Learning-action-performance Research Articles

From ocean to table: examining the potential of Blockchain for responsible sourcing and sustainable seafood supply chains

This study integrates technology-organisation-environment (TOE) theory with situation-actor-process (SAP) and learning-action-performance (LAP) models to provide a comprehensive evaluation of complex seafood supply chain management (SCM) systems. We present a framework based on Blockchain technology that facilitates the transformation of the seafood supply chain ecosystem from its current state to a more streamlined one in the future. This framework offers the potential for driving transformation and delivering advantages that encompass improved data efficiency, sustainable practices, and streamlined integration across the seafood supply chain. Our research highlights the importance of accurate data management, stakeholder involvement, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability for the successful integration of Blockchain in seafood SCM systems. This allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and optimise spending. Furthermore, we emphasise the significant value of transparency provided by Blockchain, which enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and optimise their spending.

A systematic inquiry of energy management in smart grid by using SAP-LAP and IRP approach

PurposeThe need to address energy management as a significant innovation in the smart grid is emphasized to enable a more effective penetration of renewable energy to achieve energy savings and CO2 emission reductions. The purpose of this study is to propose a holistic, flexible decision framework for energy management in a smart grid.Design/methodology/approachAccording to the situation actor process−learning action performance (SAP−LAP) model, the variables have been identified after a comprehensive analysis of the literature and consideration of the opinions of domain experts. However, the importance of each SAP−LAP variable is not the same in real practice. Hence, focus on these variables should be given based on their importance, and to measure this importance, an interpretive ranking process based ranking method is used in this study. This helps to allocate proportionate resource to each SAP−LAP variable to make a better decision for the energy management of the smart grid.FindingsThis study ranked five actors based on their priorities for energy management in a smart grid: top management, generator and retailor, consumers, government policy and regulation and technology vendors. Furthermore, actions are also prioritized with respect to performance.Practical implicationsThe SAP−LAP model conveys information about the state of energy management in India to actors who may proceed or manage the flow of electricity. Additionally, this study aids in detecting vulnerabilities in the current energy generation, transmission and distribution technique. The synthesis of SAP results in LAP, which assists in recommending improvement actions learned from the current situation, actors and processes.Originality/valueThe SAP−LAP model is a revolutionary approach for examining the current state of energy management in a unified framework that can guide decision-making in conflicting situations, significantly the contradictory nature of India’s renewable energy and power sectors.

COVID-19 Crisis and Indian Kirana Shopkeeper’s Business Continuity and Sustainability Initiatives: Study During the First Unlock Stage

This research study ascertained how street corner small shops (called kirana shops in India) in Indian urban landscape adopted resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities view (DCV) perspectives to strategize regarding unlocking initiatives, process, operational change, and business continuance post COVID-19 pandemic and economic lockdown. The authors used qualitative research method with a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire to collect the data. Thematic content analysis was applied for data analysis. The data was collected in June 2020 in India when the initial unlock process was going on. The application of Situation Actor Process–Learning Action Performance (SAP-LAP) framework in conjunction with strategic management theories such as RBV and DCV provided a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. This study was also a demonstration of how a critical crisis situation like COVID-19 could relate to the SAP-LAP framework. The author found that shopkeepers developed new sets of valuable and rare and inimitable resources and capabilities. While all the aspects of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration were attained to while devising the shops reopening strategies, new sets of resources and capabilities to attend to customers were also developed.

Energy Sustainable House: A Case study and validation through Revit

Reducing carbon footprints and adopting green energy sources is the need of modern time. Green sources of energy need to find preference over traditional sources. Unconventional sources of energy like solar, wind are alternatives of traditional energy sources. Lack of awareness, high initial investment and lack of government incentive are few challenges in adoption of green sources of energy in housing sector, especially in developing economies. Construction, design and aesthetics of traditional residential building have a significant effect on energy consumption and environment. Town planners, private housing developers and individual house owners have to become aware and adopt the non-traditional sources of energy like solar energy for meeting their daily need of energy. An energy sustainable house has minimum dependency on traditional sources of energy like coal based thermal power plants. For moving a step closer to energy sustainable building, in this research paper authors have studied the design, energy consumption and transformation of energy dependencies on roof top solar plant of a residential building by situation actor process & learning action performance (SAP-LAP) methodology. Further authors tried to validate the observations and findings of study by energy balance analysis of the same residential building by Autodesk Revit software. Studying the economical aspect of current case authors observed that the case house got 60% saving in monthly electricity bill after installing rooftop solar power plant and payback period of total investment on solar power plant is 6.5 to 7 years only.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation in India: A SAP-LAP-Twitter Analytic Perspective.

