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The Dark Side of Internet of Things in E-Commerce: Uncovering the Misuse of Personal Information
The world today patronises e-commerce websites and the extent of ease, convenience and possibilities it has brought. E-commerce has positively rattled the world and, most importantly, the economy and gross domestic product of every nation. It has facilitated countries to be progressive and enjoy goods and services from beyond geographical borders. It made possible and common what was once regarded as impossible and far-fetched. E-commerce has not only over-stocked market shelves but also raised the world standard from a business and consumer point of view. E-commerce is defined to be a wide range of business activities in an online space for products, goods, and services (Gupta, 2014). E-commerce is the outcome of an economy that functions on the Internet. Though e-commerce has been present for over thirty years, its popularity and effect have risen enormously in the recent past. It is understood to be the business of buying, selling, and trading through electronic communications. E-commerce has two models in force, the B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer), where the former is economic transactions between businesses, and the latter between a business and consumer. Though both models are popular and well-known, the former is sought after (Tian, and Stewart, 2006). Traditional commercial businesses have also adopted the mode of online trade and business for their goods. If not fully transformed, they have a dual approach of a continued brick-and-mortar structure and also an online portal. For example, H&M, a famous clothing store, has been in existence since 1947. It was in 1998 that they began their online retail store to keep in touch with the changing trends of the market needs. In 2023, there was as many as 1224 million e-commerce websites the world over. This in itself shows the extent to which the world has developed, adapted, and benefited from online businesses and transactions (Gennaro, 2023). The goal of e-commerce websites is just the same as a normal business. They intend to hit their profit margins, increase branding along with sales maximisation and risk minimisation. Apart from this, they have widened the aspect of an economy to now being a global economy where there are communications, interactions, and direct transactions buyers and sellers from various parts of the world. This advancement in business models has had a ripple effect on other aspects and tools of business functions, such as marketing and advertising. Marketing aims at making known to society the availability of certain products, goods, services, and their utility and features so that consumers can make an informed decision while shopping. Conventional marketing involves advertising and letting people know that such a product is available and has certain uses with the hope that promotion turns into a sale. Marketing has been open, standard, and objective. However, the marketing that we see today is powered by data, so it is subjective, customised and sure to catch the interest of consumers. This is happening through several online portals/agencies, and marketers who use data provided by online consumers for their monetary gain. At one point data is beneficial to the consumers in terms of availability of the products at their fingertips and without stepping out from home; on the other hand the data provided by the consumers remains stored with the websites, or in their cloud and subsequently used by such portals and also sold to others without approval from the users themselves. This raises serious concerns about the privacy rights of users and the extent of protection rendered to their data. There is constant debate in the convergence of data, Internet, and e-commerce because of the immense support in its ease and comfort versus the lesser known but great evil of infringement of rights to privacy and personal data. This chapter focuses on understanding how the personal information of consumers misused by e-commerce companies breaking down various roles of big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The digital transformation: Crafting customer engagement strategies for success
In the business world, the digital transformation has ushered in an era of unprecedented change. The explosive growth of digital technology over the past three decades has profoundly changed how businesses operate, compete, and engage with their customers. Businesses across industries have been forced to navigate this constantly changing environment due to the adoption of cloud computing, data analytics, the growth of e-commerce, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Organizations are forced to reconsider their strategies, operations, and consumer engagement models as a result of this significant instability. This chapter discusses the role of artificial intelligence in aiding customised and personalized marketing strategies, acknowledging the diverse preferences and behaviour of consumers. It shares insights on branding and customer management in an AI-driven environment. It also emphasises on online and technology-mediated customer engagement. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The economics of market and inclusive growth in tourism: A narrative of rural artisans' socio-economic wellbeing
