Showing papers in "Benchmarking: An International Journal in 2013"
TL;DR: A reliable and accurate instrument to assess the supply chain risk of similar comparable industries and provides a framework to the top management to prioritize the various risk constructs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a reliable and accurate instrument to assess the supply chain risk of similar comparable industries This enables the firms which fall in this category of industry to identify and incorporate suitable risk sources under various risk constructs This paper also provides a framework to the top management to prioritize the various risk constructsDesign/methodology/approach – A systematic approach is used to develop and validate an instrument for assessing overall risk of supply chain This includes specifying the domain and dimensionality of a construct, generation of initial pool of items, refinement of the initial items by the expert group, assessment of content validity, evaluation of reliability and construct validity of the scale items Also a higher order measurement model of structural equation modeling is used to prioritize the various risk constructsFindings – The process yielded a robust instrument to assess overall risk of the supply chain Throu
115 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a fuzzy based analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) has been used to determine the supply related risk and its potential impact on the buyer organization, and the results of the case example indicates that the suggested approach of fuzzy AHP methodology seems feasible for risk assessment in supply chain management.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for assessing supply risk for a product category. The fuzzy based analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP) has been used for the purpose. The technique is used to determine the supply related risk and its potential impact on the buyer organization.Design/methodology/approach – The research uses case analysis approach to understand the supply related risks and then applying fuzzy AHP for prioritization of the same.Findings – The result of the case example indicates that the suggested approach of fuzzy AHP methodology seems feasible for risk assessment in supply chain management as it allows the personnel to express their judgments regarding the importance of each type of risk elements and evaluate the situation from their own perspective and then have this input coordinated in a quantitative fashion.Practical implications – Supply chain managers can use this research as a base for developing risk assessment tool. The result can help as a benchma...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) responsible for supplier development (SD) in a manufacturing supply chain environment and propose a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate the degree of impact of each CSF on SD.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) responsible for supplier development (SD) in a manufacturing supply chain environment.Design/methodology/approach – In total, 13 CSFs for SD are identified (i.e. long‐term strategic goal; top management commitment; incentives; supplier's supplier condition; proximity to manufacturing base; supplier certification; innovation capability; information sharing; environmental readiness; external environment; project completion experience; supplier status and direct involvement) through extensive literature review and discussion held with managers/engineers in different Indian manufacturing companies. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is proposed and developed to evaluate the degree of impact of each CSF on SD.Findings – The degree of impact for each CSF on SD is established for an Indian company. The results are discussed in detail with managerial implications. The long‐term strategic goal is found to be ...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of the effective implementation of both ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 systems on the competitive performance of certified food manufacturing companies is explored, and the results show a positive and significant relationship between the combined effective implementation and ISO-22000 standards and competitive performance, explaining a significant proportion of variance in their performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the effective implementation of both ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 systems on the competitive performance of certified food manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument was used for quantitative data collection. All items were measured on a seven‐point modified Likert scale. The data were analysed statistically by means of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to test the research hypotheses. Both validity and reliability of the measures were checked in order to reduce the measurement error.Findings – The results show a positive and significant relationship between the combined effective implementation of ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 standards and competitive performance of certified food companies, explaining a significant proportion of variance in their performance.Practical implications – The results of this study help managers of food companies realize th...
58 citations
TL;DR: An attempt is made to propose a framework that possibly suggests a way to achieve coherency in use of SCM frameworks, and hence help researchers in reducing the inconsistencies that may occur in future frameworks.
Abstract: Purpose – The literature of supply chain management (SCM) is burgeoning with frameworks but there has been no attempt in extant literature to highlight the inconsistencies present in existing SCM frameworks. The purpose of this paper is to identify these inconsistencies by critically reviewing 57 SCM framework articles. Based on the results of reviewing these articles, an attempt is made to propose a framework that possibly suggests a way to achieve coherency in use of SCM frameworks, and hence help researchers in reducing the inconsistencies that may occur in future frameworks.Design/methodology/approach – Review of frameworks is based on certain criteria such as novelty of frameworks, participation of practitioners and consultants in making academic frameworks, verification of frameworks, modes of verification and degree of standardization of SCM elements (or constructs).Findings – The analysis of selected frameworks reveals major inconsistencies, such as negligence of researchers towards adapting exist...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated approach using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and fuzzy matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement (FMICMAC) analysis has been developed to identify and classify the key MTEs, typically identified by a comprehensive review of literature and expert opinion.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework to identify and classify key medical tourism enablers (MTEs) and to study the direct and indirect effects of each enabler on the growth of medical tourism in India. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, an integrated approach using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Fuzzy Matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement (FMICMAC) analysis has been developed to identify and classify the key MTEs, typically identified by a comprehensive review of literature and expert opinion. The key enablers are also modeled to find their role and mutual influence. Findings – The key finding of this modeling helps to identify and classify the enablers which may be useful for medical tourism decision makers to employ this model for formulating strategies in order to overcome challenges and to become a preferred medical tourism destination. Integrated model reveals enablers such as medicine insurance coverage, intern...
