Interpretive Structural Modeling Methodology Research Articles

Multi-Layer Architecture for Enhancing Crop Quality with AI and IoT: A Structural Modelling Approach

Conventional crop management methods must be improved to address the increasing global food requirements. The exponential growth of the population exacerbates the issue at hand, the impacts of climate change and inadequate farming practices. This study analyzes the key determinants contributing to establishing a comprehensive framework for using Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the agricultural sector. The proposed Multi-Layer Architecture for Crop Quality (MLA-CQ) employs a modified version of the Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (mv-TISM) methodology to achieve this objective. This research used a mv-TISM approach to build and analyze the interrelationships among various factors that influence the adoption of IoT technology in the agriculture industry. This study introduces Artificial Intelligence (AI) by incorporating soft sensors into a remote sensing framework via deep learning. The initial data has undergone pre-processing procedures to identify and address missing values and perform data cleaning and noise reduction on the picture data obtained from farmland. Following the feature representation, a categorization procedure was performed employing an ensemble design. The suggested approach has been used to conduct experimental trials on various crops, resulting in a computing time reduction of 62%, accuracy of 95.2%, precision of 91.3 %, recall of 92.3%, and an F score of 93.1%.

Readiness level assessment for lean Six Sigma implementation in the healthcare sector

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the critical readiness factors (CRFs) that mainly affect the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in an organization and their interactions, and to develop a model that allows the management to assess the Lean Implementation Readiness Level.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is separated into two main parts: the literature review and the assessment model development. In the literature review, the main CRFs and their interactions for LSS implementation in Scopus Data Base were identified. The second part of the methodology is the model development. It was built on a stepwise framework that considers the relations among the CRFs and their importance. Moreover, it was used fuzzy-based linguistic variables given by the experts working in the company to consider the actual performance rating of each CRF. The model has been validated in the healthcare sector in nine hospitals.FindingsFrom the model application, it is possible to note that the most frequent level among the nine hospitals interviewed is “Average Ready”. Also, the most extreme level of readiness occurred ones while the most extreme level of not readiness never occurred. Results show that in 78% of the cases, there would have been a high probability of implementation failure. Also, it was possible to identify for each hospital if the CRFs are good, if they are weak and need to change or if another factor needs to be improved before it and what this factor is.Originality/valueThis work proposes a new methodology that eliminates the negative aspects and limitations of the total interpretive structural modeling methodology and the fuzzy logic approach currently applied to evaluate the LSS readiness of a company. The present methodology lies in the fact that it provides a solution not only by defining the weak CRFs but also by giving an indication of priority as it identifies the weak antecedent factors that inhibit the preparedness of the depending factors.

Application of an Integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process and Interpretive Structural Modeling Methodology for Selecting Energy-Saving Methods

Application of an Integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process and Interpretive Structural Modeling Methodology for Selecting Energy-Saving Methods

Prioritizing the quality parameters of cotton carded knit yarn by varying tensions of the bottom aprons of the ring frame

The forces exerted on fibres during drafting in the drafting zone with the upper and bottom aprons of the Ring Frame significantly impact the yarn quality. Aprons are crucial in manipulating fibres by facilitating movement and directing them toward the primary drafting area. From these two aprons, the bottom apron's tension is changed by changing tension spring bar groove hole positions. There is no scope for changing such settings in the case of top aprons. This research aims to achieve high-quality cotton carded knit yarn by selecting an appropriate bottom apron tension due to the significant role in proper drafting and twist insertion at the time of the manufacturing process directly affecting produced yarn's strength, evenness, imperfections, and hairiness properties. To fulfil this requirement, six yarn samples are produced each time by using 5 different tensions of the bottom drafting aprons. The samples underwent quality parameter testing, including Unevenness (U)%, Coefficient of Variation (CV)%, Imperfection Index (IPI), Hairiness (H), and Count Strength Product (CSP). The findings indicated that increasing the tension of the bottom apron while maintaining positions 1, 2, and 3 reduces the occurrence of neps, variations in thickness and thinness, and imperfections. In contrast, CSP is increased due to elevated stress on the fibres. In general, maintaining an appropriate tension enhanced the quality of the yarn, and the best quality was obtained for position 3, considering all the quality variables. Moreover, by using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methodology, the pairwise relationship between the quality variables is shown. Finally, after calculation, those quality variables are arranged in three levels. According to this level, the quality parameters are ranked where the top is the highest. It is observed that Count Strength Product is at the highest level, which indicates that CSP should be given more priority. Moreover, the end use of this yarn is to produce knit items, and for the knitting yarn, CSP is one of the most influential quality variables.

