scholarly journals Applying quality concepts to achieve environmental sustainability in the freight transport sector – reviewing process management and lean

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscilla Navarro
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Freight Transport ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Movement ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to revisit lean manufacturing and process management to review how these have targeted environmental sustainability and determine whether these have the potential to achieve environmental sustainability in small- and medium-sized companies within the freight transport sector. Design/methodology/approach The methodology for this paper was divided into three steps. The first step involved a narrative literature review, including previously designed search strings. The second step involved a snowball approach, where the identification of new sources departed from previously selected articles. The third step included a completing narrative review to search for the most recent articles published related to the purpose. The analysis was based on the identification of benefits, challenges and the potential of lean and process management to deal with environmental demands among transport companies. Findings The findings suggest a potential of lean and process management for achieving environmental sustainability, if adapted appropriately. The potential is on the operative and strategic levels, respectively. Research limitations/implications This study included two of the concepts from the quality movement from a literature perspective. Hence, there is a need for research to evaluate these results empirically. Additionally, other aspects should be studied within the quality movement for achieving environmental sustainability. Originality/value This paper aims to be a basis and a path for further theoretical and empirical research for the quality movement to support environmental sustainability. This paper particularly aims to fill part of the gap in the literature on how the freight transport sector can enhance environmental sustainability in its operations.

scholarly journals Operations management body of knowledge and its relevance to manufacturing and service organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurandir Peinado ◽  
Alexandre Reis Graeml ◽  
Fernando Vianna
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
The Body ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
Body Of Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the differences in importance assigned by manufacturing or service organizations to topics related to operations management and its attendant body of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach The authors did this by cataloguing and analyzing vacancy announcements related to operations management, presented by manufacturing and services companies in major Brazilian human resources websites. Findings The results show that manufacturing companies primarily hire personnel with skills in routine process management, quality management, lean manufacturing, ergonomics and work organization. Service companies generally seek professionals with knowledge and experience in logistics, supply chain management and project management. Research limitations/implications This study presents some limitations that reduce the power of its conclusions. There is some degree of subjectivity in the interpretation of the contents of the analyzed ads. In order to reduce this problem, the authors who did the tabulation of data marked the situations for which there were some doubts about the classification, discussing them with the other author, until they reached a consensus on the best way to classify each one. Originality/value The discussion about the importance assigned by manufacturing and service companies to the topics of operations management is crucial for not only the results obtained, but also to stimulate the debate on topics that comprise or should comprise the body of knowledge of operations management, and the way they are incorporated into business practice. This provides an additional opportunity to reflect on the potential of operations management in supporting business managers now and in the future.

Ambidextrous leadership: a narrative literature review for theory development and directions for future research

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Leadership Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Ambidextrous Leadership

PurposeThis study seeks to provide a narrative literature review of existing empirical research, in order to better understand the processes and theory of ambidextrous leadership, as well as its influence on followers, employees and organizations.Design/methodology/approachData from 26 studies were extracted and synthesied providing a critical discussion about the methodological and theoretical aspects of the studies identified in the review.FindingsIt was revealed the attributes for an effective ambidextrous leader, it was presented the recently proposed concept of ambidextrous leadership theory and it was noticed the main criticisms against the findings of the extant ambidextrous leadership literature. It was also identified many research gaps in the literature which in turn can guide academics in the development of ambidextrous leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThe ambidextrous leadership theory represents a novel and unique approach to the domain of leadership for creativity and innovation. It is shared across hierarchical levels throughout the organization. Leaders have a significant effect on employees' behaviors and should determine its applicability to different situations. Organizations require ambidextrous managers who combine flexible, situational and versatile leadership styles developing ever increasingly new and divergent ideas. Many research gaps in the literature were also identified that can guide academics in the development of ambidextrous leadership.Practical implicationsUnderstanding that ambidextrous leadership is required to significantly influence ambidexterity and innovation allows organizations to direct their leadership selection and development.Originality/valueThis review contributes to the ambidextrous leadership literature by creating a holistic picture of where it has been and where it should go.

scholarly journals People analytics effectiveness: developing a framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Peeters ◽  
Jaap Paauwe ◽  
Karina Van De Voorde
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Stakeholder Management ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Set Up

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the key ingredients that people analytics teams require to contribute to organizational performance. As the information that is currently available is fragmented, it is difficult for organizations to understand what it takes to execute people analytics successfully.Design/methodology/approachTo identify the key ingredients, a narrative literature review was conducted using both traditional people analytics and broader business intelligence literature. The findings were summarized in the People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel.FindingsThe People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel identifies four categories of ingredients that a people analytics team requires to be effective. These are enabling resources, products, stakeholder management and governance structure. Under each category, multiple sub-themes are discussed, such as data and infrastructure; senior management support; and knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAOs) (enablers).Practical implicationsMany organizations are still trying to set up their people analytics teams, and many others are struggling to improve decision-making by using people analytics. For these companies, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature and describes what it takes to contribute to organizational performance using people analytics.Originality/valueThis paper is designed to provide organizations and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to execute people analytics successfully. By using the People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel as a guideline, scholars are now better equipped to research the processes that are required for the ingredients to be truly effective.

