Virupaxi Bagodi and Biswajit Mahanty
Managerial decision-making is an area of interest to both academia and practitioners. Researchers found that managers often fail to manage complex decision-making tasks and system…
Abstract
Purpose
Managerial decision-making is an area of interest to both academia and practitioners. Researchers found that managers often fail to manage complex decision-making tasks and system thinkers assert that generic structures known as systems archetypes help them to a great deal in handling such situations. In this paper, it is demonstrated that decision makers resort to lowering of goal (quick-fix) in order to resolve the gap between the goal and current reality in the “drifting the goals” systems archetype.
Design/methodology/approach
A real-life case study is taken up to highlight the pitfalls of “drifting the goals” systems archetype for a decision situation in the Indian two-wheeler industry. System dynamics modeling is made use of to obtain the results.
Findings
The decision makers fail to realize the pitfall of lowering the goal to resolve the gap between the goal and current reality. It is seen that, irrespective of current less-than-desirable performance, managers adopting corrective actions other than lowering of goals perform better in the long run. Further, it is demonstrated that extending the boundary and experimentation results in designing a better service system and setting benchmarks.
Practical implications
The best possible way to avoid the pitfall is to hold the vision and not lower the long term goal. The managers must be aware of the pitfalls beforehand.
Originality/value
Systems thinking is important in complex decision-making tasks. Managers need to embrace long-term perspective in decision-making. This paper demonstrates the value of systems thinking in terms of a case study on the “drifting the goals” systems archetype.
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Virupaxi Bagodi and Prasannna P. Raravi
The purpose of this paper is to identify the input, process and output factors (along with their manifest variables) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and to establish cause…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the input, process and output factors (along with their manifest variables) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and to establish cause and effect relationships amongst the factors and sub-factors. Systems thinking, a holistic approach, is used to carry out qualitative analysis of the feedback loops.
Design/methodology/approach
A well-structured questionnaire was developed to gather the relevant data to identify the factors affecting the performance of SMEs in a holistic manner. A total of 150 responses were collected during November 2015–March 2016. Factor analysis and path analysis were used to establish causal relationships between input, process and output factors. The systems thinking approach has been used for qualitative analysis.
Findings
Feedback loops have been identified amongst input-process-output-input factors and amongst sub-factors. They enabled authors to infer that the managers/owners of SMEs are systems thinkers, if not completely, at least partially. Six negative feedback loops and one positive feedback loop prevail. System behaviour arises out of the interaction of positive and negative feedback loops; it appears that in the long-run, the SMEs attain their target levels. The following inferences are drawn: circular relationships are identified amongst input, processes and organisational performance (OP), modern management tools such as just in times, Kanban have long-term benefits and are perceived as ineffective by small enterprises and formal financing and functional transparency enhances OP.
Originality/value
Systems thinking, a holistic approach, has been used to study the effect of input, process and output factors on one another. Such studies are sparse, especially, in the Indian context. Many studies have been conducted to study the effect of input and of processes on performance such as innovation, information technology, human resource, technology, government regulation on performance of SMEs in a silo but, rarely all together. The qualitative analysis adds value to the research. Many of the outcomes of the research have been largely discussed in Indian print media which indicates the pragmatic approach of the research.
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Shankara Naik and Virupaxi Bagodi
The purpose of the paper is to examine the monitoring of electrical energy consumption, measures adopted for reducing energy consumption, barriers to energy efficiency improvement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to examine the monitoring of electrical energy consumption, measures adopted for reducing energy consumption, barriers to energy efficiency improvement and driving forces for energy efficiency improvement in three industrial clusters. It is intends to capture the managerial perspectives on energy saving practices and to identify the possible energy saving opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Three industrial clusters were identified for the study. Research instrument based in-person survey was conducted in which the authors directly administered the questionnaire to all the 181 organisations. This was thought of to facilitate not so well-educated respondents. The survey took about six months in which 110 units responded. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and path analysis were used to draw inferences.