54 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an innovative quantitative approach is proposed to measure visibility in outbound supply chains and to implement it in order to evaluate the current degree of visibility that focal companies operating in the apparel industry have on their supply chains.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to propose an innovative quantitative approach to measure visibility in outbound supply chains and to implement it in order to evaluate the current degree of visibility that focal companies operating in the apparel industry have on their supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an in‐depth literature review on supply chain visibility and on 11 case studies in the apparel industry.Findings – The outcome of the paper is twofold. First, it proposes a metric for measuring visibility in complex outbound supply chains. Second, it analyses the quantity and quality of visible information in eleven companies belonging to the apparel industry, comparing visibility on outbound supply chains vs inbound supply chains.Research limitations/implications – Although the paper shows the usefulness of the proposed metrics in supporting value assessment, a structured tool is still to be developed. Moreover, the visibility metric is suitable for benchmarking analyses,...
53 citations
TL;DR: In this research work, seven factors such as top management support, resistance of employees, pay scale, training to employees, industry‐institute‐interaction, proper planning and team structure ha...
Abstract: Purpose – Globalisation and liberalization of today's markets economy has posed new challenges to all manufacturing organizations, irrespective of their size and sector, for effective utilization of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) for sustaining their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to provide a new insight into the use of hybrid methodology using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach, which is a multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology for measuring the effective utilization of advanced manufacturing technologies.Design/methodology/approach – A hybrid methodology using analytical hierarchy process and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution approach has been applied in this study. In this research work, seven factors such as top management support, resistance of employees, pay scale, training to employees, industry‐institute‐interaction, proper planning and team structure ha...
45 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to classify the QFD models and thereby applying benchmarking process to propose the best practices of QFD model, which is conceptual and it requires validation by implementing the same in an or...
Abstract: Purpose – Quality function deployment (QFD) has been used to translate customer requirements into engineering characteristics of a product, while benchmarking was developed to search for the best industry practices, which will lead to exceptional performance through the implementation of these best practices However, no attempt has been made to integrate QFD with benchmarking to identify the best practices of QFD model This paper aims to classify the QFD models and thereby applying benchmarking process to propose the best practices of QFD model Design/methodology/approach – The fundamental benchmarking model developed by Camp has been used to benchmark the existing QFD models available in the literature Findings – Benchmarking the QFD models revealed about 36 QFD steps in the first phase of the house of quality The tools used in solving for each practice are also reported Research limitations/implications – The proposed model is conceptual and it requires validation by implementing the same in an or
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors emphasise on a balance between quantitative and qualitative measures, and examine the use of Balanced Scorecard to evaluate and estimate the performance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in delivering valuable eGovernment services through the internet.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasise on a balance between quantitative and qualitative measures, and examine the use of Balanced Scorecard to evaluate and estimate the performance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in delivering valuable e‐government services through the internet.Design/methodology/approach – This study tests the hypotheses of e‐government effectiveness using Balanced Scorecard technique by incorporating qualitative measures within a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire. The survey sample of 383 stakeholders includes common customers, employees of e‐government, and employees from the IT sector. The survey data were analysed to test the hypothesis in measuring e‐government effectiveness from Balanced Scorecard's four dimensions: customer perspective, financial perspective, internal business process perspective, and innovation and learning perspective.Findings – The results show that the Balanced Scorecard f...
