Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Excellence in 2018"

Green HRM – a study on the perception of Generation Y as prospective internal customers

Abstract: Businesses have realised that they must develop a powerful social conscience and green sense of onus where corporate responsibility is not an altruistic nice to have, but a critical business need. The HR function is the driver of environmental sustainability within the organisation. There is a need for integration of environmental management into human resource management and to accomplish this, the HR professionals are crafting and executing eco-policies and strategies. The green human resource management (green HRM) has begun to appear from companies engaging in practices connected to preservation of environment and maintaining ecological equilibrium. 'Going green' is holding everybody's attention, especially the youth. This paper will provide insight about the degree to which Gen Y cares about health of the planet earth and Gen Y's perception about the organisations practising green hiring practices, performance management and reward and recognition, the key factors evolved from the study.

Roadmap for business analytics implementation using DIPPS model for sustainable business excellence: case studies from the multiple fields

Abstract: Today the organisations are increasingly adopting analytics for breakthrough business results. There are enough talks about potentials of business analytics, software solutions on analytics and data visualisations. However, very few success stories are published and easily available in public domain. The focus is required to translate potentials of analytics into the breakthrough business results. This paper proposes discover-innovate-predict-perform-sustain (DIPPS) model for the business excellence through analytics. It also presents success stories of big data analytics and industrial internet of the things (IIoT) from the multiple fields for the breakthrough business results. The hypothesis testing indicates that the organisations deploying the DIPPS model have higher success rate and the probability of achieving their analytics goals.

Hindrances to sustainable workforce in the upstream oil and gas industries - interpretive structural modelling approach

Abstract: It is a well-known fact that the industrial sector's overall growth and development depends hugely on the talent and strength of its workforce. The objective of this study is to present an approach to identify critical hindrances in achieving a sustainable workforce in Indian oil and gas industries. Seven significant barriers have been identified from the literature review and opinions of experts from the industry and academia. The interpretive structural modelling methodology has been employed for establishing the contextual relationships among the barriers and a hierarchical model has been developed. Further, crucial hindrances have been identified from their driving and dependency power using MICMAC analysis. Lack of clarity in the career ladder, insufficient pay and perks (C6), reduction or elimination of educational and training programs (C4), lack of knowledge transfer (C5) are found to be the most significant barriers. An example from the Indian oil and gas industry has been presented to show the real-world applicability of the proposed model. This study is intended to help academicians and industry practitioners to understand the interrelationship among the identified barriers and to eliminate the most critical barriers for achieving the workforce sustainability in the case sector.

An empirical examination of collaborative knowledge management practices and organisational performance: the mediating roles of supply chain integration and knowledge quality

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a comprehensive framework analysing the relationship of collaborative knowledge management practices (CKMP) with the overall organisational business performance through two mediating variables; supply chain integration and supply chain knowledge quality. The design of the study is based on a survey of 400 firms from the Jordanian manufacturing sector that are actively involved in inter-firm knowledge management practices with supply chain partners. Structural equation modelling was used to test the study hypothesis. The results of the study reveal that engagement in CKMP can lead to better integration between supply chain partners and increased organisational knowledge quality which in turn, can lead to better organisational performance. CKMP's positive relationship with knowledge quality and supply chain integration provides organisations with practice-related motivation for engaging in collaborative knowledge management and alerts them to the possibility of other potential benefits from it.

Corporate social responsibility practices in Malaysian automotive suppliers: confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine corporate social responsibility practices in Malaysian automotive suppliers by using confirmatory factor analysis. 288 sets of questionnaires were successfully collected which indicated a 72% response rate. In this study, structural equation modelling technique was utilised to perform the required statistical analysis of the data survey. The results of six constructs (employee involvement, customer focus, environment, corporate governance, community and society, and human right) showed that the measurement model for corporate social responsibility practices had a good fit and the model was valid and reliable for Malaysian automotive suppliers. The paper ends with a proposed future direction for this research.

