Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Excellence in 2015"

Conceptualisation of Sustainable Green Lean Six Sigma: an empirical analysis

Abstract: Strategies Sustainable Green, Green, Lean and Six Sigma are being increasingly referred to in literature on social; environmental; economical; wastage reduction; and quality concerns. Combinations/mergers of these strategies may be looked at as relatively new research area totalling individual benefits of each strategy, which needs to be explored. This present study is an attempt towards fulfilling this requirement. Combinations of various methodologies have been adopted: literature review; interviews; workshops: brainstorming sessions; questionnaire based survey; and statistical analysis. Recent contributions in the area of mergers of various strategies: sustainable green; green; lean; and Six Sigma have been highlighted. Conceptual framework has been presented on mergers of these strategies. Important enablers, barriers and performance measures have been identified. Ratings have been assigned to the critical success factors (CSFs) relevant to ‘Sustainable Green Lean Six Sigma’ (SGLS) based upon empirical study and analysis of eighty nine duly completed responses.

ISM for understanding the enablers of telecom service supply chain

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to delineate the interrelationship between the enablers of a telecom service supply chain in the Indian context. Interpretive structural modelling has been explored to find the interrelationships between the enablers. Elicitations of the experts from industry and academia have been explored in this regard. Based on the interrelationships matrices named: 1) initial reachability metrics; 2) final reachability metrics have been framed. Diagraph has been developed and further it has been transformed to ISM. The hierarchy of various enablers has been established based on the outcomes of the final reachability metrics and finally driving power-dependence diagram has been developed to categorise the enablers in to four clusters. The results indicated that there exists higher degree of interrelationship between the enablers. The paper is concluded with action plan and scope for future work.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of barriers hindering the growth of MSMEs

Abstract: Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy over the last few decades. In order to survive in present scenario, an organisational setup of MSMEs should develop core competencies by overcoming the barriers, which will give them a competitive advantage over their competitors. To this effect, the authors in present study aim to identify and investigate the main barriers. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are used to investigate the relationship between barriers and various performance measures. Based upon extant review of literature and further interviews with company personnel the seven key variables which hinder the MSMEs performance were identified. Further, a conceptual framework to test various research hypotheses which links the barriers with performance was formulated. The findings from the study revealed that some of the barriers were found to be strongly correlated with performance indicators.

Human resources management and open innovation adoption in the banking sector: a conceptual model

Abstract: Open innovation has received wide attention and has been explored in various sectors of the economy. However, despite the abundant literature in the field, there is an on-going debate around the organisational aspect of this paradigm. This conceptual paper aims at contributing to this debate by developing a conceptual model, which explores the relationship between human resources management practices and open innovation adoption in the banking sector. Based on an extensive literature review, the role of human resources management towards the adoption of open innovation in the banking sector is investigated in relation to two fundamental organisational elements: trust and readiness. The authors highlight the role of human resources management as a fundamental element towards the adoption of open innovation practices in the banking sector and strongly suggest that; a) human resources management affects the adoption of open innovation in the banking sector and b) trust and readiness moderate the relationship between human resources management and open innovation adoption. The proposed research propositions depict a shift towards a more flexible and open human resources management system in the banking sector and the emergence of an innovative mindset empowering organisational performance.

Analysis of critical activities for GSCM implementation in mining supply chains in India using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process

Abstract: Strong evidence exists in literature regarding improved organisational performance in economical and environmental front due to adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. Motivated by this, few bigger Indian mining industries have started adopting GSCM practices with a view not only to improve their performance but also to maintain a steady operation that is free from government and social interruptions. One of the reasons behind poor rate of GSCM adoption in Indian mining industries is lack of sector specific GSCM success criteria. In order to bridge this gap this paper makes a novel approach to establish a validated set of GSCM success activities. This paper further employs fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate the priority weights of these success activities which could be helpful for the decision makers in assessing and improving their GSCM effectiveness.

Supply chain flexibility assessment and decision-making: a fuzzy intelligent approach

Abstract: Supply chain flexibility is considered as a major determinant of competitiveness in the global business market today. Flexibility is the organisation's ability to satisfy an increasing variety of customer expectations without excessive cost, time, organisational disruptions, or performance losses. Effective control of supply chain flexibility can improve overall organisational performance. The present study thus builds a group decision-making structural hierarchy model towards assessment as well as benchmarking of flexibility extent in supply chain management. This study presents a framework for evaluating supply chain flexibility through comprehensive analysis of past literature and identifies five elements (assessment indices) for characterising supply chain flexibility viz. supply network flexibility, operations systems flexibility, logistics process flexibility, information system flexibility, and organisational design flexibility. The subjectivity of the flexibility indices have been tackled through exploration of the concept of fuzzy logic; thus, enabling decision-making which involves linguistic expert judgment.

