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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Bhupender Singh, Sandeep Grover and Vikram Singh

The purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of contributions made by benchmarking toward building performance of Indian service industries in globally market. Ranking of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of contributions made by benchmarking toward building performance of Indian service industries in globally market. Ranking of Benchmarking is done on the basis of their application which give confidence for the managers to adopt in their Industries so that they may become best in their field.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology consists of three phase: define, phase include definitions, factors of benchmarking as literature outcomes, questionnaire survey and outcome of survey. In the second phase, analysis of collected data and applications of multi-criteria decision-making approaches [technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and analytical network process (ANP)] are used. The last phase includes comparison of results which gives validation in similarities of ranking obtained.

Findings

The study identifies seven different benchmarking techniques used for service industries. Using TOPSIS and ANP approaches shows similarity that external benchmarking, performance benchmarking and internal benchmarking are the first three ranks that give basis for several critical success factors s, namely, planning, reliability, standardization, time behavior, usability, etc., as part of benchmarking using in service industries.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is the assumptions made by multi-criteria decision-making approaches which may effect the analysis of the study as these are taken theoretically.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt to find similarities in both techniques while comparing benchmarking in Indian service industries.

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Vikram Singh, Nirbhay Sharma and Somesh Kumar Sharma

Every company or manufacturing system is vulnerable to breakdowns. This research aims to analyze the role of Multi-Agent Technology (MAT) in minimizing breakdown probabilities in…

Abstract

Purpose

Every company or manufacturing system is vulnerable to breakdowns. This research aims to analyze the role of Multi-Agent Technology (MAT) in minimizing breakdown probabilities in Manufacturing Industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study formulated a framework of six factors and twenty-eight variables (explored in the literature). A hybrid approach of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Technique (MCDM) was employed in the framework to prioritize, rank and establish interrelationships between factors and variables grouped under them.

Findings

The research findings reveal that the “Manufacturing Process” is the most essential factor, while “Integration Manufacturing with Maintenance” is highly impactful on the other factors to eliminate the flaws that may cause system breakdown. The findings of this study also provide a ranking order for variables to increase the performance of factors that will assist manufacturers in reducing maintenance efforts and enhancing process efficiency.

Practical implications

The ranking order developed in this study may assist manufacturers in reducing maintenance efforts and enhancing process efficiency. From the manufacturer’s perspective, this research presented MAT as a key aspect in dealing with the complexity of manufacturing operations in manufacturing organizations. This research may assist industrial management with insights into how they can lower the probability of breakdown, which will decrease expenditures, boost productivity and enhance overall efficiency.

Originality/value

This study is an original contribution to advancing MAT’s theory and empirical applications in manufacturing organizations to decrease breakdown probability.

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

Vikram Singh Kashyap, Gaurav Sancheti and Jitendra Singh Yadav

The purpose of this study is to perform comprehensive investigation to assess the mechanical properties of nano-modified ternary cement concrete blend. Nano silica (NS) (1%, 2…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to perform comprehensive investigation to assess the mechanical properties of nano-modified ternary cement concrete blend. Nano silica (NS) (1%, 2% and 3%) and waste marble dust powder (MD) (5%, 10% and 15%) was incorporated as a fractional substitution of cement in the concrete matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

In this experimental study, 10 cementitious blends were prepared and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and static modulus of elasticity. The microstructural characteristics of these blends were also explored using a scanning electron microscope along with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray reflection.

Findings

The results indicate an enhancement in mechanical properties and refinement in pore structure due to improved pozzolanic activities of NS and the filling effect of MD.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has reported the mechanical and microstructural behavior of concrete containing marble and NS.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Anil Aggarwal, Sanjeev Kumar and Vikram Singh

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to compute RAMD indices to measure and improve the performance of skim milk powder production system of a dairy plant under real…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to compute RAMD indices to measure and improve the performance of skim milk powder production system of a dairy plant under real working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The present work is carried out by developing performance model based on Markov birth-death process. The skim milk powder production system consists of six units. The first order governing differential equations are derived using the mnemonic rule and further solved to calculate RAMD indices i.e. reliability, availability, maintainability, dependability, MTBF, MTTR and dependability ratio for each subsystem of the system.

Findings

The subsystem SS1 comprising of chiller and cream separator is the most critical from maintenance point of view, as the reliability, availability, maintainability, dependability, MTBF and dependability ratio indices are low as compared to those of other subsystems of skim milk powder production system of the dairy plant.

