The purpose of this paper is to apply an existing theoretical model of organisational culture contextualised for total quality management (TQM) as a means of assessing the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply an existing theoretical model of organisational culture contextualised for total quality management (TQM) as a means of assessing the readiness for implementing TQM in the workplace. The “Amalgamated Model” is a hybrid that encapsulates organisational culture traits and their relative contribution as indictors of effective TQM implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire that would test the theoretical model was devised and administered to a sample population in a production facility located in Central Europe, Organisation X.
Findings
A profile of the organisation was derived which revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation in relation to the cultural traits of the theoretical model.
Research limitations/implications
The research population comprised management/supervisory staff only and thus provides a partial view of Organisation X.
Practical implications
For practitioners, particularly those who specialise in quality management, the practical implications of this research are twofold: first, it provides insights into aspects of organisational culture and TQM implementation; and second, it demonstrates how a theoretical framework may be applied in the workplace to assess readiness for TQM implementation.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the subject area body of knowledge by applying a recent theoretical model to assess readiness for implementing TQM.
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Abdulrahman Alhwairini and Andrea Foley
There is an old adage that has some resonance with “the TQM journey”: a traveller asked for directions to their destination and got the reply, “Well, if I were you I would not…
Abstract
Purpose
There is an old adage that has some resonance with “the TQM journey”: a traveller asked for directions to their destination and got the reply, “Well, if I were you I would not start from here”. The purpose of this paper is to examine the preparedness of a case study organisation in relation to the selective critical success factors (leadership approach and continuous improvement) that are widely acknowledged as being crucial for the successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) regardless of the type of organisation. The case study is a not‐for‐profit organisation in Saudi Arabia, although the findings would assist any organisation in its TQM journey.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework was derived from the literature review. A survey was developed and distributed to a sample population in the organisation. Follow‐up interviews were carried out with key management staff.
Findings
It was found that the selected TQM pre‐requisites and the current state within the organisation are not aligned. Recommendations are made to address these shortcomings.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could examine the influence of national culture and religion in adopting TQM practices in Arab countries.
Practical implications
Much has been written about TQM in the academic literature. The paper investigates how that theory stands up in the workplace.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the body of knowledge about organisations in Saudi Arabia and their efforts to adopt modern business approaches and TQM in particular. Quality professionals and researchers alike will gain insights into some of the obstacles to the successful implementation of TQM.
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Christopher Curtis Winchester, Erin Pleggenkuhle-Miles and Andrea Erin Bass
The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on vertical integration, first-mover advantage and competitive dynamics. Vertical integration is based on Williamson’s (1979) theory…
Abstract
Theoretical basis
The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on vertical integration, first-mover advantage and competitive dynamics. Vertical integration is based on Williamson’s (1979) theory of transaction-cost economics as it relates to vertical integration; the discussion on first-mover advantage is built off of Suarez and Lanzolla’s (2005) dynamics of first-mover advantage; and the analyzes on competitive dynamics derives from the MacMillan et al. (1985) early empirical tests of interfirm rivalry dynamics.
Research methodology
The authors conducted extensive research using the following sources: IBISWorld, MergentOnline and academic journals, trade magazines and websites. Additionally, the authors successfully piloted the case on more than 350 undergraduate students enrolled in a business and corporate strategy course.
Case overview/synopsis
Peloton used vertical integration to control the creation of its own software, bikes, exercise classes and retail outlets. In doing so, Peloton was one of the first companies in the industry to have near full control of the production process (Gross and Caisman, 2019). Due to this integration, Peloton was one of the fitness equipment industry leaders. However, Peloton’s high level of vertical integration coupled with rapid growth led to lackluster profitability. Given the rise in popularity of in-home exercise equipment, Peloton had room to continue its growth, but the question remained whether it was strategically positioned to do so.
Complexity academic level
This case is best taught in undergraduate and graduate strategy courses. For undergraduate courses, it could be incorporated into lessons on competitive dynamics, internal analysis and first-mover advantage and strategic positioning. For graduate courses, it could be incorporated into lessons on vertical integration and delving more in-depth into the long-term sustainability of having a first-mover advantage.
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Andrea Begley, Danielle Gallegos and Helen Vidgen
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of cooking skill interventions (CSIs) targeting adults to improve dietary intakes in public health nutrition settings.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of cooking skill interventions (CSIs) targeting adults to improve dietary intakes in public health nutrition settings.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review of the literature was used to identify and assess the quality and effectiveness of Australian single-strategy CSIs and multi-strategy programmes that included cooking for independent healthy people older than 16 years from 1992 to 2015.
Findings
There were only 15 interventions (n=15) identified for review and included CSIs as single strategies (n=8) or as part of multi-strategy programmes (n=7) over 23 years. The majority of the interventions were rated as weak in quality (66 per cent) due to their study design, lack of control groups, lack of validated evaluation measures and small sample sizes. Just over half (53 per cent) of the CSIs reviewed described some measurement related to improved dietary behaviours.
Research limitations/implications
There is inconclusive evidence that CSIs are effective in changing dietary behaviours in Australia. However, they are valued by policymakers and practitioners and used in public health nutrition programmes, particularly for indigenous groups.
Originality/value
This is the first time that CSIs have been reviewed in an Australian context and they provide evidence of the critical need to improve the quality CSIs to positively influence dietary behaviour change in Australia.
