Modeling the barriers of Indian telecom services using ISM and MICMAC approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Zillur Rahman

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential barriers of telecom services and develop relationships among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) in the Indian telecom sector. Further, this paper intends to find the driving and dependence powers of telecom barriers, using MICMAC (Matriced' Impacts Croise′s Multiplication Applique′ea′un Classement) analysis. Design/methodology/approach A group of experts from telecom sector and academia was consulted and the ISM was used to develop the contextual relationship among identified barriers of telecom services. The results of ISM are used as an input to MICMAC analysis, to further classify identified barriers based on their driving and dependence powers. Findings This paper has identified 11 barriers of telecom services from the literature review and opinion of experts, and a contextual relationship model was developed using the ISM technique. The paper further studied barriers based on their driving and dependence powers using MICMAC analysis that classifies them into four clusters. The results identified the barriers such as “lack of adequate investment in infrastructure expansion”, “interference of private operators”, “legal and regulatory issues”, “lack of maintenance culture” and “lack of financial resources and high cost” as strategic-level barriers that, if dealt with carefully, can help overcome the effect of other barriers preventing the effective performance of the Indian telecom sector. Research limitations/implications Although, there are a number of barriers that affect the performance of telecom services, existing theories, models and frameworks have focused on identification of factors, their implementation and benefits, and thus, these theories lack a holistic view in understanding those barriers which hinder the performance of the telecom sector. Top-managers and policymakers need to be more concerned about these barriers so that the performance of the Indian telecom sector could be improved. Originality/value A thorough literature review has revealed that no such study has been undertaken that provides any clear understanding of the barriers of telecom services, linkages between them and hierarchical relationships among the barriers.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 498-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Sindhwani ◽  
Varinder Kumar Mittal ◽  
Punj Lata Singh ◽  
Ankur Aggarwal ◽  
Nishant Gautam

Purpose Many types of research have already investigated the lean, green or agile manufacturing systems in a discrete manner or as combinations of two of them. In today’s competitive scenario, if industry wants to perpetuate its name in the market, then it has to supervene proper thinking and smart approach. Therefore, the combination of lean, green and agile manufacturing systems can provide better and beneficial results. The purpose of this paper is to discern the barriers to the combined lean green agile manufacturing system (LGAMS), understand their interdependence and develop a framework to enhance LGAMS by using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement) Analysis. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses TISM methodology and MICMAC analysis to deduce the interrelationships between the barriers and rank them accordingly. A total of 13 barriers have been identified through extensive literature review and discussion with experts. Findings An integrated LGAMS has been presented that balances the lean, green and agile paradigms and can help supply chains become more efficient, streamlined and sustainable. Barriers are identified while referring to all three strategies to showcase the clear relevance. TISM models the barriers in different levels showcasing direct and important transitive relations. Further, MICMAC analysis distributes the barriers in four clusters in accordance with their driving and dependence power. Research limitations/implications The inferences have been drawn from a model developed on the basis of inputs from a small fraction of the industry and academia and may show variations when considering the whole industry. Practical implications The outcome of this research can contribute to bringing the change to the manufacturing systems used in most developing nations. Also, top managers considering adoption of LGAMS can be cautious of the most influential barriers. Originality/value A TISM-based model of the barriers to an integrated LGAMS has been proposed with evaluation of the influence of the barriers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-264
Author(s):  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Zillur Rahman

