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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Ravichandran Joghee and Reesa Varghese

The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) application after the preliminary test on the model specification.

Design/methodology/approach

A new approach is proposed to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA application. First, we determine this relationship from the general perspective of Six Sigma methodology under the normality assumption. Then, the approach is extended to a balanced two-stage nested design with a random effects model in which a preliminary test is used to fix the main test statistic.

Findings

The features of mean-shifted and inflated (but centred) processes with the same specification limits from the perspective of Six Sigma are studied. The shift and inflation coefficients are derived for the two-stage balanced ANOVA model. We obtained good predictions for the process shift, given the inflation coefficient, which has been demonstrated using numerical results and applied to case studies. It is understood that the proposed method may be used as a tool to obtain an efficient variance estimator under mean shift.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, as a new research approach, we studied the link between mean shift and inflation coefficients when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA. Derivations for these coefficients are presented. The results when the null hypothesis is accepted are also studied. This needs the help of preliminary tests to decide on the model assumptions, and hence the researchers are expected to be familiar with the application of preliminary tests.

Practical implications

After studying the proposed approach with extensive numerical results, we have provided two practical examples that demonstrate the significance of the approach for real-time practitioners. The practitioners are expected to take additional care before deciding on the model assumptions by applying preliminary tests.

Originality/value

The proposed approach is original in the sense that there have been no similar approaches existing in the literature that combine Six Sigma and preliminary tests in ANOVA applications.

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: 14 March 2024

Jiju Antony, Michael Sony, Raja Jayaraman, Vikas Swarnakar, Guilherme da Luz Tortorella, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Rajeev Rathi, Leopoldo Gutierrez, Olivia McDermott and Bart Alex Lameijer

The purpose of this global study is to investigate the critical failure factors (CFFs) in the deployment of operational excellence (OPEX) programs as well as the key performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this global study is to investigate the critical failure factors (CFFs) in the deployment of operational excellence (OPEX) programs as well as the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure OPEX failures. The study also empirically analyzes various OPEX methodologies adopted by various organizations at a global level.

Design/methodology/approach

This global study utilized an online survey to collect data. The questionnaire was sent to 800 senior managers, resulting in 249 useful responses.

Findings

The study results suggest that Six Sigma is the most widely utilized across the OPEX methodologies, followed by Lean Six Sigma and Lean. Agile manufacturing is the least utilized OPEX methodology. The top four CFFs were poor project selection and prioritization, poor leadership, a lack of proper communication and resistance to change issues.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the current body of knowledge on OPEX by first delineating the CFFs for OPEX and identifying the differing effects of these CFFs across various organizational settings. Senior managers and OPEX professionals can use the findings to take remedial actions and improve the sustainability of OPEX initiatives in their respective organizations.

Originality/value

This study uniquely identifies critical factors leading to OPEX initiative failures, providing practical insights for industry professionals and academia and fostering a deeper understanding of potential pitfalls. The research highlights a distinctive focus on social and environmental performance metrics, urging a paradigm shift for sustained OPEX success and differentiating itself in addressing broader sustainability concerns. By recognizing the interconnectedness of 12 CFFs, the study offers a pioneering foundation for future research and the development of a comprehensive management theory on OPEX failures.

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: 28 March 2024

Elisa Gonzalez Santacruz, David Romero, Julieta Noguez and Thorsten Wuest

This research paper aims to analyze the scientific and grey literature on Quality 4.0 and zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) frameworks to develop an integrated quality 4.0 framework…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to analyze the scientific and grey literature on Quality 4.0 and zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) frameworks to develop an integrated quality 4.0 framework (IQ4.0F) for quality improvement (QI) based on Six Sigma and machine learning (ML) techniques towards ZDM. The IQ4.0F aims to contribute to the advancement of defect prediction approaches in diverse manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the work enables a comprehensive analysis of process variables influencing product quality with emphasis on the use of supervised and unsupervised ML techniques in Six Sigma’s DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) cycle stage of “Analyze.”

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology employed a systematic literature review (SLR) based on PRISMA guidelines to develop the integrated framework, followed by a real industrial case study set in the automotive industry to fulfill the objectives of verifying and validating the proposed IQ4.0F with primary data.

Findings

This research work demonstrates the value of a “stepwise framework” to facilitate a shift from conventional quality management systems (QMSs) to QMSs 4.0. It uses the IDEF0 modeling methodology and Six Sigma’s DMAIC cycle to structure the steps to be followed to adopt the Quality 4.0 paradigm for QI. It also proves the worth of integrating Six Sigma and ML techniques into the “Analyze” stage of the DMAIC cycle for improving defect prediction in manufacturing processes and supporting problem-solving activities for quality managers.

