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Article
Publication date: 28 June 2021

Soumendra N. Bagchi and Rajeev Sharma

Understanding multiple dimensions of problem or opportunity and the context in an evolving environment is an essential task for leaders. The allied expectation is to be aware of…

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding multiple dimensions of problem or opportunity and the context in an evolving environment is an essential task for leaders. The allied expectation is to be aware of gaps in knowledge, and areas of organizational ignorance, which can prove detrimental for the organization. In this paper, we propose a framework based on social exchange theory directed towards developing organizational mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective note based on workshops conducted for senior managers of a Fortune Global 500 petrochemical company having more than 10,000 employees. The workshop was carried out in modular mode, with one module conducted in virtual mode and the second module in physical mode. The time gap between each module was two months.

Findings

Purposive questioning, engaged in both as a social exchange as well as to solicit information from multiple stakeholders which may otherwise would have been ignored, develops broader and more detailed analysis of problems and extensive individual and organizational mindfulness.

Practical implications

This paper offers a methodology for managers to explore and develop solutions for complex problems. The methodology also provides identification of areas requiring organizational re-learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on problem solving by providing a methodology to develop individual and organizational mindfulness. The structured format of the approach ensures this can be formalized and taught to decision makers, without being limited by their prior background.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Soumendra Narain Bagchi and Rajeev Sharma

This study aims to examine the application of Wardley mapping on developing and implementing an information technology (IT) strategy in a small-scale business. This case study…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the application of Wardley mapping on developing and implementing an information technology (IT) strategy in a small-scale business. This case study illustrates the potency of multitier analysis using Wardley mapping technique to explore capability gaps and areas to focus on before undertaking IT projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a single case of enterprise resource planning implementation and subsequent abandonment in a small-scale manufacturing company.

Findings

This study demonstrates that multitier analysis using Wardley mapping enables a comprehensive examination of organizational capabilities, including a granular analysis of issues that must be managed for successful implementation of an IT project.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings of a single case study offer limited generalizability, this study sets out the approach that can be extended in more complex settings.

Practical implications

The approach to understanding the organizational capabilities required to execute IT projects, or any change management project, offers significant benefits to managers and leaders.

Originality/value

The authors make two distinct contributions: The Wardley mapping technique has emerged as a new tool for understanding business models, particularly in government projects notable in the UK. This study extends its application to the small-scale manufacturing sector. The second contribution is elaborating on multitier analysis, which allows a granular analysis of issues that can impair the IT project implementation, including an assessment of the organizational capabilities required to deliver a successful project.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Rajeev Sharma and Geeta Choudhury

The case presents the situation prevailing in Loreto Day School, Sealdah, when Sister Cyril took over as the principal of the school. It details the initiatives taken by her to…

Abstract

The case presents the situation prevailing in Loreto Day School, Sealdah, when Sister Cyril took over as the principal of the school. It details the initiatives taken by her to turn around the school. With her active interest and concern for marginalised children, the school started admitting a greater number of non - fee paying children, bringing their number to half of the total enrolled children in the school. Several programmes like providing shelter to street children and integrating them into the education system, weekly visits by school children to nearby village schools, addressing the problem of hidden child labour, programmes for platform children and training for barefoot teachers were organised along with other teaching and learning activities in the school. Pedagogic changes like activity oriented science teaching, value education, work education, and an assessment programme which took into account the effort put in by children were also initiated. Views of a cross-section of parents, some of whom had high praise for the school while some others expressed concerns about its divergent activities are also included.

Details

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, vol. no.
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2633-3260
Published by: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 13 September 2019

Rajeev Verma, Anuj Sharma and Jyoti Verma

The learning outcome is that it will help to sustain your startups in the ever-changing business environment especially in the context of emerging markets.

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcome is that it will help to sustain your startups in the ever-changing business environment especially in the context of emerging markets.

Case overview/synopsis

The present case is about Dilkhush Kumar from village Bangaon, India who developed a cab booking platform “AryaGo”, an innovative platform completely dedicated for rural road transport connectivity. AryaGo is the service line of Aryan Cabs and Rural Trans-solution Pvt. Ltd., a Startup founded in the year 2016 under Startup Bihar, a seed capital support scheme of State Government. The idea was to provide comfort, convenience, safety and affordability to all the commuters travelling from or within far-off villages. The biggest challenge during implementation in villages includes availability of updated geo-mapped images for app development and vehicle tracking. Company was foremost in providing the kiosk-based booking facility for its customers. It took the decision based on the profiling of customers and their preferred booking methods. When a customer booked a cab using IVR, they did not had access to app-based customer panel and hence they could not avail services such as, location tracking, SoS, real time tracking of vehicle. However, heavy invest in IT has put the company in financial stress and Kumar is wondering whether to expand fast or penetrate in the given target market. Should he re-design his business model so as it can really make a difference in terms of service delivery?

