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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 May 2024

Max Rosvall and Ida Gremyr

Quality management (QM) can support organisations in contributing to sustainable development. As a result of an expanding focus from customers towards stakeholders within QM, the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Quality management (QM) can support organisations in contributing to sustainable development. As a result of an expanding focus from customers towards stakeholders within QM, the perspectives to consider multiply. Understanding how practices and tools for process management are specifically affected by this increase in perspectives is key to creating the right conditions for improvement initiatives that support sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructs a typology wherein the use of process management practices and tools is described in nine distinguished system contexts. Inductive discrimination is used to differentiate the system contexts and different use cases for process practices and tools.

Findings

Using the system of systems grid (SOSG), mainstream business process management (BPM) practices are positioned in a simple unitary context, whilst sustainability challenges also involve more complex contexts. Addressing these challenges requires integrating new tools and methods from paradigms outside of traditional functionalist business process management practices.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the necessity to consider system contexts when developing feasible practices and tools for effective process management.

Practical implications

Practical implications are that quality practitioners aiming to exploit the potential in process management to support sustainability get support for planning and conducting process improvement initiatives aiming to consider several stakeholder perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new typology for understanding the context of QM process initiatives and BPM in light of a contemporary sustainability focus.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2024

Yvonne Kuipers, Gail Norris, Suzanne Crozier and Connie McLuckie

This paper aims to generate knowledge about relevant evaluation topics that align with and represent the unique character of the midwifery programme for students living in the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to generate knowledge about relevant evaluation topics that align with and represent the unique character of the midwifery programme for students living in the rural and remote areas of Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The first two central concepts of Practical Participatory Evaluation (P-PE) framed the research design: the data production process and (2) the knowledge co-construction process. The data were collected using a semi-structured approach via online discussions, dialogues and email-based consultation among programme stakeholders. A structural analysis was performed: the units of meaning (what was said) were extracted, listed and quantified in units of significance (what the texts were talking about), from which the key topics for evaluation emerged.

Findings

A community of 36 stakeholdersengaged in the discussions, dialogues and consultations. The stakeholders identified 58 units of significance. Fifteen subthemes were constructed in five main themes: student profile, student well-being, E-pedagogy, student journey/transition from being a nurse to becoming a midwife and learning in (an online) geographically remote and isolated area. The themes, or topics of evaluation, are dynamic functions and underlying mechanisms of the commonly used evaluation measures student progress and student evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

This P-PE is a single-site study, focusing on a unique programme consisting of a specific group of students living and studying a specific geographic area, affecting the transferability of the findings.

Originality/value

In collaboration with stakeholders, parameters to evaluate the uniqueness of the programme in addition to higher education institution routinely collected data on student progress and satisfaction were systematically identified. The themes highlight that if student progress and satisfaction were the only evaluation parameters, knowledge and understanding of the contributing factors to (un)successfulness of this unique online midwifery programme could be missed.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2024

Nabiira Nantongo, Matthew Kalubanga, Joseph Ntayi, Bonny Bagenda and Beatrice Nyakeishiki

This study aims to examine the relationship between institutional logics and specifications quality, and how this relationship is mediated by the legitimacy of the procurement…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between institutional logics and specifications quality, and how this relationship is mediated by the legitimacy of the procurement process and stewardship behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on insights from institutional logics theory, and legitimacy and stewardship behaviour literature. We conducted an extended literature review to gain a comprehensive understanding of “institutional logics” and their manifestations in organizational contexts, utilizing the 2000–2024 data collected from the EBSCO, Scopus and Web of Science databases, complemented with Google Scholar. We gather that institutional logics manifest in several forms, and that while some organizations may thrive on a single logic, in certain contexts institutional logics can manifest in combinations – “multiple logics or hybrids”. Based on this understanding, we developed testable research hypotheses, predicting the influences of institutional logics – professional logic, efficient service logic and delivery (market) logic, on legitimacy, stewardship behaviour and specifications quality. We then carried out an empirical study, adopting a quantitative cross-sectional survey design with a self-administered questionnaire to test the hypothesized relationships. The empirical data were obtained from 162 procuring and disposing entities in Uganda and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

The study findings reveal that institutional logics exert a strong positive effect on the legitimacy of the procurement process and on stewardship behaviour, which, in turn, both positively influence specifications quality.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings have implications for theory and practice. The study findings provide useful insights that support the conceptual and theoretical development of institutional logics theory and applications in procurement literature. In addition, the study findings enhance procurement managers’ understanding of the mechanisms through which institutional logics can foster specifications quality. However, considering the fact that the study was conducted in a single country context, and focused on the public sector only, the findings of the study might not be generalizable globally.

