A model of business intelligence on cloud for managing SMEs in COVID-19 pandemic (Case: Iranian SMEs)

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Hamidinava ◽  
Abdolhamid Ebrahimy ◽  
Roohallah Samiee ◽  
Hosein Didehkhani
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Business Intelligence ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Initial Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Fuzzy Delphi ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate a cloud business intelligence model for industrial SMEs. An initial model was developed to accomplish this, followed by validation and finalization of the cloud business intelligence model. Additionally, this research employs a mixed-techniques approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods. This paper aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) Recognize the Cloud business intelligence concepts. (2) Identify the role of cloud BI in SMEs. (3) Identify the factors that affect the design and presenting a Cloud business intelligence model based on critical factors affecting SMEs during pandemic COVID-19. (4) Discuss the importance of Cloud BI in pandemic COVID-19 for SMEs. (5) Provide managerial implications for using Cloud BI effectively in Iran’s SMEs.Design/methodology/approachIn the current study, an initial model was first proposed, and the cloud business intelligence model was then validated and finalized. Moreover, this study uses a mixed-methods design in which both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The fuzzy Delphi Method has been applied for parameter validation purposes, and eventually, the Cloud business intelligence model has been presented through exploiting the interpretive structural modeling. The partial least squares method was also applied to validate the model. Data were also analyzed using the MAXQDA and Smart PLS software package.FindingsIn this research, from the elimination of synonym and frequently repeated factors and classification of final factors, six main factors, 24 subfactors and 24 identifiers were discovered from the texts of the relevant papers and interviews conducted with 19 experts in the area of BI and Cloud computing. The main factors of our research include drivers, enablers, competencies, critical success factors, SME characteristics and adoption. The subfactors of included competitors pressure, decision-making time, data access, data analysis and calculations, budget, clear view, clear missions, BI tools, data infrastructure, information merging, business key sector, data owner, business process, data resource, data quality, IT skill, organizational preparedness, innovation orientation, SME characteristics, SME activity, SME structure, BI maturity, standardization, agility, balances between BI systems and business strategies. Then, the quantitative part continued with the fuzzy Delphi technique in which two factors, decision-making time and agility, were deleted in the first round, and the second round was conducted for the rest of the factors. In that step, 24 factors were assessed based on the opinions of 19 experts. In the second round, none of the factors were removed, and thus the Delphi analysis was concluded. Next, data analysis was carried out by building the structural self-interaction matrix to present the model. According to the results, adoptability is a first-level or dependent variable. Regarding the results of interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the variable of critical success factors is a second-level variable. Enablers, competencies and SME characteristics are the third-level and most effective variables of the model. Accordingly, the initial model of Cloud BI for SMEs is presented as follows: The results of ISM revealed the impact of SME characteristics on BI critical success factors and adoptability. Since this category was not an underlying category of BI; thus, it played the role of a moderating variable for the impact of critical success factors on adoptability in the final model.Research limitations/implicationsSince this study is limited to about 100 SMEs in the north of Iran, results should be applied cautiously to SMEs in other countries. Generalizing the study's results to other industries and geographic regions should be done with care since management perceptions, and financial condition of a business vary significantly. Additionally, the topic of business intelligence in SMEs constrained the sample from the start since not all SMEs use business intelligence systems, and others are unaware of their advantages. BI tools enable the effective management of companies of all sizes by providing analytic data and critical performance indicators. In general, SMEs used fewer business intelligence technologies than big companies. According to studies, SMEs understand the value of simplifying their information resources to make critical business choices. Additionally, they are aware of the market's abundance of business intelligence products. However, many SMEs lack the technical knowledge necessary to choose the optimal tool combination. In light of the frequently significant investment required to implement BI approaches, a viable alternative for SMEs may be to adopt cloud computing solutions that enable organizations to strengthen their systems and information technologies on a pay-per-use basis while also providing access to cutting-edge BI technologies at a reasonable price.Practical implicationsBefore the implementation of Cloud BI in SMEs, condition of driver, competency and critical success factor of SMEs should also be considered. These will help to define the significant resources and skills that form the strategic edge and lead to the success of Cloud BI projects.Originality/valueMost of the previous studies have been focused on factors such as critical success factors in cloud business intelligence and cloud computing in small and medium-sized enterprises, cloud business intelligence adoption models, the services used in cloud business intelligence, the factors involved in acceptance of cloud business intelligence, the challenges and advantages of cloud business intelligence, and drivers and barriers to cloud business intelligence. None of the studied resources proposed any comprehensive model for designing and implementing cloud business intelligence in small and medium-sized enterprises; they only investigated some of the aspects of this issue.

