Christos B. Fotopoulos and Evangelos L. Psomas
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between “soft” and “hard” TQM elements and quality management results.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between “soft” and “hard” TQM elements and quality management results.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data were drawn from 370 Greek companies using the questionnaire method. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to examine constructs' reliability and validity, while the relationships between them were examined through Structural Equation Modelling.
Findings
The study proved that quality improvement and the consolidation of the company's market position are influenced mainly by adopting “soft” TQM elements and secondarily “hard” TQM elements.
Research limitations/implications
The fact that the study was based on quality managers' perceptions and the participation of companies from all sectors creates limitations, but also future research orientations.
Practical implications
To achieve benefits and obtain a competitive advantage, which is of major importance for the sustainability of a company, quality design, control and improvement tools are not enough and the adoption of a TQM culture is primarily required.
Originality/value
The study describes in a reliable and valid way a model which consists of “soft” and “hard” TQM elements and quality management results.
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Christos Fotopoulos, Athanasios Krystallis and Pagiaslis Anastasios
Schwartz's portrait value questionnaire (PVQ) has extensively been used in personal values research. The present paper aims to validate the 40‐item PVQ typology, using a…
Abstract
Purpose
Schwartz's portrait value questionnaire (PVQ) has extensively been used in personal values research. The present paper aims to validate the 40‐item PVQ typology, using a nationally representative sample of 997 consumers. The main objective of the survey was to investigate whether higher‐than‐average regular purchasing of quality food products (i.e. organic and PDO labelled products) coincides with stronger identification with specific PVQ values.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed nationwide. Data were collected through personal interviews with 997 consumers. Confirmatory factor analysis and cluster analysis were the main analytical techniques used.
Findings
At the value‐based segmentation level of the analysis, identification with the PVQ value domains decreased per cluster progressively and jointly for almost all value domains, a trend that led to the identification of five distinctive national consumer segments. The trend of stronger identification with security, universalism and benevolence that appeared at the sample level re‐emerged for the “urban upper class”, the “countryside class I” and the “countryside class II”, which accounted for two‐thirds of the overall sample and were the clusters with the most dynamic quality food purchasing profile.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the emergence of a clear relation between consumers' self‐transcendence and security value similarity and higher‐than‐average frequency of quality food purchasing, quality food consumers did not form a separate and clearly diversified cluster if the PVQ inventory functions as a basis for segmentation. Future models should incorporate values together with intermediate‐level constructs (e.g. beliefs and/or attitudes) when attempting to predict consumer behaviour towards quality food products.
Originality/value
The paper shows that while values can be used to meaningfully segment quality food consumers, there is still much to learn regarding the direct and indirect determinants of quality food purchase behaviour.
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Evangelos L. Psomas, Christos V. Fotopoulos and Dimitrios P. Kafetzopoulos
The purpose of this paper is to determine, first, the level to which ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies adopt process management and improve quality, second, the latent…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine, first, the level to which ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies adopt process management and improve quality, second, the latent factors of process management and quality improvement, and finally, the relationships between the latent factors extracted.
Design/methodology/approach
A research project was carried out in 196 ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies operating in Greece. A structured questionnaire was designed and pilot tested and then addressed to management representatives of the companies. Descriptive statistics were used in order to determine the level of process management adoption and the level of quality improvement. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also applied to extract the latent factors of process management and quality improvement and to assess their reliability and validity. The relationships between the latent factors were determined through structural equation modelling.
Findings
Two latent factors were extracted with respect to process management (the core process management practices and the supporting quality tools) and one latent factor with respect to quality improvement. The findings revealed that the ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies implement to a high degree of the core process management practices, in contrast to the supporting quality tools. Notwithstanding, significant quality improvement is achieved. According to the structural model, the core process management practices have a strong, positive and direct effect on quality improvement. The supporting quality tools have an indirect effect on quality improvement through their significant correlation with the core process management practices.
Originality/value
This paper describes a reliable and valid model that analyzes process management in two latent factors (the core process management practices and the supporting quality tools). The model also depicts the effects of these latent factors on quality improvement of ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies.
