IFMR GSB PhD student Mugdha Kinhikar presented a research paper at a conference hosted by BITS Pilani

Mugdha Kinhikar, PhD student, IFMR GSB has successfully presented a research paper titled Does The Fiscal Position of States Matter in the Allocation of Climate Adaptation Funds in India, co-authored with Dr Soumya Pal, Assistant Professor, Economics, IFMR GSB at the 6th Annual Conference on Economics and Finance (ACEF 2025), hosted by Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus held from 4 – 6 February, 2025.

Abstract of the paper:
Globally, financing for climate adaptation is switching to fund-based financing that follows the principle of competitive application and allocation. This funding mechanism aims to prioritise the most vulnerable countries. India, on a similar note, in 2015 adopted a National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), the first-ever fund solely dedicated to climate adaptation for states. For developing countries like India that face resource constraints, parameters for the allocation of such funds within the country are of vital importance. The paper analyses whether the state’s fiscal position is associated with the funds allocated under NAFCC in India.

Further, the researchers study if the allocation of funds is associated with the climate adaptation capacity of the states. The results show a lower degree of correlation between the fiscal performance index of states and grants given under NAFCC. The result highlights that the presence of resource capacity within the states has a minimal role in deciding the allocation of grants to states. Further, the states with higher adaptation indexes receive higher amounts of grants. These results question the NAFCC framework’s logic, suggesting that priority might be given to states with lower adaptation capacities to facilitate their development and narrow the gap. Hence, this raises questions about the effectiveness of NAFCC in targeting the most vulnerable states and promoting equitable distribution of resources. 

Dr Debankar Saha presents at Indian Academy of Management Conference

Dr Debankar Saha, Assistant Professor & Area Chair – Marketing, IFMR GSB recently presented a research paper, ‘Birdwatching and Ecotourism: Exploring the Motivations for Participation in Eco-Avitourism’, at the Indian Academy of Management (INDAM)  Conference held at IIFT, Kolkata. The conference brought together a diverse group of academicians, policymakers, and industry professionals, fostering a rich intellectual exchange.

Dr Saha explores the key factors that motivate individuals to participate in birdwatching tourism within an ecotourism framework, emphasising its alignment with sustainability principles and contribution to responsible tourism practices. The response to the presentation was overwhelmingly positive, sparking insightful discussions with both the panel and the audience. 

Dr Debankur Saha delivered a talk at Symposium on Biodiversity and Wetland Conservation

Krea University recently hosted a Symposium on Biodiversity and Wetland Conservation as part of the Flamingo Festival, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government in association with Bombay Natural History Society and Sri City.

As part of the symposium, Dr Debankar Saha, Assistant Professor & Area Chair – Marketing, IFMR GSBdelivered a talk on ‘Ecotourism as a Pathway to Sustainable Development at Pulicat Lake.’ His presentation highlighted the role of ecotourism in fostering conservation efforts, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable practices in the region.

The symposium attracted participants from various leading organizations involved in biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and environmental research. Experts, policymakers, and academicians engaged in discussions on strategies to protect Pulicat Lake’s fragile ecosystem, enhance community-based conservation efforts, and promote responsible tourism.

IFMR GSB PhD student Pratibha Jain presented a research paper at IIM Sambalpur

Pratibha Jain, PhD student, IFMR GSB, presented a research paper at the IMPeC 2025 Conference held at IIM Sambalpur. The paper, titled The Retention Puzzle: A Comprehensive Review of Non-Profit Employee Dynamics, was co-authored and developed under the guidance of Dr Pallavi Pandey, Assistant Professor, OB & HR, IFMR GSB. The conference was conducted from 30 January, 2025 to 1 February, 2025. 

Dr Vijaya C was Track Chair and Reviewer for Finance Case studies at COGNOSCO 2025

Dr Vijaya C, Assistant Professor, Finance, IFMR GSB was invited as the Track Chair and Reviewer for Finance Case studies presented at the 15th Annual Case Conference, COGNOSCO 2025 organised by The School of Business and Management (MBA) and the Centre for Case Research and Development (CCRD) of Christ Deemed to be University, Bengaluru on 24 January 2025. 

COGNOSCO, initiated in 2012, is a platform for case writers to present their case studies and promote the development of quality teaching cases among the teaching fraternity and also business practitioners.

