Analysis of barriers of cyber-physical system adoption in small and medium enterprises using interpretive ranking process

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Ashok Wankhede ◽  
S. Vinodh
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Physical System ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Cyber Physical System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Ranking Process ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a study on analysis of barriers for cyber-physical system (CPS) adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachIn Industry 4.0 scenario, Indian SMEs are struggling to bring their manufacturing processes in line with large manufacturing sector. CPS is considered as the backbone of Industry 4.0, and its implementation in SMEs will make significant changes pertaining to manufacturing automation. However, due to the lack of a proper CPS implementation strategy, SMEs face many challenges in its adoption. Hence, this study identified 18 possible barriers and seven performance measures pertaining to CPS adoption in Indian SMEs. Interpretive ranking process (IRP) is used to develop the contextual relationships among CPS barriers. IRP process include structured step-by-step matrix-based approach in which dominance among various alternatives is determined using performance measures developing a structured ranking model.FindingsThe developed IRP model revealed that CPS barriers “Lack of skilled manpower (CPSB2)” and “Lack of robustness with respect to environmental conditions in automotive environments (CPSB7)” are the most significant barriers (top two) hindering CPS adoption in SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, barriers for CPS adoption has been analyzed. In future, barriers for adopting other Industry 4.0 technologies could be analyzed.Practical implicationsThe present research work is one of the few studies which analyzed CPS barriers in SMEs and provided improvement suggestions to the most significant barriers for its smooth adoption. The managerial and practical implications have been derived.Originality/valueThe analysis of barriers for CPS adoption in SMEs is the original contribution of the authors.

An analysis of Industry 4.0 implementation-variables by using SAP-LAP and e-IRP approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Veepan Kumar ◽  
Ravi Shankar ◽  
Prem Vrat
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Interpretive Ranking Process ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Manufacturing Organization ◽  
Industry Associations ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeIn today’s uncertain business environment, Industry 4.0 is regarded as a viable strategic plan for addressing a wide range of manufacturing-related challenges. However, it appears that its level of adoption varies across many countries. In the case of a developing economy like India, practitioners are still in the early stages of implementation. The implementation of Industry 4.0 appears to be complex, and it must be investigated holistically in order to gain a better understanding of it. Therefore, an attempt has been made to examine the Industry 4.0 implementation for the Indian manufacturing organization in a detailed way by analyzing the complexities of relevant variables.Design/methodology/approachSAP-LAP (situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance) and an efficient interpretive ranking process (e-IRP) were used to analyze the various variables influencing Industry 4.0 implementation. The variables were identified, as per SAP-LAP, through a thorough review of the literature and based on the perspectives of various experts. The e-IRP has been used to prioritize the selected elements (i.e. actors with respect to processes and actions with respect to performance) of SAP-LAP.FindingsThis study ranked five stakeholders according to their priority in Industry 4.0 implementation: government policymakers, industry associations, research and academic institutions, manufacturers and customers. In addition, the study also prioritized important actions that need to be taken by these stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe results of this study would be useful in identifying and managing the various actors and actions related to Industry 4.0 implementation. Accordingly, their prioritized sequence would be useful to the practitioners in preparing the well-defined and comprehensive strategic roadmap for Industry 4.0.Originality/valueThis study has adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches for identifying and prioritizing different variables of Industry 4.0 implementation. This, in turn, helps the stakeholder to comprehend the concept of Industry 4.0 in a much simpler way.

Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nuno Teixeira ◽  
Isabel Lopes ◽  
Sérgio Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories. Findings – The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones. Practical implications – This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems. Originality/value – Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.

