Journal of Social Welfare and Management

The study aimed to assess the moderating effects of two key factors financial literacy and access to finance on the relationship between challenges faced by MSMEs and their business performance. To achieve this objective, a primary survey was conducted with 271 entrepreneurs from the Purba-Medinipur district of West Bengal. The collected data were analysed using regression analysis. The results indicated that financial literacy significantly moderates the relationship between MSME problems and business performance. Entrepreneurs with a higher level of financial literacy were better equipped to navigate business challenges, resulting in improved performance outcomes. Conversely, the study found that access to finance did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between MSME problems and business performance. This suggests that other elements such as managerial capabilities, prevailing market conditions, or institutional support may play a more critical role in addressing these challenges and enhancing business success. These findings underscore the importance of promoting financial literacy among entrepreneurs as a means to strengthen resilience and support sustainable business development.

Urban community development in India is a very complex challenge which involves addressing issues related to poverty, inequality as well as infrastructure deficits. This paper studies the government’s various programs in urban development including the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, NULM, etc., It also examines how these programmes address the effects of rural-to-urban migration and the challenges faced by the urban informal sector. Thus, the study establishes importance to be given to community participation and effective policy measures for sustainable urban growth. Accordingly, this paper would throw insights on urban migration and its influence on the urban landscape, as well as bringing out how inclusive urban architecture is needed.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) registered under Companies Act 1956 (now 2013) and engaged in activities similar to banks but do not hold a banking licence. NBFCs provide financial services to unbanked population and have gained significant importance in Indian economic growth. The present study attempts to examine the variation in performance of selected NBFCs mainly emphasizing on Asset Finance Companies (AFCs), in respect of liquidity, profitability and efficiency over the period of 2006-2022. The study employs One-way ANOVA test followed by a post hoc test. The study concludes that there was no difference in liquidity performances among the selected AFCs; however there was significant differences in profitability and efficiency among the selected companies.

This study examines the key financial factors affecting oil and gas firms in emerging markets, focusing on ROCE and Net Profit Ratio. Using data from Indian companies (2013–2023), it applies regression analysis to assess how these metrics influence corporate efficiency and growth. The findings indicate that ROCE plays a crucial role in driving capital efficiency, while NPR reflects profitability dynamics that influence financial sustainability. Other variables, such as Growth Opportunities (GO), Liquidity Ratio (LR), Leverage Ratio (LER), Interest Coverage Ratio (ICR), and Price Earnings Ratio (P/E), exhibit varying degrees of influence on financial performance. The study shows that managing capital and profits is vital in capital-intensive industries. Managing capital and profits is very important in big industries. Future studies could look at other industries and countries to learn more about the oil and gas sector.

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors has revolutionized the education industry, particularly impacting the operational and pedagogical frameworks of coaching institutes in India. As AI-powered tools like adaptive learning systems, chatbots, and data analytics redefine the teaching-learning experience, the traditional model of coaching centers faces both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities. This article explores the future of coaching institutes in India in the age of AI, emphasizing the necessity for these institutes to adapt to technological disruptions to sustain their relevance. The study begins by identifying key trends, including the rise of personalized learning platforms, virtual teaching assistants, and AI-based content generation tools that cater to individual student needs. It also discusses the increasing use of predictive analytics for student performance tracking and its implications for designing targeted interventions. These advancements hold significant potential for improving outcomes, particularly in a highly competitive environment like India’s coaching ecosystem, which prepares students for exams such as IIT-JEE, NEET, UPSC, Railway, SSC, etc. Despite these opportunities, this article highlights potential threats such as the risk of job displacement for traditional educators, over-reliance on AI systems, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy and algorithmic bias. A crucial focus is placed on maintaining the human touch in education an essential element of student motivation, mentorship, and emotional support that AI currently cannot replicate. To address these challenges, the article proposes a hybrid model where coaching institutes combine AI-driven tools with human expertise to deliver a balanced and effective learning experience. The adoption of blended learning frameworks, AI-assisted curriculum design, and real-time analytics can empower educators to enhance engagement and academic performance. Furthermore, the study explores the need for infrastructure development, teacher training, and policy interventions to ensure equitable access to AI-enabled education, particularly in rural and underserved regions of India. Through case studies and expert insights, this article suggests that AI should be seen not as a competitor but as a collaborator, augmenting the capabilities of educators and expanding the reach of quality education. By proactively investing in AI adoption and upskilling their workforce, Indian coaching institutes can redefine their value proposition, ensuring sustainability and growth in an increasingly AI-centric era.

In the modern landscape of professional and academic growth, a troubling trend has emerged awards and honors are increasingly being commodified. The phenomenon of pay and take awards, where recognition is exchanged for fees rather than merit, has undermined the foundational principles of academic integrity and professional credibility. This article critically examines the evolving ecosystem of purchasable accolades and glorified profiles within academia and related sectors. Through a comprehensive literature review, real-world case studies, and detailed analysis, we explore the psychological drivers, institutional enablers, and long-term consequences of this superficial form of recognition. This article further identifies the research gap, provides suggestions for policy and cultural reform, and highlights areas needing further exploration. The aim is to foster awareness and encourage a return to authenticity in evaluating academic and professional merit.