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Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Mohammad Hossein Rahmati and Mohammad Reza Jalilvand

Current models of organizational excellence are appropriate for the private organizations. It is evident that if an appropriate model is not adopted, the process of excellence in…

Abstract

Purpose

Current models of organizational excellence are appropriate for the private organizations. It is evident that if an appropriate model is not adopted, the process of excellence in the organizations fails and some dimensions of the organization get affected by unpredictable damages. This research aims to identify an appropriate excellence model for public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the excellence criteria and models. Second, the models were through an expert-oriented questionnaire, analyzed by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Participants were experts in the two domains of excellence models and public sector management. A sample of 15 experts was selected using purposive sampling. In order to emphasize on reliability, 10 questionnaires were adopted for analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model is the most appropriate model for excellence measurement in the public organizations based on the five selected indices.

Originality/value

The identification of a model for measuring organizational excellence for public sector can significantly contribute to existing literature on excellence measurement.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Małgorzata Zdzisława Wiśniewska and Piotr Grudowski

To recognize the existing state of knowledge on a culture of excellence (CoE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to define the CoE in HEI and the dimensions that make up…

Abstract

Purpose

To recognize the existing state of knowledge on a culture of excellence (CoE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to define the CoE in HEI and the dimensions that make up that culture. A subsidiary goal is to propose a qualitative tool to measure CoE maturity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on the qualitative method, the preferred reporting system of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Next, the conceptual work method was used.

Findings

A research gap in the topic of CoE in HE has been confirmed. The CoE's own definition has been proposed, as well as a set of seven dimensions that comprise it, such as: Clear vision, mission and goals for excellence; Leadership oriented to excellence; Employee engagement; Human resources management; Meeting and exceeding student and staff expectations; Continuous improvement of processes through innovation and excellent practices; and Partnership and teamwork for improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study research was limited to open-access articles. Therefore, in the future, the search can be broadened to include monographs or doctoral dissertations, and other peer-reviewed studies. The research implications are related to the originality of our work and the proposals of two concepts – a CoE model and a CoE maturity assessment tool.

Practical implications

Leaders at universities, e.g. rectors and deans, can take into account the identified dimensions and progressively provide them as conditions conducive to achieving above-average levels.

Originality/value

This is the first literature review on CoE in HEIs, which can be considered an original contribution to science and practice. The original contribution of the paper is also the proposal of a CoE conceptual model and a CoE maturity assessment tool.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Yaifa Trakulsunti, Jiju Antony, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Guilherme Luz Tortorella, Witsarut Chuayjan and Monika Foster

The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interview approach was used to understand the current state, benefits, challenges, success factors, tools and techniques of operational excellence methodology implementation with relevance to logistics companies worldwide. About 16 interviews were undertaken with practitioners working in leading companies and with leading academics in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia.

Findings

The findings show that operational excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile can apply in logistics firms to improve operations and productivity and save costs. Top management support and involvement play an important role in the success of operational excellence projects in the logistics service.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will be of interest to top and middle managers and logistics practitioners, with a dual aim of improving logistics performance and saving costs.

Originality/value

The present study has been one of the first global study attempts to explore the implementation of operational excellence methodologies in the logistics sectors.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Behrooz Ghlichlee

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multistakeholder scale for assessing an excellent human resource (HR) function to demonstrate the extent to which it is focused on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multistakeholder scale for assessing an excellent human resource (HR) function to demonstrate the extent to which it is focused on creating value from the perspective of its key internal and external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

At the first stage, an in-depth literature review was conducted to extract the best practices for an excellent HR function. Then, to test the validation of the developed framework, it was sent to HR academics and practitioners in different countries. The survey responses were analyzed using the methods of the structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factorial analysis.

Findings

This study proposes an excellent HR multistakeholder assessment scale consisting of ten criteria based on the perceptions of internal and external HR stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests a framework for assessing overall HR excellence based on the perceptions of key internal and external HR stakeholders. In addition, it is recommended that future researchers empirically test the developed scale across various industries and firm sizes.