In a federal structure, India's determination to much-needed fiscal reforms has been widely applauded at its face value when she relinquished her previous complex and inefficient tax regime to embrace the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST). It has been a significant economic move post-independence and requires validation of facts after its introduction. The present study aims to present a general macroeconomic analysis of the extent to which the adoption of GST has improved existing tax administration and resultant general economic well-being of a democratic political economy like India in light of innovation implementation theoretical perspective. Further, the study tried to determine how the stakeholders perceived such big-bang reform even after the three years of its adoption. The study attempted to assess to what extent the adoption of GST has indeed influenced the economy in general and citizens and/or consumers in particular while using a case-based qualitative inquiry. The present research applied the situation–actor–process; learning–action–performance analysis framework for the case analysis. The facts reveal that India has observed a tremendous increase in tax base vis-à-vis revenue collection. Yet, some efforts are desired to improve the low tax to GDP ratio, skewed GST payers base, negative stakeholders’ perception of GST (revealed through Twitter sentiment analysis), and the evil of tax evasion. The other merits realized by the economy are presented as benefits to the consumers, MSMEs, improved ease of doing business ranking, and foster make-in-India and AatmanirbharBharat move by the government.

Developing environmental collaboration among supply chain partners for sustainable consumption & production: Insights from an auto sector supply chain

This study aims to investigate the role of environmental orientation and environmental collaboration practices in addressing sustainable consumption and production goals in the supply chain. The case study has been conducted using situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning–action–performance (LAP) model to systematically inquire the association between environmental collaboration and sustainable consumption and production goals in an auto sector supply chain. Using the SAP-LAP model, we tried to understand the complexities and interactions among the current situation, involved actors and processes influencing environmental collaboration for attaining sustainable consumption and production for the case study in an automobile firm. The SAP analysis presents a condition of environmental collaboration practices for sustainable consumption and production goal in the automobile supply chain in India. Then, LAP provides the learning followed by the suggested actions that can be taken to improve the performance of environmental collaboration for sustainable consumption and production goal. Therefore, the findings underscore the strategic significance for a firm to collaborate with its suppliers, customers and internal departments to improve performance in the supply chain. We have also developed propositions to underscore the association between environmental orientation, environmental collaboration, and sustainable consumption and production practices. The study will guide practitioners and policymakers to understand the significance of environmental collaboration for accomplishing sustainable consumption and production goal.

Impact of disruptions in agri-food supply chain due to COVID-19 pandemic: contextualised resilience framework to achieve operational excellence

PurposeThe present study aims to assess the role of supply chain resilience as an operational excellence approach to deal with disruptions caused by coronavirus pandemic in the food supply chain of an agri-food supply firm.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method was used to analyse the disruptions faced by the agricultural food supply chain during the pandemic. The study applies a dynamic capability theory as a foundation to develop a contextualised resilience framework for agri-food supply chain to achieve operational excellence. The case has been analysed by using situation-actor-process (SAP) and learning-action-performance (LAP) framework.FindingsThe SAP aspect of framework points that the flexibility amongst actors for a resilient agriculture supply chain worsened due to the lockdown measures post COVID-19. The LAP aspect of framework suggests how resilience can be built at the supply, demand and logistics end through various proactive and reactive practices such as collaboration, coordination, ICT and ground-level inputs. Lack of commitment and inadequate support from top management towards supply chain resilience are also observed as significant challenges to maintain operational excellence during the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the major implications of the study is that a mix of capabilities rather than a single capability can be the most appropriate way for making the supply chain resilient to maintain operational excellence during the pandemic. However, the sources of disruptions need to be duly recognised to derive the best-contextualised resilience framework for agri-food supply chains.Originality/valueThe development of a contextualised research framework as well as research propositions for analysing supply chain resilience are the major contribution of this study.