Originality/value

This research paper introduces a first-of-its-kind Quality 4.0 framework – the IQ4.0F. Each step of the IQ4.0F was verified and validated in an original industrial case study set in the automotive industry. It is the first Quality 4.0 framework, according to the SLR conducted, to utilize the principal component analysis technique as a substitute for “Screening Design” in the Design of Experiments phase and K-means clustering technique for multivariable analysis, identifying process parameters that significantly impact product quality. The proposed IQ4.0F not only empowers decision-makers with the knowledge to launch a Quality 4.0 initiative but also provides quality managers with a systematic problem-solving methodology for quality improvement.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Giovanni Cláudio Pinto Condé, José Carlos Toledo and Mauro Luiz Martens

The purpose of this paper is to test and develop a method for generation and selection of six sigma projects. This is done by testing the use of the generation and selection…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test and develop a method for generation and selection of six sigma projects. This is done by testing the use of the generation and selection method for six sigma projects (GSM_SSP) in a Brazilian manufacturing industry with the participation of managers, aiming to gather the user’s perspective and improvement opportunities for the approach itself.

Design/methodology/approach

The work adopts the action research (AR) approach once the researchers were busily involved in the training, implementation and use of the GSM_SSP. The intervention was performed in on a series of 15 workshops, with a group of managers, during six months.

Findings

The application of the eight steps of the GSM_SSP approach assisted the company’s management team to generate nine project candidates and also to select three six sigma projects. This study also finds and discusses barriers and lessons learned used to improve the GSM_SSP.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents an example of how six sigma project generation and selection has been applied to a manufacturing industry by adapting AR to the process using the eight steps of GSM_SSP, demonstrating how the management team was involved. This study should be replicated in different companies because AR is limited in its generalization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first use of AR methodology in six sigma project selection. This study contributes a method that can generate and select six sigma projects. In doing so, the research offers a simple approach that can be used by managers. In addition, the steps of the approach before selection were explored.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2024

Mikihiro Fukui and Caroline S.L. Tan

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants influencing Japanese consumers’ behavior toward the purchase of 5G smartphones.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants influencing Japanese consumers’ behavior toward the purchase of 5G smartphones.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was collected through an online survey of 320 Japanese respondents from ages 20 to 59. Data was analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that hedonic value, user interface and price value (PV) positively influence attitude toward 5G smartphone purchase, while utilitarian value does not. In addition, the mediation effect of social influence (SI) is found to increase those positive effects. Male and female consumers displayed differences in the determinants, showcasing the effect of gender on attitude and behavior.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first research to analyze Japanese consumers’ behaviors’ toward 5G smartphone purchase. Past research for 3G/4G smartphones supported that usefulness positively influenced consumers’ behavior toward smartphones, so usefulness of 5G (e.g. high speed) was expected to be a factor to influence consumer behaviors’ toward 5G smartphones. However, this research reveals that a simple tagline emphasizing such usefulness may not be convincing enough to promote the 5G smartphones to Japanese consumers. Alternatively, the research indicates that introducing the concepts of joyfulness, improved HV and greater PV of the 5G smartphone could attract more consumers in Japan. In addition, SI could enhance the perception of the various benefits of 5G smartphones.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Melissa Carlisle, Melanie I. Millar and Jacqueline Jarosz Wukich

This study examines shareholder and board motivations regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand boards' stewardship approaches to environmental issues.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines shareholder and board motivations regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand boards' stewardship approaches to environmental issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the authors classify CSR motivations in all environmental shareholder proposals and board responses of Fortune 250 companies from 2013 to 2017 from do little (a shareholder primacy perspective) to do much (a stakeholder pluralism perspective). The authors calculate the motivational dissonance for each proposal-response pair (the Talk Gap) and use cluster analysis to observe evidence of board stewardship and subsequent environmental disclosure and performance (ED&P) changes.

Findings

Board interpretations of stewardship are not uniform, and they regularly extend to stakeholders beyond shareholders, most frequently including profit-oriented stakeholders (e.g. employees and customers). ED&P changes are highest when shareholders narrowly lead boards in CSR motivation and either request both action and information or information only. The authors observe weaker ED&P changes when shareholders request action and the dissonance between shareholders and boards is larger. When shareholders are motivated to do little for CSR, ED&P changes are weak, even when boards express more pluralistic motivations.

Research limitations/implications

The results show the important role that boards play in CSR and may aid activist shareholders in determining how best to generate change in corporate CSR actions.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence of board stewardship at the proposal-response level. It measures shareholder and board CSR motivations, introduces the Talk Gap, and examines relationships among proposal characteristics, the Talk Gap, and subsequent ED&P change to better understand board stewardship of environmental issues.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2023

Maria Vincenza Ciasullo, Alexander Douglas, Emilia Romeo and Nicola Capolupo

Lean Six Sigma in public and private healthcare organisations has received considerable attention over the last decade. Nevertheless, such process improvement methodologies are…

Abstract

Purpose

Lean Six Sigma in public and private healthcare organisations has received considerable attention over the last decade. Nevertheless, such process improvement methodologies are not generalizable, and their effective implementation relies on contextual variables. The purpose of this study is to explore the readiness of Italian hospitals for Lean Six Sigma and Quality Performance Improvement (LSS&QPI), with a focus on gender differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey comprising 441 healthcare professionals from public and private hospitals was conducted. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the mean scores on the LSS&QPI dimensions based on hospital type, gender and their interaction.

