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1 – 10 of over 48000Anthony Bagherian, Mark Gershon and Sunil Kumar
Some Six Sigma (SS) efforts have not been entirely successful. This research paper aims to investigate the leadership style and the elements of it that positively influence the…
Abstract
Purpose
Some Six Sigma (SS) efforts have not been entirely successful. This research paper aims to investigate the leadership style and the elements of it that positively influence the attainment of Six Sigma programs within the automobile industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a Likert-scale questionnaire and a simple random sampling method. 2,325 potential participants were approached, resulting in 573 responses, primarily from Germany, the United Kingdom and Sweden. 260 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis, utilizing an exploratory and mixed-methods research design to examine the impact of leadership style on Six Sigma success. Statistical methods such as SEM, EFA and CFA were used for data analysis.
Findings
The study utilized numerous SEM methods, including Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and identified three key elements of leadership traits: (1) leadership support for long-term improvement strategies; (2) leadership commit to the supplier's organization to maintain quality and supply defect-free products.
Research limitations/implications
Due to limited participants, the outcome of the research could lead to inadequacies in data interpretation regarding the contextual predispostions, and the research could develop weaknesses in the form of cross-sectional instead of longitudinal data and design.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this study suggest that institutions, practitioners and researchers can incorporate these two identified factors into leadership traits to promote the sustainable implementation of Six Sigma (SS) initiatives.
Originality/value
This study makes an original contribution to the assessment of leadership style and its elements in the European automobile industry, utilizing a mixed-methods research design along with descriptive statistics to provide valuable insights.
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Esam Osman, Glenn Hardaker and Liyana Eliza Glenn
Overall quantitative research aims to observe certain fundamental principles of logic and scientific frame of reasoning. There continues to be challenges on how quantitative…
Abstract
Purpose
Overall quantitative research aims to observe certain fundamental principles of logic and scientific frame of reasoning. There continues to be challenges on how quantitative research is conducted in the field of information systems.
Design/methodology/approach
Structured equation modelling (SEM) research identifies concerns about the standard of scientific enquiry method, the issue of the misconception of sustaining the consequent and the issue of collective validity. Therefore, rigor and robustness in instrument validity, constructs validity and path analysis validity maybe better achieved by attending to these three concerns. Measuring a multiple mediator construct in a hypothetical model continues to be a challenge for researchers in information systems research and related fields.
Findings
This paper aims to provide a thoughtful assessment of the contemporary issues of structural equation modelling methodology (SEMM), by providing rigid and robust SEMM that has several stages in specifying valid multiple mediators construct and the process to measuring in a path analysis model. This paper attempts to develop each stage of the methodology using relevant research to construct a methodology specified to test effects in multiple mediators in SEM using AMOS software. The methodology developed contains the two main phases; first is prior to data collection phase and the second phase is after the data collection, the use of this methodology design, for implementation, intended to support high methodological standards and subsequent quality in MIS research findings.
Originality/value
The research paper provides SEMM that has several stages in specifying valid multiple mediators construct and the process to measuring in a path analysis model.
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Edmundo Inacio Junior, Eduardo Avancci Dionisio, Bruno Brandão Fischer, Yanchao Li and Dirk Meissner
Based on an efficiency analysis of the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI), the purpose was to demonstrate that the Key Performance Indicators’ analysis leads to a…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on an efficiency analysis of the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI), the purpose was to demonstrate that the Key Performance Indicators’ analysis leads to a misinterpretation of the dynamics of National Systems of Entrepreneurship (NSEs). This might hamper the formulation of sound initiatives in other economies, with relevant implications for developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study categorized GEI indicators into output and input indicators. Following this procedure, each dimension was analyzed separately and then compared to each other, considering countries’ productivity rates. The main focus is given to the case of the US, the usual benchmark for NSEs and leader in the GEI Index. Lastly, a taxonomy of NSEs according to their efficiency levels was developed.
Findings
The findings of the analysis demonstrates that innovation-driven economies with lower positions in GEI ranking often have higher productivity rates when compared to economies with higher positions in GEI ranking. Specifically, the US appears not to be a good benchmark in terms of NSE efficiency.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s approach is limited in scope by data availability on NSEs and the use of GEI, a representation of aggregate patterns of country-level entrepreneurial dynamics. More refined data are needed in order to clarify some insights from this research.
Practical implications
The perception of systemic efficiency should be considered more thoroughly when designing dedicated entrepreneurship-oriented policies in other countries that aim at establishing a more vibrant entrepreneurial system while facing resource constraints.
Social implications
Simplistic views of systemic aspects may hamper the formulation of sound entrepreneurship-oriented initiatives with particularly relevant implications for public policy in laggard economies.
Originality/value
The value of this article relies on applied a simple metric – efficiency ratio – order than, e.g. data envelopment analysis to portray a key issue related to the interpretation of supranational rankings related to the entrepreneurship ecosystem make mainly by policymakers and scholars that is: pick the 1st one, follow the leader.
