International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy (26 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Green Manufacturing attributes analysis through MCDM in Indian manufacturing Industries  
  by Jasvinder Singh, CHANDAN DEEP SINGH, Dharmpal Deepak 
  Abstract: Due to implementation of new laws by government regarding protection of environment, manufacturing companies are being compelled to adopt environmental policies. Green manufacturing and sustainability have shown variety of corporate interests in including IT and marketing companies etc. The purpose of this groundwork is to recognise and examine the critical success factors (CSFs) of GMP that contribute to the accomplishment of environmental sustainability in the manufacturing industries of India. Factors and sub factors responsible for GM implementation were identified through a literature analysis in this research work. The Cronbach’s alpha method was used to check the reliability of the selected factors then on these factor’s different tests i.e., AHP, TOPSIS and VIKOR’s tools were applied to check the priority of the selected factors. Through the analysis of all tools most appropriate factors are GM implementation issues, organisation style, role of legislation for promoting GM and eco knowledge.
  Keywords: green manufacturing processes; GMP; multi criteria decision making; MCDM; critical success factors; CSF’s; Indian manufacturing industries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10045257
   
  
• LEAN MANUFACTURING PRACTICES MEDIATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUTSOURCING AND FIRM’S PROFITABILITY  
  by Noah Mwelu, Susan Watundu, Musa Moya 
  Abstract: Persistent profit decline facing manufacturing firms have left managers and scholars with the task of looking for viable solutions to address the problem. This has seen various strategies being established to address the problem. However, the challenge remains characterised by collapsing businesses. This study empirically investigates whether lean manufacturing practices mediates the relationship between outsourcing and profitability of manufacturing firms. Whereas mediation studies are on the rise, little attention has been paid to interactive effect of these strategies in manufacturing industry that this study is addressing. A cross-sectional research design was adopted using a self-administered questionnaire to determine the relationship based on the 161 responses from selected manufacturing firms in Uganda. Partial mediation approach following Baron and Kenny guidelines was adopted and data analysed in Med-Graph excel programme and SPSS software. The study contributes by proving that lean manufacturing practices significantly mediated the relationship between outsourcing and profitability.
  Keywords: outsourcing; lean manufacturing; profitability; mediation; manufacturing firms.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10049767
   
  
• Community style leadership’s effects on organizational performance: Analysis across industries and firm sizes in Mexico  
  by Andrée Marie López-Fernández, Santiago García-Álvarez 
  Abstract: Scholars and practitioners, across fields of study, have spent decades analysing and documenting the complexities of different styles of leadership encountered throughout industries around the world. With that, a series of constructs and respective definitions have been developed to better understand the implications of taking on certain leadership styles. Mintzberg’s (2009) communityship concept is no exception; in fact, it has motivated the development of this empirical study aimed to uncover the characteristics of a community style leadership in organisations operating in Mexico. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricacies of a community style leadership and its potential impacts on collaborator satisfaction and commitment towards the firm, as well as on organisational performance.
  Keywords: community style leadership; collaborator; engagement; proactivity; empowerment; performance; satisfaction; commitment; SMEs; large firms.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10049852
   
  
• The Role of Meta-organisation in Sustainability for Emerging Markets  
  by Harchitwan Kaur Lamba, Sanjay Dhir 
  Abstract: To understand and examine the factors responsible for creating meta-organisations that play an influential role in creating environmental sustainability in emerging markets. The paper attempts to identify various factors of meta-organisation from the literature, which are analysed through total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and Matrice d’Impacts Crois
  Keywords: meta-organisation; environmental sustainability; emerging markets; governance; authority.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10050524
   
