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11 – 20 of 85Poverty, business strategy and sustainable development. International development planning and poverty alleviation strategies have moved beyond centralised, top-down approaches…
Abstract
Theoretical basis
Poverty, business strategy and sustainable development. International development planning and poverty alleviation strategies have moved beyond centralised, top-down approaches and now emphasise decentralised, community-based approaches that incorporate actors from the community, government, non-governmental agencies and business. Collective action by Bottom of the Pyramid residents gives them greater control in self-managing environmental commons and addressing the problems of environmental degradation. Co-creation and engaging in deep dialogue with stakeholders offer significant potential for launching new businesses and generating mutual value. The case study rests on the tenets of corporate social responsibility. It serves as an example of corporate best practices towards ensuring environmental sustainability and community engagement for providing livelihood support and well-being. It illustrates the tool kit for building community-based adaptive capacities against climate change.
Research methodology
The field-based case study was prepared from inputs received from detailed interviews of company functionaries. Company documents were shared by the company and used with their permission. Secondary data was accessed from newspapers, journal articles available online and information from the company website.
Case overview/synopsis
The case study is about the coming together of several vital agencies working in forest and wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation planning for ecosystems and communities, social upliftment and corporate social responsibility in the Kanha Pench landscape of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. The case traces several challenges. First, the landscape is degrading rapidly; it requires urgent intervention to revive it. Second, the human inhabitants are strained with debilitating poverty. Third, the long-term sustainability of the species of tigers living in the protected tiger reserves of Kanha and Pench needs attention as human-animal conflicts rise.
Complexity academic level
The case would help undergraduate and postgraduate students studying sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
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Anilkumar Hanumappa, Mallikarjun Dora and Viral Navik
The purpose of this paper is to explore the Open Source Software (OSS) market relevant to Indian libraries and more specifically, to review the existing library automation, i.e…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the Open Source Software (OSS) market relevant to Indian libraries and more specifically, to review the existing library automation, i.e. Integrated Library Management System (ILMS) and Digital Library (DL) software solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey method was adopted to collect data for this study and the sample population for this study included 356 library professionals.
Findings
The study findings indicate presence of OSS like Koha and NewGenLib in the ILMS category and Dspace, Eprints and Greenstone in the DL software category in India. The study also indicates that there is considerable interest among Indian libraries to adopt or migrate to OSS.
Research limitations/implications
The sample included largely, more than 80 percent, responses from the academic library segment and hence the results and analysis maybe more skewed to the academic library segment. However the implications of this study could be extended to other type of libraries and facilitate library professionals to make software choices with respect to library automation.
Originality/value
In addition to exploring the opportunities of OSS implementation in Indian libraries, the study includes issues related to migration, implementation, budget, training, etc. The study would have value for library professionals and OSS vendors to understand the Indian library market in the context of OSS.
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The learning outcomes of this case are product innovation, the importance of consumer insights and data in marketing and the role of consumer insights in brand revival.
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this case are product innovation, the importance of consumer insights and data in marketing and the role of consumer insights in brand revival.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study is a fascinating look into how the shift from music compact disc (CDs) to streaming has completely changed consumer behavior. This change in attitude led many music labels down one of two paths as follows: shutting down the business or embracing new business models. The case study aims to bring out essential learning from a company, Saregama, that was on the verge of shutting down because of the losses incurred with the shift in consumer behavior from buying music CDs to streaming music for free on every smart device. This shift led most record companies to become shuttered. However, not all were as fortunate as Saregama, who threaded its way toward profitability. This case analyzes how Saregama turned from a loss-making business unit into a profit center by launching a breakthrough product backed by innovative thinking and strong consumer research. The researcher opted for secondary research based on reports from Deloitte and McKinsey & Company and other credible sources to understand the music streaming market in India. The study also includes excerpts from the interview of Vikram Mehra (MD of Saregama India Ltd.) to various media houses and customer reviews on e-commerce sites.
Complexity academic level
The case is relevant for learners studying for an undergraduate or graduate program and for discussions for modules such as marketing management and international marketing with a focus on product development and strategy. Applicability the case will provide the following exposure to the learners: the difference between corporate and marketing objectives; Using frameworks such as valuable, rare, inimitable, and organization and SAP-LAP to understand the rationale behind strategic decisions; An understanding of the importance of listening to consumers; Using the right marketing elements such as segmentation, targeting and positioning and marketing mix for a competitive marketing strategy.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS: 8 Marketing.
