International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy (28 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Ten-Year Thematic Review and Future Trends of Green Warehouse  
  by Azian Ibrahim, Yudi Fernando 
  Abstract: In today's business environment, the study of green warehouses has become a popular topic among industry practitioners and scholars. A green warehouse has frequently been referred to as one of the solutions for warehouse sustainability. In order to meet the environmental demands of stakeholders to reduce environmental pollution and ensure societal safety, some firms have incorporated several sustainable practices into their warehousing activities, resulting in the formation of green warehouse management. Despite its popularity, there is a lack of existing studies which discuss the current trends of green warehousing. Therefore, this paper aims to explore current trends in green warehouses from 2012 to 2022 using ATLAS. ti 9. A list of keywords that are related to this scope of research was identified. In the second step, the keywords were used to locate potentially relevant papers using Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, and a total of 31 papers were reviewed. A themed review was carried out, where twelve themes were identified. The results suggest a new framework of research trends for green warehouses.
  Keywords: ATLAS.ti 9; thematic analysis; warehouse; a green warehouse; sustainable warehouse; a thematic review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054021
   
  
• A STUDY OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND WORK STRESS AMONG INDIAN SCIENTIST COMMUNITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PERSONAL, SOCIAL, ACADEMIC, AND WORKPLACE  
  by Pooja Singh 
  Abstract: The present work is intended to investigate the effect of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in diminishing Occupational Stress (OS) and identify the factors responsible for stress among Scientists of CSIR in India. This study is based on a quantitative method and used structured questionnaires (WLEIS and OSI of Srivastava and Singh) for online data collection. The sample consists of 130 respondents. The study’s findings showed that EI and OS do not vary according to the participants’ demographic parameters such as age, marital status, position, and work experience, except for gender. There was an inverse relationship between EI and the respondents' OS. Moreover, low status, personal accountability, low involvement, and unfavorable peer dynamics were the main causes of OS. However, this study will help the scientists and the government become more aware and sensitive to the risks and difficulties of work stress they may face presently.
  Keywords: EI; OS; Scientists; CSIR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054073
   
  
• Socio Economic Analysis of: Dangar Pothar Gaon-II (Romai Gaon Panchayat), Lahowal, Dibrugarh District  
  by Viveka Gupta 
  Abstract: Socio-economic survey is an important part of education. The main aim of socio-economic planning is to transform the socio-economic condition of the people living in the rural areas. The primary reason for this examination is to underline the legitimacy of the investigation and present the exploration subject, and this investigation was created to comprehend the way of life of individuals in the town. The general investigation gives clear pictures reflecting the socio-economic profile of the town. In this investigation, the study deals with the present structure of the village and in order to make it more relevant, the study also seeks to examine the same at the village level. To make it more appropriate, it also analyses the socio-economic profile of the households. Researcher in this examination explored living conditions, wellbeing, cleanliness factors, educational conditions, transportation, broadcast communications gear, water supply and different issues confronting the whole population.
  Keywords: socio-economic; survey; rural areas; education; living conditions; transportation; population; Dangar Pothar Gaon; cleanliness; Lahowal.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054387
   
  
• Systematic approach to the designing management objects: from concept to organizational structure  
  by Alexey P. Tyapukhin  
  Abstract: The purpose of the article is to substantiate a systematic approach to the design of man-agement objects implemented according to the scheme: “external environment ? concept ? management object ? function (business process) ? enterprise divisions (business system) ? organizational management structure”. The sequence of basic concepts of objects management in business, such as management, marketing and logistics are substantiated; the main management objects of these concepts are identified and the relations between them are established; the definitions of interrelated terms “management”, “marketing”, “logistics”, “Business Systems (Chain) Management” and “Value Management” are proposed; main business processes performed within the framework of basic management concepts and the divisions of business system links (chains) responsible for their implementation are identified; the recommendations on the formation of organizational structure of management of links of these business systems (chains) have been developed.
  Keywords: concept; management object; management; marketing; logistics; business system; business process; enterprise; division; organizational structure.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054451
   
  
• A Case Study of Safety, Theft and Vandalism on Digicel Cellular Sites at Trinidad and Tobago  
  by Kuldeep Ojha, Saiid Khan 
  Abstract: Vandalism and theft are ever so present in our society. It is a problem that cannot be solved easily and cannot be addressed with single solution. With varying factors contributing to it, there is a need for some sort of study to be done to address these issues. This study proposes to find the factors leading to vandalism and theft at Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Cellular Sites. The study investigates the effect of vandalism and theft on business and workers as well as recommend solutions based on current good prevailing practices. With vandalism and theft prevalent in recent years, losses being incurred heavily and, there was a great need to address these issues.
  Keywords: Safety; Vandalism; Theft; Digicel; Cellular.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054576
   
