International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking (87 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Development of Framework for Green manufacturing with Comparative analysis  
  by Mahakdeep Singh, Kanwarpreet Singh, Amanpreet Singh Sethi 
  Abstract: This manuscript is focused on proposing a framework for smooth implementation of green manufacturing after identification of green manufacturing attributes after detailed literature survey and comparative analysis of the literature. A conceptual framework has been proposed consisting eight parameters for green manufacturing implementation. There is a lot of reliability on solid base of top management commitment and support. The roof is named as of implementation of green manufacturing to which seven pillars has been providing support. Every organisation is required to give substantial importance to these elements to successfully implement green manufacturing. These seven pillars are organisational practices, peer social pressure, peer government pressure, customers’ attributes, green supply chain management, government support, adoption of new/supportive technology. The current study is the sole attempt, to the best of the knowledge of authors, which have employed comparative analysis in order to critically analyse a range of pre-published studies related to green manufacturing.
  Keywords: green manufacturing; framework; comparative analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2020.10036041
   
  
• Implementation framework for cellular manufacturing system using BWM multi-criteria decision making  
  by Jeyaraju Jayaprakash 
  Abstract: Manufacturing industries are enhancing their production and supply chain in todays competitive market environment using the new manufacturing technology and system. The cellular manufacturing system (CMS) has been proven to be the most suitable technology for batch manufacturing organisations to enhance operational performance. The present study aims to rank the significant factor relevant to CMS implementation. Four dimensions and 17 CM factors validated by industry experts were identified based on a literature review. Then, in evaluating factors, the best worst method (BWM) is proposed. Using sensitivity analysis, the results are validated. The proposed model provides a simple and easy way for companies to deal with CMS effectively. The respondent managers found an essential factor to be employee training. The strength of the current study is that it is one of the first few to be carried out to analyse CM implementation factors.
  Keywords: cellular manufacturing system; CMS; best worst method; BWM; critical factor.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2021.10046307
   
  
• Modelling the Critical Criteria for Leagile Production System using a Hybrid Approach.  
  by Soumil Mukherjee, Amber Batwara, Vikram Sharma 
  Abstract: Competition and demand for readily feasible, durable, and sustainable goods are increasing worldwide. The last few months have been challenging for the manufacturing organisations world over. Organisations are turning to approaches such as computer-integrated manufacturing, lean, agile, Industry 4.0, and supply chain management to address these challenges. Leagile manufacturing combines the concepts of lean and agile production systems. Using popular relational techniques such as interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and interpretive ranking process (IRP), this paper aims to assess and present the critical criteria for implementing the leagile production system. ISM and IRP have been employed to examine the contextual relationship among the requirements for a leagile production system and suggest a prioritised implementation of these criteria concerning relevant key performance indicators. This study is among the first to employ two interpretive methodologies to establish contextual relationships among the critical criteria of the leagile production system and provide a leagile implementation framework.
  Keywords: agile; interpretive structural modelling; ISM; interpretive ranking process; IRP; leagile; manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050348
   
  
• Workplace Empowerment and Employee Involvement: Empowering Workplace conditions  
  by Tara Prasad Padhy, Subhasish Das, L.P. Panda 
  Abstract: This study highlights the impact of workplace empowerment (WPEM) on employee involvement (EI) with an emphasis on Quality of Work life (QOWL) acting as a mediator to the research. This paper has adopted a quantitative approach and used a structured questionnaire to collect data from the managerial level employees, executives, and other staffs working in the energy sector of twin cities, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, in Odisha. The findings suggest that by providing favourable and empowering workplace conditions along with higher QOWL can substantially enhance EI levels. A triadic link was affirmed that lays novel insights on organisational empowerment through the mediator QOWL in place. A better QOWL enhances the morale of the existing employees to perform their jobs more effectively, promotes the achievement of organisational strategies and alleviating the decision-making process, thereby adding novelty to the study.
  Keywords: workplace empowerment; quality of work life; employee involvement; mediation; energy sector.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050445
   
  
• From product supplier to solution provider - integrating a service perspective in the product innovation work process for non-assembled products.  
  by Thomas Lager, Per Storm 
  Abstract: In a survey mode of inquiry with informants in 19 global manufacturing companies in six sectors of the process industries, integration of product-service offerings (PSO) in the product innovation work process for non-assembled products has been examined. The results reveal that the case-companies have already come far on what one could characterise as a service infusion journey. The findings further indicate that it is advisable not only to articulate and institutionalise a PSO strategy during the contextualisation phase of a work process but also to include service development early in conceptualisation during pre-product development. A novel three-phase PSO sub-process has been developed and is proposed to be integrated in the product innovation work process. Apart from the confirmation of a need to deploy proper product launch strategies, a more general process-industrial dilemma has been identified related to the extremely long
  Keywords: product-service offerings; PSO; product innovation; application development; product innovation work process; non-assembled products; process industries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050673
   
  
• Essential factors for seru implementation using ANP and AHP method  
  by Manish Kaushik, Devendra Choudhary 
  Abstract: In this paper, factors essential for implementing seru production are ranked according to their priority according to analytic network process (ANP) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technology. From the literature review, four main factors and 16 sub-factors were picked out and are validated by industrial experts and academia. Then, both ANP and AHP methods were applied to find the most influencing factors for seru implementation and also the results are validated through sensitivity analysis. The analysis carried out concludes that for implementing seru production, 'moveable workstation', (MW) 'light equipment' (LTE) 'multi-skilled labour' and 'cross-training of labour', are the most influencing and enabling factors that managers of industries should focus on. The process followed in this paper can be utilised by industries for seru production implementation. The approach followed in this paper is of the first few to be carried out for factor analysis for implementing seru production system (SPS).
  Keywords: seru production system; SPS; factor analysis; ANP and AHP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050932
   
  
• Tool Geometry and Machining Variables Influence on the Surface Roughness of End-Milling Process: A Comparative Study with Application of RSM and GA Tools and Techniques  
  by V.chowdary Boppana, Onella Sookhansingh 
  Abstract: This study investigates the effects of cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and radial rake angle on the surface roughness of aluminium 5083 (Al5083), acrylic and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the computer numerical control end-milling operation. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array of experimental design was used to conduct the research. Response surface methodology was employed to generate prediction models. To achieve minimal surface roughness, optimal machining conditions were found using genetic algorithm approach. It was found that the optimal surface roughness for Al5083 was 0.143 µm, acrylic was 0.048 µm and PET was 0.612 µm. Further, it was deduced that the noise factors significantly affected the validation results for Al5083 but had little effect on acrylic and PET. Additionally, the study results confirm that the surface condition of different materials respond differently to identical process parameters and noise conditions.
  Keywords: surface roughness; aluminium 5083; acrylic; polyethylene terephthalate; PET; Taguchi experiments; response surface methodology; genetic algorithm; end-milling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050933
   
  
• Talent Analytics and Customer Performance: Insights from the Indian Banking Sector  
  by Maitri ., Samarth Singh 
  Abstract: The study focuses on inspecting the impact of talent analytics or human resource analytics (HRAs) on customers’ performance in the Indian banking sector. Empirical data was obtained using quantitative analysis with 500 Indian banking professionals’. The technology acceptance model and diffusion of innovation theory led to the evolution of the questionnaire. The outcome of this analysis shows using of HRA in an organisation improves the ability of an organisation to assess the data of the customer, reduces the cost of analysing customer data, helps in fast handling of customer queries, and control managers’ manipulation to substantially assess customer satisfaction. Further, the study finding affirms banking professionals are in favour of accepting the HRA through the elements of TAM theory.
  Keywords: talent analytics; human resource analytics; HRAs; customer retention; customer satisfaction; customer performance; Indian banking.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051268
   
  
• Effectiveness of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Schemes on the Performance of Self-Help Groups  
  by Susmita Sarkar, Sunit Lakra, Rama Krishna Gupta Potnuru 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study aims to explore the relationship between the effectiveness of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) scheme and enhancing women empowerment so as to overcome socio-economic challenges. A survey and interview method was used to collect primary data from 376 women belonging to the self-help group. The research was conducted in Hooghly district, West Bengal. Factor analysis was used to interpret the results. The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship with women empowerment. The study is giving a realistic and reliable picture of the effectiveness of the NRLM scheme for empowering rural women through financial, training and marketing support, thereby adding novelty to this research.
  Keywords: women empowerment; performance; process management; poverty elimination; National Rural Livelihood Mission; NRLM; self-help group; SHGs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051298
   
  
• Smart Irrigation Systems Enabled with Internet of Things (IoT): A Bibliometric Review  
  by Md. Ijaj Sadiq, Peter F. Wanke, Md. Abul Kalam Azad 
  Abstract: Precision agriculture, often known as smart farming, has emerged as a cutting-edge method for addressing current agricultural sustainability concerns. Agricultural equipment integrated with the internet of things (IoT) is a major element of the next agricultural revolution. The purpose of this paper is to study a bibliometric review of the internet of things (IoT) enabled next-generation smart irrigation system. The study identifies major research streams and future research objectives in the literature on IoT-based soil health monitoring using bibliometric analysis. Methods like co-occurrence; bibliometric coupling, trend topic analysis were applied to identify potential research areas, recent technologies, and other important parameters that would help in future research streams.
  Keywords: internet of things; IoT; bibliometric; co-occurrence; bibliometric coupling; smart technology; agriculture.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051438
   
  
• Sustainable recycling strategies to reduce plastic waste: application of circular economy principles and discrete event simulation modeling to beverage manufacturing industry  
  by V.chowdary Boppana, Angelina Rayside 
  Abstract: Efforts are arising from various organisations to push global operations into a circular economy (CE) to reduce unrecoverable waste and foster sustainable practices. The study investigates the viability of the adoption of the CE culture within a carbonated beverage manufacturing industry. The study employs discrete event simulation modelling framework to demonstrate the viability of CE strategies in the selected industrial setting. Out of the three CE strategies investigated, recycling end-of-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as raw material for the production of 3D printing filament was found as the most cost-effective strategy. This research is beneficial to the carbonated beverage and the 3D printing firms, as well as for those who have been advocating for plastic waste reduction and environmental sustainability.
  Keywords: 3D printing; 3DP; carbonated beverage manufacturing; circular economy; simulation modelling; plastic waste; recycling; PET material; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051449
   
