PurposeThis research aims to study the recent changes in consumer behaviour and purchase pattern during the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 pandemic has forced consumers to stockpile, which has its own consequences. The article proposes the importance of “minimalism in consumption” to avoid greed in consumer behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe data are collected from consumers across India using an online survey during the first lockdown from March 2020 to May 2020. A simple random sampling technique is used for data collection, and the collected data are analysed using SPSS version 26.FindingsThe study states that there will be a shift in the purchase pattern of the consumers if lockdowns are imposed in the future or during any other crisis. However, at present, consumers have developed a stockpiling mentality fearing the unavailability of essentials.Research limitations/implicationsPandemic has stimulated a drastic change in consumer behaviour, which is a situational effect. Each crisis affects consumer behaviour in a different way. In this research, we have considered only fear, greed and anxiety in the light of Covid-19. On the other hand, the research intends to draw realistic conclusions based on consumers' experiences during the lockdown.Practical implicationsThe study proposes solutions that will help marketers frame exclusive strategies for a future crisis. Analysing the change in consumer behaviour and the shift in purchase patterns will emphasize the importance of market research to know consumer expectations during a crisis situation in order to cater to their new demands.Social implicationsConsumers who stockpile should realize the unavailability of goods to other consumers who are in need. They also have to understand the importance of “minimalism in consumption” during a crisis.Originality/valueThe data are collected during the most taxing crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic. Data are collected at the peak time of the first wave of Covid-19 in India, during a major shift in consumers' behaviour and purchase pattern. The article brings to the larger consciousness and also preaches a life lesson to all consumers to execute their responsibilities in consumption without over-demands and expectations.

PurposeThis research aims to study the students' perspectives on synchronous and asynchronous learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning approaches used in online education have positive and negative outcomes. Hence, the aim is to study online education's positive and negative consequences, reflecting sync and async approaches. This research followed a mixed research approach. The key stakeholders of this research are the Indian educational institutions and students.Design/methodology/approachThis research collected data from the students undergoing synchronous and asynchronous learning amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. The data were collected (N = 655) from various students taking online classes during the pandemic. A questionnaire survey was distributed to the students through online platforms to collect the data. In this research, the authors have collected data using simple random sampling, and the same has been used for data analysis using SPSS version 26. The collected data were exposed to a factor analysis using a principal component analysis technique to reduce the vast dimensions.FindingsThe study findings show that synchronous learning is sometimes stressful, placing more responsibility on students mainly because of the increased screen time. At the same time, asynchronous learning allows the students to self-explore and research the topics assigned to them. Students also felt that asynchronous activities create a burden because of many written assignments to be submitted within a short period. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for the students and the teachers. However, teachers have helped students to learn through digital platforms. The majority of the respondents opined that technological disruptions and death in the family circle had been significant reasons for not concentrating during online classes. However, the combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning has led to a balanced education.Practical implicationsHigher education has undergone multiple transformations in a short period (from March 2020, 2021 and beyond). Educational institutions underwent a rapid transition in remote teaching and learning in the initial stages. As time progressed, educational institutions did course navigation where they relooked into their course plans, syllabus and brought a structural change to match the pandemic requirements. Meanwhile, educational institutions slowly equipped themselves with infrastructure facilities to bring academic integrity. At present, educational institutions are ready to face the new normality without disrupting services to society.Social implicationsEducational institutions create intellectual capital, which is important for the development of the economy. In the light of COVID-19, there are new methods and approaches newly introduced or old methods and approaches, which are reimplemented, and these approaches always work for the benefit of the student community.Originality/valueThe authors collected data during the COVID-19 pandemic; it helped capture the students' experience about synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students and faculty members are newly exposed to synchronous and asynchronous learning, and hence, it is essential to determine the outcome that will help many stakeholders.

Purpose- Enhancing job satisfaction through motivation and Work-Life Balance (WLB) and checking the overall impact on Emotional Intelligence of mystery shopping professionals is the aim of this research. The work depends on factors such as sudden demand, high workload, on-time submission of assignments, a new area for exploration and fluctuation in pay scale. Design- The data were collected from mystery shopping professionals through social media platform using a questionnaire link (N=338). The sampling technique employed in this study was a convenient sampling technique. CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) using AMOS software was performed. The questionnaire instrument SSREI, GJSS, WEIMS and (Tasdelen’s WLB) were adopted for this study. Findings- The study revealed that motivation has a positive impact on Work-life balance and intern enhances the job satisfaction of mystery shoppers. However, the overall impact on EI is negative. The Goodness of Fit Index such as (AGFI, NFI, TLI, CFI, RMSEA, RMR, and AVE) indicates a good fit of the Structural Equation Model. Originality/Value: The study reflected on the four essential concepts, which has evolved in the domain of HRM and OB for many years. In the context of mystery-shopping professional, it has been used and the recommendations will help the market research agencies and the mystery shoppers. Exploring Work-Life Balance (WLB) as a mediating variable between motivation and Job satisfaction and the overall impact on EI of mystery shopping professionals is a new insight.

Game-based learning is an exciting and interactive tool used by many teachers across the globe. This research aims to check whether any significant change is found in the learning of the student before and after introducing game-based learning in classroom teaching. MBA students were identified as the target group for this research. The production dice game was used for this experiment. The teacher engaged the first session traditionally and later with the production dice game. Student learning was captured through a Google form before and after the game. The Google form had questions ranging from understanding to analyzing to application-level to capture exactly the effectiveness of game-based learning, Paired sample t-test was applied to check the before and after test results, and it was found that there was a significant change in the learning among the identified target group. Through this study, the authors conclude that game-based learning provides better results in student learning as compared to regular classroom teaching.

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