Emerald | Journal of Advances in Management Research | Table of Contents

A conjectural variation approach for assessment of competition: a case on Indian commercial banks

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Arun Kumar Misra, Rakesh Arrawatia) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – During the last two decades there have been significant policy changes in the banking system, primarily in the emerging market economies. These changes have impacted the competitive structure of banking. In India, since 1991, gradual reform measures have been initiated to improve efficiency, productivity, competition and stability of the banking sector. There is a requirement for a formal approach to examine level of competition in Indian banking sector after the liberalization. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The article applied the conjectural variation method using 2-stage least square for assessing the degree of competition in the Indian banking system. Findings – The paper finds that competitive condition in the Indian banking sector has been improving 1996. However, big banks with market share more than 1 per cent have been exercising some degree of price mark-up over their marginal cost. Research limitations/implications – Due to the paucity of data competition at the regional level is not analysed which is a limitation of the article. Practical implications – Analysis of competition allows the policy formulators to design proper liberalization measures to ensure greater competition in the banking sector so as to prevent any cartel formation. Social implications – Since the Indian banking sector is monopolistically competitive, the article advocates for more liberalization measures to improve competition in the Indian banking sector. Originality/value – To assess competition the article has covered 53 banks involving more than 90 per cent banking sector assets of the country. Through Lerner Index the article has found that big banks are able to charge a price which is about 30 per cent more than their marginal cost. The conjectural variation method is a monopolistic market structure prevailing in the Indian banking sector.

Analyzing the sourcing alternatives in an Indian manufacturing company

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Srikanta Routroy, Sudeep Kumar Pradhan) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the sourcing alternatives (i.e. supplier development (SD), supplier switching (SS) and in-house production (IP)) in an Indian manufacturing supply chain environment. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 14 attributes are identified through an extensive literature review and discussion held with managers/engineers of different Indian manufacturing companies for analyzing the sourcing alternatives. A systematic methodology is proposed and applied, comprising a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) for analyzing the sourcing alternatives followed by the application of classical analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for result verification. Findings – From the results obtained from both AHP and FAHP, it is established that the SD is the most preferred alternative in comparison to other two alternatives (i.e. SS and IP) for the considered Indian manufacturing environment. Research limitations/implications – The same problem can be extended by incorporating the dynamic behavior of the attributes. The findings cannot be generalized for any other company as it is based on a single Indian manufacturing company. Practical implications – The paper demonstrates a methodology to evaluate the sourcing alternatives considering judgment of multiple experts in a systematic way. It is believed that it will be quite useful for the supply chain manager to analyze sourcing alternatives by capturing his manufacturing environment into priority weights, which can reflect his priority considerations. Originality/value – Although SD, SS and IP have been widely researched individually, no study has been reported in the literature to evaluate and rank these three alternatives in any specific Indian manufacturing environment.

Latent factors among enablers of growth: a study in the context of construction companies in India

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discover the latent factors amongst identified enablers of growth which can enhance growth performance in construction companies in India. Design/methodology/approach – Factor analysis has been used to determine latent factors among the enablers of growth. The data for the analysis were collected through a questionnaire survey administered on 30 leading construction companies in India. Findings – Factor analysis reveals that company systems and processes, customer orientation or value enhancement, future businesses, visionary leadership and intent, and versatile workforce are required to be optimally synergized for growth. Specific task forces or delegation of activities may be setup to look after each one of the above five factors. Research limitations/implications – Focus on these factors will help streamline the structure and functioning of a construction company and help strategise to achieve growth performance. Practical implications – Understanding about priorities in enablers and inhibitors can help firm devise appropriate strategies and action plans. Originality/value – This paper reduces several identified enablers of growth into few factors to practically design appropriate structure and work processes to deliver performance.

Knowledge management strategies, innovation, and organisational performance: An empirical study of the Iraqi MTS

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Laith Ali Yousif Al-Hakim, Shahizan Hassan) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationships among knowledge management strategies, innovation, and organisational performance in the Iraqi mobile telecommunication sector. Design/methodology/approach – Research suggests that knowledge management strategies are essential capabilities for effective innovation and organisational performance. Through analysis of surveys collected from 220 mid-level managers, the present study empirically tested a proposed theoretical framework by estimating structural equation model. Findings – The results show that knowledge management strategies had a statistically significant and direct positive effect on innovation and organisational performance. Most outstandingly, the results indicate that knowledge management strategies had a positive and statistically significant effect on organisational performance through the partial mediation effect of innovation. Originality/value – Conclusions of the present study may help academics and managers in implementing knowledge management strategies in order to enhance innovation and improve organisational performance.

Application of lean manufacturing using value stream mapping in an auto-parts manufacturing unit

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Harwinder Singh, Amandeep Singh) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to address the application of lean manufacturing using value stream mapping (VSM) concepts in an auto-parts manufacturing organization. Using value stream concepts, both current and future states maps of the organization's shop floor scenarios have been discussed to identify sources of waste between the existing state and the proposed state of the selected organization for improving its competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – VSM process symbols were used to discuss lean implementation stages in the auto-parts manufacturing unit. Current states of the selected manufacturing unit were prepared with the help of VSM symbols and improvement areas were identified. A few modifications in current state were made and, with these modifications, a future state map is suggested. Findings – After comparison of the current and future states of the selected manufacturing unit, it has been found that there was 69.41 percent reduction in cycle time, 18.26 percent reduction in work in-process inventory and 24.56 percent reduction in production lead times for the replacement ball product. While for Weldon ball end product 51.87 percent reduction in cycle time, 21.51 percent reduction in work in-process inventory, 25.88 percent reduction in lead time was noted. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this case study are valid due to limited selection of products only. Originality/value – This paper depicts a true picture of the implementation of lean manufacturing tools in an organization.

