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This study presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the key opportunities and barriers in implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in Tunisian medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés, Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement) and DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) methodologies, supported by a literature review and expert consultations. Both methods identify crucial opportunities such as digital collaboration and real-time information, along with barriers like under-utilization of academic knowledge and insufficient leadership commitment. While MICMAC emphasizes risk management, not fully recognized by DEMATEL, both converge on similar barriers with nuanced prioritization. Comparing these findings with existing literature highlights commonalities and differences in opportunities and barriers. The study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and cost reduction into I4.0 frameworks and suggests incorporating technological readiness, leadership support, and innovative business models. For practical implementation, decision-makers should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, foster collaboration with technology providers, and initiate pilot projects. Enhancing operational agility and efficiency through integrated digital platforms and adaptable systems is essential. Addressing barriers involves securing management support, improving technical expertise, managing resistance to change, and boosting research and development efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the potential barriers to the implementation of circular supply chain management (CSCM) in developing countries by considering a case of the Pakistani fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. By using literature review and expert panel input, this study found fourteen barriers to the implementation of the circular supply chain (CSC) and established the contextual relationship among the identified and validated barriers using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The barriers were then classified into different categories using the MICMAC technique based on their driving and dependence power. The results helped to explore the direct and indirect effect of barriers on each other. The study also developed a hierarchical relationship among the barriers using an integrated ISM-MICMAC methodology in an emerging economy context. The results of the hierarchical model shall help to understand the impact of one particular barrier over others. Managers and organizations can use this study to inhibit the effects of barriers for successful implementation of the CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play an essential role in economic growth. COVID-19 severely affected this sector, given its dependence on logistics. Logistics 4.0 is a progressive and vital technology for the MSME sector in developed economies. However, certain inhibitors cause MSMEs to face criticality and difficulty when adopting Logistics 4.0. Therefore, the authors first identified fourteen inhibitors through a detailed structured literature review and then used the Delphi method to finalise the inhibitors for further analysis. Furthermore, the modified total interpretive structural modelling (M-TISM) technique was applied to identify the levels and interrelationships among the inhibitors. Subsequently, the inhibitors were categorised into four main clusters by their dependence and driving power using matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis. This study reveals that MSMEs must prioritise five critical inhibitors during the Logistics 4.0 adoption process. The authors also develop five propositions. Timely action on the recommendations can help MSMEs owners, managers, and employees quickly adopt Logistics 4.0. Finally, the authors discuss theoretical and managerial implications and future research directions for a better understanding of adopting Logistics 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A successful completion of infrastructure projects in developing countries is greatly affected by poor and incomplete design. In this regard, it is imperative to study the major causes and overall impacts of design change in infrastructure projects across the public market. The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the major causes that lead to design change in the implementation phase of construction projects. In addition, the study aims to examine the impacts of design change in terms of cost overrun and time variance during the design and construction stages of infrastructure construction projects. To achieve these goals 48 critical causes and 7 impacts of design changes were identified through a systematic literature review, 23 key causes and 7 impacts were then refined according to the opinions of relevant experts involved in infrastructure projects. Then, a structured questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from various sources. More so, 31 projects were identified as part of the case studies conducted to evaluate the impacts of design change of infrastructure projects. The study analyzed the collected data by Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and to classify the causes using the Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à UN Classement (MICMAC) technique. The result showed that Inadequate project objectives, Unrealistic clients demand, and Obstinate nature of client are the top factors. The findings are believed to be helpful for practitioners, and policy makers to trap the key factors, causes and impacts of design changes across the Ethiopian construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain is an emerging technology with a wide array of potential applications. This technology, which underpins cryptocurrency, provides an immutable, decentralised, and transparent distributed database of digital assets for use by firms in supply chains. However, not all firms are appropriately suited to adopt blockchain in the existing supply chain primarily due to their lack of knowledge on the benefits of this technology. Using Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC), this paper identifies the adoption barriers, examines the interrelationships between them to the adoption of blockchain technology, which has the potential to revolutionise supply chains. The TISM technique supports developing a contextual relationship-based structural model to identify the influential barriers. MICMAC classifies the barriers in blockchain adoption based on their strength and dependence. The results of this research