Working towards Supplier Service Quality and EODB: Insights from Indian SMEs

Volume 12 Issue 3 December - February 2018

Research Paper

Working towards Supplier Service Quality and EODB: Insights from Indian SMEs

Surjit Kumar Gandhi*, Anish Sachdeva**, Ajay Gupta***

* Research Scholar, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.

**-*** Associate Professor, Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.

Gandhi,S.K., Sachdeva, A., and Gupta, A. (2018). Working towards Supplier Service Quality and EODB: Insights from Indian SMEs. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(3), 11-30. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.3.13880

Abstract

The formation of manufacturer-supplier partnerships has emerged as a significant and popular competitive strategy in marketing channel relationships. To ensure their operational and financial benefits, small-medium manufacturing enterprises must work closely with the suppliers and the inter-firm linkage between the manufacturer-supplier units may involve all possible forms of economic relationships between them. This study highlights that prior to assess supplier service, the internal working of manufacturing units towards supply function and also ability to provide Ease of Doing Business (EODB) needs to be assessed. 120 executives working in supplier units providing raw materials and other supplies to SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) located in north India responded to a questionnaire survey. The respondents were asked to assess service quality offered by the buyer units towards facilitating the supplier's working and EODB on 1 to 5 Likert scale. Construct validation using exploratory factor analysis showed an interpretable latent structure consisting of 4 determinants and 21 indicators. Confirmatory factor analysis synthesized a purified, valid and reliable service quality measurement scale with 4 determinants and 16 indicators. It was concluded that SMEs need to improve working towards suppliers on four dimensions, viz., Assurance, Communication, Adaptability, and Empathy to carve a win-win situation. The scale thus developed can be used by managers of small-medium manufacturing units in identification of opportunities for assuring service excellence to their suppliers to facilitate their working and improve performance thereby mutually benefitting both partners and the whole supply chain.

Efficiency Analysis of Commercial Banks in India: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis

Volume 12 Issue 3 December - February 2018

Research Paper

Efficiency Analysis of Commercial Banks in India: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis

Mihir Dash*, Vishnopriya Babu**

* Professor of Quantitative Methods, School of Business, Alliance University, Bangalore, India.

** Former Student in Finance, School of Business, Alliance University, Bangalore, India.

Dash, M., and Babu, V. (2018). Efficiency Analysis of Commercial Banks in India: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.3.13879

Abstract

The efficiency of Indian banks has emerged as a key issue in recent years. This study analyses the technical efficiency of banks in India with respect to different input and output factors. The data for the study is collected from the annual reports of a sample of eighteen public sector banks and thirteen private sector banks, for the period of 2007-12. The analysis is based on the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) using the intermediation approach. The inputs considered were Capital, Reserves, Deposits, and Interest Expended, while the outputs considered were Investments, Advances, Interest Income, and Other Income.

The results of the study indicate that public sector banks were significantly more efficient than the private sector banks in the initial year 2007-08 of the study period, and were consistently more efficient than private sector banks throughout the study period, except for the year 2010-11. The results of the study also indicate that private sector banks have worsened in efficiency with respect to interest expended over the study period, while public sector banks have worsened in efficiency with respect to other income over the study period. Thus, the private sector banks must take steps to control their interest expenditure whilst maintaining their outputs, while the public sector banks must take steps to increase their other (noninterest) income whilst controlling their inputs.

A Study on the Relevance of Technical Analysis in Detecting Trading Signals in Indian Equity Markets

Volume 12 Issue 2 September - November 2017

Research Paper

A Study on the Relevance of Technical Analysis in Detecting Trading Signals in Indian Equity Markets

Pavan Kumar Chandrappa*, Triveni P**

* Subject Matter Expert- Financial Services, iNurture Education Solution Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

** Assistant Professor and Head of Research Division, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Chandrappa, P., and Triveni, P. (2017). A Study on the Relevance of Technical Analysis in Detecting Trading Signals in Indian Equity Markets. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(2), 61-68. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.2.13730

Abstract

Often, investors, especially retail investors are confused about the relevance of technical analysis in equity analysis. The usefulness of the concept has been debated, deliberated and censured by several scholars. The fundamental analysts have shunned the theory stating that technical analysis is similar to astrology. Some of the studies conducted by the scholars from universities like Stanford, Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology during 1960's have shown that technical analysis tools are not effective in generating consistent trading signals. Despite all these eruptions, the concept of technical analysis is becoming popular amongst traders and investors. The proposed study attempts to contribute to the ongoing discussions about the relevance of technical analysis in detecting trading signals in stock markets. The study would have an enormous practical impact on investors and brokers and the way they approach the market. The study also tests the scientific orientation behind the technical indicators and some of the strong deliberations happening around the concept.

Human Resource Practices and Commitment of Employees in India's Textile Industry on Context of Management Levels

Volume 12 Issue 2 September - November 2017

Research Paper

Human Resource Practices and Commitment of Employees in India's Textile Industry on Context of Management Levels

Shruti*, N.S. Bhalla**, T.S. Sidhu***, Rajpreet Kaur****, Sanjeev*****

*,***** Research Scholar, Department of Management, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, Punjab, India.

