Addressing the Issues of Maintenance Management in SMEs: Towards Sustainable and Lean Maintenance Approach

This paper outlines on the preliminary outcomes of pilot project aimed at exploring the issue related to managing of maintenance activity in the Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs have been accepted as vital components of domestic industry development in many countries. However, the literature portrays that many of Malaysian SMEs particularly the companies involved in manufacturing, fabrication and machining services are struggling to manage the maintenance of their manufacturing equipment. Dependable manufacturing equipment is important factor towards organizational profitability. Managing the maintenance activity of those manufacturing equipment nowadays, is becoming more challenging due to automation and computerization. Due to such issues, SMEs companies are under stiff pressure to minimize lost time for their survival. Thus, this study seeks to explore the related issues towards further improvements. Qualitative research methodology was adopted in the study. Data were collected at eight (8) SMEs located in three (3) different areas, namely southern, central and eastern region of peninsular Malaysia. Information was gathered from semi-structured interviews with SMEs management and observations focuses on different areas of maintenance management at the respective SMEs. The main concern is to validate the critical success factors (CSFs) in managing the maintenance activity at selected SMEs. This study discovered that nine (9) CSFs are having the most significant impact towards improving the maintenance management practice for SMEs. These include: understanding the MM philosophy; management commitment and leadership; maintenance strategy; maintenance planning; maintenance training; monitoring and assessment; appropriate number of maintenance staff; integration of tools, techniques and technology, and; record of maintenance data. All those CSFs construct are integrated in a simple yet self-explanatory MM Framework to convey the conceptual idea of MM implementation program to the management and technical people within SMEs. It is believed that the MM Framework developed would serve as an indicator of company’s MM focus level. Through the identification of the CSFs constructs, the SMEs can utilize the information to improve their approach in systematic MM program. The discovered CSFs are vital for all stakeholders that directly or indirectly involve in managing the maintenance activity in SMEs. Doi: 10.28991/esj-2021-01283 Full Text: PDF

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Uplifting the Function of Maintenance Management towards Sustainable Performance of Laboratory and Workshop in TVET Institutions

The Journal of Social Sciences Research ◽

10.32861/jssr.spi6.153.160 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 153-160

Keyword(s):

Success Factors ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Vital Role ◽

Study Data ◽

Maintenance Management ◽

Vocational Education And Training ◽

Management Tool ◽

Management Technique ◽

Main Concern ◽

Sustainable Performance

Strengthening of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is one of the Malaysian government’s efforts in producing a skilled and semi-skilled workforce towards meeting the requirement from domestic industry. Under TVET education, the graduates will undergo a various of skills and technical training in either laboratories or workshops (L&W). Of significance, the equipment in L&W plays a vital role in the realization of the roles of TVET. It demand effective management tool and necessity to be in 100 percent availability. However, the literature portrays that there are some risen issues related to maintenance management of L&W, particularly related to resources such as inappropriate budget allocated for maintenance activity, unskilled staff, poor monitoring technique and utilization of conventional maintenance management technique. Hence, this study is aimed at exploring the uncovered issue related to maintenance management of L& W at the selected TVET institutions. Qualitative research methodology will be adopted in the study. Data will be collected at three TVET institutions from different region of peninsular Malaysia. The main concern of this study is three fold, first is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) in managing the equipment of L&W in the TVET institution. The second part of this study will examine how the MM of L&W can be optimized and embraced the digital age. The study will taking into account the complex interplay between equipment or system in the L&W and the digital systems. In the third and final part of this study, those identified CSFs will be integrated towards a holistic framework to manage the L&W of TVET institution. The framework is beneficial for all stakeholders that directly or indirectly involve in managing, uplifting and sustaining the L&W of TVET institution.

