Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Excellence in 2017"

Analysing the appropriate cognitive styles and its effect on strategic innovation in Jordanian universities

Abstract: The study aimed to analyse and investigate the impact of cognitive styles (knowing style; planning style and creating style) on strategic innovation (strategic visualisation and imagination; generate ideas; evaluation ideas and implementation ideas) in Jordanian universities. The study population consists of Jordanian universities in Amman, while unit of sampling and analysis includes all (80) deans members in Jordanian universities in Amman. Study methodology was the descriptive analytical method, while a questionnaire was the study instrument of which consisted of 50 items. A statistical tool was used to analysis data and to test hypothesis like; mean, standard deviation, one sample t-test, simple and multiple, regression. The study come to a number of results, and to improve the direct impact of cognitive styles (knowing style; planning style and creating style) on strategic innovation (strategic visualisation and imagine; generate ideas; evaluation ideas and implementation ideas), and to confirm that the interest of cognitive styles form a turning point in contemporary management and strategic innovation generates a big difference in the added value.

A state-of the-art survey of interpretive structural modelling methodologies and applications

Abstract: In this paper, a comprehensive review is projected to unfold, categorise and interpret the present research on interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach, for this 126 scholarly papers are collected from journals, conference proceedings, PhD thesis out of which 88 papers are found useful and relevant to theme of this paper. All these papers are classified into three categories, non-application areas, application areas and other topics. The scholarly papers are also categorised into four categories such as: 1) year of publication; 2) journal of publication; 3) country in which research work is carried out; 4) the cost and quality criteria. This review paper covers the ISM approach in detail and highlights the areas/sectors to which it is applied successfully. The aim of the present paper is to meet the requirements of academicians and practitioners for references of ISM methodologies and applications, and hence promote the future of ISM research.

An ISM approach for modelling the enablers of sustainability in market-oriented firms

Abstract: Rising environmental concerns and the need for preserving resources for future generations have forced market oriented organisations to integrate sustainability into their strategies. The article aims to explore and prioritise those enablers which are essential for incorporating sustainability into market orientated firms. This study posits that integration of sustainability can help market oriented firms achieve a competitive advantage in the long run. Investigation of literature was done and discussions with experts were carried out to identify, select, and retain key enablers. ISM and MICMAC analyses were carried out to identify and classify key market oriented sustainability enablers that could create a competitive advantage for firms based on their direct and indirect relationships with each other. Legislation and pressure from civil society are the most critical enablers of sustainability in a market oriented firm. Researchers can further explore the generalisability of sustainability enablers identified in this study, across various industry.

An assessment of the impact of mobile banking on traditional banking in Nigeria

Abstract: The eulogise technological development and the corresponding research taking place in Nigerian terrain vis-a-vis the inability to achieve complete technological up gradation from citizen perspective is the rationale of the present study. It intends to know the influencing factors of the customer's usage of mobile banking as a part of technological ascent. The study also collected the information regarding the devices used by the customers, their level of satisfaction, the challenges they are encountering and the suggestions for the services providers. An unbiased sample of 400 is selected from four regions of Nigeria by using stratified random sampling. The collected data is analysed using suitable statistical techniques. The results portrayed the real picture of Nigerian technological domain, that, though the customers are having good knowledge about the devices, access to mobile banking, their convenience and satisfaction of usage are very low.

Hierarchical structure for enhancing the innovation in the MSME sector of India

Abstract: MSMEs are playing a very important role not only in providing employment to the millions of people, but also contributing in the overall economic development and social prosperity. To fulfil the goal of becoming an innovation driven economy, government is focusing on fostering innovation in the MSME sector. The lack of proper management and structure for identifying and enhancing the innovation in this sector results in few success stories. However, the literature supports the importance of various factors that enhance innovation, but pays less attention to how this process takes place in MSME sector. The aim of this study is to identify and rank the enablers of innovation in Indian MSMEs. This paper proposes a hierarchical structure which is based on ISM approach to prioritise the enablers of innovation in MSMEs. Lastly, MICMAC analysis has been conducted to examine the driving and the dependence power.

