On Quality 4.0 in project-based industries

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 725-739
Author(s):  
Jan Emblemsvåg

PurposeProject-based industries seem ignored in the quality management literature. These industries have some peculiarities that warrant attention, and the purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the critical aspects of project-based industries concerning quality management and particularly Quality 4.0.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on reviewing the literature and then developing the paper using basic definitions, literature, logic and experience. It should be noted that the type of literature review is so-called “integrative” due to the fact that the topic of this paper is new. Furthermore, for this paper, as for integrative literature reviews in general, the purpose is to create initial and preliminary conceptualizations and theoretical models, rather than review old models. Creative collection of data is therefore key to combine perspectives and insights from different sources. This paper is therefore more a discussion piece rather than a paper presenting results per se. The relevant literature is only a starting point from which the argument is developed.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that quality management in project-based industries is outdated, driven by adversarial and legalistic interpretations of contracts, which results in manual work and reactive quality management. Initially, this can be a stumbling block for Quality 4.0. However, the greater credibility and transparency of Quality 4.0 technologies can enable relational contracting such as partnering. This will subsequently result in major improvements in total quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was initially triggered by industry experience over years. The empirical aspect of the paper is therefore related to the construction, shipbuilding and the oil and gas industry. Because contracting regimes are similar across these industries, the findings are arguably applicable to other project-based industries. However, this is not demonstrated. Furthermore, as the topic is new to both literature and practice it is likely that the paper has not covered all relevant aspects that will emerge as the ideas are implemented.Practical implicationsThe paper supports the argument for developing the contracting into a relational approach away from the adversarial and legalistic approach of today. It is illustrated how Quality 4.0 technologies can help in this transition. Therefore, the practical implications can become substantial in how industry works and the research about it.Social implicationsIf the ideas were implemented, they could change contract management in project-based industries from the adversarial approach of today to genuine cooperation. It would therefore be relevant for teaching future contract managers. The project outcomes would also result in improved quality and reduce the loss to society.Originality/valueThe combination of Quality 4.0, new contracting regimes and project-based industries is according to the knowledge of this author, an original contribution that can help people improve the management of quality in project-based industries. With these industries constituting a large and growing share of an economy, the value can also become significant once practical issues concerning implementation are sorted out.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keivan Zokaei ◽  
Ioannis Manikas ◽  
Hunter Lovins

Purpose This paperaims to review how the field of lean and green has been evolving. Authors draw parallels between the fields of sustainability and quality management. The paper’s title is borrowed and modified from Crosby’s seminal book: Quality is Free. Design/methodology/approach The paper starts with a review on how early lean researchers in the late 1980s draw upon benchmark studies, looking at Toyota versus other auto manufacturers to demonstrate that quality is free. Similarly, the authors carry out a benchmark to show how the same argument is valid about Toyota’s environmental performance and how Toyota’s concept of Monozukuri can be exploited as proof for the environment is free movement. The paper concludes with an attempt to address the gap between theory and practice in the field of lean and green. Findings The starting point for creating a lean and green business system is the understanding that there is no trade-off between lean and green, that lean and green should be brought together in a symbiosis, as Toyota have done with Monozukuri approach. This requires a coherent strategy that is well developed, and well deployed across all levels of business. The bottom line remains that environment is free, but it is not a gift. Research limitations/implications The findings presented in the paper are based on arguments resulted from the review of the relevant literature. It is important to obtain feedback from a large sample of businesses regarding lean and green symbiosis to arrive at sound and valid conclusions. Originality/value This paper contributes to the fields of operations management and sustainability by proposing a change in businesses’ mind-set about sustainability. Rather than seeing environmental protection as a cost, it should be regarded as an opportunity for enhancing economic performance. In doing so, we can seek inspiration from the fields of quality management and the total quality movement.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Farhad Nabhani

