Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 1751-200X - ISSN (Online) 1751-2018 Published by Inderscience Publishers[424 journals]
Authors:C.V. Sunil Kumar, Srikanta Routroy Pages: 6 - 27 Abstract: The approaches to achieve competitive advantages have not been actively extended along the manufacturing supply chains, as most of them are practiced in competitively putting efforts to achieve the customer satisfaction alone. Conventionally, the suppliers' outlook has been mostly ignored by the supply chains without imparting the essential emphasis what it aptly deserves. Moreover, majority of the manufacturers along the supply chains have feeble supply bases and are seriously struggling to put forth a healthy competition. This is due to negligence in accounting the extraneous influence of supplier satisfaction construct which can eventually position a manufacturer as a preferred customer. Considering the above discussed issues, there are no specific studies available in the published literature to systematically capture, plan and manage supplier's perceptions, expectations and attractions which lead to supplier satisfaction. Thus, the current study is an attempt to resolute through an approach using Kano model and performance value analysis. Keywords: supplier development; supply chain management; SCM; supplier satisfaction; Kano model; preferred customer enablers; PCEs; preferred customer status; PCS; supplier preferences; manufacturing industry; performance value analysis Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 6 - 27 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080831 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Mohammad Faraz Naim, Usha Lenka Pages: 28 - 41 Abstract: In the present competitive business environment, organisations are far more focusing on their employees. The workforce is undergoing tremendous transformation characterised by the influx of Gen Y employees, making them the significant segment of the workforce. However, they are inherently different in attitude and work ethics from their predecessors, and have a strong tendency to switch jobs frequently. Thus, it is imperative to effectively retain this generation for organisational sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to explore certain human resource interventions for the retention of Gen Y employees. Furthermore, consistent with the extant literature, this study presents a conceptual model integrating mentoring and social media to retain Gen Y employees. The conceptual model is significant for scholars as well as professionals. It provides useful insights to assist management in bolstering the retention rates among Gen Y employees. Future avenues of research are also recommended thereafter. Keywords: human resource interventions; Gen Y employees; employee retention; mentoring; social media; competency development; affective commitment; employee intention to stay; employee engagement; social exchange; conceptual modelling; employee attitudes; work Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 28 - 41 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080832 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Sunil Luthra, Sachin Kumar Mangla, Sanjay Kumar, Dixit Garg, Abid Haleem Pages: 42 - 61 Abstract: In recent years, reverse logistics (RL) practices have been perceived a great recognition among researchers/practitioners. In this paper, we intend to identify and prioritise the critical factors (CFs) in implementing the RL practices, from the industrial viewpoint. There are 13 CFs crucial in accomplishing the RL practices were recognised on the basis of critical review of literature and experts opinion. These finalised 13 CFs were then analysed to determine their priority by means of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The AHP technique assists in determining the relative importance of the identified RL implementation critical factors. The findings of the work may help managers to address the related issues in RL implementation. Inputs needed to carry out this research work are taken from an Indian automotive components manufacturing company. The results of the study may help researchers/practitioners to prioritise their efforts to implement RL practices in effective manner. In the end, sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the proposed RL implementation CFs stability. Keywords: analytical hierarchy process; AHP; critical factors; reverse logistics; supply chain management; SCM; sensitivity analysis; case study; India; automotive components; component manufacturing; automobile industry Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 42 - 61 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080834 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Ravi Kumar, Surya Prakash Singh Pages: 62 - 81 Abstract: The paper attempts to solve multi-criteria unequal area facility layout problem. Six criteria viz. distance, adjacency, shape ratio, flexibility, accessibility and maintenance are considered here. The unequal area facility layout is solved using a software SPIRAL where the data is taken from published literature. Several alternatives are generated by varying quantitative parameters but keeping the same objective function value. The optimal decision to select the best facility layout is decided based on six qualitative criteria. