Market Structure, Profitability and Regulation of Telecommunication Industry in India – A Publication by Professor Madhuri Saripalle and Dr Surabhi Somya

A paper titled Market Structure, Profitability and Regulation of Telecommunication Industry in India, co-authored by Professor Madhuri Saripalle, Professor, Economics and Chairperson – MBA Programme at IFMR GSB, Krea University and Dr Surabhi Somya, a PhD alumna of IFMR GSB, Krea University and currently a Consultant at Deloitte USI, Financial & Risk Advisory, has been published in Global Business Review

The telecom industry in India has witnessed exponential growth in the past decade; however, its profitability has been on the decline post 2008. This study analyses the determinants of profitability of the industry during 2010–2022 using the conventional structure-conduct-performance paradigm. The authors estimate a dynamic panel data model to understand the role of endogeneity and profit persistence in the industry. Results suggest that there is profit persistence in the industry. Among conduct variables, export intensity has a positive impact while selling and import intensities has a negative impact on profitability. While size is not significant, industry concentration has a negative impact on profitability. These results suggest that as the telecom industry transitioned from a monopoly to an oligopolistic market with players competing in different domains and services, selling and advertisement intensity has diminishing returns to profitability while export intensity emerges as an important driver of profitability. Results also suggest the importance of the production-linked incentive scheme encouraging exports and the need for regulating concentration and encouraging import substitution.

You can access the publication here

Dr Swarnamalya Ganesh graces the stage of the Faiz Festival 2024

Dr Swarnamalya Ganesh, Assistant Professor of Practice, SIAS, Krea University has been invited as the First South Indian artiste to grace the stage of the Faiz Festival 2024, held on 9-11 February, 2024. 

Dr Ganesh had the honour of delivering remarks at the festival’s opening ceremony, alongside Salima Hashmi, daughter of Faiz Saab, and other esteemed Pakistani dignitaries. Her performance took place in a packed hall at the Alhamra Arts Center, SADIR – Beyond Borders. Over the course of 90 minutes, she presented a diverse repertoire in Deccani, Urdu, Telugu, drawing from her extensive research in multicultural histories of performance. Through song, dance, and spoken word, she emphasised the role of the arts as a means of fostering dialogue – a crucial endeavour, particularly in light of the failure of politicians to bridge divides, which only serves to exacerbate partisan tensions and religious animosity. The evening concluded with a rendition of Hum Dekhenge, Faiz Saab’s poetry of hope, resilience and revolution, translated by the theatre director Mangai and sung by Anjana and Bindumalini. 

“I told the audience, how in the chalice of my heart, I have long nestled a longing to see them – Lahore! The performance moved me and every one in the 400 odd packed hall to tears. We all shared our tears of loss and hope through the arts,” remarks Dr Ganesh. “To be an artiste is to be able to connect with the world. Going to Lahore and Pakistan showed me how the heart can ache when happiness and togetherness is ‘so near, yet so far’. I crossed the border by foot at Wagah-Attari, and that by itself is an experience worth sharing with our Krea community, not to mention the amazing people I met in Pakistani, their culture and sense for our combined history. A look at us from the outside, is a reality check, indeed.”

Paper Presentation

Nidhin M, PhD student in Finance & Accounting, IFMR GSB, Krea University presented a research paper titled The Effect of ESG Disclosure on Trade Credit and Working Capital Efficiency at the International Conference on Contemporary Issues in ESG, GITAM School of Business Hyderabad held on 16 and 17 February, 2024. He has co-authored the paper with Dr Vinod Kumar,  Associate Professor – Finance, Accounting, & Quantitative Finance – IFMR GSB, Krea University. They have been selected as one of the recipients of the Best Five Paper Awards at the conference.

Brewing Ideas Over Coffee: A Glimpse into Krea University’s Koffee GoSip

Brewing Ideas Over Coffee: A Glimpse into Krea University’s Koffee GoSip

In the bustling halls of academia, where lectures and seminars often dominate the scene, Krea University continues to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among faculty members. One such initiative is Koffee GoSip, a series of informal talks where ideas flow as freely as the coffee.

We had the privilege to sit down with Dr Soumya Dey, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at SIAS, to delve deeper into the origins and essence of Koffee GoSip.

Genesis of Koffee GoSip

“Sometime in the beginning of last trimester, Kalyan, Rishi and I were having coffee together in the Faculty Lounge, and we were discussing the importance of academic interaction among faculty members from different disciplines, especially in a liberal arts university like Krea,” Dr. Dey recalls. “We felt the need to have some informal platform where faculty members from seemingly far apart disciplines would be able to learn from each other in a relaxed setting and exchange ideas. This usually doesn’t happen during a seminar or a research talk.”

