Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

About: Indian Institute of Management Calcutta is a education organization based out in Kolkata, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Supply chain & Emerging markets. The organization has 415 authors who have published 1354 publications receiving 21725 citations. The organization is also known as: IIMC & IIM Calcutta.

Measuring batting consistency and comparing batting greats in test cricket: innovative applications of statistical tools

Abstract: This paper examines the intriguing problem of comparing great batsmen in test cricket across different eras. Traditional method of calculating a batsman’s batting average may be justified under the assumption that runs scored in various complete and incomplete innings by a batsman form a random sample from an exponential or a geometric distribution. This assumption, however, leads to undesirably having batting inconsistency or standard deviation uniquely determined by the batting mean. To correct this drawback, we propose use of the Weibull distribution model. First, the Weibull model is seen to provide a far superior fit to the test cricket data of our study. Second, the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of the batting standard deviation is found to provide a very sensible estimate of batting inconsistency. Third, the resulting MLE of the batting mean in case of Bradman turns out to be 109.42 instead of 99.94. Fourth, we define player longevity as a third criterion and introduce an index for quality-runs scored as a function of opposition strength and another measure for diversity of opponent teams encountered by a player. Fifth, the Mahalanobis distance is used for overall ranking of a select group of batting greats on the basis of various combinations of these five criteria, without assigning any subjective weights to them. Finally, multivariate statistical outlier detection technique affirms two players as truly outstanding—Bradman for his batting average and quality of runs scored, and Tendulkar for his longevity and opposition diversity he faced. The proposed techniques used here may easily be applied in sports management for ranking players available for procurement and in investment management for rating various financial assets.

BOP research meets macromarketing: content analysis of BOP-related research in the Journal of Macromarketing

Abstract: Although the research in the domain of bottom/base of the pyramid (also called BOP) has progressed a lot, there has been little understanding of how the BOP research has progressed in the macromarketing domain. In this article, a systematic content analysis of the published research is conducted in a leading macromarketing journal, Journal of Macromarketing. Selection of articles led to 23 key articles that lie at the intersection of BOP and macromarketing, which were analyzed on the basis of frequency of publication, content, methodology, and nature of authorships. The BOP macromarketing research has then been classified into six different themes: (1) BOP as a theoretical perspective, (2) Capacity Building and Subsistence Entrepreneurship, (3) Well-Being and Quality of Life at BOP, (4) Religion and BOP, (5) BOP and Market Development, and (6) BOP and Ethics. The article also suggests directions for future research at the intersection of BOP and macromarketing.

Mobile Application Developers' Platform Choice Model

Abstract: When it comes to developing native apps, mobile app developers have multiple platforms from which to make a choice. Focusing on the two most popular mobile platforms, iOS and Android, in this paper we present a model of factors that influence a developer's platform choice. It was built using inputs from a Delphi study with expert developers. We then administered a survey based on the model to 137 app developers. Results indicate, surprisingly, that while openness of a platform, or the lack of it, continues to influence developers' choice, it does not sufficiently distinguish Android and iOS developers. On the contrary, the toolkits available to support app development and the infrastructure and license costs involved in developing apps seem to be more important to developers in making their platform choice, as was expected returns.

An exploratory study on the impact of pro-market reforms on the Indian corporate sector

Abstract: Pro-market reforms were expected to increase competition, improve efficiency and reduce agency costs by improving the institutional environment in emerging markets. In an attempt to establish the macro–micro linkages of these goals, this paper aims to analyse the impact of reforms on the performance of firms belonging to different ownership categories. We find that while state owned enterprises have shown signs of convergence, the performance of other domestic firms has stagnated. Meanwhile multinational subsidiaries have shown consistently better performance, raising questions on the motive and direction of reforms. We end by discussing the policy implications and avenues for future research.

A ranking algorithm for online social network search

Abstract: Online Social Networks have become the new arena for people to stay in touch, pursue their interests and collaborate. In October 2012, Facebook reported a whopping 1 billion users which is testimony of the fact how online social networks have proliferated and made inroads into the real world. Some of the obvious advantages of social networks are (1) 24X7 availability allowing users to stay in virtual touch at any time of the day, (2) get in touch with people who have similar interests and collaborate with them and (3) the ability to be able to search for users to add to one's friend circle. The third advantage is the focus of this paper. With the increasing number of users on online social networks, it is important that when a user searches for another user, appropriate results are returned. This paper identifies three criteria -- proximity, similarity and interaction, which can be used to rank search results so that more appropriate results are presented to the searching user. Also, this algorithm allows the search ranking to be customized according to the nature of the online social network in question.