  
• Benefit using PDCA cycle of continuous improvement in manufacturing industry- a case study  
  by Jagdeep Singh, Surjit Gandhi 
  Abstract: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) is the cycle of continuous improvement for making small incremental changes. In the present study, root cause analysis has been performed to ascertain the benefit occurred. The die punch inspection gives a brief analysis of the total inspection recorded from the ring crank rejection analysis with action taken. The rejection quantity is presented in percentage from 0%
  Keywords: root cause analysis; Plan-Do-Check-Act; PDCA; continuous improvement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054603
   
  
• The Factors of Internet Addiction among the Students during Covid-19 using Logistic Regression  
  by Gift M. Mphahlele, Simon S. Nkoane 
  Abstract: In this study, the purpose is to investigate the factors on internet addiction (IA) amongst the students at the University of Limpopo (UL) in South Africa (SA) in the 2020 academic year during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The internet played an important role in tertiary education especially during a COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the fact that the internet plays an important role in our lifetime, its usage can be addictive. Logistic regression (LR) is used to investigate the relationship between the IA as a categorical dependent variable and factors include gender, age, hours spent online, most online activities and the place of accommodation as the multiple independent variables. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) and the Wald test are used to evaluate the fitted LR model. The results show that there is a significant relationship between IA, and the student’s gender, time spent online, and online activities. However, on the contrary, one may argue that during this time of COVID-19 the factors such as time spent online and online activities are not necessarily contributing factors as the situation forces everyone to use online facilities.
  Keywords: internet addiction; IA; students; online teaching and learning; logistic regression; LR; likelihood ratio test; LRT; tertiary education; face-to-face contact.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054666
   
  
• Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (NPES) from 1969-2021: A Bibliometric Description  
  by Sarada Sahoo, Amarnath Padhi, Bishwajit Rout, Itishree Gita Kumar 
  Abstract: There have been 89 Nobel Prize winners in economics since 1969, representing 89 different areas of economic decision-making. Based on the Web of Science (WoS) database, the publication profiles of Nobel awardees have been analysed using a bibliometric approach. Descriptive analysis has been performed to identify the share of institutions and countries in NPES. To identify the most productive authors, articles, and journals in NPES, bibliometric indicators such as total publications, citations, h index, and citations per publication, degree of collaboration were analysed. The analysis reveals that the University of Chicago has produced the most Nobel laureates in Economics, with the USA occupying the lion’s share of the NPES. In this study, the authors explored the most popular journal and the most significant contribution of Nobel laureates. A brief account of the papers considered to have the maximum research impact has been synthesised.
  Keywords: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences; NPES; bibliometric approach; Web of Science; WoS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10054916
   
  
• Justification of factors affecting core functional competencies in manufacturing industries using Multi-attribute Utility Theory (MAUT)  
  by Rajdeep Singh, Chandan Deep Singh 
  Abstract: India's industrial sector currently faces healthy competition, especially from industry leaders. The majority of businesses are implementing core functional competencies in order to compete and perform better in the market. This study uses multiple Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies: Multi-attribute utility theory to analyse the data qualitatively. Utilizing a survey questionnaire, information was gathered, and many aspects had been decided. The factors that have a significant and minor impact on the performance and competitiveness of the company were identified from the analysis findings. Rankings have been assigned to factors based on their effects and importance.
  Keywords: MAUT; Decision making; Core functional competencies; competitiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10055073
   
  
• Blockchain Technology Role in Supply Chains during the Covid-19 Pandemic  
  by Mohamed Grida, Mirna Magdy, Gawaher Soliman 
  Abstract: Since 2020, the world has been suffering and facing an unprecedented socioeconomic crisis as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To combat the virus’s global spread, many solutions were introduced using various recent technologies such as blockchain, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. In many industries, blockchain plays a critical role in combating virus counterfeiting. Supply chain management is one of the industries that have been impacted. This paper highlights various blockchain applications for supply chain management during the COVID-19. Out of 560 searched articles, 46 unique ones have been selected that explained blockchain role in supply chains. These studies have been divided into three-types of supply chains 38 for healthcare, seven ones for food, and one article for agricultural. This will help us in dealing with different waves of the Coronavirus as well as any impending crisis.
  Keywords: blockchain; supply chain; taxonomy; COVID-19; internet of things; IoT.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10055225
   