Originality/value

This study contributes to established knowledge about quality management and procurement by examining the legitimacy of the procurement process and stewardship behaviour of those involved in procurement processes as mechanisms through which procuring entities are able to use institutional logics to enhance specifications quality. In addition, the study highlights areas for future research that may be explored to increase understanding of the value of institutional logics in ensuring specifications quality, and the link between specifications quality and the general performance of procuring entities.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Gui Lohmann and Renan Peres de Oliveira

Tourism is integral to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and is closely linked to air transport. This paper aims to explore their relationship…

Abstract

Purpose

Tourism is integral to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and is closely linked to air transport. This paper aims to explore their relationship, emphasising impacts on accessibility, connectivity and collaborative efforts between airlines, destination management organisations and stakeholders. Improved air transport contributes to tourism-led growth, economic development, job creation and cultural exchange. However, environmental challenges prompt innovation with cleaner technologies and sustainable aviation fuels.

Design/methodology/approach

Opinion piece.

Findings

Linking aviation and tourism to the UN SDGs, the paper showcases contributions done to date to environmental, social and economic aspects. The paper suggests a focused strategy for aviation to align more closely with the UN SDGs. Actions such as exploring alternative fuels, prioritising energy-efficient aircraft, addressing local impacts and fostering global collaboration are crucial in addressing gender disparities for a more inclusive future.

Originality/value

This piece examines air transport developments from 1946 to 2020, revealing transformative periods marked by regulatory agreements, technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. The paper also addresses COVID-19 impacts, highlighting vulnerabilities, resilience and lessons for adaptability and sustainability.

目的

旅游业是联合国可持续发展目标的组成部分, 与航空运输密切相关。本文探讨了它们之间的关系, 强调了对航空公司、目的地管理组织 (DMO) 和利益相关者之间的可达性、连通性和协作的影响。改善航空运输有助于旅游业主导的增长、经济发展、创造就业机会和文化交流。然而, 环境挑战促使清洁技术和可持续航空燃料的创新。

设计/方法论/途径

观点文章。

结果

该文章将航空和旅游业与联合国可持续发展目标联系起来, 展示了迄今为止在环境、社会和经济方面所做的贡献。该文章提出了一项有针对性的航空战略, 从而更紧密地配合联合国可持续发展目标。探索替代燃料、优先考虑节能飞机、解决当地影响和促进全球合作等行动对于解决性别差异、创造更具包容性的未来至关重要。

原创性/价值

本文探讨了 1946 年至 2020 年航空运输的发展, 揭示了以监管协议、技术进步和可持续发展举措为标志的变革时期。该文章还讨论了 COVID-19 的影响, 强调了脆弱性、复原力以及适应性和可持续性的经验教训。

Objetivo

El turismo forma parte integral de los ODS de la ONU y está estrechamente vinculado al transporte aéreo. Este documento explora su relación, haciendo hincapié en las repercusiones sobre la accesibilidad, la conectividad y los esfuerzos de colaboración entre las aerolíneas, las organizaciones de gestión de destinos (DMOs) y las partes interesadas. La mejora del transporte aéreo contribuye al crecimiento impulsado por el turismo, al desarrollo económico, a la creación de empleo y al intercambio cultural. Sin embargo, los retos medioambientales impulsan la innovación con tecnologías más limpias y combustibles de aviación sostenibles.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Artículo de opinión.

Resultados

Al vincular la aviación y el turismo con los ODS de la ONU, el artículo muestra las contribuciones realizadas hasta la fecha a los aspectos medioambientales, sociales y económicos. El documento sugiere una estrategia centrada para que la aviación se alinee más estrechamente con los ODS de la ONU. Acciones como explorar combustibles alternativos, priorizar aeronaves energéticamente eficientes, abordar los impactos locales y fomentar la colaboración global son cruciales, así como abordar las disparidades de género para un futuro más inclusivo.

Originalidad/valor

Este artículo examina la evolución del transporte aéreo desde 1946 hasta 2020, revelando periodos transformadores marcados por acuerdos normativos, avances tecnológicos e iniciativas de sostenibilidad. El artículo también aborda los impactos del COVID-19, destacando las vulnerabilidades, la resistencia y las lecciones para la adaptabilidad y la sostenibilidad.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Shane Barrett, Frank Crowley, Justin Doran and Mari O'Connor

This paper examines the relationship between open innovation (measured by exploratory and exploitative linkages) and firm-level innovative activity in the offshore renewable…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between open innovation (measured by exploratory and exploitative linkages) and firm-level innovative activity in the offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique, purpose-built survey that targeted firms operating in the ORE sector and its supply chain was used. The data provides novel insights into the research activities and networking capabilities of an industry in its infant stages of development. Regression models are used to estimate the relationship between firm-level external linkages and innovative activity.

Findings

Exploratory linkages are positively related to more innovative activity. This relationship is subject to diminishing returns, distinguishing the ORE sector from other sectors. Collaborating with suppliers and accessing scientific journals are conducive to research and development (R&D) activity and process innovation, whilst collaborating with customers is associated with the decision to introduce new products and processes.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence of a positive, but curvilinear, relationship between external knowledge linkages and innovative activity, adding novel insights into the relationship between open innovation (OI) strategies, research and innovation outcomes for firms predominantly in the introductory stages of the technological life cycle with limited commercialisation experience. The nuanced finding that specific linkages matter for certain research and innovation (R&I) outcomes adds deeper complexity to March’s (1991) framework, where tailoring certain exploratory or exploitative linkages to specific innovation activities is important.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

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