Marketing, Strategy and Management, Management of Technology and Innovation, Business and International Management
33
Scopus Publications
1868
Scholar Citations
17
Scholar h-index
22
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Optimizing sustainability in allium crop supply chains: a framework for enhancing efficiency and circular economy practices in India Mohit Gundwal, Nagendra Kumar Sharma Journal of International Logistics and Trade, 2026 Purpose The allium supply chain of India has huge post-harvest losses and major price volatility, which threatens to jeopardize the livelihoods of 145 million smallholder farmers in India. The research proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework based on theory that specifically addresses crop specificity based on characteristics of allium regarding its unique ability to be stored and regional contextualization of India's Agricultural Produce Market Committee institutions and infrastructure limitations. Design/methodology/approach The analytic hierarchy process was used in this study along with 320 stakeholder participants. It evaluated criteria within three major strategic alternatives. A consistency metric was used to establish the robustness of the results (consistency ratio = 0.0243) as well as a series of comprehensive sensitivity analyses. Findings Analytical hierarchy process results show cost efficiency is the most prevalent criterion, which has a weight of 28.5%. A combination of economic and infrastructure factors forms 76.8% of the decision priority. The tech-optimized chain solution is the strategy with the best results, as one of them (Global Priority (GP) = 0.336) is very effective and efficient in risk management. Close to it was the Sustainable Harvest Initiative (GP = 0.318), with the difference of just 5.4%, meaning that the strategic trend is shifting towards sustainability. The E-Commerce Synergy Strategy was the lowest (GP = 0.277) and was ranked less, mainly because of the lack of infrastructure. Sensitivity analysis showed that the production criterion has a disproportionate impact with a 90% threshold on the stability of the rank. The stakeholder analysis also revealed a high level of heterogeneity: retailers have a unique emphasis on sustainability, which can turn the rankings of the strategies upside down once their preferences are considered independently of each other. Originality/value This study establishes the large-scale, validated MCDM framework tailored specifically to a crop supply chain. Theoretically, it extends the resource-based view by demonstrating the necessity of hierarchical resource sequencing in agricultural systems. The framework quantifies impacts on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 12 and 13), explicitly positioning supply chain optimization within the broader global sustainability agenda.
Integrating quality 5.0 approaches for the future of quality management Vimal Kumar, Arpit Singh, Nagendra Sharma, Pratima Verma TQM Journal, 2026 Purpose The objective of this study was to examine whether and to what extent Quality 5.0 approaches, with an emphasis in the study on the combination of advanced technologies, humanistic principles of leadership and sustainability, would influence key organizational outcomes. Whereas Quality 4.0 primarily focused on the role of automation and digital tools, Quality 5.0 is concerned with ethical use of artificial intelligence, staff commitment and engagement, along with associated responsibility to the environment, thus operating in close alignment with the Industry 5.0 framework. This study investigated the effects of three Quality 5.0 enablers – technological factors (TF), human-centric and managerial factors (HCMF) and sustainability and customer experience factors (SCEF) – on four outcome constructs: quality and performance outcomes (QPO), customer-centric outcomes (CCO), business and financial impact (BFI) and sustainability and ethical impact (SEI). Design/methodology/approach The study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS to evaluate the relationships among Quality 5.0 variables. Data were collected through a structured survey administered across Indian organizations from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, services and education. Findings The results confirm that TF, HCMF and SCEF have a positive and significant influence on all four outcome variables (QPO, CCO, BFI and SEI). This demonstrates that the effective implementation of Quality 5.0 requires not just technological adoption but also strong leadership, employee engagement and sustainability-focused strategies. Research limitations/implications The results are contextually anchored in the Indian organization context and may impede the generalizability in other spaces; hence, the findings offer an empirical basis for practical application of Quality 5.0 initiatives for real-world quality management frameworks. The results suggest that technology in its own right is not sufficient and that the human and ethical dimensions play an essential role in quality transformation. Originality/value This study is among the first to propose and empirically validate an integrated Quality 5.0 framework. It contributes both theoretically and practically by linking digital, human-centric and sustainability drivers to multi-dimensional quality outcomes, offering organizations a strategic roadmap for responsible and future-ready quality management.
