Theoretical Framework For Assessment Research Articles

Sustainable Logistics Management Maturity—The Theoretical Assessment Framework and Empirical Results from Poland

Poland is Europe’s leader in international freight transport. The majority of companies in the Polish logistics sector are small-sized enterprises with limited human and material resources, which reduces their ability to implement corporate social responsibility practices. In this paper, we explore the logistics solutions (tools and practices) implemented by companies in the logistics sector to manage their business operations through the prism of the triple bottom line (TBL). We assume that a company might achieve sustainable performance even if it focuses mainly on the implementation of logistics solutions for economic performance, as some of those tools and practices also have an impact on the environmental and social performance without being dedicated to them per se. We define sustainable logistics management maturity (SLMM), as the extent to which a company implements modern logistics solutions (tools and management practices) to improve performance with regard to the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Results from focus group research are presented, where experts have assessed the impact of tools and management practices in logistics management on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Then, we define the overall sustainable logistics management maturity indicator (OSLMI) to allow comparison and benchmarking between companies in the logistics sector. The maturity theory is applied, as it is a suitable tool for the positioning and benchmarking of companies. Through the conceptual model, we link the capabilities of a company (expressed by the application of the logistics solutions) with factors related to the company’s characteristics (size, business profile, source of capital), and the ability of a company to achieve a certain maturity level. The maturity concept is used here to measure the effectiveness of the performance of companies. We use a database of 190 Polish companies from the logistics industry to verify three research hypotheses. Bayesian statistics is applied to verify the existence of a relation between the level of SLMM and a company’s characteristics (size, scope of economic activities, and structure of capital). Statistical analysis proves that the size of a company and the type of economic activities it engages in affect its ability to achieve a higher degree of maturity.

Developing an Industry 4.0 Readiness Model for Indian Engineering Industries

For India to be a global economic superpower, the Indian Engineering Industry which at present is the largest foreign exchange earner must make its strong presence in the global markets. Industry 4.0 is one such initiative which has the power to transform the Indian Engineering Industry to be globally competitive along several strategic dimensions. Industry 4.0 is gradually making inroads and yet, there is no model to assess whether the Indian Engineering Industry is prepared to implement Industry 4.0. This study develops a multi-dimensional Industry 4.0 readiness model by analyzing in-depth the extant literature. A theoretical framework for assessment is developed. Further, the developed model is qualitatively analysed using the ABCD framework. Practical application of Industry 4.0 readiness model in Indian Engineering Industries is discussed. This is the first Industry 4.0 readiness model developed for Indian Engineering Industries.

Developing an Industry 4.0 Readiness Model for Indian Engineering Industries

For India to be a global economic superpower, the Indian Engineering Industry which at present is the largest foreign exchange earner must make its strong presence in the global markets. Industry 4.0 is one such initiative which has the power to transform the Indian Engineering Industry to be globally competitive along several strategic dimensions. Industry 4.0 is gradually making inroads and yet, there is no model to assess whether the Indian Engineering Industry is prepared to implement Industry 4.0. This study develops a multi-dimensional Industry4.0 readiness model by analysing in-depth the extant literature. A theoretical framework for assessment is developed. Further, the developed model is qualitatively analysed using the ABCD framework. Practical application of Industry 4.0 readiness model in Indian Engineering Industries is discussed. This is the first Industry 4.0 readiness model developed for Indian Engineering Industries.

Leveraging Strengths Assessment and Intervention Model (LeStAIM): A Theoretical Strength-Based Assessment Framework

Current assessments in the schools are based on a deficit model (Epstein, 1998). The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services (2010), federal initiatives and mandates, and experts in the field of assessment have highlighted the need for the comprehensive assessment of students in order to understand students’ pattern of strengths and weaknesses, explain areas of deficit, and derive scientifically based interventions to increase students’ positive development and outcomes (Hale et al., 2010; Reynolds, 2008; U. S. Department of Education, 1994; 2006). These developments call for a paradigm shift from a deficit perspective to a strength-based assessment and intervention focus. The leveraging strengths assessment and intervention model (LeStAIM), described in this article, is a comprehensive theoretical strength-based assessment framework consistent with NASP’s model for practice in school psychology, federal initiatives and mandates, and experts recommendations for best practices in assessment. This theoretical strength-based assessment model makes use of ecological theory, neurodevelopmental constructs, dynamic assessment, positive psychology, and resiliency theory to understand cognitive processes, learning, and social emotional functioning. Leveraging strengths to address weaknesses is emphasized to promote positive student development using individual and multi-systemic based interventions.