Study of sustainability issues in an Indian logistics service provider: SAP-LAP approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze sustainability issues in the context of logistics service providers (LSPs) and to evaluate the sustainability index of an LSP in the Indian scenario.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method is used to understand the sustainability issues of an Indian LSP. The situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning–action–performance (LAP) framework has been applied to critically examine the sustainability issues of the case organization. The information about the case study is collected from both primary and secondary sources, and a detailed analysis of different sustainability issues in the context of an Indian case has been done. The sustainability index for the case organization has been also evaluated.FindingsIt can be observed from the in-depth case analysis that LSPs have started making use of green practices for long-term sustainability, but adoption is very slow in developing countries such as India. Based on SAP-LAP analysis of an Indian LSP, suitable actions are recommended for improving the performance of LSPs.Practical implicationsAdoption of sustainable practices by LSPs can lead to sustainable performance. Sustainability index can assist LSPs to benchmark their sustainability performance to meet the market requirements.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study is to analyze the issues related to implementation of sustainable practices in an Indian LSP through SAP-LAP framework. It also illustrates the evaluation of sustainability index.

Analysing Process of Organ Donation and Transplantation Services in India at Hospital Level: SAP-LAP Model

Organ donation and transplantation services portray a sub-system of modern healthcare organizations, which is a complex adaptive system. Across the world, there is a marked gap between the numbers of available organs for transplant and potential recipients in the waitlist. To date, researchers have struggled to comprehend the reasons for these disparities, yet the subject received relatively little attention from the system’s perspective. The outcome of organ transplantation requires the coordinated effort of many actors like donors, recipients, families, physicians, transplant coordinators and other hospital staff. They may belong to cross-functional departments and institutions, often operating with different motivations and objectives. In this study, we use Situation-Actor-Process (SAP) and Learning-Action-Performance (LAP) inquiry model, to systematically inquire the organ donation in India. With SAP-LAP, we attempt to understand the complexities and interactions among the current situation, involved actors and processes affecting organ donation at the macro- and micro-level of policy formation. The SAP part brings an insight into the present condition of the organ donation system in India. A model representing flexible interaction among situation, actors and processes is developed for a better systemic understanding. Then, LAP fetches the learning followed by the suggested actions that need to be taken for improving the performance of the organ donation system. Through a case study conducted in an Indian hospital, we explore the reasons for operational inefficiencies at the micro-level. The study identified non-value-adding activities like waiting, excess motion, inappropriate processing and defects; and value-adding activities like training intensivist, training transplant coordinator, raising awareness among family members, excess inventory and use of information and communication technology. The research brings up multiple, self-adjusting, unpredictable and interacting pathways that lead from a potential organ donor to an organ receiver, thus targeting process improvement through a holistic approach.

Theory Building on Supply Chain Resilience: A SAP–LAP Analysis

Supply chain (SC) disruption management is a complex issue that involves building SC resilience through enhancing the organizational ability to anticipate, adapt, respond, recover and learn from disruptions; it needs participation and coordinated efforts of all SC stakeholders and their processes. There is a need for a qualitative, interpretive, holistic and flexible framework in the literature. The main purpose of this work is to propose a framework. Therefore, the present study uses an interpretive method, namely “situation–actor–process–learning–action–performance” (SAP–LAP) analysis, to enhance the understanding and analyze the SC resilience building and improvement in the case company, ABC, a prominent automaker in India. Findings reveal several issues, including the establishment of risk management culture, building collaborative capabilities, framing flexible contracts, enhancing the awareness level of risks, security, and resilience among stakeholders, seamless information sharing, require attention. The efficacy and simplicity of the SAP–LAP framework may enable SC stakeholders to initiate resilience-building processes.