TOPSIS approach to prioritize critical success factors of TQM

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gholamhossein Mehralian ◽  
Jamal A Nazari ◽  
Hamid Reza Rasekh ◽  
Sajjad Hosseini
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pharmaceutical Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Topsis Approach ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The pharmaceutical industry has a critical impact on health promotion. It is essential to identify and prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) within this industry to ensure successful implementation of total quality management (TQM). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize CSFs that affect TQM successful implementation in the pharmaceutical industry. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a thorough review of the literature and building on the earlier studies, a valid questionnaire was developed and sent to 320 managers in pharmaceutical sector. In total, 210 completed questionnaires were returned. The technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to rank and prioritize CSFs. Findings – Results of the data analyses showed that information and analysis, management commitment, relationship with suppliers, and customer focus are the top four CSFs for the successful implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical sector. Originality/value – Using TOPSIS approach, this is the first study that determines CSFs that have impact on successful implementation of TQM in the pharmaceutical sector. There have been limited studies investigating the CSFs in developing countries. The findings will be useful in helping manager to successfully implement TQM in emerging markets. The approach will help future studies to examine the impact of successful implementation of TQM on firm performance in other industries and in emerging markets.

Segmenting critical success factors of humanitarian supply chains using fuzzy DEMATEL

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devendra K. Yadav ◽  
Akhilesh Barve
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Expert Judgement ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse the critical success factors (CSFs) of humanitarian supply chains in mitigating the impact of cyclones in the Indian context using the fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Design/methodology/approach The selection of CSFs of humanitarian supply chains has been done through several secondary sources and discussion with 12 disaster experts. Thereafter, DEMATEL, an expert judgement-based technique, has been used for selecting, building and analysing a structural model that involves causal relationships between the set of identified CSFs. Furthermore, to accommodate the vagueness involved in human judgement, fuzzy logic is incorporated with the DEMATEL. Findings Based on a literature survey and expert judgement, total 16 CSFs of humanitarian supply chains have been segmented into cause and effect groups based upon their relative influencing scores. The analysis shows that the out of 16 CSFs, ten CSFs have been categorised into cause group CSFs and six as the effect group CSFs. Practical implications The findings of this study will help disaster management institutions, humanitarian agencies, logisticians, NGOs and cyclone-prone countries to improve the critical ingredients in designing and executing an effective cyclone response operation. Originality/value In this study, fuzzy DEMATEL has been applied to identify and analyse the CSFs of humanitarian supply chains for the cyclone disaster response in the Indian context, which is a novel contribution widening the existing knowledge in humanitarian relief domain.

Continuous improvement project within Kaizen: critical success factors in hospitals

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Gonzalez-Aleu ◽  
Eileen M. Van Aken ◽  
Jennifer Cross ◽  
Wiljeana J. Glover
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Level Of Importance

Purpose Evidence suggests that hospitals are having problems achieving continuous improvement project (CIP) goals or sustaining their results. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify those critical success factors (CSFs) most strongly related to CIP success in hospitals (Lean-Kaizen project, Lean Six Sigma project, Six Sigma projects, and Quality Improvement projects). Design/methodology/approach A retrospective survey was applied to any CIP leaders/facilitators from hospitals that conducted at least one CIP during the last two years. Findings Three main findings were obtained from the 116 valid responses. First, the level of importance of 47 out of 53 CSFs to achieve CIPs success in hospitals was assessed as very important or higher (4 or higher on a six-point scale). Second, there are important differences between the CSFs to achieve CIP success in hospitals in this research and previous investigations. Third, the type of CIP affects the level of importance of 16 out of 53 CSFs to achieve CIP success in hospitals. Originality/value Practitioners involved with CIPs activities in hospitals could use the knowledge extracted from this investigation to improve the impact of their CIPs. Future research should continue in two lines: test if the 53 CSFs for CIPs measure a unique factor and identify the main relationships or paths between CSFs for CIPs and CIP outcomes.

