The impact of supply chain risk and supply chain integration on organizational performance

Goal: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of supply chain integration for Supply chain risks heading toward organizational performance. This study is mainly focused on the dairy sector of emerging economies. Design / Methodology / Approach: This is quantitative research, in which a multi-item scale web-based survey was conducted to collect primary data. 407 stakeholders of the dairy industry, specifically the customers and the ones dealing with supply chain operations and the planning and integration department were investigated. Confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency were applied to test the reliability and fitness of the measurement model and structural equation modeling-SEM is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: The results suggest that in the dairy sector, both customer and supplier risks, act as barriers to implementing (SCI) supply chain integration and also negatively influence (OP) organizational performance. However, supplier risks, belonging to the dairy industry of an agricultural-based country like Pakistan, have a comparatively less negative impact on organizational performance as compared to customer risk, conversely, supply chain integration helps the organization to achieve better performance. The integration indeed acts as a strong mediator in reducing the negative impact of supply chain risk. Limitations of the investigation: This study utilizes cross-sectional data, which restricts the researchers to depict the entire manifestation of (SCR) supply chain risk, supply chain integration, and organization performance, for businesses operating in the dairy sector of a developing economy, like Pakistan. Practical implications: This study helps managers to use  SCI as a tool to reduce the impact of supply chain risk i.e. supplier risk and customer risk on organizational performance. Also, this study explains the importance of customer risk as compared to supplier risk associated with perishable products. Originality / Value: This paper enriches the literature in an evolving area of SCI and SCR, by investigating the mediating role of SCI. Two key risks i.e. supplier risk and customer risk associated with the supply chain network of dairy sector organizations are addressed, along with the mediating ability of supply chain integration to improve firm performance is investigated

On Modified Algorithm for Fourth-Grade Fluid

This paper shows the analysis of the thin film flow of fourth-grade fluid on the outer side of a vertical cylinder. Solution of the governing nonlinear equation is obtained by Rational Homotopy Perturbation Method (RHPM); comparison with exact solution reflects the reliability of the method. Analysis shows that this method is reliable for even high nonlinearity. Graphs and tables strengthen the idea

Supply chain performance measurement and improvement system:a MCDA-DMAIC methodology

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to adopt a supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) framework as proposed by (Dweiri and Khan 2012) to model a novel SCPM index (SCPMI) system to measure and improve supply chain performance (SCP).Design/methodology/approachThe adopted SCPM framework developed by Dweiri and Khan (2012) is used to model a generic SCPMI framework aided by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and inputs from industrial experts. To exemplify the applicability and efficiency of the generic SCPMI system, an automobile assembling company from an emerging economy was used. This SCMPI system is used to measure, improve and measure post-improvement SCP guided by DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology.FindingsThe study’s initial measurement results showed an average SCP of the case company over a four-month period as 82 per cent. DMAIC methodology was used to identify inherent problems and proposed improvements. The post-improvement SCP measurement saw an improvement from an average of 82 to 83.82 per cent over the four-month period.Practical implicationsThe proposed generic SCPMI framework aided by AHP-DMAIC has been successfully implemented in a case company. After implementation, managers and decision-makers saw an improvement in their SCP. The proposed SCPMI system and results can be useful for benchmarking by manufacturing organizations for continuous SCP improvement.Originality/valueAn original SCPMI framework proposed is general in nature and can be applied in any organization

Mediation of The Superior-Subordinate Communication In Determining Work Engagement Among Bureaucrats

This study aims to investigate how the superior-subordinate communication mediates policy formulation and employees' dedication in work engagement among the serving bureaucracy in Punjab (province of Pakistan) government. The study used a cross-sectional design vis-à-vis survey method to collect data from a representative sample (n=250) of serving bureaucrats of the Punjab government. The findings showed that there was a positive association between policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE). Furthermore, the findings revealed that the relationship between policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE) was partially mediated by superior-subordinate communication (SSC). The study addressed the research gap regarding the association of the policy formulation (PF) and dedication towards work engagement (WE) by examining the mediation of superior-subordinate communication (SSC) in their association by progressing the LMX theory in a less researched context of Pakistan. The results explained how more sophisticated work engagement could be achieved in the implementation of the policies by improving the communication channels between superiors and subordinates among the different ranks of the bureaucrats.&nbsp

Skeletal Traction Followed by Plaster of Paris vs Open Reduction and Internal Fixation – Comparison of the Functional and Radiological Outcome of the Two Treatment Modalities in Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Fractures

Objective: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of Schatzker type V and VI tibialfractures for the two currently employed treatment modalities.Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Orthopedics department. Patientswere admitted through ER and OPD of Mayo hospital Lahore over a period of 1 year. Total 84 patientswere included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A weremanaged with skeletal traction for 2 weeks followed by plaster of Paris back splint applied for next 2weeks followed by plaster of Paris casting for stabilization of the fracture for another next 4 weeks.Patients in Group B were managed with ORIF by wires, screws or plates. Functional andRadiographic evaluations were performed to assess pain, range of motion weight bearing andfracture union in each follow-up visitResults: In this study functional outcome of patients was significantly better and higher in patientswho were treated with ORIF techniqueConclusion: ORIF is more effective for treating Schatzker type V and VI tibial fracture in terms offunctional and radiological outcome as that skeletal traction followed by plaster of Paris casting.Keywords: Skeletal Traction; ORIF; Schatzker type V; Schatzker type VI; Tibial Fractur

Triangular Relationship between Energy Consumption, Price Index and National Income in Asian Countries: A Pooled Mean Group Approach in Presence of Structural Breaks

