A literature review of empirical research methodology in lean manufacturing

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1080-1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naga Vamsi Krishna Jasti ◽  
Rambabu Kodali
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on empirical research in lean manufacturing (LM). It provides a critical assessment of empirical research methodology of 178 research articles published from 1990 to 2009. Design/methodology/approach – The article reviewed a set of 178 empirical research articles in LM research with respect to empirical research design and its related facets. The 236 empirical research articles which are published in 70 journals during 1990-2009 are collected from four major management science publishers, namely, Emerald Online, Science Direct, Springer Link and Taylor & Francis. In total 178 research articles published in 24 journals are selected for critical review of empirical research methodology in LM. The approach for the critical review of 178 empirical research articles in LM is based on empirical research approach given by Flynn et al. (1990). The critical review discusses the current status of empirical research in LM and future directions. Findings – It is concluded from the analysis of the results that: the number of empirical research articles in LM is increasing at a faster pace than ever before; theory building and theory verification articles are equally advanced; the researchers have also unexplored various aspects of empirical research such as importance of triangulation of data, alternate research designs other than survey and case studies; contextual focus is mostly on the manufacturing industry; more focus required on other aspects of empirical research such as collecting the samples from developing and undeveloped countries, larger sample size, longitudinal data collection methods. Finally, it concludes that there is a need of LM frameworks, which gives the stepwise process to remove all kinds of wastes from any organization. Originality/value – To the knowledge of the authors, it is the first of its kind attempt to critically review the empirical research articles in LM. The review analysis entirely focussed on descriptive statistics of empirical research in LM. The sample size is one of the unique features of this research as the number of shortlisted articles is 178 in 24 journals published over a time span of 20 years (1990-2009).

Application of lean practices in small and medium-sized food enterprises

2013 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Dora ◽  
Dirk Van Goubergen ◽  
Maneesh Kumar ◽  
Adrienn Molnar ◽  
Xavier Gellynck
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Statistical Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
The Status ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques

Purpose – Recent literature emphasizes the application of lean manufacturing practices to food processing industries in order to improve operational efficiency and productivity. Only a very limited number of studies have focused on the implementation of lean manufacturing practices within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food sector. The majority of these studies used the case study method and concentrated on individual lean manufacturing techniques geared towards resolving efficiency issues. This paper aims to analyze the status of the lean manufacturing practices and their benefits and barriers among European food processing SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. A total of 35 SMEs' representatives, mostly CEOs and operations managers, participated in the survey. The study investigated the role of two control variables in lean implementation: size of the company and country of origin. Findings – The findings show that lean manufacturing practice deployment in food processing SMEs is generally low and still evolving. However, some lean manufacturing practices are more prevalent than others; e.g. flow, pull and statistical process control are not widely used by the food processing SMEs, whereas total productive maintenance, employee involvement, and customer association are more widespread. The key barriers encountered by food SMEs in the implementation of lean manufacturing practices result from the special characteristics of the food sector, such as highly perishable products, complicated processing, extremely variable raw materials, recipes and unpredictable demand. In addition, lack of knowledge and resources makes it difficult for food processing SMEs to embark on the lean journey. Originality/value – The gap in the literature regarding the application of lean manufacturing in the food sector is identified and addressed in this study. The originality of this paper lies in analyzing the current status of the use of lean manufacturing practices among food SMEs in Europe and identifying potential barriers.

