scholarly journals Competencies of quality professionals in the era of industry 4.0: a case study of electronics manufacturer from Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sumitha P.N. Kannan ◽  
Alaa Garad
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
Personal Competencies ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study investigates the competencies required for quality management professionals to meet the needs of industry 4.0. The authors use a case study strategy at an electronics manufacturer in southern Malaysia, to adapt their role to be relevant in the industry 4.0 environment. In doing so, this study answers the following four questions: (1) How are the changing technological trends expected to impact the future role of quality in industry 4.0? (2) What are the competencies gap between current and future roles of quality professionals? (3) What are the views and practices related to quality roles? (4) How can the gaps identified be closed to meet the quality challenges of industry 4.0?Design/methodology/approachThe research methods consist of a comprehensive review of literature on the technological trends towards industry 4.0 and the impact on the role of quality and competence that may be required in the future, as well as internal document review on the current roles of quality professionals in an electronics manufacturer in southern Malaysia, to identify the competence gap. Empirical data was collected based on surveys conducted on 64 quality professionals with a response rate of 96.88%. Interviews were conducted on three decision-makers from critical areas in the electronics manufacturer for viewpoints from three different perspectives: finance, operations and talent development.FindingsQuality professionals will require technical competencies to interpret large amounts of data from processes to make strategic decisions, the use of new AR tools and be aware of data security risks. Methodological competencies will be required to use data to identify the source of problems, to access reliable sources of learning and the ability to use new tools for solving complex problems efficiently. Social competencies will be required in communications across multi-sites, suppliers and customers in new collaborative virtual platforms, with the ability to retain tacit and explicit knowledge, in a decentralized environment that will require leadership ability to make decisions. Personal competencies required will be the ability to work in a flexible workplace and time and more frequent work-related changes.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the study is based on what the authors currently know of the future, which may not be much for the quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer, who have not been exposed much to the technology yet. The potential for the future landscape to change dramatically with rapid technology changes may also result in a different set of skills for future quality professionals. The quality professionals who were involved in this study were the quality executives, engineers and managers, irrespective of their gender, age, length of service and experience in the field of quality. Therefore, these variables were not taken into consideration for this research.Practical implicationsThis research helped to identify the role of quality in industry 4.0 and key competencies that the quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer will require to adapt to their role in industry 4.0. However, based on the questionnaire and the interview comments of key personnel, it can be concluded that quality professionals lack awareness of their new roles in industry 4.0. This could be due to the fact that the new technology is not implemented by quality professionals but by the innovation team based in Singapore headquarters, as was also advised by the operations head.Social implicationsThe benefit of industry 4.0 technology is clearly shown by Philips's new Dutch factory with robotized technology that was able to produce the same output with one-tenth of the workers of its China factory (Rifkin, 2014, chapter 8). Rojko (2017, p. 80) also shared a similar view that industry 4.0 is expected to reduce production costs by 10–30%, logistics costs by 10–30% and quality management costs by 10–20%. The importance of this research can be seen from the findings of “The Future of Jobs” (2018, p. 22), which suggests that the window of opportunity for organizations to leverage the new technology to re-skill is within the period of 2018–2022, in order to enable employees to reach full potential in the high value-added tasks. The electronics manufacturer may need to keep to this timeline to maintain its competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe purpose of this paper was to determine the competence gap of current quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer with the competencies required in industry 4.0. This led to the third objective, to identify the views of stakeholders based on the propositions derived from the gaps identified, to triangulate the findings, to conclude the competency gaps of the current quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer. Finally, the objective of this paper was to make a recommendation on how to prepare the quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer for their role in industry 4.0. The research identified the technical, methodological, social and personal competencies gap of the quality professionals in the electronics manufacturer by looking at the changes expected in industry 4.0 from four aspects, factory (people and process), business, product and customers.

How do social skills enable nascent entrepreneurs to enact perseverance strategies in the face of challenges? A comparative case study of success and failure

