A Customized Quality Model for Software Quality Assurance in Agile Environment

The agile approach grew dramatically over traditional approaches. The methodology focuses more on rapid development, quick evaluation, quantifiable progress and continuous delivery satisfying the customer desire. In view of this, there is a need for measurement of the agile development process. In this respect, the present research work investigates the inter-relationships and inter-dependencies between the identified quality factors (QF), thereby outlining which of these QF have high driving power and dependence power, working indirectly towards the success of agile development process. This paper proposes a new agile quality model, utilizing an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and the identified factors are classifies using Matriced' Impacts Croise's Multiplication Applique´e a UN Classement (MICMAC) approach. The research findings can significantly impact agile development process by understanding how these QF related to each other and how they can be adopted.

Modeling Enablers of Transporter’s Performance in Downstream Logistics of the Indian Oil Sector

Oil industry in India has entered the competitive world, and each organization used probing strategies to reduce cost. India is a non-oil-producing country, and the scope for this lies in reducing supply chain cost in downstream logistics. This research provides an integrated model of key enablers for transporter’s performance in downstream logistics excellence of Indian oil sector to provide oil marketing companies’ a direction for design of future strategies to reduce downstream logistics cost. The sequential mixed-methods design is adopted. It identifies the enablers through literature review and interviews with transporters, working managers, and logistics experts (qualitative), and then, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis (quantitative) are used to develop the diagraph and matrix to establish the contextual relationship and find their role and influence on each other. This readymade, unique, and unified model provides enablers for transporters’ performance in different individual categories, namely, dependent, independent, and autonomous enablers, and link them based on their driving power and dependence power along with their influencing behavior to enable transporters, working managers, and top management to focus on for reducing the logistics cost and shall add value for the ultimate customers. The academicians shall be benefited by appreciating practical aspects of this business.

Determining Interrelationship Between Factors Impacting Foreign Direct Investment in Tourism: An ISM-based Approach

The burgeoning spectrum of tourist demand and changing tastes and preferences calls for developing the nation’s tourism profile. India, one of the fastest-growing economies and a potential attractor of tourists, is estimated to be the world’s third-largest tourism economy by 2028 (as per World Tourism and Travel Council [WTTC] estimates) and is expected to draw massive investment in this sector. Thus, the present study aims to analyse various factors impacting foreign flows in the tourism sector and develops a hierarchical structure among the identified factors through the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique. A MICMAC (Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification) analysis is performed to categorise the identified factors based on the driving power and dependence level. The interrelationships among the variables were derived from the opinion gardened from 50 research and industry experts. The results showed that political stability plays a critical component in driving other variables in the system. Also, a stable system is likely to impact the economic environment of a nation positively, thus, creating a desirable profile for investors to invest in tourism businesses or the development of destinations.

Robert F. Lusch: Mentor, Collaborator, and Colleague

The author reviews his relationship with Professor Robert F. Lusch, including joint research with some of their doctoral students. Their work addressed questions pertaining to marketing channel power and dependence, channel conflict, and channel member satisfaction as well as contracting among channel member firms.

Addressing the Challenges to Sustainable Initiatives in Value Chain Flexibility: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The value chain refers to the source of competition to facilitate organizations to maximize and sustain value for their consumers. Value chain flexibility is necessary to build sustainable initiatives in addressing ambiguity. In the literature, there is a lack of framework to highlight the challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility. This study fills this research gap by suggesting a framework for challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility. In this study, thirteen potential challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility are identified and an integrated model is developed. It adopts the modified Total Interpretive Structure Model and the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification methodology. The mixed approach is used as the modified Total Interpretive Structure Model organizes the binary interactions among the challenges, while Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification analysis organizes specific precise assessments of the driving power and dependence of the challenges. The results of the study reflect that (i) lack of supplier commitment to sustainable products and (ii) lack of knowledge toward sustainability in value chains are the challenges that achieved the highest driving power. The challenge ‘inadequate communication among the suppliers in the value chain’ is at the highest level in the analysis. The proposed framework could help government and non-government bodies to formulate policies to efficiently address challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility.

Modelling and analysis of factors for implementation of smart cities: TISM approach

Purpose The concept of “Smart Cities” is gaining prominence across the world as a solution to effectively address the issues or impediments faced by cities due to rapid urbanization. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors which form the primary basis for the implementation of “Smart Cities”. Particularly, this paper aims to analyse the contextual relationship and driving/dependence power of these key factors and model these using the total interpretive structural modelling (“TISM”) framework. Design/methodology/approach The key factors which form the basis for the implementation of Smart Cities were identified through an evaluation of the literature on “Smart Cities” and expert opinions. Thereon, the contextual relationship between these key factors was examined with the help of experts. Thereafter, these key factors were modelled using the total interpretive structured modelling (“TISM”) framework. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis was further applied to classify the factors. It is pertinent to note that the driving power and dependence of these key factors were also reviewed. Findings This paper establishes a TISM of the key factors for the implementation of “Smart Cities” which will aid in examining the interrelationship among the factors and will also identify the hierarchy among these factors. On extensive examination of the literature and expert opinions on “Smart Cities”, it can be asserted through TISM that quality of life (F1), e-services adoption (F5) and economic growth (F8) are the leading factors in establishing “Smart Cities”. Furthermore, it must be noted that the MICMAC analysis and driving-dependence graph helps in classifying the key factors as autonomous factors, drivers, linkages and outcomes, which assists in comprehending which factors possess driver power and which are exhibiting dependency. Originality/value The contribution lies in the authentic manner in which this paper attempts to use the TISM approach combined with MICMAC analysis to model key factors for the implementation of “Smart Cities”; which would aid and assist policymakers and practitioners to construct a structural framework for the implementation of “Smart Cities” through identification of drivers, linkages and outcomes.

