Sajjad Ali Qureshi, Afshan Naseem and Yasir Ahmad
Technological advancements have benefited businesses all over the world in how they set up production lines, create new products/services and trade goods. Multinational…
Abstract
Purpose
Technological advancements have benefited businesses all over the world in how they set up production lines, create new products/services and trade goods. Multinational corporations can communicate instantly with their distant operations by utilizing information technology tools and communication networks. Businesses have taken a significant shift and new factors have emerged which affect company's competitiveness. In case of resorting to an outsourcing option, a comprehensive approach for valuing the essential criteria is often missing. While specifically focusing on the decisions that have a huge impact on company's performance, it is crucial to pay close attention to the ways of selecting suppliers. The purpose of research is to choose the optimal manufacturing alternative from a set of possibilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The current research utilizes the Delphi technique for collection of vital criteria such as “quality”, “cost”, “delivery”, “warranties and claims”, “supplier profile”, “relationship and communication” and their respective sub-criteria. The purpose of research is to choose the optimal manufacturing alternative from a set of possibilities. In this regard, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique is employed.
Findings
The current research enlightens that outsourcing can yield promising beneficial results. The results highlighted that in Hi-tech public sector organizations, international alternative is found best in almost all criteria especially in vital criteria such as “Quality”, “Cost”, “Delivery”, “Supplier Profile,” etc. Similarly, in case the outsourcing is done to a Domestic alternative, still the Domestic alternative is found effective in comparison to in-house manufacturing setups. The research showed unexpected results. Because previously it was assumed that in-house manufacturing would be more beneficial. However, the current findings support the “NASA” strategy which moved toward outsourcing to private sector.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations of the proposed methodology also produce opportunities for further exploration of the topic. One key limitation of the research described in this study is that the parameters and their sub-parameters interdependency were not taken under consideration. This means that quality and cost are not dependent upon each other. However, in reality quality and cost are interlinked. This means if quality is increased, cost is also increased. Similarly, for products having zero percent of re-claim, the product would have to be manufactured with high quality.
Practical implications
The study is advantageous for both suppliers and purchasers, in any type of businesses where decision-making problem are under consideration. This model aids suppliers in revealing, how they can expand their profile, by focusing on the current research's selection criteria. In this way alternatives profile can now be perfected. Moreover, buyers can now rank suppliers on their quality management, financial status and other essential factors in order to conduct purchasing decisions. For the decision maker, the results illustrate which critical factors to evaluate when screening suppliers by applying current model techniques.
Social implications
It is obvious that nearly almost every industry is forced to look for alternatives for all of its operations if outsourcing is an option. The study's findings have major benefits for all industries with an important role in manufacturing and supply chain operations. These objectives will serve the industries well and they will be able to prioritize their alternative selection criteria based on their operations. The findings of this study can assist any organization in their selection of vendors by providing a more detailed explanation of the impact that various criteria have on the decision-making process.
Originality/value
To the best of authors' knowledge, no previous study has used two approaches (AHP and Delphi study) to propose a model for making manufacturing decisions with domestic, in house and international alternatives in Hi-tech public sector organizations. The model not only benefits the manufacturers for choosing suitable suppliers but also aids suppliers to build their profile in an improved fashion by focusing on the vital attributes. This research benefits managers to improve their ability to make effective purchasing decisions, and also opens new avenues for researchers to further explore such findings in other areas as well.
Details
Keywords
Krishnadas Nanath, Ali Sajjad and Supriya Kaitheri
University selection in higher education is a complex task for aspirants from a decision-making perspective. This study first aims to understand the essential parameters that…
Abstract
Purpose
University selection in higher education is a complex task for aspirants from a decision-making perspective. This study first aims to understand the essential parameters that affect potential students' choice of higher education institutions. It then aims to explore how these parameters or priorities have changed given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning about the differences in priorities for university selection pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic might help higher education institutions focus on relevant parameters in the post-pandemic era.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a mixed-method approach, with primary and secondary data (university parameters from the website and LinkedIn Insights). We developed a university selector system by scraping LinkedIn education data of various universities and their alumni records. The final decision-making tool was hosted on the web to collect potential students' responses (primary data). Response data were analyzed via a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model. Portal-based data collection was conducted twice to understand the differences in university selection priorities pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. A one-way MANOVA was performed to find the differences in priorities related to the university decision-making process pre- and post-COVID-19.
Findings
This study considered eight parameters of the university selection process. MANOVA demonstrated a significant change in decision-making priorities of potential students between the pre- and post-COVID-19 phases. Four out of eight parameters showed significant differences in ranking and priority. Respondents made significant changes in their selection criteria on four parameters: cost (went high), ranking (went low), presence of e-learning mode (went high) and student life (went low).
