Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mouna Rekik Author-X-Name-First: Mouna Author-X-Name-Last: Rekik Author-Name: Khouloud Boukadi Author-X-Name-First: Khouloud Author-X-Name-Last: Boukadi Author-Name: Hanêne Ben-Abdallah Author-X-Name-First: Hanêne Author-X-Name-Last: Ben-Abdallah Title: An end-to-end system to enhance business process performance through new outsourcing to the cloud strategies Abstract: This paper proposes an end-to-end system entitled business process outsourcing for performance enhancement (BPO4PE). It presents a deep analysis and research of the BPO to the cloud life cycle starting from the identification of the business process outsourcing (BPO) criteria with until the selection of business process activities to be outsourced as well as the most suitable infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offering to support their execution. We evaluate the system through different experiments that prove its good performance. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 1-20 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: business process outsourcing; BPO; cloud; NSGA II; BPMN2.0. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96358 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:1-20 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hossein Mansoori Author-X-Name-First: Hossein Author-X-Name-Last: Mansoori Author-Name: Ali Shaemi Barzoki Author-X-Name-First: Ali Shaemi Author-X-Name-Last: Barzoki Author-Name: Mohammad Hossein Moshref Javadi Author-X-Name-First: Mohammad Hossein Moshref Author-X-Name-Last: Javadi Author-Name: Masoud Kianpour Author-X-Name-First: Masoud Author-X-Name-Last: Kianpour Title: Exploring the role of human resource practices in organisational empowerment in developing countries: evidence from the power industry in Iran Abstract: In human resource management (HRM) system, there are many factors that can affect organisational empowerment. Human resource practices are some of these important factors, which were mainly studied at individual level and were rarely explored at the organisational level. Focusing on power industry in Iran, the current study sought to develop and test an organisational empowerment model based on human resource practices. A mixed methods approach was utilised, including a grounded theory study that was followed by a quantitative phase. The qualitative phase was conducted to develop an organisational empowerment model based on human resource practices. The hypotheses developed in the qualitative phase were tested through quantitative phase, including structural equation modelling. The results revealed that views and attitudes towards human resources as causal factors had significant effects on human resource practices; and human resource practices, contextual factors, as well as intervening variables had significant impacts on organisational empowerment strategies. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 21-46 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: human resource systems; HRM; human resource practices; organisational empowerment; OE; intra-organisational empowerment; inter-organisational empowerment; extra-organisational empowerment; a mixed-method approach; grounded theory; structural equation model. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96363 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:21-46 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Imen Graja Author-X-Name-First: Imen Author-X-Name-Last: Graja Author-Name: Slim Kallel Author-X-Name-First: Slim Author-X-Name-Last: Kallel Author-Name: Nawal Guermouche Author-X-Name-First: Nawal Author-X-Name-Last: Guermouche Author-Name: Ahmed Hadj Kacem Author-X-Name-First: Ahmed Hadj Author-X-Name-Last: Kacem Title: Towards the verification of cyber-physical processes based on time and physical properties Abstract: A cyber-physical process is a set of cyber and physical activities performed to accomplish a common goal in a given amount of time. The collaboration between cyber-physical processes describes the behaviour of networked cyber-physical systems (NCPS). NCPS have time-related and physical properties, which are crucial to the correctness of their execution. However, when we specify the collaboration between processes, some combination of their corresponding properties can be conflicting. This conflict renders the participating cyber-physical processes incompatible. We observe two types of problems: implicit time-related, and physical-related incompatibilities. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to verify the compatibility of cyber-physical processes with time-related and physical properties. We first define a set of constraints that allow the transformation of the NCPS model into a constraint satisfaction model. Then, we check the compatibility of the processes. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of our approach through a case study. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 47-76 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: cyber-physical systems; CPS; time-related properties; physical properties; collaborative behaviour; constraint satisfaction problem; CSP; BPMN; compatibility of processes. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96364 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:47-76 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker Author-X-Name-First: Hassanudin Mohd Thas Author-X-Name-Last: Thaker Author-Name: Azhar Mohamad Author-X-Name-First: Azhar Author-X-Name-Last: Mohamad Title: Prioritising disclosures of information in analyst reports using the analytic hierarchy process: evidence from Malaysia Abstract: This paper aims to document investor priority of information disclosed in analyst reports which has not been extensively researched in the context of Malaysia. For the purpose of analysis, this study uses primary data via a survey method. The data is analysed using a versatile multi-criteria decision-making approach, known as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Findings reveal that investors place higher priority towards valuation in making an investment decision, followed by earnings summary, share performance, forecast revision, share information, financial indicators, segmental analysis, and scorecard in their use of the analyst report. The study is the first attempt to illustrate the priority of information disclosure in analyst reports given by investors when making an investment decision. Since this area of analyst recommendation is untapped in the context of Malaysia, the result of this study is expected to enrich the existing literature available in the field of analyst reports. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 77-99 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: analyst report; analytical hierarchy process; Malaysia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96368 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:77-99 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: John Wang Author-X-Name-First: John Author-X-Name-Last: Wang Author-Name: Ray Qing Cao Author-X-Name-First: Ray Qing Author-X-Name-Last: Cao Author-Name: Vicky Ching Gu Author-X-Name-First: Vicky Ching Author-X-Name-Last: Gu Title: A mathematical model for measuring and managing macrosustainabilty Abstract: In order for the human race to continue to thrive in the long term, we have to learn how to manage our natural resources wisely. In order to manage something you must first be able to measure it. Macrosustainabilty is the key to finding solutions to megaproblems facing the Earth such as insufficient access to food, environmental degradation, declining natural resources, and deteriorating communities. This paper measures and manages global macrosustainabilty. An optimisation model has been set based on the five categories. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 100-119 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: macrosustainabilty; megaproblems; economic sustainability; health sustainability; social sustainability; environmental sustainability; business ecosystem. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96375 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:100-119 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Frederico Silva Valentim Sallum Author-X-Name-First: Frederico Silva Valentim Author-X-Name-Last: Sallum Author-Name: Luiz Flavio Autran Monteiro Gomes Author-X-Name-First: Luiz Flavio Autran Monteiro Author-X-Name-Last: Gomes Author-Name: Maria Augusta Soares Machado Author-X-Name-First: Maria Augusta Soares Author-X-Name-Last: Machado Title: A multicriteria approach to the prioritisation of stock investment funds Abstract: In this paper the performance of nine stock investment funds present in the Brazilian market is analysed for the period from May 2015 to April 2017. The key objective is to establish four ways to rank the funds under analysis taking into account future financial contributions and investors with different points of view. Initially the TOPSIS method is applied considering the months as criteria and this leads to producing a degree of power for each fund. By using returns of the funds the accumulated rate and volatility are determined for each fund in two periods. As a next step the degree of influence between funds is computed and the WINGS method is applied. WINGS leads to four prioritisations of the funds in order to fit to the different points of views of financial experts. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 120-134 Issue: 1 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: prioritisation of stock investment funds; performance of stock investment funds; multicriteria analysis; TOPSIS method; WINGS method. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=96378 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:1:p:120-134 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Boby John Author-X-Name-First: Boby Author-X-Name-Last: John Author-Name: Rajeshwar S. Kadadevaramath Author-X-Name-First: Rajeshwar S. Author-X-Name-Last: Kadadevaramath Author-Name: Immanuel A. Edinbarough Author-X-Name-First: Immanuel A. Author-X-Name-Last: Edinbarough Title: A fuzzy optimisation approach for software reliability estimation Abstract: Many organisations today utilise information technology to gain competitive advantage. As a result, information technology industry has witnessed extraordinary growth. Many times the software companies compromise on software testing to avoid cost or schedule overrun. This might make the software unreliable. Hence, it is imperative for the software firms to estimate the reliability of the software and ensure that their products are reliable. A wide range of models is available for reliability prediction. But there is not a single model suitable for all software products. Hence, it is necessary to identify the best-suited software reliability model for every software product. Unfortunately, the best fit model identification depends on the performance characteristics used for selecting the model. In this paper, the authors suggest a fuzzy optimisation methodology to choose the best software reliability model based on multiple performance characteristics. Two case studies demonstrating the proposed methodology are also presented in the paper. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 259-273 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: non-homogenous Poisson process; software reliability growth models; fuzzy optimisation methodology; multiple response optimisation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98624 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:259-273 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Didi Sundiman Author-X-Name-First: Didi Author-X-Name-Last: Sundiman Author-Name: Chien Hsing Wu Author-X-Name-First: Chien Hsing Author-X-Name-Last: Wu Author-Name: Andi Mursidi Author-X-Name-First: Andi Author-X-Name-Last: Mursidi Author-Name: Surya Budi Putra Johan Author-X-Name-First: Surya Budi Putra Author-X-Name-Last: Johan Author-Name: Asmara Indahingwati Author-X-Name-First: Asmara Author-X-Name-Last: Indahingwati Title: Knowledge management key factors: an empirical research on small and medium-sized enterprises in Indonesia Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factor that affects knowledge management (KM) process on small medium-sized enterprise (SME) formed in developing countries SMEs that have very diverse cultures backgrounds. This paper undertakes a principle component analysis with oblimin rotation conducted to identify the key factors within the scales used. Five components were extracted in combination explained 72.27% of variance. Therefore, component 1 named knowledge-preneur leadership; component 2 - techno-preneur Harmony; component 3 - organisational K-partnership; component 4 - knowledge-preneur employee; and component 5 - socialisation palisade. This study also shows the importance of education level. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 139-161 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: knowledge management; KM; small medium-sized enterprise; SME; small business; Indonesia; KM key factors. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98650 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:139-161 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ravishankar V. Korgal Author-X-Name-First: Ravishankar V. Author-X-Name-Last: Korgal Author-Name: Anil S. Badiger Author-X-Name-First: Anil S. Author-X-Name-Last: Badiger Author-Name: Reinhard Barutzki Author-X-Name-First: Reinhard Author-X-Name-Last: Barutzki Title: TPM implementation requirements and developing a TPM implementation methodology for an educational institution: a case study Abstract: The TPM implementation for a technical educational institute is a concept which focuses on the upkeep of technical equipment and the continuous improvement of the teaching and learning environment. The aim is to ensure the conduct of effective and efficient training in workshops and laboratories. The philosophy of TPM implementation focuses on the training process, technical equipment, workplace environment and people. Therefore, the institute management must focus on obtaining, maintaining and managing the resources and organisational culture. Quality of training can only be achieved once all the resources are available and in balance. By focusing training on the maintenance and promoting an environment that supports teamwork, project work, open communication and problem-solving, institutional managers and staff, establish a work culture that is necessary for the implementation of the MMS philosophy. The paper focuses on the understanding institution scenario and the TPM implementation requirements in the institute and identifying the areas and developing the methodology for the implementation. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 181-202 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: curriculum development; engineering education; skill; total productive maintenance; TPM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98651 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:181-202 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: T.R. Veena Author-X-Name-First: T.R. Author-X-Name-Last: Veena Author-Name: G.V. Prabhushankar Author-X-Name-First: G.V. Author-X-Name-Last: Prabhushankar Title: A literature review on lean, Six Sigma and ISO 9001:2015 in manufacturing industry to improve process performance Abstract: During the past two decades, organisations are finding intensive competition and are striving hard to survive in the market. Present day, global challenges are making companies to find new techniques and methodologies to meet the market requirements with respect to quality, cost and timely delivery of products. In this paper, a literature review is made on lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodology and ISO 9001: 2015 QMS. Based on literature review, a comparative study is made on lean implementation, Six Sigma methodology and ISO 9001: 2015 QMS by considering the dimensions such as objective; focus; management; organisation; resource requirement; training; framework/model and documentation and it is found that the gap exists between all the three techniques. Based on the gap data a framework will be developed which integrates all the three methodologies to fill the gap or meet the challenges or limitations of the above three model. This integrated model if effectively implemented with focus on customer requirements, improve employee empowerment creativity, and contractual obligations; contribute to bottom line by reducing variation and eliminating waste thus improving the process performance. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 162-180 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: integrated model; lean manufacturing; Six Sigma methodology; quality management system; QMS; tools and techniques. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98652 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:162-180 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: N.G. Guruchannabasavaiah Author-X-Name-First: N.G. Author-X-Name-Last: Guruchannabasavaiah Author-Name: B. Latha Shankar Author-X-Name-First: B. Latha Author-X-Name-Last: Shankar Title: Development of green channel suppliers in oil and gas sector: a Kaizen approach Abstract: Defect reduction is one of the major actions required for any sort of industry for its continuous growth. During quality check, if the batch undergoes a sampling inspection, the samples taken might be good and the batch might be accepted but in assembly it would affect a lot. 100% inspection using metrological instruments also consumes lot of time and it is expensive. To avoid all these, Kaizen would be the best and effective method which should be implemented at suppliers and customers base. This will also reduce the cost of inspection and the time required for to do so. With the help of Kaizen green channel is also possible at customer place such that the components received might directly use at the assembly without any inspection. This paper presents, with the help of Kaizen, how the actions can be initiated and implemented at the suppliers place to reduce the defective percentage and make it as green channel supplier. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 203-213 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: Kaizen; defect; green channel; supplier; customer. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98656 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:203-213 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mahantesh M. Ganganallimath Author-X-Name-First: Mahantesh M. Author-X-Name-Last: Ganganallimath Author-Name: Roopa B. Math Author-X-Name-First: Roopa B. Author-X-Name-Last: Math Author-Name: Vijaykumar Hiremath Author-X-Name-First: Vijaykumar Author-X-Name-Last: Hiremath Title: Role of human anthropometry in manufacturing process optimisation Abstract: Of the 3M's (men, machine and material) involved in the manufacturing process, all have a role to play in the process optimisation. Man has been seeing the growth in the technology of machines, production methods and the emergence of material technology. Very less growth has seen on the human aspect of the manufacturing process. The human factor is an important parameter in the process of optimising the manufacturing process. Here comes into picture the interdisciplinary science of ergonomics. Ergonomics is the Greek word which means work, nomos means laws i.e., laws of work. It attempts to 'fit the job to the man (FJM)', which is the guiding principles of Ergonomics. In this paper an effort has been made to elaborate the role of Anthropometric data of the workers in both static and dynamic conditions at their work place. Efforts are to be made to monitor, strengthen, support and protect him. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 214-225 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: anthropometry; production; optimisation; operators; productivity. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98658 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:214-225 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gopinath H. Rathod Author-X-Name-First: Gopinath H. Author-X-Name-Last: Rathod Author-Name: Vinod S. Puranik Author-X-Name-First: Vinod S. Author-X-Name-Last: Puranik Author-Name: Vijaykumar Hiremath Author-X-Name-First: Vijaykumar Author-X-Name-Last: Hiremath Title: Developing agility system in supply chains Abstract: Supply chain management and agility are combined sources of competitiveness in the business world. There existed a need to apply axiomatic design principles of agility in supply chains. In this context, this paper reports an axiomatic model of agile system in supply chains design using process variables. A hierarchical structure has been developed to model the design process of agility in supply chains composed of functional requirements, design parameters, process variables. In the theory of axiomatic design, process variables are created by mapping the design parameters in the process domain. This article serves as an efficient guideline for the design process to clarify the tools, methods and resources of designing agility system in supply chains of an Indian relays manufacturing organisation. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 247-258 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: agile manufacturing; supply chain management; axiomatic design; manufacturing systems design. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98662 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:247-258 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mahantesh M. Ganganallimath Author-X-Name-First: Mahantesh M. Author-X-Name-Last: Ganganallimath Author-Name: Suraj Dhondiram Patil Author-X-Name-First: Suraj Dhondiram Author-X-Name-Last: Patil Author-Name: E.V. Gijo Author-X-Name-First: E.V. Author-X-Name-Last: Gijo Author-Name: Roopa B. Math Author-X-Name-First: Roopa B. Author-X-Name-Last: Math Author-Name: Vijaykumar Hiremath Author-X-Name-First: Vijaykumar Author-X-Name-Last: Hiremath Title: Application of Taguchi-based Six Sigma method to reduce defects in green sand casting process: a case study Abstract: Six Sigma is a systematic method for process improvement. It relies on statistical and scientific methods to reduce the defect rates and achieve improved quality. A case study carried out for a green sand casting manufacturing company. Here, Six Sigma methodology is used for the part: bearing bracket 3809. Define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) methodology along with Taguchi method is used to minimise the defects in the bearing bracket 3809. The major tools used in this work are the project charter, process map, statistical graph and cause-and-effect diagram. Use of design of experiment (DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques are combined to determine statistically the correlation of defects with the mould hardness, moisture content, green strength, permeability of sand, pouring rate and pouring temperature and also to find their optimum values needed to reduce/eliminate the defects. The experimental results were statistically analysed and modelled through Taguchi analysis. Based on the findings, the optimised process parameters are taken for experiment and better performance obtained in the production process was confirmed. The comparison between the existing and the proposed process has been attempted in this paper and the results have been discussed in detail. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 226-246 Issue: 2 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: Six Sigma; DMAIC; casting defect; design of experiment; DOE; Taguchi analysis; analysis of variance; ANOVA. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=98666 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:2:p:226-246 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Juan Carlos Martín Author-X-Name-First: Juan Carlos Author-X-Name-Last: Martín Author-Name: Cira Mendoza Author-X-Name-First: Cira Author-X-Name-Last: Mendoza Author-Name: Concepción Román Author-X-Name-First: Concepción Author-X-Name-Last: Román Title: Assessing service quality using fuzzy numbers and TOPSIS: an application to self-contained and serviced apartments Abstract: This research paper proposes a methodological framework to assess the service quality (SQ) of self-contained and serviced apartments (SCSAs). The study is based on 2,753 surveys administered in a SCSA resort located in the south of Gran Canaria Island. SQ is based on a questionnaire that contains a list of 48 attributes. The answers' format is based on a four-facial expressions scale that cannot be easily transformed in a numeric scale. Thus, the ambiguity and possible biased analysis has partly overcome applying the fundaments of the fuzzy set theory. TOPSIS approach is then employed to obtain a synthetic SQ indicator. Finally, an observation-attribute relative performance analysis is developed to identify the operational areas that need improvement or can keep up the good work. The findings of this study may assist managers and policy planners with important insights about the attributes that tourists value more. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 275-296 Issue: 3 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: fuzzy numbers; TOPSIS; service quality; extra-hotel industry; self-contained and serviced apartments; SCSAs; elasticity; serviced-apartments; ideal solutions; attribute relative performance; observation relative performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=100373 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:3:p:275-296 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Enrique Mu Author-X-Name-First: Enrique Author-X-Name-Last: Mu Author-Name: Cynthia Busin Nicola Author-X-Name-First: Cynthia Busin Author-X-Name-Last: Nicola Title: Managing university rank and tenure decisions using a multi-criteria decision-making approach Abstract: Faculty evaluation in academia is a serious concern for higher-education administrators. This study develops a model for rank and tenure (R%T) decisions using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Literature review suggests most R%T evaluations are rather subjective in many institutions. A case method approach is used for the development of a model and demonstration of its use. The proposed evaluation model provides objectivity, transparency and customisation for R%T committee decisions in higher-education institutions. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 297-320 Issue: 3 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: analytic hierarchy process; AHP; rank and tenure; R%T; university promotion decisions; decision transparency. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=100374 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:3:p:297-320 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Emílio José Montero Arruda-Filho Author-X-Name-First: Emílio José Montero Author-X-Name-Last: Arruda-Filho Title: Hedonic preference for technological devices justified by utilitarian application Abstract: This study analyses consumer behaviour for bundled mobile phones, and tests the perception that integrated products have higher hedonic, rather than utilitarian, value. The study covers a variety of scenarios based on brand, price, and preference (hedonic or utilitarian) in the selection of mobile telecommunications devices. Two studies are developed on two specific themes: benchmarking of hedonic and utilitarian values according to consumers' current mobile phones, and hypotheses testing of consumer preferences related to hedonism/utilitarianism under the conditions of brand, price, and mobile characteristics (kind of convergence) proposed. This study enhances understanding of consumers' preferences and market tendencies according to their values related to hedonic and utilitarian characteristics converged in mobile devices. Thus, it has academic implications related to the theory of technology convergence according to the characteristics of new products that can lead to a combined hedonic, social, and utilitarian values perception. In terms of practical implications, the findings enhance comprehension for enterprises regarding which features/attributes, according to significance, are most closely related to the various scenarios that consumer are exposed to. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 321-346 Issue: 3 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: hedonic value; utilitarian value; technology preference; bundle products. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=100375 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:3:p:321-346 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hsin-Pin Fu Author-X-Name-First: Hsin-Pin Author-X-Name-Last: Fu Author-Name: Hsiaoping Yeh Author-X-Name-First: Hsiaoping Author-X-Name-Last: Yeh Author-Name: Wen-Chin Yeh Author-X-Name-First: Wen-Chin Author-X-Name-Last: Yeh Author-Name: Tzu-Ling Chien Author-X-Name-First: Tzu-Ling Author-X-Name-Last: Chien Title: The impact of governmental policy on the relationship between IT systems inputs and business performance: a comparison of large corporations and SMEs in Taiwan Abstract: To rapidly adapt to global competition, manufacturers' business models have shifted from a company focus to a focus on the whole supply chain. The 'industry global e-logistics diffusion plan' has provided funds for manufacturers to establish their IT-based logistics systems. However, the performance of such establishments has not yet been evaluated, particularly under the influences of governmental policy. This study investigated the impacts of successful IT-based logistics systems and partnership in the supply chain on business performance moderated by governmental policy and organisational effects. The findings show that, for both large corporations and small-and-medium companies, their IT systems inputs and partnership would positive affect business performance. Governmental policy shows its moderating effect on IT systems inputs boosting up business performance. Yet, particularly for large corporations, organisational factors can also moderate the causal relationship between IT systems inputs and business performance. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 347-363 Issue: 3 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: IT systems input; partnership; organisation; governmental policy; business performance; Taiwan. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=100376 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:3:p:347-363 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Brian Chabowski Author-X-Name-First: Brian Author-X-Name-Last: Chabowski Author-Name: Sharon Xuerong Huang Author-X-Name-First: Sharon Xuerong Author-X-Name-Last: Huang Author-Name: Li Sun Author-X-Name-First: Li Author-X-Name-Last: Sun Title: Environmental uncertainty and corporate social responsibility Abstract: This study examines the impact of environmental uncertainty on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using a 23-year panel sample with 3,053 unique US firms and 23,742 firm-year observations, we test the ethics view and risk management view of corporate social responsibility. We find a significant and negative relationship between environmental uncertainty and corporate social responsibility, suggesting that firms are less likely to engage in corporate social responsibility activities when faced with an uncertain environment. Our results support the ethics view of corporate social responsibility. These insights should interest policymakers who implement guidelines on CSR and firms that are considering adjusting their CSR levels. Our results should also provide practitioners with useful insights regarding which specific determinants are associated with a company's level of CSR activities, and interest firms that attempt to incorporate CSR in their business systems. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 364-389 Issue: 3 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: environmental uncertainty; corporate social responsibility; business systems. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=100378 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:3:p:364-389 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sima M. Fortsch Author-X-Name-First: Sima M. Author-X-Name-Last: Fortsch Author-Name: Qunfeng Liao Author-X-Name-First: Qunfeng Author-X-Name-Last: Liao Title: Decreasing operational costs of non-profit community-based blood centres Abstract: Blood is a necessary resource for hospitals; however, acquiring blood poses several challenges for blood centres and hospital blood banks. First, blood is a perishable and natural resource that cannot be manufactured at the time of need. Second, supply and demand of blood are uncertain due to seasonality, natural disasters and availability of donors. Third, blood centres and hospitals are challenged in acquiring blood economically, as the price of one package of blood has reached the price of an iPad. Prior research shows the popular economic order quantity (EOQ) model is not applicable to blood orders due to the ample shortages that result from the model. In order to provide fresh inventory and to reduce operational costs, this study employs an econometric methodology known as ARMA-in-ARMA-out (AIAO, where ARMA stands for autoregressive integrated moving average) combined with lean managerial accounting practices to place orders. Results show that applying the above system of ordering could supply fresh blood inventory and decrease operational costs for blood centres. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 419-437 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: perishable; wastage; shortage; gross income; inventory turnover; ordering; systems. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102522 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:419-437 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sweta Bhattacharya Author-X-Name-First: Sweta Author-X-Name-Last: Bhattacharya Author-Name: V. Raju Author-X-Name-First: V. Author-X-Name-Last: Raju Title: Career choice in teaching among engineering graduates: a study of the altruistic, extrinsic and intrinsic factors Abstract: The Indian higher education system is the third largest in the world producing immensely talented manpower, winning accolades all across the world. But the system faces faculty crunch majorly in the engineering education sector failing to attract this huge talent pool towards teaching professions. The study analyses the effect of altruistic, extrinsic and intrinsic factors pertaining to the choice of teaching career using survey research-based statistical analysis and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results of AHP reveal Intrinsic factor as the highest ranked factor affecting teaching career decisions which is supported by the consistency ratio (CR) value (0.033 <= 0.10). The effect of age, gender and program of study is also studied which reveal that age and program of study has significant effect on the intrinsic factor. The paper finally recommends policy amendments relating to the intrinsic factor so that more students could be attracted towards teaching profession. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 391-403 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: higher education system; decision making; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM; career choice; teaching career; education policies; analytical hierarchy process; AHP. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102523 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:391-403 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Priyanka Chakraborty Author-X-Name-First: Priyanka Author-X-Name-Last: Chakraborty Author-Name: Anirban Sarkar Author-X-Name-First: Anirban Author-X-Name-Last: Sarkar Title: SCORE framework: a layered approach for enterprise architecture Abstract: Continuous and rapid changing business environment is a driving force for agile enterprise system because several new services and solutions are emerging from the multiple exchanges over time. A suitable enterprise architecture framework (EAF) must be established for established for effective delivery of enterprise level technologies by adopting service-oriented architecture (SOA). However, existing non-SOA-based EAFs are lacking of adopting such agility. On the other hand, existing SOA-based EAFs though can resolve the issues of flexibility and scalability, but they are less efficient to handle context sensitivity and agility of enterprise system. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel SOA-based EAF, called SCORE framework that is comprised of five loosely coupled layers. Besides formal description, the proposed SCORE framework is illustrated with detailed case study on care management system. Moreover, a detailed comparative analysis is performed to express the strength of the proposed framework over the existing approaches. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 438-467 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: enterprise architecture framework; EAF; context modelling; service-oriented architecture; SOA; feature graph; interaction and flow graph; IFG; collaboration graph; re-configurability; systems; technology. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102524 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:438-467 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Santi Novani Author-X-Name-First: Santi Author-X-Name-Last: Novani Author-Name: Lidia Mayangsari Author-X-Name-First: Lidia Author-X-Name-Last: Mayangsari Author-Name: Nurtami Prihadi Author-X-Name-First: Nurtami Author-X-Name-Last: Prihadi Author-Name: Yudi Azis Author-X-Name-First: Yudi Author-X-Name-Last: Azis Title: System dynamics model for service quality improvement: a case study of Surakarta tourism, Indonesia Abstract: Value co-creation concept implies that customers can actively participate in every stage of the service development process. Service providers are encouraged to build a unique and memorable experience to remain competitive. The concept is applicable in tourism settings. This study adopts system dynamics approach to study the conditions of tourism in Surakarta City, Indonesia. This study incorporates SERVQUAL dimensions of tangibility, reliability, responsiveness assurance and empathy to construct a co-created tourism policy in the city. There are five interventions proposed in the study: infrastructure, platform, human resource, events and promotions. The study reveals that to increase the number of tourists, Surakarta city is urged to invest bigger in the transportation sector and perform interactive online platform to accommodate a co-creation among stakeholders in the tourism sector. This study proposes alternatives to help the decision maker to understand the complexity of tourism sector in Surakarta both in theory and practice. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 468-493 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: Surakarta; customer value co-creation; system dynamics; service quality; Indonesia. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102527 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:468-493 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: José António Filipe Author-X-Name-First: José António Author-X-Name-Last: Filipe Author-Name: Manuel Alberto M. Ferreira Author-X-Name-First: Manuel Alberto M. Author-X-Name-Last: Ferreira Title: Solving logistics' problems through an infinite servers queue systems approach Abstract: It is exemplified in this article a proceeding based on the busy period concept of infinite servers queues systems to deal with equipment's failures. Evidently, the occurrence of failures in the equipment is a situation that demands managerial procedures in order to repair the failures as quick as possible and also to minimise the losses in the equipment operation. The model presented hereby means of infinite servers queuing systems - allows to generate system performance measures. It also contributes to solve organisational structures' problems, by minimising the risks of the inoperative structures of organisations, which have considerable logistics pernicious consequences for companies and often for regions where they are implanted. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 494-507 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: queue; systems; busy period; business logistics; equipment; failures; management; efficiency. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102528 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:494-507 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sumit Sakhuja Author-X-Name-First: Sumit Author-X-Name-Last: Sakhuja Author-Name: Vipul Jain Author-X-Name-First: Vipul Author-X-Name-Last: Jain Title: Structural investigation of service supply chain: a social network analysis approach Abstract: In this study, the structure of a service supply chain is analysed using social network analysis approach. Service supply chains consist of peoples and organisations connected in form of a network. The network is formed by the combination of ties between different players in the chain/network. These players are dependent upon each other and there exists flow of material or flow of information between players. Despite the longevity of the 'social networks' perspective, the product supply chains as well as the supply chain in services are less explored from the social network perspective. A case study on supply chain of property purchase has been discussed in this paper that is analysed with the help of social network analysis approach. Journal: Int. J. of Business and Systems Research Pages: 404-418 Issue: 4 Volume: 13 Year: 2019 Keywords: service supply chain; social network analysis; SNA; systems; node level; network level. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=102548 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijbsre:v:13:y:2019:i:4:p:404-418