Lean bundles and configurations: a fsQCA approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 513-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambra Galeazzo ◽  
Andrea Furlan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there are different configurations of lean bundles leading to successful (bad) financial performance and to explore how the complementarities and substitutions between lean bundles shape these configurations. Design/methodology/approach A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was performed on 19 manufacturing firms. Data on financial performance (return-on-asset and growth rate) were retrieved from the AIDA database and data on the lean bundles of just-in-time, total quality management, total preventive maintenance and human resource management were collected via surveys conducted in all the plants belonging to the sampled firms. Findings None of the lean bundles is able to explain alone the firm’s successful financial performance. Lean bundles always have to be complemented by other lean bundles. There are different, equifinal configurations of lean bundles leading to successful (bad) financial performance. Configurations characterized by low implementation of lean bundles are related to bad financial performance. Practical implications By finding different configurations of lean bundles associated with successful and bad financial performance, this study informs operations managers on the most effective investments concerning the implementation of lean manufacturing. Originality/value This study extends literature on complementarities in lean manufacturing literature. It also bridges together apparently contradictory research on the relationship between lean manufacturing and financial performance. Finally, the study demonstrates that lean bundles have different roles in reaching successful and bad financial performance.

The relationships among JIT, TQM and production operations performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1015-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhixiang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Just In Time ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Operations Performance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among just-in-time (JIT), total quality management (TQM) and production operations performance (POP) based on the survey data from Chinese manufacturing firms, provide managerial implications of effectively implementing JIT and TQM for firms in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were collected from 173 Chinese manufacturing firms. Three hypotheses on the relationships among JIT, TQM and POP were first established based on literature review. Empirical study method of structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS as data processing tools is employed to test the hypotheses. Findings – The results show that, on one hand, JIT positively influences TQM and POP; on the other hand, although TQM also has positive relationship with POP, the relationship is not significant at a given significant level. Meanwhile, the author survey also shows that JIT and TQM have complementary relationship, i.e., JIT and TQM can benefit each other in a firm. Practical implications – TQM is a base of implementing JIT, it is valuable to concurrently implement JIT and TQM in manufacturing firms in order to improve the POP. Originality/value – It is believed that this research reveals new insights about the JIT and TQM implementation in Chinese manufacturing firms; it has practice value for firms to improve the implementation performance of JIT and TQM.

HC and financial performance with two HRM strategies

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nopadol Rompho
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategy Choice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between levels of human capital and financial performance of firms that use two distinct human resource management (HRM) strategies. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 128 HRM managers was conducted to assess differences in human capital between firms using different HRM strategies. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between firms’ human capital and financial performance. Findings The results show that companies employing a make-organic strategy have a higher level of human capital than companies employing a buy-bureaucratic strategy. There was no relationship between the level of human capital and long term financial performance of firms with both make-organic and buy-bureaucratic strategies. Research limitations/implications This research contributes toward understanding the effect of HRM strategy and facilitates an optimal strategy choice depending on the organization. However, this study did not consider the lead time between changes in human capital and the effect on financial performance. Practical implications The research encourages firm managers to understand the value of human capital, preparing them for changes in the future. Originality/value This study is among the first to investigate the relationship between human capital and financial performance considering different HRM strategies.

An instrument validation of TQM enablers and IT resources in Indian ICT organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-200
Author(s):  
Suby Khanam ◽  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Jamshed Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Instrument Validation ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Resources ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and rank total quality management (TQM) enablers and information technology (IT) resources to provide a reliable and valid measurement instrument for evaluation in Indian information and communications technology (ICT) organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review of TQM enablers and IT resources, 17 factors are identified, of which, 9 are TQM enablers and 8 are IT resources. The empirical data, retrieved from 801 ICT organizations, is tested by descriptive analysis and factor analysis (FA). FA is used to ensure that items in each scale sufficiently reflect the scope of each factor. Findings This paper has developed an instrument that can be used to evaluate items to implement TQM enablers and IT resources. The instrument identifies 17 reliable and valid factors, out of which 16 are input factors, while 1 is an outcome factor. Practical implications This instrument will provide a practical understanding to enable the monitoring of TQM enabler and IT resource activities in ICT organizations. Along with this, these instruments will help to build models related to constructs that will further achievement of customer satisfaction (CS). Originality/value This paper presents an instrument which validates the different items of TQM enablers and IT resources. It also shows the relationship between the two in terms of CS.

The influence of halal orientation strategy on financial performance of halal food firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
Mohammad Iranmanesh ◽  
Shima Jafarzadeh ◽  
Behzad Foroughi
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Although the halal orientation strategy (HOS) plays a key role in protecting the halal status of any product, research on the impacts of HOS on the financial performance of halal firms is lacking in the literature. As the main objective of all companies is to maximize their profit, this study aims to examine the influence of HOS on the financial performance of halal food firms with respect to halal culture as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from a survey of 154 halal food firms in Malaysia and were analyzed using the partial least squares technique. Findings The results indicate that halal materials and halal storage and transportation positively affect financial performance, whereas the halal production process negatively affects financial performance. It is also interesting to observe that halal culture moderates the relationship between the production process and the financial performance of the firm. Practical implications The findings can help managers of halal food firms to enhance the financial performance of their respective firms by investing in HOS and giving attention to halal culture. It also helps decision makers to understand the importance of revising requirements for halal certification. Originality/value This study also contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the relationship between HOS and the financial performance of halal food firms.

