Denise Rodríguez, Hendrik Van Landeghem, Virginia Lasio and Dirk Buyens
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the situational and dispositional determinants of job satisfaction in environments created by implementing employee-supportive lean.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the situational and dispositional determinants of job satisfaction in environments created by implementing employee-supportive lean.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a questionnaire to measure the determinants of job satisfaction (perceived job demands, perceived job autonomy and core self-evaluations) and job satisfaction. Afterwards, the paper proposes a conceptual framework and uses hierarchical multiple regression to test the relationships among perceived job demands, perceived job autonomy, core self-evaluations and job satisfaction. Additionally, the study describes the implementation of employee-supportive lean in four small companies using an action research approach.
Findings
The findings reveal that perceived job demands has a negative impact on job satisfaction. In addition, the authors find that perceived job autonomy and core self-evaluations have a positive impact on job satisfaction. Finally, the results show that core self-evaluations buffer the impact of perceived job demands on job satisfaction.
Originality/value
The present research underscores the importance of work and personal characteristics for employees’ job satisfaction in an environment created by implementing employee-supportive lean.
Details
Keywords
Denise Rodríguez-Zurita, Maria Jaya-Montalvo, Jerry Moreira-Arboleda, Esther Raya-Diez and Paul Carrión-Mero
This study aims to delve into the evolution, trends and implications of scientific production related to service learning (SL) and community engagement for sustainability in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to delve into the evolution, trends and implications of scientific production related to service learning (SL) and community engagement for sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs). Because HEIs play a crucial role in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), experiential learning approaches are needed to actively involve students in sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 869 publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases were analysed using a bibliometric approach that included performance analysis and science mapping. Subsequently, a systematic literature review was conducted on 118 publications, focusing on their contribution to SDGs and alignment with United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s fields of expertise.
Findings
The findings reveal two significant trends: a substantial shift from curriculum development (2000–2010) to education for sustainable development (2011–2022), and the effectiveness of experiential learning teaching approaches, such as the integration of SL with community engagement and the use of innovative research methods in promoting the acquisition of sustainable development competencies. Additionally, community-based research, participatory action research and capacity development emerged as the primary topics.
Research limitations/implications
While this research is based on publications from two prominent databases, it may not include significant studies published in other databases.
Practical implications
These findings suggest that stakeholders should incorporate experiential learning activities and innovative research approaches to enhance education in, for and from sustainability.
Originality/value
This study offers a fresh perspective on the intellectual framework of experiential learning teaching approaches concerning sustainability in HEIs.
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Marcos Buestan, Cinthia C. Perez and Denise Rodríguez-Zurita
Health-care organisations face many challenges in delivering safe, high-quality services while experiencing significant pressure to increase productivity and reduce costs. In this…
Abstract
Purpose
Health-care organisations face many challenges in delivering safe, high-quality services while experiencing significant pressure to increase productivity and reduce costs. In this context, hospitals have implemented lean six sigma (LSS) programmes to improve their performance. This study aims to explore the application of LSS in three different non-profit Ecuadorian hospitals to comprehend the effectiveness of the methodology under this context.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple-case analysis was performed in four phases: selecting the cases, defining a data collection protocol, performing a within-case analysis of each case and performing a cross-case analysis.
Findings
This research found that the LSS application positively impacts hospital performance indicators by reducing service time. The most frequently used tools include the supplier input process output customer diagram, value stream mapping, cause-and-effect diagram, five-why analysis, Gemba walk and paired two-sample test. Lastly, the results show that the most common challenges faced were lack of top management engagement, technical training and data availability.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited by the constraint of a single Latin American country from which the cases were analysed. Collaboration with external partners, like universities, and government policies promoting training in continuous improvement methodologies are crucial for success. Academic implications stress the importance of integrating soft skills in LSS implementation and engineering education.
Originality/value
This study shows a multiple-case analysis of LSS in a Latin American country highlighting the most commonly used tools, their impact on performance and the challenges of implementing LSS in health-care organisations in non-profit Ecuadorian hospitals.
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Carlos Ferro-Soto, Carmen Padin, Goran Svensson and Nils Høgevold
This study aims to validate a research model testing trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in sales manager business to business (B2B…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to validate a research model testing trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in sales manager business to business (B2B) relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a broad range of 242 small-, medium- and large-sized Spanish companies, the data analysis used structural equation modeling by means of the SPSS/AMOS 26.0 software.