Is strategic agility the new Holy Grail? Exploring the strategic agility construct

Abstract: This paper reviews the concept of strategic agility and relates it to the context of building competitive advantage. The view of agility as an essential element of a firm's long-term success and survival has been discussed extensively in the literature. Strategic agility is an emerging area of research in the agility domain. It is a multidimensional concept, which includes both the ability to detect, anticipate, and sense market opportunities, evolving conditions, and other environmental changes and the ability to seize the opportunity with speed and implement new solutions. The paper discusses the concept of strategic agility and its impact on competitive advantage. The discussions are illustrated based on research carried out on Indian retail banks clarifying both the constituents of strategic agility as well as its contribution towards building a sustainable competitive advantage.

New global dimensions of business excellence

Abstract: This study explores the concept of business excellence and provides a new dimension to global business excellence. Drawing on extant literature, the study traces the history of business excellence and seeks to answer the question of how society views business excellence in the world today. The grounded theory research method is used to conceptualise a model of new global excellence showing the role that ethics play in business. The findings are that there are conflicting accounts in literature and praxis in relation to the role of business excellence models in business. Some see it as a strategic model while other consider as an operational tool. The findings suggest there is the need for a resultant shift in emphasis from quality and award systems and rather consider the tactical role of the business excellence models in organisations and the implications for quality training and development in organisations.

World class manufacturing in make-to-order batch-production SMEs: an exploratory analysis in northern Italy

Abstract: The applicability of world class manufacturing (WCM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a hotly debated topic. This paper belongs to this stream of research and presents a statistical survey designed to assess which WCM practices, if any, are implemented by SMEs and their effects on operational performances. Specifically, a comprehensive questionnaire was submitted to a sample of North Italian make-to-order batch-production SMEs, in the furniture, precision mechanics and textile-fashion industries. To assure consistency, and to avoid subjective interpretations, practices included in the questionnaire were adequately contextualised and answers were measured with an innovative five-point Likert-type scale. Outcomes, relative to the reference domain, demonstrate that SMEs can overcome quality-cost-time tradeoffs, using an integrated set of WCM practices. Results also indicate that belonging to a formal business group is a powerful enabler for a successful implementation of WCM, in SMEs.

Sources for success - new venture creation in seed and business accelerators

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore how an accelerator could succeed. We found that fundamental preconditions for success might be the access to relevant business competences and the ability to transfer it to a startup. On the other hand, the dynamics of acceleration organisation might be a restricting factor for business knowledge use and action. The success of an accelerator is a multidimensional topic. Generally, accelerators should construct great value proposition that facilitates the generation of long-term attraction for different stakeholders. However, the access to knowledge and funding can be viewed as the prerequisites of the existence of an accelerator but a prevailing startup ecosystem and service providers can also have a significant influence on new venture creation. Generally, the success of an accelerator can improve a local startup ecosystem and might have an influence on the economic development of a region.

Organisational determinants of export performance: evidence from exporting firms in Batam, Indonesia

Abstract: Organisational determinant factors are seen as resources, assets and capabilities that can be managed by a firm itself to achieve its objectives. The export performance (EP) of electrical and electronic (E&E) firms on the Indonesian island of Batam has been fluctuating and declining for several years. This phenomenon must be addressed accordingly in order to stabilise national economic growth. It is the responsibility of academicians, practitioners, and policy makers to understand the complexities of EP by exploring the factors that significantly influence it. To examine the link between organisational determinants and EP, the data were collected from E&E firms in Batam. The results indicate that export marketing strategy, firm characteristics and capabilities, and management characteristics are positively and significantly linked to EP. These findings suggest that, in light of the highly volatile and uncertain economic environment, short product life cycles, as well as frequent and unpredictable changes in demand, it is imperative that firms are able to respond to environmental changes.