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 517-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wadid Lamine ◽  
Sarfraz Mian ◽  
Alain Fayolle
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
New Technology ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Nascent Entrepreneurs ◽  
Entrepreneurial Process ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper seeks to advance ongoing research in entrepreneurial perseverance. While the concept of perseverance is not new, few researchers paid attention to behavioural persistence in the entrepreneurial context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of new technology based firms (NTBF) by focusing on the role of nascent entrepreneurs’ social skills in the meeting the changes of entrepreneurial perseverance. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper the authors study the start-up phase of entrepreneurial process. The authors opted for a longitudinal case study approach in order to enhance the knowledge on entrepreneurs’ social skills and perseverance. For triangulation purpose the data were gathered using four different information sources. The use of Nvivo8 as the data analysis tool helped to impose a discipline and structure which facilitated the extraction of core insights. Findings – This paper contributes to the understanding of the entrepreneurial perseverance in the context of new venture creation. Particularly, reading the entrepreneurial process through the lens of the perseverance strategies model (Van Gelderen, 2012) provided a way to identify and then to assess the impact of the social skills on the overall entrepreneurial perseverance and their combined impact on the performance of NTBF creation process. In doing so, the authors identify the impact of entrepreneurs’ social skills to deal with a series of entrepreneurial problems such as scarcity of resources, uncertainty and ambiguity and consequently their impact on the likelihood of survival for new ventures. The issues that arose mostly reflected the inherent complexity of technology transfer processes, the university and entrepreneurs’ diverging cultures, and the very characteristics of the start-up phase of NTBFs. The findings reveal how social skills impact the entrepreneurial paths and probable outcomes. Research limitations/implications – This paper contributes to the understanding of the entrepreneurial perseverance in the context of NTBF creation. The findings reveal how social skills and perseverance impact the entrepreneurial paths and probable outcomes. Practical implications – The paper has implications for entrepreneurial support mechanisms such as technology business incubators in helping them to improve the efficacy and efficiency of their assistance to entrepreneurs through the development of their skill-sets and perseverance and providing enabling networking. In addition, the research has implications for entrepreneurship education and training. Indeed, there is an urgent need to design and implement courses and programs aiming at developing soft skills in entrepreneurship. Originality/value – In exploring networking and issues of perseverance for nascent entrepreneurs operating in new technology-based sectors, which the authors consider as an under searched area in entrepreneurial literature.

Managing multichannel coordination in retail banking: the influence of customer participation

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loïc Plé
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Design ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Retail Banks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the combining of marketing and organizational literature. This paper seeks to evaluate the relationships between multichannel coordination and customer participation, as seen through the lens of potential customer opportunism. It aims at showing the impact of this opportunism on the organizational design of multiple channels structures.Design/methodology/approachThe research reports on an exploratory case study in a French retail bank. A total of 25 in‐depth interviews were conducted, and the use of other sources enabled data triangulation.FindingsThe results show first that an increase in the number of distribution channels is liable to favor customer opportunistic behavior. To counter this, the bank mainly relies on impersonal coordination modes. An emerging result highlights the role of the customer as a “perceptual filter” between the different channels of employees.Research limitations/implicationsCustomer opportunism is studied via channels employees perceptions. An investigation using a customer survey may help to better understand this construct, e.g. to identify its antecedents, and to measure it precisely. Moreover, further qualitative and/or quantitative studies with larger sample sizes are needed to try and generalize these results.Practical implicationsIt is recommended not to forget that customers can facilitate or hinder multichannel coordination. Retail banks have the power to use them conveniently, provided that they are fully conscious of the scope of the “partial employee” role played by the customer.Originality/valueThis paper broadens understanding of how multichannel distribution structures are coordinated, and in a way belies traditional organizational design literature. The emerging result gives birth to the concept of “reversed interactive marketing”, which has interesting theoretical and practical repercussions.

Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus J. O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Tom Murphy ◽  
Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

The role of egocentric networks in achieving resilience: a case study from the apparel sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 682-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyotirmoyee Bhattacharjya
Keyword(s):  
Supply Network ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Egocentric Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the egocentric network-based strategies used by upstream firms to ensure their own resilience when the disruptions originate with downstream partners. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach as this is well-suited to the investigation of a complex phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Findings The study finds that the egocentric networks of upstream firms participating in the supply network of a retailer could ensure their own resilience even after the sudden demise of the downstream entity. Originality/value The study addresses the lack of adequate empirical research examining resilience from the perspectives of multiple entities in a supply network. It is also one of the few papers to address resilience from the perspective of upstream players in the context of a disruption originating with downstream partners. The findings suggest that the lack of visibility in relation to the financial health of more powerful downstream partners could be problematic from a supplier’s perspective. It identifies well-developed egocentric networks as being essential for minimizing consequences of limited downstream visibility and the impact on social capital.

