Determining improvement needs in higher education benchmarking

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Quality Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – A critical step in all benchmarking methodologies is “to determine what to benchmark.” Although benchmarking methodologies have been noted in the literature, the need has arisen for the development of structured approaches to determine priority improvement needs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for determining improvement needs in higher education benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of the analytic hierarchy process to develop a framework. The application of the framework is demonstrated through a case study. Findings – The framework discussed in this paper is consensus-based, allows different viewpoints to be integrated, and promotes input to and ownership of the decision making process and its outcomes. The feedback of the participants confirmed the usefulness of the approach. Practical implications – The previous research has established that determining improvement needs in benchmarking was mostly unsystematic and ad hoc based. And failures in precisely determining improvement needs can result in a lack of alignment between processes to be benchmarked and strategic priorities of higher education institutions (HEIs). The developed framework can help determine priority improvement needs aligned with the strategic priorities of the HEI. Originality/value – Since continual improvement is an essential element of all quality initiatives, the framework provides a starting point for benchmarking as well as other improvement initiatives such as total quality management.

A composite index for measuring performance in higher education institutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 983-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Cory Searcy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Composite Indices ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Integrated Performance ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – Governments and funders are increasingly linking the funding of higher education institutions (HEIs) to their performance. Performance indicators (PIs) provide a means to measure and track performance of HEIs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured framework for mapping out key PIs and developing a composite index for measuring performance in HEIs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of the analytic hierarchy process to develop the framework. The application of the framework is demonstrated through a case study. Findings – A structured approach to determining key PIs and developing a composite index in HEIs is elaborated. The framework developed in this paper is consensus-based, knowledge-intensive, and allows input to and ownership of the decision process and its output. Practical implications – While there are numerous PIs; organizational resources and capabilities to manage these PIs are usually limited. HEIs must manage and improve their performance within their unique contexts. This paper provides a methodology to do so. Originality/value – The process of mapping out key PIs and developing composite indices for integrated performance measurement are not adequately understood and need further research. The framework discussed in this paper has not been elaborated on in previous publications.

The use of an analytic hierarchy process to evaluate the flexibility and adaptability in architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine De Paris ◽  
Carlos Nuno Lacerda Lopes ◽  
Alvaro Neuenfeldt Junior
Keyword(s):  
Multicriteria Analysis ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Analysis ◽  
Criteria Importance ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Complex Subject

PurposeInvestigation of housing adaptability is related to understanding factors that influence project transformation. Factors may be associated with the design and project stage as also alternative uses to existing buildings. To structure methodology for criteria analysis of adaptability, the research aims to verify the importance level of factors related to adaptability and flexibility context in architecture.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a multicriteria analysis and a diagnosis performed with architecture professionals, criteria importance identified in a bibliographic survey is contacted.FindingsWith harmonious results, key elements highlighted in the diagnosis are discussed. Adaptability and flexibility are mainly related to balance in the design of spaces and their connections, so the user can have control administrating the organization of their habitat.Originality/valueAs a complex subject, involving legal, social and cultural issues, the multicriteria method supports the scientific analysis of data. The results can be used in a practical case study as assessment of housing adaptability and flexibility, as a useful tool to decision support in architectural project.

Enhancing voice of customer prioritisation in QFD by integrating the competitor matrix

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Iqbal ◽  
Nigel Peter Grigg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Ratings ◽  
Voice Of Customer ◽  
Hierarchy Process

PurposeQuality function deployment (QFD) is a quality improvement methodology using a system of interrelated matrices, where the influence of any one matrix may meaningfully change the concluding outcomes. In these interconnected matrices, the voice of customer (VOC) matrix and competitor matrix have a strong relationship. The current practice of finding improvement ratios (IRs) does not incorporate competitors' rating in a way that fully utilises competitors' rating information. The aim of this article to enhance VOC importance ratings by utilising the application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the geometric mean (GM).Design/methodology/approachThe current practice of computing IRs may divert QFD practitioners' attention from a potentially important VOC to less important VOC. In the first step using the existing competitors' ratings, a matrix of multiple comparisons is generated for all competitors. In the second step GM for each VOC is integrated with present VOC importance ratings to set new ratings.FindingsA QFD case study from the published literature is used to illustrate the application of new method. It is described how the existing results of the case study may divert to flawed decisions. It is further corroborated that in this way re-ranking of existing VOCs better achieve the goal of customer satisfaction in relation to VOC ratings and competitors' rankings.Originality/valueBy employing this method, competitor rating can be transformed to two dimensional results, which provide a better picture to practitioners in observing their company's position and in improving VOC rating as well.

