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Article
Publication date: 6 October 2022

Meenakshi Sharma, Rupesh Kumar and Pradeep Chauhan

Suppliers and marketers have started planning toward postpandemic scenarios where logistics and retail will happen in a new way with the help of technological advances. This shift…

Abstract

Purpose

Suppliers and marketers have started planning toward postpandemic scenarios where logistics and retail will happen in a new way with the help of technological advances. This shift means new challenges for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, and there is a need for strategic sourcing decisions for a robust supply chain system, logistics and on-time delivery system, as consumers have shown a positive change in online buying behavior. Furthermore, with digital transformation, customers are expected to not return to traditional buying. Hence, it becomes essential to identify the factors acting as enablers of online purchase behavior for sustainable digital business. This study aims to analyze the positive shifts in online purchasing by consumers, identify and model the enablers of positive transformations in online purchasing by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretative structural modeling (ISM) technique is used to draw the interrelationships among the variables and their impact on online buying. A context-oriented relationship among the factors has been set up through the expert opinion technique. A total of 40 specialists have been approached for this. ISM with Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis was used to prioritize these drivers, identify the most critical factors and establish a driver-dependence relationship among these drivers.

Findings

Several significant categories of enablers like health, trust, convenience, work from home, referral buying, panic purchase and overstocking possess a strong influence on the shift to online due to the pandemic. The results will help the policymakers, suppliers, retailers, managers and practitioners with insights to plan, prepare for challenges and make decisions toward preparation and shifting to the emergent digital world. In addition, the study provides academicians scope for further research in the related area.

Research limitations/implications

Consumer behavior significantly impacts retail and supply chain business, as it is an interface with the customer and links between a manufacturer and a customer. This study provides an insight into the shift in purchase behavior which can help suppliers in this transition phase to be better prepared for tomorrow to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study assists practitioners and researchers in understanding the interrelationships among the factors using ISM-MICMAC analysis in a realistic way rather than daydreaming with overambitious goals.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 December 2020

Totakura Bangar Raju, Pradeep Chauhan, Saurabh Tiwari and Vishal kashav

This paper inspects in detail the seasonality (deterministic) in container freight rates, and compares seasonality patterns in different freight rate indices. A deterministic…

Abstract

This paper inspects in detail the seasonality (deterministic) in container freight rates, and compares seasonality patterns in different freight rate indices. A deterministic seasonality unit root test is performed to achieve set objectives. This study concludes that all the indices (tested in this paper) exhibit significant deterministic seasonality. For January and August, there is no seasonal effect observed in all five series. At the same time, all the indices except Exports from Europe Rate Index (EEI) exhibit significant seasonal patterns in February, September, and December. All five indices exhibit significant seasonality during May, and the coefficient sign shows a drop in the freight rates. During March, October, and November; it is observed that only EEI exhibit significant seasonal patterns. The results could be beneficial for carriers and agents who are involved in the containerised freight transport business. Also, shippers could get a clear idea about the freight rates' nature across various trade routes.

Details

Journal of International Logistics and Trade, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1738-2122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2022

Anish Kumar, Sachin Kumar Mangla and Pradeep Kumar

Food supply chains (FSCs) are fast becoming more and more complex. Sustainability is a necessary strategy in FSCs to meet the environmental, economic and societal requirements…

1767

Abstract

Purpose

Food supply chains (FSCs) are fast becoming more and more complex. Sustainability is a necessary strategy in FSCs to meet the environmental, economic and societal requirements. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) applications for a circular economy (CE) will play a significant role in sustainable food supply chains (SFSCs). I4.0 applications can be used in for traceability, tracking, inspection and quality monitoring, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, farm input optimization, process automation, etc. to improve circularity and sustainability of FSCs. However, the factors integrating I4.0 and CE adoption in SFSC are not yet very well understood. Furthermore, despite such high potential I4.0 adoption is also met with several barriers. The present study identifies and analyzes twelve barriers for the adoption of I4.0 in SFSC from an CE context.

Design/methodology/approach

A cause-effect analysis and prominence ranking of the barriers are done using Rough-DEMATEL technique. DEMATEL is a widely used technique that is applied for a structured analysis of a complex problems. The rough variant of DEMATEL helps include the uncertainty and vagueness of decision maker related to the I4.0 technologies.

