SAP-LAP Framework Research Articles

Design thinking adoption in software development organizations: A SAP LAP analysis

The design thinking approach (DTA) is recognized as a desirable and viable strategic plan for addressing the ever-changing dynamic needs of the customer in software products. However, the adoption of DTA in software development organizations (SDOs) remains low, which is of significant concern in developing countries such as India. DTA implementation appears complex, challenging and necessitates holistic investigation to understand the factors influencing the adoption. Consequently, the study seeks to propose a practice-based theoretical framework using the situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance (SAP-LAP) framework to advance our understanding of DTA utilization challenges in SDOs and suggest actions to improve the current scenario. The SAP LAP framework was developed using personnel semi-structured interviews with nineteen experts having more than ten years of experience from nine leading SDOs. Overall, the study identifies fifteen challenges and thirteen actions to overcome the challenges to DTA utilization in SDOs. Finally, implications for practitioners and policymakers are discussed.

New Higher Education Policy and Strategic Plan: Commensurate India’s Higher Education in Global Perspective

A national education policy (NEP) is a comprehensive framework to guide education development in any country. In light of this, the present contribution is structured on an analysis of recent changes in the education policy of an emerging economy. The study is an original contribution to the qualitative study literature, applying the system model of inquiry and Twitter mining methodology using NVIVO 12 software. The sketch of the article begins by analysing the limitations and gaps of the extant education policy in an emerging country, and its implications through the SAP-LAP framework, and then analysing the reaction of various stakeholders on Twitter. The sentiment index (SI) scored +3.59, denoting a broad approval of the policy amongst the people. Further, the gap analysis develops the pathway to learning issues that guide the recommendations. The article concludes by offering a capacity development framework for better implementation and monitoring of new education policies for lower-middle income countries.

Addressing Nonfinancial and Financial Performance Issues of an Indian Manufacturing Organization Using SAP-LAP Framework Analysis

In a manufacturing organization, there are several issues that directly or indirectly affect the performance of the organization. The performance of the organization is measured by both nonfinancial and financial parameters. In this paper, the selection of these parameters is supported by a brief literature review and the organization’s annual report for carrying out the analysis. The organization is analyzed using the SAP-LAP framework for the development of interpretive linkages. The organization was assessed for its current situations using the framework. The framework maps its key elements with performance measures. From the analysis, it can be concluded that actors like top management and cross-functional teams are the most influential actors among the others. Similarly, actions AN1: adoption of policy management and AN2: implementation of SQC tools are the most engaging actions among the others for addressing the performance parameters.

DECONSTRUCTING DE-GLOBALISATION AS A CHALLENGE USING SAP-LAP ANALYTICAL MODEL: A CASE STUDY OF INDIAN ECONOMY

In the years prior to 2008, that is before the global financial crisis, emerging market economies saw vigorous global demand, substantial improvements in terms of trade and abundant capital inflows. However, trade growth has been frail, after the financial crisis and whether this movement is permanent or temporary still needs an answer. It has been found that the world is moving, towards the de-globalisation era and the developed nations have marked its instigation. The United States and Britain have adopted the policy leading to the disassembling of the globalisation period and the trend has now been passed on towards India. In the current study, SAP-LAP analytical model has been used to understand the variables that have brought the shift in paradigm towards deglobalisation in India. The objective of the study is to apply SAP-LAP framework to analyse the determinants consisting of ‘situation’, ‘actors’ and ‘processes’ and ‘learning’, ‘action’, ‘performance’ leading to de-globalisation in the Indian context. This modelling technique will help in listing key learning issues and will suggest necessary actions to be taken to improve selected performance areas

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.

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.

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.

SHARING ECONOMY IN PEOPLE, PROCESS AND TECHNOLOGY PERSPECTIVE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Make in India is certainly a great initiative by newly formed Government in India and the looking at the momentum it has gathered, it seems that it will surely have strong positive impact on Indian economy and overall socio-economic development in India. The aim of the this study is to pin-point regional disparity and other development issues with reference to industrial development and propose a comprehensive framework with positive direction to 'Make in India' mission.The primary focus of the study is signifying 'need and opportunity' based industrial development for 'make in India' mission which aims at balanced economic growth in India. Funnel approach (India>Maharashtra>Dhule District in Maharashtra > Nardana Village in Dhule) is followed to identify issues and challenges with regard to industrial development. The study scans the present status of industrial development, infrastructure development, and regional disparities in different regions in India. Furtheras a part of narrowing down focus, study focuses at in-depth analysis of regional disparity in the state of Maharashtra and also attempts to find out the reasons for it.In continuation with 'Funnel approach' in-depth analysis for a'Dhule' (an underdeveloped District) and One) small area' Nardana' (where an Industrial growth centre is declared) in that district is carried out and findings are noted using SAP-LAP framework. As such, the study intends to propose a strategic development path to actualize 'make in India' built on 'Need and Opportunity Model' applied for one small district and a village in it having potential for industrial growth.

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.

Analysis of maiden modal shift in coal transportation supply chain using SAP-LAP technique

This paper presents a case study in a SAP-LAP format in respect of a maiden modal shift logistic project in India. The purpose of this paper is to show how a modal shift from railways to inland water transportation led to improvement in supply chain qualitatively and quantitatively (cost wise). SAP-LAP framework has been applied and major actors instrumental in the modal shift are briefly taken up. It is a real-life project initiated and piloted by the Government of India through Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). This paper helps to understand the project for implementing IWT by modelling its enablers using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique and analysing various issues using SAP-LAP framework in order to improve the economics of supply chain. Structured modelling has helped in understanding the critical enablers. Based upon the inputs from experts, major actors suggested a different set of incentives. A concessional user charge for the use of fairway and cargo assurances as opposed to cash subsidy approach was the game changer. It provides a good model for the improvement of economics of supply chain.