A Thai Rhineland leadership model: in search for corporate sustainability model for Asia

Abstract: Since leadership is a culture bound concept and the Rhineland leadership is Western-derived, this paper develops a corporate sustainability model for future testing in Asian economies. A systematic review that covers empirical research on Rhineland leadership in firms in Thailand which has been published between 2011 and 2016 in academic journals has been conducted. A content analysis has been carried out by comparing and contrasting the findings. Gaps between the Western-derived Rhineland leadership and the examined practices in Thai companies are identified and discussed. Accordingly, 16 hypotheses and a structural model are derived for future research. This paper contains the first research-derived Asian model on corporate sustainability.

Framework to assess competitive positioning in manufacturing industries

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess the competitive positioning of manufacturing industries, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) using Porter Diamond Framework. In this study, the authors used both descriptive and empirical approach. In the descriptive analysis, the current status of each item has been analysed. In empirical analysis, six hypotheses were formulated and tested. From the results, it is observed that 10 out of 47 valid items show low PPS score (25% to 45%), 32 items show medium (46% to 75%) and only five items show high score, e.g., (PPS > 75%). Although all determinants were found significantly positive co-related with firm's competitiveness; demand condition was viewed as most important one with maximum value of Pearson coefficient (r = 0.663, p = 0.01). Factor condition was found as the least important among all determinants of Porter model as evident from r = 0.530, p = 0.01.

Factors influencing organisational performance: the role of knowledge sharing and organisational agility

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to design a model for investigating the factors influencing organisational performance among employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran. After distributing the questionnaires, 324 completed questionnaires were used for data analysis and the relationships between the research variables were tested using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The findings indicated that organisational culture has a positive effect on knowledge sharing. Also, knowledge sharing has a positive effect on organisational agility and knowledge sharing and organisational agility have a positive effect on organisational performance. The results showed that pay attention to the development of an effective organisational culture, and facilitating the process of knowledge sharing and organisational agility can lead to the increased organisational performance.

Lean Six Sigma and innovation: comparison and relationship

Abstract: The success of an organisation is directly related to the effectiveness of its creation of innovative products or processes and its implementation of continuous improvement (CI) to improve such products or processes. For any manufacturing or service organisation, lean Six Sigma (LSS) and innovation are important approaches. Effective understanding of these methodologies and their relationship will provide an industry with a competitive advantage. Many industrial organisations today are using LSS as the core for their improvement efforts. Also, an increasing number of organisations are setting up programs to transform their culture into an innovative culture. There is a lot of dispute about how they relate to each other, what the common grounds are, as well as their differences. As such, the relationship between LSS and innovation, as well as the development of an integrated model for both, are worth further investigation.

Organisational adoption of the lead user method: a follow-up study on intentions versus actions

Abstract: Users have been shown to be a source of new product ideas, and some users also develop their own solutions. This is not a marginal phenomenon and innovating users - so-called lead users - can be found in all fields. The lead user method (LUM) has several documented advantages, but it has gained far less ground as an everyday approach among companies than more traditional user research methods. In this article, we examine the reasons why LUM is not adopted in an organisation after a successful pilot project. We use rich, longitudinal data from two case companies and find that despite stated intentions and enthusiasm, LUM is not applied repeatedly. Staff turnover, the time and effort required to conduct LUM and the difficulties of adjusting LUM to a specific context were found as reasons why LUM use did not continue. Most importantly, LUM adoption requires the transfer of the evaluative and procedural knowledge of how to conduct it, which appears to be difficult and effortful to transfer to and within the organisation.

