Deploying Six Sigma practices to General Electric subsidiaries in a developing economy

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 446-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arine Schmidt ◽  
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer ◽  
João M. Andrietta ◽  
Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
General Electric ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Culture ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment ◽  
High Investment

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.

Sexual harassment at the workplace: how organizations can pro-actively reduce its incidence

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Smitu Malhotra ◽  
Arpita Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Harassment ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Zero Tolerance ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment

Purpose This paper aims to describe the role of human resources in organizations in preventing sexual harassment (SH) at the workplace. Design/methodology/approach This paper explains how SH is detrimental to the organization and why creating awareness about SH is essential for both men and women in the organization. Findings Findings show how organizations can pro-actively prevent the incidence of SH by creating a zero tolerance for SH in organizations with top management commitment and the formulation and enforcement of a policy against SH. Originality/value The paper creates a case for proactive preventive measures such as sensitization, policy formulation and enforcement to combat SH in organizations rather than pursuing a reactive approach.

Mediating role of process simplification in process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 825-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaurav Goyal ◽  
Harsh Vardhan Samalia ◽  
Piyush Verma
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Process Integration ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration and upstream supply chain flexibility in Indian automotive organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe three-step mediation analysis was performed using SPSS macro PROCESS to assess the mediating role of process simplification on the relationship between process integration constructs: top management commitment and supplier relationship; and upstream supply chain flexibility.FindingsThe results indicate a complete mediation effect of process simplification between supplier relationship and upstream supply chain flexibility, while partial mediation effect is noticed between top management commitment and upstream supply chain flexibility.Practical implicationsFor Indian automotive managers, the study suggests that for improving the upstream supply chain flexibility, organizations must have a strategy towards improving the simplification of supply chain processes by upgrading technology and providing training to their suppliers. This understanding will help the automotive managers to simplify their upstream supply chain processes for gaining competitive positioning and maximizing the organizational profit.Originality/valueThis study has considered the mediating role of process simplification (a relatively less studied variable) specifically in the context of its impact on upstream supply chain flexibility. Also, the presented study explores this role in the Indian automotive domain which further enhances its value for both practitioners and researchers alike.

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
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment ◽  
Core Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Effective Integration

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.

ISM–ANP hybrid approach to prioritize the barriers in green lean Six Sigma implementation in construction sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dain Thomas ◽  
Dinesh Khanduja
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Analytic Network Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Priority Weights ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment ◽  
Network Process

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.

scholarly journals Supply chain agility, adaptability and alignment

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
Nezih Altay ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran ◽  
Constantin Blome ◽  
Thanos Papadopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Supply Chain Design ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine when and how organizations create agility, adaptability, and alignment as distinct supply chain properties to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The current study utilizes the resource-based view (RBV) under the moderating effect of top management commitment (TMC). To test the research hypotheses, the authors gathered 351 usable responses using a pre-tested questionnaire. Findings The statistical analyses suggest that information sharing and supply chain connectivity resources influence supply chain visibility capability, which, under the moderating effect of TMC, enhance supply chain agility, adaptability, and alignment (SCAAA). Originality/value The contribution lies in: providing a holistic study of the antecedents of agility, adaptability, and alignment; investigating the moderating role of TMC on SCAAA; following the RBV and addressing calls for investigating the role of resources in supply chain management, and for empirical studies with implications for supply chain design.

ISM and Fuzzy MICMAC application for analysis of Lean Six Sigma barriers with environmental considerations

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Ruben R. ◽  
Vinodh S. ◽  
Asokan P.
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment ◽  
Fuzzy Micmac ◽  
Environmental Considerations

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.

scholarly journals Top management commitment and involvement and their link to key account management effectiveness

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nektarios Tzempelikos
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Key Account Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Account Management ◽  
Key Account ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Top Management Commitment ◽  
Management Involvement