indicate that the lack of business awareness and familiarity with blockchain technology on what it can deliver for future supply chains, are the most influential barriers that impede blockchain adoption. These barriers hinder and impact businesses decision to establish a blockchain-enabled supply chain and that other barriers act as secondary and linked variables in the adoption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to build a structural model based on Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) to analyze barriers affecting healthcare waste management (HCWM). Through scanning of literature and expert opinion, a total of fifteen barriers are recognized. Inputs acquired from the professionals in the field are used to develop the TISM model, and Cross impact matrix multiplication is applied to classification investigation to sort out the factors. From the TISM model, five barriers are identified as drivers. We identified two of these five barriers: 'No support from top authorities' and 'No support from the government.' MICMAC analysis classifies four barriers as dependent, five as driving, and the remaining six as linkages. The author's original contribution is to develop a model to analyze barriers influencing HCWM. This paper helps to complete the research gap by providing the different characteristics of barriers. This study clarifies that good coordination of hospitals with other authorities is necessary to properly implement healthcare waste management services. Government support will also play a vital role, and the Involvement of top management of hospitals is required to organize everything properly. Case studies and structural equation modeling (SEM) can be applied to explain further and support the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fourth industrial revolution and updated government regulations on NET zero have enforced manufacturing organizations to adopt sustainable practices in their system. Also, manufacturing units need to deal with huge data sets to sustain the quality of products. In this regard, Data-Driven Sustainability Quality Management (DDSQM) is an interdisciplinary approach that provides an understanding of big data management with due quality and sustainability in manufacturing settings. Regardless of its potential benefits, manufacturing firms in developing economies remain reluctant to follow DDSQM practices. To persuade organizations for adopting DDSQM practices in real-time needs to explore the enablers with their contextual relationship for its successful initiation. In the present study, DDSQM enablers are identified and screened through literature and expert opinions from manufacturing industries. Thereafter, screened enablers are modeled through Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and clustered via MICMAC analysis. The proposed methodology was executed with experts from academics and industries in developing economies. This study constitutes the first strive to explore the contextual relationship among enablers of DDSQM practices in developing countries' manufacturing industries. The findings can help policymakers of emerging economies to adopt data analytics, quality management, and sustainable practices, that in turn, facilitate the implementation of DDSQM practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the halal supply chain, the need for flexibility of halal suppliers is increasing along with changes in regulations, policies, markets, and technology that change dynamically. Therefore, more systematic and dynamic modeling of flexibility criteria for halal suppliers is needed to improve the quality of halal supply chain management as a whole. The purpose of this study is to identify the criteria for halal suppliers by considering flexibility in the context of a halal supply chain. In this study, modeling the criteria for the flexibility of halal suppliers is carried out using the Interpretive Structural Modeling--Matriced' Impacts Croisés Appliquée á un Classement (ISM-MICMAC) hybrid approach and a dynamic perspective. This study resulted in 11 criteria for halal suppliers which were divided into four levels in the ISM hierarchical structure. The criteria were spread over three quadrants of the MICMAC analysis, namely independent, linkage, and dependent. The results of the ISM and MICMAC approaches are then represented in a causal loop diagram which consists of an amplifying loop and a closed loop. The reinforcing circle consists of the criteria of responsibility-service-security-trust, while the balancing circle consists of traceability and costs. Even though the flexibility criterion is not in between the two loops, the criterion still influences other halal supplier criteria. This shows that flexibility criteria have important relationships and influences in the context of halal supply chain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For several decades structural modelling has assisted decision makers with the cognitive burden of exploring and interpreting complex situations. Three well-known techniques – labelled collectively here as semi-quantitative problem structuring and modelling (SPSM) – include ISM (Interpretive Structural Modelling); MICMAC (Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement); and DEMATEL (DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory). SPSM approaches pioneered the joint application of graph-theoretical principles and human-computer interaction. Yet today a template-style research approach prevails, focusing on the application context rather than seeking to advance or critically assess the individual techniques in their own right. This paper develops a unifying methodological view of SPSM, currently missing in the literature, by comparing and contrasting – for each technique – analytical and procedural aspects typically taken for granted. The paper's findings highlight: (1) Previously unnoticed overlaps between techniques that up to now have been deemed mutually exclusive, and incongruences between those that are often applied jointly; 2) Potential issues that arise when key analytical principles of SPSM are either applied uncritically or dispensed with altogether; 3) The need to leverage human-computer interaction, a prominent aspect in early SPSM research that is now surprisingly neglected. These findings are illustrated by a review of SPSM applications in the context of supply chain risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge is an intangible asset that can increase employees' and organisation's effectiveness. Limited research has been done to upgrade existing knowledge management systems in the Industry 4.0 environment. Hence, this study identifies thirteen critical factors for developing a knowledge management system in Industry 4.0 environment. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) is utilised to develop the structural relationships among these factors. Finally, fuzzy MICAMC is used to categorise the factors based on driving-dependence value. The results reveal the direct and indirect effects of these factors in developing a KM system in the digital age. Findings suggest that top management support, development of knowledge management strategy, knowledge friendly culture, creation and maintenance of digital infrastructure, and employees training are the major drivers for developing a KM system in Industry 4.0 environment. Organizations can use the proposed framework to prioritise their actions to develop a KM system in the Industry 4.0 environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research study is to understand the strategic factors triggering knowledge hiding in IT enabled services of Iran and model them according to their driving potencies. This study attempts to obtain the factors through an interview of experts and corroborate the same with the extant literature. The authors undertook a qualitative interview of the experts who gave the factors which was later streamlined with the aid of literature. A Total Interpretive Structural Modelling of these factors was conducted using R programming, and the most influential and driving factors were identified. Further MICMAC analysis was undertaken to classify these factors into; autonomous, depending, linkage, and driving based on their driving and dependency potency. The analysis establishes eleven strategic factors that trigger knowledge hiding. Out of these, the power of requesting person and the learning ability of the knowledge seeker are the most influential factors. Further, analysis established that the learning ability of the knowledge seeker is the key factor with the maximum driving potency. The results suggests that organisations have to channelise and maintain the learning ability and cater to the needs of the knowledge seekers through proper training mechanisms and establish systemic knowledge sharing avenues within the organisation to mitigate knowledge hiding within the context. This is probably the first-ever attempt to apply comprehensive TISM and MICMAC on knowledge hiding in an Iranian context, which characterises the antecedents of knowledge hiding in a relatively nascent industrial sector and a conservative cultural paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MSMEs are considered to be the backbone of India's current and future economic progress. These institutions are geared to support and encourage the development of new-generation entrepreneurs in India who have the potential to create global competitive businesses. However, achieving the right resource balance is critical for these firms. As a result, a set of 14 relevant factors from the resource-based view (RBV) model were discovered and ranked using modified total interpretive structural modeling in order to reflect their impact on MSMEs' export performance. Together with the MICMAC methodology, this method establishes a hierarchical relationship between the factors. Our findings, which back up earlier studies, confirm the impact of these 14 essential components on RBV modeling adoption on MSMEs' export success. The components covered in the analysis have emerged as linkage elements, establishing a strong basis for MSMEs to internationalize competitively and become resilient in their approach by developing a deep strategic connection among themselves. Strategic direction, upper echelon orientation, financial capacity, and the external environment all have a significant impact on MSMEs' export performance. Finally, the implications for research and practise are examined in order to assist decision-makers in developing a long-term competitive edge for Indian firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information flow exchange within highly distributed, co-located, self-organising and networked projects is critical for successful planning, and ultimately, for successful infrastructure project delivery. While conventional project scheduling methods are still widely used as project support tools, most lack capacity for harnessing and exploiting both direct and indirect forms of information flow interdependency between activities in these project types. The present study sets out to develop and present a practical method for modelling and analysing information flow interdependencies in infrastructure projects. We propose and apply a five-stage approach, using an integrated form of Network Analysis augmented with fuzzy Cross-impact Matrix Multiplication Analysis. The findings classify project activities based on their dependency levels with other directly and indirectly related project activities. The novel contribution to project management practice is that key information flow interdependencies can thus be identified and then more effectively harnessed due to an enhanced ability to interpret the information with a clearer understanding of originating communication context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marketers face innumerable challenges related to awareness, affordability, availability, and accessibility to reach the Bottom of Pyramid (BOP) markets. The objective of this paper is to enumerate the challenges faced by marketers in making their product available to the rural population during COVID-19. The study focuses on 25 challenges, identified from past studies, for marketing in rural areas. Along with the identification of the challenges from a literature review and marketing practices, an attempt is made to contextually relate the challenges to one another, for which three extensive focus group discussions each among six experts were conducted. After this step, Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classment (MICMAC) analysis was conducted to plot the challenges based on driving power and dependence power. An Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) is also developed from the MICMAC analysis. This paper will allow marketers to identify and formulate an action plan based on the preference order generated from ISM to create maximum impact. Further, the research, marketing, and societal implications of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) as an interconnection scheme between organisations have been shown to have significant benefits. Since its inception in the 1990s, its uptake has been lower than originally predicted. This paper identifies the major barriers and their interrelationships in CPFR implementations with a