Showing papers by "Indian Institute of Management Calcutta published in 2013"
TL;DR: The study reveals that lack of common vision among the supply chain (SC) partners is the most critical challenge confronting SCF.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the different challenges that confront supply chain finance (SCF) and to develop a hierarchical model that analyzes the complex relationship dynamics among them.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive survey is carried out amongst Indian firms to ascertain the perceptions and experiences related to different SCF challenges. After obtaining an overview of the different SCF challenges, an Indian company with global operations was approached and after establishing relationships among the challenges, a hierarchical relationship structure was developed and MIMBI analysis (where MI=measure of influencing; MBI=measure of being influenced) was carried out that helped understand the relationship dynamics of SCF challenges and identify actions at both strategic and tactical levels.Findings – The study reveals that lack of common vision among the supply chain (SC) partners is the most critical challenge confronting SCF. Unpredictable cash‐flows resulting from dela...
161 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a framework for transformative consumer research focused on felt deprivation and power within the lived experience of poverty, pointing to consumer choice, product/service experiences, consumer culture, marketplace forces, and consumption capabilities as research streams with potential to help alleviate poverty.
126 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors proposed a method to use the National Natural Science Foundation of China [71202059], Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China [2011221016], National Social Science Foundation [10ZD047]
125 citations
01 Dec 2013
TL;DR: A Copula-aided Bayesian Belief Network for cyber-vulnerability assessment (C-VA), and expected loss computation, and a utility based preferential pricing (UBPP) model to help firms decide on the utility of cyber-insurance products and to what extent they can use them are proposed.
Abstract: Security breaches adversely impact profit margins, market capitalization and brand image of an organization. Global organizations resort to the use of technological devices to reduce the frequency of a security breach. To minimize the impact of financial losses from security breaches, we advocate the use of cyber-insurance products. This paper proposes models to help firms decide on the utility of cyber-insurance products and to what extent they can use them. In this paper, we propose a Copula-aided Bayesian Belief Network (CBBN) for cyber-vulnerability assessment (C-VA), and expected loss computation. Taking these as an input and using the concepts of collective risk modeling theory, we also compute the premium that a cyber risk insurer can charge to indemnify cyber losses. Further, to assist cyber risk insurers and to effectively design products, we propose a utility based preferential pricing (UBPP) model. UBPP takes into account risk profiles and wealth of the prospective insured firm before proposing the premium. Display Omitted Proposed Cyber risk insurance products to minimize the impact of financial loss of security breach.Cyber risk insurance products complement security technology.Our proposed Copula aided Bayesian Belief networks model helps to asses cyber risk.Collective risk & Utility Theory used to computes premium for Cyber risk insurance products.Cyber risks mode for to decide to opt for cyber insurance or not for organizations.
115 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the moderating effects of selling experience on the relationship between job satisfaction and sales performance, customer orientation and sales performances, and adaptive selling behaviors and performance, taking the context of B2B insurance selling, using a sample of 380 business-to-business insurance salespersons from an emerging market (India).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effects of selling experience on the relationship between job satisfaction and sales performance, customer orientation and sales performance, and adaptive selling behaviors and sales performance, taking the context of B2B insurance sellingDesign/methodology/approach – Using a sample of 380 business‐to‐business insurance salespersons from an emerging market (India) to validate their model, the authors tested several hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM)Findings – The results suggest that experience works with customer‐oriented selling in making the more experienced salespersons better performers It was also found that for less experienced salespersons, the impact of job satisfaction on performance is weaker than for more experienced salespersons In addition, it was found that more experienced salespersons' performance is better explained using job satisfaction and customer‐oriented selling rather than their adaptive sell
95 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to capture customers' perceptions of service quality followed by exploratory factor analysis to study the dimensionality of customer-perceived service quality and investigate the influence of the service quality on customers' purchase intentions.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the dimensionality of customer-perceived service quality and investigate the influence of service quality on customers’ purchase intentions Design/methodology/approach – A modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to capture customers’ perceptions of service quality followed by exploratory factor analysis to study the dimensionality of service quality in retail banking Multiple regression was used to probe the influence of the dimensions of service quality on purchase intentions Findings – The results of the study provide strong support for the predictive power of perceived service quality on customers’ purchase intentions and shows that reliability is most important for influencing customers’ purchase intentions, followed by employee behaviour, tangibles and convenience Research limitations/implications – Refinement of the scale for measuring service quality in retail banking is possible based on future newer trends in retail banking Multiple measures
91 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an explanation of the construct of perceived retail crowding and review the empirical studies in the area so as to integrate the knowledge that may help in understanding of consumer behavior in crowded retail settings.
