Tobias Schoenherr, Ditmar Hilpert, Ashok K. Soni, M.A. Venkataramanan and Vincent A. Mabert
The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding about drivers of enterprise systems complexity (ESC), as well as its multi‐faceted conceptualization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding about drivers of enterprise systems complexity (ESC), as well as its multi‐faceted conceptualization.
Design/methodology/approach
Case studies were conducted among German Mittelstand companies by an international research team. A grounded theory approach was followed, with the first phase of the case studies being exploratory, and the second phase being more focused.
Findings
Case study findings suggest that ESC is a multi‐dimensional construct consisting of the following dimensions: seamlessness, adoption date, number of integrated subsystems, system type/composition, number of functional areas linked, and number of users. Drivers of ESC identified via the case studies include the multi‐dimensional constructs of competition, complexity of processes, complexity of products, global operations, and the firm's customer base. Grounded theory development is used to conceptualize the measures of these drivers. Founded in these exploratory observations propositions for future research are developed.
Originality/value
The research reports on the experiences of companies with enterprise systems (ES), and explores organizational factors determining system complexity; as a sampling frame Mittelstand companies in Southwest Germany are chosen, making this study one of the few exploring ES within this context. The paper also places ESC within theoretical domains, especially the STS theory. The conceptualization of ESC and its antecedents presented provides a starting point for future academic research into this area.
Details
Keywords
Vishal Ashok Wankhede and S. Vinodh
The purpose is to assess Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness index using fuzzy logic and multi-grade fuzzy approaches in an automotive component manufacturing organization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to assess Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness index using fuzzy logic and multi-grade fuzzy approaches in an automotive component manufacturing organization.
Design/methodology/approach
I4.0 implies fourth industrial revolution that necessitates vital challenges to be dealt with. In this viewpoint, this article presents the evaluation of I4.0 Readiness Index. The evaluation includes two levels with appropriate criteria and factors. Fuzzy logic approach is used for assessment. Furthermore, the results obtained from fuzzy logic have been benchmarked with multi-grade fuzzy approach.
Findings
The proposed assessment model has successfully utilized fuzzy logic approach for assessment of I4.0 readiness index of automotive component manufacturing organization. Based on fuzzy logic approach, readiness index of I4.0 has been found to be (4.74, 6.26, 7.80) which is further benchmarked using multi-grade fuzzy approach. Industry 4.0 readiness index obtained from multi-grade fuzzy approach is 6.258 and thus, validated. Furthermore, 20 weaker areas have been identified and improvement suggestions are provided.
Research limitations/implications
The assessment module include two levels (Six Criteria and 50 Factors). The assessment model could be expanded based on advancements in industrial developments. Therefore, future researchers could utilize findings of the readiness model to further develop multi-level assessment module for Industry 4.0 readiness in organization. The developed readiness model helped researchers in understanding the methodology to assess I4.0 readiness of organization.
Practical implications
The model has been tested with reference to automotive component manufacturing organization and hence the inferences derived have practical relevance. Furthermore, the benchmarking strategy adopted in the present study is simple to understand that makes the model unique and could be applied to other organizations. The results obtained from the study reveal that fuzzy logic-based readiness model is efficient to assess I4.0 readiness of industry.
Originality/value
The development of model for I4.0 readiness assessment and further analysis is the original contribution of the authors. The developed fuzzy logic based I4.0 readiness model indicated the readiness level of an organization using I4RI. Also, the model provided weaker areas based on FPII values which is essential to improve the readiness of organization that already began with the adoption of I4.0 concepts. Further modification in the readiness model would help in enhancing I4.0 readiness of organization. Moreover, the benchmarking strategy adopted in the study i.e. MGF would help to validate the computed I4.0 readiness.
