2024, exhibiting a robust annual growth rate of 10.79 per cent and contributing to a significantly widening travel deficit against inbound traffic. Structurally, the market is characterised by several key metrics: it is dominated by the economically active 25-44 age group, shows a pronounced gender imbalance favouring males mainly due to employment-related travel, and features distinctly bimodal trip behaviour. This behaviour involves short leisure trips predominantly to the Asia-Pacific region, contrasted with long-term
VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) or employment stays targeting the Americas and the Middle East. This analysis provides the essential empirical data
needed by global destinations and domestic stakeholders to develop targeted products and policy interventions for effectively engaging this rapidly growing and complex global traveller base.
Keywords:- INDs, Travel Deficit, VFR, Bimodal Travel, Middle East Corridor.

The study aimed at exploring how the workplace environment affects job satisfaction and stress levels among employees in India's Information Technology (IT) sector. By analysing organisational culture, leadership practices, job design, and demographic variables, the study attempted to find the major factors influencing employee well-being and organisational effectiveness. A total of 110 samples were taken, which were analysed using quantitative methods. The results of the study revealed significant associations between aspects of the workplace environment and employee outcomes. Organisational culture is a critical determinant of both job satisfaction and stress levels, with a positive and supportive culture linked to higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels among employees. Leadership practices and job design also play important roles in shaping employee experiences, with effective leadership and well-designed jobs associated with higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels. By cultivating a supportive organisational culture, offering adequate resources to help employees cope with job demands, and encouraging diversity and inclusion, companies can build healthier, more inclusive, and more productive workplaces.
Keywords:- Workplace Environment, Job Satisfaction, Stress Levels, Organisational Culture, IT Industry.

Public enterprises are those enterprises in which the government holds at least 51 per cent of the shares of the company. Financial performance assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the company by assessing financial items present in the consolidated financial statements. The study utilised secondary data, primarily from official documents published by the Kerala government, and ratio analysis was employed as a tool for evaluating various financial indicators of the companies. The study was carried out from 2017-18 to 2021-22. The research design is descriptive and analytical in nature. The operating efficiency fluctuates throughout the study, and the liquidity position is improving. The study also found that the companies had an inconsistent financial structure. The study concludes that the overall profitability of the companies was poor.
Keywords:- Public Sector Undertakings, Financial Performance, Ratio Analysis, Liquidity, Profitability, Operating Efficiency, and Solvency.

This article conducts a comparative study of traditional banks and neobanks to examine their relevance in the digital economy. Neobanks, also known as fintech or challenger banks, operate online, offering streamlined and personalised financial services such as debit/credit cards, savings accounts, and tailored solutions. Unlike traditional banks with physical branches and high costs, neobanks cater to specific market segments, including millennials, gig economy workers, and small businesses. The study analyses structural, operational, and strategic differences, highlighting neobanks' agility, technology, and lower fees. Using sentiment analysis and multicriteria decision analysis, it examines consumer trust, data security, and regulatory compliance issues in developing economies. Findings indicate neobanks' rising popularity in emerging markets like India and China due to increased smartphone
use, internet access, and digital literacy. However, challenges like regulatory compliance and consumer trust remain. The study concludes that neobanks' success depends on consumer confidence and regulatory adjustments, potentially leading to a hybrid financial ecosystem.
Keywords:- Banking, Traditional Banks, Neobanks, Technology, Financial Services.

Priority Sector Lending (PSL) plays a vital role in promoting inclusive growth and socio-economic empowerment in India by directing institutional credit to
underserved sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, and weaker sections. This study examines the socio-economic impact of PSL on beneficiaries in Kerala, with a particular focus on economic empowerment outcomes. Adopting an analytical, descriptive, and empirical research design, the study utilises both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 384 beneficiaries selected through a multistage stratified purposive random sampling technique across three districts representing southern, central, and northern Kerala. The analysis evaluates changes in income levels, business expansion, employment generation, savings behaviour, asset creation, financial inclusion, and access to formal banking services following PSL assistance. The findings aim to provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of PSL in fostering economic empowerment and reducing financial
exclusion, thereby addressing a significant research gap in existing literature and offering policy-relevant insights for enhancing the impact of priority sector lending initiatives.
Keywords:- Priority Sector, Financial Inclusion, Lending, Economic Empowerment, Financial Self-reliance.