  
• Business Research Methods: systematic literature review  
  by Ferreira Pereira 
  Abstract: Academic research endeavours to progress by way of successive paradigm shifts. The current paper looks into four distinct typologies of research into the management field. It draws from a careful systematisation of research papers, through the use of the PRISMA software, which allows for an algorithm of scientific impact to be inferred. Four typologies of business research were identified and subsequently analysed with a view to identifying potential scientific impact. In so doing we aim to establish the relative importance of theoretical soundness vis-
  Keywords: business research methods; BRM; systematic literature review; SLR; family business; business case studies; qualitative research; quantitative research.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10050653
   
  
• Application of Facility Location-Allocation Model for Tuberculosis Sputum Referral System  
  by Daniel (A.) Akinfenwa, Adepeju A. Opaleye 
  Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) ranks among the top 10 causes of death globally. Nigeria is the second country with a global deficit in under-reporting, access to diagnosis, and treatment of TB. With the country’s growing population and new development in TB cases, it is expedient that a solution be prescribed. The study adapted a facility location-allocation model to determine the minimal GeneXpert laboratory needed across a state in the country. The analysis is based on available TB related data in DOT healthcare centres within the state. The result shows that twelve GeneXpert facilities will provide 94% coverage for all health centres allocated to the GeneXpert facilities.
  Keywords: healthcare; tuberculosis; TB; facility location-allocation model; GeneXpert; sputum; and ArcGis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051140
   
  
• Measuring end user satisfaction in hospital information systems  
  by A.K.S. Sukumaran 
  Abstract: The study measured user satisfaction of a hospital information system using the end user computing satisfaction scale. The EUCS scale and, the modified EUCS scale incorporating
  Keywords: hospital information system; HIS; end user computing satisfaction scale; EUCS; outcome expectancy; information system success; healthcare industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051143
   
  
• Employee Experience  
  by Vandana Mohanty, Mangesh Kulkarni 
  Abstract: The adoption of this concept has gained higher momentum during and post pandemic as employee wellbeing became the need of the new normal. This complex concept of employee experience and its design is simplified by adoption of the technology. Employee Experience is a new concept, and it will coexist with the employee engagement. This paper attempts to provide insights based on literature of research scholars and published books along with the practical experience of the authors of paper. The conceptual model of employee experience along with proposed expectations model of employee experience provides insights to organisations to arrive at appropriate employee experience design for their employees. Our conclusion is both employer and employee has expectations of the experience at the workplace and off the workplace and implementing EX strategy
  Keywords: employee experience; EX; digital transformation; engagement; future of work.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051364
   
  
• Fostering employee well-being and organizational sustainability in hospitality industry during pandemic crisis: The moderating effect of COVID-19 event  
  by Mohammad Swaiess, Mohammad Ali Yamin 
  Abstract: The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has shattered hospitality industry and raised fear among employees to lose their job. Therefore, this research develops an integrative research model to investigate factors which stimulate employee well-being and boost organisational sustainability. The integrative research model of this study comprises factors such as social responsible HR practices, organisational trust, responsible leadership and strategic organisation climate to examine employee well-being. Moreover, the moderating effect of COVID-19 as an event between employee well-being and organisational sustainability. The research model is empirically examined with data set collected from hotel employees. Results indicate that collectively social responsible HR practices, organisational trust, strategic organisation climate and responsible leadership have explained substantial variance R2 51.9% in employee well-being. Findings suggest that policy makers should pay attention on organisational trust, responsible leadership, COVID-19 as an event and social responsible HR practices to boost employee well-being and organisational sustainability during COVID-19 pandemic.
  Keywords: event system theory; EST; strategic organisation climate; employee well-being; socially responsible hr practices; organisational sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051515
   