Originality/value
The current COVID-19 pandemic poses many uncertainties for educational institutions in terms of mode of delivery, student experience, campus life and others. The study sheds light on the differences in priorities resulting from the pandemic. It attempts to show how social priorities change over time and influence the choices students make.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Haseeb Shakil, Junaid Khalil, Ali Sajjad, Muhammad Mukarram and Qasim Ali Nisar
Purpose: This chapter aims to review and brief the role of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (SCSR) in the tourism industry, targeting its impact on the performance and…
Abstract
Purpose: This chapter aims to review and brief the role of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (SCSR) in the tourism industry, targeting its impact on the performance and sustainability of the tourism industry. This chapter seeks to provide insights into how SCSR can lead to a positive transformation and competitive advantage.
Methodology: The chapter incorporates a brief literature review to examine current trends, hurdles, and benchmarking in the implementation of SCSR in the tourism industry. Comparative analysis and recent literature are used to extract valuable results and implications for effective tourism management.
Research limitations: The current chapter has limited potential biases in the selection of literature and the evolving nature of CSR in the tourism sector. Future research is required to check the developments in tourism and CSR.
Results: This chapter shed light on the complex association between the performance of CSR and business in the tourism industry, highlighting the importance of governance qualities and new initiatives for achieving financial sustainability.
Originality/value: This chapter adds valuable insights to the existing literature by shedding light on the most recent literature on SCSR in the tourism industry and provides inputs for setups looking for sustainability.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Farrukh, Fanchen Meng and Ali Raza
A leader's job is not to put greatness into people, but rather to recognize that it already exists and to create an environment where that greatness can emerge and grow (Smith…
Abstract
Purpose
A leader's job is not to put greatness into people, but rather to recognize that it already exists and to create an environment where that greatness can emerge and grow (Smith, 2014). Based on Brad Smith's quote, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the leader's expectations, leader-member exchange (LMX) and organizational climate for innovation in fostering the intrapreneurial behavior (IB) of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from employees and their supervisors working across industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, engineering and manufacturing. Collected data were then analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
The authors’ results show that LMX and leaders' expectations are positively linked to employees' IB. Moreover, this association is mediated by organizational climate.
Practical implications
This study's findings contribute to the literature on intrapreneurship and may also help practitioners formulate interventions to foster IB in organizations that will ultimately lead to higher performance.
Originality/value
This study attempted to investigate the effect of LMX and the Pygmalion effect on IB through employees' perception of organizational climate for innovation. The literature in this field is scarce and theoretical development is weak because traditional collaborative or participative leadership approaches are more relevant to an outcome than innovation.
Details
Keywords
The learning outcomes are as follows:• demonstrate an understanding of the fruit farming process;• compare the pros and cons of farming different fruits;• understand the general…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows:• demonstrate an understanding of the fruit farming process;• compare the pros and cons of farming different fruits;• understand the general characteristics of entrepreneurs and identify the issues they face;• compare the risk and returns from two types of investments;• apply capital budgeting techniques to ascertain the best available investment option; and• perform sensitivity analysis based on different anticipated situations for a new business.
Case overview/synopsis
Since his birth, Mr Bashir Khan, a 45-year-old father of four, lived as a farmer in Kallar Kahar, Pakistan. He owned 15 acres of land which he used to cultivate wheat and millet. He decided to start fruit farming after harvesting wheat in April 2021 to satisfy his long-standing desire to own a garden. He recently met a friend who was earning well from grape farming, who suggested that Khan set up a vineyard farm which could become a profitable venture for him. At the same time, Khan learned that the government had declared the Potohar region of Pakistan an olive valley, and was giving massive subsidies on olive cultivation. Khan now had a choice of fruits to plant on his land. One of his relatives, Omar Khayam, was an accountant at a firm. Khayam offered to conduct a feasibility analysis for Khan, to provide the relevant data, and help Khan select a high profit-yielding fruit farm.
Complexity academic level
Introductory finance courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as executive training courses focused on the agri-finance discipline.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Details
Keywords
Describes the current status of the use of computers in Pakistani libraries. Discusses the problems faced by librarians and information specialists in automating their libraries…
Abstract
Describes the current status of the use of computers in Pakistani libraries. Discusses the problems faced by librarians and information specialists in automating their libraries. Reviews internationally accepted database management systems mostly used in library housekeeping routines in Pakistan. Also introduces locally developed library packages. Gives a brief account of training facilities in library software offered by library schools and professional associations in the country, particularly the Pakistan Library Association.