39 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the extent of total quality management (TQM) implementation in Libyan manufacturing companies (LMCs), and evaluates the impact of ISO 9000, and company size on its implementation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of total quality management (TQM) implementation in Libyan manufacturing companies (LMCs), and evaluates the impact of ISO 9000, and company size on its implementation.Design/methodology/approach – A framework, comprised of six TQM elements is proposed. Data was collected by means of a survey questionnaire distributed to those companies which agreed to participate.Findings – The results are the responses of a comprehensive survey which showed that Libyan companies are still struggling to effectively embark on TQM. The correlations among the six investigated TQM elements were positive and significant. This study also investigated whether the level of TQM implementation is influenced by contextual factors, including company size and ISO 9000 certification. It was found that there were no differences between TQM elements across ISO and non‐ISO certified companies. The findings also revealed that there is no significant difference between small ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of an online benchmarking tool developed for logistics service users and providers to provide alternative service option in Europe is evaluated using structured interviews with the users of the tool.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of an online benchmarking tool developed for logistics service users and providers to provide alternative service option in Europe.Design/methodology/approach – First, conduct desktop research including but not limited to academic literature reviews on benchmarking, performance measurement and previous and current examples of online benchmarking tools in order to determine issues in the field; second, report the development process and functionalities of a benchmarking tool; third, examine the benchmarking tool through structured interviews with the users of the tool; and finally, draw conclusion as to whether the tool is effective or needs changes to make it more effective.Findings – Six Key Performance Indicators were identified: Transport cost, Transport time, Flexibility, Reliability, Quality, Sustainability. The functionality of an online transport chain benchmarking e‐tool is detailed. The evaluation of the tool found that it is a stra...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the role of trust in the relationships and long-term commitment between partners in strategic alliances in the oil industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and found that building trust between partners helped to avoid bureaucratic obstructions and enhanced the decision making process in the UAE.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the role of trust in the relationships and long‐term commitment between partners in strategic alliances. A framework is developed for better understanding the role of trust in the performance of strategic alliances in a cross‐cultural context.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical findings of this study are gathered from structured and unstructured interviews with some key actors involved in the process of forming strategic alliances in their own organizations; a case study of the oil industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which illustrates this is analysed. Qualitative analysis is conducted to assess the role of trust in this cross‐cultural context.Findings – It was noted that building trust between partners helped to avoid bureaucratic obstructions and enhanced the decision making process in the UAE. It was found that trust helped partners to exchange resources faster, devote more funds to the venture and exchange knowledge and information smoot...
TL;DR: An agility evaluation approach to determine the most suitable agile system for implementing mass customization (MC) strategies is developed and the ranking so obtained is compared with the ranking obtained by a popular multi‐attribute decision making process known as Fuzzy TOPSIS to test the robustness of the proposed method.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an agility evaluation approach to determine the most suitable agile system for implementing mass customization (MC) strategies. Evaluating the alternatives and comparing across them, the best practices of the efficient organization can be identified and transferred to different organizations.Design/methodology/approach – Grey relation approach is a simple mathematical technique useful in situations where the information is not known precisely. Grey relation approach has been applied to measure the agility of various organizations based on agile entities and accordingly the organizations are ranked. The ranking so obtained is compared with the ranking obtained by a popular multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) process known as Fuzzy TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) to test the robustness of the proposed method. It is to be noted that grey theory considers the condition of the fuzziness and can deal flexibly with the f...
TL;DR: In this article, a survey instrument based on a number of critical factors was used to examine if there are relationships between LM and CENPD, and the results indicated that LM organizations are able to develop new products with 63 percent better quality, 52 percent less development time, 45 per cent less development cost, and 36 percent less manufacturing cost than conventional companies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relationships between lean manufacturing (LM) principles and concurrent engineering approach to new product development (CENPD).Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument based on a number of critical factors was used to examine if there are relationships between LM and CENPD. In addition to general organization and managerial profile items, the survey contained 44 items (22 paired) regarding similarities between LM and CENPD factors. Also, the survey instrument contained a number of questionnaire items on NPD performances for LM companies using CENPD and conventional companies.Findings – Statistical results show high degree of similarities between LM and CENPD factors. The results also indicate that LM organizations are able to develop new products with 63 per cent better quality, 52 per cent less development time, 45 per cent less development cost, and 36 per cent less manufacturing cost than conventional companies.Research limitations/imp...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a dynamic customer-driven benchmarking approach that captures changes in customer perceptions and expectations and subsequent changes in service standards set by experienced customers as best practice.