87 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that consumers' cognitive evaluations of the store and its merchandise also mediate the perceived crowding−patronage intention relationship, and demonstrate that there exists an optimal level of crowding that maximises consumers' store patronage intentions.
Abstract: Past empirical studies leave open the question of whether perceived crowding has a positive or a negative effect on shopping outcomes (Eroglu, Machleit, & Barr, 2005; Hui & Bateson, 1991). Based on the premise that shopping is a social phenomenon involving hedonic as well as utilitarian motivation, this study hypothesizes an inverted U-shaped relationship between perceived crowding and consumers' store patronage intentions. Additionally, past research considers the mediating role of emotions in the relationship between perceived crowding and shopping outcomes. In this research, the authors argue that consumers' cognitive evaluations of the store and its merchandise also mediate the perceived crowding−patronage intention relationship. Survey results of actual shoppers (n = 201) in a hypermarket in India demonstrate that there exists an optimal level of crowding that maximises consumers' store patronage intentions. The effect of perceived crowding on patronage intention is mediated by the emotional...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors integrate the frontier methodology, commonly used in applied production economics, with heat stress indexes used by animal scientists but largely ignored by economists, to quantify gross benefits expected from adaptation to climatic conditions represented by the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) and alternatively by the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI).
Abstract: Climate change and food security have become critical issues in the agricultural policy agenda. Although global warming is expected to increase both the frequency and severity of heat stress on dairy cattle, there are very few economic studies focusing on this issue. This paper contributes to the literature by integrating the frontier methodology, commonly used in applied production economics, with heat stress indexes used by animal scientists but largely ignored by economists. Our econometric models are useful to quantify gross benefits expected from adaptation to climatic conditions represented by the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) and alternatively by the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI). Stochastic production frontier analysis is used to measure technical efficiency for an unbalanced panel of 103 dairy farms located in Florida and Georgia. Five alternative model specifications are evaluated. The results reveal that both THI and ETI have a significant nonlinear negative effect on milk production. The climatic indexes when incorporated in the frontier specification absorb some of the output shortfall that otherwise would be attributable to inefficiency. The results indicate that using fans combined with sprinklers is an effective adaptation to offset output losses stemming from heat stress conditions.
56 citations
TL;DR: Analyzing qualitative data gathered from interviews with 33 respondents in India, it is found that ICT-enabled product and process innovations do have the potential to reduce four types of separations that ‘disconnect’ BOP consumers (producers) from marketers (customers).
Abstract: Innovations in products and processes enabled by ICT such as mobile phones and the Internet constitute a rapidly emerging means of market development at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP), which consists of people who earn less than US$2 a day. However, these ICT-enabled market development efforts have not always yielded positive developmental outcomes, in part because market development is hindered by remote location and geographic dispersion of BOP communities, their low and uncertain incomes, and informal local markets having exploitative intermediaries. These conditions imply that BOP consumers and producers are ‘separated’ from marketers and customers, respectively, through physical distance, lack of financial ability, and information asymmetry. The paper examines the question: How do ICT innovations in products and processes impact development at the BOP? Drawing perspectives from the information systems (IS) and marketing literatures, we analyze how and why ICT-enabled innovations in products and processes deployed for market development at the BOP, enable developmental outcomes through reduction of market separations. Analyzing qualitative data gathered from interviews with 33 respondents in India, including BOP individuals, social entrepreneurs, and managers from private organizations, we find that ICT-enabled product and process innovations do have the potential to reduce four types of separations that ‘disconnect’ BOP consumers (producers) from marketers (customers). However, situated social conditions influence the impact of ICT innovations on reduction of separations. The reduction of separations leads to developmental outcomes at the BOP. Implications of our findings for theory, practice, and policy are discussed.
48 citations
01 Jun 2013
TL;DR: It is shown that investors reward growing firms and small companies more if they adopt the countermeasures, which shows that the market views the investment in anti-identity theft as a tool to enhance competitive advantage.
