Sudheer M. Dhume

Modeling landfill site selection using an integrated fuzzy MCDM approach

Landfill site selection is a complex process, which requires the evaluation of multiple criteria. Decision-makers often face difficulties in taking the right decision in a multiple attribute environment. In this paper, an integrated fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process (AHP)–the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)-based methodology was applied to the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill site selection problem. To demonstrate the approach taken, a real case of Mumbai city is taken. The model was developed to suit the socio-economic and regulatory set-up. The fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process was used to make pairwise comparisons of criteria to assign weights and rank them, while F-TOPSIS was employed to rank the alternatives. It was found that the fuzzy-AHP–TOPSIS-based methodology can be a powerful guiding tool for MSW management planners. With this modeling approach, the accuracy of landfill site selection procedure can be significantly enhanced as compared to the traditional methods, thereby reducing the cost and time required. The developed methodology helps in representing and analyzing the uncertainty and error in the decision making process of landfill site selection.

Measurement of service quality in banks: a comparative study between public and private banks in India

Service quality is believed to be one of the main determinants of customer satisfaction and purchase intention. However, there are very few studies that have been conducted to identify the important dimensions of service quality specific to banking sector. The present study is aimed to assess and compare the perceived level of bank service quality and to investigate the dimensions of quality banking service in private and public sector bank using an instrument banking service quality scale (BSQ) specifically designed for measuring service quality in banks. The study is based on the responses collected from 240 customers banking with private and public sector retail banks in India. The results show that the customers of public sector and private sector banks differ in terms of their service quality perceptions. Private banks are perceived to be superior on the service quality dimensions: effectiveness, access and tangibles whereas, the public sector banks score better on the dimensions of price and reliability. The study concludes that the BSQ instrument appears to be a valid instrument to measure the service quality in Indian retail banks.

Adoption of social media by Business Education students: Application of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

The new generation of students, especially Business Education students are undoubtedly net savvy. Their attendance in the regular classes may be less than hundred percent, but these students browse the net on multiple occasions on a single day! Especially Social networking sites are the most favored locations among the students. There are diverse opinions of the educationists on this trend. On one extreme, they say that social networking sites like Face Book and Twitter cause distractions and hence should be blocked on the campus networks. At the other extreme there is a belief that, this new communication platform can be used to facilitate superior education. In between these two extremes, there are many who are slightly pessimistic to cautiously optimistic. The research paper tries to add to the theoretical knowledge base pertaining to adoption of newer technology of Social Networking amongst the business students at NITIE, Mumbai (a premier MBA level B School in India), by applying Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). An empirical study was carried out using on-line survey research amongst 145 students of MBA. The major findings of the paper pertain to the relationship of independent variables (Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness), Intervening Variable (Attitude) on Dependent Variable (Intention to Use). It is believed that the findings will be useful in understanding adoption phenomena better, so as to help the champions of ICT in education to take superior decisions based on them.

Integrated model for understanding Indian physicians’ internet usage pattern: An empirical approach

Abstract Purpose: A recent change in the definition of pharmaceutical promotion allows for incorporation of emerging mediums like internet. Physicians are important stakeholders of the pharmaceutical marketing process. In India, the pharmaceutical promotions are predominantly physician directed in nature as the legal framework does not allow Direct to Consumer Advertising. Therefore, the knowledge about adoption and usage pattern of internet among Indian physician needs to be examined for devising internet-based physician- directed pharmaceutical promotions. In light of these developments, the purpose of this research paper is to empirically test an integrated conceptual model. Using an integrated technology acceptance model, this study examines impact of individual and technological factors that influence physicians’ acceptance of internet. Methodology: The non-probabilistic sampling technique, i.e. snowball sampling, was adopted for the study. The survey method was used for collecting the data. Data were collected from general physicians and specialists in the India using a self-administered questionnaire. The relationships proposed in the integrated conceptual model were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings: The findings of this study indicate that both the individual characteristics (optimism, innovativeness, and discomfort) and technology characteristics (compatibility) influence the perceived beliefs of physicians. Originality and value: This study provides a robust conceptual and empirically tested integrated model and validated instruments for examining physicians’ internet adoption behaviour in changing Indian pharmaceutical marketing context.

Development, measurement and validation of an integrated technology readiness acceptance and planned behaviour model for Indian mobile banking industry

The mobile phone has undeniably brought a paradigm shift, affecting both lives of the people and the business environment. It has permeated the lives of billions of people around the world; becoming for many an indispensable device. Moreover, adoption of mobile banking has significant impact on reducing cost and enabling change in retail banking. Factors influencing the intention to use or adopt mobile banking are a very important part, thus playing a vital role for mobile banking service providers. This study proposes and validates an online mobile banking model by integrating the technology readiness acceptance and theory of planned behaviour model, using a comprehensive set of measurement dimensions identified from the literature.

Leveraging technology adoption model for examining internet usage among physicians’ in changing Indian pharmaceutical marketing context: A structural equation modeling approach

Considering technological advancements happening all across the globe, the internet has been incorporated as an emerging medium of pharmaceutical promotion by Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India in the year 2012. In Indian pharmaceutical industry, the marketing process is only physician directed (except for “over-the-counter” drugs) and Direct to Consumer Advertising using internet or any other means of marketing communication is legally not allowed. Therefore, the knowledge about adoption and usage pattern of internet among Indian physician needs to be examined. This understanding would help the pharmaceutical marketing organizations to better promote their products over internet to the target customers, i.e. physicians. The present research describes about physicians’ technology acceptance phenomenon based on theoretical concept of technology adoption model. The structural equation model analysis highlighted relevance of technology adoption model to examine physicians’ internet adoption ph...