Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied To A Classification Research Articles

Promoting green growth through identification of sustainable strategies: a hybrid approach

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to rank and analyze the key strategies to sustainable finance adoption in the manufacturing sector using Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification) analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a novel framework to identify and analyze the mutual relationships among set of sustainable policies using extensive literature survey and experts opinion. Initially, the study found 14 strategies to implement sustainable finance with the help of vast literature. Then, the list of identified factors were screened through Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Based on driving and dependence power, the final list of factors are divided into three categories.FindingsThe study findings reveal that “environmental rules and practices”, “financial incentives, tax reduction and subsidy”, have strongest driving power for promoting sustainable financial system in Pakistani manufacturing sector. Furthermore, “environmental awareness” and “long term vision” are found to be highly influenced by other corresponding elements in a system.Practical implicationsThe ISM approach assists professionals, academics, and managers in identifying and ranking policies in implementing green business techniques. The hierarchical representation of ISM results provides a roadmap for decision-makers to navigate and prioritize factors effectively, facilitating the implementation of strategies that contribute to sustainable growth within organizations.Social implicationsThe study results provide interesting clues regarding green finance policies that provide the foundations, incentives, protections or other provisions that support the ecological conservancy’s mission. Specifically, the findings guide that government must offer research grants to private enterprises, research and development institutions, and universities to promote environmental protection and develop transformative technologies such as waste recycling, renewable energy, carbon capture, and power consumption.Originality/valueThe exploration of strategies for sustainable finance adoption with the help of mixed methodological approach and classification of these strategies on the basis of importance level is a new attempt in the field of manufacturing sector.

ISM- and MICMAC-based modelling of dairy supply chain: a study of enablers in Indian economy perspective

PurposeThis study aims at modelling the enablers of dairy supply chain (DSC) in Indian context.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been used to model the enabler of dairy supply chain. The opinion has been taken from the industry experts and experienced academicians. Further, Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) used to classify the enablers based on driving and dependence power.FindingsFindings show that stakeholder trust and top management support/leadership are the very crucial enablers in dairy supply chain; they are at a lower level of hierarchical structure and work as primary enablers to development of DSC. While customer satisfaction and financial performance are at top of the digraph, it shows these enablers are the outcome of a smooth supply chain. The MICMAC analysis suggests that the identified enablers are largely classified into dependent and independent enablers; there are no autonomous enablers in the dairy supply chain.Practical implicationsThe study can aid businesses in the dairy processing industry in managing demand fluctuations, enhancing product quality, implementing effective information systems and adapting procedures, thereby enhancing supply chain performance.Originality/valueThere is very limited study on enablers of the dairy supply chain in general, while in the Indian context, there is no specific study on modelling the enablers of dairy supply chain.

Analysis of barriers of mHealth adoption in the context of sustainable operational practices in health care supply chains

PurposeThe goal of this research is to analyse the obstacles to the implementation of mobile health (mHealth) in India and to gain an understanding of the contextual inter-relationships that exist amongst those obstacles.Design/methodology/approachPotential barriers and their interrelationships in their respective contexts have been uncovered. Using MICMAC analysis, the categorization of these barriers was done based on their degree of reliance and driving power (DP). Furthermore, an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) framework for the barriers to mHealth activities in India has been proposed.FindingsThe study explores a total of 15 factors that reduce the efficiency of mHealth adoption in India. The findings of the Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) investigation show that the economic situation of the government, concerns regarding the safety of intellectual technologies and privacy issues are the primary obstacles because of the significant driving power they have in mHealth applications.Practical implicationsPromoters of mHealth practices may be able to make better plans if they understand the social barriers and how they affect each other; this leads to easier adoption of these practices. The findings of this study might be helpful for governments of developing nations to produce standards relating to the deployment of mHealth; this will increase the efficiency with which it is adopted.Originality/valueAt this time, there is no comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence the adoption of mobile health care with social cognitive theory in developing nations like India. In addition, there is a lack of research in investigating how each of these elements affects the success of mHealth activities and how the others interact with them. Because developed nations learnt the value of mHealth practices during the recent pandemic, this study, by investigating the obstacles to the adoption of mHealth and their inter-relationships, makes an important addition to both theory and practice.