  
• Technological Competencies attributes analysis using qualitative techniques in Indian Manufacturing Industry  
  by Harpreet Sharma, CHANDAN DEEP SINGH, Kanwaljeet Singh 
  Abstract: Technological competencies require significant attributes for their beneficial impact on the manufacturing organisations. The paper is focused on selection of best attributes through multiple MCDM methods for the successful implementation of technological competencies’ factors which act as foundation for improving and enhancing the performance of manufacturing firms. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey, and various factors were analysed for further research. The factors that have a substantial impact on the company’s performance and competitiveness were identified as a result of the investigation. Several sources of a firm’s technology competences are identified in order of their efficacy by utilising several MCDM approaches.
  Keywords: TOPSIS; VIKOR; MOORA; ENTROPY; competencies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051451
   
  
• Prediction of erosive wear in AISI 304 Stainless Steel coated with Stellite 6 powder using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System  
  by SANGITA SARANGI, AJIT MISHRA, SESHADEV SAHOO, Kamalakanta Muduli 
  Abstract: An attempt is made to deposit cobalt-based Stellite 6 powder with uniform spherical shapes and diameters ranging from 15
  Keywords: erosion; wear; Stellite 6; coating; ANFIS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051627
   
  
• A simulation-based multi-objective optimization for critical parameters design of an automotive paint shop using Design Of Experiments  
  by Razieh Keshavarzfard, Vahid Tavakkoli 
  Abstract: With regard to the increasing demand for luxury cars throughout the world, the painting process in the automotive industry is one of the most important issues. Considering the need for improvement in production performance, quality and agile customer responsiveness, this paper aims to use simulation to present how we can eliminate bottlenecks and also measure the obtained quality enhancement and increase production quantity. Making modifications to an active production line for optimisation purposes is a challenging process if not impossible. Thus, a process simulation method can be suitable for studying the system. This research implements how to use simulation tools in a real paint shop in one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies in Iran. Also, optimisation is used to find the best responses to the changes in the controllable variables or critical parameters. The results show a 58% increase in production capacity and 60% decrease in waiting time of the product.
  Keywords: design of experiments; DOE; parameter design; computer simulation; multi-objective optimisation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051632
   
  
• Benchmarking the Sustainable Banking Performance of Indian Commercial Banks  
  by Raveena Gaba, DEERGHA SHARMA 
  Abstract: The objective of the study is to suggest a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-G4-based hybrid framework for Indian commercial banks to determine their sustainability disclosure practices. 28 Indian commercial banks were investigated based on their contribution to environmental, economic, social, and governance indices of sustainable practices selected from the GRI-G4 sustainability reporting guidelines. Content analysis through Python software was employed to extract data for a period of three years ranging from 2018 to 2021 exploring the ways Indian banks are embracing sustainable practices. The study has utilised the Mann-Whitney U test to estimate the disparate functioning of commercial banks on the sustainability dimensions. The research findings indicated that private banks outperform public banks on the adopted framework. The ranking results show
  Keywords: green banking; sustainability reporting; social performance; environmental performance; governance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051635
   
  
• Development of Assessment Framework for Process Agility in Internet of Things (IoT) Projects  
  by Madhukar Patil, M. Suresh 
  Abstract: Research and development (R&D) organisations that work on projects connected to the internet of things (IoT) market product designs and build IoT initiatives are called technology IoT organisations. The agility of IoT project organisations is significantly influenced by process agility. Thus, the paper’s objective is to assess the IoT projects’ process agility level utilising
  Keywords: internet of things; IoT; process agility; IoT projects; agility assessment; multi-grade fuzzy; importance performance analysis; IPA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051714
   
  
• Process for Empowering Rural Women: Finding a Path to Benchmark Capacity Building Initiatives  
  by Sarmistha Apat, Snigdha Mohapatra 
  Abstract: The present research examines the role of capacity building in the context of the rural women workforce in an emerging economy. Drawing cues from the extant literature, this research identifies and empirically prioritises and benchmarks the dimensions of capacity building. The findings indicate that funding and microfinance-based programs, skill development initiatives, team-building and group-dynamics activities are the most important dimensions, based on the respondent perceptions. These findings offer newer insights on this under-explored domain to facilitate conceptual development and policy formulation of the process. Consequently, this study evidences the process of vitality towards benchmarking capacity-building initiatives so to empower the underprivileged and economically backward section of women in rural areas.
  Keywords: skill development; process; rural women; benchmark; capacity building.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051834
   
  
• Structural Equation Modeling of core functional competencies based on partial least square method using WarpPLS 7.0  
  by Rajdeep Singh, Chandan Deep Singh, Talwinder Singh 
  Abstract: Manufacturing sector in India is flourishing at fast rate with emerging innovative engineering. This makes the market more competitive for the firms which are especially indigenous. To survive in this era of globalisation core functional competencies play a healthy role from various aspects which directly or indirectly affect the performance of the organisations. This paper deals with modelling of core functional competencies. WarpPLS 7.0 has been used for structural equation modelling based on partial least square algorithm. Various parameters were calculated by the software to validate the factors related to model fitness. The results show that critical input factors that are concept (idea) competency, material (and equipment) related competency, production (and control) competency and technical competency have significant affect on performance of the firms and are fit for the model.
  Keywords: WarpPLS; structural equation modelling; SEM; PLS; R2; average variance extracted; AVE; loadings; cross-loadings.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051986
   
  
• What drives Indian consumers to purchase organic personal care products Investigation using a mediated moderation model  
  by Minakshi Sharma, MANISHA GOEL, RAJIV SINDWANI 
  Abstract: The current study aims to explore an extended theory of planned behaviour framework in the context of organic personal care products (OPCP). The influence of five dimensions on the purchase behaviour of these products is investigated. The conceptual model has both a mediator and a moderator. The sample size comprised 360 responses collected through purposive sampling. The results showed that attitude, perceived behavioural control, and health and safety exert a significant positive influence on purchase intention. Except for subjective norms, purchase intention acted as a mediator between the OPCP dimensions and purchase intention. Findings suggest price sensitivity does not act as a moderator between purchase intention and purchase behaviour. It will help organic product marketers by providing key inputs for understanding consumer purchase behaviour for creating competitive advantage. The study will also provide framework for academicians to carry out further research in the field of OPCP.
  Keywords: organic personal care products; OPCP; moderator; purchase behaviour; theory of planned behaviour.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10052341
   
  
• Benchmarking the Lean Manufacturing Process of an Auto Component Cluster Using AHP  
  by Anoop Pandey, Rohitashwa Shringi 
  Abstract: Monitoring the performance improvement and devising the mechanisms for attaining improvement are required for industrial clusters through benchmarking. An Indian auto component cluster is selected for benchmarking and modelling the benchmark’s performance. Benchmarking is performed considering a problem of multi-criteria decision-making and tools like analytical hierarchy process (AHP), AHP
  Keywords: benchmarking; lean manufacturing; multi-criteria decision-making; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; multi-objective optimisation using ratio analysis; MOORA; TOPSIS.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10052743
   
  
• ON TOLERANCING OF SHIFTABLITY PARAMETERS OF AN AUTOMOBILE GEAR BOX: A CASE STUDY  
  by MOHAMMED ANIS 
  Abstract: This is a case study on determining the specification tolerances of the shiftability parameters of a gear box of a well-known brand of passenger car. The company was experiencing difficulty in setting up the specification tolerance, resulting in problems during the manufacturing process. The shiftability parameters Yi’s are related to the dimensions of ni components The experimental design technique of Taguchi as modified by D’Errico and Zanio (1988) was used to find the probability distribution of all the shiftability parameters Yi’s. The tolerance limits for the Yi’s were calculated after having selected 99% probability levels. These tolerance were applied to the shiftability parameters and a few prototypes were manufactured. The results obtained on these prototypes were encouraging and, hence, subsequently they were used by the design department in the gear box assembly.
  Keywords: component tolerance; experimental design technique; factorial experiment; probability distribution; statistical tolerance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10052744
   
  
• Innovative management accounting methods: knowledge and use in the best companies  
  by Lanna Mara A. Marques, Maria Joao C. V. Machado 
  Abstract: The objectives of this study are the following: to analyse the knowledge on the activity based costing (ABC) and the balanced scorecard (BSC) and their association with the characteristics of financial managers; and to analyse the use of these two methods. The data were collected through a survey conducted to financial managers of companies ranked as the 100 best to work for in Portugal, and the response rate was 23%. As this study’s main contributions, we identified the following: the ABC’s utilisation rate is higher than the one found in other types of companies; the BSC’s rate of knowledge is higher than the one reported by studies already carried out in other types of companies, which also suggests the existence of internal training mechanisms that allow those in charge to update their knowledge on the most innovative management accounting methods.
  Keywords: cost management; activity-based costing; ABC; balanced scorecard; BSC; performance evaluation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10052804
   
  
• Roles of environmental concern and social motivation in promoting bringing shopping bags: An empirical study in Vietnam  
  by Tuan Anh Truong, Huong-Giang Pham, Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi, Nguyen Thuy Dung 
  Abstract: This study investigates the role of environmental concerns and social motivation toward bringing shopping bags among Vietnamese people in Hanoi. We collected information from 256 consumers and employed the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to examine the roles of environmental concerns, retailers’ promotions regarding bringing their own bags, and attitudes toward bringing bags. The results show that consumers in Hanoi are more likely to bring shopping bags once they know about the environmental effects of using plastic bags and have positive attitudes toward bringing their own bags. Besides, promotions offered by retailers also encourage young customers to bring their own bags when shopping. Social motivation plays an essential role as a moderator to strengthen the effect of environmental concerns on behaviour toward bringing bags when shopping. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for policymakers and retail businesses to encourage consumers to bring their shopping bags.
  Keywords: bring your own bag; environmental concern; retailers’ promotion; social motivation; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10052845
   
  
• Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Tools in an Auto Component Cluster for Benchmarking  
  by Anoop Pandey, Rohitashwa Shringi 
  Abstract: For the holistic development of an industrial cluster, members are required to continually improve their performance. In manufacturing clusters, technique of lean manufacturing (LM) deems fit for improving the performance. This study covers implementation of LM techniques for performance improvement and sustainable growth of a cluster. Manesar Industry Welfare Association (MIWA) Cluster is chosen for the study and the techniques are implemented in its nine units. The techniques were finalised after identifying the pain areas of the individual units using the define-analyse-report-engage methodology. Five standard indices
  Keywords: lean manufacturing; auto cluster; sustainable growth; inventory turnover ratio; ITR; cost of poor quality; COPQ; labour productivity; capital productivity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10053616
   
