International Journal of Advanced Operations Management (12 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Understanding the role of Organization Culture and Supply Chain Integration in Supply Chain Performance  
  by Arsalan Najmi, Adeel Hafeez, Arsalan Zahid Piprani, Waqar Ahmed 
  Abstract: The volatility in business environment and severe market dynamism creates astounding challenges for business leaders to stay competitive in market whereas globalization in supply chain has highlighted the importance of understanding cultural practices and factors. Hence cultural alignment and understanding among the supply chain partners is emerged as one of the key predictors that influence the effectiveness of supply chain integration (SCI). Therefore the role of the organizational culture comprised of four dimensions which has been conceptualized as Competing Value Framework (CVF), in supply chain performance is evaluated on SCOR model. The study encompasses survey methodology and the data was collected from 250 supply chain professionals working in various manufacturing companies operating in Karachi, Pakistan. By Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the results of the study highlight that organization culture has a positive and significant impact on the SCI and in the same SCI has a positive and significant impact on supply chain performance. This research helps the manager to know what kind of decisions are required in order to improve the performance of supply chain in a developing market. Moreover, it also helps the managers to know that what type of culture is beneficial for the firms growth.
  Keywords: supply chain integration; supply chain performance; organization culture; SCOR; PLS-SEM.
  
  
• Analysis and assessment of divergence of final offers in Negotiation using Gamma and Beta distribution  
  by Sarin Abraham, Punniyamoorthy Murugesan 
  Abstract: The Final Offer Arbitration procedure is used to settle dispute where the parties involved propose different offers and an arbitrator choose one sides offer closer to his view of the fair offer as the final settlement. The competing parties try to guess the arbitrators view of the final settlement and then attempt to propose the same offer as that of the arbitrator. But, this prediction cannot be done exactly and most of the time the players would only expect the arbitrators preference to follow some distribution. This uncertainty about the arbitrators choice leads to a divergence between the final positions arrived by the two players. In this paper, the divergence between the equilibrium strategies has been computed for two distributions, namely, the Gamma and Beta distribution which were hereto not considered by other researchers. The computed divergence for the Gamma and Beta distributions are compared with the known divergence of other distributions to check the applicability of these distributions in the Final Offer Arbitration game.
  Keywords: Negotiation; Game theory; Final Offer Arbitration; dispersion; gamma distribution; beta distribution.
  
  
• An Empirical Study on Effects of Risk Equity on Intercity Road Network Accessibility  
  by Abbas Mahmoudabadi, Donya Nader 
  Abstract: Since hazardous materials (Hazmat) transportation is always contaminated by transport risk, local/national authorities are dealing with the distributing of Hazmat transport risk to avoid risk aggregation over the most operational links but it affects the network accessibility which is dealt with by transport operators. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of employing risk equity techniques on network accessibility through developing a mathematical model in which the maximum transport risk associated with the network links is minimized. The proposed mathematical models run using experimental data that composes of specific nodes, edges as well as Hazmat Origin-Destination matrix in medium size of intercity road network in the Iranian northern province of Guilan. The analytical experiments revealed transport risk distribution techniques have significant negative effects on network accessibility resulted in reducing road accessibility. Therefore, in terms of application, the authorities and transport planning experts should consider the effects of employing Hazmat transport risk equity on network accessibility prior to designing Hazmat transport networks.
  Keywords: Hazardous Material Transportation; Risk Distribution and Equity; Network Accessibility; Intercity Road Network; Mathematical Modeling.
  
  
• Ant Colony Optimization for Milk-Runs in Manufacturing Systems  
  by Yilmaz Uygun, Arenco Rustemaj 
  Abstract: In an increasingly competitive environment, companies have devoted special focus on maximizing value-adding activities in order to increase the efficiency of their operations. With the increasing implementation of lean manufacturing concepts, more attention has been given to in-plant logistics. rnWhile there are many solutions that are proposed to solve the optimization problems presented by the milk run (MR) model, this paper seeks to bring the discussion to a more fundamental level. Specifically, it focuses on vehicle capacity and routing problems drawn from MR models. By bringing the MR model to the foundation, it is possible to test a multitude of solutions as well as present these solutions in more general conditions. This can provide a base comparison level for all solutions proposed for the simplified model of MR.rnThe research focuses on ant colony optimization (ACO) which will be compared with the commonly used mixed integer programming (MIP). The paper shows that it is quite difficult to pinpoint which of the two methods performs better. Looking at the load carried by each vehicle in the specific instance is not a helpful metric either. As tested in this study, MIP and ACO perform equally when compared for vehicle utilization. However, ACO outperforms MIP in all the instances that were used to benchmark both solutions. When presented with the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP), chosen to represent the MR problem in routing and vehicle utilization, ACO yields more optimal routes without sacrificing vehicle utilization.rn
  Keywords: milk-run; ant colony optimization; mixed integer programming.
  