Risks and rewards of technological diversification

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Diversification ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings In a sample of 168 S&P 500 manufacturing firms, this study finds that technological diversification has a positive effect on firm performance. The relationship between technological diversification and firm performance is also found to be positively moderated by firm size, financial slack, and their configuration. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Corporate social responsibility and firm performance of Ghanaian SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otuo Serebour Agyemang ◽  
Abraham Ansong
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Firm Reputation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the influence of corporate social responsibility on financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana by using access to capital and firm reputation as mediating variables. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected primary data from 423 SMEs within the Accra Metropolis. Partial least squares estimation technique was used to analyze the data. Findings The authors documented evidence for a mechanism through which corporate social responsibility results in financial performance of firms: SMEs with improved corporate social responsibility practices are better positioned to achieve enhanced reputation, which translates into improved financial performance. Even though this study did not document a significant relationship between corporate social responsibility and access to finance by Ghanaian SMEs, the authors contend that looking at the positive relationship between them, SMEs can minimize their capital constraints by embarking on CSR practices, which can eventually translate into financial performance. Practical implications The authors recommend that for SMEs to enhance their reputation and increase their access to capital, which will eventually result in enhanced financial performance, corporate social responsibility practices should be a major part of their operations. Originality/value It contributes to our knowledge on how CSR practices lead to financial performance of SMEs in developing countries. In addition, this is the first of its kind to establish the relationship between CSR practices and financial performance of SMEs in Ghana by using access to capital and firm reputation as mediating factors.

Configurational examination of successful human resources outsourcing

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1681-1697
Author(s):  
Thuy Thi Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Man-Ling Chang
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Task Interdependence ◽  
It Use ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Provider Quality ◽  
Core Condition ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The causal conditions leading to successful human resources outsourcing (HRO) have until now attracted only limited research attention. To address this shortcoming, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how a firm and a HR provider should work together to ensure successful HRO. Design/methodology/approach By applying a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, the authors demonstrate how combining in different ways provider quality, business understanding, trust, and closed HRO networks can lead to HRO success. In addition, this study compares the causal combinations between cases with differing levels of HR-task interdependence and IT use. Findings The results of this study reveal three common solutions that lead to successful HRO from both economic and relational viewpoints. The findings also indicate that, from an economic viewpoint, trust is a core condition for achieving HRO success. Moreover, HR-task interdependence and IT use alter the number of solutions and the conditions for attaining HRO success. Practical implications Based on the solutions proposed herein, firms can consider different ways to achieve HRO success under diverse conditions. Originality/value This work also contributes to building new theories regarding HRO, trust, knowledge sharing, and IT use.

Boosting the financial performance of B2B SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Brand Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Outcomes ◽  
External Communication ◽  
Brand Credibility ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings SMEs operating in the B2B context are able to boost financial outcomes by adopting a branding approach. Strong brand orientation and an emphasis on internal and external communication increases awareness and the brand credibility that can ultimately enhance business and financial performance. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals “Happy slaves”? The adaptation problem and identity politics in the writings of Amartya Sen

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 1178-1193
Author(s):  
Tony Burns
Keyword(s):  
Identity Politics ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Mary Wollstonecraft ◽  
Amartya Sen ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Amartya Sen’s notion of adaptation and his views on identity politics by focussing on the issue of slavery and, more specifically, on the example of the happy or contented slave. Design/methodology/approach The paper is text based. The methodological approach adopted is that of conceptual analysis, as is typical for work of this kind. Findings The paper concludes that the example of the happy or contented slave is indeed a fruitful one for those interested in exploring the relationship between Sen’s views on “the adaptation problem” and his views on identity politics, especially in relation to the subjection of women. Here Sen’s debt to the ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft and John Stuart Mill is particularly important. Research limitations/implications One implication of the argument of the paper is that there is a need to consider more carefully the differences that exist between the views of Wollstonecraft and Mill, so far as the example of the happy or contented slave is concerned. Practical implications One practical implication of the paper is that, hopefully, it establishes the continued relevance of the ideas of thinkers such as Wollstonecraft and Mill today, not least because of the influence that they have had on theoreticians such as Amartya Sen. Social implications The paper addresses issues which are of considerable social and political significance, especially for women in underdeveloped societies today. Originality/value The example of the happy or contented slave has not received much discussion in the literature on Sen, although Sen himself has suggested that the distinction between happiness and contentment is an important one, which does merit further discussion.

Analysis of visual impression based on Bra's basic components

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Wen ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Mincheol Whang ◽  
Kaixuan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Method ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Visual Features ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Impression ◽  
Questionnaire Online ◽  
Design Idea ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between bra's visual impression and bra parts, and then to explore the application of visual impression in bra design.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, 82 female undergraduates are asked to answered this questionnaire online, which is about the importance of parts in bra design. In the part of data analysis, the method of principal part analysis (PCA) are used to get the relationship between bra's parts, and reduce dimension of factors that influence bra design. After that, those group of features are further discussed from the perspective of visual design. Finally, design an application based on conclusion.FindingsTo get the influence features of bra appearance and improve the visual design effect, this paper matches the bra parts with visual features (color, texture, shape and space) and presents four main features of bra design: “color,” “visual texture,” “design shape” and “spatial expression” together with corresponding bra parts and technique of expression. Moreover, user interface in bra cloud customization is designed.Practical implicationsThe conclusion, which shows the corresponding relationship between bra visual effect and its basic parts, has an important role in bra visual design. First, it can be useful for design idea with different technique of expression, which may supply a theoretical basis for design. Secondly, the combination of bra parts and visual features can be used to evaluate the appearance.Originality/valueDiscussing the bra visual impression based on bra's basic parts and visual features provides a theoretical method for bra design and its appearance evaluation.

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