Azhar Hussain, Qasim Ali Nisar, Waqas Khan, Umair Imran Niazi and Maida Malik
This study aims to determine the role of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance (FP), the mediating effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the role of intellectual capital (IC) on financial performance (FP), the mediating effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and the moderating role of big data analytics on the banking sector operating in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected quantitative and cross-sectional data using structured questionnaire forms distributed to selected targeted respondents using a convenient sampling technique. The 518 useable questionnaires were analysed using the SmartPLS software through a structural equation modelling technique to test the proposed research hypotheses.
Findings
The study results revealed that IC has shown an impact on FP. The role of HPWP significantly mediates between IC and FP, while the moderating role of big data analytics remains insignificant.
Practical implications
This study highlights IC's role in enhancing FP in the Pakistani banking sector. It will bring a higher quality IC in the banking sector, and they will be better positioned to serve the community. Policymakers need to invest in IC and HPWP and utilise BDA, which will boost FP and uplift the quality of the banking sector.
Originality/value
This study extends the concept of IC and adds the theoretical role of HPWPs and big data analytics in the literature on IC, along with the contextual application. The study also develops a unique role of the integrated IC model theory with a relationship to the banking sector of Pakistan.
Details
Keywords
Lan Xu and Yaofei Wang
The purpose of this study is to establish a grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method (CPM) model to assess the photovoltaic (PV) industry chain resilience of Jiangsu Province…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to establish a grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method (CPM) model to assess the photovoltaic (PV) industry chain resilience of Jiangsu Province in China.
Design/methodology/approach
First, we designed the resilience evaluation index system of such a chain from two aspects: the external environment and internal conditions. We then constructed a PV industry chain resilience evaluation model based on the grey-entropy-CPM. Finally, the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model were verified via an empirical case study analysis of Jiangsu Province in China.
Findings
As of the end of 2022, the resilience level of its PV industry chain is medium-high resilience, which indicates a high degree of adaptability to the current unpredictable and competitive market, and can respond to the uncertain impact of changes in conditions effectively and in a timely manner.
Practical implications
The construction of this model can provide reference ideas for related enterprises in the PV industry to analyze the resilience level of the industrial chain and solve the problem of industrial chain resilience.
Originality/value
Firstly, an analysis of the entire industrial chain structure of the PV industry, combined with its unique characteristics is needed to design a PV industry chain resilience evaluation index system. Second, grey relational analysis (GRA) and the entropy method were adopted to improve the importance of ranking the indicators in the evaluation of the CPM, and a resilience evaluation model based on grey-entropy-CPM was constructed.
Details
Keywords
Cem Savas Aydin, Senim Ozgurler, Mehmet Bulent Durmusoglu and Mesut Ozgurler
This paper aims to present a multi-response robust design (RD) optimization approach for U-shaped assembly cells (ACs) with multi-functional walking-workers by using operational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a multi-response robust design (RD) optimization approach for U-shaped assembly cells (ACs) with multi-functional walking-workers by using operational design (OD) factors in a simulation setting. The proposed methodology incorporated the design factors related to the operation of ACs into an RD framework. Utilization of OD factors provided a practical design approach for ACs addressing system robustness without modifying the cell structure.
Design/methodology/approach
Taguchi’s design philosophy and response surface meta-models have been combined for robust simulation optimization (SO). Multiple performance measures have been considered for the study and concurrently optimized by using a multi-response optimization (MRO) approach. Simulation setting provided flexibility in experimental design selection and facilitated experiments by avoiding cost and time constraints in real-world experiments.
Findings
The present approach is illustrated through RD of an AC for performance measures: average throughput time, average WIP inventory and cycle time. Findings are in line with expectations that a significant reduction in performance variability is attainable by trading-off optimality for robustness. Reductions in expected performance (optimality) values are negligible in comparison to reductions in performance variability (robustness).
Practical implications
ACs designed for robustness are more likely to meet design objectives once they are implemented, preventing changes or roll-backs. Successful implementations serve as examples to shop-floor personnel alleviating issues such as operator/supervisor resistance and scepticism, encouraging participation and facilitating teamwork.
Originality/value
ACs include many activities related to cell operation which can be used for performance optimization. The proposed framework is a realistic design approach using OD factors and considering system stochasticity in terms of noise factors for RD optimization through simulation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time a multi-response RD optimization approach for U-shaped manual ACs with multi-functional walking-workers using factors related to AC operation is proposed.