Determinants of SMEs intention to adopt Islamic crowdfunding model in Northwestern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansur Ahmed Kazaure ◽  
Abdul Rashid Abdullah ◽  
Dahlia Binti Zawawi ◽  
Amer Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Financial Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The study aims is to examine the determinant factors of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) intention to adopt the Islamic crowdfunding model as alternative sources of finance. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey questionnaire, 385 responses were received from owners and managers of SMEs in three states (Kano, Kaduna and Katsina) of northwestern Nigeria and analyses using PLS-SEM 3.0 software. Findings All hypotheses were found to be significant. Research limitations/implications The research focused only on northwestern Nigeria; there is a need for further research to focus on other geographical zones in Nigeria. Practical implications Crowd funders and policymakers can use these findings to enable the adoption of the Islamic crowdfunding model. Originality/value The previous study has not examined the role of technology acceptance model in the adoption of the financial model; these findings contribute to the crowdfunding literature by filling this gap.

Organizational readiness for change: an inherent concern for Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Sunil Budhiraja
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Organizational Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Readiness For Change ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Readiness To Change ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss various determinants of organizational readiness to change for India small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and proposes a framework to strengthen the employees’ readiness to change which is integral to organizational readiness for change (ORC). Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon the subjective viewpoint of the author. Findings The paper brings forward the opportunities and challenges of Indian SMEs with a suggestive framework on employee readiness for change (ERC). Practical implications The paper will help SMEs consider a framework to assess ERC before implementing a change. Originality/value The exists no framework for Indian SMEs to look-up as a benchmark to assess their ORC and ERC. Hence the paper will contribute to the literature and will be a handy reference for SMEs.

The effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-307
Author(s):  
Victor Chukwunweike Nwokocha ◽  
Christopher Nwankwo
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Common ◽  
Cost Of Production ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Despite the potential of SMEs in economic development, their activities have remained largely unsustainable in Nigeria. These enterprises are constrained by a number of challenges- high cost of production, poor power supply, high infrastructural deficit etc. which have made there operations largely unproductive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of production subcontracting forms on the sustenance of small and medium enterprises as a panacea for achieving the targets of goal 8 of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Enugu State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a number of methods comprising of field observations, a reference to relevant literature and a questionnaire survey of 96 SMEs. The paper also adopted a quantitative approach comprising of simple descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation as well as regression analysis to analyze the data. Findings This paper found that the three forms of production subcontracting (supplier, specialized and capacity subcontracting) identified in the paper were used by SMEs to achieve sustenance (cost reduction, risk reduction and access to resources) in their operations. The paper suggests that the sustenance of SMEs through the utilisation of the different forms of subcontracting can become a strategy towards achieving the targets of SDG 8 in Nigeria. Practical implications This paper has shown that the prevalent high cost of production and ever-increasing production risks, which are the common features of SMEs in Nigeria, can be mitigated through the various forms of production subcontracting analysed in this paper. SMEs, through seminars, workshops, entrepreneurship and business fares, can be encouraged to take up this strategy, considering its ability to address their various operational bottlenecks. Originality/value This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs in Nigeria. This study is the first to consider subcontracting forms and how they have led to sustenance SMEs in Nigeria.

Where there is a will there is a way

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Massaro ◽  
John Dumay ◽  
Carlo Bagnoli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Constraint Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Intent ◽  
Managerial Myopia ◽  
First Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether strategic intent influences developing intellectual capital (IC) and if IC affects performance measured in terms of product and service diversification within small and medium enterprises over time. Design/methodology/approach – This study discusses if and how structural equation models can be located within the third stage of IC research, and subsequently presents an analysis developed using 1,392 questionnaire responses through a temporal lens. Findings – Empirical results show how relational, human and structural capital strongly connects to support a firm’s performance measured in terms of product and service diversification. Additionally, IC and strategic intent influence each other creating a constraint effect on one side and an ambition effect on the other. Interestingly, the constraint effect is much higher than the ambition effect, and this falls in line with a contingency approach to strategic intent. Practical implications – Several practical implications are developed. First, results show that high regulation where firms can offer mandatory product/services can limit IC development. Therefore the findings contribute to the dialogue between policy makers, managers and businesses. Second, business schools should consider how strategic intent contributes to developing IC in order to design future curricula for accounting and management studies. Third, firms that operate in similar contexts should pay attention to managerial myopia due to low competition where a significant part of firms’ revenues is from mandatory product/services. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating how IC affects strategic intent and how strategic intent fosters IC development. Additionally, findings build on existing theory, helping to understand how IC affects performance measured in terms of portfolio diversification.