Barriers to the Adoption of Modular Construction in Portugal: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

Modular construction is the most advanced method of off-site construction available, generating fully-fitted modules with up to 80% of the work completed in a controlled environment prior to their transportation and installation on-site. The adoption of modular construction (AMC) has increased in several countries worldwide. However, in smaller construction markets, the adoption rates remain low, and the industry is still heavily reliant on traditional labor-intensive methods. The main research question for this study is: What are the main barriers (including the root barriers) to the adoption of modular construction in Portugal? The methodology used was a mixed methods research (MMR) approach, trying to understand if there are any specificities in the Portuguese (European Union) markets compared with the more well-documented North American and Asian markets. First, a literature review followed by a survey were used to prioritize a list of 15 critical barriers to the AMC. The results and interrelations between the barriers were analyzed through an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and an impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis. The combined analyses show that the main barriers are low levels of R&D, a lack of accredited organizations to certify the quality of the manufactured components and the industry’s unwillingness to innovate.

Proposal for a Framework to Develop Sustainable Tourism on the Santurbán Moor, Colombia, as an Alternative Source of Income between Environmental Sustainability and Mining

The main goal of this paper was to propose a program to develop sustainable tourism at Santurbán moor in Colombia. This would open new paths toward economic growth for the communities inhabiting this sector who are currently facing a serious dilemma. First, the moor is an area of vital importance to the sustainability of more than two million people, who depend on water generated in the area. On the other hand, this land contains great mineral wealth and agricultural resources. This has generated an already long-lasting conflict of interest between environment conservation and the possible economic exploitation of the Santurbán moor through industrial mining. To this end, we conducted bibliographic research on sustainable tourism, specifically with scientific ends, that considered the potential of this area for its implementation. Prospective methodology was applied, beginning with the selection of a panel of experts to identify the most important external and internal variables that could affect the area. Then, Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) software was used to identify the correlation between the different actors and their possible contributions. As a result of this research, a proposal is presented that is focused on the needs of the community living in the area, as supported by science and the academic community, and by the use of Industry 4.0 and related new technologies. This strategy could be used in other protected areas in Colombia, or throughout the world, that are currently being visited by tourists who, maybe unwillingly, are actually putting the sustainability of these areas at risk. In the future, this strategy will be consolidated and will lead to technological applications. This will allow tourists to enjoy protected places without threatening the conservation of these habitats.

Multi-criteria decision analysis of significant enablers for a competitive supply chain

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to study the significant enablers for a competitive supply chain and analyze the relationships among them by using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques. The supply chain (SC) managers will get better insights from the models of this study to design their SCs that are more competitive for competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachAfter an extensive review of literature followed by experts' opinions, 21 significant enablers for a competitive SC (CSC) were selected for structural modeling using MCDM techniques of total interpretive structural modeling (TISM), Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC), followed by decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach.FindingsTop management commitment is the most prominent causing enabler of a CSC; customer satisfaction is the topmost effect enabler; the operational performance of individual firms in the supply chain is a crucial enabler of a CSC.Practical implicationsThe results and findings of this study would provide better insights to SC professionals and practitioners to comprehend the significant enablers of a CSC for designing and executing SC operations more competitively to achieve better customer satisfaction and sustainable business performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a foremost study focusing on the significant enablers of a CSC by utilizing the TISM along with MICMAC and DEMATEL methods. It is expected that this research will offer useful guidance for assessing and considering the SC enablers for achieving a CSC and facilitate new research in this area with more thrust.

Analysis of post-harvest supply chain impediments for rural employability and waste reduction

The tremendous amount of economic losses, welfare losses and distress among the farmers due to produce spoilage and quality losses are a few major concerns in the Indian post-harvest supply chain (PHSC). A study for identifying and analysing the impediments in the post-harvest supply chain was performed to minimise them. The interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was applied on the identified impediments to analyse the interactions among them and matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis was used to categorise the impediments into four clusters on the basis of driving and dependence power. The key impediments obtained from the analyses are lack of government support, lack of transportation infrastructure and lack of fixation of minimum support price. And their revisions are to be improved with time to improve farmer profitability, rural employability and waste reduction. These impediments appear at the bottom in structural analysis thus hold a prime value among the identified impediments. The utility of this study is stated in the practical implications section, i.e., adaption of value addition practices for onion to reduce the spoilage ratio.