Assessment of sustainable initiatives in Indian ports using AHP framework

Abstract: From historic era to modern days, sea ports have been acting as a commercial infrastructure for international trade and adding value to the nation. But escalation in the port activities on land and increased vessel traffic has resulted negative impact on the environment and ecology. Thus, ports are forced to think beyond their traditional business ideology of growing in economic dimension only. Rather they are required to grow economically in balance with social progress and remain environmental friendly. This provides a scope to identify a sustainable framework and factors associated to it, with respect to a port. This study makes an attempt in this direction and identifies the critical factors for sustainable initiatives in Indian sea ports. This work uses AHP framework to evaluate the sustainable initiatives and identifies that for a port; environment dimension should be prioritise over social and economic dimension to attain sustainability. Similarly economic dimension should be considered after social dimension while developing a sustainable framework. Additionally, the study also concludes that out of 14 sub factors used for study, 'functional environmental management system' is most important one and 'port infrastructure development scheme/fund' is least considered sub factor.

Evaluation and selection of third party logistics services providers using data envelopment analysis: a sustainable approach

Abstract: Third party logistics service providers (3PLSPs) evaluation and selection for a long-term as well as a strategic partnership is a very crucial and critical task and it is continually associated with uncertain challenges. To remain efficient and competent in the dynamically changing world of 21st century, organisations have reinforced their supply networks by building strategic partnership among both local and international suppliers. Adding to these, there are growing concerns from stakeholder for ensuring implementation of sustainability dimensions. The aim of this paper is to measure and compare the relative efficiency of the existing 3PLSPs based on the technical and sustainable criteria by using a data envelopment analysis (DEA), to find the best among the 3PLSPs portfolios, for the purpose of selection. Finally, a case study in a manufacturing firm is presented to demonstrate the potential use of the model.

Exploring the antecedents of innovation performance: the roles of entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation and organisational learning

Abstract: This paper analyses the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on learning orientation (LO), the relationship between them and their effect on organisational learning (OL) and innovation performance (IP) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A cross-sectional research design, drawing on a questionnaire survey, was employed to collect data from a sample of Iranian SMEs. The results obtained from structural equation modelling analyses revealed that EO positively affects the LO and OL levels in SMEs. In addition, OL was found to be a significant antecedent of innovation performance. These findings have important implications for academies, practitioners, and economic policy makers.

Barriers to reverse logistics practices in pharmaceutical supply chains: an ISM approach

Abstract: The essence of supply chain management lies in delivering the right product in the right quantity with the right quality to the right customer at the right time, right cost and at the right place The product may return for customers' dissatisfaction, defect, non-performance, servicing etc Having attracted the stakeholders' attention long back, practice of reverse logistics still faces issues related with financial resources, technological advancement, commitment of top management, awareness about the legislative measures etc Identification, classification, and preparation of suitable strategies become the responsibility of the top management Researchers have tried to establish the impediments of reverse logistics practices in the context of Indian pharmaceutical supply chains Using the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), researchers tried to establish driving barriers and independent barriers Based on the degree of driving power and dependency, researchers extracted some crucial barriers that require more attention than others

The impact of the education services quality on students' satisfaction: an empirical study at the business schools in Jordan

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of the educational services level of quality in the business school of Jordanian universities. The sample of the study was a convenient sample; consisted of business students in Jordanian universities. The results illustrates moderate quality services provided by the faculties and that it needs to increase its' level of quality in all these aspects to get the highest degree of satisfaction from students. Only one item has high degree of agreement which is the student's satisfaction and the rest have moderate agreement. The mean of the physicality is 2.99, assurance 3.59, dependability 3.17, reactivity 3.22, empathy 3.33, skills acquisition 3.23 and the student's satisfaction 3.69. The researchers suggest improving the physical appearance of buildings, classrooms, facilities, provide more teaching equipment and all these tangible materials that can enhance the educational process and the satisfaction of students accordingly.