  
• Customers Dictate Business Survival or Extinction: A Conceptual Approach in Examining Customer Complaint Data  
  by Saso Krstovski, Ahad Ali, Don Reimer 
  Abstract: Customers are a critical input in the survival of an organisation. Customer complaints require addressing promptly to ensure satisfaction. Complaint data is captured as textual and unstructured, requiring pre-processing for comprehensive analysis of trends or patterns. The framework proposed simplifying the analysis of customer complaints by leveraging existing customer complaint data. The framework outlines a structured approach to understanding customer requirements. Scoping customer complaints into manageable segments bin statements allows efforts to focus on a few. The sample methodology analyses customer dissatisfaction from different complaint types. Translation of the customer complaint into a measurable helps teams to focus on a target value. Additionally, true disruption occurs when the incorporation of customer satisfaction efforts across multiple production lines is applied. This approach is essential specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  Keywords: customer satisfaction; customer complaints; consumer insight; measuring satisfaction requirements.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051516
   
  
• Envisioning Startup Sustainability Through Leadership Models: A System Dynamics Approach  
  by Batara Parada Siahaan, Togar M. Simatupang, Liane Okdinawati 
  Abstract: For capital-investing entrepreneurs, the sustainability of a startup is extremely important. Emerging concepts, such as the sharing economy and digitalisation, have spawned several startups that have since grown into multinational corporations. Therefore, we believe it is essential to assess the leadership role’s suitability for achieving a successful and sustainable position. However, measuring the appropriate leadership for a new business model presents significant obstacles, such as an unpredictable new environment and the organisation’s dynamic structure. Thus, this study aims to evaluate two leadership styles by acquiring the benefit of modelling; we use system dynamics modelling to examine two leadership styles, transformative and transactional, and the engaging environment of the economic, environmental, and social aspects of the Malcolm Baldrige framework. The results of the study present the leader model, investment (ROI), and other pivotal and relevant factors.
  Keywords: leadership style; startup; company sustainability; system dynamics; causal analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051517
   
  
• The Perils of Big Data: Understanding the usage in Precision Medicine  
  by Simone Malekar, Shamira Malekar, Hung Chu 
  Abstract: There has been an increase in utilisation of big data insights for patient diagnosis and treatment plans in the medical profession. This paper focuses on precision medicine which is beneficial to medical practitioners, academicians, and the public. Since the focus has been evaluation of limits, the paper describes the amalgamation of clinical, biomarker and genetic data developed for deeper understanding of the disease. Data dynamics with a focus on ownership and emergent biases is explored along with the transparency and explainability issues arising from advanced computational techniques. Some of the challenges faced are addressed.
  Keywords: data; precision medicine; artificial intelligence.
  
  
• DELIVERY CYCLE TIME ON PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS  
  by Ronald Lulagala, Noah Mwelu, Sarah Watera, Joel Makepu 
  Abstract: This study focused on examining the relationship between relevant resources, operational coordination, adaptability and operational efficiency on delivery cycle time. This study was carried out because firms have failed to perform well in terms of delivery cycle time and most of the customers always complain of the lengthy delivery cycle time. A sample of 300 food processing firms was selected and a response rate of 76% was obtained using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) with focus on descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, regression analyses and ANOVA tests. The correlation results showed significant strong association between relevant resources and delivery cycle time, operational coordination and delivery cycle time, operational efficiency and delivery cycle time, adaptability and delivery cycle time. The results in the regression model revealed that relevant resources, operational efficiency, operational coordination and adaptability are significant predictors of delivery cycle time. It was recommended that in order for the food processing firms in Uganda to have short delivery cycle time should effectively and efficiently use relevant resources. The food processing firms should also ensure coordination and efficiency in their operations as well as being adaptive.
  Keywords: performance; delivery cycle time; manufacturing firms; Uganda.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051927
   
  
• Linking Industry 4.0 to Lean Thinking: a case study  
  by Marcos Dieste, Azemeraw Tadesse Mengistu, Roberto Panizzolo 
  Abstract: Industry 4.0 is a priority for many companies as it transforms the production contexts while fostering the emergence of new business models. Its goal is primarily to create smart companies capable of high flexibility and advanced product customisation. The lean paradigm is also an industry-established reality aimed at optimising processes by pursuing the goal of reducing wastes and achieving a continuous flow of production. This paper aims to assess whether there is a real link between lean thinking and Industry 4.0. To achieve this objective, an exploratory case study at a leading Italian electronic equipment company was carried out. Furthermore, by observing the digitalisation approach of the case company (which adopted the lean philosophy), the link between lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 is demonstrated in the context of real applications. The findings indicate that the benefits obtained from Industry 4.0 can be increased if a process optimisation philosophy derived from lean initiatives is adopted.
  Keywords: Industry 4.0; smart manufacturing; digitalisation; lean; product development; case study.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10052126
   