  
• Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy VIKOR for Parameter Selection in Technological Competency  
  by Harpreet Sharma, CHANDAN DEEP SINGH, Kanwaljeet Singh 
  Abstract: One of the most crucial concerns facing small and medium-sized companies especially in the manufacturing sector is technological competency. Due to the discovery and use of newer technological knowledge, an enterprise's technological competency is evaluated primarily for its ability to deliver products and services in a speedier and higher-quality manner. The multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique is applied in this study to evaluate the best technological competence parameters, which serve as the cornerstone for enhancing and improving the performance of manufacturing firms. The ranking of alternatives was determined using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR. The proposed MCDM models are a simple, accurate, and effective tool for decision-makers to find the right parameters. If given emphasis, these parameters can improve a company's competitiveness in the marketplace.
  Keywords: Competencies; Fuzzy TOPSIS; Fuzzy VIKOR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054186
   
  
• Analysis and Assessment of humanitarian supply chain barriers for disaster and crisis management using hybrid approach  
  by Vikram Sharma, NAVEEN VIRMANI, Pawan Kumar 
  Abstract: There has been incessant rise in natural calamities across globe. Along with preventive and corrective measures, societies have to be ready to face natural or man-made disasters. Effective humanitarian supply chains can assuage the impact to natural and man-made calamities to a certain extent. This paper brings out common barriers to effective working of humanitarian supply chains. Ten barriers were identified and were validated on discussion with the practitioners from Governmental and Non- Governmental organizations. Tackling all barriers simultaneously can be arduous task. Hence, this research makes use of DEMATEL methodology to bifurcate the barriers into two meaningful clusters
  Keywords: Humanitarian supply chain; Barriers; DEMATEL and ISM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10054190
   
  
• Evaluating Organizational Capability for BPM Project Success: Industry Practitioners’ Point of View  
  by Chalani Oruthotaarachchi 
  Abstract: Efficient business processes are essential for an organisation to achieve its objectives. The practice of monitoring, reviewing, and improving business processes is known as business process management (BPM). The ability of an organisation’s BPM capabilities to be assessed is critical to any BPM program’s success. BPM capability evaluation is a lengthy procedure that incorporates a variety of factors. Although there are several BPM capability elements in the literature, a limited number of research studies focus on the Sri Lankan BPM domain. This study proposes a model based on BPM capability measurements relevant to Sri Lanka. Applying qualitative data analysis technique, particularly deductive thematic analysis method, identified measurements are evaluated with BPM domain experts. Further empirical evaluations could be conducted to confirm the developed model’s usefulness and appropriateness for the Sri Lankan BPM scenario.
  Keywords: capability factors; business process management; thematic analysis; qualitative analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054304
   
  
• Prioritizing the Financial Performance of Indian private sector banks by a hybrid MCDM Approach  
  by PAWAN KUMAR, DEERGHA SHARMA 
  Abstract: The present study has proposed a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Approach to assess the financial performance of the nine largest private sector banks operating in India between 2015-16 to 2020-21. The assessment has applied CRITIC to ascertain the weights of eleven selected performance parameters and TOPSIS to compute the ranking of private sector banks. Interval-valued TOPSIS (IV-TOSIS) has been employed to assess the performance for the combined six-year period. The analysis found that "operating expenses to total assets" is the most critical of all the financial performance parameters, and "Bandhan bank" is the top performer among all the examined banks. The study results benchmarked the financial performance indicators and shall facilitate trailing institutions to improve their financial health. The study has provided inputs to bank management and policymakers to determine the financial standing of private sector banks and suggested the operational parameters indispensable for efficient performance.
  Keywords: Financial performance; CRITIC; TOPSIS; Interval-valued TOPSIS; MCDM; private sector banks; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054450
   
  
• Determining the Key Drivers of Fintech Adoption in India  
  by DEERGHA SHARMA, Parul Munjal 
  Abstract: The study explores the synergistic impact of the technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and theory of planned behaviour (TBP) to understand the varying pattern of FinTech adoption in India. Through iterative discussions with the domain experts, the questionnaire developed was administered to 500 FinTech adopters employing a five-point Likert scale. The collected data was analysed through Smart PLS.The moderating effect of age on adopting FinTech services was examined using multi-group analysis (MGA). The study suggests facileness, user-friendliness, and convenience as the significant antecedent of augmenting the process of FinTech usage. The results also endorse the influence of government intentions on promoting the extent of financial innovation adoption. The study strengthens the conception of behavioural intentions to use financial technology and the rationale behind the inconsistency of FinTech adoption.
  Keywords: financial services; technology adoption; Smart PLS; structural equation modelling; multi-group analysis; MGA; India; technology acceptance model; TAM; UTAUT.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054604
   
  
• Just A Click Away: Continuance Intention for Mobile Branded Apps  
  by Sook Fern Yeo, Cheng Ling Tan, Kah Boon Lim, Jun Jie Sum 
  Abstract: Branded applications have lately piqued the attention of a growing number of businesses looking to connect with and meet the needs of their target customers. This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention towards the mobile branded apps. The participants were recruited over an online survey questionnaire using a cross-sectional study. It was found that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and trust influence the continuance intention towards the mobile branded apps. Surprisingly, perceived enjoyment and information quality do not significantly affect the continuance intention towards the mobile branded apps. The results of the importance-performance matrix analysis (IPMA) demonstrated that both the importance and performance of perceived usefulness played a significant role in consumer continuance intention for mobile branded apps. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on mobile applications by presenting thorough practical consequences that highlight the continued usage of social mobile applications.
  Keywords: branded apps; continuance intention; perceived usefulness; trust; information quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054801
   
  
• Are Malaysians Ready To Face It The Intention To Use Facial Recognition Payment System  
  by Kah Boon Lim, Sook Fern Yeo, Yu Ping Lim, Cheng Ling Tan 
  Abstract: Although face recognition payment system has not yet been implemented in Malaysia, the technology is currently in use in other sectors in Malaysia. The main objective of this research is to better understand Malaysian customers’ intention to use the facial recognition payment system. The six independent variables included in this study are perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness, and security and the dependent variable is intention to use. The target respondents for this study are targeted on the general public between the ages of 18 until 60 years old. The data collected were keyed into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and further analysed by using Smart PLS software. Our analysis result revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, and security have a substantial relationship with consumer intention to use. In conclusion, this study is useful for both developers and researchers.
  Keywords: facial recognition payment; intention to use; perceived ease of use; perceived usefulness; security.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054804
   
  
• FACTOR'S DETERMINING SUCCESSFUL RISK MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS  
  by NAGARAJAN MUTHUKRISHNAN, R. Ganapathi Ramasamy 
  Abstract: The findings of this study reveal that process interaction, management of human resources, degree of risk, project features and process control are out factors determining successful risk management in construction projects in India. Significant difference exists amongst characteristics of respondents and factors determining successful risk management in construction projects excluding professional group and number of employees used. Significant difference exists amongst characteristics of respondents and performance of construction projects. Significant difference exists amongst characteristics of respondents and success of construction projects. Process interaction, management of human resources, process control and project features have positive and significant impact, while degree of risk has negative and significant impact on success of construction projects process interaction, management of human resources, project features and process control are directly and positively influencing, whilst risk is directly and negatively influencing performance of construction projects, whilst performance is directly and positively influencing success of construction projects.
  Keywords: process; construction project; factors; performance; risk.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054805
   
  
• Understanding the Technological Evolution in Electronic Payments System in India and the Acceptance  
  by Baiju J. Nair, Baskar B, Tomy K. Kallarakal, Kesavulu Poola, U.M.A. VR, Girish S 
  Abstract: Banking in India has seen amazing technical and infrastructure advancements during the last two decades. Businesses can use the payment and settlement system to receive and make payments for goods and services, as well as to repay money. The RBI’s commitment to providing the general population with low-cost, accessible, and all-inclusive payment services has contributed in the quick acceptance and paradigm shift from paper to electronic medium. Using the larger TAM model, this article evaluates payment technology advancements from 2019 through 2022. According to the study, there was a 100% rise in UPI/IMPS and a 40% increase in NEFT compared to December 2018.The paper discusses the acceptability of the paradigm transition from paper to electronic payment media. The paper’s scope is limited to three years, from January 2019 to December 2021. The study contributes to various findings and insights on India’s embrace of digital payment and the payment paradigm change.
  Keywords: payments system; digital banking; unified payment interface; UPI; national electronic funds transfer; NEFT; immediate payment service; IMPS; real-time gross settlement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10054809
   
  
• A bibliometric evaluation of financial literacy and investment: a three-decade study based on the Scopus database, current research trends, and future directions  
  by Yuvaraja N, Swamy Perumandla 
  Abstract: Financial literacy is a key predictor of investment. However, a thorough scientific mapping of financial literacy and investment was not attempted before. So, in this study, we performed bibliometric analysis using VOS Viewer (Van Eck and Waltman, 2010) and an R-language programme called Bibliometrix (Aria and Cuccurullo, 2017) to dissect the intellectual and conceptual framework of the literature in this domain. Our findings indicated that the topic has intrigued scholars for the last 15 years, probably because of issues like global financial crisis and COVID-19. Gradually, this field became multidisciplinary, covering areas such as psychology, public economics, etc. The research themes, current trends, and potential areas of future research were highlighted. Our study will help policymakers understand the existing literature in this domain and help them plan their work accordingly. This study will help researchers identify future research opportunities on this topic by understanding influential papers, authors, and journals.
  Keywords: investment; financial literacy; financial knowledge; future directions; bibliometric analysis; science mapping; behavioral finance; stock market participation; financial education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055072
   
  
• Artificial intelligence of things and circular warehouse process management of automotive parts: Conceptual framework and practice review  
  by ASMAE E.L. JAOUHARI, Jabir Arif 
  Abstract: In recent years, sustainable warehouse management strategies have been developed by businesses that desire to mitigate the adverse social and environmental effects within their warehouses. A circular method has been established in the warehouse management literature from this standpoint. The recycling process, knowledge, operational excellence and smart decision-making have all been enabled by circular economy models and solutions enabled by artificial intelligence and internet of things technologies. In this paper, an artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)-based circular warehouse management system (CWMS) is designed and tested within a real-world automotive supply chain to assess the sustainability performance of a CWMS for Industry 4.0. The results indicate that using AIoT technology to restructure the warehouse for a circular economy can enable CWMS. By connecting the proposed approach to the circular economy aspects of reuse, optimise, remove, recycle, and virtualise, clear benefits are provided. This study aims to enhance the current research by providing real proof of how AIoT and circular economy technology are used in practice.
  Keywords: circular economy; circular warehouse management system; CWMS: artificial intelligence; internet of things; Industry 4.0.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055377
   