Using data envelopment analysis to evaluate the performances of food production companies based on EFQM's criteria and to present an improvement plan

Abstract: In today's world, organisations are always interested in evaluating themselves. This self-assessment can present a common language and conceptual framework for the improvement and management of the organisations. In this paper, first the performance evaluation models including the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) model and data envelopment analysis (DEA) are studied. Then, assessment data of 24 food companies are collected through an EFQM model questionnaire. Then the efficiency scores of each organisation based on the DEA (CCR) are calculated using Lingo software, in which that, organisations are considered as decision making units (DMUs) and enablers and results criteria in EFQM model are inputs and outputs of DEA model. Then, based on the efficiency scores of each organisation, improvement plan with the help of the dual DEA model is presented to increase efficiency scores of inefficient units. Finally, it will be clear that each inefficient unit for improving the inefficiency should focus on which of the criteria.

Performance analysis of vehicle assembly line using discrete event simulation modelling

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to utilise simulation as a decision making tool in a complex manufacturing setup. A vehicle assembly line at an automobile company in India is modelled and analysed to help managers to identify the criticality of different parameters. Conveyor speed, operator fatigue and incoming material quality were selected from a pool of parameters which affect the line output. On the basis of design of experiments (DOE), experiments were carried out to capture the effect of input parameters on the line output. The results from these were further analysed using response surface methodology (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The line output was found to be most sensitive to operator fatigue followed by incoming material quality and conveyor speed. This paper provides a structured approach to analyse the vehicle assembly line in an automobile company and provides a suitable tool to the management to analyse the complex functioning of a manufacturing system.

The impact of job satisfaction, trust, gender and supervisor support on perceived organisational performance: an exploratory study in the UAE service sector

Abstract: In this study, we examine the impact of trust, gender, perceived supervisor support and job satisfaction on perceived organisational performance. The study focuses on a sample of 311 employees from the service sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The concepts and instruments utilised in the study were borrowed from past research and their reliability was further verified and confirmed through factor analysis and Cronbach reliability tests. We explore four main hypotheses. To test for these, regression analysis was conducted using 'process macro plug-in' developed by Hayes (2013). In strong support of the first two hypotheses, trust and job satisfaction were found to have the strongest impact on perceptions of organisational performance. Surprisingly, hypothesis 3 was not verified as supervisor support was found to play an insignificant role in shaping perceptions of organisational performance. In support of the forth hypothesis, gender was found to have a significant moderating effect on the above relationships. Further scrutiny of the role of gender revealed that the impact of trust on perceived performance was much more significant among females. Implications of these findings for future research and management practices are discussed.

Mediation effect of service quality between service innovation and customer word-of-mouth in Indian higher education system

Abstract: This study attempts to test the impact of service innovation on external perspective intermediate constructs of SPC framework that would help in enhancing positive word-of-mouth (WOM) of an educational institution Further, the study efforts to estimate the mediating effect of service quality Under descriptive research through survey method a sample of 355 final year under-graduate/masters programs were approached to register their opinion on the constructs Visual PLS, software tool was used to test the causal relationship and Sobel's test was used for the mediation analysis The result exhibits that there is a combined positive effect of service innovation-service quality on the customers' WOM The outcome further indicates that service quality acts as a perfect mediator between service innovation and customers' WOM The decision makers of education service sector can understand that if they frequently introduce service innovation with improved quality that would result in students spreading positive WOM

Perceived justice in performance appraisal among Vietnamese employees: antecedents and consequences

Abstract: The current study investigates the antecedents and consequences of perceived justice in performance appraisal (PA) among Vietnamese employees. Although PA is popular in Vietnam, few researches to examine the effectiveness of PA practice in Vietnamese company have been reported. This research explores the issue of justice in PA from the employee perspective. Cross-sectional data were collected from full-time employees at various organisations who are enrolling in night-time Master courses using self-reported questionnaires which yielded a final sample size of 546 observations. Results of multiple regression analyses indicate that participative PA, PA training, trust in rater and the use of forced distribution ranking system have been found to influence the perception of procedural and distributive justice in PA. Perception of procedural and distributive justice in PA, in turn, significantly impacts intention to stay with the organisation. The relationships between perceived justice in PA and job performance, however, are partly in contradiction to previous predictions. While perceived distributive justice in PA strongly influences, perception of procedural justice does not influence job performance. Discussion of results and implications are also detailed.

