Pub Date : 2024-02-20DOI: 10.1108/tqm-09-2023-0301
Ylenia Cavacece, G. Maggiore, Riccardo Resciniti, Andrea Moretta Tartaglione
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate user satisfaction with digital health solutions by identifying and prioritizing different service attributes on the basis of their impact on improving user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThrough a literature review and interviews with health professionals and patients, 20 attributes of digital health services provided in Italy have been identified. User satisfaction with these attributes has been evaluated by adopting the Kano model’s continuous and discrete analyses.FindingsThe findings reveal the essential attributes of digital health services that meet users' expectations, identify the attributes that users appreciate or dislike having and highlight unexpected attributes that lead to a significant boost in satisfaction when provided.Research limitations/implicationsThis study demonstrates the efficacy of the Kano model in assessing the nonlinear correlation between user satisfaction and the quality of digital health services, thus contributing to fill a gap in the literature in this area. The main limitation of this work is the use of a non-probabilistic sampling method.Practical implicationsThis research suggests healthcare institutions and organizations consider user preferences when designing digital health solutions to increase their satisfaction. The results indicate different effects on user satisfaction and dissatisfaction for different categories of attributes in the Italian context.Originality/valuePrevious works studied customer satisfaction with digital health, assuming a linear relationship with service quality, or investigated consumer adoption intentions focusing on the technological factors. This work advances available knowledge by analyzing the nonlinear relationship between digital health attributes and users’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
{"title":"Evaluating digital health attributes for users’ satisfaction: an application of the Kano model","authors":"Ylenia Cavacece, G. Maggiore, Riccardo Resciniti, Andrea Moretta Tartaglione","doi":"10.1108/tqm-09-2023-0301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-09-2023-0301","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate user satisfaction with digital health solutions by identifying and prioritizing different service attributes on the basis of their impact on improving user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThrough a literature review and interviews with health professionals and patients, 20 attributes of digital health services provided in Italy have been identified. User satisfaction with these attributes has been evaluated by adopting the Kano model’s continuous and discrete analyses.FindingsThe findings reveal the essential attributes of digital health services that meet users' expectations, identify the attributes that users appreciate or dislike having and highlight unexpected attributes that lead to a significant boost in satisfaction when provided.Research limitations/implicationsThis study demonstrates the efficacy of the Kano model in assessing the nonlinear correlation between user satisfaction and the quality of digital health services, thus contributing to fill a gap in the literature in this area. The main limitation of this work is the use of a non-probabilistic sampling method.Practical implicationsThis research suggests healthcare institutions and organizations consider user preferences when designing digital health solutions to increase their satisfaction. The results indicate different effects on user satisfaction and dissatisfaction for different categories of attributes in the Italian context.Originality/valuePrevious works studied customer satisfaction with digital health, assuming a linear relationship with service quality, or investigated consumer adoption intentions focusing on the technological factors. This work advances available knowledge by analyzing the nonlinear relationship between digital health attributes and users’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139958159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-10DOI: 10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0197
Jag Mohan, Mahender Singh Kaswan, R. Rathi
PurposeGreen Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is a comprehensive approach that aims to reduce waste, emissions and non-value added activities, thus mark an effective impact on sustainability of firms. Despite the numerous benefits of GLSS implementation, it is evident that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are still struggling to understand, integrate and implement this strategy. This research work provides a comprehensive analysis of GLSS within MSMEs and proposes a conceptual integration framework of GLSS for improving economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was planned to assess and analyse the research articles from 2007 to 2022. Different key elements of GLSS such as barriers, enablers and tool sets have been thoroughly reviewed and analysed for MSME organisations to understand their behaviour and effectively adopt the GLSS approach in their operations.FindingsThis study provides the analysis of different perspectives of GLSS and this will contribute to improve different metrics related to emissions and quality in MSMEs. It provides MSMEs industrial managers with a comprehensive knowledge base of GLSS elements, enabling effective deployment.Practical implicationsThe present study provides a significant knowledge base and know-how of GLSS to researchers that will assist in deploying this sustainable approach in different industrial domains. The study also assists industrial managers by providing a systematic framework of GLSS for MSMEs. Further, the study also supports society by proving pathway to improve the environmental dynamics through the execution GLSS.Originality/valueThe study is of the first kind that review different facets of GLSS related to MSME. The study not only enhances theoretical know how of GLSS but also guides practitioners how to implement comprehensive GLSS program for improved environmental sustainability.
