The purpose of this paper is to analyze if and how country- and sector-related contingency factors affect the implementation of TQM practices and various performance measures…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze if and how country- and sector-related contingency factors affect the implementation of TQM practices and various performance measures within a TQM-performance relationships model framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used data from 156 firms in Turkey and 132 firms in North Cyprus (NC) to test the model relationships by utilizing multiple group structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The study finds support for both the universal and the contingency argument within the context of country and sector analyses. Although our findings suggest no differences across the two countries, the authors find evidence for differences across sectors in terms of their TQM practices and performance outcomes. In the case of NC firms, the direct effects of TQM on human resource results and customer results constituted the missing linkages in the performance excellence framework.
Research limitations/implications
This study suffers from the same limitations common to all survey research. However, it contributes strongly to the limited TQM contingency research by providing new findings and insights. This study must be replicated in different countries and other types of contextual factors must be used to determine if and how they moderate the model relationships. Other theories are also needed to better explain some of the relationships.
Practical implications
There needs to be a more holistic approach to quality management and increased institutional support for quality initiatives in developing countries. Through proper alignment and integration of their different components, organizations can realize maximum improvement in their business results. Understanding the sector level contingencies before implementing a performance excellence model is also recommended.
Social implications
The study has several social, economic and policy implications, including the need to improve employees’ work environment to improve their lives and prevent brain drain; to pass legislation to improve lax consumer laws; to found quality institutes to promote the education, training, qualification and professional development of employees working in the various sectors of the economy; and for government and employers to realize the importance of valuing stakeholders and delivering value and results to them to ensure long-term success.
Originality/value
This is one of the few studies in TQM contingency research that tests various relationships among TQM and business results by using country and sector as contingency factors.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the B2B e‐commerce (B2BEC) usage patterns of North American small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in their supply chains, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the B2B e‐commerce (B2BEC) usage patterns of North American small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in their supply chains, the contextual factors that influence usage patterns, and the subsequent effects of these patterns on firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an online survey of North American SMEs and obtained 229 responses. They utilized several statistical methods, including cluster analysis and profile analysis, to test five hypotheses.
Findings
The TOE framework, supplemented with interorganizational factors, provides a valid theoretical guideline to study firms' B2BEC usage patterns. Three distinct types of B2BEC usage patterns – E‐Limiteds, E‐Leaders, and E‐Laggards – emerged. Different sets of contextual factors contribute to the formation of these three patterns of B2BEC adoption. Higher levels of B2BEC usage result in stronger firm performance.
Research limitations/implications
Future clustering variables could be more specific. The effects of other potential contextual factors should also be explored by future studies. This study can be replicated in other countries to determine whether the findings can be generalized.
Practical implications
In light of the potential performance improvements that B2BEC adoption offers, managers should assess the risks associated with maintaining their current speed of e‐business deployment versus the risks associated with escalating it. Organizations that have been more reactive should consider how well or ill their sluggish approach prepares them for navigating the inevitability of increasing sophistication in supply chain management.
Originality/value
Limited empirical research exists on the B2BEC usage patterns of North American SMEs, the contextual factors that motivate them to adopt different B2BEC technologies in their supply chains, and how each of these usage patterns affects their performance. The current study contributes to the literature by shedding light on these issues.
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Ismail Sila and Maling Ebrahimpour
To empirically investigate the relationships among critical TQM factors and business results.
Abstract
Purpose
To empirically investigate the relationships among critical TQM factors and business results.
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty‐three hypotheses regarding the relationships among TQM factors and business results have been developed through literature review and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study utilized survey data obtained from US manufacturing companies.
Findings
Provides information about the results of each hypothesis, their implications, and how these findings compare to previous studies. Pays special attention to the relationships between TQM factors and business results and discusses findings in this area by offering insights from 22 previous studies that analyzed TQM‐performance relationships.
Research limitations/implications
Researchers could use the results of this study to explore various related hypotheses in more detail and improve the accuracy of future empirical quality management studies. The study makes specific recommendations for such future studies. There were also some research limitations. For instance, the data were obtained through mail survey and relied on the perceptions of the respondents.
Practical implications
The results of this study can be used by managers to prioritize the implementation of TQM practices. For instance, those practices that are found to have a positive impact on business results can be recommended to managers so that they can allocate resources to improve these practices to get the best results.
Originality/value
This study conducts a comprehensive review of the literature to develop factors of critical TQM practices and business results, and unlike most previous studies, it uses multiple, distinct indicators for each factor to test an elaborate SEM model of the relationships among these factors.
