Impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on company’s performance: Tunisian context

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1881-1906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaouthar Lamine ◽  
Lassaad Lakhal

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and their impact on performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review of research that investigated the TQM and Six Sigma best practices and performance, the TQM/Six Sigma practices are classified into three key categories: top management commitment and support (TMCS), infrastructure and core practices. This paper proposes a path model linking these practices and performance. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 91 Tunisian companies in different sectors. The research model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique based on SmartPLS software.FindingsThe result shows that the implementation of Six Sigma practices is based majorly on the TQM practices. Also, it reveals the positive impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on performance. Furthermore, the analysis of path model reveals the relative interdependence and significant link between TMCS, infrastructure, core practices and performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe path model tested in this study combines the TQM/Six Sigma practices and reveals their link with performance, which enhance the research theory of both two approaches. Moreover, it will be a useful support for the quality expert on the effective integration of TQM and Six Sigma methods.Originality/valueThis study is the first one which studies the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and company’s performance in the Tunisian context based on PLS technique.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dain Thomas ◽  
Dinesh Khanduja

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to prioritize and establish relationships among the barriers that affect green, lean and Six Sigma (GLSS) implementation in the Indian construction sector. Design/methodology/approach A hierarchal model consisting of several levels is generated by the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology. For establishing the priority weights and the ranking of the barriers, the relationships among barriers from the model in ISM are used to provide an output from the analytic network process (ANP). The 12 vital barriers that affect implementation of GLSS adoption were shortlisted from literature and then finalized in consultation with experts belonging from both industry and academia. Findings Based on the ISM model “Lack of awareness for green products, Lack of top management commitment and involvement as well as Lack of funds along with an improper estimation” are at the highest level. Similar results were found while ranking the barriers through ISM–ANP integration. Originality/value This study identified and prioritized the barriers that affect GLSS implementation using ISM–ANP approach, such a study has not been attempted previously for the construction sector. The ISM model and ANP ranks are based on the inputs gathered from experts and academicians so as to ensure practical validity. This approach is assists decision-makers to focus on the key barriers priority basis and enables them to implement GLSS smoothly.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Ruben R. ◽  
Vinodh S. ◽  
Asokan P.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to prioritize and analyze the barriers that affect Lean Six Sigma (LSS) adoption with environmental considerations. Design/methodology/approach To find interrelationships and mutual influences among the identified barriers, an integrated interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Fuzzy MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement approach was applied). In total, 20 crucial barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been derived from the literature and in consultation with experts hailing from the industry and academia. Findings Based on the analysis, the most dominant and dependent barriers that affects LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been identified. The barriers, namely, “lack of top management commitment”, “lack of training and education” and “lack of funds for green projects”, occupy the base segment of the ISM hierarchy; the barriers, namely, “difficulty in adopting environmental strategies”, “stringent government policies”, “negative attitude towards sustainability concepts”, “improper communication” and “lack of defect monitoring analysis”, occupy the top level of the ISM hierarchy. Practical implications The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using a mathematical approach. This approach is also helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and to enable LSS adoption with environmental considerations smoothly. Originality/value The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using the Fuzzy MICMAC approach which has not been attempted in the past. The structural model is developed holistically based on the inputs gathered from practitioners and academicians to ensure practical validity. Also, this approach is helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and enabling them to deploy LSS concepts with environmental considerations smoothly.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

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 The authors find that BPR factors such as top management commitment, organizational readiness, information technology, and people management had a positive impact on organizational performance. Organizational structure also positively influenced performance but only when firms practiced strategic thinking. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, 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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 446-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arine Schmidt ◽  
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer ◽  
João M. Andrietta ◽  
Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Six Sigma implementation in the subsidiaries of General Electric (GE) located in Brazil and to explore the role of the quality culture of headquarters in overcoming common obstacles to Six Sigma implementation reported by other studies. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory survey was the basis for gathering data for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed covering issues related to Six Sigma implementation, such as experienced benefits, main outcomes, and metrics adopted by companies. Data from eight GE subsidiaries were qualitatively analyzed. The findings were discussed in the light of other studies conducted in Brazil as well as in other developing countries in the context of the role of existing quality culture in overcoming barriers to Six Sigma implementation. Findings The findings revealed that Six Sigma at GE subsidiaries achieved better results in comparison with the results obtained by other Brazilian companies reported in the literature. GE quality culture aspects such as top management commitment, high investment in training, recognition schemes, and development of a well-planned infrastructure were identified as valuable to overcome common barriers to Six Sigma implementation. Moreover, the findings showed a strong alignment with the goals and practices of GE headquarters, which is an evidence of the quality culture that exists in GE and that allows all GE businesses achieve benefits with Six Sigma. Originality/value Since limited empirical research has been conducted concerning Six Sigma implementation in developing countries, this paper aspires to contribute to Six Sigma body of knowledge by illustrating the practices of a world benchmark corporation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1073-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ejaz Aslam ◽  
Razali Haron

