Practicing Lean strategy: Hoshin Kanri and X-Matrix in a healthcare-centered simulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 590-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Barnabè ◽  
Maria Cleofe Giorgino
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Reporting Tool ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper builds on the debate regarding the application of Lean strategy principles and tools in modern organizations, specifically focusing on the healthcare (HC) sector. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to highlight the potential role played by Lean strategy tools for strategic planning and management, particularly in reference to the Hoshin Kanri policy deployment system and the “focus, alignment, integration, and review” (FAIR) method; second, to discuss how Lean strategy can be operationalized, specifically relying on the X-Matrix reporting tool; and third, to explore how simulation techniques, in the form of role-playing (RP), may support the aforementioned operationalization of Lean strategy while at the same time promoting policymaking and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a case study approach. Specifically, the paper relies on the use of a RP Lean strategy project developed in a HC setting. Findings The paper highlights the potential for the Hoshin Kanri policy deployment process in HC, also emphasizing the main strengths of X-Matrix reporting and the usefulness of the RP technique to support learning acquisition and decision making. Practical implications The paper demonstrates how a Lean strategy simulation project may be effectively used for strategic planning/management and to train professionals in HC. To achieve these aims, a methodology to design and implement simulation-based Lean strategy projects in HC is presented and discussed. Originality/value A review of the academic literature indicates that Lean strategy is still an emerging research topic addressed by only a limited number of articles. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of Lean strategy (particularly Hoshin Kanri and X-Matrix) with particular reference to the HC sector.

The managerial issues related to transferring shop floor knowledge in manufacturing relocation

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1389-1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Praest Knudsen ◽  
Erik Skov Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Shop Floor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Facility ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Production ◽  
Time Gap ◽  
Manufacturing Facilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific practices of management in the dispatching unit and to identify mechanisms for supporting transfer of shop floor knowledge embedded in operating manufacturing equipment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies an inductive and a case study approach for exploring three empirical cases that represent different manufacturing facility relocation processes and differences in the applied managerial practices. Findings – The paper identifies two important gaps in international production literature when firms relocate equipment to other sites; a time gap (from dismantling to re-assembly of production facilities) and a space gap (from the current to the new site abroad). These gaps are important for understanding why relocation processes are difficult and what management can do to facilitate such processes. Practical implications – The paper identifies four issues that management faces in the dispatching context when relocating manufacturing facilities. Originality/value – The paper gives new insights to a limited literature of shop floor knowledge transfer when relocating manufacturing facilities.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

scholarly journals Collaborative open strategic planning: a method and case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 832-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Amrollahi ◽  
Bruce Rowlands
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Formal Method ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Level ◽  
Open Strategy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show how collaborative information technology (IT) tools and a crowdsourcing model can be leveraged for the purpose of strategic planning. To achieve this objective, a formal method of open strategic planning (OSP) is proposed. Design/methodology/approach Based on a review of the literature a set of activities, stakeholders, and governing rules are identified in the form of an OSP method. The proposed planning method is implemented in a case study of strategic planning in an Australian university. Observations by the research team, and archival records were used to ascertain the relevance of the used method. Findings A method for OSP is presented and assessed. The method contains four phases: pre-planning, idea submission, idea refinement, and plan development. These phases cover the activities required from conceptualization to preparing and publishing the strategic plan. The findings clarify how the principles of OSP helped the organization to include more stakeholders and provided the opportunity to make the planning process transparent through use of a collaborative IT tool. Practical implications The study provides managers and planning consultants with detailed guidelines to implement the concept of open strategy. Originality/value This study is among the few to propose a method for OSP based on empirical research. The study also shows how collaborative IT tools can be used for high-level organizational tasks such as strategic planning.

A practical guide to e-journal and e-book supply – a UK perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kluzek
Keyword(s):  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
King's College ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on current interlending and document delivery of e-books and e-journals in the UK and analyse the challenges encountered in such practices, using the experiences at King's College London as an example. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses a case study approach. Findings – Most UK libraries and higher education institutions negotiate the usage terms for their e-resources through Jisc's NESLI2 model license agreement. While the terms of this agreement work relatively well for document delivery of e-journal articles, allowing for secure electronic document transmission under prescribed circumstances, the interlending of e-books remains problematic. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions. Practical implications – This will enable UK library professionals to better use e-resources in a legally compliant way for the purpose of document delivery. It will explain to non-UK library professionals how supplying from e-resources works in the UK. Originality/value – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