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Ismail Sila and Maling Ebrahimpour
There has been a plethora of published research related to total quality management (TQM) in the last few decades. However, very few studies focused on cataloging critical factors…
Abstract
There has been a plethora of published research related to total quality management (TQM) in the last few decades. However, very few studies focused on cataloging critical factors of TQM. One of the objectives of this literature review was to investigate the state of TQM by examining and listing various TQM factors identified based on survey studies conducted in different countries and published in a variety of journals over the past decade. An examination of 76 survey studies that used an integrated approach to TQM showed that the TQM factors could be grouped under 25 categories. An analysis of the 347 survey based research articles published between 1989 and 2000 using these 25 factors as a framework revealed the most frequently covered TQM factors in the literature. Another goal of the paper was to analyse the objectives of these articles by year and type of journal they were published in to determine the trends in TQM survey based studies and recommend future direction for research. The analysis showed that the objectives of the 347 studies could be grouped under six categories.
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Ismail Sila, Maling Ebrahimpour and Christiane Birkholz
To analyze the state of supply chain quality management in manufacturing companies by testing several hypotheses regarding the knowledge these companies have about their different…
Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the state of supply chain quality management in manufacturing companies by testing several hypotheses regarding the knowledge these companies have about their different supply chain partners, the attributes that characterize customer‐supplier relationships and the factors that determine the development of quality specifications in a supply chain, and the effect of supply chain quality management activities of companies on product quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Six hypotheses related to supply chain quality management have been developed through literature review and tested using survey data from US manufacturing companies.
Findings
Provides information about the results of each hypothesis, their implications, and how these findings relate to the previous literature.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers insights into what the findings suggest and provides guidelines for future research to tackle issues raised by these findings. There were also some research limitations. For instance, the study relied on the perceptions of the respondents to operationalize the survey instrument, and the variables were mostly operationalized using single measures.
Practical implications
The study recommends ways managers can use the study's findings to improve supply chain quality.
Originality/value
This paper fills a void in the literature by focusing on quality in supply chain management.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of TQM implementation, to evaluate their impact on the primary measures as expressed by the operational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors of TQM implementation, to evaluate their impact on the primary measures as expressed by the operational performance and the secondary measures as expressed by the organizational performance, and to find out the effect of the operational performance on the organizational performance of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Qatari industrial sector using the structured equation modeling (SEM) approach.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 297 SMEs in the Qatari industrial sector. Of the 297 questionnaires posted, a total of 139 were returned and were used to test the theoretical model. In particular, hypotheses were developed to evaluate the impact of TQM implementation on the operational and organizational performance of the SMEs.
Findings
The empirical analysis demonstrates several key findings: data analysis reveals that there is a substantial positive effect of the TQM implementation on both the operational and the organizational performance. The findings confirm the significant relationship between operational and organizational performances of the SMEs. Overall, the results showed the central role of the strategic factors in the successful implementation of the TQM programs within the SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
The research is subject to the normal limitations of survey research. The study is using perceptual data provided by production managers or quality managers which may not provide clear measures of performance. However, this can be overcome using multiple methods to collect data in future studies. Interestingly, the findings here may be generalisable outside Qatar, i.e. a similar country to Qatar such as the GCC countries.
Practical implications
Qatari SMEs should consider TQM as an innovative tool for improving operational and organizational performance in today's dynamic manufacturing environment. The findings suggest the notion that the TQM critical success factors (CSFs) should be implemented holistically rather than on a piecemeal basis to get the full potential of the TQM. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need to link operational performance to organizational performance to achieve the success of TQM implementation.
Originality/value
The study integrates the CSFs of TQM practices, i.e. strategic, tactical and operational factors, with operational and organizational performances as related drivers of the effectiveness and success of TQM practices in the SMEs. Very few studies have been performed to investigate and understand this issue. Therefore, the research can make a useful contribution.
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Yvonne Lagrosen, Frederick T. Travis and Stefan Lagrosen
In this paper, research leading to quality management success is examined, elaborated, and highlighted in a new profound way by focusing on the most fundamental aspect of the…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, research leading to quality management success is examined, elaborated, and highlighted in a new profound way by focusing on the most fundamental aspect of the human dimension, the brain. The purpose is to examine the relationship between brain functioning and quality management success. In this examination, the role of core values, profound organizational learning and values of quality management are explained.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper builds on a conceptual review of research in the areas of quality management success, values of quality management, core values and neurophysiology with focus on brain integration.
Findings
The relation of core values with brain functioning is described based on previous research. A framework with logical steps from brain integration, via core values, quality management values and quality management practices to quality management success is developed.
Research limitations/implications
The paper adds to the understanding of the role brain integration has for success in quality management efforts. A limitation is that it only builds on previous research.