Analytical QFD model for strategic justification of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract: This study uses the information received from advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and quality function deployment (QFD) literature, to provide a framework for company’s implementing AMT. This paper suggests an integrated AHP-QFD methodology for the selection of AMT. The AHP-QFD methodology has been illustrated with an industrial example of an aerospace supplier company, trying to make a selection between three groups of advanced manufacturing technology, to keep up with the competition. In the approach multiple requirements are identified and then prioritised to suggest a selection between the three technologies.

Identifying the best practices in green operations strategy of leading mobile phone producers

Abstract: The aim of this research is identifying the best practices in green operations strategy of leading mobile phone producers over the period 2008-2011. Six leading cases were investigated (Apple, Nokia, Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and RIM). The sustainability annual reports of these cases were analysed over a period 2008-2011. Two phased analysis approach was adopted within clusters and between clusters analysis. This study revealed that; the significant strategic groups were; solid waste management, hazard material management and hazard material and solid waste management. Indicative models for the relationship between actions and key green performance indicators were developed. The best practices of green operations strategies have not been investigated by previous studies. The sustainability advocates and researchers have some facts about the maturity of green practices and the issues require more concern in the future. The managers of other companies who concern about the sustainability can adopt the most effective reported actions in this study.

The use of the balanced scorecard in bank strategic management

Abstract: In this study, we employ 'step-by-step' algorithm for constructing a strategy map of the balanced scorecard (BSC) for banking institutions using the example of one of the Russian regional banks. The key evaluation indicators of banking performance are selected through the relevant literature analysis while considering the peculiarities of a sample bank. Further, the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is employed in order to identify causal relationships between the KPIs, i.e., direction and strength of their mutual influence, as well as to define the most strategically important indicators. Finally, both the KPIs and logical links between them are illustrated on the strategy map, so that bank managers could easily draw up various strategies on that basis. The DEMATEL method resulting in a clear map helps managers to prioritise their strategic steps in the limited resources context, and thus navigate their bank's strategy in a most effective way.

Identifying the best practices in banking operations strategy in developing economics: the case of Jordan

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to identify the best practices in traditional and electronic banking operations strategy in developing economies over the period 1999 to 2008, Jordan is used as a case study. The operations practices of all domestic banks in Jordan were investigated. Different questionnaires were used to collect data from top operations managers, tellers, credit employees, branch managers, and technical specialists in electronic banking. Further, annual reports were analysed and websites reviewed. Two data-analysis approaches were used to identify the key strategies: rank analysis (competitive position analysis) and cluster analysis. Eight best practices of traditional banking and four of electronic banking were identified in Jordan. The best practices are presented as indicative models. The indicative models developed in this research should help managers in Jordan and other developing economies in making decisions, as they continue to develop their banking operations. This paper is based on a large scale survey of all domestic banks in Jordan over a period of time from the first implementation of e-banking to the recent. Most previous research into operations strategies has focused on manufacturing organisations whilst this paper focused on banking operations in developing economies.

The model of the absorption of innovative technologies in the financial services sector

Abstract: The considerations contained in the article are based on the assumption that innovative technologies absorption as a way to improve a company's technological potential conditions the value of the company's market offer and becomes one of the key instruments of building its competitiveness. Their absorptive potential, in turn, impacts the level of the effectiveness of undertaken technology transfers. Taking into account the significance of the issue of technology absorption, the article seeks to analyse the subject literature and the results of empirical research with a view to designating framework conditions that need to be provided by companies to be capable of absorbing effectively innovative technologies from the environment, which enables them to succeed on the market. In particular, it is intended to identify the most essential stages in the process of technology absorption, the key constituents of absorptive potential as well as internal and external stimulants that create an environment friendly for the realisation of absorption potential.