Suicidality in detention centres: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurgita Rimkeviciene ◽  
John O’Gorman ◽  
Diego De Leo
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Refugee Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Processing Centre ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Recent reports raise suicidality among asylum seekers as a pertinent issue in current Australian offshore detention centres. However, knowledge on the nature of the suicidality in these centres is very limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth how suicidality arises and develops in offshore detention centres. Design/methodology/approach A single case study approach was used. Findings This case study presents the findings on the suicidal process of an asylum seeker who attempted suicide three times while in Nauru Regional Processing Centre, the last of which being a near-lethal one. The prolonged mandatory detention, together with lack of clarity about the timeframes of detention and constant postponing of the legal processes were identified as the main factors driving the suicidal intent. The suicidal behaviour escalated from an interrupted attempt to a near lethal one within two years, which signals lack of adequate suicide prevention within detention. Practical implications The resources for mental health being limited in Nauru, it is likely overall changes in refugee status processing may be a more effective suicide prevention strategy rather than implementation of other additional measures. Originality/value Studies in offshore processing facilities have been scarce due to barriers for researchers to access the detention centres. This study offers a unique insight into suicidality in this hard to reach population.

LARG index

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1472-1499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Garrido Azevedo ◽  
Helena Carvalho ◽  
V. Cruz-Machado
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Suggested Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Management Paradigms ◽  
Index Future ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest a lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) index as a benchmarking tool to assess the leanness, agility, resilience and the greenness of the automotive companies and corresponding supply chain (SC). Design/methodology/approach – The proposed index incorporates LARG supply chain management paradigms and corresponding practices being both weighted according to their importance for the automotive SC sustainability. The Delphi technique is used to obtain the weights for each SC paradigm and a linear aggregated method is proposed. A case study approach related to the automotive SC is chosen to illustrate the LARG index application. Findings – The case study results confirmed the usefulness and ease of application of LARG index in a real world SC. The application of the suggested index to a set of companies, and consequently to their SC, makes possible to identify: the better and worst performer company in each paradigm, the LARG practices with higher levels of application among the companies, the LARG index for each company and also for the corresponding SC. This becomes an important benchmarking tool since comparative analysis regarding the LARG behaviours are possible to perform with the suggested index. Research limitations/implications – More LARG practices could be considered to improve the robustness of the index. Future studies should be conducted across more companies for improving the effectiveness of the approach, and more members should be included in the panel of Delphi technique for enhancing the validity of the suggested approach. Practical implications – SC companies will be able to assess their performance in terms of leanness, agility, resilience and greenness. A study like this could encourage all automotive companies to benchmark their organizations as regards their competitors, the best in class, and also the industry average. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature by introducing a new index for measuring the leanness, agility, resilience and greenness of companies and SCs. This index can be used by managers as a benchmarking tool to identify their LARG behaviour and compare it with their SC partners and seek for improvement.

Primary person-based crime prevention: an Australian case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-305
Author(s):  
Philip Birch
Keyword(s):  
Crime Prevention ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Australian Case ◽  
Prevention Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider primary prevention from the perspective of person-based crime prevention. This crime prevention measure is illustrated by an Australian case study. The report also recognises the integral role the community plays in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention. Design/methodology/approach This short paper adopts a case study approach. Findings The paper illustrates the purpose and achievements of primary person-based crime prevention, including the success it has in reducing crime and improving feelings of safety in the community. The important role of community members and their contribution to this crime prevention method is offered. Practical implications The practical implications this paper offers are to ensure community members are involved in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention, to explicitly measure the contribution community members make to primary person-based crime prevention initiatives, to explicitly measure the contribution primary person-based crime prevention makes to the reduction of crime, and to build on the known success of primary person-based crime prevention through the implementation of more initiatives within this area of crime prevention. Originality/value Primary person-based crime prevention can be overlooked in favour of primary place-based crime prevention. This short paper offers an insight into an overlooked aspect of crime prevention.

Can a merger of equals truly exist?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Perceptions Of Fairness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. 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.

Can hospital dashboards provide visibility of information from bedside to board? A case study approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Pace ◽  
Sandra C. Buttigieg
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse hospital dashboards’ visibility of information at different management levels to improve quality and performance in an acute general hospital. Design/methodology/approach Data were generated via 21 semi-structured interviews across different management levels. Findings All management levels had greater visibility of information, could make informed decisions, and registered performance improvement. Specifically, waiting time improved, however since introduction of hospital dashboards was work-in-progress at time of study, managers could not record improvement in terms of cost reductions, clinical effectiveness, patient safety and patient satisfaction. Different managerial levels had different visibility with top management having the greatest. Research limitations/implications In single case studies, where only one context is used, the findings cannot be reproduced in different contexts; even though most of the results could be matched with the current literature. Practical implications The need to have balanced key performance indicators that take into account other facets of improvements, apart from time, has been emphasised. Furthermore, if middle and departmental managers have greater visibility, this would allow them to work towards a strategic fit between the departments that they manage with the rest of the hospital. Originality/value There is scant literature regarding performance dashboards’ enhancement of visibility of information at different management levels. Furthermore, according to the authors’ knowledge, no other paper has tried to identify and discuss the different levels of information, which should be visible from bedside to board namely to management, clinicians and public.

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