A Flexible Policy Framework for Analysing Multimodal Freight Transportation System in India: SAP–LAP and Efficient IRP Method

Freight logistics sustainability is a prime concern of supply chain actors and policymakers. Many of the countries promoted a multimodal freight transportation system for enhancing transport sustainability. The development and promotion of multimodal services in developing nations are lacking and face many sustainability challenges. These challenges are linked to the CO2 emission, traffic congestion, longer travel time, poor transport infrastructure, and transport mode inequality. To address these challenges, this paper is to analyse the multimodal freight transport practices in India and propose adequate policy measures to uplift the freight modal imbalance and transport sustainability. In this paper, situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning, action, performance (LAP) framework is used to analyse the research problem. Further, the interrelationship among the various elements of SAP–LAP is analysed thorough cross-interaction matrices and their dominance profile. The efficient interpretive ranking process is used for prioritization of the actors with respect to processes and actions with respect to performance. The research findings show that Government policymakers and Indian railways are the most influential actor for improving the share of multimodal services. Likewise, the operationalization of a dedicated freight corridor and the use of multimodal services for long hauling are top actions recommended for improving the sustainability performance of freight transportation. The dominance profile of actors and actions is presented. This paper also elucidates the managerial implications of the research.

Assessing the state of physical infrastructure in progressive urbanization strategy: SAP-LAP analysis

The paper examines the current trends in Indian urbanization, a country known to be the second most populous country in the world. It aims to explore whether India, with its prevailing urban physical infrastructure bottlenecks and targeted policies to overcome the same, is equipped enough to sustain a growing urban population. Due to the excessive concentration of population in cities, the link between urbanization and development has evolved as a critical concern for policy makers. The paper employs a situation-actor-process (SAP) - learning-action-performance (LAP) [SAP-LAP] model of inquiry to assess the state of urban physical infrastructure in India and indicates future actions necessary from the standpoint of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of inclusive, consistent, sustainable and resilient infrastructure to bolster economic progress and social welfare, with an emphasis on affordable and even-handed access to all. There has been paucity of studies in the recent past which explore government's role in recognizing physical infrastructure as a sustaining factor to urbanization and its paradoxical policy response—excessive zeal on the one hand and extreme apathy on the other—to urban development issues. The SAP-LAP framework shall assist systemic exploration of various issues in India's urbanization, with specific emphasis on physical infrastructure. This holistic approach would enable to identify further actions to realize sustainable growth and livability benefits of urbanization for India.

Understanding Financial Inclusion in India: A Theoretical Framework Building Through SAP–LAP and Efficient IRP

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current financial inclusion situation in India, identify the gaps and suggest some way forward to bridge these gaps. In this study, situation-actor-process (SAP) learning-action-performance (LAP) model is applied to present the comprehensive view on financial inclusion in India. Further, the interrelation between the various elements of SAP–LAP is established through efficient interpretive ranking process. The SAP–LAP model helps to better understand the current situation of financial inclusion and helps the ‘actors’ to initiate appropriate actions based on the ‘learning’ of the study. The study highlights the area where stakeholders need to focus for better inclusion of people under banking system. The paper is first of its kind which provides a systematic framework to study the financial inclusion in India using SAP–LAP framework.

Analysis of supply chain complexity drivers for Indian mining equipment manufacturing companies combining SAP-LAP and AHP