A longitudinal analysis of work-life balance perspectives of future business professionals

Abstract: People face the difficulty of how to allocate their limited time between work and non-work activities; this is the age-old problem of work-life balance. Facilitating work-life balance for its employees is a vital aspect of best practices in business management, which will engender higher levels of employee job performance and ethical behaviour. This study compares findings of prior research with results of a current survey of work-life balance perspectives of future business professionals. A key finding is that work-life balance is still of high importance. In addition, some interesting gender-related changes were observed. Comparing the results for 2013 and 2008, findings show that regarding WLB-related issues that were of more concern to females than males in the past are now essentially of shared interest for both sexes.

What drives entrepreneurial orientation in small firms? The roles of owner-manager and financial conditions

Abstract: The economic importance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship has increased during last decades significantly. Therefore, it is valuable to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the antecedents of entrepreneurial activity in SMEs. Our study investigates the drivers of entrepreneurially oriented behaviour (EO) as a main contributor to entrepreneurship in Finnish small owner-managed firms. We focus on entrepreneur’s work values and experience as entrepreneur and firm’s financial slack and financial conservatism. The empirical data were drawn from a mail survey of 194 Finnish owner-managed small companies. Our results reveal that owner-manager’s intrinsic and status work values and experience are the strongest drivers of EO. This study contributes to the EO literature by focusing on the personal characteristics of the entrepreneur or top manager as owner’s personality, values and identities are recognised as important factors fostering entrepreneurial behaviour, especially in the small firm context.

The need for implementing lean in the public sector

Abstract: Despite the delay in considering lean processes, the public sector is now in a position that they have no excuse or reason to ignore lean processes, considering the challenges they are facing in the 21st century. Using four case examples of lean implementation in the public sector, this paper identifies the key reasons for implementing lean processes and the challenges/barriers unique to the public services realm.

Exploring the role of family communication and brand awareness in understanding the influence of child on purchase decisions: scale development and validation

Abstract: Understanding children's influence in purchase decisions is an area in need of further research especially in Indian context. To address this need, this research proposes a theoretical model with focus on family communication, brand awareness and demographic variables as important factors which affect the influence of children. The research further develops scales to measure family communication, brand awareness and to measure child's influence. These scales are developed through literature review, focus groups, in-depth interviews and surveys of 329 pair of mother and child. The scales are shown to demonstrate adequate internal consistency, construct validity and discriminant validity. Segregation of the child's influence with respect to different product category is the unique contribution of this study. In total six scales have been developed and validated. Future research suggestions and limitations are also discussed.

The journey to sustainable universities: insights from a Brazilian experience

Abstract: Universities play a key role in humanity’s search for sustainable development. This paper presents the results of preliminary studies on projects regarding campus sustainability, conducted at Universidade Estadual Paulista ‘Julio de Mesquita Filho’ – UNESP’s Bauru Campus, State of Sao Paulo. It recommends the constitution of a sustainability committee, with a public participation and social responsibility (PPSR) framework, and the implementation of a campus sustainability program. The study also describes how social responsibility and sustainability can bring UNESP/Bauru economic advantages.

Impact of implementing total productive maintenance system on organisational excellence based on EFQM model

Abstract: In today’s world economic enterprises, particularly manufacturing industries require comprehensive planning for establishment of management systems in order to improve productivity and enhance the quality of products and services. Excellence models are designed as a tool for pathology and for competitiveness in national and international organisations. This study examines the influence of implementing a comprehensive total productive maintenance (TPM) system on the EFQM excellence model. Data collection involved a questionnaire consisting of 30 items. After data collection and extraction, all research hypotheses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings suggest a significant positive relationship between implementing a TPM system and achieving excellence goals of organisation.

Evaluation of workplace training: the role of emotional intelligence, self-esteem, motivation and achievement

Abstract: Organisations outlay huge quantum of funds annually for training and development. It is imperative to critically examine the factors influencing workplace training. The paper tests how emotional intelligence influences trainees' achievement through motivation and self-esteem. The respondents included individuals selected for training programs by an organisation in India. Data on the trainee's emotional intelligence, self-esteem and motivation were collected at the commencement of the training program and the level of the trainees' achievement was gathered post training. The empirical findings of the study from 515 trainees validated the conceptual model being tested. Emotional intelligence relates positively to motivation and motivation in turn relates positively to achievement. It was found that the trainee's self-esteem mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and motivation. The study is unique in establishing the relationship being tested and highlights the implications to trainers and managers. Organisations can design their training programs considering the nature of individuals who are to undergo training.