Modelling supply chain coordination for performance improvement using analytical network process-based approach

Abstract: In order to improve coordination in the supply chain, the selection of a supply chain coordination mechanism plays an important role. Due to the multi-dimensional nature of a supply chain problem, the selection of the right supply chain coordination mechanisms (SCCMs) in a given situation remains a difficult and most challenging task for supply chain managers. In this paper, an attempt has been made first to explore various issues pertaining to the selection and implementation of SCCMs and finally to create an analytical network process (ANP) based framework to help supply chain managers to take appropriate steps in the selection of SCCMs in a given situation. The framework presented in this paper summarises the role of market responsiveness, process integration, risk, requirement and flexibility for supply chain performance. The paper explores the relationship among cost, flexibility, quality, service level and lead time to prioritise coordination mechanisms of supply chain for Indian manufacturing companies. The paper concludes with the justification of the framework, which analyses and prioritises the alternatives using ANP to improve coordination in supply chain.

Problems and prospects of Indian MSMEs: a literature review

Abstract: MSMEs have been playing an important role in overall economic development of a country like India where millions of people are underemployed or even unemployed. This sector solves many problems viz. poverty and unemployment through providing immediate and large-scale employment, with lower investments and proves to be a second largest manpower employer, after agriculture. Small-scale industry is one of the major planks of India's economic development strategies since Independence. With the advent of planned economy since 1951 and the subsequent industrial policy followed by Government of India, both government and planners earmarked a special role for this industry in the Indian economy. India, being one of the fastest growing economies of the world, needs to pay an honest attention for the utmost growth of MSMEs for its increased contribution in above areas. The present study investigates the literature to identify major problems faced by MSMEs in the competitive environment. It also focuses on the factors contributing towards enhanced manufacturing performance of Indian MSMEs.

The effect of high performance work systems on radical innovation in knowledge-based companies through moderating role of innovation capabilities

Abstract: The present study aims to examine the effect of high-performance systems through moderating role of marketing capabilities on radical innovation of knowledge-based companies. The statistical population of study includes all managers and employees of Iranian knowledge-based companies that are located in Isfahan province. The statistical sample of study includes 165 individuals. The results of present study suggest that the variables of employee autonomy, training and development off employees, participation in decision-making, job security and performance management affect radical innovation of knowledge-based companies significantly. In addition, the results suggest that the variables of job security and job clarity do not affect radical innovation of knowledge-based companies significantly. In addition, results of testing moderating hypothesis suggest that innovation capabilities with adjustment coefficient of 0.527 moderate the effect of high-performance systems on radical innovation significantly.

Evaluating international market selection with multi-criteria decision making tools - a case study of a metal company in Indonesia

Abstract: With the era of globalisation, firms have the opportunity to expand their operations beyond the country's boundary. Expanding business to an international market can give firms benefits such as economic of scale leading to cheaper cost, higher asset utilisation, as well as knowledge to international exposure. However, entering international market also poses its own challenges and risks. To make a sound business decision, firms wish to enter international market need to do a proper analysis and evaluation. The study is based on a case of a medium-size Indonesia company that wishes to export its metal-derivatives products to the international market. The study used a systematic international market selection (IMS) approach using a combination of analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and goal programming (GP). It chose 12 (sub) criteria, representing generic and product-related considerations. Based on the preliminary screening, it narrowed down the alternatives to 15 countries, and using the combination of AHP-GP recommended three countries to enter.