This study examines the awareness, adoption, and usage patterns of LinkedIn among teenagers in the Kollam district, Kerala, India. Employing a structured questionnaire administered to 80 respondents, the research explores sources of awareness, frequency and purpose of usage, barriers to adoption, and perceived value of LinkedIn for early career development. Findings indicate high awareness but low engagement, with LinkedIn primarily used for internship searches and career exploration. Empirical testing confirms that a significant gap exists between awareness and account ownership, and that perceived complexity is a statistically significant barrier to adoption. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for educators and policymakers to enhance LinkedIn's utility in facilitating youth career readiness.
Keywords:- LinkedIn; Teenagers; Social Media; Career Development; Digital Literacy.

A retail business which individuals can buy home improvement items such as nuts, screws, bolts, plumbing items, etc., which is very hard in nature, is selling through hardware stores, can satisfy the customers as home construction as a dream of theirs. Also, a wide development in the construction field causes a wide development in the hardware industry. Due to its vast growth, some challenges are also arising in its field. The hardware retail sector is a niche area which none is focused on. So, the study can say the most about the managerial challenges that hardware retailers are facing. Only through proper management can a business achieve its success.
Keywords:- Hardware Stores, Retailing, Management, Challenges, Risk.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is one of the best mutual fund options for long-term gain. SIPs offer tailored options that attract individual investors who have recently been attracted towards SIPs due to the awareness of higher returns in the long run, bearing minimum risk. The study intends to analyse the preference of individual investors towards the different types of SIPs and assess a few demographic factors, specifically the gender of the respondent and its association with preference. Primary data were collected through questionnaires from respondents in the Ernakulam District
of Kerala. The findings revealed that Regular SIPs, SIPs based on equity funds, and multi-SIPs are preferred by majority. The gender is found to be not associated to the preference of investors on different types of SIPs.
Keywords:- Types of SIPs, Preference of Investors, Gender, Regular SIP Equity-Fund and Multi-SIPs.

Investment is an economic activity. Recently, numerous investment avenues have been available for investors. Selecting an appropriate one is challenging. New and small investors have to consider various factors as they face difficulty in selecting their investment alternatives due to limited knowledge, lack of experience and concern about the risk associated with various investment options. A mutual fund is a flexible investment vehicle that helps to pool investors' funds and invest in different securities. Thereby reducing the problems faced by new and small investors in choosing the most appropriate investment alternative. This study aims to analyse the investors' knowledge and preferences related to investment in mutual funds as well as the
factors influencing their investment decisions. The results indicate that although mutual funds are widely accessible, only a considerable portion of investors possess partial awareness of various schemes and their associated benefits. Also, they consider safety when choosing investment options. The study highlights the need for enhanced financial literacy programs and effective awareness campaigns to strengthen the investors' investment decisions. So, it will help to increase the investors' participation in mutual fund investment and improve their financial well-being.
Keywords:- Mutual Fund, Investors Preferences, Investors' Perception, Investors Awareness, Investment Avenues.

Quality of Work Life (QWL) is increasingly important in modern organisations, especially with the entry of Generation Z employees. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z focuses not only on fair pay but also on flexibility, recognition, personal well-being, and alignment with organisational values. This study examines the dimensions of QWL for Gen Z through exploratory analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Data were gathered from 100 employees in leading IT firms at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. The dataset was validated for factor analysis through Bartlett's Test of Sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure. PCA identified six key components explaining 85.1 per cent of the total variance. These dimensions include Work-Life Balance, Career Growth and Development, Recognition and Supervisory Support, Compensation and Rewards. Organisational Values and Identity, and Work Environment and Resources. The findings show that QWL for Gen Z is multidimensional, requiring organisations to integrate career opportunities, recognition, fair compensation, supportive workplaces, and value-based practices to enhance job satisfaction, employee retention, and
performance.
Keywords:- Gen Z Employees, QWL, Work-Life Balance, Career Growth, Employee Retention.