In today’s world supply chain has become more complex due to the multiplicity of drivers created by globalization, global geopolitical risk, technological disruption, market uncertainty, mass-customization and changing laws and regulations. Supply Chain Complexity (SCC) is one of the most difficult problems in today’s global supply chains and assumed as the key impediment to business performance. SCC has the significant adverse impact on competitiveness, cost efficiency, customer satisfaction, product innovation and market share. It is imperative for the focal firm and its supply chain managers to know SCC drivers causing supply chain complexity. Identification and prioritizing of SCC drivers are required for effective monitoring and controlling of supply chain management. SCC drivers can be categorized based on the origin of their generation as upstream, operational, downstream and external. This paper presents the study conducted in leading earthmoving and mining equipment manufacturing firms in India, to understand the supply chain complexities for off-road & mining equipment industries. Qualitative situation-actors-process (SAP) and learning-action-performance (LAP) model has been applied to understand and analyze the concept of supply chain complexity drivers and its dynamic behavior. Quantitatively multi-criterion decision making (MCDM) is used in prioritizing SCC drivers due to the subjectivity of drivers. An AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) study has also been done to quantify and prioritize SCC drivers for managerial decision making. This study contributes towards developing a priority ranking of SCC drivers based on its impact on overall SCC which have significant importance in supply chain strategic planning. The current research investigates evolving SCC drivers like supplier resourcing risk, supplier competence, regional strategies, shortening product life-cycle, changing customer service expectation which were not adequately addressed in existing literature. Our research findings provides practical insights to managers in understanding the role of SCC drivers like market uncertainty and risk, changing laws and regulations, constant change in customer requirement, multiplicity of customers, forecast inaccuracy, sustainable supply chain practices in the overall outcome of ranking. The outcome of this study also enriches the existing literature of SCC with practitioners’ insight from manufacturing industry.

Transforming information security governance in India (A SAP-LAP based case study of security, IT policy and e-governance)

Purpose Digital India, the flagship programme of Government of India (GoI) originated from National e-Governance Project (NeGP) in the year 2014. The programme has important aspect of information security and implementation of IT policy which supports e-Governance in a focused approach of Mission Mode. In this context, there is a need to assess situation of the programme which covers a study of initiatives and actions taken by various actor involved and processes which are responsible for overall e-Governance. Therefore, the purpose of this case study is to develop a Situation-Actor-Process (SAP), Learning-Action-Performance (LAP) based inquiry model to synthesize situation of information security governance, IT policy and overall e-Governance. Design/methodology/approach In this case study both systematic inquiry and matrices based SAP-LAP models are developed. Actors are classified who are found responsible and engaged in IT policy framing, infrastructure development and also in e-Governance implementation. Based on a synthesis of SAP components, various LAP elements were then synthesized then which further led to learning from the case study. Suitable actions and performance have also been highlighted, followed by a statement of the impact of the efficacy i.e. transformation of information security, policy and e-Governance on the Digital India programme. Findings On developing the SAP-LAP framework, it was found that actors like the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Govt. of India secures a higher rank in implementing various initiatives and central sector schemes to accelerate the agenda of e-Governance. Actions of other preferred actors include more investments in IT infrastructure, policy development and a mechanism to address cyber security threats for effective implementation of e-Governance. It was found that actors should be pro-active on enhancing technical skills, capacity building and imparting education related to ICT applications and e-Governance. Decision making should be based on the sustainable management practices of e-Governance projects implementation to manage change, policy making and the governmental process of the Indian administration and also to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by the Indian economy. Research limitations/implications The SAP-LAP synthesis is used to develop the case study. However, few other qualitative and quantitative multi criteria decision making approaches could also be explored for the development of IT security based e-Governance framework in the Indian context. Practical implications The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP components which can bridge the gaps between information security, IT policy governance and e-Governance process. Based on the learning from the Situation, it is said that the case study can provide decision making support and has impact on the e-Governance process i.e. may enhance awareness about e-services available to the general public. Such work is required to assess the transparency and accountability on the Government. Social implications Learning based on the SAP-LAP framework could provide decision making support to the administrators, policy makers and IT sector stakeholders. Thus, the case study would further help in addressing the research gaps, accelerating e-Governance initiatives and in capturing cyber threats. Originality/value The SAP-LAP model is found as an intuitive approach to analyze the present status of information security governance, IT policy and e-Governance in India in a single unitary model.

“Systematic inquiry for energy security and sustainability”(a case study approach for India using SAP-LAP framework)

