Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Excellence in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors integrated Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and AHP for sustainable growth of manufacturing industries, which is a strategic management tool to decide the criterion of critical success factors for industries growth.
Abstract: Manufacturing industries are intense pressure to determine way to increase profit and sustain in the rapidly changing competitive market. Penetration of global market has forced industries to deliver what customers wants, and even further, what will delight them. Industries realise that delivering cost effective and high-quality products to customers in a timely manner is crucial for their today’s survival. Hence, industries seek a process that helps to organise, simplify, and expedite decision making process more accurate. Balanced scorecard is a strategic management tool to decide the criterion of critical success factors for industries growth. Analytic hierarchical process helps for evaluating various criteria to determine the best among the factors. This study is aimed to integrate BSC and AHP for a sustainable growth of manufacturing industries.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the results of a research project aimed at developing a scale to measure service quality in the airport setting as perceived by international inbound tourists, which has resulted in a preliminary scale with 74 items and 11 dimensions.
Abstract: Airport managements have begun to identify tourists as an important customer segment. Yet, existing scales to measure airport service quality are too generic and they largely fail to capture the expectations and service quality perceptions by tourists. This paper reports the results of a research project aimed at developing a scale to measure service quality in the airport setting as perceived by international inbound tourists. The study has resulted in a preliminary scale with 74 items and 11 dimensions. The relation between ASQual and selected consumption related intentions are also explored.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of service quality, satisfaction, and trust in predicting brand loyalty were investigated, and it was found that satisfaction has the strongest influence on brand loyalty, followed by perceived quality and trust subsequently.
Abstract: Brand loyalty is important for an organisation to ensure that its product is kept in the minds of consumers and prevent them from switching to other brands. This paper aims to investigate the effects of service quality, satisfaction and trust in predicting brand loyalty. This paper seeks a better understanding of the structure of brand loyalty. Specifically, the study will identify the factors affecting loyalty. Theoretical significance aside, exploring the structure of loyalty may provide guidance to the measurement and management of loyalty. The data are collected randomly from 317 of the automotive owners of the two markets (Mercedes and BMW) within Amman, the capital city of Jordan. The data were analysed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. The findings suggest that satisfaction has the strongest influence on brand loyalty, followed by perceived quality and trust subsequently. This research have gives a deeper understanding of the factors that can affect brand loyalty and helps managers and marketers to better understand their market and also help them to better serve the needs and wants of their potential customers.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the factors that are important to the choice of a 3PL service provider and prioritise them by employing factor analysis, and then select a set of 3PL providers based on these factors.
Abstract: Outsourcing of logistics activities has become a common practise by many companies, which implies an efficient choice of the third party logistics (3PLs) providers. This research aims to determine the current situation of outsourcing logistics activities in India. Selection of an efficient and potential set of 3PLs providers is a crucial decision. This decision is influenced by several factors or criteria. In this paper, we identify the factors that are important to the choice of a 3PLs service provider and prioritise them by employing factor analysis.
17 citations
TL;DR: Cluster analysis is used to classify customers into four groups as platinum, gold, iron, and lead and to predict group membership of new customers, data envelopment analysis-discriminant analysis (DEA-DA) model is applied.
Abstract: To understand the value of customers and target the most profitable customers, this paper uses cluster analysis to classify customers into four groups as platinum, gold, iron, and lead Then, to predict group membership of new customers, data envelopment analysis-discriminant analysis (DEA-DA) model is applied This paper operationalises the concept proposed by Zeithaml et al (2001), ('The customer pyramid: creating and serving profitable customers', California Management Review, Vol 43, No 4, pp118-142) on forming the customer pyramid A case study demonstrates the application of the proposed approach
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a purposeful stratified sampling method was employed, where in-depth interviews with 18 marketing managers and owners were carried out over a five-month period, and the authors identified three keys to market orientation success that the companies interviewed had to resolve when targeting emerging markets.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to gain knowledge from the practitioners about market orientation implementation in Swiss watch firms. A purposeful stratified sampling method was employed, where in-depth interviews with 18 marketing managers and owners were carried out over a five-month period. Meaning units (MUs) were abstracted, which were compared and discussed with the interviewees until a basic agreement of terms could be made. Having identified three keys to market orientation success that the companies interviewed had to resolve when targeting emerging markets (the importance of culture, managing market intelligence, innovation as a core competence). The recommendations arising from this piece will be of use to market orientation implementation when entering emerging markets. Equally, it provides practitioners of the common problems to be faced when breaking into international markets based on the experience of colleagues in the industry. Both practitioners and scholar in the manufacturing domain will benefit from the synthesis offered in this paper, as it puts together convergent views on what market orientation implementation affect the performance of the organisation during this challenging time.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a multiple linear regression model with attitudes and personality constructs as well as control variable (gender) was estimated to test the hypotheses and found that attitude toward money, entrepreneurship and change have proven to be important for predicting entrepreneurial aspiration.