Outsourcing practices of Midwest US public universities

Abstract: Universities face increased pressures to reduce and contain costs while simultaneously offering high-quality, non-core value-added services to their students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the study was to empirically assess whether and how various dimensions of the outsourcing process for non-core operations in higher education impact performance. Our findings suggest that there is wide disparity in the level of sophistication of outsourcing processes for non-core operations and their impact on performance measurement. The study revealed that organisational variables have an impact and direct relationship to operational revenue and cost. This study focused on Midwest US public universities in seven states.

Dominant logic and dynamic capabilities in strategic renewal – case of public broadcasting

Abstract: In this study, we explore a renewal capability of an incumbent organisation meeting remarkable organisational change. The study focuses on analysing internal shared mindsets and dynamic capabilities and their influence on the organisational renewal. We utilise the dynamic capability view of the firm and the dominant logic research tradition as theoretical foundations for our study. In the empirical part, we explore also the impact of demographic characteristics, such as work experience, organisational level or attachment to subunits on attitudes towards change. Empirical data was collected by means of a quantitative survey, which was carried out for all the employees of the Finnish Broadcasting Company. Our findings demonstrate how different subgroups share different mindsets in relation to the new and old dominant logics. The findings also show differences between subunits in their dynamic capabilities.

Mobile payment value networks: designing a collaboration tool to approach key partnership issues

Abstract: Over the past decade, the mobile payment (m-payment) phenomenon has been approached by researchers from diverse backgrounds, each providing a new perspective to this complex topic. Yet, the search for a universal m-payment solution remains elusive. The authors have adopted a design science research approach as it is a problem solving research paradigm that seeks to design and evaluate innovative artefacts with the desire to improve an environment. By adopting a design science research approach, a collaboration tool in the form of a Partnership Management Canvas (PMC) is designed and evaluated through a series of focus groups with over eighty practitioners. The PMC provides practitioners with a common platform that enables them to approach key partnership issues when forming of an m-payment value network. As design science research is a research paradigm that is frequently misunderstood and even resisted by some researchers, it is logical that the paper commences by clarifying what is design science research.

Evaluating retail store image - an empirical study in India

Abstract: Retail industry in India is pivotal for its economy contributing around 20% to the country's gross domestic product. The competition is retaining and attracting new customers to the store. There are many tangible and intangible factors influencing the success of a store. Store image, which is formed by the stake holders encompassing all the components of retail mix play an important role in store success. The research is carried out in seven major cities in the eastern part of India. A structured questionnaire containing 32 items was developed based on literature review. A total of 552 usable responses were collected across different demographic profile for the study. The paper identifies eight factors influencing the store image viz. store reputation, physical characteristics, customer service, convenience, product reliability, supporting facilities, services, and pricing policy. It is found in the study, supporting facility has more influence on overall image of the store, followed by product reliability and services. It is also observed that pricing policy of the store has least impact on store image. In the emerging economic scenario Indian retailers shall be more scientific in their approach and give right importance to the parameters influencing their bottom line.

How supplier exercised power affects the cooperative climate, trust and commitment in buyer-supplier relationships

Abstract: Facing rapid changes in technology and the globalisation of markets, it is now increasingly important for firms to work together to survive. Cooperation between buyers and suppliers helps to improve the efficiency of a supply chain as a whole for the benefit of all the parties involved, the exercise of power by suppliers is a critical factor that influences such cooperation. This study aims to investigate how supplier use of power affects the cooperative climate between a buyer and a supplier, buyer trust in the supplier, and buyer commitment, all from buyer's perspective. The relationships are hypothesised and investigated based on the empirical data collected from companies in the Taiwanese semiconductor industry. The results demonstrate that the supplier's use of non-coercive power can improve cooperation and trust between the buyer and supplier, and this can then enhance buyer's commitment. Practical suggestions are made based on the insights derived in this paper with the aim of achieving closer buyer-supplier relationships in highly competitive environments.

A structural equation model for measuring the JIT intensity and its impact on manufacturing flexibility

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the intensity level of just-in-time practices, on the flexibility dimension of the manufacturing competitive priorities. The paper simply postulates that there is a strong positive association between the intensity level of JIT practices and manufacturing flexibility. The analyses in this paper are based on empirical data collected from more than 212 manufacturing firms in three industrial sectors in the USA. Our findings confirm our hypothesis and further show that firms with higher JIT intensity levels: a) introduce products and production processes more often than their competitors; b) their products have a wider range of product features and verities; c) they are aggressive in their research and development (R&D) efforts. These finding are congruent with prior research on manufacturing flexibility and strategy and have implications for academics and practitioners. The implications are discussed in detail in the concluding segment of this paper.

