Ram Mohan | INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY (original) (raw)

Papers by Ram Mohan

Research paper thumbnail of Privatisation in China: softly, softly does it

Economic and Political Weekly, 2004

India’s halting attempts at privatisation and its preference, for the most part, for disinvestmen... more India’s halting attempts at privatisation and its preference, for the most part, for disinvestment have been roundly criticised by many as being inadequate. A more aggressive privatisation drive, it is contended, would make for superior economic performance. In popular discourse, China’s privatisation efforts are often compared favourably with India’s. This paper examines China’s record of privatisation to see whether it accords with popular perceptions. The record shows that China has been proceeded cautiously in its privatisation efforts. It has privatised – that is, sold off to private owners- only the smaller SOEs. The state retains control over the larger SOEs that dominate industrial output and profits. In respect of these, China has opted for gradual disinvestment with disinvested shares residing mostly with state-owned entities. Over a long period, China has pushed through reforms of SOEs, including conferment of greater autonomy on enterprises and introduction of incentives for workers and managers. The empirical evidence is that performance at SOEs has improved consequent to these reforms. It could be argued that full-blooded privatisation might have produced even better results. However, given the possible implications in terms of job losses as well as the absence of effective governance mechanisms in China’s underdeveloped capital market. China’s rulers may well have been justified in hastening slowly with privatisation.

Research paper thumbnail of Bank Privatisation by the Backdoor

Economic and Political Weekly, May 30, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction in Multi-Brand Apparel Retail

Numerous research studies have been done in the area of retailing, but there is no research that ... more Numerous research studies have been done in the area of retailing, but there is no research that identifies the main factors that influence customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. A study on this aspect is important as the apparel retail industry is growing very fast in India with the advent of many foreign brands in this sector. This study aims to understand the main factors influencing customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. Primary data is collected through survey method, using a structured questionnaire designed to capture the required variables to extract the factors influencing customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. The respondents are surveyed through convenience sampling method. The appropriate variables are identified through literature review of a number of articles on organised apparel retailing. After considering appropriate variables of apparel retail service quality and store characteristics, the structured questionnaire consisting of 17 independent variables and 1 dependent variable measured on a likert scale of 1 to 5, is used to collect data from the apparel retail customers. Factor analysis on these independent variables resulted in extraction of 4 main factors. Then Regression analysis is done on the 4 factors taking customer satisfaction as the dependent variable. The results of the analysis reveal that the factors significantly influence customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. It was also found through regression analysis that there is a significant impact of customer satisfaction on shopping budget in multi-brand apparel retail. Also, a significant relationship was found between family monthly income and shopping budget in multi-brand apparel retail. The implication of this research is that the results would help multi-brand apparel retailers to formulate marketing strategies with a focus on the factors identified, to improve customer satisfaction and refine their approach to reach out to their consumers and retain them, when they come to shop in their apparel retail store.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of geometry, fluid properties and pressure on the hydrodynamics of gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone separators

International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2000

The hydrodynamic flow behavior in a Gas–Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) compact separator is st... more The hydrodynamic flow behavior in a Gas–Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) compact separator is studied experimentally and theoretically. New experimental data are acquired utilizing a 7.62 cm I.D, 2.18 m high, GLCC separator for a wide range of operating conditions. Investigated parameters include three different inlet geometries (5.08 cm I.D single, 7.62 cm I.D single and 7.62 cm I.D dual inlets), four different liquid viscosities (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 cps), three system pressures (101.3, 273.6 and 487.2 kPa), and the effect of surfactant. The measured data comprise of equilibrium liquid level, zero-net liquid flow holdup and the operational envelope for liquid carry-over. The data are utilized to verify and refine an existing GLCC mechanistic model. Comparison between the modified model predictions and the experimental data show a very good agreement.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Crisis on the Indian Economy

Economic and Political Weekly, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A two-phased approach to setting due-dates in single machine job shops

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 1999

ABSTRACT This paper explores the characteristics of job flow time distributions resulting from th... more ABSTRACT This paper explores the characteristics of job flow time distributions resulting from the use of different priority rules via computer simulation and statistical analysis. Statistical analysis of results from phase I experimentation modeling traditional due-date setting practices are used to develop job flow time prediction models. In phase II simulation experiments, the regression models developed in phase I are used to establish due-date allowances to jobs based on their processing times. Forms of the prediction equations reveal the differences in resultant job flow distributions, and explain the underlying nature of interactions between due-date setting methods and shop performance characteristics of dispatching rules as reported in previous studies. Application of the prediction equations in phase II experimentation show the viability of improving shop floor performance without resorting to looser due-dates.