  
• ORGANISATIONAL CAPABABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF LOGISTIC COMPANIES: CASE STUDY OF NINGXIA CHINA  
  by Liang Hua, Filzah Md Isa, Shaista Noor, Hoo Ree Chan 
  Abstract: The logistic performance is considered an important economic indicator for logistics activities and depicts the firm's resources. Hence, the organisational capabilities such as operational, marketing, management, financial, and technology play a remarkable role and affect its overall logistic performance. This paper intends to highlight the issues and challenges confronted by logistic companies in China. Qualitative research methodology has been adopted, and data collection done through semi-structured interviews technique. Ten managers working in different departments of a renowned private company offering road transportation freight in China were interviewed face-to-face in March 2019 - May 2019. The results highlight that complex transitional economy, political considerations between China and other countries, and well-developed organisational capabilities influence small-and-medium-sized logistics enterprises' perspectives and practices. The internal and external factors influencing the logistic performance has been explicitly highlighted in the context of China.
  Keywords: logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources logistic enterprise; organisational capabilities; logistic performance; firm resources.
  
  
• Development of a multi-objective stepwise data envelopment analysis method based on common set of weights to evaluate the agility of decision-making units: A case study  
  by Moosa Darijani, Amiri Maghsoud, Taghavi Fard Mohammad Taghi, Hanafizadeh Payam 
  Abstract: In the most Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models, the internal structure of production units is ignored during the evaluation process. To solve this problem, a stepwise DEA model has been considered by the researchers. Another weakness of classical DEA models is that the weights of inputs and outputs are being changed each time the model is run. In such case, the common set of weight method is one of the popular ranking methods which can well identify efficient and inefficient units based on the same criteria. In the present study, using the related studies in the literature, a conceptual model considering agility dimensions was constructed, in which the main dimensions include drivers, enablers, capabilities, and agility results. Then, a model for calculating the performance weights is presented. The model was applied to evaluate the agility performance of 11 technical and vocational training centers in Kerman province. At the end, the obtained results were analyzed and suggestions were made for interested researchers for future studies in this field.
  Keywords: Stepwise Data Envelopment Analysis; Common Set of Weights; Agility; Decision Making Units; Performance Evaluation.
  
  
• Organizational Safety Assessment Using Combined Method of FMEA and Fuzzy Inference System: A Case Study  
  by Hamideh Kamyab, Mohammad Javad Ershadi, Mehdi Mohammadi 
  Abstract: The main aim of safety assessments is to determine the potential risks on the health and safety of workers. Although, some researches have been performed on providing a model to be capable of investigating risks of organizational levels affecting the safety performance, providing a model for total appraisal of organizational safety assessment is deficient in relation to integrating all levels such as managerial or cultural level. In this study the input variables of Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) were obtained based on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to provide a model for evaluating the safety performance by the combination of FMEA and FIS in a machine-building company. Organizational factors affecting safety performance in this research included the safety management level, the senior management level, group work level, individual level, and cultural level as input variables. The results of the present study showed that the safety performance score of the studied organization was calculated 75.3. Also, for improving safety performance score, more attention should be paid to individual and cultural levels with regards to training safety issues.
  Keywords: Case Study; FMEA; Fuzzy Inference System ,Organizational Factors; Safety Performance.
  
  
• ANALYSING ALTERNATIVES FOR LAST MILE DELIVERY PERFORMANCE: AN APPLICATION OF VIKOR  
  by Vivek Kumar Pathak, Dixit Garg, Ashish Agarwal 
  Abstract: Last mile delivery is an important part of the supply chain. It starts from distributor to end customer. Last mile has various performance parameters like routing, flexibility, strategic partnership, on time delivery, delivery cost, demand etc. which has to be prioritized and provide ranking to the alternatives based on these performance parameters/criteria. Industries always make experimental analysis to make better platform for supplier selection and their evaluation. This study analyzes the parameters and provides a better framework for warehouses/Industries. It becomes important to configure the evaluation system and optimization of the last mile delivery. The purpose of this study is to discover the performance assessment model. This article develops a performance assessment model based on demand preference for similarities with ideal solutions, VIKOR method to help industry people evaluate performance and prioritize the different criteria with respect to different alternatives/suppliers. In industry where imprecision and subjectivity are located they deal with performance values that are parameterized by using VIKOR optimization technique. This proposed framework and method allows decision analysis to better understand the full evaluation process and provide effective results, in addition to making systematic and effective decision support tools.
  Keywords: Last mile; Last mile performance; Criteria; Vikor method; Performance factors.
  
