Bernardo Villarreal, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Vikas Kumar
The improvement of routing operations performance has been of great concern for organisations. This has led to the development of alternative lean-based methods, however the…
Abstract
Purpose
The improvement of routing operations performance has been of great concern for organisations. This has led to the development of alternative lean-based methods, however the literature research on the applications of lean thinking in the transportation sector is still considered rather limited. The purpose of this paper is to present a lean thinking and simulation-based approach to improve the efficiency of warehousing and routing operations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the existing literature in the area of lean transportation and then presents and applies a novel approach to improve the vehicle routing operations of a Mexican firm. The proposed approach suggests the classification of wastes into those relevant to transport operations, their identification through a transportation value stream mapping study, and the use of the transportation overall vehicle effectiveness (TOVE) index for the measure of the overall performance of the transport operations.
Findings
The results obtained from the case study indicate that the proposed approach is an effective alternative for the improvement of vehicle routing operations as the number of routes decreased from 30 to 22 and the distance travelled by 32 per cent. Similarly, the average number of clients served by each route increased by 23 per cent as well as the TOVE index increased from 6.9 to 19.3 per cent. The TOVE component measures of vehicle performance and operating availability efficiencies also increased significantly while quality issues, in the form of number of customers not served per route, were reduced from six to zero.
Originality/value
The improvement of routing operations performance has been traditionally addressed through operations research and mathematical modelling approaches. This paper presents an alternative and novel lean thinking and simulation-based approach to improve the efficiency of routing operations.
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Value stream mapping (VSM) is a visualization tool to identify and eliminate waste and widely applied in manufacturing, transportation, construction, service and other industries…
Abstract
Purpose
Value stream mapping (VSM) is a visualization tool to identify and eliminate waste and widely applied in manufacturing, transportation, construction, service and other industries, especially in the Industrial 4.0 technology era. The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze the VSM literature to identify the advances and hotspots of VSM literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Taking the VSM literature collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database as the research samples, this research used the bibliometric and keyword co-occurrence analysis to analyze the publication trend, research topics and their contents of VSM from concept integration, application sectors and technology expansion.
Findings
With the development of research, the latest research integrates conceptual integration, application departments and technology expansion to develop more complex research designs. It can be integrated with simulation, six sigma, big data, Internet of Things and other technologies to expand the analysis and design ability of VSM, which enhances the adaptability of VSM to various scenarios.
Originality/value
This research contributes to VSM literature by conducting a systematic review based on the citation structure within VSM research and identifies the established and emerging areas of research on VSM.
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Fernanda Kalil Steinbruch, Bernardo Soares Fernandes, Leandro da Silva Nascimento and Paulo Antônio Zawislak
The purpose of this paper is to identify the main activities that startups outsource and the elements involved in outsourcing decisions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the main activities that startups outsource and the elements involved in outsourcing decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-case study composed of Brazilian startups was conducted. Data through interviews and secondary sources were obtained. Two groups of startups were considered and analyzed comparatively: startups in the development stage and in the sales stage.
Findings
The findings show that even though the literature suggests that the core business should not be outsourced, some startups do have to outsource this kind of activity. That was the main difference found between startups in the sales stage and in the development stage: the former group has a solid structure, knowledge and resources, so they can keep the core business inside the firm; whereas the latter group has little experience, scarce knowledge and resources, making outsourcing a more attractive alternative.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this paper approaches a perspective underexplored in the innovation and management literature: outsourcing in startups. It highlights how outsourcing, as a decision between making and buying, can help startups to improve success potential. In practice, this paper discusses and demonstrates why and what can be outsourced by startups in the development and in the sales stages to overcome their limitations and, consequently, achieve better innovative results.