Findings
There is ample scope for energy savings in the studied clusters. Energy efficiency in many organisations has deteriorated. Their attitude to embrace new or modern technology is shunning. Management’s belief that prevailing technology is efficient, lack of skilled labour, lack of accessibility to updated or modern technology, and lack of compatibility of new technology are found to be the barriers to energy efficiency improvement. Benchmarking by appropriate governments and publicly financed energy auditing act as the driving forces.
Originality/value
The SMEs must use simple yet powerful energy auditing practices on regular basis to reduce energy consumption. This will not only result in lesser energy costs but also lessen the burden on environment. As these are predominantly small enterprises, appropriate governments interventions are essential to bring the desired change.
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Virupaxi Bagodi, Sreenath Thimmappa Venkatesh and Deepankar Sinha
The paper aims to identify causality amongst small and medium enterprises' (SMEs') performance indicators, propose an integrated index of business performance and quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to identify causality amongst small and medium enterprises' (SMEs') performance indicators, propose an integrated index of business performance and quality practices and investigate the effect of quality management system (QMS) on business performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a two-stage approach. In the first stage, the authors gathered responses with a questionnaire on variables affecting business performance and identified dimensions using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Path analysis was carried out to identify causality between the dimensions. In the next stage, the validation of stage 1 findings was carried out to substantiate the proposition that QMS affects performance. Questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were conducted during the second stage. The analysis was done following the case study protocol – within- and cross-case analysis and validated with supportive and conflicting literature.
Findings
The results show that the employee – dimension is crucial to process effectiveness, customer satisfaction and finances. Customer satisfaction results from employee satisfaction and processes. QMS impacts processes and employee performance, thus establishes the causality between business performance factors and QMS. QMS impacts finances in the short run but yields long-term benefits and is dependent on two factors – degree of knowledge of quality practices and its application in business.
Originality/value
This study reveals the performance dimensions of SMEs, their causality and the impact of QMS on performance. It suggests a shift from traditional approaches, correcting defects using statistical quality control approaches, to a sustainable growth path – a long-term approach. This study puts forward two associated indices – the business performance and the knowledge of quality practices and its application index.
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Virupaxi Bagodi and Biswajit Mahanty
It is an era of customer delight. The conventional measures implemented by the service organizations tend to be inadquate to attract customers persistendly. We examine the current…
Abstract
It is an era of customer delight. The conventional measures implemented by the service organizations tend to be inadquate to attract customers persistendly. We examine the current status of two‐wheeler service stations in terms of their strategies and actions adopted in managing the service stations. The important factors to achieve customer satisfaction in two‐wheeler service industry are identified. Data collected for this study encompasses: (1) questionnaire survey of the service stations, (2) questionnaire survey of the customers (3) formal interviews with the managers and representatives of the manufacturing units, and (4) informal interview with service personnel and the customers. The specific contribution of our research in lies in identificaion and categorizing the factors in Indian context.
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Virupaxi Bagodi and Biswajit Mahanty
The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the short comings in decision-making in a complex system. An approach to coping with a complex decision-making task is to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the short comings in decision-making in a complex system. An approach to coping with a complex decision-making task is to identify generic structures known as systems archetypes in a given decision situation. In the “shifting the burden” archetype, decision-makers fail to identify the fundamental solution early and are subjected to accumulated side effects as they resort to quick remedial solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
A system dynamics-based game has been built to highlight the pitfalls of “shifting the burden” systems archetype for a decision-making situation in the Indian two-wheeler industry. Participants of the game make strategic decisions for a company and receive feedback of their decisions and corresponding actions after every plan period.
Findings
The decision-makers who adopt short-term measures to alleviate the company’s problems, invariably fail in their endeavour. Success comes to those who realize the importance of having a long-term perspective in the form of pursuing fundamental solutions.
