scholarly journals Six Sigma enablers in Mexican manufacturing companies: a proposed model

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 926-959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Tlapa ◽  
Jorge Limon ◽  
Jorge L García-Alcaraz ◽  
Yolanda Baez ◽  
Cuauhtémoc Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Variation Reduction ◽  
Proposed Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of Six Sigma (SS) and the underlying dimensions of its critical success factors (CSF) via an analysis of the effects of top management support (TMS), implementation strategy (IS), and collaborative team (CT) on project performance (PP) in Mexican manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a SS literature review, a survey was conducted to capture practitioners’ viewpoints about CSFs for SS implementation and their impact on performance in manufacturing companies. A factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted in order to identify and analyze causal relationships. Findings – The results suggest that CSFs grouped in the constructs TMS, IS, and CT have a positive impact on PP as measured by cost reduction, variation reduction, and quality improvement. Research limitations/implications – Although the empirical data collected supported the proposed model, results might differ among organizations in different countries. In addition, the study did not analyze a unique performance metric; instead, general PP dimensions were used. Practical implications – Boosting the TMS, IS, and CT enhances positive PP of SS in manufacturing companies. Originality/value – IS as a construct has not been studied exhaustively; this work contributes to a better understanding of it and its impact on PP. Additionally, studies of SS in Latin America are limited, so this study gives a complementary vision to practitioners and researchers about it.

Determinants of perceived success in management consulting

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 706-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matias Bronnenmayer ◽  
Bernd W. Wirtz ◽  
Vincent Göttel
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Management Consulting ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Management Consultants ◽  
Order Construct ◽  
Sorting Test

Purpose This paper aims to conceptualize perceived management consulting success, derive relevant success factors based on principal-agent theory and the resource-based view as well as investigate the particular factors’ influence. Management consulting has become important for improving the competitiveness of a variety of firms. Surprisingly, there is little empirical evidence clarifying what constitutes a successful management consulting project. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a survey to empirically investigate the hypotheses. They develop the survey instrument through a literature review, expert interviews, a pre-test and an item-sorting test. To analyze the data from 348 management consultants, the authors apply structural equation modeling. Additionally, they choose a triangulation approach by asking secondary informants about the originally surveyed consultants’ responses. Findings Initially, the authors develop the second-order construct perceived management consulting success, consisting of the factors compliance with budget and schedule, degree of target achievement, profitability as well as expansion and extension. Additionally, they develop an understanding of management consulting’s success factors. In this regard, five of six factors show a significant impact on perceived management consulting success. Originality/value According to the results, the factor intensity of collaboration is of highest importance for perceived management consulting success. Further, the factors common vision, consultant expertise and top management support show comparably strong significant influences. Yet, the authors have to reject the hypothesis about trust. This result conveys the complicacy of the consultant–client relationship and shows that building a trustful relationship between both parties is hard to accomplish.

scholarly journals The influence of cost of quality on the performance of food manufacturing companies: an empirical study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niveen Mohammed Ghunaim ◽  
Ayham A.M. Jaaron
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Of Quality ◽  
Business Environments

PurposeDue to the ever-increasing competitive and complex business environments, food manufacturing companies have to maintain high-quality products while simultaneously minimizing customers' costs. Cost of quality (COQ) plays a crucial role in enhancing companies' efficiency and reducing expenditures that can contribute to companies' competitive performance. This paper investigates the underlying relationship between the level of COQ practices adoption (prevention, appraisal, internal and external failure costs) and organizational performance in Palestinian food manufacturing companies (PFMCs).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research methodology using a structured questionnaire collected data from 119 PFMCs. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze collected data.FindingsResults indicated that COQ adoption has a significant positive effect on the organizational performance of PFMCs. Besides, prevention, external and internal failure costs were all associated with a positive impact on organizational performance of PFMCs, whereas appraisal cost did not affect organizational performance.Originality/valueThis study is considered one of the first studies to investigate COQ practices' effect on organizational performance in food manufacturing companies in a developing country context. Thus, it adds significant value to the literature responding to calls to tackle competitiveness issues in current complex business environments.

HR technology goal realization: predictors and consequences

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Florkowski
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Climate ◽  
Goal Realization