The role and impact of digital VoC in achieving operational excellence, driving innovation and adapting to the dynamic landscape Nagendra Kumar Sharma, Vimal Kumar, Arpit Singh, Pratima Verma International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 2025 PurposeThe study aims to measure the role and impact of digital Voice of Customer (DVoC) in achieving operational excellence (OE), driving innovation (DI) and adapting to the dynamic landscape (ADL).Design/methodology/approachThe four factors and their items were initially identified based on an experimental research approach by gathering data from 283 respondents in the northern areas of India. The study employed Smart-partial least square (PLS) version 4.0 with structural equation modeling to analyze the data.FindingsThe results indicate that DVoC plays a significant role in explaining the positive relationship with OE, DI and ADL in the research model. The results are also verified with the existing literature in the field.Research limitations/implicationsDVoC has emerged as a meeting point in the research sector because of technology advancements and increased global Internet use. The DVoC gives greater power to the customer’s voice than traditional survey and feedback methods since it is more dependable and provides information in real time.Originality/valueThe research topic of DVoC is still in its early stages, hence the current study is pertinent. Operational Excellence (OE), Driving Innovation (DI) and adapting to the dynamic landscape (ADL) are all becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive climate as a result of the market’s diverse developments. These are some of the possible motivations for carrying out such work, which contributes to the originality of the current study. To bring the current study’s original addition, a research model was constructed using factors identified in previous studies.
Unveiling the path to TQM excellence: a strategic analysis using mixed method approach Ankesh Mittal, Vimal Kumar, Manpreet Singh, Akansha Mer, Nagendra Kumar Sharma International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2025 The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of barriers in the implementation of total quality management (TQM). Understanding the relationship between the barriers provides insight to manufacturing organisations on how to address the barriers encountered during the TQM journey. The study utilises a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, surveys, and literature review, to gather information on barriers to TQM implementation from a diverse range of sources. The application of AHP allows for the identification of key barriers and their prioritisation based on their impact on TQM implementation. ISM analysis further contributes by establishing the hierarchical relationships among these barriers, providing a structured representation of their interdependencies. By understanding the key barriers and their relationships, organisations can allocate resources effectively, prioritise their efforts, and develop targeted strategies to overcome these barriers and enhance TQM implementation. This research paper contributes to the existing knowledge on TQM implementation by highlighting the role of barriers and presenting a structured approach using AHP and ISM.
Improving educational quality: the role of quality 4.0 in higher education institutions Vimal Kumar, Arpit Singh, Nagendra Kumar Sharma, Pratima Verma, Mahender Singh Kaswan TQM Journal, 2025 Purpose The study aims to measure the role of Quality 4.0 in higher education institutions to improve overall educational quality. Design/methodology/approach There are 11 dimensions of Quality 4.0 (such as analytics, connectivity, collaboration, app development, scalability, management systems, compliance, quality culture, leadership, competency and data management), and their items are identified based on an experimental research approach by gathering data from 351 respondents from higher educational institutions in India. The study employed Smart-partial least square version 4.0 with structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Findings The results of this study present the dimensions of Quality 4.0, which play a significant role in explaining the positive relationship with educational performance in the research model. Of these 11 dimensions, analytics, leadership and management systems do not support this study. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study present a new lens (important parameters of the study) that can be used to analyze educational theories and adjust their applicability in the educational system. The decision-makers should also take into account the fact that the Quality4.0 characteristics are only beneficial when the outcomes are implemented in educational programs and activities. The practitioner also understands that while any criteria alone are not enough to achieve educational performance, all of them taken together are relevant to educational performance. Therefore, the organization may not always benefit from using a single parameter. Originality/value All these dimensions are vital for the education institute in increasing the performance of the student and other related elements in the system. By raising educational standards, the Quality 4.0 parameters provide promise for bringing about comprehensive progress in the field of education. The study's findings may be useful for instructors, educational institutions and educators to implement in their daily work.
