Showing papers in "International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management in 2016"

Competing through employee engagement: a proposed framework

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework through which to understand, predict and control factors affecting employee engagement in the public sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines research conducted in the area of employee engagement and proposes a conceptual framework that can be used by practitioners to engage employees and motivate them toward organizational growth and sustainability. Findings – In line with the literature-based analysis, a framework of employee engagement was developed, illustrating the linkage between leader, team, perceived organizational support and organizational culture that is being mediated by employee motivation. Research limitations/implications – Employee engagement as exemplified in this study is well suited for use in the public sector in the UAE. Further empirical study should be undertaken to ascertain the effect of the proposed framework and hypotheses. Practical implications – The study incorpora...

Determinants of organizational performance: a proposed framework

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on determinants that influence organizational performance and to develop a framework that could be beneficial for leaders. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a systematic review of articles on the factors that influence organizational performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to collect and summarize all empirical evidence from literature that fits the context of this study. Findings – The findings of the study have been weaved together in a proposed framework for the role of cognitive, emotional, and social competencies on leadership competencies that in turn influence both employee and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – This paper is a literature review, a framework on the determinants of organizational performance has been proposed but has not yet been tested empirically. Practical implications – Leaders can leverage the results of this study to enhance their leadership competenc...

Lean services: a systematic review

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of Lean methodology through an exhaustive literature review, and its implications and application in the service industry right from its initiation in 1990s till date. Design/methodology/approach The paper summarises the evolution of Lean in services and has systematically classified the reviewed literature in four dimensions, namely time, publisher, region and content. Further under “time” dimension, the literature is classified into Pre-Lean era, Lean awareness era, Lean Exploration era and Lean implementation era. Under the “content” dimension, the categories include theoretical foundation, frameworks/models and application/case studies. Findings The analysis inferred; Lean is gaining roads in services, though the research is still at nascent stage. Lean is applicable in services though transfer of Lean manufacturing principles to services has certain limitations because of the characteristics of services. The need is to focus on process difference between services and manufacturing. Respect for people and employment engagement is critical to Lean in service. The authors identified the necessity to standardise the Lean service definition, principles, and tools and to develop guidelines for structured implementation in service industry. Research limitations/implications Though multiple databases have been taken-up but that does not assume that the literature presented in this paper is by any means comprehensive. Development of a standard model/framework for Lean services is critical for future research. Rigorous industry-specific studies, specifically in developing nations are another area for future research. Future studies could analyse the impact of join applications and possible links between Lean service and other approaches like TQM, Six Sigma, etc., with an aim of process improvement. Practical implications This paper would serve as a resource for Lean practitioners as well as researchers as a fundamental platform, contributing to Lean body of knowledge. Social implications Service industry has special significance to the society in large. Many services including governments, public interest services, non-profit organisations, healthcare, banking, consulting, etc., has a significant share across markets. Lean being a proven methodology for successful process improvements has to be looked at from a services perspective. This paper helps in such interest. Originality/value Publications reviewing the adoption of Lean in services is scarce in literature. This paper serves as an excellent resource for research on the subject and will facilitate academicians and practitioners to objectively understand Lean in service sector.

Performance measurement approach for innovation capability in SMEs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for improving innovation capability through performance measurement in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The development of an organisation’s innovation capability is considered increasingly important in the current literature. Developing such capability is essential, as innovation plays a key role in the survival and growth of organisations. A review of current literature highlights the need for a framework on the development of innovation capability, especially in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was used to form an understanding of previous work in the research area. Previous literature was used to define the key concepts and further to build the conceptual framework. Findings – As a result of the study, a framework for improving innovation capability through performance measurement in SMEs is presented. Key issues that must be addressed are highlighted and discussed. Practical/implications – The paper contai...

Are subjective business performance measures justified

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to operationalize the subjective measures of business performance and assessing their justification for use in place of objective measures of business performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a sample survey of 171 companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange, India. A cross-sectional descriptive research design has been used. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure and dimensionality of objective and subjective measures of business performance. The psychometric properties of these measures and their interrelationship have been assessed through confirmatory factor analysis. Findings – The study finds a strong positive correlation between subjective business performance and objective business performance. The study finds it justified to use the subjective measures of business performance. Research limitations/implications – Response bias may have crept in because of self-reported measure used for the study. Future resea...

