Mariechen Benz-Camino, Martha T. Ramírez-Valdivia, Marjorie Morales-Casetti and Danilo Sirias
This paper aims to present the lessons learned during the design and implementation of a quality assurance system (QAS) in an academic unit and considers the regulatory changes to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the lessons learned during the design and implementation of a quality assurance system (QAS) in an academic unit and considers the regulatory changes to institutional accreditation in Chilean higher education, the international standard ISO 21001:2018, and the stakeholders’ requirements.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses an abductive approach to identify and evaluate the key factors to implementing a QAS in higher education institutions (HEI). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, semistructured interviews, focus groups with stakeholders, a literature review and official institutional documents. Documents and interviews were subjected to content analysis using a process of inductive coding to identify and define topics or categories. A descriptive statistical analysis of categorical variables calculated the marginal frequency of each response. All information aided in designing the QAS for the school and its implementation plan.
Findings
This study highlights major challenges universities could face while implementing QAS, illuminating key principles and reflecting relevant practices. The lessons learned in this process show the importance of balancing accountability and continuous improvement while promoting a more receptive organizational culture, aligning the national and international standards in the early design stage, understanding the roles and responsibilities of the staff, having the support of a quality office and performing a gap analysis.
Originality/value
This work provides other HEI in need of designing and implementing a QAS with a conceptual and solid framework to integrate internal, external and international regulations of quality assurance criteria and standards. This paper could become a valuable reference for university managers, practitioners and quality professionals facing similar challenges.
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Keywords
Danilo Sirias, H.B. Karp and Timothy Brotherton
This paper seeks to examine the attitudes of the largest groups in today's workforce, the baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1962) and generation X (born between 1963 and 1982…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to examine the attitudes of the largest groups in today's workforce, the baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1962) and generation X (born between 1963 and 1982) on team formation. The study measures individualism‐collectivism levels on five dimensions in both groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on survey research (n=434), data were analyzed using factor analyses (extraction and rotation choices) consistent with previous research.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that an updated paradigm for team‐building needs to be developed that encourages individual identity and personal values as well as those of the group.
Research limitations/implications
The authors did not examine all of the potential social and cultural influences on team behaviour (e.g. nationality, ethnicity or religious influences). Future research should attempt to either measure or control for more of these variables.
Practical implications
Past management paradigms on team formation must be adapted to current managerial needs. The “melting‐pot” analogy, where individual team members completely subordinate themselves to the needs of the team, is obsolete. A more appropriate analogy would be the “salad bowl”, where individuals work together, yet do not have to give up their individuality. This paradigm might pose new challenges in its implementation, but the greater acceptance of diversity can, paradoxically, foster a greater level of authentic team spirit.
Originality/value
This research examines the generational effects on teamwork within a changing workforce. Managers directly involved with team formation and maintenance are likely to be those who benefit most from this research. However, everyone involved in a team‐based environment should find it useful.
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Satish Mehra, Joyce M. Hoffman and Danilo Sirias
Total quality management (TQM) has been acclaimed as an organizational philosophy to enhance global competitiveness. Will TQM continue to be a management philosophy of the future…
Abstract
Total quality management (TQM) has been acclaimed as an organizational philosophy to enhance global competitiveness. Will TQM continue to be a management philosophy of the future in same shape, size, and design? This paper, through literature search and using field experts, identifies the future role of TQM in businesses facing global markets.
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Roberta Pellegrino, Nicola Costantino and Danilo Tauro
This paper provides a comprehensive risk management framework for buyer-supplier relationships where the buyer has the status of a preferred customer with the supplier.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides a comprehensive risk management framework for buyer-supplier relationships where the buyer has the status of a preferred customer with the supplier.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical evidence is offered with a case study on a large multinational organization in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, with some real-life perspectives on the main risks, mitigation strategies, and issues faced when applying the risk management framework.
Findings
The results show that several risks may affect buyer-supplier relationships: not only traditional supply risks but also risks linked to specific initiatives and/or relationships, as well as risks specific to buyer-supplier relationships with a preferred customer status. Customer attractiveness and supplier satisfaction are found as core drivers for the mitigation strategies, which are built to protect the relationship with the supplier, rather than the buying firm alone, knowing that being a preferred customer with preferential resources allocation may increase a firm’s competitive advantage.
Originality/value
The research brings important contributions to the academic literature and interesting insights to strategic purchasing practitioners, by enhancing the existing knowledge on supply risk management in buyer-supplier relationships with a preferred customer status, as well as providing strategic purchasing practitioners a comprehensive view of the risks, which may affect the relationships with a preferred customer status, as well as possible ways to mitigate them.