Relating management problem-solving styles of leaders to TQM focus: an empirical study

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Kumar ◽  
R.R.K. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Cognitive Styles ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Smooth Functions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intuitive Thinking ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Psychological Functions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a relationship between the leader’s management problem-solving styles (MPSS) and total quality management (TQM) focus. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on C.G. Jung’s (1923) four psychological functions or cognitive styles, which are involved in information gathering and evaluation by sensing, intuitive, thinking, and feeling. The combination of these psychological functions makes possible ways of results: sensing-thinking (ST), sensing-feeling (SF), intuitive-thinking (NT), and intuitive-feeling (NF) for management problem solving. The empirical data for this study were drawn from a survey of 111 firms in India. A one-way analysis of variance approach has been applied for analysis in this study. Findings The authors review the extant literature and present a conceptual framework to establish the relationship between different management problem-solving styles and TQM focus. The literature on TQM shows two distinct achievable results: continuous improvement and innovation. The findings of the study support all the hypotheses and the results show that leaders with ST and SF profile are comfortable with the continuous improvement while leaders with NT and NF profile focus on innovation in the organization. Practical implications The results of this study emphasize the importance of knowing the appropriate MPSS to TQM focus. The results will help leaders in continuous improvement and innovation to make proper decisions and smooth functions to achieve maximum performance. Originality/value This paper can be useful for the organizations to achieve more effective leadership in decision making and improve perception-information model as a leader’s cognitive style. Moreover, this paper also attempts to inspire researchers to include the cognitive styles in studying the effect of the leaders on TQM focus while implementing it effectively in the organizations.

Problem Solving and Risk Management Methodology

2021 ◽  
pp. 378-395
Author(s):  
Esmeralda Andrade Hernández ◽  
Gregorio Fernández-Lambert ◽  
David Lara Alabazares ◽  
Yesica Mayett Moreno ◽  
Laurent Geneste
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Current Event ◽  
The Past ◽  
Risk Management Methodology ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
A Current

Intending to lead organizations to continuous improvement, this chapter proposes a methodology that involves three axes: risk management, problem- solving, and feedback experience. This methodology allows organizations to characterize the experiences they have already confronted, as well as new experiences (which can be risks or problems) with the use of taxonomies established by the organization. It also enables them to capitalize and exploit their knowledge base. This work proposes a best-use approach of the past experiences that are similar to a current event and facilitate their treatment and provide solutions. The authors take the feedback as a point of articulation between the two methodologies because it is a mechanism that offers knowledge where it can be found that the organizations must avoid and take advantage of.

scholarly journals Continuous improvement initiatives for dynamic capabilities development

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-149
Author(s):  
Leopoldo Gutierrez-Gutierrez ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Dominant Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This study aims to analyse the existing literature on continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and dynamic capabilities (DCs) development to explore the question whether CI initiatives foster development of DCs in organisations. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken. Four databases were included in the structured searches (EBSCOhost, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and Emerald Insight), 19 studies were finally included and analysed in detail. Findings The results obtained identify issues such as a growing trend in the publication of studies, the dominant position of the USA and the predominance of empirical papers. The literature was classified according to whether it presents CI as a DC in itself, as an enabler of DC or as a result of the DC. The main critical success factors to be implemented in CI initiatives (CII) were also identified, to enhance the development of DCs. Finally, based on the analysis of the specific DC literature, ten theoretical propositions for possible future research have been developed. Originality/value CII such as Lean Management, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management have been widely implemented in organisations. Despite their reputation, the effects of these initiatives on long-term benefits remain debated, this motivates the SLR of CII and DC. The DC theory tackles the question of how firms can sustain their advantage and profits in the long term, making this perspective ideal for tackling controversy on the benefits of CII.

Ranking model of total quality management enablers in healthcare establishments using the best-worst method

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 790-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal Talib ◽  
Mohammad Asjad ◽  
Rajesh Attri ◽  
Arshad Noor Siddiquee ◽  
Zahid A. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Main Category ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Ranking Model ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Best Worst Method

