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The learning outcomes of this study are to understand the theory of constraints and related concepts, to evaluate constraints impeding organizational growth and to develop a solution addressing the constraints in the best possible way.

Bottlenecks or constraints impede an organization from reaching its full potential, thus having implications for the internal and external functionalities of the organization. Internally, many resources remain idle or deteriorate, as constraints always hamper the overall capacity. Externally, the organization might lose the customer for not fulfilling their demands. The organization may be unable to procure the raw material at economical prices from the suppliers, as large-quantity orders may not be placed. This case was designed to make students understand the theory of constraints (TOC) and related concepts. The TOC framework was a management philosophy developed by Dr Eliyahu Goldratt and popularly mentioned in his book The Goal. This case study considered a dairy plant as its central focus. The protagonist was challenged by the existing constraints in his dairy plant, and his dilemmas were introduced. The dairy processes were discussed, followed by details of supplies made to the dairy plant regularly. The capacity constraints at different levels were mentioned. The case also discussed the quick fixes adopted by the dairy to overcome the constraints. Finally, this case ended with a dilemma presented before the protagonist and a dire need for a solution thereafter.

This case was appropriate for introducing TOC to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in operations management, logistics and supply chain management and general management.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand the concept of clustering and identify clusters for improving capacity utilization, analyse transport routes to optimize logistics resources, analyse the impact of a full truckload on resource optimization, evaluate unused capacity and ascertain the impact of reverse milk run to reduce the same and apply clustering and reverse milk run to optimize the logistics resources.

The case study is about a freight forwarding company that offered end-to-end logistics solutions for the exporters based in India. Within a short time span, the company became one of the sought-after service providers for its clients. However, when the company planned to expand its business by expanding its client base, the efficiencies reduced and hurt the profitability of the company. It was all excellent with the limited number of clients, but as the number of distantly located clients surged, the operating costs increased. Trucks were running with partial loads, thus reducing efficiency. The rate of increase in cost surpassed the rate of revenue every time. The cost per mile of transportation was on the rise. The surging fuel prices were adding to the heat. In spite of being one of the first choices for clients, the company could not generate good profit margins. If they chose to increase prices, the company would have lost customers to the cheaper unorganized players in the market. It was time to choose between growth and survival. The company could not sustain itself without devising a mechanism to reduce costs. The company would not have sustained itself without devising a mechanism to reduce costs. To sustain in the business, the company had to device a mechanism to reduce costs. Whether to continue operating the conventional way or to transform? Was there a logistics strategy that would have improved transportation efficiency and reduced the costs for the company?

The case study is suitable for teaching post-graduate management courses in operations and logistics, supply chain management and supply chain analytics, as well as entrepreneurship-related courses.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CCS 9: Operations and logistics.

This case study would help students in understanding the dynamics of logistics and logistics vendor roles and contributions to overall business operations. The case study covers real-time information for applying the theoretical knowledge students gain related to the selection of logistics vendor. It would help students to understand and evaluate the dynamics of a new start-up related to cost, profits and dependency; understand and analyze the importance of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers in the supply chain; become aware of the key performance indicators (KPIs) important in the selection of logistics vendor; and develop and create measures for selecting logistics vendors on the basis of KPIs.

This case study was about an innovative start-up operating in the field of organic edible oils. The company catered to end consumers with its indigenous technology and processes. The innovative and healthy products were appreciated by the consumers, as was reflected in the surging demand figures. With the increasing popularity of organic products, the orders were surging. At the same time, issues such as damaged product delivery, increased cost per delivery of small packages and failure to deliver because of unserved pin codes by their logistics partners were being faced by the company. The case discusses the dilemma faced by the protagonist regarding the selection of the right 3PL partner. The case study is suitable for teaching courses in operations and logistics, supply chain management and entrepreneurship-related courses.

This case study is appropriate for postgraduate courses in entrepreneurship, operations management, logistics and supply chain management and general management.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS9: Operations and logistics.

This study investigates barriers to consumers’ organic food purchasing. It identifies the factors and the extent to which they influence their purchase behaviours and future purchase intentions (i.e. continuance purchase intentions).

It combines qualitative and quantitative methods across two phases. Longitudinal research was carried out in two phases. It involved a thematic analysis and a covariance-based structural equation modelling approach. During Phase-1 and Phase-2, responses were collected from 376 and 351 respondents, respectively.

Phase 1 found the value barrier was significantly affecting the consumers’ purchase intention, while Phase 2 identified the impacts from both image and value barriers on purchase intentions. Notably, purchase intention affected continuance intention in both phases, while ethnocentrism showed no influence.

