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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the complex interrelationships among the key constructs, supply chain orientation (SCO), supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain performance (SCP) in Indian manufacturing industries. These relationships have been studied using the relational view (RV) and the knowledge-based view (KBV) theoretical perspectives.

The conceptual model was derived from the existing body of knowledge in the supply chain domain. The study is based on a sample size of 122 data collected via face-to-face meetings with the Indian manufacturers using well-established scales. The covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

In Indian manufacturing and supply chains, SCO has a positive relationship with SCI and SCP. Moreover, the direct impact of SCO on SCP diminishes when SCI is used as a mediating variable. This study also observes positive impact of: i) SCO on SCP, ii) SCI on SCP and iii) discovery of mediating role of SCI on SCP under the theoretical lenses of RV and KBV.

Cross-sectional survey of manufacturing firms of one country (using one response per firm) calls for validation covering other parts of the world and demands a longitudinal survey. This research will trigger more scholarly, practice and policy debate among researchers studying Indian and emerging economies context.

The notion of a holistic view of the SC with a focus on improving the customer value can enhance strategic partnerships among the SC partners (i.e. SCI) and overall SCP. Firms should make efforts to include SCI in SC designs to successfully transform SCO into SCP.

The originality of the research lies in studying the complex interrelationships among key concepts of SC in a unique Indian manufacturing context. The Indian supply chains operate in a set of unique characteristics, which have been detailed out in this paper. This paper not only establishes the mediating role of SCI for overall SCP in emerging economies but also enhances the scholarly knowledge in the SC domain. Most studies report SCO as a single-order construct, measured by scales comprising of only few items. The second-order SCO measures in this study bring credibility to the findings. Additionally, it contributes to both academicians and practitioners alike in the context of an integrated SC in emerging economies.

This case has four major learning outcomes using hands-on spreadsheet tool. First is to introduce and apply the Clarke and Wright’s Savings algorithm. Second is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis in transportation set up. Third is to find out the optimal route to be taken to fulfill given demand while satisfying time and capacity constraints. Finally, one has to optimize the number of vehicles required for daily operations.

Dhruvam, the protagonist of the case, working at ZeNXL, a third-party logistics service provider, was assigned the task of reducing the operational cost of the company as part of the new service offering called “Route optimization.” This new offering would help optimize vehicle delivery routes to meet daily customer demand. The launch of the new service offering was due in the next 10 days with client LG Electronics to be the first beneficiary.

MBA-1 (Logistics Management), MBA-2 (Route Optimization). This case provides an opportunity for instructors to introduce vehicle routing and scheduling as part of logistics management. Students are expected to use the data given in the case and exhibits to develop the optimal routes (using Clarke and Wright’s Savings algorithm) and conduct cost-benefit analysis. This case also provides insights on the challenges associated with start-up operations.

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics

This paper aims to explore and model the factors of management quality dimension (FMQD) in evaluating banking performance.

The FMQD in evaluating banking performance are explored through the review of literature. The identified factors are modeled using integrated fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) and Matrices’ Impacts Croise’s Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement (MICMAC) approach. Scenario analysis is carried out on the proposed model to study the behavior in a dynamic setting.

The main finding of this study is the prioritization of FMQD in evaluating banking performance. The cohesive model obtained by FCM-MICMAC integrated approach demonstrates that the interlinked factors can be grouped into independent, autonomous, dependent and relay clusters. The results suggest that internal control system is the most influential factor, whereas the business per employee is the most sensitive one in modeling management quality.

This study models the FMQD through expert opinions, and hence, individual bias may influence the results. This study can be further validated through statistical analysis.

The study suggests that practitioners may focus more on these select factors and their mutual interactions to enhance management quality for improving the performance of the banks. The study emphasizes that better clarity and efficient designing of internal processes are the key to management soundness.

This is the first study to explore and model FMQD in banking performance using FCM-MICMAC approach. Validation of the proposed model in a dynamic setting is also relatively new in the banking performance literature.

The study aims to examine the conceptualization of online abuse (OA) and identifies theories, countries of research, top-cited articles, methodologies, antecedents, mediators, outcomes and moderators of OA and future research opportunities. Two research questions are addressed. How have the past studies on OA progressed regarding theories, context, characteristics and methodology? What future research opportunities can be done in this area?