Developing nations are starting to take centre stage and are becoming more conscious of their economic potential in the tourism sector. Earlier, these countries were largely left out of the tourist sector. Today, the foreign exchange reserves of these nations are mostly derived from tourism and a nation's balance of payments derived through tourism supports international trade and stabilizes the economy. The chapter adopts a case study method to evaluate the prospects of inclusive growth through socio economic well-being. In the dynamic and constantly evolving tourism industry, it is imperative to make the growth more inclusive so that there is a balanced approach to long term sustainable development. When it comes to using traditional skills and cultural heritage to participate in this economic paradigm, rural artisans face both opportunities and challenges as the global tourism landscape undergoes evolving transformations. The study commences by closely examining the current market obstacles that rural artisans in the tourism industry face, which encompass a range of issues such as shifting consumer preferences, market saturation and the aftermath of external shocks like pandemics. The chapter indicates major obstacles impeding the integration of rural artisans into the tourism value chain by means of a thorough empirical analysis. In order to overcome the obstacles, the study investigates inclusive growth and how it might act as a spur to improve the socio-economic circumstances of rural craftsmen. The findings in the chapter distil best practices that promote inclusivity, empower local communities and support sustainable tourism development by looking at successful case studies and policy interventions. 2024 The authors. All rights reserved. -
The Efficacy of Multi-Component Intervention for Adolescents with Problematic Video Gaming in a Community-Based Setting
Video gaming is a popular leisure activity enjoyed by millions globally, helping with socialisation, interaction, and relieving stress. It may also become a maladaptive coping mechanism to evade distress and negative emotions, leading to problematic usage. Research evidence shows that problematic gaming is associated with different psychosocial issues. Video games can be a way of negative coping and escaping reality, and problematic usage can hide other problems of players in real life. Adolescents are vulnerable to problematic use due to their developmental stages, and those with specific vulnerabilities and disabilities are at greater risk. No one psychotherapy has all the answers, and the multi-component intervention technique might have better treatment utility than a solitary behaviour intervention. The research aims to show the effectiveness of the intervention for problematic video game usage in a community-based setting. The study focuses on adolescents in seventh through ninth grade who were identified as problematic video gamers (not addictive users) from a selected group of schools in Kerala. The study employed an experimental design, encompassing both intervention and control groups, to systematically assess the effects of the experimental manipulation and establish a baseline measurement. The paired t-test results showed no significant decrease in the intervention groups Gaming Addiction Scale at the post-test, but it did lower the addiction scores. By conducting the research, we provide psychological care for adolescents and help them identify and prevent problematic gaming experiences. The research underscores the significance of early identification and prevention of problematic video game usage among adolescents, advocating for a holistic approach incorporating diverse components. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu, Dr. Anand Pratap Singh, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, Ms. Akriti Varshney, Ms. Priya Lanka, Ms. Aankur Pradhan, Dr. Neeraj Panwar, Dr. Kumud Sapru Wangnue; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The emerging role of innovative teaching practices in tourism education in the post-COVID-19 era
The education sector has undergone a tremendous transformation during the last few decades with the advancement of information and communication technology. Traditional methods of teaching and learning are replaced with modern technology enabled methods such as virtual reality, 3D images and videos, augmented reality, and gamification. Tourism education involves learning about geographic regions, destinations, and sightseeing. The shift from offline mode of teaching to a completely online and digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need to include such innovative practices in teaching and learning. This chapter focuses on the potential benefits of enabling technology infused teaching and learning methods and their implications on improving student motivation and engagement. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The Employees Demographic Profile of Startups in India with Special Reference to Bangalore City: A Case Study
In the current scenario, startups play a pivotal role and exert a significant influence on the promotion of economic growth. Authorities perceive their substantial impact, considering factors such as job creation, economic development, and contributions to technological upgrading (Thornton and Assocham in Startups Indiaan overview, 2016; Jain in Int J Appl Res 2:152154, 2016; Sarangi in Why do most Indian startups fail? Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, 2015). There has been a noteworthy effort to promote entrepreneurship through the establishment and support of various incubation centers. Despite the positive reception and development initiatives, the alarming startup failure rates in India persist due to various reasons. Available data indicates that 12 states in India have 1000 recognized startups each, with Karnataka being particularly well-recognized for progress and brand creation, especially in the city of Bangalore. In light of this, the study aims to identify the demographic profile of employees in startups in India, with a special focus on Bangalore city. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