Using the innovation resistance theory, this study sheds light on the factors that prevent purchase intention. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and for the marketers of organic foods. This contribution implies that value and usage barriers were affecting the consumers’ purchase intentions in the short as well as in the long term. In sum, it suggests that consumers were not purchasing organic food as they felt it was either overpriced, not available in the market or because they were sceptical about its organic labelling.

Supply chain finance (SCF) has become a vital ingredient that fosters growth and provides flexibility to the global supply chain. Thus, it becomes essential to understand the factors that contribute to the success of the supply chain finance ecosystem (SCFE). This study aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for the development of an efficient and effective SCFE. Based on their characteristics, the study intends to classify the factors into constructs and further establish a hierarchical relationship among the CSFs.

The study is based on empirical data collected from 221 respondents based on administered questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is carried out on 16 selected factors (out of 21 proposed factors) based on the feedback of the experts and the factors were classified into four constructs. The total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) model was developed by identifying and finalizing CSFs of the SCFE. The model developed a hierarchical relationship between the various factors.

The study identified significant CSFs for the efficient and effective SCF ecosystem. Four constructs were developed by analyzing CSFs using the EFA. The finalized 16 CSFs modeled through the TISM and further hierarchical relationship established between the CSFs concludes that governmental policies and sectoral growth are the strongest driving forces and financial attractiveness is the weakest driving force. Based on the CSFs and the constructs identified, it was found that for the success of the SCF ecosystem, the existence of an economic ecosystem provides a facilitating framework for the overall development of the SCFE. Also, the trustworthiness among the partners fosters better relationships and results in financial feasibility and offers business opportunities for all the stakeholders.

This study will help the SCF partners across the globe understand the CSFs that ensure development of mutually beneficial SCF ecosystems and provide flexibility to the supply chain partners. The CSFs would provide insights to the policymakers and the financial intermediaries for providing a conducive environment for the development of a better SCF ecosystem. Also, the buyers and sellers would understand the CSFs that would develop better relationships among them and ultimately help in development of business across the globe.

The study identifies the CSFs for the SCF ecosystem. The study ascertains the significant factors and classifies them into clusters using EFA. Unlike the literature available, the paper develops the hierarchical relationship between the CSFs and develops a model for an efficient and effective SCF ecosystem.

The purpose of this paper is to implement a closed loop regulated bidirectional DC to DC converter for an application in the electric power system of more electric aircraft. To provide a consistent power supply to all of the electronic loads in an aircraft at the desired voltage level, good efficiency and desired transient and steady-state response, a smart and affordable DC to DC converter architecture in closed loop mode is being designed and implemented.

The aircraft electric power system (EPS) uses a bidirectional half-bridge DC to DC converter to facilitate the electric power flow from the primary power source – an AC generator installed on the aircraft engine’s shaft – to the load as well as from the secondary power source – a lithium ion battery – to the load. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are used because they allow the primary power source to continue recharging them whenever the aircraft engine is running smoothly and because, in the event that the aircraft engine becomes overloaded during takeoff or turbulence, the charged secondary power source can step in and supply the load.

A novel nonsingular terminal sliding mode voltage controller based on exponential reaching law is used to keep the load voltage constant under any of the aforementioned circumstances, and its performance is contrasted with a tuned PI controller on the basis of their respective transient and steady-state responses. The former gives a faster and better transient and steady-state response as compared to the latter.

This research gives a novel control scheme for incorporating an auxiliary power source, i.e. rechargeable battery, in more electric aircraft EPS. The battery is so implemented that it can get regeneratively charged when primary power supply is capable of handling an additional load, i.e. the battery. The charging and discharging of the battery is carried out in closed loop mode to ensure constant battery terminal voltage, constant battery current and constant load voltage as per the requirement. A novel sliding mode controller is used to improve transient and steady-state response of the system.

This research lies in the domain of Vedic mathematics, and it explores the application of the related Vedic sutras in different branches of mathematics, science, education, and engineering across Asia and Europe.

The study embraced a qualitative research design followed by a systematic literature review (SLR) approach which describes the significance of Vedic mathematics. The study made use of purposive sampling through which the data were collected from 102 articles by using inclusion and exclusion criteria. It includes publication years, the types of research methods, and uses of Vedic mathematics sutras in different branches of knowledge stated by the researchers. Its goal is to offer a more thorough explanation and an evaluation of how the inquiry affected the conclusions. The articles examined in this review included all the journal articles and doctoral theses from the databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Sodhganga which were published during the period 2010–2022.

