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21 – 30 of 37
Article
Publication date: 28 September 2020

Nidal Yousef Dwaikat

This study aims to propose a comprehensive model for assessing the quality of academic programs in higher education institutions (HEIs) by adopting the TQM philosophy.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a comprehensive model for assessing the quality of academic programs in higher education institutions (HEIs) by adopting the TQM philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 377 responses from higher education academics, experts and professionals in Sweden, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to empirically test the proposed hypotheses and validate the model.

Findings

The model reveals that the input-based factors have a stronger impact on the process-based factors; while process-based factors have less impact on the output-based factors. The input-based factors: adoption of international pedagogy standards (IPS), education infrastructure (EDI), and work/study environment (WSE) through the process-based factors quality of students (QOS) and quality of faculty staff (QFS) is found to have a significant impact on output-based factor quality of academic programs (QAP).

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted in Sweden. Inclusion of other countries provides opportunities for further analysis by conducting cross-comparison between different cultures in higher education, and including additional stakeholders such as policymakers, parents and students.

Practical implications

This research also contributes to practice by providing an in-depth understanding of the relationships among variables that affect the quality of academic programs in HEIs, and provides insights to internally assess the quality levels of their academic programs

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge by providing a holistic view in which it integrates input, process and output perspectives in a conceptual model to assess the quality of academic programs at the higher education level.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2020

Muhammad Asif, George Thomas, Muhammad Usman Awan and Asfa Muhammad Din

Previous studies have mainly discussed the impact of student engagement on different facets of academic performance. Research on the approaches to promote student engagement in a…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have mainly discussed the impact of student engagement on different facets of academic performance. Research on the approaches to promote student engagement in a classroom setting (i.e., micro-level practices) is relatively sparse. This paper provides a framework for enhancing student engagement in a university undergraduate classroom setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on action research. At the core of this approach is making interventions through a set of pedagogical approaches, derived from the literature. The impact of these interventions was measured, followed by reflections on the outcomes and developing a future improvement strategy.

Findings

Student engagement can be enhanced by using heterogeneous pedagogical approaches that positively influence student performance. Further, the use of mixed pedagogical approaches helps students and teachers acquire meta-cognitive knowledge (i.e., knowledge of their learning preferences) and sets the direction for learning.

Research limitations/implications

The key contribution of this study is providing a student engagement framework applicable in a sophomore-level classroom setting. The framework discusses a set of techniques, their theoretical underpinnings, the course of their execution and the challenges faced in this process. The framework can be used to guide enhancing student engagement.

Originality/value

Contrary to the macro-level measures, research on micro-level measures for promoting student engagement approaches is scarce. This study discusses not only different strategies but also details the dynamic course of their deployment. The study, therefore, is unique in its contribution.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Dong-Young Kim and Young-Ha Hwang

The purpose of this paper is to present a self-certification framework for assessing technological innovation and certifying superior products. The paper discusses how and why…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a self-certification framework for assessing technological innovation and certifying superior products. The paper discusses how and why organizational efforts to implement the self-certification program can lead to product and process innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case study method in a large government-sponsored research and development institute, the authors examined the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Findings

The finding indicates that the success of the self-certification program is dependent on the ability of a firm to manage processes. The result also suggests that it is critical to develop an internal-driven motivation and ensure the strong commitment of top management when implementing the self-certification program. The finding reveals that the voluntary certification program has a positive effect on innovation and marketing performance.

Originality/value

This study makes three contributions. First, the paper offers valuable insights on the use of a self-certification framework as a problem-solving tool in the innovation process. Second, based on the self-regulation theory, this study enhances the understanding of the potential of control in facilitating technological innovation. Third, the paper provides practical guidance about the application of self-assessment at the project level.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 31 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Antonis Skouloudis, George J. Avlonitis, Chrisovaladis Malesios and Konstantinos Evangelinos

The purpose of this paper is to inform the business management literature that focuses on the perceptions of business professionals towards the multidimensional and highly complex…

1336

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform the business management literature that focuses on the perceptions of business professionals towards the multidimensional and highly complex concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 118 Greek business executives/middle managers having different functional positions. A questionnaire based on the works of Quazi and O’Brien (2000) and Welford et al. (2007) was designed and used for data collection.

