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1 – 10 of 31Himanshu Gupta and Mukesh Kumar Barua
Innovation is a prerequisite for economic and technological growth of any organization. Identifying enablers of innovation can help managers accelerate the process of…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation is a prerequisite for economic and technological growth of any organization. Identifying enablers of innovation can help managers accelerate the process of economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prominent enablers of innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can help overhauling organizations and benefit them economically.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review and expert’s opinions have been applied to identify enablers of innovation. A case of automotive component supplier is considered for conducting the research. A coalescence of Grey and DEMATEL methodologies has been incorporated to first rank the enablers of innovation based on their importance and then identify the causal relationship among these enablers by characterizing enablers into causal and effect groups.
Findings
A few important enablers, namely, entrepreneur traits, knowledge management, resources for innovation, and linkage capabilities, have been identified as prominent enablers for successful innovation in SMEs.
Practical implications
This paper identifies enablers of innovation in SMEs and the causal relationship between these enablers. The identified enablers and the causal relationship between these enablers will help managers of small organizations in selecting the enablers that need to be focused on, which, in turn, can drive other enablers of innovation, thus saving time and resources of the organizations.
Originality/value
This paper uses a novel Grey–DEMATEL methodology to identify the causal relationship among enablers and also contributes to the literature on innovation by identifying enablers of innovation in SMEs.
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Tarun Nanda, Himanshu Gupta, Tejinder P. Singh, Simonov Kusi-Sarpong, Chiappetta Jose Charbel Jabbour and Adriana Cherri
Technology and knowledge have become the buzzwords of the new millennium. Technological changes and demanding customers are creating a more knowledge intensive, turbulent…
Abstract
Purpose
Technology and knowledge have become the buzzwords of the new millennium. Technological changes and demanding customers are creating a more knowledge intensive, turbulent, complex and uncertain environment. Organizations, which are able to continually build faster and cheaper new strategic assets than their competitors, create long-term competitive advantages. Thus, the growth of companies is directly associated with innovativeness and technological development, especially for small organizations that are more vulnerable to dynamic changes in market place. Organizations need a strategic framework that can help them to achieve the goal of technology development and competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to develop such strategic framework for small organizations for their technology development and, hence, survival in marketplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Options field methodology, options profile methodology, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy set theory are utilized to generate various options and profiles to propose a conceptual framework for technology development.
Findings
The results from the study showed that “mixed approach,” “strategic simulation approach” and the “regulatory environment approach,” in this order, emerged as the top three important options for the strategic technological development of small manufacturing enterprises.
Originality/value
This result can provide an original and more accurate implementation pathway toward technological innovative development in emerging economies. The proposed framework can provide valuable guidelines and recommendations to practicing managers and analysts for policy development to promote innovative and technological developments.
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Himanshu Gupta, Sarangdhar Kumar, Simonov Kusi-Sarpong, Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour and Martin Agyemang
The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize a list of key digitization enablers that can improve supply chain management (SCM). SCM is an important driver for…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize a list of key digitization enablers that can improve supply chain management (SCM). SCM is an important driver for organization's competitive advantage. The fierce competition in the market has forced companies to look the past conventional decision-making process, which is based on intuition and previous experience. The swift evolution of information technologies (ITs) and digitization tools has changed the scenario for many industries, including those involved in SCM.
Design/methodology/approach
The Best Worst Method (BWM) has been applied to evaluate, rank and prioritize the key digitization and IT enablers beneficial for the improvement of SC performance. The study also used additive value function to rank the organizations on their SC performance with respect to digitization enablers.
Findings
The total of 25 key enablers have been identified and ranked. The results revealed that “big data/data science skills”, “tracking and localization of products” and “appropriate and feasibility study for aiding the selection and adoption of big data technologies and techniques ” are the top three digitization and IT enablers that organizations need to focus much in order to improve their SC performance. The study also ranked the SC performance of the organizations based on digitization enablers.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will help the organizations to focus on certain digitization technologies in order to improve their SC performance. This study also provides an original framework for organizations to rank the key digitization enablers according to enablers relevant in their context and also to compare their performance with their counterparts.
Originality/value
This study seems to be the first of its kind in which 25 digitization enablers categorized in four main categories are ranked using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool. This study is also first of its kind in ranking the organizations in their SC performance based on weights/ranks of digitization enablers.
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Abstract
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Venkat Ramaswamy and Naveen Chopra
This case shows how a set of six steps that captured the essence of implementing co-creation thinking to promote transformational change were applied in a complex…
Abstract
Purpose
This case shows how a set of six steps that captured the essence of implementing co-creation thinking to promote transformational change were applied in a complex corporate manufacturing operation in India.
Design/methodology/approach
This case describes how the co-creation paradigm of value creation was applied step by step in the quality function across the five operating sites of Mahindra's Automotive Division, a subsidiary of the conglomerate Mahindra Group. The case also looks at the results as the initial experiment expanded.
Findings
By enlisting employees and a range of other stakeholders the firm was able to greatly improve product quality. The success of the initial program caused executives in other units of the firm to become co-creation of value process champions.
