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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2010

Rolf Brühl, Nils Horch and Mathias Osann

The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how companies integrate their innovation and operations processes. Referring to the dynamic capability approach, the…

9134

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how companies integrate their innovation and operations processes. Referring to the dynamic capability approach, the authors derive an “integration capability” construct from a set of qualitative data. The authors expand this concept stressing the specific role of management control as a crucial part of an integration capability to align the different processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies in eight German industrial and service companies were conducted and qualitative material was analysed guided by a grounded theory approach.

Findings

The paper aims at exploring a specific dynamic capability in order to integrate innovation and operations processes. Based on a qualitative study of eight cases, three distinctive categories are derived describing the construct of an integration capability: organization, communication, and management control. Furthermore, influencing factors which lead to different levels of intensity of integration are described.

Research limitations/implications

Comparing the findings with existing research on integration capabilities fosters and expands knowledge on the construct “integration capability”. Effective coordination and communication based on efficient and structured processes seem to be crucial elements of integration capabilities. The paper expands the literature on the role of technology in integration capability which plays a major role in organizing effective coordination and communication.

Practical implications

Management control culture contributes to the present design of control systems of every company studied. Starting point for the design of control systems in research departments is the standard of management control in operations management. Therefore, it is assumed that higher control intensities in operational units will lead to higher control intensities in R&D departments.

Originality/value

In turbulent market environments, companies need to set up organizational processes which effectively coordinate and deploy internal and external resources. These dynamic capabilities are crucial to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. Until now, research on integration capabilities has lacked an analysis of the role of management control; with the empirical findings, this paper shows how management control improves integration capability.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 22 March 2017

Kunal K. Ganguly and Siddharth Rai

The subject area of the case is operations management and capacity planning. The case adopts different operation strategies to use the idle capacity.

Abstract

Subject area

The subject area of the case is operations management and capacity planning. The case adopts different operation strategies to use the idle capacity.

Study level/applicability

The case study is suitable for discussion in masters level classes. The case explains the situation of a company which is fighting for its survival. The case reveals the alternative operations strategies it applies to maximize its capacity utilization and reduce its costs.

Case overview

The case describes a paper producing company which is earning low margins. The company’s capacity remains unused during the off-seasons. The company then plans to share its capacity with another dying industry. Both the companies plan to cooperate and share resources. However, there are other attractive alternatives too and the dilemma situations leave the gap for continuous discussions.

Expected learning outcomes

The case aims at providing potential alternatives to the students and initiating healthy discussions. The students will be able to understand the capacity utilization dilemmas and applicability of the operations strategy concept in practice.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

Case study
Publication date: 25 October 2019

Sibongile Brenda Zungu, Kenneth M. Mathu and Caren Brenda Scheepers

The learning outcomes are as follows: to identify stakeholder groups in an inter-country training intervention and apply contextual intelligence to a leadership role and to apply…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to identify stakeholder groups in an inter-country training intervention and apply contextual intelligence to a leadership role and to apply the theory of constraints in developing solutions to research constraint environments.

Case overview/synopsis

On 10 September 2018, the Director-General (DG) of South African National Department of Health (NDOH) Ms Precious Matsoso pondered over the scheduled meeting that afternoon with the South African Committee of Medical Deans in Pretoria. She was leading the initiative of the integration of the South African Cuban-trained medical students into the local medical schools for the final phase of their studies. She needed to streamline the assimilation process. The case highlights the dilemma to identify actions to improve the level of integration of these students.

Complexity academic level

MBA M Phil in Healthcare Management

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available upon request for educators only. These teaching notes should be shared solely with the instructor and students should not have access to. Please contact your library to gain login or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 10: Public Sector Management

Content available
2667

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Hariyati Hariyati, Bambang Tjahjadi and Noorlailie Soewarno

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of intellectual capital (IC), management accounting information systems, internal process performance and customer…

3552

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of intellectual capital (IC), management accounting information systems, internal process performance and customer performance (CP) on the relationship of strategies with financial performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this research was medium and large manufacturing company business units in Java. The business unit as the unit of analysis in this research is part of the organization that: is responsible for the production and marketing of a product or set of products; is formed by product type; has its own competitors which are different from competitors of other business units or divisions within a parent company; and has a manager who is responsible and has authority over the planning and implementation of strategies to achieve the specified profit target.

