Weighting the dimensions in models of excellence – a critical review from a business perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 79-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquín Gómez-Gómez ◽  
Micaela Martínez-Costa ◽  
Ángel Rafael Martínez-Lorente
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Leadership Strategy ◽  
Efqm Model ◽  
Private And Public

Purpose Despite the widespread use of excellence models as a self-assessment tool in the past two decades, little is known about the underlying logic behind the way that promoting organizations give weight to their criteria, and whether these scores align with business reality. This paper aims to analyze whether these scores coincide with the vision of managers and the real situation of business today. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses three different methods and two kinds of data to review the evolution of scores on criteria in excellence models since their creation and empirically analyses and compares the results with the vision of the managers. Findings The results show that the estimated weight of criteria in the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model (both directly perceived by managers and obtained with the statistical analysis) do not coincide with the value that the promoting organization has given to them, in its current version or in the previous versions. Research limitations/implications This paper is focused exclusively on industrial companies so one discussion point that can serve as a basis for future research is to study whether there is any difference in the distribution of points between industrial organizations and services, or between private and public organizations. Practical implications The results show that, depending of the methodology used to evaluate the weight of each element of the excellence model, these weights could be different and are different from those proposed by EFQM. Therefore, if managers want to use the EFQM model of excellence for self-evaluation purposes, they should define their own weights for each element, in accordance with their own company characteristics. Leadership, strategy, people, partnership & resources and processes could have more or less importance in promoting the success of a business, according to the specific situation of each company. Originality/value This study has been made using three different methods and two kinds of data.

Entrepreneurship education evaluation: revisiting Storey to hunt for the heffalump

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 816-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colette Henry
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Reliability And Robustness

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider entrepreneurship education (EE) evaluation. Specifically, it explores some of the challenges involved in applying the HEInnovate tool, and considers ways in which its accuracy and value might be strengthened. Using Storey (2000) by way of reflective critique, the paper proposes an augmented framework to support the application of HEInnovate. It provides a further framework to help signpost those involved in EE towards a more robust consideration of EE evaluation. In so doing, the paper aims to contribute to extant theory in the field of EE by: raising awareness of the continued need for evaluation, highlighting the potential benefits as well as the associated challenges of applying a self-assessment framework such as the HEInnovate and finally, proposing an augmented framework, which enhances the accuracy and value of the HEInnovate tool. Some avenues worthy of future research are identified. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper that draws on extant EE evaluation frameworks, specifically Storey’s “Six steps” to Heaven (2000), to explore how a more robust application of the HEInnovate self-evaluation tool might be achieved. Findings – The HEInnovate framework is an easily accessible and widely applicable self-evaluation tool that higher education institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to use to determine their level of innovativeness and entrepreneurialism and, as a proxy, their preparedness to deliver EE programmes. The paper highlights the inherent challenges involved in administering self-evaluation frameworks of this nature, and uses Storey to identify areas for consideration so that the framework’s overall reliability and robustness can be enhanced, and findings rendered more accurate. The search for the “flawless” evaluative framework is likened to that of “Hunting the heffalump”. Research limitations/implications – As a conceptual, perspective paper, the paper is limited by personal opinion. The focus on a single self-assessment institutional evaluative framework is a further limiting factor. That said, this approach prompts those using the HEInnovate framework to reflect on ways in which its application can be rendered more accurate and reliable. Practical implications – The findings offer practical guidelines to enhance the overall robustness and accuracy of the HEInnovate framework. The paper will be of value to HEIs seeking to introduce or increase their EE provision. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates a novel application of Storey’s evaluative framework, allowing users of the HEInnovate tool to greatly enhance its robustness and value. It also provides two new frameworks signposting entrepreneurship educators towards more a more robust consideration of EE evaluation.

The relationship between EFQM enablers and business performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 684-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos ◽  
Katerina Gotzamani ◽  
Dimitrios Skalkos
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Efqm Model

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the five European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model enablers, as the latent factor “enabler excellence,” are associated with business performance, taking into consideration the mediating role of innovation in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis followed in order to investigate the relations among the various constructs of the proposed model includes an initial exploratory factor analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis and finally structural equation modeling.FindingsAccording to the study findings, “enabler excellence” and innovation performance directly contribute to business performance. Moreover, this paper concludes that innovation performance partially mediates the effect of excellence enablers on business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study does not separate between radical and incremental innovation; thus, it would be very interesting to explore this issue in future research. Moreover, it might be useful for researchers to reassess the proposed relationships examining the mediating role of organizational culture.Practical implicationsThis study offers clear implications for managers, proving that they should give higher emphasis on quality management (QM) and the four dimensions of innovation in order to achieve increased performance.Originality/valueBased on the multidimensional structure of the EFQM model, this empirical study determines the contribution of QM to business performance taking into consideration the role of innovation performance as a mediator in this relationship.