Findings

The results showed that public healthcare professional are more aware of quality performance improvement initiatives than private healthcare professionals. Moreover, gender differences emerged according to the type of hospital, with higher awareness for men than women in public hospitals, whereas for private hospitals the opposite was true.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the Lean Six Sigma literature by focusing on the holistic assessment of LSS&QPI implementation.

Practical implications

This study informs healthcare managers about the revolution within healthcare organisations, especially public ones. Healthcare managers should spend time understanding Lean Six Sigma as a strategic orientation to promote the “lean hospital”, improving processes and fostering patient-centredness.

Originality/value

This is a preliminary study focussing on analysing inter-relationship between perceived importance of soft readiness factors such as gender dynamics as a missing jigsaw in the current literature. In addition, the research advances a holistic assessment of LSS&QPI, which sets it apart from the studies on single initiatives that have been documented to date.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2022

Relinde De Koeijer, Mathilde Strating, Jaap Paauwe and Robbert Huijsman

This study examines the theoretical and empirical relationships between LM&SS, human resource management (HRM), climate for LM&SS and outcomes (employee well-being and…

1406

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the theoretical and empirical relationships between LM&SS, human resource management (HRM), climate for LM&SS and outcomes (employee well-being and performance) in hospitals. As part of this research, the authors examine the interplay between “hard” and “soft” practices for LM&SS and “soft” HR practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, multisite survey study covering all internal service units at all eight Dutch university hospitals was conducted (42 units, N = 218 supervisors, N = 1,668 employees), and multivariate multilevel regression analyses were performed.

Findings

A systems approach involving “soft” LM&SS practices that are specifically HR-related has a positive effect (β is 0.46) on a climate for LM&SS. A climate for LM&SS is not related to perceived performance or employee health. It is, however, positively related to employee happiness and trusting relationships (both βs are 0.33). We did not find that a climate for LM&SS had a mediating effect.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that a balanced approach involving both “hard” and “soft” factors is crucial to achieving the desired breadth and depth of LM&SS adoption at the macro, meso, and micro levels. The authors found that a climate for LM&SS positively affects employee well-being in hospitals.

Practical implications

In their attempt to create mutual gains for both their organization and their employees, hospitals that adopt LM&SS should foster a climate for LM&SS by embracing a balanced approach consisting of both “hard” and “soft” practices, thereby internalizing LM&SS at the macro, meso, and micro levels.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to examine in-depth the impact of “hard” and “soft” LM&SS on both employee well-being (subdivided into different components) and performance in healthcare, as well as the role of “soft” HRM in this relationship. Linking LM&SS, HRM and outcomes to a climate for LM&SS is relatively a new approach and has led to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the internalization of LM&SS in healthcare.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

R. Deepa and J. Juvala Dharshini

This study aims to understand the impact of key resources on work engagement while working from home (WFH). Social support is divided into the support provided at home and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the impact of key resources on work engagement while working from home (WFH). Social support is divided into the support provided at home and leadership and organizational support (LOS) provided externally. Thus, the study contends that while WFH employees invest in internal resources, they seek validation, care and assurance from external resources. Previous studies' limitations were addressed by considering LOS as an external resource that strengthens the relationship between internal resources and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research (n = 244) was undertaken, and the interaction effect between LOS and the other resources like flexibility, work support and the home environment was empirically validated using PROCESS macro.

Findings

The interaction effects between LOS and the internal resources were positive, which suggests that LOS helps mitigate the stress associated with remote working and results in positive work engagement.

Originality/value

The study delineates LOS as an external resource that augments the effect of internal resources on work engagement, which impacts work engagement. In research, significantly less effort has been expended on studying the effect of the home domain on work engagement, which was also the focus of this study. Future research can look at other factors that impact work engagement, especially in a remote work setting.

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2023

Markus Brenner, Andreas Wald and Ronald Gleich

Process orientation is important for improving organizational performance. The process view is considered a key enabler of digital transformation, and thus management control…

Abstract

Purpose

Process orientation is important for improving organizational performance. The process view is considered a key enabler of digital transformation, and thus management control systems (MCS) are expected to incorporate this view. However, the existing body of knowledge is fragmented, as different process approaches are often considered independently following a reductionist view of control practices. This paper aims to provide recommendations for further research as well as guidance for practice by a systematic review of the state of research of MC for process orientation. It is based on both a comprehensive view to MC using an MCS package approach and a comprehensive view of process orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review addressing major types of process orientation approaches was performed by applying the comprehensive MC framework of Malmi and Brown. The results were synthesized and propositions were developed.

Findings

All components of the MC framework, as well as MCS packages, are highly relevant for process orientation. Propositions regarding configurations of MC for process orientation show directions for future research. However, comprehensive considerations of packages and of individual components, especially cultural controls, remain scarce in the literature.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors‘ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive, structured overview of MC for process orientation, applying a nonreductionist view, based on an MCS Package approach, and consolidating the so far fragmented view of different process approaches.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

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