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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1996

Alan Simon, Amrik Sohal and Alan Brown

Argues that because of the many inherent weaknesses of traditional empirical research, generative and case study approaches may be more useful methodologies for conducting research

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Abstract

Argues that because of the many inherent weaknesses of traditional empirical research, generative and case study approaches may be more useful methodologies for conducting research on quality management. Outlines ways in which the generative research model builds conceptual frameworks from the data provided by the target population itself in conjunction with a review of the literature, while the case study approach provides a much deeper and richer insight to the quality management practices of the company being investigated. Discusses the benefits and difficulties associated with case study research.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2004

W.G. Lewis, K.F. Pun and T.R.M. Lalla

Many researchers and practitioners have acknowledged the need to investigate the relationships amongst various criteria of implementing total quality management (TQM) in small and…

Abstract

Many researchers and practitioners have acknowledged the need to investigate the relationships amongst various criteria of implementing total quality management (TQM) in small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs). There is a need to have practical research methodologies that take cognisance of the peculiarities of SMMEs and impact on their quality management practices in developing countries. This paper presents the theoretical foundation of a proposed Generative Research Methodology and configures the specification of a TQM implementation framework in SMMEs. The methodology combines rigorous research approaches, builds theory based on the dynamics of the environment and the firms’ characteristics and incorporates various TQM criteria into the design of the framework. It synchronises inductive and deductive research methods in three phases and uses various means to acquire empirical evidence and examine the dependent and independent variables of TQM implementation. It is anticipated that the methodology could help SMMEs to develop, analyse and evaluate the framework for attaining quality performance goals.

Details

Asian Journal on Quality, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1598-2688

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1996

Amrik Sohal, Alan Simon and Edmund Lu

Provides two practical examples of Australian quality management studies which have used generative and case study methodologies. Used the generative research strategy to study…

1210

Abstract

Provides two practical examples of Australian quality management studies which have used generative and case study methodologies. Used the generative research strategy to study the quality management practices in the Australian business service industry and finds that not enough players in that industry have implemented quality management procedures. Suggests there is a link between some of these quality management practices and increased profitability. Uses the case study approach to show that in several companies the factors most likely to contribute to the success of a total quality management programme are a clear strategy, a customer focus, successful teams, monitoring procedures, and the implementation of a formal quality assurance system.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2009

Alan Simon, Chris Frame and Amrik Sohal

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect that the acquisition of a shopping centre by a corporation had on individual retailers in the complex. It examines how imposed…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect that the acquisition of a shopping centre by a corporation had on individual retailers in the complex. It examines how imposed directive change impacted on the internal customers, namely the retailers operating within the shopping centre.

Design/methodology/approach

Four methods are used to procure the data, namely, observations, content analysis, interviewing and a questionnaire survey.

Findings

Key findings are that the majority of retailers feel that the nature of the change is transitional or transformational, are negative about it and many do not resist it because they feel helpless to do so. However, some resistance to the acquisition, cynicism and rumours about it, are present. Retailers feel that communication, education, participation and negotiation would help to reduce these negative reactions to change.

Practical implications

To improve the outcome of a similar acquisition in the future, The paper recommends extensive consultation with retailers before the change programme begins. Suggestions regarding how a similar acquisition could be more successfully implemented in the future are provided.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current body of academic literature on change management and shopping centre management practice.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 37 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2011

Stephen Fox

Generative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have…

Abstract

Purpose

Generative Production Systems are generative design computation that is linked to optimal physical production. They can improve the design and production of products which have unique geometries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature review investigating the structures and formats of successful methodologies. The literature review also investigates Generative Production Systems' theoretical foundations, development and implementations.

Findings

The potential of Generative Production Systems is restricted because enabling information is fragmented and difficult to access. In other fields, such barriers have been overcome through the introduction of methodologies that provide guiding principles, rules and strategies (P‐R‐S). The P‐R‐S type of methodology structure is suitable for Generative Production Systems.

Practical implications

The use of Generative Production Systems requires more upfront investment than the use of CAD/CAM software packages. However, they require little, or no, human input after they are set‐up. The preliminary methodology provides structured guidance about how to set up a Generative Production System. Further, the explanatory text enables wider understanding of Generative Production Systems, and how they can improve design and production.

Originality/value

An analysis is provided for the structure and format of successful methodologies in general. A preliminary methodology for Generative Production Systems is introduced. Further, the paper provides an overview of the disadvantages and advantages of Generative Production Systems compared to typical CAD/CAM software packages.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2023

Bernd Schmitt

This commentary discusses the value of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for qualitative research in phygital settings to understand the customer experience.

142

Abstract

Purpose

This commentary discusses the value of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for qualitative research in phygital settings to understand the customer experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical and logical analysis is based on current knowledge of generative AI.

Findings

Generative AI seems very useful for qualitative research in phygital settings to understand the customer experience and should be used in qualitative research projects. Generative AI can provide much-needed validation of the subjective nature of qualitative research and can also generate insights beyond human intuition.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on current technology, which changes fast. In the future, the skills of qualitative researchers may become outdated, relegating them to the role of prompt engineers.

Practical implications

Technology, and especially generative AI, will be a key tool for practitioners as they conduct practical research.

Social implications

Qualitative researchers should overcome potential anti-technology speciesism and embrace the potential of generative AI.