Factors influencing labor productivity on construction sites

Abstract: Purpose – Productivity is a worldwide problem and efforts have been made over the last three decades or so to explore ways to increase the rate of productivity on construction sites. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the state of the art in productivity research and to present the findings of a survey into the factors that can impair productivity on site. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review is structured under five general headings: pre-construction activities; activities during construction; managerial and leadership issues; motivational factors; and organizational factors. In total, 46 determinants were extracted from the above headings and were assessed by 36 main contractors. Findings – The literature review revealed that while there has been an advancement in developing techniques and tools to improving productivity on site, more need to be done to invest in technology and innovation. The interview survey indicated that factors associated with pre-construction activities, namely, the “experience of the selected site and project managers,” “design errors,” “buildability of the design,” “project planning,” “communication,” “ leadership style” and “procurement method” as the most critical factors influencing site productivity. Other highly ranked factors are “mismanagement of material” and “the work environment.” Research limitations/implications – The survey is based on main contractors and thus not generalized to cover other sectors of the building team such as designers and engineers. Practical implications – Outcome of this research can be used to provide professionals and contractors guidance for focussing, acting upon and controlling the most significant factors perceived to influence the construction labor productivity (CLP) on site. Originality/value – First, reviewed the state of the art and trends in construction productivity research. Second, primary survey with industry experts to rank the relative importance of factors that can influence CLP on site.

Constructs of quality in higher education services

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present various quality constructs, their application, success and shortcomings, in higher education (HE) services. Design/methodology/approach This paper aims at reviewing the quality constructs in higher education services through a general review. The paper is organised to highlight different quality practices which higher education institutions have followed from 1990s till date. The paper is scoped to discuss about total quality management (TQM), Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) comparing their value addition and shortcoming in imbibing quality into the higher education. Publications indexed in Scopus database are considered for the review. The focus of the search in the selected publications was to identify the success and shortcomings of various quality constructs in HE services. Findings The requirement for a quality construct in higher education industry is an important finding of the paper. Alongside this, the reasons behind the shortcoming of quality practices used in higher education system were highlighted. The findings include the opportunities for future research for imbibing quality culture in HE. Research limitations/implications The literature discussed in the part of the paper is restricted to TQM, Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean and LSS. Though the usage of such quality practices in HE originated in 1990s, there is no one robust sustainable practice till date, which proved to be a pacesetter. This paper validates this assertion, which helps both academicians and practitioners with a new perspective. Originality/value This paper would serve as an excellent resource for both academicians and practitioners to understand the history of quality which contributed to the improvement in HE services, and how the quality excellence has evolved over the years. The paper concludes with a discussion on opportunities for future research to develop quality frameworks for HE services.

Productivity and performance improvement in the medical records department of a hospital

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology was applied to a medical records department (MRD) of a hospital in India to reduce the Turn-Around-Time (TAT) of medical records preparation process and thus to improve the productivity and performance of the department. Design/methodology/approach – The research reported in this paper is based on a case study carried out using LSS approach and in improving the medical records preparation process. Findings – The root causes for the problem were identified and validated through data-based analysis from LSS tool box, at different stages in the project. As a result of this project, the TAT was reduced from average 19 minutes to eight minutes and the standard deviation was reduced by one-tenth, which was a remarkable achievement for department under study. This was resulted in the reduction in the work-in-process inventory of medical records from 40 units to 0 at the end of the day. Project in-turn reduced the staffing l...

Lean and US manufacturing industry: popularity of practices and implementation barriers