{"title":"An analysis of green lean six sigma deployment in MSMEs: a systematic literature review and conceptual implementation framework","authors":"Jag Mohan, Mahender Singh Kaswan, R. Rathi","doi":"10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0197","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeGreen Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is a comprehensive approach that aims to reduce waste, emissions and non-value added activities, thus mark an effective impact on sustainability of firms. Despite the numerous benefits of GLSS implementation, it is evident that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are still struggling to understand, integrate and implement this strategy. This research work provides a comprehensive analysis of GLSS within MSMEs and proposes a conceptual integration framework of GLSS for improving economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was planned to assess and analyse the research articles from 2007 to 2022. Different key elements of GLSS such as barriers, enablers and tool sets have been thoroughly reviewed and analysed for MSME organisations to understand their behaviour and effectively adopt the GLSS approach in their operations.FindingsThis study provides the analysis of different perspectives of GLSS and this will contribute to improve different metrics related to emissions and quality in MSMEs. It provides MSMEs industrial managers with a comprehensive knowledge base of GLSS elements, enabling effective deployment.Practical implicationsThe present study provides a significant knowledge base and know-how of GLSS to researchers that will assist in deploying this sustainable approach in different industrial domains. The study also assists industrial managers by providing a systematic framework of GLSS for MSMEs. Further, the study also supports society by proving pathway to improve the environmental dynamics through the execution GLSS.Originality/valueThe study is of the first kind that review different facets of GLSS related to MSME. The study not only enhances theoretical know how of GLSS but also guides practitioners how to implement comprehensive GLSS program for improved environmental sustainability.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"7 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139440133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-10DOI: 10.1108/tqm-10-2023-0313
Yaifa Trakulsunti, Jiju Antony, J. Garza‐Reyes, G. Tortorella, Witsarut Chuayjan, Monika Foster
PurposeThe aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interview approach was used to understand the current state, benefits, challenges, success factors, tools and techniques of operational excellence methodology implementation with relevance to logistics companies worldwide. About 16 interviews were undertaken with practitioners working in leading companies and with leading academics in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia.FindingsThe findings show that operational excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile can apply in logistics firms to improve operations and productivity and save costs. Top management support and involvement play an important role in the success of operational excellence projects in the logistics service.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings will be of interest to top and middle managers and logistics practitioners, with a dual aim of improving logistics performance and saving costs.Originality/valueThe present study has been one of the first global study attempts to explore the implementation of operational excellence methodologies in the logistics sectors.