Industry 4.0 readiness: the impact of effective implementation of I4.0 on marketing performance Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Nagendra Kumar Sharma, Pratima Verma Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 2024 Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation might improve marketing performance (MP). Early adopters now have the chance to capitalize on the advantages of this successful implementation owing to the transition to I4.0. To improve MP, businesses must be able to identify and manage their effective implementation of I4.0 technologies, which are essential to improve industrial performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey was created and sent to 311 samples of manufacturing companies. To investigate the hypothesis created in this context, the study includes a survey-based analysis. To present the study’s findings, partial least squares-structural equation modeling has been used. Findings According to the findings, it can be concluded that an efficient implementation of Industry 4.0 (EII) can improve MP by positively impacting consumer loyalty and increasing customer loyalty (CL) positively enhancing by product customization (PC). The study’s key results, however, are how both PC and CL affect MP. Research limitations/implications The intensive production technologies that are at the center of I4.0 will be better understood by professionals thanks to this study. The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, sophisticated robots and many more are examples of these technologies. I4.0’s application strengthens efficiency and high-quality production. The I4.0 concept is gaining popularity in both developed and emerging countries due to its higher performance. Additionally, business people are actively working to implement I4.0 and make it a big success. Originality/value The study identifies the successful adoption of I4.0 that has a substantial impact on businesses’ MP. However, there is a lack of noteworthy studies that can concentrate on the marketing reach with I4.0 deployment. As a result, the goal of the current research is to comprehend how I4.0 will affect MP.
Informal workers in India as an economic shock absorber in the era of COVID-19: A study on policies and practices Minakshi Paliwal, Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Sumanjeet Singh, Nagendra Kumar Sharma, Alka Suri, Manisha Kumari Human Systems Management, 2024 BACKGROUND: With greater uncertainties and economic divides in Indian formal and Informal economies; the lockdown in its unprecedented ways severely knocked the crucial vulnerabilities of majorly the informal sector of the economy. METHODS: The study was conducted across the Indian population who have suffered from the bad impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown. The data collection process was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak from June 2020 to October 2020. Multiple regression analysis and independent-sample t-test were applied to test the hypothesis. RESULTS: The study closely highlights the role of the government system towards non-government organizations those who played a crucial role in the welfare of the informal workers. The results suggest that the most affected group of people in the COVID-19 lockdown are the informal workers who were working on daily wages for their bread and butter. The government endeavor was also found significant in supporting the informal workers.
Design Thinking Framework Toward Management Control System in Environmental Dynamism: An Innovation Perspective Pratima Verma, Vimal Kumar, Tugrul Daim, Nagendra Kumar Sharma IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 2024 Design thinking has been largely acknowledged as a technical advancement in business circles in terms of technology, innovation, creativity, and flexibility. Design techniques are becoming more and more popular among organizational executives as a cure-all for uncertainty and upheaval, so it is important to take environmental dynamism into account. However, with few exceptions, design thinking studies are most entrenched in considering various organization factors rather than environmental and control systems. The purpose of the present article is to shed insights into the relationship between design thinking and management control systems under the condition of a dynamic setting. Moreover, the article also presents design thinking as a strategic innovation concept that links to and works to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Further, we develop the framework that hypothesized design thinking relationship to diagnostic and interactive control systems (ICSs) in the domain of environmental dynamism and competitive advantage. A survey was conducted on research and development intensive firms varying from manufacturing to service. The results of this article revealed that design thinking is strongly linked with ICSs and sustainable competitive advantage. The present article suggests an imperative way toward integration of the concept of design thinking in businesses while considering environmental factors, given the growing scholarly interest in both design thinking and management control systems. The article also offers fruitful research directions and analyzes the ramifications of such directions for theory and practice.