PurposeIn recent years, sustainable issues have gained increasing importance in the higher education sector across the country. To remain competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) have to engage themselves in providing world-class opportunities for higher education and research so that the beneficiaries may not be at a disadvantage in the international level. However, many HEIs still encounter barriers that can affect their growth. The purpose of this study is to identify and interpret the most significant barriers affecting the growth of HEIs in India and understand the mutual interactions and interdependence among them.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, 12 barriers affecting the growth of HEIs in India were identified and sorted by literature review, and these were validated through discussion with experts. Contextual relationships were drawn between them during brainstorming sessions. A hierarchical, seven-level structural model of these barriers affecting the growth of HEIs was developed by utilizing the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach.FindingsThe results of this study showed “lack of climate change research” as the topmost outcome of the model having the highest dependence and lowest driving power. “Facilitator domination over academic experts” occupied the bottom-level input, compared to other barriers of the model, with highest driving power and lowest dependence. Further, Matrice d'Impacts Croisés – Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis was also performed to categorize the identified barriers for better understanding. Under MICMAC analysis, five barriers were categorized as driver barriers, four barriers as dependent barriers and the rest as linkage barriers, while none as autonomous. A TISM-based model that partitioned the barriers into different levels was developed, showcasing direct and important transitive relations.Practical implicationsThe TISM-based model developed in this study may provide a more realistic approach to the problems faced by decision-makers, academicians and top managers in the growth of HEIs in India. Thus, it will provide a roadmap to focus on the most influential barriers and reduce or eliminate them.Originality/valueThe present study identified major barriers that when dealt with can help overcome the effect of other barriers preventing the growth of HEIs in India. It also introduces a model to identify and manage the barriers by understanding the effectiveness of each barrier and minimizing the overall effect in Indian HEIs. Moreover, the analysis of interdependence and interactions studied among these barriers may also help decision-makers, academicians and top managers to find deeper insights, prioritize and rectify them, to re-establish the growth of HEIs and gain a competitive advantage.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhay Kumar Bhadani ◽  
Ravi Shankar ◽  
D. Vijay Rao

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing investment decisions in mobile services for profitablity and to become a global leader in mobile services sector. Design/methodology/approach – A two-stage methodology is followed. In the first stage, factors are identified from literature, and are validated with telecommunication domain experts using the t-test. In the second stage, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to understand the complex interrelationships among various factors. Further, MICMAC analysis is performed to analyze the indirect relationships and their effect on different factors by stabilizing the rank based on driving and dependence power. Based on MICMAC analysis, four clusters are identified to aid the policy- and decision-makers. Findings – The major contribution of this research is imposing directions and dominance of various factors to make informed decision-making for investment in mobile services to meet the upcoming demand for mobile services in Indian telecommunication sector. Research limitations/implications – The applicability of these research findings is limited to emerging telecommunication market. Practical implications – This paper forms the basis for identifying various factors that act as the driving force for the Indian telecommunication operators to pay special attention toward mobile services, with telecommunication data analytics and developing context-aware services. This paper will aid policy-makers in the government, managers in telecommunication companies and other stakeholders such as content providers, channel partners and application developers to take a lead role in developing appropriate mobile services to meet local needs of Indian users. It will help in developing strategies to collaborate and motivate other stakeholders, including device manufacturers to understand and work collaboratively to become world leader in mobile services. Originality/value – This paper provides a framework for understanding the various factors that encourage telecommunication companies to establish and invest in mobile services and setup a separate vertical in their organization with a focus on mobile services to meet the future demands of Indian market. Appropriate utilization of telecommunication data analytics, personalization of services, customization in local languages and support for convergent services would encourage adoption of mobile services.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashank J. Thanki ◽  
Jitesh Thakkar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the critical success factors (CSFs) behind the successful implementation of lean-green practices in Indian small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The analysis employs two modeling approaches such as interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and interpretive ranking process (IRP) for examining the contextual relationships among the CSFs and ranks them with respect to key lean-green performance areas. A critical review of literature has led to the identification of total 25 CSFs for lean-green implementation. The list is reduced to 18 most relevant CSFs for the context of Indian SMEs based on experts’ (from industry and academia) opinions. The ISM is utilized to develop ten-level hierarchical model of CSFs. In order to gain greater insights into the nature of variables, the matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis has been conducted. Findings The results show “Government support” as the most significant to the successful lean-green implementation in Indian SMEs and it is placed at the base of the ISM hierarchy. The CSF “Green disposal initiatives” is identified at the top level of the ISM hierarchy. Further, MICMAC analysis identifies five independent variables, eight linkages variables, four dependent variables and none autonomous variable. This may help SME managers to decide about resource priorities toward successful implementation of lean-green initiatives. Subsequently, the IRP has examined the dominance relationship and identifies “Organizational capabilities” as the most significant CSF. Practical implications This research intends to enable practitioners in prioritizing and managing strategic and tactical challenges involved in lean-green implementation in Indian SMEs. Originality/value This study makes an initial attempt in analyzing factors critical to successful implementation of integrated lean and green manufacturing practices in Indian manufacturing SMEs using ISM. The analysis is further enhanced by applying IRP to rank the CSFs by investigating the influence lean-green integration on various performance measures.