Practical implications
The findings provide a deeper understanding of quality management success and should thus be valuable for quality managers and leaders striving for excellence for their organisations.
Originality/value
The importance and crucial role of brain integration for quality management success has not been elaborated in the literature of quality management before.
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Although aligning information technology (IT) with quality management (QM) is a popular concept, it has not yet been properly, theoretically and empirically grounded. Therefore…
Abstract
Purpose
Although aligning information technology (IT) with quality management (QM) is a popular concept, it has not yet been properly, theoretically and empirically grounded. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify critical factors for the effective implementation (CFEI) of IT-enabled ISO-9000 quality management system (QMS).
Design/methodology/approach
The primary field data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 381 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to check the reliability and validity of the data collected. First, using pattern matrix, 48 items (extracted from relevant literature) representing CFEI of IT-enabled ISO-9000 QMS were grouped into six latent variables (eigenvalue⩾1). Second, to test the relationship among CFEI, firm performance and competitive positioning, six hypotheses were formulated and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure.
Findings
The study results found that identified CFEI of IT-enabled ISO-9000 QMS, i.e. “strategic attributes” (β=0.517), “tactical attributes” (β=0.323), “operational attributes” (β=0.281), “organisational infrastructure and processes” (β=0.231), “system knowledge” (β=0.194), “alignment of system with firm’s strategy” (β=0.230), have a significant effect (p<0.05) on the successful implementation of ISO-9000 QMS. The critical factors are found to have a direct and positive impact on the firm’s performance. Study results found that the critical factors do not directly affect the firm’s competitive positioning (β=−0.097), but they do so indirectly through customer satisfaction (β=0.627) and operational performance (β=0.482).
Originality/value
The proposed model provides critical factors to align IT system with ISO-9000 QMS which is highly required mainly for SMEs. The study will provide a mean by which small manufacturing firms can counter the effects of increasing global competition.
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Cynthia Mae Helms, Silas Oliveira, Lauren Matacio and Sarah Kimakwa
This paper aims to discover the extended reference needs of Andrews University students by studying their understanding, value and use of library services; and receive input for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discover the extended reference needs of Andrews University students by studying their understanding, value and use of library services; and receive input for setting up a reference kiosk.
Design/methodology/approach
Students from various buildings on campus filled out a self-administered 16-point anonymous survey during a two-week period in 2014. Researchers used descriptive statistics to analyze the data collected.
Findings
Students have an understanding of what libraries can do for them, and yet, they do not consider the librarians or use the library services as their first choice for completing their assignments. The respondents feel confident about their library skills and would rather consult their peers or use Google first before consulting a librarian or the information desk. Some of them claim that their classes do not require library use. Students are ambivalent about using an extended reference service outside the library.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to one university and during a specific time period. Further research topics could cover why students start with Google or their peers before they use library services, verify the claim that classes do not require library use and evaluate how students’ use of electronic devices affect library use.
Originality/value
The study helped determine the students’ extended reference needs and how they understand, use and value the library.
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Muhammad Adnan Khurshid, Muslim Amin and Wan Khairuzzaman Wan Ismail
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated conceptual framework of total quality management and corporate social responsibility.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated conceptual framework of total quality management and corporate social responsibility.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on stakeholder theory, which stresses the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Therefore, companies generate profit for their shareholders by producing high quality products and services to emphasize human dignity and to satisfy their employees without harming people and the natural environment.
Findings
The results of the study suggest an integrated conceptual framework by identifying the critical factors that are parallel between quality management and social responsibility to satisfy key stakeholders’ demands.
Research limitations/implications
This study is conceptual in nature, and empirical research is needed to identify the critical factors that promote the application of TQM and CSR practices, which are limited.
Practical implications
The proposed conceptual framework may facilitate the management of an organization to evaluate its quality and social programs and will highlight problem areas that can be improved. This study contributes to the literature on TQM and CSR and captures the important factors for effective TQM and CSR practices. The conceptual framework will help researchers and firms to recognize TQM and CSR initiatives and establish a strengthened relationship between corporate strategy and social conditions.
Originality/value
Previous studies have been conducted separately in the areas of TQM and CSR, and there are still not sufficient number of studies to simultaneously integrate quality management and social responsibility. Thus, there is a critical research gap, which raises the question of how the integration of TQM and CSR practices can be developed. There is a need to recognize the mechanism through which the specific element of CSR would be included as an implicit and/or explicit aspect or whether it should be addressed along with TQM. Therefore, this study proposes an integrated conceptual framework that can be applied to the broader issues of responsibility rather than just quality.