Abstract: The objective of the paper is to examine key factors influencing students’ intent to create a new venture. Based on previous research, we incorporate both attitude and personality traits’ influence factors into a model. The sample consisted of 456 undergraduate BTech students from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India. A multiple linear regression model with attitudes and personality constructs as well as control variable (gender) was estimated to test the hypotheses. Attitude toward money, entrepreneurship and change have proven to be important for predicting entrepreneurial aspiration. Similarly, with exception of the ingenuity personality construct, all the other three personality constructs factors, such as perseverance, variety seeking and strong judgment, are also related to business staring and have impact on entrepreneurial intention among students.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the financial problems faced by the micro, small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector of the Fiji Islands and further demonstrate the severity of the impact of the financial obstacles on the growth and survival of the MSMEs.
Abstract: Under the current paradigm in small business finance research, the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in generating employment, contributing to GDP, earning foreign exchange and contributing to revenues and taxes for the government. The aftermath of the global financial crisis has been very adverse for the Pacific Island economies. The Pacific Island economies do not have the resources to cushion the impact of the financial crisis. Hence, the government of many of the Pacific Island countries are looking at the MSMEs to provide sustainable development for the growth of the Pacific Island economies. The financial problems faced by the MSMEs are universal and the Fiji Islands are not an exception to this. In this light, this paper will investigate the financial problems faced by the MSMEs in the manufacturing sector of the Fiji Islands. This research will further demonstrate the severity of the impact of the financial obstacles on the growth and survival of the MSMEs. The paper will also provide policy directions for the government policy makers.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim at assessing the supply chain management (SCM) in the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in India on an empirical basis.
Abstract: This research paper aims at assessing the supply chain management (SCM) in the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in India on an empirical basis. The assessments presented are based on parts of the data and information collected through the execution of the Competitive Strategies and Best Practices Benchmarking Questionnaire from small and medium size enterprises. The study contributes to the literature on empirical examination of the construct of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices implementation and to the practices of managers/supervisors with a validated measurement scale to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in different facets of implementing GSCM practices in their organisations. Data’s are collected from 119 Indian enterprises; measurement models of GSCM practices implementation are tested and compared by factor analysis. In this paper, these issues are analysed through the survey results and conclusions are drawn.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the empirical support for social networking sites as influencer to various stages of consumer purchase decision viz improvement in product knowledge, change in attitude towards the product, impulse to purchase the product and post purchase customer relationship was examined.
Abstract: The changing lifestyle and consumer preferences have made marketers to explore different mediums to reach the targeted customers. Social networking sites are the emerging platforms to communicate with the customers and influencing their purchase decisions. Product promotion through social media provides the advantages of viral marketing and electronic word of mouth at a very reasonable cost. This instrument need careful implementation because any negative feedback through network can spoil the brand image and in the longer run the profitability of the company. This study examines the empirical support for social networking sites as influencer to various stages of consumer purchase decision viz improvement in product knowledge, change in attitude towards the product, impulse to purchase the product and post purchase customer relationship. Regression analysis was performed to assess the dependency relationship between various stages of consumer purchase decision (dependent variables) and various forms of communication over social networking sites (independent variables). The results of data analysis provide the support for hypothesised positive relationship between communication over social networking sites and various stages of consumer purchase decision. The implications of this study’s findings for the future research and practice are described in the last section of this paper.
9 citations
TL;DR: The combined approach of AHP-TOPSIS is being applied for the first time to assess the relative service quality performance of major telecom players in Delhi metropolis.
