Soumya Roy, Biswabrata Pradhan and Annesha Purakayastha
This article considers Inverse Gaussian distribution as the basic lifetime model for the test units. The unknown model parameters are estimated using the method of moments, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This article considers Inverse Gaussian distribution as the basic lifetime model for the test units. The unknown model parameters are estimated using the method of moments, the method of maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. As part of maximum likelihood analysis, this article employs an expectation-maximization algorithm to simplify numerical computation. Subsequently, Bayesian estimates are obtained using the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm. This article then presents the design of optimal censoring schemes using a design criterion that deals with the precision of a particular system lifetime quantile. The optimal censoring schemes are obtained after taking into account budget constraints.
Design/methodology/approach
This article first presents classical and Bayesian statistical inference for Progressive Type-I Interval censored data. Subsequently, this article considers the design of optimal Progressive Type-I Interval censoring schemes after incorporating budget constraints.
Findings
A real dataset is analyzed to demonstrate the methods developed in this article. The adequacy of the lifetime model is ensured using a simulation-based goodness-of-fit test. Furthermore, the performance of various estimators is studied using a detailed simulation experiment. It is observed that the maximum likelihood estimator relatively outperforms the method of moment estimator. Furthermore, the posterior median fares better among Bayesian estimators even in the absence of any subjective information. Furthermore, it is observed that the budget constraints have real implications on the optimal design of censoring schemes.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology may be used for analyzing any Progressive Type-I Interval Censored data for any lifetime model. The methodology adopted to obtain the optimal censoring schemes may be particularly useful for reliability engineers in real-life applications.
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Soumya Roy, Biswabrata Pradhan and E.V. Gijo
The purpose of this paper is to compare various methods of estimation of P(X<Y) based on Type-II censored data, where X and Y represent a quality characteristic of interest for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare various methods of estimation of P(X<Y) based on Type-II censored data, where X and Y represent a quality characteristic of interest for two groups.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper assumes that both X and Y are independently distributed generalized half logistic random variables. The maximum likelihood estimator and the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator of R are obtained based on Type-II censored data. An exact 95 percent maximum likelihood estimate-based confidence interval for R is also provided. Next, various Bayesian point and interval estimators are obtained using both the subjective and non-informative priors. A real life data set is analyzed for illustration.
Findings
The performance of various point and interval estimators is judged through a detailed simulation study. The finite sample properties of the estimators are found to be satisfactory. It is observed that the posterior mean marginally outperform other estimators with respect to the mean squared error even under the non-informative prior.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology can be used for comparing two groups with respect to a suitable quality characteristic of interest. It can also be applied for estimation of the stress-strength reliability, which is of particular interest to the reliability engineers.
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Jimut Bahan Chakrabarty, Shovan Chowdhury and Soumya Roy
The purpose of this paper is to design an optimal reliability acceptance sampling plan (RASP) using the Type-I generalized hybrid censoring scheme (GHCS) for non-repairable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design an optimal reliability acceptance sampling plan (RASP) using the Type-I generalized hybrid censoring scheme (GHCS) for non-repairable products sold under the general rebate warranty. A cost function approach is proposed for products having Weibull distributed lifetimes incorporating relevant costs.
Design/methodology/approach
For Weibull distributed product lifetimes, acceptance criterion introduced by Lieberman and Resnikoff (1955) is derived for Type-I GHCS. A cost function is formulated using expected warranty cost and other relevant cost components incorporating the acceptance criterion. The cost function is optimized following a constrained optimization approach to arrive at the optimum RASP. The constraint ensures that the producer's and the consumer's risks are maintained at agreed-upon levels.
Findings
Optimal solution using the above approach is obtained for Type-I GHCS. As a special case of Type-I GHCS, the proposed approach is also used to arrive at the optimal design for Type-I hybrid censoring scheme as shown in Chakrabarty et al. (2019). Observations regarding the change in optimal design and computational times between the two censoring schemes are noted. An extensive simulation study is performed to validate the model for finite sample sizes and the results obtained are found to be in strong agreement. In order to analyze the sensitivity of the optimal solution due to misspecification of parameter values and cost components, a well-designed sensitivity analysis is carried out using a real-life failure data set from Lawless (2003). Interesting observations are made regarding the change in optimal cost due to change in parameter values, the impact of warranty cost in optimal design and change in optimal design due to change in lot sizes.
Originality/value
The research presents an approach for designing optimal RASPs using Type-I generalized hybrid censoring. The study formulates optimum life test sampling plans by minimizing the average aggregate costs involved, which makes it valuable in dealing with real-life problems pertaining to product quality management.