Malyaj Jain, MBA Cohort of 2025, IFMR GSB wins TAPMI’s Young Business Leader Competition 2025

Malyaj Jain, MBA Cohort of 2025, IFMR GSB has won the Young Business Leader competition, the flagship event at T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), held on 18 and 19 January 2025. This remarkable achievement comes with a cash prize of Rs 60,000.

The two-day competition featured multiple challenging rounds. On the first day, participants solved puzzles to earn points, followed by a case-solving round and an auction. The second day concluded with a rigorous stress interview, after which Malyaj was declared the winner.

This accomplishment is a significant milestone in his MBA journey, and he takes pride in representing IFMR GSB on such a prestigious platform. Congratulations, Malyaj Jain! 

A project co-led by Dr Suresh Govindapuram sanctioned under ICSSR Collaborative Empirical Research Project on Solar Energy and Sustainability 2024-25

Dr Suresh Govindapuram, Assistant Professor of Economics, IFMR GSB is one of the Co-PIs (Co-Project Directors) for the project “Drivers and Barriers of Rooftop Solar Power: An Analysis of Micro and Small Size Hotels in India” sanctioned under Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Collaborative Empirical Research Project on Solar Energy and Sustainability 2024-25. 
Other collaborators include Dr Salman Haider (VIT Vellore), Dr Shadab Danish (IIM Raipur), Professor Arup Mitra (SAU Dehli) and Professor Prabakar S (VIT Vellore).

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Citizen scientists from Krea participate in the  Pulicat Bird Atlas

Citizen scientists from across India, including students and faculty members from Krea University participated in the Pulicat Bird Atlas, a three-day bird count survey. The event was a collaborative effort anchored by the newly formed Tirupati Nature Society, along with IISER Tirupati, IIT-Tirupati and Krea University. The survey took place in the ecologically rich areas of Pulicat Lake and Sri City, where the team had the opportunity to observe over 150 bird species.

This study was significant as it contributed to the ongoing efforts to monitor and conserve biodiversity in the region. The bird count provided valuable data on bird populations, distribution, and habitat preferences, which are crucial for understanding ecological trends and guiding conservation strategies.

The Pulicat Bird Atlas, or Pulicat Lake Bird Atlas is a citizen science initiative dedicated to systematically documenting bird species in and around the Pulicat Lake and the nearby industrial hub of Sri City. This project draws inspiration from the successful methodologies of the Tirupati Bird Atlas and aims to create a comprehensive database of avian diversity in the area.

IFMR GSB PhD Scholar Pratibha Jain presents case study co-authored by Dr Pallavi Pandey at Ivey Case Study conference in IIM Nagpur

Pratibha Jain, IFMR GSB PhD scholar presented a case at the Ivey Case Study conference in IIM Nagpur.  The case was written under the guidance (co-author) of Dr Pallavi Pandey,  Assistant Professor, HR & OB & Area Chair – OB & HR, IFMR GSB. The case is titled, ‘Empowering Marginalized Communities through Sustainable Management: Lessons from a Grassroots NGO in Rajasthan.’ The conference was conducted from 21 – 22 December 2024.This case concerns a small non-governmental organisation in Rajasthan facing sustainability and strategic management issues due to operating in resource-scarce environments. The case raises a critical question: How can small NGOs balance community trust, operational sustainability, and scalability in resource-constrained environment? Case discussed the dilemma where the founder of the organization Kumar Bharat have to decide, should he focus on improving his communication skills to overcome the language barrier and unlock new funding sources? Or should he explore alternative strategies, like strengthening local partnerships or increasing reliance on community support?

Pratibha Jain, PhD student, IFMR GSB presents her paper at the 2nd International Conference (SEEDS 2024)

Pratibha Jain, PhD student, IFMR GSB recently presented her paper titled ‘Exploring Employee Retention Dynamics in NPOs: A Descriptive Review’ at the 2nd International Conference (SEEDS 2024) organised by Middlesex University Dubai and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India.

Abstract:
Due to the unique context and characteristics of the nonprofit sector, it differs from the for-profit sector in terms of the importance of values and employees’ willingness to accept lower wages and volunteer their time to meet community needs. This review paper explores employee retention in the nonprofit sector, focusing on the factors influencing employees’ decisions to stay with the organisation. Using a descriptive review approach, the study examines employee retention and turnover in the NPO context.