Abstract: Telecom sector in India has been undergoing a massive expansion for over two decades in the breadth and choice of services and depth of penetration in urban, semi-urban and rural areas. The aim of this study is to comparatively assess the performance of telecom service providers (TSPs) using a scientific and objective approach for identifying the optimal choice from among the various TSPs operating in Delhi metropolis. The combined approach of AHP-TOPSIS is being applied for the first time to assess the relative service quality performance of major telecom players. The proposed methodology utilises the concept of ideal and anti-ideal solutions and relies on the criteria weights obtained by pair-wise comparisons. The findings of the study would be helpful to different TSPs in relating their technical and service performance to the benchmark and take remedial measures to thrive in a highly competitive environment.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the organisational practices of environmental and social responsibility in companies that adopt the Brazilian award for performance excellence, i.e., the National Quality Award (PNQ).
Abstract: This paper analyses the organisational practices of environmental and social responsibility in companies that adopt the Brazilian award for performance excellence, i.e., the National Quality Award (PNQ). The award is the highest form of recognition of excellence in business management in the country. Secondary data published by the National Quality Foundation were gathered in order to identify and analyse whether the companies’ organisational practices are truly exemplary. The data collected resulted in 72 organisational practices of social responsibility and environmental concern performed by 51 companies from 17 different industrial sectors. Most of the organisational practices are in fact exemplary, as is expected for companies in the journey toward performance excellence.
TL;DR: A comprehensive and precise study of five main components of the proposed total company-wide management system (TCWMS) in an attempt to add a new understanding for MSs to what is already known in the literature.
Abstract: For any enterprise, management systems (MSs) are essential for success. MSs are structured approaches to manage the areas of business in an organisation. Traditionally, various MSs are implemented without being properly integrated together leading to waste of resources. Recently, MSs have gained attention as they form a critical infrastructure for improving and controlling the operation systems. However, there is a gap in the form of a need, as indicated in the literature, for a comprehensive system that integrates them together. This integration constitutes the goal of the proposed system, which is ensuring the existence of an infrastructure for continuous improvement (CI) and the strategic alignment of all areas of a business and the people towards the objectives of business excellence. The proposed system is called the total company-wide management system (TCWMS). TCWMS’s five main components are strategic, project, operation, process and performance MSs. This paper provides a comprehensive and precise study of these components in an attempt to add a new understanding for MSs to what is already known in the literature. A roadmap is provided for each of them, as well as a framework for the whole system and an auditing approach to clarify how it can be developed. The grouping and connection of these components is the novelty of the proposed TCWMS.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of commitment from the Apex management is also studied to understand the relationship between investment in ICT systems and the over all usage of ICTs and the resulting levels of select dimensions of productivity.
Abstract: In the recent past, all the industries have undergone a sea change with the advent and adoption of 3rd arm of technology, i.e., information and communication technologies (ICTs). Particularly in the case of banking industry, the personal banking has become dearer to the customers with the advent and usage of ICTs. Banking has moved from ‘banking-in-person’ to ‘net-banking’ to ‘mobile banking’ and over to ‘virtual banking’. In this present scenario, spending of increasing amounts of capital on by several banks is on upward paths. This aspect along with the benefits derived by the banks with the usage of ICTs has made ways to understand the relationship between investments in ICT and select dimensions of productivity of banks. This study attempts to look into the relationship between investment in ICT systems and the over all usage of ICTs and resulting levels of select dimensions of productivity. For this research, the impact of commitment from the Apex management is also studied. The experimental/observat...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed an integrated model to enumerate the interrelationship between the inhibitors hindering the smoothness of a telecom service supply chain and to categorise them into four clusters based on their driving power and dependence power.
Abstract: This study has devoted much effort to develop an integrated model to enumerate the interrelationship between the inhibitors hindering the smoothness of a telecom service supply chain and to categorise them into four clusters based on their driving power and dependence power. In this regard, based on the interrelationship between the inhibitors, a theoretical framework is proposed. There exist high driving power and dependence among the inhibitors of telecom service supply chain. The result of this research may be of benefit to service managers intending to develop SCM aspects in their organisation. It will help the managers to understand the criticality of bottleneck factors. Interrelationships existing among the factors can help to rationalise the time and resource constraints; and the effect of some extraneous variables could be trapped when derived benefits varies from expected one. The paper is made based on parameters paramount in the current scenario. The paper focuses the relationships between various inhibitors of a telecom service supply chain. Based on the outcomes of the results managerial implications, action plan and scope for further research are delineated.