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Juan Velez-Ocampo, Karthik Govindan and Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
This theory testing paper compares and analyzes the internationalization process of two Mexican family-owned firms: Xignux and Grupo Alfa. This paper is intended to offer a…
Abstract
Purpose
This theory testing paper compares and analyzes the internationalization process of two Mexican family-owned firms: Xignux and Grupo Alfa. This paper is intended to offer a theoretical understanding using existing frameworks such as OLI (ownership, location and internationalization), LLL (linkage, leverage and learning) and the Uppsala model. Furthermore, it tests whether the theoretical framework of organizational capabilities and international ventures fits the internationalization of these companies.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on case study methodology using the companies’ publically available data. Both within-case and cross-case analysis were carried out to identify specific traits in the internationalization pattern of both firms; cases were also compared with literature to identify conflicts and similarities that enable a better understanding of the phenomenon.
Findings
It was found that not a single theory fully and satisfactorily explains the internationalization of both Xignux and Alfa, instead, issues like internationalization into low psychic distance countries, establishment of strategic alliances and the exploitation of locational-specific advantages contributed in the international expansion of the studied companies.
Originality/value
There is an increasing amount of available literature regarding internationalization strategies and internationalization theories applied to developing and emerging country firms. However, most of the studies analyze companies from Asia, and there are limited studies on multilatinas (i.e. Latin American multinationals). Furthermore, scholars in the field of international business are still debating whether the existing theories, or an adaptation of them, explain the internationalization of multilatinas.
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M. Lilibeth Fuentes-Medina, Estefanía Hernández-Estárico and Sandra Morini-Marrero
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of emblematic hotels from the perspective of the guest, by analysing the direct activities that make up the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of emblematic hotels from the perspective of the guest, by analysing the direct activities that make up the value chain of these types of establishments.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the case study methodology to derive conclusions that contribute to the development of a theory about the success factors of emblematic hotels. The case selected is the Spanish Tourist Parador chain. The authors carried out over a period of two years a data mining analysis of the online comments posted by its guests.
Findings
The results indicate that the attributes of location and facilities are critical success factors expected a priori given the nature of the business of such establishments, based on the singular nature of the buildings. Another critical success factor is personnel, which seems to indicate that the Paradors support their business model by employing highly qualified staff, but give less attention to restaurant services or the room, according to guest perceptions.
Originality/value
The paper provides required evidence on the critical success factors of emblematic hotels adapting Porter’s value chain, for the tourism accommodation sector, through the analysis of direct value chain activities. In addition, the existing literature is broadened by taking a perspective scarcely studied, the guest perception of hotel establishments, online content posted by the user on the establishment’s website, rather than simply considering the traditional views of the experts/managers, through structures questionnaires. Besides, the results provide practical and useful implications for the managements of the emblematic hotels under study.
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Jose Manuel Diaz-Sarachaga and Joana Longo Sarachaga
The purpose of this paper is to analyze how sustainability was operationalized in the Spanish universities through plans and actions that contribute actively to the achievement of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze how sustainability was operationalized in the Spanish universities through plans and actions that contribute actively to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic search and content analysis served to examine information available on websites belonging to the 76 universities listed in the Conference of Rectors of the Spanish Universities (CRUE).
Findings
The participation of Spanish universities on initiatives focused on sustainability is very limited, highlighting the negligible role of private institutions in which topics like sustainability and the 2030 Agenda/SDGs were scarcely addressed.
Originality/value
The study outlines the actual extent of the inclusion of sustainability in particular co-curricular actions toward the SDGs in the CRUE. The findings enable to define a long-term sustainability road map for the Spanish university system.
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Cristina M. Ostermann, Leandro da Silva Nascimento, Fernanda Kalil Steinbruch and Daniela Callegaro-de-Menezes
This study aims to identify the drivers for adopting the circular economy (CE) in a born-sustainable business of the fashion sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the drivers for adopting the circular economy (CE) in a born-sustainable business of the fashion sector.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory case study was carried out with a unique and relevant case: the only Brazilian company implementing circularity practices defined through a sectoral commitment, the 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment.
Findings
From an analysis of the literature, a theoretical scheme composed of internal and external drivers is proposed. In the case studied, there is a prevalence of internal drivers that led the company to implement the CE. Most of the internal drivers described by the literature were identified in this research, except for two: profitability and available technology. Regarding the external drivers, of the 12 listed, only laws and regulations were identified. Thus, the results suggest that internal drivers are more numerous and may be more prominent than external ones for CE adoption in the born-sustainable business.
