Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the usability of the Cultural Framework Analysis Process, a strategy designed to examine cultural factors in mentoring endeavors and to identify whether there are patterns of cultural elements that served to hinder or facilitate mentoring programs across a variety of organizations and contexts. The process also involves identifying methods for overcoming the barriers and enhancing the facilitating factors. Design/methodology/approach – Graduate students in a class on mentoring were given an assignment to analyze a mentoring program using the Cultural Framework Analysis Process. They were also asked to share their most significant learning outcomes. Data were gathered by two student groups over a two-year period. Researchers determined the usability of the analysis process by evaluating the quality of the student submissions. They aggregated the data and conducted a content analysis on the facilitating and hindering factors to determine commonalities and the lessons learned. Findings – The Cultural Framework Analysis Process appears to be a useful tool in examining and dealing with cultural elements in mentoring programs and relationships. The barriers and facilitating factors were closely related to one another. The five barriers to success were matching processes; mentee attitude toward matching; lack of organizational support; static or closed organizational culture; and organizational or community culture. The five factors that facilitated mentoring endeavors were: comprehensive and flexible matching; mentee/mentor attitudes; training; organizational culture and demonstrated commitment; and a focus on mentees. Practical implications – The ability to examine the cultural elements in the context of mentoring is vital in assuring mentoring success. Having a description of how the process was conducted should be of value to those wanting to engage in similar analyses. The findings related to the factors identified should help guide those engaged in mentoring endeavors to become more aware of elements to consider and deal with as they create and operationalize their programs. Originality/value – There is a need to enhance the knowledge about the cultural factors involved in mentoring programs and relationships. This research study expands the understanding and presents findings about barriers and supports to mentoring that have not been previously reported. It also provides a mechanism for others to conduct similar analyses as they develop, implement and research mentoring endeavors.

PurposeThe essence of management education lies in preparing and enabling the students to evolve cognitively, affectively and behaviorally into capable ones equipped to meet and manage challenges from within and outside their organisations or workplaces. Mentoring, as pedagogy, results in enhancing effectiveness of B‐schools (Institutions offering MBA program) in ensuring the transformation of students into professionals. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the formal and teacher‐initiated student mentoring in B‐schools in Kerala in terms of the designated activities, to establish effectiveness of mentoring as outcomes of faculty‐related antecedents and mentoring activities, and to demonstrate the effectiveness in terms of the psycho‐social changes of students.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a conclusive approach that combined the features of descriptive and explanatory research designs. The respondents of the study comprised 141 permanent teachers, 327 first‐year students and 318 final‐year students enrolled in the management programs of 19 B‐schools in Kerala that had minimum five years of existence and approval of the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).FindingsThe study revealed that less than half of the B‐schools had implemented a mentoring program as part of their pedagogy. A structural equation model using the partial least square technique validated the conceptual model and the findings revealed that socio‐demographic characteristics, mentoring activities (teach the job, provide challenge, teach politics, career help, sponsor, career counseling and trust) influenced effectiveness of mentoring.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted only among B‐schools, hence the research results may lack generalization. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed model further.Practical ImplicationsThe paper includes a conceptual framework employed for bringing about effectiveness of mentoring, proven to be valid and may be considered by B‐schools that are institutionalizing mentoring as an element of the pedagogy.Originality/valueThe paper bridges the perceptible lack of theoretical and empirical bases to explain the dynamics of student mentoring in management institutes in the country and will be an eye‐opener to management institutions which have not incorporated mentoring as part of their pedagogy.

Nutritional support is an integral component in the treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). Studies indicate 90% of HNC patients are at high risk of developing malnutrition. Chemo-radiation and surgery, the three common treatments used to treat HNC are highly susceptible to toxic side effects. Dysphagia is often underestimated in HNC patients. A prolonged impaired swallowing process can lead to severe morbidities like malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration, pneumonia, and even death. These complications have adverse effects on patients' QoL (Quality of Life) and mental health. These adverse reactions further complicate the nutritional status of the patients and the final treatment outcome, increasing morbidity and mortality. The consensus statements try to address nutritional issues and provide practical recommendations for practicing dieticians and clinicians. Keywords: Head and neck cancer guidelines, Nutrition in head and neck cancers, Consensus statements in nutrition in Head and neck cancers, IAPEN head and neck cancer guidelines

Nutrition and clinical dietetic services provide evidence-based support which has become essential for maintaining healthy lifestyle and avoiding malnutrition among population. National health with digital technology integration is gaining importance in the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Digital health technologies offer valuable means for community to create and share information about healthcare. Measurement of food intake, energy expenditure and constant interaction in the form of personalized information has been offered by digital nutrition platforms. A 3 month study was conducted to assess the preferences of hand-held device users towards means of diet consultation using digital media when compared to traditional diet consultation methods, seeking options to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated cloud based digital health solution. It involved a Google survey using the digital platform, WhatsApp and Face book channels. Of the different criteria offered, diet consultation using smart phones scored the maximum (84.1%, n=1062) which were taken as the supportive data to develop the digital diet consultation application for hand-held device users for personalized nutrition / diet consultation support. Along with that, secondary data analysis of people choosing digital diet consultation for a period of 16 months had been observed and an increasing trend towards the same was found out. COVID-19 has brought the benefit of being able to utilize digital solutions to nutrition practice, rather than those being options for ‘add on’.

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