Details
Keywords
Vishal Ashok Wankhede and S. Vinodh
The manufacturing domain presently focusing on Industry 4.0 (I4.0). One such domain is the automotive sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse the I4.0 research studies…
Abstract
Purpose
The manufacturing domain presently focusing on Industry 4.0 (I4.0). One such domain is the automotive sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse the I4.0 research studies with a focus on the automotive sector using a systematic literature review (SLR).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a SLR of previous studies on I4.0 characteristics from its inception to performance measures focusing on the automotive sector. A total of 90 papers published in reputed journals during 2014–2020 were collected from major publishers, namely, Elsevier, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Emerald, Institute of Electrical and Electronics, MDPI, etc.
Findings
The findings of the study provided vital insights on various perspectives of I4.0 in an automotive organization. Moreover, this systematic analysis would help the automotive industry policymakers in implementing I4.0 in an organization. Based on the SLR, a conceptual framework is established to guide industry practitioners towards I4.0 implementation. The review findings could be used to carry out future studies in assessing the readiness of I4.0 in the organization with the help of a survey.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of the study is in the adoption of the sampling approach. In the present study, conference papers and refereed journals have been considered based on the relevance of I4.0 in the automotive industry. As I4.0 is a growing concept, non-refereed articles, book chapters and white papers may cover practical aspects regarding I4.0 implementation that need to be considered for depth analysis. Moreover, the framework needs to be validated with various automotive industries for ensuring practical validity.
Originality/value
The unique contribution of the study is the SLR of I4.0 in manufacturing with a focus on the automotive sector.
Details
Keywords
V. Raja Sreedharan and R. Raju
The purpose of this paper is to review Lean Six Sigma (LSS) literature and report different definitions, demographics, methodologies and industries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review Lean Six Sigma (LSS) literature and report different definitions, demographics, methodologies and industries.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper highlights various definitions by different researchers and practitioners. A total of 235 research papers has been reviewed for the LSS theme, research methodology adopted, type of industry, author profile, country of research and year of publication.
Findings
From the review, four significant LSS classifications were identified that deal with the spread of LSS in different industries followed by observation for classification.
Practical implications
LSS is a strategy for success, but it did not examine its presence in various Industries. From this paper, readers can understand the quantum of its spread before implementing LSS. For academicians, it will be a comprehensive list of papers for research.
Originality/value
This paper reviews 235 research papers for their year, author profile, research methodology and type of industry. Various characteristics of LSS definitions and their theme are also reviewed.
Details
Keywords
Sekar Vinodh, Vishal Ashok Wankhede and Ganesan Muruganantham
To attain a competitive edge, it is essential to realize the significant critical success factors (CSFs) that contribute to the adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) in manufacturing…
Abstract
Purpose
To attain a competitive edge, it is essential to realize the significant critical success factors (CSFs) that contribute to the adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) in manufacturing organizations. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze CSFs for Q4.0 implementation in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study begins with a systematic literature review of past studies about Q4.0 implementation in manufacturing, followed by the identification of CSFs. Further, a case study was conducted wherein 42 CSFs identified were grouped into five dimensions. Best–worst method is a MCDM tool applied as a solution methodology for the analysis of CSFs based on expert opinion and priority order of CSFs attained.
Findings
The priority order of CSFs is obtained. Based on the findings, significant CSFs are “Data prediction and Analytics,” “Organizational culture towards Quality 4.0” and “Machine to Machine communication.”
Practical implications
The shifting market dynamics incorporate Q4.0 inclusion for realizing zero defects and high traceability in automotive SMEs. The present study offers implications for industry managers and practitioners by delivering insights on how Q4.0 could be serving automotive systems and CSFs that industry authorities need to pay attention to effectively adopt Q4.0 in the current quality systems. The study will facilitate industry practitioners to meticulously examine CSFs for Q4.0 toward the improvement of SME performance.
Originality/value
The identification of CSFs for Q4.0 adoption in manufacturing SMEs, along with the prioritization of CFSs using the MCDM tool, is the original contribution by the authors.