Findings

“Technological immaturity,” “High investment,” “Lack of awareness and customer acceptance” and “technological limitations and lack of eco-innovation” are identified as the most prominent barriers for adoption of I4.0 in SFSC.

Originality/value

Successful mitigation of these barriers will improve the sustainability of FSCs through accelerated adoption of I4.0 solutions. The findings of the study will help managers, practitioners and planners to understand and successfully mitigate these barriers.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 May 2022

Rashmi Agrawal and Pradeep Kaswan

This paper aims to examine the squeezing flow of hybrid nanofluid within the two parallel disks. The 50:50% water–ethylene glycol mixture is used as a base fluid to prepare…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the squeezing flow of hybrid nanofluid within the two parallel disks. The 50:50% water–ethylene glycol mixture is used as a base fluid to prepare Ag–Fe_3O_4 hybrid nanofluid. Entropy generation analysis is examined by using the second law of thermodynamics, and Darcy’s modal involves estimating the behavior of a porous medium. The influences of Viscous dissipation, Joule heating and thermal radiation in modeling are further exerted into concern.

Design/methodology/approach

For converting partial differential systems to ordinary systems, a transformation technique is used. For the validation part, the numerical solution is computed by embracing a fourth-order exactness program (bvp4c) and compared with the analytical solution added by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). Graphical decisions expose the values of miscellaneous-arising parameters on the velocity, temperature and local-Nusselt numbers.

Findings

Hybrid nanofluid gives significant enhancement in the rate of heat transfer compared with nanofluid. The outcomes indicate that the average Nusselt number and entropy generation are increasing functions of the magnetic field, porosity and Brinkman number. When the thermal radiation rises, the average Nusselt number diminishes and the entropy generation advances. Furthermore, combining silver and magnetite nanoparticles into the water–ethylene glycol base fluid significantly enhances entropy generation performance.

Originality/value

Entropy generation analysis of the magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) fluid squeezed between two parallel disks by considering Joule heating, viscous dissipation and thermal radiation for different nanoparticles is addressed. Furthermore, an appropriate agreement is obtained in comparing the numerical results with previously published and analytical results.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2022

Anchal Gupta, Rajesh Kumar Singh, K. Mathiyazhagan, Pradeep Kumar Suri and Yogesh K. Dwivedi

This study aims to identify service quality dimensions for logistics service providers (LSPs) and to examine their relationships with customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

1923

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify service quality dimensions for logistics service providers (LSPs) and to examine their relationships with customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Service quality dimensions are identified from vast literature review. Customers who take services from LSPs were surveyed to collect data on basis of developed survey instrument. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is applied to test the proposed research hypotheses.

Findings

The study shows that all the five service quality constructs, i.e. “Operational Quality”, “Resource Quality”, “Information Quality”, “Personnel Contact Quality” and “Customization and Innovation Quality” have direct relationship with customer satisfaction. They also have indirect relationship with customer loyalty, implying the full mediation of customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results of the study suggest that the logistics service quality (LSQ) can be measured multi-dimensionally. It provides clear implications to LSPs for improvement of service quality. The present research work is expected to be useful for both, logistics service providers and the customer organizations, which take services from LSPs. LSPs can develop strategies to improve their service quality on basis of findings from this study.

Originality/value

The present research will help in extending the existing literature on service quality in context to LSPs.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Parul Jain Gupta and Pradeep Suri

Most of the existing studies in e-governance context have attempted to measure public value of projects in terms of quality of services provided, cost effectiveness of public…

1338

Abstract

Purpose

Most of the existing studies in e-governance context have attempted to measure public value of projects in terms of quality of services provided, cost effectiveness of public organizations and extent to which public organizations are able to meet their social objectives. However, it is also important to explore variables influencing public value to pursue for attaining high public value from such projects. This paper aims to attempt to explore such variables based on Situation-Actor-Process (S-A-P) framework. In India, physical presence of citizens is still required at many public centers established for delivering a variety of government services. A citizen at the time of his visit to a public service center faces a situation, deals with different actors and is subjected to a set of processes. At the end of the service cycle, the citizen develops a perception about public value of the e-governance project. The paper aims at exploring the likely influence of “Improved Situation”, “Capability Level of Actors” and “Flexible Process Workflow” on “Public Value” of e-governance projects.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a review of literature, variables likely to be influencing public value have been identified in terms of situation, actors and processes. A questionnaire was designed, and a survey conducted to measure public value and S-A-P-related variables in the context of two e-governance projects, namely, Passport Seva Project and Driving License Project in India. Survey data have been analyzed to study the influence of S-A-P-related variables on the public value of e-governance projects. Learning issues have been synthesized in terms of implications for practitioners as well as researchers for enhancing public value of e-governance projects.