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Jack Allen, Housila P. Singh and Florentin Smarandache
This paper proposes a family of estimators of population mean using information on several auxiliary variables and analyzes its properties in the presence of measurement errors.
Abstract
This paper proposes a family of estimators of population mean using information on several auxiliary variables and analyzes its properties in the presence of measurement errors.
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Vikram Sharma, Amit Rai Dixit and Mohammad Asim Qadri
It is difficult for anyone to implement all the lean tools simultaneously. One of the core issues is identifying critical criteria for the successful implementation of lean…
Abstract
Purpose
It is difficult for anyone to implement all the lean tools simultaneously. One of the core issues is identifying critical criteria for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing (LM) and evaluating them. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causal relationships of LM criteria in a machine tool manufacturing firm located in national capital region of India using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method.
Design/methodology/approach
The research paper presents a blend of theoretical framework and practical applications. Based on literature review, 17 LM criteria were extracted that were validated by experts. A questionnaire was developed that was answered by experts serving in the XYZ machine tool manufacturing firm. Then, the DEMATEL method was applied to analyze the importance of criteria and the casual relations among the criteria were developed.
Findings
Using DEMATEL, the lean criteria were divided into cause group and effect group. In this study, information technology, computer-integrated manufacturing, enterprise resource planning, training, fixed position layout, smart processes and automation and concurrent engineering were classified in the cause group. Just in time, value stream mapping, 5-S, single minute exchange of die, visual control, job scheduling, standardized work, cellular manufacturing, poka-yoke, and total quality management were categorized in the effect group. The DEMATEL framework indicates that “training” is the most influencing factor for the lean implementation process in machine tool sector.
Originality/value
To know the key lean criteria and relationship among them can help many organizations to develop lean competencies. If the authors want to obtain high performance in terms of the effect group factors, it would be necessary to control and pay a great deal of attention to the cause group factors beforehand. This study is perhaps among the first few with focus on segmenting the set of lean criteria into some meaningful portions in order to effectively facilitate its implementation. The paper provides useful insights to the lean production implementers, consultants, and researchers.
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Kanupriya Misra Bakhru, Manas Behera and Alka Sharma
This paper aims to examine the traditional business communities and family businesses of India, their emergence and sustained growth.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the traditional business communities and family businesses of India, their emergence and sustained growth.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyze the role of business communities in family businesses of India and identify business communities that have still sustained and marked a global presence.
Findings
Business communities such as Marwaris have the knack for business activities and are leaders of family businesses in India today, who have sustained their past success and continue to create new histories. Other traditional business communities such as Parsis, Sindhis, Chettiars and Gujarati banias have not been able to sustain much. Possible reasons were switching to white-collar jobs, taking up diplomacy and other professions, inter caste marriages, international migration in search of business and Indian government policies.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides a useful source of information for academics, policy-makers and economists.
Practical implications
Traditional business communities populate the list of family businesses that have marked their global presence. This paper identifies various factors that are responsible for the growth and sustainability of these business communities.
Social implications
The study clarifies the role of business communities in domestic economic development.
Originality/value
The paper explored traditional business communities of India and assessed their role in family businesses of India that currently mark a global presence.
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Rajesh K. Aithal, Vikram Choudhary, Harshit Maurya, Debasis Pradhan and Dev Narayan Sarkar
The present study aims to understand small retailers' current use of various low-cost technologies and the factors responsible for small retailers' adoption. Furthermore, these…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to understand small retailers' current use of various low-cost technologies and the factors responsible for small retailers' adoption. Furthermore, these factors of adoption were mapped back to beliefs within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and an attempt was made to understand if some of the beliefs dominated over the others and their implications.
Design/methodology/approach
The study takes a qualitative approach comprising in-depth semi-structured interviews and direct observation. The qualitative data were analysed through a thematic analysis to identify technology adoption factors.
Findings
Amongst the various technologies (mobile apps), payment and procurement apps were the most widely used. The authors identified eight factors influencing technology adoption: the top being customer demand for payment apps and convenience and cost-saving for procurement apps. The study also highlights the role of the dominant beliefs in technology adoption, which managers could use to improve adoption rates.
Research limitations/implications
The current study is a cross-sectional study and the sample was predominantly of grocery retailers, limiting the generalisability of the results.