The trio envisioned a space where faculty could engage in intellectually stimulating conversations outside the confines of traditional academic formats. Thus, Koffee GoSip was born, with a name that encapsulates the essence of informal discourse and scholarly exchange over a cup of coffee.

Unlike formal lectures or seminars, Koffee GoSip offers a relaxed setting where faculty members can share their research, insights, and passions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Dr Dey emphasises, “The aim is to facilitate cross-disciplinary learning and foster a sense of community among faculty members.”

Frequency and Participants

Since its inception on 1 November, 2023, Koffee GoSip sessions have become a weekly fixture during trimesters, subject to the availability of speakers. The audience primarily comprises faculty members of Krea University, with postdoctoral fellows also welcomed into the fold.

Over the course of eight sessions, Koffee GoSip has covered a rich tapestry of topics, ranging from the intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease modeling to the societal implications of mass media. Here’s a glimpse of the past talks:

  • Modeling Alzheimer’s Disease by Dr Kalyan S Chakrabarti, Associate Dean (Students) and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, SIAS
  • Hydrogen Bonds – Pawns in the Game of Molecular Chess by Professor K S Viswanathan, Visiting Professor of Chemistry, SIAS
  • The Vertex Cover Problem by Dr Syed Mohammad Meesum, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Discipline Coordinator for Computer Science, SIAS
  • Quantum Cavities by Professor S Sivakumar, Dean, Research and Professor of Physics, SIAS
  • Eliciting Italian Farmers Willingness to Adopt Weather Index Insurance” by Dr Anwesha Chakrabarti, Assistant Professor of Economics, SIAS
  • Mass Media versus Mass Disconnect – A View from Within by Professor Jaideep Hardikar, Visiting Professor of Practice, SIAS
  • How Much CO2 Are We, at Krea, Emitting? by Dr Chirag Dhara, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Discipline Coordinator for Environmental Studies, SIAS
  • Stories of Origin and Stories about Making by Professor Bishnu Mohapatra, Director of the Moturi Satyanarayana Centre for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Politics, SIAS

Join the Conversation

All faculty members are encouraged to participate in Koffee GoSip. Whether you wish to share your research findings, delve into a topic of interest, or simply connect with colleagues over coffee, Koffee GoSip provides the perfect platform to do so.

To propose a talk for an upcoming session, simply reach out to Dr Soumya Dey at [email protected].

So, grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation!

The flight of flamingos at Pazhaverkadu on the day of GSLV rocket launch – An Article by Professor Govindarajan T R

Professor Govindarajan T R, Visiting Professor in Physics at SIAS, Krea University, published an article for the digital platform The FederalI. Through stunning visuals and evocative descriptions, the article titled The flight of flamingos at Pazhaverkadu on the day of GSLV rocket launch juxtaposes nature against human innovation, implicitly inviting readers to reflect on the delicate balance between progress and the preservation of natural wonders. 

Read the article here

Book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by Professor Mukund Padmanabhan

Book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by Professor Mukund Padmanabhan

15 February, 2024, Sri City: Krea University hosted the book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by renowned journalist Professor Mukund Padmanabhan, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), Krea University, and former editor of The Hindu and The Hindu BusinessLine, on the campus.

The launch unfolded with opening remarks by Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Krea University, as she spoke highly of the compelling storyline. This was followed by an engaging hour-long conversation between Professor Mukund Padmanabhan and Dr Aashique Ahmed Iqbal, Assistant Professor of History at SIAS, Krea University as they delved into the intricacies of the book, holding the audience in rapt attention. Attendees eagerly participated and posed insightful questions.

Dr Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi, Dean and Associate Professor of History at SIAS, Krea University provided closing remarks, offering valuable insights for history students gleaned from the book’s contents. The session culminated with a book signing session.

Published by Penguin Random House, The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion presents a narrative history of the Japanese attacks in Southeast Asia and their impact on India. The book sheds light on a neglected and scarcely known period of history ― between December 1941 and mid-1942 ― when India was gripped by panic, jostled between the rumours and misjudgements by the British and their mistaken belief that Japan was on the verge of launching a full-fledged invasion.

The book demonstrates, quite astonishingly, that the Raj cynically encouraged the exodus (of Indians and Europeans) from both sides of the coastline to ‘safer’ inland regions and contributed to the repeated cycles of rumour, panic and flight. It also reveals how the shadow of the Japanese threat influenced the course of nationalist politics, altered British attitudes towards India and charted the course towards Independence.

It has received many captivating reviews, including those by William Dalrymple and Gopalkrishna Gandhi. Dalrymple’s description of the book as a ‘superbly well researched, tightly constructed…..and pinned to the page in stylish, witty and evocative prose’, testifies to Professor Mukund Padmanabhan’s depth of scholarship and academic excellence.