Purpose Recent years have witnessed a significant rise in Indian healthcare establishments (HCEs) which indicate that there is a constant need to improve the healthcare quality services through the adoption and implementation of TQM enablers. The purpose of this paper is to identify such enablers and then propose a ranking model for TQM implementation in Indian HCEs for improved performance. Design/methodology/approach The study identifies 20 TQM enablers through comprehensive literature survey and expert’s opinion, and classifies them into five main categories. The prominence of these enablers is established using a recently developed novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method, i.e. best-worst method (BWM). The importance of the various main category and sub-category enablers is decided on the basis of their weights which are determined by the BWM. In comparison to other MCDM methods, such as analytical hierarchy process, BWM requires relatively lesser comparison data and also provides consistent comparisons which results in both optimal and reliable weights of the enablers considered in this paper. Further, a sensitivity analysis is also carried out to ensure that the ranking (based on the optimal weights) of the various enablers is reliable and robust. Findings The results of this study reveal that out of five main category enablers, the “leadership-based enablers (E1)” and the “continuous improvement based enablers (E5)” are the most and the least important enablers, respectively. Similarly, among the 20 sub-category enablers, “quality leadership and role of physicians (E14)” and “performing regular survey of customer satisfaction and quality audit (E52)” are the most and the least dominating sub-category enablers, respectively. Research limitations/implications This study does not explore the interrelationship between the various TQM enablers and also does not evaluate performance of the various HCEs based on the weights of the enablers. Practical implications The priority of the TQM enablers determined in this paper enables decision makers to understand their influence on successful implementation of the TQM principles and policies in HCEs leading to an overall improvement in the system’s performance. Originality/value This study identifies the various TQM enablers in HCEs and categorizes them into five main categories and ranks them using the BWM. The findings of this research are quite useful for management of the HCEs to properly understand the relative importance of these enablers so that managers can formulate an effective and efficient strategy for their easy and smooth implementation which is necessary for continuous improvement.

Knowledge management, problem solving and performance in top Italian firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Giampaoli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Nick Bontis
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Creative Problem Solving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Creative Problem

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the link between knowledge management practices, problem-solving processes and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses survey data from 112 leading Italian companies. To test the structural relations of the research model, we used the partial least squares method. Findings Results show a strong relationship between knowledge management practices and intermediate activities of creative problem solving and problem-solving speed. In addition, creative problem solving has a direct impact on both organizational and financial performances, whereas problem-solving speed has a direct effect only on financial performance. Research limitations/implications The focus on top Italian firms limits the generalizability of results. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of knowledge management practices for problem-solving activities and firm performance. Originality/value The present paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by conceptualizing and empirically testing the relationship between knowledge management, problem-solving processes (creative problem solving and problem-solving speed) and firm performance. This study is the first ever to study these relationships within the Italian context.

Learning cycles and focus groups

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Luz Tortorella ◽  
Samanta Viana ◽  
Diego Fettermann
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Information Collection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complementary Method ◽  
Collection Data

Purpose – This study aims to propose a complementary method to the A3 information collection, data analysis and capturing and sharing knowledge to facilitate problem solving in a general framework. The incorporation of this method minimizes the difficulties identified in the literature focused on continuous improvement of processes. The method comprises combining triangulation techniques utilizing focus groups for a survey of qualitative data and the approach called Look – Ask – Model – Discuss – Act (LAMDA), which was originally designed for cycles of knowledge creation applied in product development processes. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology proposed in this work follows the A3 report approach including focus groups’ techniques in the planning step and problem analysis and the use of the LAMDA learning cycle, aiming to fill the gaps in A3 method. Therefore, the methodology includes five macro steps, which are divided into smaller steps. Note that the inclusion of the LAMDA learning cycle in the A3 report is called A3LAMDA. In addition, macro steps from 1 to 4 belong to “knowledge creation” step and macro step 5 deals with the “Capture of knowledge” step. Along the proposed methodology application, greater focus will be given to techniques incorporated in the A3 report, as they represent the main contribution of this method. Findings – The proposed approach to the A3 report was more concise and comprehensive, allowing different views and perspectives to be considered to understand the problem and find solutions through the focus groups method. In addition, the development of a structured questionnaire for the interviews encouraged the participants to present their opinions regarding the problem hypotheses. The use of the LAMDA learning cycle was essential to capture and share the knowledge acquired during the problem-solving process. It allowed not only the reflection on the aspects that have either worked or not but also the understanding of how to do the next work differently. Originality/value – This study aims to propose a complementary method to the A3 information collection, data analysis and capturing and sharing knowledge to facilitate problem solving in the general framework. The incorporation of this method minimizes the difficulties identified in the literature that focused on continuous improvement of processes.