Overcoming barriers in automotive SMEs to attain international competitiveness: an ISM approach modelling

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and model barriers to internationalising automotive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging market perspectives using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, 13 critical barriers are identified through an exhaustive literature review and the Delphi method. The ISM tool is then used to establish interrelationships among the identified barriers to expose and discuss the key barriers having high-driving power.FindingsIt was found that barriers such as trade agreements and export documentation, exchange rates and material inadequacies were relatively less challenging than the other barriers. At the next level, there are barriers such as supply chain, high international quality standards, legal barriers, skilled labour marketing capacity and information and logistics and infrastructure. Finally, barriers such as government policies, entrepreneurial orientation and technology and finance availability posed the most significant challenge for the internationalisation of Indian SMEs. These barriers warrants immediate and considerable attention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study developed a model based on experts’ opinions, which may be biased and influence the final model as proposed in this study. This research will help the owners/managers of the SMEs and policymakers identify and understand the significance and relevance of automotive sector barriers while strategizing.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an attempt has been made to apply ISM methodology to explore the interdependencies among the critical barriers of internationalisation for SMEs of Indian automotive industries. This study will guide the owner–managers management practices to overcome ineffective practices and move towards successful internationalisation.

Applying the Resource Dependence Theory to Enhance Supply Chain Management of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Context of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic had deeply affected supply chain management across industries, necessitating firms to redefine their strategies to reduce the risk and imbalance caused by the disruption. The study highlights how external risk factors have influenced the internal and organizational factors of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in dealing with their supply chain disruptions. We applied the resource dependence theory to illustrate this aspect and also to understand the factors that impact supply chain management. The study applied the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology and Cross Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) methodology to understand the inter-dependence relationship between these factors of risk in supply chain management during Covid-19. Our study was specific to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic as the external factor disrupting supply chains and impacting a firm’s internal and organizational factors in dealing with the impact. Our results showed that external factors deeply influence the internal factors governing supply chain management, which in turn, impact firm performance. Keywords: supply chain management, resource dependency theory, covid-19, small and medium enterprises, decision making

The significance of warehouse management in supply chain: An ISM approach

Warehouse management is the key aspect for an uninterrupted flow of products within a supply chain. This paper deals with the critical factors that are responsible for creating an impactful influence on the working of warehouse management. The analysis involves the selection of critical factors then applying Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methodology to them in order to get the level partition and final ISM model. This research also involves the MICMAC analysis on the factors which classifies all the selected factors into four groups namely, autonomous variables, dependent variables, linkage variables and driver variables. This research will help the supply chain architects to establish a better and reliable warehouse system. As this research involves analysis of multiple domains that is why a variety of users can refer to this work for their businesses, also the ISM approach gives a good accuracy of the hierarchy of the factors which helps in deciding the most effective chronology of the implementation of various warehousing operations. Researchers can also refer to this work to get insights of the significance of warehouse management in the supply chain and also the complete working of the ISM methodology.

The Predominant Elements for Strategic CSR Implementation in SMEs

Research on strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is still not many in number, particularly, in developing countries. Although SMEs play an important role in economic development, this sector has received less attention in research on its competitiveness through social responsibility. According to previous literature, SMEs have unconsciously practiced social responsibility but have not been integrated in their strategy. The same condition has also occurred to SMEs in Badung district, Bali, where they practice social responsibility in running their business as an embodiment of a philosophy based on religious teachings. However, this type of CSR has not yet made a positive contribution to their competitiveness. This study attempts to answer what elements are required to obtain CSR as strategy. Interpretive Structural Modeling methodology was implemented to the SMEs located in Badung Regency, Bali . The study finds that the integration of strategic CSR into SMEs’ strategy was focused on new paradigm improve SMEs’ competitiveness. This new way of thinking can be achieved by intensively socializing the benefits of strategic CSR through education, relevant policy and collaboration between related stakeholders.

An ISM approach to overcome the participation barriers in the waste source separation-a case study: Urmia University Campus.