Multi-criteria supplier selection model using the analytic hierarchy process approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod Yadav ◽  
Milind Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Automobile Industry ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Model ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a supplier selection model for an automobile company using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. Supplier selection is now growing to be an important but complex issue, as it involves a large number of factors and decisions. These factors have complicated operational and financial implications. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of an Indian automobile company is used to illustrate and propose a supplier selection model using AHP approach. Findings – Key criteria of the supplier selection problem are identified based on the literature review and case study. Then, a model is proposed for supplier selection using AHP approach followed by a detailed sensitivity analysis. Practical implications – This paper contributes to supplier selection process, and points out the importance of supplier selection. It proposes a supplier selection model for an automobile industry which often faces heterogeneous supply environments. The proposed model provides key criteria for supplier selection in Indian context. This model may have high acceptability, where a large number of suppliers are available to supply the materials or provide the services. Originality/value – The proposed model can provide guidelines and directions for managers involved in purchasing function to effectively select suppliers on the basis of the identified criteria in the heterogeneous manufacturing environment.

Understanding the relationship between university characteristics and prestige

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Başak Topaler ◽  
Nur Ayvaz-Çavdaroğlu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Turkish Higher Education ◽  
Prestigious Institution ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Being a prestigious institution depends on gaining respect in the eyes of various stakeholders with diverse expectations. Existing research is silent on how university characteristics affect judgments of prestige and, therefore, presents an incomplete picture of prestige dynamics in higher education. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by empirically examining the stakeholders’ evaluation of university characteristics in terms of prestige value. Design/methodology/approach The entire population of universities (public and private) in Turkish higher education constitutes the sample of the study. The analytic hierarchy process technique is applied to ascertain how stakeholders prioritize university characteristics in terms of prestige value, and regression analysis is used to determine the effects of these characteristics on university selectivity. Findings The findings suggest a novel conceptual model of university prestige, which establishes its multilayered and fragmented nature. Accordingly, universities may be subject to multiple prestige hierarchies based on universal or context-specific criteria, in the eyes of various stakeholders, and based on different markers of success. Research limitations/implications The empirical analyses are limited to the stakeholder groups that are key to university outcomes in Turkish higher education, and to selectivity in admissions as the only visible marker of success in this context. Originality/value The study enhances existing literature that posits that universities are subject to a single prestige hierarchy based on common metrics of performance. It illustrates the uneven landscape in which university prestige evolves by developing a wider and deeper focus on university characteristics.

An approach for measuring a manufacturer’s preferred supplier status

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 939-963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar C.V. ◽  
Srikanta Routroy
Keyword(s):  
Common Interest ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Component Manufacturing ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Characteristic Component ◽  
Grey Relation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assist a manufacturer with a process to measure the level of preferred supplier status (PSS) of its key suppliers along the timeline. Design/methodology/approach In measuring the PSS, the prominent preferred supplier enablers (PSEs) were identified and were broadly categorized under manufacturer’s interest component, common interest component and supplier’s characteristic component. These PSEs were further analyzed by using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, Euclidean distance measurement and grey relation analysis methods. In order to demonstrate the application and utility of the proposed approach, a case study conducted in an Indian automotive component manufacturing company has been presented. Findings By applying the proposed methodology in a case company, the PSSs of five of its key suppliers were measured and then the suppliers’ characteristic scores were determined. Based on these scores, a preferential status plot of the suppliers was developed. Through the status plot, the manufacturer was suggested with whom the proposed initiatives can be productive and with whom the manufacturer has to appeal for improvement strategies. Research limitations/implications Since the methodology was tried in the Indian manufacturing environment, the emphasis laid on the PSEs and in turn the measurement of PSS may not address the concern at large. Practical implications Measuring PSS would not only earn competitive advantages for the manufacturers but also facilitate the evolution of competitive suppliers. Originality/value Measuring PSS along the time would assist a manufacturer to effectively manage the preferences given to its suppliers and thereby enhance the supply base contribution in the value addition process.

scholarly journals Development of a Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework and Its Application for Earthquake Shelter Selection

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-205
Author(s):  
Nahyeong Kim ◽  
Jeongwon Joo ◽  
Minyeong Kim ◽  
Kijung Park
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Multi Criteria Evaluation ◽  
Shelter Selection ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
The City

