Inventory models play important roles in a supply chain as it simultaneously impact cost and customer satisfaction. A Gaussian fuzzy economic order quantity (G-EOQ) inventory model is presented in this paper to target the subjective inaccuracies that exist in most inventory model formulation. We also define the concept of EOQ-GAP in inventory management. The approach taken is this paper is somewhat different to existing studies and in our view compliments existing fuzzy inventory models formulation. Finally, suggestions are made for further studies in supply chain management. A numerical example is provided towards the end of the paper along with concluding remarks and future work directions.

   Betel leaf is referred to as the green gold of India. It is scientifically known as piper betel and has tremendous potential to prove itself as ‘Green Medicine’. From the past betel leaves are woven into our culture both for consumption and rituals. The betel leaf is grown and sold all over India and particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. This is one of the prominent cash crops traded in agribusiness.

In Mangalore too this crop is cultivated and traded. The areas where in it is cultivated are Bondel, Neermarga, Bantwal, Vogga, Moodbidri, Belthangadi, Uppinagadi etc. This crop is traded prominently near the central market and State bank market in Mangalore city. The paper focuses on the women betel leaf sellers of Mangalore city and discusses the issues and challenges these women face.

Traditionally the trading of betel leaves were done by the Roman Catholic women and to date they are into this business. It is nice to note that the consumption of betel leaves is mostly done by Muslims, traditionally is of use to the Hindus and is traded by Catholics. Thus the leaf acts as a binding agent of religions too. But in recent times the number of catholic ladies in this trade has deteriorated and many men of all religions have taken up this trade along with the other products that they trade.

As of today in the Mangalore city there are only 6 catholic ladies who are in this trade. They are located in the central market (one full time and 3 part time basis) and two ladies working full time are located in the State bank market. They have a place of their own and are the last generations to be in this agribusiness field. The paper tries to highlight the problems faced by these ladies when they are dealing with the green gold of India.

   This research paper inspects the Annual Reports of American National Insurance Company (ANAT) so as to assess its financial performance for the past four years and thereby evaluating its financial health. The article covers various financial ratios such as profitability ratios, leverage ratios, liquidity ratios, and growth ratios and compares results for the FY2010 through FY2013. Additionally, corporate valuation ratios such as EVA, ROIC, and FCF are also covered to analyze the performance of the company. Lastly, a cash flow estimation is performed to find out the actual cash position by ANAT for the FY2013.