Challenges of Quality Management: A Case Study at Malaysian Electronics Manufacturing Services Company

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasuha Lee Abdullah ◽  
Khairur Rijal Jamaludin ◽  
Hayati Habibah Abdul Talib
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Electronics Manufacturing ◽  
Flexible Production ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Customer Requirements ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contract Manufacturing ◽  
Low Volume

The majority of Malaysian electronics manufacturing companies are electronics contract manufacturers (CM) and the industry is known as electronics manufacturing services (EMS). The industry is lucrative yet challenging. Companies in this industry need to have strong and flexible production system as well as supply chain to cater for diverse customer requirements such as high mix low volume demand. The objective of this paper is to identify the challenges in managing quality effectively and efficiently in a contract–manufacturing environment. Observation and semi–structured interviews were conducted to understand and identify the operational problems in a local EMS company. The problems are then analyzed and generalized against existing quality theories. Interestingly, the findings showed that all the problems have been addressed in the quality theories some 30 years ago.

scholarly journals Soft Factor In the Implementation of Quality Management Program in Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musaiyadah Ahmadun ◽  
Siti Arni Basir ◽  
Osman Md Rasip
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Soft Or ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Soft Factor ◽  
Soft Factors

Many studies on the implementation of quality management programs were carried out by previous researchers. However, the study on the soft or human factors in the implementation of quality management programs is still poorly explored. Therefore, this article aims to analyze soft factors in the implementation of quality management programs at Selangor Islamic Religious Council or Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS). This study uses a qualitative method involving MAIS as a case study. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection method and supported by relevant documents collected from MAIS. A total of fifteen informants comprising top management and MAIS officers were interviewed to obtain in-depth information on the subjects studied. The findings reveal that there are six soft factors emerged in the implementation of quality management programs at MAIS namely leadership, training and development, teamwork, customer focus, Syura and rewards. This study demonstrates that soft factors has helped facilitate the implementation of quality management programs in MAIS. The results of this study can be used as guidance by managers in public or corporate organizatons in their efforts to implement quality management programs effectively.

scholarly journals Social Networks and Supply Chain Management in Fish Trade

SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402093181
Author(s):  
Carmen Pedroza-Gutiérrez ◽  
Juan M. Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
The Relationship

This study aims to construct a theoretical framework to analyze the elements of the network structure and the relationship system within the seafood supply chain. The scope of the investigation is to evaluate how these elements influence the flow of products and the efficiency of the seafood supply chain and why these social interactions can create value and enhance competitive advantage. The model combines the resource- and knowledge-based view and the social network analysis applied to seafood supply chains. To demonstrate the application of the model, two theoretical examples and a real case study of the Mercado del Mar in Guadalajara, Mexico, are used. Primary data are obtained from semi-structured interviews, social network analysis metrics, and qualitative analysis. Findings are based on the analysis of theoretical examples and must be considered with caution. Nevertheless, the observations in the examples and case study provide new arguments to the relationship between the pattern of interrelationship and the efficiency of a supply chain. This study emphasizes the necessity of combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand and explain real-life supply networks.

Implementing supplier management strategies for supply chain sustainability risks in multinational companies

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 923-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uta Juettner ◽  
Katharina Windler ◽  
André Podleisek ◽  
Maya Gander ◽  
Sandrina Meldau
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agency Relationships ◽  
Supplier Quality Management

PurposeIn a time where stakeholders increasingly demand social, environmental, and economic sustainability, mismanaging suppliers can impose substantial sustainability risks for a company and harm its reputation and business severely. This research explores the implementation of a corporate sustainable supplier strategy designed to cope with such risks from an agency theory perspective.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a multinational enterprise, a provider of leading mobility solutions in the realm of escalators, moving walkways and elevators, is conducted. Data is collected from multiple sources of evidence, including strategy documents, a focus group and semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe study identifies several implementation challenges and coping mechanisms in firstly, the agency relationships between the headquarter and the regional subsidiary units and secondly, the relationships between the regional subsidiary units and their suppliers.Research limitations/implicationsA framework conceptualising the implementation of sustainable supplier strategies is proposed. The framework positions the topic at the interface between supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management as well as agency relationships and identifies avenues for further research. The key limitations refer to the single case study methodology and the exclusion of suppliers in the data collection approach.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework can support multinational enterprises in developing corporate sustainability strategies and in implementing them in the supplier network.Originality/valueThe originality of the framework lies in the integrated approach combining supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management and triadic agency relationships.

scholarly journals “The map is not the territory”: a boundary objects perspective on supply chain mapping

