International Development Planning Review
International Development Planning Review is a peer-reviewed journal which provides an interdisciplinary platform for the critical study of development related practices, planning and policy in the global South. The journal publishes theoretically informed and empirically grounded papers, critical reviews, and viewpoints.
STRATEGIES FOR AN URBAN ACCESSIBILITY SYSTEM TOWARDS IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY OF AN URBAN FORM
Accessibility in the urban areas has emerged as a key ingredient in determining sustainable development of cities due to the rapid urbanization and growth in transport demand. The increasing reliance on cars has contributed to congestion, environmental degradation, which underscores the necessity of integrated accessibility-based planning. This paper tries to understand the linkage between urban accessibility systems and the sustainability of urban form by suggesting strategic interventions to integrate transport planning and land-use design. It relies on a comprehensive literature review including global and Indian research, and statistical evaluation techniques, including Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), traffic optimization and GIS-based analysis. The existing literature underlines the importance of compact urban shapes, mixed spatial use, and transit-oriented development in improving accessibility and alleviating environmental impacts. However, limited studies integrate these factors into a unified framework. The findings suggest that multimodal transport systems, high-density development, and availability of services are all significant factors contributing to sustainable urban form. Non-motorized transport promotion, enhancement of public transport, and land-use planning are some of the strategies that can contribute immensely to the sustainability results. The researchers conclude that a quality urban accessibility system, which is backed by policy and planning interventions, is the key to attaining the long-term urban sustainability.
Ar. Sanjay W. Deshmukh*, Dr Pankaj N. Bahadure, Dr. Vijay S. Kapse
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN HUMAN DESIRE AND SOCIAL REALITY IN HARDY’S FICTION
Thomas Hardy is one of the most important Victorian novelists who always play with the conflict between character's choices and the restrictions of social circumstances. His characters struggle against a rigid social hierarchy, social norms, gender norms and fate as they seek out love, happiness, class mobility and personal freedom. The present paper looks at the clash between social reality and human desire in Hardy's fiction with a primary emphasis on the novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), Jude the Obscure (1895), and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874). The study aims to show the influence of society on individuals' ambition and emotional fulfillment in these novels by analysing them. The paper states that Hardy's tragic vision is the result of the conflict between man's aspirations and the social world of Victorian England. Hardy reveals the pain that social norms and institutional barriers inflict, criticizing Victorian morality and emphasizing the vulnerability of people who are fighting against forces that they cannot control.
ETHICS BY DESIGN IN THE INDIAN STATE: IMPLEMENTING ALGORITHMIC AUDITS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Algorithmic decision-making systems have been proliferating in Indian public administration, from the delivery of welfare benefits to tax assessment, policing, and judicial support, and this has further galvanized the need for structural accountability mechanisms. This paper explores the conceptual and institutional infrastructure necessary to incorporate ethics by design as part of the Indian State Governance agenda, especially when considering algorithmic auditing and Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs). Based on the comparative evidence of the European Union's Algorithmic Impact Assessment regime, Canada's Algorithmic Impact Assessment framework, and the current preliminary stage of regulatory activity in India, the research explores the institutional requirements, constitutional duties (under Article 14 and 21), and gaps in governance for a strong national framework. The paper presents evidence from more than fifteen major government deployments of AI – such as AI-Aadhaar for biometric authentication, AI-based PMGKAY beneficiary identification, and predictive policing pilots – showing how these are systematically excluding marginalised communities, being kept opaque, and affecting them disproportionately. The model used in this paper is a multi-tiered AIA that is tailored to the risk profile of the administrative applications. It believes that the concept of ethics by design needs to be accompanied by a critical rethinking of the culture of bureaucracy, laws, and the role of civil society in order to make algorithmic systems work in line with the constitutional principle of justice, equity, and human dignity in India.
CRISIS-DRIVEN INNOVATION: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN INDIA
India's energy sector stands at a historic crossroads, where recurrent crises spanning two decades—from fossil fuel price shocks and power-supply shortfalls to climate-change imperatives and geopolitical disruptions—have paradoxically catalysed some of the most ambitious and analytically significant sustainable energy management strategies witnessed in any rapidly industrialising economy. This paper provides a multi-dimensional examination of crisis-driven innovation from 2005 to 2026, examining how the energy system has been challenged collectively by fiscal shocks, supply shortages, climatic needs, and governance shortcomings, and how these shocks have collectively driven structural changes, spurred the faster rollout of clean energy technologies, and transformed energy transition institutional and regulatory frameworks in India. The study draws on data compiled from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), International Energy Agency (IEA), NITI Aayog, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), and peer-reviewed literature from Scopus and Web of Science to analyse installed capacity trajectories, looking at a 127.7 GW system in 2005 through to a projected 535.5 GW by 2026; policy programme outcomes; subnational variation between different states; and frontier technology ecosystems around green hydrogen, battery storage, offshore wind and AI-based grid management. The key findings indicate that India has increased its renewable energy capacity by about 263 GW by 2026, decreased carbon intensity, and achieved near-universal electrification, while also creating competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystems and raising renewable energy capacity by 40 times since 2005. Persistent challenges include Discom's financial fragility, grid integration constraints, supply chain dependencies, and the imperative of a just and inclusive transition for coal-dependent communities. The paper concludes with a forward-looking five-pillar policy framework centred on Discom reform, grid modernisation, manufacturing indigenisation, green hydrogen scale-up, and just transition governance.
