Effects of a production improvement programme on global quality performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torbjørn H. Netland ◽  
Ebly Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Global Scale ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Quality Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Global Quality ◽  
Production Improvement ◽  
Improvement Programme ◽  
Using Data

Purpose – How can multinational companies become more productive on a global scale? The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a production improvement programme can improve quality performance in a global network of factories. Specifically, the paper analyses the effects of the Volvo Group's production improvement programme on global quality performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research approach is a case study of the Volvo Production System (VPS). The paper analyses the effects of the programme on global quality performance, using data from an implementation audit and a questionnaire survey. The paper triangulate the analysis with longitudinal quality performance data from three different plants. Findings – The paper finds a significant and strong positive relationship between implementation of the VPS and improvements in both process quality and product quality. Hence, the paper suggests that tailored production improvement programmes have clear positive effects on global quality performance. Research limitations/implications – As with all case studies, the paper should use caution when generalising beyond the specific case. However, the Volvo Group is a broad and diversified corporation, which mitigates this limitation. Originality/value – While many studies have investigated the effect of production improvement programmes on performance, very few have looked at the effect of a corporate multi-plant programme. This study represents one of the first attempts to do so. The paper also provides a case description of the VPS that readers might find valuable in its own right.

Evolution of top management’s understanding of product quality in Eastern Europe since the end of communism

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-100
Author(s):  
Svetoslav Georgiev ◽  
Emil Georgiev
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of top management’s understanding of product quality in Bulgaria since the end of communism. The study examines three specific areas: top management’s understanding of the term “quality”; top management’s understanding of the relationship between quality and business performance; and top management’s understanding of the impact of job position on quality. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on a quantitative research approach by using data from a survey of 186 companies in Bulgaria. Findings The paper suggests that senior managers in Bulgaria continue to base their understanding of “quality” on a single approach (*a characteristic of the communist era), with the product-based and the user-based approaches currently being the two most common ones. At the same time, surprisingly enough, this study claims that senior management in Bulgaria is currently well aware of the importance of quality as a dimension of firm’s competitiveness, and is also highly conscious of its roles’ impact on product quality. Research limitations/implications The results of this study are exclusively based on the case of Bulgaria and must be treated with caution in the case of other former communist states from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. Practical implications This paper has relevance for both managers and companies doing business in Eastern Europe. Originality/value This is the first paper to provide detailed analysis of the evolution of the understanding of “product quality” in CEE since the end of communism. Moreover, this paper applies, for the first time, Garvin’s five approaches to defining quality within a practical context.

Simplifying humanitarian assistance/disaster relief analytic models using activity-based intelligence

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-73
Author(s):  
Donald V. Widener ◽  
Thomas A. Mazzuchi ◽  
Shahram Sarkani
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Elicitation Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Source Data ◽  
Representation Scheme ◽  
Analytic Models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective knowledge elicitation method and representation scheme that empowers humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) analysts and experts to create analytic models without the aid of data scientists and methodologists while addressing the issues of complexity, collaboration, and emerging technology across a diverse global network of HA/DR organizations. Design/methodology/approach The paper used a mixed-methods research approach, with qualitative research and analysis to select the model elicitation method, followed by quantitative data collection and evaluation to test the representation scheme. A simplified analytic modeling approach was created based on emerging activity-based intelligence (ABI) analytic methods. Findings Using open source data on the Syrian humanitarian crisis as the reference mission, ABI analytic models were proven capable in modeling HA/DR scenarios of physical systems, nonphysical systems, and thinking. Practical implications As a data-agnostic approach to develop object and network knowledge, ABI aligns with the objectives of modeling within multiple HA/DR organizations. Originality/value Using an analytic method as the basis for model creation allows for immediate adoption by analysts and removes the need for data scientists and methodologists in the elicitation phase. Applying this highly effective cross-domain ABI data fusion technique should also supplant the accuracy weaknesses created by traditional simplified analytic models.

