Nakul Parameswar, Ashwani Singh, Rajat Malik and Sanjay Dhir
Strategic Management.
Abstract
Subject area
Strategic Management.
Study level/applicability
Master of Business Administration/Executive Program in Management Level.
Case overview
Rajat Malik started eFin Recruiters in January 2015 an RPO firm solely catering to the finance domain. Positioning eFin Recruiters in a niche domain created serious challenges to be tackled. Rajat was contemplating leveraging the Indian Government’s Startup India campaign launched on January 16, 2016 to his advantage to scale up eFin Recruiters’ operations by 400 per cent and compete with large established players in the RPO industry. Complacency and anticipated retaliatory action by competitors against eFin Recruiters’ positioning in the niche domain were a huge impediment in eFin Recruiters’ path to exponential growth.
Expected learning outcomes
This case will enable students to understand the concepts of industry analysis, strategic positioning from the view of an entrepreneurial firm and business level strategy. This case acts as a medium to integrate entrepreneurship and strategy which is of utmost relevance.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS: 11: Strategy.
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Vedpal Arya, Pankaj Sharma, Ashwani Singh and P.T.M. De Silva
Big data analytics (BDA) has created a buzz around the world. It has been hailed as the new paradigm which has the potential to unlock value from otherwise non-productive aspects…
Abstract
Purpose
Big data analytics (BDA) has created a buzz around the world. It has been hailed as the new paradigm which has the potential to unlock value from otherwise non-productive aspects of the business. BDA has found application in the field of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) too. Army has a large supply chain of various commodities which can benefit from BDA. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of BDA in spare parts supply chain of the army.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper conducts a literature review to explain the application of supply chain analytics (SCA) to army spare parts supply chain. The paper presents a proposed architecture to apply SCA in the context of army supply chain.
Findings
The paper identifies various data points applicable to the field of LSCM in army. It also presents the impact areas of SCA on this supply chain. The architecture is presented which can serve as a roadmap for implementing SCA.
Originality/value
The paper is novel in its attempt to explain the supply chain of army and then apply SCA to it. The paper brings out a proposed architecture which can be further investigated to work on a roadmap to apply SCA to army supply chain.
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Sunil Kumar, Ashwani Dhingra and Bhim Singh
The purpose of this paper is to present a road map to implement Lean-Kaizen concept using value stream mapping (VSM) to identify hidden continuous improvement opportunities in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a road map to implement Lean-Kaizen concept using value stream mapping (VSM) to identify hidden continuous improvement opportunities in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) located at the non-capital region of India.
Design/methodology/approach
From the collected data, a current state map was prepared that indicated the current operating situation of selected SME. The takt time was calculated and those processes which attained higher cycle time (C/T) than takt time were identified. The continuous flow processing was achieved by adjusting C/T of each process and supermarket pull system was developed to control the production at the workstations. Finally, a future state map was developed that served as a guide for future lean activities. Few problems were identified to realize the future state. The “5-why” analysis was used for identifying root causes of these problems and Kaizen events were proposed as solutions. In this case study, one Kaizen event was identified in which brainstorming technique was used to control the variation caused by unorthodox fixture design for clamping and de-clamping of case product and thus eliminated non-value-added activities performed by the operator on a milling machine.
Findings
Before and after implementation of value stream map, the data obtained were analyzed and eliminated rework time, reduced inventory level, reduced lead time and C/T, improved productivity and product quality are presented as finding. Lean-Kaizen provides a better chance for every individual of the industry to have a hand in achieving organization’s goals to attain continuous progress in productivity and quality of the product. Even good understanding of the concept of lean tools and techniques by SMEs, the employee willingness and motivation to identify and eliminate wastes are found feeble.
Originality/value
This study is among best practices to identify hidden improvement opportunities in the regular production of the product to increase productivity and improve quality using value stream map. The research paper gives useful understandings to the lean implementers, Kaizen identifiers, consultants and researchers.
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Mohd Ziyauddin Khan, Ashwani Kumar, Harshit Kumar Singh and Syed Abdullah Ashraf
This study systematically reviews the existing literature on the application of gamification in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). This study aims to categorise the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study systematically reviews the existing literature on the application of gamification in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). This study aims to categorise the literature in various logistics and supply chain domains, to conceptualise the gamification framework pertinent in the context of LSCM and to provide a research agenda for scholars in the area.
Design/methodology/approach
The study’s methodology adopts the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis framework to conduct a systematic literature review. Forty relevant papers published from 2012 to 2023 are included in the analysis.
Findings
Augmented reality, blockchain, education, sustainability and warehousing have been identified as the key focus areas in which gamification is applied. Furthermore, the paper highlights different research approaches used to study these domains, maps the literature with gamification constructs (affordances, psychological outcomes and behavioural outcomes) and provides potential research avenues for future scholars.
