Emerald | Journal of Modelling in Management | Table of Contents

Editorial

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Luiz Moutinho) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Developing and Manipulating Business Model Applying System Dynamic Approach

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Nastaran Hajiheydari, Behrouz Zarei) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Considering the significant necessity of organization’s conformity with environmental changes and also the importance of predicting result of managerial decisions, this research has been accomplished with the purpose of designing a dynamic business model. In today’s ever changing business environment, the simulation of different decision making scenarios is obligate for managers in order to create the possibility of studying effects of decision results on BM components, interrelation of component and total benefits in organization. So, the main purpose of this research is to take advantage of dynamic system approach as an operational, quantitative and flexible approach for business model simulation. Design/methodology/approach - Based on this purpose, related literature has been thoroughly reviewed and proportionate with the level of study and research’s approach, Business Model Ontology (BMO) has been chosen. Then, the model designed using system dynamics approach and its structure has been evaluated via expert judgment. In the next step, some scenarios have been developed and executed to confirming behavior of model and also evaluating the importance of applying dynamic approach in business model simulation.Findings - The results of current study clearly show that decision making about changing Business Model would have complexities and dynamic behavior of business components and other actor’s actions and reactions causes nonlinear and complex relationships in business environment, which requires culminate and comprehensive study and research. In this regard we suggest dynamic simulation utilization to predict and analyze the results.Originality/value - Although system dynamic approach precedents in business studies, but this research make this approach operational in BM design and analysis.

Modelling of Information Security Management Parameters in Indian Organizations using ISM and MICMAC Approach

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Increasing use of computers, computer networks and communication technology has resulted in huge amount of vital information being exchanged, stored and processed on computers by individuals, various organizations, governments and their institutions. As the digital dependence of organizations is increasing at a very rapid pace, Information Security Management is becoming an important issue in modern corporate governance. The present research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the various important factors of Information Security Management at the organizational level leading to a culture of information security in the organization. The purpose of this paper is to identify various information security management parameters and develop a conceptual framework for it.Design/methodology/approach - Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC approaches have been used to identify and classify the key factors of information security management based on the direct and indirect relationship of these factors. Findings - The research presents a classification of key parameters according to their driving power and dependence which enable information security management in an organization. It also suggests parameters on which management should pay more attention.Research limitations/implications - In the present study, 12 parameters were identified based on literature study and expert help. It is possible to identify some more parameters for ISM development. Help of experts was also taken to identify the contextual relationship among the variables for ISM model. This may introduce some element of bias. Although a relationship model using ISM has been developed but it has not been validated statistically. For future research, it is suggested that structural equation modelling (SEM) technique may be used to corroborate the findings of ISM. Some of the variables have been clubbed together being a part of a subset due to their similar nature but it is possible to treat them as independent variables. Future researches may establish their interrelationships also.Practical implications - The paper has tremendous practical utility for organizations which want to reap the benefits of information and communication technology for their growth but are struggling to find a right approach to deal with information security breach incidents.Originality/value - Development of a framework for information security management in an organization is the major contribution of this paper. This would be of help to strategic managers in managing information security with emphasis on key parameters identified here. Keywords Information Security, Information Security Management, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), MICMAC, key variables.

Developing price and production postponement strategies of substitutable product

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (yohanes kristianto nugroho) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper focuses on duopolistic competition under dynamic price and production postponement for two differentiable products that share common product platform at a certain degree of prduct commonality. Design/methodology/approach - Both price and production postponement modeling are benchmarked according to their profit in order to investigate the product substitutability effect to the profit and also their appropriateness to different competition situation. In addition, dynamic property is applied to show the demand changes effect of both strategic decisions (price and production) against demand uncertainty. Findings - The results show that the pure price postponement is appropriate to be applied into highly customized products while pure production postponement to configurable products. Research limitations/implications - price and production postponement decisions suggest managers for optimizing product development as well as production strategy by considering demand and supply sides. Practical implications - price and production postponements give an alternative ways to managers for deciding on how to produce products as fighting product and mass customized product. Originality/value - an innovative price and production postponement models are the novelty of this paper.

Interpretive Structural Modelling for Critical Success Factors of R&D Performance in Indian Manufacturing Firms

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - In order to enhance the performance of R&D in manufacturing organizations, the R&D managers need to identify the internal as well as the external factors that affect the R&D performance of manufacturing organizations in India. They need to understand the inter-dependencies of these factors. This paper has attempted to identify the critical success factors for R&D in Indian manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach - There may be a number of factors that are critical for achieving acceptable R&D performance and these factors have been identified by a number of instruments or means, such as questionnaire survey, brainstorming, and consolidation by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fourteen factors have been identified by using principal component analysis and finally we have developed a structure of interrelationship among the identified critical success factors using an interpretive structural model.Findings - The results represent that R&D vision and direction and R&D oriented culture are the most important critical success factors (CSFs) and has a great influence on the other CSFs. Though R&D vision and direction and R&D oriented culture are the short-term objectives, Indian manufacturing firms should be equipped with proper R&D management strategy to achieve the long-term objective such as achievement of revenue and profitability within a quick time frame.Research limitations/implications - The proposed models for success factors are tested in firms with a limited numbers of factors in highly competitive environment. More factors may be incorporated, which will help for a clear understanding and establishing the interrelationship among the various success factors.Practical implications - Although R&D managers of Indian manufacturing firms are aware of various critical success factors, a systematic approach is required for identifying critical success factors, and as these factors may have complex interrelation between them for analyzing R&D performance in a manufacturing firm, it is essential that such an approach is in place. The hierarchy based ISM further defines those factors which are really critical and need more focus on the root causes of the success. In addition to that the proposed ISM model acts as good guideline in order to improve the performance of the manufacturing R&D organizations in India. Originality/value - The paper provides an interpretive structural model to develop a map of the complex relationships and magnitude among identified critical success factors.

EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS IN PUBLIC HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS IN BRAZIL

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - At IPEC - Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, the clinical research institute affiliated to FIOCRUZ – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, activities relating to infectious diseases – e. g., diagnostic exams; outpatient care and patient admissions; teaching and research – are structured in the form of integrated action programs (briefly, PAIs). Taking into account the complexity of this organizational format, this paper intends to apply a mathematical model allowing (a) to define and compute managerial indicators referring to the eight main PAI organizational programs with a view to measure their performance, (b) to investigate whether there are any scale inefficiencies in the eight programs selected as decision-making units (DMUs) and (c) to assess the effectiveness of the whole organizational structure. Design/methodology/approach - To accomplish those objectives the paper employs a particular class of linear programming models – the so-called DEA models with variable returns to scale – whereby two input variables and seven output variables were used to represent the eight DMUs. Findings - Findings suggest that PAIs related to clinical research operated under increasing returns to scale between 2002 and 2006. To that extent both the choice of PAIs as an organizational format and the current growth strategy at the Institute may be considered adequate. Originality/value - This approach is valuable to complement the cost minimization analysis of specific activities of multipurpose organizations and has general application to the overall assessment of performance, of structures and of strategies in these organizations.