The effects of eliminating Riba in foreign currency transactions by introducing global FinTech network

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Selim
Keyword(s):  
International Trade ◽  
Foreign Exchange ◽  
Foreign Currency ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Financial Transactions ◽  
Number Of Customers

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effects of eliminating Riba in foreign currency transactions. Riba or interest arises when foreign currencies are bought and sold at different rates. From the Islamic perspective, the difference between the buying and selling rates of foreign exchange will constitute Riba. Also, this paper examines the effects of eliminating such Riba on major macroeconomic variables. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the hadith which imply that if buying and selling rates of currencies or foreign exchanges are same, i.e. if one sells BD1 = Dh10 and Dh10 = BD1 on spot, there will be no Riba. This can be guaranteed if the Islamic banking system introduces the technology, often known as FinTech interest-free foreign exchange bank machines (IFfexBM), which will automatically dispense BD10 for Dh100 and vice-versa, both locally and globally, and it will have tremendous positive effects in the economy. Furthermore, the effects of introducing FinTech for eliminating Riba will be analyzed on economic and international trade activities by using aggregate expenditure (AE) and aggregate output model within the tenets of Islamic principles. Findings If Islamic banks (IBs) can introduce FinTech global network system where any client can buy or sell foreign currency at the same rate without any markup, it will increase the market share for IBs by increasing the number of customers and number of branches, and it will increase the inflow of funds and volumes of transactions, especially in international trade, global financial transactions and cross-border shopping. Such an increase in transactions will increase AE and AE will continuously shift up. Such an upward shift will have positive effects on equilibrium output, employment and prosperity. Originality/value This is, perhaps, one of the latest attempts to eliminate Riba from foreign exchange transactions by introducing FinTech IFfexBM in each and every locality. Such elimination of Riba will not only reduce the cost of cross-border transactions but it will also reduce cost in international trade and financial transactions among nations, and therefore, it will have expansionary effects on equilibrium output, employment and global prosperity.

Transformational leadership, proactive personality and service performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 267-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunjiang Yang ◽  
Yashuo Chen ◽  
Xinyuan (Roy) Zhao ◽  
Nan Hua
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Contextual Performance ◽  
Proactive Personality ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Organizational Embeddedness

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impacts of transformational leadership and employee proactive personality on service performance, the mediation role of organizational embeddedness and the synergies of transformational leadership and proactive personality within the proposed framework. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected following a time-lagged research approach. The study sample included 218 frontline employees and their supervisors from ten carefully selected five-star hotels in China. Structural equation modeling was employed for the data analysis. Findings Transformational leadership and proactive personality had positive effects on task performance and contextual performance via organizational embeddedness. The interactive influences of transformational leadership and proactive personality on task performance and contextual performance were found significant and negative. Originality/value Transformational leaders and proactive employees have been shown to exert a strong influence on excellent service performance, with organizational embeddedness playing a critical role.

Lean implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1121-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saumyaranjan Sahoo ◽  
Sudhir Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which lean management practices are adopted by small- and medium-sized manufacturing organizations in India and their impact on firm’s operational performance (OP). Also, the paper makes an attempt to identify the barriers and challenges faced by Indian SMEs that are striving to succeed with improvement efforts based on lean manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, acceptability and implementation of lean manufacturing in Indian Manufacturing SMEs were analyzed using three constructs, namely, process improvement (PI), flow management (FM) and waste minimization (WM). The responding firms were categorized into “lean-Beginners,” “In-transition lean” and “lean” group based on their phases of lean implementation. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from 121 manufacturing SMEs in India. Lean tools and barriers, identified from the literature review, were also included in the survey. The reliability and validity of the practice and performance measures were evaluated. Correlation analysis was employed to investigate the effects of three constructs on OP. Findings The results indicate that all the three lean constructs are significantly related to OP. In the context of Indian manufacturing SMEs, “PI” and “WM” practices have shown a higher level of significance on OP, compared to “FM” practices. “5S -workplace organization” was found to be the most practiced lean tool. “Attitude of workmen” was highlighted as the main obstacle in successfully implementing lean. The findings suggest overall positive effects as a result of applying lean tools and philosophy in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The research results may lack qualitative justification because of the chosen research approach. Therefore, the researchers are encouraged to explore the inter-relationship among various lean tools/practices and performance criteria by conducting a qualitative study in the form of a case study or action research. Practical implications This paper is a beneficial source of information that highlights the contribution of lean implementation in enhancing manufacturing productivity. The major tools and techniques used by Indian SMEs have been highlighted and discussed; it could be a genuine source of motivation to lean practitioner and entrepreneurs of SMEs to go in for lean implementation. The findings are also expected to benefit the lean practitioners and entrepreneurs of SMEs to focus on vital issues to facilitate successful lean implementation in an organization. Originality/value The paper demonstrates that practical implication of lean implementation can bring real breakthroughs in productivity to small- and medium-scale manufacturing firms.