An analytical case study of an advanced manufacturing system for evaluating the impact of human enablers in its performance

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Bhaskar Nagar, Tilak Raj) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on identifying various human enablers that could influence the performance of a firm using advanced manufacturing systems (AMSs), and to develop a framework to manage them through an analytical case study. Design/methodology/approach – In this work, digraph and matrix technique through case study was utilized for finding the single numerical value, i.e. human enabler index (HEI), for quantifying the impact of human enablers of a firm under consideration using AMSs. Findings – The major finding of this analytical case study is that a firm can identify the weak human-related issues existing in their organizations. The HEI value for the considered organization is found to be low because it does not understand its corporate social responsibility, therefore the necessary decisions/actions may be taken for the performance enhancement and optimal utilization of the human element. In this way, the effectiveness of an AMS can be enhanced without big investments. Research limitations/implications – A larger number of human enablers could be considered for the analysis. However, the ranking has been done on the basis of the survey and expert opinion which may have an element of bias. Practical implications – Analytical case study and the evaluated HEI could be used for quantifying the impact of human enablers in an AMS environment. This index can also be used to rank different organizations according to their capability to extract benefits in manufacturing from human characteristics. Originality/value – The major and unique contribution of this research is to perform an analytical case study of a company using AMSs. Besides this, evaluating the HEI value for the organization, framework for comparison of two organizations and ways to improve its performance have been the unique contribution in its domain.

SWOT of Central Public Works Department India: a case study

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Brijendra Kumar Bharti, Jitesh J. Thakkar) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper to report an analysis of project management issues in Central Public Works Department (CPWD), India. Design/methodology/approach – This research draws on the insights gained through case study development and analysis and interaction with executives of CPWD. Findings – The paper reports on a case study on project management complexities in a typical government body, CPWD, India. The findings indicate that basic project management principles/skills is lacking in projects performed by government departments in India. Research limitations/implications – Delivering of all construction and maintenance project on time, within budget and in accordance to the desired quality had been identified as one of the major challenges in present scenario especially when it comes to any government project. The insights reported in the paper are based on a detailed analysis of one case and hence outcomes are contextual. Originality/value – This research addresses real life complexities in infrastructure project and outlines various risks in such projects.

A study on weak form of market efficiency during the period of global financial crisis in the form of random walk on Indian capital market

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Priyanka Jain, Vishal Vyas, Ankur Roy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to study the weak form of efficiency of Indian capital market during the period of global financial crisis in the form of random walk. Design/methodology/approach – The study considered daily closing prices of S&P CNX Nifty, BSE, CNX100, S&P CNX 500 from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2010. The data source is the equity market segment of NSE and BSE. Both parametric and nonparametric tests (“ex-posts” in nature) are applied for the purpose of testing weak-form efficiency. The parametric tests include Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root tests and nonparametric tests include Phillips-Perron (PP) unit root tests and Run test. ADF tests use a parametric autoregressive structure to capture serial correlation and PP tests use non-parametric corrections based on estimates of the long-run variance of ?Yt. Findings – The results suggested that the Indian stock market was efficient in its weak form during the period of recession. It means that investors should not be able to consistently earn abnormal gains by analysing the historical prices. Hence one should not be able to make a profit from using something that everybody else knows. Practical implications – The study reports that all the stocks in these selected indices are fundamentally strong and their prices are not influenced largely by historical prices and other relevant factors which came from industry and any other information that is publically available. Thus it can be concluded that the Indian stock market was informationally efficient and no investor can usurp any privileged information to make abnormal profits. Originality/value – Where past studies have examined the weak-form of efficiency of various markets and the effect of globalisation and global financial crisis on the various sectors of developing and emerging economies, this paper attempts to study the weak form of efficiency of the Indian capital market in the period of recession in the form of random walk.

A methodology for design for warranty with focus on reliability and warranty policies

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Prashant M. Ambad, Makarand S. Kulkarni) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop a conceptual framework that integrates the technology and commercial issues early at the design stage to minimize warranty costs in the most effective and efficient manner and also to develop a model for optimization of warranty with specific focus on reliability and warranty policies. Design/methodology/approach – The critical issues in warranty are addressed which affect the warranty cost. An optimization model to achieve multiple goals like minimization of the warranty cost and improving the reliability of the product is developed using genetic algorithm as a solution methodology. The model is illustrated with a real case of automobile engine. Findings – The results of the optimization show improvement in mean time between failures (MTBF) which results due to improvement in the product reliability and also the targeted warranty cost is achieved. Research limitations/implications – The model developed needs to be further extended with inclusion of additional decision variable such as support level offered and more objectives such as attractiveness of the warranty from the customer's view point and spares cost to the customer. Originality/value – The paper provides the help to the designers at the design stage to take the decisions related to warranty in deciding the warranty parameters.

Insider Trading: A Few Observations

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Surendra S. Yadav and Ravi Shankar) — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100