Findings

The study has revealed that a citizen-centric e-governance project with observed high value of conceptualized S-A-P variables is expected to be characterized by high public value. The analysis has also reflected upon a need for an in-depth study to explore empirically validated linkages between S-A-P variables and public value of e-governance projects.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a pilot study in the context of two citizen-centric e-governance projects. It is required to study more such projects for the purpose of validating the proposed framework and arriving at generalized findings.

Practical implications

The study results are expected to sensitize practitioners to keep in view conceptualized variables related to situation, actors and processes while planning for citizen-centric e-governance projects. This may result in improved situation at the public service centers, better performance of employees and more flexible processes which may further help to increase the public value of such projects.

Practical implications

E-governance projects can perform a vital role in improving public value. In the context of India, a key objective of e-governance projects is to improve the service delivery of citizen-centric projects. The findings of the pilot study, based on the select two citizen-centric e-governance projects in India, reflect upon the likely relationship between public value and S-A-P variables. Thrust on improving situational aspects, as conceptualized in this study, is expected to improve comfort level of citizens while taking benefit of IT enabled services of government organizations. Better capability of actors at public organizations is likely to build trust and confidence among citizens toward these services. Adoption of flexible processes by public organizations is expected to ensure seamless delivery of services to citizens through alternate options. Enhanced delivery of services satisfies the need for improved public value and create positive attitude among society toward public organizations. It contributes to satisfaction level of citizens in terms of saving of time, money and efforts.

Originality/value

A review of literature has revealed a few studies undertaken in recent past with focus on measurement of public value in e-governance context. This paper is based on a novel idea of exploring the likely relationship between conceptualized S-A-P-related variables and public value of citizen-centric e-governance projects. Recommendations based on learning issues are expected to trigger suitable interventions to generate high public value from such projects.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2012

Pradeep K. Rawat, Prakash C. Tiwari and Charu C. Pant

The purpose of the study is to assess the environmental and socio‐economic impacts and risks of climate change through GIS database management system (DBMS) on land…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the environmental and socio‐economic impacts and risks of climate change through GIS database management system (DBMS) on land use‐informatics and climate‐informatics. The Dabka watershed constitutes a part of the Kosi Basin in the Lesser Himalaya, India in district Nainital has been selected for the case illustration.

Design/methodology/approach

Land use‐informatics consists of land use mapping and change diction, i.e. decadal changes and annual changes. Climate‐informatics consists of climate change detection through daily, monthly and annual weather data for a period of 25 years.

Findings

The exercise revealed that oak and pine forests have decreased, respectively, by 25 percent (4.48 km2) and 3 percent (0.28 km2) thus bringing a decline of 4.76 km2 forest in the watershed during 1990 to 2010. But, due to climate change the mixed forest taking place of oak forest in certain pockets and consequently the mixed forest in the catchment increased by 18 percent (2.3 km2) during the same period which reduced the overall loss of forests in the region but its not eco‐friendly as the oak forest. Barren land increased 1.21 km2 (56 percent), riverbed increased 0.78 km2 (52 percent) and cultivated land increased about 0.63 km2 (3 percent) during the period of 1990 to 2010. Out of the total seven classes of the land use land cover, five classes (i.e. Oak, Pine, Mixed, Barren and Riverbed) are being changed dominantly due to climate change factor and anthropogenic factors plays a supporting role whereas only two classes (scrub land and agricultural land) are being changed dominantly by anthropogenic factors and climate change factors plays a supporting role. Expansion of mixed forest land brought out due to upslope shifting of existing forest species due to climate change factor only because upslope areas getting warmer than past with the rate of 9°C‐12°C/two decades. Consequently, the results concluded that the high rate of land use change accelerating several environmental problems such as high runoff, flash flood, river‐line flood and soil erosion during monsoon season and drought during non‐monsoon period. These environmental problems cause great loss to life and property and poses serious threat to the process of development with have far‐reaching economic and social consequences.