  
• Innovation in a post-pandemic landscape: leveraging the power of strategic wisdom  
  by Ariful Islam, Sazali Abd, Mazuwin Haja Maideen, Imtiaz Hossain 
  Abstract: Innovation is recognised as a crucial component of growth in the post-pandemic period in order to lower the survival risk. In order to gain insights into the connection between exploitative and exploratory innovation and the sustainable competitive advantage of SMEs, this study intends to build a theoretical paradigm while emphasising the reinforcing role of strategic wisdom. A systematic mixed review analysis has been conducted, in which over 301 publications have been examined and reviewed by the authors. Additionally, brief findings from semi-structured interviews have been used to support the study’s direction. The study’s findings can improve businesses’ competitiveness and differentiation in a post-pandemic environment. The paradoxical ambidextrous innovation of SMEs can be successfully directed by a manager or owner with an appropriate level of strategic wisdom to ensure a sustainable form of growth. The idea could also serve as the cornerstone for SMEs to accomplish sustainable development goals (SDGs).
  Keywords: COVID-19; exploitative innovation; explorative innovation; strategic wisdom; spirituality; sustainable growth.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10055544
   
  
• Disengaged: The Problem of Employee Engagement in Gig Workers  
  by Rebecca Wason 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the levels of disengagement among remotely working, independent gig workers with their client teams and organisations. The researcher distributed a structured questionnaire anchored on Kahn's three facets of employee engagement to various freelancers and consultants, also known as gig workers. Based on the results of the study, the respondents were adequately engaged in the work for which they were contracted, but their level of organisational and client team engagement was lower in comparison. Additionally, many respondents felt that the management had not clearly stated the significance and purpose of their work and/or had not guided them on organisational culture and norms. Thus, many of the respondents felt excluded and were unable to form social bonds with the client team that they were working with.
  Keywords: employee disengagement; employee job satisfaction; gig workers; gig workers' job motivation; gig workers job satisfaction; remote employees; organisational engagement; remote workers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10056153
   
  
• Capabilities configurational method for organisations' sustainability: antecedents and consequences.  
  by Marco Arraya 
  Abstract: A VUCA market needs a dynamic strategy and a strategy needs a capabilities system with a corresponding capabilities configurational method (CCM) that transforms the organisations set of processes and routines with the intention to cope with sustainability. Thus, we propose a conceptual CCM based on a complex adaptive system paradigm. We use method theories and deductive reasoning to explain relationships among the three dimensions of a complex adaptative system with an influence within the CCM, customer value, and organisation sustainability: external environment, organisational entrepreneurial mindset, and agents with their managerial capabilities. This research advances theoretical knowledge in the organisational capabilities-driven framework by offering a conceptual configurational method and practical implications. We demonstrated that the CCM facilitates the organisations coherence, agility, innovation, processes, and routines transformation and maximises the value offered to customers and stakeholders.
  Keywords: Complex adaptive systems; configuration; capabilities; method; strategy; customer value; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2023.10056206
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Employee experience - disruptive approach to employee engagement  
  by Vandana Mohanty, Mangesh B. 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 have expectations of the experience at the workplace and off the workplace and implementing EX strategy - one that considers employee perceptions, workplace variables, drivers of retention and employer brand, is necessary for consumer-style approach to HR.
  Keywords: employee experience; EX; digital transformation; engagement; future of work.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051364
   
  
• Envisioning startup sustainability through leadership models: a system dynamics approach  
  by Batara Parada Siahaan, Togar Mangihut 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
   
  
• Measuring end user satisfaction in hospital information systems  
  by Alagirisamy Kamatchi Subbiah 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 'outcome expectancy' construct could be usefully deployed to measure end user satisfaction. While the end users were satisfied with the content, accuracy and format, and outcome expectancy of the hospital information system, they were not satisfied with the ease of use and timeliness aspects. The study found that there was no difference due to gender, experience and, managerial level of the employees for the dissatisfaction of the ease of use and timeliness aspects. However, the adult end users (aged 30 years and above) found the system easy to use than the younger end users.
  Keywords: hospital information system; HIS; end user computing satisfaction scale; EUCS; outcome expectancy; information system success; healthcare industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2022.10051143
   
  
• Fostering employee well-being and organisational sustainability in hospitality industry during pandemic crisis: the moderating effect of COVID-19 event  
  by Mohammad Ibrahim Kamel Sweiss, Mohammad Ali Yousef 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 socially 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 socially 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 socially 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, Donald Riemer 
  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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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