AU-HIU International Multidisciplinary Journal

The concept of gender equality and family relationship: perspectives from selected neo-urban indian couples in bhopal, india

John Murukkananikkal — 2025-08-14

This study explores how gender equality and family relationships are experienced and understood by selected neo-urban Indian couples residing in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal, a Tier 2 city, reflects a transitional social structure where traditional male-dominated norms coexist with emerging ideas of equality (Desai & Andrist, 2010; NFHS-5, 2021). The purpose of the research is to understand how couples manage their expectations, household responsibilities, and decision-making roles in a society where cultural and gender biases persist (Kabeer, 1999; Rajadhyaksha & Smita, 2004). The study adopts a qualitative approach, gathering data through in-depth interviews of fifteen married couples. Thematic analysis is used to extract key patterns and concerns from their narratives. Word cloud visualization is applied to highlight frequent terms used in the interviews, while sentiment analysis is conducted to detect emotional tones embedded in participants’ responses.

Findings suggest that while most women are financially independent, they continue to bear the majority of domestic work and emotional labor (Hochschild, 1989; Rani & Unni, 2004). Many husbands recognize the value of equal partnerships but still retain control over final decisions, especially related to finances, parenting, and external social interactions (Dyson & Moore, 1983; Rajadhyaksha & Smita, 2004). The study identifies recurring themes such as unequal freedom, cultural conformity, silent compromise, and limited shared decision-making (Sriram & Sandhu, 2013; Basu, 2008). Word frequency analysis supports these findings, revealing dominant terms such as "adjust," "manage," "respect," and "freedom." Sentiment analysis shows a higher proportion of negative or neutral emotional tone in female responses compared to males, who often express contentment or control.

This research offers practical implications for educators, policymakers, and family counselors working in semi-urban Indian settings. It presents a grounded understanding of lived experiences and the gaps between legal gender equality and practical realities. The originality of the study lies in its exclusive focus on neo-urban couples from Bhopal, representing an under-researched demographic, and in combining thematic, visual, and emotional analytics to study evolving family dynamics.

The Role of Sensory Elements in Enhancing Airbnb Guest Experience in Bangkok.

Miri Morita — 2025-08-14

In the evolving landscape of tourism and the sharing economy, Airbnb has emerged as a leading accommodation platform, particularly in Bangkok, Thailand. While previous studies have explored various factors influencing guest satisfaction, limited research has examined the role of sensory elements in shaping the Airbnb guest experience. This study investigates how visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli drive guests’ decision-making and overall satisfaction. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Airbnb foreign guests who had stayed in Bangkok within the past year. Data obtained from the participants were coded using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that visual aspects, including cleanliness, interior design, and lighting, are the primary factors influencing booking decisions. Additionally, the scent and noise levels in a bustling city play a decisive role in enhancing or detracting from guests’ overall satisfaction. A positive sensory experience fosters emotional engagement and guest retention, while negative sensory stimuli, such as unpleasant odors or disruptive noise, lead to dissatisfaction. This study underscores the importance of sensory marketing in enhancing the Airbnb guest experience and provides practical insights for Airbnb hosts to improve their offerings by optimizing sensory elements.

Transformational Tourism: The Evolution of Travel Lifestyles Among Chinese Tourists

Ling Wang — 2025-08-14

Transformational tourism is gaining prominence as traditional forms of travel become outdated, particularly in China. This shift emphasizes personal growth, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility. The study investigates transformational tourism activities' specific elements and characteristics, the psychological and behavioral changes in tourists post-experience, and the impacts on their daily lives and social relationships. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing one-to-one interviews with seven Chinese individuals from diverse backgrounds. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. The results reveal significant personal transformations in participants, including increased tolerance, open-mindedness, and a reassessment of personal values. Encounters with environmental conservation practices fostered a more responsible attitude towards nature and society. Transformational tourism has the potential to foster meaningful changes in travelers, supporting a shift toward more sustainable and enriching travel experiences for Chinese tourists.