Energy consumption is a key factor in economic activity. To ascertain its role in economic growth, this study empirically investigates its role for Asian countries. Price index is also included in analysis as factor of economic growth. We examine and quantify this long run relationship for a sample of selected Asian countries with data on relevant variables for a large time dimension (1970 to 2012). Econometric precision is brought by using pooled mean group (PMG) besides other Pedroni, Kao and Westerlund panel cointegration tests. PMG being heterogeneous panels estimation technique allows the slope and short run parameters to vary across the countries. Structural breaks are also incorporated to observe the impact of shocks that leave permanent effect on national income. Results show the presence of long run relationship between energy consumption and national income. The positive contribution of energy consumption is quantified using Fully Modified OLS and dynamic OLS as well. Policy recommendations are made on the basis of empirical analysis. Keywords: Energy consumption; National income; Price index; Pedroni Cointegration; Kao Cointegration; Westerlund Test; Structural breaks JEL Classifications: C23; E31; E39; Q43; P4

A novel hybrid textual-graphical authentication scheme with better security, memorability, and usability

Despite numerous efforts, developing an authentication scheme that offers strong security while offering memorability and usability remains a grand challenge. In this paper, we propose a textual-graphical hybrid authentication scheme that improves the security, memorability and usability inadequacies of existing authentication schemes. This has been achieved by combining a range of mechanisms together, in a novel manner, to address weaknesses of the existing security schemes. Firstly, two dynamically selectable modes of password entry (Easy Login, and Secure Login) provide a trade-off between usability and security, allowing the user to dynamically switch to any of these methods in real-time based on the security of the surrounding environment (e.g., secure home environment versus insecure public places) or the criticality of the user account (e.g., a bank account). The other mechanisms included a novel use of the drawmetric mechanism for setting the password to improve memorability, multistep authentication, a novel adaptation of one-time password (OTP) concept using a random selection of password elements, random placement of password elements in different steps, assigning random numbers to the password elements to increase security, and use of simple addition to improve security. We have implemented and analysed the proposed scheme for its security against brute-force attacks, dictionary, shoulder surfing, random guessing, phishing or forming, keystroke/mouse logger, and multiple recording attacks. We have also investigated its usability and memorability, reporting various trends of password elements used and the respective authentication times. Moreover, we have compared the proposed scheme with eight other well-known authentication schemes in terms of its resilience and authentication time. The results and analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. We believe that a range of novel methods introduced in this proposed scheme opens several doors for innovation in security techniques

Convective Heat Transfer Study of ZnO Nanofluids and a Comparison with the Conventional Coolant Water

In this era, the utilization of automobiles is increasing rapidly. So, it is a task for the automobile industries to yield well-ordered cooling system, which is actually responsible to carry waste heat of engine to atmosphere for effective working of an internal combustion engines. In this research, car radiator was tested by the water based Nano fluids to increase its heat transfer capacity and new experimental results were reported. Zinc Oxide nanofluids were prepared and tested by adding their nanoparticles in water with different volume fractions (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4)%. Experimentally, effect of these concentrations were observed by varying a fluid flow rate from 4 liter per minute to 1 liter per minute and inlet temperature of fluid entering in radiator was kept constant at 80oC and enhancement in heat transfer was observed  from 46% to 70% by using ZnO Nano Fluid having volumetric concentration 0.2%. Increase in volumetric concentration had shown the enhancement of heat transfer but up to 0.2% and it was seen that further increase in concentration was been reduced the heat transfer capacity.

Compositional analysis of dark colored particulates homogeneously emitted with combustion gases (dark plumes) from brick making kilns situated in the area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

In Pakistan raw coal and a little quantity of waste plastics are burnt to sustain high temperature inside brick making kilns. The gaseous emissions of the kilns contain a considerable amount of darkish colored particulates. It is currently believed that the plastic burning produces these particulates. Advanced characterization instruments, such as a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffractometer, surface area analyzer using nitrogen gas adsorption isotherms, and thermogravimetric analyzer, were used to find out the chemistry and physics of the particulates. At a magnification of 30,000x, the SEM picture shows masses that are roughly roundish in shape and their size is in between 0.1 to 0.5 microns. The elements detected in these particles are carbon, oxygen, and sulfur (EDS analysis), or in other words, these elements are a typical composition of raw coal. This elemental analysis suggest that fine coal particles come out with usual combustion gases and these emitted particulates are not plastic combustion product. To strengthen this finding, the sample when calcined discarded a significant amount of sulphur oxides species, as determined in the XRF study by noticing a considerable decrease of sulphur content in the calcined particles, suggesting that the particles are actually a coal. The N2 isotherm graph reveals that the light weight flying coal particles has a very low surface area. Additionally, the XRD and TGA studies supports the conclusion that these dark colored particulate emissions are primarily fine coal particles (cenosphere)

Critical factors of digital supply chains for organizational performance improvement

Technological advancement is redefining supply chains (SCs) processes and soon traditional ways of managing SCs will no more be feasible and effective. Due to recent advancement in technology, digitalization has become an emerging topic among decision-makers and researchers. To cope-up with this emerging trend in customer behavior and remain competitive, organizations must move from their traditional ways of managing their SCs to digital supply chains (DSCs) for improved organizational performance. Therefore, the purpose of this article is in two folds: First, to identify critical factors of DSCs that are essential for transitioning traditional SCs to DSCs to improve organizational performance. Second, interpretive structural modeling is used to establish the relationship among critical factors and (matriced’ impacts croise´s multiplication applique´e a´un classement used to identify the driving and dependency power of the critical factors. Thus, this article identified fifteen DSC critical factors and established their direct and indirect effect on DSCs. The results show that “SC resilience”, and “proactive prevention” have the highest dependency power factors whilst “integration” and “advanced operational models” have the highest driving power factors. This article can help SC managers and decision-makers to understand the critical factors essential in adopting DSCs for improving organizational performance