Purpose Energy supply delivered via various energy projects is an important aspect of energy security for India. Managing supply through various capacity additions for providing continuous electricity 24×7 by 2019 is a significant challenge for the country. In this context, there is a need to assess the present situation of energy generation from the traditional energy projects that are being installed for the purpose of capacity addition. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop an inquiry model based on situation-actor-process (SAP), learning-action-performance (LAP) for the Indian energy and power sectors to analyze the status of the supply side of energy security. Design/methodology/approach A SAP-LAP model is used to synthesize the situations of both the energy and power sectors. For both systems, inquiry- and matrices-based SAP-LAP models have been considered for this purpose. The situation is presented for various issues related to the execution of different types of energy projects. Actors in these sectors are classified by those who are responsible and engaged in the execution of various energy projects. For demonstration purposes, only a thermal energy project is highlighted in this case study. Based on the synthesis of SAP elements, various LAP elements are analyzed which leads to lessons that may be learnt from the case. Suitable actions are identified, followed by an assessment of their impact on the performance of the energy projects. Findings By developing a framework for a SAP-LAP model for the assessment of energy security, it was found that both sectors need more investment for their sustainable growth and that the actors identified should be proactive in their decision making. Decision making should be based on the sustainable management practices of life cycle management and life cycle costing for the better utilization of energy resources to strengthen overall energy security. Research limitations/implications The SAP-LAP analysis is used to explain the supply side of energy security in a managerial context, as applied in the case of the Indian energy and power sectors. However, some other quantitative multiple-criteria decision-making techniques like the preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations, the complex proportional assessment of alternatives, the analytic hierarchy process or qualitative interactions assessment techniques such as interpretive structural modeling (ISM), total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) or the interpretive ranking process can also be explored for the development of an energy security framework. Practical implications The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which bridges the gap by suggesting improvement actions based on learning from the present situation of power supply, from actors in the industry and from existing processes. The model presents the situation of energy security in terms of the timely execution of energy projects and their impacts on the gross domestic product of the country. Social implications The framework for learning can provide information to the various stakeholders, investors and sector organizations inquiring about various issues related to energy projects and supporting the idea for energy security and sustainability. Originality/value The SAP-LAP model is a novel approach for analyzing the present status of energy supply performance in a single model, which can act as the support for decision making in conflicting situations, specifically the conflicting nature of the Indian energy and power sectors.

Analysis of Palliative Care Process through SAP-LAP Inquiry: Case Study on Palliative Care and Training Centre

‘Palliative care’, a branch of medicine, aims to alleviate pain and enhance quality of life in the patient suffering from life-threatening illnesses. In addition to regular curative treatment for the patient, it also provides bereavement support to the family thereafter. Search for exhaustive literature on palliative care initiatives and current status in India confirms a dearth for nationwide awareness as well as published literature concerning the performance of palliative care units. While only few institutions are involved in disseminating palliative care initiatives, the services are quite limited, demanding a need to consider this topic holistically. Conclusively, palliative care should address every aspect of health care and support to the ailing patient and their family members. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the palliative care process adopted by the case institution, i.e. a renowned Palliative Care and Training Centre (PCTC-1) in India, to discuss the palliative care initiatives and their performance outcomes. A situation–actor–process and learning–action–performance (SAP-LAP) model of inquiry has been applied for the case study (PCTC-1). It considers the present operations of the centre and actors as participants influencing the situation through different processes. Several pertinent issues leading to actions have been analysed, which have considerable impact on the delivery of palliative care services. Responses elicited through in-depth interviews with the actors form the basis of primary data along with the published secondary sources. PCTC-1 has undertaken numerous initiatives such as ‘care beyond cure’, ‘wearing smiles’ and rendering health care at the centre as well as homes. Issues related to spreading awareness and holistic services on palliative care demands priority. The government national healthcare system needs to include palliative care as a core programme for people inclusion. Presently, palliative care services in India are negligible, and people lack awareness about it. This study uses SAP-LAP inquiry as a novel approach, which attempts to analyse and synthesise the processes holistically in a single study on the performance of palliative care services rendered only by the case organisation (PCTC-1). The findings of this study could be widely used for managerial problem-solving experienced by other palliative care centres. Further empirical tests can be undertaken in the palliative care sector for deriving deeper linkages in the model.