Social implications
Small retailers face stiff competition from organised retail and e-commerce platforms which threatens small retailers' existence. Small retailers' survival is vital as many people depend on the small retail sector for livelihood. Increased use of technology seems the only way for them to stay competitive and increase profitability. The study's outcome could help increase technology adoption amongst small retailers and increase small retailers' competitiveness.
Originality/value
Despite the widespread presence of small retailers in emerging economies, few studies have examined technology adoption amongst them. This study is also the first to use the TPB theory in the small retailer technology adoption context.
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Shivani Bali, Vikram Bali, Rajendra Prasad Mohanty and Dev Gaur
Recently, blockchain technology (BT) has resolved healthcare data management challenges. It helps healthcare providers automate medical records and mining to aid in data sharing…
Abstract
Purpose
Recently, blockchain technology (BT) has resolved healthcare data management challenges. It helps healthcare providers automate medical records and mining to aid in data sharing and making more accurate diagnoses. This paper attempts to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for successfully implementing BT in healthcare.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is methodologically structured in four phases. The first phase leads to identifying success factors by reviewing the extant literature. In the second phase, expert opinions were solicited to authenticate the critical success factors required to implement BT in the healthcare sector. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was employed to find the cause-and-effect relationship among the third phase’s critical success factors. In phase 4, the authors resort to validating the final results and findings.
Findings
Based on the analysis, 21 CSFs were identified and grouped under six dimensions. After applying the DEMATEL technique, nine factors belong to the causal group, and the remaining 12 factors fall under the effect group. The top three influencing factors of blockchain technology implementation in the healthcare ecosystem are data transparency, track and traceability and government support, whereas; implementation cost was the least influential.
Originality/value
This study provides a roadmap and may facilitate healthcare professionals to overcome contemporary challenges with the help of BT.
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Vikrant Sharma, B.D. Gidwani, Vikram Sharma and M.L. Meena
The purpose of this paper is to visualize the prioritization among essential factors of cellular manufacturing system (CMS) implementation using the analytic hierarchy process…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to visualize the prioritization among essential factors of cellular manufacturing system (CMS) implementation using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and analytic network process (ANP) methods.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on literature review, 4 enabler dimensions and 17 CM factors were identified which were validated by experts from academia and industry. Then, AHP and ANP models are proposed in evaluating CMS implementation dimensions and factors. The results are validated using sensitivity analysis.
Findings
These models give firms a straightforward and simple to utilize way to deal with CMS efficiently. The two strategies were appeared to be powerful in choosing a strategy for CMS implementation. The two strategies brought about nearly similar outcomes. Both methods consider the particular necessities of the organization through its own accessible ability.
Practical implications
The techniques exhibited in this paper can be utilized by a wide range of organizations for adopting CMS that have a higher impact on performance and thus overall productivity. The two techniques are explained in a step-by-step approach for easier adoption by practitioners.
Originality/value
The strength of the present study is that it is one of the first few to be conducted in perspective for CM implementation factors analysis.
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Vikram Bhakoo, Prakash Singh and Amrik Sohal
The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the nature of collaborative arrangements that partners in Australian hospital supply chains use to manage inventories.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the nature of collaborative arrangements that partners in Australian hospital supply chains use to manage inventories.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study involving a supply chain network of ten healthcare organisations (three pharmaceutical manufacturers, two wholesalers/distributors and five public hospitals) was studied. Data included 40 semi‐structured interviews, site visits and examination of documents.
Findings
This study highlights the existence of a variety of collaborative arrangements amongst supply chain partners such as the “Ward Box” system (a variant of the vender managed inventory system) between wholesalers/distributors and hospitals. The materials management departments were more willing than their pharmacy counterparts to participate in a variety of partial and complete outsourcing arrangements with wholesalers/distributors and other hospitals. Several contingent factors were identified that influenced development of collaborative arrangements.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to the Australian healthcare sector. To improve generalisability, this study could be replicated in other industry sectors and countries.
Practical implications
Application of collaborative arrangements between manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors would improve inventory management practices across the supply chains. Also, learning from materials management departments could be transferable to pharmacy departments.
Originality/value
Several contingent variables for the implementation of collaborative inventory management arrangements between healthcare supply chain partners have been identified. Methodologically, data across three echelons in the supply chains (manufacturers, wholesalers/distributors and hospitals) were collected and analysed.
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