This paper studied different types of existing value chain models of Lucknowi Chikankari in context of the value chain model given by Porter (1985). Chikankari being an unorganized sector, the paper focused on the primary activities of Porter's value chain model. To have an in-depth understanding of different models and to highlight differences between them, field-based qualitative research in an informative manner seemed appropriate. Therefore, multiple-case-based research methodology was adopted for data collection and analysis. The study identified and outlined the prevalent three types of value chain models as traditional, contemporary, and mixed with respect to the primary activities of the value chain. The findings drew a comparison between various types of value chains prevalent in the industry, highlighting the relevant differences among them and suggesting the best suited one in artisans' interests. The study stated that the interventions that can be undertaken through collaboration of government, private organizations, and NGOs to improve the situation of artisans and contribute towards sustainability of the craft can be achieved by improvements and modifications in design and execution of activities. The suggestions and recommendations were made pertaining to eliminating the involvement of middlemen to reduce the cycle size and increase artisans' wages. The government should work towards educating the progressive artisans in e-commerce and linking them to e-commerce portals. The study suggested that for development of organizations, government, marketers, and producers (artisans), evolving a sustainable value chain in the interest of artisans and the industry is required.

1. Art to mart: How can we build an end-to-end value chain that brings artisans profitably to market? (2015, February 19). The Alternative.in. Retrieved from <a href=http://www.thealternative.in/business/rural-artisans-to-market-building-an-end-to-end-value-chain/ target="_blank">http://www.thealternative.in/business/rural-artisans-to-market-building-an-end-to-end-value-chain/</a>
2. De Marchi, V., Di Maria, E., & Ponte, S. (2014). Multinational firms and the management of global networks: Insights from global value chain studies. In T. Pedersen, M. Venzin, T. M. Devinney, & L. Tihanyi (eds.), Orchestration of the global network organization (Advances in International Management, Volume 27, pp. 463 - 486). UK : Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
3. Directorate of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh. (2011). District census handbook. Retrieved from <a href=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0926_PART_B_DCHB_LUCKNOW.pdf target="_blank">http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0926_PART_B_DCHB_LUCKNOW.pdf</a>
4. Eisenhardt, K. M. (1989). Building theories from case study research. The Academy of Management Review , 14 (4), 532 - 550.
5. Eisenhardt, K. M., & Graebner, M. E. (2007). Theory building from cases: Opportunities and challenges. Academy of Management Journal , 50 (1), 25 - 32.
6. Farooqui, F. S. (2014). Dimensions of exclusion of muslim women artisans of Lucknow city : A sociological analysis (Thesis). Aligarh Muslim University. Retrieved from <a href=http://hdl.handle.net/10603/23080 target="_blank">http://hdl.handle.net/10603/23080</a>
7. Ganeshan, H., & Suresh, P. (2017). An empirical analysis on supply chain problems, strategy, and performance with reference to SMEs. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 10 (11), 19 - 30. doi:10.17010/pijom/2017/v10i11/119400
8. Gereffi, G., & Memedovic, O. (2003). The global apparel value chain: What prospects for upgrading by developing countries (pp. 1- 40). Vienna : United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
9. Hock Soon, Q., & Mohammad Udin, Z. (2011). Supply chain management from the perspective of value chain flexibility : An exploratory study. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 22 (4), 506 - 526.
10. Holsapple, C. W. (2001). The knowledge chain model: Activities for competitiveness. Expert Systems with Applications, 20 (1), 77 - 98.
11. Kaplinsky, R., & Morris, M. (2001). A handbook for value chain research (Vol. 113). Ottawa: IDRC.
12. Kashyap, P. (2012). The rural boom in India. International Journal of Rural Management , 8 (1-2), 133 -141.
13. Meaton, J., Abebe, B., & Wood, A. P. (2015). Forest spice development: The use of value chain analysis to identify opportunities for the sustainable development of Ethiopian cardamom (korerima). Sustainable Development , 23 (1), 1-15.
14. Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative research and case study applications in education. Revised and expanded from "Case Study Research in Education." San Francisco, CA : Jossey - Bass Publishers.
15. Miles, M. B. (1979). Qualitative data as an attractive nuisance: The problem of analysis. Administrative Science Quarterly , 24 (4), 590 - 601.
16. National Skill Development Corporation. (2016). NSDC India. Retrieved from <a href=http://www.nsdcindia.org/sites/default/files/files/Handlooms-Handicrafts.pdf target="_blank">http://www.nsdcindia.org/sites/default/files/files/Handlooms-Handicrafts.pdf</a>
17. Patel, R., Patel, M., & Patel, N. (2018). Impact of microfinance on poor women : Lessons from North Gujarat. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management , 11 (2), 14 - 29. doi:10.17010/pijom/2018/v11i2/121393
18. Porter, M. (1985). Technology and competitive advantage. Journal of Business Strategy , 5 (3), 60 - 78.
19. Prajogo, D., & Olhager, J. (2012). Supply chain integration and performance: The effects of long-term relationships, information technology and sharing, and logistics integration. International Journal of Production Economics, 135 (1), 514 - 522.
20. Sarvamangala, D. R. (2012). Challenges and opportunities for rural cottage & handicraft industries in India. Paripex - Indian Journal of Research, 1 (9), 9 -10.
21. Sharma, H., & Yadav, R. (2018). The relationship between organizational justice and work engagement : Trust as a mediator. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 11 (3), 50 - 61. doi:10.17010/pijom/2018/v11i3/122078
22. Sharma, N. (2015). Chikankari: Beauty of white. Mumbai : NIFT.
23. Singh, R., Agarwal, S., & Modi, P. (2015). Market separations for BoP producers: The case of market development for the chanderi cluster weavers in India. International Journal of Rural Management , 11 (2), 175 - 193.
24. VSE Division, Planning Commission, Government of India. (2012). Report of the Steering Committee on handlooms and handicrafts constituted for the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012 – 2017). Retrieved from <a href=http://www.handicrafts.nic.in/CmsUpload/22342016043422str_handloom0305.pdf target="_blank">http://www.handicrafts.nic.in/CmsUpload/22342016043422str_handloom0305.pdf</a>
25. Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (4th ed). Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage Publications.