  
• An Application of Six Sigma DMAIRC Model: Case Study of Manufacturing Organisation  
  by Pallavi Sharma, Anshu Gupta, S.C. Malik, P.C. Jha, Mark Christhian Barrueta Pinto 
  Abstract: Global competition extends several challenges to MSME organisations. There is an increasing need for these firms to adopt strategies for productivity improvement. Six Sigma is a data driven methodology supported by statistical, mathematical and managerial techniques for improving the bottom line effectively. In this paper an application of DMAIRC model of Six Sigma is presented in context to a quality improvement initiative in an MSME organisation. DMAIRC is an effective alternative to linear DMAIC model, as it provides opportunity to review results and diagnose additional improvements by integrating a review phase in the DMAIC model. The additional improvements are checked for feasibility and implemented through an additional improvement cycle. The study also illustrates application of quality management techniques such as Pareto and cause and effect analysis, current reality tree, design of experiments, integrated AHP-TOPSIS in the DMAIRC stages. The paper provides a roadmap to real life applications of Six Sigma methodology.
  Keywords: Six Sigma; DMAIRC; Productivity Improvement; Design of Experiment; Multi Criteria Decision Making.
  
  
• COVID-19 and Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Perspective  
  by Md. Mortuza Ahmmed, Md. Ashraful Babu 
  Abstract: The number of COVID-19 cases is growing exponentially in almost every corners of Bangladesh. The country is on the brink to face severe potential economic hurdle because of the consequences being instigated from the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to evaluate the state of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh before the arrival of COVID-19 along with the apparent impact of COVID-19 on the accomplishment of SDGs in future. Data from several national and international sources have been utilized to serve the analytical purpose of the study. Necessary recommendations have been provided as well to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on SDGs achievement which needs to be taken into consideration by corresponding authorities and effective implementation also needs to be ensured.
  Keywords: SDG; COVID-19; MMR; GPI; GDP;.
  
  
• SAME DAY DELIVERY IN B2C E-COMMERCE SYSTEMS IN THE UAE CONTEXT  
  by Mohammad Alsibaei, Salah Haridy, M. Affan Badar 
  Abstract: This work aimed to investigate the effect of various factors on cost, customer satisfaction and cycle time with respect to Same Day Delivery (SDD). Using survey and Pareto chart, four factors were identified as the most important: logistics resources ownership, operations management, IT infrastructure, and facility location. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that all the four factors were significant for cost. For customer satisfaction and cycle time, all factors except logistics resources ownership were found to be significant. Correlation between cost, customer satisfaction and cycle time was studied and regression models were developed. A multi-objective optimization model was used to find the best levels of the significant factors to optimize SDD. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the relative weights for the cost, customer satisfaction and cycle time. The findings would help E-retailers in decision-making. Since the survey was conducted in UAE, the result would be limited to UAE.
  Keywords: E-commerce; Same day delivery; Supply chain management; Logistics management; Multi-objective optimization; Multi-criterial decision making; United Arab Emirates.
  
  
• A comparative study of automobile sales forecasting with ARIMA, SARIMA and Deep Learning LSTM model  
  by Sharath Kariya Shetty, Rajesh Buktar 
  Abstract: In deciding production-plan, material-inventory, scheduling, etcetera of an automobile industry, the accuracy of forecasting techniques plays a very important role. In quantitative forecasting techniques in the automobile industry, conventional methods like auto-regressive, ARIMA, and seasonal-ARIMA are not accurate enough to extract all the information hidden in the time series data. With the recent developments in machine-learning and deep learning, RNN and LSTM can produce an impressive result out of time series data by dealing with the non-linearity and complexity of the data. In this study, we have compared the prediction accuracy among the ARIMA, SARIMA, and LSTM techniques for an Indian automobile company. The Deep Learning Model LSTM outperforms by 92% when compared with ARIMA and by 42.5% when compared with SARIMA techniques. Moreover, it is noticed that the accuracy of deep learning can be improved by tuning hyperparameters such as learning rate, neuron number in a layer, and choosing the correct weight initializer for the data.
  Keywords: Automobile Sales; Forecasting; ARIMA; SARIMA; Deep Learning; LSTM.