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Andrea Sestino, David Tuček and Stefano Bresciani
This paper aims to unveil the darker side of cryptocurrencies by delving into its role as an obstacle to investments in Middle East and African (MEAs) countries, unravelling the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to unveil the darker side of cryptocurrencies by delving into its role as an obstacle to investments in Middle East and African (MEAs) countries, unravelling the challenges involved. Indeed, despite the rise of blockchain-related technologies, specifically cryptocurrencies, having undeniably unlocked new avenues for business and society, crypto for venture funding purposes may exhibit a “dark side” due to their use for unethical purposes, for example, money laundering or terrorism financing, largely diffused in certain areas of MEA countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an explorative research design, using a mix of techniques based on both qualitative and interpretive methods, we conducted in-depth interviews among 33 European managers of companies engaged in MEA markets or aspiring to invest in such foreign markets, to analyse their thoughts, perceptions and possible strategies concerning the management of the “dark side” of cryptocurrencies in MEAs.
Findings
Our investigation unearthed seven pivotal issues, which manifest as significant barriers related to the ambivalent use of crypto for funding projects, encompassing seven important consequential elements: (1) lack of knowledge about the technology’s potentialities; (2) perceptions of crypto technology’s ambivalence; (3) reputation and image consequences; (4) uncertainty about the destination of the invested funds; (5) decreased attractiveness of MEAs; (6) competition and market; and (7) lack of control and regulation. We grouped these into technology-related, business-related and legal- and policy-related barriers. Such findings underline the probable decrease in attractiveness of MEAs in terms of investments, together with the triggering factors and potential strategic solutions to mitigate such circumstances.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies could explore a broader sample of managers since we only considered the perception of European managers operating in companies that invest (or are intending to invest) in MEAs. Moreover, future research may extend the analysis to MEA-native companies or those engaging in reciprocal exchanges with Western countries.
Practical implications
Practically, our findings suggest several elements in which to intervene to mitigate managers’ negative perception of the unethical use of cryptocurrencies in MEAs and to support CEOs’ and CFOs’ strategies, together with requirements to ensure the unaltered attractiveness of investments in an otherwise thriving region of the world, without overlooking the protection and safeguarding of investments and the health of the market and competition. Furthermore, a call for future research in this domain, along with at least minimal regulatory mechanisms, clearly emerges.
Social implications
Our findings underline the social challenges associated with the perception and acceptance of cryptocurrencies in these contexts, influencing cultural and social dynamics. Moreover, the identification of these barriers could underscore the significance of awareness of and education on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies within society, including implications for policymakers.
Originality/value
Despite prior investigations into the negative effects of cryptocurrencies as a form of venture funding, no studies to date have examined managers’ perceptions by focusing on possible barriers to investment in MEA countries due to the unethical usage of crypto. Importantly, this paper unravels the unexplored complexities of crypto’s impact on ethical investments in MEAs, showcasing an original perspective.
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This chapter is concerned with the varied legitimizing discourses used by midwives to frame their identities in relation to their work. This sociological issue is particularly…
Abstract
This chapter is concerned with the varied legitimizing discourses used by midwives to frame their identities in relation to their work. This sociological issue is particularly important in the context of an occupation, such as this one, that exists at the border of competing service claims. Drawing on 26 in-depth interviews, I use narrative analysis to examine the stories that midwives tell about their work. Through these women’s work narratives, I show the complex intersection of narrative, culture, institution, and biography (Chase, 1995, 2001; DeVault, 1999).
Grant Shirley, Emma Wylie and Wardlow Friesen
There are a large number of destinations in which post-conflict tourism (PCT) might be a relevant development option. This chapter considers four destinations which have opted to…
Abstract
There are a large number of destinations in which post-conflict tourism (PCT) might be a relevant development option. This chapter considers four destinations which have opted to use the PCT brand as part of their strategies to attract tourists. These destinations – Cambodia, Nicaragua, Rwanda and Bougainville (within the country of Papua New Guinea) – are on four different continents, had conflicts which ended in the last decade of the twentieth century and represent tourism industries at different stages of development. They were also chosen because they are at low or medium levels of development and have relatively small populations of less than 20 million people. The chapter considers the different ways in which PCT is or might be used not only to provide economic opportunities for local residents, but also as a means towards reconciliation, healing and recovery after conflicts which have resulted in many casualties and divided the people against each other. Each of the case study destinations have attempted to turn a negative aspect of their histories into an opportunity for development, with differing levels of success.
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Faerozh Madli, Stephen Sondoh, Andreas Totu, Ramayah T., Yuzainy Janin, Sharifah Nurafizah Syed Annuar and Tat-Huei Cham
The shortage of organ donors is an under-researched global issue that demands immediate attention. This attention should begin at the government level and related organizations…
Abstract
Purpose
The shortage of organ donors is an under-researched global issue that demands immediate attention. This attention should begin at the government level and related organizations. In Malaysia, the shortage of organ donations has been a pressing issue faced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for a considerable length of time. In reaction to this issue, the MOH deployed the Organ Donation Awareness Strategic Campaign Plan by using the platform of social media to disseminate information regarding organ donation to the public. However, the number of registrations is still low among Malaysians. Moreover, the observation from the literature shows that there are limited studies which have been initiated to focus on social media in the context of organ donation campaigns.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative research design has been used to understand the issue. Three hundred and eighty-four completed questionnaires were collected from the target sample, which comprised university students in Malaysia. For this study, partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for data analysis.
Findings
The result shows that information usefulness is vital because it will lead individuals to adopt organ donation information on social media. More specifically, predictors that positively influence youth or university students to accept information as useful are visual information, information sharing, accessibility of information, needs of information and attitude towards information. Subsequently, information usefulness positively influences information adoption. In the meantime, information quality and credibility do not significantly affect information usefulness.
Practical implications
The findings of this study may assist MOH or interested parties in designing a sound marketing strategy in the context of organ donation promotion by providing empirical evidence.
Originality/value
The study provides empirical evidence about information characteristics in the context of organ donation promotion.