Study of Supply Chain of an Indian Shipping Company using Modified SAP-LAP Framework

Purpose - The purpose of the present work is to study the supply chain of an Indian Shipping Company (SC) which has posted an audited loss of Rs 147.47 crores in the F Y 2013-14 and the three quarter reports of 2014-2015 is also not very encouraging as financial position of case company still indicate southward trend. It is a matter of surprise to everyone that during the same period other private companies have reported profits in their fleet operation. This shows that the cost cutting measures, such as: Reduction in expenses incurring towards ship repairs and dry-docking at least by 50% because the average age of ships has come down to nine years, taken SC management are not sufficient. It has been also noticed that manning agents to provide above personnel engaged by management are not performing their duties with dedication and their services are not of good quality. There is dissatisfaction among permanent floating staff personnel as they are given biased treatment as compared to contract personnel as far as their posting on the vessels. The purpose of this paper is to develop a case of a shipping company and to gain learning insights towards current situation of the company with the help of SAP (Situation-Actor- Process)-LAP (Learning-Action- Performance) framework. The case study points out limitations of the Shipping Company (SC) and suggests modifications and some actions for improving its competitiveness in near future. Approach: With the help of modified SAP - LAP framework, the working of the shipping company in the present scenario have been analyzed. The analysis has been carried out with the help of discussion with the experts of the company having more than ten years of experience. The case study makes some suggestions after analyzing the present situation, so that company can make operational profit in financial year 2016- 17 onwards. Findings - Through development of SAP- LAP framework, past and present situation of the case company has been studied with the focus on direct actors and indirect actors responsible for the growth of the case company. The process of the company has been analyzed from strategic, tactic and operational point of view. Learning is gained for the present and future situation. Actions have been proposed to improve the present situation and for sustainable future growth. Originality - The paper is an original paper which applies SAP-LAP framework with modification. In the development of SAP-LAP framework, the help of experienced experts has been obtained. The questions were prepared after reviewing the related literature and annual reports of the case company and its competitors. The case study suggests simple but effective solutions that may be adopted by the case company for her sustainable growth in future.

Reverse Logistics Operations in Automobile Industry: A Case Study Using SAP-LAP Approach

This paper sets out to analyze a case study of ABC, one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles in India to assess its current status of reverse logistics operations. A situation-actor-process (SAP)-learning-action-performance (LAP) model has been applied to analyze the case study. Literature review indicates that issues like regulations, top management commitment, competition in market, and state of art information technologies are needed for successful reverse logistics programs. Very few frameworks of reverse logistics have been reported in literature that give a holistic perspective of reverse logistics operations in automobile industry. Results of case study indicate that reverse logistics operations at ABC are mainly confined to warranty components to gain goodwill of customers. Also, financial constraints and lack of appropriate performance metrics were the chief barriers affecting reverse logistics operations at ABC. Results of study reveals that though Indian automobile companies have begun to embrace reverses logistics practices, ample opportunities for improvements are still possible. The present SAP-LAP framework is useful in understanding issues related to strategic, tactical and operational level issues of reverse logistics. Managers can gain useful insights by understanding the interplay among situation, actor, and process. The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which suggests improvement actions based on the gaps of present situation, actors, and processes which could be useful for logistics managers.

A Flexible Decision Framework for Building Risk Mitigation Strategies in Green Supply Chain Using SAP–LAP and IRP Approaches

This paper attempts to develop a holistic flexible decision framework to analyze the risk mitigation strategies in network design of green supply chain. The methodology of Situation Actor Process–Learning Action Performance (SAP–LAP) is employed to analyze the problem. However, the interpretation of the interactive relationships among the variables of the SAP–LAP based model relatively lacks in this process, and thus may distort the process of decision making. Therefore, in this study, SAP–LAP approach is linked with a novel ranking method i.e., Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP), which overcomes the issues of decision-making in SAP–LAP methodology and helps in evaluating the SAP–LAP model by determining the ranks of actors and actions w.r.t. process and performance respectively. The research novelty presents the findings via an intuitive and interpretive decision technique to address important issues in perceptive of risk and mitigation strategies regarding green supply chain. The proposed flexible SAP–LAP and IRP based model would help organizations to address risk mitigation strategies for green supply chain with concerns over situation, actor, process, learning, action and performance aspects, together to interpret the of role and influence of actor and action in accordance with process and performance that will increase the GSC robustness and hence enhancement in the ecological–economic gains.