PurposeDrawing on the HR technology (HRT) and information systems (IS) literatures, this study seeks to identify macro-level factors that influence the performance of HRT systems. A second objective is to assess the relative contribution that HRT goal realization makes to organizational satisfaction with HR services.Design/methodology/approachThis investigation draws on a web-based survey of 169 US and Canadian firms targeting HR executives as key informants. Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the roles that organizational support, capabilities and aspects of the environment play in technology goal attainment and collective satisfaction with HR services. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) evaluated the properties of several key scales and supported their usage. Moderated regression analysis further assessed whether HRT age influenced certain relationships.FindingsAs predicted, system goal realization was positively related to the level of support from an HRT champion and an HR innovation climate, while being negatively related to HRT mimetic isomorphism. HR service satisfaction, in turn, was positively related to HRT goal realization, the HR innovation climate and HR environmental munificence. It also was determined that HRT champions had a stronger positive impact on goal realization for younger technology portfolios. This too was expected.Research limitations/implicationsExternal validity would be strengthened by not only increasing sample sizes for the USA and Canada, but also targeting more nations for data collection. The model's explanatory power may also be enhanced by improving the measurement of several predictors (e.g. top management support, absorptive capacity), as well incorporating constructs that focus on users (e.g. group potency, collective efficacy).Practical implicationsThese findings underscore the need to proactively screen and structure the surrounding environment to facilitate portfolio success. Greater emphasis must be placed on (1) identifying and empowering HRT champions, (2) fostering an innovation climate in the HR function and (3) conditioning HRT purchases on “mindful” adoption. Doing so should not only increase the prospects of realizing goals, but also elevate satisfaction with HR services.Originality/valueThis is the first study to formally assess the effects that organizational and environmental context have on overall HRT systems performance. Prior research has focused on linking the local conditions of individual users to their perceptions and usage of HR technologies.

A model for evaluating the vital factors affecting cloud computing adoption

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 2475-2492
Author(s):  
Cheng Jianwen ◽  
Karzan Wakil
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption ◽  
Proposed Model

Purpose Nowadays, the rapid growth of information technology strategies such as cloud computing is very noticeable in organizations. The advantages of the cloud environment are unavoidable because of an increase in innovation, flexibility and economy. Therefore, the critical topic is considering the factors affecting the adoption of cloud computing. This study aims to understand the factors of the adoption of cloud computing and its benefit in companies. Design/methodology/approach A research framework with four hypotheses has been developed based on the results of previous studies. Structural equation modeling has been used for data analysis. Findings The proposed model is verified by the results. In addition, the results have shown that cloud computing adoption is affected by four variables as follows, including human factor (with sub-indicator personal innovativeness and knowledge), organizational factor (with sub-indicator size, adequacy of resources and top management support), technical factor (with sub-indicator compatibility and security) and environmental factor (with sub-indicator regulatory environment, competitive pressure and trading partner). Research limitations/implications There are crucial implications in the findings: they have an essential contribution to the research community, administrators and Information and Communications Technology providers with respect to framing improved tactics for the adoption of cloud computing. The proposed model can enhance the perception of service providers about why some services sectors accept cloud computing amenities, whereas apparently the same ones having the same market situations do not. In addition, the above providers should enhance their interaction with the services sectors contributed to the cloud computing experience to make a well-organized setting for the adoption of cloud computing, and eliminate any ambiguity about this sort of technology. Moreover, the sample has been limited to Iran respondents. Practical implications The research studies about the usage of cloud computing have shown its effects on organizations today. Also, the different impacts of cloud computing on other contexts and organizations are in the center of attention. By carefully considering and managing cloud computing adoption logics, organizations could get significant advantages. Originality/value Cloud computing’s technical and operational issues have been central in most of the previous studies. Some surveys have referred to the adoption of cloud computing by the organizations in terms of human characteristics or the contextual factor. Therefore, there should be a model and outline to assess the effect of aforesaid factors on cloud computing adoption.

Does transformational leadership influence TQM practices? A comparison analysis between manufacturing and service firms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Bouranta
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the existing literature that relates leadership style to total quality management (TQM) focus. Specifically, the study evaluates whether and how leadership style may affect the implementation of TQM practices.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to collect data from employees of different organizations operating in the manufacturing (n = 156) and service sectors (n = 147). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as structural equation modeling were adopted to test the hypothesized research model.FindingsThe results revealed that transformational leadership has a positive impact in the implementation of TQM practices (e.g., customer focus, process management, human resource management, strategic planning and learning). It was also found that, regardless of industry type, manufacturing or service, transformational leadership has a significantly positive influence on TQM practices. In addition, it was noted that manufacturing companies showed a higher level of TQM practices than did service companies.Originality/valueThis study represents, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the first empirical examination of the relationship between transformational leadership and TQM in the service and manufacturing industries, with the goal of determining the differences between these two sectors. The study's conclusions may be useful for service and manufacturing organizations in achieving more effective leadership in the implementation of TQM.

An exploration of the extent of Lean Six Sigma implementation in the West of Ireland

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Iyede ◽  
Enda Francis Fallon ◽  
Pat Donnellan
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
The West ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Failure Factors ◽  
West Of Ireland

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation within manufacturing companies in the West of Ireland. It examines the key success and failure factors, benefits and quality tools influencing LSS projects deployment.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed research method (quantitative and qualitative approach). Research data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire to the target population followed by interview case studies with four manufacturing companies to gather additional insight. The targeted respondents were manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, process improvement managers, operations managers, R&D engineers, LSS experts and validation engineers.FindingsLSS initiatives are still relatively unknown to many SMEs organisations, whereas large companies have adopted LSS for some time. Top management commitment, understanding the LSS methodology, tools and techniques, integrating LSS to business strategy, organisational cultural change and training and education were the topmost key success factors. Organisational strategy, lack of top management support, expensive cost for LSS projects, unclear prioritisation of LSS projects and cost effectiveness were the most important failure factors influencing LSS implementation.Originality/valueThis research is the original work provided by the author and is expected to address the shortcomings of both SMEs and large organisations in the West of Ireland. The recommendations and frameworks reported in this paper can be used by manufacturing and service companies in Ireland for efficiency, competitiveness and continuous improvement.