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze lean strategic practices being implemented in manufacturing facilities throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia and identify the difficulty in implementing those lean practices. Design/methodology/approach A skip logic questionnaire was developed into multiple sections for analysis; demographics of respondents, identification of the knowledge and practice of lean methods, interpretation of lean application, strategic direction of lean methods, measurements of expertise, and difficulties for practicing lean. The questionnaire was sent to 327 manufacturing facilities where 51 usable responses were collected for the study. Findings Lean manufacturing is a widely recognized and practiced business philosophy as a significant percentage of manufacturers have implemented some variation of practice. However, the extent of knowledge does not mirror awareness. The application of lean manufacturing practices is not readily appropriate for every company, but adopting the concept of customer-focussed waste reduction to maximize value can be universally applied as waste reduction was the most prominent practice pursued. Lean practitioners found that poka-yoke and installing new process equipment have the highest degree of benefits from implementation while 5S and eliminating waste were the least difficult practices to implement. In general, the management personnel of the companies have an influential effect on lean manufacturing pursuance. This is illustrated by the fact of high agreement between facilities that resistance to change from employees is the most prominent difficulty for implementation followed by limited technical knowledge of lean manufacturing at operational and conceptual levels. Research limitations/implications The research findings are from a subset of manufacturing companies in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and may not represent all of the companies on a national level. The results must be interpreted in the context of the data acquisition approach due to the extent of the sample size involved, the procedure for how data were collected, and assuming that each lean strategic practice has the same weight to calculate the facility lean index. Practical implications The results provide insight about the effect of facility size and years of lean practicing for various lean strategic practices. The most beneficial and least difficult lean strategies, their implementation level, and the real challenges for implementing lean were also identified to help both lean practitioner and non-practitioner for the lean journey. Originality/value The research investigates current lean strategic practices pursued by manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia and identifies obstacles to implementation of lean practices. Lean manufacturing is widely sought after as a continuous improvement program, but success is divided. This study characterizes lean manufacturing comprehension while identifying knowledge areas of strengths and deficiencies. There lacks an established structure for lean practices to pursue. Therefore, this study provides manufacturers a measure for comparing their position for refined decision making.

Can Lean Six Sigma make UK public sector organisations more efficient and effective

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the widespread but fragmented application of Lean Six Sigma within the UK public sector, providing the context of some of the challenges faced within the sector as well as some of the successful applications of Lean Six Sigma. The paper fundamentally seeks to challenge the concept that Lean Six Sigma is not suitable for use in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach A summary of the challenges facing the public sector is shown from current literature and this is presented as drivers for change. A number of successful applications of Lean Six Sigma are then evidenced demonstrating examples across areas of the public sector. Findings This paper concludes that while Lean Six Sigma is applicable to the UK public sector additional work is required to better evidence the benefits and return on investment that can be delivered as well as considering more holistic approaches on an agency wide basis. Research limitations/implications This paper seeks to contribute to and broaden the limited body of evidence of the applicability of Lean Six Sigma to the UK public sector and identifies areas for further research and review. Practical implications Understanding the applicability of Lean Six Sigma affords opportunities to public sector agencies in the current budget climate but additionally affords ways in which quality of service can be enhanced. In some cases, it provides opportunities to meet new statutory requirements around community empowerment. Originality/value The paper contributes to the body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma within the public sector and suggests opportunity for those agencies to meet funding challenges faced across the UK.

Impact of perceived organizational support, psychological empowerment and leader member exchange on commitment and its subsequent impact on service quality

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of perceived organizational support (POS), psychological empowerment (PE) and leader member exchange (LMX) as antecedents on the commitment level of employees working in the hotel industry and their subsequent impact on service quality (SQ). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 436 employees and 1,320 customers from 34 hotels with the help of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The analysis of data were done by applying a confirmatory factor analysis along with a structural equation model. Findings – The findings of the study indicate that organizational commitment acts as a full mediator between: POS and SQ; and leader-member exchange and SQ. On the other hand, it acts a partial mediator between PE and SQ. Originality/value – This study contributes to organizational behavior and services marketing literature. It examines the relationship between antecedents (LMX, PE and POS) and outcome (SQ) so as to observe the c...

Impact of leader member exchange, human resource management practices and psychological empowerment on extra role performances

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment (OC) in the relationship that extra role performance (EXR) shares with leader member exchange (LMX), psychological empowerment (PE) and human resource management practices (HRMP) in a large, public-sector service organization in India. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the hypothesized model. Reliability and validity of measures were also examined. Findings – Statistical analysis indicated that each of the following - LMX, PE and HRMP had a positive impact on OC, and OC influenced EXR. Further LMX influence EXR through OC while HRMP and PE partially influence EXR. Practical implications – In an Indian context, this study offers a deeper understanding of the factors influencing OC, and how OC affects EXR. This understanding will help practitioners formulate effective human resource policies and restructure their trainin...