Originality/value

The RAMD indices of the present work is very useful for finding the critical subsystem and its effect on the performance of the system working under real working conditions. Further, based on findings the maintenance priorities for various subsystems can be decided.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2010

R.K. Nahar and Vikram Singh

High‐dielectric thin films are considered as future dielectric for Si based advanced integrated circuit technology and also for the development of organic thin film transistors…

Abstract

Purpose

High‐dielectric thin films are considered as future dielectric for Si based advanced integrated circuit technology and also for the development of organic thin film transistors and micro sensors. The conventional dielectric SiO2 is grown by thermal oxidation of silicon whereas the HfO2 films are grown by both physical and chemical methods. Depending on film deposition technique, the film and interface characteristics are affected. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of thermal annealing in oxygen and nitrogen ambient on the electrical properties of HfO2‐based metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor and evaluate thermal stability of the characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

HfO2 films are deposited by rf sputtering and Al‐HfO2‐Si MOS capacitor fabricated. The electrical I‐V and C‐V characteristics are measured and the effect of temperature in the range of 25‐200°C is evaluated for films annealed in oxygen and nitrogen.

Findings

It is found that thermal annealing in nitrogen reduces oxide trap density and improves the temperature stability compared to the film annealed in oxygen for MOS devices. From the conductance characteristics Dit oxide trap density in the film is estimated to be 2.1×1011/cm2 for nitrogen and 3.23×1011/cm2 for oxygen, which indicates the role of nitrogen in reducing oxide traps. The thermal activation energy of electron traps is found to be about 0.19 eV for nitrogen and 0.58 eV for oxygen annealed films in the temperature range of 25‐150°C.

Originality/value

The paper examines and compares the role and effect of thermal annealing in nitrogen ambient and oxygen ambient on the electrical properties of sputtered HfO2 thin film for improved MOS device reliability.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2011

Dhirendra Sharma, Hemant Sharma and Vikram Singh

The purpose of this paper is to study and analyse the information communication technology‐based growth and diffusion of research using e‐journals for two universities belonging…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study and analyse the information communication technology‐based growth and diffusion of research using e‐journals for two universities belonging to different states in the western Himalayan region of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an assessment period for the analysis of usage of e‐journals of 36 months from 2007‐2009. It demonstrates a relative comparison of the usage of e‐journals within the framework of a logistic model and the S‐curve. In the process, the status of internet users, from international level to national and university level, is also analysed.

Findings

Owing to the rapid technological growth and its phase‐wise development, the “Replacement hypothesis” does not permit the expectation of a smoother behaviour in the cumulative growth in internet users and consequently the usage of e‐journals in these universities. A simple statistical analysis of the usage was also undertaken. The coefficient of variation shows a wide fluctuation for four out of 12 publishing houses. Compound growth rate was also calculated and analysed for the two universities. A typical case of usage of e‐journals from one publishing house was also analysed more thoroughly with a likely future projection.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis reflects the limitations inherent in the logistic model, particularly the linear growth rate and the appearance of the inflection point at Xs/2 in the S‐curve.

Originality/value

The paper presents an in‐depth analysis of growth and diffusion of usage of e‐journals in two universities located in the western Himalayan region of India, for the first time. It also projects the usage of e‐journals, reflecting research progress, until the time of saturation in the S‐curve of each of the universities in the region.

Details

Program, vol. 45 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2011

Surjit Kumar Kar and Munmun Samantarai

The purpose of this case study is to understand effect of Indian ethos, socio‐cultural setup, etc. on growth of family‐based business; impact of ethnicity and genetic intelligence…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to understand effect of Indian ethos, socio‐cultural setup, etc. on growth of family‐based business; impact of ethnicity and genetic intelligence on development of entrepreneurial traits, etc. in family business contexts in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes a single case study on an organized retail firm named Bothra Megabazar Private Limited in Rourkela, India to comprehend the established theories and literature on emergence and spread of business community/class in India known for its own ethos and values as a country. As a part of narrative enquiry method in qualitative research, it collects the narratives of central and peripheral characters in the respective business house through “story telling” and by “restorying” the same, understands and explains the family‐based entrepreneurial journey amidst business dynamics.