Abstract: Purpose – Most benchmarking methods are based on comparing financial and operational indicators with that of the leader in the market. Financial and operational indicators may not be sustainable in facing the speed and competitiveness of today's marketplace. The purpose of this paper is to propose a dynamic customer‐driven benchmarking approach that captures changes in customer perceptions and expectations and subsequent changes in service standards set by experienced customers as best practice.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on examining the current literature on benchmarking and suggesting a new approach for benchmarking that puts the experienced customer as the standard for benchmarking. The customer‐driven benchmarking approach is one that will ensure that companies are continuously improving and advancing their values to meet the needs of the sophisticated and demanding customers.Findings – The use of customer‐driven benchmarking will not only provide a clear direction and methods f...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and tested a quick scan purchasing maturity tool by applying a design science research method, which provides a company with insight into its current level of purchasing maturity and possibilities for improving performance.
Abstract: Purpose – Prime contractors spend up to 90 per cent of a construction project's turnover on buying goods and services, and thus suppliers have a large impact on project performance. Therefore, the purchasing function management of the prime contractor has a large influence on the overall performance: the more developed (i.e. mature or professional) this function is, the greater its positive contribution. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a quick scan purchasing maturity tool by applying a design science research method.
Design/methodology/approach – The maturity tool is developed by applying Hevner's framework for design science research. In this framework, foundations drawn from the available knowledge base are used to develop the new tool. Scientific justification of this new tool and approval of its approach for construction practice is obtained through testing it in the specific context of a case company.
Findings – The tool provides a company with insight into its current level of purchasing maturity and possibilities for improving performance by increasing this level.
Originality/value – The conciseness and the limited time required to use the tool are major advantages over existing alternatives for construction practice.
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual paper using systems design theory to frame the extant literature and delineate the challenges and opportunities in HADR with respect to environment, processes, and goals is presented.
Abstract: – A review of relief‐and‐recovery glitches related to natural disasters revealed four main issues that hinder the effectiveness of relief efforts. A common theme across these issues is a need for a more holistic systems design to provide better coordination within humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR). This paper addresses this issue., – This is a conceptual paper using systems design theory to frame the extant literature and delineate the challenges and opportunities in HADR with respect to environment, processes, and goals. With the focus on systems design, the authors use fundamental principles of systems thinking to identify core issues and questions that require the attention of future research., – HADR supply chains are made up of a complex set of players. By answering the questions the paper have proposed using systems thinking, these organizations can be motivated to coordinate efforts in the HADR supply chain to create a more cohesive response effort., – Progress is needed to transition from temporary to synchronized, “borderless” HADR supply chain networks. The result would be that HADR supply chains would more effectively reduce suffering and operate at lower total costs – two goals that are worth pursuing., – This paper is written in response to Richey's call for a more theoretical base in HADR research. Addressing the proposed research questions introduced in this paper will increase HADR system transparency, allowing us to better evaluate theoretically the governance and synchronization mechanisms required to enhance collaboration and improve HADR effectiveness.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed data envelopment analysis to measure the slack-based efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and mixed efficiency of 24 leading 3PLs in North America, relative to their rivals in world-wide 3PL markets.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to measure the comparative managerial efficiency of 24 leading third‐party logistics providers (3PLs) in North America and identify best‐practice firms among these 3PLs.Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes data envelopment analysis to measure the slack‐based efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and mixed efficiency of 24 leading 3PLs in North America, relative to their rivals in world‐wide 3PL markets. In particular, this paper develops both the Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) model under constant returns to scale and the Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) model under varying returns to scale that are designed to derive weights without being fixed in advance.Findings – With respect to managerial efficiency, this study did not find any significant performance differences between asset based 3PLs and non‐asset based 3PLs. Defying the common sense, relatively small but niche‐oriented 3PLs with limited service offerings tended to perform better than their larger counte...