Findings

Key findings denote occupational health and safety, benign environmental management as well as responsible production methods as the top CSR priorities. Two different CSR viewpoints emerged from the factor analysis reflecting a pragmatic and a more socially responsive interpretation of corporate responsibility. Cluster analysis confirmed such contrasting perspectives allowing the partition of data in distinctive groups according to the relative inclination on either of the identified viewpoints. Similarity measures obtained from cluster analysis also verified the different CSR positions.

Originality/value

The paper explores CSR perceptions, as predictor factors of CSR performance, in three different groups of Greek business professionals. It contributes to the literature of CSR perspectives from South-East European countries where there is a distinct lack of empirical studies on managerial attitudes.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Theo C. Haupt and Daniel E. Whiteman

Quality systems entail having the organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for implementing quality management such that there is a guiding…

5023

Abstract

Quality systems entail having the organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for implementing quality management such that there is a guiding framework to ensure that every time a process is performed the same information, method, skills and controls are used and practiced in a consistent manner. With its primary focus being the involvement of everyone, TQM has the potential to improve business results, greater customer orientation and satisfaction, worker involvement and fulfilment, teamworking and better management of workers within companies. However, the construction industry has been slow to embrace the concept of TQM. Construction firms have been continually struggling with its implementation. Historically, construction has been an industry reluctant to implement change. Consequently, it has remained behind where it should be on the implementation of TQM. Generally, the principles of TQM are not applied beyond management levels within general contractors. This paper reports on a study to identify those factors that hinder the implementation of TQM principles in the actual field operations of a construction jobsite.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2018

Gyan Prakash

The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning and operationalisation of quality in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs).

2414

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning and operationalisation of quality in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is performed of 308 articles published in various peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2017.

Findings

The findings reveal that the quality constructs of student learning, engagement, service quality and satisfaction have received the greatest attention, followed by total quality management, quality assurance, benchmarking and accountability. The most popular approach is empirical, and surveys and single case studies are the most popular methods. Europe leads research on quality in HEIs, followed by North America and Asia.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a comprehensive synthesis of articles addressing quality in HEIs.

Practical implications

Policymakers and academic administrators can use the findings of this study to conceptualise student satisfaction along the educational value chain. The operationalisation of quality constructs will help policymakers create teaching excellence.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance of quality in HEIs.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2019

Rahmat Nurcahyo, Ellia Kristiningrum and Sik Sumaedi

The purpose of this paper is to measure the efficiency of ISO 9001-certified public healthcare center in Jakarta, Indonesia and examine the impact of “re-certification“ on the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the efficiency of ISO 9001-certified public healthcare center in Jakarta, Indonesia and examine the impact of “re-certification“ on the efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the research is 30 ISO 9001-certified district public healthcare centers in Jakarta. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the Man–Whitney U test were applied.

Findings

The research result showed that there is a variation in efficiency values of ISO 9001-certified public healthcare centers that this research studied. There are only 23 percent of the public healthcare centers that can be categorized as the technically efficient public healthcare center. Furthermore, this research also found that there are no significant efficiency value differences among the groups of public healthcare center based on the number of “re-certification” the center experienced.

Research limitations/implications

This research only involved ISO 9001-certified public healthcare center from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Practical implications

Registering ISO 9001 for the public healthcare center does not guarantee that the public healthcare center will have better efficiency. The government and the public healthcare center management should ensure that the ISO 9001 implementation method used by the public healthcare center is appropriate for improving the efficiency of the public healthcare center.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research that studied the efficiency of ISO 9001-certified public healthcare center. Furthermore, there is no research that investigates the effect of “re-certification“ on efficiency. This research fulfills the literature gaps.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 69 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2018

Abid Haleem, Bisma Mannan, Sunil Luthra, Sanjay Kumar and Sonal Khurana

Technology forecasting (TF) and assessment (TA), all in all, apply to any intentional and deliberate endeavours to forecast and view the potential heading, rate, attributes and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Technology forecasting (TF) and assessment (TA), all in all, apply to any intentional and deliberate endeavours to forecast and view the potential heading, rate, attributes and impacts of technological change, especially for development, advancement, selection and utilisation of resources, which ultimately helps in the benchmarking. A vast variety of methods are available for TF and TA. Till now, practically, no exertion has been made to choose proper, satisfactory innovation methods or technology. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, there is an endeavour to summarise the vast field of TF and TA, through its evolution, functions, applications and techniques. This paper provides the in-depth review of the utilisation of TF and TA methodologies and its improvement, which helps the users in selecting the appropriate method of TF and TA for a specific situation.