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Scaling up Smart City Logistics Projects: The Case of the Smooth Project

Smart Cities ◽

10.3390/smartcities4040071 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 1337-1365

Author(s):

Eleonora Sista ◽

Pietro De De Giovanni

Keyword(s):

Smart City ◽

Success Factors ◽

Scale Up ◽

Pilot Project ◽

Scaling Up ◽

City Logistics ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The City ◽

Roll Out

A large number of smart city logistics projects fail to scale up, remaining a local experimental exercise. This lack of scalability is, in fact, commonly recognized as a major problem. This study aims to determine the key success factors related to the scalability of smart city logistics projects. The process of scaling up, which is articulated as expansion, roll-out, and replication, is defined as the ability of a system to improve its scale by aiming to meet the increasing volume demand. Specifically, this study investigates the scalability intended to be used as expansion and roll-out. A qualitative case study was conducted to fulfill the research purpose. The chosen case study is SMOOTh, a pilot project currently underway in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, involving a diverse group of companies including Volvo Group and DHL. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven of the project’s stakeholders. Through a thematic analysis, four categories and the respective success factors were identified. These were represented by a business model, as well as technical, stakeholder and regulatory factors. The paper concludes with observations and recommendations aimed at the pilot initiatives, adding new perspectives to the upscaling debate.

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Towards the Integration of Risk and Value Management

Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building - Conference Series ◽

10.5130/ajceb-cs.v1i2.3165 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 43 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A Ranesh ◽

G Zillante ◽

N Chileshe

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Best Practice ◽

Success Factors ◽

Management Practice ◽

Value Management ◽

Infrastructure Development ◽

Value For Money ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Critical Success ◽

Project Outcomes

Governments are increasingly faced with the challenge of delivering infrastructure developments under difficult budget constraints. Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being used widely as a means of meeting public infrastructure demands through private finance. The aim is to achieve value for money (VfM) through the allocation of risks to the party who can manage them more effectively. If project risks are not well managed, the project will face cost, quality and time overruns thereby affecting the viability of the project. Both Risk Management (RM) and Value Management (VM) are considered to be best practice in project management and enable organisations to define objectives when delivering complex projects whilst reducing risk and maximising value. Over the years researchers and practitioners have argued that the integration of RM and VM in a single study would avoid duplication of work and deliver better value for money thereby leading to better project outcomes. As part of an on-going doctoral study into the integration of risk management and value management in PPP projects, this paper attempts to examine the application of risk and value management practice in infrastructure development projects, predominantly in PPP projects, through semi-structured interviews conducted as a qualitative research methodology with ten industry practitioners. To achieve this aim, this paper attempts to identify the similarities between the two processes along with the benefits and critical success factors for the integration of RM and VM in PPP projects. The results suggest that, although risk and value management activities are said to be used in projects; “formal” RM and VM studies are rarely undertaken. The observations to date suggest that, although there are barriers against the integration of VM and RM, there is a need for the development of a systematic process to enable the integration of risk and value management to occur.

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A Study Of Motivation In Business Start-Ups Among Malay Entrepreneurs

International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER) ◽

10.19030/iber.v5i2.3462 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Ahmad Zaki Bin Hj. Ismail ◽

Mohd Fadzely Bin Mohd Zain ◽

Elsadig Musa Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Developing Economies ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Motivational Factors ◽

Primary Data ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Motivation Factors ◽

Start Up

The effect of entrepreneurships in developing economies was studied widely in prior researches, since entrepreneurs contribute significantly in economics development. The purpose of this study is to explore and understand Malay entrepreneurs in the eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia; who are the majority ethnic group in the area. The study is concentrated on the motivation factors that influenced their decision to start up new businesses. This study also examined problems faced by those entrepreneurs, both during start up stage and during present operation. Basic variables on entrepreneurs background and their business characteristics were taken into account.The motivational factors were examined using a modified model from Scheinberg and MacMillan. The primary data collections methods were structured interviews and surveys. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) was used in analyzing the data. Frequency and descriptive analysis were used to examine the basic variables and problems facing the entrepreneurs. Factor analysis was applied to determine the motivation factors. In addition, ANOVA and MANOVA were used to test the hypotheses developed.The study shows that majority of Malay entrepreneurs are male. One third of the entrepreneurs are well educated up to the tertiary level. Almost all of them are married and has worked in three different fields prior to starting their own business. They were involved in operating small business for others, worked as Government servants or in private firms. A majority of their parents operate their own business. Major problems in conducting business lies in stiff competition from others and also insufficient initial capital. Seven motivational factors were determined to have influenced Malay entrepreneurs to start up business. The most influential factors are spiritual liability, personal development and satisfaction, and financial security. Other important factors are opportunities, freedom, accommodation and escapism. Meanwhile, five hypotheses were developed for this study. The result shows that the level of education of entrepreneurs is significant with reference to the motivational factors. On the other hand, gender, previous work and parents occupation are of no significance. However, combination of gender and level of education showed certain level of significance with reference to their motivational factors.