  
• The trajectory and development of Star Wars tourism  
  by Dag Øivind Madsen  
  Abstract: Star Wars is a series of science fiction fantasy movies and television shows. Since the release of the first movie in the late 1970s, Star Wars has grown into one of the biggest multimedia franchises and a popular culture phenomenon that has sparked tourism activity in various filming locations around the world. This paper examines Star Wars tourism as an interesting and illustrative case of movie and television-related tourism. It provides several examples of Star Wars filming locations and tourist destinations around the world, such as Ireland, Tunisia and Norway. Since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, Star Wars has played an increasingly important role in Disney’s theme parks. Research indicates that the effects of Star Wars tourism are mixed. While Star Wars tourism has had a positive economic impact in several countries, there are also negative effects and concerns related to overtourism, sustainability and lack of authenticity.
  Keywords: Star Wars; tourism; film tourism; tourist destination; fandom; Disneyisation; overtourism; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10052197
   
  
• Inductive, Abductive and Deductive Theorising  
  by Chitu Okoli 
  Abstract: Scholars who aim to make a theoretical contribution are challenged to understand the broad range of approaches to theorising. Indeed, most theory-building guides focus on theorising within established paradigms, such as positivism or interpretivism. To provide a comprehensive perspective, we develop a unified framework that spans multiple research epistemologies by discussing theory-building from the perspective of inductive, abductive, and deductive theorising. Based on this framework, we present a simple way of thinking of theoretical contribution as development towards increasing maturity of theory. This theorising framework is sufficiently general to apply to any social science study that aims to build theory, whether empirical or conceptual. Moreover, the principles of theory-building are sufficiently general that they are readily applicable to a wide range of social sciences.
  Keywords: theorising; theory-building; induction; abduction; deduction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10052409
   
  
• Corona Virus Breaks Global Supply Chains (The Crisis and its Future Solutions)  
  by Abdelkader Moumeni 
  Abstract: The sudden onset of the coronavirus and its associated transmission paralysis and quarantine have brought with it unprecedented effects of supply chains worldwide, and the study aims to highlight the impact of the coronavirus on global supply chains compared to previous crises. The study concluded that the pandemic of coronavirus is the strongest crisis that hit the international supply chains, so that the defects of these chains were revealed after they were a source of competitive advantage, and that the longer the supply chain, the more vulnerable it is to the crises. It also found that the strength of the crisis lies at the beginning of its spread in China, the world’s factory, the major supplier of various industries and global companies by participating in all global supply chains. The study recently recommended that companies should take lessons from this crisis by going to safe supply chains (green, digital, blue, sustainable), and make investments in mapping their supply networks so that they do not have to work blindly when the next crisis occurs. It also recommended the necessity of switching to the (China + 1) strategy or the (China Dragon) strategy to ensure the continuity of supply.
  Keywords: coronavirus; global supply chains; secure and sustainable supply chains; supply network maps.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10052441
   
  
• Value Chain Management versus Supply Chain Management  
  by Alexey P. Tyapukhin  
  Abstract: Article purpose is to clarify and to add the content of chain management concept on basic of values types, management objects and flows of values and resources. Classification methods are chosen as research methods, binary matrices including qualitative attributes and dichotomies of management objects are used as research tool. Following results, which have features of scientific novelty, were got: the classifications of basic management concepts, variants of chain management, types of end consumer values and values flows, the components of formalisation chain management and consumption chain management and the structure of flows in value chains; and the ciphers of values and resources flows.
  Keywords: value; concept; chain management; logistics; flow; supply; demand.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10052990
   