Productivity, innovations and profitability of manufacturing industries in India: a regional study of Haryana State

Abstract: The study measures the determinants and dimensions of productivity and innovations using panel data of different industrial groups at micro level for manufacturing sector of one of the developing states of Indian economy. The study is a novel attempt to apply Malmquist productivity index along with its components and also efforts have been made to identify some macroeconomic and infrastructural factors and their association with the level of productivity. The study is more likely to be free from any type of distortions as the present attempt concentrates on industry level analysis which is enjoying various common features and constitutes a homogeneous sample due to their operations in similar economic environment and subject to same regulatory regime. Profitability-productivity association confirms huge potential for selected categories. The study indicates that there is not only need to strengthen the level of innovations and optimum utilisation of resources but also critical obligation to balance and harmonise both aspects.

Alliances in the financial services sector - exploring its organisational learning mechanisms

Abstract: The financial services sector is undergoing many changes, including the use of new technologies for offering new services. An alliance can be formed with younger technology start-ups to facilitate the internal innovation process of financial services providers. On the one hand, dealing with new knowledge (e.g., technological) requires an organisational capability (i.e., absorptive capacity) and the financial services provider's social capital also contributes to a successful knowledge acquisition. On the other hand, organisational learning mechanisms are also paramount in acquiring new knowledge during the innovation process since they drive a company's absorptive capacity. This paper will explore the under-researched organisational learning mechanisms during an alliance in the financial services sector. In particular the influences of policy and structural learning mechanisms on the social capital constituents (i.e., social interactions, relationship quality and supplier network ties) should be interesting areas for further exploration and a first measurement construct will be proposed in this conceptual paper.

The explanatory power of appraised brand values on stock prices in the financial services sector

Abstract: This study investigates the relation between per share brand values and stock prices in the financial services industry. Two regression models are developed and tested on a sample of 51 company years, using the brand values published by Millward Brown for the period 2008-2012 as independent variables - and as both contemporaneous and future stock prices as dependent variables. The test results indicate that the appraised brand value per share is closely associated with both the current and the future stock prices, with explanatory powers of 70% and 67% respectively. The contribution of this research to current literature lies in its special focus on financial services companies, as no earlier studies have been found which have carried out a similar examination in this particular industry. The results provide useful information for managers by showing clearly the positive financial effects of efficient brand management.

The competitive distance as a tool for competitiveness improvement

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a management tool to identify actions and plans to enhance the competitiveness of a company. It starts by proposing the concepts of competitive variables, competitive profile and competitive distance as a basis for developing a model to measure the competitiveness degree of enterprises within the same industrial sector. This conceptual model can be used by company management as a tool to identify opportunity areas and related actions required to enhance competitiveness. To do that, it is required to compare the company competitive profile against a competitive standard to be established. The competitive standard should be a company that, according to some objective criterion, is considered a paradigm of competitiveness in the industrial sector where operates the company for which the degree of competitiveness is to be measured. The paper also presents a practical example that shows how the proposed model could be applied to a real-world situation.

Excellence in human and business communication: reflections from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Abstract: Srimad Bhagavad Gita is one of the highly cited ancient wisdoms of India. It is germane to human life. Communication is inevitable in human life as well as in all its endeavours, including business. In this study, I have made an attempt to explore certain wisdoms of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita Hermeneutically and have related them to human endeavours in business. In such an endeavour, Lindeborg's perspective of excellence in communication was related to identified wisdoms of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

E-finance innovations through social activities: the case of Lithuanian banking services

Abstract: Changes in e-finance are numerous in spite of overall contraction of monetary flows in the Lithuanian economy. More attention is paid to provide traditional banking services in novel ways, offering free tools for planning budgets, testing financial investments, and consultations, etc. The research focuses on valuation of e-finance innovations occurrence through measures for knowledge inflows, testing whether and how social activities (education programs, open seminars, consultations, public comments, contests, games, platforms) and participation in networks allow to involve potential innovators and create advanced e-finance services. The emergence of social activities, especially by banks, is numerous; banks show more interest not only in separate projects, but in social networks as well. The research results indicate that involvement of banks into social activities is mostly related to reaching the aim of ensuring awareness and trust by current or potential customers and only partly of searching for opportunities to cooperate for innovations.