Findings
The findings confirm that trust and commitment serve as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in business channel relationships, when adopting a sales perspective.
Practical implications
This study provides managerial support and guidance for assessing satisfaction, trust and commitment from a sales manager perspective in business channel relationships, to create and maintain long-term exchange relationships, with mutual benefits extending to other partners.
Originality/value
The findings shed light on the confusion regarding the nomological framework in models related to the quality of B2B relationships, thus confirming the mediating role of trust and commitment between economic and non-economic satisfaction in business channel relationships, following a sales perspective and considering the dual nature of satisfaction, distinguishing between economic and non-economic satisfaction.
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Nils Høgevold, Goran Svensson and Carmen Otero-Neira
This paper aims to test trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in seller business relationships in contrast to previous studies on buyer…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to test trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in seller business relationships in contrast to previous studies on buyer business relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a cross-industry sample of Norwegian companies with sales or marketing managers/directors or key account managers. Key informants were selected to participate who adhered to specific criteria, such as their designations should be sales or marketing managers/directors or key account managers.
Findings
Trust and commitment mediate between economic and non-economic satisfaction in seller business relationships in line with what has been previously tested and retested across contexts and through time in buyer business relationships.
Research limitations/implications
This study helps in establishing an extended foundation to assess the structural properties between economic and non-economic satisfaction, as well as trust and commitment, in business relationships based on seller and or buyer perspectives.
Practical implications
The tested seller business relationship research model provides a corporate foundation for assessing the seller perspective of business relationships. It also provides a corporate foundation for combining the seller perspective with that of the customer perspective.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study based on seller business relationships that validates the research model reported in multiple previous studies based on buyer business relationships.
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Margie Foster, Hossein Arvand, Hugh T. Graham and Denise Bedford
In this chapter, the authors make the case that preserving and curating knowledge for the future involves more than changing methods and tactics or extending our current…
Abstract
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, the authors make the case that preserving and curating knowledge for the future involves more than changing methods and tactics or extending our current applications and technology to support knowledge capital. It means changing the way we think about the future. It means envisioning multiple futures where various elements may be known or unknown – a four-future quadrant. First, the authors explain what it means to think strategically in multiple known and unknown futures. Next, the chapter presents ideas for strategic thinking about future knowledge preservation and curation. Finally, the authors consider using the four futures to develop a flexible and relevant knowledge preservation and curation strategy.
Jean-Louis Ermine, Denise Bedford and Alexeis Garcia-Perez
This chapter explores the nature of knowledge codification. The chapter discusses the knowledge codification process and explains how it aligns with the broader field of knowledge…
Abstract
Chapter Summary
This chapter explores the nature of knowledge codification. The chapter discusses the knowledge codification process and explains how it aligns with the broader field of knowledge engineering. The authors break knowledge codification process into (1) knowledge modeling, (2) knowledge representation and modeling of semantic memory, and (3) knowledge representation and modeling of semiotic networks. The chapter also defines object-oriented models, the representation of tasks, and process modeling. The authors also focus on the total concept and methods of knowledge engineering that are at the origin of the MASK Knowledge Book technique.
Wioleta Kucharska and Denise Bedford
This chapter describes public agriculture services’ business goals, purpose, and strategy. It reinforces agriculture organizations’ fundamental bureaucratic administrative culture…
Abstract
Chapter Summary
This chapter describes public agriculture services’ business goals, purpose, and strategy. It reinforces agriculture organizations’ fundamental bureaucratic administrative culture (Tier 1). The authors describe the influence that political appointees as leaders may play in shaping public sector cultures. The bureaucratic culture of agriculture is deconstructed, and each of the five layers is described in detail. Additionally, the authors explain why behavior is the dominant layer and the most critical starting point for understanding agriculture cultures. The public service culture (Tier 2) brings an essential element of leveling, access, and equity to the larger context. It brings the focus back to service to the people and community rather than performance. It also gives greater emphasis to the role of safety and well-being. The chapter lays out the landscape of external influencing cultures (Tier 3) in agriculture. Finally, the potential value and challenges of developing internal knowledge, learning, and collaboration (KLC) cultures (Tier 4) are explored.
Constantin Bratianu, Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Francesca Dal Mas and Denise Bedford