Dr.Addala Naveen Kumar, Dr.Kancharla Kavya, Mangali Raghu
EXPLORING MODULAR HOUSING AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR URBAN DENSIFICATION
As urban populations continue to rise globally, the demand for sustainable and affordable housing has intensified, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in urban development. Modular housing has emerged as a potential solution to address the challenges of urban densification by offering a more cost-effective, resource-efficient, and faster construction alternative compared to traditional housing methods. This paper explores the viability of modular housing as a sustainable solution for urban densification, examining recent advancements in modular construction technologies, its environmental, social, and economic benefits, and the challenges hindering its widespread adoption. By analyzing case studies and technological innovations such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy integration, this review identifies modular housing’s potential to meet the housing needs of rapidly growing urban populations. Despite its advantages, barriers such as regulatory constraints, market perceptions, and design limitations remain significant obstacles. To overcome these challenges, this paper advocates for regulatory reforms, investment in research and development, and enhanced stakeholder education. The findings suggest that modular housing can play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable urban development, contributing to more resilient and inclusive urban environments.
Hady Hafezieh, Faranak Shahidirad, Hong Zhang
THE INTERPLAY OF FOLKLORE AND PHILOSOPHY IN THE SHORT STORIES OF MANOJ DAS: A CRITICAL STUDY
This paper presents a critical analysis of the interplay of folklore and philosophy in Manoj Das's short stories. A prominent figure of twentieth-century Indian literature, Das is known for his bilingual literary productions in English and Odia. He is unique in modern Indian literature for his capacity to bring into conversation the oral and the narrative with deep philosophical enquiry. This paper engages in a qualitative, interpretative analysis of a series of short stories, and shows that for Das, folklore is not only a narrative strategy but a site for philosophical exploration of ethics, human life, and salvation. In placing his work in the context of Indian intellectual history and contemporary literary debates, the paper suggests that Das builds a narrative epistemology based on indigenous knowledge systems. He universalises local myths, legends and traditions in his stories, presenting them as meditations on morality, spirituality and the world. The research concludes that the blending of folklore and philosophy in Das’s stories complicates Western binary oppositions between reason and imagination, and presents an integrated view of human life.
Copyright (c) 2026 International Development Planning Review
ETHICS, MYSTICISM, AND INDIAN PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITIONS IN THE FICTION OF MANOJ DAS
This paper examines the interplay of ethics, mysticism, and Indian philosophy in the fiction of Manoj Das, highlighting how his stories transcend simple narration to explore deeper moral and metaphysical concerns. Rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual traditions, his works blend realism with the supernatural, transforming ordinary experiences into reflections on human existence. Ethical inquiry in his fiction is presented as a dynamic, evolving process shaped by personal consciousness, moral dilemmas, and lived experience, with characters undergoing significant inner transformation. The study also analyzes mysticism as both a narrative and philosophical tool, where supernatural elements like visions and divine interventions symbolize psychological and spiritual truths rather than fantasy. It further situates Das within Indian philosophical traditions such as Vedanta, Advaita, and Buddhism, showing how concepts like karma, maya, dharma, and moksha are seamlessly integrated into his narratives. Through narrative technique, characterization, and thematic analysis, the paper demonstrates how Das bridges traditional spirituality and modern literature. His fiction ultimately promotes a holistic vision of life, emphasizing moral awareness and spiritual realization, while offering readers both aesthetic engagement and a path toward introspection.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Development Planning Review
SYSTEMS THINKING IN MODERN ORGANIZATIONS: APPLICATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND OUTCOMES
Modern organizations operate in environments shaped by interdependence, technological acceleration, shifting stakeholder expectations and repeated disruption. Traditional linear approaches to planning often fail because they separate problems into isolated departments and overlook feedback effects that connect strategy, culture, processes and performance. This article explores systems thinking as a managerial capability for understanding organizations as dynamic, interconnected wholes. The study examines how systems thinking is applied in decision making, cross-functional coordination, learning, risk management and productivity improvement, while also identifying implementation challenges and expected outcomes. A descriptive and analytical research design is adopted, using a structured questionnaire administered to 90 employees from diverse functional areas. Four objectives guide the inquiry: to assess applications of systems thinking, examine challenges, evaluate its relationship with organizational outcomes and suggest practical improvement measures. Four statistical tests are presented, including a one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, multiple regression and one-way ANOVA. The illustrative findings indicate that systems thinking practices are perceived above average, show a positive relationship with organizational outcomes, and are especially influenced by feedback learning and cross-functional integration. The article concludes that systems thinking strengthens adaptability, employee collaboration and decision quality when supported by leadership commitment, shared data and continuous learning and sustainable change capacity.