Female entrepreneurs: motivations and constraints. An Italian regional study

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Bianchi ◽  
Valentino Parisi ◽  
Renato Salvatore
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Regional Study ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Determining Factor

Purpose This paper aims to identify the specific contextual constraints that women might face in becoming entrepreneurs; to correlate these constraints with the motivations that have determined this choice; and to ascertain how strongly constraints and motivations are correlated with individual rewards in terms of personal satisfaction and economic payoffs. Design/methodology/approach The empirical base is a survey that the authors conducted among female entrepreneurs in a Southern province of Italy in 2012. Data are analyzed through a correspondence and cluster analysis. The socio-economic context of the province within which these female-led firms operate is taken into account by means of a correspondence canonical analysis. Findings In terms of results: first, two-thirds of female entrepreneurs in the province are positively motivated, and this is a determining factor in their choice to become entrepreneurs. This translates into they also being satisfied with the choice they made. Second, contrary to the expectations, being positively motivated and satisfied holds both for firms operating in more dynamic and demanding sectors and for small firms using little financial or human capital. Research limitations/implications The chosen research approach has allowed to identify the most important decisional variables that affect female entrepreneurial choice. However, as most of the variables are categorical, the research’s results remain descriptive. Practical implications Positive motivations and personal rewards are clearly relevant for women making an entrepreneurial choice. However, they are not enough to stimulate fully the potential for growth of their enterprises: education and a social environment conducive to female creative expression are also necessary. To this end, the authors suggest that an important function of change could be played in particular by universities by fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. Social implications By stressing the connections between positive motivations and wellbeing, the authors suggest that the promotion of women’s entrepreneurial choices through networks and education generates more than purely economic benefits. It also has positive effects on their quality of life and on social welfare as well. Originality/value This paper responds to a need – not yet fulfilled in the literature – to better understand the relations between women’s motivation, satisfaction and the type of business selected.

External supports in reward-based crowdfunding campaigns

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheshi Bao ◽  
Taozhen Huang
Keyword(s):  
Impression Management ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
External Supports ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Film And Video ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss some drivers which can promote reward-based crowdfunding campaigns and then compare their effects on two categories of cultural and creative projects. Design/methodology/approach The authors first distinguished the roles of “intrinsic qualities” and “external supports” in crowdfunding campaigns. Then based on the theories of reward-based crowdfunding, impression management and social capital, a research model was built to discuss the effects of external supports and a comparative study was conducted by using data collected from Kickstarter.com. Findings It indicates that the three dimensions of external supports (reward support, impression support, and relationship support) have positive effects on film and video and publishing projects. Besides, the authors also found that “category of a project” can moderate the relationship between impression support and crowdfunding performance. The effect of impression support on visual works is different from that on printed works. Research limitations/implications These findings not only prove that external supports actually play an important role in crowdfunding campaigns, but also reveal that for different categories of cultural and creative crowdfunding projects, the effects of external supports are different. Some other theoretical and practical implications are also provided. Originality/value This research reveals some details about the important role of external supports in crowdfunding campaigns and compares their effects on different categories of cultural and creative projects. It can provide useful suggestions for improving reward-based crowdfunding performance.