Findings

The important findings of this case study are manifold. It finds that there is inter‐connectedness of different aspects amounting for success/growth of family business entrepreneurs and enterprises. Some of these factors are deep‐seated Indian ethos and values, multiple family and social networks, joint and undivided family structure, inheritance of family business down the generations, financial backing from members of family and social networks, long standing experience in trade, genetic intelligence across generations, internal capacity building with unique style of leadership and high‐risk appetite, etc.

Research limitations/implications

With its focus on one specific community like Bani(y)as or Marwaris in Indian business society, the case may not justify the understandings on genetic intelligence in case of other communities/class. However, the study elaborates scope of future studies in the same direction.

Practical implications

Practicing managers and research scholars can use this case for understanding of the key success/growth factors behind socio‐culturally guided family‐based business enterprises.

Originality/value

The paper presents a case that is original.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Bjorn John Stephen, Surabhi Suchanti, Devendra Jain, Harshdeep Dhaliwal, Vikram Sharma, Ramandeep Kaur, Rajeev Mishra and Abhijeet Singh

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases that primarily affect low-income countries situated near the equator. Effective diagnostic tools hold the key…

Abstract

Purpose

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases that primarily affect low-income countries situated near the equator. Effective diagnostic tools hold the key to stemming the spread of these infectious diseases. However, specificity is a major concern associated with current diagnostic protocols. In this regard, electrochemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensors could play a crucial role, as highlighted by renewed interest in their research. The purpose of this study was to highlight the current scenario for the design and development of biosensors for the detection of NTDs related pathogens. This review highlights the different types of factors involved and the modifications used to enhance sensor properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss the potential of electrochemical DNA biosensors as efficient, affordable diagnostic tools for the detection of pathogens associated with NTDs by reviewing available literature. This study discusses the biosensor components, mainly the probe selection and type of electrodes used, and their potential to improve the overall design of the biosensor. Further, this study analyses the different nanomaterials used in NTD-based electrochemical DNA biosensors and discusses how their incorporation could improve the overall sensitivity and specificity of the biosensor design. Finally, this study examines the impact such techniques could have in the future on mass screening of NTDs.

Findings

The findings provide an in-depth analysis of electrochemical DNA biosensors for the detection of pathogens associated with NTDs.

Originality/value

This review provides an update on the different types and modifications of DNA biosensors that have been designed for the diagnosis of NTD-related pathogens.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Wolfgang Messner

While English is the most commonly used language for market research, surveys and customer feedback in India, it does not reach the subcontinent’s entire population. Therefore…

Abstract

Purpose

While English is the most commonly used language for market research, surveys and customer feedback in India, it does not reach the subcontinent’s entire population. Therefore, many questionnaires are bilingual, offering the respondent a choice between English and an indigenous Indian language. This, however, presupposes that answers to items are not influenced by people’s language proficiencies and response styles in different languages. This paper aims to examine whether market researchers in India should be careful about nonrandom measurement error caused by language response bias.

Design/methodology/approach

English and Kannada questionnaires are administered in a test-retest scenario to 160 respondents in the Indian Tier-II city of Mysore. The data evaluation is organized by dispositional (language proficiency in English and Kannada) and situational influences (language of the questionnaire in English or Kannada); a series of tests to elucidate language response bias is conducted.

Findings

While the significance of the two-tailed English-Kannada paired-sample tests is borderline, a more detailed look reveals surprising differences for the dispositional as well as situational linguistic influences. Moreover, the response style peculiarities in the Indian multilingual environment are not always consistent with differences in other international bilingual environments.

Originality/value

High-quality data are central to all empirical research, but situational and dispositional language response bias seems to contaminate questionnaires in the Indian multi-lingual environment. This study highlights the effect and provides Indian market researchers with some first strategies for managing the challenge.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

M. Khoshnevisan, F. Kaymarm, H.P. Singh, R. Singh and F. Smarandache

This paper proposes a class of estimators for population correlation coefficient when information about the population mean and population variance of one of the variables is not…

1056

Abstract

This paper proposes a class of estimators for population correlation coefficient when information about the population mean and population variance of one of the variables is not available but information about these parameters of another variable (auxiliary) is available, in two phase sampling and analyzes its properties. Optimum estimator in the class is identified with its variance formula. The estimators of the class involve unknown constants whose optimum values depend on unknown population parameters. In earlier research it has been shown that when these population parameters are replaced by their consistent estimates the resulting class of estimators has the same asymptotic variance as that of optimum estimator. An empirical study is carried out to demonstrate the performance of the constructed estimators.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 31 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

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