Whether service quality determinants and customer satisfaction influence loyalty: a study of fitness services

Abstract: This study attempts to explore the dimensions of consumer perceived service quality in the context of fitness services provided by gymnasiums and investigate the relationship among service quality, loyalty and overall satisfaction of consumers from the fitness service A 16-item instrument (SERVGYM) was developed by modifying SERVPERF instrument to measure service quality in gymnasiums in four major cities of India The scale was validated using confirmatory factor analysis Structural equation modelling technique was employed to assess the relationship of service quality with loyalty and overall satisfaction of consumers Four service quality dimensions were identified namely, reliability, customer-orientedness, convenience, and ambiance All the service quality dimensions were found to have positive influence on both satisfaction and loyalty Positive relationship between satisfaction and loyalty was also established The scale contextualised to Indian fitness service (gym) industry is useful to measure service quality in gymnasiums Understanding of the service quality dimensions and their relationship with loyalty and customer satisfaction is also significant

Linking soft and hard total quality management practices: evidence from Jordan

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between the two aspects of total quality management (TQM), soft TQM practices and hard TQM practices in manufacturing organisations. A research project was carried out in Jordanian manufacturing organisations using questionnaire survey. The relationships between the practices were examined through Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analyses. The results showed that the relationship between soft and hard TQM practices is significant. Customer focus has a significant relationship with statistical process control (SPC), while education and training have two significant relationships (SPC and continuous improvement). Top management leadership has three significant relationships (SPC, continuous improvement and product design). Finally, supplier relationship has significant relationships with all hard practices except process management practice. Hence, managers of manufacturing companies should realise the important role of hard practices in implementing soft TQM practices successfully.

Attitude towards celebrity endorsement - a case study of adolescent students using personal care products

Abstract: In advertisements, exploring the influence of celebrity endorsers on the consumer's perception towards the brands/products is an interesting and active area of research. The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of celebrity endorsement on students in terms of their purchase intention with reference to personal care products. The input variables included attitude towards celebrity endorsers, relationship between celebrity endorser and consumer and purchase intention was considered as the output variable. The study used a survey instrument to collect data from 300 students undergoing their Bachelor of Engineering degree course in five reputed colleges in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Overall, results show that attitude towards celebrity, relationship with celebrity endorser are positively impacting the purchase intention toward personal care products. Variables like attractiveness, expertise, endorser effect, celebrity trap, negative events, product information and consumer manipulation are found to have significantly impacted the consumers purchase intention towards personal care products.

Developing corporate governance in Myanmar – lessons learned from corporate governance development in Indonesia

Abstract: Recent development in Myanmar shows a growing concern of the needs of corporate governance. With enormous economic and political transformations in Myanmar, corporate governance is really important to increase Myanmar's economic potential and foreign direct investment. With the hope and expectation of growing economic potential following the current transformation in Myanmar, the need of good corporate governance is inevitable. Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, the most severe problems in Myanmar arise between controlling and non-controlling shareholders instead of problems which arise from the separation of ownership and management. This type of problems is referred as type II agency problems. This paper, to my best knowledge, may be among the first paper which discusses corporate governance in Myanmar. Thus, it should encourage greater debates and discussions on Myanmar's corporate governance. Applying institutional theory and agency theory, this paper provides recommendations to combat type II agency problems and promote good corporate governance.

Does perceived travel risk influence tourist's revisit intention?

Abstract: The tourism industry of any country is strongly impacted by domestic as well as external events or issues, such as natural calamity, diplomatic relations, political conflicts, disease outbreaks, environmental issues, and economic crisis. In developing countries where tourism is one of the major sources of national income, these events or issues can seriously affect the industry. Despite the significance of perceived travel risk, few studies addressed its influence on revisit intentions of tourists. The present study offers new insights by investigating the effects of perceived travel risks on revisiting intentions of the 374 tourists visiting Uttarakhand, India. This study was conducted during July 2013 to September 2013, just after Kedarnath incident - a major natural disaster. Data were gathered from tourists through a survey instrument. Following analysis of data, multiple risk dimensions seriously affecting revisit intentions of tourists were identified. Important managerial implications concerning the management of risk perceptions were discussed.

