Institute of Management Development and Research(IMDR)

Abstract
Mutual funds are financial entities that pool the capital of many people to
invest in a wide range of securities such as stocks, bonds, and other assets. Individual
investors can use mutual funds to gain access to a wide range of investment options,
professional management, diversification, liquidity, affordability, transparency, and
investor protection. Investors who are satisfied with their investments are more
likely to continue making them and to stick with a particular mutual fund or online
platform. High levels of customer satisfaction influence investor retention, which is
critical for the long-term sustainability of mutual fund firms. The purpose of this
research model is to look into the online mutual fund services provided by large
banks. Online mutual funds have become an essential aspect of the mutual funds
sector, providing customers with convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. The
purpose of this research article is to investigate the various features, functionality,
and security measures used by commercial banks in their online Mutual funds
platforms. Furthermore, the study model will investigate customer satisfaction,
adoption rates, and the impact of online Mutual funds services on customer loyalty
and trust. The research findings will provide significant insights for commercial
banks to strengthen their online Mutual funds products and customer experiences.
Keywords:- Mutual funds, Convenience, Accessibility, Efficiency to customers,
Adoption rates, Satisfaction levels.

Abstract
In India, watershed programmes are considered as one of the poverty
alleviation programmes. Through effective watershed management, the government
plans sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. The Government of
India implemented a Watershed under the Western Ghat Development Programme
(WGDP) in the 12th five-year plan. More importance is given to the people's participation
in all the activities related to the watershed projects and its core objectives of the
preservation of resource trinity land, water and biomass. The implementation of
each watershed project is done by either Grama Panchayat (GP) or any recognized
Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). So, this study mainly focuses on the
exploration of the economic and social impacts of watershed projects on the Western
Ghat region of Kerala. And it made on a comparison of projects completed by
GP and NGO in selected project areas. In this study, the researcher used a multi-stage random sampling technique. By using paired t-tests and ANOVA, the watershed
projects made a great change in the social as well as economic sectors in project
areas. Further, it's found that Watershed projects headed by GP and NGOs are efficient
in some sectors.
Keywords:- Watershed, social benefits, economic impacts,

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of e-governance on
lowering employee's workload in the provision of public services to citizens in the
Department of Local Self Government. The study sample consisted of male and
female employees from diverse employment positions in eight Panchayath.
Secondary data were acquired by referring to previous research, while primary
data were gathered by employing a questionnaire. The results of the study
demonstrated that e-governance plays an important role in enhancing public service
delivery to citizens who visit the office, including (valid, reliable, transparent, and
rapid public service delivery). It is recommended that the LSGD work continuously
to update the e-governance applications to keep up with changes in the
economic environment in delivering services to the public, in addition to offering
training programmes for staff members to keep them abreast of technological
advancements in e-governance applications. It is also suggested that employees
are to be given discretion and the capacity to take part in policy-making and decision
making to reduce the burdens of paperwork they confront while doing
their tasks.
Keywords:- E-Governance, LSGD, IKM, Public service delivery, IT Mission.

Abstract
The deployment of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in Kerala's
education sector has resulted in a paradigm shift in financial management techniques.
This paper examines the transformative impact of PFMS on the state's educational
system, with a focus on enhanced money management, accountability, and
transparency. PFMS has effectively reduced students' financial constraints and ensured
timely payments through streamlined scholarship disbursement, fostering
uninterrupted academic pursuits. The centralization of financial data recording within
the system has led to improved overall accountability, reduced the likelihood of
fund misuse, and increased transparency. Furthermore, PFMS has significantly
lightened the administrative burden on finance staff, enabling them to concentrate
on strategic financial planning and analysis. The success of PFMS in the education
sector paves the way for its potential implementation in other government agencies,
offering effective public financial management and governance for the advancement
of the country.
Keywords:- Public Financial Management System, Financial Management,
Governance, Transparency, Accountability.

Abstract
Agriculture's global significance and deep cultural roots in India make it a primary
livelihood source and a vital economic contributor to the Indian economy, while
tourism enhances the economy through various means, including revenue generation,
job opportunities, foreign exchange earnings, regional development, and cultural
promotion, thereby promoting economic diversification and growth. Agri-tourism,
a relatively new segment in the agriculture sector, connects agriculture and tourism,
opening up a wide range of potential for both industries. The importance of
agri-tourism has surged in the post-pandemic era, as businesses have redirected
their focus towards rural, eco, and nature tourism, alternative farming, heritage
preservation, and agricultural education. Integrating agri-tourism into the sector
could boost agriculture's contribution to GDP and farmer incomes. This descriptive
study aims to analyse agri-tourism's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats,
while also exploring their market segments and seasonal trends.
Key words:- Agri-tourism, Agriculture, Tourism Industry, nature tourism,
heritage tourism

Abstract
The success of all pension fund schemes is based on the performance
efficiency and integrity of fund management about investment policy,
investment objectives, and tackling returns and risks. In India, the number of
pension and provident fund managers is low, and a lack of competence results
in the attainment of investment policies and objectives on par with inflation and
the equity market. Here, the number of subscribers, the amount contributed,
and assets under the management of various sectors of a pension fund are
increasing, but the pace of increase is declining. An efficient pension fund system
and its efficient management should hold two broad objectives: to maintain
financial viability for the pension fund scheme and to provide development-oriented
investment. This will ensure the safety of selected investments, adequate
yield, liquidity for meeting obligations when due, and portfolio diversification.
Key words:- Pension Fund, Pension Fund Management, Target Asset
Allocation, Assets under Management, Risk Management.