Abstract: Identity theft poses a huge threat to the e-commerce community. Although the crime is a growing menace, firms are uncertain about the payoffs obtained from adoption of identity theft countermeasures. As the cost of implementation of relevant countermeasures is high, senior managers are hesitant to make such investments. Using the event study method, we empirically demonstrate that it is worthy for a firm to adopt such countermeasures. We show that the news of such adoption increases the short term market value of the announcing firm by 0.63% on an average. Our research also finds that early adopters, adopters of sophisticated identity theft countermeasures, firms with high growth potential, and firms with high credit rating show a strong and positive return in market value, whereas small firms demonstrate a moderate but positive reaction. As shown in our research findings, the market rewards early adopters of security technology and adopters of sophisticated measures greatly. To reap the market premium, the industrial practitioners should adopt newer identity theft countermeasures at an earlier time. Furthermore, our study shows that investors reward growing firms and small companies more if they adopt the countermeasures. This shows that the market views the investment in anti-identity theft as a tool to enhance competitive advantage. Our research findings should encourage firms to adopt identity theft countermeasures more proactively.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify segments of hypermarket shoppers based on shopping motivation and compare the shopping motivation of hyper-market consumers with that of traditional store shoppers, using Chi-square test and MANOVA.
Abstract: Purpose – Hypermarket is the most successful amongst organised retail formats in India. The purpose of this paper is to identify segments of hypermarket shoppers based on shopping motivation. The study profiles the identified segments on demographic characteristics and shopping outcomes, and compares the shopping motivation of hypermarket consumers with that of traditional store shoppers. Design/methodology/approach – The study involved a survey of 201 actual shoppers in a hypermarket and that of 117 actual shoppers in 20 traditional stores. Principal components analysis of the motives for shopping at hypermarket and traditional store identified the respective dimensions of shopping motivation. Cluster analysis of the factor scores obtained on shopping motivation at hypermarket revealed the typology of hypermarket shoppers. Chi-square test and MANOVA were used to profile the identified segments of hypermarket shoppers on demographic characteristics and shopping outcomes respectively. Findings – Results re...
TL;DR: The availability contracts for complex engineering services provision are forms of outsourcing contracts that transfer resources from government to external service providers on a substantial scale as discussed by the authors, where the role change moves the contractor role from creating resources to managing resources.
Abstract: Traditional outsourcing literature has claimed gains for the customer in terms of quality and costs. However, such gains are illusory in outsourcing of high-risk, complex tasks. The use of contracts and governance mechanisms for handling complex procurements is essential in obtaining rewards from outsourcing. Powerful incentives and risks are normally used in industrial service contracts to transfer risks to measure compliance with performance measures. The availability contracts for complex engineering services provision are forms of outsourcing contracts that transfer resources from government to external service providers on a substantial scale. The change moves the contractor role from creating resources to managing resources. Such role change mandates collaboration with customers and suppliers in supply/value chains. The management task is then perceived in terms of linking and optimising alignments rather than increasing service levels. Incentive design is one mechanism for linking the coordination ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider a buyback contract where any leftover inventory at the retailer can be returned to the supplier at a pre-specified terms of the buyback contracts.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze 49 Indian banks operating in India based on data available from the banks' web sites, annual reports and sustainability/CSR reports (if available) and find that the CSR orientation of Indian banks differ only based on ownership, number of employees, and date of its incorporation in the areas of Environment & Rural Development.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address two research questions: First, are business metrics of Indian banks associated with its CSR orientation? Second, is the CSR orientation of banks focused on areas which are driven by nature of its target markets, such that there is an alignment between CSR orientation and benefits accrued to its stakeholder segments, directly or indirectly?Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyze 49 Indian banks (25 public sector, 15 private sector and nine foreign banks) operating in India based on data available from the banks’ web sites, annual reports and sustainability/CSR reports (if available). From content analysis, the data were into seven categories – Education, Health, Community Welfare, Entrepreneurship Development, Environment, Market Place, and Rural Development.Findings – The results indicate that CSR orientation of Indian Banks differ only based on ownership, number of employees, and date of its incorporation in the areas of Environment & Rural deve...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the different challenges that confront supply chain finance (SCF) in Indian business environment, identify the core challenge and develop a concrete action plan to overcome it in an Indian organisation.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the different challenges that confront supply chain finance (SCF) in Indian business environment, identify the core challenge and develop a concrete action plan to overcome it in an Indian organisation. An exclusive survey was carried out amongst Indian firms to ascertain the perceptions and experiences related to different SCF challenges. To identify the key challenge and prepare a road map to overcome it in an organisation, the five thinking process (TP) tools of the theory of constraints (TOC) were employed. The TP tools helped the organisation in the early stage of implementing SCF initiatives that guided the SCF manager before executing them. This paper is one of the first studies to address and analyse a survey on various challenges confronting SCF and present an integrated application of TP tools in solving a problem of SCF.
TL;DR: The special issue of the Journal of Macromarketing (JMM) as discussed by the authors is a special issue devoted to the discussion of ideology and marketing, and it includes three refereed articles and four invited commentaries.