The impact of the implementation of management system on the perception of role and tasks of maintenance services and effectiveness of their functioning

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Przemysław Drożyner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Important Conclusion ◽  
Repair Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe first goal of the article was to examine how the perception of the role and scope of operation of maintenance services in the enterprise changes, depending on whether the company has an integrated management system (IMS), only a quality management system implemented in accordance with ISO 9001 and in the absence of a formal, certified management system. The second goal was to propose a model for assessing the quality of maintenance service functioning in enterprise with IMS implemented.Design/methodology/approachThe author's experience of over 1,000 audits in enterprises in various industries: food, automotive, construction, petrochemical, electronic and so on was used in the work. The audits were carried out in three types of companies: which had IMSs (800 audits), which only had a system implementation certificate ISO 9001 (140 audits) and without any standardized management system implemented (so-called second-party audits, commissioned by the client of the audited company.FindingsThe most important conclusion is – the role of UR services in enterprises with the implemented IMS is much broader and goes beyond the classic framework for planning, implementation and settlement of maintenance and repair work. Maintenance is understood more broadly and includes in its scope also the safety of people and the environment, the efficiency of production and consumption of utilities as well as the quality of products and services. Maintenance issues include not only strictly technical aspects but also economic, logistic, legal and organizational and management aspects.Practical implicationsResearch shows that enterprises, especially those with high technical and organizational culture, should not treat management systems as costs, but as a driving force for the implementation of new technologies, new organizational solutions and the development of employees' competences.Social implicationsBroad views on stakeholders of maintenance services (including employees, their families, control institutions) and their requirements make enterprises begin to see the need to maintain the so-called lifetime balance, as well as the safety and comfort of work of employees of these services.Originality/valueThe author did not find in literature any reports on studies of the impact of formal, certified management systems on the quality of maintenance services; this article shows that this impact is large and, above all, positive; with such a broad understanding of the role of maintenance, there is a need to develop a common platform for such seemingly distant concepts as machine technical condition or fatigue life versus cost accounting and quality management.

Resort-based or resource-based tourism? A case study of Jamaica

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaunette Marie Sinclair-Maragh
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Management ◽  
The Future ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism

Title – Resort-based or resource-based tourism? A case study of Jamaica. Subject area – This case study can be used in the following subject areas: tourism management; tourism policy; tourism planning and development; destination marketing and management; hospitality and tourism management; special event planning and management; and attraction management. Study level/applicability – This case study is useful to both undergraduate and graduate students specializing in hospitality and tourism management. Case overview – This case study explored the nature of two forms of tourism development; resort-based and resource-based, and aimed to determine which is the more viable and sustainable option for the future of tourism in Jamaica, an island destination in the Caribbean which depends highly on the tourism industry. The literature established that both forms of tourism are challenged by several and varying factors and so their synergistic integration appears to be the most functional option for sustainable tourism development in Jamaica along with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders. Expected learning outcomes – The students should be able to: Distinguish between resort-based tourism and resource-based tourism by identifying the elements and attributes that make them different. ▪Explain the usefulness and drawbacks of both types of tourism model. ▪Discuss the nature of culture and heritage tourism and eco-tourism. ▪Analyze Jamaica's tourism model from the nineteenth to the twenty-firstst century by assessing the changes and developments. ▪Discuss the role of government in facilitating the development of a “wholisitic tourism model” that will facilitate the synergy of resort-based tourism and resource-based tourism. ▪Assess the role of the private sector in encouraging and facilitating resource-based tourism. Supplementary materials – Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Social implications – This case study conceptually and empirically analyzed the tourism model in Jamaica to ascertain whether or not the future of Jamaica's tourism should remain dependent on resort-based tourism or should it opt for resource-based tourism as a more viable and sustainable option. The discussion however, indicates that resort-based tourism can synergize with resource-based tourism to achieve sustainable development along with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders including the government, hotel operators and the residents. The case synopsis likewise presented a concise summary of the literature reviewed regarding the concepts of resort-based tourism and resource-based tourism; and the case of Jamaica's tourism.The learning outcomes are intended to guide the teaching- learning process and stimulate students' understanding of the concepts of resort-based tourism and resource-based tourism and their specific implications in terms of tourism development in Jamaica. This knowledge can also be generalized to other destinations with similar historical background and tourism resources. The applied questions will guide the discussions and provide additional resources for assessment purposes. They will also help the students to critically assess the dynamics of tourism development.The case synopsis is consistent with the learning outcomes, corresponding applied questions and course recommendations. A total of two to three-hours teaching session can be used to discuss the constructs, analyze the case in point and answer the applied questions.