Practical implications

HR managers, by using this framework, could continuously assess their HR excellence and compare their HR excellence with other companies’ HR excellence in the industry and then plan for continuous improvement in different HR areas to improve their stakeholders’ experiences.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the enablers and results of an excellent HR department and designs a multistakeholder feedback scale to better understand key internal and external HR stakeholders’ perceptions.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Abstract

Details

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

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2024

Satyajit Mahato and Supriyo Roy

Managing project completion within the stipulated time is significant to all firms' sustainability. Especially for software start-up firms, it is of utmost importance. For any…

Abstract

Purpose

Managing project completion within the stipulated time is significant to all firms' sustainability. Especially for software start-up firms, it is of utmost importance. For any schedule variation, these firms must spend 25 to 40 percent of the development cost reworking quality defects. Significantly, the existing literature does not support defect rework opportunities under quality aspects among Indian IT start-ups. The present study aims to fill this niche by proposing a unique mathematical model of the defect rework aligned with the Six Sigma quality approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimization model was formulated, comprising the two objectives: rework “time” and rework “cost.” A case study was developed in relevance, and for the model solution, we used MATLAB and an elitist, Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II).

Findings

The output of the proposed approach reduced the “time” by 31 percent at a minimum “cost”. The derived “Pareto Optimal” front can be used to estimate the “cost” for a pre-determined rework “time” and vice versa, thus adding value to the existing literature.

Research limitations/implications

This work has deployed a decision tree for defect prediction, but it is often criticized for overfitting. This is one of the limitations of this paper. Apart from this, comparing the predicted defect count with other prediction models hasn’t been attempted. NSGA-II has been applied to solve the optimization problem; however, the optimal results obtained have yet to be compared with other algorithms. Further study is envisaged.

Practical implications

The Pareto front provides an effective visual aid for managers to compare multiple strategies to decide the best possible rework “cost” and “time” for their projects. It is beneficial for cost-sensitive start-ups to estimate the rework “cost” and “time” to negotiate with their customers effectively.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel quality management framework under the Six Sigma approach, which integrates optimization of critical metrics. As part of this study, a unique mathematical model of the software defect rework process was developed (combined with the proposed framework) to obtain the optimal solution for the perennial problem of schedule slippage in the rework process of software development.

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: 1 January 2024

Diana Oliveira, Helena Alvelos and Maria J. Rosa

Quality 4.0 is being presented as the new stage of quality development. However, its overlying concept and rationale are still hard to define. To better understand what different…

Abstract

Purpose

Quality 4.0 is being presented as the new stage of quality development. However, its overlying concept and rationale are still hard to define. To better understand what different authors and studies advocate being Quality 4.0, a systematic literature review was undertaken on the topic. This paper presents the results of such review, providing some avenues for further research on quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The documents for the systematic literature review have been searched on the Scopus database, using the search equation: [TITLE-ABS-KEY (“Quality 4.0”) OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Quality Management” AND (“Industry 4.0” OR “Fourth Industr*” OR i4.0))]. Documents were filtered by language and by type. Of the 367 documents identified, 146 were submitted to exploratory content analysis.

Findings

The analyzed documents essentially provide theoretical discussions on what Quality 4.0 is or should be. Five categories have emerged from the content analysis undertaken: Industry 4.0 and the Rise of a New Approach to Quality; Motivations, Readiness Factors and Barriers to a Quality 4.0 Approach; Digital Quality Management Systems; Combination of Quality Tools and Lean Methodologies and Quality 4.0 Professionals.

Research limitations/implications

It was hard to find studies reporting how quality is actually being managed in organizations that already operate in the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Answers could not be found to questions regarding actual practices, methodologies and tools being used in Quality 4.0 approaches. However, the research undertaken allowed to identify in the literature different ways of conceptualizing and analyzing Quality 4.0, opening up avenues for further research on quality management in the Industry 4.0 era.

Originality/value

This paper offers a broad look at how quality management is changing in response to the affirmation of the Industry 4.0 paradigm.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Mahipal Singh and Rajeev Rathi

The present environmental concern has enforced manufacturing firms to re-evaluate their business practices to reduce the adverse impact on the environment with optimum production…

Abstract

Purpose

The present environmental concern has enforced manufacturing firms to re-evaluate their business practices to reduce the adverse impact on the environment with optimum production. Therefore, the present study aims to deal with the implementation of the environmental lean six sigma (ELSS) framework in an Indian medical equipment manufacturing industry to obtain operational and environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed ELSS framework is based on the DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyze–ImproveControl) methodology, sustainability and lean tools. The efficacy of the developed framework is tested through a case study in an Indian medical equipment manufacturing unit.

