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Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between environmental factors, risk perception and decision-making in risk management. Specifically, using attribution theory, the authors study the influence of macro-level logistical capabilities of a host country on a firm’s actual and perceived supply chain risk, and examine if this country-level factor and the firm level perception of risk affect a firm’s decision-making in risk management. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a combination of primary data from 932 manufacturing firms from 22 countries and secondary data from the logistics performance index (LPI), and empirically tests the conceptual framework using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings Key results reveal that a country’s logistical capabilities, measured using LPI, have a significant impact on managers’ risk perception. Firms located in countries with high LPI perceive lower risk in their supply chain both in the upstream and downstream, and therefore do not invest much in external integration, compared to firms in low LPI countries, and hence are exposed to high risk. Originality/value This is one of the first empirical studies linking a country’s logistical capabilities with supply chain risk perceptions, objective supply chain risk and supply chain risk management efforts of a firm using the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey database.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify various dimensions of green quality. It integrates the existing carbon footprinting technique with the eight dimensions of quality proposed by Garvin (1984, 1987). Apart from extending these concepts, it also proposes two new dimensions – traceability and standardization which are not explicitly considered by the above two. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual theory building is used to develop a framework consisting of three interrelated propositions which explain the underlying dimensions of green quality and provide a better understanding of the same. Findings Similar to the eight dimensions of quality proposed by Garvin, the authors propose various dimensions of green quality and develop three propositions around these dimensions. This conceptual framework is developed by integrating the works of traditional quality (specifically Garvin’s eight dimensions), emergent literature on green products and their attributes, carbon footprinting from environmental economics discipline by summarizing their common elements and contrasting their differences. Originality/value This research is one of the first studies that explore the dimensions of green quality of a product. Apart from discovering and exploring inherent greenness in Garvin’s eight dimensions of quality, the authors also discuss about two new dimensions – traceability and standardization.

There is an increasing need for firms to have a sustainable competitive advantage and outsourcing is one of the most important strategic tools for firms to gain a competitive edge. On studying the literature, it is identified that there are varied theoretical perspectives of outsourcing, with cost savings not being the sole reason for firms to outsource production. Based on the rich body of available literature, the types of outsourcing, factors influencing outsourcing decisions, the pros and cons of outsourcing and the strategic choices to outsourcing problems have been presented in this paper.

Consumption of goods is the sole purpose of every kind of production, and that’s why manufacturers manufacture and promote their commodities to meet the consumer wants and needs. The structure of the Indian market is divided and has different markets like Rural and Urban markets. There are unique techniques of advertising and marketing that can be established to fit into the rural and urban market behaviours. This is because the rural shoppers vary in phrases of their Purchase Choices, Consumption Style, Purchase Activities, and also the Opinions towards goods. The central focus of the study is to investigate the behaviour of the rural consumers towards Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG’s). In the current scenario; the rural markets are receiving much attention with the urban market diffusion. This is mainly attributed to the improvement in the economic conditions of the rural people. With the uplift of their standard of living, rural people in India are looking forward to adapting to the urban lifestyle. This change in behaviour is mainly reflected in their purchasing limit and capacity. Hence, rural markets remain to provide potential growth opportunities for the organised FMCG companies, both assorted quality of products and services in the affordable process.