Owning one’s epistemology in religious studies research methodology

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 2057-2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Baron
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Observer Effect ◽  
Temporal Coupling ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose There is a lack of epistemological considerations in religious studies methodologies, which have resulted in an on-going critique in this field. In addressing this critique, the researcher’s observer effect needs to be actively accounted for owing to the influence of the researcher’s epistemology in the author’s research. This paper aims to answer the question of why a researcher should address one’s epistemology in the research. Design/methodology/approach Using second-order cybernetics as an approach, observer dependence is exemplified and justified in the context of religious studies research methodology. The research activity is shown as a relational temporal coupling that introduces inter-subjective aspects to the research. The research process is analysed showing the need to provide scope for the researcher’s epistemology in one’s research. Findings A relational observer-dependent approach to research embraces the epistemology of the researcher and the participants providing equality in the relationship. The research results are thus framed according to the nature of the relationship and are thus not detached. This addresses social justice and reduces troubling truth claims. Research limitations/implications This first paper focuses on the question of why epistemology should be included in scholarly research. A detailed framework for how scholars may achieve this goal is to be part of the future study and is not presented in this paper. Practical implications In many positivist approaches there is a motivation to hide the researcher; however, recently there has been a move towards including authors in the first person, realising that science is tied to politics, which does not reach its ideals of objectivity. Cybernetics is presented as an approach to addressing the move from “objective” to “subjective” research. Social implications Researchers cannot get into the minds of their participants and thus an authorial privileged presentation by the researcher of the participant’s experiences is fraught with epistemological weaknesses. Attempting to own one’s own epistemology could address social justice in research by personalising the research and accounting for the observer effect and the inter-subjective attributes of the research relationship. Originality/value The principle of observer dependence in cybernetics is not new; however, a research approach that focuses on the nature of knowing and how this may influence one’s research in religious studies is uncommon. It is thus presented here as a viable option to address the critique of epistemologically weak research methodology in religious studies.

What is project alliance capability?

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 404-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Hietajärvi ◽  
Kirsi Aaltonen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Projects ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Project alliancing – a project delivery model used in delivering complex projects – demands new organizational capabilities for successful project implementation. The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of project alliance (PA) capability and to identify the elements that constitute an organization’s PA capability. Design/methodology/approach This study provides empirical evidence of PA capability based on an investigation of participants’ experiences of Finnish construction and infrastructure alliance projects. The adopted research approach is qualitative and inductive. Findings The paper conceptualizes PA capability and defines the elements that constitute an organization’s PA capability, including important activities in the pre-formation, development and post-formation phases of PAs and the contractual, behavioral, relational, and operational skills that organizations need for successful alliance project initiation and implementation. Practical implications The identified alliance project activities are targets for routinization and best practices that organizations can deploy from one project to another. The identified skills indicate areas in which organizations should build and develop expertise. Originality/value There is limited empirical research on the elements defining an organization’s capability to bid, manage and operate in alliance projects. This study presents some preliminary thoughts to augment knowledge of the successful initiation and management of alliance projects and to suggest why some organizations may be more successful than others in alliance projects.

Does ethical leadership and psychological capital promote knowledge creation? An empirical study of research organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Kumar Goswami ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine the relationship of ethical leadership and psychological capital with knowledge creation. It also investigates the effect of psychological capital as a mediator in the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge creation. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on quantitative research methodology. The data was gathered using a survey questionnaire from 286 members of public-sector research organizations (PSROs) in India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for hypotheses testing. Findings The findings of this study show that ethical leadership and psychological capital have a positive influence on knowledge creation. Further, psychological capital mediated the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge creation. Research limitations/implications This study is a quantitative cross-sectional study. However, future researchers may use qualitative research methodology and longitudinal data collection to supplement this study. Practical implications This study provides new understanding into the creation of knowledge by emphasizing on the critical role played by ethical leadership and psychological capital and, thus, makes significant theoretical contribution. It emphasizes that managers should not only be ethical but also use interventions to strengthen psychological capital of employees to strengthen knowledge creation. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the underlying mechanism of psychological capital in explaining the links of ethical leadership with knowledge creation.