Systems thinking; modern organizations; organizational learning; complexity; productivity; decision making.
THE ROLE OF YI EMBROIDERY IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.
Developing tourism has become an effective means of boosting the economy, increasing employment, and expanding the consumer market in ethnic minority regions. It is also a key pillar industry for improving the living standards of people in these regions. During tourism consumption, tourist products serve as a crucial medium and connection for tourists to obtain meaningful souvenirs. With the continuous advancement of China's tourism industry, demand for tourism products with regional characteristics is increasing. Due to the relatively late development of tourism in ethnic minority regions, there is still significant room for development in the tourism economy. Tourism products, in particular, have been relatively underdeveloped. The market for personalized, locally distinctive tourism products is particularly promising, especially in southwestern China's ethnic minority regions, where local tourism products offer significant market potential and development value. Yi embroidery is an ancient and magnificent craft, a representative item of China's national intangible cultural heritage. Its rich colors and harmonious patterns embody the Yi people's yearning for a better life. In the development of tourism projects with Chinese characteristics, fully showcasing the unique Yi embroidery culture can better reflect the diversity of Chinese culture, promote global recognition of Yi culture, and promote the prosperity and development of tourism culture in Yi regions.
Specialized tourism, Yi embroidery, Yi culture, development
E-GOVERNANCE ADOPTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY IN ANDHRA PRADESH: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF CITIZEN-CENTRIC SERVICE DELIVERY
The reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 presented a unique governance challenge: a newly constituted state government was compelled to rebuild its administrative infrastructure while simultaneously accelerating digital service delivery for approximately 49 million citizens across 13 districts. This paper empirically examines e-governance adoption and its impact on administrative efficiency in the post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh, drawing on a stratified survey of 480 citizens across six purposively selected districts (2016–17), official MeeSeva transaction records, government administrative efficiency data, and secondary sources. The study employs multiple regression analysis, descriptive statistics, and comparative pre/post assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of citizen-centric e-services—principally MeeSeva, AP Online, eSeva, and the e-District portal—in streamlining public service delivery. Results show that the most significant factors influencing the adoption of e-services are digital literacy (β = 0.341), internet access (β = 0.298), and perceived ease of use (β = 0.264). The indicators of administrative efficiency have also greatly improved, dropping by 78.1% in the average time to issue a certificate and rising by 402% in the number of online service transactions during the same period (2013-2016). But there are significant educational and rural–urban gaps that limit inclusive adoption. The paper concludes with policy recommendations oriented toward infrastructure augmentation, digital literacy programming, and institutional capacity building to realise equitable e-governance outcomes.
e-governance; MeeSeva; digital service delivery; administrative efficiency; Andhra Pradesh; citizen satisfaction; digital divide; TAM
Copyright (c) 2017 International Development Planning Review
“THE PARTITION OF INDIA: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND THE LONG-TERM IMPACTS ON SOCIETY”
The Partition of India in 1947 was a transformative event that created two independent nations, India and Pakistan, and was marked by unprecedented communal violence, mass migrations, and profound societal changes. This paper explores the historical perspectives leading to the Partition, analyzing the political, social, and economic factors that shaped this momentous occasion. The findings indicate that the Partition resulted in the displacement of approximately 15 million people and the loss of an estimated two million lives due to communal violence. The long-term impacts of the Partition on society are multifaceted, influencing communal relations, identity formation, and socioeconomic conditions in both India and Pakistan. Contemporary relevance is found in the ongoing communal tensions, identity politics, and economic disparities within both nations, which can be traced back to the events of 1947. The narratives surrounding the Partition continue to frame national identities and impact political discourse, demonstrating the need for a reconciliatory approach that acknowledges shared histories. Understanding the legacy of the Partition is essential for addressing current societal challenges and fostering mutual understanding between communities. This exploration emphasizes the importance of historical memory in shaping contemporary politics and the necessity for dialogue and inclusion in the pursuit of social cohesion and stability in the region.
Partition of India, Historical perspectives, Communal violence, Migration, Societal impact, Indo-Pakistani relations
CENTRALISED MODELS TO DECENTRALIZED GOVERNANCE: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN INDIAN EDUCATION
Educational development planning in India has traditionally been an important instrument of socio-economic transformation ‘, equity promotion and nation-building. Since independence, India has depended on structured planning frameworks to expand access, improve quality and address systemic inequalities. This paradigm has gradually shifted from a centralised model under the Five-Year Plans of India to a more decentralized and participatory governance structure, strengthened by reforms such as the National Education Policy 2020. This paper critically analyses this transition through the theoretical lenses of Human Capital Theory, Capability Approach and decentralisation theory. It also uses recent empirical evidence and secondary data to evaluate the effectiveness of educational planning in India. Findings show that while decentralisation has improved local responsiveness and participation, persistent challenges such as inequitable financing, governance inefficiencies, and implementation gaps still impede outcomes (Tilak, 2018; Mehrotra, 2019; KPMG, 2020). The study suggests a hybrid planning model that integrates’ centralised strategic vision with decentralised implementation to realise sustainable and inclusive educational development.