Findings

In the case company, four major issues were reported, i.e. improper material handling, non-productive movement of men and material, poor indoor air quality and rework. The ELSS project facilitates the case organization to enhance their capacity utilization from 59.25% to 74.3%, defects per million opportunities reduce from 309,523 to 48,951.44 and indoor air quality levels decrease from 156.87 to 86.85 µgm3.

Research limitations/implications

The efficacy of the developed ELSS framework is evaluated through a case study conducted only in one Indian manufacturing environment.

Practical implications

The present study facilitates industrial managers and practitioners to achieve sustainability and process excellence through ELSS implementation. Organizations that intend to simultaneously improve operational and environmental performance can benefit from this paper as it can be used as a guide to conduct similar projects with both operational and environmental benefits.

Originality/value

This paper presents a successful implementation of the ELSS framework in the healthcare industry to achieve operational and environmental sustainability.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Gharib Hashem, Mohamed Aboelmaged and Ifzal Ahmad

This paper has predicted digital supply chain (DSC) adoption through the role of firms' proactiveness, knowledge management capability (KMC), innovation ambidexterity and the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper has predicted digital supply chain (DSC) adoption through the role of firms' proactiveness, knowledge management capability (KMC), innovation ambidexterity and the moderating effect of environmental dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 354 managers in manufacturing and service firms were analysed using the PLS-SEM model.

Findings

The present study's findings ascertained the significant role of innovation ambidexterity in influencing DSC adoption, given that innovation exploration's direct and mediating impacts were greater than innovation exploitation's. Firms' proactiveness had the highest path coefficient value among the endogenous variables as an indispensable source for firms to successfully embrace KMC and innovation ambidexterity. The role of firm size on DSC adoption was also significant, revealing that SMEs were more likely than larger firms to adopt DSC practices. Despite its significant effect on innovation ambidexterity, KMC surprisingly exhibited no direct influence on DSC adoption. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated the significant moderating role of environmental dynamism on the effect of KMC on innovation exploration.

Research limitations/implications

This research endeavour has presented valuable insights for scholars and managers, furnishing them with a framework to facilitate decision-making processes regarding adopting DSC practices. A key insight gleaned from this study has been the remarkable value of firms' proactive behaviour and innovation ambidexterity in facilitating DSC adoption decisions. Such adoption has empowered organisations to deploy appropriate interventions and allocate resources efficiently, considering the pivotal role of innovation exploration in contrast to the relatively limited impact of innovation exploitation within this context. Managers may also underscore the significance of firm size in shaping DSC adoption decisions. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been more likely to embrace DSC initiatives than their larger counterparts. The agile scale and streamlined organisational structures of SMEs often translate into faster decision-making processes, allowing for DSC adoption with relative ease. SMEs might also exhibit a greater openness to reap the benefits associated with DSC systems, such as improved operational efficiency and cost reduction.

Originality/value

The present study has advanced DSC adoption research by examining innovation ambidexterity, knowledge management capability and firms' proactiveness. It has also provided valuable insights for scholars and managers, presenting a framework for decision-making processes regarding DSC adoption in an emerging economy context.

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

Premaratne Samaranayake, Michael W. McLean and Samanthi Kumari Weerabahu

The application of lean and quality improvement methods is very common in process improvement projects at organisational levels. The purpose of this research is to assess the…

Abstract

Purpose

The application of lean and quality improvement methods is very common in process improvement projects at organisational levels. The purpose of this research is to assess the adoption of Lean Six Sigma™ approaches for addressing a complex process-related issue in the coal industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The sticky coal problem was investigated from the perspective of process-related issues. Issues were addressed using a blended Lean value stream of supply chain interfaces and waste minimisation through the Six Sigma™ DMAIC problem-solving approach, taking into consideration cross-organisational processes.

Findings

It was found that the tendency to “solve the problem” at the receiving location without communication to the upstream was, and is still, a common practice that led to the main problem of downstream issues. The application of DMAIC Six Sigma™ helped to address the broader problem. The overall operations were improved significantly, showing the reduction of sticky coal/wagon hang-up in the downstream coal handling terminal.

Research limitations/implications

The Lean Six Sigma approaches were adopted using DMAIC across cross-organisational supply chain processes. However, blending Lean and Six Sigma methods needs to be empirically tested across other sectors.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology, using a framework of Lean Six Sigma approaches, could be used to guide practitioners in addressing similar complex and recurring issues in the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel approach to process analysis, selection and contextualised improvement using a combination of Lean Six Sigma™ tools, techniques and methodologies sustained within a supply chain with certified ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Details

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

Keywords

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