  
• Emotional Drivers for Purchasing Apparels: Buying Process and Decision-making  
  by Samarth Singh 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence a consumer’s decision to purchase apparel. The data was obtained using a structured questionnaire from consumers of various categories and analysed using grey analysis. It is evident that consumers prioritise price while purchasing apparel. They would rather be rational than emotional. It is obvious that the majority of respondents prefer branded over non-branded goods and consider malls to be the most suitable place for purchasing. Consumers also prefer to buy in stores with a diverse selection of apparel and a pleasant atmosphere. Deals and special offers play a big role in buying patterns of consumers. The study’s main goal was to learn about buyers’ perceptions of composed retail places, and the relationship between statistical parameters and buyer perceptions. The study suggests and employs a social mental model of purchasing power, which adds to the uniqueness of the research.
  Keywords: consumer preference; perception; operational decisions; purchasing power; emotional drivers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055564
   
  
• Process leveraging the Entrepreneurial Intention of Hawkers  
  by K.R. Ramprakash, Vigneshwar K, Louie Albert, Kishore Kunal 
  Abstract: This research seeks to understand the motivations underlying the ambitious aspirations and entrepreneurial process of hawkers. The methodology used in this research is based on crucial data collected from 1,200 street vendors in Tamil Nadu. Eight locations from the state were chosen for this assessment using varied sample technique. Within the eight districts, we used a
  Keywords: process; entrepreneurial intention; hawkers; street vendors; street entrepreneurship.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055586
   
  
• Evolution of Bikalananda Kar Rasagola: A Palatable Process  
  by Lopamudra Mishra, Radha Krishna Mishra, Biswojit Swain, Siddharth Misra 
  Abstract: This case study highlights the business evolution of the famous Rasagola of Odisha which is strongly positioned as the Bikalananda Kar Rasagola. Bikalananda Kar, the founder of the business has added uniqueness to his Rasagola which made it a preferred choice among its customers. The effort to building the brand among the competitors has also been put forth. The strategy to connect with the customers in terms of the product, its raw material and hygienic preparation, price, continuous innovation, adopting various technologies, marketing communication are also highlighted. This case also shed light on the essential qualities of an entrepreneur by illustrating the entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Kar. Values are the foundation of a family business. In a family business, the effective successors play a vital role in taking forward a successful business. Effort has also been taken to illustrate the endeavours of the successors towards adding the values to their family business and to carry the legacy of the founder. This case will enable the students to understand the leadership aspects of an entrepreneur, to evaluate the marketing mix in the entire journey of the business and also to understand the impact of effective transition of leadership in a business.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship; family business; leadership; product mix; sweets; confectionary.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055593
   
  
• The emergence and evolution of Six Sigma as a management concept: A historical re-examination  
  by Dag Øivind Madsen  
  Abstract: There is a large body of literature on Six Sigma, which is a management concept that was introduced during the 1980s as an approach to reducing defects and errors. In the existing literature, there are conflicting views on Six Sigma's evolution and development. While there is a consensus that Six Sigma was one of the biggest management fashions of the 1980s and 1990s, there is disagreement about whether Six Sigma should be considered a short-lived management fad or whether it represents a lasting trend in management practice. This paper attempts to reconcile different perspectives and viewpoints in the literature and provide an up-to-date status report on Six Sigma, considering the latest developments in theory and practice. This allows for a more balanced account of the concept's historical and current status.
  Keywords: Six Sigma; Management Concept; Diffusion; Evolution; Management Fashion.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055656
   
  
• Advanced process control for pulsed GMAW process of aluminium  
  by Mohammadreza Mollaei 
  Abstract: In aluminium welding, the effect of inputs on the outputs and the effect of the intertwine between them has led to many problems in controlling the aluminium welding process by GMAW. For this purpose, this article uses a static decoupling method. For this purpose, control over the width of the welding wire and the feeding speed of the welding wire is performed using the PID controller. Considering two-input and two-output in pulsed GMAW process of aluminium, the steps required to design a conventional Multi-loop PID controller are presented. PID is designed according to various algorithms such as IMC and Ziegler Nichols and optimal criteria and decoupled loops. We also use Smith's predictive control. Then we design the MPC control for the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. Using static decoration maker, the effect of action between inputs and outputs is significantly reduced. and the optimal output is achieved.
  Keywords: Multi-loops controller; PID controller; MPC controller; Optimum controller.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10055941
   
  
• Remanufacturing of end-of-life laptop based on remaining useful life prediction and quality grading with random forest and cluster analysis  
  by Gurunathan Anandh, Shanmugam Prasanna Venkatesan, Domnic Sandanam, Santosh Awaje 
  Abstract: A laptop remanufacturer typically performs recovery, disassembly, functional testing, grading and repair/replacement of parts. The remaining useful life (RUL) of the EOL laptop parts is evaluated and quality graded with the usage statistics to decide the repair/replacement options. Research on RUL prediction and quality grading of EOL laptop parts deserves research attention. This research aims to develop a decision support tool (DST) in Microsoft Excel interfaced with Python for RUL prediction and quality grading of laptop hard disk drive (HDD) and lithium-ion battery (LiB). Random forest (RF) is used for RUL prediction, and the K-means clustering algorithm is applied for quality grading using sample datasets obtained from the online dataset repositories. Typically, a laptop remanufacturer is unfamiliar with machine learning (ML) algorithms; thus, developing a simple user interface is vital. The RF and clustering analysis results suggest that the predicted and experimental values are highly correlated.
  Keywords: laptop remanufacturing; remaining useful life; RUL; quality grading; machine learning; ML; hard disk drive; HDD; lithium-ion battery; LiB.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056036
   
  
• Unpacking the Impact of Rapid Delivery and Product Uniqueness on Quick Commerce Business Success using PLS SEM  
  by Bharathithasan S, SakthiSrinivasan K 
  Abstract: E-commerce is a fast-growing industry with a wide range of products and services. It has become an important part of our daily life. In recent years, e-commerce has become one of the most important industries in the world. In this context, it has become a vital part of the global economy. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art in the field of quick commerce. The main objective of this paper is to provide comprehensive analysis on quick commerce in India. This paper is based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), which is now frequently employed in behaviour intention of customers. The study was conducted through cross-sectional, once-at-a-time, quantitative consumer data collected for the study and statistically analysed. The data from the respondents were evaluated using the statistical program PLS 3.0. The results of this study provide the foundation for subsequent research on Q-commerce in developing countries; the research results indicate that there are noteworthy association in product quality and convenience of fast commerce services. The findings of this research can provide valuable insights to managers and business owners in this rapidly growing market.
  Keywords: e-commerce; business services; internet services; delivery services; information; product quality.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056038
   
  
• Exploring the Items for Measuring Cashless Transactions Behaviour Construct Related to Cognitive Attitudes  
  by Hamidah A.B. Rahman, Razali Hassan 
  Abstract: Consumers' cognitive attitudes require important aspects for the formation of behavioural models for cashless transactions. This research aims to use exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to validate an instrument. The questionnaire used was gathered from experts and adapted from previous studies. It consists of eight components relevant to the formation of cognitive attitudes. 105 responses to the questionnaire were collected. EFA was evaluated separately for each of the eight constructs. For all constructs, the Bartlett's test of sphericity was below 0.05, factor loading was also greater than 0.6, The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy was greater than 0.6 (sample size was sufficient) and all constructs items had Cronbach's alpha values more than 0.7 that indicating reliable. In this study, consumers from Kolej Komuniti Malaysia were measured using a valid and reliable cashless transaction behaviour instrument and will be used as a model to develop consumer behaviour in a cashless society.
  Keywords: cashless transactions behaviour; cashless society; exploratory factor analysis; EFA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056087
   
  
• Are direct and indirect real estate markets integrated? Empirical evidence from India  
  by Sharmiladevi R, Swamy Perumandla 
  Abstract: The property market’s diversity, complexity, and link to the nationwide economy have prompted a more thorough investigation into its functioning. This study aims to investigate dynamic linkage between direct and indirect real estate (RE) markets using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing cointegration approach. Further, Granger’s causality test was employed to know the impact of changes in one market on the other by using on quarterly data from April 2010 to December 2022. Granger’s causality test results demonstrate no unidirectional or bidirectional relationship, and the coefficient of correlation has a negative association, showing that direct and indirect RE markets are independent of one another in short-run. From ARDL bound testing, it was observed that direct and indirect RE markets are cointegrated in long-run. This implies that these two RE investment vehicles are substitutable. The study plays a vital role for the investors and portfolio managers to look at the addition of both assets in their portfolios when making well-informed portfolio selection and allocation decisions.
  Keywords: real estate market; autoregressive distributed lag; ARDL; cointegration; risk; return; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056137
   
  
• Economic Sustainability in the Indian States: A Quantitative Approach Based on Business Intelligence  
  by Bharathithasan S, SakthiSrinivasan K 
  Abstract: This study looks at how financial access, commercial knowledge, technology, and risk-taking attitude effect economic sustainability in the Indian state of north Tamil Nadu, with microbusiness financial growth acting as a mediating element. Access to finance, business competency, technological competency, financial risk taking attitude, financial development of microbusiness, and economic sustainability make up the research model for this study. Using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and Smart PLS, the data was analyzed based on respondent input. It has been observed that sustainability in economic growth depends on the interest of the entrepreneurs towards business, risk taking knowledge and factors that facilitate the growth of the organization in financial aspects. The results also indicate that economic sustainability of business also depends on internal and external sources of knowledge.
  Keywords: Economic Sustainability; Financial Access; Business Competency; Technological Competency; Risk-Taking Attitude.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056414
   
