Bhasker Mukerji

Relationship between supply chain strategies, Logistics Flexibility and supply chain performance: evidence from Canadian manufacturing industry

This research examines the relationships among strategy, Logistics Flexibility (LOF) and performance in the supply chain context. This research was based on a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey from 115 Small- and Medium-sized (SME) Canadian manufacturing companies. The constructs identified in the research have been utilised to test a theoretical model using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). This study produced three main conclusions: (1) the direct positive effects of strategy on LOF, (2) the direct positive association between LOF and performance, and (3) the total effect (direct and indirect) of positively influenced performance. In addition, the concluding section illustrates some insights for future research.

Advertisements on Facebook: Identifying the persuasive elements in the development of positive attitudes in consumers

Abstract The main objective of this study is to develop the scale items of consumers’ attitudes toward Facebook advertisements and to theorize consumers’ attitudinal behaviour. To undertake this study, a research assistant was appointed, who is also an active member of Facebook, to introduce a message about the product Samsung Tab S, and to pass it to other members of their network. From this experiment, different members of their network participated in generating, passing, and receiving messages to develop a preliminary structured perception which was converted to generate scale items to measure attitude. Then an independent empirical study was conducted among members of a social network to verify and validate these scale items and their underlying constructs. From the findings in this study, it is identified that attitudes toward social network advertisement, i.e., any effort to communicate messages about products among network members, who are also consumers of different products, is formed and persuaded by hedonic motivation (HM), source derogation (SD), self-concept (SC), message informality (MI), and experiential messages (EM).

The RFID Technology Adoption in e-Government: Issues and Challenges

The emergence of Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology has affected the functions and roles of business organizations. RFID technology provides technical solutions across a variety of industries in the public and private sectors. E-government is being increasingly utilized by governments in different countries to increase the efficiency of services provided to citizens. Although the use of e-Government is allowing timely, effective services online, many challenges must still be overcome to maximize the utility e-Government can provide to citizens. RFID is disseminating in a variety of new areas and movement exists toward the adoption of RFID in e-Government, but several issues and challenges must be addressed. This paper examines both e-Government and RFID from an individual perspective and explores the possible issues and challenges associated with RFID technology adoption in e-Government. Based on a review of literature, a conceptual model has been developed illustrating the various issues and challenges and how they would impact the RFID adoption in e-Government.

The impact of various dimensions of manufacturing capability on commercialization performance: Evidence from Canadian manufacturing sector

This paper investigates the complex relationships between the three dimensions of manufacturing capability (quality, flexibility, and cost) and commercialization performance (CP) in Canadian manufacturing environment. An empirical study of 238 Canadian manufacturing companies, using the Maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) technique, reveals that only cost is positively correlated with CP whereas flexibility is negatively correlated with CP. The results suggest that the ability to lower manufacturing cost without paying due attention to other dimensions of manufacturing capability, such as quality and manufacturing flexibility, leads to an unsatisfactory CP. Based on these findings, we suggest managerial implications and further research study.

Involvement in emergency supply chain for disaster management: a cognitive dissonance perspective

An integrated process, interlinked operation and interoperable communication network amongst operating agencies are critical for developing an effective disaster management supply chain. The traditional managerial problems observed across disaster management operations are: non-cooperation among members, disrupted chain of commands, misuse of relief items, lack of information sharing, mistrust and lack of coordination. This study aims to understand the issues affiliated with negative attitude towards disaster management operations using theory of cognitive dissonance. A qualitative investigation was undertaken across 64 districts in Bangladesh. Five constructs were examined for their influences on attitude and behavioural intention of members participating in government emergency supply chain for disaster management. The results indicate that administrative conflict, political biasness and professional growth have significant effects on attitude. Impact of insecurity is non-significant on attitude. This research offers substantial theoretical contribution to the cognitive dissonance theory in the context of disaster management supply chain.

Open source software: emerging business models

Several small and large firms have devised business models and strategies to use open source software (OSS) gainfully. However, despite the increasing popularity and success of some OSS, there is very little academic literature that provides clarity and guidance on developing business models with OSS. This paper contributes to the existing knowledge by critically analysing the various open source business models and then building a set of business models that encompass the current trends in this field. The models presented are supported by descriptions of organisations that have used them successfully.