Deglobalisation as a challenge: a case study of the USA

It has been observed that the world is moving towards the deglobalisation era and developed nations have marked its beginning. The USA has adopted the policy leading to the dismantling of the globalisation period. In the current study, SAP-LAP framework has been developed to understand the variables that have brought the change in paradigm towards deglobalisation in the USA. SAP-LAP is used to analyse the determinants of 'situation', 'actors' and 'processes' in the case study of the USA. This modelling will help in listing key learning issues and suggest actions to be taken to improve select performance areas. The integrated framework is discussed using cross-interaction matrices. With the literature review, it has been found that the factors that have brought about globalisation are now behind its backlash.

Deglobalisation as a challenge: a case study of the USA

It has been observed that the world is moving towards the deglobalisation era and developed nations have marked its beginning. The USA has adopted the policy leading to the dismantling of the globalisation period. In the current study, SAP-LAP framework has been developed to understand the variables that have brought the change in paradigm towards deglobalisation in the USA. SAP-LAP is used to analyse the determinants of 'situation', 'actors' and 'processes' in the case study of the USA. This modelling will help in listing key learning issues and suggest actions to be taken to improve select performance areas. The integrated framework is discussed using cross-interaction matrices. With the literature review, it has been found that the factors that have brought about globalisation are now behind its backlash.

Critical Success Factors in Implementation of Urban Metro System on PPP: A Case Study of Hyderabad Metro

Rail-based metro system is crucial for supporting a city’s expansion and growth. However, urban metro projects being capital intensive with long gestation and pay back periods may not be financially viable but socially desirable. More and more cities in India are announcing metro projects committing huge budgetary resources to these projects at the cost of sectors such as health and education. Given the huge requirement of capital and possibility of attracting willing as well as capable private investors to undertake urban transport projects, promoting public–private partnerships (PPPs) could be a key priority. However, none of the metro projects launched during past 7 years in India have been planned on PPP framework. International experience in PPP metro and our own Delhi airport metro experience have demonstrated that many issues can influence the successful implementation of PPPs in such projects. In this context, outcome of Hyderabad metro is keenly watched as it is one of the largest metro rail projects built under a PPP framework anywhere in the world. The paper reviews the research conducted on critical success factors (CSFs) that are necessary for adopting PPP models in urban metros in Indian context. Eighteen CSFs identified through literature survey have been validated in a pilot study through structured questionnaire and grouped in seven macro-factors through hierarchical cluster analysis. A case study has been attempted using SAP–LAP framework to analyse the identified CSFs in real-life settings of the first two stages of Hyderabad metro project. Key players working on the project were interviewed during a field study to gather feedback on actions they took on factors critical to success. Observations and findings have been synthesised as learnings for future such projects.

“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.

Creative leadership for workplace innovation: an applied SAP-LAP framework

Purpose – The main focus of this paper is to apply the SAP-LAP model for developing creative leadership. Design/methodology/approach – The paper was developed by drawing inputs from the previous scholarly works and applying the SAP-LAP model by the author in the context of creative leadership development. Findings – The paper offers a workable solution that can be suitably adopted by the organizations to transform the performing managers or executives to creative leaders in their respective domains. Originality/value – This paper suggests that the SAP-LAP model is underrepresented in previous studies conducted in the area.

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.

Confrontations of contingent workforce in Supeready industries: a case study

In a challenging business environment, effective management of organisational workforce has been increasingly becoming a crucial competency and employee discipline as an overpass between organisational goals and accomplishments. In lieu of this, an instance of the same is observed and studied in Supeready industries, with special reference to its Chennai plant, which is primarily into manufacturing batteries and flashlights. As a market leader in its own segment, the manufacturing unit began to experience confrontation between the management and the hourly wage earners (HWEs), which had been consistently mediated by the union. As in every manufacturing company, HWEs in Supeready too shares a significant portion of the contingent workforce. For an illustrative and qualitative gap analysis, SAP-LAP framework was used as the key research method. The present case study results in academic and practitioner implications which special reference to the management of contingent workforce in the manufacturing sector.

Bio Inspired Managerial Insights for a Flexible and Efficient Organization: A SAP–LAP Analysis

This paper aims at bringing out an analogy between human body and corporate organizations for classical managerial functions, viz. Planning, Organizing, Directing, and Controlling. In human body, every action and response to each stimulus are well planned. It has eleven subsystems, organized into a well structured design and a central directing brain that influences and guides these subsystems to perform in accordance with the plan. A control mechanism in human body minimizes deviations and maintains dynamic equilibrium. This way present analogy visualizes human body as a perfectly planned, organized, directed and controlled system created and sustained by Nature. A SAP–LAP framework of human body organization is also developed to understand the principles and processes behind its perfections. Based on this SAP–LAP model, a number of actions are proposed in this paper that can provide valuable insights for organizations. These insights perhaps can help them in significantly improving their structure and operating procedures, which will enhance the performance of individuals and organizations as a whole. Perhaps the human body is also a perfect example of optimal degree of flexibility in its sub-systems contingent upon their roles and functions.

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.

Building Information Systems Flexibility in SAP–LAP Framework: A Case Study Evidence from SME Sector

To accommodate the variation in business and technological changes, the organizational information system (IS) needs to be flexible. Though the importance of flexibility in IS is realized by many studies, the process of building flexibility in IS is not yet well understood. This paper addresses this issue of building flexibility in IS. For this purpose, situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance (SAP–LAP) framework was followed for evolving a conceptual model for building flexibility. As an application of the model, a case study from Denture industry was given in the SAP–LAP framework.