Lean implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1121-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saumyaranjan Sahoo ◽  
Sudhir Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which lean management practices are adopted by small- and medium-sized manufacturing organizations in India and their impact on firm’s operational performance (OP). Also, the paper makes an attempt to identify the barriers and challenges faced by Indian SMEs that are striving to succeed with improvement efforts based on lean manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, acceptability and implementation of lean manufacturing in Indian Manufacturing SMEs were analyzed using three constructs, namely, process improvement (PI), flow management (FM) and waste minimization (WM). The responding firms were categorized into “lean-Beginners,” “In-transition lean” and “lean” group based on their phases of lean implementation. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from 121 manufacturing SMEs in India. Lean tools and barriers, identified from the literature review, were also included in the survey. The reliability and validity of the practice and performance measures were evaluated. Correlation analysis was employed to investigate the effects of three constructs on OP. Findings The results indicate that all the three lean constructs are significantly related to OP. In the context of Indian manufacturing SMEs, “PI” and “WM” practices have shown a higher level of significance on OP, compared to “FM” practices. “5S -workplace organization” was found to be the most practiced lean tool. “Attitude of workmen” was highlighted as the main obstacle in successfully implementing lean. The findings suggest overall positive effects as a result of applying lean tools and philosophy in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The research results may lack qualitative justification because of the chosen research approach. Therefore, the researchers are encouraged to explore the inter-relationship among various lean tools/practices and performance criteria by conducting a qualitative study in the form of a case study or action research. Practical implications This paper is a beneficial source of information that highlights the contribution of lean implementation in enhancing manufacturing productivity. The major tools and techniques used by Indian SMEs have been highlighted and discussed; it could be a genuine source of motivation to lean practitioner and entrepreneurs of SMEs to go in for lean implementation. The findings are also expected to benefit the lean practitioners and entrepreneurs of SMEs to focus on vital issues to facilitate successful lean implementation in an organization. Originality/value The paper demonstrates that practical implication of lean implementation can bring real breakthroughs in productivity to small- and medium-scale manufacturing firms.

scholarly journals Diffusion of management accounting innovations: a virus perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Johanson ◽  
Dag Øivind Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Innovation Diffusion Theory ◽  
Management Fashion ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives

Purpose The diffusion of management accounting innovations (MAIs) is the focus of much debate in the management accounting research community. Extant contributions have drawn on a large of number of theories, including innovation diffusion theory and various sociologically inspired theories such as management fashion. The purpose of this paper is to examine and develop Røvik’s virus theory in the context of how MAIs diffuse. The paper further evaluates and elaborates on the potential usefulness of the virus perspective to empirical research on MAIs. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a conceptual and explorative research approach. The paper introduces the virus perspective and compares this perspective with several other theoretical perspectives often used in studies of the diffusion of MAIs. This enables the identification of characteristics specific to the virus perspective. The paper also re-examines a number of prior studies of MAIs and identifies different virus characteristics implicit in these studies. Findings The findings of the paper imply that the virus perspective is a useful basis for empirical research on MAIs. The virus perspective differs from other theoretical perspectives in several respects and is particularly suited for longitudinal studies of both MAIs and organizational change. However, the perspective could be used at other levels of analysis as well. The extant studies reviewed in this paper provide support for the viral characteristics of MAIs. The paper also identifies and discusses avenues for future research using the virus perspective as a theoretical lens. Originality/value The virus perspective has been given little attention in research on MAIs, as well as more generally within accounting research. This research paper demonstrates that the virus perspective offers a rich and valuable conceptual framework for studying how demand-side organizations are affected by MAIs over extensive periods of time. The paper also discusses the implications of the virus perspective with respect to the research method.

Transfer pricing: aligning the research agenda to organizational reality

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Plesner Rossing ◽  
Carsten Rohde
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Transfer Pricing ◽  
Current System ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pricing Research ◽  
Tax Research ◽  
System Designs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the empirical transfer pricing literature as a means of determining the agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The review is carried out primarily by searching databases, academic journals and books. Second, professional surveys are reviewed to inform the development of research ideas. Findings – The understanding and ability to explain international transfer pricing in practice remain limited despite a rapidly increasing tax regulatory pressure on multinational enterprises. One important explanatory factor is that accounting and tax research has not been integrated to a sufficient extent. As a consequence, rather isolated research streams and knowledge building have taken place, failing to leverage the synergies of a combined research approach. Research limitations/implications – A stronger emphasis on the outcome of specific transfer pricing system designs would improve the literature’s current status in terms of whether the objectives aimed at by the system are actually achieved. A new framework and promising research questions are proposed to guide future work on this issue. Practical implications – The proposed framework may serve as guidance for practitioners seeking to assess the performance of specific transfer pricing systems and potentially provide directions for refinement of current system designs when dysfunctional consequences are identified. Originality/value – Previous transfer pricing research has taken a rather isolated approach. This paper is an attempt to guide future transfer pricing research towards an inter-disciplinary approach.