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between efficiency and profitability of a two-stage production system and the main sources of inefficiencies within a company is investigated. But, the results do not confirm the existence of a positive strong correlation between efficiency or profitability.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify the relationship between efficiency and profitability by using data from Greek meat processing companies over the period 1994‐2007.Design/methodology/approach – The relationship of efficiency and profitability is studied, by applying a new performance decomposition model. This method is capable of making valid and consistent inferences about the performance of a two‐stage production system, as well as the main sources of inefficiencies within a company.Findings – A poor performance over the study period is observed in the sample companies. The low performance is mainly due to the low profitability. The results do not confirm the existence of a positive strong correlation between efficiency and profitability. The companies that have the capability of producing their products with the best practices are not always capable of generating the maximum profits.Practical implications – The need for the improvement of performance has two aspects: first, it is a demand for the ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive analysis of state of implementation of benchmarking concepts in Indian automotive companies, which is carried out through a mixed method of research approach comprising of a survey of 300 auto companies in India.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present existence comprehensive analysis of state of implementation of benchmarking concepts in Indian automotive companies. Design/methodology/approach – The research is carried out through a mixed method of research approach comprising of a survey of 300 auto companies in India. Out of 300, 48 valid responses together with three additional case studies were used in the data analysis. Inclusion of case studies was aspired to get deeper insight into the issues pertaining to adoption of best practices, and subsequently the implementation of benchmarking activities. Findings – Benchmarking has been unanimously accepted as an effective performance and productivity improvement tool by Indian auto companies. However, Indian automobile manufacturers still see benchmarking as a tool to compare product attributes, quality attributes, operations, and processes. Moreover, it has been perceived as being less applicable at strategic level. Results also show that benchmarking is in its pri...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a set of target performance standards that help fast-food restaurants monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements in cross-cultural settings using analytic hierarchy process and competitive gap analysis.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help fast‐food restaurants successfully penetrate foreign markets and then strengthen their foothold in those markets by identifying cross‐cultural differences in the perceived service quality of fast‐food restaurants; and by examining how those differences affect the globalization of fast‐food restaurant franchises based in the USA and Korea.Design/methodology/approach – This paper develops a set of target performance standards that helps fast‐food restaurants monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements in cross‐cultural settings using analytic hierarchy process and competitive gap analysis.Findings – This study reveals that a service attribute considered most important to the fast‐food restaurant customers' impressions of service quality differs from one country (USA) to another (Korea). It was found that US customers valued taste of food most whereas Korean customers value...
TL;DR: In this article, a decision-making procedural hierarchy for evaluation as well as selection of third-party reverse logistics provider (3PL) under fuzzy environment has been developed, where fuzzy logic has been utilized to facilitate such a decision making process for 3PL evaluation and selection.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision‐making procedural hierarchy for evaluation as well as selection of third‐party reverse logistics provider (3PL) under fuzzy environment.Design/methodology/approach – Due to uncertainty, vagueness arising from decision makers (DM) subjective judgment towards intangible (qualitative) selection criteria, fuzzy logic has been utilized to facilitate such a decision‐making process for 3PL evaluation and selection.Findings – Evaluating and selecting 3PL providers can be regarded as a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) process in which a decision maker chooses, under several selection criteria, the best suited alternative. The present study highlights a case study on evaluation and selection of 3PL service providers for a reputed Indian automobile part manufacturing company. The fuzzy based decision‐making tool applied here has been proved fruitful for its effectiveness.Research limitations/implications – There are many research issues remaining in t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a simulation study of the steel supply chain to demonstrate the effect of inventory management and demand variety on the bullwhip effect mitigation by extending the order interval and minimizing the order batch size.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to propose a simulation study of the “steel supply chain” to demonstrate the effect of inventory management and demand variety on the bullwhip effect mitigation.Design/methodology/approach – The relevant literature is reviewed, and then the simulation model proposed.Findings – This study identifies reasons for sharing information under varying levels of demand and some variants, and demonstrates the benefits of mitigating the bullwhip effect by applying a design of experiment. It is shown that the information sharing is able to mitigate the bullwhip effect in the steel supply chain by extending the order interval and minimising the order batch size.Research limitations/implications – This study explores the factors associated with the bullwhip effect. This research is focused on built‐to‐order simulation, so the results are only oriented on the basis of orders; hence a simultaneous order‐ and forecast‐based steel supply chain should be carried out in the future.Practical...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a benchmarking framework to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the hotel industry, in a multi-period context, with consideration of perishable traits and carryover activities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a benchmarking framework to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the hotel industry, in a multi‐period context, with consideration of perishable traits and carry‐over activities. The sustained high performers in the case study are identified and their business strategies are discussed.Design/methodology/approach – The dynamic DEA (data envelopment analysis) approach is used to identify the multi‐period sustained high performers. The super‐efficiency DEA approach is employed to conduct a thorough ranking under an input‐output‐consumption structure. The supplementary analysis is further implemented to help elucidate the benchmarking results.Findings – In total, nine out of 80 international tourist hotels in Taiwan during 2006‐2010 are identified as the sustained high performers. These hotels have diverged business strategies in terms of employees (intensive versus economical labor forces), products (room versus F&B (food and beverage) services), pric...