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Karthik N.S. Iyer, Richard Germain and Gary L. Frankwick
The research empirically investigates the relationships among supply chain B2B e‐commerce, environmental uncertainty, organizational structure, and time‐based delivery…
Abstract
The research empirically investigates the relationships among supply chain B2B e‐commerce, environmental uncertainty, organizational structure, and time‐based delivery performance. The results show that B2B e‐commerce enhances time‐based delivery performance. The process turbulence component of environmental uncertainty has direct influence on B2B e‐commerce implementation and an indirect influence as mediated by the integration dimension of organizational structure. Process turbulence thus indirectly has a positive effect on time‐based delivery performance, whereas demand unpredictability has no effect. Integration within the firm associates with B2B e‐commerce implementation, while decentralization and formal control are unrelated to B2B e‐commerce.
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This paper aims to study the impact of four dimensions of workplace spirituality (engaging work, spiritual connection, mystical experiences and sense of community), corresponding…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the impact of four dimensions of workplace spirituality (engaging work, spiritual connection, mystical experiences and sense of community), corresponding with workplace climate and compensation on employee perceived job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 207 individuals from an international hospital were interviewed. Preliminary research, sale assessment, correlations and regressions were carried out.
Findings
The findings suggest that there are strong, positive and significant relationships between workplace spirituality (engaging work, sense of community), workplace climate, compensation and perceived job performance.
Research limitations/implications
This paper relates to only the healthcare services. Hence, it is highly recommended that further research be administered in other professions and areas with a broader view and a longitudinal research design.
Practical implications
Some applicable recommendations to enhance personnel’s productivity and organizational effectiveness are suggested.
Originality/value
This paper could shed new light on the neglected acknowledged phenomena of spirituality, climate and compensation at work as well as make way for various applications in the working environment.
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M. Atilla Öner and Senem Göl Beşer
The overall aim of the research is to provide an assessment of the level of the reported success of foresight project results of a multinational company in Turkey.
Abstract
Purpose
The overall aim of the research is to provide an assessment of the level of the reported success of foresight project results of a multinational company in Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
The model of assessment is based on an integrated framework characterized by approaching foresight as a project and associating it by the redefined pitfalls in, and success factors of, corporate foresight projects in order to facilitate better conversion of their results into actual changes in corporations. A multinational company in Turkey (Siemens Turkey) is chosen for the exploratory case study. The exploratory assessment model was designed via the use of a survey questionnaire, a case study, and interviews of managers (who were involved in the corporate foresight project).
Findings
Results of the individual assessment of corporate foresight project at the company were labeled as “successful”. There needs to be given an overall attention to the process‐oriented elements of the foresight project. Pitfalls in the foundation phase accumulated the highest problem area, suggesting that the total project would eventually suffer.
Research limitations/implications
One of the limitations of the study is the use of a single case with an attempt to assess the pitfalls of the foresight projects. The exploratory study may include premature conclusions about the assessment of corporate foresight project results, yet a single case can imply generalizable insights. The authors believe this research suggests some potentially significant insights for foresight studies and their applications.
Practical implications
The study may help to support the reliability of the foresight studies as they have been implemented and might bring a new methodological challenge on the quality and success of the corporate foresight project results.
Social implications
The approach described the factors affecting the success of corporate foresight activities with respect to understanding the pitfalls of foresight projects. Taking reference to such a framework, foresight results may be better delivered and disseminated in corporations with concrete results and actual changes in organizations. The model of assessment may be used to analyze the level of the reported success of foresight project results in companies implementing foresight activities.
Originality/value
Although foresight studies within businesses has become more important and widespread with its systematic and continuous/participatory approach, based on a variety of methods, it is still a partially explored area in terms of research with mainly descriptive studies.
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Man Yin Rebecca Yiu and Kit Fai Pun
This paper aims to discuss an integrated paradigm that aligns the measures of knowledge management (KM) performance to attain corporate goals in organisations. It presents the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss an integrated paradigm that aligns the measures of knowledge management (KM) performance to attain corporate goals in organisations. It presents the main findings of an exploratory study on the use of the paradigm and the accompanied self-assessment scheme in industrial enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated knowledge management (IKM) model was derived, incorporating the guiding principles of the Total Quality Management/Business Excellence Models. A host of 20 elements was advocated under 5 assessment criteria, namely, Senior management leadership, KM processes, people development, continuous improvement and results orientation. A four-level self-assessment scheme was developed for facilitating users to determine the maturity status of IKM performance in organisations. An exploratory study was conducted with respondents of 18 companies in T&T. A results-oriented methodology with a self-assessment instrument (includes a set of questionnaire and facilitative tools) was used to acquire the industry practitioners’ views on the potential applicability of the IKM model. The study compared the current with the expected organisational performance and explored the relevance of integrating KM and PM practices in these participating organisations.