scholarly journals Discourse, knowledge and power: the continuing debate over the DBA

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
David William Stoten
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Doctorates

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is related to how students and academics in a business school perceive the doctor of business administration (DBA) in terms of its purpose and value compared to that of the conventional PhD. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology involved a two-stage approach in which a pilot questionnaire and short interviews with 37 students was followed by a second questionnaire to 21 academics employed at a business school at a post-1992 English university. Findings – The findings suggest that although the DBA is valued as means to develop professional knowledge and expertise, the PhD remains the premier choice for those who wish to embark on an academic career. The DBA does, however, also represents a development of work-based learning in higher education. Research limitations/implications – The research was undertaken at one post-1992 university business school, further research should look to expand the sample size and include a variety of business schools from both pre- and post-1992 universities in England. Originality/value – The paper does offer a justification for the continued development of the DBA and professional doctorates in general in terms of the development of work-based learning in higher education.

Assessment of knowledge economy

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-55
Author(s):  
Parisa Alizadeh ◽  
Reza Salami
Keyword(s):  
Developing Economies ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The World

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the current status of the knowledge-based economy (KBE) in Iran in comparison to Turkey, the challenges encountered and the appropriate policies toward Iran’s Outlook 2025 based on which the country is expected to be ranked first in science and technology within the Middle East region. Design/methodology/approach – This study is a descriptive research. The methodology used for this study is qualitative/quantitative secondary research. The method will be used for two main goals. First, we used the World Bank’s Knowledge Assessment Methodology, and the data are mostly collected from secondary sources such as the World Bank’s Development Indicators for Iran and Turkey. Second, desktop research will be used to summarize and synthesize available studies on the consideration of policy-making toward KBE, especially among developing economies. Findings – The paper provides policy considerations around four pillars: information and communications technology (ICT), innovation system, education and human resources development and economic incentives and institutional regime. It suggests that regarding ICT indicators, Iran has to join international programs to attract senior public authorities’ involvement and accountability. Regarding its innovation system, lessons for policymakers are implementing development plans and coordinating science and technology policies in the country. Moreover, the quality of education, in-company training, post-secondary technical education and scientific and technological workforce need to be improved. Finally, considering the weak macroeconomic circumstances, legislative measures are needed in addition to, establishing a promotion agency for foreign direct investment to coordinate the inflow and to grant incentives for attracting more investment. Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen research approach, the research results have not been confirmed by an experts group. Therefore, using some group decision-making methods, such as panel of experts, could be proposed to further test the findings. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for public policymakers, especially in developing countries, and for moving toward a KBE. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to learn from similar countries experiences in policymaking about the same problem.

Pakistani prison libraries: an assessment of services and challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 47-59
Author(s):  
Tauseef Hussain ◽  
Syeda Hina Batool ◽  
Saira Hanif Soroya ◽  
Nosheen Fatima Warraich
Keyword(s):  
Professional Staff ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Access To Books ◽  
Unique Study

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to examine the current status of prison libraries, their role, services and collection in Pakistani context. It also attempts to highlight the main problems faced by selected libraries. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative research approach was adopted to achieve the study objectives. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews to find out respondents’ views about libraries in prison. Findings Findings of the study confirmed that inmates’ library queries are mostly related to the legal matters, and it is quite natural. One of the significant services of the Pakistani prison libraries is to help prisoners in their education. The main role of the library caretaker was to educate and offer rehabilitation programs. Unavailability of library space, lack of professional staff, limited collections, poor budgetary situation and censorship issues are the major challenges that Pakistani prison libraries are facing. Social implications The study findings further implicate that open libraries and access to books would promote positivity within society and reduce criminal and immoral acts. Originality/value It is the first of its kind and unique study that presents the current situation of prison libraries in the Pakistani context. The study has practical implications for policymakers to give importance to prison libraries in terms of finance, professional staff and the availability of information sources.

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