TL;DR: In this article, a method to predict next-day electricity prices using dynamic regression methodology where the price was regressed on selected demand, as well as supply side variables available in the public domain, and the error has been modelled using ARIMA / SARIMA models.
Abstract: The electricity market is being deregulated all over the world. Deregulation has brought in a variety of trading systems such as day-ahead trading and has also introduced high volatility of electricity prices. The large variability of price increases the risk for the market participants and forces the business houses to look for a forecasting accuracy of about ± 3%. This paper provides a method to predict next-day electricity prices using dynamic regression methodology where the price was regressed on selected demand, as well as supply side variables available in the public domain, and the error has been modelled using ARIMA / SARIMA models. The results were found to be very encouraging with MAPE lying in the range of ± 3.5% in most cases. In order to reduce the complexity associated with developing many models, a clustering methodology was used to group the different hours of the day so as to reduce the number of forecasting models to be fitted. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering with single linkage was used and models for representative hours had the required level of accuracy.
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for social benefits within commercial entrepreneurship streams is presented with special emphasis on for-profit, charities, social ventures, community-led social ventures and non-profit organisations.
Abstract: This research investigates how social benefits differ within the commercial entrepreneurship streams. A framework for social benefits within commercial entrepreneurship streams is presented with special emphasis on for-profit, charities, social ventures, community-led social ventures and non-profit organisations. A mixed research methodology including focus groups, in-depth interviews and semi-structured questionnaires was used. Main findings are that the commercial entrepreneurship can benefit from social entrepreneurship and vice versa. This study explores avenues of value-adding for-profit driven organisations in terms of holding accountability, higher levels of goodwill and public preference and increased levels of social-like applications. Study intends to contribute into areas of increased awareness of social benefits within corporate sector and to shed some light in bridging the gap between the ‘business’ and ‘non-profit’ sectors.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify when benchmarking is a success producer, leading to capabilities that result in a sustainable, competitive advantage, and develop a conceptual framework to demonstrate these linkages.
Abstract: Research on benchmarking has been extensive. It has not addressed the issue of how benchmarking impacts the capabilities or performance of firms. Benchmarking efforts may lead to either failure preventing or success producing capabilities. As firm capabilities evolve over time, it is critical to understand when benchmarking discoveries and eventual process changes, become success producers. A failure preventer may result from a firm using benchmarking practises to ‘stay in the game’ or status quo, merely maintaining their existence and resulting in efficiency as opposed to effectiveness. In this study, we relate research on operational strategy, capabilities, and firm performance to extend Varadarajan’s research in the context of benchmarking in order to specifically identify when benchmarking is a success producer, leading to capabilities that result in a sustainable, competitive advantage. We develop a conceptual framework to demonstrate these linkages.
TL;DR: The study finds evidences that inefficient firms are either operating at a scale that has been too large or too small therefore, representing the correctness of scale size and focusing to operate at the optimum frontier by making scale or radial movements.
Abstract: In this study, the performance analysis of the Indian automobile industry is carried out through various efficiency measures using data envelopment analysis approach with the panel data on the representative sample. The analysis reveals that automobile firms are found to be technically inefficient over the period of study, demonstrating the potential saving through benchmarking the input targets. The study find evidences that inefficient firms are either operating at a scale that has been too large or too small therefore, representing the correctness of scale size and focusing to operate at the optimum frontier by making scale or radial movements. The study also unearths the need to focus on the determinants that are sources of inefficiencies for the firms in the Indian automobile industry.
TL;DR: A research involving the study of implementing the requirements of European Quality Award (EQA) in Engineering Educational Institutions (EEIs) via Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) based accreditation has been reported in this article.
Abstract: A research involving the study of implementing the requirements of European Quality Award (EQA) in Engineering Educational Institutions (EEIs) via Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) based accreditation has been reported in this paper. Initially, the stipulations of ABET and EQA were studied. Only one criterion of EQA titled 'People results' was found to be uncommon with ABET's stipulations. Hence, an EEI accredited with ABET needs to implement only this uncommon criterion. After drawing this inference, an implementation study was conducted in an EEI situated in Tamilnadu State of India. As ABET-based accreditation elements had been developed in this EEI, the common elements were reordered to suit the ordering of EQA criteria. Only the elements pertaining to 'People results' were developed during this implementation study. On the whole, the experiences gained by conducting this research revealed the feasibility of implementing EQA via ABET-based accreditation in modern EEIs.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the behavioral, technical and organisational factors underlying strategic alignment and investigate strategic alignment influence on the use of IT for competitive advantage in Malaysian tour and travel agencies.
