Arturo Calvo-Mora, Araceli Picón, Carolina Ruiz and Lourdes Cauzo
This paper aims to advance in the knowledge of the EFQM model as a framework for implementing total quality management (TQM). To do so, the work identifies the soft-hard TQM…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to advance in the knowledge of the EFQM model as a framework for implementing total quality management (TQM). To do so, the work identifies the soft-hard TQM factors in the EFQM model, investigates the relationships between these factors and analyses their influence on key business results.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used is factorial analysis and structural equations – specifically the partial least squares technique. The sample is made up of 116 private firms. TQM is an integral management philosophy which is based on a set of social and technical factors that must be put into practice through a reference framework, such as the one in the EFQM model.
Findings
The work empirically identifies three dimensions that correspond to the soft-hard TQM factors (management and human resources, strategic management of partnerships and resources and processes management). Furthermore, it shows how these dimensions make up a management system that has a significant effect on key business results.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitations are to be found in the sample used – private firms from a specific geographical context.
Practical implications
The research model facilitates the design of a management system for professionals and orientates them in its implementation and improvement with a view to influencing key results.
Originality/value
The data have been obtained from the scores of the processes of self-assessment and external assessment followed by firms that were candidates for excellence awards. The work empirically identifies the social and technical factors implied in the EFQM model and their relationships. Moreover, it presents the effect on a type of result that has not been analysed very much: key results (economic, financial, innovation or processes improvement).
Details
Keywords
Changiz Valmohammadi, Farzad Ebrahimi and Mohsen Mohammadi
The main objective of this study is to propose a model to study the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on organizational performance of the Library of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this study is to propose a model to study the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on organizational performance of the Library of the Academy of Arts in Iran. The Specialized Library at the Iranian Academy of the Arts (IAA) as one of the biggest national Iranian libraries has implemented and exploited RFID technology. This research aims to present a pattern for studying the effect of RFID on organizational performance at the Specialized Library at IAA from an employee’s perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The statistical population includes 91 library staffs and managers of IAA. The data were collected through a questionnaire. The research literature was studied first, and the following four components were determined as research variables: service provision, costs, customer satisfaction and response time. The Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to test the questionnaire reliability, which resulted in an acceptable level of 0.829. The structural equation modelling method through SPSS and SmartPLS was applied to analyse the data.
Findings
The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between technology usage at the IAA library with an improved service provision, enhanced customer satisfaction and reduced response time; however, the hypothesis related to RFID usage and reduced costs was not supported.
Research limitations/implications
As this study is limited to one library, it is recommended that to provide a suitable ground for benchmarking purposes and to facilitate successful implementation of RFID technology in other sectors of the country, future studies should be focused on various industries.
Originality/value
To the best knowledge of the authors, no comprehensive model has been developed to present a pattern for studying the effect of RFID on organizational performance, particularly in the context of Iran.