Z.M. Zain, B.G. Dale and D.F. Kehoe
Uses the three quality dimensions of: systems; tools and techniques; and people, analyses the contribution of UK writers to the development of the body of knowledge known as total…
Abstract
Uses the three quality dimensions of: systems; tools and techniques; and people, analyses the contribution of UK writers to the development of the body of knowledge known as total quality management (TQM). From examination of a range of source material (e.g. books, papers, postgraduate theses, and articles) it is clear that quality and TQM, within the UK, is still a subject of research and reporting. Those papers written by the academic fraternity tend to focus on the systems, and tools and techniques dimensions, whilst the more journalistic papers show a preference for people‐related issues. The examination reveals that the contribution of UK writers presents a rich and broad picture of TQM, however, a truly integrated view is not provided.
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Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram, Prem Chhetri and Atika Shamsul Bahrin
This paper presents the concerns in manufacturing supply chain. Further this study investigates the role of information technology (IT) and information sharing (IS) in…
Abstract
This paper presents the concerns in manufacturing supply chain. Further this study investigates the role of information technology (IT) and information sharing (IS) in manufacturing supply chain and determines its impact towards supply chain integration (SCI), supply chain performance (SCP), and manufacturing firm performance (FP) in Malaysia. The theoretical framework was proposed for the study on the basis of existing literature. The study administered a survey questionnaire to collect data from manufacturing firms in Malaysia with 112 respondents. A multiple regression analysis is conducted to establish the relationship between IT, IS, SCI, and FP. The study finds that IT and sharing has significant positive effect towards and performance. Firms that use IT and practice IS across partners in the supply chain are more likely to integrate their internal and external value chain for better performance both within and across the manufacturing firms in the supply chain. This study can be of interest to the manufacturing industry as well as other industry practitioners interested in improving the performance of the organization and supply chain in total. For supply chain practitioners, this results indicate that the firms should adopt IT and IS practices to strategically improve SCI. This in turn will also improve the supply chain network and firm’s performance. This study employs a newly developed framework which depicts the causal relationship between IT, IS, SCI, Supply Chain Performance, and FP in Malaysia. Furthermore, it closes a gap in existing literature by examining the effect IT and communication (ICT) practices toward manufacturing firms’ performance and SCP in a single setting. In addition, the current study attempted to construct a model which would estimate and interpret SCP and FP simultaneously, and to evaluate this model in an empirical fashion.
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Purpose: This paper contains an evaluation of the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified hotels in Egypt. This study is focused on factors influencing the choice of the…
Abstract
Purpose: This paper contains an evaluation of the results from a survey on ISO 9000 certified hotels in Egypt. This study is focused on factors influencing the choice of the registration agency; problems with registration agencies; satisfaction level with the registration agencies and the use of training and consultancy in achieving the certification. Design/methodology/approach: Postal survey was used in this study to gather the required data from a sample size of 40 certified large hotels in Egypt. The sample was drawn from a list provided by ISO 9000 certification office in Egypt. A response rate of 60 per cent was achieved. Findings: The certified hotels in Egypt performed well in their registration process and benefited from ISO implementation. They were using their registration agencies for private consultancy and it has been recommended that they should avoid using their registration agencies for private consultancy as this creates conflict of interest and constitutes a violation of ISO 62. Originality/value: Adds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 registration agencies in the service sector with particular focus on Egypt.
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Discusses some of the key elements of research which will investigate the role of the Internet within the manufacturing supply chain and, in particular, focuses on its impact on…
Abstract
Discusses some of the key elements of research which will investigate the role of the Internet within the manufacturing supply chain and, in particular, focuses on its impact on the manufacturing planning and control operation. Although much of the current Internet discussion focuses on sales and marketing applications, step change improvements in the management of the supply chain are possible using the same fundamental technologies. However, it is argued that a paradigm shift in the way in which manufacturing companies plan and control their operations is required if full advantage is to be gained; an alternative to the traditional linear transfer of information within supply chains is required. The Internet provides the opportunity for demand data and supply capacity data to be visible to all companies within a manufacturing supply chain, consequently companies can be in a position to anticipate demand fluctuations and respond accordingly. This is in contrast to the more established reactive approach. This paper proposes the development of supply webs and a more interactive approach to supply chain partnering and identifies some of the research issues within this context to facilitate the development of Internet‐based manufacturing planning and control.
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H. Sharifi, D.F. Kehoe and J. Hopkins
To provide a contingent framework for the classification and selection of e‐marketplaces has been developed.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide a contingent framework for the classification and selection of e‐marketplaces has been developed.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework is developed from a review of relevant literature and examined through conducting case studies, two of which are reported in the paper.
