Journal of Advanced Research in Operational and Marketing Management

Health, Wellness & Spiritual Tourism for Quality of Life

2026-05-19T05:35:49+00:00

This article investigates the role of Spirituality, Tourism and Quality of Life in tourist decisions to visit specific places. It is apparent from current global trends that religious based spiritual tourism which enhances the quality of life of many travelers, has become prevalent and is now very popular especially as travelling is becoming far more accessible for many people. World Tourism Organization (2009) asserts that global tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and a core driver when it comes to global economic development. Tourism is regularly analyzed as an expression of human behavior and thus where people go and why they travel there is worth investigating. Tourism marketing and promotion is reflected upon as an essential aspect for successful tourism development. Consequently, all tourism traffic, both local and international, for a wide range of purposes including religious and spiritual purposes, has increased significantly. Accordingly, the profiles of tourists and their perception about spirituality, wellness tourism and quality of life are important considerations when it comes to the effective marketing of tourism products and services.

Mathematical Optimization of Intelligent Transportation Networks for Smart City Efficiency

2026-06-06T12:16:49+00:00

Purpose:This study investigates the role of optimizing intelligent transportation networks in enhancing the mobility outcomes of smart cities and the role of governance capacity in moderating these outcomes in the urban systems of the world. We present and validate the SmartTransMathOpt Model using a harmonized secondary data set of smart cities employing algorithm-based traffic management for the years 2019-2025.

Methods: We evaluate traffic flow algorithms, route scheduling, and real time data integration as core optimization processes, and assess to what extent these processes are related to time savings, reduction in congestion, energu efficiency, and reliability of the service, using standardized metrics and moderated regression analysis.

Findings:We establish that among the efficiency and reliability outcomes, real time data integration had the strongest and most consistent impact, while traffic flow algorithms and route scheduling had different, but complementary impacts. While governance capacity does not replace technological intensity, it determines whether the optimizations translate into rational and scalable performance improvements. Most importantly, this study identifies the governance conditioned optimization pathway, which explains why similar smart mobility technologies implemented in different cities produce divergent impacts.

Value: In smart city systems theory, this study refines the body of knowledge and for urban policy makers and planners globally, it provides actionable insights to effectively integrate data driven and resilient with sustainable transportation systems.

Leveraging Currency Hedging Strategies to Optimize Export Factoring: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Management and Financial Performance

2026-06-01T06:32:19+00:00

This study explores the role of currency hedging in enhancing the performance of export factoring among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Export factoring serves as a critical financial instrument for SMEs engaged in international trade by improving liquidity and mitigating payment risks. With increasing volatility in foreign exchange markets, many exporters resort to hedging tools to protect against currency fluctuations. The research seeks to evaluate whether these hedging practices deliver measurable financial benefits for SMEs using factoring services. A quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 31 SME clients of a factoring service provider in India. The data was analyzed using Chi-Square and one-way ANOVA tests to evaluate two primary hypotheses: (1) the impact of currency hedging on financial stability and (2) the relationship between company size and the adoption of hedging strategies. The results revealed no statistically significant relationship between currency hedging and improved financial stability for SMEs involved in export factoring. Additionally, company size did not significantly influence the decision to use currency hedging tools. These findings suggest that, while hedging is commonly practiced, its direct financial benefits in the context of factoring are not guaranteed. The limited impact may stem from the standardized nature of hedging tools, which may not align well with the unique operational models of individual SMEs. The study emphasizes the need for exporters and financial institutions to adopt more tailored and data-driven approaches to currency risk management. Customized hedging strategies, aligned with specific business profiles and transaction patterns, are recommended to improve financial outcomes. Additionally, policy-level support can enhance the integration of effective hedging practices within export financing frameworks. This research adds value by focusing on the underexplored intersection of currency risk management and export factoring among SMEs in emerging economies. It offers practical insights into optimizing hedging strategies and highlights the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches in dynamic international trade environments.

Does Social Capital impact Human Capital: The Case of Scheduled Tribes of Keralam

2026-06-01T06:59:21+00:00

The study aims to investigate and establish the efficacy of social capital in enhancing the human capital of the scheduled tribes in Keralam. Social capital, characterised by social network relationships, plays a pivotal role in fostering people's development by facilitating economic growth through cooperation and coordination. It encompasses three dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking. Primary data were collected from the major tribes in the Kasaragod district of Keralam, namely Mavilan, Marati, and Malavettuvan. The social capital endowment of the scheduled tribes was evaluated based on a social capital index that combines various dimensions of social capital. The study utilised descriptive statistical analyses to determine the significance of social capital in relation to the respondents' years of schooling and body mass index (BMI). The findings indicate a significant relationship between the average years of schooling among scheduled tribes and their social capital. However, it is noteworthy that there is only a slight difference in the BMI of the scheduled tribes. It is suggested that social capital exerts a more pronounced influence on the education of the scheduled tribes rather than their health.

The Facebook and WhatsApp Merger: Reassessing Market Power and digital Dominance

2026-06-01T06:39:37+00:00

The rising interdependence of data protection and competition law has sparked a global discussion as to what role, if any, anti-trust authorities have in regulating privacy breaches. This research paper considers competition law’s response to privacy violations by looking at two case studies: the German Federal Cartel Office’s (FCO) investigation into Facebook’s conduct and the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) investigation of WhatsApp. Both investigations present the nuanced issues arising when data is collected, integrated, and taken across platforms for commercial gain, which could enhance market power while detrimentally impacting privacy. The paper considers the legal and economic rationale, challenges in the regulatory landscape, and emanating policy challenges raised in both contexts to call for a more holistic view to regulate harm that has simultaneous market failures in regard to competition and privacy. While the privileged status of privacy as a data protection failure is unquestioned, a breach of privacy in competitive law should beckon regulation where competition is distorted or market dominance is achieved. The findings of the research contribute to the ongoing policy debate on the harmonisation of competition and data protection regimes in relation to consumer rights and undertaking equitable digital markets.