Research limitations/implications
This review offers evidence of the impact of gamification on workforce dynamics, employee motivation, job satisfaction, trust, employee engagement and productivity. The study significantly contributes to the academic community by offering a conceptual framework and meaningful avenues for future researchers.
Originality/value
This research work contributes to the gamification, logistics and supply chain literature by providing a more comprehensive and methodical knowledge of the field. This study adds to the body of knowledge by offering a reference framework for future scholars based on a synthesis of the studies published so far in the area.
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Anchal Gupta and Rajesh Kumar Singh
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing major difficulties with working capital, need of digitalisation and lack of skilled workforce during this crisis situation…
Abstract
Purpose
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing major difficulties with working capital, need of digitalisation and lack of skilled workforce during this crisis situation. Managing resilience post pandemic is again a huge challenge for MSMEs. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to identify the critical barriers for recovery of MSMEs from the pandemic outbreak and recommending potential solutions for avoiding vulnerabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The most significant barriers, which will impact MSMEs resilience issues are extracted from vast literature review, discussed with nine experts from MSMEs and further categorised into organisational, operational and technical barriers. Best–worst method (BWM) has been used to find the importance rating of barriers for developing resilience in MSMEs.
Findings
It can be observed that the organisational barriers (0.507) are the most significant, followed by operational barriers (0.300) and then, technological barriers (0.192). Liquidity crunch and inadequate technical skills of employees are the most significant barriers for MSMEs resilience during COVID-19, whereas fluctuation in input cost, unavailability of containers on time and decreased process efficiency are the least significant barriers for recovering MSMEs post COVID-19.
Practical implications
Findings imply that MSMEs should try to overcome major barriers such as resource constraints, lack of skills and knowledge and inefficient inventory planning.
Originality/value
Findings of study will be of immense use for MSMEs in efficient management of operations and in developing resilience during uncertain business environment.
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Vimal Kumar, Pratima Verma, Ankesh Mittal, Juan Alfredo Tuesta Panduro, Sumanjeet Singh, Minakshi Paliwal and Nagendra Kumar Sharma
This study aims to identify how ICT appeared as an emergent business strategy and to investigate the impact of ICT adoption factors on the perceived benefits of micro, small and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify how ICT appeared as an emergent business strategy and to investigate the impact of ICT adoption factors on the perceived benefits of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 393 responses from Indian small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) were collected for the final analysis. The study presents the partial least-squares structural equation modeling with the Chi-square test and descriptive analysis as a methodology based on numerous independent variables and one dependent variable.
Findings
The findings indicate that ICT adoption during and following the COVID-19 pandemic is constant in nature of the enterprise. Moreover, the results indicate that different adoption of ICT factors influence on perceived benefits of organizational performance of Indian MSMEs that lent good support except for the regulatory framework.
Research limitations/implications
The implications of the current research help Indian MSMEs to take investment decisions in various technologies that help the organization. Furthermore, managers and practitioners help the organization in deciding which technology adoption factors are more critical to the betterment of the organization.
Originality/value
The study found certain ICT adoption factors that have a significant role in organizational performance in Indian MSMEs. Moreover, during COVID-19, investigate ICTs' role as a business strategy.
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Vishwas Dohale, Priya Ambilkar, Ashwani Kumar, Sachin Kumar Mangla and Vijay Bilolikar
This research identifies the enablers for implementing circular supply chains (CSCEs) and analyzes interrelationships between them to quantify their driving and dependence power…
Abstract
Purpose
This research identifies the enablers for implementing circular supply chains (CSCEs) and analyzes interrelationships between them to quantify their driving and dependence power to understand the critical CSCEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, 10 CSCEs are identified for the Indian apparel industries through an extant literature review and validated using the Delphi method by seeking experts' opinions. The identified CSCEs are subjected to a novel neutrosophic interpretive structural modeling (N-ISM) method to capture the interrelationships between CSCEs and compute the driving and dependence power of CSCEs.
Findings
The findings of the present research work revealed that “supportive legislative framework, awareness of circular economy's potential for revenue gain and availability of trained research and development (R&D) team” are the critical CSCEs that need to be considered while implementing a circular supply chain in apparel industries.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers insightful implications to guide practitioners in implementing the circular economy in apparel supply chains.
Originality/value
This research work is one of the earlier studies to analyze the enablers for implementing circular supply chains. This study has explored CSCEs in the context of apparel industries. From a methodological perspective, the novel N-ISM method is worth highlighting as the originality of the work.
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Christopher R. Plouffe, Nathaniel Hartmann and Bryan W. Hochstein
Not that long ago, half of all sales research was demonstrably if not unequivocally “atheoretical” (Williams and Plouffe, 2007). The foundational argument of this paper is that…
Abstract
Purpose
Not that long ago, half of all sales research was demonstrably if not unequivocally “atheoretical” (Williams and Plouffe, 2007). The foundational argument of this paper is that stronger theoretical development and application of theory in sales research is critical for the sales field to retain its relevancy. The purpose of this paper is to underscore that deliberate and cogent application of HWV (2018) is scant in the recent sales literature (over five years after publication in Journal of Marketing) for one or both of two reasons: scholars either do not understand the paper and/or are fearful of (mis)applying it.