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Jimut Bahan Chakrabarty, Soumya Roy and Shovan Chowdhury
In order to reduce avoidably lengthy duration required to test highly reliable products under usage stress, accelerated life test sampling plans (ALTSPs) are employed. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to reduce avoidably lengthy duration required to test highly reliable products under usage stress, accelerated life test sampling plans (ALTSPs) are employed. This paper aims to build a decision model for obtaining optimal sampling plan under accelerated life test setting using Type-I hybrid censoring scheme for products covered under warranty.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary decision model proposed in this paper determines ALTSP by minimizing the relevant costs involved. To arrive at the decision model, the Fisher information matrix for Type-I hybrid censoring scheme under accelerated life test setting is derived. The optimal solution is attained by utilizing appropriate techniques following a nonlinear constrained optimization approach. As a special case, ALTSP for Type-I censoring is obtained using the same approach. ALTSP under Type-I hybrid censoring using the variance minimization approach is also derived.
Findings
On comparing the optimal results obtained using the above mentioned approaches, it is found that the cost minimization approach does better in reducing the total cost incurred. Results also show that the proposed ALTSP model under cost function setting has considerably lower expected testing time. Interesting findings from the sensitivity analysis conducted using a newly introduced failure dataset pertaining to locomotive controls are highlighted.
Originality/value
The research introduces a model to design optimum ALTSP for Type-I hybrid censoring scheme. The practical viability of the model makes it valuable for real-life situations. The practical application of the proposed model is exemplified using a real-life case.
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Prabhat Chandra Ghosh, Pradip K Sadhu, Debabrata Roy and Soumya Das
This paper investigates the selection of semiconductor switches used in contactless power transfer (CPT) system. In the present paper a single phase high frequency full bridge…
Abstract
This paper investigates the selection of semiconductor switches used in contactless power transfer (CPT) system. In the present paper a single phase high frequency full bridge inverter using different semiconductor switches like IGBT, MPOSFET and GTO has been considered. Harmonic injection in input current of the inverter for different semiconductor switches has been analyzed using PSIM software. The THD of input current of the inverter for the particular switching device has been determined by using Fourier Transforms. It has been observed that THD in case of the IGBT is minimised.
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Tanusree Dutta, Subhadip Roy, Soumya Sarkar and Sudipa Nag
This study aims to investigate the nuances of celebrity spokesperson effectiveness in business-to-business (B2B) advertising. Specifically, the study addresses the question of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the nuances of celebrity spokesperson effectiveness in business-to-business (B2B) advertising. Specifically, the study addresses the question of endorser effectiveness in the presence of product complexity (high vs low) and how this effect is moderated by endorser gender. In addition, the study also explores whether the way an endorser is placed in the advertisement (product-facing vs audience-facing) would have differential effects on the buyer.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study uses experimental design to fulfil the study objectives. Two experiments are conducted (total n = 201) on employees in a purchasing role in organisations, with the dependent variable being dwell time (captured using an eye-tracking device).
Findings
Major findings indicate that celebrity gender has a moderating effect depending on the product complexity. Results also indicate a significant effect of how the celebrity is placed in the advertisement on the buyer.
Research limitations/implications
The findings emphasise the role of the spokesperson in B2B advertising using neuro-behavioural data. It also contributes to the theoretical nuances of spokesperson gender in B2B advertising and the role of kinesics in advertising using spokespersons.
Practical implications
The study provides guidelines on the choice of the spokesperson and their physical posture in the advertisement for B2B advertisers that may lead to communication effectiveness.
Originality/value
The present study is in a domain that is scarcely researched in B2B and adds novelty as it uses physiological data instead of self-reported measures.
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Balaji Abraham, Soumya Sarkar and Krishna DasGupta
The purpose of this study is to understand customer experience (CX) in business-to-business (B2B) markets through the perspectives of buyer–seller dyads. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand customer experience (CX) in business-to-business (B2B) markets through the perspectives of buyer–seller dyads. This study aims to evaluate how customer journey, touchpoints and digital and social media (DSM) influence CX and offer avenues for sellers to align their efforts with buyers’ requirements to create and manage CX.
Design/methodology/approach
Integrating insights of practicing buyers and sellers in the pharmaceutical B2B industry, this study follows the phenomenological approach to understand their experience through their perspectives on the customer journey, touchpoints and DSM.
Findings
The findings of this study include convergence in the perspectives in journey stages, journey enablers, stakeholder involvement, touchpoint preference and DSM’s use. The study findings also include divergence in perspectives in the senior management engagement, journey enablers, selling center involvement, DSM purpose and usage of DSM platforms. These offer opportunities for sellers to align with buyer journey, touchpoints and DSM to create and manage CX.
Practical implications
Sellers in pharmaceutical B2B markets have been dependent on traditional knowledge to influence customer journey and touchpoints and the advent of DSM has enhanced the challenge. To avoid this confusion, sellers need to have clarity of customers’ expectations on the journey, touchpoints and DSM. This enables sellers to allocate their resources better to achieve the desired outcome in CX.
Originality/value
This first-of-its-kind study captured the convergence and divergence perspectives of pharmaceutical B2B buyer–seller dyads from the lens of the uncertainty reduction theory and social penetration theory. The study suggests opportunities for pharmaceutical sellers to create and manage CX.
