The three papers included in this issue offer theoretical and practical insights that
hold immense value to the practice and research of Supply Chain Management
(SCM). The first paper, “A Proposed Architecture for Big Data Driven Supply Chain Analytics”, by Sanjib Biswas and Jaydip Sen, highlights the importance of advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The authors state that working with enormous volume of data (or Big Data, as it is popularly known as) for extraction of useful information to support decision making is one of the sources of competitive advantage for organizations today. Enterprises are leveraging the power of analytics in formulating business strategy in every facet of their operations to mitigate business risk. Volatile global market scenario has compelled the organizations to redefine their SCM. In this paper, the authors have delineated the relevance of Big Data and its importance in managing end-to-end supply chains for achieving business excellence. A Big Data-centric architecture for SCM has been proposed that exploits the current state- of-the-art technology of data management, analytics and visualization. The security and privacy requirements of the Big Data system have also been highlighted and several mechanisms have been discussed to implement these features in a real-world Big Data system deployment in the context of SCM. Some future scope of work has also been pointed out in this paper.
The second paper, “Application of Six Sigma in Supply Chain Management: Evaluation and Measurement Approach”, by Pankaj M Madhani, highlights the importance of Six Sigma as a methodology that enables the firms to review their existing SCM practices and guide them in making improvements. Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation, measuring defects and improving the quality of products, processes and services. Six Sigma-based SCM effectively manages typical disruption issues in supply chain as it ensures the delivery of the most appropriate product, in right time, in right place with the least cost to the customer. This paper develops an integrative framework and the business value-added framework and financial matrix to measure and evaluate the impact of Six Sigma on SCM. As identified and emphasized in this paper, efficiency and effectiveness drivers of SCM and accompanying business values generated by Six Sigma deployment in SCM positively influence an organization’s overall business performance.
The third paper, “Strategic Suppliers Selection Through AHP Model: A Case of an Indian Pharmaceutical Company”, by S S Pal, Rushina Singhi and R Dinesh, highlights the challenges faced by managers in generic pharmaceutical industries in selecting their downstream supply associates to reach their clients most profitably. This paper shortlists the applicable performance criteria for the suppliers from the literature review and
field survey for a case company—Actimed French Remedies (AFR) Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company Limited. Pre-qualified suppliers of the company are then pitted against one another along the chosen performance dimensions according to the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. This paper brings out an actionable decision alternative for the case company as the outcome of the present inquiry.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): The Changing Face of Banking in India
Bank Management
Information and communication technology has changed the way in which banks provide services to its customers. These days the customers are able to perform their routine banking transactions without even entering the bank premises. ATM is one such development in recent years, which provides remote banking services all over the world, including India. This paper analyzes the development of this self-service banking in India based on the secondary data.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is playing a very important role in the progress and advancement in almost all walks of life. The deregulated environment has provided an opportunity to restructure the means and methods of delivery of services in many areas, including the banking sector. The ICT has been a focused issue in the past two decades in Indian banking. In fact, ICTs are enabling the banks to change the way in which they are functioning. Improved customer service has become very important for the very survival and growth of banking sector in the reforms era. The technological advancements, deregulations, and intense competition due to the entry of private sector and foreign banks have altered the face of banking from one of mere intermediation to one of provider of quick, efficient and customer-friendly services. With the introduction and adoption of ICT in the banking sector, the customers are fast moving away from the traditional branch banking system to the convenient and comfort of virtual banking. The most important virtual banking services are phone banking, mobile banking, Internet banking and ATM banking. These electronic channels have enhanced the delivery of banking services accurately and efficiently to the customers. The ATMs are an important part of a bank’s alternative channel to reach the customers, to showcase products and services and to create brand awareness. This is reflected in the increase in the number of ATMs all over the world. ATM is one of the most widely used remote banking services all over the world, including India. This paper analyzes the growth of ATMs of different bank groups in India.
International Scenario
If ATMs are largely available over geographically dispersed areas, the benefit from using an ATM will increase as customers will be able to access their bank accounts from any geographic location. This would imply that the value of an ATM network increases with the number of available ATM locations, and the value of a bank network to a customer will be determined in part by the final network size of the banking system. The statistical information on the growth of branches and ATM network in select countries.
Indian Scenario
The financial services industry in India has witnessed a phenomenal growth, diversification and specialization since the initiation of financial sector reforms in 1991. Greater customer orientation is the only way to retain customer loyalty and withstand competition in the liberalized world. In a market-driven strategy of development, customer preference is of paramount importance in any economy. Gone are the days when customers used to come to the doorsteps of banks. Now the banks are required to chase the customers; only those banks which are customercentric and extremely focused on the needs of their clients can succeed in their business today.