The research found that the application of the sutras of Vedic mathematics has been increasing immensely in India. The researchers in this area are fond of qualitative research methods. This research has shown that sutras of Vedic mathematics especially “Urdhvatiryakbhyam” and “Nikhilam Navatascaramana Dasastah” have been frequently used in mathematics and engineering in technical higher education. The impact of other sutras has been quite useful, which augments that in many disciplines where the applications of Vedic mathematics are prevalent, it can be functional. The study concludes by reprising the result, its limitations, and the use of Vedic mathematics as a sustainable source of knowledge.

Vedic mathematics is an area where a lot of potential applications are created in science, mathematics, engineering, and education. Even with the latest technological advancements like learning analytics, artificial intelligence has its connection with this branch of learning, which is the greatest treasure of the Indian knowledge system. The research in this area is not reported in any databases or any standard format so researchers find it difficult to locate and study this broad conceptual domain.

It will help the reader and other academic stakeholders to widen their view on the new and innovative techniques of Vedic mathematics. It is advised that additional studies would look at and evaluate papers published after this time so that readers may get a wider view of the concept of Vedic mathematics.

It will help society to know the essence of Vedic mathematics that how useful it is. Vedic mathematics helps learners to learn in a very factual and accurate manner especially while dealing with mathematical calculations. It will enhance the problem-solving skills among learners. It will be beneficial for all types of learners which will help them to become better individuals for a nation.

The paper enriches understanding of the potential applications of different sutras from Vedic literature in different fields of knowledge. The outcome of the research encourages educationists and policymakers to include Vedic mathematics in the curriculum to foster quantitative reasoning and problem-solving at varied levels of learning.

This paper aims to deal with evaluation of different parameters of an induction programme conducted by a transmission and distribution major in India. The study aims to indicate which aspects of the training programme need to be emphasised when devising induction programmes for managers and non‐managers, and to ascertain whether there is any significant difference in their reactions.

Evaluation has been done with the help of trainee reaction measured by a questionnaire. The statistical tools used include factor analysis to generate factors that influence trainee satisfaction and a t‐test to test the hypothesis that there will be a significant difference between managerial and non‐managerial levels in their satisfaction with different aspects of the programme.

Factor analysis generated six factors, namely clarity of trainer, other facilities, venue of the programme, food served, practical application, and communication of trainer. The t‐test run on these factors shows a significant difference in means for only one factor, namely communication of trainer, which implies that managers could relate better to the trainer, given their intellectual superiority.

A larger sample size covering more units of the organisation would help in generalising the findings.

The findings could help in developing an induction programme customised to meeting the needs of managers and non‐managers.

Practitioners may use this paper to plan a common orientation programme for the healthy integration of managers and non‐managers and to ensure that there is a minimal gap between the satisfaction levels of the two groups.

The paper aims to ascertain the predictors of training effectiveness with special reference to the characteristics of trainers.

Characteristics of trainers as obtained from the extant literature served as seven independent variables to predict training effectiveness, measured in terms of trainee satisfaction with the training programme. Data were collected by administering a structured questionnaire on employees selected through simple random sampling. A total of 80 responses were obtained and subjected to multiple regression analysis.

Of the seven independent variables, only two, namely trainer's comfort level with the subject matter and trainer's rapport with trainees, were found to be the significant predictors of trainee satisfaction. Hence, the hypothesis that all seven independent variables are significant predictors of trainee satisfaction was partially proved.

Training programmes should be designed keeping in mind the knowledge level of trainers and their interpersonal skills. The paper suggests some measures that a trainer may adopt for a better learning experience of the participants.

The study was conducted with the aim of discovering the factors which maximally discriminate between those employees who intend to leave the organization and those who intend to stay with the organization. The primary motive was to find those factors which are strong predictors of intention to stay, so that employees who intend quitting are identified in advance, and remedial measures are taken to retain them, especially if they are key performers.

A questionnaire covering several aspects relating to employee retention was designed and distributed amongst a sample of 100 employees chosen through incidental sampling. Data thus collected was subjected to factor analysis, which yielded seven factors: Goal Clarity, Autonomy, Employee Engagement, Affective Commitment, Organizational Culture, Compensation and Benefits, and Normative Commitment. Discriminant analysis was done on these factors to identify the best predictors of employees' intention to leave or stay, by creating a discriminant function.

Results showed that Affective Commitment, Normative Commitment and Goal Clarity were the best predictors of employees' intention to stay or leave the organization.

Increasing employee turnover rates have necessitated the formulation and implementation of a robust retention strategy to effectively reduce employee turnover. By building a decision rule and a cut‐off score to classify an employee into one of the two groups – “intend to leave” or “intend to stay” – an organization would be able to invest its resources in the right employees.