Suchergebnisse

The productive human resource of any country or state is dependent upon its good health and it is the responsibility of the state healthcare system to provide better services and facilities to its natives to improve their standard of living. This study attempted to analyse the healthcare system in the state of Punjab at a community level, village level and district level. In the paper an attempt is made to review the literature concerned with different aspects such as organizational structure, institutions and infrastructure, service delivery and healthcare expenditure. It will enable the reader to have a look at the past trends and present functioning of healthcare system of the state and give the reader a direction for further research in the potential areas. This review accounts for various studies conducted in the healthcare in the state of Punjab, India. Thematic comprehensive presentation of literature review is done in this paper.

Of late, financial inclusion has assumed a development policy priority in many countries. To consider the importance of the same, this study attempts to compute a comprehensive, cross-country index of financial inclusion (IFI), and use it to measure progress of financial inclusion in 68 countries from 2004 through 2008, to 2012. With the mean IFI value upgrading from 0.292 (low inclusion level) in 2004 to 0.332 (medium inclusion level) in 2012, the article exhibits a general improvement in the extent of financial inclusion for the period. Indicated by a diminution in the coefficient of variation (CV) of IFI from 0.853 in 2004 to 0.703 in 2012, the results also evidence convergence in IFI values. Seeking to measure the relationship between financial inclusion and human development, the article finds a strong and significant correlation between the two. Additionally, not only the Human Development Index (HDI) but also the income level of countries seems to show a movement, in tandem with the extent of financial inclusion evidenced by them. As an all-inclusive measure of socio-economic development, an IFI-incorporated HDI (modified HDI) has additionally been computed for the year 2012. The same has been employed to compare the extent of socio-economic development of the countries, as shown by HDI alone, and also by the proposed measure. Modified HDI, by capturing the vitality of 'financial availability and access by all', has been noted as an improved measure of socio-economic development over HDI. In addition, the study suggests removal of the stumbling blocks of financial illiteracy and technological backwardness to extend financial services to the unbanked masses. Financial inclusion is therefore a road that countries need to transverse to become global harbingers of development and prosperity.

Women constitute half of the world's population. The participation of women in the economy is important in order to enhance and contribute towards raising the economic potential of a country. Long-standing inequalities have prevented women from participating in and benefiting from stock markets. They face discriminatory practices which prevent them from seeking entry into certain occupations, especially male-dominated ones. In the present study, the diverse literature available worldwide on the stock market participation of women has been explored and analyzed in terms of their objectives, research methodology, sample, respondents and the impediments faced by women while investing in the stock market. The article demonstrates that there are several impediments that prevent women from investing in the stock market and suggests that besides financial literacy programmes, changes in attitude and behaviour of the society as well as women are needed in order to improve their participation in the stock market.

The stability of International banking system has emerged as a key concern for regulators in rapidly changing global banking scenario. In order to strengthen the soundness and stability of banks, Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) came out with a comprehensive, flexible and risk sensitive framework known as Basel II. This paper attempts to assess in detail the role of Reserve Bank of India, in implementation of Basel II framework in Indian banking Scenario. For this purpose, Annual reports of Reserve Bank of India for the period 2002–03 to 2009–2010 have been analyzed in detail. The study has indicated that RBI has taken significant and structural initiatives to implement the Basel II norms in Indian financial system. It also gives glimpse of New Capital Adequacy framework to strengthen the banking structure. The study further throws light on challenges faced by Indian banking industry for the purpose of envisaged implementation of Basel II Accord.

Innovation in any field is mandatory to keep the systems on right track. Economists and other social scientists have attempted to understand the process of technology diffusion from time to time. In the present study, various models have been discussed thoroughly which contribute to identify the individual's as well as technology characteristics which further lead to the adoption and rejection of innovation. Several aspects explained by these models like time taken to accept the technology, demographic as well socio-economic characteristics of adopters, role of communication and rate of adoption has been elaborated which played a crucial role in the adoption and diffusion process of innovation. The Research and practical implications of these models have also been discussed.

India has emerged as the world's most attractive retail market. Many international retailers are showing keen interest to grab the maximum pie of this market. However, the choice of format for buying different varieties of products may not be same for Indian shoppers. Therefore, before entering such a market, there is a need to conduct a research for exploring the right shopping format for a particular product from the retailers' point of view. The present study is an attempt to bring out the preferred shopping formats for a wide variety of products. The analysis revealed that shoppers preferred to buy "convenience products" from small shops; whereas, "speciality products" from shopping malls and e-shopping failed to attract the attention of the shoppers. An interesting outcome of the study revealed a shift in the shoppers' interest from traditional small shops to well-equipped burgeoning shopping malls.