Educational Planning, Decentralization, Governance in Education,Educational equity, Learning outcomes
HR EXCELLENCE IN GUJARAT: LINKING PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING, DECISION STYLES AND LIFELONG LEARNING
This research study explores the correlation between psychological wellbeing, decision-making styles and lifelong learning tendency among the HR professionals in Gujarat. Established indicators were adopted to gather data from 107 respondents in a quantitative, cross-sectional strategy. The results of regression and correlation tests indicated that lifelong learning tendency and decision-making styles have a significant strong correlation with psychological wellbeing. Further, decision-making style functioned as a partial intermediary between psychological wellbeing and lifelong learning tendency and remained a significant indicator of lifelong learning tendency. The findings appear to indicate that psychological wellbeing facilitates adaptive decision-making which affirms dedication of the HR professionals towards lifelong learning. This study presents empirical data from a regional Indian setting, underscoring the necessity of promoting emotional wellbeing and decision-making skills to inspire and qualify HR professionals for lifelong learning.
Psychological Wellbeing, Decision-making styles, Lifelong learning tendency, HR Professionals, Gujarat, Mediation, Reliability
ENHANCING PATIENT CARE RESULTS VIA NURSING AND LABORATORY COOPERATION
The precise functions of nursing and phlebotomy are explained in this essay, along with the significance of good communication between the two professions. Each topic is presented, however there will be some blurring because of how closely related they are to one another. Nursing includes providing independent and cooperative care for people of all ages, families, groups, and communities, whether they are ill or well, and in any situation. Assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, execution, and evaluation are all part of nursing. In the health and community sectors, registered and enrolled nurses and other staff members work in a wide range of private and public settings. The procedure of obtaining a blood sample for laboratory testing includes phlebotomy alone. Laboratory tests are also utilized for diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, and evaluation. From a simple one-page request form and a single patient treatment to complex care for a patient with a chronic illness requiring years of testing and therapies, this connection between nursing and the lab can take many different forms. Patients frequently move between community and hospital settings while receiving the same care in today's healthcare system. The nurse may find it challenging to make sure the tests are performed and to monitor the outcomes in certain situations. For high priority diagnostics with a limited treatment pathway, this is especially crucial. The urgent necessity to give a level 1 platelet transfusion to a patient who has a life-threatening hemorrhage or to confirm service for a patient who has just fasted for six hours while waiting for a blood sugar test are two examples that practically any nurse can relate to.
Bader khalaf Q Alruwaily*, Ahmed Abdullah. Al Jouan, Nadia Mubarak Alharthy, Mona Mutlaq K Almutairi, Ali Ibrahim Al Othman, Abdulaziz Ghanim Abdulaziz Alghani, Altuwayjiri, Ibrahim Saleh I
QUEST FOR SELF AND SEARCH FOR IDENTITY IN CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI’S SISTER OF MY HEART AND THE VINE OF DESIRE
A woman’s search for self-identity is closely connected to her religious, social, ethnic, and public environment. Her circumstances are often unpredictable and vary in different parts of world. This makes gender roles complex and challenging. While both men and women struggle with identity, women face additional difficulties in being recognized as individuals. As they explore their strengths and weaknesses, their journey becomes even more complicated. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s female characters come from different backgrounds, and her novels are set in both India and America. Her Indian women find themselves caught between these two countries, struggling with social changes that affect their sense of self. They face challenges in understanding who they are and where they belong. This article explores the identity crisis in Divakaruni’s novels “Sister of My Heart and The Vine of Desire”.
: quest for self, quest for identity, identity crisis, women’s identity, feminism.
EXPLORING SOCIAL HIERARCHY IN THE CANTERBURY TALES: A STUDY OF SELECTED CHARACTERS
The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387-1400) by Geoffrey Chaucer is one of the most sophisticated literary portrayals of medieval English society, providing an unmatched panoramic of social types by way of the popular literary convention of the pilgrimage. This paper conducts a close textual and social-literary reading of a number of characters from the General Prologue and the Tales themselves, exploring how Chaucer employs characterisation, irony, satire and narrative point of view to expose, entrench and destabilise the social hierarchy of fourteenth-century England. Through an analysis grounded in the Estates tradition, Bakhtinian carnival theory, and Marxist literary analysis, the paper concludes that Chaucer does not uncritically endorse or reject the tripartite structure of the Estates, but instead positions himself in an in-between critical position, highlighting tensions of late medieval social organisation. Five exemplars-the Knight, the Prioress, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, and the Pardoner-are considered here to exemplify the estates of nobility, clergy and commons, with attention being paid to issues of gender and transgressive subjectivity. The paper argues that Chaucer's social world is doubly understood as naturalised and inverted, allowing the text to be a double reflection and critique of the world it represents.