HRM practices and organizational performance in the UAE banking sector: The mediating role of organizational innovation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on organizational performance in the banking sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to test the mediating impact of organizational innovation on the HRM-organizational performance relationship, and to test HRM practices as mediator of the relationship between innovation strategy and organizational innovation. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 168 managers working in UAE banks. A structured questionnaire containing standard scales of HRM practices, innovation strategy, organizational innovation, organizational performance, and some demographic variables was used. The analytical method used to empirically test the hypotheses proposed is the structural equation modeling technique using PLS. The two steps are: the assessment of the outer model and the assessment of the inner model. Moreover, a bootstrapping method is employed in order to test indirect effects. Findings – Results fo...

Authentic leadership, work engagement and organizational citizenship behaviors in petroleum company

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between authentic leadership (AL), work engagement (WE), and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) among United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals working in the petroleum sector. This study further intends to examine the mediating effect of psychological empowerment (PE) on above mentioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative method involving self-reported questionnaire was used in this study. Data were collected from 189 UAE national employees from one of the major petroleum companies in the UAE. An extensive online questionnaire consisting of 70 questions was designed in Version 2.05+ of LimeSurvey, an open source-based survey tool. Structural equation modeling using Lisrel was deployed to examine the relationship between AL, PE, WE, and OCB. Findings – The results revealed that AL significantly increases WE and OCB. Results also indicated that PE increases the strength of relationship between AL with WE and OCB whil...

Social innovation model for business performance and innovation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a social innovation model and understand the levels of communication of different social actors at different points of a social innovation project (at Hewlett Packard). The paper also looks into the effect of communication networks and power of words in social interaction in social innovation projects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper defines social innovation in the first part and how it differs from social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility and social business. The research focusses on the data available through the internet and the papers and articles related to social innovation experience of technology companies. A content analysis of the terminology that is used for social innovation projects during innovation process and the articles published will be the primary source for data analysis in the study. Findings – The study did illuminate the power of certain words that are repeatedly used in e-mails and articles, related to the ...

Knowledge acquisition through process mapping: Factors affecting the performance of work based activity

Abstract: Purpose – Business improvement initiatives have benefit for both an organisation’s operational effectiveness and its knowledge acquisition capabilities. These have a synergistic effect upon the ability to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Among the multitude of approaches that can be adopted process mapping (PMapping) is widely used. The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilisation of PMapping for undertaking business process improvement and the resultant acquisition of knowledge among those that are involved in its performance and the subsequent use of process maps (PMaps). Design/methodology/approach – Adopting the notion of " knowledge as knowing " and Activity Theory as the research framework, a four-year Participatory Action Research study of three organisations was conducted. Data were gathered through cyclically developed semi-structured interviews, on-site observation and instantaneously sampled field notes. Findings – It finds that PMapping is a useful technique for conducting business process improvements and acquiring knowledge of organisations and their people. It also finds that PMaps are useful knowledge repositories that have value beyond aiding the development of improved business processes. Socialisation is a key determinant of knowledge coproduction and transfer. This study finds that it occurs in formal and informal modes between individuals engaged in PMapping. Research limitations/implications – The choice of PMapping technique may have significant influence upon the knowledge that is acquired by individuals and organisations during business process improvement initiatives. Future research should explore the relationship between PMapping methods, their knowledge-generative potential and the usability of the resultant PMaps. Practical implications – Organisations undertaking business process improvement initiatives should take account of those factors that mediate its undertaking and its knowledge-generative potential. The objectives of improvement initiatives and of specific activities such as PMapping need to be carefully considered. Changes in objectives need clear communication and justification, and the purpose and benefit of such changes must be weighed against the potential detrimental effect that they may have upon the workforce. Inconsiderate goals setting and changing can lead to individuals coming under significant psychological and sociological pressures. Originality/value – This research furthers the understanding of knowledge acquisition and business process improvement in non-manufacturing environments. It identifies the challenges involved in adopting PMapping as a business improvement tool. It also provides insight into the use of the tool as a technique for fostering knowledge acquisition in individuals.

Could “Lean Lite” be the cost effective solution to applying lean manufacturing in developing economies?