  
• Bibliometric Analysis of the International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking: Thematic Evolution  
  by Vihas Vijay, Sathish Arumbi Saravanan 
  Abstract: This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking (IJPMB) using Scopus, focusing on output, citation impact, collaboration patterns and thematic evolution from 2005 to 2023. The study found that the journal has published 348 articles covering a wide range of topics, with a high citation impact and collaborations with various institutions. The analysis also revealed emerging trends and research constituents through co-citations, co-occurrences, and thematic evolution analyses. R studio and VOS viewer were utilized to conduct the study. These data provide additional insight into the publication patterns, citation structures, and collaborative characteristics of the journal and contribute to a deeper understanding of the field of process management and benchmarking.
  Keywords: journal analysis; bibliometric review; scopus; citation impact; collaboration patterns; thematic evolution; R studio; VOS viewer; h index; g index.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10056613
   
  
• Exploring the Impact of Hybrid Work Model on Employee Productivity among IT Professionals: the Mediating Role of Employee Engagement  
  by Rajeswari A, Pulidindi Venugopal 
  Abstract: The hybrid work model that combines remote and onsite work has grown in popularity in recent ages due to technological improvements and shifting work preferences. This paper aspires to analyse the mediating effect of employee engagement (EE) in the relationship between hybrid work model (HWM) and employee productivity (EP). Data were collected from 345 IT professionals employed in corporate companies. The association between the constructs were examined using PLS-SEM. From the study, it is disclosed that there is a positive association between HWM and EP. Also, the construct EE mediates the linkage between the two variables. The results indicate that hybrid model is a promising approach that can benefit both employees and organisations if implemented thoughtfully and can buffer productivity through engaging employees in the organisation. The Study extends its novelty by analyzing EE and EP in a hybrid work context where meagre empirical studies were conducted so far.
  Keywords: hybrid work model; HWM; employee productivity; employee engagement; new normal; flexibility; blended work arrangement.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057018
   
  
• Financial Flexibility, Managerial Efficiency and Firm Performance- An Empirical Analysis on a Sample of Indian Listed Textile Industries  
  by Avula Sreenivasulu, Rajesh Mamilla 
  Abstract: The confounding effects of financial flexibility on corporate capital remain in research and practice as hold controlled elections. The objective of this study is to use the modified financial flexibility index to portray the current characteristics of the listed textile industries of the Indian stock market. Indian indexed firms tend to pay attention to the new pecking order theory when seeking external lending rather than lending to external debt for Indias undeveloped bond markets. This study investigates financial flexibility, managerial efficiency, and firm performance. This can provide insights into how these factors affect the financial performance of firms, which can be helpful for practitioners and policymakers. This paper examines a sample of a listed group in India that has modified its economic flexibility indicators to strengthen the Japanese capitals market situation. This ensures that Indian index companies improve money market integration from a global perspective.
  Keywords: financial flexibility; customised financial flexibility indicator; FFI; firm's performance; management effectiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057019
   
  
• Effects of management effectiveness, firm life cycle, and financial flexibility on firm's performance  
  by Avula Sreenivasulu, Rajesh Mamilla 
  Abstract: A firm's financial flexibility (FF) is directly impacted by several restrictions on its financing strategy because the stock exchange in emerging nations is still evolving. By employing customised financial flexibility indicator (FFI), this research explores the connection between managerial efficiency (ME) at various periods of the corporate life span and the firm's performance, as well as the association with FF and the firm's performance. The judgment matrix technique is used to at least deliver realistic predictions in line with firm situations having less than 12% faults in comparison to the real weights, it is challenging for this analysis to determine the accurate weights on every component in assessing FF. By changing a range of weights and parameters, this customised FFI is especially ideal for firms subject to specific distinct financial reporting rules. This research could be useful to practitioners in understanding the management structure used by firms in developing nations.
  Keywords: financial flexibility; customised financial flexibility indicator; FFI; firm's performance; management effectiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057026
   
  
• Analyzing Ways of Technological Growth Enables the Usage of Industry 5.0 In the Market.  
  by Shayrine H, Pulidindi Venugopal 
  Abstract: 'Industry 5.0' is an emerging concept in the new era of industrialisation. Technological growth can certainly enable new advances in industry and manufacturing, and it is likely expected that it enhances increased automation, digitisation, and connectivity in Industry 5.0-related sectors. It is crucial to think about the potential advantages and disadvantages of these developments, as well as how they will affect society, the workforce, and the market as a whole. Analysis of technical growth has a positive impact on the industry. It aids in improving the business's structure. As a result, fresh business concepts must be developed to improve organisational culture. Survey analysis is significantly measured with the help of the primary quantitative method. The survey has been done on the employees being in 85 in numbers with the help of SPSS. This research study helps to analyse the use of different techniques to enhance the growth of the industry. Therefore, it is highlighted that the production of higher quality products in low-cost investment has to be generated in the fourth revolution of the industry due to the use of digital technology. The analysis shows a strong linkage between the two constructs.
  Keywords: fourth revolution of industry; Industry 5.0; green revolution; industrial growth; demographic analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057143
   
  
• Application of Sustainability to Supply Chain and Transportation Management: Company Case Study and Exploratory Consumer Survey of Attitudes towards Hybrid Vehicles  
  by Alan D. Smith  
  Abstract: In recent years, organizations have felt increasing pressure from regulatory agencies and their customers to identify and establish programs that improve sustainability both within the company and throughout their entire supply chain. Customers are doing more research into the organizations that they are purchasing from and are likely to alter their purchasing habits if an organization does not commit to sustainability at some level. This present research effort was divided into a case study of best business practices of 2 multinational organizations that operate in and around the Pittsburgh region and compare their approached to sustainability. An empirical study (n = 1,105) was used to gauge a factor-based dependent construct, hybrid-vehicle interest. Significant relationships among fuel characteristics and hybrid vehicle purchase intent/affordability were found. The firms were compared into solutions and managerial implications of the selected transportation, packaging, renewable resource, social, and local sustainability strategies.
  Keywords: business case study; empirical study; hybrid vehicles; gasoline branding and quality; renewable energy; sustainability; supply chain management (SCM).
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057201
   
  
• Sway of Demographics on Technology Adoption and Project Efficiency in IT Sector : PLS SEM  
  by Prasad Babu P, Vasumathi Arumugam 
  Abstract: This study seeks to investigate the impact of demographic variables such as age, education, and experience on performance efficiency of IT sector. The research employed a quantitative approach by collecting data from respondents working in various IT organisations. Chi-square analysis revealed that there was no significant association between age and performance efficiency, suggesting that age is not a significant predictor of employee performance in IT industry. The data from the respondents were evaluated using statistical program PLS 4.0. The results of this study provide foundation for subsequent research on adoption of artificial intelligence in developing countries; research results indicate that there are noteworthy association in improving project efficiency in IT sector. Finally, the analysis revealed that the demographic factor of years of experience had an important positive sway on the cost of the project.
  Keywords: project efficiency; demographic profile; adopting technology AI; IT sector.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057209
   
  
• Understanding the role of brand love:An Benchmarking of Indian higher education system  
  by Sathish Arumbi Saravanan, R. Venkatesakumar, Venkata Subbaiah Potala 
  Abstract: Indian higher education system experiences vast degree of changes, particularly in the engineering education sector. Many institutions are on the verge of closing. Admissions trend is continuously declining in the recent times in the engineering education. One of the major reasons for reduced popularity among students is the failure of institutions to fulfil their promises. The students join the institution with high degree of expectations, but as the time progresses, they get dissatisfied with the experiences gained. Current research aims to investigate the perceived difference between the pre and final year students on the predictors of satisfaction and brand love. PLS-MGA is used to bring out the group differences on the predictors of satisfaction and brand love between the groups. The data analysis brought out significant differences between the groups on the influence of career opportunities on satisfaction, satisfaction on alumni support and word of mouth on brand love.
  Keywords: brand love; satisfaction; word-of-mouth; alumni support; moderator.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057210
   
  
• Workforce Creativity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: A Systematic Review, Retrospection and Future Research Dimensions  
  by Dineshbabu M, Bijay Prasad Kushwaha 
  Abstract: The present study aims to conduct systematic literature review (SLR) on employee creativity, organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Further, it also examines the past, present and future research directions in this research area. The literature was accessed through the Scopus search technique and eight steps of the SLR approach were applied followed by content analysis to select 51 research papers. The findings revealed that OCB with employee creativity is essential for forging bonds with both employers and employees and attaining both the organisation's financial and non-financial goals. This study contributes to the understanding of the theoretical model that can be used to inspire further study. We developed a theory by posing practically novel research problems, highlighting the constraints of our study, and providing practical consequences for researchers. The antecedents and consequences of OCB and employee creativity are also presented. The future research dimensions are discussed and presented.
  Keywords: organisational citizenship behaviour; OCB; employee creativity; workforce creativity; systematic literature review; SLR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057282
   
  
• Factors driving Well-being at Workplace through the Process of Psychological Capital  
  by Nilima Priyadarshini, Jagadeesha Marigowda, Samir Kumar Nanda, Potnuru Rama Krishna Gupta 
  Abstract: The present research examines the link between organisational virtuousness (OVR) and perceived organisational support (POS) towards enhancing well-being at workplace. Further, this research also explores psychological capital (PSC) as a mediator on the hypothesised links. 407 responses were collected from the employees of selected cement manufacturing plants in Odisha, India using perception-based surveys. The research model was evaluated through structural equation modelling (SEM). Based on the empirical results, the hypothesised links between the model constructs were found positive and significant. Also, the results indicate the partial mediating effect of PSC on the hypothesised paths. The study findings provide new insights to the scholarly community to better understand the concept of well-being at workplace, especially in emerging markets. In the long-run, employee well-being leads to positive outcomes for the manufacturing organisations that are competitive and demand high-levels of productivity and commitment.
  Keywords: virtuousness; process; organisational support; well-being; PsyCap.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057284
   
  
• Assess supply chain performance post-COVID-19  
  by Abdullah Alkhoraif 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive synthesis and analysis of the extant literature about the degree of supply chain integration. Three key inquiries warrant examination: 1) What are the underlying factors that contribute to differences in defining various levels of supply chain integration?; 2) Within the context of supply chain management, what are the factors that give rise to discrepancies in defining different degrees of integration?; 3) When it comes to supply chain integration, what are the bases for variations in defining different levels of integration? To comprehensively examine the scope of supply chain integration and its influence on chain efficiency, a systematic approach was employed to analyze 293 research studies ultimately narrowing it down to 127 spanning from Jan 1st, 2015 until January 2023. These studies were sourced from a range of reputable platforms. The study yielded a significant inventory of dimensions, performance.
  Keywords: supply chain performance; supply chain integration; SCI; supplier integration; post COVID-19 supply chain.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057415
   