Canterbury Tales, Chaucer, social hierarchy, medieval estates, satire, Bakhtinian carnival, feminist criticism, representation, characterisation, literature.
ROLE OF WOMEN IN DIVAKARUNI’S ARRANGED MARRIAGE
The main aim of this paper is to explore the role of women in “Arranged Marriage”. With growing awareness about women’s subjugation and the impact of education, many literary works focus on themes such as social hierarchy, social values, dowry system, domestic violence, and women’s oppression. Several contemporary Indian writers like Anita Desai, Shashi Deshpande, and Manju Kapur, alongside Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, inspire readers to become courageous and independent women. Divakaruni’s characters stand out as they challenge societal norms and traditional beliefs. They navigate through different cultural values and belief systems, breaking away from male-dominated societies. These women are portrayed individuals who do not hesitate to seek freedom from the constraints of traditional roles. Through her novels, Divakaruni empowers women to rise above subjugation and embrace their individuality, promoting mental and physical liberation.
role, woman, marriage, societal, independence, patriarchy, identity
CHANGING SOCIAL ORDER IN THE CANTERBURY TALES: A STUDY OF THE GENERAL PROLOGUE
General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 13871400) is one of the most complex literary efforts in late medieval English literature to chart the discontinuities and metamorphoses of the fourteenth-century English society. Composed in the context of the Black Death, the Peasants Revolt of 1381, the Lollard religious reform movement, the rise of a mercantile class, the text inscribed in the gallery of portraits a methodical questioning of the three-estate model, those who pray, those who fight, and those who work. This essay discusses how Chaucer uses narrative voice, irony, characterisation by satire, and the pilgrimage frame to express, challenge and finally disrupt, the social hierarchy of late medieval England. Based on New Historicist, materialist, and Bakhtinian theories, the paper examines the characters of the Knight, the Prioress, the Merchant, the Plowman, the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner as characters whose depiction reveals the collapse of the ideology of the estates, the emergence of proto-capitalist individualism, and the mutability of gender and religious power. The thesis of the paper is that Chaucer is not only a mirror of social change but he is also a co-creator of this change in the discursive process of the Prologue via the polyphonic construction. The results prove that the General Prologue is a heteroglossic cultural document, whose formal strategies are the very social mobility and transgression, which are described in the contents. Conclusions on the interpretation of literature as social change in late medieval England are drawn.
Canterbury tales; General prologue; social order; medieval estates; Chaucer; New Historicism; social change; late medieval England.
MIGRANT LABOR ISSUES & CHALLENGES – A CASE STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO ANDHRA PRADESH
This research explores the challenges faced by migrant laborers in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on their working conditions, socio-economic impact, and policy implications. Migrant labor has become a crucial part of the labor market in Andhra Pradesh, contributing significantly to sectors such as construction, agriculture, and textiles. Despite their vital role in the economy, migrant workers often face exploitation, lack of adequate legal protection, and poor living conditions. The study examines both pre-existing and COVID-19 amplified challenges. Migrant workers often face issues such as inadequate wages, poor housing, and lack of access to essential services. These problems are compounded by limited government intervention and lack of institutional support. The pandemic further exacerbated their vulnerability, with many workers left without livelihoods and forced to return to their home states, leading to a massive humanitarian crisis. The study also examines the social exclusion and gender-based disparities within the migrant workforceThe study suggests that strengthening labor laws, improving housing and healthcare provisions, and creating more robust safety nets for migrant workers are essential steps to improving their welfare. By understanding the multifaceted issues faced by migrant workers, the research aims to provide policy recommendations that will improve their working conditions and ensure their inclusion in the broader socio-economic framework of the state.
Copyright (c) 2023 International Development Planning Review
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF ORGANIZED WORKFORCE (PRE & POST COVID) IN INDIA
The workforce in India, especially within the organized sector, has undergone significant transformations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research investigates the issues and challenges faced by the organized workforce in India before and after the pandemic. The primary objective is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on workforce dynamics, such as job security, work culture, economic challenges, and organizational resilience. The study examines both pre- and post-pandemic conditions, exploring how the pandemic reshaped the labor market in India, particularly the transition to remote work, employee mental health, and organizational adaptation to new operational models. Data were collected from 95 respondents across various sectors of the organized workforce. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and AMOS software were employed to analyze the relationships between various variables such as workforce adaptability, employee well-being, and organizational performance. The study found a marked shift in the workforce's approach to work, with a significant increase in remote work adoption, digital skills demand, and flexibility requirements. On the other hand, challenges related to job insecurity, mental health issues, and technological barriers emerged prominently. The findings suggest that while organizations have adapted to some degree, there is a need for enhanced employee support, better work-life balance policies, and robust infrastructure to support remote work in the long term. This research provides valuable insights into the resilience of the Indian organized workforce, offering practical suggestions for businesses to mitigate future challenges and enhance workforce productivity.