Purpose Corporate governance plays a significant role to overcome agency issues and develop the culture of transparency and openness. In this context, this paper aims to examine how corporate governance mechanisms affect the performance of Islamic banks (IBs). Design/methodology/approach Stepwise, two-step system generalize method of moment estimation technique is used in the analysis in which control variables are added into the model sequentially. This study used data on 129 IBs from 29 Islamic countries (Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia) during the period of 2008 to 2017. Findings The findings suggest that the audit committee (AUDC) and Shariah board (SB) have positive impact on the performance of IBs (return on assets and return on equity). However, board size and risk management committee have negative and significant effect on the performance of IBs. CEO duality and non-executive directors have mixed relationship with the performance of IBs. These results support the argument that IBs need to improve their financial performance through appropriate governance mechanism. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study added a new dimension to the governance research that could be a valuable source of knowledge for policymakers and regulators to improve the existing governance mechanism for better performance of IBs. Originality/value The study fills the gap in the literature by addressing the issue of corporate governance on performance of IBs across countries. Agency theory is discussed to explain the relationship between corporate governance mechanism and performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
C.V. Sunil Kumar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify, quantify and establish relationship (i.e. cause and effect) among various supplier development program enablers (SDPEs) in a specific manufacturing environment. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed methodology runs into four phases, i.e. defining supplier development program (SDP) environment, identifying relevant SDPEs, collecting experts’ qualitative opinions regarding SDPEs and analyzing the SDPEs using Fuzzy DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory). The fourth phase is programmed using Matlab 7.10.0 (R2010a). The proposed methodology is implemented in an Indian manufacturing company and the results are analyzed to provide directions for the company while implementing SDPs. Findings – The proposed methodology leads to the ranking of SDPEs, classification of SDPEs into cause and effect groups and establishment of interactions for each SDPE using impact relationship map. Of the 20 SDPEs considered in the analysis, “top management commitment” and “mutual visits by competent personnel from both sides” are the two most important SDPEs for implementing SDP in an Indian manufacturing company taken as a case study. The outcomes are verified by consulting the said company’s experts and their validity is confirmed. Research limitations/implications – Because the results obtained are specific to a manufacturing environment, they cannot be generalized. However, the proposed approach can be adopted for analyzing SDPEs in any manufacturing environment, provided the set of SDPEs is selected considering its priorities. Practical implications – The proposed methodology will identify the SDPEs to be managed for successful implementation of SDPs. Originality/value – The proposed methodology has the capability to rank the SDPEs and their interrelationships. This will definitely help supply chain managers to precisely choose and manipulate the SDPEs for successful implementation of SDP.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abdul Latif ◽  
Jan Vang

Purpose Top management commitment (TMC) and prosocial voice behaviour in Lean teams are vital for the successful Lean implementation. This study aims to investigate how TMC influences Lean team members’ prosocial voice behaviour and how such changed voice behaviour affects the outcome of Lean implementations. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used a qualitative research methodology to examine six dimensions of TMC (communication, involvement, support, empowerment, encouragement and monitoring) in two ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh. Operational performance was measured by efficiency, quality, value stream mapping, single-minute exchange dies and 5S scores. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was assessed by acceptable head and back positions, machine safety, use of masks and housekeeping. Findings The findings reveal that TMC influences Lean team members' voice behaviour positively and, thereby, company's performance. Six dimensions of TMC are all critical for mobilizing prosocial voice, which then improves productivity, OHS and enhancing employee capacity and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications This research involved two sewing lines in two RMG factories in Bangladesh. Cross-sector and large-scale international quantitative research is also needed. Practical implications This research shows how TMC and Lean problem-solving teams can mobilize employee voice. Originality/value Employee voice is a central issue in the implementation of Lean. To the best of the author’s knowledge, for the first time, the authors show how the six dimensions of TMC influence Lean team members’ voice behaviour in the workplace and thereby how prosocial voice affects team performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Feng Tian ◽  
Peggy Mei Lan Ng