  
• Empowering womens financial well-being: the role of financial literacy and decision making in wealth creation  
  by Reganti Lavanya, Rajesh Mamilla 
  Abstract: Financial literacy and decision-making skills are crucial for managing finances effectively. Women often face challenges due to social, cultural, and economic barriers that limit access to education and financial resources, leading to lower financial literacy and difficulty making informed decisions for wealth creation. However, recent research indicates that financial literacy and effective financial decision-making skills can significantly impact women’s wealth creation. Financial decision making mediates financial literacy and wealth creation, enabling women to make conscious decisions and navigate the complex economic landscape. This work seeks to explore the role of financial literacy in women’s wealth creation through financial decision making as a mediator. The literature review highlights the significance of financial decision making in promoting women’s financial empowerment, offering implications for policymakers and practitioners working towards improving women’s financial well-being.
  Keywords: financial literacy; financial decision making; financial well-being; women’s wealth creation; financial choice.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057416
   
  
• Financial Flexibility through Bibliometric Analysis: An innovative and systematic review in the Global context  
  by AVULA SREENIVASULU, Rajesh Mamilla 
  Abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the bibliometric characteristics of previous studies on the topic of financial flexibility. The data was compiled with the help of the Scopus database. The current study employs techniques such as citation network analysis. For clustering, keyword analysis and co-citation are used. The analysis is carried out using VOS Viewer and R Software. Using various keywords, literature was searched, and 208 papers are found between the years 2008 to 2022. From the study period, it was observed that a large number of articles were published in the year 2021, the highest-rated journal is the Journal of Corporate Finance, and the author Graham, J.R. has (2321) citations. The most used keywords were financial flexibility, capital structure, investments, and finance. Concerning country-wise publications, the USA, and China stood first and second France stood in the last position.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; capital structure; financial inclusion; financial flexibility; R Software; VOS viewer.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057442
   
  
• RAMIFICATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER ON TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS AMONG SCHOOL TEACHERS  
  by M. PRIYANKA, R. Indradevi 
  Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been a widespread workplace health issue for employees as they have become more prevalent among instructors in recent years. One of the occupations that experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is teaching. MSDs seem to be more common among schoolteachers than other occupations. Teachers have a big influence on students’ lives. All pupils’ academic achievement depends profoundly on their teachers. It is getting harder and harder to be a teacher. Teachers’ health, wellbeing, work attitudes (such as job satisfaction), and turnover are all impacted by stress and musculoskeletal disorders. This, in turn, has an impact on how effectively the teacher teaches. The purpose of this study is to identify the many musculoskeletal issues that teachers deal with as a result of their workstation, posture, etc. The study also looked at the impact of musculoskeletal issues on teachers teaching efficiency, which has a direct impact on students’ capacity for learning. The study’s conclusions identified a relationship between successful instruction and musculoskeletal disorders.
  Keywords: musculoskeletal disorder; MSD; schoolteacher; body posture; workstation; teaching effectiveness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057443
   
  
• Measuring Customer Experience Towards Bancassurance in an Emerging Market Economy: Empirical Evidence from India  
  by Amrutha S, V. SANTHI 
  Abstract: Bancassurance has emerged as a potential source for the promotion of insurance products. Bancassurance is a win-win strategy for all the stakeholders of banks and insurance companies, thereby impacting the entire economy. This study attempts to explore customer experience related to the bancassurance channel in an emerging economy like India. The study is based on primary data collected using a structured questionnaire from customers buying insurance policies through different commercial banks. The data have been collected from bank customers and structural equation modelling (SEM) using SMART PLS is used for data analysis. The study mainly focuses on seven variables that impact the customer experience in which reliability of the distributive channel, after-sale service, accuracy of the channel, and customer trust positively impact the customer experience. The study shows that consumers have positive experiences purchasing insurance through the bancassurance channel.
  Keywords: bancassurance; bank; customer experience; insurance; India; emerging market; structured equational model; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057582
   
  
• The title role of postharvest handling practices in augmenting the supply chain efficiency of apples in the Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand.  
  by Aanchal Sharma Lamba, Ajay Sharma 
  Abstract: Postharvest handling practices have attracted renewed research interest. This concern underlines the imperative of comprehending the impact of postharvest handling practices on enhancing supply chain efficiency of apples in the Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand.. Using random sampling technique, the impact of postharvest handling practices on the supply chain efficiency of apples was examined. Out of 455 questionnaires, 385 questionnaires were used for data collection. Exploratory factor analysis was used to lessen the number of factors to be considered in this study. Regression analysis was employed to understand the association between postharvest handling practices and supply chain efficiency of apples. The research outcomes show that postharvest handling practices influence the supply chain efficiency of apples positively and significantly. The researchers have also stated the practical and theoretical connotations of the investigation conclusions.
  Keywords: apples; postharvest handling practices; cleaning; sorting and grading; packaging; cold chain storage facility; transportation; supply chain efficiency.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057653
   
  
• Post-harvest technology as a moderator between post-harvest handling and supply chain efficiency: A Theoretical framework for Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand State of India  
  by Aanchal Sharma Lamba, Ajay Sharma 
  Abstract: This research paper examines whether post-harvest technology moderates the relationship between post-harvest handling and supply chain efficiency of apples in Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand or not. The sample size was 459 and 409 responses were used for the study. The researchers distributed the semi-structured questionnaires to the respondents (apple growers). Descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation, and simple linear regression (SLR) techniques were put in use for the data analysis process. It has been disclosed that post-harvest handling is significantly and positively related to supply chain efficiency of apples. It has also been revealed that post-harvest technology acts as a moderator between post-harvest handling and supply chain efficiency of apples in Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand. The limitation of the study is only Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand and only apple fruits have been considered in the research study.
  Keywords: post-harvest handling; PHH; post-harvest technology; PHT; supply chain efficiency; SCE; apple growers; Dehradun and Uttarkashi Districts of Uttarakhand; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057654
   
  
• Does the Extended Value-Added Intellectual Capital components impact the Profitability of Indian Agribusiness Companies  
  by Vaishnavi Balaji, Rajesh Mamilla 
  Abstract: This research examines how intellectual capital components influence the financial viability of Indian agribusinesses. This is one of the most recent studies that examine the profitability and intellectual capital of Indian agricultural companies. The proposed extended value-added intellectual capital model measures intellectual capital. Data were gathered from 20 agricultural businesses listed in the NIFTY 500 index between 2011 and 2022 using Prowessiq (CMIE) and the annual reports. The fixed effects regression model is deployed in this research. The research outcomes specify that the most crucial variables with a substantial favourable influence on the profitability of Indian agribusinesses are innovation capital efficiency and human capital efficiency. The other variables, relational capital efficiency, capital employed efficiency and structural capital efficiency, also significantly impact financial performance. Companies should value and invest in their intellectual capital components to enhance financial performance.
  Keywords: capital employed efficiency; Indian agribusiness; innovation capital efficiency; human capital efficiency; profitability; relational capital efficiency; structural capital efficiency.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10057876
   
  
• Cross-border e-commerce purchase intentions among Malaysian consumers  
  by Alex Thomas, Yen Nee Goh, Chee Ngee Lim 
  Abstract: Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has grown gradually in Malaysia. This research examines the factors affecting Malaysian consumers' CBEC purchasing intention using the extended technology acceptance model (TAM). Perceived ease of use significantly affects perceived usefulness, while trust minorly impacts the CBEC purchase intention. All the hypotheses proposed are supported, except the perceived ease of use has no significant effect on the attitude towards CBEC. The CBEC retail platform must be user-friendly and accessible to the customers. The product information quality perceives privacy and security are directly related to the consumers' trust. Trust increases in CBEC when the privacy of consumers is assured. This paper extends the literature on CBEC and sheds light on the drivers of CBEC purchase intention in Malaysia.
  Keywords: cross-border e-commerce; CBEC; perceived ease of use; PEOU; perceived usefulness; purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058014
   
  
• MIF: a mapping approach based on the combination of VSM 4.0 and Shingo Production Engine applied in a case study of Brazilian Logistics Distribution Center.  
  by Fabiano Nunes, Leonardo Paulos Chiká, Cristopher Santos 
  Abstract: This article presented a value stream mapping approach based on the combination of Shingo's production mechanism and VSM 4.0 to assist in the detailed identification of activities that add and do not add value to operational flows. The intralogistics flows were mapped from the receipt to the storage of materials, as well as the picking order flow to the loading of transport equipment. In this practical application, the approach produced satisfactory results because, in addition to adding value to the flows (3.83% to 6.88%), the digitisation/automation rate (3.23% to 2.44%), use of information rate (0%) and rate of access to information (3.23% to 2.5%). The operators' memory was used as an informational means in both flows (95.77% to 97.56%) and the non-human and human resources used were also identified. The MIF aims to contribute to the identification of waste in operations management.
  Keywords: Shingo production mechanism; VSM 4.0; value stream mapping approach; intralogistics; digital VSM; dynamic VSM; DVSMS; process.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058018
   
  
• Current state and future directions of consumer online data protection and consumer privacy: A bibliometric study  
  by Malathi A, Mohamed Jasim 
  Abstract: The increased use of consumers' personal data in online and digital marketing to personalise advertising and so on has invited attention to consumer data breaches, consumer data protection and privacy. The purpose of this research is to review existing literature on consumers' online data protection and privacy. The dataset for the analysis includes 521 research articles collected from Scopus database from the period 2000 to 2023. The data are analysed using VOS Viewer and Biblioshiny based on co-occurrence keyword, citation and co-citation. The study also analysed the trend topics, three field plot relations between authors, keywords, and sources and multi-correspondence analysis (MCA) by considering keywords. The two main topics like the steps and regulations taken by the government across the countries to protect customer data and privacy, building trust on companies/marketers by data protection are addressed at the end of discussion. The study indicates there is more emphasis on the theme of data protection and privacy. Most importantly, many researchers focus on policy and legal issues about online data protection and privacy. Recent research topics focus on privacy by design, technologies in privacy and privacy strategies.
  Keywords: information privacy; consumer privacy; bibliometric analysis; data protection.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058021
   