Copyright (c) 2022 International Development Planning Review
A STUDY ON E-SERVICESCAPE DIMENSION ON ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE AND PURCHASE INTENTION.
The area of delivery app servicescape encompasses both social and physical elements. Both aspects have been independently researched, which is surprising. Through the mediating and moderating impacts of imagined crowding and customer satisfaction, this study aims to analyze the overall effects of servicescape on consumer behavior in a full service situation (Chennai). The current retail literature does not adequately depict online food delivery services (OFDSs). In order to close this gap, this study evaluates how service quality affects customer loyalty, contentment, and propensity to use meal delivery services. This research seeks to fill this void by evaluating how service quality affects consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and the intention to use food delivery services. In particular, we explored whether customers had greater loyalty towards restaurants or online food delivery services (OFDSs). This indicates that marketers and professionals should concentrate on the remaining four SERVQUAL dimensions (tangibles, reliability, assurance, and empathy) to enhance consumer loyalty and satisfaction, which can subsequently result in a higher likelihood of reusing the service (repeat patronage). Our findings provide important insights for marketers utilizing the SERVQUAL dimensions in the realm of online food delivery services.
PROJECT MANAGER’S SKILLS AND PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A CASE OF RUKARARA HYDRO POWER PLANT PROJECT IN NYAMAGABE DISTRICT, RWANDA.
The general objective of this research was to assess the effect of project manager's skills on performance of Rukarara Hydro Power Plant project in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda. This study was guided by Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, Theory of Change and Control Theory. This study used descriptive and correlational design with quantitative and qualitative approach to describe and correlate variables. The study population was 188 participants, who consisted of Project Managers, Project Team Members and Project consultants. The study used a census method to obtain data as the population was managable. In order to analyze quantitative data, the researcher used SPSS version 25 to calculate descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analysis. Findings from Resource Planning Skills revealed unstandardized coefficient (β1) of 0.355, indicating that for each unit increase in resource planning skills, project performance increased by 0.355 units, significant at p = 0.000 with t=4.128. Leadership Skills showed a coefficient (β2) of 0.187, with a p-value of 0.010 with t=2.597, indicating that improvements in leadership skills were also positively and significantly associated with project performance. Communication Skills had a coefficient (β3) of 0.158 and was significant at p = 0.016 with t=2.431, reflecting a significant positive effect on project performance. Finally, results from Monitoring and Evaluation Skills had a coefficient (β4) of 0.177, significant at p = 0.001 with t=3.340, indicating its positive effect on project performance. Overall, the coefficients demonstrated that all four independent variables significantly affected performance of Rukarara Hydro Power Plant project in Nyamagabe District. This study concluded that project manager’s skills specifically in resource planning, leadership, communication, and monitoring and evaluation have a significant and positive impact on the performance of the Rukarara Hydro Power Plant project in Rwanda. This research recommended that Rukarara Hydro Power Plant project should strengthen a structured communication protocols that encourage open dialogue and regular feedback among team members and stakeholders.
Project Manager's Skills, Performance of construction project, Resource planning skills, Leadership skills, Communication skills, Monitoring and evaluation skills
Jean Claude Ibambasi Gakwavu,Dr. Dushimimana Jean de Dieu
BRIDGING THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING GAP: ISSB IMPLEMENTATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS IN COLOMBIAN FIRMS
The growing demand for transparent sustainability reporting has increased global attention on the adoption of standardized frameworks. The standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board aim to improve the comparability and reliability of sustainability disclosures. However, their effective implementation remains a challenge, particularly in emerging economies where institutional and organizational conditions may differ significantly from those in developed markets. This study analyzes the implementation gap of ISSB sustainability standards in Colombia by examining the perceptions and practices of corporate managers and accounting professionals. Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to explore the relationship between awareness of sustainability standards and their practical adoption within organizations. The findings reveal a significant perception–implementation gap: although professionals recognize the strategic relevance of sustainability reporting, many firms have not yet incorporated ISSB standards into their reporting processes. The results suggest that institutional factors, limited regulatory pressure, and organizational readiness may influence the pace of adoption. This study contributes to the emerging literature on sustainability reporting by providing empirical evidence from a Latin American context and highlighting the challenges organizations face when transitioning toward globally harmonized sustainability reporting frameworks.
Sustainability reporting; ISSB standards; Emerging economies; Corporate sustainability disclosure; Accounting professionals; Latin America.
Angela María Vargas Ariza, Martha Janeth Bonilla Gómez, Mayeth Lizeth Durán Durán
“STRATEGIC UPSKILLING AND WORKFORCE PERFORMANCE: EXAMINING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES”
As technological and market demands evolve, strategic upskilling initiatives have become an essential component of contemporary human resource management. Organizations operating in today’s knowledge-driven economy increasingly recognize the need for continuous skill development to remain competitive and enhance employee productivity. This study examines the relationship between strategic upskilling programs, employee engagement, and workforce performance, with particular emphasis on the mediating effect of employee engagement.A quantitative research approach was adopted, and primary data were gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to employees working in skill development organizations. The collected responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis. The findings indicate that strategic upskilling initiatives exert a significant positive influence on both employee engagement and workforce performance. In addition, the results confirm that employee engagement substantially mediates the association between strategic upskilling efforts and workforce performance.These findings suggest that organizations investing in employee training and continuous skill enhancement do more than strengthen workforce capabilities. They also foster a stronger psychological bond between employees and their work, which ultimately contributes to higher productivity and improved organizational effectiveness.