Financial Performance of Public Sector Companies: With Special Reference to Indian Oil Corporation Limited & Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Rahul Joshi — 2025-08-14

Purpose: This study aims at the evaluation of financial performance of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) over period 2011‐12 to 2020‐21. This study goes one step further to focus on the effect of key financial components e.g. Operating costs, Interest on fixed interest-bearing charges, Revenue tot operations, and Firm size on overall financial performance unlike the previous research, which dealt solely with financial ratios. Methodology: The research is based on secondary data i.e. annual reports published by both the companies. A multiple regression analysis is done for the dependent variable net profit and independent variables as net revenue from operations, operating costs, interest on fixed interest-bearing charges, working capital, long term debts, paid up share capital. The control variable applied is firm size. The significance and influence of these variables are determined by applying Fixed Effect Panel Least Square method. Findings: The study also signifies that net revenue from operations, working capital and firm size positively affect net profit but operating costs, interest on fixed (but interest bearing) costs and long term debts negatively impact it. Changes in financial performance are not influenced by paid up share capital. The model uses 97.79% of the variance of the net profit, and there exists a very strong linkage between the chosen financial components and profitability. Originality value: Traditional financial performance analysis is extended in this paper with firm specific cost structure and other operational elements resulting in a more holistic understanding of profitability drivers in public sector undertakings. Managerial Implications: Based on the evidence, both companies are suggested to apply stricter credit policies, improve inventory management systems, control operating expenses and put in place long term investment strategies that improve their financial sustainability and profitability. These insights can then be adopted by the policymakers and financial managers to formulate strategies that will enhance financial efficiency and enhance economic contributions of public sector enterprises

Impact of Covid-19 On Deposit Pattern, Lending Pattern and NPA of Bank of India and HDFC Bank in Madhya Pradesh, India

Neelakshi Arora — 2025-08-14

Purpose: COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in banking system. Thus, the present research was conducted to study impact of Covid-19 on deposit pattern, Lending Pattern and NPA of Bank of India and HDFC in Madhya Pradesh during Covid-19. Design / Methodology / Approach: The study is based on secondary data, which is collected from State Level Bankers Committee, Madhya Pradesh (SLBC-MP). For testing hypotheses, regression equation was used, and result were analysed using pooled ordinary least square. Findings: Advances have significant impact on NPAs of the Bank. It can also be concluded that if deposits are increase by INR 1, then NPA will decrease by INR 6.63 and when advances are increased by INR 1, the NPA is also increased by INR 1. Originality value: Although there has been a lot of research done relating to deposits, advances and NPA of the banks selected under study but there is no literature available which is evaluating the effect of Covid-19 on Bank deposit, bank lending and Bank Growth in Madhya Pradesh.

A multigroup analysis of factors influencing supply chain sustainability

Geetanjali Shrivastava — 2025-08-14

This study examined the impact of business performance on supply chain sustainability in Bangkok, Thailand's hospitality industry. With the help of the Structural Equation Model, this study used measurement invariance of composite model (MICOM) and Multi Group analysis to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables across different genders. According to the findings, females believed that the relationship between the supplier and the purchasing department had a significant impact on business performance. They also believed that the relationship between the supplier and the purchasing department had a significant impact on supply chain sustainability, which is supported by the results of the entire set of data, which included both male and female respondents. Both genders are convinced that business performance has a significant impact on supply chain sustainability in Bangkok’s hospitality sector. Based on the results of this study, the relationship between the buyer and the supplier needs to be strengthened for the supply chain to be stable.

Motivations and Values of Foreign Retirees Choosing Bangkok as Retirement Destination.

Misa Morita — 2025-08-14

Bangkok has increasingly become a top retirement destination for foreign retirees due to its unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, and well-established healthcare infrastructure. As the city continues to attract retirees, it is important to understand the motivations behind their decision, enabling Bangkok to find ways to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading retirement destination. This study explores the values and motivations of foreign retirees who select Bangkok as their retirement destination through a push-pull framework. Data were collected through relevant research and semi-structured interviews with seven retirees aged 45 and above, conducted via online platforms. Push factors driving relocation include health concerns, political instability, and environmental issues, while pull factors encompass Bangkok’s healthcare quality, affordable cost of living, and technological advancements. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and tourism businesses to better serve the growing retiree demographic, contributing to the local economy and encouraging Thailand’s competitiveness in the global retirement market.