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1 – 10 of 162
Article
Publication date: 12 November 2020

Zulfiquar N. Ansari, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

Re-use of products in the supply chain has become a significant consideration in the last decade. It has resulted in the development of several product recovery alternatives…

Abstract

Purpose

Re-use of products in the supply chain has become a significant consideration in the last decade. It has resulted in the development of several product recovery alternatives. Remanufacturing in the supply chain is one such product recovery option that yields social, economic and environmental benefits. This study aims is to identify and evaluate the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the remanufacturing supply chain (RSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The KPIs of RSC are classified along with the five primary management processes (plan, source, make, deliver and return) of the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model. A grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique is applied to investigate the complex interrelationships amongst the identified KPIs and categorize them into cause and effect group. The applicability of the proposed framework is demonstrated through a case organization involved in remanufacturing business.

Findings

The KPIs are identified based on literature analysis and subsequent discussion with decision panel experts. The present research work results reveal that “consumer awareness program”, “technological compatibility” and skilled workforce' are the most influential indicators.

Originality/value

This research work provides a framework to evaluate the causal relationship between the RSC KPIs. The framework proposed in this study is empirically applied to a case organization. Based on the study findings some important recommendations are presented to the decision-makers/policy planners to help them develop an action plan. This would help the case organization reduce resource consumption, increase market share and enable sustainable development.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2021

Shruti J. Raval, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is receiving a tremendous attention as a modern process of streaming to improve the organizational ability and customer satisfaction. A successful LSS…

Abstract

Purpose

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is receiving a tremendous attention as a modern process of streaming to improve the organizational ability and customer satisfaction. A successful LSS implementation is influenced by various factors and the execution of all the influencing factors simultaneously is a very difficult task for any organization. From the perspective of limitation of resources, this paper aims to present a basic issue in an LSS implementation of clustering complex and impacting factors into groups to achieve them in a stepwise manner. This paper aims to present a fundamental issue of clustering the complex and impacting factors of an LSS implementation into groups to achieve them stepwise.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 40 relevant influencing factors toward an LSS implementation have been identified from the extensive literature review and duly validated with experts’ opinions. Integrated fuzzy set theory and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach are demonstrated to explore the causal relationships among influencing factors of the LSS implementation. An empirical case analysis of an Indian manufacturing organization is carried out to illustrate the utilization of the proposed model.

Findings

The proposed framework effectively finds out the significance of each influencing factor of an LSS implementation and clustered into cause–effect groups. As per the results of the empirical case analysis, ten critical success factors (CSFs) of the LSS implementation are evaluated for the successful LSS implementation. Top management pays more attention to achieve them and implement them in a phase-wise approach under the limitations of accessible resources.

Research limitations/implications

The presented framework provides an effective, precise and systematic decision support tool for recognizing CSFs of the LSS implementation. The organization, decision-makers, industrial practitioners and academic researchers may be able to comprehend the cause–effect relationship of the influencing factors of the LSS implementation. The exploratory nature and the single case study are two major limitations of this analysis. The developed model is heavily dependent on the experts’ opinions; hence, any bias in judgment will influence the final result.

Originality/value

This analysis is the first of its kind of effort, according to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to classify the influencing factors of LSS implementation into the cause–effect cluster. The outcomes of this analysis make the complexity of a problem easier in handling and assisting the decision-making.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2019

Shruti J. Raval, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

The purpose of this paper is to develop the balance score card (BSC) approach based Lean Six Sigma (LSS) performance measurement system and investigate the critical measures…

2994

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the balance score card (BSC) approach based Lean Six Sigma (LSS) performance measurement system and investigate the critical measures currently practiced by Indian manufacturing organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers insights of LSS performance measurement from manufacturing industry. Initially, the BSC-based framework is developed to recognize the adoption of LSS performance measures. Then, the framework is applied to nine Indian manufacturing organizations to assess the LSS performance measure practice.

Findings

The BSC-based framework of LSS performance evaluation for manufacturing industry is formulated. Then, adoption of these LSS performance measures is investigated with nine Indian manufacturing organizations. The result indicates significant variability in terms of practicing level of LSS measures. However, the majority of organizations are more sensitive to the customer perspectives.