Strategic Upskilling, Employee Engagement, Workforce Performance, Human Resource Development, Organisational Learning
Dr. Shaik Mohammad Rafi, Manda Venkata Ramya, Prof. Nagaraju Battu
SKILL-BASED WORKFORCE PLANNING USING HR ANALYTICS
Skill-based workforce planning has become a strategic priority for contemporary organizations operating under conditions of technological disruption, volatile labour markets, and rapidly changing job expectations. Conventional workforce planning models generally concentrate on positions and headcount, but they often overlook the evolving mix of competencies required to sustain business performance. This study addresses that limitation by positioning HR analytics as a core enabler of skill-based workforce planning. The study examines whether analytics capability helps organizations identify skill gaps, forecast workforce needs, improve planning efficiency, and strengthen organizational performance. A quantitative design was adopted, and structured questionnaire data were obtained from 60 respondents representing different organizational roles. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the relationships among four constructs: HR Analytics Capability, Skill Identification, Workforce Planning Efficiency, and Organizational Performance. The findings indicate that HR analytics exerts a meaningful positive influence on skill identification and workforce planning efficiency, while efficient planning contributes directly to improved organizational outcomes. The direct path from HR analytics to organizational performance is also positive, suggesting that analytics creates value not only through planning processes but also through broader strategic alignment. The model demonstrated acceptable fit, with CFI = 0.94 and RMSEA = 0.052, confirming the adequacy of the proposed framework. The study contributes to theory by combining an analytics perspective with a skill-based workforce approach, and it contributes to practice by offering a data-informed model for HR decision making. Overall, the article shows that analytics-driven HR strategies can reduce skill mismatches, support talent optimization, and promote sustained organizational effectiveness.
HR Analytics, Skill-Based Workforce Planning, SEM, Talent Management, Predictive Analytics, Workforce Efficiency, Organizational Performance
Ms.Pasumala Swetha, Dr.Sandhya Madala, Prof. Puttapalli Arun kumar , Dr. Shaik Mohammad Rafi
TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS & BREAKDOWN OF TRADITION: ANALYSIS OF BRITISH PERIOD IN INDIA
This study critically examines the dialectical relationship between technological progress and the breakdown of traditional structures in India during the British colonial period. Through a socio-historical lens, it interrogates how British-imposed technologies, such as the railway, telegraph, and modern industrial infrastructure, were not merely tools of economic exploitation but also agents of cultural dislocation. These innovations accelerated the erosion of indigenous industries, disrupted agrarian economies, and disintegrated caste-based occupational hierarchies. The colonial education system, designed to produce a subservient elite, further dismantled traditional knowledge systems and communal governance, while reshaping identities and social aspirations. The research foregrounds the paradoxical nature of colonial modernization—promising progress while systematically undermining the cultural and social autonomy of Indian society. By engaging with critical theories of imperialism, modernization, and cultural hegemony, this work highlights the profound social fractures left in the wake of British technological interventions, which simultaneously spurred nationalist resistance and reconfigured traditional life irrevocably.
Colonial Modernization, Indigenous Industries, Cultural Dislocation, Imperialism, Social Fragmentation
The specified paper represents a critical argument of dialectic interdependence between development of technology and dissolution of the traditional organization in India at one of the times in the British colonization. It also poses a query concerning how the technologies that the British entered in taken with them such as the railway, the telegraph and the new industrial setting were not just a method of economic subjugation, but a source of alienation to the culture. The caste system of occupation was disrupted and broken by these new technologies in making the local industry faster deindustrialized and agrarian economy. The colonial educational system which aimed at producing a subservient population of elites kept on shattering the systems of knowledge and collective governments that had existed and relocated identities and external social desires. In this work, the ironic coinciding nature of the colonial modernization to its development and simultaneously, destruction of the cultural, social autonomy of the Indian society at the systemic level is predicted. In this case, a writing reveals the impact of the prism of critical approaches to imperialism, modernization, cultural hegemony systematic deep social divisions that had been introduced by the British technological interventions, which simultaneously caused nationalistic resistance and, at the same time, disorganized the traditional life to such a degree that they could not be rearranged.
