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PurposeWe respond to calls from business schools (B-schools), apex education bodies, regulators, activist groups and researchers for more rigorous research to understand the future strategies of B-schools in India. We specifically examine the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic (and possible future similar eventualities) and the current and long-term strategies being planned to combat such crises.Design/methodology/approachTo reveal the real-life scenario, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 academic leaders (Deans and Directors) of B-schools in India. These respondents were from both public and private institutions across the country. Open-ended questions were framed for exploration to help the authors understand the way forward in the Indian B-school context.FindingsFindings reveal that B-schools in India are preparing themselves to overcome short-term challenges faced due to COVID-19 as well as transforming themselves through long-term strategies.Originality/valueThe study outlines strategic plans for some imaginative reassessments that B-schools may consider as a reaction to a pandemic-like emergency. The focus is on distinguishing the imperatives, creating a key guide for meeting immediate requirements, allotting assets in a prudent way to update educational course curricula and teaching methods and building the required academic infrastructure. The ability to focus on enduring changes (e.g. creating an e-learning framework and providing a safe and secure learning environment to students as per government mandates) will provide B-schools with a new lease of life in the future.

Purpose The manuscript reflects on the future of higher education from an emerging country perspective. The authors specifically answer how new education policies, ranking and accreditation are impacting the current state of Indian higher education institutions (IHEIs) and how IHEIs can cultivate their path towards positioning themselves internationally. This study aims to bring together existing scenarios and to serve as a springboard for future research and applications. Design/methodology/approach The manuscript is designed and executed as a conceptual study exploring the current state and prospects for IHEIs. The study synthesizes the concepts of positioning strategies in context to IHEIs. A conceptual diagram integrating existing concepts from marketing, total quality management and business education is created to understand the phenomenon among the IHEIs stakeholders. Findings The authors found that IHEIs started showing their international presence yet they are facing various challenges (government bureaucracy; international salary standards; global student population; and cultural sensitivity). The authors also found that the positioning problem is not a one-time attempt; the complexity of higher education is a “wicked problem” and, hence needs to be evaluated, changed and executed continuously. The manuscript offers relevant information to IHEIs leaders and stakeholders to improve on their international positioning strategies and proposes avenues for future research. Originality/value The study outlines future development and positioning strategic plans that IHEIs may consider and reflect in their strategic plan. The conceptual diagram on achieving successful international positioning and problem areas is expected to act as a guidebook for the key decision-makers. The focus is on distinguishing the imperatives, creating a key guide for meeting immediate requirements, allotting assets prudently to update their international presence. The study will provide IHEIs with a new lease of life in the future.

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to evolve the basis of beneficial impact assessment of international marketing strategy (IMS) for emerging market multinationals by applying construct-measurement research methodology. The purpose of this study is to link the conceptual definition and empirical indicators of the proposed integrated model with the objective on “Developing Model to Assess Benefit Impacts Generated by International Marketing”, the authors named it GAMBIT.Design/methodology/approachSelf-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from international marketing executives and senior management executives from Indian manufacturing firms using Churchill's approach (1979, 1987). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling (using SPSS Statistics 20.0 and AMOS) were used to develop the GAMBIT model. Various hypotheses pertaining to perfect order fulfillment and quality level were formulated.FindingsIn the order of significance, the four key influential factors for beneficial impact assessment in the multicultural global environment are as follows: sources of beneficial impacts; operational efficiency; international marketing strategic choice and beneficial outcomes.Originality/valueAlthough companies have realized the importance of assessing beneficial impacts, they often do not know how exactly the assessment should be made. Thus, the present study provides a useful tool for evaluating the totality of beneficial impacts offered by IMS.

The objective of this study is to find out the impact of trustworthiness on the usage of mobile banking (M-banking) apps in the capital city of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was distributed using the snowball sampling technique. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling (using SPSS Statistics 20.0 and AMOS 26.0) were used on 362 responses found suitable for the study. The analytical results reveal that all three components of trustworthiness (ability, benevolence, and integrity) have a positive impact on M-banking app usage. Although banks have realized the importance of consumer convenience, they struggle to create trustworthiness. Thus, this study showcases that this positive trustworthiness amongst M-banking app users would be helpful in enhancing the usage of apps.