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Presents an approach for applying root cause analysis (RCA) in a service delivery system for the purpose of investigating and correcting service delivery system problems. Utilizes a methodology that incorporates and integrates RCA into the service system by combining the approach with other managerial tools, a proactive continuous improvement (CI) philosophy, and an open system perspective of the organization and its environment. Stresses relevance of both operational and strategic implications that result from service delivery problems. The development and utility of the proposed methodology presented in this research is illustrated using both a hypothetical example and a real world application.

The gap between higher learning practices and business expectations in terms of preparing engineering, technology, and business students is significant. This paper offers an innovative approach toward narrowing that gap. The approach offered stresses an open system orientation and partnerships between business and education. This approach was utilized successfully, resulting in win‐win outcomes for both business and higher education. The results of a mini‐case study are presented and their implications are discussed.

The effective executive operating in today’s global environment must formulate, operate and execute across multi‐faceted environmental and organizational modes for different projects throughout their distinct phases in order to achieve results that meet shareholder expectations. In this study, the authors draw on a stream of research dealing with domestic and international project managers as well as the practical experience of the lead author to provide an informational integrated approach to help senior executives and project managers manage the strategic and operational facets of different projects. In this context, a practical roadmap for identifying problems and implementing timely corrective actions to improve projects’ success is advocated by this study.

Aims to show how the merger of computer technologies, total quality management and the tools of project management can increase the quality, efficiency and the customer orientation of computer animation projects. Provides a conceptual framework which is designed to facilitate this merger. Uses an actual computer animation project to illustrate the utility of the proposed approach.

Addresses the issue dealing with marketing technical innovations. A practical conceptual framework which offers a systematic approach to overcoming barriers related to the marketing of technical innovations is presented. The framework is currently being field tested in several organizations and comprises three parts. The first part (integration) addresses the open system organizational structure necessary to facilitate the successful marketing of technical innovation. The second part (investigation) addresses the formulation of systematic marketing efforts and strategies targeted at the the different entities in the customer’s organization. The third part (implementation) outlines a practical implementation approach.

Presents a practical conceptual framework designed to determine the cost of quality based on nonconformance to a set of quality standards. This framework was implemented in a manufacturing environment. It utilizes an “open” system architecture which stresses a customer orientation. In this context, customer influence determines what is important in terms of quality. Standards are established for these elements which are used to gauge the performance and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Poor performance is then quantified in terms of relevant costs. The framework is designed to go beyond conventional cost of quality and nonconformance models, as it offers a solution path which utilizes employees to improve areas of nonconformance. Cultural, informational and technical organizational requirements needed to implement the framework advocated here are outlined.

Explores the dynamic relationships involved in achieving a strategic quality orientation in a business setting. The relevant literature was revived. A methodology for implementing a strategic quality perspective was developed and tested in a field study. The methodology stresses both the technical and cultural aspects of the implementation process and provides a road map for other businesses pursuing ISO 9000 and total quality management.

Describes the development of an application for a computer‐integrated manufacturing environment which facilitates the communication links between different sub‐systems of the manufacturing system. Using the Pick operating system and a database management system, a prototype was designed for an aircraft engine overhaul system. The model incorporated several processes to implement the overhauling sub‐systems including marketing, business and manufacturing operations.

This article reports a practical application of intelligence gathering and strategic planning online. Firms in the reinsurance industry (defined in the text) face changed market realities and new challenges. As they attempt to chart new strategies and apply innovative business models in response to the changing marketplace, information technology can make a significant contribution. Internet‐based e‐business strategies and related business models have proven utility, which has greatly benefited many organizations in the service sector. The question is not whether e‐business‐based strategic business models will work for firms in this industry, but how to make them work effectively. The field study reported here proposes and tests a practical and systematic framework, finding it to be highly effective and applicable.

The purpose of this paper it to examine Electronic commerce (e-commerce) practices of Iranian business organizations, as a “traditional” business culture, as it compares to a “developed” business culture such as the one existing in business organizations in the USA.

Executives from a sample of 50 business organizations in Iran were interviewed and asked to complete the research questions pertaining to e-commerce practices in their organizations. A factor analysis procedures with varimax rotations is used to analyze the data collected from these organizations.

Comparing the result of this study with an earlier study on a sample of business organization in the USA shows more similarities than differences. Based on the results of the study, it appears that e-commerce practices and related technology present similar opportunities and challenges to organizations regardless of their business culture. Lack of appropriate technological hardware and software, however, is identified as a hindering factor preventing Iranian business organizations from reaching their e-commerce potentials.

This research provides a rare insight into the Iranian business culture. The collection of data through personal interviews and the empirical nature of the study represent a unique opportunity to validate findings from other business cultures. This allows for a better practical understanding of the opportunities and constraints associated with e-commerce adoption.