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.

An examination of strategies under the financial tsunami

2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1319-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.T.S. Ho ◽  
K.L. Choy ◽  
S.H. Chung ◽  
C.H.Y. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors, such as the different strategies adopted and the size of the company, that have a significant determining impact on the financial performance of companies in extreme circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThe research target of this paper is the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong. This is quantitative research and it is done on a survey basis, which includes hypothesis setting and statistical analysis. In addition, constructive suggestions are given to companies after analyzing the current situation.FindingsIn total, ten factors from four dimensions are determined as the critical strategies for the company to adopt in an uncertain financial situation. The result shows the influence of different factors on return on investment for the companies with different backgrounds.Practical implicationsThe business environment today is full of turbulence and uncertainties; this, along with the fierce global competition, means that manufacturers are all struggling to survive. The financial tsunami that has swept across the global economy is believed to be the most catastrophic in living memory. Therefore, this research will be especially valuable and useful to companies which wish to achieve excellence in business performance in spite of such a global disaster.Originality/valueManufacturers worldwide have suffered badly from the impact of the financial tsunami. The SMEs in Hong Kong are certainly not an exception. However, under the same adverse conditions, some have been able to maintain their stability or even thrive. The findings suggest some specific corporate strategies which will enable companies to survive and remain competitive.

Succession planning and performance of family-owned small and medium enterprises in Arusha City – Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Haynes Kiwia ◽  
Kenneth M.K. Bengesi ◽  
Daniel W. Ndyetabula
Keyword(s):  
Succession Planning ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine succession planning and performance of family-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design were employed. The probability sampling technique was used to draw 219 respondents from the sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used for data analysis. Findings It was revealed that most of family-owned SMEs founders in the study area had mechanisms for succession planning for their businesses. Also, there is a difference in business performance when successors are selected and prepared by business founders compared to when they are selected and prepared by other family members. Successors selected and prepared by business founders performed better in business than successors who were selected and prepared by other family members. Research limitations/implications This study employed a quantitative research paradigm methodology, which limits deep discussion with respondents. Future studies could consider using a qualitative research paradigm methodology. Originality/value The paper presents succession planning process experience in family-owned SMEs in the study area, specifically the existence of succession planning in family-owned SMEs. It also shows a difference in business performance between the two investigated groups. This paper will benefit business founders, family business successors and researchers.

Association between organizational norms and employee productivity in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilasha Singh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Employee Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Norms ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of organizational norms on employee productivity within the higher education sector in UAE. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was used to investigate 89 respondents from higher education institutions. An online survey approach was used to investigate the opinions of respondents with regard to the impact of organizational norms on employee productivity in UAE. The data were then statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22. Findings The results showed a positive association between the investigated organizational norms and employee productivity. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between age and organizational norms. Increase in employee age corresponds to an increase in employee productivity. Originality/value This study has made a novel contribution, since there is a significant lack of research surrounding the influence of organizational norms on employee productivity in the higher education institutions in UAE.

scholarly journals Hospital resilience to natural hazards: classification and performance of utilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nebil Achour ◽  
Masakatsu Miyajima ◽  
Federica Pascale ◽  
Andrew D.F. Price
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Estimation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Utility Systems ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to: explore major and potential challenges facing healthcare facilities operation specifically those related to utility supplies; and quantify the impact of utility supplies interruption on the operation of healthcare facilities through the development of an estimation model. Design/methodology/approach – A pluralistic qualitative and quantitative research approach benefiting from an online computer program that applies the discriminant function analysis approach. Information was collected from 66 hospitals following three major earthquakes that struck northeast Japan in 2003. Findings – Analysis demonstrated that healthcare utilities face three major challenges: vulnerability of infrastructure to natural hazards; low performance of alternative sources; and lack of consideration of healthcare utility supplies in resilience codes and legislations. The study also proposed a method to estimate the impact of utility interruption of healthcare facilities. A model has been developed for the case study hospitals in Northern Japan following three major earthquakes in 2003. Practical implications – The findings are expected to raise the awareness of the critical role utilities play for the operation of healthcare facilities which will potentially lead to upgrading resilience codes and legislations. The findings are also expected to pool the literature with more information about the resilience of healthcare utility publications. Originality/value – The topic and issues discussed in this research are original based on authors’ investigations following three major earthquakes that took place in northeast Japan. The study followed a statistical approach in addressing the inter-relationship between the utility systems post disasters to develop an innovative unique index to predict the impact of utility shortage on healthcare.