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest a solution to the problem of implementing a full “Lean” methodology for small-/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach – This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of the financial and resource costs of implementing a full lean programme in a developing country and suggests that using a “Lean Lite” approach may help the consultant/manager introduce lean concepts into a manufacturing organisation in a developing country. Findings – The paper concludes that “Lean Lite” as an approach that can be used to introduce lean initiatives in an SME in a developing economy by allowing a company with very limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees. Research limitations/implications – The observations are limited to a single case study, although tempered by the authors’ wider experienc...

Towards lean warehouse: transformation and assessment using RTD and ANP

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to represent a unique combined Real time Delphi (RTD) – analytic network process (ANP) approach considering efficient decision making with practical validation. Design/methodology/approach – An ANP model encounters invisible relationship and interdependency among qualitative and quantitative criteria for assessment. RTD supports continuous assessment and improvement in team building, modeling, developing, implementing and validating the procedure. To illustrate practical validation of the model, the authors apply it in a manufacturing firm. A case illustrating the model, finds improved results and judgments followed by conclusion. Findings – A case illustrating the model, finds improved results and judgments. This model improves warehouse performance by integrating lean and people issues. The outcome results in an efficient decision making and consensus judgments. It also fosters high trust and coordination level among people in warehouse. Originality/value – Previou...

Factors affecting service recovery performance and customer service employees: A study of Malaysian life insurance industry

Abstract: Purpose Service recovery is very important to the insurance industry; it helps to maintain clients, it is a crucial competitive advantage for business survival and it adds value for the organization’s continued future. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing service recovery performance (SRP) of customer service employees in the life insurance industry from three dimensions; organizational (customer service orientation and top management commitment), human resource management (rewards, training, teamwork and empowerment) and personal (affective organizational commitment, role ambiguity, role conflict and emotional exhaustion). This study also investigated job satisfaction and the intent to resign. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from 350 customer service staff employed by life insurance companies in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia by using a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed using multiple regressions. Findings The findings indicated that customer service orientation, training, empowerment, affective organizational commitment, role stressors and emotional exhaustion influenced staff’s SRP. The findings also showed that SRP influenced job satisfaction and intention to resign. Practical implications The research advances understanding of the influence of organizational, personal and human resource management factors on SRP and result constructs, namely, turnover intentions and job satisfaction. The researchers in Malaysia can use this model for future research in a service sector fields such as banking, retailing and hospitality to replicate and compare this finding. For practitioners especially the managers in insurance services providers can take actions and formulate proper strategies for customer service employees to deliver high level of performance in order to satisfied customer and continue stay in the organizations. Originality/value Very little attention has been given to examine the impact of human resource, personal and organizational factors on SRP and the influence of SRP on result constructs, namely, job satisfaction and intention to resign in the life insurances area. Furthermore applying equity theory especially in the SRP area was not given fully attention.

Performance measurement system implementation in a turbulent operating environment

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how a performance measurement system (PMS) can be designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a turbulent environment. The current models and frameworks for the design and implementation of a PMS are for large companies; these traditional design and implementation processes are too multi-stage and long term for SMEs operating in a rapidly changing environment. Design/methodology/approach The study constructs a conceptual framework based on the performance measurement and management literature and empirical evidence from a longitudinal case study. Interviews, an analysis of strategic documents and documentation of the prevailing measurement system were conducted. Findings The study results reveal the framework for a flexible PMS design. In the framework, the PMS consists of core permanent measures that control the profitability of the company and supportive measures of the realisation of strategic targets. The supportive measures change and develop along with the strategy. Originality/value The study provides new understanding about the performance measurement design process in SMEs operating in a turbulent environment. The existing literature presents performance measurement design and implementation process models for large organisations, but these frameworks are too multi-stage and long term for SMEs.

Conflict resolution styles and personality

Abstract: Purpose – Conflict in the workplace creates a challenge for many of present day managers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating effect of generations X and Y on the relationship between personality and conflict handling styles. Design/methodology/approach – The study is conducted using a sample of 199 employees working in the electronic retail sector in a non-Western culture. The five-factor model of personality traits is used to measure personality, while conflict styles are measured using Rahim’s Organizational Conflict Inventory II. Findings – Results indicate that generations X and Y moderate the relationship between specific personality traits and conflict handling styles. Research limitations/implications – This study investigated the moderating effect of generations X and Y on a sample of employees within the electronic retail service sector in Lebanon. It is recommended that future research examine such a relationship in other sectors and cultures for generalizability. Since gener...

