i-manager's Journal on Management (JMGT)


Volume 8 Issue 2 September - November 2013

Article

Implementation of Total Quality Management in Indian Industries: Challenges and Issues

M. Muthukumar*
* Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Engineering, Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu, India.
M. Muthukumar (2013). Implementation of Total Quality Management in Indian Industries: Challenges and Issues. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 8(2), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.8.2.2505

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) has begun to influence national business systems and is widely seen as a "revolution" in management. TQM initiatives continuously search the needs of the customers and incorporate them in the organization on an ongoing basis. For this reason, the majority of research study has been undertaken in this field and is still going on across the world, especially in the developing countries, which are lagging behind in the implementation of TQM. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the awareness of TQM program in the Indian industries. Moreover, it highlights the various factors important for total quality management implementation in various manufacturing organizations and to assess their relevance for Indian manufacturing organizations. The various factors highlighted will be useful for manufacturing as well as service industries that are in the starting phase of TQM implementation or have already failed to implement TQM at their works.

Article

Islamic Micro Finance (IMF) for the enterprises at Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) in India

M.S. Subhas* , D. Halaswamy**
*Professor in Management, Kousali Institute of Management Studies, Karnatak University, Karnataka, India.
**Senior Research Fellow (UGC), Kousali Institute of Management Studies, Karnatak University, Karnataka, India.
M.S. Subhas and D. Halaswamy (2013). Islamic Micro Finance (IMF) for the enterprises at Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) in India. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 8(2), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.8.2.2506

Abstract

The main aim of the article is to assess the potential for evolving enterprises at the BOP and hence India can develop. The article argues that Islamic microfinance can play an important role in involving farmer village youths in the business and hence there will be eradication of poverty, the socio-economic development of the poor and small (micro) entrepreneurs without charging any interest. India as a country of “Unity in Diversity” is well known for its varied traditions and cultures in turn as religions. The present paper would like to present a well tested business development concept Market Oriented Value Enhancement (MOVE), which resulted in generating successful entrepreneurs in its efforts. From the findings we have come across the fact that Islamic (Muslim) group of trainees have been found to be more involved seriously and effectively in forming of their ventures and running them for their sustainability.

Research Paper

The Effect of Emirati Culture on Western Cosmetics Buying Decision: A Strategic Marketing Analysis

Ianna F. Contardo* , Nitin Patwa**, Abha Dhoot***, Akshay Sundaram****
*-**-***-**** S P Jain School of Global Management, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, United Arab Emirates.
Ianna F. Contardo, Nitin Patwa, Abha Dhoot and Akshay Sundaram (2013). The Effect of Emirati Culture on Western Cosmetics Buying Decision: A Strategic Marketing Analysis. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 8(2), 14-33. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.8.2.2507

Abstract

In this paper we study the effects of Emirati culture on the buying behavior of cosmetics for women in the UAE. We argue that cultural categories act as stable parameters in which national identities are constructed by facilitating recognition and assimilation of established values. Little research, however, has been done in knowing what constitutes the process of institutionalization of new cultural categories or in other words, how new values enter traditional categories. We address this gap in research by offering an in-depth study of how Emirati women portray their identity through the use of cosmetics and more specifically Western brands. The foundations of the different perspectives in marketing research addressing the complexities and the dynamic relationships between consumer actions, organizational performance and cultural meanings are set as a conceptual framework of reference. We show that through the use of Western brands in cosmetics eventually Emirati women prefer to focus on aspects related to eye and lip make-up, following international trends while also remaining faithful to the predicaments of Islam. We conclude by highlighting how this study confirms the expectations regarding the relationship between the Emirati cosmetics consumption and the transitioning towards Global Consumer Culture Positioning (GCCP).

Research Paper

Influence of variables on Consumer behavior towards Kitchen durables : A Case study specific to Kochi

Anilkumar N* , Jelsey Joseph**
*-** Research Scholar, Karpagam University and Chief Manager, Sai Kripa, Kerala, India.
Anilkumar N and Jelsey Joseph (2013). Influence of variables on Consumer behavior towards Kitchen durables: A Case study specific to Kochi. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 8(2), 34-44. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.8.2.2510

Abstract

Consumer attitude is antecedent to behavior and is a relatively global and enduring evaluation of an object of consumption, issue, person or an act(Philip Kotler,2008). Attitudes guide one's thoughts, influence feelings and affect behaviors. Changes in behavioral patterns of consumers over the years has been due to several factors and best described by the consumer acculturation. A study of current Consumer purchase behavior-attitude towards durables nexus conditioned by the consumer related personal factors, social factors and the market factors as per TPB blended with TAM are discussed herein based on study conducted at Kochi in 2012-13 period for White durables based on random sampling and with a HH sample size of 200, durables retailer sample size of 40. That the study of consumer has assumed importance in the modern market segmentation, targeting and product positioning, discernable & imperative in the new acculturated consumer centric marketing of durables in Kerala, notably it's commercial hub, Urban Kochi.

Research Paper

Marketing Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

J. Ferusha Pearl* , R. Rathiha**
*Research Scholar, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
**Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India
J. Ferusha Pearl and R. Rathiha (2013). Marketing Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 8(2), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.8.2.2512

Abstract

Setting up of an enterprise is itself a great task for women entrepreneurs but running the same successfully is a greater task. Running the enterprise successfully is the ultimate test for the entrepreneurial capability as it determines the profitability and survival of the unit. It is not easy to evaluate the performance of such diverse micro, small and medium units engaged in manufacturing, trading and service, since each of the above sectors encompasses a wide variety of enterprises. No single economic indicator can successfully portray success index for such a mix of enterprise. Analysis is therefore made on the practices followed in the major fields of entrepreneurial activity, in marketing. By evaluating the various aspects of the marketing practices of an enterprise, conclusions are drawn on the marketing performance of these enterprises and certain recommendations are made.