The impact of quality management systems on the performance of manufacturing firms

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios P. Kafetzopoulos ◽  
Evangelos L. Psomas ◽  
Katerina D. Gotzamani
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide additional evidence of the impact of ISO 9001 effectiveness on three dimensions of a firm’s performance, namely product quality, operational performance and business performance. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis includes an initial exploratory factor analysis (EFA), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), in order to investigate the relations between the constructs of the proposed model. A sample of 287 ISO 9001 certified Greek manufacturing firms is used for this purpose. Findings – According to the study findings, ISO 9001 effectiveness directly contributes to product quality and operational performance. Although it has no direct impact on manufacturing firms’ business performance, it has an indirect impact through the moderator of operational performance. Research limitations/implications – The sample of the responding manufacturing companies is limited to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from one country (Greece). In addition, the effects of the internal business environment and endogenous business factors have not been assessed through the present study. Practical implications – The study offers clear implications for managers who focus on elements that will increase the ISO 9001 effectiveness and desire to choose strategies, allocate resources and improve their firm’s performance. Originality/value – The present study contributes to the literature gap aiming at examining the degree to which ISO 9001 effectiveness influences the performance of certified firms. The concept of “ISO 9001 effectiveness” is introduced as the extent to which its prescribed quality objectives are met.

An empirical exploration of TQM, TPM and their integration from Indian manufacturing industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1188-1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saumyaranjan Sahoo
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Comparative Assessment ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Personnel ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comparatively assess the contributions of total quality management (TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) practices, exclusively and collectively, on manufacturing business performance. Design/methodology/approach Responses to survey questionnaires were collected using multiple modes of data collection. A total of 269 filled responses were collected and analyzed to ascertain the contribution made by exclusive and collective implementation of TQM and TPM practices on business performance. The respondent firms were grouped into three clusters based on early, in-transition and advanced stages of implementation of either or both TQM and TPM manufacturing practices. Comparative assessment of the impact of standalone TQM, standalone TPM and combined TQM–TPM manufacturing methods on business performance parameters have been evaluated using statistical tools within each cluster. Findings Evidences were found to support the supposition that integrated implementation of both TQM and TPM practices over a reasonable period of time contributes in delivering better business performance as compared to the standalone implementation strategy. Research limitations/implications The study has its own limitations because of its chosen research approach. As the data in this study were collected from production management personnel on the basis of their subjective evaluations, more comprehensive objective performance indicators shall be employed for comparative assessment of manufacturing practices in future studies. In-depth case studies are needed to further validate the findings of the research study. Practical implications The analytical results reveal that an integrated TQM–TPM strategic implementation can systematically contribute toward realization of significant improvement in manufacturing business performance parameters. The results of this study are vital for production managers and senior management personnel of manufacturing firms that have implemented TQM and are considering introducing TPM in their organization (or vice-versa). Originality/value This empirical study signifies the need for strategically aligning and managing various production improvement ideologies for realization of an organization’s growth and sustainability in a long run. In particular, this paper invigorates the discussion about improving the synergy between maintenance and quality functions in the organization for meeting the challenges of highly competitive market environment.

Organization and usage of information resources at Deeni Madaris libraries in Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Habib-ur-Rehman ◽  
Haroon Idrees ◽  
Ahsan Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Automation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Deeni Madaris of Pakistan and their libraries are playing an important role in educating the large fraction of society. They have always been engaged in the development of social and cultural values of the Pakistani society. This study aims to investigate the organization of information resources and their utilization at Deeni Madaris libraries in the central Punjab, Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. A questionnaire was developed on the bases of related literature and discussions with experts of librarianship as well as Islamic studies in Pakistan. The questionnaire was sent to 49 Deeni Madaris, of which five did not have libraries and four did not respond. Forty (81.6 per cent) Deeni Madaris responded and provided the relevant data about their libraries. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS 22. Mostly descriptive statistics were applied to calculate the frequencies, percentage, means and standard deviations. A two-tailed t-test was applied to check the impact of cataloguing and automation on the use of information resources. Findings It was found that majority of the respondents developed their own classification and cataloguing methods for the organization of information resources and did not have a proper retrieval system. Majority of the respondents were providing lending services to readers. Teachers and final-year students were the key users of the libraries. They mostly referred to books, theses and serials written in Urdu and Arabic language. The situation of library computerization was very weak; only 19 libraries had computers and 11 of them have partially automated the library activities. Library automation and catalogue put positive effects on the use of library resources. Originality/value The exploration of the literature showed that libraries of Madaris in Pakistan have always been a priority, but these libraries did not get a position in the library literature as they deserve. This study will fill this gap.

DAMPAK PROGRAM DIKLAT ONLINE TIK GURU PUSTEKKOM TERHADAP AKSESBILITAS KONTEN PEMBELAJARAN PADA FITUR RUMAH BELAJAR

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Eni Susilawati
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Learning Content ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Ict Training ◽  
The Impact