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gap between the current vision and knowledge of future early career operations managers (OM) and a common strategic total quality management (TQM) framework. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and a non-parametric test for different groups of participants were adopted to identify the gap and analyse the significance of these groups on the factors in the TQM framework. Findings A new set of TQM factors with the necessity of more knowledge and understanding of future generation were identified, followed by the identification of clear differences amongst different groups of this generation. Practical implications A sustainable OM practice needs managers and leaders with a sustainable knowledge development of quality management (QM); and as the result of this study, the current vision of future young OM would not echo this. Originality/value This study has a systematic, non-parametric approach towards currently fragmented QM analysis, and is integrated with human resource and visionary elements of future young OM and universal QM models and theories.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Lilja ◽  
David Hansen ◽  
Johan Fredrikson ◽  
Daniel Richardsson

Purpose Upcoming as well as mature industries are facing pressure as regards successfully managing operational excellence, and, at the same time, driving and managing innovation. Quality management concepts and practices’ ability to tackle this challenge have been questioned. It has even been suggested that there is a need to provide and promote an updated/changed, and even re-branded, version of Total Quality Management, merging quality management (QM) and innovation management (IM). Can such a shift then actually be spotted? The purpose of this paper is to explore and see if there are any signs suggesting that QM and IM actually are about to merge. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on literature reviews, document studies and interviews. Findings The paper highlights three signs indicating that QM and IM indeed are approaching each other, and that it is a movement driven from both sectors, e.g., in the work with new ISO-standards and the Toyota Kata framework. Originality/value The indicated development has fundamental and extensive practical implications. It will for example have to be followed by a similar merging of the two fields in the educational system, and in the competences of future managers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tibor Tenji ◽  
Andrea Foley

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply an existing theoretical model of organisational culture contextualised for total quality management (TQM) as a means of assessing the readiness for implementing TQM in the workplace. The “Amalgamated Model” is a hybrid that encapsulates organisational culture traits and their relative contribution as indictors of effective TQM implementation. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire that would test the theoretical model was devised and administered to a sample population in a production facility located in Central Europe, Organisation X. Findings A profile of the organisation was derived which revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation in relation to the cultural traits of the theoretical model. Research limitations/implications The research population comprised management/supervisory staff only and thus provides a partial view of Organisation X. Practical implications For practitioners, particularly those who specialise in quality management, the practical implications of this research are twofold: first, it provides insights into aspects of organisational culture and TQM implementation; and second, it demonstrates how a theoretical framework may be applied in the workplace to assess readiness for TQM implementation. Originality/value This research contributes to the subject area body of knowledge by applying a recent theoretical model to assess readiness for implementing TQM.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Saleh Al-Dhaafri ◽  
Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi ◽  
Rushami Zien Bin Yusoff

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and total quality management (TQM) on the organizational performance. In addition, this study aimed to examine the ability of TQM to transmit the effect of EO on the organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – To examine the hypothesized model of the study, the survey questionnaire research design was employed. The data were collected from Dubai police department. The total number of questionnaires distributed was 320 out of which only 111 usable questionnaires were returned. The structural equation modeling partial least squares approach was used. Findings – The statistical results confirmed the effect of EO and TQM on the organizational performance. In addition, TQM was found to partially mediate the effect of EO on organizational performance. Practical implications – Further details and valuable implications of this study were discussed throughout the study. The results of this study have many practical implications. The results will help managers to make the proper decisions when deciding to implement TQM in their organizations. TQM can help managers with strong EO to achieve maximum performance in organizations and to remain competitive in the market. Originality/value – This study is a rare and unique empirical study that examines the effect of EO on TQM and the mediating effect of TQM on the EO-performance relationship.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Saleh Al-Dhaafri ◽  
Mohammed Saleh Alosani