  
• Dimension of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) enhanced competitive Reputation by Integrating Academic Analytics  
  by Mallikharjuna Rao Nuka, Venkata Subbaiah Potala, Sasidhar Choragudi 
  Abstract: Innovation in various disciplines has recently drawn a lot of attention from academics and industry experts. Today, big data use in higher education institutions (HEIs) is of growing interest because education plays a significant role in society. In order to identify trends and categorise the education sector, the study's objective is to conduct a thorough review of big data in HEIs. The study presents promising awareness from an ongoing action research study in reputed engineering colleges in India. The analysis has provided sufficient evidence for the relation between students and HEIs by improving accountability, accuracy and enhanced reputation of HEIs and also bestows the performance evaluation and improvement mechanism, progression Results demonstrated increases performance of HEIs competencies and intrinsic motivations. Integrating academic analytics with big data framework that connects the theoretical, big data attributes and examined effects and students' perceptions.
  Keywords: higher educational institutions; HEIs; academic analytics; big data; accountability; accuracy; data analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058127
   
  
• X-Generation SHG Women Entrepreneurs Behavioural Practises - Application on Theory of Planned Behaviour using CB-SEM with Modification Indices  
  by Bedaduri Ramamurthy, Subhendu Kumar Pradhan 
  Abstract: This study focuses on analysing the self-help group (SHG) self-employed women of Generation X in terms of marketing, services, accounting, and strategy. The major goal is to utilise planned behaviour theory in the framework of AMOS structural equation modelling to get a thorough knowledge and evaluation of these entrepreneurial behaviours. Modification indices are used to assess the model's fit, and numerous metrics are used to assure the study's validity, including Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), validity, and reliability. Path analysis is used to evaluate theories and look into how modification indices affect how well a model fits in AMOS. According to the research, Generation X SHG women business owners regularly participate in promotional efforts. The results emphasise the significance of understanding and supporting the commercial objectives of Generation X SHG women entrepreneurs. They also have important implications for future entrepreneurship research.
  Keywords: X generation; women; entrepreneur; SHG; AMOS; measurement model; structural equation modelling; CB_SEM; modification indices; behavioural practices.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058200
   
  
• The Dark Side of Organization Identification: Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis on Toxic Leadership on Employee's Behaviour  
  by Emily Maria K. Jose, Bijay Kushwaha 
  Abstract: This study uses a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to summarise and synthesise the past, present, and future research of toxic leadership and its impact on employee behaviour. Seventeen documents are extracted from the Scopus database to conduct a systematic literature review. Further, it examines the cause-and-effect relationship between Toxic leadership and employee behaviour. This study suggests that the literature on toxic leadership has five dimensions: authoritarian leadership, abusive supervision, narcissism, abusive supervision, and unpredictability. The emerging themes are psychological safety, toxic organisational environment, employee engagement and performance, and turnover intention. The variable reviewed in this research is leadership, toxic leadership, employee behaviour, and workplace behaviour published between 2020 and 2023. The future researcher directions are presented and discussed.
  Keywords: leadership; toxic leadership; employee behaviour; workplace behaviour; abusive supervision.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058293
   
  
• Benchmarking the Contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products towards Sustainable Livelihood and Regional Development  
  by Tumula Dilleswar Rao, N.V.J. Rao 
  Abstract: The present study examines the effect of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) towards enhancing community capacity building, balanced regional development, and sustainable livelihood of the selected regions from an emerging market perspective. SEM analysis was applied to validate the hypothesised model using 471 responses drawn from survey participants. In this regard, the findings reveal a positive and significant link between all the study constructs that render affirmation to the research model. Further, community capacity building plays a mediating role in the link between NTFPs and sustainable livelihood and NTFPs and balanced regionals development. The results and findings were compared with prior studies in the similar domain that provides a strong justification to place novel contribution of this study in extending the domain knowledge. Also, the findings provide insights to managers and policymakers to benchmark and devise strategies for effective commercialisation of NTFPs that can contribute towards regional development and better livelihood.
  Keywords: non-timber; sustainable livelihood; benchmark; capacity building; regional development.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058294
   
  
• The Adoption Intention of Industrial Robots in Indian ACMCs: An empirical study  
  by Poornima Sehrawat, Hemantkumar P. Bulsara 
  Abstract: This research assess the adoption intention of InRb in ACMCs with the employee’s perspective using technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework. This paper examines the adoption intention as well as potential use of InRb in auto component manufacturing organisations by conducting surveys of 403 employees and managers of Indian ACMCs. The finding shows that perceived usefulness, perceived intelligence, commitment to learn, perceived trust, perceived ease of use, and personal innovativeness are the special predictors of InRb adoption intention. This paper shows the negative effect of perceived ease of use on perceived usefulness. Furthermore, the study explains the positive effect of stickiness as a moderating factor on the adoption intention of InRb and its potential use. This work also provides managerial contribution by highlighting the reasons for the adoption intention of InRb and its potential use in Indian ACMC where the advanced technology adoption is at a very emerging stage.
  Keywords: Industry 4.0; automated industrial robots; adoption intention; AND; actual adoption; auto component manufacturing organisations; ACMCs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058384
   
  
• Readiness Assessment Framework of Blockchain adoption: A case of Automotive Industry  
  by Gopika Reghu, Albi Thomas, M. Suresh 
  Abstract: This paper aims to study the readiness of automobile manufacturing industry in adoption of blockchain technology through multi-grade fuzzy approach. A case organisation is selected, and conceptual model is developed by identifying 67 attributes, ten criteria and four enablers. The framework helps in categorising the attributes that are important and lists the attributes that are important and need attention. Through this study, it is found that the case organisation has to focus on eighteen attributes which include data security, consensus of the stakeholders, immutability of data, data recovery being a few of them. The developed framework will help in continuous assessment of any organisation for blockchain adoption.
  Keywords: blockchain; readiness; automotive organisation; smart operations; technology driven; multi-grade fuzzy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058405
   
  
• Reliability Measures Assessment of Solar Water Heating System Under Copula and General Repair Facilities  
  by Abdulhadi Aminu, Abdul Kareem Lado, Ibrahim Yusuf 
  Abstract: As a result of an increased danger involved with other energy sources like fossil fuels, thermoelectric, nuclear, hydropower, gas thermal, etc., there is a strong increase in the demand for renewable energy on a global scale. Consequently, this paper considered a solar water heating system comprises of four subsystems: these are j panels that woks under b-out-of-j scheme, controller, tank and heat exchanger all combines together in a series-parallel configuration. Unit/subsystem failure is constant and tally with exponential distribution, two repairs are involved, general repair to resolves partially fails state and the copula repair to fixes the system failure. The intents of this study are to examine the system for various reliability measures, including availability, reliability, mean time to failure (MTTF), sensitivity, and cost, as well as to determine how the results of the study will be impacted by repairs. The model’s transition diagram was used to generate the partial differential equations of order one, and are solved using supplementary variable and Laplace transformation techniques. Particular examples are given to justify the obtained results and conclusion was drawn from the findings that copula repair produce higher outcomes than general repair and therefore declared repair for optimal performance of the system.
  Keywords: availability; reliability; mean time to failure; MTTF; sensitivity; costs; solar; heat exchanger.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058423
   
  
• Strategic Management Practices and New Product Performance in the clothing Industry:The Role of Environmental Hostility  
  by Amira Khlil, Said Ettis, Haddad Mohamed 
  Abstract: Companies' strategic management practices have important effects on the success of their newly introduced products. The objective of this research is to examine the association between knowledge management and new product performance of SMEs while integrating the strategic role played by entrepreneurial orientation and customer orientation as mediators and environmental hostility as a moderator. A total number of 96 clothing SMEs firms were surveyed. The SEM-PLS data analysis showed that knowledge management determines the new product performance, entrepreneurial orientation, and customer orientation. The entrepreneurial orientation is a partial complementary mediator of the effect of knowledge management on new product performance. Environmental hostility is a moderator of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and new product performance. Building on these results, this research suggests practical implications and proposes relevant recommendations to strategic managers regarding the formulation and implementation of a successful new product introduction boosted by effective strategic practices.
  Keywords: strategic management; knowledge management; new product performance; entrepreneurial orientation; customer orientation; environmental hostility; clothing industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058424
   
  
• Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Warm and Cold Standby Units in Availability Modeling and Assessment of Complex Series-Parallel Systems  
  by Ibrahim Yusuf, Abdulkarim Muazu Iggi 
  Abstract: This paper presents an in-depth exploration of a mixed standby strategy incorporating both warm and cold standby units for enhancing system availability. The study introduces five distinct serial system configurations, denoted as A, B, C, D, and E, wherein each configuration comprises a main unit along with warm and cold standby units. Differential difference equations are employed to model these systems and calculate their long-run availability. Additionally, the paper determines the optimal configuration based on system availability analysis. The numerical experiments are presented through tables and graphs, revealing that configuration C emerges as the optimal choice. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of incorporating both warm and cold standby units in series-parallel systems, ultimately leading to improved system availability.
  Keywords: warm; cold standby; series-parallel; availability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058821
   
  
• Enhancing MOOC Completion Rates: An Analysis of Instrumental Factors using the MCDM Methodology  
  by Neeraj Chopra, Rajiv Sindwani, Manisha Goel 
  Abstract: Despite notable strengths, the low completion rate in massive open online courses (MOOCs) remains a serious concern for developers and policymakers. Consequently, a need is emerged to conduct a research to investigate factors that play an instrumental role in MOOC completion. Based on elaborative literature review, 18 factors are derived. Further, with the help of a team of experts, the factors were distributed into five broad categories: personal, instructor, social, course, and experiential. The best worst method (BWM) was applied to prioritise the factors instrumental to MOOC completion. Sensitivity analysis was performed on the prioritisation result to determine the robustness. This research is among the pioneering work that has studied the relative significance of broad factors that leads to MOOC completion. On the academic front, the study will extend the knowledge base in the domain of MOOCs. The study will also provide valuable inputs to practitioners and policymakers for designing effective e-learning interventions to boost the overall MOOC completion rate.
  Keywords: massive open online course; MOOC; MOOC completion factors; prioritisation; best worst method; BWM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058978
   
