Title: Modelling drivers and inhibitors of the automotive belt industry in India: an ISM-ANN approach

Authors: Sushant Kumar; Atul Singh

Addresses: Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, IIM Road, Prabandh Nagar, Off Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226013, India ' Cognizant Technology Solutions, Embassy Manyata Business Park, Opposite Bel Corporate House, Rachenahalli, Nagawara, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560045, India

Abstract: The study aims to identify critical factors influencing the automotive belt industry in India, which is one of the largest manufacturers and consumers of power transmission belts. The multi-method analysis is followed for this study. First, a review of literature and Delphi techniques with industry experts are used to identify the relevant factors. Then, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach is employed to create models exhibiting the linear relationships among them. The second stage includes using artificial neural network (ANN) on models identified using ISM approach. ISM analysis identified six growth-inhibiting factors (GIF) extended over five levels and nine growth-driving factors (GDF) developed over six levels. Further, the results of ANN offered the factors having greater relative importance for GIF and GDF models. This model presents the most influential factors by using the ANN approach that guides managers to take necessary action to ensure the industry's growth.

Keywords: automotive belt industry; driving factors; inhibiting factors; interpretative structure modelling; ISM; artificial neural network; ANN; India; growth-inhibiting factors; GIF; growth-driving factors; GDF.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2026.151568

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2026 Vol.37 No.1, pp.38 - 61

Received: 15 Sep 2023
Accepted: 10 Dec 2023
Published online: 09 Feb 2026 *

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