Modelling cause and effect relationship among enablers of innovation in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1597-1622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himanshu Gupta ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Barua
Keyword(s):  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Organizations ◽  
Technological Growth ◽  
Component Supplier ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Innovation is a prerequisite for economic and technological growth of any organization. Identifying enablers of innovation can help managers accelerate the process of economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prominent enablers of innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can help overhauling organizations and benefit them economically. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review and expert’s opinions have been applied to identify enablers of innovation. A case of automotive component supplier is considered for conducting the research. A coalescence of Grey and DEMATEL methodologies has been incorporated to first rank the enablers of innovation based on their importance and then identify the causal relationship among these enablers by characterizing enablers into causal and effect groups. Findings A few important enablers, namely, entrepreneur traits, knowledge management, resources for innovation, and linkage capabilities, have been identified as prominent enablers for successful innovation in SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies enablers of innovation in SMEs and the causal relationship between these enablers. The identified enablers and the causal relationship between these enablers will help managers of small organizations in selecting the enablers that need to be focused on, which, in turn, can drive other enablers of innovation, thus saving time and resources of the organizations. Originality/value This paper uses a novel Grey–DEMATEL methodology to identify the causal relationship among enablers and also contributes to the literature on innovation by identifying enablers of innovation in SMEs.

How a firm’s competitive strategy can improve performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Pursuing an appropriate strategy can enable micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing countries to significantly improve their performance. Such firms should typically be best served by a cost leadership competitive strategy, the impact of which can be increased through an emphasis on key components of quality management. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Exploring determinants of internationalisation: the case of late starters

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Karl Köhr ◽  
Giulio Malorgio ◽  
Maurizio Aragrande
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Export Intensity ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Sector ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Late Starters ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Late Starter

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of internationalisation among late starters in the wine sector. Strategic implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a young wine producing region are derived based on the findings. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a quantitative survey among 38 wineries that are engaged in export activity in the Romagna wine producing area (Italy). Both multivariate analysis of cardinal company data through multiple and fractional regression models as well as nonparametric analysis of Likert-type survey elements were carried out. Findings The study identifies several determinants that affect the export intensity of businesses in the sample: Resources within the business turn out to be important, as well as the choice of distribution partners. Characteristics of exported goods were found to differ on comparing intra- and extra-EU exports. Practical implications Competitiveness in the international marketplace is closely linked to the product quality, distribution network and productivity of a firm. Regional networks can help businesses to develop these factors, overcome export barriers and strengthen the competitiveness of a region as a whole. Originality/value This study investigated the determinants of internationalisation in a wine producing region which is considered a late starter of internationalisation in the wine industry and it is the first one spotlighting on a regional firm-level in the Italian wine industry.

What affects the export entrepreneurship of SMEs?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-278
Author(s):  
Channappa Santhosh
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
International Market ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different drivers’ and its impact on the export entrepreneurship (EE) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The proposed conceptual framework has been tested through analysis of a sample of 102 internationalized (exports) SMEs of the Engineering industry in the Bangalore district, Karnataka, India. Findings Results reveal that firms with younger entrepreneurs who have industry-specific experience and different social ties are able to achieve higher performance. Practical implications Overall, results facilitate understanding of the importance of entrepreneurial capabilities to successfully formulate and strategize their international efforts to achieve better performance in the international market. Originality/value The study enhances the importance of understanding the role of different drivers on EE in the context of an emerging economy where studies are limited and largely unexplored till date.

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