Findings

An innovation strategy that includes product innovation, process innovation and technology has an impact on FP if there is a good internal process performance, reliable management accounting information system and good CP. The internal process performance, which includes operations management processes, customer management processes, innovation processes and regulatory and social processes, optimizes the relationship of the strategy with FP. In this study, IC does not affect CP and internal process performance, nor does the management accounting information system affect FP. However, information systems affect FP through internal process performance and CP.

Originality/value

The originalities of this study are: the use of the continuous innovation strategy in an integrated manner between product innovation and process and information technology – this has never been conducted by other researchers, especially in Indonesia; the use of IC, management accounting information systems, internal process performance and CP as mediating variables; the use of an integrative approach by including variables of IC, management accounting information systems and non-FP as contextual variables related to contingency approaches that have never been conducted in previous research; the modeling of new related concepts with the one developed in the balanced scorecard; and using single mediating and multiple mediating on the influence of sustainable innovation strategies on FP.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 68 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 2 July 2020

Adrian Ramirez-Nafarrate and Carlos Eduardo López-Hernández

Students should be able to: identify the elements of business processes; analyze efficiency measures; identify and define causes of poor efficiency in business process; analyze…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Students should be able to: identify the elements of business processes; analyze efficiency measures; identify and define causes of poor efficiency in business process; analyze the results of a simulation model; propose process redesign alternatives based on the analysis; and acknowledge the challenges for improving public service processes.

Case overview/synopsis

The process to get a passport seems to be very simple, but Jose Hernandez, a Manufacturing Plant Director, has had bad experiences the past three times he has visited the passport office. He and his family have spent more than 3 h to get the passport for his little daughter, Maria. In this case, the authors illustrate the process analysis performed by Jose to find effective and efficient solutions to the problems that he found. The case study guides students through the analysis of a business process in public service from the perspective of the users. The students participating in the case analysis will not only learn to diagnose and describe the process but also to redesign it to achieve significant improvements. Furthermore, the students will realize that adding more resources to the process may not solve the fundamental issues, but analytical and creative skills are needed. In addition, the teaching notes provide a discussion about the existing challenges to improve public service processes.

Complexity academic level

Management and engineering undergraduate programs, operations management and business process design in Master of Business Administration programs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

S.I. Lao, K.L. Choy, G.T.S. Ho and Richard C.M. Yam

The purpose of this paper is to propose a real‐time food receiving operations management system (RFRS), focusing on demonstrating the use of a case‐based reasoning (CBR) and radio…

1129

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a real‐time food receiving operations management system (RFRS), focusing on demonstrating the use of a case‐based reasoning (CBR) and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in managing the complex food receiving activities in distribution centers, to deal with the global concerns in food safety management.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed system includes a CBR engine for generating customized operating procedures by retrieving and analyzing relevant knowledge stored in the database and case library. In addition, RFID technology is adopted to gather real‐time inventory information for visualizing inventories, work stations, and equipment status.

Findings

The significance and contribution of RFRS in the context of managing unstructured operations in distribution centers for the food receiving process are demonstrated by adopting the system in one of the Hong Kong‐based logistics companies. The achieved improvement of order fulfillment helps achieve a systematic management in operations process flow. Moreover, the time saving in resource assignment helps improve the operations efficiency of the receiving zone. Hence, the decrease in the faults of quality checking helps improve the service and quality level. All of the above demonstrate the feasibility of the RFID‐based decision support system.

Originality/value

A superior method for the management of quality control and service of the receiving process is essential for the success of food distribution centers. However, the complexity of these management processes increases with the rise of customization of service in the supply chain. Hence, such increase in the operation complexity leads to the increase in operation time and, consequently, a decrease in the service quality. The real‐time food receiving operations management system proposed in this paper integrated RFID and case‐based reasoning technology in dealing with food warehouse receiving operation assignment. This is a brand new application combining the two technologies in the field of food reception in warehouses. With the support of the system, the efficiency and the customer satisfaction are improved.

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2020

Benny Hutahayan

Analyze the importance of sustainable innovation strategy applied in manufacturing companies in Indonesia which affects the company's financial performance through several…

5296

Abstract

Purpose

Analyze the importance of sustainable innovation strategy applied in manufacturing companies in Indonesia which affects the company's financial performance through several mediating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this research was medium and large manufacturing company business units in East Java. Business units are part of a company considered as the profit center. The business unit as the unit of analysis in this research is part of the organization that: (1) is responsible for the production and marketing of a product or set of products; (2) is formed by product type; (3) has its own competitors which are different from competitors of other business units or divisions within a parent company; (4) has a manager who is responsible and has authority over the planning and implementation of strategies to achieve the specified profit target.