Author(s):  
Ivan Olav Vulchanov

PurposeThe purpose of this conceptual literature review is to investigate how language factors have been studied in the expatriate literature, and how cross-fertilisation with the broader language-sensitive international business and management field may facilitate integrated research of language in global work.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a thematic review of expatriate research and international business and management literature. The findings are structured through Reiche et al.'s (2019) three-dimensional conceptualisation of global work, after which two frameworks are developed to conceptualise how language connects the three dimensions – actors, structures and processes.FindingsThe literature review demonstrates that language-related topics are yet to gain status in the expatriate tradition, and the majority of studies, which do consider linguistic factors appear largely dissociated from the growing community of language research in the broader international management and international business fields. However, once consolidated, the literature reveals that language is present in all dimensions of global work. A processual view of corporate language management highlights the central role of human resource management (HRM), while a dynamic multi-level perspective indicates that language may form bidirectional relationships between the three dimensions of global work.Originality/valueDue to the segmentation between language-sensitive research in the expatriate and international business/management traditions, few studies have considered the HRM implications of global mobility and the multifaceted nature of language at work. This conceptual literature review brings both perspectives together for a more contextualised and holistic view of language in international workforces.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1159-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Mukesh Agrawal

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the 14 principles of Edwards Deming and create significant relationships between them. No research has been reported on the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) using Deming’s 14 principles. To fill this gap, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis have been developed to understand mutual interactions among variables and find both the dependence and driving power of these variables. Design/methodology/approach The research paper discusses a blend of practical applications and introduces a theoretical framework. An ISM-based methodology is used to study and examine interactions between identified variables, while MICMAC analysis is used to identify the dependence and driving power. Findings This research utilizes Deming’s 14 quality principles, with experts from academia and industry consulted to identify contextual relationships among variables. The result shows that the stated principles “take action to accomplish the transformation,” “institute training,” “encourage education to employees” and “institute leadership” are strategic requirements, while “drive out fear,” “break down barrier between staff areas” and “eliminate numerical quotas” are tactical requirements. “Adopt the new philosophy,” “create constancy in improvement of product and service” and “cease dependence on mass inspections” are operational requirements for TQM applications. Originality/value An ISM-based quality framework, dependence power and driving power of variables using MICMAC analysis have been recommended to the service and manufacturing industry as a new focus area in the implementation of TQM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 1211-1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem ◽  
Ahsen Maqsoom

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate critical barriers hindering the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) and the opportunities that can be exploited with such an implementation in the construction industry of developing countries. It also devises strategies to avoid critical barriers in implementation and exploit opportunities for a better overall environmental performance of the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach This research relies upon an extensive literature review; data are collected from 163 professionals and 15 interviews of field professionals from 11 developing countries are conducted. The barriers and opportunities are synthesized through literature review and then data are collected over their significance from the construction professionals through an online survey. To highlight the interconnectedness of the critical barriers and opportunities, a causal loop framework is developed. Furthermore, expert opinion is sought to develop the strategies. Findings This research integrates information from different sources and provides a holistic view of the current situation of GSCM in developing countries. In total, 34 barriers and 23 opportunities are extracted from literature. The top 4 barriers fall under the “involvement and support” category, whereas the top four opportunities fall under the “environmental” category. Furthermore, the strategies to implement GSCM include suitable policies by top management to incorporate practices such as innovative green design, green procurement, green packaging, green distribution and even end-of-life management, which play a vital role in emission reduction. Originality/value This research is a first attempt at evaluating the barriers and opportunities facing GSCM in the construction sector of the developing countries. The findings encourage the stakeholders in adopting GSCM practices by presenting a clear picture of the potential benefits that can be exploited by implementing the proposed strategies to eliminate critical barriers in the construction industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Agrawal

