Anil Rana and Emosi V.M. Koroitamana
The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for measuring the imprecise and subjective “effectiveness” of a major maintenance activity. Such a measure will not only bring…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for measuring the imprecise and subjective “effectiveness” of a major maintenance activity. Such a measure will not only bring objectivity in gauging the effectiveness of maintenance task carried out by the workforce without any intervention from an expert but also help in measuring the slow degradation of the performance of the concerned major equipment/system.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper follows a three-step approach. First, identify a set of parameters considered important for estimating the maintenance activity effectiveness. Second, generate a set of data using expert opinions on a fuzzy performance measure of maintenance activity effectiveness (output). Also, find an aggregated estimate of the effectiveness by analysing the consensus among experts. This requires using a part of the “fuzzy multiple attribute decision making” process. Finally, train a neuro-fuzzy inference system based on input parameters and generated output data.
Findings
The paper analysed major maintenance activity carried out on diesel engines of a power plant company. Expert opinions were used in selection of key parameters and generation of output (effectiveness measure). The result of a trained adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) matched acceptably well with that aggregated through the expert opinions.
Research limitations/implications
In view of unavailability of data, the method relies on training a neuro-fuzzy system on data generated through expert opinion. The data as such are vague and imprecise leading to lack of consensus between experts. This can lead to some amount of error in the output generated through ANFIS.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in presentation of a method to estimate the effectiveness of a maintenance activity.
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The purpose of the paper is to provide a method for selection of an optimum level of repair by replacement of an equipment based on its cost. In a ship where the engineer has a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to provide a method for selection of an optimum level of repair by replacement of an equipment based on its cost. In a ship where the engineer has a vast variety of equipment and systems to operate and maintain within limited time frames and availability of human resources, it is often difficult to disassemble a whole equipment to replace a faulty component. It is instead a lot easier to just replace the faulty equipment with whole new equipment. However, such a decision comes at an enormous capital cost. Therefore, the key question is, can we have a model to help us arrive at a decision on the correct level of carrying out repairs?
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a model based on cost and convolution of failure distributions of critical sub-components of an equipment. Necessary assumptions based on real life experience have been incorporated in the model.
Findings
The paper used an example of a particular type of motor driven sea water centrifugal pump which was commonly used in main engine sea water system, firefighting system, air conditioning system, etc. The pump had one of the highest failure rates in the ship (approximately one failure per 150 days) and the engineers found it cost and time effective to replace the entire pump on failure rather than carrying out replacement of the failed components. The model analyzed that the engineer’s hunch was not off the mark.
Research limitations/implications
The implication of the work presented in the paper will be savings in maintenance cost and downtime due to optimal level of repairs on a multi-component equipment. The limitations of the work are assumption of independence of failures of components. This may not be true in all the cases. Further, opportunity based maintenance has also not been considered.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in the presentation of a method for selection of an optimum level of maintenance for a multi-component equipment
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Tarek Rana, Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Anil Narayan and Mingxing Zheng
This paper aims to examine new public management (NPM) reform in New Zealand Universities (NZUs) and the process by which government policy changes generated service performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine new public management (NPM) reform in New Zealand Universities (NZUs) and the process by which government policy changes generated service performance reporting (SPR), and how the SPR practices were institutionalised. It seeks to explain the underlying institutional forces of the reform process, how universities were subjected to accountability pressures through government-imposed managerial techniques and how universities responded to them.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw on the theoretical lens of neo-institutional theory and the concept of NPM to interpret the setting of SPR. Data comprise annual reports and other documents produced by the NZUs.
Findings
The findings show that the development of the SPR was driven by NPM ideals and rationales of greater transparency and accountability. The institutional pressures bestowed extra power to the government by demanding greater accounting reporting of university performance. It also shows the ensemble of institutions, organisations and management practices that were deployed to reorganise performance reporting practices.
Research limitations/implications
The study adds to the neo-institutional theory work that universities are experiencing extraordinary institutional pressure to become a market-type commodity in New Zealand and internationally. The findings have implications for government, universities, policymakers and public sector professionals who work in public sector reform.
Originality/value
Through the institutional theoretical lens, the study offers new insights into our understanding of NPM-driven regulation and institutionalisation of managerial techniques. The insights inform policy and practice surrounding design, implementation and the potential effect of future policy changes with reference to the performance of NZUs and internationally.
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Deepthi Bendi, Muhammad Qasim Rana, Mohammed Arif, Steve Michael Lamb, Anil Sawhney and Amit Kant Kaushik
This paper aims to present factors affecting the Indian construction organisations in adopting off-site construction (OSC) methods.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present factors affecting the Indian construction organisations in adopting off-site construction (OSC) methods.
Design/methodology/approach
An existing readiness maturity model has been used to assess three large organisations in different parts of India. A case study methodology has been adopted in this paper to highlight critical issues in OSC adoption in India.
