Showing papers by "Marilyn M. Helms published in 1995"

Is your organization ready for TQM? An assessment methodology

Abstract: The TQM literature suggests that success comes to organizations ready for a change in climate. Perceptions of management and employees are important to assess because these groups function as if perceptions are real. Determining levels of readiness or conversely resistance to change is an important step, yet few organizations assess readiness in starting a TQM implementation. Highlights key assessment criteria and discusses the variables used to survey both managers and employees regarding these characteristics. Identifies ways to use the variables to develop a survey instrument as well as to diagnose and identify potential ways to remove potential hurdles to TQM. Indicates that both manufacturing organizations and service providers can use these variables to implement continuous improvement processes better.

A factor‐analytic approach profiling job selection differences ofmale and female accountants

Abstract: Aims both to scrutinize the stereotypical image of women in public accounting (e.g. women will avoid public accounting if they have small children), and also to determine whether job selection factors influence males and females differently. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of approximately 500 male and female accountants in the USA in order to determine the degree to which various factors influenced the selection of their current jobs. Reports the results of the survey. Specifically, through factor analysis, develops a profile of males and females on factors influencing job selection and identifying differences and similarities between the two groups. Also addresses areas for future research and suggestions for both accounting and human resources.

Is your TQM programme successful? A self‐assessment tool for managers

Abstract: Develops a methodology, including a questionnaire and possible statistical analyses, to answer the question, “Has the implementation of the total quality management process been beneficial in helping my company improve its competitive position?” Empirical support can be gathered for this question which will allow managers to make informed decisions about the potential application of TQM. Continual use of the assessment will provide longitudinal data useful in benchmarking progress and making necessary implementation adjustments. Results can aid in company improvement as well as in theory development. Provides a discussion of the use of this methodology as well as ways to interpret the findings.

Intercultural anxiety: implications for improving expatriate selection for Japan

Abstract: As US business organizations continue to use more expatriates in international locations, the reasons for high failure rates of these assignments need to be examined. Selection and training may be the key inadequacies. Intercultural anxiety plays an important role in productive expatriate assignments. By determining personnel with lower intercultural anxiety levels, successful assignment completions should increase. Examines attributional complexity, stereotyping, ethnocentrism and acquaintance with host‐country nationals to determine the relationship of these variables to reduced intercultural anxiety. A group considering assignments to Japan, consisting of business and education executives and their families, were surveyed before and after an intensive study visit. Findings indicate that stereotyping and ethnocentrism have a negative association with decreased intercultural anxiety. Attributional complexity and acquaintances have a positive effect on reduced anxiety levels. Suggestions for organizations making expatriate selection decisions include screening potential candidates for these traits. Also provides areas for further research.

A physical examination of health care's readiness for a total quality management program: a case study.

Abstract: Initiating a total quality management (TQM) effort can be a time-consuming and costly effort for a hospital. Perceptions of management and employees are important in initiating TQM because people function as if perceptions are fact. Assessing these perceptions and determining the levels of readiness or resistance to change are important steps in reducing costs, thus increasing organizational ability to address proactively challenges to the implementation and ultimate success of a TQM effort. Key assessment criteria are discussed including a comparison of management and employee perceptions in one hospital.

The demand for graduate education in health services administration: a case study.

Abstract: This article documents research into the demand for graduate education in health services administration/management with a case study model. Research included background information on the profession, the history of graduate education in health services administration, health care administrator demographics and their perceptions of the demand for graduate-prepared professionals and their own educational needs, most appropriate degree to offer, and curriculum content. The findings support the trend toward a balance between specific and general health care business skills in graduate education. Other schools may benefit from the student profile, program delivery, appropriate degree information, and curriculum content findings as well as the research instrument design and methodology when assessing and planning graduate programs in health services administration/management.

Industrial strategy: a third view

Abstract: During the early 1970s, Allied‐Signal of New Jersey developed high tech materials referred to as amorphous metals. These metals have exceptional electrical and magnetic properties and are used in recording heads in video and audio recorders. Additionally, they are used extensively by the electric‐power industry. Japanese power companies have always been interested in amorphous metals. In fact, if these companies had used amorphous metals, they would have saved one billion dollars per year in electricity cost alone (The Economist, 1990). However, these businesses were cajoled by Japanese officials into waiting for the American patents to expire so they could use a homemade version. As the end of the patents approached in 1993, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) announced a catch up program involving thirty‐four Japanese companies to develop the know‐how for making amorphous metals themselves. The Japanese ministry used its influence to persuade Japanese power companies not to order amorphous transformers until Japanese manufacturers were ready to supply them. Thus, the market for American high‐tech products estimated at $100 million per year has been practically eliminated (The Economist, 1990).

Canadian executives' perceptions of the U.S. and Canadian free-trade agreement and their potential effects on decision-making

Abstract: This study analyzes executives' perceptions of free trade negotiations and the potential effects of these perceptions on strategy. Top executives in 300 major Canadian industrial firms were surveyed to test two propositions. They are: (1) Executives tend to perceive that free trade would lead to market expansion which, in turn, would increase trade, production, and investment efficiencies and (2) Decisions in business strategy formulation and implementation may be influenced by the perceptions of the trade policy.