Details
Keywords
Vishal Ashok Wankhede, S. Vinodh and Jiju Antony
To achieve changing customer demands, organizations are striving hard to embrace cutting-edge technologies facilitating a high level of customization. Industry 4.0 (I4.0…
Abstract
Purpose
To achieve changing customer demands, organizations are striving hard to embrace cutting-edge technologies facilitating a high level of customization. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation aids in handling big data that could help generate customized products. Lean six sigma (LSS) depends on data analysis to execute complex problems. Hence, the present study aims to empirically examine the key operational characteristics of LSS and I4.0 integration such as principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 technologies and performance measures.
Design/methodology/approach
To stay competitive in the market and quickly respond to market demands, industries need to go ahead with digital transformation. I4.0 enables building intelligent factories by creating smart manufacturing systems comprising machines, operators and information and communication technologies through the complete value chain. This study utilizes an online survey on Operational Excellence professionals (Lean/Six Sigma), Managers/Consultants, Managing Directors/Executive Directors, Specialists/Analysts/Engineers, CEO/COO/CIO, SVP/VP/AVP, Industry 4.0 professionals and others working in the field of I4.0 and LSS. In total, 83 respondents participated in the study.
Findings
Based on the responses received, reliability, exploratory factor analysis and non-response bias analysis were carried out to understand the biasness of the responses. Further, the top five operational characteristics were reported for LSS and I4.0 integration.
Research limitations/implications
One of the limitations of the study is the sample size. Since I4.0 is a new concept and its integration with LSS is not yet explored; it was difficult to achieve a large sample size.
Practical implications
Organizations can utilize the study findings to realize the top principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 tools and performance measures with respect to LSS and I4.0 integration. Moreover, these operational characteristics will help to assess the organization's readiness before and after the implementation of this integration.
Originality/value
The authors' original contribution is the empirical investigation of operational characteristics responsible for I4.0 and LSS integration.
Details
Keywords
Neeraj Kumar, Mohit Tyagi and Anish Sachdeva
The current study aims to deliver a consolidated view of environmental sustainability in cold supply chain performance systems (CSCPS), incorporating theoretical and empirical…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study aims to deliver a consolidated view of environmental sustainability in cold supply chain performance systems (CSCPS), incorporating theoretical and empirical analysis for improving environmental standards. For this purpose, this study firstly aims to explore and analyze the various crucial challenging factors for environmental sustainability in the cold supply chain (CSC). Secondly, it discovers the most effective sustainable strategies for improving the environmental sustainability of CSCPS.
Design/methodology/approach
The exploration of the crucial challenging factors and the proposed sustainable strategies have been done using a systematic literature review relevant to the sustainable performance of CSC. At the same time, semi-structured brainstorming sessions were conducted with the domain professionals having an industrial and academic background to finalize the strategies. Empirical analysis has been performed using an intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) based hybrid approach of SWARA and COPRAS methods.
Findings
The key findings of the study address that “higher energy consumption during refrigerated transportation and storage” is the most crucial challenge for environmental sustainability in CSC. In addition, “managerial refrain to profit decline due to sustainability implementation” is the second most crucial challenge that hinders the adoption of sustainable practices in CSCs. Meanwhile, the governmental attention to motivating organizations for green adoption and implementation of solar energy-driven refrigeration technologies are the two most important discoveries of the study that might help in improving CSC's environmental performance.
Research limitations/implications
From the implications side, the study enriches and extends the current literature content on CSC sustainability. In addition, it offers sound managerial implications by identifying the challenges that create threats among the management for sustainability adoption and suggesting the most suitable sustainable strategies, which may help the management to raise the environmental performance of their CSC. Besides having various important theoretical and managerial implications for the study, contemplation of only environmental sustainability traits as a broader perspective limits the scope of the study.
Originality/value
The study's main contribution is the exploration of the most crucial challenges imparting obstructions in sustainable development and sustainable strategies, which may get the interest of the CSC players, market leaders, and industrial and academic practitioners working in the domain of CSC sustainability. In addition, this study offers structured theoretical and empirical evidence for CSC's environmental sustainability, thus playing a bridging role between theoretical sustainability concepts and its practical implications in CSC industries.