** Director, Department of Management, Global Institute of Management, Amritsar, India.

*** Director, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Technical Campus, Ferozpur, Punjab, India.

**** Assistant Professor, Department of Management, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, Punjab, India.

Shruti., Bhalla, N. S., Sidhu, T. S., Kaur, R., and Sanjeev. (2017). Human Resource Practices and Commitment of Employees in India's Textile Industry on Context of Management Levels. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.2.13724

Abstract

The present study deals with the liberalized and globalised Indian economy, which results into a competitive environment. In the ever changing environment with a highly competitive market economy, the human resources provide an edge to an organization. This paper studies organizational commitment of managerial employees working in Indian textile industry. For the purpose of the research, 227 participants were randomly selected. Organizational commitment was measured by Likert scale. Results revealed that all levels of employees perceive Human Resource (HR) practices and Organizational commitment at the same level. Results show that organizational commitment of employees is affected by four HR practices, training development, compensation, reward and recognition, and welfare activities. The results showed that for the development of any strategy it is necessary to find out its impact on the organizational commitment of the employees.

Determinants of Profitability Performance of Insurance Companies: A Case Study of Selected Insurance Companies in Ethiopia

Volume 12 Issue 2 September - November 2017

Research Paper

Determinants of Profitability Performance of Insurance Companies: A Case Study of Selected Insurance Companies in Ethiopia

D. Guruswamy*, Adugnaw Marew**

* Associate Professor, Department of Accounting & Finance, College of Business & Economics, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia.

** Lecturer, Department of Accounting & Finance, Faculty of Business & Economics, Wachamo University, Hossana, Ethiopia.

Guruswamy, D., and Marew, A. (2017). Determinants of Profitability Performance of Insurance Companies: A Case Study of Selected Insurance Companies in Ethiopia. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(2), 26-44. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.2.13722

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the determinants of profitability performance of selected insurance companies in Ethiopia. The researchers used only secondary data type from selected insurance companies, viz., National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and Ministry of Finance and Economic cooperation (MoFEC). Ten independent variables, viz., i.e. leverage, growth opportunities, business risk, size of the firm, tangibility of assets, liquidity, age of the firm, management efficiency, inflation and GDP, and one dependent variable (return on asset) were used in this study. To see the relationship between dependent and independent variables under the study, explanatory research design was used. To select sample units for the study purposive sampling method was employed. Descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analysis were employed for analysis of collected balanced panel data. The result of the study shows that growth, age, business risk, GDP, inflation and management efficiency are the most vital determinant factors of profitability. GDP, firm growth, inflation and management efficiency has significant and negative relationship with profitability, and age and business risk has significant and positive impact on profitability. Though, liquidity, size, tangibility and leverage have no significant relationship with profitability.

Strategies for Leading a Multi-Generational Organization

Volume 12 Issue 2 September - November 2017

Research Paper

Strategies for Leading a Multi-Generational Organization

Grace Miranda*, 0**

* CEO, Maximizing Leadership Solutions, LLC Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area, USA.

** Associate Professor, University of Phoenix, and CEO, Another Level, LLC, Corona, California Area, USA.

Miranda, G., and Allen, P. (2017). Strategies for Leading a Multi-Generational Organization. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(2), 14-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.2.13720

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to generate innovative strategies that would assist in leading four generations who are currently part of the workforce in the United States. This study builds on the previous research of Marie Legault (2002). Examination of Legault's recommendations for future research included a potential shift in leadership styles, enhancement of competency skills, and how to manage difficulties encountered by persons in leadership roles when significant challenges were ignored. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, and the lived experiences of participants, in two focus groups, this study explored the styles of leadership and competencies that would strengthen the capacity of diverse leaders to lead multigenerational organizations that encounter unique challenges. Significant results from this study support modification of leadership methods and consistent practice of relational soft skills that are critical in the ability to lead multiple generations in modern work environments. Recommendations from this study identify leadership styles and competencies that would enhance the abilities of diverse leaders to demonstrate leadership that is relevant for the multiple generational workforce of the new millennium.

Notions of Ethics in Technology and Design Education

Volume 12 Issue 2 September - November 2017

Research Paper

Notions of Ethics in Technology and Design Education

Tom Page*

*Senior Lecturer, Loughborough Design School, United Kingdom.

Page, T. (2017). Notions of Ethics in Technology and Design Education. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(2), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.2.13718

Abstract

This study examines the awareness of industrial designers and consumers to ethical issues related to product design. It also explores the impact ethics has on consumer behaviour and the design process. Two separate questionnaires were conducted with consumers and industrial designers from the United Kingdom. An interview was also conducted with Dr. Monika Hestad, an expert in the interaction between branding and product design.

The results of the study indicate that those engaged in the practice of industrial design are more aware of ethical issues than consumers and interpret ethical issues in a more favourable manner. It also highlights that people have biases towards brands and that the biggest criteria to overlooking ethical issues is the product price. It was also found that industrial designers believe that ethics are important consideration in the design process for which they feel a responsibility to uphold and educate others.

This paper discusses ethical responsibility throughout the product lifecycle and suggests methods in which designers can act more ethically and the scope they have to make a positive impact in a world where ethics are becoming increasingly adopted by companies as a core value.