Abstract
By the time AJMC Volume 11 Issue 1 is printed, we would have successfully concluded the Third South Asian Management Research and Case Conference 2013 (SAMRC 2013) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore 27–29 December 2013.
The aim of this conference is to focus on the increasing strategic role of South Asia in the global economy, especially in the context of other emerging economies. It brings together scholars engaged in research and case writing on the distinctive business models and practices predominant in South Asia. SAGE Publications is a gracious sponsor of this event and we hope that SAGE and LUMS will continue their joint efforts to encourage scholarship and intellectual discourse in South Asia and the World.
AJMC has now completed 10 years in publishing. This is a big achievement for us and we are very happy that we have made a small contribution to the scholarship and growth of the case method form of learning in South Asia. In these 10 years, we have had three case conferences under the AJMC flag and we hope to be able to continue this tradition in the years to come.
The first case in this issue Ziqitza Healthcare Limited brings to light the challenges faced by a new ambulance service which aims to provide reliable and timely emergency services at an affordable price. The founding team was awarded a three year contract from the Rajasthan government to operate their ambulance fleet in the state. However, they were apprehensive about the public-private partnership model and wondered if this was the right method to expand the reach of EMS across India at an affordable price. An interesting case, it can also be used successfully in entrepreneurship programs besides strategy.
In Packages Ltd., Capacity Addition in Carton Line: Riviera vs. Austin by Malik, Rana and Bashir, the authors present a case about choice of new technology.This case can be taught in ‘capacity analysis’ module in operations management, or in a course on Management of Technology. An interesting and very readable case, which you will definitely enjoy teaching.
The last two cases of this issue, Software Technology Park: Selecting the Contract Type and Contractor and Software Technology Park: Contract Management by Sheikh, Jalil and Khan can be taught together as a series or independently. These cases present an opportunity to analyse and understand the significance and intricacies involved in public sector project procurement including selection of contract type, contractors and contract management. The first case discusses various key issues observed during the pre-award stage of the procurement lifecycle; whereas the latter case focuses on the post-award phase, i.e. contract management issues and how these issues may affect fundamental procurement principles, and the impact of such issues on the quality of procurement.
We appreciate the input and feedback of our reviewers and contributors. We are obliged to our readership for their continued patronage. A reminder that you may contact the authors directly to obtain the teaching notes to the cases published in the journal.
I hope you enjoy reading and teaching AJMC 11:1.