Originality/value

This commentary provides insights into the role of generative AI for qualitative research in phygital settings.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2012

Arjella van Scheppingen, Nico Baken, Gerard Zwetsloot, Ellen Bos and Frank Berkers

Health is a main resource for human functioning. Embedding generative health management within organisations, therefore, is useful for health and productivity reasons. Generative

Abstract

Purpose

Health is a main resource for human functioning. Embedding generative health management within organisations, therefore, is useful for health and productivity reasons. Generative health management requires a change in the thinking and actions of all stakeholders, and should be regarded as a system transition that may be supported by a value case. In this study, a value case methodology is described and piloted. The aim was to investigate the efficacy of the value case methodology for generative health management within organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of a case study, in which the interactive value case methodology is piloted within a research foundation in The Netherlands.

Findings

The different perspectives from the internal stakeholders on generative health management were made explicit, and revealed a strong relation between organisational development and health. The interactive value‐case methodology has initiated a process in which stakeholders jointly defined the full value of generative health management. During that process, some stakeholders developed an active personal commitment towards the transition.

Research limitations/implications

The research was only carried out in one case. The value case methodology is potentially also useful for other transitions (long‐term complex developments or system innovations). The case study provided a broad view on the relevance of health for all stakeholders within this single case, and contributed to ownership of the transition.

Practical implications

A value case presents stakeholders' multi‐perspective visions and preferences with regard to health and organisational development. The participative approach opens up ways to an active commitment of relevant stakeholders who are willing to support transitions.

Originality/value

The methodology to assess the full value of complex transitions is still of an explorative nature. The value case methodology may offer innovative ways to support transitions in individuals, organisations and society as a whole.

Details

Journal of Human Resource Costing & Accounting, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1401-338X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2011

Jack Buffington

Mass customization has yet to fulfill its original purpose as established by marketing researchers to become an alternative to mass production, largely due to its inability to…

4962

Abstract

Purpose

Mass customization has yet to fulfill its original purpose as established by marketing researchers to become an alternative to mass production, largely due to its inability to achieve mass market levels of efficiency. The purpose of this study is to survey consumer's perceptions, willingness and capabilities of participating in a mass customization system, and understand the implications of its findings related to an alternative production system, generative customization.

Design/methodology/approach

After an extensive literature review of mass customization, consumer behavior, complex adaptive systems and generative design, a survey was conducted across US and Swedish consumers relative to their willingness and perceptions regarding mass customization, with hypotheses based upon extant research standards.

Findings

The survey results found that consumers are ambivalent toward mass customization in mass markets, and a conceptual alternative (generative customization) appears to achieve, at least conceptually, the necessary objectives relative to product design conceptualization and fulfillment that mass customization cannot achieve.

Research limitations/implications

A lack of significant findings from extant research regarding consumer perceptions and tolerances regarding mass customization in mass markets is a limitation to this study. The discussion of a new concept (generative customization) as a viable alternative to mass customization as a result of the survey findings needs to be validated empirically in future research.

Originality/value

The paper empirically validates a definition of mass customization as a complementary rather than an alternative to mass production. It also introduces and develops the concept of generative customization as viable alternative to mass production, albeit one that must be empirically validated in future research.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 111 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

Jacob Dencik, Brian Goehring and Anthony Marshall

Since the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 – with its ability to create compelling, relevant content, new large language model (LLM) technology – business leaders…

1778

Abstract

Purpose

Since the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 – with its ability to create compelling, relevant content, new large language model (LLM) technology – business leaders, especially CEOs, are being pressured to accelerate new generative AI investments. IBM IBV surveyed executives to assess their progress and concerns and their adoption strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Adoption of generative AI is still in its very early stages. Most organizations are only beginning to figure out how and where to make use of it. In fact, as few as 6 percent of executives in new surveying conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value say they are operating generative AI in their enterprise today.

Findings

In contrast to many peoples’ expectations about AI, automating tasks is not the top priority for executives looking to tap generative AI to grow business value. Looking at benefits by function, research and innovation is the primary area where organizations see opportunities for generative AI.

Practical implications

IBM IBV's recent survey of executives found that the key barriers to the effective deployment and use of generative AI are linked to security, privacy, ethics, regulations and economics – not access to the underlying technology itself.

Originality/value

Organizations will have to evaluate where in their enterprise the potential gains and cost efficiencies outweigh the risks of possible errors or unintended consequences from the use of generative AI along with broader ethical considerations. Ecosystems expand generative AI opportunities to harness data, insights and technology capabilities from across partners and stakeholders while enabling control over the capabilities that are most central to an organization’s value proposition.

Details

Strategy & Leadership, vol. 51 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1087-8572

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2021

Yuxi Wei, Hyungjoo Choi and Zhen Lei

Modular construction is widely adopted and used in the construction industry to improve construction performance with respect to both efficiency and productivity. The evaluation…

Abstract

Purpose

Modular construction is widely adopted and used in the construction industry to improve construction performance with respect to both efficiency and productivity. The evaluation of design options for modular construction can be iterative, and thus automation is required to develop design alternatives. This research aims to explore the potential of utilizing the generative design approach to automate modular construction for residential building structures in urban areas such as New York City.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research methodology is investigated for a systematic approach to parametrize design parameters for modular construction layout design as well as incorporate design rules/parameters into modularizing design layouts in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. Based on current building codes and necessary inputs by the user, the proposed approach enables providing recommendations in a generative design method and optimizes construction processes by performing analytical calculations.

Findings

The generative design has been found to be efficient in generating layout designs for modular construction based on parametric design. The integration of BIM and generative design can allow industry practitioners to fast generate design layout with evaluations from constructability perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper has proposed a new approach of incorporating generative design with BIM technologies to solve module layout generations by considering design and constructability constraints. The method can be further extended for evaluating modular construction design from manufacturability and assembly perspectives.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

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