Modeling cost overrun in building construction projects using the interpretive structural modeling approach: a developing country perspective

PurposeAlthough several studies have been conducted on the causes of cost overrun, they have mainly assumed that the causes of cost overrun are independent of each other, and few of them scrutinized the complex interrelationships between the causes. To fill the gap, this study aims to investigate the mutual interactions between the causes of cost overrun using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and proposing strategies to tackle the causes considering their interactions.Design/methodology/approachCritical causes of cost overrun were identified through a comprehensive literature review. In total, 22 key causes are then refined based on the opinions of relevant experts involved in the Iranian building and construction sector. Using the nominal group technique, the causes' interactions were examined and represented via the ISM diagram. The causes were also classified using “matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC)” technique.FindingsThe results showed that price fluctuation, claims, execution delay, delay in payment and change order positioned at the highest level of the obtained model can directly result in cost overrun, and corruption and poor contract management located at the base of the model are two major root causes of cost overruns. It was also concluded that more attention should be paid to the precontract phase of the project to address and prevent corruption and managerial issues deeply rooted in this stage.Originality/valueThe findings of this study provide a clear understanding of how different causes of cost overrun are related to each other and can ultimately assist project managers of different parties in choosing strategies to mitigate cost overrun in building construction projects.

Saline water desalination using solar energy: performance analysis and implementation barriers

Solar water desalination system is one of the alternatives for supplying fresh water. On the other hand, some people are reluctant to use and rely on water produced by the system. Also, there are other barriers to the adoption of this system in Indonesia. This research aimed to conduct a preliminary study on the performance of solar desalination systems and identify factors that hindered its implementation. The methodology applied in this study consist of two approaches. First, the desalination system performance is determined by the quantity of freshwater produced and the quality of feed water, distilled water, and brine compared to Indonesia’s water quality standard. Second, the identification of implementation barriers was evaluated in the structural analysis method using MICMAC (the Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) software. The performance analysis result shows low efficiency based on desalinated water produced, which ranges from 2.59% up to 9.67%. The water quality parameters of pH, turbidity, TDS, chloride, Fe, and hardness met the Indonesian water quality standard. The factor of “uncertainty of subsidies,” “niche market,” “poor solar energy data,” and “lack of policy/regulatory framework” were determined as critical barriers which have the most significant influence and highest independence.

Analysis of Strategic Variables for Sustainable Infrastructure and Transportation in Rural Area of Serang Regency, Banten Province

Infrastructure and transportation are important sector in the realization of Sustainable Development Goals in rural area. The understanding of strategic variables of infrastructure and transportation is very crucial. Therefore, this paper aim to present how we used structural analysis method to identify the sustainability variables of infrastructure and transportation in rural area. Kendayakan village in Serang Regency, a rural area, is studied due to its location as a hinterland to the coastal area of Banten province. The methodology of study is using the Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) software for analysing the strategic variables. The three pillars of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) elements of environmental, economic and social, represented by environmental quality index, income per capita and population density variables, respectively, were included in the analysis. Variables of infrastructure/transportation sustainability analysed were as follows: roads, bridges, water supply, water conservation, drainage and sanitation system, flood management, and housing/building/public facilities. The result shows that bridge infrastructure is classified as key factor which has the highest influence and independent. However, further research should be performed with more variables within the SDGs dimensions of economic, social and environmental.

Investigating key dimensions for the development of women-owned enterprises: interpretive structural modeling and MICMAC approach

PurposeWomen-owned enterprises (WOEs) are one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial sectors in the world. Therefore, this study aims to identify and develop the structural cause and effect relationship among the various strategic dimensions that affect the performance of WOEs in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachWith the help of the questionnaire survey, the data has been gathered. Further, the experts’ opinions are considered, which is followed by interpretative structural modeling and the impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) approach to explore the 13 dimensions associated with the development of WOEs such as work–life balance (WLB), entrepreneurial learning (EL), competencies, social identity (SI) and culture.FindingsWLB and support of financial institutions are the dominant independent dimensions and EL and competencies have emerged as dominant dependent dimensions, which impact the development of WOEs. The other linkage dimensions are experience, entrepreneurship education and training, SI, government, non-government organizations, family, friends, culture, role models, etc.Research limitations/implicationsThis conceptual model can be validated for any type of WOEs in India and in other countries.Practical implicationsThrough this study, the academicians, decision-makers and policymakers must become aware of the importance of each dimension and their relatedness with each other, which provides the direction for designing and implementing appropriate policies to enhance the growth of WOEs.Originality/valueThis is the foremost research that provides an interpretive structural conceptual model to develop a map of the complex relationships and magnitude among the identified dimensions of WOEs.