Lean home services in Czech Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-802
Author(s):  
Felipe Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Size Limits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an empirical research on the leanness of the home services sector in the Czech Republic. The automotive sector provides reference to argue the numerical outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a specifically designed assessment tool (Lean Index – LI) to determine the sector’s leanness level. Referring to the results from both sectors, the paper draws conclusions about the current leanness level of home services providers. Findings The proposed LI indicates a value of 69.50 per cent for home services providers, whereas the LI for the automotive industry suppliers is 82.88 per cent. This suggests that there are large opportunities for the implementation of lean management in the home services sector. However, the main challenge is to introduce a continuous improvement approach to these companies. Research limitations/implications The sample size limits the generalisation of the research results. However, this paper represents the first empirical attempt to implement a large-scale survey. The results are limited to the Czech Republic. However, parties from other countries have indicated interest to replicate the research. Practical implications This research provides first empirical findings on the possibilities of implementing lean in the home services sector. Future research projects in other sectors will have the opportunity to make use of the LI assessment tool. Originality/value The paper presents the first approach of lean management into the home services sector. It provides valuable information to specialised institutions in the sector about the possibilities of lean management in the sector. It also provides an overview of the sector for practitioners and academics willing to pioneer lean in the sector.

Application of COSO framework in whistle-blowing activities of public higher-learning institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-211
Author(s):  
Mohamad Ridhuan Mat Dangi ◽  
Anuar Nawawi ◽  
Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Internal Controls ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Learning Institutions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether higher-learning institutions have sufficient internal controls to manage whistle-blowing or similar means when encountering repetitive complaints requiring similar corrective actions. This study attempts to classify complaints as per categories, criteria and components of the COSO framework using a checklist called self-assessment checklist of internal control kits so that complaint activities can be efficiently and effectively managed. Design/methodology/approach As a case study, one public university in Malaysia was selected, and 740 complaints were examined over a four-year period. Two methods of data collection, namely, document analysis and interviews, were used. Findings This study found no internal controls established to oversee the complaints that were received. Hence, repetitive complaints were received for similar areas and functions over a period. The application of COSO framework on complaints and whistle-blowing activities, however, led to more organised and visible problems; therefore, effective corrective and preventive action may be conducted. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on only one organisation with several series of interviews and limited period of document analysis because of privacy and confidentiality of the information. Future research should collect and analyze data from a higher number of organisations with more respondents for interviews and a longer period for document analysis to obtain more accurate results. Practical implications This study provides further evidence on the suitability of COSO framework for different types of organisations, either public or private, and has been successfully adopted globally. It is effective not only to manage the operation and financial matters but also to manage complaints and whistle-blowing activities in organisations. Originality/value This study is original because it focuses on the current practices of internal control in government entities, particularly for organisations that operate as higher-learning institutions, which is scarce in the literature. In addition, this study analysed the drawbacks of internal control systems, especially in dealing with whistle-blower reports and complaints by referring to the list of complaints made by their stakeholders.

The Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-249
Author(s):  
Ruth Banomyong ◽  
Puthipong Julagasigorn ◽  
Paitoon Varadejsatitwong ◽  
Pairach Piboonrungroj
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chains ◽  
Preparation Phase ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

Purpose An understanding of the “AS-IS” stage of a relief operation is the basis for further action in humanitarian supply chain management. The purpose of this paper is to develop a toolbox called the Humanitarian Supply Chain Assessment Tool (HumSCAT). This toolbox is comprised of a set of basic tools which can be classified into each phase of disaster relief. Design/methodology/approach The HumSCAT is proposed by paralleling frequently used tools in commercial supply chains with the objectives and characteristics of relief phases. A case study was used to validate the HumSCAT along with six tools provided in the preparation phase. Findings The HumSCAT consists of seven tools in the preparation phase, nine tools in the response phase and ten tools in the recovery phase. The case study illustrates how to use the HumSCAT and the six tools. The latter were found to be useful for improving the relief chain. Research limitations/implications The list of tools is not exclusive. Other tools might be applicable as long as they meet the objectives and characteristics of the phase. A tool should be adjusted accordingly to the contexts. Tools in other phases should be validated in future research. Practical implications The HumSCAT may serve as a reference toolbox for practitioners. Its output can be used for further designing of the “TO-BE” status of humanitarian relief chains. Originality/value The HumSCAT is proposed as a toolbox for academics and practitioners involved in humanitarian supply chains.