  
• Examining the determinants of FinTech adoption intention: the moderating role of customer advocacy  
  by D. Yuvaraj, Pulidindi Venugopal, Shaply Abdul Kareem, Aswini Priya S 
  Abstract: FinTech is transforming the way financial transactions are dealt with, particularly payments, purchases, and investment services. The purpose of this research is to explore the determinants of FinTech adoption intentions. Additionally, the moderating role of customer advocacy (CAD) between the determinants and adoption intention was also examined. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and task technology fit (TTF) are theoretical models used in this study. Purposive sampling was applied to collect data from 688 respondents. The data is analysed using PLS-SEM and IPMA. Perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), task technology fit (TTF), and trust (TRU) influence FinTech adoption intentions. Finally, customer advocacy moderates task technology fit, trust, and FinTech adoption intention. Trust is the most important predictor, whereas PEOU, TTF, and CAD are the best-performing variables for FinTech adoption intention, based on IPMA. This study contributes to the understanding of FinTech for users, service providers, and practitioners.
  Keywords: adoption intention; customer advocacy; CAD; FinTech; perceived usefulness; PU; task-technology fit; trust.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10058980
   
  
• Present State and Future Directions of Mobile Payments System: A Historical and Bibliographic examination  
  by Varun Kesavan, Sakthi Srinivasan K 
  Abstract: M-payments or mobile payments are fast becoming the norm since they minimise the need for traditional currency in a variety of everyday situations. Seldom have bibliometric studies been conducted in mobile payments research. The aim of this research is to examine the current level of research on M-payment systems. This research targets to provide a comprehensive review of the research on smartphone payments. This study investigates both scholarly articles and open-access studies. The articles published between 2010 and 2022 were selected using the Scopus database. During the first search, 2,400 papers were located, however only 662 were included in the research. The bibliometric analysis is conducted using the Biblioshiny R-studio. Throughout history, there has been a rising tendency in the rate of publishing. India, USA, and China are three major benefactors. Extensive study on mobile payments, mobile payments, financial inclusion, FinTech, and mobile money has been conducted. This examination of mobile payments, mobile payment, FinTech, mobile money, and mobile banking addresses knowledge gaps, organises essential themes, adds to the current literature, and sets the way for future scholars.
  Keywords: payment systems; technological change; mobile payments system; bibliometric analysis; Bibliometrix; Science mapping; Scopus database.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10059098
   
  
• Retrospection of Merger and Acquisition Research in HRM: Science Mapping and Thematic Clustering  
  by Sanober Khan, Shalki . 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to synthesize the literature on merger and acquisition research in human resource management using bibliometric analysis. This study looks at past, current, and future merger and acquisition research in human resource management. The documents are extracted from the Scopus database, and 171 documents are chosen for bibliometric analysis using the PRISMA technique. To identify the most influential document and authors, citation analysis is performed. The most prolific writers and sources are identified using productivity analysis. The four thematic clusters of merger and acquisition research in human resource management are discovered using bibliographic coupling. To identify citation patterns and highly referenced texts, co-citation analysis is employed. Additionally, co-occurrence analysis is employed to create the study thematic trends, and word cloud is used to highlight the frequently used keywords in merger and acquisition research in human resource management. The articles outline the directions for further study.
  Keywords: Merger and Acquisition; Human Resources Management; Bibliometric Analysis; Word Cloud; Cooccurrence Analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2023.10059232
   
  
• Benchmarking the financial performance of Indian commercial banks by a hybrid MCDM approach  
  by Pawan Kumar, Deergha Sharma 
  Abstract: The current research has presented a hybrid multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) strategy to assess the financial performance of the ten major commercial banks operating in India from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021. The essential financial performance indicators were obtained from secondary literature and subsequently prioritised using a fuzzified rating scale by applying the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach. The financial condition of chosen institutions was weighted using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The cumulative ranking of the selected banks was eventually determined via interval-valued TOPSIS (IV-TOPSIS). The analysis found that return on equity is the most essential of all the financial performance measures, and Bandhan Bank is the top performer among all the examined banks. The study results have proposed specific financial performance standards and provided a requirement for trailing institutions to improve their financial status. The breadth of the study is crucial for bank management and policymakers in the field of strategic decision-making for sustainable banking systems.
  Keywords: financial performance; fuzzy AHP; TOPSIS; interval-valued TOPSIS; Indian commercial banks.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10049615
   
  
• Qualitative analysis of core functional competencies in Indian manufacturing industry  
  by Rajdeep Singh, Chandan Deep Singh, Talwinder Singh 
  Abstract: Core functional competencies play a major role in the organisations for better competitiveness in the market. These provide a firm's capabilities so that it can perform quickly, with greater flexibility, or with a higher calibre of reliability than competitors. For analysing these factors, various tools and techniques are used like quantitative and qualitative analysis tools. This paper explores the study and analysis of the core functional competencies using various qualitative tools in multi criteria decision making techniques. During the analysis different factors have been identified and categorised on the priority basis using the MCDM techniques which can help the organisation through better insight of core functional competencies.
  Keywords: technical competency; VIKOR; TOPSIS; EDAS; MOORA; SMART.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10049511
   
  
• Benchmarking the metal additive manufacturing processes using integrated AHP-PROMETHEE approach  
  by M. Naveen Srinivas, K.E.K. Vimal 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated MCDM approach for the selection of the best process from the five-metal additive manufacturing (MAM) processes namely selective laser melting, direct metal laser sintering, laser engineered net shaping, electron beam melting, and wire arc additive manufacturing process at low production volume and high production volume scenarios. An integrated approach of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evolution (PROMETHEE) is applied for the selection process. Twenty-four criteria have been identified from the literature and divided into five criteria groups namely process capability, mechanical properties, process efficiency, process economics, and sustainability. Results have shown that the proposed integrated approach can accomplish the goal of this study. According to the authors' knowledge there is no study considering both traditional criteria and sustainable criteria for the selection of the MAM process. This study will help the manufacturer to attain sustainable development goals.
  Keywords: metal additive manufacturing; MAM; AHP; PROMETHEE; traditional criteria; sustainable criteria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050066
   
  
• The role of technology, governance mechanisms, and training in building digital platforms for disabled people's employment  
  by Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi, Phong Le, Nguyen Thi Hoa Hong, Nguyen Thuy Anh, Thai Thanh Ha 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of determinants on digital platform for disabled people and their satisfaction. Data was gathered from 215 disabled people in Vietnam, and structural equation analysis was used to test the relationship. The result reveals that people with disabilities need appropriate training, technology, and governance mechanisms to be able to access digital platforms and be satisfied with working. Out of three factors, governance mechanism is found to be the key determinant impacting digital platform implementation and job satisfaction of disabled persons. Meanwhile, technology has a direct positive influence on building digital platforms but has an indirect impact on job satisfaction.
  Keywords: digital platforms; people with disabilities; training; technology; governance mechanism; job satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050399
   
  
• Identifying business services from small and micro enterprises' collaboration: the activity-based service identification framework  
  by Sertse Abebe, Hossana Twinomurinzi 
  Abstract: In a service-oriented (SO) development paradigm, service identification (SI) occurs earlier to describe service requirements from a business process (BP). There exist several SI strategies. However, they have been devised to identify services from mature BP. There is, therefore, a need for SI strategies that cater to identify services from the emerging heterogeneous collaborative environments such as exist for small and micro enterprises (SMEs). This paper has developed the activity-based SI framework (ASIF) from activity-theory (AT) using design science research (DSR) methods. Guiding the selection and scoping of the collaboration activity, analysing goals and goal-oriented activity (actions), analysing objects, analysing stakeholders and their interactions, analysing rules and division of labour (DOL) within the collaboration processes, and identifying reusable, granular, and composable services are the contextual design principles of ASIF. The framework has been exemplified using a case study on SMEs' peer-to-peer collaborative lending activities in the Ethiopian context.
  Keywords: collaboration service identification; collaboration service requirement analysis; activity-based service identification; SMEs' collaboration process.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10050446
   
  
• Fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR-based justification of factors affecting the performance of the manufacturing industry in North India  
  by Rajdeep Singh, Chandan Deep Singh, Talwinder Singh 
  Abstract: Manufacturing industries in India are under high pressure for their sustainability because of the competition given by other global giants in the market. To fight the competition, companies are adopting various innovative ideas and new technologies. At this stage, core functional competencies can play a better role for the selection of optimal parameters. To find the influential factors, various decision-making methods are used. This paper deals with the selection of the alternatives which are important for the manufacturing industry in North India by using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR techniques. Nine factors have been used for the study. Using the techniques, ranking of alternatives has been done and preference is given.
  Keywords: fuzzy TOPSIS; fuzzy VIKOR; core functional competency; sustainability; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10049823
   
  
• Impact of return policies on the buying behaviour of the customers in e-commerce industry: a study from emerging economy  
  by Saloni Chitkara, Saboohi Nasim, Susmi Routray 
  Abstract: E-commerce is gaining significant importance as customers' preferences for online buying continue to change. The buying and selling of goods and services through the internet is known as e-commerce (or electronic commerce). E-commerce business comprises a variety of information, frameworks, and tools for both online buyers and sellers, ranging from mobile shopping to online payment encryption and beyond. The majority of e-commerce businesses use a web-based platform to manage logistics and performance, as well as conduct online marketing and sales. Because of today's extremely competitive market, a big percentage of whatever is sold has a potential of being returned, which adds to the manufacturer's costs. As a result, in this highly competitive global market with shrinking profit margins and ever-changing customer's preferences, e-commerce organisations are being obliged to establish an effective and well managed return process management. As a result, the objective of our research was to determine the level of customer awareness about return policies, and further research into the impact of e-tailers' return policies on customers' purchasing behaviour. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed among internet shopping regulars for this purpose. Various statistical tools, such as SPSS, were used to analyse the data.
  Keywords: e-commerce; e-tailers; return policies; online shopping.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10051841
   
  
• Lean Technology and Its Impact on Organizational Performance: An empirical examination in Manufacturing Industry  
  by Jobin Vijayan, Radha Ramanan, Rajagopalan Sridharan 
  Abstract: Lean manufacturing (LM) has become a popular manufacturing technology and it has been successfully executed by industries all over the world. It is reported that LM has a high influence on the revenues of many industries. Several studies have been conducted on the implementation of lean manufacturing. However, there is a limited understanding existing in terms of its role to develop employee involvement, management commitment and organisational performance. Hence, the present study addresses this gap in tyre manufacturing industry by conducting a questionnaire based survey. The data analysis was conducted using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The analysis of results show that adoption of lean manufacturing helped to develop employee involvement and management commitment and in turn better organisational performance. This unique understanding of the present study will help the manufacturing companies in the proper implementation of lean manufacturing and to achieve better organisational outcomes.
  Keywords: lean technology; LTECH; employee involvement; management commitment; organisational performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPMB.2022.10046682