V.G. Venkatesh

Mechanics of humanitarian supply chain agility and resilience and its empirical validation

The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between chain agility, supply chain resilience and humanitarian supply chain performance. In this paper, researchers have attempted to explain supply chain agility and supply chain resilience using oscillation physics theory and further attempted to test the theoretical concept empirically using psychometric tool. The researchers have collected data which represent 20% response rate is subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal component analysis (PCA). The EFA output is further tested using ordinary least-square regression to check the fitness of constructs as a CFA test. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) test output suggests that factors obtained using EFA represent the constructs of the model. The multivariate analysis shows that supply chain agility, supply chain resilience are two important determinants of the pre-disaster and post-disaster supply chain performance measures.

Exploring dimensions of firm competencies and their impact on performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensions of Indian manufacturing firms’ competencies and to study the impact of these competencies on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have adopted a literature survey to identify variables and gaps in the research. Based on the construct and its item identified through the literature review the authors have developed a structured questionnaire which was pre-tested before being used for the final survey. The authors have collected data from 100 firms out of 275 targeted firms in two phases which represents a 36.36 per cent response rate. The data have been subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using varimax rotation, which reduced the data into seven parsimonious and orthogonal factors. The authors then carried out regression analysis using EFA output to test the relationship between six independent variables, representing competencies of the firm and performance. Findings – Findings show that EFA has reduced the d...

Analysis of sourcing process through SAP-LAP framework - a case study on apparel manufacturing company

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the sourcing practices of apparel manufacturing company using structured situation/action/process and learning/action/performance (SAP-LAP) model. The study opens up new development thinking for the organisation in terms of improving sourcing efficiency. This study is an attempt of researchers to implement SAP-LAP framework in one of the leading apparel manufacturing sector based in Tirupur. The study has identified critical drivers of efficient sourcing practices like top management commitment, culture, empowerment, supplier relationship management, training and development, supply chain coordination and developing sales and operations planning (SOP). These factors can be further tested empirically on Indian apparel sector.

Disaster Relief Operations and Continuous Aid Program in Human Supply Networks: Are they congruent?—An analysis

Humanitarian supply chain and logistics has succeeded in attracting research attention in recent years as the special field of attention. Purpose of this paper is to introduce the difference between the Continuous Aid programmes from the disaster relief chains in a Humanitarian Supply System. So far the literature was so biased towards only Disaster relief chains. Through the case study and other research, this paper is to establish and advocate that all Humanitarian Supply networks are not having the disaster management orientation and also to establish scope for further discussions and analysis to the area of Continuous aid category. This paper is primarily the conceptual framework for researching the internal operations strategy of any human Supply Network Operations. It reviews the existing literature in Humanitarian supply network and disaster relief measure to establish the current meaning of Humanitarian Supply network. It adopts the micro case based approach to authenticate the concept of including the Continuous Aid programs in “Humanitarian Supply network” which is currently biased towards Disaster relief management. The paper has found the usage of Humanitarian Supply network term in a complement way with Disaster Relief operations/management so far. However, there are operations which do not support the disaster relief measures; On the other hand—it supports the livelihood of the society. Those operations should also be called and classified under the Continuous Aid Category under Humanitarian Supply network operations. Further research and arguments are indispensable to differentiate the Operations dynamics of Continuous Aid Program from the disaster relief management. The discussions can help the re-orientation of research to strengthen and streamline the definitions and areas of Human Supply network. The conceptual paper is analyzing the operations of Humanitarian Supply Chains in detail and gives a new dimension and school of thought with a definition towards Humanitarian Supply networks. This is the original paper written based on the author’s experience with NGOs operating in this field. The concept “Humanitarian Supply Networks” should be established and explored carefully, not to be used extensively only on the disaster relief measures, based on the facts established through this paper. The points discussed in the paper will help to widen the discussions on the Humanitarian Supply Networks field.

Sustenance of Indian apparel manufacturing industry in post MFA period - a strategic analysis

India is a leading apparel manufacturing hub by virtue of its traditional involvement in the textile and clothing business. After the phase out of the multi-fibre arrangement (MFA) in 2005, the business dynamics have changed. There is a mixed response to this. It is imperative to study the behaviour in detail. The trend in the industry shows that domestic business is moving up. It is evident that SMEs are facing challenging times and to the closure of their companies too. Various factors contribute to the sustenance. The present study will elucidate those factors in detail and an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) is proposed followed by an MICMAC analysis. The study gives a key input to industry associations to draw out a roadmap for revitalising the apparel manufacturing units.

An analysis on internationalisation barriers of Indian apparel SMEs in the post–MFA period - a modelling approach

India is traditionally identified as a manufacturing hub. It is well known for its heritage and skill sets in its textile business. The phase out of multi-fibre agreement (MFA) has impacted a dynamic turn over in the market with tough competitions from other hubs. The players are having barriers to sustain and project as a potential hub. The paper tries to establish the contextual relationship among the various barrier points in the expansion of garment manufacturing SMEs in the global arena. Factors are modelled with the technique called interpretive structural modelling (ISM) by incorporating qualitative judgments from the views of Indian manufacturers, who are the suppliers to leading global brands. The aim of this paper is to categorise and analyse the dependence power as well as driving power of those barriers using MICMAC analysis and to give a different dimension to the post-MFA impact research on the Indian apparel SME domain.