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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Werner Vermeulen and M.J. Crous

This article discusses the importance of training and education for TQM. The best way to institute quality into an organisation, particularly a bank, is to train employees to do…

2458

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of training and education for TQM. The best way to institute quality into an organisation, particularly a bank, is to train employees to do their job better. The training structure must be top‐down, starting with the top team and cascading down the organisation. This is necessary to show management commitment and to ensure managers actually understand the TQM principles and methods. Results of the research project have indicated that none of the respondents’ organisations possess a well‐developed TQM training strategy and plan.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1997

Werner Vermeulen

Claims that management’s failure to recognize the importance of attitudes and to foster a change is one of the primary reasons for the failure of the quality transformation…

2425

Abstract

Claims that management’s failure to recognize the importance of attitudes and to foster a change is one of the primary reasons for the failure of the quality transformation process. States that successful TQM implementation is dependent on the existence of a total quality culture among all personnel. Reports research which indicates that, although some positive elements do exist, for example, a common accepted vision, accepted responsibilities, customer‐focus and group cohesiveness, much still needs to be done to pave the way for a total quality culture.

Details

Training for Quality, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4875

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1996

Werner Vermeulen

Notes that fierce competition, shrinking market share, spiralling costs and rapid change are causing many executives to reassess critically the manner in which they operate and…

1496

Abstract

Notes that fierce competition, shrinking market share, spiralling costs and rapid change are causing many executives to reassess critically the manner in which they operate and manage their business. Presents the results of a research project which investigated the implementation of TQM in the retail grocery and clothing chain stores in South Africa and evaluates whether the implementation of this concept definitely contributes to greater competitive advantage in that industry.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

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Article
Publication date: 20 September 2013

Graeme Esau and Megan Malone

The purpose of this paper is to sets out to highlight the role and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Africa's extractive industry. Through the discussion and…

1037

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to sets out to highlight the role and evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Africa's extractive industry. Through the discussion and analysis of the history of CSR in Africa, best and worst practices in the industry, corporate objectives and business ethics, as well as the use of CSR as a tool for corporate citizenship and sustainable development, this paper works to develop a more concise understanding of the role that CSR has come to play in the African extractive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the discussion and analysis of the history of CSR in Africa, best and worst practices in the industry, corporate objectives and business ethics, as well as the use of CSR as a tool for corporate citizenship and sustainable development, this paper works to develop a more concise understanding of the role that CSR has come to play in the African extractive industry. Policy recommendations are also presented to the public and private sectors on how to mend the gaps and complexities of CSR and move forward with CSR practices in a sustainable manner. The paper draws solely on the use of secondary sources to achieve these results.

Findings

Throughout the research and analysis, this paper argues that while CSR has evolved in the last few years and become more relevant in the extractive industry in Africa, there is still much work to be achieved, especially in the areas of capacity building, both physically and structurally. Policy development and implementation as well as greater accountability of, and cooperation between, governments and corporations is necessary to achieve long‐term sustainability.

Originality/value

Policy development and implementation as well as greater accountability of, and cooperation between, governments and corporations is necessary to achieve long‐term sustainability. Such recommendations are of imminent importance for the continent's economic development, given the resource boom currently taking place across Africa.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

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Article
Publication date: 2 August 2013

Wen-Ting Lin and Kuei-Yang Cheng

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the compensation level and the gap between the chief executive officer (CEO) and the top management team (TMT) with respect…

2433

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the compensation level and the gap between the chief executive officer (CEO) and the top management team (TMT) with respect to the rhythm of firm internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of an empirical analysis. The authors use longitudinal data (1997-2006) of a sample of 345 publicly-listed firms in Taiwan.

Findings

The results show that higher CEO compensation will lead to regular foreign expansion. The CEO–TMT compensation gap has a curvilinear effect on the rhythm of firm internationalization.

Research limitations/implications

These findings highlight that the compensation structure has a significant influence on a firm ' s internationalization strategy. This research contributes to the literature linking strategic human resource management and corporate strategy in terms of firm internationalization.

Practical implications

When firms consider regular foreign expansion, the compensation committee should design a high total compensation level and appropriate the compensation gap between the CEO and TMT members.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on how the compensation of the upper echelons determines whether the internationalization rhythm is regular or irregular. Moreover, the study examines how internal contingencies, such as performance, moderate the relationship between the upper echelons’ compensation and the internationalization rhythm.

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2007

Yi Zhang, Zigang Zhang and Zhixue Liu

This paper seeks to challenge the traditional wisdom that sheds light upon sequential entry modes in developed countries by exploring the dynamic entry mode choice in sequential…

11539

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to challenge the traditional wisdom that sheds light upon sequential entry modes in developed countries by exploring the dynamic entry mode choice in sequential foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature on the entry mode choice is undertaken. Based on analysing two related theories consisting of the knowledge‐based theory of the firm and organizational learning theory, entry mode choices in sequential FDI in emerging economies are investigated using both an internationalisation process model and the capability‐developing perspective, and exclusive propositions are put forward accordingly. Then, these propositions are tested on the context of China with the methodology of paired‐samples t‐tests.

Findings

Based on macro‐level longitudinal data in China from 1979 to 2005, the choice of entry mode in sequential FDI in emerging economies is inconsistent with the capability‐developing theory of the firm, but is consistent with the international process model.