A procedure developed to identify and facilitate the implementation of waste source separation strategies applicable in higher education centers, as a prerequisite for the expansion of recycling programs. The target materials proper to be separated were selected based on quantitative/qualitative analysis of waste produced on the Nazlou Campus of Urmia University, Iran (as a case study). The barriers to implementation of the program were identified using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology. Finally, regarding the main obstacles which could be broken down inside the campus complex, an analysis of factors affecting student participation were done. On average, 37.48% of 1.74 tons of waste daily produced on the campus could be recycled. Based on sieve analyses, the categories of non-ferrous metals, glass, and composite packaging have a wider size distribution (i.e., over 150 to under 80mm) might lead to improper operation of further mechanical separations and be selected as target materials. The weakness of educational programs and persuading the students are considered the main obstacles. A significant relationship was observed between the three training options, namely "installation of announcements," "organizing waste management classes," and "training through holding the exhibition of recycled products" and the student participation in the program (with more emphasis on the last one). Women were estimated to be more likely than men to participate in the program (70 vs 49%). Also, there was a significant relationship between the knowledge and the student's participation. In other words, strengthening public awareness is essential to increase the participation level.

An Investigation of the Factors affecting Flexible Manufacturing Competence of Organizations

Owing to the fluctuating demands of customers and intensified competition, organizations are searching ways to enhance their flexible manufacturing competence (FMC) as it has been recognized as one of the most important approaches to handle the aforementioned situations. The existing literature provides several factors that significantly affect FMC, however, the interrelationships among these factors are somewhat unexplored. The insights to the interactions among these factors could provide crucial managerial implications that could pave ways for success of organizations in today’s uncertain business environment. To this end, the present work makes an effort and highlights the important factors and investigates their interactions with each other for the enhancement of FMC of organizations. In this paper, the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology has been implemented to explore the interactions and develop a structural model depicting the hierarchy of the factors. Further, MICMAC analysis has been used to categorize the factors into different groups based on their driving and dependence powers.

Analysis of barriers to organic farming adoption in developing countries: a grey-DEMATEL and ISM approach

PurposeFarmers in India are hesitant to adopt organic farming (OF) despite high demand for organic products and favorable policy measures to encourage the practice. Therefore, this study aims to assess the OF adoption barriers faced by Indian farmers using a systematic method of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM).Design/methodology/approachThe authors explored eighteen barriers to OF adoption by conducting a literature survey and discussion with experts on OF. Then the authors used a combined method of Grey Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology to rank the barriers and analyze their interactions.FindingsThe analysis reveals that “Lack of knowledge and information,” “lack of financial capacity of farmers’ and “lack of institutional support” are the cause (independent) barriers that significantly impact other barriers. The top three effect (dependent) barriers are “lack of availability of organic inputs,” “personal characteristics such as age, attitudes and beliefs” and “lack of premium pricing,” which are affected by the other barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThis research work will help the decision makers understand the barriers to OF adoption in India and their interrelationships. The proposed framework enables them to focus on the high-priority independent barriers, which will subsequently impact the other dependent barriers.Originality/valuePrevious research on OF adoption barriers lacked a multifaceted scientific approach, which is necessary because OF is a complex system and needs a thorough investigation to assess the interaction between the barriers. The research attempts to fill this gap and addresses the complex nature of adoption barriers.

Investigation of the critical success factors in the implementation of the lean industry 4.0 in manufacturing supply chain: an ISM approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) model to investigate the critical success factors (CSF) and the extent of CSF's influence in the implementation of lean industry 4.0 in manufacturing supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been carried out with the help of the latest literature followed by brainstorming sessions with experts. The experts were the managers from the industries, assistant professors, and research scholars from academia working in this domain. Finally, a structured model is formed using ISM methodology for the analysis of the CSFs followed by matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MIAMAC) Analysis for the validation of the model.FindingsThe study identifies robotics, virtual and augmented reality and cloud computing as the main CSFs which are responsible to drive all the identified CSFs. However the CSF professional training and development (PTD) has been identified as the weakest driver but having the highest dependent power.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has included nine CSFs and the contextual relationships between the CSFs are based on the knowledge and experience of the experts, which may be biased. Moreover, the paper has covered the ISM approach, and the same thing can be validated using the fuzzy-ISM and other multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.Originality/valueThis investigation of the CSFs in the lean industry 4.0 is original and the identified CSFs are the result of the literature reviews and an extensive discussion from the experts. The paper uses the complete experience of the respective experts to make this work more effective and original.