focus on high-tech industries. Interpretive Structural Modelling is used with a group of CPFR experts from industry/academia and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée àun Classement analysis to identify the driving and dependence powers. The paper identified 45 CPFR barriers and classifies them into four categories based on expert opinion, with only 13 of these determined to be significant. The results indicate that in terms of categories, managerial barriers are a significant root cause for both process and cultural barriers and CPFR implementation difficulties. It also indicates that although the importance of information technology to launch collaborative schemes has been addressed by many scholars, technology alone is not the complete solution for successful CPFR implementation. The paper has significant practical implications for organisations as it identifies the main CPFR barriers and their causal relationships. This will help firms in the process of CPFR strategy development particularly for mitigation strategies for dominant barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The banking systems of emerging economies in general and India in particular are facing sustained impairment due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs). In the absence of stringent policies and their implementation, the results will be detrimental and may eventually lead to an economic crisis. Thus, it is imperative to unearth the causal factors and mitigate the risks involved with rising NPAs. The study attempts to identify the determinants of NPAs from the existing literature and subsequently, explore the interlinkages between the identified factors. A model of these factors is developed using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC approach. Key managerial insights were obtained by the suggested model, specific to the Indian context. The hierarchical model provides a clearer perspective about the relationship between the factors and suggests that economic conditions and political factors are the key drivers which impact the ownership pattern and adherence to the regulatory framework; these further impact the internal factors related to the banks and borrowers' capacity to repay. The study will act as a scaffolding for policymakers and bankers. Based on these findings, better instruments and mechanisms for recovery/management of NPAs can be put in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual cycling or double cycling (DC), is a strategy aimed at reducing the turnaround time for the vessel where the 'empty' moves of crane arm are used to carry a container thus causing the crane to be more productive. DC is acknowledged to increase capacity at ports, which will help the ports handle growth in container volumes in the near future. However, it is observed that Indian ports are reluctant to use this strategy. This study aims to explore and evaluate the implementation barriers for DC. A two-phase methodology was used. In phase one, fourteen implementation barriers were identified using an interview method. The second phase identified the most critical implementation barriers and their dependence using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Ports information technology (IT) capability, and integration with other ports and stakeholders were identified as the top implementation barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to identify the enablers for the successful implementation of Six Sigma. None of the existing frameworks provides any clear understanding related to linkages between, and hierarchical relationships among, the constructs of Six Sigma implementation. Our study has both inductive and deductive elements. We identified enablers of Six Sigma implementation from existing research, and we developed a contextual framework using the interpretive structural modelling technique. We further studied enablers based on their driving power and dependence using MICMAC analysis to categorise the enablers into four clusters. In order to validate the ISM model statistically we developed and pre-tested a structured questionnaire before using it for a survey. Data were collected using a split survey method using a modified version of Dillman's total design method.We performed non-response bias before checking assumptions such as constant variance and normality.We further checked the reliability and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis. We find that constructs and indicators of our theoretical framework meet the criteria, and find them to be a good fit based on confirmatory factor analysis.We draw conclusions based on statistical analyses and our study limitations, and suggest further research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traceability in food-supply chains is an emerging issue due to increased awareness of consumers about food safety and the nature of food-supply chains that have become globalized. To implement traceability, there is a need to understand the variables and their inter-relationships that impact traceability in a food-supply chain. This article utilizes interpretive structural modeling to develop a hierarchy based model that helps to understand the interactions among the drivers of traceability in a food-supply chain. The results indicate that there is a group of variables that are most important for traceability systems to be successful and another group of the resultant actions. The model developed in the article provides managerial insights to supply chain managers of food-supply chains to improve traceability that would ultimately lead to competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban Transportation Infrastructure (UTI) is a key asset for any city as it affects economic growth and urban functioning; UTI is more valuable than ever due to the urbanization process that concentrates many people to the urban centers, generating a major mobility demand and car usage. Hence, an approach to UTI management is required, which would provide a greater significance to sustainable mobility. This paper’s objective is to structure in hierarchical manner UTI and urban surroundings indicators related to sustainable mobility in order to create a decision-making instrument related to UTI management in the form of a weighted index and to evaluate public policies-strategies associated to these indicators. This was accomplished through the structural analysis-MICMAC method; the results showed which indicators are the most important and the necessity to prioritize them in order certain public policies to be more effective conforming to their impact on the weighted index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]