Analyzing the interaction of factors for flexibility in supply chains

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kr. Singh ◽  
Saroj Koul ◽  
Pravin Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Interaction Matrix ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Suitable Framework

Purpose In the present scenario of global competition and economic recession, most of the organizations are facing tough challenge to survive in the market because of shortening product life cycle and reducing profit margin. Customers are seeking better design, production and delivery, which have made firms to concentrate on flexibility in supply chains. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify major factors and develop a suitable framework for flexibility in supply chains. Design/methodology/approach Based on literature review, about 14 factors have been identified. To develop relationship among these factors, a team of five experts from industry and academia was formed. Based on inputs from experts, different relationships are developed among factors to form structural self-interaction matrix (SSIM). Based on this matrix, a flexibility framework is developed by interpretive structural modelling approach. Findings Top management commitment, strategy development for flexible SC, application of advance technology and IT tools, information sharing in SC members, trust development among supply chain members have emerged as major driving factors. Logistics and warehouse management, suppliers flexibility, distribution flexibility and manufacturing flexibility have emerged as dependent factors. Research limitations/implications Framework developed in this study is based on interpretive structural modelling. This framework can be further validated with some case analysis and empirical findings. Originality/value Findings of the study can be useful for industry professionals to develop strategies for flexible supply chains. It will help them in taking new initiatives for making supply chains more responsive and proactive for customers demand.

Towards understanding key enablers to green humanitarian supply chain management practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1145
Author(s):  
Surajit Bag ◽  
Sunil Luthra ◽  
V.G. Venkatesh ◽  
Gunjan Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Total Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
High Influence

PurposeHumanitarian supply chains (HSCs) by their very nature require urgent reaction to unforeseeable needs, making it difficult to properly plan for the support of actual demands. As such, integrating sustainability into traditional HSC practices continues to present a challenge to governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other humanitarian-related agencies. This study focuses on identifying and categorizing the leading enablers to green humanitarian supply chains (GHSCs) and proposes a model for improving the responsiveness based upon a fuzzy total interpretive structural modelling approach.Design/methodology/approachTotal interpretive structural modelling (TISM) uses group decision-making to identify contextual relationships among each pair of enablers and elucidates the nature of each underlying relationship. The fuzzy TISM shows the level of strength (very high influence, high influence, low influence and very low influence) of each enabler in relation to other enablers, which can help to inform management decision-making.FindingsGHSC management requires strategic planning of inventory and logistics management. The importance of collaborative relationship building with HSC partners for developing capability and the effective use of available resources are keys to success. These improved relationships also help to promote postponement and similar speculation-based logistics strategies, as well as advanced purchasing and pre-positioning strategies. Finally, the speed and quality of response is found to be the top enabler in GHSC management.Research limitations/implicationsOne noted shortcoming of the chosen research method is its reliance on subjective expert judgement. However, collecting judgements is at the basis of many research methods, and the research team took utmost care throughout the research process to allay biases. Future empirical research can further examine the relationships suggested herein. Managers can use the model developed in this research to consider impactful ways to design and execute sustainable HSCs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a novel attempt to identify enablers to GHSC management. Secondly, the research team has used an advanced methodology (fuzzy TISM) to develop the contextual inter-relationships among the enablers which has not been used earlier in this direction before and thus advances the GHSC literature.

Understanding causal links among the dimensions of corporate social responsibility: a framework developed using interpretive structural modelling

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1357-1376
Author(s):  
Adel Alferaih
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Interaction Matrix ◽  
Company Size ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and develop a hierarchy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and their interrelationships using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology. Design/methodology/approach This research used ISM for framework development. ISM is, however, a sound method for developing insight into the collective understanding of the relationships between dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) identified from the literature review. The steps involved in the ISM technique are structural self-interaction matrix, reachability matrix, level partitions, developing the canonical matrix, classification of dimensions for CSR and formation of ISM. Findings The findings indicate that company size is the only key driver for the other dimensions of CSR and is hence placed at the very bottom of the ISM model. Above this, at Level II, the key dimensions are corporate governance, diversity and corporate profile. These act as mediating dimensions between company size and the topmost level (i.e. Level III), which comprises 15 dimensions including CSR. Research limitations/implications Some limitations of this research indicate the need for further research. First, the proposed ISM model has only been conceptualised and has not been empirically tested using primary data. Future research is needed to validate the model in whole or part, to understand the perceived CSR of a company. Second, the methodology was limited to the use of ISM to model the CSR dimensions; it was not extended to fuzzy MICMAC analysis or to interpretive ranking. Practical implications The proposed ISM-based model for the identification and ranking of CSR dimensions and their interrelationships offers decision makers and practitioners a more convincing representation of the problems affecting the exploration of CSR dimensions. The utility of the proposed ISM method lies in imposing order and direction on the complexity of relationships among these dimensions, which will help top management and decision makers to better use their available resources in optimising their CSR practices. The framework allows policymakers to effectively incorporate these dimensions into their practising of CSR. Originality/value This is the first research on CSR to conceptualise a framework of causal interactions among its key dimensions using ISM methodology.