Practical implications

This study provides four practical implications. First, managers intending to invest abroad need to consider the cost and return of a specific entry mode. Second, knowledge about host markets has a more important effect on entry mode choice in emerging markets than MNCs' internal organizational capabilities. Third, MNCs adopt sequential investment in emerging economies, in which they adopt joint ventures in earlier entries and then shift to green‐field investment in later entries. Fourth, experiential learning, which consists of learning about host markets and local partners' skills, is emphasized in sequentially entering emerging markets.

Originality/value

This paper expands the research scope of previous studies that either explore a static choice of entry mode in foreign markets or only examine the entry mode choice in sequential FDI in developed countries. Taking into consideration the dynamic choice of entry modes, the paper studies sequential FDI in emerging economies, which throws light upon theoretical analysis of sequential FDI in China, and which has practical implications for foreign firms that are interested in China and planning to enter China's markets.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2014

Basil P. Tucker and Alan D. Lowe

The aim of this paper is to identify and gain insights into the significance of barriers contributing to the purported “gap” between academic management accounting research and…

4899

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify and gain insights into the significance of barriers contributing to the purported “gap” between academic management accounting research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on diffusion of innovations theory, this study collects and analyses data from a questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews with 19 representatives of the four principal professional accounting bodies in Australia.

Findings

Professional accounting bodies perceive the gap between academic research and practice in management accounting to be of limited concern to practitioners. The two most significant barriers to research utilisation by practitioners are identified as: difficulties in understanding academic research papers; and limited access to research findings. In acting as a conduit between the worlds of academia and practice, professional bodies have an important role to play by demonstrating the mutual value to both academics and practitioners resulting from a closer engagement between MA research and practice.

Research limitations/implications

As one of the few empirically-based, theoretically informed investigations exploring the research-practice gap in management accounting, this study provides insights rather than “answers”. Its findings therefore serve as a foundational basis for further empirical and theoretical enquiry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the conversation about the “research-practice gap” in management accounting by adopting a distinct theoretical vantage point to organize, analyse and interpret empirical evidence obtained from Australian professional accounting bodies about management accounting practice.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

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Article
Publication date: 17 June 2004

Juan Florin and Alphonso O. Ogbuehi

Strategy and marketing scholars look at strategic issues from different points of view and attempt to explain strategic choice and performance from their unique perspectives. This…

1021

Abstract

Strategy and marketing scholars look at strategic issues from different points of view and attempt to explain strategic choice and performance from their unique perspectives. This paper combines these perspectives in the context of international ventures and develops a conceptual framework integrating international marketing strategy decisions with entry mode decisions. The resulting contingency framework extends the hierarchical entry‐mode decision model and allows for a better specification of the strategy‐performance relationship in international business.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2008

Lung‐Tan Lu

This study aims to explore the performance measurement of Sino‐Japanese joint ventures (JVs) by linking the relationship among subjective and objective methods, measure…

Abstract

This study aims to explore the performance measurement of Sino‐Japanese joint ventures (JVs) by linking the relationship among subjective and objective methods, measure approaches, perspectives of parent firms and IJV general managers, and the impact of national culture. Using a sample of 76 Sino‐Japanese JVs, the findings are as follows: (1) foreign parents and JV general managers evaluate JV performance using four approaches (i.e., economic, strategic, behavioral, and learningV; (2) There are significant correlations among the four approaches; (3)Learning approach is found significantly different between the Japanese parent firms and JV general managers; (4) National culture has influence on JV performance.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2023

Linda H. Chen, Leslie Eldenburg and Theodore H. Goodman

The purpose of this study is to investigate how two types of drivers, namely, executive compensation and market competition, can affect hospital quality in the USA. Recently…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how two types of drivers, namely, executive compensation and market competition, can affect hospital quality in the USA. Recently, patients, insurers and regulators have increasingly focused on hospital quality. Understanding the interplay of incentives in this industry is important because in 2019, hospital treatment contributed $1.161bn to health-care costs in the USA. This study answers the call for more studies in the so-called “mixed” industry, where ownership differences can affect organizational objectives and operating constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the roles of hospital executive compensation and industry competition as determinants of health-care quality. Specifically, the study probes the heterogeneity in the factors that influence quality across hospital types in the USA.

Findings

Using California hospital data from 2006 through 2020, the findings show that the effects of compensation and competition on hospital quality differ by ownership type. Executive compensation is positively associated with quality in for-profit hospitals but is not associated with that of nonprofit hospitals, suggesting for-profit hospitals are more likely to use higher levels of compensation to attract managers with higher ability, whereas the utility function for nonprofit managers may be multidimensional. Within the nonprofit hospital group, competition is more positively associated with quality for religious nonprofits relative to secular nonprofits, suggesting that competition provides more monitoring for religious hospitals.

Originality/value

Taken together, the findings provide evidence that the drivers of quality vary across hospitals in ways consistent with differences in constraints and objectives across ownership types. The findings are important for regulators seeking to incentivize higher quality. For example, Medicare in the USA has incorporated quality measures into its new hospital reimbursement scheme (value-based purchasing) to incentivize quality. This study proposes that regulators should consider differences across ownership types when evaluating the best ways to incentivize hospital quality.

Details

Review of Accounting and Finance, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-7702

Keywords

1 – 10 of 55