Rajneesh Mahajan, Suresh Garg and P.B. Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to make a fair attempt to craft a framework for the categorization of the literature linked to food supply chain management (FSCM) and to contribute…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to make a fair attempt to craft a framework for the categorization of the literature linked to food supply chain management (FSCM) and to contribute toward doctoral food research. This will benefit researchers, academicians and corporates. The research is based on an analysis of research articles and research reports. The research articles were mainly extracted from Emerald and Science Direct (Elsevier) databases.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 100 randomly selected peer-reviewed journal articles on FSCM from commercial databases such as Emerald and Science Direct (Elsevier) were systematically analyzed.
Findings
Relatively limited empirical-prescriptive research has been carried out in a food supply chain. The outcome is that the literature on the food supply chain is primarily focused on theoretical-descriptive research.
Originality/value
It is observed that limited research has been carried out on FSCM. Therefore, the authors have suggested a framework for the categorization of the literature linked to FSCM. This will facilitate future research in the area of FSCM.
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Rajneesh Mahajan, Suresh Garg and P.B. Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to investigate perspective in explaining how global food safety can be created through stringent implementation of Codex and World Trade Organization…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate perspective in explaining how global food safety can be created through stringent implementation of Codex and World Trade Organization (WTOs) Sanitary and Phytosanitary food safety regulations and suggests the appropriate food safety system for India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has been deployed a survey questionnaire using a sample of Indian Processed food sector. In order to collect data 1,000 supply chain professional were contacted for seeking their consent to be part of the survey. Whereas total responses collected were 252 from Delhi and NCR, with response rate 25.2 percent. The data collected was empirical tested using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression and ANOVA.
Findings
The results and discussions indicate that all the global food safety norms laid down by WTO such as goods manufacturing practices, good hygienic practice, hazard analysis critical control point, has been developed to embody principles of safe food processing sector globally. India has also developed their food safety norms as per laid down principles by WTO.
Originality/value
The present research work makes an important contribution to the body of literature on global food safety. The paper has important implications for the processed food sector since it tries to bring out practices which would help in successful implementation of global food safety standards. It is useful for academic food research as well as for processed food corporate.
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Arundhati Mishra, Vijayshri and Suresh Garg
In the undergraduate physics laboratory, a student is expected to make precise measurements, hone investigative skills and discover the interplay between experimentation and…
Abstract
In the undergraduate physics laboratory, a student is expected to make precise measurements, hone investigative skills and discover the interplay between experimentation and fundamental principles underlying physical phenomena. But in India, the mainstream conventional UG physics laboratory instruction has all along been cookbook in nature. In such a scenario, incorporating innovative and meaningful laboratory experience in Open and Distance Education programmes becomes a formidable challenge. Recently we evaluated the physics laboratory courses, which are integral to the B.Sc (Physics) programme of IGNOU offered at a distance, for their quality, relevance and effectiveness. Our findings reveal that these courses are being received well particularly by those students who are pursuing the B.Sc (Major) in Physics. The success rates improve as learners evolve in the system and their satisfaction levels are high. However, factor analysis of learners' perceptions brings forth six factors guided approach, student-centered learning and assessment, emphasis on self-learning, use of multimedia and innovative non-conventional teaching strategies, increased student participation and emphasis on problem solving as key determinants for further improving the quality of learning in physics laboratory.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg and S.G. Deshmukh
Globalization of markets and increasing expectations of customers have created a turbulent environment for Indian organizations. The purpose of this paper is to study the…
Abstract
Purpose
Globalization of markets and increasing expectations of customers have created a turbulent environment for Indian organizations. The purpose of this paper is to study the development of various competencies by small‐, medium‐ and large‐scale Indian organizations under various pressures and constraints.
Design/methodology/approach
For collecting data, a questionnaire‐based survey were conducted. Out of 241 responding organizations, 193 were small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and 48 were larger organizations. Statistical analysis of data acquired from the survey are done by reliability test, t‐test and correlation analysis.