Findings

Innovation strategy has a significant effect on financial performance. Human capital does not significantly mediate the relationship between innovation strategy and financial performance. Capital performance and internal performance do not mediate the relationship between innovation strategy and financial performance. Management accounting information system does not mediate the relationship between innovation strategy and financial performance. Internal process performance mediates the relationship between innovation strategy and financial performance. Management accounting information system and internal process performance mediate the relationship between innovation strategy and financial performance.

Originality/value

The difference in findings confirms that this research needs to be conducted. On the other hand, there is no research that has comprehensively tested the mediating effects of Human Capital and Management Accounting Information System in the relationship between Innovation Strategy and Internal Process Performance and the Impact on Corporate Financial Performance. The originality of this research can be seen in the use of contingency theory which narrows the gap between the industrial organization (I/O) paradigm and the resource-based view (RBV) regarding competitive advantage and performance. Specifically, this research introduces innovation strategy, human capital, management accounting information system, and internal business process performance as the contingency factors that affect financial performance. Second, empirically, this research tries to reduce the gap in empirical research by offering new research model and new research establishment at the level of strategic business units (SBU) in manufacturing companies in East Java. This research is expected to be useful for policy decision making, especially for managers who want to improve strategic business unit's financial performance.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Joel Goldhar and Daniel Berg

In order to emphasize the universality of operations management concepts, this paper develops an integrative view of the similarities and continuities between “services products”…

1240

Abstract

Purpose

In order to emphasize the universality of operations management concepts, this paper develops an integrative view of the similarities and continuities between “services products” and operations; and “goods products” and factory operations. The purpose of this paper is to move toward a better understanding of the impact of this convergence.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing the literature and trade press examples of evolution in both manufacturing and services businesses, it develop a model for understanding the observed phenomena.

Findings

This paper finds that services operations are continually adopting the characteristics of traditional manufacturing as they seek to grow and gain increased profitability through economies of scale. At the same time, traditional manufacturing/factory operations continually seek to differentiate themselves by offering more services such as customization, flexibility, and just‐in‐time; without giving up their economies of scale. As goods and services products become more integrated, these two distinct types of operating systems also converge. This paper also finds that information technology (IT) is pervasive, but used differently; and it develop new models to help us to understand the role and importance of IT in different operating systems and its impact upon the economics of innovation in operations.

Originality/value

This paper offers an integrative platform for future discussion and research on the convergence of factory and service operations, the integration of marketing and operations concepts and decisions, the design/management of operations processes, and the role of information systems and technology; in achieving sustained competitive advantage for any business.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Moh’d Anwer Radwan Al-Shboul, Kevin D. Barber, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Vikas Kumar and M. Reza Abdi

The purpose of this paper is to theorise and develop seven dimensions (strategic supplier partnership, level of information sharing, quality of information sharing, customer…

6729

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theorise and develop seven dimensions (strategic supplier partnership, level of information sharing, quality of information sharing, customer service management, internal lean practices, postponement and total quality management) into a supply chain management (SCM) practices (SCMPs) construct and studies its causal relationship with the conceptualised constructs of supply chain performance (SCP) and manufacturing firms’ performance (MFP). The study also explores the causal relationship between SCP and MFP.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey questionnaire responded by 249 Jordanian manufacturing firms. The relationships proposed in the developed theoretical framework were represented through three hypotheses: H1 – there is a significant relationship between SCMPs and SCP; H2 – there is a significant relationship between SCMPs and MFP; and H3 – there is a significant relationship between SCP and MFP. Linear regression, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used to test the hypotheses. The results were further validated using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that SCMPs have a positive effect on SCP (H1), which in turn also positively affect MFP (H3). Despite this intermediary positive effect of SCMP on MFP through SCP, the study also suggests that SCMPs have a direct and positive effect on MFP (H2).

Practical implications

This study provides hard evidence indicating that higher levels of SCMPs can lead to enhanced supply chain and firms’ performance. It also provides SC managers of manufacturing firms with a multi-dimensional operational measure of the construct of SCMPs for assessing the comprehensiveness of the SCMPs of their firms.

Originality/value

This study is among the very first SCM researches conducted on the Jordanian manufacturing sector, particularly, in relation to the practices that manufacturing firms in this country need to adopt to make their supply chains a solid competitive vehicle for their development. The results have broader implications for all manufacturing companies, particularly in developing economies where the growth of manufacturing and the development of integrated supply chains are key stages in economic development.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

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