Prakash Verma

Total quality management implementation in engineering education in India: an interpretive structural modelling approach

In the past decade, much has been written about total quality management (TQM) in manufacturing; however, less attention has been paid to the education sector. In this paper, 13 principles of TQM implementation have been identified using the Delphi technique and applied to engineering education. A relationship among these principles is developed using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology. It helps in identifying the hierarchy of actions to be taken to improve the quality of engineering education. Categorisation of these principles based on their driving power (principles which hold other principles) and dependence (principles which are dependent on other principles) have also been examined for TQM implementation to study the driving power and dependence power of these principles. The objective is to determine a roadmap of TQM implementation and categorise TQM principles based on their driving power for quality improvement in engineering education with the use of an ISM-based model. The results indicate that the principles possessing higher driving power, such as quality mission and vision statement and top management commitment and visionary leadership should be given more attention for overall improvement in quality. The major contribution of this research lies in the development of a contextual relationship among various identified principles of TQM and the determination of their driving and dependence power through a single systemic framework.

Identification of TQM criterions for engineering education using Delphi technique

Purpose - the purpose of this paper is to investigate and develop the criterions of TQM implementation for engineering education in Indian scenario. Design/methodology/approach - this paper provides a survey carried out using the Delphi methodology, triangulated with the results of other surveys carried out previously, as well as with the information gathered by means of several in-depth interviews carried out with the experts that participated in the Delphi-panel. Findings - total 13 guiding criterions of TQM implementation for engineering education were obtained through discussion with decision team of 26 members which consisted of authors, students, lecturers, professors, director/principal, management, parents and industrialists. Research limitations - the research in this paper is limited to Indian scenario; studies in other countries should be conducted to compare the results obtained. Practical implications - identification of the TQM implementation and performance criteria and sub-criteria will help in formulation of TQM model for implementation of TQM practices in engineering education sector. Originality/value - the paper shows how the classical Delphi technique can be successfully used to investigate and develop the criterions of TQM implementation for engineering education.

Mitigation of green house gases emission and energy consumption for transport sector: a fuzzy-AHP approach

The green house gas emission has sharply increased in the past several decades from transport sector. The policy options in transportation sector primarily focus on the reduction of green house gas emission through the reduction of underlying activity (i.e., travel). Several transportation sector policies have been proposed in the literature. In order to examine relative importance of these policies, a fuzzy-AHP approach has been used. This facilitates the choice of viable policies to mitigate green house gas emission from the transport sector. The analysis indicated that the policy applying an integrated model of transport planning and land use pattern change is the policy of prime importance. Further there is an exigency for development of advanced information technology for transport sector in the present scenario.

A conceptual framework for application of Six Sigma improvement methodology in non-formal service sector

The Six Sigma methodology has been successfully implemented in manufacturing and organised service sectors such as banking, healthcare, etc., whereas non-formal service sector have no quality consciousness and any measurable data, which helps to evaluate the quality of product (services). This paper seeks to introduce the Six Sigma-based methodology for non-formal service sectors, the framework which explores the quality need and maps them to define, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology. The proposed framework introduced the step to collect the attribute data about operational activities and performance of non-formal service sector – explore. This data is then compared with the organised service sectors so as to establish operational activities in structured manner like formal service sector – establish. This paper introduces the unique Six Sigma-based methodology explore, establish, define, measure, analyse, improve and control (EEDMAIC) for non-formal domain of the service sector. The paper also includes the case study of a newspaper agency.

Evaluating Emission Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Transportation System: A System Dynamics Approach

The sustainable development of urban transportation system demands a trade-off between economic, social, demographic, geographic, and political concerns. To address these concerns there is a need of induction of viable transportation policies. In order to examine, the effect of these policies, a system dynamics modelling framework has been presented. A simulation model has been developed to analyse the emission reduction policies. The proposed model integrates the induced travel demand in its structure in order to incorporate dynamic response of transport users. Finally, the impact of different polices like providing separate pedestrian lanes, increase in vehicle occupancy, application of telecommuting and land use pattern change in terms of vehicle emission has been assessed. The results are compared with the case when the impact of induced travel demand is not considered. It is concluded that the dynamic analysis gives a realistic assessment of emission reduction policies.

A conceptual model of demand chain management

The demand chain management (DCM) involves a high level of complexity due to interrelationships and feedback nature of process parameters, which makes the system dynamic. Understanding these dynamics will help in better management of the demand chain. The scope of DCM is not limited to fulfillment of present demand but also extends to managing the demand creation, which requires involvement of the whole enterprise, and to accomplish this it is necessary to take into consideration all the complexities and dynamics involved within the system. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of demand chain management, and suggest a mechanism for processing of demand information, which will help in developing an understanding of complexities and feedback nature. Exploratory interviews were conducted with experts to identify the drivers of DCM and to understand the impact of demand information in decision making. The conceptual model presented shows parameters affecting the DCM. It will be useful in developing an understanding of complexities and dynamics involved in DCM. The understanding thus gained will result in improvement of DCM effectiveness, making it more responsive and customer-oriented. Further, the paper also attempts to address research implications for future research in this area.