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Piyush Gupta, Piyush Pranjal, Sasadhar Bera, Soumya Sarkar and Amit Sachan
Considerable amount of purchases in business-to-business (B2B) markets make through the tendering process. As technology keeps driving B2B procurement, both the…
Abstract
Purpose
Considerable amount of purchases in business-to-business (B2B) markets make through the tendering process. As technology keeps driving B2B procurement, both the supplier/contractor and buyer firms have settled down in their respective roles in the electronic-tendering environment. Researchers have ignored the supplier-side e-tender-driven marketing process that might lead to substantively successful financial performance. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of an e-tender-driven marketing process of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) incorporating the stakeholder's inputs.
Design/methodology/approach
Discrete event simulation modelling (DESM) has been used as a methodology to model, analyse and improve the process with the involvement of stakeholders at every stage of the study. Different scenarios are analysed to identify the near-optimal scenario based on agreed-upon key performance indicators.
Findings
Scenario that incorporated man-power sharing and eliminating avoidable activities gives the near-optimal solution for implementation.
Research limitations/implications
This study highlights that better insights can be gained by adopting the process-oriented view of the marketing–operations interface. Embracing a stakeholder-based consultative approach gives research a more practical outlook and reduces the gap between theory and practice. Suggestions for further research are provided.
Practical implications
B2B organizations, where lines between marketing and operations are blurred, can improve their marketing processes by implementing operations research tools.
Originality/value
This study provides an attempt to improve the performance of a supplier-side e-tender-driven marketing process of an OEM using the DESM methodology incorporating stakeholder's inputs.
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Sheshadri Chatterjee, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Ranjan Chaudhuri and Bang Nguyen
The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to check if an organization is ready to adopt an AI-integrated CRM system. The study also analyzes different…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to check if an organization is ready to adopt an AI-integrated CRM system. The study also analyzes different situations which can provide a comprehensive check list in the form of indicators that could provide a signal indicating whether the organization is ready to adopt an AI-integrated CRM system by capturing actionable and appropriate data.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a general review, and appropriate literature has been used to support the conceptual framework.
Findings
The key findings of this study are the different indicators that make up the conceptual framework. This framework can help organizations to check at a glance whether they are ready to adopt AI-integrated CRM system in their organizations. Specifically, it has been identified that different approaches are needed to tackle various types of customer data so that those may be made fit and actionable for appropriate utilization of AI algorithms to facilitate business success of an organization.
Practical implications
The paper has elaborately discussed the different approaches to be undertaken to calibrate and reorient the various kinds of actionable data and the contemplated challenges one would face in doing so. This would help the practitioners that how the data so captured can be made fit for action and utilization toward application of AI technologies integrated with existing CRM system in an organization.
Originality/value
This study is claimed to be a unique study to provide a conceptual framework which could help arranging and rearranging of captured data by an organization for making the data fit and ready for use with the help of AI technologies. This successful integration of AI with CRM system can help organizations toward taking quick and automated decision-making without much intervention of human beings.
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Sheshadri Chatterjee, Bang Nguyen, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Kalyan Kumar Bhattacharjee and Sumana Chaudhuri
The purpose of this study is to explore the behavioral intention of the employees to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the behavioral intention of the employees to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system in Indian organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
To identify the factors impacting the behavioral intention of the employees to adopt AI integrated CRM system in Indian organizations helps of literature review and theories have been taken. Thereafter, some hypotheses have been formulated followed by the development of a theoretical model conceptually. The model has been tested statistically for validation using a survey by considering 308 usable respondents.
Findings
The results of this study show that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use directly impact the behavioral intention of the employees to adopt an AI integrated CRM system in organizations. Also, these two exogenous factors impact the behavioral intention of the employees to adopt an AI integrated CRM system mediating through two intermediate variables such as utilitarian attitude (UTA) and hedonic attitude (HEA). The proposed model has achieved predictive power of 67%.
Research limitations/implications
By the help of the technology acceptance model and motivational theory, the predictors of behavioral intention to adopt AI integrated CRM systems in organizations were identified. The effectiveness of the model was strengthened by the consideration of two employee-centric attitudinal attributes such as UTA and HEA, which is claimed to have provided contributions to the extant literature. The proposed theoretical model claims a special theoretical contribution as no extant literature considered the effects of leadership support as a moderator for the adoption of an AI integrated CRM system in Indian organizations.
Practical implications
The model implies that the employees using AI integrated CRM system in organizations must be made aware of the usefulness of the system and the employees must not face any complexity to use the system. For this, the managers of the concerned organizations must create a conducive atmosphere congenial for the employees to use the AI integrated CRM system in the organizations.
Originality/value
Studies covering exploration of the adoption of AI integrated CRM systems in Indian organizations are found to be in a rudimentary stage and in that respect, this study claims to have possessed its uniqueness.