A self-assessment tool for social responsibility in higher education. Reporting on a national policy development process in Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Fonseca ◽  
Joana Lobo Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Green Paper ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Development Process

Purpose Providing higher education institutions (HEIs) with a tool for self-assessing their social responsibility (SR) that generates the information and knowledge necessary to a strategic approach to adopting the Green Paper recommendations about the SR of HEIs. Setting out the collaborative policy development process to construct the tool “Indicators of SR of HEIs” (ISRHEI).[AQ1] Design/methodology/approach After a literature review, including self-assessment (SA) tools and leading guidelines, a working group of 24 Portuguese HEIs was created to co-construct the ISRHEI tool, which was then subject to validation in a pilot study. Findings There are 34 indicators in the ISRHEI tool, structured by sequential levels according to the HEI alignment with SR (policies, procedures, practices and monitoring along a strategic continuum) hoping to achieve impacts on the organisational, educational, cognitive and social level. Originality/value This is an innovative and national policy development process for SR in Portugal. It gives insights into guiding documents, SA indicators for SR and the process of developing consensus on this topic amongst 24 HEIs in Portugal. The ISRHEI tool is tailored to the specific characteristics and level of development of HEIs.

Industry 4.0: coherent definition framework with technological and organizational interdependencies

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Nosalska ◽  
Zbigniew Michał Piątek ◽  
Grzegorz Mazurek ◽  
Robert Rządca
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Traditional Manufacturing ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce coherent Industry 4.0 definition via a rigorous analysis framework, and provide a holistic view of technological, organizational and other key aspects (variables) of Industry 4.0 along with the identification of interdependencies that co-occur between them. Design/methodology/approach The study conducts a systematic literature review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis methodology, and includes 675 papers analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The former utilizes TIBCO Statistica. Furthermore, to define Industry 4.0, the authors reviewed 52 publications. Findings Industry 4.0 is a multidimensional system of value creation that includes 42 groups of terms in management, organizational and business-related variables, 30 technological and manufacturing-related variables – classified into seven categories – and several interdependencies that co-occur between them. Practical implications The analyses’ outcomes are of high importance both for academia and industry practitioners, as the findings elucidate the meaning of Industry 4.0 and may be used as the basis of future research in management, production management, industrial organizations and other Industry 4.0-related disciplines. Regarding industrial companies, the publication serves as a compendium, and should support industrial businesses in the transition from traditional manufacturing into the Industry 4.0 era. Originality/value This work’s novelty and value is threefold: first, the paper introduces an Industry 4.0 definition framework based on the most popular publications in the field. Second, the paper identifies and presents Industry 4.0’s common technologies and organizational variables via a systematic and current literature review. Finally, the paper extends the ongoing discourse on Industry 4.0. For the first time in this discipline, interdependences between identified Industry 4.0 variables are presented and discussed.

scholarly journals Stakeholder defined

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Keith McGrath ◽  
Stephen Jonathan Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Internal Conflict ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to create a “refined” (with unnecessary elements removed) definition of the term stakeholder, thereby removing confusion surrounding the use of this term from the general and project management arenas. Design/methodology/approach A method of deriving refined definitions for a group of terms by ensuring there are no unnecessary elements causing internal conflict or overlap is adopted and applied to resolve the confusion. Findings The refined definitions of stake and stakeholder are in terms of an interest and activity. This avoids all extensions of meaning introduced by defining particular types of stakeholders and/ or their degrees of impact. It also resolves the multiplicity of conflicting meanings possible when silent or assumed qualifiers of a word are ignored, restricting definition to, for example, project stakeholders or stakeholders of a firm. These definitions are carried forward into a mapping of the stakeholder locus of interest on an activity rather than a company base, enabling generic categorisation of stakeholders to be proposed for use in both private and public sectors. A governance difficulty with the term customer also emerged and a resolution to this is proposed. Research limitations/implications Resolution of the academic contention around the definition of stakeholders will facilitate future research endeavours by removing confusion surrounding the term. It can also provide clarity in governance arrangements in public and private sectors. Verification of the method used through its success in deriving this “refined” definition suggests its suitability for application to other contested terms. Practical implications Projects and businesses alike can benefit from removal of confusion around the definition of stakeholder in the academic research they fund and attempt to apply. Social implications A refined definition of the stakeholder concept will facilitate building social and physical systems and infrastructure, benefitting organisations, whether public, charitable or private. Originality/value Clarity results in the avoidance of confusion and misunderstanding together with their consequent waste of time, resources and money.