Findings
The findings provided some useful data sources and managerial insights in integrating KM/PM initiatives with reference to groups of large enterprises vs small- and medium-sized companies in T&T. Empirical evidence showed that the self-assessment analysis could help participating organisations utilise their resources and keep up with improvement progress. The objectives, emphasis and administrative context of the KM/PM integration could be changed with varying resources, constraints and maturity status of organisations.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could validate the self-assessment paradigm of KM performance in enterprises across various industry sectors, with the emphasis on human–technology–organisation interactions.
Originality/value
It is anticipated that adapting the IKM model and using it for regular self-assessments could help industrial enterprises to enhance their KM and PM capabilities for attaining improvement goals. The results could facilitate information sharing of best practices and create conditions conducive to continuous performance improvement.
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F. Balbaster Benavent, S. Cruz Ros and M. Moreno‐Luzon
Continuous improvement is a primary principle in total quality management. It is applied to all aspects of the organisation including products, processes, and even the management…
Abstract
Purpose
Continuous improvement is a primary principle in total quality management. It is applied to all aspects of the organisation including products, processes, and even the management of the firm. In this context, quality management self‐assessment is a useful tool for fostering the continuous improvement of the whole company, comparing its activities and results with an excellence model. However, little is known about the variables and relationships underlying self‐assessment application. This paper tries to shed light on this topic.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is an exploratory case study. Three Spanish organisations with a broad experience in self‐assessment application are analysed.
Findings
A model of self‐assessment application – containing variables and relationships among variables is proposed. Thus, the establishment of a holistic or systemic self‐assessment model where all the variables linked to self‐assessment employment are analytically and explicitly interrelated becomes the fundamental contribution of the research presented here.
Research limitations/implications
This framework may constitute a starting point for subsequent academic research in this area.
Practical implications
The framework may also constitute a practical guide for managers interested in the use of self‐assessment technique.
Originality/value
Provides information on self‐assessment in a continuous improvement context.
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Naomi Augar, Carolyn J Woodley, Despina Whitefield and Maxwell Winchester
The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of academics’ approaches to managing team assessment at an Australian University with a view to informing policy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of academics’ approaches to managing team assessment at an Australian University with a view to informing policy development and assessment design.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted using a single exploratory case study approach focussing on the team assessment approach of academics teaching in two colleges at an Australian University. A desktop audit of publicly available assessment policy from 38 Australian universities was conducted alongside a review of relevant college subject guides. The findings of this review framed a subsequent focus group and online survey of academic staff.
Findings
Results suggest that staff have adopted highly diverse and idiosyncratic approaches to team assessment and have mixed views about varied approaches to managing and assessing teamwork. Findings identify a need for explicit guidance and professional development on designing, managing and grading team assessments. Institutional limits and criteria should be introduced to ensure a whole-of-course approach to developing teamwork skills and ensure students are not burdened with an excessive number of team assessment tasks in a degree.
Research limitations/implications
The paper reports results from an exploratory case study at a single Australian University. As such, the results are not generalizable.
Practical implications
The findings could inform guidelines, policies or support resources for designing team assessment tasks.
Originality/value
The research explores a challenging area for academics: team assessment, which the research indicates is not currently adequately managed through university policy and procedure. The findings highlight options for universities to consider when developing policies and procedures to manage team assessment. The study also provides recommendations for academics to consider when developing and managing team assessment.
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Misykat Malik Ibrahim, Marhany Malik and Ratu Amilia Avianti
The present study aims to provide a better understanding of authentic assessment in the COVID-19 pandemic era by exploring how Indonesian lecturers perceive authentic assessment…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to provide a better understanding of authentic assessment in the COVID-19 pandemic era by exploring how Indonesian lecturers perceive authentic assessment in terms of input, process and output. It also examines the issue through the theoretical lens of authentic assessment following the tenet of a five-dimensional framework (5DF) including assessment task, physical context, social context, assessment result and standard authentic criteria.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to garner data through qualitative interviews and authentic assessment questionnaires in which 48 lecturers from four universities were involved.
Findings
The study gleaned two important findings. The qualitative data showed that the university teachers enacted the cognitive assessment fruitfully. The study shows that lecturer participants experienced difficulties in integrating cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains into authentic assessment tasks during the teaching and learning process. Additionally, the results of quantitative data support the qualitative data that lecturer participants faced challenges (asking students to demonstrate or perform the tasks) in implementing both social and physical contexts in authentic assessment tasks of online learning during COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
The present study addresses practical and conceptual implications. Practically, it suggests the need to facilitate the development of lecturers' technological skills to design online authentic assessment in higher education that responds to fully online assessment, such as the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the study suggests that lecturers need to build their understanding of 5DF theoretical lens which include assessment tasks, physical contexts, social contexts, assessment result and standard authentic criteria to enhance their literacy in enacting authentic assessment.
Originality/value
Although many studies have investigated the implementation of authentic assessment in higher education, only a few have examined how lecturers perceived online authentic assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study contributes to developing conceptual and empirical evidence regarding lecturers' perception of the implementation of authentic assessment based on 5DF theoretical lens in higher education settings during the pandemic of COVID-19.
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