Details
Keywords
In the last 10 years, India has amended its laws dealing with sexual offences against women with the changes ranging from increasing terms of imprisonment for the offence of rape…
Abstract
In the last 10 years, India has amended its laws dealing with sexual offences against women with the changes ranging from increasing terms of imprisonment for the offence of rape to state-funded compensation schemes for women and child victims. In this regard, challenges persist for the agencies of the criminal justice system in India especially the courts to realise the vision of restorative justice as these forums have to navigate the relevant statutory provisions and binding precedents. This chapter seeks to analyse the challenges faced by courts in proper reintegration of victims and offenders of sexual offences, the institutional responses of the courts and suggests reforms to the criminal justice system in India in consonance with the principles of restorative justice acknowledged in the restorative justice movement in the international discourse.
Details
Keywords
Ashok Ashta, Peter John Stokes, Simon M. Smith and Paul Hughes
The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of cross-cultural issues relating to the experience and implications of an elite grouping of Japanese CEOs customer value…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of cross-cultural issues relating to the experience and implications of an elite grouping of Japanese CEOs customer value orientations (CVOs) within Japanese firms operating in India. The paper underlines that there is a propensity for East-West comparisons and in contrast the argument contributes to the under-examined area of research on East Asian/South Asian comparative studies.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were employed to generate narratives that provided rich and novel insights into the lived experience of Japanese CEOs working in Indian contexts and in relation to CVO. An inductive framework was employed in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of Japanese CEO CVO in Indo-Japanese empirical settings.
Findings
The data analysis identified a number of shared themes that influence CVO practice in the Indo-Japanese context. The findings develop an awareness of cross-cultural management's (CCM) in relation to the under-explored area of the Indo-Japanese dyad.
Research limitations/implications
The paper develops CCM perspectives towards a more in-depth conceptualization of Japanese CEO perceptions on CVO practice in India. This is also of potential relevance to wider foreign investors not only Japanese businesses. The sample respondents – Japanese CEOS working in India – constitute a small and elite group. The lead author, having experience as a CEO of a Japanese firm was able to use convenience sampling to access this difficult to access group. In addition, also stemming from the convenience aspect, all the respondents were in the manufacturing sector. The study was deliberately targeted and narrowly focussed for this reason and does not claim automatic wide generalizability to other employee strata or industry; however, other sectors and employees may recognize resonance. This identified gap provides space for future studies in varying regional, national and sector contexts.
Practical implications
The paper identifies implications for CCM training and Indo-Japanese business organization design.
Social implications
Use and acceptance of the enhanced research paradigm could support diversity in research and knowledge production with implications for research, teaching and future policymakers.
Originality/value
The cross-cultural study is original in that it contributes to CCM literature by providing a rare Indo-Japanese (sic East Asian: South Asian) comparative study. It provides an uncommon granular appreciation of the interaction of these cultures in relation to CVO. In addition, it secures rare data from an elite Japanese CEOs of manufacturing sector businesses.
Details
Keywords
Rohit Agrawal, Vishal Ashok Wankhede, Anil Kumar and Sunil Luthra
This work aims to review past and present articles about data-driven quality management (DDQM) in supply chains (SCs). The motive behind the review is to identify associated…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to review past and present articles about data-driven quality management (DDQM) in supply chains (SCs). The motive behind the review is to identify associated literature gaps and to provide a future research direction in the field of DDQM in SCs.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was done in the field of DDQM in SCs. SCOPUS database was chosen to collect articles in the selected field and then an SLR methodology has been followed to review the selected articles. The bibliometric and network analysis has also been conducted to analyze the contributions of various authors, countries and institutions in the field of DDQM in SCs. Network analysis was done by using VOS viewer package to analyze collaboration among researchers.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that the adoption of data-driven technologies and quality management tools can help in strategic decision making. The usage of data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can significantly enhance the performance of SC operations and network.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the importance of data-driven techniques enabling quality in SC management systems. The linkage between the data-driven techniques and quality management for improving the SC performance was also elaborated in the presented study.