{"title":"An exploration of operational excellence methodologies implementation in the logistics sectors: a global study","authors":"Yaifa Trakulsunti, Jiju Antony, J. Garza‐Reyes, G. Tortorella, Witsarut Chuayjan, Monika Foster","doi":"10.1108/tqm-10-2023-0313","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-10-2023-0313","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interview approach was used to understand the current state, benefits, challenges, success factors, tools and techniques of operational excellence methodology implementation with relevance to logistics companies worldwide. About 16 interviews were undertaken with practitioners working in leading companies and with leading academics in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia.FindingsThe findings show that operational excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile can apply in logistics firms to improve operations and productivity and save costs. Top management support and involvement play an important role in the success of operational excellence projects in the logistics service.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings will be of interest to top and middle managers and logistics practitioners, with a dual aim of improving logistics performance and saving costs.Originality/valueThe present study has been one of the first global study attempts to explore the implementation of operational excellence methodologies in the logistics sectors.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"4 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139439834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-10DOI: 10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0124
Muhammad Mohsin, M. Shamsudin, N. R. Jaffri, Muhammad Idrees, Khalid Jamil
PurposeThe current study focuses on the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and sustainable performance (SP) and examines how TQM practices can facilitate firms' achievement of sustainable performance. Knowledge management (KM), with its four dimensions, i.e. knowledge creation (KCR), knowledge acquisition (KAC), knowledge sharing (KSH) and knowledge application (KAP), is also an essential factor for organizations. Therefore, this study also focuses on the mediating role of KM in the relationship between TQM and sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a survey method to collect data from the managers of 485 manufacturing SMEs working in five major industrial cities in Pakistan. Collected data were analyzed through PLS-SEM with the help of smart-PLS.FindingsThe study's findings reveal that TQM practices positively influence the environmental and economic sustainability of the firm. At the same time, there is no evidence that TQM practices positively affect the social sustainability of the firm. Results further elaborate that TQM practices significantly affect all four dimensions of KM. Moreover, KM positively affects the two dimensions of SP, i.e. economic and social sustainability, but surprisingly, the impact of KM on environmental sustainability is not found. Finally, results indicate the significant mediating role of KM between TQM and SP.Originality/valueThis study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances how TQM, directly and indirectly, helps firms improve sustainable performance via the mediating role of KM.
{"title":"Unveiling the contextual effects of total quality management to enhance sustainable performance","authors":"Muhammad Mohsin, M. Shamsudin, N. R. Jaffri, Muhammad Idrees, Khalid Jamil","doi":"10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0124","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe current study focuses on the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and sustainable performance (SP) and examines how TQM practices can facilitate firms' achievement of sustainable performance. Knowledge management (KM), with its four dimensions, i.e. knowledge creation (KCR), knowledge acquisition (KAC), knowledge sharing (KSH) and knowledge application (KAP), is also an essential factor for organizations. Therefore, this study also focuses on the mediating role of KM in the relationship between TQM and sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a survey method to collect data from the managers of 485 manufacturing SMEs working in five major industrial cities in Pakistan. Collected data were analyzed through PLS-SEM with the help of smart-PLS.FindingsThe study's findings reveal that TQM practices positively influence the environmental and economic sustainability of the firm. At the same time, there is no evidence that TQM practices positively affect the social sustainability of the firm. Results further elaborate that TQM practices significantly affect all four dimensions of KM. Moreover, KM positively affects the two dimensions of SP, i.e. economic and social sustainability, but surprisingly, the impact of KM on environmental sustainability is not found. Finally, results indicate the significant mediating role of KM between TQM and SP.Originality/valueThis study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances how TQM, directly and indirectly, helps firms improve sustainable performance via the mediating role of KM.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"6 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139438840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-10DOI: 10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0188
M. Sharma, Sunil Kumar
PurposeFrugal innovation focuses on the core functionalities with the highest stakeholder benefits and directly targets user requirements. It has been widely adopted in developing countries, and extensively researched from both consumer and sustainable perspectives. However, few studies on frugal innovation consider “quality”, a seminal business management concept. This study focuses on this gap and uses a quality lens to understand frugal innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a mixed methodology. The Delphi focus group method is first applied to identify two cases of frugal innovation in the construction industry and a cross-case analysis done. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to examine eight product quality dimensions to draw the final conclusions.FindingsFrom Garvin’s concept of quality, frugal innovation focuses on performance and conformance. Furthermore, it prioritises a value-based approach the most.Research limitations/implicationsThis study examines frugal innovation from quality perspective. This opens up a new line of research which contributes to both streams. The study is based on construction which is a limitation of the study.Practical implicationsA quality-based frugal innovation understanding can be helpful in the conceptualisation, implementation and acceptance of the frugal innovation business model. It can provide clarity on the innovation's value proposition and also help in operationalisation of the business model.Social implicationsFrugal encourages social entrepreneurs and understanding of the concept from quality perspective shall facilitate the operationalisation will become easier for them.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study at the interface of frugal innovation and quality management. Furthermore, the use of AHP to prioritise equality approaches and dimensions is an original contribution.