  
• ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION ON SELF-ESTEEM AND MEDIATING EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS  
  by Kajul Bharti, Akshay Kumar Satsangi 
  Abstract: In recent times, social media addiction is a very common issue among individuals. Social media addiction has become a topic of high interest and concern in society because it is an urge-driven disorder with a strong compulsive component. Mindfulness is described as being in the present moment and self-esteem refers to respect for one’s own self and knowing one’s own worth. This study has been conducted to know the social media addiction and its influence on self-esteem and a mediation effect of mindfulness. The present empirical study involved 288 respondents whose data had been collected employing a snowball sampling method. Confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis have been used to analyse the result. The findings suggest that there is a significant direct impact of social media addiction on self-esteem with or without the mediation effect of mindfulness. The study also reveals that there is an existence of partial mediation.
  Keywords: social media addiction; SMA; confirmatory factor analysis; CFA; self-esteem; mindfulness; path analysis; mediation; social media; AMOS SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10053345
   
  
• Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, networking behaviour and employee performance.  
  by AHMAD FARID AMIN  
  Abstract: Human resource management practices and networking behaviour are important catalyst for employee to become more effective and efficient especially in education sector. Since the employee performance is associated to organisational performance, it is important to investigate factor that contribute to employee performance specifically in private university. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between selected human resource management practices namely as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, and performance appraisals on networking behaviour and employee performance in Malaysian private university. Networking behaviour of employees proposed as mediator between HRM-employee performances linkages. To investigate the implications of HRM practises, networking behaviour, and employee performance, structural equation modelling (SEM) is recommended. The conceptual model was constructed by developing research hypotheses based on previous literature and underpinning theory. This paper concludes with recommendations for further research.
  Keywords: networking behaviour; employee performance; human resource management practices; education industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10053347
   
  
• Conceptual Framework for Systematic Problem Solving: A Roadmap for Root Cause Discovery  
  by Saso Krstovski, Michael Rowley 
  Abstract: Problem-solving is a daily activity within business operations. Utilising a structured approach ensures efficiency in the determination of root causes. Several structured methodologies exist and have proven to provide significant improvements for practitioners. Current methodologies are limited based on the type of problem or industry sector. This publication proposes a flexible methodology that allows practitioners to fit the framework to the problem(s). The recommended framework provides a limitless methodology and prevents unnecessary waste by practitioners trying to fit problems within a framework. A case study utilising the suggested framework displays the effectiveness and flexibility within a real-world scenario.
  Keywords: problem solving; lean; measurement; analytics; visualisation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10053621
   
  
• Digital empathy and supply chain cybersecurity challenges: concept, framework and solutions for small-medium enterprises  
  by Anisha Banu Dawood Gani, Yudi Fernando 
  Abstract: Despite contributing significantly to the world's economy and being the most targeted by cybercriminals for being the weakest link in the supply chain, small-medium enterprises (SMEs) lag behind cybersecurity implementation. The budget and expertise constraint hinders them from catching up with cybersecurity initiatives. This study explores the management concept of digital empathy and proposes a solution framework for SMEs to overcome cybersecurity challenges. We found that three drivers can be the solution to overcome the cybersecurity barrier within firms' internal context, such as adequate funding, management support, and attitude towards cybersecurity risk. Our theoretical framework has also included the digital empathy approach incorporating subscription-based solutions, modular solutions, and zero-trust architecture. In addition, we suggest that the supply chain's cybersecurity systems be regularly monitored and maintained to balance cybersecurity and affordability. Furthermore, to enable future scalability, SMEs must implement the zero-trust architecture, which acts as a foundation for self-healing and self-correcting supply chain networks.
  Keywords: digital empathy; cybersecurity; zero-trust architecture; COVID19; supply chain.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10047679
   