Lessons learnt from process improvement in a non-profit organisation

Abstract: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) have to increase the effectiveness of their services/products and acquire satisfaction of their stakeholders. This aim can be achieved by improving their business processes and enable them by information and communication technology. Business processes improvement (BPI) is well known in for-profit organisations and achieved successful results, and NPOs should take it into consideration. But this concept in NPOs is not extensively applied and case studies on how NPOs should manage their process are required. This case study explains how to apply successful BPI in Astan, a NPO with more than '65' personnel and '5,000' unit of properties which running in the Iran real estate industry. During four months by series of actions which is taken by processes owners we identify, analyse and improve their business processes. Our results show that, NPOs due to high centralisation and bureaucratic structure, suffering from inefficient processes and ad hoc/innovative methods for improvement are highly needed.

Efficiency of mutual funds and performance measurement in India: an empirical investigation

Abstract: The present study investigates the performance of mutual fund schemes, selectivity and market timing skill of fund managers by using Sharpe model, Treynor's model, Jensen alpha, information ratio, M-square model, Sortino ratio, Treynor-Mazuy and Henriksson-Merton models. The study uses daily observation of NAV and NIFTY index over the period of August 2008 to August 2014. The results of the study suggests that most of the mutual fund schemes indicate good performance and professional management selectivity skills in fund analysis as per Treynor ratio, Sharpe ratio, M square model, Sortino ratio and Jensen's alpha. The study also finds the evidence of reversal performance and persistence of mutual funds as per information ratio indicating presence of market efficiency in the long run. The study reveals that 43% mutual fund managers are able to time the market correctly during the period of study under both the models. The study concludes that an investor is required to take wise investment decisions by analysing the return and risk parameters of the mutual funds' to achieve their investment objectives.

The effect of organisational justice on knowledge sharing behaviour in public sector banks in India: mediating role of work engagement

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of employees' organisational justice perceptions (i.e. distributive, procedural and interactional justice) on knowledge sharing (KS) behaviour. Moreover, this work investigates the effect of work engagement on knowledge sharing behaviour and mediating effects of work engagement between justice dimensions and knowledge sharing behaviour. The linkages are tested with respect to the select public sector banks in India. A total of 225 responses were collected out of 294 respondents to whom the questionnaire was sent to, resulting a response rate of 76.53%. The results of this study revealed that distributive, procedural and interactional justice have a positive impact on knowledge sharing behaviour. The results further indicate that work engagement positively affects knowledge sharing behaviour, and acts as a partial mediator between justice dimensions and knowledge sharing. Further, the implications of the findings, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Using entropy and AHP-TOPSIS for comprehensive evaluation of internet shopping malls and solution optimality

Abstract: Consumers are switching from offline to online to buy everything due to this reason nowadays internet shopping malls (ISMs) are setting up a very crucial role in the economy. For assessment and ranking are basically a critical work which could be exploitation of internet shopping malls information resources when consider in a scientific way, there are many methods for the evaluation and ranking of e-commerce sites. Taking into consideration traffic rank, inbound links, competition, speed, and keyword statistics, in literature multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are rarely used by the researchers to find the rank of internet shopping malls (ISMs) on the basis of primary/secondary data of these influencing factors. This study, therefore, is unique to narrow down the gap in literature by employing MCDM methods i.e. entropy and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to collect the weight of influencing factors and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal (TOPSIS) to find the rank of internet shopping malls (ISMs). After finding out the rank of selected criteria, solution optimality needs to be done to find the average ideal solution matrix. Conclusion and managerial implications of the study are also discussed.

The complementary effects of transaction cost economics and resource-based view: a technological alliance perspective

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of two theoretical frameworks - transaction cost economics (TCE) and resource-based view (RBV) - on alliance processes among Korean high-tech manufacturing ventures. Results show that TCE and RBV can be applied complementarily to explain the formation of technological alliances. TCE variables are more related with alliance partner characteristics, while RBV is linked with partner capabilities. Both show positive effects on performance. No significant effect is found regarding alliance governance structure. While selecting appropriate technological alliance partners shows positive effects on performance, no significant effect is found between alliance governance structure and performance. Elements of both theories impacting each alliance stage and analytical explanations of such impacts are discussed.

