V: It indicates that variable i directly leads variable j.
A: It indicates that variable j directly leads variable i.
X: It indicates that both the variables i and j influence/lead each other.
O: It indicates that variables i and j are not leading each other and also have no
relationship.
Step 2: Construction of Reachability Matrix
The next step is formation of an initial reachability matrix from SSIM. It is done
by replacing the values of “V, A, X, and O” with either 0 or 1 as per the rules
mentioned below:
• In case the respondent has marked V for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix will be prepared with (i, j) cell as 1 and the ( j, i) cell as 0.
• In case the respondent has marked A for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, reachability matrix
will be prepared by entering the (i, j) cell as 0 and the ( j, i) cell as 1.
• In case the respondent has marked X for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix will be prepared by entering 1in (i, j) as well as ( j, i) cell.
• In case the respondent has marked O for the (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix is prepared by entering 0 both in (i, j) cell as well as ( j, i) cell.
After all the above rules are applied, final reachability matrix is obtained by
applying transitivity rules; the transitivity rules say that if some factor “A” is related
or influencing factor “B” and factor “B” is influencing factor “C,” then factor “A”
must also influence factor “C.” The difference between initial and final reachability
matrices can be determined by * symbol on cells for which transitivity rule is
applied.
Step 3: Partitioning of Factors into Different Levels
The next step is to obtain reachability and antecedent set for all the variables in
the study. The reachability set for an individual factor includes itself and other
factors which it could assist to accomplish, while the antecedent set consists of the
factors themselves and other factors which may help in achieving it. The reachability
set is prepared by taking the driving power values from final reachability matrix; all
the variables having driving power value as “1” are included in reachability set.
Similarly, antecedent set is prepared by considering the dependence power for that
particular variable; all the corresponding variables having dependence power value
as “1” are included in antecedent set. The intersection set represents the common
values of reachability and antecedent sets. Finally, the levels are decided for a
variable if for that particular variable, both reachability set and intersection set are
common. The top level of ISM hierarchy is assigned to the variables having same
reachability and intersection sets. The same approach is followed in achieving other
levels of ISM hierarchy by eliminating the variable(s) that have already been
assigned any level and repeating the above process.
8 Evaluation of Manufacturing Organizations Ability to Overcome Internal Barriers. . .
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A: It indicates that variable j directly leads variable i.
X: It indicates that both the variables i and j influence/lead each other.
O: It indicates that variables i and j are not leading each other and also have no
relationship.
Step 2: Construction of Reachability Matrix
The next step is formation of an initial reachability matrix from SSIM. It is done
by replacing the values of “V, A, X, and O” with either 0 or 1 as per the rules
mentioned below:
• In case the respondent has marked V for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix will be prepared with (i, j) cell as 1 and the ( j, i) cell as 0.
• In case the respondent has marked A for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, reachability matrix
will be prepared by entering the (i, j) cell as 0 and the ( j, i) cell as 1.
• In case the respondent has marked X for (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix will be prepared by entering 1in (i, j) as well as ( j, i) cell.
• In case the respondent has marked O for the (i, j) cell in the SSIM, then the
reachability matrix is prepared by entering 0 both in (i, j) cell as well as ( j, i) cell.
After all the above rules are applied, final reachability matrix is obtained by
applying transitivity rules; the transitivity rules say that if some factor “A” is related
or influencing factor “B” and factor “B” is influencing factor “C,” then factor “A”
must also influence factor “C.” The difference between initial and final reachability
matrices can be determined by * symbol on cells for which transitivity rule is
applied.
Step 3: Partitioning of Factors into Different Levels
The next step is to obtain reachability and antecedent set for all the variables in
the study. The reachability set for an individual factor includes itself and other
factors which it could assist to accomplish, while the antecedent set consists of the
factors themselves and other factors which may help in achieving it. The reachability
set is prepared by taking the driving power values from final reachability matrix; all
the variables having driving power value as “1” are included in reachability set.
Similarly, antecedent set is prepared by considering the dependence power for that
particular variable; all the corresponding variables having dependence power value
as “1” are included in antecedent set. The intersection set represents the common
values of reachability and antecedent sets. Finally, the levels are decided for a
variable if for that particular variable, both reachability set and intersection set are
common. The top level of ISM hierarchy is assigned to the variables having same
reachability and intersection sets. The same approach is followed in achieving other
levels of ISM hierarchy by eliminating the variable(s) that have already been
assigned any level and repeating the above process.
8 Evaluation of Manufacturing Organizations Ability to Overcome Internal Barriers. . .
145