The ethics of collaborating with social media influencers: Influencers and psychological well-being
This study highlights the importance of placing influencers' psychological well-being as a top priority in influencer marketing. In light of the growing influencers' impact on brand perceptions and consumer behavior, addressing their obstacles is crucial to promoting an ethical and sustainable ecosystem. The demands of upholding genuineness and regulating personal limits can profoundly affect the psychological well-being of influencers. Acknowledging and giving precedence to the welfare of others is an ethical obligation and a critical factor in ensuring sustained success in collaborative endeavors. Suggested ideas for a genuine brand-influencer partnership encompass advocating for mental well-being and fostering open and honest communication. These suggestions can cultivate a more accountable, enduring, and genuine influencer marketing ecosystem. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The evolution of currency: A comparative study of the barter system and cryptocurrency
The barter system, the oldest form of exchange dating back to human civilization, involves directly exchanging goods and services without using money. However, it comes with limitations, such as the requirement for a double coincidence of wants, difficulties in valuing goods and services, and the absence of a store of value. Over time, various forms of money emerged to overcome these limitations. Commodity money, like gold and silver, gained value due to their rarity and intrinsic worth. Later, fiat currencies were introduced, backed by trust rather than physical commodities. In contrast, cryptocurrency, a new digital currency not issued by any central authority, relies on blockchain technology for secure and anonymous transactions. This paper traces the evolution of currency from medieval times to the present digital era and explores the differences between the barter system, fiat currency, and cryptocurrency. It also delves into the potential of cryptocurrency to revolutionize our perception of money. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The Evolution of Forecasting Techniques: Traditional Versus Machine Learning Methods
Forecasting is used effectively and efficiently to support decision-making for the future. Over time, several methods have been created to conduct forecasting. Finding a forecasting technique with the ability to provide the best estimate of the system being modeled has always been a challenge. The selection and comparison criteria for forecasting methodologies can be organized in a variety of ways. Accurate forecasting has a great demand for various fields like weather prediction, economic condition, business forecasting, demand and supply forecasts and many more. When deciding whether to utilize a certain model to predict future events, accuracy is very important. In every field, machine learning (ML) algorithms are being used to forecast future events. These algorithms can handle more complex data and make predictions that are more accurate. Based on the least values of forecasting errors, forecasters create a model to determine the best strategy for prediction. For centuries, forecasting has been used to assist individuals in making future-related decisions. In the past, forecasts were based on intuition and experience, but as technology has advanced, so have forecasting methods. Currently, advanced ML models and methods for data analysis are used to provide forecasts. To forecast the future, these models incorporate a range of inputs, including historical data, present trends, and economic indicators. Forecasting is a vital tool for businesses to employ when making future plans. It is used in a wide range of industries, from finance to weather prediction. 2024 Sachi Nandan Mohanty, Preethi Nanjundan and Tejaswini Kar. -
THE FEDERAL DYNAMICS OF INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY: Issues, Concerns and Trends
Participation of regional governments in foreign policy is a global phenomenon, which has been described as constituent diplomacy or Para diplomacy. It is a phenomenon that includes a cocktail of factors like globalisation, economic liberalisation, diffusion of technology and the decentralisation of political power. Dependence of coalition governments on regional parties in India has resulted in a subtle power shift when it comes to foreign policy prioritisation and perceptions. There is a new activism in the making and implementation of Indian foreign policy. The chapter analyses the domestic imperatives impacting on India's foreign policy. The assertion and expectations of regional parties have been contingent on the leverage they have within a coalition like the NDA and the UPA. States are now even bringing foreign and security issues to the bargaining table, thereby providing the regional parties a variety of participatory opportunities. Conduct of India's foreign policy is no longer the exclusive domain of the federal government in India. At any given time, domestic compulsions influence how states act and react to various foreign policy issues and events, and hence engaging state governments in foreign affairs can be a force multiplier for Indian foreign policy. 2024 selection and editorial matter, M.J. Vinod, Stefy V Joseph, Joseph Chacko Chennatuserry and Dimitris N. Chryssochoou; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The future of business management with the power of distributed systems and computing