Design/methodology/approach
More than simply introducing the articles to this special issue of the European Journal of Marketing (EJM), this paper also makes a number of important, overdue contributions. Although Hartmann, Wieland and Vargo’s JM (HWV, 2018) theoretical and conceptual paper has been well-received by the sales community, it has seen limited meaningful integration or application in sales research since its publication. This paper thus clarifies key misunderstandings and misperceptions with HWV (2018) so that sales researchers can more impactfully apply it to future sales research.
Findings
This paper identifies and then explains key aspects of service-dominant logic (S-D logic) and commonly misapplied and/or misunderstood aspects of HWV (2018) to guide future sales research. Ultimately, the overarching goal of this special issue of EJM is to focus a “spotlight” on sales theory development, while simultaneously demonstrating – through the five articles the special issue reports – that with purposeful effort, rich theoretical insights can effectively be applied to both “classic” and more current and emergent sales research topics.
Research limitations/implications
Because HWV (2018) draw heavily upon S-D logic, it follows that some aspects of their article have been misinterpreted or misapplied by sales scholars. In particular, the critical concept of “crossing points” (both of the “thick” and “thin” variety) are explicated and detailed further, so as to afford sales researchers with better knowledge and insight on how to apply these key tools within HWV (2018).
Practical implications
The practical implications of this paper primarily revolve around further educating and clarifying for sales researchers “how” to better apply HWV (2018) to sales research, rather than simply citing it in passing. The paper also concludes by providing a summary and introduction to each of the five EJM special issue articles.
Originality/value
The originality and value of this paper and this special issue of the EJM is twofold. First, both this paper and the entire special issue itself emphasize the ongoing importance of advancing sales research through the meaningful and cogent application of theory. Second, the paper demonstrates that purposeful effort can lead to successful applications of HWV (2018) – as exhibited by the five articles in the EJM special issue – such that rich theoretical insights can be woven into both traditional and contemporary sales research topics.
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Sumanjeet Singh, Pankaj Chamola, Vimal Kumar, Pratima Verma and Neha Makkar
Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) is the kingpin of Indian economy. It contributes to 48% of India's exports and provides employment to 110 million people. As a result…
Abstract
Purpose
Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) is the kingpin of Indian economy. It contributes to 48% of India's exports and provides employment to 110 million people. As a result, it is critical to evaluate the obstacles, expose them and find a way to overcome the crisis due to the pandemic. The study aims to analyse the impact of financial and non-financial measures for the revival of MSME and its impact on firm sustainability and future opportunity as perceived by MSME owners/heads during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Design/methodology/approach
This study, based on a cross-sectional survey of 197 export-oriented Indian MSMEs, attempts to investigate covid crisis mitigation strategies/measures in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model was applied to check model fit, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed for data analysis.
Findings
The results of this study show the financial and non-financial revival measures such as firm revival, marketing training, customer relationship management (CRM), financial incentive and firm support, extending worker social security and financial access and price control positively impact MSMEs' business sustainability and future opportunity as perceived by the respondents that lent good support to the hypothesis.
Research limitations/implications
The study emphasizes management in association with government and financial institutions to design short-term as well as long-term strategies that may enhance their sustainability in the market. MSMEs are being forced to reassess their business strategy and modify their operating model as a result of the uncertain/unpredictable climate. Many levels of strategy aid in revitalizing the company and providing future possibilities to move forward if the government schemes positively impact the perception of entrepreneurs. Further, the study identifies the immediate measures to tide over the crisis over this sector and then furnishes recommendations for closing the identified gaps in the present understanding.
Originality/value
The impact of COVID-19 on Indian MSMEs and how these MSMEs are dealing with it are highlighted in this paper, which is quite scarce and insufficient to cover the gap. It also provides a comprehensive view of firm sustainability and perceived opportunity among MSMEs.
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Corruption in India reached a crescendo between 2011 and 2013, with the exposure of the 2G Spectrum scandal and the “Coalgate” report fiasco at the top of all recent events. The…
Abstract
Corruption in India reached a crescendo between 2011 and 2013, with the exposure of the 2G Spectrum scandal and the “Coalgate” report fiasco at the top of all recent events. The largest working democracy is under the scanner. As the third largest economy in Asia, a nuclear power, and an information technology powerhouse, India has a lot to clean up. Current experience shows the failure of the top investigative agencies and the lack of political will to tackle corruption. The spate of high-level corruption scandals has also led to a popular movement in 2011, which also fizzled out, including the newly introduced “Anti-Corruption, Grievance Redressal and Whistleblower Protection Act, 2011.” This chapter examines the several issues involved.