{"title":"Probing frugal innovation from the quality lens","authors":"M. Sharma, Sunil Kumar","doi":"10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0188","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-06-2023-0188","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeFrugal innovation focuses on the core functionalities with the highest stakeholder benefits and directly targets user requirements. It has been widely adopted in developing countries, and extensively researched from both consumer and sustainable perspectives. However, few studies on frugal innovation consider “quality”, a seminal business management concept. This study focuses on this gap and uses a quality lens to understand frugal innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a mixed methodology. The Delphi focus group method is first applied to identify two cases of frugal innovation in the construction industry and a cross-case analysis done. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to examine eight product quality dimensions to draw the final conclusions.FindingsFrom Garvin’s concept of quality, frugal innovation focuses on performance and conformance. Furthermore, it prioritises a value-based approach the most.Research limitations/implicationsThis study examines frugal innovation from quality perspective. This opens up a new line of research which contributes to both streams. The study is based on construction which is a limitation of the study.Practical implicationsA quality-based frugal innovation understanding can be helpful in the conceptualisation, implementation and acceptance of the frugal innovation business model. It can provide clarity on the innovation's value proposition and also help in operationalisation of the business model.Social implicationsFrugal encourages social entrepreneurs and understanding of the concept from quality perspective shall facilitate the operationalisation will become easier for them.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study at the interface of frugal innovation and quality management. Furthermore, the use of AHP to prioritise equality approaches and dimensions is an original contribution.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"77 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139440757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-10DOI: 10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0128
Masoud Bagherpasandi, Mahdi Salehi, Z. Hajiha, Rezvan Hejazi
PurposeOrganizations experience various issues with the optimum use of data. This study is qualitative research to identify and provide a helpful pattern for increasing the performance of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).Design/methodology/approachThe statistical population in the qualitative section includes managers and experts in the supply chain (SC) and food production. The data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and data saturation happens after the tenth interview. Then, the data were coded using grounded theory and qualitative research analysis. 384 questionnaires were distributed among employees via random sampling. SmartPLS software is used to investigate and analyze the relationships in the mentioned model through 13 core categories.FindingsThe findings indicate that organizational productivity and SC deficiencies are among the effective factors in the SSCM primarily identified by this study. Moreover, the findings propose that industry SC, macro policies, organizational performance, social factors, economic factors, organizational factors, political factors, technological factors, production and customer are likely to positively impact the SSCM, which have previously been documented by studies.Originality/valueThe model and concepts extracted from the responses of research participants show well that there are reasons and motivations for increasing the performance of SSCM. Also, the designed model shows well that the motives and reasons for turning to this system are satisfied due to its implementation.
{"title":"A model of increasing performance in sustainable supply chain management","authors":"Masoud Bagherpasandi, Mahdi Salehi, Z. Hajiha, Rezvan Hejazi","doi":"10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-05-2023-0128","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeOrganizations experience various issues with the optimum use of data. This study is qualitative research to identify and provide a helpful pattern for increasing the performance of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).Design/methodology/approachThe statistical population in the qualitative section includes managers and experts in the supply chain (SC) and food production. The data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and data saturation happens after the tenth interview. Then, the data were coded using grounded theory and qualitative research analysis. 384 questionnaires were distributed among employees via random sampling. SmartPLS software is used to investigate and analyze the relationships in the mentioned model through 13 core categories.FindingsThe findings indicate that organizational productivity and SC deficiencies are among the effective factors in the SSCM primarily identified by this study. Moreover, the findings propose that industry SC, macro policies, organizational performance, social factors, economic factors, organizational factors, political factors, technological factors, production and customer are likely to positively impact the SSCM, which have previously been documented by studies.Originality/valueThe model and concepts extracted from the responses of research participants show well that there are reasons and motivations for increasing the performance of SSCM. Also, the designed model shows well that the motives and reasons for turning to this system are satisfied due to its implementation.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"81 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139440460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-05DOI: 10.1108/tqm-01-2023-0033
