Identification of barriers in the implementation of AMTs in the SMEs of northern India using AHP–TOPSIS approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-223
Author(s):  
Arishu Kaushik ◽  
Doordarshi Singh
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Mathematical Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies ◽  
Topsis Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out and highlight the major influential barriers in the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Northern India. The major barriers in the implementation of AMTs in manufacturing industries of Northern India have been critically assessed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach An ample and reasonable number of small- and medium-scale manufacturing industries of northern India have been surveyed with an aim to find out the barriers in the implementation of AMTs. On the basis of data collected, AHP–TOPSIS method was applied in order to measure the weightage of each barrier in a simple mathematical form. Findings High cost of AMTs, lack of appropriate financial resources and current processes or procedures are the major barriers that cause hindrance in the path of implementation of AMTs in SMEs. Research limitations/implications This investigation was based on the survey followed by judgments of experts in industry and academia; other approaches such as PROMETHEE, WPM, VIKOR, etc., can be applied for investigation. Also, the study can be carried out in different region(s) and parts of the country. Practical implications This paper can be helpful in many ways to the management or industrialists of various nations who are on the same path or will follow soon. Originality/value SMEs need to address the findings of this research in order to overcome the barriers and successfully implement the AMTs. A model for successful implementation of AMTs by overcoming the barriers has been suggested.

Impact of service quality on satisfaction and loyalty at manufacturer-distributor dyad

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surjit Kumar Gandhi ◽  
Anish Sachdeva ◽  
Ajay Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Indian Setting ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by service quality (SQ) in manufacturer–distributor working partnerships in the context of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and present two models which propose and validate that contributions toward SQ, made by both the manufacturing unit and distribution firm lead to satisfaction which consequently results in business-to-business (B2B) loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe research design for this study includes a combination of literature review, exploratory interviews with a focus group and a questionnaire survey conducted through interview schedule from 101 information rich and willing respondents working in SMEs of northern India.FindingsThe paper brings out scales foe measuring organizational (internal) and distributor (external) SQ. Further, two models using structural equation modeling are developed. Model-I examines the effect of organizational SQ on distributor SQ. Model-II examines the impact of distributor SQ on satisfaction and loyalty and also tests a set of four propositions related to their working relationship. The models are empirically tested and are found to be fit.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers may validate these scales, and empirically test the proposed models in alternate settings. Insights derived from this study may be transferred to other partnerships, which may exist in a manufacturing supply chain including suppliers, employees, retailers and end consumers.Practical implicationsThis study would be of interest to SME practitioners interested in improving SQ with their distributors. The study also finds support for strengthening collaborative relationships with B2B partners to achieve a win-win situation.Originality/valueThere are very few empirical studies that measure SQ w.r.t. distribution function in SMEs and the concept is in nascent stage, especially in Indian setting.

Use of knowledge management systems: analysis of the strategies of Brazilian small and medium enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Euro Marques Júnior ◽  
Jose Alcides Gobbo ◽  
Fernando Fukunaga ◽  
Roberto Cerchione ◽  
Piera Centobelli
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
The Other ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Use Of Knowledge

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the degree of diffusion and intensity of use of knowledge management systems (KMSs) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil and apply a taxonomy that synthesizes the strategies of use of KMSs by the SMEs. In addition, it seeks to better understand the processes, practices and technologies of KM by SMEs, pointing improvements in the KMS of Brazilian SMEs and contributing to obtain better results in the search for efficiency and innovation. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review on KMSs used by SMEs, an empirical investigation was conceived, developed and conducted through online questionnaires involving 49 selected SMEs operating in several sectors. Findings This paper reinforces the results of the previous work of Cerchione and Esposito (2017) that point to the existence of a reciprocal relationship between KM-Tools and KM-Practices: one reinforces the other and vice versa. On the other hand, it indicates a difference in the behavior of Brazilian companies in relation to the sample of Italian companies studied by Cerchione and Esposito (2017), which presented a negative correlation between the general differentiation index and the general use intensity index of SMEs, while the Brazilian ones showed a positive correlation. Research limitations/implications The study points out the need for greater dissemination of practices and tools to support knowledge management (KM), as well as greater support for the implementation and effective use of these practices and tools within the organizational context of SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies the main practices and tools to support KM used by Brazilian SMEs, indicating the need for investments in employee training and acquisition of tools. Social implications SMEs represent an important part of the generation of jobs and income in Brazil. Initiatives that lead to the successful implementation of tools and practices to support KM can increase the efficiency and productivity of these organizations. Originality/value This paper applies in a sample of Brazilian companies the taxonomy proposed by Cerchione and Esposito (2017) combining strategies of SMEs for the use of KMSs.

scholarly journals Successful implementation of project risk management in small and medium enterprises: a cross-case analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Ferreira de Araújo Lima ◽  
Sara Marcelino-Sadaba ◽  
Chiara Verbano
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Project Risk Management ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