TL;DR: A systematic approach developed to concurrently satisfy the product requirements as well as the customer requirements is reported, and different product configurations have been defined from the designer's point of view.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) approach to evaluate product design alternatives in respect to the customer requirements.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports a systematic approach developed to concurrently satisfy the product requirements as well as the customer requirements. Mobile phone example has been elected to demonstrate the approach. Mobile product features and customer preferences data have been collected and analyzed to obtain the commonalities from the designer and customer perspective. Regression analysis has been carried out to establish the relationship between the product independent features with the dependent feature (Ex. Cost, Talk time). Based on the equations developed, different product configurations have been defined from the designer's point of view. Modified TOPSIS – a multi attribute decision making (MADM) method – has been employed to facilitate the most suitable product configuration selection based on the cu...
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of best practices of CAF implementation in European public administrations is presented, based on a wide range of political fields and to prove that CAF can be used by organizations in all parts of the public sector with different characteristics of size and structure.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to stimulate interest in the use of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), a self-evaluation quality tool for the public sector, to disseminate relevant experiences from CAF implementation in Europe, to offer ideas about CAF optimization and to provide a basis and direction for further improvement. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology that is followed in the paper is based on the study of best practices (BP) of CAF implementation in European public administrations. The BP were selected in order to cover a wide range of political fields and to prove that CAF can be used by organizations in all parts of the public sector with different characteristics of size and structure. Findings – Studying relevant examples leads to the conclusion that effective CAF implementation can improve the performance of public administration and help establish a quality philosophy. The paper shows that CAF is a tool that can be easily modified and adapted to the organizations' spec...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the longitudinal efficiency of branch operations of a third party logistics (3PL) company for comparative performance measurement and internal benchmarking, and identified indirect expenses as a major source of inefficiency.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the longitudinal efficiency of branch operations of a third party logistics (3PL) company for comparative performance measurement and internal benchmarking.Design/methodology/approach – Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used for measuring the performance of a branch of a 3PL company for 36 months using internal data.Findings – Despite increasing revenues, the branch suffers diminishing efficiencies in recent months. Indirect expenses are identified as a major source of inefficiency.Research limitations/implications – The 3PL company has over 600 branches. However, due to the availability of data and the regulation on information disclosure for publicly traded companies, this study includes information on only one branch.Originality/value – The contributions of this study include demonstrating a novel framework for internal benchmarking with longitudinal data, providing actionable managerial insights, and the use of internal data, which is not accessible t...
TL;DR: The evaluation proves that this approach is generally suitable to generate novel and useful information on different process models and their performance within the same problem domain, however, the initial set‐up costs are high and will only pay off once process models are used regularly.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and evaluate the semantic process benchmarking concept.Design/methodology/approach – The authors' approach includes the use of metamodels and ontologies, which make the process models syntactically and semantically comparable. Furthermore, a software prototype is presented to analyze and compare individual process models and their performance information. Thereafter, the technical, conceptual, and economic perspectives of the approach's evaluation are aligned with their respective outcomes.Findings – The evaluation proves that this approach is generally suitable to generate novel and useful information on different process models and their performance within the same problem domain. However, the initial set‐up costs are high and will only pay off once process models are used regularly.Practical implications – The proposed approach depends strongly on the availability of appropriate metrics and ontologies, as well as on the annotation of these ontologies...
TL;DR: Evaluating clinical departments' performance per clinical sector in the context of the Greek public hospital care system found an efficiency improvement through the possible reduction of inputs (input oriented) variable returns to scale.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate clinical departments' performance per clinical sector in the context of the Greek public hospital care system.Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 96 internal pathology and surgical clinical departments in 15 hospitals in Greece and their technical efficiency was assessed by the use of data envelopment analysis. The proposed model used the number of nursing staff, medical specialists and department beds, pharmaceutical expenditure and clinical leadership job satisfaction as inputs while the number of hospitalized patients was selected as an output. Clinical leadership job satisfaction was captured by the use of a specialized questionnaire. The methodology applied investigated variations in technical efficiency in the presence or absence of job satisfaction. The model proposed an efficiency improvement through the possible reduction of inputs (input oriented) variable returns to scale.Findings – Processing the results revealed variations i...