Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Antonio Focacci Author-X-Name-First: Antonio Author-X-Name-Last: Focacci Title: Costs function assessment: an empirical business analytics approach for decisional purposes Abstract: The aim of the present paper is, without any pretension of to be exhaustive, to propose a business analytics contribution in the elaboration of a reliable and accurate assessment of firm's costs function for decision purposes. As a matter of fact, the analyst/consultant, the entrepreneur itself or also the manager has not always the possibility to access to the wide range of all the needed useful information to deal with this task. Income statements or general accounting documents could not record - for an appropriate and sound assessment - all relevant figures. In these (not-extraordinary) cases, supplementary and accurate data gathering is both extremely hard to carry on and not synchronised with entrepreneurial needs. Hence, an analysis developing informed business decisions seems not possible except of roughly approximations. Considering these binding constraints, business analytics tools - by recurring to their interdisciplinary versatility - can surely support managerial decision-making widening and strengthening possibilities to enhance the value of retrievable insights from traditional firm's accounting data. Under this perspective, management accounting combines its traditional informational power with sound scientific support for a renewed, more efficient and multidisciplinary approach to business. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 1-12 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: management accounting; business analytics; variable costs; fixed costs; statistical analysis. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88452 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:1-12 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tolga Genç Author-X-Name-First: Tolga Author-X-Name-Last: Genç Author-Name: Mahmut Masca Author-X-Name-First: Mahmut Author-X-Name-Last: Masca Title: An application of fuzzy VIKOR method on evaluation of the university students' preferences on selected Turkish banks Abstract: We proposed a fuzzy multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for the preferences of university students in Afyon Kocatepe University over the service quality of selected banks. This research first examined the literature and service quality (SERVQUAL) criteria for the banks. Then, we demonstrated the notation steps of fuzzy VIKOR. A questionnaire consisting of linguistic variables was prepared and applied to almost 400 students and some experts to collect the preferences over service quality. We refrained from asking quantitative numbers in the questionnaire since it is difficult to assess the quality with concrete values. This paper focused only on the applicability of fuzzy MCDM methods over banking service quality. We do not aim to rank the banks and gave them advice though we aimed to show the applicability the methods with linguistic variables. The empirical study analysed four banks and findings are shown in the conclusion section. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 13-24 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: multi-criteria decision making; fuzzy MCDM approach; customer preferences; fuzzy VIKOR; Turkey. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88453 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:13-24 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Morteza Yazdani Author-X-Name-First: Morteza Author-X-Name-Last: Yazdani Title: New approach to select materials using MADM tools Abstract: Revolutionary attitude of researchers to invent and develop decision-making support tools has been increased for years. Effective methods and models are created to fulfil experts, engineers and managers skill for better and distinct solution. This paper proposes two new multi-attribute decisionmaking methods to indicate applicability and performance of them in area of design and material. Factor relationship (FARE) is introduced for first time in material evaluation field to elaborate weights of material criteria. This method resolves the problem of pairwise comparison judgement which naturally happens for decision makers and addresses more accurate rate of decision criteria. In order to assess materials and sort them according their performance and technical properties, weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method is acquired. The proposed approach is applied in hard magnetic material selection. In the final part of the paper, some tests (e.g., using normalisation tool and correlation coefficient) are handled to conform and validate obtained results. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 25-42 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: multi-attribute decision-making; MADM; material selection; factor relationship; weighted aggregated sum product assessment; WASPAS; normalisation tool. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88454 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:25-42 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Maria Cristina P. Matos Author-X-Name-First: Maria Cristina P. Author-X-Name-Last: Matos Author-Name: Manuel Alberto M. Ferreira Author-X-Name-First: Manuel Alberto M. Author-X-Name-Last: Ferreira Author-Name: José António Filipe Author-X-Name-First: José António Author-X-Name-Last: Filipe Title: Let the games begin and go on Abstract: Real life is a bigger game in which what a player does early on can affect what others choose to do later on. In particular, we can strive to explain how cooperative behaviour can be established as a result of rational behaviour. When engaged in a repeated situation, players must consider not only their short-term gains but also their long-term payoffs. The general idea of repeated games is that players may be able to deter another player from exploiting his short-term advantage by threatening a punishment that reduces his long-term payoff. The aim of the paper that supports this abstract is to present and discuss dynamic game theory. There are three basic kinds of reasons, which are not mutually exclusive, to study what happens in repeated games. First, it provides a pleasant and a very interesting theory and it has the advantage of making us become more humble in our predictions. Second, many of the most interesting economic interactions repeated often can incorporate a phenomenon which we believe are important but which are not captured when we restrict our attention to static games. Finally, economics, and equilibrium-based theories more generally, do best when analysing routinised interactions. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 43-52 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: dynamic games; code form game; repeated game. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88463 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:43-52 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: C.P. Lohith Author-X-Name-First: C.P. Author-X-Name-Last: Lohith Author-Name: R. Srinivasan Author-X-Name-First: R. Author-X-Name-Last: Srinivasan Author-Name: Rajeshwar S. Kadadevaramath Author-X-Name-First: Rajeshwar S. Author-X-Name-Last: Kadadevaramath Author-Name: S. Shrisha Author-X-Name-First: S. Author-X-Name-Last: Shrisha Title: Innovation and strategic marketing - the key factors: a literature review on Indian micro small medium enterprises Abstract: Micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs) had a significant role in improving the economic growth of the Indian industrial sector. It has maintained consistent growth rate at 11.5% a year which is higher than the overall GDP growth rate over the years as compared to the agricultural sector. Their contribution is significant with respect to the manufacturing sector and also with reference to exports. Indian MSMSEs have started manufacturing very high technological products compared to the earlier scenario. In addition to the existing manufacturing, it has also entered into the service domain. In spite of all these achievements, Indian MSMEs are facing various hurdles and as a result of this, it is not able to achieve the targeted growth and is also unable to cope up with the global competition. Hence, Indian MSMEs need to adopt several strategic paths in order to meet today and the future's competition. This paper presents the literature review of how Indian MSMEs can adopt strategic marketing and innovation for achieving the competitive advantage. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 53-68 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: micro small medium enterprises; MSMEs; economic growth; innovation; strategic marketing. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88478 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:53-68 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aleksander Zadel Author-X-Name-First: Aleksander Author-X-Name-Last: Zadel Title: Connections between personality traits and work experiences Abstract: The present study examined the factors that are related to burnout at the workplace. Previous studies researching the emergence of burnout mostly focused on external factors at the level of the nature of work, the workplace and institutions. Very few of them paid attention to the aspects of the individual in the sense of the individual's personality traits and subjective feelings of satisfaction with work and with life. This is why this study researched the relationship between the burnout phenomenon, work satisfaction, personality traits and quality of life. To analyse personality traits, the emotions profile index (EPI) was used, which is based on Plutchik and Kellerman's theory of emotion. Results of the study contribute to the understanding of the role of personality in the context of work. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 69-84 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: personality traits; burnout; quality of life; work satisfaction; employee's position; emotions profile index; EPI; evolutionary psychology; human resource management. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88479 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:69-84 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hirotoshi Uehara Author-X-Name-First: Hirotoshi Author-X-Name-Last: Uehara Author-Name: Atsunari Kobayashi Author-X-Name-First: Atsunari Author-X-Name-Last: Kobayashi Author-Name: Keisuke Uenishi Author-X-Name-First: Keisuke Author-X-Name-Last: Uenishi Author-Name: Junji Ikeda Author-X-Name-First: Junji Author-X-Name-Last: Ikeda Author-Name: Hiroyuki Nagano Author-X-Name-First: Hiroyuki Author-X-Name-Last: Nagano Author-Name: Shuichi Ishida Author-X-Name-First: Shuichi Author-X-Name-Last: Ishida Title: Considerations for avoiding commoditisation in the automotive industry - analysis of factors that enhance customisation Abstract: The automotive industry has been achieving profits by creating new value through innovations while the Japanese consumer electronic industry has been suffering from low profitability due to commoditisation. To analyse the factors helping the automotive industry avoid commoditisation, this study focuses on optional parts sales as a means to provide new customer value. It conducts customer surveys to analyse customisation and the effectiveness of directly managed stores' explanations of such value. The results suggest that customers favour customisation, and that directly managed store explanations encourage a performance-oriented customer mind-set, resulting in price increases. Thus, a mechanism is established in the automotive industry where the value created is explained to customers. This mechanism then contributes to price increases. From this, there are implications on ways to avoid commoditisation: 1) create new customer value; 2) enhance customisation to provide new value; 3) establish a value communication mechanism that encourages a performance-oriented mind-set. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 85-105 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: avoiding commoditisation; automotive industry; value capture; mass customisation; directly managed stores; commoditisation; value co-creation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88484 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:85-105 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Claudio Garuti Author-X-Name-First: Claudio Author-X-Name-Last: Garuti Author-Name: Carmen Paz Castro Author-X-Name-First: Carmen Paz Author-X-Name-Last: Castro Author-Name: Juan Pablo Sarmiento Author-X-Name-First: Juan Pablo Author-X-Name-Last: Sarmiento Title: Developing a disaster risk management index for Latin American countries Abstract: This work aims to create a risk disaster management index to measure how government institutions are dealing with disasters beyond legal and normative regulations advancing toward enforcement and implementation. With the complexity of the disaster risk management concept and its scope in mind, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was used to create a comprehensive index capable of measuring disaster risk management at national and subnational levels. The index was checked for six Latin-American countries: Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile, obtaining representative results. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 106-120 Issue: 1 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: risk; disaster management; analytic hierarchy process; AHP; disaster risk management index; DRMI. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=88488 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:1:p:106-120 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Intiraporn Mulasastra Author-X-Name-First: Intiraporn Author-X-Name-Last: Mulasastra Author-Name: Donyaprueth Krairit Author-X-Name-First: Donyaprueth Author-X-Name-Last: Krairit Title: Key factors impacting information quality: an empirical study of Thailand's healthcare sector Abstract: Quality of information produced by information systems is important to organisations, affecting all aspects of business from operations to strategic management. Few empirical studies have examined the factors influencing information quality (IQ) using quantitative methods. By reviewing the extensive literature in the information systems (IS) and IQ research areas, this study developed an IQ determinant model and measurement instruments for empirically investigating factors that influence IQ at the organisational level. Our model consists of five IQ determinants: IQ control, IS support, system usefulness, IQ leadership, and IQ education and training. We conducted reliability and validity tests by using data collected from 345 public hospitals in Thailand. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that other than IS support and system usefulness, IQ control (IQ assessment, root causes analysis, and IQ improvement) impact IQ. Hence, Thai public hospitals should institutionalise IQ control similar to quality control in a manufacturing context. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 121-147 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: data quality; information management; information quality control; information quality determinant; hospital information system; HIS; success factors; management information system. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90685 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:121-147 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohaddeseh Yaghtin Author-X-Name-First: Mohaddeseh Author-X-Name-Last: Yaghtin Author-Name: Mehdi Abbasi Author-X-Name-First: Mehdi Author-X-Name-Last: Abbasi Title: Selecting appropriate operations strategy using project management concepts: an economic analysis approach Abstract: Having an effective operations strategy (OS) is a key element in protecting competitive capabilities of any company. OS supports the business strategy and should be accurately selected in a way that the organisation can be positioned among the competitors. The main objective of this study is to provide valuable insights for project managers to select the most appropriate OS for their enterprise using economic analysis approach. We propose a seven-step algorithm which makes the decision-makers able to make an optimum decision for organisation's OS selection on the basis of economic analysis of OS alternatives. This is the first study which presents such an OS selection framework and incorporates project management and OS contents. First we consider each OS alternative as a program (a group of projects) and define some group of projects for actions required in intersections of OS matrix related to each program. Then, by determining the dependencies among the projects of each program as well as providing some information about the projects, we can estimate cash flows of programs. Thus, we can financially evaluate the programs and select the most profitable and appropriate OS. The presented algorithm assists the managers to apply the most financially effective OS for their company. The validity of the algorithm is demonstrated through conducting a case study. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 148-161 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: operations strategy; project; program; project management; financial performance; economic analysis methods; selection: operations strategy matrix. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90691 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:148-161 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jeong Hoon Choi Author-X-Name-First: Jeong Hoon Author-X-Name-Last: Choi Author-Name: Dong-Hyun Oh Author-X-Name-First: Dong-Hyun Author-X-Name-Last: Oh Title: Measuring efficiency in US teaching hospitals associated with quality variables Abstract: This research compares the efficiency of US teaching and non-teaching hospitals as estimated by using data envelopment analysis. Labour costs, capital costs and other operating expenses are employed as input variables. The research models are divided into two main cases based on different sets of outputs. In both cases, teaching hospitals show higher efficiency scores than non-teaching hospitals. For-profit hospitals show higher efficiency scores than not-for-profit or governmental hospitals. With regard to the size, larger hospitals are associated with higher efficiency scores. Regional variations are detected, but they seem to fade in comparing some regions. This paper addresses the economically important question of what explains heterogeneity in production functions across hospitals by measuring the efficiency of hospitals, including quality variables. The inclusion of quality metrics in efficiency estimates represents an improvement over similar existing studies, since patient outcomes are key to considering welfare implications in the healthcare sector. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 162-180 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: data envelopment analysis; DEA; hospital efficiency; quality indicators; healthcare industry. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90695 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:162-180 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Elizabeth L. Jackson Author-X-Name-First: Elizabeth L. Author-X-Name-Last: Jackson Author-Name: David Adamson Author-X-Name-First: David Author-X-Name-Last: Adamson Title: The live sheep export supply chain: when operational and societal complexities collide Abstract: This paper takes a supply chain perspective on the business systems involved in the trade of live sheep from Australia to the Middle East. Live export supply chains are complex as they must encompass efficiency, maintenance of quality and adhere to international animal welfare protocols. This paper explores the consequences resulting from business systems' failure, based on a case study from 2012 when protocols in the international trade of live sheep were compromised. Key themes to emerge from the case study relate to supply chain control and resilience, the moral obligations of governments to manage societal exposure to unsafe food and the management of unscrupulous operators in the food supply chain. The originality of this work lies in its consideration of 'live cargo' and the challenges of unforeseen circumstances in managing the physical distribution of live animals transported by sea. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 181-196 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: resilient supply chains; food safety; business communications. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90697 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:181-196 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Keiko Nishioka Author-X-Name-First: Keiko Author-X-Name-Last: Nishioka Author-Name: Kiminori Gemba Author-X-Name-First: Kiminori Author-X-Name-Last: Gemba Author-Name: Keisuke Uenishi Author-X-Name-First: Keisuke Author-X-Name-Last: Uenishi Author-Name: Atsuko Kaga Author-X-Name-First: Atsuko Author-X-Name-Last: Kaga Title: Competitive strategy of family businesses through CSV - case study of a family business in Mie Prefecture, Japan Abstract: Many companies, not only in Japan but also around the world, are family businesses and are the main drivers of the economy. For any revitalisation of local communities, the innovation of regional companies is indispensable and if such innovation is realised through regional partnerships and leads to a solution of the challenges confronted in the region and the society at large, it will realise the best possible scenario by which both the society and businesses will prosper. In other words, it is not appropriate for a company to pursue only its own interests. Michael E. Porter has proposed the concept of creating shared value (CSV) and pointed out the importance of sharing values with the regional community. This paper proposes a hypothesis in which CSV, which is important for business management, can also become a source of competitive advantage for companies and analyses the strategic management of a family business in Mie Prefecture. Through detailed case studies, the paper demonstrates that CSV can become an effective competitive strategy for family business and also clarifies conditions for CSV to generate sources of competitive advantage. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 226-241 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: family business; creating shared value; CSV; competitive advantage; competitive strategy; regional society and businesses; regional contribution; open innovation and collaboration. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90698 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:226-241 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ximena Patricia López Mendoza Author-X-Name-First: Ximena Patricia López Author-X-Name-Last: Mendoza Author-Name: David Santos Mauricio Sanchez Author-X-Name-First: David Santos Mauricio Author-X-Name-Last: Sanchez Title: A systematic literature review on technology transfer from university to industry Abstract: Technology transfer is considered as a continuous process characterised by the transmission of knowledge generated by the university, government agencies, and any institution capable of generating knowledge to an enterprise that allows it to innovate and expand its technological capabilities to get a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This paper aims to know the current status of the latest research related to the technology transfer from university to industry, for it has been made a systematic review of the literature proposed by various authors in order to answer the following research question: What are the agents, mechanisms, stages, models, and factors in the technology transfer? It has identified 15 models, 15 mechanisms, three agents, 30 positive and 21 negative factors which influence the transfer process, and it concludes that universities have developed technology transfer models but these are based on different realities and contexts of each region. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 197-225 Issue: 2 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: technology transfer; transfer models; transfer factors; transfer mechanisms; industry-university. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=90699 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:197-225 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mei-Ling Wang Author-X-Name-First: Mei-Ling Author-X-Name-Last: Wang Title: Linking CRM to customer-oriented behaviour through service climate perceptions Abstract: Integrating the capability view of customer relationship management (CRM) with service climate research, this present study developed a conceptual two-level model that links CRM to customer-oriented behaviour through service climate in service organisations. Data from 629 customers involving 141 bank consultants of retail banks in Taiwan was collected via a questionnaire and analysed using hierarchical linear modelling. The results revealed that CRM was related to service climate perceptions, which, in turn, positively predicted customer-oriented behaviour. In addition, the relationship between CRM and customer-oriented behaviour was mediated by service climate perceptions. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed as well as future research directions. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 243-261 Issue: 3 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: service climate perception; customer-oriented behaviour; customer relationship management; CRM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91154 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:3:p:243-261 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gayle Peterson Author-X-Name-First: Gayle Author-X-Name-Last: Peterson Author-Name: Robert M. Yawson Author-X-Name-First: Robert M. Author-X-Name-Last: Yawson Author-Name: John Sherman Author-X-Name-First: John Author-X-Name-Last: Sherman Author-Name: Ivy Johnson-Kanda Author-X-Name-First: Ivy Author-X-Name-Last: Johnson-Kanda Title: A systems model of using the Deliberate Leadership® framework for addressing wicked problems Abstract: This study is predicated on the premise that addressing wicked problems through business practices and social innovations will need new leadership and organisational development strategies for helping organisations mirror practices and approaches internally with staff and externally with stakeholders. The Deliberate Leadership® Model was developed as a subsequent of this need. This study illustrated the key implications for practice and for research of the Deliberate Leadership model using a multi-case study approach. The paper reviews wicked problems and discusses the epistemological genesis of the Deliberate Leadership framework. Using a multi-case method approach, the Deliberate Leadership is illustrated, and a baseline understanding of the use of the Deliberate Leadership approach in addressing wicked problems is discussed. A systemic model depicting the critical links in identifying wicked problems and the use of the Deliberate Leadership Framework (DLF) for addressing 'wickedly' complex problems is developed. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 262-289 Issue: 3 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: adaptive challenges; complexity theory; Deliberate Leadership; social change; systems model; wicked problems. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91155 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:3:p:262-289 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: João Oliveira Junior Author-X-Name-First: João Oliveira Author-X-Name-Last: Junior Author-Name: Oscar Salviano Author-X-Name-First: Oscar Author-X-Name-Last: Salviano Author-Name: Frederic Andres Author-X-Name-First: Frederic Author-X-Name-Last: Andres Title: Innovation in practice: the NIT-Mantiqueira's cluster case Abstract: The paper discusses the application of a management model based on best practices related to scientific, technological and innovation-oriented collaborative issues among institutions and companies, focusing on human capital management and structural capital management. These two kinds of capital are extracted from the organisation value model. It is worth noting that they allow defining all legal and intellectual portfolios, and technological assets, which are required for innovation support, and, therefore to making run the NITs. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 317-342 Issue: 3 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: innovation system; regional clusters; intellectual property; legal services. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91156 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:3:p:317-342 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Azizbek Marakhimov Author-X-Name-First: Azizbek Author-X-Name-Last: Marakhimov Author-Name: Jaehun Joo Author-X-Name-First: Jaehun Author-X-Name-Last: Joo Author-Name: Jaegeol Yim Author-X-Name-First: Jaegeol Author-X-Name-Last: Yim Title: Customer participation in business ecosystems: an integrated approach of system dynamics and fuzzy sets Abstract: Today, customers are not only consuming products and services but also actively participating in creating value. However, there is little research on customer participation in business ecosystems. As such, effects of customer participation in business ecosystems remain under-researched. The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of customer participation on business ecosystem health. This study analyses the effects of customer participation by proposing an experimental framework that combines system dynamics modelling and fuzzy sets. The study identifies and simulates four types of business ecosystems (open customer-intensive, modest, partner-collaborated, and vertically controlled). The simulation results suggest that customer participation positively influences business ecosystem leader's (keystone) financial performance, innovation capability, and the business ecosystem's health. The simulation results show that: a) customer participation in production in operations, design, delivery, and sales positively influences a keystone's revenue and business ecosystem health; b) customer participation in promotion and idea generation increases a keystone's innovation capability. Furthermore, the results show that the effect of customer participation varies across the four types of business ecosystems. This study offers important theoretical and practical implications on four types of business ecosystems. They help practitioners develop better strategies to involve customers into co-creation and enhance the health of the business ecosystem. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 290-316 Issue: 3 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: business ecosystem health; customer participation; co-creation; sustainability; system dynamics; fuzzy logic; business ecosystems. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91157 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:3:p:290-316 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Helen M. Moshkovich Author-X-Name-First: Helen M. Author-X-Name-Last: Moshkovich Author-Name: Alexander I. Mechitov Author-X-Name-First: Alexander I. Author-X-Name-Last: Mechitov Title: Selection of a faculty member in academia: a case for verbal decision analysis Abstract: Personnel selection problem is often viewed as a multi criteria problem and there are many examples when different multi criteria techniques support the process. The multi criteria approach was used in several studies of faculty selection in academia but not many recognised that there were peculiarities in the selection process. Most studies concentrated on rank ordering of a small number of finalists while one of the main tasks of the search committee in academia is to select a smaller number of candidates from a possibly large pool of applicants for a more thorough review. In our paper we propose a three-step approach to the problem and recommend verbal decision analysis (VDA) as a tool. Using a VDA method provides a reliable preference elicitation process and the decision rules are easy to understand and explain. Free tool ORCON_Z helps with the practical application. The proposed procedure was well received by the participants and provided valuable information during the selection process. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 343-363 Issue: 3 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: multi-criteria decision making; MCDA; verbal decision analysis; VDA; ZAPROS; ORCON_Z; faculty selection; personnel selection. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=91158 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:3:p:343-363 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mahbubar Rahman Author-X-Name-First: Mahbubar Author-X-Name-Last: Rahman Author-Name: Rafikul Islam Author-X-Name-First: Rafikul Author-X-Name-Last: Islam Title: Importance-performance analysis of service quality dimensions for the Bangladeshi hotel industry Abstract: In global competitive markets, hoteliers are looking to satisfy guests for repeat customers. Achieving satisfied guests is not an easy task. This study evaluates the service quality of Bangladeshi hotels using gap analysis, SERVQUAL and importance-performance analysis (IPA). The results showed that hotel guests' satisfaction regarding service attributes are lower than the importance assigned to the measurement attributes. The widest gap was found in staff response and additional amenities, especially the commitment of hotel staff towards their guests. Also, the IPA grid showed that eight services attributes fell into the 'concentrate here' quadrant. This means that hotel management should take immediate action on these attributes for the betterment of the industry. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 365-390 Issue: 4 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: service quality; gap analysis; SERVQUAL; IPA grid; hotel industry; importance-performance analysis; IPA; Bangladesh. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95065 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:4:p:365-390 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sima M. Fortsch Author-X-Name-First: Sima M. Author-X-Name-Last: Fortsch Author-Name: Elena A. Khapalova Author-X-Name-First: Elena A. Author-X-Name-Last: Khapalova Title: The value of inventory and the direction of the supply chain bullwhip effect Abstract: The bullwhip effect (BWE) is the amplification of demand variability in a supply chain and can be quite costly for industry and society. In this empirical investigation of the BWE a three-stage supply chain is examined using monthly industry-level data. Time series regression equations are used to detect the BWE and its direction. Empirical evidence is found suggesting the BWE of a supply chain member is influenced by the BWE of the other members, as well as the values of inventory and inventory to sales ratios of own member and other members of supply chain. In addition, there is evidence that the direction of the BWE is not influenced by the members' horizontal positions in the network. It is shown that the wholesale BWE exhibits heteroscedastic and non-stationary behaviour; thus, making it difficult to predict over a long-horizon time period, unlike the BEW of the manufacturing and retail industries. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 391-410 Issue: 4 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: inventory; bullwhip effect; reverse bullwhip effect; econometrics; regression; time series; inventory to sales ratio; direction of the bullwhip effect; empirical study. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95070 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:4:p:391-410 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: C.S. Chethan Kumar Author-X-Name-First: C.S. Chethan Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: N.V.R. Naidu Author-X-Name-First: N.V.R. Author-X-Name-Last: Naidu Author-Name: Rajeshwar S. Kadadevaramutt Author-X-Name-First: Rajeshwar S. Author-X-Name-Last: Kadadevaramutt Title: Developing models of DOE and simulation to maximise output of tomato concentrated pulp processing unit Abstract: In developing country like India, agriculture is the main stay of the economy. Agricultural industries and related activities can account for a considerable proportion of their output. The main objective of fruit and vegetable processing is to supply wholesome, safe, nutritious and acceptable food to consumers throughout the year. Processing requires frequent handling, high temperature and pressure. Many of the ordinary varieties of tomatoes, for instance, are not suitable for making paste or other processed products. Simulation was carried out for the updated model for a period of ten days with five replications. From the results obtained from the design of experiments, noises in the factors (steam losses, minor stoppages) were reduced by implementing the mentioned techniques. The runs are randomised using MINITAB software. A cost matrix was made to create a trade-off between all factors that were affecting the performance. This resulted in the increase of throughput rate in the real scenario. This research project demonstrates the practical application of design of experiments showing how it can bring real breakthroughs in productivity of fruit (tomato) processing industry. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 441-453 Issue: 4 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: process industry; simulation model; runs; steam losses; design of experiments; DOE; minor stoppages. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95071 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:4:p:441-453 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Brian J. Galli Author-X-Name-First: Brian J. Author-X-Name-Last: Galli Author-Name: Mohamad Amin Kaviani Author-X-Name-First: Mohamad Amin Author-X-Name-Last: Kaviani Title: Integrated model of teamwork for team effectiveness analysis: an empirical study Abstract: This paper utilises an empirically validated team model to evaluate a real organisation's team effectiveness and efficiency issues. It provides recommendations to improve these deficiencies. The integrated model of teamwork (IMT) is used to evaluate performance effectiveness of a Navy Missile Requirements Engineering (NMRE) team in the USA. While the team performs at a satisfactory level, they face obstacles involving structure, member knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); communication; conflict resolution; coordination and collaboration; member motivation; member training; team cohesion and potency; and team learning. Finally, the IMT model led to recommendation development. An implementation plan was developed for the organisational level. The NMRE team should utilise it to resolve key problems identified in the team. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 411-440 Issue: 4 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: team effectiveness; integrated model of teamwork; IMT; team dynamics; leadership; military application. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95073 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:4:p:411-440 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Habib Ullah Khan Author-X-Name-First: Habib Ullah Author-X-Name-Last: Khan Author-Name: Stellamaris Uwemi Author-X-Name-First: Stellamaris Author-X-Name-Last: Uwemi Title: What are e-commerce possible challenges in developing countries: a case study of Nigeria Abstract: The overarching goal to achieve the vision of Nigeria (NV2020) cannot be realised without the synchronised effort of all the sectors. To help the country and policy makers to identify the hurdles in attaining these lofty goals, the present work tried to bring the views of customers and operators of e-commerce into limelight. The study is primary data based and the data is collected using a questionnaire that is drafted separately for both the parties, operators and customers of Nigeria. Because of the limitations, the study could collect the data from ten operators and 200 customers and advanced statistical techniques are exercised. The data collected from the customers revealed that though they are interested in e-commerce operations (like online trading), majority are unable to complete the tasks successfully. This is because of the bottlenecks being encountered with respect to various sectors. In addition, the correlation analysis proved that the challenges of e-commerce have majority bearing on the economy of the country. On the whole, the study not only provided inputs to the policy makers, but also explained the operators of e-commerce about the capabilities, requirements and problems of the customers in performing successful e-commerce transactions. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 454-486 Issue: 4 Volume: 12 Year: 2018 Keywords: NV2020; e-commerce challenges; operators; economic development; Nigeria. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=95077 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:12:y:2018:i:4:p:454-486