Getting innovations adopted in the housing sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-318
Author(s):  
Johannes A.W.H. Van Oorschot ◽  
Johannes I.M. Halman ◽  
Erwin Hofman
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
Housing Sector ◽  
Search Technique ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Projects ◽  
Adoption Of Innovation ◽  
Adoption Research ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review

Purpose The purpose of this study is threefold. First, to provide a taxonomy of innovations in the housing sector. Second, to create a coherent framework that includes the mechanisms that stimulate and hinder the adoption of innovation in the housing sector. Third, to develop propositions for future innovation adoption research. Design/methodology/approach A search in Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science, Elsevier’ Scopus and the ARCOM database, followed by ‘snowballing’ as a backward search technique, revealed 94 scientific studies about innovation adoption in the housing sector. These studies were used to conduct a systematic narrative literature review about innovation adoption in the housing sector. Findings This study presents the state of knowledge about the adoption of innovation in the housing sector. Based on the unit of analysis by the studies included in our review, we present a taxonomy of housing innovation and we conclude that, typical for low-tech industries, no radical, discontinuous innovations were reported in the field of housing. Based on the data set of this review, a coherent framework has been developed, which includes four categories of determinants and underlying variables. Subsequently, 21 propositions have been deduced, which reflect the key mechanisms affecting the adoption of innovation in housing. Originality/value This paper is the first in which the various innovation adoption mechanisms for housing projects are integrated in a coherent innovation adoption framework. This framework not only provides an explanatory overview about innovation adoption in the housing sector but also provides insight to managers how to increase the chances to get their innovations adopted in the housing sector.

Controlling the flood: when more of a dose is less

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. David Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Information Age ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Correct Interpretation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Guiding Principle ◽  
Minimalist Approach ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the flood of information that is inundating us. This flood makes it increasingly difficult to make sense of the world and arrive at the correct interpretation of events. Design/methodology/approach – Classic narrative literature review applying the dosage metaphor to the growing problem of information overload. Findings – The seven elements of dosage – amount, frequency, sequencing, delivery systems, contraindications, interactions, and dysfunctions – are used to discuss four major coping mechanisms – escape, attention, delegation, and creative destruction – for dealing with the flood. Each of the coping mechanisms has different entailments for the dosage elements. Originality/value – This essay develops a guiding principle for thinking about how we should cope with this central problem of the information age: suggesting a minimalist approach that offers the hope of clarity in acting in an age that increasingly overwhelms us.

scholarly journals Monitoring processes through inventory and manufacturing lead time

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (5) ◽  
pp. 951-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lluís Cuatrecasas-Arbós ◽  
Jordi Fortuny-Santos ◽  
Patxi Ruiz-de-Arbulo-López ◽  
Carla Vintró-Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Lead Time ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Mutual Influence ◽  
Batch Processes ◽  
Batch Size ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work In Process ◽  
Operational Variables

Purpose – Since lean manufacturing considers that “Inventory is evil”, the purpose of this paper is to find and quantify the relations between work-in-process inventory (WIP), manufacturing lead time (LT) and the operational variables they depend upon. Such relations provide guidelines and performance indicators in process management. Design/methodology/approach – The authors develop equations to analyse how, in discrete deterministic serial batch processes, WIP and LT depend on parameters like performance time (of each workstation) and batch size. The authors extend those relations to processes with different lots and the authors create a multiple-lot box score. Findings – In this paper, the relations among WIP, LT and the parameters they depend on are derived. Such relations show that when WIP increases, LT increases too, and vice versa, and the parameters they depend on. Finally, these relations provide a framework for WIP reduction and manufacturing LT reduction and agree with the empirical principles of lean manufacturing. Research limitations/implications – Quantitative results are only exact for discrete deterministic batch processes without any delays. Expected results might not be achieved in real manufacturing environments. However, qualitative results show the underlying relations amongst variables. Different expressions might be derived for other situations. Practical implications – Understanding the relations between manufacturing variables allows operations managers better design, implement and control manufacturing processes. The box score, implemented on a spreadsheet, allows testing the effect of changes in different operational parameters on the manufacturing LT, total machine wait time and total lot queue time. Originality/value – The paper presents a discussion about process performance based on the mutual influence between WIP and LT and other variables. The relation is quantified for the discrete deterministic case, complementing the models that exist in the literature. The box score allows mapping more complex processes.