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Keywords
Evangelos L. Psomas, Dimitrios P. Kafetzopoulos and Christos V. Fotopoulos
The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument that measures the effectiveness of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS), based on its components, meaning the ISO…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument that measures the effectiveness of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS), based on its components, meaning the ISO 9001 objectives; and to validate this instrument in the food manufacturing sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Bearing in mind the definition of “ISO 9001 effectiveness”, the ISO 9001 objectives and their indicators are identified in the literature. Based on these indicators, a measurement instrument is developed and then empirically validated through collecting preliminary data from 335 Greek food manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). After testing the assumptions of multivariate analysis, exploratory factor analysis as well as first and second order confirmatory factor analysis are applied.
Findings
The data collected reveal, as identified in the literature, the three‐dimensional nature of the ISO 9001 objectives (continuous improvement, prevention of nonconformities and customer satisfaction focus). The responding food manufacturing SMEs demonstrate a high level of achievement of these objectives. Further analysis of the data also reveals a valid latent factor reflecting the successful achievement of the ISO 9001 objectives, namely “ISO 9001 effectiveness”.
Research limitations/implications
The present study focuses on food manufacturing SMEs. Therefore, it is worth validating the measurement instrument on large food manufacturing companies, food service companies, companies of specific food sub‐sectors, non‐food companies and finally on companies operating in different economic conditions to Greece.
Practical implications
This measurement instrument can be used by a food manufacturing SME as a self assessment tool and a benchmarking tool. In doing so, suitable strategies can be selected in order for a food SME to improve quality, gain competitive advantage and overcome the current downturn.
Originality/value
In this paper, a measurement instrument is developed and validated in food manufacturing SMEs, based on measures describing the ISO 9001 objectives; in other words, ISO 9001 effectiveness.
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Vangelis Tzouvelekas, Christos J. Pantzios and Christos Fotopoulos
Estimates the output‐oriented and input‐specific technical efficiency in two samples of Greek, durum wheat farms – organic and conventional ones – using Kalirajan and Obwona’s…
Abstract
Estimates the output‐oriented and input‐specific technical efficiency in two samples of Greek, durum wheat farms – organic and conventional ones – using Kalirajan and Obwona’s stochastic varying coefficient regression model. Findings indicate that the organic wheat farms examined are relatively more efficient. Reasons may include lower profit margins and restrictions on inputs permitted, which may force organic farmers to be more cautious with input use. However, technical efficiency scores are still relatively low for both types of wheat farming. Therefore, considerable scope for cost reducing and farm income improvement may exist in both farming modes. This realization could prove crucial for the long‐run viability and the future course of organic wheat farming.
Details
Keywords
Evangelos L. Psomas, Christos V. Fotopoulos and Dimitrios P. Kafetzopoulos
The purpose of this paper is to examine the motives for implementing the ISO 14001 standard, the difficulties in meeting the standard's requirements and the benefits derived, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the motives for implementing the ISO 14001 standard, the difficulties in meeting the standard's requirements and the benefits derived, and to determine the most significant latent constructs (unobserved variables) of these.
Design/methodology/approach
A research project was carried out in 53 ISO 14001‐certified Greek companies. Exploratory Factor Analyses were applied in order to refine the latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits.
Findings
Obtaining a competitive advantage, the social requirement and the environmentally‐friendly policy were the extracted latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives. The decision of the companies to be ISO 14001‐certified was mostly influenced by internal motives. The ISO 14001 requirements and the determination of environmental performance issues were the extracted latent constructs of the difficulties faced during the implementation of the standard. However, according to the findings, the level of these difficulties was not high. The improvement of a company's position in the market, the transition from conventional to sustainable practices, the improved relationship with society due to better environmental performance and the improvement of waste processing were the extracted latent constructs of the benefits derived. Even though they were not extremely high, the internal were more significant than the external benefits.
Research limitations/implications
The subjective character of the data collected, the small size of the sample of the participating companies and their diversity with respect to their sector and size, are the main limitations of the present study. Future studies can use these limitations as suggestions for further research.
Practical implications
The latent constructs extracted through the analysis of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits may encourage non‐certified companies to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) according to ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 certified companies can focus on specific factors in order to strengthen their motivation, avoid difficulties, maximise benefits and consequently to improve their environmental management and performance.
Originality/value
This paper describes the underlying structure of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits and determines the respective latent constructs.