Practical implications

This study reveals a background as to why the performance measurement is required for the success of LSS and for providing practical guidelines for designing performance metrics. The framework interrelates and captures various LSS perspectives and indicator measures, and furnishes a comprehensive outlook of the organization for strategic analysis. This study provides BSC-based template for performing the benchmarking study. This analysis may serve as a reference point for manufacturing organization to determine their system weaknesses, and assist them to concentrate on their most vital and suitable criteria and objectives. However, the analysis contributes to the knowledge on LSS performance measurement system and catches differences in theory and practice, paving the approach to newer research.

Originality/value

This study renders an industry-oriented LSS performance measurement practical approach and suggests the easily adopted vital performance measures for different manufacturing organizations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

Shruti J. Raval, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

The aim of this analysis is to review the Indian manufacturing organizations practicing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools/techniques with an objective of monitoring the performance of an…

1848

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this analysis is to review the Indian manufacturing organizations practicing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools/techniques with an objective of monitoring the performance of an organization and to develop recommendation for strategies to benchmark organizational operational efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers insights of the LSS performance measurement aspects of the Indian manufacturing organizations based on Data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The five inputs and two outputs are considered on the basis of literature review and discussed with the practitioners.

Findings

In this analysis, the relative efficiency score of 18 Indian manufacturing organizations has been determined in order to assist evaluation of the impact of monetary investment on the outputs. The present analysis not only investigates the optimum level of input variables but also lays down a significant observation that an organization having higher profit and inventory turnover ratio is not necessarily an efficient organization.

Practical implications

The results assist to determine the best practice units, potential source of inefficiency and deliver beneficial data for the consistent enhancement of the operational efficiency. The DEA results assist managers and decision makers to derive appropriate strategies to enhance their performance with reference to the efficient organization and to regard it as their role model.

Originality/value

This analysis renders a DEA based framework of LSS practicing Indian manufacturing organizations. The framework is unique in terms of its input-outputs variable selection and measurement procedure.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 December 2021

Himanshu Prajapati, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

Reverse logistics has attracted many industries due to product recalls, enormous waste generation, competitive reasons, vast opportunity in the waste management market, and to get…

Abstract

Purpose

Reverse logistics has attracted many industries due to product recalls, enormous waste generation, competitive reasons, vast opportunity in the waste management market, and to get the maximum value out of waste recovery. Selection of the right implementation strategy is vital for reverse logistics to function efficiently. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the criteria for selecting reverse logistics strategy and help to choose the preferred strategy for its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Three reverse logistics implementation strategies, namely, in-house, joint venture and outsourcing, are proposed. A novel hybrid fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and fuzzy measurement of alternatives and ranking according to COmpromise Solution (F-MARCOS) based framework is developed to fulfil the research objective. A survey is performed on Indian manufacturing industry to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework.

Findings

The result shows that government policy and regulations, reverse logistics risks and reduced emission have prime importance for a manufacturing industry which needs to implement reverse logistics into its supply chain. Outsourcing is the preferred reverse logistics strategy followed by joint venture and in-house that a manufacturing firm in India can implement.

Research limitations/implications

The research results are based on the responses of the survey received. This research considers various industry sectors to test the applicability of the framework. However, for actual implementation, this survey must first be limited to a particular industry as the results will apply to that industrial sector only.

Practical implications

This developed framework simplifies the procedure of selecting the strategy when the industry needs to implement reverse logistics. For industries working with a smaller set of criteria, this framework is a powerful and dynamic approach for reducing and choosing the most pertinent one that helps accomplish their objectives of reverse logistics implementation strategy selection.

Originality/value

Based on the literature and current applicability of reverse logistics, this research proposes three models to implement reverse logistics in Indian industries. A novel hybrid F-AHP and F-MARCOS based framework is developed to handle the selection of suitable reverse logistics strategy.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2018

Shruti J. Raval, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

The purpose of this paper is to examine and introduce comprehensive insights into the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) by reviewing the existing literature and identifying the…

1412

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and introduce comprehensive insights into the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) by reviewing the existing literature and identifying the research gap. The state of LSS research is assessed by critically examining the field, along with a number of dimensions, including time horizon, year, journal and publisher, university, country, author, geographic analysis, research design, research affairs, research methods, tools/techniques used, focus industries, major research area, benefits gained by LSS, critical success factors and barriers of LSS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a systematic literature review of 190 articles containing the word LSS in their title, which are published in a well-known database, such as Elsevier ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis, Emerald Full Text, Springer Link, Wiley InterScience and Inderscience from January 2000 to September 2016.