Findings
This paper presents three case studies and concludes the Indian construction sectors readiness to adopt the OSC methods. Through the case studies, different issues related to the adoption of OSC have been identified and highlighted for the Indian construction sector. Although the three companies are large, there are several small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) operating in India's construction sector, and future research shall be needed to review these SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
This research study is broadly focused on developing and assessing an OSC readiness framework for Indian construction organisations. The research scope and the population for data collection are limited to large construction organisations in India only.
Practical implications
The proposed OSC readiness maturity model guides construction practitioners in India through a structured process to assess their OSC readiness in the market. This assessment enables them to evaluate and benchmark their processes through the strategic and operational phases. This research will add to the existing knowledge of OSC in India by mapping issues relevant to India's construction industry. The research has provided background on the status of OSC, the drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of OSC techniques in the Indian construction industry.
Originality/value
Through the three case studies, several factors related to the implementation of OSC methods have been identified and highlighted within the Indian construction sector. Although the model has been applied to the Indian construction sector, it can easily be modified to fit into other areas and similar dynamics and business conditions.
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Deepthi Bendi, Muhammad Qasim Rana, Mohammed Arif, Jack Steven Goulding and Anil Sawhney
This paper aims to present an off-site construction (OSC) readiness maturity model for assessing the readiness of offsite construction companies in the Indian construction sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an off-site construction (OSC) readiness maturity model for assessing the readiness of offsite construction companies in the Indian construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document 17 different variables affecting the OSC adoption in India. In Stage 2, 15 semi-structured interviews were carried out where the participants were asked to refine those variables for the Indian context and define what would be different levels of attainment. In the third stage, another set of 5 semi-structure interviews was performed to validate the maturity levels and definitions.
Findings
A three-level OSC readiness maturity model is presented for discussion. This describes 17 variables at different levels of maturity.
Practical Implications
The proposed OSC readiness maturity model guides construction practitioners in India through a structured process to enable them to assess their OSC readiness in the market. This assessment enables them to evaluate and benchmark their processes through the strategic and operational phases. The maturity model also identifies the areas of concern and the scope for further development or change to secure the optimal advantage of OSC methods.
Originality/value
The research produced a model to assess the readiness of OSC adoption in the Indian construction sector. Although the model has been applied to the Indian construction sector, it can easily be modified to accommodate other OSM contexts.
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Anil Kumar, Sachin Kumar Mangla, Sunil Luthra, Nripendra P. Rana and Yogesh K. Dwivedi
Consumers have the multiple options to choose their products and services, which have a significant impact on the pattern of consumer decision making in digital market and further…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumers have the multiple options to choose their products and services, which have a significant impact on the pattern of consumer decision making in digital market and further increases the challenges for the service providers to predict their buying pattern. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to propose a structural hierarchy model for analyzing the changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital market by taking an Indian context.
Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish the objectives, the research is conducted in two phases. An extensive literature review is performed in the first phase to list the factors related to the changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital market and then fuzzy Delphi method is applied to finalize the factors. In the second phase, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is employed to find the priority weights of finalized factors. The fuzzy set theory allows capturing the vagueness in the data.
Findings
The findings obtained in this study shows that consumers are much conscious about innovative and trendy products as well as brand and quality; therefore, the service providers must think about these two most important factors so that they can able to retain their consumer in their online portal.
Practical implications
The analysis shows that “innovative and trendy” is the first priority factor for the consumers followed by “brand and quality” and “fulfilment and time energy.” The proposed model can help the marketers and service providers in predicting customers’ preferences and their changing pattern efficiently under vague surroundings. The outcomes of this research work not only help the service provider to update their products and services according to consumers’ needs but can also help them to increase profit and minimize their risk.
Originality/value
This work contributes to consumer research literature focusing on problem evaluation in the context of changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital era.
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Mohammad Ta'Amnha, Mohannad Jreissat, Ghazi Samawi, Luai Jraisat, Omar M. Bwaliez, Anil Kumar, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Arvind Upadhyay
Lean management is a contemporary management system that firms adopt to boost their performance. Lean management can be integrated with human resources management to develop a new…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean management is a contemporary management system that firms adopt to boost their performance. Lean management can be integrated with human resources management to develop a new concept of lean human resources management (LHRM). This entails the implementation of several practices. However, the LHRM–performance paradigm remains underexplored in the literature. Hence, this study aims to examine the interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impacts of those practices on firm performance (FP).
Design/methodology/approach
Using two equal-sized samples (n = 250 each) of manufacturing firms in Jordan and Germany, this study proposes two structural equation models (i.e. a Jordanian and a German models) depicting the interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impacts of those practices on FP. After testing these models, a comparison between them is conducted, producing findings with theoretical and practical implications.