A Strategic Framework for Transformational Leadership Development in Megaprojects

Project managers’ leadership has a direct and an indirect effect on project success. Extant literature has established that transformational leadership style positively affects project success in a major way. The main aim of this research is to understand the variables that positively affects transformational leadership development and their interrelationships in megaprojects. The Total Interpretive Structural Model (TISM) methodology is adopted to propose a framework, and Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) approach is used to examine the strategic nature of the enablers. The research shows that there exists a group of enablers having a high driving power and low dependence, requiring maximum attention and of strategic importance, while another group consists of those variables that have high dependence and are resultant actions. Furthermore, the model explains the relationships among each pair of variables. Organisations dealing in megaprojects would be the major beneficiaries of this study. Policy makers in these organisations would explicitly understand the variables and their interrelationships that needs attention for transformational leadership development. This would help them to prioritize their efforts and implement suitable strategies to focus on the most important variables for developing transformational leaders ultimately leading to project success.

Analysis of post-harvest supply chain impediments for rural employability and waste reduction

The tremendous amount of economic losses, welfare losses and distress among the farmers due to produce spoilage and quality losses are a few major concerns in the Indian post-harvest supply chain (PHSC). A study for identifying and analysing the impediments in the post-harvest supply chain was performed to minimise them. The interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was applied on the identified impediments to analyse the interactions among them and matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis was used to categorise the impediments into four clusters on the basis of driving and dependence power. The key impediments obtained from the analyses are lack of government support, lack of transportation infrastructure and lack of fixation of minimum support price. And their revisions are to be improved with time to improve farmer profitability, rural employability and waste reduction. These impediments appear at the bottom in structural analysis thus hold a prime value among the identified impediments. The utility of this study is stated in the practical implications section, i.e., adaption of value addition practices for onion to reduce the spoilage ratio.

Analysis and modeling the enablers of Green Lean Six Sigma implementation using Interpretive Structural Modeling

The changed customer perception and environmental regulations have enforced organizations to device the ways that remain sustainable and at the same time meet the expectations of customers. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is one of the inclusive approaches that reduces the variations and wastes in the system and at the same time decreases the negative environmental impact. But, in order to implement a comprehensive GLS approach, it is indispensable to look at the enablers or foundations that consequently lead to the success of this program. The present work deals with GLS enablers identification and modeling using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to meticulously adjudicate interactions among the enablers. Besides, Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) analysis has been used here to classify these enablers for better understanding. This work will facilitate the organizations to have a readiness for a strategic GLS implementation by detailed understanding of mutual relations among the enablers of GLS.

Structural Analysis of Factors Influencing the Functionality of Subgrade of Transport Constructions

Railway and highway subgrade is considered to be one of the most vulnerable elements of transport structures. Undoubtedly, its failure may cause serious delays or even traffic interruption. Moreover, subgrade reliability is affected by various material, technological, climatic, as well as, soil-related and geological factors. This paper presents the results of a structural analysis with impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) technique applied for the identification of the most essential factors based on the intensity of their influence on each other. By doing so, an opinion survey was undertaken through expert consultations with industry and academic representatives in the field of construction materials, design, construction and operation of railways and roads in order to increase the subgrade effectiveness and reliability. Based on the outcomes of the derived structural analysis, it can be concluded that the following factors are the most influential: strength, water and physical properties of the top subgrade layer material; optimal subgrade soil moisture monitoring during its maintenance; and construction management of subgrade. Targeted control of the mentioned factors in general, and the top subgrade layer properties in particular, mainly depends on the properties of applied materials. This condition is generic, regardless of a region where railways and roads are being operated.

A structural impact analysis of the fashion system with regards to textile recycling

The current fashion system is a linear economy predicated on buy, use and disposal. This leads to high amounts of textile waste on the one side and fibre shortage on the other side. Overcoming this global fibre gap requires a circular fashion system. We conduct a structural analysis to study the direct and indirect influences between the factors, by using a systematic approach based on impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis. The results reduce systemic complexity by defining the most influential factors of the system. The study concludes that government policies should create market incentives to foster a circular economy in the textile system.