Originality/value

This study generated primary data on land use‐informatics and climate‐informatics to integrate each‐other for impact assessment and mitigation through sustainable land use as constitutes a part of a multidisciplinary project, Department of Science and Technology (D.S.T.) Government of India.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2022

Virendra Kumar Verma, Sachin S. Kamble, L. Ganapathy and Pradeep Kumar Tarei

The purpose of this study is to identify, analyse and model the post-processing barriers of 3D-printed medical models (3DPMM) printed by fused deposition modelling to overcome…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify, analyse and model the post-processing barriers of 3D-printed medical models (3DPMM) printed by fused deposition modelling to overcome these barriers for improved operational efficiency in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used interpretive structural modelling (ISM), cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to understand the hierarchical and contextual relations among the barriers of the post-processing.

Findings

A total of 11 post-processing barriers were identified in this study using ISM, literature review and experts’ input. The MICMAC analysis identified support material removal, surface finishing, cleaning, inspection and issues with quality consistency as significant driving barriers for post-processing. MICMAC also identified linkage barriers as well as dependent barriers. The ISM digraph model was developed using a final reachability matrix, which would help practitioners specifically tackle post-processing barriers. Further, the DEMATEL method allows practitioners to emphasize the causal effects of post-processing barriers and guides them in overcoming these barriers.

Research limitations/implications

There may have been a few post-processing barriers that were overlooked by the Indian experts, which might have been important for other country’s perspective.

Practical implications

The presented ISM model and DEMATEL provide directions for operation managers in planning operational strategies for overcoming post-processing issues in the medical 3D-printing industry. Also, managers may formulate operational strategies based on the driving and dependence power of post-processing barriers as well as the causal effects relationships of the barriers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to identifying, analyzing and modelling the post-processing barriers of 3DPMM through a combined ISM and DEMATEL methodology, which has not yet been reviewed. This study also contributes to decision makers developing suitable strategies to overcome the post-processing barriers for improved operational efficiency.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Jawad Syed and Memoona Tariq

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the paradoxical and dynamic nature of gender and leadership in India through a critical review of Indian film Mardaani.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the paradoxical and dynamic nature of gender and leadership in India through a critical review of Indian film Mardaani.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a critical review of an Indian film and relates the analysis to the context of gender and leadership in India.

Findings

The review shows that masculine stereotypes of leadership are simultaneously reinforced and shattered in the Indian context, and that despite all the odds, women’s role in organisations is characterised by dynamism and change. The paper situates this review in the broader context of gender, employment and leadership in India and offers a critical analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis has two implications. First, it indicates that women are equally capable of demonstrating worthy leadership. Second, it highlights that being a leader, or “mannish”, in the workplace does not mean that women are not responsible for the domestic and caring duties at home. In fact, female leaders in India continue to do the double shift by struggling to balance their roles in the workplace and their personal lives.

Originality/value

The paper offers an original analysis of a Bollywood film in the context of gender, culture and leadership.

Details

South Asian Journal of Business Studies, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-628X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

De-Xing Peng

To prolong engine life and reduce exhaust pollution caused by gasoline engines, the aim of this paper was to compare the lubrication properties of biofuel (ethanol) blends and…

Abstract

Purpose

To prolong engine life and reduce exhaust pollution caused by gasoline engines, the aim of this paper was to compare the lubrication properties of biofuel (ethanol) blends and pure unleaded gasoline.

Design/methodology/approach

Biofuels with a concentration of 0, 1, 2, 5 and 10 per cent were added to unleaded gasoline to form ethanol-blended fuels named E0, E1, E2, E5 and E10. Next, the ethanol-blended fuels and unleaded gasoline were used to power engines to facilitate comparisons between the pollution created from exhaust emissions.

Findings

Using ethanol as a fuel additive in pure unleaded gasoline improves engine performance and reduces exhaust emissions. Because bioethanol does not contain lead but contains low aromatic and high oxygen content, it induces more complete combustion compared with conventional unleaded gasoline.

Originality/value

Using biofuels as auxiliary fuel reduces environmental pollution, strengthens local agricultural economy, creates employment opportunities and reduces demand for fossil fuels.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 69 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

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