Application of interpretive structural modelling for analysis of lean adoption barriers in heavy industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aadithya B.G. ◽  
Asokan P. ◽  
S. Vinodh
Keyword(s):  
Structural Model ◽  
Matrix Multiplication ◽  
Interaction Matrix ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Micmac Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to depict a study on analysis of barriers to lean adoption in fabrication industry using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Design/methodology/approach From the literature review, 22 barriers to lean adoption in fabrication industry have been recognized . Self-structure interaction matrix has been developed based on expert opinion. Computational steps of ISM are being done to develop the structural model. cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis is being done to group the barriers into four types. Findings Based on the study, it has been found that “lack of knowledge about lean (philosophy, principles, tools)”, “lack of top management support and commitment” and “poor leadership” are found to be the principal barriers. MICMAC analysis indicated that number of driving, dependent, linkage and autonomous barriers are 9, 8, 4 and 1, respectively. Practical implications The study has been executed based on the inputs from industrial practitioners and hence the inferences are found to have practical relevance. Originality/value The study is an attempt to analyze the barriers for lean concepts adoption in fabrication kind of industry.

Modelling of critical factors for responsiveness in supply chain

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 868-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Resources

Purpose – In globalized economy, product life cycle is reducing continuously, customers demands are changing fast, and lead time for response is decreasing. In such scenario, ability of firms to quickly respond to changes in their external environment is a primary determinant of firm’s performance. This can be only possible when whole of the supply chain (SC) is responsive. For this, firms have to manage internal operations effectively to enable SC, responsive for market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to identify different factors for responsive SC. Design/methodology/approach – Based on literature review, total 17 critical factors for the responsive SC have been identified. Some of these factors are process oriented and some are result oriented. To develop structural relationship among these factors from strategic perspective, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach has been applied. Findings – It is observed that top management commitment, strategy development, resource development, use of technology, risk and reward sharing are major drivers for responsive SC. By managing these enablers, organizations can also benefit in terms of inventory management, lead time reduction and agility. Research limitations/implications – ISM has got some limitations. Major limitation is that the relationships developed are subjective and there are chances of biasing. Therefore findings need to be validated with case studies and empirical findings. Practical implications – Top management should strive for effective use of resources and technology to improve SC capabilities to meet market changes. Originality/value – This study develops structural relationships between different factors and it will help organizations in taking initiatives for improving responsiveness.

Sustainability in food service supply chains: future expectations from European industry experts toward the environmental perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inga-Lena Darkow ◽  
Bernadette Foerster ◽  
Heiko A. von der Gracht
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Future Expectations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Challenging Situation ◽  
Service Supply Chains

Purpose – This study aims to examine the management of food supply chains in complex and volatile business environments, where the sustainability requirements of customers and legislation are increasing. This challenging situation gives rise to the question as to how a logistics company can achieve and sustain competitive advantage through environmentally-oriented sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – This empirical study gathers insights on emerging practices in European food service supply chains from two parallel Delphi surveys conducted with 145 industry experts from 27 countries. The long-term industry expectations of a leading provider in food service logistics are compared with an industry-wide external panel. The questions were designed to understand how managers perceive the emerging domain of sustainability in supply chains. Findings – Environmentally oriented sustainability will remain a key driver of success in the field. However, after applying the dominant logic concept for analyzing results, it becomes apparent that managers have to continuously challenge internal existing expectations to translate an emerging domain into strategy. We show how the senior management team under investigation was challenged in its dominant logic and how it tried to overcome this situation during strategy development. Originality/value – The study shows how managers perceive and cope with the emerging domain of environmentally oriented sustainability, how they translate it into strategy, and utilize resources for creating customer value. The research supports managers in adapting to new competitive environments. Furthermore, the study contributes by visualizing the dominant logic of a firm and the approach of top management for adjustment.

Analysis of supply chain resilience barriers in Indian automotive company using total interpretive structural modelling

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishtha Agarwal ◽  
Nitin Seth
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Micmac Analysis ◽  
Root Barrier ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Total Interpretive Structural Modelling