Distributed systems and computing have emerged as key technologies for businesses seeking to improve their operations, decision-making, and customer experience. In this chapter, we examine the potential of distributed systems and computing for the future of business management. We analyze the key characteristics and advantages of distributed systems and computing for business management, including improved scalability, flexibility, and availability, as well as increased efficiency and reduced costs. We also discuss the various applications of distributed systems and computing in business management, including inventory management, supply chain optimization, customer relationship management, financial management and accounting, data analytics, decision-making, and collaboration and communication. We also explore the emerging trends and technologies in distributed systems and computing, including edge computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, and their potential implications for the future of business management. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities for research and innovation in the field of distributed systems and computing, including the development of new algorithms and protocols, the exploration of novel applications, and the investigation of the social and ethical implications of distributed systems and computing. In conclusion, distributed systems and computing offer a powerful set of tools for businesses seeking to enhance their performance and competitiveness in the digital age. However, the adoption of distributed systems and computing also entails a range of challenges and risks that must be addressed through careful planning and management. By embracing the potential of distributed systems and computing while also addressing its challenges, businesses can position themselves for success in the increasingly interconnected and digital world of the future. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved. -
The future of smart contracts: Pioneering a new era of automated transactions and trust in the digital economy
The future of smart contracts in decentralized finance (DeFi) is a dynamic and evolving field that holds immense potential for transforming traditional financial systems The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with smart contracts is enhancing their capabilities, enabling efficient processing of data and intelligent decision-making. Smart contracts provide an open and effective replacement for traditional financial structures as they continue to gain popularity. The potential of smart contracts to improve transparency, optimize operating procedures, and transform industries like healthcare, finance, and education is what will determine their future. To support blockchain-based apps and grow the DeFi ecosystem, smart contract platforms like Polkadot, Cardano, and Ethereum must continue to innovate and evolve. The future of smart contracts is largely being shaped by the possibility of multi-chain smart contracts, the incorporation of AI and machine learning technology, and the support for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The Future of the Gig Professionals: A Study Considering Gen Y, Gen C, and Gen Alpha
This article aims to analyze the reasons behind the gig economys growth considering the present and future. From few empirical pieces of evidence, it is clear that the gig economy took shape after the 2008 great economic recession, where unemployment rose in leaps and bounds along with voluntary job leaving. In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the primary reasons for the forced rise of the gig economy. Strategically and practically speaking, from the economic point of view, the gig economy is dominated by Gen Y and Gen C and will be dominated by Gen Alpha soon. However, there are very fragile differences between Gen Y, C, and Gen Alpha; all three generations are lashed together in the name of tech-savvy and flexibility-seekers. Thus, this article justifies the influence of technology generations and the rise of the gig economy. There is less research work exclusively on Gen Y, C, and Alpha. Still, regarding the gig economy in light of the great economic recession and COVID-19, this new work highlights originality. Future researchers working on Gen Alpha and Gen C can explore the role of digital technologies in changing routine life and its impact on their personal life and career life. Technology has been a significant reason for the sprung-in gig jobs. However, it can also have adverse outcomes, which has scope to be explored. Thus, this research may be a catalyst for future research works in similar lines. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. -
The Himalayan Ecosystem and Development Paradigm: A Sustainability Perspective