Findings
Introduction of new technology and identification of market changes have emerged as most important competencies because they are significantly correlated with subjective performance, objective performance and overall competitiveness of organization. Levels of focus given on competencies development by large organizations differ significantly from SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
Findings of the study imply that SMEs should be as proactive as large organizations in making changes in terms of various processes such as development of competencies, human resources, upgrading of technology and awareness about market changes. For validating these results, further case studies are recommended.
Originality/value
This study will help organizations in shaping their competitive strategies for developing competencies as per the market needs.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg and S.G. Deshmukh
The purpose of this study is to analyse different aspects of competitiveness relating to the Indian auto component sector, set within a globalised economy with its attendant…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyse different aspects of competitiveness relating to the Indian auto component sector, set within a globalised economy with its attendant pressures and constraints. It examines the strategies adopted for quality improvement, cost reduction, investment and competency development. It also aims to establish the relationship between strategies and the different dimensions of competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was used to collect the research data: 75 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from the survey was carried out by a reliability test, t‐test and correlation analysis.
Findings
A growth‐supportive environment, raising funds from the market and a shortage of technical manpower are major constraining factors whereas cost, quality, and delivery time are the main pressures on the auto component sector. The auto component sector is flexible in developing strategies and those strategies relating to cost, quality; investment and competency development are significantly correlated with competitiveness.
Research limitations/implications
This study could be further extended by considering other aspects of strategy development, such as human resource, vendor development, organization culture, etc.
Practical implications
Organisations should make the necessary investment to develop new competencies, and should address cost reduction and quality improvement. They should also benchmark themselves against industry standards to sustain competitiveness.
Originality/value
This study will help organizations in shaping competitive strategies and in deciding dimensions of performance measurement.
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M. Pramod and Suresh Garg
In the complex environment of manufacturing system, it is proper to design a production system which meets the market requirements in the most economical and competitive manner…
Abstract
Purpose
In the complex environment of manufacturing system, it is proper to design a production system which meets the market requirements in the most economical and competitive manner. Flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is one of the options to meet the uncertainty in demand and high variety of products. This paper aims to review the definition, classification, and measurement of manufacturing flexibility concerned with manufacturing flexibility management.
Design/methodology/approach
The selection process consists of the synthesis and critical evaluation of the concepts put forward in the extant literature. As a consequence of this process, three primary flexibility dimensions are identified: volume, variety and machine. Simulation approach is used to study the behavior of FMS under different demand scenarios and levels of flexibility.
Findings
Four hypotheses are tested in five different flexibility levels. The following conclusions are obtained from the study. For any flexibility level, as the traffic density (TD) increases, the system utilization increases; as the TD increases, the throughput time increases; and as the number of part type increase, the system utilization decreases. A comparison between five flexibility levels showed that flexibility level 4 is best in terms of system utilization and throughput time. Flexibility level 2 perform second best, better than flexibility level 3 and flexibility level 5 which is not in line with initial assumption. Lastly, from the above results it is concluded that partial flexibility is better as compare to no flexibility and total flexibility.
Originality/value
It is felt that the contribution of the paper lies in demonstrating the usefulness of simulation technique in quantifying the aspects related to FMS. The effect that a specific design variable has on a specific system level flexibility type can change with the level of part processing flexibility present and flexibility trade‐off in manufacturing systems is not inevitable. This would help the planners of FMS to think and design FMS in a holistic manner.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the key supply chain variables, on which the practitioner should focus, to make supply chains of manufacturing enterprises more agile…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key supply chain variables, on which the practitioner should focus, to make supply chains of manufacturing enterprises more agile. Further, these variables are structured to determine their interactive behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
An interpretive structural modeling (ISM)‐based approach has been employed to model the agility variables of supply chains. These variables have been categorized into five levels based on their driving power and dependence.
Findings
The paper identifies various enablers used by researchers and practitioners for flexibility, integration and responsiveness to customers needs. ISM is used to establish mutual relationships among these enablers and to prepare a hierarchy‐based model.