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques AHP and IRP are applied on all alternative layouts and the ranking of alternatives are obtained. In addition, weighted IRP method is also proposed to rank the available layouts. AHP-IRP and weighted IRP provide independent ranking. For optimal selection of multi-criteria unequal area facility layout, an integer linear program (ILP) and Borda-Kendall (BK) method are applied. Integer linear program and Borda-Kendall method are applied to aggregate the various rankings of facility layouts for final decision. Keywords: optimal layout; integer linear programming; ILP; Borda-Kendall method; multicriteria decision making; MCDM; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; interpretive ranking process; weighted IRP; unequal area facility layout Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 62 - 81 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080835 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Akash Tayal, Surya Prakash Singh Pages: 82 - 100 Abstract: Layout design often has a significant impact on the performance of a manufacturing industry. In the real world, a facility layout is subjected to various quantitative and qualitative conditions or criteria such as, total material handling cost, flow distance, closeness factor, maintenance etc. Researchers have devised various algorithmic and procedural methodologies for finding a layout that is applicable for practical scenarios. The paper proposes an integrated methodology of combining algorithmic (meta-heuristic) and procedural (decision-making) techniques to identify a layout that has the highest degree of satisfaction for all the criteria. A computer program was developed for simulated annealing. It was used to generate a set of layouts based on qualitative and quantitative aspect of facility layout problem for multiple time periods and uncertain product demand. DEA was applied to identify a subset of efficient layouts. TOPSIS was used to rank these layouts based on criteria and their weights as per expert's opinion. Keywords: simulated annealing; data envelopment analysis; DEA; TOPSIS; facility layout problem; FLP; multi objective facility layout; stochastic dynamic facility layout; layout design; manufacturing industry; metaheuristics; decision making Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 82 - 100 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080839 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Santosh Kumar, Mrinalini Pandey Pages: 101 - 117 Abstract: The recognition of consumers' behaviour is crucial for effective marketing plans. Evidences explain that the psychological pricing communicates meaning to consumers. This study theoretically examines the impact of psychological pricing on consumers' buying behaviour. The study has used secondary data from research papers, monographs, theses, popular articles, and newspapers. Findings show that socio demographic factors like age, income, education, gender, lifestyle, family size, reference groups, social roles and status and the psychological patterns like representativeness, availability of products and the anchoring heuristics are key factors which influence consumers' buying behaviour. Additionally, the consumers, who are more price cognisant are more probable to select nine-ending prices. Indeed, low involved customers, those with a small hedonic and symbolic attachment profile, low educated, low income and younger customers are prone to select the nine-ending priced products and services. The findings can have implications for retailers, pricing managers, researchers, academicians, society and government. Keywords: psychological pricing; nine-ending prices; consumer behaviour; strategy; influence; perception; odd-even prices; retail prices; consumer attitudes; consumer psychology; buying behaviour; age; income; education; gender; lifestyle; family size; Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 101 - 117 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080843 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:C. Ranjani, Anita Kumar Pages: 118 - 138 Abstract: Business revenue generation can be typically represented as a power law distribution curve where the head of the distribution represents the 'blockbusters' (maximum revenue generation) and a 'tail' that represents products that account for a small percentage of total revenue. Traditionally, brick-and-mortar businesses have allocated their sizeable resources and attention to the blockbusters and have largely ignored the tail. In the present internet-driven era and markets, the concept of 'long tail' has emerged that, effectively demonstrates that companies can make the products, in the niche segment, profitable as well however, in practice, this concept is still limited to the digital products marketed online, and in the academic literature, this concept has received little attention. The aim of this paper is to highlight the relevance and importance of a data-driven strategy to manage both the 'blockbusters' and 'long tail', through illustrative cases drawn from the Indian SME food sector. It, then, proposes a conceptual framework that the practitioners can utilise effectively to make informed decisions, driven by data, to maintain a wide product portfolio. Keywords: blockbusters; long tail; business analytics; decision making; India; food SMEs; revenue generation; power law distribution; product portfolio; small and medium-sized enterprises; food industry Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 118 - 138 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080844 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Artee Aggrawal, Deb Burman Pages: 139 - 151 Abstract: M-commerce today is increasingly used from building better consumers association, cutting down cost, achieving new revenue stream, connecting with the new consumers sectors, and build up customer relationships to improve loyalty, and create new ways to generate lead in the process of prospecting. The present study is designed to study the changing perceptions of consumers in the electronic age. The study is quantitative as well as qualitative in nature. In this research, we attempt to identify factors that predict a consumer's online purchasing behaviour in a developing economy such as India. The results of this study suggest that perceived risk of is the most favoured factor by the consumers followed by perceived convenience. Perceived convenience is followed by perceived technology advantage and then the least preferred is perceived risk