The Himalaya is physically and biologically very complex and diverse. It is one of the youngest and loftiest of the mountain systems of the world. It is a biodiversity rich area having a distinctive climatic impact on lives of people in Asia. Major rivers of the region originate from the Himalayan Mountains providing the source of water for a large mass of population. Himalaya is a house to many crops of the world, natural wealth as well as indigenous societies and knowledge system. It is a rich repository of plant and animal wealth providing a source of livelihood to millions of people in the Asian region. Its significance lies in the fact that it has been recognised as among the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. Due to anthropogenic activitiesdriven by the economic development modellike mining, road construction, dam construction, tourism, infrastructure development et al. and climate change there has been wide spread damage to fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The consequences of such developmental activities has far reaching consequences on the future of Himalayan ecosystem altering the course of nature and impacting human lives and societies depending on Himalaya and hence unsustainable for the earth. It is predicted that the anthropogenic activities in and around Himalayas shall have significant consequences regionally and globally raising questions about natural resources, ecology, sustainability, loss of habitat by species, human rights, livelihood of people in the region. The present model of development solely premised on the anthropocentricism has caused enormous harm to Himalayan ecology. It has ignored the traditional conservation model adopted by traditional inhabitants bringing great destruction to the Himalaya which has global implications. In the light of the above this chapter will discuss the consequences of anthropogenic activities on the Himalayan ecosystem. Moreover, it will explore the sustainability of anthropogenic activities and how that can be helpful to the planet. Moreover, it will offer few suggestions for the improvement of the Himalayan ecosystem which will be advantageous to the present as well as future generations. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
The hype of the hybrid on work culture compatibility
In the wake of the pandemic, a new working model known as the "hybrid model" has emerged, combining the advantages and disadvantages of both "on-site" and "work from home" cultures to create a balance between the two worlds. This study conducts an in-depth survey of the merits and demerits of diverse working cultures among employees at various hierarchy levels in different industry sectors. Based on the assortment of over 350 white-collar employees working across India in the cultures mentioned earlier, it has been observed that the hype of the hybrid is justified. The study discovered that the majority of the workforce favors the hybrid model, providing the perfect balance between work and personal life. However, this new blend needs to have a better cognizance and acceptance from both the employer and the employee perspectives. The insights would set a benchmark for companies and employees to develop a plan of action. 2023, IGI Global. -
The Impact of Digital Marketing Strategies on Customer Attitude and Purchase Intention Towards Electronic Gadgets: A Study on Indian Students
A portion of a companys long-term strategy should be devoted to digital marketing transformation. It is a challenging task to select the effective marketing strategy when conducting business in modern digital world. This study seeks to elucidate the influences of digital marketing strategy forms on customer attitude and purchase intention of students towards electronic gadgets. The relationship between four digital marketing strategies such as search engine advertising, social media, content marketing and email marketing towards customer attitudes and purchase intention was investigated in accordance with hypotheses, 225 students from Bangalore city, India, who had experience in online purchase of electronic gadgets comprised as a research sample. The relationship among the selected variables are tested with help of Correlation, ANOVA and regression analysis. The study conclude that there is an impact of various forms of digital marketing strategies on customers attitude and the purchase intention of young (Students) customer. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility in Social Value Creation
The fundamental idea behind CSR is that corporations have duties that go beyond lawful execution of their economic duties (Steiner & Steiner, 2009). The waning hold of states over powerful transnational corporations and the increasing recognition of the potential of corporations to contribute to the welfare needs underline the importance of CSR in contemporary society. It is believed that a good CSR strategy would lead to significant reductions in business risks, including stakeholder, regulatory or marketplace sanctions. India being the first country to make CSR mandatory recognizes the potential of firms to synergize with the state in achieving larger developmental causes. This chapter is an attempt to review the CSR contributions toward public health during COVID-19. This chapter analyses the ways in which corporate social responsibility could contribute toward value creation in society and proposes a community-based convergent model of CSR implementation. 2024 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. -
The importance of strategic agility and resilience in work-life balance