Unlocking Barriers to Circular Economy: An ISM-Based Approach to Contextualizing Dependencies

Despite it being imperative to a sustainable development, a circular economy remains scarcely adopted by companies. Barriers towards this are extensively explored yet with little focus on their mutual dependencies. Neglecting dependencies is argued to cause suboptimization and lead to unsuccessful circular projects. To counter this and strengthen companies in assessing dependencies among context-dependent barriers towards a circular transition, this study proposes a practice-oriented approach based on an interpretive structural modelling methodology. This is validated through a case study with a Danish mechatronics manufacturer with which fourteen semi-structured interviews, a survey, and a workshop were conducted. Findings reveal an interwoven network of barriers with numerous chain mechanisms across managerial, market-related, financial, technical, and regulative aspects, which underpins the need to approach the circular transition systemically. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the ability of the methodology to facilitate discussions and assist industrial practitioners, both on a strategic and operational level, in systematically untangling the complex interrelations to identify root causes for inertia and prioritize mitigation measures.

3D-printed medical models supply chain: barriers modeling and analysis

PurposeThis study aims to identify 3D-printed medical model (3DPMM) supply chain barriers that affect the supply chain of 3DPMM in the Indian context and investigate the interdependencies between the barriers to establish hierarchical relations between them to improve the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to identify the hierarchical and contextual relations among the barriers to the 3DPMM supply chain.FindingsA total of 15 3DPMM supply chain barriers were identified in this study. The analysis identified limited materials options, slow production speed, manual post-processing, high-skilled data analyst, design and customization expert and simulation accuracy as the significant driving barriers for the medical models supply chain for hospitals. In addition, the authors identified linkage and dependent barriers. The present study findings would help to improve the 3DPMM supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThere were no experts from other nations, so this study might have missed a few 3DPMM supply chain barriers that would have been significant from another nation’s perspective.Practical implicationsISM would help practitioners minimize 3DPMM supply chain barriers, while DEMATEL allows practitioners to emphasize the causal effects of 3DPMM supply chain barriers.Originality/valueThis study minimizes the 3DPMM supply chain barriers for medical applications through a hybrid ISM and DEMATEL methodology that has not been investigated in the literature.

Overcoming the post-processing barriers for 3D-printed medical models

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify, analyse and model the post-processing barriers of 3D-printed medical models (3DPMM) printed by fused deposition modelling to overcome these barriers for improved operational efficiency in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used interpretive structural modelling (ISM), cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to understand the hierarchical and contextual relations among the barriers of the post-processing.FindingsA total of 11 post-processing barriers were identified in this study using ISM, literature review and experts’ input. The MICMAC analysis identified support material removal, surface finishing, cleaning, inspection and issues with quality consistency as significant driving barriers for post-processing. MICMAC also identified linkage barriers as well as dependent barriers. The ISM digraph model was developed using a final reachability matrix, which would help practitioners specifically tackle post-processing barriers. Further, the DEMATEL method allows practitioners to emphasize the causal effects of post-processing barriers and guides them in overcoming these barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThere may have been a few post-processing barriers that were overlooked by the Indian experts, which might have been important for other country’s perspective.Practical implicationsThe presented ISM model and DEMATEL provide directions for operation managers in planning operational strategies for overcoming post-processing issues in the medical 3D-printing industry. Also, managers may formulate operational strategies based on the driving and dependence power of post-processing barriers as well as the causal effects relationships of the barriers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to identifying, analyzing and modelling the post-processing barriers of 3DPMM through a combined ISM and DEMATEL methodology, which has not yet been reviewed. This study also contributes to decision makers developing suitable strategies to overcome the post-processing barriers for improved operational efficiency.

Prioritizing barriers for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies

While Industry 4.0 promises large technological improvements, firms face multiple challenges in its adoption. Current literature has made significant efforts to identify the barriers which are common to most companies but fails to identify their interrelationships and their implications for practitioners. We use interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology to identify these barriers and their interrelationships, combined with matrix impact of cross multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to identify the root barriers, in the context of the Portuguese manufacturing industry. We categorize these barriers using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework. We conclude that barriers related to standardization and lack of off-the-shelf solutions are considered root barriers. Our results differ from other studies that regard barriers related to legal and contractual uncertainty with the highest driving power and lowest dependence power. Also, we find that organizational barriers have the highest dependency and lowest driving power, contradicting studies on the topic. We provide recommendations for managers and policymakers in three areas: Standardization Dissemination, Infrastructure Development, and Digital Strategy.