Time table scheduling for educational sector on an egovernance platform: A solution from an analytics company Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, 2018
Improving educational quality: the role of quality 4.0 in higher education institutions V Kumar, A Singh, NK Sharma, P Verma, MS Kaswan The TQM Journal 38 (4), 732-770 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Optimizing sustainability in allium crop supply chains: a framework for enhancing efficiency and circular economy practices in India M Gundwal, NK Sharma Journal of International Logistics and Trade, 1-41 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Integrating quality 5.0 approaches for the future of quality management V Kumar, A Singh, N Sharma, P Verma The TQM Journal, 1-35 , 2026 2026
of Challenges and Proposed Solutions I Singhal, NK Sharma Green Horizons: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Green Finance, Circular … , 2026 2026
Circular Economy and Sustainable Business Models: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Proposed Solutions I Singhal, NK Sharma Green Horizons: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Green Finance, Circular … , 2026 2026
The role and impact of digital VoC in achieving operational excellence, driving innovation and adapting to the dynamic landscape NK Sharma, V Kumar, A Singh, P Verma International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Unveiling the path to TQM excellence: a strategic analysis using mixed method approach A Mittal, V Kumar, M Singh, A Mer, NK Sharma International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage 15 (3), 234-265 , 2025 2025
Unveiling the path to TQM excellence: a strategic analysis using mixed method approach A Mittal, V Kumar, M Singh, A Mer, NK Sharma International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage 15 (3), 234-265 , 2025 2025
Industry 4.0 factors affecting SMEs towards sustainable manufacturing NK Sharma, V Kumar, P Verma, M Sharma, A Al Khalil, T Daim Technology in Society 79, 102746 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Technology Assessment: Smart City Development Initiatives and Issues NK Sharma, V Kumar, P Verma, T U. Daim, H Yalçın, KK Lai Future‐Oriented Technology Assessment: A Manager's Guide with Case … , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Industry 4.0 readiness: the impact of effective implementation of I4. 0 on marketing performance R Raj, V Kumar, NK Sharma, P Verma Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing 39 (10), 2140-2154 , 2024 2024 Citations: 23
Adoption of ICTs as an emergent business strategy during and following COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Indian MSMEs V Kumar, P Verma, A Mittal, JA Tuesta Panduro, S Singh, M Paliwal, ... Benchmarking: An International Journal 30 (6), 1850-1883 , 2023 2023 Citations: 124
Design thinking framework toward management control system in environmental dynamism: An innovation perspective P Verma, V Kumar, T Daim, NK Sharma IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 71, 4955-4970 , 2023 2023 Citations: 47
The role of IoT and IIoT in supplier and customer continuous improvement interface V Kumar, NK Sharma, A Mittal, P Verma Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 for sustainable supply chain … , 2023 2023 Citations: 27
Categorizing and understanding the evolution of literature on ESG investments: A bibliometric analysis R Tiwari, N Sharma, NK Sharma Vision, 09722629231197574 , 2023 2023 Citations: 21
The study of remote working outcome and its influence on firm performance R Raj, V Kumar, NK Sharma, S Singh, S Mahlawat, P Verma Social Sciences & Humanities Open 8 (1), 100528 , 2023 2023 Citations: 109
Informal workers in India as an economic shock absorber in the era of COVID-19: A study on policies and practices M Paliwal, R Raj, V Kumar, S Singh, NK Sharma, A Suri, M Kumari Human Systems Management, 1-20 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
A sustainable production model for waste management with uncertain scrap and recycled material A Chauhan, NK Sharma, S Tayal, V Kumar, M Kumar Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 24 (5), 1797-1817 , 2022 2022 Citations: 53
Identifying and prioritizing impediments of industry 4.0 to sustainable digital manufacturing: A mixed method approach P Verma, V Kumar, T Daim, NK Sharma, A Mittal Journal of Cleaner Production 356, 131639 , 2022 2022 Citations: 172
Perceived impediments and anticipated solutions to HR (human resource) towards implementing industry 4.0 in SMEs: impediments and anticipated solutions to HR NK Sharma, V Kumar, KK Lai, WK Chen International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction (IJTHI) 18 (7), 1-26 , 2022 2022 Citations: 11