The use of integrated management approaches and their impact on customers' satisfaction and business success

Abstract: This paper explores the role of total quality management (TQM), total innovation management (TIM), knowledge management (KM), and project management (PM) approaches and their impact to win customer satisfaction and to achieve business success. To achieve this purpose the research: a) investigates if certain management approaches help to win customer satisfaction; b) explores connections between customer satisfaction and business success; c) highlights the close links between TQM, KM, PM and quality innovation management. The findings of the research clearly show the positive outcome of using TQM, TIM, KM and PM as an integrated method to deal with business issues. The research highlights that integrated management approach based on TQM, TIM, KM, and PM increases competitiveness, ability to innovate at a higher rate, and ultimately increased performance, establishes strong relationship between a customer and business organisation.

Leveraging elements to small business strategic networks: the perception of business partners

Abstract: This study aims to identify the elements that leverage the competitiveness of small business strategic networks (SBSNs) and to analyse how these elements are regarded by the business partners in SBSNs. The findings suggest that a set of elements serves this function, including the governance of the network, the share of resources/capabilities, the depth of exchange relations and the strength of the partnerships formed. Governance may be related to self-management-oriented abilities and consolidation. Centralised production can facilitate the sharing of resources and optimise the use of available capacities. Greater partnership strength may contribute to consolidating alliances and to sharing information. Companies must improve how they share technical knowledge and information with their partners and adopt global indicators, such as costs, sales and operations. Moreover, companies must undertake marketing actions together, such as participating in fairs and engaging in co-branded usage (to reinforce their value and strengthen the network brand). In particular, in the case studies investigated herein, such findings contribute by helping to align the management practices of SBSNs operating in the printing and metal-mechanics industries.

Dynamics of disruptive innovations in outperforming global brands: a study in Mexico

Abstract: This paper aims to determine consumers' internal preference structure for branded and refillable printing cartridges under the perspective of theory of disruptive innovations. In the study region, users may choose to buy a new branded printing cartridge or, once purchased, refill it or have it refilled for further use, displacing the purchase of a new branded cartridge. Drawing on choice-based conjoint techniques and on the basis of 84 sample observations, we assessed the relative importance of price, lifespan, reliability, and quality as critical factors for choosing between branded and refillable printing cartridges. Results of the study show that consumers in market segments, low and high value reliability and quality as main drivers but price is valued higher by high-end consumers and branded printing cartridges' users. Lifespan of the product was found to have a very low contribution to utility. Results are discussed from the perspective of new product development.

A study on customer's perception of online banking and e-service quality among Chennai customers

Abstract: The information technology advancements in India have more impact on Indian banking industry. Now, the internet is the most preferred medium which is used between customer and the bank. Due to technological advancements in India, the internet availability and the internet usage is increased largely. The internet medium is rapidly changing the traditional face to face banking to online banking. To study the quality of the bank, it is necessary to study the e-service quality of banks. This paper deals with customer's perception of online banking and e-service quality and its influence on customer satisfaction. The quantitative research design is used for this study. The study was conducted using self administered questionnaire. The sampling method used for the study is random sample method .The sample size of 98 is taken for the study. The study was conducted in Chennai City of India. The factor analysis and multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The findings from this study reveal that the variables compensation and recovery, access, personalisation and assurance play a major role in online banking service quality. Also, the study reveals that the customer satisfaction leads to customer loyalty.

Adapting premium FMCG strategies to luxury brands

Abstract: Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) producers develop and adapt marketing and supply chain strategies to move to a more bespoke but high volume market that results in higher revenues and profits, a trend known as premiumisation. This paper analyses this trend, trying to understand how luxury groups can benefit from premium FMCG experiences. We use multiple cases of premium FMCG and luxury companies, and a survey, built from the insights of the cases and answered by 23 luxury experts. Among the conclusions of the analysis is that, while the experts do not perceive premium FMCG as a threat to luxury brands, the latter can profit from the adoption of marketing and supply chain practices of premium FMCG to increase volume and reach new global markets. The marketing practices identified as more promising are channel separation and servitisation; while those of supply chain are network orchestration, multi-level global organisation, visibility and cooperation.