Lean manufacturing practices in Indian manufacturing SMEs and their effect on sustainability performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajan M.P. ◽  
Shalij P.R. ◽  
Ramesh A. ◽  
Biju Augustine P.
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance

Purpose The relevance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in contributing to the economy and social development is increasingly felt in the current business environment. Focusing on sustainable development, SMEs have also implemented many acting strategies of large-scale enterprises such as lean and green practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) in SMEs and their sustainability performances. Further, this study explores the relationship between the triple bottom line sustainability performances. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a survey conducted and data collected from 252 manufacturing SMEs in India. The hypothesized relationships are then analyzed with structural equation modeling. Findings The outcome of the analysis shows that LMPs are positively associated with various sustainability performances categorized as economic, environmental, and social performances. Further, this study shows that environmental sustainability is correlated with economic and social sustainability performances. Research limitations/implications The study conducted was limited to a particular state in India. Moreover, the study uses the data from a cross-sectional survey from single respondents. Practical implications The findings of the study become an added advantage for the managers to convince their various stakeholders for implementing LMPs in SMEs. Originality/value The research findings provide theoretical and practical insights to derive the importance of LMPs in maximizing sustainability performances. It gives an enhanced perspective of the importance of LMPs on the sustainability performance of SMEs.

The role of environmental sustainability in the freight transport mode choice

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 560-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anu Bask ◽  
Mervi Rajahonka
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Freight Transport ◽  
Intermodal Transport ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Mode ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
The Eu

Purpose Transport is the European Union (EU) sector that produces the second highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In its attempts to promote the environmentally sustainable development of transport, the EU has focussed on intermodal transport in particular – but with limited success. It is important to understand how freight transport is selected, which criteria are used and what role environmental sustainability and intermodal transport play in the selection. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of environmental sustainability and intermodal transport in transport mode decisions. The authors look at this issue from the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs) and buyers, as they are important stakeholders in guiding this process. Design/methodology/approach To gain a holistic view of the current state of research, the authors have conducted a systematic literature review of the role of environmental sustainability and intermodal transport in transport mode decisions. The authors have further examined the findings concerning requests for quotations (RfQs), tenders and transport contracts, as these are also linked to decisions on transport choice. Findings The findings from the literature review include the results of descriptive and structured content analysis of the selected articles. They show that the discussion on environmental sustainability and intermodal transport as a sustainable mode, together with the transport mode selection criteria, RfQs/tenders and transport contracts, is still a rather new and emerging topic in the literature. The main focus related to the selection of transport mode has been on utility and cost efficiency, and only recently have issues such as environmental sustainability and intermodal transport started to gain greater attention. The findings also indicate that the theoretical lenses most typically used have been preference models and total cost theories, although the theoretical base has recently become more diversified. Research limitations/implications There is still a need to extend the theoretical and methodological base, which could then lead to innovative theory building and testing. Such diverse application of methodologies will help in understanding how environmental sustainability can be better linked to mode choice decisions. Practical implications The findings will be of interest to policy makers and companies opting for environmentally sustainable transport solutions. Social implications If the EU, shippers and LSPs take a more active stance in promoting environmentally sustainable transformation models, this will have long-lasting societal impacts. Originality/value It seems that this systematic literature review of the topic is one of the first such attempts in the current body of literature.

scholarly journals Leadership: the complexities and state of the field

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 514-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Marie Clark ◽  
Christian Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Research Area ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Current State ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Extensive Body ◽  
Leadership Approaches

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance contemporary cognisance of the leadership field and its current state, through the synthesis and development of earlier contributions. A taxonomy of evolutionary eras is tendered, from which future research opportunities can be extrapolated. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts a narrative literature review of significant leadership literature. There is a focus on prominent contributions which are considered to have been highly influential within the field, while acknowledging other notable influences. Findings Leadership is found to be a multifaceted and evolving field, which continues to produce further research fields. This dynamism hinders the progression of leadership to achieve integration. Eleven interrelated eras of leadership, which hold varying research value, were found. While some eras superficially appear to be discredited, there is arguably scope for these to be developed in contemporary context. Currently, the leadership approaches which are replete with research opportunities include servant leadership, a skills approach and an entrepreneurial leadership. Research limitations/implications Leadership is a vast research area with numerous contributions to its body of work; therefore, this review has focused on prominent contributions and has not attempted to include all available literature. The dissemination of leadership literature has allowed for research gaps to emerge and future research recommendations to be drawn. Originality/value While there is an extensive body of leadership literature, there are few reviews of the literature. A comprehensive contemporary review facilitates an examination of the current complexities and state of the leadership field.

scholarly journals Ports, peripherality and concentration – deconcentration factors: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahana Wiradanti ◽  
Stephen Pettit ◽  
Andrew Potter ◽  
Wessam Abouarghoub
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Port Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Port Facilities ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on peripheral ports, hub ports and concentration – deconcentration factors. This is an issue, as investments in port development in more peripheral locations are challenging due to the difficult financial situation currently faced by the maritime industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a narrative literature review focusing on peripherality in the context of seaports and transport. Moreover, it gathers the reasons why ports concentrate–deconcentrate, and how these factors evolve over time.FindingsThis paper develops a future research agenda for peripheral ports.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insights for ports in developing countries in their efforts to upgrade their port facilities and infrastructure.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the research on ports in peripheral locations which have been under studied compared to larger hub ports.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document