The entrepreneurial university: a proposed model for developing nations

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 383-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima Bizri ◽  
Jamil Hammoud ◽  
Marwa Stouhi ◽  
Manar Hammoud
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Developing Nations ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Success Factors ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for entrepreneurial universities (EPUs) that operate in developing countries, as most of the existing research has either focused on the western context or neglected context altogether. The model is intended to identify the EPU’s key success factors while taking into consideration its contextual constraints. Design/methodology/approach A 60-item survey instrument was designed and distributed across the top 10 QS-ranked universities in Lebanon, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS. Findings The results of data analysis confirmed the influence of resources and capabilities and knowledge transfer as the two most powerful “university-specific” success factors. Importantly, the relationship between the university-specific factors and innovation was mediated by the presence of a strong entrepreneurial culture, while an entrepreneurship environment was found to be conducive to entrepreneurship outcomes of the EPU. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in the literature by suggesting a model for the EPU in developing nations, taking into consideration the various constraints of those nations.

Impacts of computerized maintenance management system and relevant supportive organizational factors on total productive maintenance

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 2230-2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Balouei Jamkhaneh ◽  
Javad Khazaei Pool ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Khaksar ◽  
S. Mohammad Arabzad ◽  
Reza Verij Kazemi
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Total Productive Maintenance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computerized Maintenance Management System

Purpose The application of automated systems is rapidly increasing in different industries and organizations. In this regard, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) using information technology play an important role in the automating production systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors on the effectiveness of total productive maintenance. Design/methodology/approach This study is classified as a quantitative survey-based research using structural equation modeling. The scope of the study includes manufacturing companies in Iran. A total of 125 questionnaires from 60 companies were collected from January to March 2014 to help validate the conceptual model and test the hypotheses. Findings The results support the concept CMMSs positively relates to relevant supportive organizational factors (resource allocation, decision-making structure, senior management support, employees’ involvement and effective instruction) on the effectiveness of total productive maintenance. The relevant supportive organizational factors can also be seen as the predictors of CMMSs. Originality/value This study integrates the CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors in a robust model to examine the effectiveness of total productive maintenance. This study also examines the impacts of CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors on total productive maintenance which seems to not be done previously.

Does employee willingness to take risks affect customer loyalty? A moderated mediation examination of innovative behaviors and decentralization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Ahmad Al-Hawari ◽  
Shaker Bani-Melhem ◽  
Faridahwati Mohd. Shamsudin
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
Innovative Behaviors

Purpose This study aims to build on the trait activation and interactionist perspective theories to investigate the effect of frontline employees’ (FLEs) willingness to take risks on hotel guest loyalty by assessing the mediating role of their innovative behaviors. It also examines whether decentralization strengthens the positive impact of willingness to take risks on innovative behavior and, subsequently, customer loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected multilevel data from various sources – hotel FLEs (n = 183), hotel operation managers (n = 46) and hotel guests/customers (n = 266) – from five-star hotels operating in Dubai. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro (version 3.5) were used to analyze the data. Findings The findings showed that willingness to take risks indirectly (via innovative behaviors) affects guest/customer loyalty positively. This effect is strengthened when the hotel is decentralized. Practical implications This study provides insight into how hotel managers can foster customer loyalty. More specifically, they can do so by establishing employees’ innovative behaviors triggered by employees’ positive personality traits and by giving employees more autonomy. Originality/value The present study addresses recent calls to investigate the positive impact of FLEs’ personality traits, attitudes and behaviors on customer loyalty.

The effect of knowledge management on intellectual capital, social capital, and firm innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Salehi ◽  
Mohammad Ali Fahimi ◽  
Grzegorz Zimon ◽  
Saeid Homayoun
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Chief Executive Officers ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Capital Social ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to analyze the literature on knowledge management on intellectual capital, social capital and its contribution to Iranian companies’ innovation. Design/methodology/approach To investigate knowledge management’s relationship on intellectual capital, social capital and innovation, using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 205 chief executive officers, production managers and marketing managers of Iranian companies. The research instrument is a standard questionnaire consisting of 109 questions in which 5 of them are demographic questions, 26 questions were asked to reveal the knowledge management process, 40 questions for intellectual capital, 21 for social capital and 17 for innovation. Findings The results show that knowledge management has a positive and significant relationship between intellectual capital and social capital. Knowledge management did not have a significant effect on innovation. However, intellectual capital and social capital have a significant effect on innovation. On the other hand, knowledge management mediated by intellectual capital and social capital has a positive and significant indirect effect on innovation. Originality/value The paper includes the implications for developing knowledge management and intellectual, social capital leading to innovation in manufacturing companies. Knowledge management can improve the innovation performance of a company if it is shared and applied effectively. This study addresses an important subject and the findings may be used by professionals and managers or another person interested in advancing knowledge management that leads to innovation.

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