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Göçmen çocuklar ve okul kültürleri: Bir bütünleştirme çalışması

GÖÇ DERGİSİ ◽

10.33182/gd.v3i1.555 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 65-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Halis Sakız

Keyword(s):

Public Schools ◽

School Culture ◽

Social Acceptance ◽

School Administrators ◽

Migrant Children ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

School Cultures ◽

Inclusive School

Bu makale, Türkiye’de yoğun göç almakta olan Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi’ndeki okullarda, göçmen çocukların okullara dâhil edilmesine yönelik olarak idarecilerin düşünce, inanç ve tutumlarını inceleyen nitel bir araştırmanın sonuçlarını bildirmektedir. Araştırma özelde, okul yöneticilerinin göçmen çocukların kendi okullarında eğitilmesine yönelik tutumlarını, bu eğitimin önünde duran ve okul ikliminden kaynaklanan engelleri ve göçmen çocukların kendini ait hissettikleri bütünleştirici okul iklimleri inşa edilebilmesi için eğitim sistemindeki mevcut fırsatları ortaya koymayı amaçlamıştır. Araştırmada, 18 okul yöneticisinden nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olan yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşmeler kullanılarak veri toplanmış ve bu veriler tematik analiz yöntemiyle çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda (i) okul yöneticilerinin göçmen çocuklara ayrıştırılmış ortamlarda eğitim verilmesini desteklediği ve kendi okullarında eğitim görmelerine dair olumsuz tutumlar beslediği, (ii) yapısal yetersizliklerin ve düşük toplumsal kabul düzeyinin göçmen çocukların eğitimine yönelik olumsuz tutumları önemli ölçüde etkilediği ve (iii) bütünleşik okul kültürlerinin oluşması için paydaşların psiko-sosyal ve yapısal anlamda desteklenmesi gerektiği ortaya çıkmıştır. ENGLISH ABSTRACTMigrant children and school cultures: A suggestion for inclusionThis article reports on the findings of an empirical research investigating the thoughts, beliefs and attitudes towards the inclusion of migrant children in the South-eastern region of Turkey which is currently exposed to intensive migration waves. Specifically, the article explores the attitudes of school administrators towards the education of migrant children in their schools, the barriers to this education stemming from the school culture and the opportunities in the education system to build inclusive school cultures in which migrant children can feel belonging to. The research employed 18 school administrators, utilized semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data and analyzed them through thematic analysis. Findings showed that (a) school administrators supported education of migrant children in segregated environments and possessed negative attitudes towards their education in public schools; (b) structural limitations and low social acceptance levels affected the negative attitudes towards the education of migrant children and (c) stakeholders needed to be provided with psycho-social and structural support in order to establish inclusive school cultures. Keywords: Migrant children; inclusive school culture; qualitative research; Turkey

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Mapping domain characteristics influencing Analytics initiatives: The example of Supply Chain Analytics

Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management ◽

10.3926/jiem.3004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 56

Author(s):

Tino Herden

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Management ◽

Success Factors ◽

Research Collaboration ◽

Future Research ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Chain Management ◽