V. Wankhede, S. Vinodh, Jiju Antony
PurposeTo achieve changing customer demands, organizations are striving hard to embrace cutting-edge technologies facilitating a high level of customization. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation aids in handling big data that could help generate customized products. Lean six sigma (LSS) depends on data analysis to execute complex problems. Hence, the present study aims to empirically examine the key operational characteristics of LSS and I4.0 integration such as principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 technologies and performance measures.Design/methodology/approachTo stay competitive in the market and quickly respond to market demands, industries need to go ahead with digital transformation. I4.0 enables building intelligent factories by creating smart manufacturing systems comprising machines, operators and information and communication technologies through the complete value chain. This study utilizes an online survey on Operational Excellence professionals (Lean/Six Sigma), Managers/Consultants, Managing Directors/Executive Directors, Specialists/Analysts/Engineers, CEO/COO/CIO, SVP/VP/AVP, Industry 4.0 professionals and others working in the field of I4.0 and LSS. In total, 83 respondents participated in the study.FindingsBased on the responses received, reliability, exploratory factor analysis and non-response bias analysis were carried out to understand the biasness of the responses. Further, the top five operational characteristics were reported for LSS and I4.0 integration.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of the study is the sample size. Since I4.0 is a new concept and its integration with LSS is not yet explored; it was difficult to achieve a large sample size.Practical implicationsOrganizations can utilize the study findings to realize the top principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 tools and performance measures with respect to LSS and I4.0 integration. Moreover, these operational characteristics will help to assess the organization's readiness before and after the implementation of this integration.Originality/valueThe authors' original contribution is the empirical investigation of operational characteristics responsible for I4.0 and LSS integration.
{"title":"Empirical analysis of key operational characteristics of lean six sigma and Industry 4.0 integration","authors":"V. Wankhede, S. Vinodh, Jiju Antony","doi":"10.1108/tqm-01-2023-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-01-2023-0033","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeTo achieve changing customer demands, organizations are striving hard to embrace cutting-edge technologies facilitating a high level of customization. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation aids in handling big data that could help generate customized products. Lean six sigma (LSS) depends on data analysis to execute complex problems. Hence, the present study aims to empirically examine the key operational characteristics of LSS and I4.0 integration such as principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 technologies and performance measures.Design/methodology/approachTo stay competitive in the market and quickly respond to market demands, industries need to go ahead with digital transformation. I4.0 enables building intelligent factories by creating smart manufacturing systems comprising machines, operators and information and communication technologies through the complete value chain. This study utilizes an online survey on Operational Excellence professionals (Lean/Six Sigma), Managers/Consultants, Managing Directors/Executive Directors, Specialists/Analysts/Engineers, CEO/COO/CIO, SVP/VP/AVP, Industry 4.0 professionals and others working in the field of I4.0 and LSS. In total, 83 respondents participated in the study.FindingsBased on the responses received, reliability, exploratory factor analysis and non-response bias analysis were carried out to understand the biasness of the responses. Further, the top five operational characteristics were reported for LSS and I4.0 integration.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of the study is the sample size. Since I4.0 is a new concept and its integration with LSS is not yet explored; it was difficult to achieve a large sample size.Practical implicationsOrganizations can utilize the study findings to realize the top principles, workforce skills, critical success factors, challenges, LSS tools, I4.0 tools and performance measures with respect to LSS and I4.0 integration. Moreover, these operational characteristics will help to assess the organization's readiness before and after the implementation of this integration.Originality/valueThe authors' original contribution is the empirical investigation of operational characteristics responsible for I4.0 and LSS integration.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139381184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-01-03DOI: 10.1108/tqm-12-2022-0353
Ralitsa Arnaudova, Evi Viza, Michele Cano
PurposeThe Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.FindingsThe research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.Originality/valueIn academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery.
{"title":"Rethinking risk management in times of crisis: the effect of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland","authors":"Ralitsa Arnaudova, Evi Viza, Michele Cano","doi":"10.1108/tqm-12-2022-0353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-12-2022-0353","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.FindingsThe research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.Originality/valueIn academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery.","PeriodicalId":508533,"journal":{"name":"The TQM Journal","volume":"78 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139388216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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