Online outsourcing and the future of work

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-238
Author(s):  
Korok Ray ◽  
Tessa A. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Government Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Foreign Labor ◽  
The Future ◽  
Human Decision ◽  
Internet Availability ◽  
Reducing Costs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an argument supporting the growth of online outsourcing, which will exponentially increase in the coming years with the spread of internet availability to the less-developed regions of the world. In addition, this paper stresses the role of human decision-making in fostering this growth, rather than promoting inhibitory policies because of nationalism or fear of change. Design/methodology/approach First, globalization and the three “waves” of outsourcing are discussed. Next, the economic principles guiding online outsourcing (disintermediation, the rise of global internet connectivity and the benefits of output-based pay over input-based pay) are discussed. After explaining how artificial intelligence will complement rather than replace human laborers, a case study and evidence are provided. Then, suggestions for government policies going forward, including skill development and education are provided. Finally, the debate that will inevitably emerge regarding online worker benefits is introduced. Findings Evidence points toward the growth of online outsourcing and the resulting increased efficiency and gains through this type of trade. The increase in freelance workers and their earnings, the investments of Google and Facebook to develop internet capabilities in less-developed regions and the reducing costs of technology (such as laptops) provide support for this argument (Elance, 2013; Forbes, 2014; Pofeldt, 2015). Finally, a case study provides evidence illustrating how individuals may gain from these advances. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing a compelling argument for the upcoming transition to increased efficiency in work through online outsourcing. Technological advances will allow the modern worker to delegate his/her mundane tasks so that he/she is free to focus on more pressing issues. This shift will multiply the domestic and foreign labor markets, creating opportunities that have not been available to this point. As this transition is not inevitable, this paper further outlines suggestions for policymakers to ensure maximized gains in the future.

Evolution of public-private partnership: the UK perspective through a case study approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marios Adamou ◽  
Niki Kyriakidou ◽  
Jon Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System Resilience ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Since the 1990s, the National Health Service (NHS)advisory officers have developed considerable expertise in managing the process of specifying, procuring, contracting and running public–private partnership (PPP) projects. However, there has been a relatively consistent trajectory in the findings of studies and evaluation of PPP from its initial introduction in the health sector in 1992 to the present time. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the PPP experience in the UK context using a case study in the NHS. Design/methodology/approach The partnership literature is primarily focussed on process issues, and the impact of partnerships on improving outcomes cannot be assumed. By conducting a critical review on most updated research studies and innovative approaches in this area, the literature as to the place of PPPs in health in the context of the UK is critically explored and whether they have a role in system resilience is examined. A case study has be used as well to describing the processes of a PPP arrangement. Findings Health-care PPP is one of the options relating to health system resilience. However, their contribution in the NHS has been mixed, with success noted in short-term clinical and services contracts while in the long-term the value for money argument has not been proven. In theory, the role of PPPs in bringing together ingredients supporting system resilience such as finance, management and innovation in the UK has not always been successful, and NHS providers have taken the approach to exit such arrangements. Research limitations/implications More research work is needed to capture the 21st-century challenges and critical success factors during its implementation. Practical implications The creation of strong partnerships is moving service delivery away from a project-by-project approach to one that includes strategic and policy developments for long-term results. Originality/value This is a fresh discussion in the role of PPP in system resilience in the UK perspective through a case study describing an exit from a PPP arrangement.

Business process innovation on quality and supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 635-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dara G. Schniederjans
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of business process innovation on the relationship between social quality management (SQM) and supply chain performance. To address this issue, this paper distinguishes SQM from soft quality management. This paper further refines the impact of two levels of business process innovation (radical vs incremental) on this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a survey of manufacturing firms throughout the USA. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were performed in order to examine the hypotheses. Findings This study confirmed the positive association between SQM and supply chain performance. While the results confirm a positive moderating relationship with incremental business process innovation between SQM and supply chain performance, radical process innovation was found to have a negative moderating role on this relationship. Originality/value This paper distinguishes SQM from soft quality management thus making it easier to determine which aspects of soft quality management enhance supply chain performance. This study also provides evidence of the differing ways in which business process innovation moderates the relationship between SQM and supply chain performance specifically identifying the positive and negative moderating role of incremental and radical business process innovations.

Research framework for the impact of total quality management on competitive advantage

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Van Cang Nguyen ◽  
Ngoc Tuan Chau
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply a more accurate competitive advantage construct to study the impact of total quality management on firms’ competitive advantage in the context of the weakening of the competitive advantage of firms that are renowned for the excellent quality management. It also aims to find a better explanation for the source of competitive advantage through mediating constructs. Design/methodology/approach The authors use iterative methodology by reviewing, analyzing, synthesizing and refining the current state of the literature and propose a research framework which allows for overcoming the limitation encountered in previous empirical research. Findings The use of two second-order constructs including the incremental innovation performance and radical innovation performance which enable the researchers to have a better explanation about the mediating role of innovation performance. Practical implications This study is seeking to contribute to the practice of total quality management area of research. Specifically, this study applies two second-order measurement scales of innovation in use, actualize the use of the new measurement scale of competitive advantage and explain clearly the role of total quality management on competitive advantage in the current context. Originality/value This is one of the few papers investigating the impact of total quality management on competitive advantage, developing the conceptual model that examines the mediating role of innovation performance.

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