Findings

This analysis reveals 15 significant dimensions to identify the state of LSS research. Authors find a noticeable rise in the attention of LSS research in the available literature. Major findings show that, the empirical research holds greater credibility. Statistics prove that the case study method scores the highest among all the research methods used in the discipline. The largest number of studies have investigated research issues related to implementation and process of LSS. The LSS uses a wide range of tools/techniques/methodologies: the choice of tools is situation-specific. Manufacturing and health-care sectors have been the focus of LSS research, but LSS has also been adopted by other types of industries. The organizations following LSS have improved bottom-line results, improved company profitability and growth and enhanced customer satisfaction. In general the research is more interpretive in nature; there is still a lack of standard in the LSS implementation framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to reviewing those articles which contain the word LSS appeared in the title.

Originality/value

This study will help understand the current state of research on LSS, various trends in the field, its applicability and future prospects of investigation in the field.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2019

Sachin Agarwal, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare extant framework in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) and to propose a framework on humanitarian supply chain (HSC…

2180

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare extant framework in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) and to propose a framework on humanitarian supply chain (HSC) performance measurement based on the content, context and process.

Design/methodology/approach

The structured keywords, namely humanitarian supply chain (HSC), humanitarian logistic (HL), humanitarian relief chain (HRC) and humanitarian chain (HC) as an exact phrase were searched in the title, abstract and keywords in the academic database. A total of 66 peer-reviewed articles were selected for analysis purpose that reports framework from the reviewed literature. These selected frameworks are categorized in dimensions, namely framework novelty, framework source, recognize elements/constructs of framework, comparative analysis of the framework and in-depth study of HSCM performance measurement.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the majority of these developed frameworks are novel and academic based. Case study is most prominent research methodology in the development of HSCM framework. Lack of coordination among humanitarian stakeholders is the major challenge in the empirical implementation of framework. This study proposes future research trend toward a unified HSCM framework that will facilitate to uncover the coherent set of elements/constructs in the field of HSCM.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers peer-reviewed articles published in English language, and excludes conference papers, working articles, technical data/reports and book chapters.

Practical implications

This study categorizes new dimension for framework analysis and proposed an HSC performance measurement framework which gives new insights to the academicians, practitioners and policy makers for future work.

Social implications

This examination gives the establishment to facilitate investigation of viable, efficient and effective HSCM, and detail opportunities for practices.

Originality/value

This study critically analyzes 66 frameworks under the different criteria to identify research gap and trends. Furthermore, this study proposes the HSC performance measurement framework.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2020

Santosh B. Rane, Shivangi Viral Thakker and Ravi Kant

Environmental sustainability has become a primary factor for organisations to compete globally. Stakeholders' involvement with necessary commitment at the right stage of supply…

1591

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental sustainability has become a primary factor for organisations to compete globally. Stakeholders' involvement with necessary commitment at the right stage of supply chain management (SCM) plays a vital role in development of green supply chain. This paper aims to explore the involvement aspect of stakeholders towards greening of the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors for stakeholder involvement in development of green supply chain and develop use cases for managers and practitioners planning to implement recent technologies to support stakeholders' involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

After a thorough literature survey and interviews with experts from industry and academia, the factors for involvement of stakeholders for greening the supply chain were identified. A survey-based research has been used to collect primary data for effective people involvement in development of green supply chain. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method is used for ranking the critical success factors. Effective implementation of success factors using merits of blockchain and internet of things (IoT) technologies are discussed. Use cases are developed for practitioners for using a blockchain IoT-integrated architecture.