Research paper thumbnail of A hybrid global–local approach for optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding process simulations

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2007

The optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding processes by trial and e... more The optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding processes by trial and error based methods is time consuming and requires an elevated level of intuition, even when high fidelity physics-based numerical models are available. Optimization based on continuous sensitivity equations (CSE) and gradient search algorithms focused towards minimizing the mold infusion time gives a robust approach that will

Research paper thumbnail of Howse II cemented titanium metal-backed acetabular cups Poor 10-year results in 107 hips

Acta Orthopaedica, 2003

We report a retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 107 consecutive primary total hip r... more We report a retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 107 consecutive primary total hip replacements, using the cemented Howse II prosthesis. The review concentrates on the long-term performance of the acetabular cup, which was designed with a cylindrical titanium metal backing and a polyethylene liner. In all the hips in the series, this cup was used with a modular titanium straight femoral stem and a 32-mm diameter titanium head. At a mean follow-up of 9.8 (7-11) years, 28 hips had already been revised and 10 others were recognized as clinical or radiographic failures. The indication for revision in 26 of the hips was aseptic loosening and the mean time to revision was 7.2 (3.7-10.9) years This metal-backed cup has only 42% survival at 10 years, which seems to be related to certain of its design features. These include an inadequate thickness of polyethylene sterilized by gamma irradiation in air, a lack of mechanical bonding between the liner and its metal shell, and the high wear rate from the use of a 32-mm titanium femoral head.

Research paper thumbnail of Privatisation in China: softly, softly does it

Economic and Political Weekly, 2004

India’s halting attempts at privatisation and its preference, for the most part, for disinvestmen... more India’s halting attempts at privatisation and its preference, for the most part, for disinvestment have been roundly criticised by many as being inadequate. A more aggressive privatisation drive, it is contended, would make for superior economic performance. In popular discourse, China’s privatisation efforts are often compared favourably with India’s. This paper examines China’s record of privatisation to see whether it accords with popular perceptions. The record shows that China has been proceeded cautiously in its privatisation efforts. It has privatised – that is, sold off to private owners- only the smaller SOEs. The state retains control over the larger SOEs that dominate industrial output and profits. In respect of these, China has opted for gradual disinvestment with disinvested shares residing mostly with state-owned entities. Over a long period, China has pushed through reforms of SOEs, including conferment of greater autonomy on enterprises and introduction of incentives for workers and managers. The empirical evidence is that performance at SOEs has improved consequent to these reforms. It could be argued that full-blooded privatisation might have produced even better results. However, given the possible implications in terms of job losses as well as the absence of effective governance mechanisms in China’s underdeveloped capital market. China’s rulers may well have been justified in hastening slowly with privatisation.

Research paper thumbnail of Bank Privatisation by the Backdoor

Economic and Political Weekly, May 30, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A Study on the Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction in Multi-Brand Apparel Retail