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to examine the role of top management in effective key account management (KAM) relationships, making a distinction between top management commitment and top management involvement. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data from 304 suppliers from different sectors to test the research model and hypotheses developed. Data were collected by means of personal interviews. The survey instrument was a structured questionnaire. Findings – Results show that top management commitment positively affects top management involvement. In addition, top management involvement totally mediates the relationship between top management commitment and relationship quality. Finally, relationship quality positively relates to financial performance. Research limitations/implications – The study focuses on the role of top management in KAM. Future research that considers the top management’s role simultaneously with other internal or external factors would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the antecedents of effective KAM. Future studies can also examine the potential detrimental impact of top management involvement in KAM. Practical implications – Top managers should get actively involved in KAM. The study provides managers with guidance concerning how top management can have the greatest effect on KAM effectiveness. Originality/value – The study adds to our understanding of the role of top management in KAM. The study provides an integrative empirical examination of the influence of top management in KAM and offer insights on which ways top management determines KAM success.

Could CSR improve the financial performance of developing countries’ firms? Analyses of mediating effect of intangible resources

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hamdoun ◽  
Mohamed Akli Achabou ◽  
Sihem Dekhili
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intangible Resources ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance in the context of developing countries. More specifically, the mediating role of a firm’s competitive advantage and intangible resources, namely, human capital and reputation are studied. Design/methodology/approach The study considered a sample of 100 Tunisian firms. The analysis makes use of the structural equation modelling method to explore the relationship between CSR and financial performance, by including mediator variables. Findings The results confirm that CSR has no significant direct effect on financial performance. In particular, they indicate that the social dimension of CSR has a negative impact on performance. However, CSR does have a positive impact on competitive advantage via the two intangible resources considered, human capital and company reputation. Research limitations/implications The research fills a gap that occurred in the previous literature. In effect, previous studies focussed only on the direct link between CSR and financial performance. In addition, it enriches the limited literature on CSR strategies in the context of developing countries. However, further studies should explore the opposite relationship, i.e. the impact of financial performance on CSR strategy. In addition, the authors believe that amongst other potential research avenues, it would be interesting to study the moderating role of the activity sector. Practical implications From a practical point of view, this study suggests new applications with respect to the link between CSR and financial performance. To enhance their company’s financial performance, managers need to ensure that intangible resources are managed efficiently. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature by examining how a firm’s intangible resources mediate between CSR and competitive advantage and how competitive advantage mediates between intangible resources and financial performance. Second originality is related to the study of the link between CSR and the financial performance of business organisations in the context of a developing country.

scholarly journals Design for safety in construction in Nigeria: a qualitative inquiry of the critical opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nnedinma Umeokafor ◽  
Chioma Okoro ◽  
Ikechukwu Diugwu ◽  
Tariq Umar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Optimum Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Design ◽  
Design For Safety ◽  
Geographic Differences ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical opportunities for design for safety (DFS), the potential statutory (and non-statutory) health and safety (H&S) responsibilities of designers including DFS and its workability in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted among 28 multi-designers including Architects, Civil Engineers and Builders and the data was analysed thematically.FindingsThe study revealed that the likelihood of designers, clients, etc. inclining to change because of the infancy stage of H&S in developing countries, making it “fallow” for H&S was a barrier. The opportunities for DFS include the willingness of designers to develop DFS skills and knowledge, which results in a welcoming attitude towards DFS. Further, the success recorded by professional bodies on other regulatory matters and designers' greater inclination to comply with DFS when professional bodies are involved in the regulatory process of DFS remain key opportunities for DFS.Practical implicationsFor statutory-backed DFS to achieve the objective at the optimum level, the role of professional bodies in the regulatory and sensitisation processes, geographic differences in DFS legislation enforcement, nuanced and strategic design and enforcement of any legislation that will support DFS should be taken into consideration.Social implicationsA grassroots collaborative approach to developing and implementing DFS in the country and the exploitation of the zeal of designers to have DFS-related knowledge, is recommended.Originality/valueTo the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that examines the opportunities for DFS in developing countries when it is (or not) supported by statute and the need to advance the understanding of DFS in developing countries through qualitative enquiry.

Analyzing supplier development program enablers using fuzzy DEMATEL

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srikanta Routroy ◽  
C.V. Sunil Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Development Program ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Supplier Development ◽  
Manufacturing Environment ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cause And Effect ◽  
Management Commitment ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Top Management Commitment

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.

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