Abstract
Employee Engagement has emerged as the top challenge for the majority
of organisations in the world. Employee engagement is crucial for organisational
prosperity, particularly in the Information Technology industry. Important factors
influencing employee engagement include organisational culture, leadership
practices, and technological interventions. The study aims to understand the
dynamics of cultivating and perpetuating high levels of employee engagement
within organisational contexts. The ultimate goal is to identify strategies and
practices that enable companies to nurture and maintain a motivated workforce,
gain a competitive edge, and ensure enduring prosperity. This study provides a
comprehensive overview of research on employee engagement in the
Information Technology sector, highlighting its importance and the factors
contributing to its development. By understanding these dynamics, organisations
can develop tailored strategies to entice, retain and empower their workforce,
leading to increased productivity and business success.
Keywords:- Employee engagement, IT Sector, workforce, organisational
culture, involvement.

Abstract
Leadership is a critical factor in shaping the culture and success of organizations.
In recent years, ethical leadership and servant leadership have emerged as two
prominent paradigms, each offering distinct approaches to leadership. Ethical
leadership emphasizes the importance of moral conduct and principled behaviour,
while servant leadership centres on leaders' dedication to serving the needs and
well-being of their team members. The article gives a comprehensive comparative
analysis of these two leadership styles, seeking to provide a deeper understanding
of their principles, practical application, and their impact on organizational outcomes.
Through an extensive review of existing literature, theoretical frameworks, and
empirical studies, this study elucidates the core principles of ethical and servant
leadership and examines the potential synergies and distinctions between these
leadership approaches. Furthermore, the research investigates the influence of ethical
leadership on organizational outcomes such as trust, ethical climate, and performance.
It also delves into the impact of servant leadership on employee well-being,
engagement, and job satisfaction. By examining these dimensions, the study offers
insights into the potential benefits and challenges of combining ethical and servant
leadership within an organization.
Keywords:- Leadership Development, Ethics and Morality, Ethical Leadership,
Servant Leadership.

Abstract
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 globally accepted goals
adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to end poverty, protect the planet,
and ensure peace and prosperity. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) apply to all countries, including those with significant populations of tribal and
indigenous people. This study focuses on sustainability development among tribal
people in India based on secondary data drawn from the official website of the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs and other published sources of various survey agencies,
journals, books, and other periodicals. The Census Survey 2011 and its reported
information were analyzed to understand the development of tribal people from
the perspective of sustainability factors. This study found that the ST population
was not evenly distributed among the states, despite the general increase in ST
literacy levels; government efforts to bring them up to mainstream literacy did not
achieve the targets. This study suggests a multifaceted approach that recognizes the
complexity of these challenges and involves the active participation and leadership
of tribal communities.
Keywords:- Scheduled Tribes, Sustainability, Community Development, Welfare
Measures, Quality of Life.

Abstract
Pilgrimage tourism is a type of tourism that completely or strongly motivates
tourists to achieve religious attitudes and practises. Kerala's pilgrim tourism industry
has yet to reach its full potential. Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple is a wellknown
Kerala temple with numerous rituals and traditions. Tourism has significant
potential and challenges because it is a key component of open sustainable
development. The purpose of this research is to examine the current phase of
the Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple. The empirical results were obtained from
a sample of 150 temple pilgrims. This study investigates the relationship between
tourism infrastructure, recreational facilities, and tourism development.
Keywords:- Pilgrim tourism, Pilgrims, Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple,
social impact, economic impact.

Abstract
Financial inclusion is seen as one of the primary drivers of our aim of an
inclusive society and economy. India boasts the world's largest postal network.
For many years, it has been the backbone of the country's communication and
has played a critical part in its socioeconomic development. Postal
administrations worldwide are required to provide national services while
maintaining customer confidence and loyalty. At the same time, Indian post
offices have provided banking services to all sections of society for over
a decade. Indian Post acted as a banker to Indian peasants long before the term
"financial inclusion" became popular, and Indian Post claims to be the pioneer
of financial inclusion in India. Through this paper, an attempt has been made to
study the role played by the Indian post in financial inclusion and the challenges
before the Indian post in providing banking services to the masses.
Keywords:- Indian post, Financial Inclusion, Financial services, Post office
savings bank account, Socio-economic development.