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine Philip B. Crosby’s 14 quality principles and analyze the interaction between them. Hitherto no research has been published on the implementation of total quality management (TQM) using Crosby’s 14 principles. To fill this gap, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Matrix Impact Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) analysis have been designed to prioritize, sequence and categorize variables to find both the dependence and driving power of these variables. Design/methodology/approach At the initial stage experts from industry as well as from academia were contacted to provide an input for ISM methodology and examine interactions between identified variables. In this approach, interpretations of the interrelationships among variables have been discussed, whereas MICMAC analysis is used to discover dependence and driving power. Findings The results of the investigation revealed that “Management Commitment,” “Quality Improvement Team,” “Quality Awareness,” “Supervisor Training,” “Goal Setting” and “Cost of Quality Evaluation” are strategic requirements; “Corrective Action,” “Zero Defects Day” and “Error Cause Removal” are tactical requirements. “Recognition,” “Quality Measurement,” “Quality Councils” and “Do It Over Again” are operational requirements for TQM applications. Originality/value ISM is used as a part of this research to provide valuable insights into interrelationships among Crosby’s quality principles through a systematic framework. The research opens up a new focus area on the implementation of TQM for services as well as for the manufacturing industry.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishal Ashok Wankhede ◽  
Vinodh S.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a model based on the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach for analysis of factors of additive manufacturing (AM) and industry 4.0 (I4.0) integration. Design/methodology/approach AM integration with I4.0 is attributed due to various reasons such as developing complex shapes with good quality, real-time data analysis, augmented reality and decentralized production. To enable the integration of AM and I4.0, a structural model is to be developed. TISM technique is used as a solution methodology. TISM approach supports establishing a contextual relationship-based structural model to recognize the influential factors. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis has been used to validate the TISM model and to explore the driving and dependence power of each factor. Findings The derived structural model indicated the dominant factors to be focused on. Dominant factors include sensor integration (F9), resolution (F12), small build volumes (F19), internet of things and lead time (F14). MICMAC analysis showed the number of driving, dependent, linkage and autonomous factors as 3, 2, 12 and 3, respectively. Research limitations/implications In the present study, 20 factors are considered. In the future, additional factors could be considered based on advancements in I4.0 technologies. Practical implications The study has practical relevance as it had been conducted based on inputs from industry practitioners. The industry decision-makers and practitioners may use the developed TISM model to understand the inter-relationship among the factors to take appropriate measures before adoption. Originality/value The study on developing a structural model for analysis of factors influencing AM and I4.0 is the original contribution of the authors.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Curado ◽  
Silvio H.T. Tai ◽  
Mírian Oliveira ◽  
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose and test a model on the impact of diversity over performance using a Portuguese national wide comprehensively matched employee–employer dataset of small businesses.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between variables. The study addresses the impact of top managers and employees' diversity on firm performance considering two dimensions of diversity: knowledge diversity and social diversity.FindingsThe study provides a clear understanding of how workforce diversity affects performance differently at the two hierarchical levels. Both employees' diversities have stronger relations to performance than the diversity of top managers. Results point out to idiosyncratic aspects of services firms' dynamics that should be further explored.Research limitations/implicationsThe study presents some limitations, since it uses data from a single country and the dataset provides limited variables.Practical implicationsThe study offers evidence on the effects of diversity in small businesses alerting managers to acknowledge such influence when recruiting, selecting and training. With regard to services firms, managers should pay close attention to negative impacts of diversity over performance.Originality/valueNever before to the authors' knowledge the managers' level diversity and employees' level diversity (considering two dimensions each) effect on performance have been addressed in a single national wide study.


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