Findings
The main findings of this study indicate that the average implementation of LHRM practices among German manufacturing firms is at a higher level than the average implementation among Jordanian firms. The findings also support the proposed interrelationships between LHRM practices and the impact of those practices on FP for both the Jordanian and German models.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to highlight the proposed relationships, both in general and in the context of comparing developed and developing countries. Its findings have important implications that can enable manufacturing managers to benefit from the implementation of LHRM practices to enhance FP in different contexts. These findings provide valuable insights for human resource managers and decision-makers and open several avenues for future research.
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Anoop Kumar, Anil Singh Parihar and Pooja Jain
With the technological advancements in the sphere of hospitality and tourism, the significant development has been pragmatic in the industry structures, processes and practices…
Abstract
With the technological advancements in the sphere of hospitality and tourism, the significant development has been pragmatic in the industry structures, processes and practices. The worth of innovation in the tourism industry is multifaceted which not only resulted in costs reduction, enhance operational efficiency and service quality upgrade but also enhanced customer experience. This chapter aims to review the articles, papers and books chapters published in various journals in the hospitality and tourism industry area through the lens of technological developments and disruptive innovations. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, VOSviewer and word cloud are the tools applied for papers selection, analysis and the visual representation of the most researched themes. The findings reveal that the many researches being conducted post 2016 in this sphere. The information and communications technology (ICT) devices usage, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Blockchain technology (BCT), and digital payments are considered as the crucial factors. The study emphasizes to put on better understanding of innovative disruptions in this sphere, layout plan for future research, and enable the decision-makers and authorities to make futuristic policies to stay competitive.
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Yigit Kazancoglu, Melisa Ozbiltekin Pala, Muruvvet Deniz Sezer, Sunil Luthra and Anil Kumar
The aim of this study is to evaluate Big Data Analytics (BDA) drivers in the context of food supply chains (FSC) for transition to a Circular Economy (CE) and Sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate Big Data Analytics (BDA) drivers in the context of food supply chains (FSC) for transition to a Circular Economy (CE) and Sustainable Operations Management (SOM).
Design/methodology/approach
Ten different BDA drivers in FSC are examined for transition to CE; these are Supply Chains (SC) Visibility, Operations Efficiency, Information Management and Technology, Collaborations between SC partners, Data-driven innovation, Demand management and Production Planning, Talent Management, Organizational Commitment, Management Team Capability and Governmental Incentive. An interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology is used to indicate the relationships between identified drivers to stimulate transition to CE and SOM. Drivers and pair-wise interactions between these drivers are developed by semi-structured interviews with a number of experts from industry and academia.
Findings
The results show that Information Management and Technology, Governmental Incentive and Management Team Capability drivers are classified as independent factors; Organizational Commitment and Operations Efficiency are categorized as dependent factors. SC Visibility, Data-driven innovation, Demand management and Production Planning, Talent Management and Collaborations between SC partners can be classified as linkage factors. It can be concluded that Governmental Incentive is the most fundamental driver to achieve BDA applications in FSC transition from linearity to CE and SOM. In addition, Operations Efficiency, Collaborations between SC partners and Organizational Commitment are key BDA drivers in FSC for transition to CE and SOM.
Research limitations/implications
The interactions between these drivers will provide benefits to both industry and academia in prioritizing and understanding these drivers more thoroughly when implementing BDA based on a range of factors. This study will provide valuable insights. The results from this study will help in drawing up regulations to prevent food fraud, implementing laws concerning government incentives, reducing food loss and waste, increasing tracing and traceability, providing training activities to improve knowledge about BDA and focusing more on data analytics.
Originality/value
The main contribution of the study is to analyze BDA drivers in the context of FSC for transition to CE and SOM. This study is unique in examining these BDA drivers based on FSC. We hope to find sustainable solutions to minimize losses or other negative impacts on these SC.
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This study aims to explore the effect of eco-labels on green product purchase intention among consumers of electrical/electronic products in an emerging market context.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the effect of eco-labels on green product purchase intention among consumers of electrical/electronic products in an emerging market context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted an extended theory of planned behaviour to assess the effects of eco-labels. To measure the key constructs, scales pertaining to the relevant literature were used to design a structured questionnaire for empirical examination. A final data set of 680 consumers was analysed using structured equation modelling.
Findings
The results indicate that eco-labels significantly impact perceived behavioural control, attitude, subjective norms and consumers’ willingness to pay higher prices for environmentally friendly green products.
Practical implications
The findings not only complement research on green consumerism but also serve as an important direction for socially responsible marketers who aim to play an important role in propagating pro-social consumption among emerging cohorts of consumers. The importance of eco-labelling as an effective marketing tool is highlighted, with valuable insights for future research and practices pertaining to emerging consumer markets.
Originality/value
This study fills a void in contemporary research by examining consumers of electrical/electronic products that typically involve long-term usage, with potentially greater environmental footprints.