Findings
A number of e‐business classification models are proposed. The key model dimensions considered are the nature of the products/services to be traded, the ownership/formation of the marketplace and the level of functionality/relationships exhibited by the trading exchange. The strategic role of an e‐marketplace is also identified as being dynamic in nature over the product/market lifecycle and the ongoing development of information systems and technologies.
Research limitations/implications
The paper considers the power, relationship and behavioural aspects associated with the formation of e‐marketplaces but this is not the specific focus of the work undertaken.
Practical implications
The cases demonstrated that supporting future products customisation strategies using e‐marketplaces appeared to be only possible if sufficient confidence and expertise is developed within the companies and their supply chain, and also the fear of disruption and disintegration of the chain is overcome.
Originality/value
The paper combines a strategically important concept with empirical and practical considerations.
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Dennis Kehoe, David Little and Andrew Lyons
Information systems are often developed to introduce new technologyor to overcome severe maintenance problems rather than to improvefundamental business practice. In today′s…
Abstract
Information systems are often developed to introduce new technology or to overcome severe maintenance problems rather than to improve fundamental business practice. In today′s manufacturing environment, any attempt to develop effective information systems must benefit the organization as a whole and reflect the strategic needs of the business. The goal is the development of systems that help produce constructive change in business operations to achieve a competitive edge. For most organizations, this means defining a strategy or plan for moving from their current position to the desired goal. Emphasizes the importance of effective information systems planning, details its requirements in today′s manufacturing environment and outlines a planning methodology that helps identify and rank opportunities to develop information systems to meet business needs.
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A.E. Coronado Mondragon, A.C. Lyons and D.F. Kehoe
In recent years there has been a shift towards the inclusion of agile processes in the development of manufacturing strategies. This work explores the agility of operations in…
Abstract
In recent years there has been a shift towards the inclusion of agile processes in the development of manufacturing strategies. This work explores the agility of operations in four SMEs in high‐tech manufacturing and the impact made by information systems to agile performance in those companies. The study demonstrated that information systems are relegated behind other enablers of agility. Although information systems are often used to support agility, information systems in themselves are not sufficient to achieve agility in business processes. Furthermore, the case studies demonstrate that companies rely upon non‐IT attributes to improve the agility of their manufacturing operations. The results of the study suggest that information systems play a more significant role for enhancing agility.
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Juan A. Marin-Garcia, Rafaela Alfalla-Luque and Jose A.D. Machuca
The purpose of this paper is to establish definitions and dimensions of Triple-A supply chain (SC) variables based on a literature review and to validate a Triple-A SC measurement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish definitions and dimensions of Triple-A supply chain (SC) variables based on a literature review and to validate a Triple-A SC measurement model using a worldwide multiple informant sample.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a literature review, Triple-A SC variables (agility, alignment and adaptability) are conceptualized and a list of possible items is created for their measurement. An international 309 plant sample is used to validate the convergent and criterion validities of the composites proposed to measure Triple-A SC.
Findings
Contributions to the literature: clarification of Triple-A SC variable concepts; identification of key dimensions of Triple-A SC variables; development of a validated Triple-A SC measurement scale for future empirical research and industrial applications.
Research limitations/implications
A rigorously validated instrument is needed to measure Triple-A SC variables and enable researchers to credibly test theories regarding causal links between capabilities, practices and performance.
Practical implications
Proposal of a scale for use by managers of different functions to analyze Triple-A SC deployment in the company.
Originality/value
The only Triple-A SC scale used in the previous literature has serious limitations: scales were not taken from an extended literature review; data were collected from single respondents in a single country. This is the first validated Triple-A SC measurement model to overcome these limitations.
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Lassâad Lakhal, Federico Pasin and Mohamed Limam
This paper aims to explore the relationship between quality management practices and their impact on performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between quality management practices and their impact on performance.
Design/methodology/approach
First, critical quality management practices are identified and classified in three main categories: management, infrastructure, and core practices. Then, a model linking these practices and performance is proposed and empirically tested. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 133 Tunisian companies from the plastic transforming sector.
Findings
The results reveal a positive relationship between quality management practices and organizational performance. Moreover, the findings show a significant relationship between management and infrastructure practices. In addition, the results illustrate a direct effect of infrastructure practices on operational performance and of core practices on product quality.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model proposed and tested in this study can be used by researchers for developing quality management theory. In addition, this model may offer a flow chart to practitioners for effective quality management implementation.
Originality/value
The proposed model is the first one to distinguish the direct effects of infrastructure practices on performance from the indirect effects of these practices through the core practices. Besides, the use of path analysis method to study the direct and indirect relationships between quality management practices and their effect on performance dimensions.