Findings

The results show that criterion C21 (cooperation with buyer for green initiatives) is the most important for green supply chain, and criterion C5 (global customers) has least effect on greening the supply chain. Involving stakeholders in the green product design ensures improved efficiency of the supply chain. Merits of technologies like blockchain and IoT may be reaped successfully for incorporating critical success factors to develop green supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The research can further be extended by developing the research model with hypothesis and conducting a survey for validation. Automobile industry use cases are considered for this research, and it may be further developed for different industry sectors like process industries, service, etc.

Practical implications

Managers can make use of these 22 critical success factors and capabilities of the blockchain IoT-integrated architecture to successfully involve stakeholders. Practitioners/managers can dramatically change SCM with respect to the response speed, accuracy of decision-making, data acquisition, data storage and data accessibility, transparency, trust-building, opportunity of participation, communication quality, freedom in payment based on blockchain IoT-integrated architecture. Preventing pollution and converting the enterprises into green and sustainable organisations have created lot of concerns worldwide. This research addresses the issue of green initiatives and the role of stakeholders in improving the green status of industry.

Originality/value

Though there is research on involving suppliers and customers in the supply chain activities, there is a significant delay in integrating human resource management in the supply chain. This research proposes integration of stakeholders using recent technologies for green supply chain. Use cases developed for the automobile industry gives path to future research in this domain.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2021

Swapnil Lahane, Prakhar Gupta and Ravi Kant

This research aims to identify and prioritize the circular economy (CE) benefits (CEBs) due to the adoption of CE enablers (CEEs) in the Indian manufacturing organization context.

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to identify and prioritize the circular economy (CE) benefits (CEBs) due to the adoption of CE enablers (CEEs) in the Indian manufacturing organization context.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes a hybrid framework of Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (PF-AHP) and Pythagorean fuzzy TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for Interactive Multicriteria Decision-Making) techniques. It identifies the CEEs and CEBs based on literature review and validated through industrial experts. Further, this research conducts an empirical case study to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework.

Findings

The result shows that CE enabler SE1 (clear vision, support and commitment from top management for CE adoption) is the most critical enabler for CE implementation. The CE benefit CEB1 (improves the value chain of products and mitigating environmental damage during product life cycle phase) is the most significant benefit derived from the adoption of CEEs. The proposed framework will provide a more accurate, structural and systematic approach to the business organizations for achieving the CEBs in a stepwise manner through the effective adoption of CEEs.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research are nation-specific and based on a case study of single manufacturing industry. Thus, the result obtained can vary from case to case and nation to nation.

Originality/value

A deep understanding of each CEEs and CEBs would help build confidence among decision-makers and industrial practitioners to eliminate the risks associated with CE implementation.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Chandresh Kumbhani and Ravi Kant

Strategic integration of enablers and the realization of drone delivery benefits emerge as essential strategies for business organizations to enhance operational efficiency and…

Abstract

Purpose

Strategic integration of enablers and the realization of drone delivery benefits emerge as essential strategies for business organizations to enhance operational efficiency and stay competitive in last-mile logistics. This paper aims to explore the benefits of drone-based last-mile delivery in the Indian logistic sector by providing a framework for ranking drone delivery benefits (DDBs) due to the adoption of its enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a novel hybrid framework applied in the Indian logistic sector by integrating a sentence boundary extraction algorithm for extracting benefits from literature, a spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (SF-AHP) for evaluating primary enablers, unsupervised fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) for clustering benefits and a spherical combined compromised solution (SF-CoCoSo) for ranking benefits with respect to primary enablers.

Findings

The results reveal that technological and infrastructure enablers (TIE), government and legislation enablers (GLE) and operational and service quality enablers (OSE) are the most significant enablers for drone implementation in logistics. Top-ranked benefits increase the efficiency of last-mile delivery (DDB10), foster supply chain management and logistic sustainability (DDB16) and increase delivery access to rural area and vulnerable people (DDB17).

Practical implications

This research assists scholars, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the sustainable deployment of drone delivery in the logistics sector. This study facilitates the use of drones in delivery services and provides a foundation for all stakeholders in logistics.

Originality/value

The assessments involve considering judgment from a highly knowledgeable and experienced group in India, characterized by a large volume of inputs and a high level of expertise.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

1 – 10 of 162