Purpose Knowledge sharing, the most important process in knowledge management, enables knowledge-intensive organizations to foster innovations and to gain competitiveness. Universities, the best contemporary embodiments of knowledge-intensive organizations, nowadays face fiercer competition in the changing world. Knowledge sharing is the key for academic departments to gain competitive advantages through innovation. However, limited studies examined the relationships between top management support, knowledge sharing and affiliation and trust. Based on the literature review, this study developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between top management support and knowledge sharing, and the mediating role played by affiliation and trust. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted in eight universities in Hong Kong. Data gathered from 109 professoriate staff (including chairs, professors and [research] associate/assistant professors) were used to test the four hypotheses in the research model with partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results showed that top management support has a positive impact on affiliation and trust, and that affiliation and trust also have a positive impact on knowledge sharing. However, this study showed an insignificant linkage between top management support and knowledge sharing. Therefore, this study confirmed the mediating role played by affiliation and trust. Practical implications Based on the results, this study provided recommendations on how academic management and knowledge management consultants increase the faculty members’ affiliation and trust, for instance, mentoring, performance appraisal system, social interactions and communication pathways. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to the literature in two ways. First, affiliation and trust are two interplayed elements of team climate that should be considered together. Second, this study validates affiliation and trust as a full mediator between top management support and knowledge sharing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Hong Nguyen ◽  
Angelina Nhat-Hanh Le

Purpose The paper aims to explore the role of climate for creativity and innovation as the situational variable to lead to both expected and unexpected consequences (e.g. performance and unethical behavior), by discovering the relationships among task characteristics (e.g. difficulty, clarity and performance pressure), individual psychological aspects (e.g. mindfulness and self-justification) and work environmental conditions (e.g. peer behavior and climate for creativity and innovation). In this study, task characteristics are proposed to positively associate with unethical behavior via mindfulness. Moreover, climate for creativity and innovation is proposed to moderate the relationship between self-justification and unethical behavior. Finally, unethical behavior is predicted to positively influence on performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the sample of salespeople, who are working for variety of companies in Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and SmartPLS 3 are implemented to test the path model. Findings Emphasizing both bright and dark sides of promoting creativity and innovation, the study highlights the role of climate for creativity and innovation in strengthening the positive relationship between self-justification and unethical behavior. In turn, unethical behavior positively influences performance. Further, the findings indicate that mindfulness contributes in explaining unconscious unethical behavior. Originality/value Exploring the relationships among climate for creativity and innovation, unethical behavior and performance, this paper contributes for deeper understanding of variety aspects of innovation. Demands for an intelligent management in modern workplaces are suggested.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piyush Jaiswal ◽  
Amit Singh ◽  
Subhas C. Misra ◽  
Amaresh Kumar

Purpose This study aims to investigate the interrelationships among the Lean manufacturing (LM) adoption barriers in Indian SMEs. This issue has its own importance as LM has become the inescapable requirement for small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) because of the increased concerns about quality, cost, delivery time and rapidly growing competition in the manufacturing sector and in India it is opposed by many factors/barriers. To act for the eradication of these barriers, we need to systematically analyze them. Design/methodology/approach Based on the available literature and consultation with the experts, the authors identified 16 LM barriers for Indian SMEs. The authors analyzed the interdependencies among the barriers and prioritized them using integrated Grey-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) approach. Findings The findings show that limited financial resources, fear in adopting new technology, lack of top management commitment and poor leadership quality are the most critical barriers for LM diffusion in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The present research is based on the experts’ inputs, which may be subject to individual biases. In developing countries, such as India, geographical influences are also possible, which are neglected in this study. Practical implications This study provides significant insights that can help SMEs to focus on critical cause group barriers to accelerate the LM penetration. Originality/value The authors have proposed a Grey-DEMATEL-based LM barrier evaluation framework. Here, the authors analyze the interrelationships among the barriers for LM and segregate them in cause and effect groups.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document