Title: A study on the pertinent problems faced by the metal and iron casting foundry units in India

Authors: Avik Roy; Gopalkrishna Chakrabarti; Arnab Das

Addresses: Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, 700 019, West Bengal, India ' Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, 700 019, West Bengal, India ' Department of Anthropology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, 700 019, West Bengal, India

Abstract: In this article the authors tried to elicit solutions for the problems the metal and iron casting foundry industry of Howrah (a district of the Indian state of West Bengal) are facing, through participatory approach. A total of 143 individuals (including foundry owners, managers, contractors, and labourers) from 36 foundry units of Howrah composed the study group. Qualitative data from focus group with these participants were analysed for thematic content. Findings reveal that participants are not in favour of endorsing single solutions for every problem; rather multiple responses have been evoked. The data also suggest that the participants believe in heightened involvement, both on their part and the government's, to contain and improve present situation.

Keywords: metal casting industry; iron casting industry; India; participatory approach; problem solving; single solutions; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; metal casting foundries; iron casting foundries; thematic content analysis; TCA; multiple responses; heightened involvement; government involvement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2015.066117

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2015 Vol.10 No.1, pp.60 - 83

Received: 28 May 2013
Accepted: 01 Sep 2013
Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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