PARTITION LITERATURE & FEMINISM – A STUDY ON INDIA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
The Partition of India in 1947 was a cataclysmic event that led to the displacement, trauma, and violence for millions of people. This research focuses on Partition literature, examining it through a feminist lens to understand the complex interplay between gender, trauma, and national identity in post-Independence India. Partition literature serves as a critical medium for articulating the silenced voices and experiences of women who bore the brunt of the violence and upheaval. The study begins by contextualizing the historical and socio-political backdrop of the Partition, highlighting the patriarchal structures that exacerbated the suffering of women. It explores the representation of women's experiences in literary works, including novels, short stories, and memoirs by authors such as Amrita Pritam, Khushwant Singh, and Saadat Hasan Manto. These works provide insight into the multifaceted dimensions of women's lives during and after the Partition, encompassing themes of displacement, sexual violence, loss, and resilience. Through a feminist literary analysis, this research investigates how these narratives challenge and subvert traditional patriarchal discourses. It examines how female characters navigate their identities in the face of communal violence and societal expectations, and how their stories contribute to a broader understanding of the Partition's impact on women. The study also considers the role of memory and oral histories in preserving and transmitting women's experiences, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in shaping collective memory and historical consciousness. Furthermore, the research addresses the ongoing relevance of Partition literature in contemporary feminist discourse, analyzing how these historical narratives resonate with and inform current struggles for gender justice and equality in India. It argues that Partition literature not only documents historical trauma but also serves as a powerful tool for feminist critique and empowerment. In this study the research thought underscores the significance of Partition literature in providing a nuanced understanding of women's experiences during one of the most turbulent periods in Indian history. By foregrounding feminist perspectives, it aims to contribute to the broader field of gender studies and postcolonial literature, offering insights into the enduring legacy of the Partition and its implications for contemporary society.
Cataclysmic, National identity, Patriarchal structures, Discourses, Feminist perspectives
HIGH-PERFORMANCE WORK SYSTEMS AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN PUBLIC SECTOR ENERGY ORGANISATIONS: THE ROLE OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT
This study examines how High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) influence employee productivity in public sector energy organisations, while also investigating the mediating role of employee engagement and the moderating effect of organisational support. Drawing on the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) framework, the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the research develops and tests a comprehensive model that links human resource practices with employee attitudes and performance outcomes. A quantitative and explanatory approach was adopted through a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from employees working in leading public sector energy organisations, including NTPC Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited. Using stratified sampling, responses were obtained from around 500 employees representing both executive and non-executive categories. The collected data were analysed with SPSS and AMOS using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings indicate that HPWS has a significant positive effect on employee productivity. The results further show that employee engagement partially explains this relationship, suggesting that engagement functions as an important psychological pathway through which HR practices enhance performance. In addition, organisational support was found to significantly strengthen the relationship between employee engagement and productivity, meaning that the beneficial effect of engagement on productivity becomes more pronounced when employees perceive a supportive work environment. The model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices, confirming the suitability of the proposed framework. Overall, this study enriches the strategic human resource management literature by applying an integrated mediation–moderation framework to public sector energy organisations, an area that has not been widely explored. The study also offers meaningful practical implications by stressing the importance of engagement-focused HR practices and a supportive organisational climate in improving employee productivity. These insights are valuable for policymakers and managers aiming to strengthen organisational effectiveness in public sector institutions.
High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS), Employee Engagement, Organisational Support, Employee Productivity, Strategic HRM
KVMK Srinivas, , Dr. Shaik Mohammad Rafi, Prof. Nagaraju Battu
A STUDY ON DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES WITH REFERENCE TO ANDHRA PRADESH
Digital transformation has emerged as a critical driver of organizational change, significantly influencing workforce participation, productivity, and inclusivity across sectors. Within this rapidly evolving environment, women employees constitute a vital demographic whose empowerment is increasingly shaped by access to and effective use of digital technologies. As organizations adopt digital systems, platforms, and communication tools, the ability of women employees to engage confidently and independently with these technologies has become central to their professional growth, workplace participation, and decision-making autonomy. Despite improvements in digital infrastructure and supportive policy initiatives, notable disparities remain in the extent to which women are able to leverage digital resources for empowerment and career advancement. The present study investigates the determinants of digital empowerment among women employees in Andhra Pradesh by examining the roles of digital literacy, digital access, and organizational support in influencing empowerment outcomes and perceived career development. The study addresses a significant gap in existing literature by integrating empowerment theory with digital capability frameworks and empirically testing the proposed relationships through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A quantitative research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 320 women respondents working in IT, banking, education, and public sector organizations. The findings indicate that digital literacy and organizational support have strong and significant positive effects on digital empowerment, highlighting the importance of skill development and enabling workplace environments. In contrast, digital access alone shows a limited direct influence unless supported by meaningful skill utilization and organizational facilitation. Further analysis demonstrates that digital empowerment significantly enhances women employees’ perceptions of career growth, confidence, and professional agency. The study makes an important theoretical contribution by proposing an integrated model of digital empowerment and offers practical implications for human resource policy, organizational strategy, and inclusive workforce development aimed at strengthening women’s participation and advancement in the digital era.
Digital Empowerment; Women Employees; SEM; Digital Literacy; Organizational Support; Career Growth