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
The transition from linear economy to circular economy for sustainability among SMEs: A study on prospects, impediments, and prerequisites NK Sharma, K Govindan, KK Lai, WK Chen, V Kumar Business strategy and the environment 30 (4), 1803-1822 , 2021 2021 Citations: 391
Green initiatives: a step towards sustainable development and firm's performance in the automobile industry GS Kushwaha, NK Sharma Journal of cleaner production 121, 116-129 , 2016 2016 Citations: 346
Eco-labels: A tool for green marketing or just a blind mirror for consumers NK Sharma, GS Kushwaha Electronic Green Journal, 1-22 , 2019 2019 Citations: 194
Identifying and prioritizing impediments of industry 4.0 to sustainable digital manufacturing: A mixed method approach P Verma, V Kumar, T Daim, NK Sharma, A Mittal Journal of Cleaner Production 356, 131639 , 2022 2022 Citations: 172
Adoption of ICTs as an emergent business strategy during and following COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Indian MSMEs V Kumar, P Verma, A Mittal, JA Tuesta Panduro, S Singh, M Paliwal, ... Benchmarking: An International Journal 30 (6), 1850-1883 , 2023 2023 Citations: 124
The study of remote working outcome and its influence on firm performance R Raj, V Kumar, NK Sharma, S Singh, S Mahlawat, P Verma Social Sciences & Humanities Open 8 (1), 100528 , 2023 2023 Citations: 109
Sustainable reverse logistics practices and performance evaluation with fuzzy TOPSIS: A study on Indian retailers NK Sharma, V Kumar, P Verma, S Luthra Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain 1, 100007 , 2021 2021 Citations: 81
Emerging green market as an opportunity for green entrepreneurs and sustainable development in India GS Kushwaha, NK Sharma Journal of Entrepreneurship and Organization Management 4 (2), 1000134 , 2015 2015 Citations: 63
A sustainable production model for waste management with uncertain scrap and recycled material A Chauhan, NK Sharma, S Tayal, V Kumar, M Kumar Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 24 (5), 1797-1817 , 2022 2022 Citations: 53
Design thinking framework toward management control system in environmental dynamism: An innovation perspective P Verma, V Kumar, T Daim, NK Sharma IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 71, 4955-4970 , 2023 2023 Citations: 47
Informal workers in India as an economic shock absorber in the era of COVID-19: A study on policies and practices M Paliwal, R Raj, V Kumar, S Singh, NK Sharma, A Suri, M Kumari Human Systems Management, 1-20 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
Factors influencing young entrepreneurial aspirant’s insight towards sustainable entrepreneurship GS Kushwaha, N Kumar Sharma Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies 10 (2), 435-466 , 2017 2017 Citations: 29
The role of IoT and IIoT in supplier and customer continuous improvement interface V Kumar, NK Sharma, A Mittal, P Verma Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 for sustainable supply chain … , 2023 2023 Citations: 27
Supply Chain and the Sustainability Management: Selection of Suppliers for Sustainable Operations in the Manufacturing Industry SK Jauhar, M Pant, V Kumar, NK Sharma, P Verma Sustainability in Industry 4.0: Challenges and Remedies, 75 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
Industry 4.0 readiness: the impact of effective implementation of I4. 0 on marketing performance R Raj, V Kumar, NK Sharma, P Verma Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing 39 (10), 2140-2154 , 2024 2024 Citations: 23
Categorizing and understanding the evolution of literature on ESG investments: A bibliometric analysis R Tiwari, N Sharma, NK Sharma Vision, 09722629231197574 , 2023 2023 Citations: 21
Impact of Social Media on Consumer Purchase Intention: A Developing Country Perspective A Kumar, NK Sharma Handbook of Research on the Role of Human Factors in IT Project Management 1 … , 2019 2019 Citations: 19
Sustainability Performance Measurement Methods, Indicators, and Challenges NK Sharma, WK Chen, KK Lai, V Kumar Sustainability in Industry 4.0: Challenges and Remedies, 179 , 2021 2021 Citations: 15
Challenges and prospects for digital marketers while dealing with SMEs: an interview N Kumar Sharma, WK Chen, KK Lai Proceedings of the 2020 4th International Conference on Software and e … , 2020 2020 Citations: 15
A study on Indian logistics network and its impact on economic growth NK Sharma, GS Kushwaha IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management 14 (4), 38-60 , 2017 2017 Citations: 15
