Hierarchy and classification of program plan elements using interpretive structural modeling: A case study of energy conservation in the Indian cement industry

A program can be analyzed and studied by dividing it into elements and subelements. Graphical presentation of the driver power and dependence of the subelements of the identified elements assists in their classification in categories representing the nature of the role each subelement plays as a variable in the program. This paper presents methodology for the hierarchy building of subelements, graphical presentation of their driver power and dependence, and classification in categories such as autonomous, dependent, linkages, and independent variables. The paper further presents a case study of energy conservation in the Indian cement industry to determine the hierarchy of program plan elements and to classify them in categories. Key variables of the program are also highlighted.