TQM implementation for the healthcare sector

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Chiarini ◽  
Emidia Vagnoni

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the debate on total quality management (TQM) implementation in the healthcare sector and to evaluate how and whether leadership can affect TQM implementation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on findings from a literature review of TQM and leadership. The authors analysed these findings to categorise causes of a lack of leadership in TQM programme implementations. Findings The authors propose three categories of causes of a lack of leadership in TQM programme implementation. The first cause is well-known: a lack of senior managers’ involvement and commitment. The second category is the “combined leadership” that occurs in large healthcare organisations; and the third category is the influence of an external “political leadership” on public healthcare. Research limitations/implications This paper presents researchers with three categories of causes of failure of leadership in TQM implementation that can be investigated. It also encourages reflections from practitioners concerning TQM leadership in the healthcare sector. Practical implications The authors request that practitioners reflect on ways to create or sustain a “monolithic” leadership, especially in large organisations, to ensure a common vision, values and attitude for unitary TQM governance. Originality/value In an original way, this paper analyses and proposes three categories of causes linked to a lack of TQM leadership in the healthcare sector.

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the involvement of libraries in health literacy programs and initiatives based on a review of the literature. Design/methodology/approach Four databases were searched for papers that described health literacy programs and initiatives within libraries. Findings Several themes of health literacy programs in libraries emerged: health literacy for older adults, underserved populations, the general public, healthcare professionals, and medical students, and patients. Collaborations between libraries and community organizations were frequently used. Practical implications Librarians may use this review to understand the history of health literacy efforts and libraries to inform future programming. This review will contextualize current research on health literacy and libraries. Originality/value Despite the currency and relevance of this topic, there are no literature reviews on health literacy and librarianship.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Farhad Nabhani

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gap between the current vision and knowledge of future early career operations managers (OM) and a common strategic total quality management (TQM) framework. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and a non-parametric test for different groups of participants were adopted to identify the gap and analyse the significance of these groups on the factors in the TQM framework. Findings A new set of TQM factors with the necessity of more knowledge and understanding of future generation were identified, followed by the identification of clear differences amongst different groups of this generation. Practical implications A sustainable OM practice needs managers and leaders with a sustainable knowledge development of quality management (QM); and as the result of this study, the current vision of future young OM would not echo this. Originality/value This study has a systematic, non-parametric approach towards currently fragmented QM analysis, and is integrated with human resource and visionary elements of future young OM and universal QM models and theories.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1540-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilash C.R. ◽  
Jitesh J. Thakkar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in order to reduce the rejections experienced in the manufacturing of the doors belonging to a telecommunication cabinet. Design/methodology/approach The process involved joining of sheet metal and hinge using welding operations with the help of a fixture. The methodology used is the structured DMAIC method in order to identify the root cause for the rejections and solve it. Findings The paper provides insights about the identification of the root cause for the defects and the solution to overcome it, and also the benefits that were obtained as a result of the application of the solution. Research limitations/implications This methodology has been applied to the variation observed in the dimensions of a particular component to be welded with a main part. This approach can be used to find such dimensional variations. Practical implications This study has been successfully carried out in a medium-scale industry which has total quality management in practice. Originality/value Six Sigma DMAIC was necessary for the identification and reduction of the defects which arose in the sheet metal and welding operations, and had to be resolved in order to increase the bottom-line.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Chiarini ◽  
Claudio Baccarani

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the debate concerning total quality management (TQM)–Lean strategy in public healthcare by analyzing the deployment path for implementation, the possible benefits that can be achieved and the encountered pitfalls. Design/methodology/approach Three case studies are drawn from three large Italian hospitals with more than 500 beds each and structured with many departments. The hospitals are located in Tuscany, Italy. These three hospitals have embraced TQM and Lean, starting from strategic objectives and their deployment. At the same time, they have also implemented many TQM–Lean tools. The case studies are based on interviews held with four managers in each of these three public hospitals. Findings Results from the interviews show that there is a specific deployment path for TQM–Lean implementation. The hospitals have also achieved benefits linked to patient satisfaction and improved organizational performances. Problems related to organizational and cultural issues, such as senior managers’ commitment, staff management, manufacturing culture and tools adaptation, could affect the benefits. Research limitations/implications The research has been carried out in just three Italian public hospitals. Hence, similar investigations could be managed in other countries. Researchers could also use a larger sample and investigate these issues by means of quantitative inquiry. Practical implications Practitioners could try to apply the deployment path revealed by these case studies in other public and private hospitals. Originality/value The results of this research show that there is a specific, new deployment path for implementing TQM–Lean strategy in some public hospitals.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Lilja ◽  
David Hansen ◽  
Johan Fredrikson ◽  
Daniel Richardsson

Purpose Upcoming as well as mature industries are facing pressure as regards successfully managing operational excellence, and, at the same time, driving and managing innovation. Quality management concepts and practices’ ability to tackle this challenge have been questioned. It has even been suggested that there is a need to provide and promote an updated/changed, and even re-branded, version of Total Quality Management, merging quality management (QM) and innovation management (IM). Can such a shift then actually be spotted? The purpose of this paper is to explore and see if there are any signs suggesting that QM and IM actually are about to merge. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on literature reviews, document studies and interviews. Findings The paper highlights three signs indicating that QM and IM indeed are approaching each other, and that it is a movement driven from both sectors, e.g., in the work with new ISO-standards and the Toyota Kata framework. Originality/value The indicated development has fundamental and extensive practical implications. It will for example have to be followed by a similar merging of the two fields in the educational system, and in the competences of future managers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 7-9