This study systematically reviews, synthesizes and integrates OA literature using the well-recommended preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) rules. The literature on OA was synthesized based on the Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodologies (TCCM) framework given by Paul and Rosado-Serrano.

Through an examination of TCCM used in OA research, the review presents an all-inclusive and up-to-date overview of the research in this arena and sets a future research agenda to spur scholarly research. This systematic literature review has analyzed top-quality sample papers, published in the past decade. As a result, it contributes to a better understanding of this relationship by analyzing the different types of use and the value added to the shopping experience.

This study provides groundwork for researchers and promotes a deeper understanding of OA.

The case depicts an opportunity for undergraduate and postgraduate students to be exposed to the basic digitization of supply chain management, technology adoption, change management and cost-benefit analysis concepts. The study aims to encourage them to use the data given in the case and exhibits to compare and contrast physical and digital supply chains (SC); design the digitized version of the traditional SC; examine the nitty-gritty of technology adoption in the SC context; develop the change management plans for the successful adoption and implementation of SC digitization; design the risk register and Explore the business process management; and conduct the return on investment analysis.

Amber Yen, Chief Operating Officer Apparel Sourcing at Ransys Partners Ltd (RSL), was presented with the task of reducing physical sample production cost and time without impeding order pipeline. RSL was experiencing significant capacity constrain during the COVID-19 crisis, failing to deliver physical samples to international brands. To win large export orders, RSL had to adopt a new innovative way to reduce the sample approval process while meeting customer requirements. Ms Yen wanted to convert the entire sample approval process into a digital mode. She was facing multiple challenges related to the design, implementation and adoption of the digital sample approval process to coordinate the entire SC. She had limited time and was grappling with other impending constraints such as increasing cost, intense competition, demanding customers, shortage of labor due to COVID-19, reducing the bottom line. It was her time to test the idiom “necessity is the mother of innovation”.

The target audience for this case is management or business school students. This case can be used to teach digitization of SC, operations management, organization behavior, digitization of enterprises, IT for business, new service development, supplier management technology adoption, and change management in management or business schools.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

The case depicts an opportunity for students to be exposed to the decision theory concept. The study aims to encourage them to use the data given in the case and exhibits to explore as follows: decision-making under uncertainty; decision-making under risk; compare and contrast uncertainty and risk; and evaluate the value of perfect information EVPI and understand its application in decision-making.

Vikas Teerth, a budding entrepreneur, wanted to venture out into the pineapple business. He had three land plots available, but he would like to take up a single plot after analyzing the possible returns factoring the volatile prices and other impending constraints. He wanted to use the decision-making approaches with the aid of probability to arrive at the best decision. This case helps the instructors to introduce the concept of decision-making under risk and under uncertainty which comes under the preview of decision theory. Students can use the data given in the case and exhibits to do the necessary calculations required and thereby get an insight into the process of calculated decision-making.

This case can teach decision theory in undergraduate-level and graduate-level courses in operations research, decision-making and industrial engineering. It can also be used to discuss issues and challenges faced in start-ups or SME entrepreneurship.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 7: Management Science.

Operations Research and Operation Management.

Undergraduate/MBA/Postgraduate.

The case depicts an opportunity for students to be exposed to optimization techniques using linear programming (LP). This case intends to: generate the LP model (identification of objective function and constraints); apply MS-Excel solver to arrive at an optimal solution; analyse manufacturing scenarios; and plan decision dependencies.

VBK Fibreo Tech Industries was a manufacturer of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) products for industrial and domestic applications. Despite being a new entrant, it managed to exhibit great performance and attract a loyal base of customers. This case brings to light the problem that the company was facing that is demand exceeding capacity. The protagonist of the case Madhav, the Production Manager, was tasked to solve the problem of “product mix”. He was in a dilemma on how to fulfill customer orders while minimizing losses for his company. He knew that while losses were inevitable in the current scenario, they could be minimized with appropriate planning. Students are expected to use data and facts from the case and exhibit to formulate LP, by identifying the objective function and the constraints. They are also encouraged to use MS-Excel solver to find the optimal product mix and understand the decision dependencies.

This case can be used to teach LP in an undergraduate/postgraduate-level course on operations research. Students are exposed to the creation of a mathematical model for optimization and along with devising the implementation plan.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 9: Operations and logistics.