This chapter's objective is to analyze agility and resilience which are essential qualities of work-life balance. Similarly, both enable individuals to play the important role of both professional and personal responsibilities effectively. In this chapter, the author has mentioned the importance and the role of strategic agility which describes the ability to predict and respond quickly to changes and challenges in the work environment. Also, all these involve being acceptable, adaptable, flexible, and open to new ideas and approaches. In the work-life balance framework, strategic agility supports individuals to be proactive, positive, and efficient enough to manage their time and energy. It helps individuals prioritize their tasks, allocate resources properly, and enhance their understanding of where to invest their efforts. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The Industrial Revolution From Mechanisation (1.0) to Smart Automation (5.0)
The Industrial Revolution was a transformative event of unprecedented magnitude, profoundly altering many facets of society, including consumption patterns, social structures, cultural norms, and global arrangements. Contrary to popular belief, there is not a one Industrial Revolution, but rather a sequence of stages characterised by gradual advancements. We are currently on the verge of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, which is expected to have a greater impact than the cumulative effect of the preceding four revolutions. Industry 5.0 is the latest term gaining popularity in the business sector, with significant claims to fundamentally transform our lifestyle. Industry 5.0 is expected to drive more progress in the field of intelligent automation within the manufacturing sector. This chapter specifically examines the transition of industry sector from version 1.0 to version 5.0. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Payal Bansal, Rajeev Kumar, Ashwani Kumar and Daniel D. Dasig, Jr.; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The industry use cases for the Digital Twin idea
Digital Twin Technology has taken the place in top 10 strategic technology trends in 2017 termed by Gartner Inc. Digital Twin concept brings out the virtual depiction or the digital representation of the real world equipment, device or system whereas the real world and the virtual world gets the highest synchronization. The digital representation of the complete life cycle of a product from its design phase to the maintenance phase will give the prophetic analysis of the problems to the business. This greatest advantage of foreseeing problems in the development of a device will give early warnings, foil downtime, cultivate novel prospects and inventing enhanced devices or gadgets for the later use at the lesser expense by means of digital representations. Indeed, these will devise a larger influence on conveying superior consumer feeling also in the enterprise. The emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Internet of Things and Big Data used in Industry 4.0 play a vital role in Digital Twin and they are mostly adopted in the world of manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things, and automobile business world. The penetration, wide coverage and the advancement of the Internet of Things in real-world have elevated the power of Digital Twins more economical and reachable for the world of various businesses. 1. Manufacturing: Digital Twin has brought out the change in the existing manner of the manufacturing segment. Digital Twins have a substantial influence on the design of products and their manufacturing and maintenance. Because of its influence the manufacturing more competent and augmented while dropping throughput times. 2. Industrial IoT: Integrating digital twin with industrial firms will facilitate the activities such as monitoring, tracking and controlling industrial systems in digital means. We can potentially experience the power of digital twin since it captures environmental data such as locality, settings of the devices, financial frameworks, etc., other than the operational data, which benefits in foreseeing the forthcoming operations and incongruities. 3. Healthcare: Since the healthcare sector demands higher accuracy in diagnosis and treatment, with the important data from IoT, digital twins can play a vital role by reducing the expense for the patient, precautionary alerts to avoid health deterioration and giving tailored health support system. This will be great support especially in developing countries like India. 4. Smart cities: Digital Twin coupled with IoT data can augment the efficient planning of the smart city and execution of its building by supplementing financial progress, effectual administration of resources, lessening of environmental impression and escalate the complete worth of a resident's life. The digital twin prototypical can aid city organizers and legislators in the smart city planning by retrieving the visions from numerous sensor networks and smart systems. The information received from the digital twins supports them in reaching well-versed choices concerning the future as well. 5. Automobile: Automobile industry can get voluminous benefits out of Digital Twins for producing the simulated framework of a coupled vehicle. It retrieves the behavioral and functional information of the vehicle and services in examining the inclusive performance efficiency of the vehicle as well as the features connected along with it. Digital Twin also supports in supplying a justly enhance support and service for the consumers. 6. Retail: Alluring client satisfaction is a fundamental factor in the merchandising world. Digital twin employment can play a key role in supplementing the retail customer experience by forming virtual twins for customers and modeling fashions for them on it. Digital Twins also supports enhanced planning of stock maintenance, safekeeping procedures, and human resource administration in an augmented means. 2020 Elsevier Inc.