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings For many, if not all, global firms, the perpetual question that occupies the minds of directors and senior managers alike is quite simply, what is the best strategy for the organization to follow? This is not a new question and not an overly complex one; however, it is one that is given huge amount of thought and is seen as something that always has to be answered. To not be able to answer it infers that there is no strategy, and then everyone in the firm knows they are in trouble. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Mahima Mathur ◽  
Ritu Mehta ◽  
Sanjeev Swami

PurposeThis paper develops a comprehensive marketing framework that firms could use as a foundation for developing a successful business model that ensures sustainability in BOP markets.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative research approach based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with founders or senior managers of Indian firms who have been successfully operating in the Indian BOP market. The data is then systematically coded and categorized with the help of software to get better insights.FindingsThe findings of the paper indicate that although the traditional 4As of marketing are important, they do not explain the success of firms adequately. Based on the findings of the interviews, we propose an 8A model that comprises the original 4As along with adaptability, assistance, action innovation and accelerating scale.Practical implicationsThe proposed 8A framework would be useful for domestic and multi-national firms aiming to make a foray into the Indian BOP market.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on the BOP market by identifying the factors important for succeeding in the BOP market. It builds on the 4A model to propose 8As marketing framework in the context of BOP markets.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-200
Author(s):  
Suby Khanam ◽  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Jamshed Siddiqui

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and rank total quality management (TQM) enablers and information technology (IT) resources to provide a reliable and valid measurement instrument for evaluation in Indian information and communications technology (ICT) organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review of TQM enablers and IT resources, 17 factors are identified, of which, 9 are TQM enablers and 8 are IT resources. The empirical data, retrieved from 801 ICT organizations, is tested by descriptive analysis and factor analysis (FA). FA is used to ensure that items in each scale sufficiently reflect the scope of each factor. Findings This paper has developed an instrument that can be used to evaluate items to implement TQM enablers and IT resources. The instrument identifies 17 reliable and valid factors, out of which 16 are input factors, while 1 is an outcome factor. Practical implications This instrument will provide a practical understanding to enable the monitoring of TQM enabler and IT resource activities in ICT organizations. Along with this, these instruments will help to build models related to constructs that will further achievement of customer satisfaction (CS). Originality/value This paper presents an instrument which validates the different items of TQM enablers and IT resources. It also shows the relationship between the two in terms of CS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 630-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Lalonde ◽  
Marie-Hélène Gilbert

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how rhetoric of cooperation is expressed and constructed during rituals of consultation and how this rhetoric is integrated into the consultant’s dramaturgical awareness that incorporates both impression management and the expression of self. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a discursive approach and semi-structured interviews with directors and consultants working in the healthcare sector, a sector that routinely employs consultants to accompany directors in organizational change management. Rhetoric is constructed around four narrative lines that also constitute the four ritualized phases of the consulting process. Findings – The mantra of “respect rituals of passage and avoid breaking frames” is an integral part of the consultant’s dramaturgical awareness throughout the process, so as not to infringe upon the order of the interaction established with the directors. Moreover, the development of cooperative relations with other members of the organization is based largely on a rather vast repertoire of action resources that the consultant will have to deploy to face four areas of uncertainty in the rites of interaction; namely, anticipation, interpretation, delegation and adherence. Furthermore, this cooperation is far from definitively acquired and must be reflected upon along the way to maintain control over the definition of the situation. This study expands upon the interrelations between the strategic actor and the reflective practitioner in a consultant’s dramaturgical awareness. Practical implications – Practical implications are highlighted using the notion of reflective contract (Schön, 1983) for managers as clients, the transcendental precepts of authenticity put forward by Coghland (2008) for consultants as practitioners, and progressive forms of critical theory performativity as suggested by Spicer et al. (2009) and Wickert and Schaefer (2015) for researchers. Originality/value – The concept underlying this study is dramaturgical awareness. It is a concept but sparingly explored in the literature, yet nonetheless present among advocates who promote organizational dramaturgy based on the work of Goffman. This concept is linked to Crozier and Friedberg’s theory of the strategic actor and Schön’s theory of the reflective practitioner.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 12-14
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Goel

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the main human resource management policies at Ethan Power Private Ltd, an Indian design, sales and manufacturing company, and the specific circumstances that led it to become a learning organization. Design/methodology/approach – This paper outlines the company’s origins and growth and its policies in such areas as recruitment, induction, training, remuneration, performance management and industrial relations. Findings – This paper reveals that learning organization concepts have stimulated debate in the business, and there is growing acceptance of self-managed development, empowerment and creativity. Practical implications – This paper explains that there is much more evidence in the company of effective teamwork and the principles of total quality management, while HR specialists are encouraging the processes of reflection and self-improvement that lie at the heart of organizational improvement. Social implications – This paper reveals that, in general, and while fully complying with industrial-relations legislation, the company prefers to employ people who are not members of a trade union. Originality/value – This paper details the factors that led an Indian organization to change its organizational culture and how this change was achieved.


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