PurposeThe study's goal is to look at how total quality management (TQM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and organizational performance interact to affect organizational excellence.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire research design was used to achieve the goal of this study through the hypothesized model. The information was obtained from a Dubai police organization. Out of 550 questionnaires, 320 questionnaires were returned. To analyze the data for measurement and structural models, the structural equation modeling (SEM) partial least squares method was used.FindingsThe statistical results confirmed the positive and significant effects of TQM and ERP on organizational performance. The mediation role of organizational performance between TQM, ERP and organizational excellence also was confirmed.Practical implicationsMore details and significant consequences have been explored in this study. The findings have a number of practical implications. The findings also assist practitioners and managers in making the best decisions while incorporating TQM, ERP and excellence practices in their organizations. Organizations will achieve optimum strong excellence and stay competitive in a competitive market by integrating the effects of TQM, ERP and organizational performance.Originality/valueThis study is another empirical investigation into the combined impact of TQM, ERP and performance on excellence relationships. In other words, the current study is one of the few that investigates the mediating role of organizational performance as a variable alongside organizational excellence as the ultimate variable in developing countries, specifically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Yaw Banuro ◽  
Alexander Ntiri-Ampomah ◽  
Joseph Kwaku Banuro

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to confirm the existence of contradictions in total quality management (TQM) implementation among some Ghanaian companies and to provide a framework for balancing these contradictions. Design/methodology/approach Closed-ended questionnaires were used as a survey instrument. A sample of 80 managers from 40 Ghanaian multinational companies implementing TQM responded to the questionnaires. Findings The results showed that the implementation of TQM comes with inherent contradictions, which may hinder the success of TQM if not checked. Three pairs of contradictions were established in this study, namely “Standardization vs Innovation,” “Manipulation vs Empowerment,” and “Collectivism vs Individualism.” A framework was proposed to balance these contradictions in order to ensure TQM success. Research limitations/implications The study used all the 40 ISO certified firms in Ghana, but this number is quite small relative to ISO certified firms worldwide. Further, the study was done in Ghana and, for these reasons, generalization to the rest of the world is limited. Practical implications The proposed framework when applied by managers to balance the contradictions will achieve success in TQM implementation. Originality/value Previous studies have talked about the existence of the contradictions. This paper proposes a framework to balance the existing contradictions. This framework is new and has never been proposed in the literature to minimize the adverse effects of these contradictions on a firm’s profit generation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 1065-1081
Author(s):  
Eleni Sfakianaki

Purpose Primary and secondary education (P&SE) is fundamentally important for achieving a high-quality education system. P&SE delivers more extensive social returns than higher education and is perhaps the most important locus where core values are established and the foundation for educational super-systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop a structured approach for the implementation of total quality management (TQM) in P&SE and validate it empirically. Design/methodology/approach A 7-dimensioned and a 66-itemed instrument was developed and administered to education professionals at Greek P&SE institutions to measure TQM implementation at present and its potential for the future. The measures were tested for validity and reliability. Findings The findings confirmed that the instrument developed is both valid and reliable. The factors of TQM identified for P&SE were leadership, student focus, continuous improvement, process control and involvement, education and training, measurement and evaluation, and change management. Practical implications P&SE institutions can employ the instrument developed to guide their implementation of TQM practices. Researchers and practitioners can use it to build models to relate facilitating practices to quality performance while enhancing social empowerment and contributing to economic growth, particularly at times of economic difficulty. Originality/value The present study adds value to the existing literature by investigating the unexplored field of TQM in P&SE at a time of economic downturn by offering researchers and practitioners a starting point to identify areas that require further support and improvement or have potential efficiency gain.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Moccia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relation between values and virtues and the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and thus to propose a tentative framework of relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual. It reviews some lists of values present in literature, and summarizes them in a more comprehensive list. Then the list of values is summarized in conjunction with a list of core virtues. Thus, it tries to explain the relation between them and the principles of TQM, passing through the two mediating variables passion and trust. Findings – A model of TQM based on core virtues is proposed. Research limitations/implications – The lack of empirical data that can validate the model. Practical implications – Considering the emphasis placed on virtues, the model can have some practical implications in the field of recruitment, promotion, and leadership. Originality/value – The paper attempts to link values and virtues to the principles of TQM by developing a model of interactions. A novel framework that can provide a basis for further research into the profound nature of quality management has been proposed. Furthermore, some implications that should be useful for recruiters and managers are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 34-36

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the compensation and benefits arrangements for international assignments undertaken by women in a male-dominated industry. Unless an offer of geographic upheaval comes with both a lucrative financial reward and family-friendly provisions, as an overall package a deal to work internationally may not prove attractive enough for female employees to jump at. 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.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document