Gary D. Buckner and Vivek Shah
In management cybernetics, artificial intelligence is altering the ways in which computers are usable as problem‐solving tools. The talent of humans at thus smartly creating and…
Abstract
In management cybernetics, artificial intelligence is altering the ways in which computers are usable as problem‐solving tools. The talent of humans at thus smartly creating and operating tools is indeed a feature of human‐based brainpower. Actualization of “man‐machine” interaction is of paramount importance since the innovative application of all knowledge‐based resources is increasingly impacting on global economic power and, consequently, success of every organization. At the same time, questions have arisen about the extent to which computers can intelligently complete tasks. Presents a methodology whereby change as necessary to extend synergistically the capabilities of both humans and their machines can be implemented successfully.
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Knowledge Engineering (KE) focuses on ways for extending man‐machine interaction to solve problems of human endeavours. Efforts by knowledge engineers can lead to refinements in…
Abstract
Knowledge Engineering (KE) focuses on ways for extending man‐machine interaction to solve problems of human endeavours. Efforts by knowledge engineers can lead to refinements in the capability of communicating, preserving, and recalling human knowledge. Insight is provided into the advancement of the concepts, methodologies and develop‐ment processes employed when KE activities are undertaken.
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Vivek Shah and Kamlesh T. Mehta
This paper explores the ramifications of information technology on the global workforce and impact of technology on the world economy. The paper discusses complex issues facing…
Abstract
This paper explores the ramifications of information technology on the global workforce and impact of technology on the world economy. The paper discusses complex issues facing the governments, societies, and business corporations such as changing job contents, global unemployment, and transition from human workers to machines. In conclusion, the replacement of workers by machines is going to force every nation to rethink the role of technology in everyday life in the twenty‐first century.
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Kumar Mukul and Gordhan K. Saini
The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent acquisition challenges faced by them, and; identify some of the unique parameters adopted by startups in talent acquisition.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a multiple case study method to explore the talent acquisition practices in startups in India. The study included six case studies on startups in Hubli city of North Karnataka in India.
Findings
This paper finds that startups (especially in smaller cities) face challenges such as lower quality of talent pool, absence of a brand name, inability to provide competitive salary and other benefits as per industry standards and locational disadvantages in talent acquisition. Thus, entrepreneurs leverage their social capital for talent acquisition by handpicking talent on the basis of familiarity or credible networks and recommendations. Incubation centres provide institutionalized sources of social capital to help them attract good talent. This study finds that employee-culture fit and trust play important role in acquiring talent in startups.
Practical implications
The study has implications for startup entrepreneurs, recruitment service providers, incubation centres, trainers, policymakers, etc. The study provides useful insights to the startups with regard to their recruitment practices.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in the domains of talent acquisition, startups and social capital by describing hiring challenges faced by startups and exploring the mechanisms used by them in overcoming such challenges.
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Bhavin Shah and Vivek Khanzode
The contemporary e-tailing marketplace insists that distribution centers are playing the roles of both wholesalers and retailers which require different storage-handling load…
Abstract
Purpose
The contemporary e-tailing marketplace insists that distribution centers are playing the roles of both wholesalers and retailers which require different storage-handling load sizes due to different product variants. To fulfill piecewise retail orders, a separate small size-fast pick area is design called “forward buffer” wherein pallets are allocated from reserve area. Due to non-uniform pallets, the static allocation policy diminishes forward space utilization and also, more than practically required buffer size has been identified as wastage. Thus, dynamic storage allocation policy is required to design for reducing storage wastage and improving throughput considering non-uniform unit load sizes. The purpose of this paper is to model such policy and develop an e-decision support system assisting enterprise practitioners with real-time decision making.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method is developed as a dynamic storage allocation policy and mathematical modeled as knapsack-based heuristics. The execution procedure of policy is explained as an example and tested with case-specific data. The developed model is implemented as a web-based support system and tested with rational data instances, as well as overcoming prejudices against single case findings.