Practical implications
What could be a possible way of avoiding the pitfalls? The decision-makers should be aware of the pitfalls beforehand and identify the same – a decision support system possibly can aid them in this regard.
Originality/value
The complexity of the system increases as the business grows. The managers need to adopt systems thinking and embrace a long-term perspective. Decision support systems integrating models of systems archetypes provide an environment to simulate various decision situations and see the effects beforehand.
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Virupaxi Bagodi and Biswajit Mahanty
The purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale for the lack of growth in the two‐wheeler service sector despite an exponential growth in the number of two‐wheelers on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale for the lack of growth in the two‐wheeler service sector despite an exponential growth in the number of two‐wheelers on Indian roads.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of a premier manufacturer were gathered to develop a system dynamics model. Policy experimentation was carried out after validating the model.
Findings
The results corroborate that a mere increase in the number of facilities is inadequate for sustainable growth. Improving service quality is vital for sustainable growth of the service sector.
Practical implications
The system dynamics model unveils facts that otherwise would remain obscured. It is very useful for real‐world managers in carrying out policy experimentation to understand the effect of one variable on the other. Managers can design effective policies only through double‐loop learning.
Originality/value
The complexity of the system increases as the business grows. Managers need to adopt double‐loop learning to achieve true growth in capacity, revenue, and the bottom line. The paper demonstrates the essence of double‐loop learning in the two‐wheeler service sector.
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Shivaprasad Dandagi, Umesh Bhushi, Virupaxi Bagodi and Deepankar Sinha
The purpose of this paper is to examine the constructs and establish causal relationship between factors for strategically governing a technical university in Indian context…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the constructs and establish causal relationship between factors for strategically governing a technical university in Indian context. Further, the paper carries out a systemic study to emphasize on the need for these universities to design strategies that are endurable and sustainable.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey was carried out (207 responses). Factor analysis was carried out to bring out the latent variables representing the attributes, and later, the causality between these variables was established using structural equation modelling (SEM). These relationships between the factors helped in developing a robust system dynamic model for strategic management of technical universities.
Findings
The peak points on the contours for varying strategic orientation revealed the adaptability and the time required for attaining that level of adaptability. The contour plots also revealed the limiting values in each case. Finally, it is concluded that university adaptability increases with increasing strategic orientation. The analysis also revealed that the process by which the technical universities formulate their strategies is an important determinant of various factors.
Originality/value
Universities looking to implement strategic management-related methodologies for the improved management focusing on developing effective methods for developing strategy can be expected to yield better performance, rather than concentrating on the technologies and supporting infrastructures.
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Shivakumar Burli, Virupaxi Bagodi and Basavaraj Kotturshettar
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dimensions of TQM, analyse interrelationships and their combined influence on results achieved in ISO certified engineering…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dimensions of TQM, analyse interrelationships and their combined influence on results achieved in ISO certified engineering institutes in India.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the questionnaire survey of a sample of 216 faculty members serving in various ISO certified institutes of southern states of India. The data were obtained using a questionnaire that is in line with the self‐assessment philosophy of European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model (EFQM). The dataset was subjected to exploratory factor analysis using SPSS17.0 program for Windows. The confirmatory and causal analyses were carried out using AMOS 16.0 software.
Findings
The factor analysis confirmed the existence of ten important dimensions of TQM that guide ISO institutes in their quality journey. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the developed TQM model. Leadership of top management was the main driving force for establishing an effective quality management system (QMS) in engineering institutes.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation is related to the notion of causality. The study has considered perception data for the predictive analysis.
Practical implications
The paper unfolds ten important TQM factors that need attention from education administrators to manage quality in engineering education. The six enablers of the proposed TQM model significantly influence result criteria. The results obtained in this study encourage academic leaders to implement TQM concepts in their institutes to achieve a higher level of stakeholder satisfaction.
Originality/value
The paper is a new contribution to broad understanding of TQM concepts and their impact on performance measures in engineering education in India.