Performance analysis of new product development projects: An approach based on value stream mapping

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of technical and management practices of a new product development (NPD) project on the project success in terms of observed value-added time. The authors address the research questions: “How do the product innovation aspects, information process, suppliers integration and project team aspects influence the success of NPD projects in terms of observed value-added time?” Design/methodology/approach – Specific hypotheses are posed based on literature research and semi-structured interviews with project managers used for the pilot study. In total, 40 projects carried out by multinational corporation, concerning NPD, are analysed, comparing product and project features with results obtained in terms of performance indexes usually used in “Lean Production” sector: “waste time”; and “type of wastes”. Findings – This research highlighted that “over-processing” is the most important waste made in the projects when the product concept is Completely New. Great support has been found for the hypothesis that a clear definition of products’ concept can reduce waste time. Unexpected result has been obtained analysing “Information process aspects” category where the more frequent use of support systems (i.e. quality function deployment, computer-integrated manufacturing, computer-aided design, etc.) tended to increase waste time. Important connections have also been found between project team aspects and low waste time. Practical implications – The identification of sources of waste can help managers to assess their current innovation practices, identify gaps between their current practice and best practice, and define action plans to close those gaps. Originality/value – In literature, researches exploring the effects that both organizational and managerial factors have on value-added has received only scant attention. This study attempts to bridge this gap, and takes a first step to investigate the role of product innovation aspects, information process, supplier integration and project team aspects in “value-added time” in a NPD project.

Framework to improve performance through implementing Lean Six Sigma strategies to oil exporting countries during recession or depression

Abstract: Purpose – Today’s global business environment essential requirement to an industries reduction of wastes, reduction of variations, reduction of lead time and innovative feature quality product with minimum cost. That strives to improve customer satisfaction, break through strategies to solve problems with fastest process speed. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy and framework can help during recession or upcoming recession to improve business excellencies and companies strategies against recession. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper followed views of authors, industrial experts from oil industries regarding LSS strategy, framework, comparative key factors of Lean and Six Sigma to overcome continuously decline oil prices globally. LSS strategy will proactively work as preventive tool for insipid economical growth of oil-exporting countries. Findings – To follow the LSS guidelines, oil-exporting countries can improve their business performance during ongoing oil price...

Effect of bank-specific and governance-specific variables on the productivity and profitability of banks

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of bank-related variables and corporate governance-related variables on the productivity and profitability of public and private sector banks in India. Design/methodology/approach The Malmquist productivity index is applied to determine the productivity of different banks. Further, return on average assets is used as profitability of banks. The regression analysis is further used to assess the effect of different bank-related and governance-related variables on performance of banks. Findings Nearly all the bank-specific variables explain the productivity and profitability of banks but a weak relationship is observed between individual governance variables and performance variables. Two governance variables, i.e. board meetings and remuneration explicate the profitability of the public sector banks and only duality explains the profitability of the private sector banks. No significance is found between productivity and governance variables. Originality/value The study addresses the embryonic issue of corporate governance in the banking sector. The uniqueness of the paper lies in that no study has evaluated the effect of these variables on productivity and profitability of banks simultaneously.

Taxonomizing performance measurement systems’ failures

Abstract: Purpose – After more than 30 years of research, literature on performance measurement systems (PMS) is characterized by diversity and fragmentation. Due to the multidisciplinarity of stakeholders and researchers involved the basis of literature is expanding, but not converging. The purpose of this paper is to dispersedly discuss failures of PMS in the abundance of literature written. Design/methodology/approach – Over 250 articles related to PMS have been analyzed in order to shortlist failures of PMS. Two criteria have been used: explicitly referenced being a failure; or mentioned as being essential for a successful PMS. Next steps were clustering, cross-checking with academics and professionals and re-allocation to appropriate levels. Findings – This paper identifies 36 failures and proposes an easy taxonomy for further referencing by attribution to three levels: metric, framework and management. Failures range from uncertainties in data gathering, lack of knowledge and dealing with complexity, toward t...