Practical implications
The six-step process is: 1. Identify key stakeholders and increase their willingness to engage. 2. Set up platforms purposefully designed to engage individuals more co-creatively, with environments of interactions configured around people's “lived” experiences. 3. Identify and support new co-creation champions. 4. Expand the circle of stakeholders and joint value creation opportunities. 5. Deepen the impact and enable the viral spread of “win more-win more” value creation in the enterprise ecosystem. 6. Engage stakeholders across private, public, and social sectors to expand wealth, welfare and well-being for the benefit of all.
Originality/value
Co-authored by a leading authority on the theory of co-creation of value and a senior executive at a large corporation, this case will be useful to practicing managers in all industries.
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Sajjan Singhvi, Gaurav Sharma and Rajat Gera
Rural Marketing, Sales and Distribution Management, Salesperson Motivation, Channel Management.
Abstract
Subject area
Rural Marketing, Sales and Distribution Management, Salesperson Motivation, Channel Management.
Study level/applicability
The case can be used in sales management, channel management and rural marketing courses offered to graduate students of MBA degrees. In the sales management courses, the emphasis is on understanding the typical tasks that the rural salesperson is required to conduct. The case can be used to design a suitable motivation-mix for a rural salesperson after analysing their approach towards work. In a rural marketing course, the case can be used to understand the sales and distribution management of fast-moving consumer good products in rural India. The case can be used in channel management courses to design an appropriate channel structure in the rural market in India and utilized for managing the distributors’ salesforce for effective and improved market coverage in rural areas.
Case overview
Candy Confectioneries Private Limited started its operations in 1995, and was one of the largest confectionery players in India with a market share of 20 per cent. The company had achieved sales of Rs 20bn in 2014 and had 15 confectionery brands in the market. The company was also trying hard to establish itself in the snacks category. The company had nationwide operations, and it was important for the company to expand into the rural market. It served its markets through a comprehensive urban and rural distribution setup. In the rural distribution network, the rural sales representatives (RSRs) played a key role and perhaps were one of the most critical factors in covering the rural market. The RSR system was typical to suit the requirement of product-market coverage with its limitations. The case broadly profiles eight RSRs who were engaged to cover a specific territory in the State of Bihar in India. It also describes their approaches to work and complexities emerging thereof in achieving the best results for the organization.
Expected learning outcomes
The case has the following learning objectives: Understanding the design of sales and distribution channel structure followed for distribution and selling of confectionery products in rural India. Examining whether the existing system is adequate to achieve the goals of the firm. Evaluating the performance of each salesperson and identifying common factors to formulate the salesforce policies. Arriving at a suitable motivation-mix for the rural salesperson.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
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Himanshu Sharma and Anu G. Aggarwal
Nowadays, various hotels and third party websites allow guests to express their stay experience in the form of textual content and ratings termed as user-generated content…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, various hotels and third party websites allow guests to express their stay experience in the form of textual content and ratings termed as user-generated content (UGC). This study aims to explore the influence of UGC along with the financial aspect on the sales of the hotel. This will help them in making efficient business decisions and revenue generation by realizing the requirements of the guests. The proposed model provides an insight into the theoretical and practical significance of the concerned explanatory variables to the hoteliers.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper considers the number of rooms, six aspect ratings (room, cleanliness, location, service, value and sleep quality), review length and readability as the independent variables. Revenue per available room is taken as the dependent variable. Log-linear regression analysis is performed on a data set of 78 hotels situated in Delhi National Capital Region to validate the relationships. Moreover, the differential impact of hotel type on these exploratory variables is studied.
Findings
Research findings show that along with the financial aspect, the UGC components also play a key role in generating sales for the hotels. It was further observed that the two hotel categories, i.e. luxury and budget have different natures and also the characteristics of luxury hotels overshadow those of budget.
Originality/value
This study uses the textual content of the reviews along with the numerical ratings. This is a unique combination for studying sales of hotels according to the knowledge of authors, where earlier studies focused only on the financial aspects.
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Deepak Chawla and Himanshu Joshi
The purpose of this paper is to identify which factors influence mobile banking adoption and examine those factors for segmentation, using a sample of Indian consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify which factors influence mobile banking adoption and examine those factors for segmentation, using a sample of Indian consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 59 statements were identified based on a literature review, focus group discussions and personal interviews. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the relevant factors. An online survey of 367 mobile phone users in India was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. Appropriate statistical techniques (hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means cluster analysis) were used to segment the users. A profile of each segment was developed based on demographics, mobile banking services used, and attitude and intentions toward mobile banking. Further, a post hoc test was used to test the variation between the obtained clusters and user attitudes and intentions toward mobile banking. The demographic characteristics of users within each cluster were also examined.