The research objective is to analyze the impact of the participation of online  ICT teacher training to increase the number of accessibility the learning content of features in Rumah Belajar. This research used the quantitative research approach with descriptive quantitative analysis methods to be able to describe how the increase in accessibility features of Rumah Belajar and utilization in learning in school. Samples were selected in this study are all online training participants at 15 locations online training that has been conducted by Pustekkom in 2015 and 2016 in 2015. The data was collected using a questionnaire and a list of open questions in accordance with the purpose of research. The results showed that 1) online ICT teacher training participants, after completing the Pustekkom  training online  using become more motivated to access other feature in Rumah Belajar; 2) The order of the percentage of the intensity level of accessibility to the other features of Rumah Belajar are: Sumber Belajar 23%, BSE 23%, Bank Soal 21%, Kelas Maya 13%, Lab Maya 6%, Karya Guru 4%, Wahana Jelajah Angkasa 4%, Peta Budaya 4% and Karya Komunitas 2%, and ICT training online using the application PKB Rumah Belajar can be used as a reference for efforts to develop a web-based learning applications, in particular for the development of Rumah belajar portal belongs Pustekkom Kemendikbud. Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk menganalisis dampak keikutsertaan diklat online  TIK guru Belajar terhadap peningkatan jumlah aksebilitas konten pembelajaran pada fitur-fitur rumah belajar. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode analisis kuantitatif secara deskriptif untuk bisa menggambarkan bagaimana peningkatan aksesbilitas fitur-fitur rumah belajar dan pemanfaatannya dalam pembelajaran di sekolah. Sampel yang dipilih dalam penelitian ini adalah semua peserta diklat online  pada 15 lokasi diklat online yang telah dilaksanakan oleh Pustekkom pada tahun 2015 dan 2016. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dan daftar pertanyaan terbuka sesuai dengan tujuan penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 1) peserta diklat online TIK Guru, setelah mengikuti diklat online Pustekkom, menjadi lebih termotivasi untuk mengakses fitur-fitur lainnya dalam Rumah Belajar; 2) Urutan prosentase tingkat intensitas aksesbilitas terhadap fitur-fitur Rumbel selain Pengembangan Keprofesian berkelanjutan (PKB) adalah: Sumber Belajar 23%, Buku Sekolah Elektronik (BSE) 23%, Bank Soal 21%, Kelas Maya 13%, Lab Maya 6%, Karya Guru 4%, Wahana Jelajah Angkasa 4%, Peta Budaya 4% dan Karya Komunitas 2%; dan 3) diklat online TIK menggunakan aplikasi PKB. Rumah belajar bisa dijadikan referensi bagi upaya pengembangan aplikasi pembelajaran berbasis web, khususnya bagi pengembangan portal Rumah Belajar milik Pustekkom Kemendikbud.

Buyer-assisted lean intervention in supplier firms: a supplier development approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imranul Hoque
Keyword(s):  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Capability ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how buyer-assisted lean intervention in garment supplier factories affects garment suppliers' productivity and production capability development.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative research approach and a lean intervention design, a multiple case study method was adopted for this study. Quantitative data on productivity performance and qualitative data on production capability development were collected from a Danish buyer and their four corresponding garment suppliers. Collected data were analysed using standard lean measurement tools and qualitative data analysis techniques.FindingsThis study demonstrates that buyer-assisted lean intervention is a useful strategy for garment suppliers to enhance their productivity and production capability. However, suppliers need to select the right lean tools, ensure seriousness and commitment to lean initiatives, substantial involvement of top management and workers, arrange formal and informal training, provide performance-based financial/non-financial incentives and nurture a learning culture to facilitate suppliers' production capability development.Research limitations/implicationsThis study implemented few lean tools in a single sewing line in four supplier factories for a short intervention duration. Thus, there is a scope for future studies to investigate the impact of the lean intervention on a large scale.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study might bring new insights to the management of buyer and supplier firms concerning how buyers could involve in suppliers' lean intervention initiatives and what suppliers need to ensure to develop production capability.Originality/valueFor the first time, this study engaged a buyer in suppliers' lean intervention initiatives to improve productivity and production capability in the garment industry of a developing country.

Untangling service design routines for digital servitization: empirical insights of smart PSS in maritime industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Andrine Apenes Solem ◽  
Marko Kohtamäki ◽  
Vinit Parida ◽  
Thomas Brekke
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Growth Outcomes ◽  
Action Research Approach

PurposeThe present study sets out to understand how a manufacturing company in the maritime industry utilized creative design principles and developed service design routines to advance digital servitization (i.e. the transition to offering smart product-service-software systems–PSS) and realize subsequent positive growth outcomes.Design/methodology/approachWe build upon a longitudinal single case of a marine solution provider. Using an action research approach, we collected data through in-depth interviews and informal conversations involving senior managers, project members and customer representatives over a three and a half-year period. In addition, secondary data such as documentary data, service design tools and visualization were utilized.FindingsThe inductive analysis highlights the underlining role of four service-design routines that drive creativity and an innovative approach to digital servitization transformation. More specifically, we identify (a) user insights through creative customer data acquisition, (b) smart PSS collaboration through co-creation across departments, (c) smart PSS ideation through creative forms of collaboration and (d) effective smart PSS delivery and commercialization through creative concept design as the drivers of the case company digital servitization transformation.Practical implicationsWe encourage senior managers within large manufacturing companies to promote the development of service design routines as these promote the transformation process from being a product-centric to service-centric firm. The four service design routines are built on a set of service design sub-activities providing concrete actions that can be applied by senior managers to successfully develop and deliver smart PSS offerings and achieve growth outcomes.Originality/valueThis study contributes by integrating digital servitization and service design literatures. We illustrate how manufacturing firms can drive a transition to digital servitization through service design activities and routines development for smart PSS strategy implementation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document