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Christos V. Fotopoulos and Evangelos L. Psomas
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationships between the total quality management (TQM) factors and organizational performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationships between the total quality management (TQM) factors and organizational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A research project was carried out in 370 Greek companies, using the questionnaire method. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were applied to assess the measurement model reliability and validity. The relationships between the latent constructs were examined through Structural Equation Modelling.
Findings
The TQM factors revealed by the study were the quality practices of the top management, employee involvement in the quality management system, customer focus, process and data quality management and quality tools and techniques implementation. According to the findings, these factors significantly affect the companies' performance with respect to their internal procedures, customers, market share and the natural and social environment.
Research limitations/implications
The subjective data being dependent on the perceptions of the quality managers and the fact that the sample companies came from different sectors constitute the limitations of the present study.
Practical implications
Given the increased rate of the companies that adopt quality assurance standards, the organizational performance improvement as well as the competitive advantage in the market can be obtained through a valid quality management model, as specified by the TQM principles.
Originality/value
The paper describes a reliable and a valid TQM model and a way for a company to lay the foundations for business performance improvement.
Details
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Michael Bourlakis, George Maglaras and Christos Fotopoulos
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences in value outcomes within the Greek food chain by examining its key members and to illustrate which members are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences in value outcomes within the Greek food chain by examining its key members and to illustrate which members are contributing, excelling and underperforming towards value creation.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted with 1,121 companies representing four Greek food sectors and each tier of the chain. These companies evaluated the value outcomes of their supply chain based on four competitive priorities and the subsequent data were analysed by employing appropriate statistical techniques.
Findings
The primary producers were found to have the worst value outcomes, whilst the best outcomes were noted for catering firms. The findings show that the Greek food chain has still many characteristics of a traditional chain and many improvements are required to reach the “best value chain” status.
Practical implications
The results could be used as benchmark points to guide managers towards achieving highest scores in specific business operations. The paper demonstrates a logical methodological process for obtaining these results which can be used by managers.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper providing an overall view of value outcomes of various chain members altogether and of the chain they are part of. The paper has filled a relevant gap in the literature by providing an empirical comparison of the perceived value outcomes for several tiers in a food chain.
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Christos Fotopoulos and Evagelos Psomas
The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of use of quality management tools and techniques as well as employees' training in ISO 9001:2000 certified companies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of use of quality management tools and techniques as well as employees' training in ISO 9001:2000 certified companies.
Design/methodology/approach
A research project was carried out in 370 Greek companies, using the questionnaire method. The selected companies have been implementing a quality management system in accordance with the ISO 9001:2000 standard. Independent Samples t‐tests and One‐Way ANOVA tests were used to identify significant differences between selected companies.
Findings
The level of quality tools and techniques used in the ISO 9001:2000 certified companies can be characterised as low. The majority of companies use the easiest to understand and implement quality tools. However, the more complex quality tools and techniques are barely used. As far as employees' training is concerned, it mostly addressed specialized issues, while training on quality tools and techniques was not highly performed.
Research limitations/implications
The study was based on the quality manager's perceptions (subjective data) and it did not examine the reasons for not implementing and the difficulties encountered while implementing quality tools and techniques. These constitute research limitations but also future research orientations.
Practical implications
Given the increased rate of companies adopting a quality management system, continuous improvement through a Total Quality programme can be achieved through the implementation of quality tools and techniques.
Originality/value
This paper describes the implementation status of the quality tools and techniques in companies with a four‐year experience in ISO 9001:2000 standard.
Details
Keywords
Christos Fotopoulos and Athanasios Krystallis
The present study attempts to offer more insights into the Greek organic market. It examines the organic products as “eco‐products”, suitable for “green” consumers, who are…
Abstract
The present study attempts to offer more insights into the Greek organic market. It examines the organic products as “eco‐products”, suitable for “green” consumers, who are ecologically/environmentally ecology‐aware and who are concerned with health and quality‐of‐life issues. Analysing a countrywide sample, the survey concludes that three consumer types exist in terms of attitude towards, purchase intention and awareness of organic products: the “unaware”, the “aware non‐buyers”, and the “(aware) buyers” (or simply buyers) of organic food products. After developing a detailed profile of the first two, the “aware buyers” type is segmented in terms of five groups of personality and behavioural factors, defined in the international literature as the driving forces of organic purchasing.