Practical implications
The index of enablers, based on driving power and dependency provides useful insights to supply chain managers in identifying strategic variables having high driving power and effective use of these can help in achieving the corporate goals.
Originality/value
By presenting enablers in the form of hierarchy using ISM and ranking them into various driving power and dependent categories, this paper is an attempt to develop insights related to agile supply chains in the Indian context.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg, S.G. Deshmukh and Mohendra Kumar
Globalisation of markets, the knowledge economy, e‐business and introduction of new technologies pose new challenges to all organizations irrespective of their size and sector for…
Abstract
Purpose
Globalisation of markets, the knowledge economy, e‐business and introduction of new technologies pose new challenges to all organizations irrespective of their size and sector for sustaining their competitiveness. In this scenario successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) by firms can give them an edge over their competitors. This paper aims to identify and develop the structural relationship among different factors for successful implementation of AMTs.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire‐based survey and interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been applied in this study. In this research, 14 factors have been identified such as top management commitment, organization culture, sound financial condition, training, integration of departments, etc. On the basis of survey results and opinion of experts from industry and academia, a structural relationship model has been developed through an ISM approach.
Findings
Top management commitment and sound financial condition are the major drivers for implementing AMTs. Effective implementation of AMTs will improve organization performance in terms of lead time, product cost, fast delivery and product quality. For effective implementation of AMTs, management should not ignore managerial aspects such as organization culture, employee training, integration of departments, vendor development, strategy development and customer involvement.
Originality/value
Management needs to address driving variables more carefully for successful implementation of AMTs.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg and S.G. Deshmukh
The purpose of this paper is to analyze different challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India and China following globalization. It aims to describe the status of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze different challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India and China following globalization. It aims to describe the status of these enterprises and examine the roles of government policies and strategy development for competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted, which produced 241 valid responses. Of these, 80 percent were from SMEs. Statistical analysis of the data acquired from survey used a reliability test, t‐test and correlation analysis. A relevant literature review pinpoints salient issues in the environment of the SMEs.
Findings
The governments of China and India have launched various promotional schemes for SMEs. Various challenges for SMEs in these countries are similar; however, the rate of growth is different. Indian SMEs give more attention to supplier development, total productive maintenance and the organization's culture. Chinese SMEs pay more attention to relationship management and cost reduction. Human resource development and quality improvement are also highly correlated with competitiveness.
Research limitations/implications
SMEs should focus on developing their human resources and improving product quality. This effort will help SMEs retain human capital as well as increase the demand for their products. Similar studies could explore Chinese SMEs in‐depth for additional comparisons.
Originality/value
This paper will help SMEs in shaping their competitive strategies and policy formulation by respective governments.
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Rajesh K. Singh, Suresh K. Garg and S.G. Deshmukh
In the present scenario of e‐globalization, small scale industries (SSIs) are considered engine for economic growth all over the world. After markets globalization, SSIs are…
Abstract
Purpose
In the present scenario of e‐globalization, small scale industries (SSIs) are considered engine for economic growth all over the world. After markets globalization, SSIs are facing many pressures and constraints to sustain their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine various issues in context of Indian SSIs such as nature of pressures and constraints, competitive priorities, competencies development, areas of investment, and their relationship with performance.
Design/methodology/approach
For collecting data, a questionnaire‐based survey was conducted. In total, 75 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of data acquired from survey is done by reliability test, t‐test, and correlation analysis.
Findings
Cost reduction, quality improvement, and delivery in time have emerged as major challenges for SSIs. Market research, welfare of employees, and research and development are found as major areas for investment. Use of information technology, training of employees, and research and development has significant relationship with performance.
Research limitations/implications
Organizations should develop their strategies after analysing business environment and SSIs should utilize their resources judiciously. However, it is felt that this study can be further explored by considering other aspects of strategy development such as human resource, vendor development, organization culture, etc.
Originality/value
Findings and issues of the paper will be highly useful for SSIs in framing their strategies, and academia for further research in the context of changing market scenario.