Modelling the inhibitors of cold supply chain using fuzzy interpretive structural modeling and fuzzy MICMAC analysis

A Cost-Benefit Analysis Simulation for the Digitalisation of Cold Supply Chains

This paper investigates using simulation to predict the benefits and costs of digitalising cold distribution chains. The study focuses on the distribution of refrigerated beef in the UK, where digitalisation was implemented to re-route cargo carriers. By comparing simulations of both digitalised and non-digitalised supply chains, the study found that digitalisation can reduce beef waste and decrease the number of miles driven per successful delivery, leading to potential cost savings. Note that this work is not attempting to prove that digitalisation is appropriate for the chosen scenario, only to justify a simulation approach as a decision making tool. The proposed modelling approach provides decision-makers with more accurate predictions of the cost-benefit of increased sensorisation in supply chains. By accounting for stochastic and variable parameters, such as weather and demand fluctuations, simulation can be used to identify potential challenges and estimate the economic benefits of digitalisation. Moreover, qualitative assessments of the impact on customer satisfaction and product quality can help decision-makers consider the broader impacts of digitalisation. Overall, the study suggests that simulation can play a crucial role in facilitating informed decisions about the implementation of digital technologies in the food supply chain. By providing a better understanding of the potential costs and benefits of digitalisation, simulation can help organisations make more strategic and effective decisions.

A Roadmap for Innovation Capacity in Developing Countries

Innovation capacity is a dynamic capacity linked with the achievement of competitive advantage. Several mechanisms have been proposed to evaluate this capacity. However, developing innovation capacity is a complex process, particularly for developing countries, due to the intricacy of its determinants. Hence, this research analyzes the interlinkages between the key determinants driving this capacity to further propose a continuous path for its growth. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding assessing mechanisms for innovation capacity was conducted, which included 14 key innovation determinants. From a contextual and systematic approach, interpretive structural modelling was employed to determine the interlinkages of these determinants and classified as drivers or dependent. Ten levels or steps were drawn from level partitioning of the final reachability matrix. The results show the relevance of promoting and protecting innovation and intellectual property as the ground to develop this capacity. In addition, R&D investment and university–industry collaboration contribute to the consolidation of innovation systems. Utility models, patents, trademarks, and institution prominence are the result of this loop of innovation capacity development. From these findings, policymakers, practitioners, and scholars can draw a sustained roadmap to enhance this dynamic capacity in their countries.

Deployment of Interpretive Structural Modeling in Barriers to Industry 4.0: A Case of Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are vital contributors and significant drivers of any manufacturing sector. The Industry 4.0 (I 4.0) revolution has made the global economy highly competitive and automated, requiring Indian SMEs to adapt more quickly. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the barriers to implementing I 4.0, simplifying the complex interrelationship among such barriers with the help of a suitable model, categorizing them as independent and dependent ones, and, ultimately, leveling the same drivers, autonomous linkages, and dependent forces. The present investigation thoroughly examined the existing literature and summarized the list of barriers into fifteen significant barriers to the smooth establishment of Industry 4.0 in India. The identified barriers were analyzed with the help of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Diagraph and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis. This study was able to explore the interrelationship among these barriers. The study has found found a lack of support from stakeholders, and insufficient managerial support emerged as a major factor neglected by Indian SMEs. However, uncertainty in the predicted demand for products, the lack of an alternate solution to the technological breakdown, and doubt about the sustainability of Industry 4.0 (relating to its potential to lead to unemployment in society, etc.) are significant contingent barriers. These barriers can impact the other strategic choices related to the successful implementation of Industry 4.0. This study’s observations can help decision-makers make strategic decisions to manage the barriers affecting Industry 4.0 in Indian SMEs. This research revealed a scope that can be extended to other South Asian and developing nations. The results of the present work can be further studied with structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression analysis (MRA).

Modelling the abstract knots in supply chains using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approaches: a review-based comprehensive toolkit

Purpose

This study endeavours to (a) develop a comprehensive interpretive structural modelling (ISM) toolkit containing sufficient details about the suitability and procedural aspects of each ISM approach and offer points of reference for budding researchers, (b) highlight the compatibility of ISM approaches with other qualitative and quantitative approaches, and (c) chalk-out an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an extensive review of 74 studies where researchers have used one or more ISM approaches. These studies span across the different industry sectors.

Findings

There exists a huge void in terms of the methodological synthesis of ISM approaches. ISM approaches are frequently used in sync with other qualitative and quantitative approaches. Furthermore, it highlights the need of improving the robustness of the proposed ISM models by sharing the critical details of research process.

Research limitations/implications

Being a review-based work, it could not illustrate the discussed ISM approaches with real data. However, it offers a research agenda for the prospective researchers.

Practical implications

The prerequisites, pitfalls, suitability and the procedural aspects of various ISM approaches contained in this toolkit are equally useful for the academicians as well as practitioners.

Originality/value

In the absence of a synthesized framework, this study contributes a comprehensive ISM toolkit which will help the researchers to choose a suitable ISM approach in a given case.