Critical success factors for large building construction projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Mathar ◽  
Sadi Assaf ◽  
Mohammad A. Hassanain ◽  
Abdullatif Abdallah ◽  
Ahmed M.Z. Sayed
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The literature revealed a limited number of studies on critical success factors (CSFs) in Saudi Arabia. These studies were either outdated, covered limited factors or focused on very specific issues of a project. In response to this knowledge gap, the purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the factors which affect the success of construction projects in Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach In all, 91 CSFs were identified from the literature, and grouped under eight categories according to categorization schemes adopted by earlier studies and common characteristics shared by the factors. A questionnaire survey was adopted since it permits the collection of large volumes of data in a short period. In total, 61 responses from industry experts were used to compute the significance index for each factor and rank the most CSFs. Findings Contractors viewed the three most significant CSFs as “competency and capability of the contractors’ key personnel in different disciplines,” “adequacy of labor resources and their skills” and “the impact of the project on the public.” Consultants viewed the three most significant CSFs as “competency and capability of the consultants’ key personnel in different disciplines,” “clear communication channels between the owner/PM and the designer” and “PM competency, authority and involvement.” Originality/value Although a significant number of studies have investigated CSFs for construction projects, these studies do not provide an extensive list of CSFs, and none have studied CSFs in large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia from the viewpoint of two key stakeholders. This study attempts to address this knowledge gap.

Analysing the critical success factors and the risks associated with third-party logistics in the food supply chain: a case of coffee industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saket Shanker ◽  
Hritika Sharma ◽  
Akhilesh Barve
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Fuzzy Topsis ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse various risks associated with third-party logistics (3PL) in the coffee supply chain and to present a framework that computes the influence of these risks on the critical success factors of the coffee supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe risks have been identified through a comprehensive literature review and validation by industry experts. The paper utilises an interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology for developing a hierarchical relationship among the CSFs. Furthermore, fuzzy MICMAC analysis is carried out to categorise these CSFs based on their driving power and dependence value. The fuzzy technique for order preferences by the similarity of an ideal solution (fuzzy-TOPSIS) approach has been applied to prioritise the risks associated with 3PL based on their ability to influence the CSFs of the coffee SC. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis to analyse the stability of the results obtained in this study.FindingsThis study illustrates ten risks associated with 3PL and five CSFs in the coffee supply chain. The analysis revealed that coffee enterprises need to develop a balanced pricing strategy to ensure a sustainable competitive advantage, whereas the lack of direct customer communication is the most dominant 3PL risk affecting the CSFs.Practical implicationsThis research provides coffee enterprises with a generalised framework with set parameters that can be used to attain a successful coffee supply chain in any developing nation.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by being the first kind of study, which has used fuzzy ISM-MICMAC to analyse the CSFs of the coffee supply chain and fuzzy-TOPSIS for analysing the impact of various risks associated with the 3PL in the coffee supply chain. Thus, this work can be considered a benchmark for future research and advancement in the coffee business field.

Preliminary Study of the Impact of Critical Success Factors on Project Success in Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aqeel Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Sehail Younis
Keyword(s):  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Cronbach Alpha ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
The Impact

This preliminary study attempts to link among the critical success factors on overall project success in public sector organizations in Pakistan.  In this study it’s reflected that major critical success factors (soundness of Business & workforce, planning & control, quality performance and past performance) can enhance the success of the project in Pakistan.  The purpose of this preliminary study was to verify the reliability of the survey instrument which has been used in European countries. It was found that the planning & control was the highest Cronbach Alpha value, while the ranged for each constructs in the present study from 0.68 to 0.88.  Therefore, based on the Cronbach alpha value score, the proposed survey instrument has fulfilled the basic requirement of a valid instrument.

Critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 545-563
Author(s):  
Edward Asante ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Technical University

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries in Ghana. This study is part of a PhD project that focussed on selected technical university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach to collect the data. Samples of 124 participants were involved in this study. PLS-SEM (Smart PLS3) software was used to analyse the data. Convergent, discriminant validity assessment was computed. Eight variables of critical success factors were tested in relation to total quality management implementation at selected academic libraries in Ghana.FindingsThis study established that out of the eight variables tested, six of them (i.e. top management commitment, employee innovation employee training, organisational culture, teamwork and effective communication, quality performance) indicated a significant positive relationship with total quality management implementation apart from strategic planning and human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to eight variables as the critical success factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. The use of one methodology might be a limitation as the use of multimethod might have given a more comprehensive picture than the case. This study was limited to only technical university libraries in Ghana hence caution must be exercised when applying the results to contextually different academic environments. The results are applicable to academic universities library in Ghana and beyond if they are adjusted to suit the context.Practical implicationsThis study is timely as it may lead to effective total quality management implementation and the sustainability of technical university libraries in Ghana and Africa in general.Originality/valueThe proposed model can be used to enhance the smooth implementation of total quality management in academic libraries in general and Ghana in particular. The framework is termed as Eddie and Pat's Achievement of Quality Performance (EPAfQP) model.

Critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma deployment: a current review

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fairul Anwar Abu Bakar ◽  
Khairanum Subari ◽  
Mohd Amran Mohd Daril
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Improvement Methodologies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
A Current

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and gather the latest critical success factors (CSF) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) deployment and implementation into a comprehensive list of factors. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken by authors in this study was to analyze the latest literature review starting 2010 onwards and focus on CSFs of LSS (not dedicated as Lean or Six Sigma) by excluding other improvement methodologies or initiatives, e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, TRIZ etc. Findings – Five significant CSFs were identified (initially 97 CSFs listed from 13 papers) out of nine groups/headers listed in clustering analysis using Affinity Diagram tool and new headers mapping. Practical implications – Most of the organisations were aware of the success story on LSS, but did not scrutinize or consider its CSFs. By knowing the outcome of this paper, it can help open eyes regarding readiness before implementing LSS. Originality/value – At the end of this paper, the authors tried to cluster the CSFs similarities that could intentionally provide the guidelines and references to industries/companies for successful deployment and implementation of LSS in future endeavours.

Quality 4.0 conceptualisation and theoretical understanding: a global exploratory qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Olivia McDermott ◽  
Michael Sony
Keyword(s):  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Management Professionals

PurposeQuality 4.0 has a unique potential to create a competitive advantage for organisations by improving customer experience and enhancing profitability. The purpose of this study is to examine Quality 4.0, the9; benefits, motivating factors, critical success factors and the skills required by quality professionals in the successful implementation of Quality 4.0. The study also investigates the organisational readiness factors9 and challenges that need to be addressed before Quality 4.0 adoption and assess their importance.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interview approach was utilised by interviewing a panel of senior management, engineering and continuous improvement (CI); professionals working in leading companies in Asia, Europe and America who are currently deploying Quality 4.0.FindingsThis study provides a theoretical base for the Quality 4.0 body of knowledge in terms of an organisation’s adoption and overcoming implementation challenges and providing examples of Quality 4.0 application. Organisations can use this study to understand what Quality 4.0 means to industry, the benefits and motivating factors for implementing, the Critical Success Factors, challenges, the organisational readiness factors and the role of leadership in a Quality 4.0 deployment. In addition, the study looks at the skills required by future Quality 4.0 professionals in terms of hard skills, soft skills and a curriculum for educating future quality management professionals. The respondents cited that predictive analytics, sensors and tracking, and electronic feedback loops are the most critical technologies for driving Quality 4.0.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this research was that as this area is a nascent area the researchers were limited in their literature review. The second limitation was that the study was based on 12 interviews. A more comprehensive longitudinal study would yield more data so that better and robust conclusions can be derived from the study.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study on Quality 4.0, which captures the viewpoints of senior management professionals on a full range of topics related to Quality 4.0 motivation for deployment, implementation and readiness for its adoption.

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