Complexity academic level

Post Graduate/ MBA.

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

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

Rajeev D. Sharma

In recent years many developing and developed countries havefocused attention on the training of their managers. Based on aquestionnaire survey, evaluates for the first time the…

Abstract

In recent years many developing and developed countries have focused attention on the training of their managers. Based on a questionnaire survey, evaluates for the first time the extent of management training in India and skills emphasis. Also reassesses other dimensions such as training methods, training policy and assessment methods. The findings suggest that the extent of management training in India is low and there are structural differences between organizations that provide training to their managers and those which do not.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

Rajeev D. Sharma

Identifies major causes of the lack of managment training in Indiain order to evolve a viable strategy of management training. Financialconstraint emerged as the single most…

Abstract

Identifies major causes of the lack of managment training in India in order to evolve a viable strategy of management training. Financial constraint emerged as the single most critical factor responsible for the lack of management training in India. Discusses environmental conditions conducive to future training along with non‐trainers′ perceptions of the importance and benefits of skills. Finally, discusses the role Government can play in bringing non‐training organizations into the training fold.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Vijay Kumar Sharma, pankaj Chandana and Arvind Bhardwaj

Sustainability in food sector is the need of the hour. It has been revealed that Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an emerging new and effective approach to improve the…

1123

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability in food sector is the need of the hour. It has been revealed that Green supply chain management (GSCM) is an emerging new and effective approach to improve the productivity, efficiency of any enterprises and to achieve sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to rank the key performance indicators which are responsible for implementation of GSCM in Indian dairy sector. Ranking is done by giving weightage to them based on survey reports. The study includes literature review, personal interviews and surveys using the detailed questionnaire. Since food processing industry, e.g. dairy industry is the major energy user and directly affecting the health of public is being chosen for implementing GSCM practices. The approach is to form an effective framework for successful implementation of GSCM in dairy sector. Grouping of key performance indicators has been done using factor analysis and thereafter Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method has been applied to determine the suitable framework based on relative importance of critical factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step was to identify critical factors through extensive literature review, personal interviews, etc. The personal interviews has been carried out by contacting executives, managers, professionals of various dairy industries. Data has also been collected by interviewing auditors of ISO 14001 which was responsible for implementation of Environmental management system. Questionnaire used for collecting data has been formulated based on critical factors. It is also used to study minute details of the process being used in dairy industry. After collection of sufficient data SPSS is used for grouping of data through factor analysis. Thereafter AHP method has been used to identify the relative importance of these factors by ranking it which can be used by the managers in developing model/framework for implementing GSCM.

Findings

The work aims to examine the critical factors of GSCM and its ranking so as to implement GSCM practices in dairy industry in Indian context. Detailed questionnaire based on 79 parameters has been used for survey in dairy industry in northern India. Grouping of these parameters has been done using factor analysis. The ranking of these identified critical factors has been used by using AHP which is used to see the relative importance of these eight factors. These ranked factors would be used by the managers of the dairy industry to implement GSCM. The work is limited to Indian dairy industry but it can be extended to other industry also after identification of critical factors.

Originality/value

It is certified that this research work is original and has never been submitted or published in any journal.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Rajesh Kumar Singh

In globalized economy, product life cycle is reducing continuously, customers demands are changing fast, and lead time for response is decreasing. In such scenario, ability of…

2825

Abstract

Purpose

In globalized economy, product life cycle is reducing continuously, customers demands are changing fast, and lead time for response is decreasing. In such scenario, ability of firms to quickly respond to changes in their external environment is a primary determinant of firm’s performance. This can be only possible when whole of the supply chain (SC) is responsive. For this, firms have to manage internal operations effectively to enable SC, responsive for market requirements. The purpose of this paper is to identify different factors for responsive SC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review, total 17 critical factors for the responsive SC have been identified. Some of these factors are process oriented and some are result oriented. To develop structural relationship among these factors from strategic perspective, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach has been applied.

