Use Of Interpretive Structural Modeling Research Articles

Analyzing Core Competencies and Correlation Paths of Emerging Engineering Talent in the Construction Industry—An Integrated ISM–MICMAC Approach

The structure of core competencies is the key to constructing the “Chinese Standards” of engineering education and cultivating quality emerging engineering talent. This article synthesized the research results of existing theoretical analyses and educational practices. In total, 11 core competencies of emerging engineering talent were extracted via a literature review and the Delphi method, of which the hierarchical relationships and correlation paths between the core competencies of emerging engineering talent were determined via the use of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Matrice d’ Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC), where corresponding improvement strategies were eventually proposed. It was found that professional knowledge and engineering thinking, as independent factors, have the greatest impact on the core competencies of emerging engineering talent. Taking the lead in cultivating the core competencies, which are dependence factors, including entrepreneurial ability, lifelong learning ability, professional ethics, patriotism and collectivism, and intercultural competence, is more conducive to improving the quality of emerging engineering talent, enabling the cultivation of high-quality composite talent with strong engineering practical abilities, innovation abilities, and international competitiveness. The hierarchical relationships and correlation paths determined in this study provide theoretical support for developing scientific objectives for emerging engineering talent training, carrying out educational practice, and reducing the difficulty in application practices. The results of this research support the viewpoint that “professional foundation and practical ability” should be stressed. Limited by the disciplinary backgrounds of the authors, the compatibility between the core competencies’ framework of emerging engineering talent proposed in this article based on the construction industry and other industries still needs to be further explored.

From classical interpretive structural modeling to total interpretive structural modeling and beyond: A half-century of business research

Despite the widespread use of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) in business research, little is known about its overall scientific productivity and impact on business research. This study presents a comprehensive review of the published ISM research and its latest editions in business using text mining. A two-tier review (narrative and systematic) is used to examine the methods and provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and an application roadmap. We demonstrate the number of ISM publications has been increasing in the past fifteen years, even though ISM was developed half a century ago. The study provides evidence for the increasing impact of ISM research in business. Content analysis shows an increase in the application of an updated edition of ISM, total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). In addition, the overall scientific productivity of ISM and TISM is assessed, and an ISM/TISM method selection roadmap is proposed. We further develop ISM+, a new integrated framework combining ISM and its latest editions to improve its performance and potential applications in business research.

Digitalization: A Strategic Approach for Development of Tourism Industry in India

The aim of the present study is to identify the factors that propel tourism industry to opt for digitalization and establish a hierarchical relationship among them. The paper further seeks to address how digitalization impacts various stakeholders in tourism industry. Also, various challenges that are arising in course of digitalization in tourism industry are identified and suggestions have been made to resolve these issues. The study makes use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to develop a strategic framework related to digitalization in the industry. MICMAC (cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) analysis is used to identify the nature of the factors identified in the framework developed. The results of strategy adopted conclude that customer demand for digitalization, growing essence of sharing economy and presence of social media are important contributors to the enhancement of digitalization in tourism industry. The study highlights the implications for the strategy makers as the outputs from ISM di-graph will allow them to identify and focus more on factors driving the digitalization system and address the various shortcomings in the process effectively.

Management Strategy of Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction as Part of World Cultural Heritage in Tabanan Regency, Bali Province

Various attempts have been made to achieve the goals of the management of Jatiluwih Tourist Attractions as part of the World Cultural Heritage, but there are some obstacles in its implementation. This research aims to develop strategies and programs in the management of sustainable Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction as part of the World Cultural Heritage. This study used qualitative methods supported by quantitative data through the use of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis. Data collection was conducted through interviews, Focus Group Discussion, and document studies. The ISM (expert survey) questionnaire as a research instrument was used to obtain information about the contextual relations of each element in the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) analysis involving 11 experts. The results of the study indicate that the management of Jatiluwih Tourist Attraction as part of the World Cultural Heritage requires strategies and programs for sustainability. The formulated strategies are management more structured to increase tourist visits and improve community welfare; increasing the competence of human resources to increase participation; infrastructure development and diversification of tourism products; and increasing support for the preservation of cultural heritage sites through increase community awareness, land use policies, and the involvement of all stakeholders. Programs are formulated based on the strategies set.

A versatile approach for ranking and modelling of non-functional requirements

To effectively encode domain knowledge of customers and implementation strategies of developers in critical computer based system (CBS), requirement engineering plays a significant role. For development of quality software, it is indeed necessary to specify both functional and non-functional requirements (NFRs). However, unlike functional requirements, NFRs are not given much importance and are often generically captured which results in missing out on quality parameters during CBS development. This lacuna can be taken care with inclusion of details regarding NFRs at initial stages of CBS development. NFRs can be addressed by use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methods for identification of critical NFRs. Further, new artifacts have been introduced in use case diagram and reference model to document and validate the identified critical NFRs. Each proposed artefact in software requirement specification (SRS) document was initially analysed individually and then compared with other noticeable methodologies.