Abstract: For the last two decades, Information Technology (IT) in general, and information systems (IS) in particular have rapidly advanced in capability and have changed the way organisations do business. For many firms, IT spending constitutes one of the largest yearly budget items. Alignment IT strategy and business strategy has assumed significant importance in business planning. However, the factors influencing strategic alignment and its effect on the competitive advantage of firms have remained understudies. The objectives of this research were to identify the behavioural, technical and organisational factors underlying strategic alignment and to investigate strategic alignment influence on the use of IT for competitive advantage. A questionnaire was administered to 202 IT and business executives in the Malaysian tour and travel agencies. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques to validate a hypothesised second-order model of strategic alignment model. Analysis supported the hypothesis that the alignment of IT strategy with business strategy has a positive influence on the use of IT for competitive advantage.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse the influence of economic systems and institutions on the adoption of open innovation in Russia and show that economic systems may have substantial effects on the behavior of firms with respect to their involvement in open innovation practices.
Abstract: The environmental impact on the adoption of open innovation is analysed in the paper. When examining the implementation of open innovation in a regional context, it is important to notice that economic systems and institutions in different regions and countries differ in their support for open innovation practices. We focus on analysing the influences imposed by the operation environment on open innovation in Russia, using data collected with a recent international survey of open innovation practices. Our findings show that economic systems and institutions (in particular the intellectual property protection mechanisms) may have substantial effects on the behaviour of firms with respect to their involvement in open innovation practices. Additionally, the decisions on whether to buy or sell technology and intellectual property are influenced by market dynamics, and we also demonstrate the impact of national culture on the adoption of certain elements of an open innovation model.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the probable linkages between a firm's knowledge evolution process and innovation and concluded that the firm's sustainable competitive advantage depends on its innovative value creation process, which is dependent upon the human production functions as enunciated by Schumpeter.
Abstract: In this paper, I have investigated the probable linkages between a firm’s knowledge evolution process and innovation. I believe that the firm’s sustainable competitive advantage depends on its innovative value creation process. This process in turn is dependent upon the human production functions as enunciated by Schumpeter. Human production function is the human knowledge function that facilitates the innovation. For the above purpose, I have used an exploratory case study on an Indian state owned enterprise that had successfully dealt with the environmental shifts post economic liberalisation. Using an inductive process, I traced the evolution of knowledge in the firm and categorised it and then linked it with innovation. I concluded by proposing two frameworks, that of knowledge evolution process and its linkages with innovation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a framework that integrates corporate strategy and complexity-based teleological approaches to corporate strategy in times of extensive environmental uncertainty where previous corporate predictions and forecasts regarding environmental changes frequently turn out to be invalid.
Abstract: Complexity-based approaches to corporate strategy are particularly important in times of extensive environmental uncertainty where previous corporate predictions and forecasts regarding environmental changes frequently turn out to be invalid. The purpose of the article is to develop a framework that integrates corporate strategy and complexity-based teleological approaches. The framework is accompanied by propositions that contribute to literature by showing what teleological approaches are consistent within different corporate strategies and environmental settings. The propositions represent ways of achieving a fit between the number of freedom degrees in corporate strategy formulation and the level of environmental uncertainty. The application of teleological approaches in the context of corporate strategy generates additional and valuable insights to both theory and practice.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the competitiveness of the Russian manufacturing industry using secondary data and followed the development of selected indicators in the Russian Manufacturing industry, including production, productivity, unit labour costs and exports to European Union markets.
Abstract: This article examines the competitiveness of the Russian manufacturing industry. The study uses secondary data and follows the development of selected indicators in the Russian manufacturing industry. The selection of indicators is based on a literature review of measuring competitiveness. The main indicators are production, productivity, unit labour costs, and exports to European Union markets. The main data source is the industrial database of The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW). This data has been used to make calculations to identify the effects of selected indicators on the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. The results of the study show that the Russian manufacturing industry is in a difficult situation. Most Russian industries face problems in improving their competitiveness and competing in domestic and international markets.