The mediation role of frontline employee adaptability between service orientation and job outcomes: evidence from Indian power sector

Abstract: Frontline employees are indispensable part of service experience and FLE's who are adaptable are a plus point for the organisation and customer. From previous studies, the impact of service orientation on the job outcomes is observed. This research examines the relationship between service orientation, frontline employee adaptability and job outcomes like job satisfaction and job performance. The research finds a positive relationship between service orientation and frontline employee adaptability using structural equation modelling. Besides, FLE adaptability is found to positively impact job outcomes and found to be completely mediating the relationship between service orientation and job outcomes. The results and implications are discussed.

Relationship between determinants of organisational structure and knowledge sharing

Abstract: The primary objective of current research is to analyse the determinants of organisational structure (formalisation, centralisation and integration) and its effects on knowledge sharing In the era of contemporary management, organisations have accepted the significance of knowledge sharing and have realised the fact that knowledge sharing plays a vital role in the survival of organisations in the long term Correlation and regression techniques were used for the analysis of data The findings proved that formalisation and centralisation were negatively integrated and were positively associated with knowledge sharing This study focused on the determinants of organisational structure towards knowledge sharing and should help to transform public sector institutes from traditional structure to knowledge-based structure using a lower degree of prescribed rules The current study is only performed on one element of the knowledge management, thus the other elements of knowledge management may significantly exceed the benefits and directions for the development of public sector institutes

The image of and the interest in the accounting profession: an empirical study in three social groups

Abstract: This study has the following goals: to analyse the image of and the interest in the accounting profession; to identify any possible differences in perception among the respondent groups; to identify the individual characteristics influencing the perception; to propose an explanatory model of the interest in the profession. The respondents were the members of three social groups composing the profession's value chain: 105 financial officers of the biggest 500 Portuguese companies; 412 chartered accountants; 235 students majoring in accounting. The data collected show that there are no significant differences in perception regarding the image of and the interest in the accounting profession. Regarding the influence of the individual characteristics, the results obtained lead to the following conclusion: the third-year students with a higher average perceive a higher level of interest in the profession; the professionals with a higher academic degree and college graduates perceive a lower level of interest in the profession.

The effects of promotion activities on consumers' purchase intention in chain convenience stores

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the effects of brand image, promotion activities, and perceived value on consumers' purchase intention in convenience stores. The empirical analysis confirms the significantly positive impacts from all the variables on purchase intention and highlights the strong influences of functionality in brand image, monetary promotion in promotion activities, and monetary price in perceived value. We found that the perceived value plays a more influential role in determining the purchase intention, compared with the impacts from brand image and promotion activities. Monetary promotion activities exhibit a strongly positive impact on purchase intention through promotion itself and increasing perceived value. The current loyalty-card program, which provides price discount as regular monetary promotion and point accumulation for free collectables as non-monetary promotion, serves as the most effective mixture of promotion activities to create the win-win situation between consumers and convenience stores.

User acceptance of web-based talent assessment platform (TAP)

Abstract: The objective of this study is to identify factors that attract people into online talent and psychological assessment portals. We have used primary survey to collect consumers' responses. Data from 203 registered users were collected using an online survey process. The results of multivariate data analysis indicate that standard of tests, satisfaction of motivate customers, engagement, trouble free browsing and effectively addressing customer requirements are important determinants for drawing test-takers. In addition to this, we found active test takers, competitors, casual test takers and job seekers as the four major segments of users visiting the assessment portal. The identification of factors and segmentation of users would help assessment portals in developing strategies in order to effectively target, acquire and engage users.