  
• Paradigm busters: researchers into stomach ulcers and corporate psychopaths  
  by Clive R. Boddy, Sharyn Curran, Fiona Girkin 
  Abstract: Through the lens of Kuhn's ideas concerning scientific paradigms, this paper looks at two fields of research where findings were previously rejected by their disciplines; firstly, the existence of bacteria in the human stomach as a cause of ulcers and secondly of psychopaths in corporations as a cause of organisational dysfunction. The paper discusses how both streams of research were pioneered and propagated by a few individuals and involved methodological breakthroughs. Additionally, both streams set themselves against the prevailing view of their subject matter and were initially ridiculed and rejected by journal editors, preventing findings from being published. Eventually, both streams of research proved to be insightful, busting the prevailing paradigms of the time. The paradigmatic understanding of what causes ulcers has been changed forever and the paradigmatic understanding of organisational disease has been expanded to include corporate psychopathy. A way forward to improve the acceptance of radical new papers is suggested.
  Keywords: corporate psychopaths; paradigms; Helicobacter pylori; scientific revolutions; psychopathy; successful psychopaths.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10053030
   
  
• Entrepreneurial intention of accounting students: role of opportunity identification traits using SEM  
  by Alisha Soni, Kanupriya Misra Bakhru 
  Abstract: The ability of identifying profitable business prospect which also suits the personality and knowledge of a potential entrepreneur is considered as meta-skill for entrepreneurship. Thus, the study investigates the role of opportunity identification traits namely, entrepreneurial passion, creativity, self-efficacy and prior knowledge and experience, of students in promoting their intention to start a new business, i.e., entrepreneurial intention. Cluster sampling method was applied to collect the primary data from 408 Chartered Accountancy final students from Delhi-NCR region of India. The data was analysed with the help of structural equation modelling technique using AMOS version 23. The results demonstrate that all the opportunity identification traits except entrepreneurial passion, were positive and significant in enhancing students' entrepreneurial intention. The students are required to be proficient in discovering profitable and suitable business opportunities, then only they can develop intention to choose entrepreneurial career.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial passion; creativity; self-efficacy; prior knowledge and experience; entrepreneurial intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10048580
   
  
• Strategic impact of technological competencies on manufacturing performance of Indian manufacturing industries  
  by Harpreet Sharma, Chandan Deep Singh, Kanwaljit Singh 
  Abstract: Technological competencies have long been recognised as essential for establishing a competitive edge in the market by quickly adapting to changing opportunities. This paper presents an insight into technological competencies and their impact on manufacturing performance. The survey and quantitative data analysis of the Indian manufacturing industry in the northern region is the focus of this paper. The data for this study was gathered by a questionnaire survey, and then analysed using several methods. The organisation's turnover, the number of employees working, and the company's market share were the main demographic characteristics analysed. An analysis of variance significant level was drawn using the chi squared test. Quantitative approaches such as correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were utilised to identify the factors that have a greater impact on organisational performance.
  Keywords: technological competency; ANOVA; multiple linear regression.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10053806
   
  
• Moderation of innovation capability on innovation performance relationship  
  by Haulah Abd Aziz 
  Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate the antecedents of innovation performance and the role demonstrated by innovation capability; whether strengthening or weakening the relationship within Malaysian manufacturers. This study implements quantitative approach with data collected from Malaysian manufacturing industry using structured questionnaires. The hypothesised relationships from 105 companies are further tested using Smart PLS software in measuring the framework's structural equation modelling. The results from this study support the proposed research objectives indicating the positive direct relationship between the influencers and innovation performance. The finding reflects on the partial moderating effect of innovation capability on the relationship. From the obtained results, the scholars provide several recommendations to assist decision-makers within manufacturing industries. This paper further confers on suggestions to improve firm's innovation performance through understanding and developing the constructs investigated.
  Keywords: market orientation; total quality management; innovation capability; innovation performance; PLS-SEM; Malaysian manufacturers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10049127