TL;DR: This article discusses a case study on yield improvement of a manufacturing process through the application of various statistical techniques, which reduced the rejection and rework of the process significantly and helped the organisation to cater to the needs of the customers on time.
Abstract: This article discusses a case study on yield improvement of a manufacturing process through the application of various statistical techniques. The process was having very high rejection and rework, as the process capability was only 0.10. Various statistical techniques like measurement system analysis, design of experiments with Taguchi method, analysis of variance, dot plot, etc., were used to analyse the data and conclusions were made about the process. As a result of the study, process capability index, Ppk, was improved from 0.10 to 1.05. This has reduced the rejection and rework of the process significantly, which intern helped the organisation to cater to the needs of the customers on time.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined three factors that consumers perceive while visiting theme parks, namely ethnic and cultural values, historical and entertainment factors, and survey technique to find why consumers visit a theme park.
Abstract: The type of theme parks nowadays available in India to the public covers a wide variety of businesses. The ratings for theme parks by consumers give an impetus in makings consumers informed about various travel and tourism products. The paper empirically investigates by studying first the theoretical information of the theme parks in India followed by empirical analysis of the visitor’s choice of the park. The first phase includes the information with respect to five major theme parks in India. The second phase includes survey technique to find why consumers visit a theme park. An empirical application is provided through descriptive and factor analysis, the selection of items is based on researcher’s judgement and focus group discussions. This study examines three factors that consumer’s perceive while visiting theme parks namely ethnic and cultural values; historical and entertainment factor.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a longitudinal study to study the effect of leader-member exchange on the relationship between leadership styles and job performance in software firms established in Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract: The subject of that study is the moderating effect of leader-member exchange on the relationship between leadership styles and job performance. The research is performed as longitudinal on 254 persons working in software firms established in Ankara (Turkey). It is defined according to the research results that the relationship-oriented and task-oriented leadership behaviours have effect on the job performances of the employees. In addition, it is determined that the quality of the leader-member exchange has a moderating effect on the relationship between the leadership styles and job performance.
TL;DR: Quality explores the processes used in the creation of the workplace e-learning event and proposes a model, the 5-Ds, to create quality learning experiences and reflects as a conscious engagement wherein individuals and organisations review their existing activities against acknowledged frameworks and are able to identify actions to improve their capability.
Abstract: Since 2007, the Waikato Institute of Technology has conducted a range of research studies investigating the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in building New Zealand workforce capability. This research has revealed both employers and employees require assurance the e-activities they engage in are effective, efficient and provide value for the resources invested. This paper will focus on three aspects integral to such assurance – quality, impact and reflection. Quality explores the processes used in the creation of the workplace e-learning event and proposes a model, the 5-Ds, to create quality learning experiences. Measurement of impact investigates how the effectiveness of e-learning events is evaluated at two analytical levels – individual and organisational. A model, Return on Investment, Impact, Application, Accomplishment, Satisfaction (R.I.A.A.S.), based on slight modifications to the widely-applied Kirkpatrick-Philips evaluation pyramid, is presented. Reflection is presented as a conscious engagement wherein individuals and organisations review their existing activities against acknowledged frameworks and are able to identify actions to improve their capability. A reflection-action-measurement cyclical model, Reflection, Action, Measurement (R.A.M.), is proposed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employed quantitative approach using cross-sectional survey of mid-sized automotive enterprises in Indian frame of reference and highlighted an innovative framework for affluent Six Sigma implementation.
Abstract: The research employs quantitative approach using cross-sectional survey of mid-sized automotive enterprises in Indian frame of reference and highlights an innovative framework for affluent Six Sigma implementation. The paper highlights the review of disparate studies and implementation of quality management practices in diversified clusters. A questionnaire tool as the survey instrument appertaining to industry scenario has been designed and validated by industrial professionals and consultants. Survey result proclaims the consequence of Six Sigma accomplishment in mid-sized auto sector is still in infant stage. Based on the recapitulation of literature and the investigation of results of the survey pronouncement of 30 Six Sigma effectuated enterprises, a framework has been propounded incorporating the key essentials for efficacious implementation of Six Sigma and evoked stairs of implementation in stage of DMAIC methodology. The recent framework is based on foremost assortment of critical success factors which is layered with hard and soft factor. The framework has better feasibility of implementation within the scope and the dormant vicinity for prospective research has been ascertained.