Research on the development of agricultural products logistics in China based on ISM model

Agricultural products logistics is of great significance to regulating the supply and demand, protecting the income of peasant households and increasing the added value of agricultural products. The agricultural products logistics in China has the characteristics of long chain, multiple nodes and many influencing factors, which makes it difficult for the government and enterprises to find the effective focus of resource allocation. In view of this situation, this paper summarises 13 key factors that affect the development of agricultural products logistics in China on basis of the connotation of agricultural products logistics, in combination with actual development and expert opinions. Then, the paper establishes five-level hierarchical structure of those factors in the use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM), which intuitively reflects the hierarchical association among the influencing factors. Finally, according to the five-level hierarchical structure, this paper puts forward targeted development suggestions for relevant departments and enterprises.

Barriers analysis for green supply chain management implementation in power industry using ISM

The Indian power industry is witnessing a phase of transition, wherein switchover from traditional operations to modern practices is precipitating; but still there is a long way to go. This research paper makes an attempt to assess the barriers that were identified from extensive literature review and opinions invited from power industry-experts that impede implementation of green supply chain management by making use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Out of 16 barriers, insufficient government support and limited investment in green measures barriers are found to be significant, which invoke unfavourable response from the government. To enhance the validity of the results so reached, opinions of different industry experts were invited to corroborate the earlier deductions; thereby yielding a more accurate model. This has added to the credibility of the findings.

Barriers analysis for green supply chain management implementation in power industry using ISM

The Indian power industry is witnessing a phase of transition, wherein switchover from traditional operations to modern practices is precipitating; but still there is a long way to go. This research paper makes an attempt to assess the barriers that were identified from extensive literature review and opinions invited from power industry-experts that impede implementation of green supply chain management by making use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Out of 16 barriers, insufficient government support and limited investment in green measures barriers are found to be significant, which invoke unfavourable response from the government. To enhance the validity of the results so reached, opinions of different industry experts were invited to corroborate the earlier deductions; thereby yielding a more accurate model. This has added to the credibility of the findings.

Contextual Relationship Among 3 C's and Innovative Green Procurement Practices Using ISM and Its Validation Using MICMAC Analysis

This paper argues for the use of Interpretive Structural Modeling in building a theory of innovative green procurement practices. Earlier researchers have conducted vast studies related to the hard dimensions of green procurement practices. However, there is a dearth of studies focusing particularly on the soft dimensions of green procurement practices. To address the gap in existing literature, this study first systematically reviews the green procurement literature. Secondly, these dimensions were refined through expert interviews from the manufacturing sector. Thirdly, it illustrates the use of ISM method to find the contextual relationship of elements. The ISM model was finally validated using MICMAC analysis. The current study is unique from two perspectives. Firstly, Resource dependence theory was used as a theoretical lens to study the links between elements. Secondly, it integrated innovation and green procurement practices for the purpose of investigation. The findings show strong associations between 3C's (Collaboration, Coordination, and Cooperation) and innovative green procurement practices. The paper concludes with managerial implications and directions for future research.

Interpretive structural modelling to assess third party logistics providers

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers offer logistics outsourcing to firms so that companies can focus on their core competencies. Because the supply chain has such a large impact on a firm's cost and customer service, it is important to ensure that the selected 3PL understands and is capable of providing the services needed by a firm. This paper explores the use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) in evaluating the selection of a 3PL. Based on expert opinions, the participants rated the relationships between 12 main criteria for 3PL selection and then ISM was applied. The results indicated that cost has the most dependence and least driving power, whereas financial stability has the most driving power and least dependence. Cultural alignment showed weak driving power and weak dependence. Dependent attributes which had weak driving power and strong dependence were cost, reputation, and quality. Locations, collaboration, range of services, and experience had attributes which have strong driving power and strong dependence. And finally, financial stability, flexibility, information technology, and metrics were found to have strong driving power and weak dependence.

Analysis of interactions among sustainability supplier selection criteria using ISM and fuzzy DEMATEL

Sustainable supply chain management has received much attention form researchers and practitioners over the past decade owing to the increasing awareness regarding environmental and social issues. Accordingly, organisations come under pressure from a number of both internal and external sources including employees, customers, competitors, socially aware organisations, communities, governments, and non-governmental organisations to act in a more socially responsible way. As a result, more authors are beginning to address supplier selection problems in light of sustainability criteria. However, the interrelationships among sustainability supplier selection criteria have rarely been discussed in the research literature. This study is aimed primarily at finding and analysing such interactions. We made use of interpretive structural modelling to extract the interrelationships among sustainability criteria and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory to determine the intensity of these relationships. A case study in the gas industry is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed approach.