Innovation driven ecosystem for quality skill development in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 2997-3020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shishir Shrotriya ◽  
Sanjay Dhir ◽  
Sushil
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Grand Challenge ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Solutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and analyze the challenges of quality skill development in complex and large economies like India and develop innovative processes of improving employability. Design/methodology/approach The problem areas and gaps have been identified through literature survey and published reports by governmental agencies on employability and quality skill development in India. The research focuses on prevalent challenges for large-scale skill development and utilizes TRIZ (Russian acronym for “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving”) for finding innovative solutions to the grand challenge of employability. Findings The applied research methodology in the paper leads to a model for the “Innovation driven ecosystem for quality skill development” and also defines the role and responsibilities of each stakeholders in the ecosystem. Research limitations/implications Solutions derived through TRIZ are qualitative in nature. The actual implication of solution needs to be tested after implementation. Further, intangible costs incurred, and harmful and useful effects cannot be easily quantified. Practical implications The parameter mapping for the TRIZ matrix was undertaken in this paper and this methodology when applied to other problem statements renders an organized process for improving total quality and innovative process management. The inventive principles were applied to find solution to contradictions and arrive at an integrated ecosystem which binds all stakeholders efficiently, to generate higher employability. The innovative solutions derived through the process are applicable to policy makers, researchers and practitioners. Social implications The process of improving employability through quality skill development, benchmarked by the TRIZ methodology can have far reaching social implications. Originality/value The research extends the body of knowledge of TRIZ modeling concepts in areas other than engineering, and depicts a unique total quality methodology which can be easily applied for other problem-solving contexts. The contribution can serve as a reference technique/tool for improving reliability and quality through a methodical process of working out innovative solutions to solve operational problems.

Continuous improvement methodologies and practices in hospitality and tourism

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 581-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Farrington ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Kevin D. O’Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Hospitality Management ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Improvement Methodologies ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Hospitality Managers

Purpose This paper aims to present a systematic literature review (SLR) of continuous improvement (CI) research in the hospitality and tourism management (HTM) literature. The paper also notes trends, parallels, inconsistencies and opportunities towards a clearer understanding of current scholarship. Design/methodology/approach This SLR finds a dearth of research in the field. After parameter expansion and exclusions, 35 papers across 11 journals are reviewed. Findings Studies of CI methodologies and practices are published infrequently, tending to focus on total quality management in European contexts. Despite the guiding customer-centric principles of CI methodologies, studies focus on improving internal processes rather than the service encounter. Research limitations/implications The review is guided by sections of the ABS 2015 list, which excludes some journals. Books, conference papers and trade magazine articles are not reviewed. Practical implications This paper identifies clear needs for CI research with a specific hospitality management focus, the development of CI toolkits and curricula for hospitality managers. The development and deployment of CI methodologies and practices in HTM literature and industry should lead to long-term service improvements. Originality/value This study asserts the need for further context-specific, practice-led research into the refinement and long-term utility of CI methodologies and practices, towards demonstration of significant bottom-line industry impact. The paper also offers a clear SLR methodology and a definition for CI in hospitality.

An analysis of total quality management (TQM) practices in Zambian secondary schools

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 716-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Nawelwa ◽  
Chanda Sichinsambwe ◽  
Bupe Getrude Mwanza
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – Total quality management (TQM) is a management approach that was established to seek sources of continuous motion of improvement to provide quality products and services to customers or clients. TQM promotes organizational effectiveness through promoting stakeholder satisfaction, pursuing continuous improvement and fostering proactive leadership. The purpose of this paper is to explore TQM practices in secondary schools. The researchers set objectives which were to identify the TQM principles being practiced in secondary schools, the extent to which these principles are practiced and finally to determine the factors that affect the practice of these principles. The paper includes findings from an exploratory study of TQM practices in Zambian secondary schools. Design/methodology/approach – The research employed a purposive and simple random sampling in order to collect data from 120 secondary school teachers from a total of 1,740 secondary school teachers in Lusaka district drawn from ten secondary schools which were stratified into five zones, namely, Lusaka Central, Chilenje, Mumuni, Chibolya and Chunga zones. Questionnaires and structured scheduled interviews were used to collect data for the research. The research was also anchored on the theoretical and conceptual framework where hypotheses were formed and tested. Findings – The research formed hypotheses based on the seven principles of TQM and this was also verified through the analysis of questionnaires and structured interviews conducted. From the analysis and interpretation of the results, the following was found. Teamwork principle was found to be practiced although most respondents did not know the extent to which it was been practiced. Continuous improvement and training are also principles which were explored and found to be practiced. For continuous improvement, most of the respondents indicated this to have been achieved through carrying out monthly tests and end of term examinations to measure the excellence in-service delivery, as for the training principle; this has been interwoven with the policy of the ministry in programmes aimed at training in-service teachers and anticipated teachers. For the commitment principle, there was commitment from management with a view to working together for pupil satisfaction. For the quality principle, it was found that, at 95 per cent confidence level the mission statement, the motto and the vision of the school depicted quality-related activities. The research also established that at 95 per cent confidence level, teachers were empowered to take direct action whenever action is likely to affect quality. Practical implications – First, the value of this research was to inform management on the need to employ strategies aimed at sensitization programmes before, during and after the programme has come to an end. Second, to promote work attitudes that should promote quality management in education for continuous improvement in pupil performance. Third, for TQM to create a platform among head teachers, teachers, pupils, parents and other stakeholders to work to everyone’s ultimate advantage. Originality/value – This research is original work as it has never been done before in Lusaka district.