PurposeDespite the emergence and strategic importance of project risk management (PRM), its diffusion is limited mainly to large companies, leaving a lack of empirical evidence addressing SMEs. Given the socio-economic importance of SMEs and their need to manage risks to ensure the success of their strategic and innovative projects, this research aims to investigate how to adopt PRM in SMEs with a positive cost–benefit ratio.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents an exploratory and explanatory research conducted through multiple-case studies involving 10 projects performed in Spanish and Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).FindingsThe results obtained highlight how project features (commitment type, innovativeness, strategic relevance and managerial complexity) and firms' characteristics (sector of activity, production system and access to public incentives) influence PRM adoption, leading to different levels and types of benefits.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical indications about PRM phases, activities, tools and organizational aspects to be considered in different contexts to ensure the project's success and, ultimately, the company's growth and sustainability. Such indications could not be found in the literature.

The effect of HRIS implementation success on job involvement, job satisfaction and work engagement in SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassem E. Maamari ◽  
Alfred Osta
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Job Involvement ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Implementation Success ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of the study is to highlight the effect of human resources information systems (HRISs) implementation success on the job involvement, job satisfaction and work engagement of the employees in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Following an investigative study, a quantitative research is done with a positivist approach. A sample of 1,082 responses from 163 SMEs in different economic sectors is analyzed using statistical package for social sciences and structural equation modelling. Findings The results show that HRIS successful implementation explains the variation in job involvement and work engagement to a limited extent while it does highly affect employees’ job satisfaction. Moreover, the correlation between job involvement and both HRIS implementation success and job satisfaction is negative. Research limitations/implications The researchers were not able to conduct intersector analysis for differences among economic sectors. Existing gender differences in job involvement, work engagement and job satisfaction are hinted to and need further analysis. Practical implications The HRIS users with higher educational background tend to display a more open approach toward using the system and seeing the system’s implementation succeed. Tenured managers display low enthusiasm toward HRIS success, although being highly involved and engaged in the SME’s life. This provides for not only a steady work-flow but also fosters resistance to change. The successful implementation of the HRIS is a new dimension in the hands of managers at work, facilitating their supervisor work routines and affecting employees’ satisfaction, involvement and engagement. Social implications The HRIS success allows more flexibility at the supervisor level of daily work, opening a window toward flexible working hours and indirect supervision. It allows users some freedom and flexibility and the application of their own ethical beliefs when self-reporting. Originality/value Although most research looks at corporations and the factors leading to HRIS implementation success, this study goes beyond the implementation to dwell into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), looking at HRIS after its implementation success, as a potential tool for motivating, involving and engaging employees.

Examining the determinants and consequences of financial constraints faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises' owners

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibhuti Mittal ◽  
T.V. Raman
Keyword(s):  
Cash Flow ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Financial Constraints ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Firm Attributes ◽  
Flow Constraints

PurposeThe Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) counter numerous financial obstacles concerning business financing and cash flow management. The study, therefore, intends to examine the level of perceived severity of financial constraints on the business growth of enterprises, in terms of sales, profitability and asset growth. An attempt is made to study the influence of owner and firm attributes as the determinants of financial constraints faced by MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from MSME owners of Northern India through a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 213 responses were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique through SmartPLSv2.FindingsThe findings advocate the role of owner and firm attributes in the severity of financial constraints experienced by the MSME owners. Most importantly, the study establishes a strong link between owner and firm attributes and cash flow constraints. Further, the paper confirms the negative influence of financing and cash flow problems on the growth of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation and categorisation of perceived financial challenges into meaningful dimensions generate value to the problematic area of MSME operations. Thus, the findings are useful for the policymakers and researchers to contemplate the financial vulnerability of MSMEs.Originality/valueThe empirical findings of the present study add worth to the limited evidence of the relationship between owner and firm attributes and severity of cash flow constraints faced by the Indian MSME owners.

Embracing advanced manufacturing technologies for performance improvement: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Amulya Gurtu
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Advanced Manufacturing ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Issues ◽  
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies

PurposeThis study has analyzed strategic issues in implementing advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in manufacturing organizations in India and their relative importance.Design/methodology/approachA survey of manufacturing organizations was conducted, and the data were analyzed using statistical tools (one-sample t-tests, correlation and regression analyses).FindingsImprovement in product quality and flexibility of operations are the motivation for AMTs implementation. Top management support and sound financial conditions are essential for implementing AMTs. Successful implementation of AMTs helps in reducing the lead time and improving overall business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study will help organizations in the implementation of AMTs for improving productivity and business performance. The study is limited to manufacturing organizations in India.Practical implicationsOrganizations should allocate sufficient funds for AMT applications. Organizational culture should be made conducive to the adoption of new technologies. Employees should be provided adequate training for its successful implementation.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is that it provides a detailed analysis of strategic issues for implementing AMTs in manufacturing organizations.

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