View the complete event here

An Interview with Prof Lakshmi Kumar, Dean, IFMR GSB, Krea University: Invest In Education When The Market Isn’t Hiring 

In a video interview for Konversations By InsideIIM, Prof Lakshmi Kumar, Professor, Economics and Dean, IFMR GSB, Krea University talks about the current economic situation in the country, the situation around unemployment and inflation, and why she is concerned about whether growth will happen or not. 

Prof Lakshmi Kumar talks about the importance of understanding economics and macroeconomics for an MBA student, and the ways in which she makes difficult financial concepts easier to understand for her students. She also talks about the importance of steady alumni support for a B-school, especially in times when the hiring is slow and the markets are down.

Krea University inaugurates Virtual Trading Floor and steps into a partnership with Zerodha Varsity

On 2 February, 2024, Krea University inaugurated its Virtual Trading Floor and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zerodha Broking Ltd. Jobosco Das, Senior Associate Vice President at Zerodha Broking, inaugurated the Virtual Trading Floor, and also conducted a seminar on the ‘Building Blocks of Personal Finance’ for the students.

Also present at the event were Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Krea University, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB), Krea University, Sundara Rajan, Registrar and Chief of Staff, Krea University, Professor Srinivasan Kalyasundaram, Professor of Practice in Finance, IFMR GSB, Krea University, along with other faculty members and students.

The state-of-the-art Virtual Trading Floor provides students of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB) and the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS) at Krea University with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of financial securities and derivatives in a real-world, simulated trading environment. The platform simulates a real-time market environment, allowing students to test investment strategies with virtual funds, gaining valuable insights into risk management and decision-making in a dynamic market.

The Virtual Trading Floor, equipped with the latest technology and market simulation software, including Bloomberg Terminal, serves as a platform for students to engage in mock trading sessions, portfolio management exercises, and real-time market analysis. IFMR GSB has scheduled several trading workshops for its MBA students in this facility, significantly enhancing their employability and market readiness.

The MOU signing between Krea University and Zerodha Varsity signifies a significant collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership enables Krea University students to have free access to all online training modules and, at a nominal fee, certifications offered by Zerodha Varsity. This includes courses on various aspects of investing, trading, and financial markets, all delivered by industry experts and practitioners. The partnership aims to integrate practical experience with academic learning, bridging the gap between theoretical financial knowledge and its practical application, and preparing students for successful careers in the world of finance.

Emphasising the importance of practical learning in finance, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR GSB, Krea University, stated, “The Virtual Trading Floor will provide our students with an invaluable opportunity to experiment and learn from their mistakes in a safe environment. Coupled with access to Zerodha Varsity’s comprehensive online training material and certifications, this initiative will equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive financial landscape.”

View the highlights of the event here.

Campusutra: A Fusion of Opportunities for Growth – A Case Study

Prof Chandrasekaran N, Professor, Operations Management at IFMR GSB, Dr Sathya Saminadan R S, Associate Professor of Practice at IFMR GSB, and Dr Indira Ananth, freelance academic have co-authored a case study titled Campusutra: A Fusion of Opportunities for Growth, published by Ivey Publishing.

Campusutra was a leading information and partially transactional portal operating in India that helped aspiring higher education students select appropriate educational institutions. It was founded in 2011 and initially focused on supporting a student’s choice of management education. It added support for engineering schools. It was known for offering distilled and unbiased objective information about offerings, fee structure, peer-level engagement, and placement opportunities, and potential students remained loyal to the portal. Later, a friend advised the founder to make a strategic alliance with an EdTech company to monetize the intangible value it had created. The founder’s dilemma was whether to pursue such an opportunity and risk diluting its mission.

Click to know more

Dr Raghuram Rajan and Dr Rohit Lamba Launch Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future

Dr Raghuram Rajan and Dr Rohit Lamba Launch Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future

6 January, 2024, Chennai: Krea University hosted the book launch of Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future by Dr Raghuram Rajan, Member, Governing Council, Krea University and Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Dr Rohit Lamba, Assistant Professor of Economics, Pennsylvania State University. The event was held at Taj Club House in Chennai.

Eminent thought leaders from diverse fields were in attendance, including Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University, Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu and N Ram, Director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited. 

In the welcome speech, Lakshmi Narayanan, emphasised how over the years, Dr Rajan has gifted ideas, experience, and time to build the foundation of Krea. How in the context of a world that no longer works in silos, Dr Rajan has been a firm believer in creating a space where wholesome education enables young open minds to embark on the journey of becoming thinkers, do-ers and changemakers. The closing remarks were delivered by N Ram and the event included a discussion between the authors and Jude Sannith, Assistant Editor, CNBC-TV18.

Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future sheds light on India’s economic future, the nation’s own distinct space in the global economy, the future of employment, and innovative ways forward.

Here is a glimpse into the event, that was :

View the complete event here