Facilitating SMEs' profitability through total quality management: the roles of risk management, digitalization, stakeholder management and system deployment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Lepistö ◽  
Minna Saunila ◽  
Juhani Ukko
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Stakeholder Management ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study investigates the effect of total quality management (TQM) on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ' profitability by examining whether the new TQM dimensions of risk management, digitalization, stakeholder management and system deployment, facilitate the impact of traditional TQM dimensions on profitability.Design/methodology/approachA structured survey of 271 Finnish SMEs divided into industry companies and service companies was used.FindingsRisk management facilitates the relation between continuous improvement and company profitability. Digitalization does not facilitate the relation between TQM dimensions and company profitability. Stakeholder management facilitates the relation between management/leadership and company profitability, customer focus and company profitability and continuous improvement and company profitability. System deployment does not facilitate the relation between TQM dimensions and company profitability.Originality/valueMost prior studies are based on the traditional TQM classification. The TQM dimensions of this study are more comprehensive than previous studies and take into account the latest trends in business development. The findings of this study differ from most previous studies and provide a source of reflection for SME management on how TQM should be implemented so that it affects the company's profitability.

Measuring the impact of soft and hard total quality management factors on customer behavior based on the role of innovation and continuous improvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1093-1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Ershadi ◽  
Nafiseh Najafi ◽  
Paria Soleimani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Behavior ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Total quality management (TQM) is a part of the total quality assurance perspective. This system, which is considered as a type of managerial philosophy, employs all organizational levels to constantly ameliorate the quality of goods and service. The purpose of this paper is to measure the effect of hard and soft TQM factors on the behavior of customers based on the role of innovation and continuous improvement. Design/methodology/approach The research model was extracted from TQM variables in hard and soft parts, customer behavior, innovation and continuous improvement by reviewing the literature and research background. Based on this, a questionnaire was prepared and then, distributed among the statistical population including 374 project managers, quality assurance managers as well as quality control managers by using simple random sampling. All sub-criteria of questionnaire were determined using Delphi technique, to test the research model. Having gathered the questionnaire, the hypotheses were analyzed by using structural equation modeling and AMOS software. Findings According to the statistical analyses, TQM has a significant effect on customer behavior through continuous improvement of the quality and innovation. Also, regarding the obtained results, the highest effect was related to the effect of hard TQM factors on customer behavior through innovation as 0.62. Furtheremore, TQM soft factors such as human resource management have significant effect on customer behavior through quality improvement and innovation. Moreover, TQM hard factors are effective on customer behavior through quality improvement and innovation. Research limitations/implications The questionnaire was designed and distributed in order to evaluate the hypotheses in this study. One of the primary rationales behind utilizing this method instead of other methods such as interview was high geographical distribution of organizations. Using other moderator variables such as knowledge management, customer knowledge management and customer emotions can be conducted in the future in this area. Practical implications Changing the organizational relationships from task orientation to the process orientation, and controlling the organizational performance by measuring process innovations and improvements, while paying attention to the customer satisfaction system are suggested in this paper. These implications should be implemented in construction projects by department of project management office. Furtheremore, providing different communication for receiving the opinions of the customer and imposing them in the product and service, paying attention to the response system and customer complaint, implementation of this process in the organization, and having a process approach for presenting and developing services are the main subjects in this regard. Originality/value Unlike previous studies on this subject, a structural equation model is used for assessing unobservable latent constructs and their related interrelationship in measuring the impact of TQM factors. Focusing on customer behavior which is a broader domain than customer satisfation through continuous improvement of the quality and innovation is another value of this research.

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