Identification and Prioritization of Critical Success Factors for Off-Site Construction Using ISM and MICMAC Analysis

Many studies have been conducted to define the critical success factors (CSFs) for off-site construction (OSC) activation, but there has been a lack of identification of the relationship with the identified CSFs. However, it is necessary to clearly identify the hierarchy and relationships with the success factors in order to develop specific strategies for OSC activation. This work presents a study that was conducted to identify the CSFs for OSCs and establish the relationships of the identified CSFs for OSC. First, 20 CSFs for OSCs were identified through prior study reviews related to CSFs for OSC. Next, the interpretive structural modeling (ISM), which has advantages in developing an understanding of complex relationships, was leveraged in order to analyze the relationships between 20 CSFs for OSC to derive a hierarchical model consisting of seven levels. The CSFs for OSC were classified into four groups using MICMAC analysis, which is useful for classifying factors by the strength of the relationship with factors based on driving power and dependence power. This proposed model can be used as a basis for developing management measures for OSC project success.

Framework of Challenges Affecting Adoption of People Analytics in India Using ISM and MICMAC Analysis

People analytics has brought a paradigm shift in the processes, technologies and systems of organizations. Success is driven here through data-driven methodologies. The primary objective of this research is to identify, rank and interrelate challenges affecting the adoption of people analytics in India. The interpretative structural modelling (ISM) approach is applied to rank and interrelate these challenges in the Indian context. MICMAC analysis is conducted to reveal the driving power and dependence of these challenges of people analytics. The MICMAC analysis also indicates the relative importance and interdependence between these challenges in the Indian context. During the first phase of the research, 12 challenges are identified from the literature, and these people analytics challenges are validated based on expert opinions. During the second phase, ISM identifies ‘Leveraging existing enterprise resources’ as the most important challenge in the Indian context among the 11 validated challenges. MICMAC analysis identifies all 11 challenges as ‘linkage challenges’ with high dependence and driving power. For researchers, this methodology facilitates further carrying out exploratory studies and focusing their interactions through hierarchical structures. The study investigates the core issue among many issues faced by people analytics professionals. Second, it has methodological novelty in the context. Finally, it points to multidimensional implications for various stakeholders in people analytics in the Indian context.

Adoption of solar energy in India: a study through interpretive structural modelling

PurposeAdoption of solar energy plays an important role in the growth of a country. There are many factors which influence the adoption of solar energy in India. The study is designed to identify factors that determine the acceptance or rejection of solar energy systems in India.Design/methodology/approachRelationship among identified variables is established through interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and thus a conceptually validated model is evolved. Further, MICMAC analysis is conducted to understand the driving power and dependence of these variables.FindingsIt is revealed that experience and habit, awareness and social influence are the intermediary variables. MICMAC Analysis shows that no variable is disconnected from the system and all the variables influence the adoption of solar energy in India.Practical implicationsThe present study is expected to be useful to decision makers, end users and research organisations related to solar energy adoption.Originality/valueVarious intentional factors influencing solar energy systems adoption have been acknowledged in the present study, thus making it useful for formulation of action plans and enhance the usage of solar energy systems to improve environment quality.

Food Sector as an Interactive Business World: A Framework for Research on Innovations

The objective of this paper is to enhance the dominant research perspective of innovations in the food market (power or supply chain centric) with an interactive/network approach. Many scholars identify the development challenges facing the food sector, including economic factors, changes in lifestyle, climate change, changes to the food consumption mix, shrinkage of Earth’s resources and interactions between food production and the environment, in the context of sustainable development. A new approach to innovations in the food market may shift it towards a more sustainable path of development. Based on a literature review, we present the specific conditions for innovation in the food market and discuss previous research as being focused on the power of operators and flows in supply chains. Methodologically, this paper puts these considerations in the context of interaction and business networks. We note that the concept of power and dependence can be embedded with the concept of interdependence, and flows in supply chains can be replaced by the concept of cooperation in business networks. We conceptualize a research framework based on innovative activities in business relationships and networks and we propose the following themes as research avenues for further research: (1) What drives innovation in food ecosystems? (2) When is the power-centric approach to innovations more effective than taking the perspective of interdependence? (3) How do network-born innovations develop in the food sector? (4) How do actors handle innovation in their business models? (5) What is the impact of innovations on the food sector?