Pravin Sankhwar’s Global Environment and Strategic Practical Studies for Application in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Industry is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of the global business environment, technological advancements, and their implications for the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. The book is structured into 23 chapters, each addressing a distinct yet interconnected aspect of global business, technology, and sustainability, culminating in a focused discussion on the EV charging infrastructure. Sankhwar’s work is both a theoretical and practical guide, offering insights into the role of technological change, intellectual property, cultural shifts, sustainability, and global logistics while providing actionable strategies for the EV charging industry. This review will critically examine the book’s content, strengths, and limitations, highlighting its relevance for academics, industry professionals, and policymakers.
The book discusses the role of technological change, particularly the Internet, in shaping modern business operations. Sankhwar effectively establishes the transformative impact of the Internet on industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, emphasising its role in enabling remote work, improving operational efficiency, and fostering innovation. The chapter provides a detailed literature review, citing studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential to revolutionise daily life, from smart cities to remote surgeries. Sankhwar’s analysis is thorough and forward-looking as he explores emerging trends such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies, which are poised to disrupt traditional business models further. This chapter sets the tone for the book, underscoring the importance of technological adaptation in a rapidly changing global environment.
One of the book’s strengths is its interdisciplinary approach. Sankhwar seamlessly integrates economics, technology, sustainability, and management concepts, offering a holistic perspective on the EV charging industry’s challenges and opportunities. For instance, in Chapter 5, he delves into the idea of sustainability, examining its economic, environmental, and social dimensions. He highlights the role of sustainable practices in reducing costs and improving efficiency, particularly in supply chain management (Chapter 21). This chapter is particularly relevant for the EV industry, as it underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into every stage of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life recycling. Sankhwar’s discussion is enriched with real-world examples, such as the sustainability initiatives of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, which provide valuable insights for businesses seeking to align their operations with global sustainability goals.
The book also excels in its practical application of theoretical concepts. Sankhwar dedicates several chapters to case studies, focusing on The Coca-Cola Company. These case studies (Chapters 15–20) serve as a microcosm of the broader themes explored in the book, illustrating how global businesses navigate challenges related to market segmentation, performance appraisal, and organisational structure. By analysing Coca-Cola’s financial performance, sustainability efforts, and competitive strategies, Sankhwar provides readers with a framework for understanding the complexities of global business operations. These informative and engaging case studies make the book accessible to a broad audience, including students, academics, and industry professionals.
Another notable aspect of the book is its emphasis on the role of global institutions and policies in shaping business environments. In Chapter 10, Sankhwar examines the role of the World Bank in promoting economic development and reducing poverty. He discusses the Bank’s infrastructure development, education, and healthcare initiatives, highlighting their relevance for emerging economies. This chapter is particularly pertinent for the EV charging industry, as it underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy transition. Sankhwar’s analysis is both critical and constructive, as he acknowledges the limitations of global institutions while advocating for their continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.
The book’s final chapters focus specifically on the EV charging industry, offering a detailed analysis of its current and prospects. In Chapter 21, Sankhwar explores the role of supply chain management in reducing costs and improving the efficiency of EV charging infrastructure. He emphasises integrating IoT and other advanced technologies into the supply chain, enabling real-time monitoring and optimisation. This chapter is particularly valuable for industry professionals, providing practical strategies for enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Chapter 22 builds on this discussion, offering a comprehensive overview of the applications of IoT in the EV charging industry. Sankhwar highlights the potential of IoT to revolutionise EV charging infrastructure, from smart grids to predictive maintenance, while addressing data security and interoperability challenges.
Despite its many strengths, the book is not without limitations. One notable shortcoming is its uneven focus on the EV charging industry. While the final chapters provide a detailed analysis of the industry, the preceding chapters, though informative, often feel disconnected from the book’s central theme. For instance, while insightful, the extensive discussion on Coca-Cola may seem tangential to readers primarily interested in the EV charging industry. A more integrated approach, with more evident linkages between the broader themes and their relevance for the EV industry, would have enhanced the book’s coherence and focus.
Additionally, while valuable, the book’s reliance on case studies may limit its applicability to other contexts. Though well-researched and detailed, the Coca-Cola case studies may not fully capture the EV charging industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. Including case studies from the EV sector, such as Tesla or ChargePoint, would have provided a more balanced perspective and strengthened the book’s relevance for its target audience.
In conclusion, Global Environment and Strategic Practical Studies for Application in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Industry is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of global business, technology, and sustainability. Sankhwar’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on practical application make the book compelling for academics, industry professionals, and policymakers. While the book’s uneven focus and reliance on specific case studies may limit its applicability in some contexts, its strengths far outweigh its limitations. By providing a comprehensive overview of the global business environment and its implications for the EV charging industry, Sankhwar has made a significant contribution to the field, offering readers both theoretical insights and actionable strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Interested? You can get a copy of this Kindle E-book from Amazon India.
Review by Alok M for Indian Book Critics
Global Environment and Strategic Practical Studies for Application in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Industry by Pravin Sankhwar, a detailed review
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IBC Critical Review
Summary
The author exhibits his passion, commitment, and expertise in analysing various external and internal factors responsible for the EV industry’s growth and, eventually, the emerging EV charging gaps and opportunities.