Findings

It is observed that top management commitment, strategy development, resource development, use of technology, risk and reward sharing are major drivers for responsive SC. By managing these enablers, organizations can also benefit in terms of inventory management, lead time reduction and agility.

Research limitations/implications

ISM has got some limitations. Major limitation is that the relationships developed are subjective and there are chances of biasing. Therefore findings need to be validated with case studies and empirical findings.

Practical implications

Top management should strive for effective use of resources and technology to improve SC capabilities to meet market changes.

Originality/value

This study develops structural relationships between different factors and it will help organizations in taking initiatives for improving responsiveness.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

SHEETAL Soda, Anish Sachdeva and Rajiv Kumar Garg

Environmental friendliness, in context of industrial operations, is an issue that has evoked much interest among environmentalists, governments, academicians and other sections of…

1680

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental friendliness, in context of industrial operations, is an issue that has evoked much interest among environmentalists, governments, academicians and other sections of society in recent times. The said development has been more profound and broad-based in developed economies of the world, though, the trend is catching fast in developing countries, as well. Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is a management technique that aims to make a supply chain eco-friendly, without diluting the organizational objectives. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the scale of adoption and implementation of GSCM practices in the context of Indian industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation used literature review approach to determine the current status of implementation of GSCM by Indian industry, and associated aspects of the same. Literature pertaining to the subject in context of non-Indian industries has also been studied for the purpose of rudimentary knowledge on the management concept, as well for comparing the measures taken by foreign-based companies with Indian ones.

Findings

The study shows that in general, Indian companies are lacking on the front of adoption and implementation of GSCM measures in their supply chains. Though, certain companies are showing appreciable enthusiasm for the eco-friendly concept, the same does not apply to majority of the Indian enterprises, owing to a multitude of factors. GSCM has the potential to drive economic gains, and can act as a big motivator for companies to go green. As India leaps towards higher levels of industrialization and economic growth, GSCM becomes more of a necessity rather than an option for Indian companies to survive the competition.

Practical implications

Findings from this study helps in discerning the present status of GSCM in the country, and assess the same in comparison to that of developed countries. The findings will also help the firms to have a greater understanding of their current standing and the possible gains that can accrue by adoption of GSCM practices in real. The philosophy, stance and endeavours of government with respect to GSCM has also been spelt out in the paper. The paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on various aspects of GSCM in the country and the trajectory that it will chart in future.

Originality/value

The paper though, brings forth the findings of other researches on the subject of GSCM practices in India in a consolidated manner, yet its value is reflected in the cohesive manner in which contrary findings have been analysed to present a comprehensive and holistic picture of GSCM implementation in India. An attempt has been made not only to assess the inputs of individual firms, but also of government and other stakeholders in their efforts to make supply chains more environment friendly.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Mohit Tyagi, Pradeep Kumar and Dinesh Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to identify the significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues and to analyze the interaction among them in order to improve supply chain…

2245

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues and to analyze the interaction among them in order to improve supply chain performance (SCP) system of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, a preference rating approach (synthesized in company preference rating (CPR) and company satisfaction assessment (CSA) approaches) has been used in two stages as: stage 1, relative importance rating (RIR) of identified issues has been computed using CPR approach. For this, preference graphs have been developed based on the field expert’s opinions using graph-theory-based representation technique. In stage 2: competitive priority ratings of CSR issues with respect to competitive strategies have been calculated using CSA approach.

Findings

Based on RIRs (stage 1), it has been noticed that issue namely “social benefits for employees” is more desirable among all considered issues. In stage 2, based on competitive priority ratings, the issue “social benefits for employees” is more important for an organization to build a better brand reputation through CSR activities and issue “degree of CSR implementation” is more significant in order to improve the SCP of an organization. The issue “environmental protection” helps the organization to reduce their overall environmental impact and also provides an aid in achieving long-term sustainable goals of an organization.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of present research gives an idea about the importance of CSR issues, based on this, managers can decide, which issue is more significant and can help in taking decisions and framing strategies in context of CSR for improving the SCP of their organization effectively and efficiently.

Originality/value

As per the best knowledge, recognized CSR issues have been considered first time to quantify the CSR-based SCP of Indian automobile industries located near around Delhi region, India. This paper may provide an aid to the managers in making the CSR-based policies to enhance their SCP.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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