Management excellence practices in small- and medium-sized industries: proposition of an evaluation approach and application in an emerging country

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the National Quality Foundation’s Management Excellence Model (MEG), 19 management excellence practices were identified and tailored for small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs). Data were collected through a survey with 25 experts who assessed these practices in the context of Brazilian manufacturing SMIs. The analysis utilized Fuzzy TOPSIS Class (FTC), and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.

Findings

The proposed evaluation approach integrates a reference model for management excellence (MEG), an analysis method incorporating uncertainty (FTC), and results that enable decision-makers to make well-informed choices. Of the 19 practices assessed, 15 were classified as “unacceptable,” while four were rated as “regular,” and none as “expected.” Key challenges relate to practices in information security, knowledge, innovation and change management.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s primary limitation is the use of non-probabilistic sampling and its focus on the Brazilian context. However, the extensive knowledge and experience of the experts in manufacturing SMIs and the need for studies addressing specific regional contexts should be noted.

Practical implications

The findings reveal a significant gap between ideal management practices and the actual state of SMIs, especially in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel approach that combines a reference model tailored for SMIs with a multicriteria decision-making method, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and guiding future research.

Citation

Pacheco Junior, M.A., Sigahi, T.F.A.C., Rampasso, I.S., Zanon, L.G., Leal Filho, W. and Anholon, R. (2024), "Management excellence practices in small- and medium-sized industries: proposition of an evaluation approach and application in an emerging country", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2023-0820