The effect of strategic alignment on purchasing management

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 1175-1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Alfonso Rodríguez-Escobar ◽  
Javier González-Benito
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Strategic Alignment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This research aims to establish the role of the purchasing function’s strategic alignment in the relationship between well-established practices and performance in that function. It is argued that the strategic alignment of purchasing may have effects (direct, mediating and moderating effects) on the purchasing function’s operating performance. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses derived from key studies about strategic and advanced purchasing practices are tested with data from 156 industrial companies using structural equation modelling methodology. Findings The results suggest that the effect of strategic alignment on the role of purchasing consists of mediated effects on purchasing performance through implementation of certain advanced practices. It was also concluded that strategic alignment – as well as the implementation of these advanced purchasing practices – fosters the implementation of differentiation strategies based on quality, dependability and flexibility rather than on the implementation of cost leadership strategies. Research limitations/implications Although it is a common practice in operations management research, the use of perceptual measures obtained from a single informant constitutes a noteworthy limitation. Future research should make an effort to combine different sources of information and to identify and use more objective indicators. Practical implications Top managers should take into account the need to involve the purchasing function in the firm’s strategic planning process. Originality/value The results not only confirm findings from previous literature as to the purchasing function’s strategic relevance but also help clarify the mechanisms that make this integration important.

scholarly journals Instrumento de autoavaliação para estudantes de cursinhos populares: a evasão como problemática

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Luciana Maria Lunardi Campos ◽  
Natália Harue da Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
School Dropout ◽  
Public University ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
New Form

O presente estudo teve por objetivo elaborar um instrumento de autoavaliação e analisar a viabilidade de sua utilização junto a estudantes de um cursinho pré-universitário, vinculado a uma universidade pública do estado de São Paulo. Esta proposta avaliativa visa possibilitar aos estudantes a realização de um exercício de autocrítica e de reflexão sobre o desempenho e as dificuldades no decorrer do curso e justifica-se pelos altos índices da evasão em cursinhos populares. O instrumento foi elaborado com três eixos: identificação, desempenho geral e dificuldades, para ser utilizado mensal e individualmente pelos/as estudantes. A cada autoavaliação, o/a estudante recebeu uma nova ficha para preenchimento dos mesmos aspectos e os dados das autoavaliações anteriores para analisá-los e compará-los com as novas respostas. Participaram do estudo duas turmas de extensivo, num total de 21 estudantes. Os resultados foram organizados em: instrumentos elaborados e aplicação do instrumento e indicam que o instrumento proporcionou uma nova experiência aos estudantes e que dificuldades, desmotivação e evasão estão relacionados à dimensão subjetiva, que só pode ser compreendida em articulação com à objetiva.Palavrs-chave: Cursinho pré-universitário; Autoavaliação; Evasão Escolar. ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to develop a self-assessment tool and analyze the feasibility of its use among pre-university students course from a public university from the state of São Paulo. This proposes evaluation method aims to lead the students to perform an exercise of self-criticism, reflecting on the performance and difficulties that are found during the course period and justified by the high evasion rates in popular courses. The instrument was elaborated with three axes: identification, general performance, and difficulties, to be used monthly and individually by the students. At each self-assessment, the student received a new form to fill in the same aspects and data from the previous self-assessments to analyze and compare them with the new answers. A total of 21 students participated in the study. The results were organized in how the self-assessment was elaborated and its application and indicate that instrument provided a new experience for students and that difficulties, desmotivation and evasion are related to the subjective dimension, which can only be understood in articulation with the objective.Keywords: Pre-university Coursework; Self- Evaluation; School Dropout.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document