PurposeThe study tries to identify the barriers influencing supply chain resilience and examine the inter-relationships between them. These relationships are built on the basis of how one barrier drives or is driven by the changes in another barriers.Design/methodology/approachIn the first phase, literature review and with due discussion with experts, the barriers have been identified and shortlisted for an Indian automotive case company. In the second phase, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) has been applied to examine inter-relationships between the barriers for an Indian automobile case company. Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis has also been performed to analyse the driving and dependence power of the barriers.FindingsIn total, 11 barriers are identified from the first phase of the study. In the second phase, the TISM digraph is created which qualitatively explains the reason behind how one barrier leads to another. MICMAC analysis classifies these variables in four clusters namely autonomous, linkage, dependent and independent. These clusters characterise the barriers based on their driving and dependent power which helps managers in strategically tackling them while taking understanding from the TISM digraph.Research limitations/implicationsThree research implications can be made from the study. First, a comprehensive definition of supply chain which helps in understanding of resilience based on disruption phases and recovery. Second, 11 barriers are identified which hinder resilience in automotive sector. Their relationships are modelled using TISM which also gives why a particular relationship exists. Last, MICMAC analysis classifies barriers based on how high or low the driving and dependence power exists.Practical implicationsThe study offers significant implications for supply chain managers helping them in building resilience by identifying barriers and reducing their effect. Barriers are identified for case company which might help managers to tackle them during disruptions. The final TISM digraph depicts the “why” between the inter-relationships between the barriers to resilient supply chains. TISM shows that non-commitment of top management is the major root barrier which has been causing the other problems. MICMAC analysis is also performed along with discussion as to how autonomous, linkage, dependent and independent barriers can be tackled to build resilience.Originality/valueTISM is considered as an effective methodology for conceptual framework development as it also explains “why” between the relationships besides explaining the “what” as against ISM. Identification and understanding of barriers and their interrelationship will help supply chain managers to analyse the influence and inter-dependence of barriers on the resilience of the supply chain. Such understanding will help in mitigating/averting these barriers hence improving the resilience capability. It also adds to the knowledge base in the area of supply chain resilience where several authors have pointed the lack of research.

Proactive environmental strategy development: from laggard to eco-innovative firms

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1118-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concepción Garcés-Ayerbe ◽  
Sabina Scarpellini ◽  
Jesus Valero-Gil ◽  
Pilar Rivera-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Environmental Strategy ◽  
Process Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proactive Environmental Strategy

Purpose The environmental management literature has focussed on the analysis of the variety of strategic options with regards to environment protection, without providing an interesting detail of the transformation and change process between the different alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study pro-environmental change processes in firms, focussing on the width and the intensity of environmental measures implemented in a three-year period in different areas (productive process, product, management and supply chains). Design/methodology/approach Performing a cluster analysis based on a sample of 303 Spanish firms, the study finds four categories of pro-environmental change. Findings The comparative analysis of these categories leads the authors to describe the pro-environmental change process as one with four stages that firms can go through. The first pro-environmental stage focusses on process measures. The second stage focusses on the adoption of management measures together with process measures. In the third stage, the firm moves after including measures in the product and in the supply chains. Companies that wish to advance further in this process, reaching the fourth stage of pro-environmental change, do so by increasing the intensity of the different measures adopted in previous stages, and through eco-innovation. Research limitations/implications The main contribution of this paper relative to the previous literature is a more detailed vision of the strategic possibilities in environmental protection, providing information about the process of change and about how firms evolve to more advanced environmental strategy stages. Knowledge of this evolution process, little studied in the previous literature, helps us to understand the complexity and strategic significance of adopting environmental protection measures. This knowledge is useful for academics and for public and private managers responsible for designing and developing environmental strategy. Originality/value One of the most original findings of this paper points out that it is possible to identify a pattern of environmental change through which firms can evolve. In this change process, firms start by adopting process measures, while they adopt eco-innovation behaviour only in the most advanced stage of environmental proactivity.

Using positive deviance to enhance employee engagement: an interpretive structural modelling approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naman Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Positive Deviance ◽  
Workplace Deviance ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Structural Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modelling ◽  
Micmac Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Organisations today seek high engagement levels from their employees for their superior performance amid the highly competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of positive deviance facilitators (PDFs) in enhancing employee engagement at work. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to understand the process of how positive deviance may fuel employee engagement in an organisation. Because of the lack of empirical evidence on the relationship between employee engagement and positive deviance, ISM approach was adopted as it helps in understanding the subjective experience and learnings of experts involved in the field. The MICMAC analysis classifies the relevant factors into four clusters and helps in understanding the dynamics involved. Findings Based on the opinions shared by industry and academia experts, a structural model was developed to understand the hierarchy and interactions among the eight PDFs leading towards employee engagement. Research limitations/implications The study offers both theoretical and practical implications. The model developed in the current study could be used as a base model for future studies concerning employee engagement and deviance. The importance of human resource management practices in fuelling positive deviance and employee engagement is also highlighted. The study discusses various practical implications for human resource managers and top management. Originality/value The literature on positive deviance at work is still at a nascent stage. Empirical studies on deviance largely focus on the destructive/negative side of workplace deviance, and studies on positive outcomes from workplace deviance are rare. This present study provides a unique opportunity to understand how positive deviance can be used to enhance the engagement levels of employees.

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