Domain Specific ◽

The Status ◽

The Impact

Purpose: Analytics research is increasingly divided by the domains Analytics is applied to. Literature offers little understanding whether aspects such as success factors, barriers and management of Analytics must be investigated domain-specific, while the execution of Analytics initiatives is similar across domains and similar issues occur. This article investigates characteristics of the execution of Analytics initiatives that are distinct in domains and can guide future research collaboration and focus. The research was conducted on the example of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the respective domain-specific Analytics subfield of Supply Chain Analytics. The field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been recognized as early adopter of Analytics but has retracted to a midfield position comparing different domains.Design/methodology/approach: This research uses Grounded Theory based on 12 semi-structured Interviews creating a map of domain characteristics based of the paradigm scheme of Strauss and Corbin.Findings: A total of 34 characteristics of Analytics initiatives that distinguish domains in the execution of initiatives were identified, which are mapped and explained. As a blueprint for further research, the domain-specifics of Logistics and Supply Chain Management are presented and discussed.Originality/value: The results of this research stimulates cross domain research on Analytics issues and prompt research on the identified characteristics with broader understanding of the impact on Analytics initiatives. The also describe the status-quo of Analytics. Further, results help managers control the environment of initiatives and design more successful initiatives.

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Engineering Procurement Construction in the Context of Belt and Road Infrastructure Projects in West Asia: A SWOT Analysis

Journal of Risk and Financial Management ◽

10.3390/jrfm14030092 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 92

Author(s):

Mohammad Ajmal Nikjow ◽

Li Liang ◽

Xijing Qi ◽

Samad Sepasgozar

Keyword(s):

Swot Analysis ◽

Management Practice ◽

Current Status ◽

Infrastructure Development ◽

Infrastructure Projects ◽

Information Communication ◽

Complex Environments ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Normative Practice ◽

Belt And Road

Engineering procurement and construction (EPC) is a normative practice globally approved since China has been engaging in international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure development. EPC has been adopted in the delivery of BRI infrastructure projects in other countries. Compared to the domestic method of contract, EPC remains at a low level in management practice, such as a lack of coordinating diverse project stakeholders, high cost of information communication, and risk in complex environments in West Asia (WA). However, no research has conducted a strategic analysis of the current situation of EPC for BRI infrastructure projects in West Asian countries. This study aims to understand the current status quo of EPC for BRI projects in WA by performing a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threats (SWOT) analysis and with the support of data collected from the literature review and semi-structured interviews with EPC stakeholders. The study brings awareness along which internally and externally circumstances of the EPC for BRI infrastructure projects can be perceived by major stakeholders participating. The four critical strategies presented based on the SWOTs identified could help EPC firms develop and promote EPC to implement BRI infrastructure projects in WA at the strategic level.

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Birth companionship in a government health system: a pilot study in Kigoma, Tanzania

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03746-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paul Chaote ◽

Nguke Mwakatundu ◽

Sunday Dominico ◽

Alex Mputa ◽

Agnes Mbanza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Pilot Project ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Respectful Maternity Care ◽

Health Providers ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Government Officials ◽

Government Health ◽

Project Data ◽

Birth Companion

Abstract Background Having a companion of choice throughout childbirth is an important component of good quality and respectful maternity care for women and has become standard in many countries. However, there are only a few examples of birth companionship being implemented in government health systems in low-income countries. To learn if birth companionship was feasible, acceptable and led to improved quality of care in these settings, we implemented a pilot project using 9 intervention and 6 comparison sites (all government health facilities) in a rural region of Tanzania. Methods The pilot was developed and implemented in Kigoma, Tanzania between July 2016 and December 2018. Women delivering at intervention sites were given the choice of having a birth companion with them during childbirth. We evaluated the pilot with: (a) project data; (b) focus group discussions; (c) structured and semi-structured interviews; and (d) service statistics. Results More than 80% of women delivering at intervention sites had a birth companion who provided support during childbirth, including comforting women and staying by their side. Most women interviewed at intervention sites were very satisfied with having a companion during childbirth (96–99%). Most women at the intervention sites also reported that the presence of a companion improved their labor, delivery and postpartum experience (82–97%). Health providers also found companions very helpful because they assisted with their workload, alerted the provider about changes in the woman’s status, and provided emotional support to the woman. When comparing intervention and comparison sites, providers at intervention sites were significantly more likely to: respond to women who called for help (p = 0.003), interact in a friendly way (p < 0.001), greet women respectfully (p < 0.001), and try to make them more comfortable (p = 0.003). Higher proportions of women who gave birth at intervention sites reported being “very satisfied” with the care they received (p < 0.001), and that the staff were “very kind” (p < 0.001) and “very encouraging” (p < 0.001). Conclusion Birth companionship was feasible and well accepted by health providers, government officials and most importantly, women who delivered at intervention facilities. The introduction of birth companionship improved women’s experience of birth and the maternity ward environment overall.