with product or services. Keywords: m-commerce; e-commerce; consumer behaviour; India; developing countries; perceived risk; mobile commerce; electronic commerce; consumer perceptions; purchasing behaviour; online shopping; perceived convenience; perceived technology advantage Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 139 - 151 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080845 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Artee Aggrawal, Deb Burman Pages: 152 - 162 Abstract: This paper measures the scale efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) with fuzzy input and output data using fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA) model. FDEA is used to measure the relative efficiencies of a set of DMUs under fuzzy environment in which the input and output data can be represented as linguistic variable characterised by fuzzy variables. The FDEA is solved using the concept of chance-constrained programming and credibility approach. In a special case, when fuzzy inputs and fuzzy outputs are independent trapezoidal or triangular fuzzy variables, the model can be transformed into crisp linear programming. Finally, numerical illustration is presented to illustrate the FDEA model to measure the scale efficiency of DMUs with fuzzy data as well as the effectiveness of the presented method. Keywords: data envelopment analysis; fuzzy DEA; FDEA; scale efficiency; linear programming; credibility theory; chance-constrained programming; CCP; fuzzy logic; fuzzy data; decision making units; DMUs; linguistic variables; fuzzy variables Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 152 - 162 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080847 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Pinky Pawaskar R, Mridula Goel Pages: 163 - 181 Abstract: The heart of effective marketing is consumer orientation. Tourism services are unique in that they need the consumers to come to the destination for experiencing them. The destination attributes that lure tourists are the product features which play a vital role in strategic tourism development. A tourist revisits/recommends a destination if satisfied with the earlier visit. Due to severe competition between destinations offering alike attributes, it is of utmost importance for service providers to offer services that create a delightful experience. Our study focus is identification of destination attributes that are important in choice of destination, leading to building expectations. We assessed tourist satisfaction on these important attributes post-tourist experience in the popular beach destination of India: Goa. Our findings can help to enhance the marketing effectiveness of tourism services in general and propose improvements in service features that can increase the attractiveness of Goa in particular. Keywords: destination choices; holiday destinations; leisure; motivation; tourist recommendations; tourist revisits; tourists; tourism services; tourist expectations; tourist satisfaction; marketing effectiveness; tourist destinations; satisfaction analysis; I Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 163 - 181 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080850 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Pinky Pawaskar R, Mridula Goel Pages: 182 - 197 Abstract: The developed research debates which is the perception of the administrators and hospital area managers about the ideal professional competency profile that the leadership occupants must have had in front of the available IT resources. The general objective, therefore, consisted in uplevel the inquired ones perception regarding the ideal professional competency to fulfill management tasks within hospital environment. The research with descriptive nature consisted of a survey that has involved 900 professionals from 36 hospital institutions both public and private from the health sector, and composed by two steps (discussion and questionnaire). The results pointed out that the professional competency profile considered ideal would have been the attributes related to the knowledge and ability to strategic and operational planning, leadership ability and ethics attitude. Keywords: information technology; professional competency; hospital management; strategic planning; leadership; strategic resources; management skills; professional competency; hospitals; healthcare management; operational planning; ethics Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 182 - 197 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080833 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Authors:Pinky Pawaskar R, Mridula Goel Pages: 198 - 212 Abstract: There are many uncertainty factors within a decision-support system for maritime transport that dynamically affect such a system. The scope of this paper is to investigate the impact of such factors on the system operation and terms enabling alternative route scenarios to effectively treat the impact of the respective uncertainty factors. The case that we consider is that of a ship experiencing insurmountable problems (e.g., damage) during operation and being forced to stop; it cannot then serve subsequent ports on its route. We attempt to find alternatives provided by the system to support decisions by presenting an algorithm for the optimal dynamic rearrangement of schedules of other ships to meet the demand after a vessel's immobilisation. Keywords: vehicle breakdown; dynamic routing; vehicle immobilisation; ship rescheduling; guided algorithm; short sea shipping; ship immobilisation; decision support systems; DSS; maritime transport; uncertainty; vessel immobilisation; ship scheduling Citation: International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2017) pp. 198 - 212 PubDate: 2016-12-09T23:20:50-05:00 DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2017.080854 Issue No:Vol. 11, No. 1/2 (2016)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[424 journals]