Findings
Mobile users were segmented into three clusters based on their perceptions of various factors influencing mobile banking. These segments were labeled as technology adoption (TA) leaders, TA followers and TA laggards. The results show that both attitude and intentions toward mobile banking significantly differs across the three segments. In terms of relative positioning, TA leaders have the most favorable attitudes and intentions followed by TA followers, and TA laggards. Age was found to significantly influence TA and usage.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of the study are based on responses from young, educated and salaried Indian consumers from large metro cities. Therefore, it is important to include respondents from smaller cities and towns to be able to generalize the findings. The sample is skewed toward users having accounts with private banks and hence, a balanced representation of respondents from public and private sector banks would help in identifying gaps pertaining to each sector. In future research, attempting to compare the results with other developing and developed countries may be beneficial.
Practical implications
The results offer service providers better knowledge about typical mobile banking user segments, providing banks with ideas for customizing their services to meet customer expectations.
Originality/value
This paper provides insights into factors that influence mobile banking adoption in India, which has not been investigated. In contrast to earlier studies conducted on internet banking, this study attempts to examine the perceptions, attitudes and intentions of mobile users. Although traditional TA models and theories of technology diffusion have been used, this study attempts to tailor the model specifically for mobile banking.
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Pankaj Dutta and Himanshu Shrivastava
This paper aims to design an optimal supply chain network and to develop a suitable distribution planning under uncertainty for perishable product's supply chain. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to design an optimal supply chain network and to develop a suitable distribution planning under uncertainty for perishable product's supply chain. The ultimate goal is to help in making decisions under uncertain environments.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, stochastic programming is used under conditions of demand, supply and process uncertainties, and a non-linear mathematical model is developed for perishable product’s supply chain. Authors’ study considers disruptions in transportation routes and also within the facilities and investigates optimal facility location and shipment decisions while minimising the total supply chain cost. A scenario-based approach is used to model these disruptions. The retailer level uncertainty due to demand-supply mismatch is handled by incorporating the newsvendor model into the last echelon of supply chain network. In this paper, two policies are proposed for making decisions under uncertain environments. In the first one, the expected cost of the supply chain is minimised. To also consider the risk behaviour of the decision maker, authors propose the second policy through a conditional value-at-risk approach.
Findings
Authors discuss the model output through various examples that are provided via a case study from the milk industry. The supply chain design and planning of the disruption-free model are different from those of the resilient model.
Practical implications
Authors’ research benefits the perishable products industries which encounter the disruption problems in their transportation routes as well as in the facilities. Authors have demonstrated the research through a real-life case in a milk industry.
Originality/value
The major contribution of authors’ work is the design of the supply chain network under disruption risks by incorporating aspects of product perishability. This work provides insight into areas such as the simultaneous consideration of demand, supply and process uncertainties. The amalgamation of newsvendor model and the approximation of the non-linearity of retailer level cost function especially in the context of supply chain under uncertainty is the first of its kind. We provide a comprehensive statistical study of uncertainties that are present in the supply chain in a unique manner.
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Deepak Chawla and Himanshu Joshi
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the factors that influence a consumer’s attitude and intention to use mobile wallets using a sample representative of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the factors that influence a consumer’s attitude and intention to use mobile wallets using a sample representative of Indian users.
Design/methodology/approach
A multidisciplinary model is proposed, building on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and other relevant research on factors, which influence technology adoption. A synthesis of review of literature on factors influencing technology adoption besides two focus group discussions (FGD) was used as a design a pilot instrument. A nationwide primary survey was conducted using the questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. In total, 744 respondents participated in the survey, and 17 hypotheses were formulated and PLS-SEM was used to estimate and test the hypothesized model.
Findings
The results show that factors like perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), trust, security, facilitating conditions and lifestyle compatibility have a significant impact on the consumer attitude and intention to use mobile wallets. Of the proposed 17 hypotheses, 15 were accepted. Ease of use significantly influenced usefulness and trust, whereas PU significantly influenced trust, attitude and intention. Security and trust were found to be play an important role in determining trust.
Research limitations/implications
This study examines the perception of students and working professional from large Indian cities. A larger representative sample encompassing balanced representation from urban and rural India could enhance the scope and widen the application of the results across larger target groups. This study analyzes data at a specific point in time. Considering the rapidly changing rate of adoption of mobile wallets, a longitudinal study could, therefore, be conducted. Furthermore, the possibility of including other antecedents like relative advantage, perceived benefits, personal innovativeness among other factors, which have not been addressed here can be explored. Also, additional research can help examine the role of demographics in adoption of mobile wallets including its moderating effect.
Practical implications
As security and trust emerged as important constructs for acceptance of mobile wallets, there is a need for developing an integrated robust, reliable and secure infrastructure. A joint think tank involving key stakeholders (financial institutions, mobile wallet providers, government, security experts, etc.) should propose guidelines to ensure safe and secure transactions. The findings have managerial implications, which can guide companies offering mobile wallets to enhance usage and adoption of such services.
Originality/value
Mobile wallets have provided newer digital payment avenues to consumers while offering companies and marketers greater opportunities to market their products and services, online. However, not much is reported about the adoption of mobile wallets in India. The study is perhaps the first in India to examine the adoption of mobile wallets using a larger sample in comparison to earlier studies. The study proposes and validates additional constructs, which were not present in the original model.