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Collaborative design in public services: a wicked problem-reframing case

The TQM Journal ◽

10.1108/tqm-12-2019-0300 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Patrícia Moura e Sá ◽

Catarina Frade ◽

Fernanda Jesus ◽

Mónica Lopes ◽

Teresa Maneca Lima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Collaborative Design ◽

Success Factors ◽

Central Government ◽

Wicked Problem ◽

Low Density ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Critical Success ◽

Definition Of ◽

The Right

PurposeWicked problems require collaborative innovation approaches. Understanding the problem from the users' perspective is essential. Based on a complex and ill-defined case, the purpose of the current paper is to identify some critical success factors in defining the “right problem” to be addressed.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical research study was carried out in a low-density municipality (case study). Extensive data were collected from official databases, individual semi-structured interviews and a focus group involving citizens, local authorities, civil servants and other relevant stakeholders.FindingsAs defined by the central government, the problem to be addressed by the research team was to identify which justice services should be made available locally to a small- and low-density community. The problem was initially formulated using top-down reasoning. In-depth contact with citizens and key local players revealed that the lack of justice services was not “the issue” for that community. Mobility constraints and the shortage of economic opportunities had a considerable impact on the lack of demand for justice services. By using a bottom-up perspective, it was possible to reframe the problem to be addressed and suggest a new concept to be tested at later stages.Social implicationsThe approach followed called attention to the importance of listening to citizens and local organisations with a profound knowledge of the territory to effectively identify and circumscribe a local problem in the justice field.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the limitations of traditional rational problem-solving approaches and contributes to expanding the voice-of-the-customer principle showing how it can lead to a substantially new definition of the problem to be addressed.

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Survey on weedy rice (Oryza spp.) management practice and adoption of Clearfield® rice technology in Peninsular Malaysia

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/wsc.2021.16 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Masilamany Dilipkumar ◽

Muhammad Saiful Ahmad-Hamdani ◽

Hairazi Rahim ◽

Tse Seng Chuah ◽

Nilda Roma Burgos

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Development ◽

Management Practices ◽

Management Practice ◽

Educational Programs ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Weedy Rice ◽

Rice Farmers ◽

Development Area ◽

Adoption Level ◽

Main Factor

Abstract A total of 452 rice farmers from three main granary areas of Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA), and Integrated Agricultural Development Area Barat Laut Selangor (IADA BLS) were surveyed in 2019. The goal was to determine farmers’ knowledge of and management practices for weedy rice (Oryza spp.) as well as the adoption level of Clearfield® rice technology (CRT) in Malaysia. Most farmers (74%) were adept at recognizing weedy rice. The majority of farmers (77%) perceived transplanting and water seeding rice systems as the best options to manage weedy rice, while only 10% of the farmers adopted CRT. The low level of adoption of this technology was due to several constraints, including the high cost of the CRT package and occurrence of imidazolinone (IMI)-resistant weedy rice in their farms. Farmers from MADA and IADA BLS reported the occurrence of IMI weedy rice in their farms for more than nine planting seasons, whereas those from KADA reported having resistant weedy rice for five to six planting seasons. The main factor contributing to the evolution of IMI-resistant weedy rice was ignorance about the technology and deliberate disregard of stewardship guidelines. The survey revealed that there is a need to increase awareness about CRT through training and educational programs for proper adoption of this technology.

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