Prioritising retail service quality determinants: a study in the context of India

Abstract: The study explores the service quality of Indian departmental stores to prioritise service quality determinants from the customers' perspective. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is employed to achieve the objective of prioritisation of service quality determinants. At the dimension level, professionalism was found to be the most important factor, followed by physical aspects and policy. On the basis of composite priority, prompt service (0.113) was found to be the most important service attribute followed by fulfil promises (0.094), availability of merchandise (0.078) and timing of service (0.073). The approach adopted in the present study guides the marketer to understand the firm's competitive position vis-a-vis the competition.

Investigating the gender influence on technology adoption model towards smart phones - evidences from emerging economies

Abstract: The paper investigates the influence of gender (male and female) over technology acceptance model (TAM) towards using smart phones The study conducted in the Sultanate of Oman among 296 smart phones users (male and female) The study used SEM approach to identify the influence The results are: 1) gender (male and female) elicit a negative influence over perceived usefulness towards using smart phones; 2) male respondents elicit a positive influence over perceived ease of use; 3) female respondents elicit a negative influence over perceived ease of use The model revealed the male influence over perceived ease of use towards using smart phones

The role of workforce skills development for entrepreneurship: an Emiratisation perspective

Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of skills development in establishing and empowering the workforce resulting into Emiratisation of the labour market in the UAE. A framework for the development of Emirati workforce is presented with special emphasis on the human developments for the private sector. This study provides a better understanding of the dynamic processes and special skills required for Emirati workforce. A quantitative approach is adopted to reveal the Emiratisation that confronts many entrepreneurial challenges. The results reveal the need to pursue and develop abilities and skills for the Emiratisation as a key factor for entrepreneurial activity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings suggest that government support for consultancy and advisor services, market conditions and government policies, acquisition and transmission of technology, financing and availability of infrastructure contributes to Emiratisation. No such comprehensive study was found to have considered impact of such factors on entrepreneurship with special focus on skill development requirements.

Identification of factors affecting quality of multimodal transportation for containerised export in Indian scenario

Abstract: This work explores the perception of actors in multimodal transportation to arrive at the significant factors influencing the quality of multi-modal transportation for containers from the India. The existing literature focuses on a particular issue, or some issues, such as cost, time or infrastructure related to logistics or concerns of a firm in maintaining efficacy of logistics operations. In this research, an attempt has been made to compile and analyse the major relevant issues and challenges of the primary stakeholders associated with multimodal transportations. The responses of the stakeholders, represented by the managers of the firms, in the logistics chain have been obtained through semi-structured interviews. The responses have been analysed qualitatively, and the summary of the results have been vetted by the respondents. The customers' perspectives have been further obtained by analysing their comments on the social networking websites of logistics firms. These e-comments have been analysed using SentiStrength, data mining software. The results of the analyses reveal the factors affecting the perception of stakeholders about the quality of multimodal transportation.

Recent developments in 'low cost carrier' research: a review

Abstract: Recent trends in the low cost carrier (LCC) literature is reviewed in this study from 2005-2015. On the basis of systematic review, 169 articles located in 20 top air transport journals are categorised into nine distinct topics/major themes: 1) airline strategy; 2) airline business model; 3) airline economics; 4) airline performance; 5) airline market structure; 6) airline operations; 7) airline sales and marketing; 8) airline service quality; 9) airline and airport relationship. All themes are reviewed and their intra linkages are presented in the study. Concluding thoughts concerns requirement to carry out process and variance-based studies and compare various LCC models across the word from the point of view of location, policy, regulations and competition through process and variance-based research.

Financial analysis of companies concerned about human rights

Abstract: Consumer demand for low prices juxtaposing with a company's need for profitability drives corporations to minimise the costs of goods within their supply chains. This has led some unethical business managers to engage in human exploitation within company supply chains. However, consumers also demand that human rights are not violated in the making of the goods they buy. Thus, corporations are being held accountable for monitoring human rights within their supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to examine the financial performance of Fortune 500 companies that have shown concern over human rights within their supply chains. Since there is a financial cost in safeguarding human rights within supply chains, this paper seeks to determine if companies concerned about human rights suffer financial loss. The 92 concerned companies in the sample, compared to the average company in top industries, were found to have some significantly different financial performance ratios.