The importance of designated earthquake shelters has been emphasized in South Korea. However, the lack of an appropriate evaluation process for shelter candidates often leads to an ad-hoc selection of earthquake shelters, resulting in inefficient disaster management. To address this issue, this study proposes an evaluation framework based on multi-criteria decision-making to measure the suitability of earthquake shelters quantitatively. First, available indicators for shelter evaluation are extracted from the relevant literature, which are then streamlined and grouped using text mining to represent evaluation areas. Next, the selected indicators are standardized to the same value scale, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to derive the relative importance of each evaluation area to compute the weighted sum total score of each candidate. The developed evaluation framework is applied to a case study of earthquake shelter selection in the city of Songdo-dong. The results show that there are additional shelter candidates suitable for earthquake evacuation in addition to the current designated shelters. This study can serve as a basis for objective shelter selection that would improve the identification and utility of designated shelters.

Optimum Configuration of the Secondary Artillery of the F-110 Spanish Frigates

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (04) ◽  
pp. 227-239
Author(s):  
Gerardo González-Cela Echevarría ◽  
Marco Antonio Campo Cabana ◽  
Javier Martínez Torres ◽  
Rafael María Carreño Morales ◽  
Roberto Bellas Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Optimum Configuration ◽  
Hierarchy Process

The design process of the F-110 frigate for the Spanish Navy is still underway. This work aims to support the decision of the Navy, on the configuration of secondary artillery of the new F-110 frigate. To do this, in this case study, we use and develop a methodology based on an analytical decision maker built ad hoc. This decision-making methodology allows reducing the present subjectivity based on an analytic hierarchy process algorithm. Using objective tools such as numerical simulation and statistical techniques, we are able to evaluate objectively the contributions of the alternatives to different criteria.

Analytic evaluation of facilities performance from the user perspective: case study on a badminton hall

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenchao Shi ◽  
Joseph H.K. Lai ◽  
C.K. Chau ◽  
Philip Wong ◽  
David Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
User Perspective ◽  
Performance Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sports Venues ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Evaluation Matrix ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for badminton halls and, through a case study, illustrate how the facilities performance of a university badminton hall can be evaluated from the user perspective. Design/methodology/approach After a desktop literature review, the findings were discussed by a focus group, and the discussion result formed the basis for establishing an analytic hierarchy of facilities performance for the badminton hall. Then, interviews were made with 169 badminton hall users to solicit their perceived facilities’ importance and performance levels of the hall. Using MATLAB, a computer program incorporated with an Analytic Hierarchy Process was devised to compute the importance weights of the performance attributes under assessment. The outcomes were interpreted using an importance-performance evaluation matrix. Findings A facilities performance hierarchy, comprising nine KPIs, was established for the badminton hall. The factors influencing the users’ perceptions, the importance and performance levels of the KPIs and the areas of the hall requiring improvements were identified. Research limitations/implications Future studies can take a similar approach of this study to develop KPIs and facilities performance hierarchies for other types of sports venues. Practical implications The method used to identify the improvements required for the badminton hall can be applied to investigations on other sports facilities. Originality/value The methodology of this research was first applied to study a badminton hall – as reported in this paper.

New approach for fashion design

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence, T.F. Tse ◽  
Catherine Y.P. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Comparison Method ◽  
User Needs ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Women ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Design Techniques

Purpose This paper aims to suggest a user-approach to doing style designs for apparel products. Design/methodology/approach A case of the approach to produce a collection of party dresses for mothers-to-be was presented. Two consecutive studies were conducted to understand and identify the needs of contemporary business women for maternity party dresses to attend banquets and functions. In these two studies, direct dialogue with target customers and scene deployment were used to collect the voice of the customer (VOC); affinity diagramming was used to organize the collected VOC data into items that were required by target customers; and the pairwise comparison method of analytic hierarchy process was used to identify important requirements. Findings In using various design techniques and incorporating appropriate fashion elements, style designs were produced with the primary focus on meeting user needs. Originality/value It has been a common practice that marketers do market research and designers do style creation. However, a joint effort of these two parties is required to better understand and address user needs. With the main focus on collecting and analyzing the VOC and organizing it into customer needs before applying various design techniques and incorporating appropriate fashion elements, the style designs that were produced in this case study were highly capable of satisfying user needs.

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