Abstract: Discussions of ideology are akin to walking a tightrope, especially in a discipline that largely views itself as nonideological, but whose concepts are used to advance ideas and ideologies of all kinds. Through three insightful refereed articles and four invited commentaries, this special issue of the Journal of Macromarketing manages to walk the tightrope, even though the balance bar lurches dangerously to one side and then to the other. As the special issue editors, in this introductory essay, we set up the context for discussions of ideology and marketing, provide some of our views, and then introduce the seven contributions via brief previews.
TL;DR: A parsimonious bi-dimensional characterization of CMS use, consisting of scale and sophistication of use is developed, allowing us to draw prescriptive lessons to enhance usage in CMS environments and potentially derive more value from this type of technology.
TL;DR: This paper proposes a new construction method for key predistribution schemes based on combinations of duals of standard block designs which works for any intersection threshold and obtains explicit algebraic expressions for the metrics for local connectivity and resiliency.
Abstract: Key predistribution schemes for distributed sensor networks have received significant attention in the recent literature. In this paper we propose a new construction method for these schemes based on combinations of duals of standard block designs. Our method is a broad spectrum one which works for any intersection threshold. By varying the initial designs, we can generate various schemes and this makes the method quite flexible. We also obtain explicit algebraic expressions for the metrics for local connectivity and resiliency. These schemes are quite efficient with regard to connectivity and resiliency and at the same time they allow a straightforward shared-key discovery.
TL;DR: The network structure of interactions between articles and contributors plays an important role in the emergence of quality in UGC, and the analysis reveals that high‐quality articles cluster in hubs that span structural holes.
Abstract: Purpose – Social media platforms allow near‐unfettered creation and exchange of user generated content (UGC). Drawing from network science, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether high and low quality UGC differ in their connectivity structures in Wikipedia (which consists of interconnected user generated articles).Design/methodology/approach – Using Featured Articles as a proxy for high quality, a network analysis was undertaken of the revision history of six different language Wikipedias, to offer a network‐centric explanation for the emergence of quality in UGC.Findings – The network structure of interactions between articles and contributors plays an important role in the emergence of quality. Specifically the analysis reveals that high‐quality articles cluster in hubs that span structural holes.Research limitations/implications – The analysis does not capture the strength of interactions between articles and contributors. The implication of this limitation is that quality is viewed as a binar...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed that APAP can be mitigated by those appraisal-related structural and contextual antecedents that enhance appraisee's perceived control, understanding, and prediction of appraisal decision and process.
Abstract: Appraisee's perception of appraisal politics (APAP) is conceptualized to be formed by three perceptual dimensions. First is appraiser's manipulation of ratings to achieve their self-serving ends such as own reputation, maintaining good relationships, building in-groups, and handling dependency threats from appraisees. Second dimension constitutes fellow appraisees' upward influence behaviors to get higher ratings and rewards. Third dimension relates to the outcome of appraisal, i.e. pay and promotion decisions that can be discriminatory when performance is ignored. Such actions are detrimental for good performers and performance culture. Drawing from the organizational justice theories, it is proposed that APAP can be mitigated by those appraisal-related structural (e.g. criteria), process (e.g. voice) and contextual antecedents (e.g. relation with appraiser) that enhance appraisee's perceived control, understanding, and prediction of appraisal decision and process. These hypotheses were tested in the Ind...
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for sourcing, production planning, and product platform development (PPD) decisions has been proposed, based on analyses of the model, a heuristic solution procedure has been suggested.
Abstract: Product platform development (PPD) as an approach to mass customisation (MC) helps an organisation to reduce costs as well as ensure timely deliveries. Varieties are offered to different market segments by combining and incorporating different modules at different levels. Modules at different levels are essentially features that a customer segment is looking for. It is apparent that overall optimisation would require simultaneous consideration of not only PPD but also other supply chain constraints. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for sourcing, production planning, and PPD decisions. Based on analyses of the model, a heuristic solution procedure has been suggested. The heuristic developed in this paper attempts to decompose the problem and then assimilate the outputs from the simpler parts to obtain the final solution. Finally, a simple example to illustrate the solution procedure is presented.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim to draw attention to the responsibility of CSR in SMEs by drawing upon existing literature on global value chains, codes of conduct and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to draw attention to the responsibility of CSR in SMEs.Design/methodology/approach – Examining the emergence of the global and Indian CSR discourse and India's industrial and SME domain in particular in the context of global value chains and SME policy, this conceptual paper looks at the deficiencies in the present approaches. Drawing upon existing literature on global value chains, codes of conduct and multi‐stakeholder initiatives, it articulates the special challenge posed by the issues of labour rights and humane working conditions.Findings – This paper suggests that SMEs by themselves cannot take up this responsibility and that the codes of conduct of transnational corporations would also be of limited utility and an active governmental role is necessary.Originality/value – The paper calls for a change in political culture that looks at humane labour practices as a necessary condition for work and not as a liability in the pursuit of investments to provide a counterweight to...