Findings
The provided model considers variable size storage-handling unit loads and recommends number of pallets allocations in forward area reducing storage wastes. The algorithm searches and suggests the “just-right” amount of allocations for each product balancing existing forward capacity. It also helps to determine “lean buffer” size for forward area ensuring desired throughput. Sensitivity and buffer performance analysis is carried out for Poisson distributed data sets followed by research synthesis.
Practical implications
Warehouse practitioners can use this model ensuring a desired throughput level with least forward storage wastages. The model driven e-decision support system (DSS) helps for effective real-time decision making under complicated business scenarios wherein products are having different physical dimensions. It assists the researchers who would like to explore the emerging field of “lean” adoption in enterprise information and retail-distribution management.
Originality/value
The paper provides an inventive approach endorsing lean thinking in storage allocation policy design for a forward-reserve model. Also, the developed methodology incorporating features of e-DSS along with quantitative modeling is an inimitable research contribution justifying rational data support.
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Vivek Kumar, Vatsalkumar Ashokkumar Shah, Simran Jeet Singh, Kuldeep Narwat and Satish C. Sharma
The porous bearings are commonly used in slider thrust bearings owing to their self-lubricating properties and cost effectiveness as compared to conventional hydrodynamic…
Abstract
Purpose
The porous bearings are commonly used in slider thrust bearings owing to their self-lubricating properties and cost effectiveness as compared to conventional hydrodynamic bearings. The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate usefulness of porous layer in hydrostatic thrust bearing operating with magnetic fluid. The effect of magnetic field and permeability has been analysed on steady-state (film pressure, film reaction and lubricant flow rate) and rotor-dynamic (stiffness and damping) parameters of bearing.
Design/methodology/approach
Finite element approach is used to obtain numerical solution of flow governing equations (Magneto-hydrodynamics Reynolds equation, Darcy law and capillary equation) for computing abovementioned performance indices. Finite element method formulation converts elliptical Reynolds equation into set of algebraic equation that are solved using Gauss–Seidel method.
Findings
It has been reported that porosity has limited but adverse effects on performance parameters of bearing. The adverse effects of porosity can be minimized by using a circular pocket for achieving better steady-state response and an annular/elliptical pocket, for having better rotor-dynamic response. The use of magnetic fluid is found to be substantially enhancing the fluid film reaction (53%) and damping parameters (55%).
Practical implications
The present work recommends use of circular pocket for achieving better steady-state performance indices. However, annular and elliptical pockets should be preferred, when design criteria for the bearing are better rotor-dynamic performance.
Originality/value
This study deals with influence of magnetic fluid, porosity and pocket shape on rotor-dynamic performance of externally pressurized thrust bearing.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0289/
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Bhavin Shah and Vivek Khanzode
The retail revolution swing from traditional distribution to e-tailing services and unprecedented increase in internet adoption insist practitioners to diversely plan warehousing…
Abstract
Purpose
The retail revolution swing from traditional distribution to e-tailing services and unprecedented increase in internet adoption insist practitioners to diversely plan warehousing strategies. More than practically required storage space has been identified as wastes, and also it does not improve performance. An organized framework integrating storage design policies, operational performance and customer value improvement for retail-distribution management is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop broad guidelines to design the “just-right” amount of forward area, i.e., “lean buffer” answering the following questions: “What should be lean buffer size? How effective the forward area is? As per demand variations, which storage waste (SKU) should be allocated with how much storage space? What is the amount of storage waste (SW)? How smooth the material flow is in between reserve-forward area?” for storage allocation in cosmetics distribution centers.
Design/methodology/approach
After forecasting static storage allocation between two planning horizons, if a particular SKU is less or non-moving, then it will cause SW, as the occupied location can be utilized by other competing SKUs, and also it impedes material flow for an instance. A dynamically efficient and self-adaptive, knapsack instance based heuristics is developed in order to make effective storage utilization.