Influence of occupational heat stress on labour productivity – a case study from Chennai, India

Abstract: Purpose – Raise in temperatures due to climate change is likely to increase the heat stress in occupations that are physically exerting and performed outdoors which might potentially have adverse health and productivity consequences. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the productivities in construction work under the influence of heat stress using the predicted mean vote (PMV) index. Design/methodology/approach – Field studies were conducted during May 2014 which is summer time in Chennai. Continuous heart rate of workers and wet bulb globe temperature measurements are conducted for workers engaged in different jobs in construction. Metabolic rates and the workload of the workers from heart rate were calculated using the ISO method 8996 and the PMV values are calculated using the tool developed by Malchaire based on the method ISO 7730. Direct observations and personal interviews were conducted to substantiate the productivity estimations. Findings – The results showed that workers working outdoors ...

Factors affecting performance of co-operatives in Malaysia

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting co-operatives performance by focussing on the roles of its intangible assets which are in the form of intellectual capital and members’ participation. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires have been distributed among co-operatives board of members of the 100 best co-operatives in Malaysia. This study used Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of intellectual capital and members’ participation on the co-operatives performance and determine the most influencing factors that affect the performance. Findings – Results showed that there is a positive relationship between structural capital, relational capital and members’ participation with the co-operatives performance while human capital has been found to have a negative relationship. This is further supported by the findings based on the multiple regression analysis whereby all the independent variables were found to be significant expect ...

Influence of human factors on organisational performance

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of human factors in quality management on quality improvement practices and organisational performance in the Yemeni industrial sector. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via a quantitative survey with a questionnaire distributed to 261 managers from 87 industrial companies. Replies from 210 managers give a response rate of 80 per cent. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0, including factor analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis. Structural equation modelling was carried out using Amos to evaluate the model and hypotheses. Findings – Human factors influence positively quality improvement practices and organisational performance. Quality improvement practices positively influence organisational performance. Human factors indirectly and significantly influence organisational performance via the mediator of quality improvement practices. Research limitat...

Organizational performance measurement by a framework integrating BSC and AHP

Abstract: Purpose Performance measurement, especially at the enterprise level, requires intense consideration of experts and managers in organizations from both theoretical and practical aspects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the overall organizational performance by developing a performance evaluation model, based on integrating two methodologies of balanced scorecard (BSC) – a multiple perspective plan for performance assessment – and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) – a structured technique for organizing and analyzing complex decisions. Design/methodology/approach The method was conducted in Isfahan Telecommunications Company (ITC), in 2013. In total, 27 managers of ITC were invited to participate. First, according to overall firm goals, key performance indicators (KPIs) were established with respect to four perspectives of BSC framework. Then pairwise comparisons were done, through standard AHP questionnaires, to determine the preference weights of each indicator and perspective and give precedence to them. Findings Organizational performance can be measured by the proposed model in a telecommunications industry. According to the adopted method, company KPIs, relative importance of BSC perspectives and performance evaluation of functional areas were identified. Practical implications This study provides guidance regarding strategies for improving organizational performance beyond the financial perspective. Originality/value Previous studies illustrate various applications of joint BSC and AHP. However, this study applies the integrated framework throughout an organization in a new application field and shows not only company’s features but also telecommunications industry features.

Value creation of EVA and traditional accounting measures: Indian evidence

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the superiority of economic value added (EVA) over the traditional accounting performance measures, i.e. earnings per share, return on assets and return on equity. For this purpose, the relative and incremental information content of EVA and accounting measures are tested by examining the relationship of these measures with stock returns. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is performed for a sample of 50 Indian companies selected from the index Nifty 50 for the period of 2008-2011. The penal regression models are applied to examine the relative and incremental information content of EVA and traditional performance measures. Findings – The study finds that EVA has more relevant and incremental information content than accounting measures for analyzing shareholder value creation. These results confirm that EVA is better performance measure than traditional accounting measures. Research limitations/implications – The study could be further extended for the sample of other firms covering the specific industries and sectors. The calculation of EVA could be modified with respect to the adjustment in profit after tax and the calculation of cost of capital. Practical implications – The study has implications for the managers who are responsible to generate the wealth of shareholders by formulating the corporate financial policies. The findings also help investors who are closely concerned with the financial health of the firm while taking their investment decisions. Originality/value – The novelty of this study is that it relates total return of firm’s stock with the financial measures unlike the previous literature.