Ranking of Barriers for the Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation in E-Learning Platform

Learning through the Web or training via e-learning is rising exponentially and is gradually preferred by conventional ways of education and training. This massive change is directly related to the digital computer technological advancement. The transformation driven by innovation in computer technology has enhanced the reach of e-learning and education, making the process of sharing knowledge easy, clear, and efficient. The E-learning system relies on various success factors from several viewpoints, such as framework, organizational alignment, instructor, and student support. This paper aims to identify the critical barriers to Internet of Thing implementation in e-learning and to establish a relational relationship between identified barriers using the Interpretive Structural Modelling approach. This paper has established some primary barriers that are useful for Internet of Things implementation in E-learning by research scholars and industrial practitioners. For the study of driving force and dependency power of the E-learning barrier, Interpretive Structural Modelling methodology used to classify interrelationships between barriers for improved understanding and relation between these barriers, and Management Cross Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification analysis use for analysing driving power and dependence power of E-learning barrier.

Assessing challenges to the mobile wallet usage in India: an interpretive structural modelling approach

PurposeMobile-based payment is increasing exponentially but in the developing country like India, consumers’ perception is highly positive in daily cash transaction. The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the important challenges for mobile wallet (m-wallet) implementation in India. In the wake of COVID-19, one of the transmission mechanisms of this virus has been the coins and paper money passed between a buyer and a seller. As such m-wallet considered as a convenience of payment has become a necessity in light of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors explored 19 unique sets of challenges selected from the literature and collected data from 14 experts from private sector, multinational corporations and mixed private and public partnership who have significant knowledge and experience of mobile payment implementation and use in their respective organisations. Also, the authors have used Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) methodology in developing a hierarchal model for the identified challenges. The authors implemented Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis to classify the identified challenges.FindingsThe ISM-based framework is divided into nine different hierarchical levels. “Lack of strong regulatory compliance (Ch6)” has been recognised as the most important challenge, which inhibited the mobile wallet implementation, whereas “Perception of customers about the value of using mobile wallets (Ch11)” is the most dependent critical challenge. There are seven hierarchical layers in between the top and the bottom level with the varied number of challenges based on their driving and dependence power.Originality/valueThis is the first research to the best of our knowledge that has not only comprehensively reviewed the m-wallet literature but also employed a unique ISM-MICMAC-based approach to develop a framework of challenges for the m-wallet implementation.

Analyzing the enablers to overcome the challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles in Delhi NCR

The major contributor to air pollution in the cities like Delhi is emissions from vehicles running on fossil fuels. Delhi has been listed as one of the highest air polluted cities. World Health Organization has also produced a similar report. The Indian economy is highly dependent on the import of fossil fuels. One of the best ways to address these issues may be the adoption of all types of Electric Vehicles (EVs). The benefits of electric mobility are numerous. Some of these advantages include better air quality, less reliance on fuel imports, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the enhanced plant load factor for the electrical grid, and the possibility to be a leader in a booming worldwide market. The government of India and the state governments have taken several initiatives to promote the use of EVs but the adoption of EVs is still very low. Thus, this study aims to identify the key enablers that the state government should build to encourage the adoption of EVs in Delhi. In this context, a focus group discussion composed of industry experts, practitioners, and policymakers has been used to get the opinion regarding the challenges in the adoption of EVs and enablers to overcome these challenges. Some major challenges in the adoption of EVs have been explored through the literature review and focus group discussion (FGD). To overcome these challenges, thirteen enablers for adopting EVs were identified through a literature review and FGD. Then, using the Total Interpretive Structural Modelling methodology (TISM), the mutual relationships amongst these identified enablers were evaluated and enablers with high driving power were determined. This study may help the governments and policymakers for the effective adoption of EVs in Delhi and other Metro cities.

Evaluation Of Relationship Causes Of The Return Process In The Supply Chain Of The Textile Industry

This research focuses on the return process, the process where consumers decide to return the product after receiving an order or after making a purchase. This incident is not desired by the company, because it has the potential to reduce profits and consumer loyalty. However, the company is aware that the return process cannot be avoided. So this research aims to evaluate the factors that have the potential to cause the return process by using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Methodology. This research case study was conducted on a textile company that serves orders for school uniforms, office uniforms, moslem clothes, etc. Nine factors were identified, that are: off-season, overstock, delivery error, incorrect size, incorrect color, quality issue, change mind, damaged item, and incorrect product, which are the reasons consumers carry out the return process. The results of the ISM-based model and MICMAC analysis mapping show that the quality issue factor is the key reason for consumers to make the return process. The strategy of handling presses return in connection with these factors is carried out by developing a system that supports customer support work to maintain consumer loyalty. Through the ISM methodology, companies can simplify complex problems, so they focus on the factors that are the root of the problem to be able to design strategies to deal with them.