Research limitations/implications
Due to its exploratory design and unique case study, the research does not allow generalizations, suggesting replication with a larger number of companies and carrying out quantitative research with born-sustainable companies and incumbent companies, for comparison. Considering that there is a difference between companies that decide for sustainable practices and companies that were already born sustainable, it can be questioned if the drivers for implementing CE for both companies are also different.
Originality/value
This study proposes a theoretical scheme that indicates the main internal and external drivers for companies' CE implementation. Developed from a literature review and applied in an empirical case, this scheme is comprehensive and can be adopted to analyze companies of different sizes and industries. Hence, this paper generates new perspectives for CE literature.
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Welington Norberto Carneiro, Octavio Ribeiro de Mendonça Neto, Paulo Afonso, Jose Carlos Tiomatsu Oyadomari and Ronaldo Gomes Dultra-de-Lima
This article aims to understand the challenges and key takeaways of implementing total quality management (TQM) in a virtual organisation.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to understand the challenges and key takeaways of implementing total quality management (TQM) in a virtual organisation.
Design/methodology/approach
An interventionist research (IVR) methodology combined with a qualitative critical event analysis was used to evaluate the challenges and concerns faced during the company’s adoption of TQM and understand the roles of the key players involved.
Findings
Standard process tools such as desktop procedures (DTP), focused teams, and service-level agreements (SLAs) were fundamental to implementing TQM in the company. These processes require the right leaders, but external agents may also be influential, acting as accelerators of change in adopting and using management practices in small companies. Indeed, the researcher acted as a problem solver, bringing innovative solutions to the firm using a hands-on iterative approach.
Practical implications
This research underscores the importance of critical success factors (CSF), such as employee engagement, training, and project management tools. These factors are not just important but crucial for the success of TQM in organisations seeking to adopt the industry’s best practices.
Originality/value
This study, conducted as a virtual IVR for TQM implementation, provides novel insights for practitioners and academics. It elucidates the pivotal role of some quality management tools in the journey towards TQM and the role of both internal and external critical players in the process, particularly in small virtual organisations based on innovative business models.
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Matteo Podrecca and Marco Sartor
The aim of this paper is to present the first diffusion analysis of ISO/IEC 27001, the fourth most popular ISO certification at global level and the most important standard for…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present the first diffusion analysis of ISO/IEC 27001, the fourth most popular ISO certification at global level and the most important standard for information security.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the purposes, the authors applied Grey Models (GM) – Even GM (1,1), Even GM (1,1,α,θ), Discrete GM (1,1), Discrete GM (1,1,α) – complemented by the relative growth rate and the doubling time indexes on the six most important countries in terms of issued certificates.
Findings
Results show that a growing trend is likely to be expected in the years to come and that China will lead at country level.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the scientific debate by presenting the first diffusive analysis of ISO/IEC 27001 and by proposing a forecasting approach that to date has found little application in the field of international standards.
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Hai Thi Thanh Nguyen, Tommi Tapanainen and Geoffrey Hubona
The advancement of technologies has made it possible for health-care organizations to provide convenient online services that enable people to manage their health conditions…
Abstract
Purpose
The advancement of technologies has made it possible for health-care organizations to provide convenient online services that enable people to manage their health conditions. Although many studies have investigated the adoption and benefits of e-health services, there has been little focus on health-oriented behaviors after adoption, particularly in relation to service quality and user satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on the SOR model and service quality theories to investigate behavioral responses, including word-of-mouth, intention to use and intention to act. The authors use a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis with 194 participants and the diabetes risk test survey in Finland.
Findings
The results show that people are willing to engage in health self-management behaviors if they intend to use the e-health service and are satisfied with it. User satisfaction can be enhanced by improving the visual appeal of the website presentation, the quality of the presented information, as well as the usability of the website, all as components of e-health services.
Originality/value
The authors contribute by creating a construct “intention to act,” referring to health-oriented behaviors resulting from e-health service use. In addition, this study is among the first to apply the SOR model to investigate how user satisfaction leads to intention to use, intention to act and word-of-mouth.