Interpretive Structural Modeling Technique to Analyze the Interactions Between the Factors Influencing the Performance of the Reverse Logistics Chain

The aim of this study is to analyze the interactions among the different factors influencing the performance of the reverse logistics chain. We attempted to explore the factors touching performance of reverse logistics relatively to customer satisfaction. We have proposed a structural analysis based on MICMAC (Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification) method to classify factors rendering their direct/indirect influences and dependencies. The upshot of this research is to identify the relationship between the 31 variables used in the experimentation. It observed that this exploration might cooperate in reverse logistics policy development arrangement, motivated by customer necessity.

A framework for selecting the location of very large photovoltaic solar power plants on a global/supergrid

One of the important optimization applications (minimization and maximization) is the power grid systems. National electricity grids should be interconnected to develop larger regional grids (supergrids), and further integrated to build up a worldwide grid (global grid) for minimizing consumption of natural resources and maximizing economical useful life, recycling rate, and effective usage of natural resources. These supergrids and global grid concepts can only be developed through detailed and organized supportive research studies. This research study aims to find, define, identify, describe and select location selection factors of very large photovoltaic solar power plant investments on a global grid and supergrid concepts. Grey systems theory, fuzzy (Type-1 and 2) theories, Mamdani’s type fuzzy rule-based system, Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) tool, and Political, Economic, Social and Technological (PEST) framework and its extensions (SLEPT, PESTEL, PESTLE, STEEPLE, STEEPLED, DESTEP, STEER) are concurrently used in this study. Eleven (11) criteria are presented for preliminary screening (i.e. C1: global horizontal irradiation (GHI), C2: governments supergrid integration policy, C3: supergrid business climate and conditions, C4: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) electrification grid infrastructure, C5: land use, allocation and availability, C6: geological conditions, C7: political, war, terror & security, C8: topographical conditions, C9: climatic conditions, C10: water availability conditions, C11: natural disaster/hazard conditions), and 191 factors are presented for pre-feasibility investment stages. Findings can directly be used or taken as a basis for further analysis by researchers and practitioners.

An integrated fuzzy MICMAC with a revised IPA approach to explore service quality improvement

Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) and SERVQUAL are both widely applied in service quality assessment. Even two model integration is also commonly used to eliminate the shortcomings in their respective single application. However, several modified IPA methods for improving traditional IPA has been put forward continuously, the integration model becomes difficult. This research proposes a new revised IPA method which can be integrated with SERVQUAL and preserve the advantages described in previous studies. Meanwhile, we further propose that the integration method for Fuzzy theory and Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) consider the interdependence between attributes. Furthermore, the importance or performance of the respective attributes is to be corrected based on the degree of influence and dependency between the respective attributes. This novel hybrid IPA approach is not only valuable in the exploration of service quality but also identifies a strategy to improve overall satisfaction. The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated through an empirical study of the visitors at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center.

A novel Kaizen technique for service quality: case study in educational organization

Purpose The development and application of systematic procedures enabling Kaizen methodology development are still very rare, especially in the service industry. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a set of innovative improvement methodologies of service quality to enhance the extent and depth of Kaizen in the service domain. Design/methodology/approach Combining the importance-performance analysis (IPA) method with impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC), which is more convenient in calculation and application, and Fuzzy theory not only effectively integrates opinions of multiple experts, but also improves the conventional MICMAC method, which can only make binary judgment on the mutual influence of elements, by making it able to judge the degree of influence, thereby delivering more accuracy in evaluating the results. Findings This innovative method which integrates Fuzzy-MICMAC with IPA displayed its usability in the analysis and research of a certain university library on service quality, and significant differences were found on comparing it with the conventional IPA method. The comparison and suggestion were proposed. Research limitations/implications The number of the experts involved and samples under investigation were limited, hence findings were not comprehensive enough and cannot be generalized. This sets the direction for future research. Originality/value This proposed method helps in overcoming the lack of systematic procedures enabling Kaizen methodology for service quality. It has the advantage of integrating existing tools and models effectively, which not only improve the shortcomings of the conventional methods, but also result in more convenient calculation and application, to promote Kaizen in service domain.