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1475-1497
Author(s):  
Nathalie Fabbe-Costes ◽  
Lucie Lechaptois ◽  
Martin Spring
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Boundary Objects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeTo empirically examine the usefulness and value of supply chain mapping (SC mapping), which has been neglected despite its importance in research and practice.Design/methodology/approachBased on three combined theoretical perspectives, we conducted a case study on a car manufacturer's managers mapping their downstream supply chain (SC). We conducted semi-structured interviews and a mapping exercise with them, followed by a focus group.FindingsWe find differences between individual and corporate SC maps and between how managers define the outbound SC, the SC map they draw and what they say when mapping. The three theoretical perspectives allow us to enrich SC mapping thinking. We focus on boundary objects to formulate propositions. SC mapping and maps are discussed with respect to contemporary SCs and SCM.Research limitations/implicationsBased on a single case study on one firm's outbound SC. Research could be expanded to the company's external partners and follow the development and use of maps in real time.Practical implicationsHighlights the usefulness and difficulties of SC mapping, for individuals and organisations. For the company, it opens avenues for further development and use of SC mapping to improve inter-functional and inter-organisational collaboration.Social implicationsConfirms the need for SC mapping competences in SCM and consequently the usefulness of teaching SC mapping courses in logistics and SCM programs.Originality/valueHighlights the usefulness of SC mapping and rekindles interest in SC mapping and maps in SCM. Introduces boundary objects into SCM research.

scholarly journals A proposal for a green supply chain strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola Pinto Taborga ◽  
Amaia Lusa ◽  
Anna Maria Coves
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Carbon Emission ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Supply Chain Strategy ◽  
Facilities Location ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to establish a set of steps for helping companies to create a Green Supply Chain Strategy based on the reduction of their carbon footprint. The aim is to put forward a simple guideline that companies can follow and guide them in achieving their carbon emission targets, as well as obtaining attractive supply chain savings.Design/methodology/approach: Based on a literature review and benchmarking this paper proposes a methodology based on three pillars: 1) Corporate Carbon Strategy; 2) Carbon emission roadmap; and 3) Implementation and tracking. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques were used in order to create a green strategy and support the decision-making processes to select the most interesting alternatives for carbon emission reduction and supply chain savings. The supply chain of a metallurgical company is used to illustrate the case study where the proposed methodology is used. The criteria used for the carbon alternatives selection was based on three factors: 1) the supply chain cost of the alternative; 2) carbon emission impact in terms of CO2 tonnes; and 3) marketing effect.Findings: The paper identifies some specific steps for developing a Green Supply Chain Strategy. The case study developed, demonstrates the importance of following a proper methodology based on a set of steps, it also demonstrates that some alternatives focus on improving the supply chain, such as the facilities location, can also improve the key performance indicator related with carbon emission. Originality/value: The study provides guidance for manufacturing companies in implementing their Green Supply Chain Strategy.

scholarly journals Influência da variável ambiental no processo de escolha dos fornecedores: Um Estudo em Agroindústrias da Microrregião de Assis-SP

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-100
Author(s):  
Edenis Cesar Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Environmental Variable ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Trading Partners ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Weak Influence ◽  
Selection Of

The global market characterized by competition, has demanded of new placements organizations, particularly as to how implement and develop relations with its trading partners. The Supply Chain Management emerges as a tool that provides organizations with the most effective management of the consequences of these relations. The incorporation of environmental issues in the organizational context reflected directly across chain. Organizations began to consider sustainability as a major factor in relations with its stakeholders, justifying the emergence of Sustainable Management of Supply Chain. The study aims to analyze the influence of environmental variable introduced in decisions and selection of suppliers of sugarcane agro-industries located in the micro-region of Assis-SP. Was held from Multiple Case Study in six agribusinesses, collecting data through semi-structured interviews, applied to sixteen actors directly involved with the subject matter, in addition to document analysis to support the interviews. For data analysis, applied to content analysis with the help of ATLAS.ti software. The results showed that, of the six surveyed companies, in agribusiness AGR2, FOR1 and for2 the environmental variable has a weak influence in the selection of its suppliers; in AGR1 the influence is average and only in AGR3 and AGR4 agribusinesses environmental variable has a strong influence.

scholarly journals An Investigation to the Industry 4.0 Readiness of Manufacturing Enterprises

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Multinational Enterprise ◽  
Aluminum Production ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Smart Industry

The visions of what constitutes the Industry 4.0 is an industry based on gains in efficiency and productivity enhancements supported by integrated, smart information systems. This has caused information systems strategic misalignment that present a severe barrier to National and organizational aspirations. This paper studies the readiness of manufacturing companies for the Industry 4.0, by using a case study of Chinese multinational enterprise in the aluminum production sector. The research design follows a rigorous grounded theory approach, which consisted of 41 semi-structured interviews in 7 different company branches. Based on this case study, the paper proposes an IS strategic misalignment model that identifies three levels of misalignment that need to be resolved before the vision of the smart industry can be realized. Six main categories of causes and five main categories of consequences of IS strategic misalignment are presented. This study contributes to the IS alignment literature and provides important implications for the achievement of Industry 4.0 in practice.

scholarly journals Implemented Strategies to Handle Seasonal Inventory in a Supply Chain: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haya Esrar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Area Of Concern

Excess inventory continues to be a growing area of concern for many retailers due to the multitude of issues that arise. This study explores three strategies being practiced by a multi- national retailer to help improve its performance measures in handling excess seasonal inventory in various ways. To answer the main research question, a case study method was utilized focusing on one retail organization at three key levels: strategic, warehouse, and retail level. For the purpose of this study, six semi-structured interviews were conducted, along with the collection of some documents in conjunction with personal observations. The results showed a multitude of benefits in using the three strategies and how their proper utilization can aid the retailer in improving its performance in regards to seasonal inventory. In addition to the main findings, three factors were identified that could impact the outcome of these strategies.

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