Findings
The existing state-of-the-art under study is supported with a distribution center case, and the study investigates the need of a model adopting lean management approach in storage allocation policies along with test results in LINGO. The sensitivity analysis describes the impact of varying demand and buffer size on performance. The results are compared with uniform and exponential distributed demands, and findings reveal that the proposed heuristics improves efficiency and reduce SWs in forward-reserve area.
Originality/value
The presented model demonstrates a novel thinking of lean adoption in designing storage allocation strategy and its performance measures while reducing wastes and improving customer value. Future research issues are highlighted, which may be of great help to the researchers who would like to explore the emerging field of lean adoption for sustainable retail and distribution operations.
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Mukund Dixit and Vandana Dixit
This case describes the experience of Kanpur Confectioneries Private Limited (KCPL), a family managed company, in being a contract manufacturer for A-One Confectioneries Private…
Abstract
This case describes the experience of Kanpur Confectioneries Private Limited (KCPL), a family managed company, in being a contract manufacturer for A-One Confectioneries Private Limited. The alliance had worked to the advantage of KCPL. It had prospered as a profitable contract manufacturer. It had used the surplus to diversify into unrelated businesses. The family members, however had doubts regarding the employment opportunities provided by the move. They were not sure whether the progress was sustainable. Alok Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of KCPL, along with his brothers and son, is required to review the strategy and performance of his company and develop a course of action for the future.
Details
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Lokpriya Gaikwad and Vivek Sunnapwar
This article aims to explore synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices in order to propose an integrated LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to explore synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices in order to propose an integrated LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the Indian manufacturing industries. The three-dimensional LGSS framework seeks to provide various combinations and support operational, financial, environmental and social needs.
Design/methodology/approach
In the research method, first, the current problems faced by Indian manufacturing industries are considered and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices, and second, the framework is checked by a survey taken from 203 Indian firms by using SPSS-AMOS.
Findings
The hypothesized result suggests that the positive impact of integrated practices on firm performance in terms of operational, financial, social and environmental outcomes. It also provides a systemic and holistic approach to problem-solving through constant and incremental enhancement in the manufacturing sector.
Research limitations/implications
In this research, only Indian manufacturing industries have been studied but can be extending into different geographical areas and sectors. Future research is also possible for different behavior and characteristics of companies that can lead to recommending strategies on how companies can improve performance. Most importantly, future research can try to understand which specific practice can contribute to competitive advantage and business success.
Practical implications
Manufacturing firms that want to improve environmental sustainability should implement integrated LGSS practices into their supply chain. The set of combined practices improves operational, social, economical and environmental benefits.
Social implications
The research presents an integrated approach of LSS for the manufacturing industry which leads their business processes to achieve economic sustainability through continuous growth and improved operational efficiency. Manufacturing industries result in outcomes like reduced cost, lead time, improved quality, sustainable market position, profitability, customer satisfaction, etc.
Originality/value
This research is different from previous studies because it integrates Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices into a unique framework that fulfills a specific need of the Indian manufacturing sector that guides operational, social, environmental and financial issues in Indian industries.
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Kumar Mukul, Neeraj Pandey and Gordhan K. Saini
This study explores the relevance of social capital resources generated through networks to address the marketing challenges of startups. It looks into the marketing issues faced…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the relevance of social capital resources generated through networks to address the marketing challenges of startups. It looks into the marketing issues faced by startup firms in emerging markets and examines how they leverage their social capital to reach out to their customers and other stakeholders for marketing their products and services.
Design/methodology/approach
The case study analysis using the abduction method, semi-structured interview and content analysis were used for answering the research questions.
Findings
This study finds the importance of developing social capital by startups for marketing activities. Social capital also acts as a strategic advantage that the competitors cannot easily emulate. Findings show that the development of social capital happens through the network of startup entrepreneurs and social connections involving customers, dealers and suppliers, among others.
Originality/value
This study is a novel attempt to emphasize the potential of social capital for marketing activities in a startup firm. This study expands the literature on social capital with a marketing perspective in an emerging economy context. The academic and managerial implications have also been highlighted in the study.