The positive impact of guilt

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 883-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Shuting Xiang
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Transformational Leaders ◽  
Learning Behaviors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Employee Learning

Purpose A self-regulatory framework to explore the positive effects of negative emotions on proactive outcomes for employees is discussed. The purpose of this paper is to examine how and when employee feedback can facilitate feelings of guilt and result in positive learning behaviors in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach The authors test the research model using data from field surveys based on a two-wave data collection from 176 employees. Participants completed two paper-based surveys with a time lag of one week. Findings The results demonstrate that the feelings of guilt work as a mediator in the association between feedback and employee learning. As a specific negative emotion, guilt has a significant and positive impact on employee learning in the workplace. The findings also demonstrate that transformational leadership can make employees aware of the gap between expectations and their performance. Transformational leaders motivate guilty employees to engage in learning activities through the promotion of regulatory focus. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on emotions and employee learning in several ways. First, the study raises the association between feedback and employee learning through guilt in the workplace. Second, the study considers the boundaries for facilitating learning behaviors.

Gender, talent management and firm performance: MNCs' female-focused talent management practices in Russia

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Latukha ◽  
Snejina Michailova ◽  
Dana L. Ott ◽  
Daria Khasieva ◽  
Daria Kostyuk
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Embedded Model ◽  
Talent Retention ◽  
Using Data

PurposeThere is a substantial void in the understanding of the effect of talent management (TM) practices specifically targeted at females on firm performance. This paper investigates the relationship between female-focused TM and firm performance with the aim of demonstrating the importance of gender diversity in firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed and empirically tested a contextually embedded model using data from 103 multinational corporations in Russia to examine the effect of female-focused TM on firm performance.FindingsThe authors found an overall positive relationship between female-focused TM and firm performance. The authors’ analysis also revealed significant positive effects of female-focused talent development and talent retention, but not talent attraction, on firm performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the vibrant TM scholarship by focusing on female-focused talent attraction, development and retention practices.

All grown up? Market maturity and investment in London's purpose-built student accommodation sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Livingstone ◽  
Danielle Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Local Context ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
Accommodation Sector ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Original Insight ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe UK's purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector has seen significant institutional investment in recent decades. This paper unpacks contemporary trends and perspectives on the sector. It questions whether PBSA has moved from being an “alternative” to “mainstream” residential asset class, framing the analysis through the lens of market maturity.Design/methodology/approachThe methods triangulate perspectives drawn from literature on the evolution of PBSA as an asset class with illustrations of investment trends across the UK between 2005 and 2020 using data from Real Capital Analytics (RCA), combined with findings from 40 semi-structured interviews with investors and stakeholders in PBSA in the UK London is the focus of the work, whilst other regional cities are integrated for comparison.FindingsThe results demonstrate that London's PBSA market is ahead of trends currently being replicated in regional cities. However, the regions currently offer greater return potential and opportunities for risk taking compared to London, where yields are compressed, and the market is considered lower risk. The concept of maturity remains useful as a framework for evaluating markets, however a more granular analysis of sectors is necessary to further understand asset classes within sectors. PBSA continues to trade at a premium across the UK; it is considered the most mature residential asset class.Practical implicationsThe emergence of PBSA as an asset class continues to play a developing role within the residential sector and UK investment market. Risk, value and local context remain key when integrating PBSA into institutional portfolios, and as the first to consider the UK market from a qualitative research approach, this research provides a snapshot of these influences in 2021.Originality/valueOur approach offers original insight into investment trends across the UK and is the first to focus reflections on the London market specifically. The research highlights the role of PBSA as a vanguard asset class for investors into residential, situating its growth within the framework of market maturity and drawing out market nuances from interviews.

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