07 Jan 2013
TL;DR: A unique smoking intervention plan with the help of mobile phones that uses a Case Based Recommender system that resorts to generating finely customized motivational messages depending on the patient profile and delivery of the same via mobile phones is proposed.
Abstract: The possible cause of many life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer and cardiac myopathy lies in the addiction to tobacco. Apart from being responsible for premature deaths, early diseases and reduced immunity, smoking also inhibits physiological and psychological problems in children born from addicted mothers. Though many developed countries have consciously made efforts to curb smoking, for the developing countries, the trend is still on the rise. The promising factor is that there are many people who are willing to quit smoking and are resorting to technology and electronic media for the same. In this paper, we have proposed a unique smoking intervention plan with the help of mobile phones that uses a Case Based Recommender system. Our model resorts to generating finely customized motivational messages depending on the patient profile and delivery of the same via mobile phones.
TL;DR: A mathematical programming model has been developed, to determine the optimal product combination that fetches the maximum profit from a potential targeted market segment, and a greedy heuristic is developed for the purpose.
TL;DR: In this article, the role of Himalayan rivers in Asia's economic and demographic growth is discussed, and the ecological imperative of sustaining the Himalayan waters is analyzed by analyzing the ecological necessity of sustaining these waters.
Abstract: T he crucial role of mountains as the creators and providers of large volumes of freshwater and as the natural storage site of this vital ecosystem service attracted the special attention of world leaders after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992.1 This essay addresses the role of the Himalayas as the provider of crucial freshwater supplies to a larger number of people than any other mountain range in the world. The essay first describes the eco-hydrology of the Himalayan region, and then turns to examine the role of the Himalayan rivers in Asia’s economic and demographic growth. It concludes by analyzing the ecological imperative of sustaining the Himalayan waters.
TL;DR: This research work aims to improve resource utilization in availability type contracts by simulating human resources and processes in an aircraft maintenance line by modelling the entire aircraft repair line along with the labour resources.
TL;DR: The authors suggest a plausible model whereby corporate social media engagement is seen to exert its influence through the three key dimensions of strategy process - environmental factors, strategists characteristics and decision issue characteristics.
Abstract: Social media engagement by business firms has been steadily on the rise, with its application extending to a range of corporate functions, beyond marketing and customer engagement, many of which can be construed as strategic. However, the potential influence of social media on strategy process or strategic decision making has scarcely been explored in strategic management literature. In addressing this gap, this paper conceptually explores the likely influence of social media on issue of strategic decision making and the mechanism of such influence, and also uses an assortment of anecdotes from practice for illustrative purposes. The authors suggest a plausible model whereby corporate social media engagement is seen to exert its influence through the three key dimensions of strategy process - environmental factors, strategists characteristics and decision issue characteristics. In particular social media engagement is conceived as ingraining knowledge creation and integration through socialization within an extended value network.
TL;DR: The study reveals how inclusion of abstract non-living entities such as stock indices in the social network analysis framework can capture the latent interdependence as manifested in the stock market.
Abstract: A novel method is proposed to rank the stock indices from across the globe to capture changes in the dominance of an index with respect to other indices. A correlation-based network structure is formulated and centrality measures are used to track these changes. Temporal evolution of the minimum spanning tree derived from the network of 93 stock indices worldwide has been analyzed with data from Bloomberg for the 5-year period from year 2006 through 2010. Measures are suggested for identifying dominant stock indices in the global stock market. It is investigated how the stock market turbulence can be detected by measuring the relative change in the ranks of the stock indices and in the network centralization of the emergent network structure. The study reveals how inclusion of abstract non-living entities such as stock indices in the social network analysis framework can capture the latent interdependence as manifested in the stock market. The chosen period of study encompassed the behavioral change in the stock market network before and after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the USA, revealing interesting counter-intuitive findings that the turbulence following the collapse of Lehman Brothers had a structure-loosening impact on the global stock market.
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) was developed in the 1950s by the American psychotherapist Dr. Albert Ellis as discussed by the authors, and it is popularly known as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (RETA).
Abstract: Rational emotive behaviour therapy or REBT (Ellis 2001, 2007; Ellis and Harper 1997) as it is popularly known as was developed in the 1950s by the American psychotherapist Dr. Albert Ellis.