Improving service quality in technical education: use of interpretive structural modeling

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant enablers and barriers related to technical education. It seeks to critically analyze the relationship amongst them so that policy makers can focus on relevant parameters to improve the service quality of technical education.Design/methodology/approachThe present study employs the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach to model the crucial parameters of technical education. The parameters discussed are categorized under “enablers” and “barriers”. The enablers would help policy makers to improve and develop the curriculum of the technical education and the identifying barriers would help the decision maker to improve upon those variables.FindingsThe major findings of this study are to prioritize the strategic parameters in reducing the risks associated with technical education. The model also proposes a hierarchical structure classifying the parameters as drivers and enablers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study proposes a scientific way to model the enablers and barriers to become a progressive institution in the emerging era of globalization and modernization. This would help to prioritize the issues as the enablers and barriers are hierarchically structured and categorized.Practical implicationsThe paper maps out a course of action and the adoption of the proposed framework would provide a competitive edge for India over others. Also, the various stakeholders would be satisfied, which would be beneficial for the system as a whole.Originality/valueThe application of ISM to the decision making process is the unique feature in the field of technical education in India. The integrated framework of policy related parameters would contribute towards overall growth and development.

Interpretive structural modelling of risk sources in a virtual organisation

Speedier network decision making together with shorter time to bring items to market together with lower network operating costs all result from enhanced knowledge sharing. In addition reuse of enterprise and network knowledge resulting from improved capture means that any risk of repeating earlier project work is limited, repetition of past mistakes is reduced. Decisions are made with greater awareness of any risks involved and therefore there is likely to be a reduction in costs arising from faulty decisions and failed collaborations. While there are many advantages attached to the use of virtual organisations (VOs) there are also challenges, including risks that have become apparent through undertaking a review of the literature. In total 13 sources of risk were found stemming from the network related risks in a VO, where the emphasis of the study was placed. This paper contains a thorough study that will identify these threats as well as gaining a sound understanding of them by examining them one by one as they have been identified by the literature and previous studies. Subsequently, their relative importance will be analysed through the use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) using information gathered in a questionnaire.

Utilisation of interpretive structural modelling method in the analysis of interrelationship of vendor performance factors

Vendor performance is a crucial factor affecting the success of outsourcing operations today. It is essential to understand the interrelationship in a complex performance analysis framework, for it helps to identify the root causes that affect other criteria as well as the overall performance. The purpose and contribution of this paper is to propose the use of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method to provide an understanding of the causal interrelationship in the complex vendor performance evaluation framework, and in return, enables the firms to make analysis and improvements more accurately and efficient. A case study is conducted to analyse the causal interrelationship of a wafer-testing vendor's performance in Taiwan's

Beyond generic models for information system quality: the use of interpretive structural modeling (ISM)

AbstractThis paper presents a framework that helps assess and synthesize information system (IS) quality using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The emphasis of the approach presented in this paper is on an integrated framework to understand IS quality. Four standpoints are addressed in this paper while dealing with IS quality. They are multiplicity of perspectives, subjectivity, hierarchy, and completeness. A combination of deductive and emergent approaches was used in this study. IS quality constructs were generated using established theoretical precepts of IS quality. Following a broad‐based questionnaire survey, a smaller subset of respondents participated in an interactive ISM session. This allowed the formalization of how individuals (singly or in groups) produce their own relationships for constructs that are valid for their situations. The analysis of the models generated by such interactions preserves the four views of IS quality. In doing so, it has been shown that reflections of practice can be encapsulated by the method proposed. The paper ends with a discussion on implications for research as well as practice. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On the Application of Systems Methodology to Economic and Organizational Management of Integrated Industrial Complexes

The combined use of interpretive structural modeling and decision analysis within an appropriate methodological framework offers much promise for the economic and organizational management of large integrated industrial complexes. A symbiotic blending of technical, administrative, political and societal concerns is necessary for the determination and incorporation of direct and indirect benefits and costs and nonquantifiable societal impacts into a hoped for standard normative procedure for assessing the worth of policies for technological innovations in industrial complexes. This paper surveys recent progress relative to these issues and discusses possible directions for future efforts directed at this needed synthesis.

On the use of interpretive structural modeling for worth assessment

In this research, we examine the use of interpretive structural modeling in worth assessment. Interpretive structural modeling is a tool which permits identification of structure within a system. The system may be technical, social, medical or any system which contains identifiable elements which are related to one another in some fashion. The system may be large or small in terms of numbers of elements; and it is the larger, complex systems which benefit the most from interpretive structural modeling. We present a tutorial discussion of the underlying theory for interpretive structural modeling by discussing nets, relations, and digraphs. In our explanation of Warfield's partitioning techniques, we clarify some of the theoretical concepts used in structural modeling; and we present an alternate algorithm for realizing the structural model without determining the adjacency matrix. We define the concept of order in a structural model and prove a theorem useful in determining the type of order. We also define a special type of structural model, the single sink digraph tree, and prove a theorem useful in determining whether a given structural model is a single sink digraph tree. We apply interpretive structural model to the worth assessment problem and describe a procedure which is useful in determining the worth assessment hierarchy. Computer implementation of the structural modeling and worth assessment procedure is discussed.