Numerous research studies have been done in the area of retailing, but there is no research that ... more Numerous research studies have been done in the area of retailing, but there is no research that identifies the main factors that influence customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. A study on this aspect is important as the apparel retail industry is growing very fast in India with the advent of many foreign brands in this sector. This study aims to understand the main factors influencing customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. Primary data is collected through survey method, using a structured questionnaire designed to capture the required variables to extract the factors influencing customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. The respondents are surveyed through convenience sampling method. The appropriate variables are identified through literature review of a number of articles on organised apparel retailing. After considering appropriate variables of apparel retail service quality and store characteristics, the structured questionnaire consisting of 17 independent variables and 1 dependent variable measured on a likert scale of 1 to 5, is used to collect data from the apparel retail customers. Factor analysis on these independent variables resulted in extraction of 4 main factors. Then Regression analysis is done on the 4 factors taking customer satisfaction as the dependent variable. The results of the analysis reveal that the factors significantly influence customer satisfaction in multi-brand apparel retail. It was also found through regression analysis that there is a significant impact of customer satisfaction on shopping budget in multi-brand apparel retail. Also, a significant relationship was found between family monthly income and shopping budget in multi-brand apparel retail. The implication of this research is that the results would help multi-brand apparel retailers to formulate marketing strategies with a focus on the factors identified, to improve customer satisfaction and refine their approach to reach out to their consumers and retain them, when they come to shop in their apparel retail store.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of geometry, fluid properties and pressure on the hydrodynamics of gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone separators

International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2000

The hydrodynamic flow behavior in a Gas–Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) compact separator is st... more The hydrodynamic flow behavior in a Gas–Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) compact separator is studied experimentally and theoretically. New experimental data are acquired utilizing a 7.62 cm I.D, 2.18 m high, GLCC separator for a wide range of operating conditions. Investigated parameters include three different inlet geometries (5.08 cm I.D single, 7.62 cm I.D single and 7.62 cm I.D dual inlets), four different liquid viscosities (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 cps), three system pressures (101.3, 273.6 and 487.2 kPa), and the effect of surfactant. The measured data comprise of equilibrium liquid level, zero-net liquid flow holdup and the operational envelope for liquid carry-over. The data are utilized to verify and refine an existing GLCC mechanistic model. Comparison between the modified model predictions and the experimental data show a very good agreement.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Crisis on the Indian Economy

Economic and Political Weekly, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of A two-phased approach to setting due-dates in single machine job shops

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 1999

ABSTRACT This paper explores the characteristics of job flow time distributions resulting from th... more ABSTRACT This paper explores the characteristics of job flow time distributions resulting from the use of different priority rules via computer simulation and statistical analysis. Statistical analysis of results from phase I experimentation modeling traditional due-date setting practices are used to develop job flow time prediction models. In phase II simulation experiments, the regression models developed in phase I are used to establish due-date allowances to jobs based on their processing times. Forms of the prediction equations reveal the differences in resultant job flow distributions, and explain the underlying nature of interactions between due-date setting methods and shop performance characteristics of dispatching rules as reported in previous studies. Application of the prediction equations in phase II experimentation show the viability of improving shop floor performance without resorting to looser due-dates.

Research paper thumbnail of A hybrid global–local approach for optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding process simulations

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2007

The optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding processes by trial and e... more The optimization of injection gate locations in liquid composite molding processes by trial and error based methods is time consuming and requires an elevated level of intuition, even when high fidelity physics-based numerical models are available. Optimization based on continuous sensitivity equations (CSE) and gradient search algorithms focused towards minimizing the mold infusion time gives a robust approach that will

Research paper thumbnail of Howse II cemented titanium metal-backed acetabular cups Poor 10-year results in 107 hips

Acta Orthopaedica, 2003

We report a retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 107 consecutive primary total hip r... more We report a retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 107 consecutive primary total hip replacements, using the cemented Howse II prosthesis. The review concentrates on the long-term performance of the acetabular cup, which was designed with a cylindrical titanium metal backing and a polyethylene liner. In all the hips in the series, this cup was used with a modular titanium straight femoral stem and a 32-mm diameter titanium head. At a mean follow-up of 9.8 (7-11) years, 28 hips had already been revised and 10 others were recognized as clinical or radiographic failures. The indication for revision in 26 of the hips was aseptic loosening and the mean time to revision was 7.2 (3.7-10.9) years This metal-backed cup has only 42% survival at 10 years, which seems to be related to certain of its design features. These include an inadequate thickness of polyethylene sterilized by gamma irradiation in air, a lack of mechanical bonding between the liner and its metal shell, and the high wear rate from the use of a 32-mm titanium femoral head.