Findings

This study concludes that the quest for a single strategy for doing forecast and assessment is a misconception. This neglects to perceive that forecast and assessment oblige a suitable blend of strategies and methods drawn from a variety of fields. Researchers and practitioners must be innovative, imperative and specialised in choosing TF and TA methodologies, and cannot be programmed.

Practical implications

The technology seems to be the most significant driver of the present day global developments. Some technologies have far-reaching implications, and the authors need to understand these issues regarding its’ forecasting and its assessment.

Originality/value

The decision of proper worthy procedure amid a circumstance may have an impact on the exactness and reliability of the forecast and assessment. Significant observations regarding learning, action/s, actor/s and expected outcomes are discussed.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2023

Hassan Saleh Al-Dhaafri and Mohammed Saleh Alosani

The study aims to examine the joint effect of service design (SD), information and analysis (IA) and organizational performance through the mechanism of organizational excellence.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the joint effect of service design (SD), information and analysis (IA) and organizational performance through the mechanism of organizational excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal of this study through the hypothesized model, a survey questionnaire research design was employed. The data were collected from Dubai Police organization. Out of 550 questionnaires, 320 questionnaires were returned. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze the data for measurement and structural models.

Findings

The statistical results confirmed the positive and significant effects of IA on organizational excellence and excellence on organizational performance. The mediation role of organizational excellence between IA and organizational performance was also confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

Throughout this study, further details and valuable implications have been discussed. Findings provide several practical implications. Findings also help practitioners and managers make proper decisions when implementing SD, IA and excellence practices in their organizations. With the joint effect of SD, IA and organizational excellence, organizations can achieve maximum strong performance and remain in a competitive market.

Originality/value

This study is a unique empirical research study that examines the joint effect of SD, IA and excellence on performance relationships within the public sector in general and police organization in particular, which is limited especially in research of Middle East countries.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2019

Manjeet Kharub

Although aligning information technology (IT) with quality management (QM) is a popular concept, it has not yet been properly, theoretically and empirically grounded. Therefore…

Abstract

Purpose

Although aligning information technology (IT) with quality management (QM) is a popular concept, it has not yet been properly, theoretically and empirically grounded. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors for the effective implementation (CFEI) of IT-enabled ISO-9000 quality management system (QMS).

Design/methodology/approach

The primary field data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 381 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to check the reliability and validity of the data collected. First, using pattern matrix, 48 items (extracted from relevant literature) representing CFEI of IT-enabled ISO-9000 QMS were grouped into six latent variables (eigenvalue⩾1). Second, to test the relationship among CFEI, firm performance and competitive positioning, six hypotheses were formulated and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure.

Findings

The study results found that identified CFEI of IT-enabled ISO-9000 QMS, i.e. “strategic attributes” (β=0.517), “tactical attributes” (β=0.323), “operational attributes” (β=0.281), “organisational infrastructure and processes” (β=0.231), “system knowledge” (β=0.194), “alignment of system with firm’s strategy” (β=0.230), have a significant effect (p<0.05) on the successful implementation of ISO-9000 QMS. The critical factors are found to have a direct and positive impact on the firm’s performance. Study results found that the critical factors do not directly affect the firm’s competitive positioning (β=−0.097), but they do so indirectly through customer satisfaction (β=0.627) and operational performance (β=0.482).

Originality/value

The proposed model provides critical factors to align IT system with ISO-9000 QMS which is highly required mainly for SMEs. The study will provide a mean by which small manufacturing firms can counter the effects of increasing global competition.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

21 – 30 of 37