To analyze the main elements of continuous improvement (CI) in higher education and the concerns of academia's stakeholders in the implementation of such an approach. Suggests…
Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the main elements of continuous improvement (CI) in higher education and the concerns of academia's stakeholders in the implementation of such an approach. Suggests guidelines for the development of a culture more receptive to the implementation and maintenance of a CI approach in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of published literature (1982‐2004) facilitates identification of elements of CI, and concerns of academia's stakeholders for the adoption of a CI approach in higher education. The reviewed sources are grouped into three major sections: the CI approach, implications of CI, and an illustrative example – EQUIS.
Findings
The adoption of a CI approach in higher education requires not only upper administration commitment, but also uncovering the current underlying culture and examining the appropriateness of the objectives to adopt CI. A culture of a long‐term commitment to CI implies engaging the administrative and academic systems and all the stakeholders of the institution. This was identified as a major road‐block for quality initiatives.
Research limitations/implications
There is a wide range of stakeholders to consider and some stakeholders have diverse objectives in pursuing a CI approach. Future research should explore these agendas to identify core issues needing to be addressed to speed up the shift towards a CI culture.
Practical implications
Required accreditations in colleges and universities offer an increasingly important role to a CI approach in higher education and its impact on academic stakeholders.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to colleges of business seeking accreditations and institutions of higher education pursuing CI initiatives.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to examine the relationship among three main constructs of financial status, e‐commerce components, and Hispanic small businesses' (HSBs') perceptions regarding…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship among three main constructs of financial status, e‐commerce components, and Hispanic small businesses' (HSBs') perceptions regarding the contracting process of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as they pertain to HSBs and their current capacity to gain access to government procurement.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs descriptive statistics and association analysis conducted on survey data from a random sample of 206 HSBs.
Findings
The analysis indicates that the HSBs' financial status has no impact on HSBs pursuing contracts with the USDA; instead, it impacts HSBs' ability to secure contracts. E‐commerce components seem to have no impact on HSBs' ability to pursue and/or secure contracts. The perceptions of services provided by the USDA to HSBs were found to be different depending on whether an HSB has secured a USDA contract.
Research limitations/implications
Findings on HSBs in government contracting with the USDA might also be relevant to small businesses, regardless of ethnicity. This study was conducted for the USDA procurement process, but the process may vary due to the types of services contracted or the function of the agency/business itself. Non‐response biases were tested and found not significant.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature in two complimentary ways. One contribution supports some of the earlier research on barriers for engagement of small business in government procurement. The second contribution offers specifics on Hispanic small businesses.
Details
Keywords
Leah A. Platz and Cecilia Temponi
The purpose of this work is to identify commonalities that exist within the contracts between customer and vendor companies, the nature of the problems commonly associated with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to identify commonalities that exist within the contracts between customer and vendor companies, the nature of the problems commonly associated with these contracts, and to provide a theoretical model that exists between customer and vendor companies.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses multiple sources of previous research to isolate the key elements and form a theoretical model for the ideal outsourcing contract. The common problems identified were also derived from previous research.
Findings
The paper finds that there is a common set of key contractual elements that exist between most outsourcing contracts. The nature of the particular industry the companies exist within and the specific needs within each customer‐vendor relationship can be accommodated within the contract by tailoring these key elements to fit each scenario. A set of common problems may arise when any of the key elements are not sufficiently addressed. These problems can greatly devalue the customer‐vendor relationship and supply chain as a whole.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should examine the theoretical model presented within the context of various industries. Each of the key elements presented and its implications for the customer‐vendor relationship should also be further examined.
Practical implications
This research may provide a better understanding of the importance of the outsourcing contract to the customer‐vendor relationship and/or the contract itself for management.
Originality/value
Previous research has not fully addressed the nature of the outsourcing contract and its associated problems. Where this research attempts to identify all key elements of the contract, previous research usually addresses a single contractual element at a time. There has also been little research that discusses the problems that commonly arise within the contractual relationship. The theoretical model within this research may be useful.