Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Klemen Kavčič and Dušan Gošnik

In the global economy, managers are constantly innovating with their use of available Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools. Some factors, such as training and the right educational goals…

767

Abstract

Purpose

In the global economy, managers are constantly innovating with their use of available Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools. Some factors, such as training and the right educational goals, have gained strong global acceptance. The purpose of this paper is to focus on contributions to organizational factors that predict organizations usage of LSS management tools to investigate expectations of project managers prior to LSS education and the extent of fulfilment of those expectations following LSS education in Slovenia, an East European country.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides an empirical analysis of LSS as a learning structure and the characteristics of LSS project managers, followed by the results of an analysis of LSS usage in manufacturing companies in Slovenia following comparative surveys carried out in 2008 and 2013.

Findings

The top four essential characteristics for LSS organizations in 2013 include: being an innovative LSS project manager; being an effective communicator; having networking ability; and being a positive thinker. Results from 2008 to 2013 have shown differences in the stages of LSS implementation in Slovenia in these years. Differences were also seen in the level of participants’ LSS training in the studies performed.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first ever comparison study regarding the status of LSS education in transition countries, such as in Slovenian manufacturing companies. The study shows the expectations of participants before LSS education and their fulfilment following it. The research is original in many aspects: it includes aspects of external and internal LSS training in companies, it focusses on the manufacturing companies in the transition country of Slovenia and it provides a comparison of results in 2008 and in 2013 and an overview of the progress of LSS education. The paper will be of great value to academics, consultants, researchers, practitioners of LSS, current and future management and owners of companies in Slovenia and other similar East European transition countries. The findings will be useful in business practice for understanding the influences of education and training factors on LSS management tool usage.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 45 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Andrej Bertoncelj and Klemen Kavčič

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether protection of core capabilities requires a greater level of control, i.e. ownership, even if it is at the cost of lower…

859

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether protection of core capabilities requires a greater level of control, i.e. ownership, even if it is at the cost of lower flexibility. Despite the significant research interest in equity alliances, knowledge of strategic orientation of acquiring companies is still incomplete.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines two main generic organizational forms, hierarchy and market, their benefits and threats for acquiring companies while protecting their core capabilities in equity alliances.

Findings

The protection of core capabilities is becoming an important strategic objective in the processes of forging equity alliances which are based on ownership and legal relationships. Ownership brings more control over core capabilities which mean competitive advantage through hierarchical organizational structure on the one hand but less flexibility as otherwise benefited in market organizational structure on the other.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are required in order to corroborate the assessment of presented organizational forms and to explore these relationships over a longer period of time.

Practical implications

The topic is relevant for designing strategies in acquiring companies or those companies becoming a part of global networks. Better understanding of strategic orientation and concept of control could significantly enhance the success rate in M&A activity.

Originality/value

The paper explores as to when and why a certain organizational structure, hierarchy or market, is the preferred one for companies. This paper intends to give executives practical, hands‐on advice for conducting M&A activity.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 40 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2008

Klemen Kavčič and Mitja I. Tavčar

This paper aims to deal with the dynamic aspect of outsourcing – in the world of business, change is the only constant, nothing is permanent, which also holds true for the…

3002

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the dynamic aspect of outsourcing – in the world of business, change is the only constant, nothing is permanent, which also holds true for the relationships in outsourcing. Thus, we should think about the consequences of the termination of such a relationship, which could be effected by both sides. This research is aimed at finding an answer to the question of what outsourcing can bring in the long run.

Design/methodology/approach

The research for this paper is based on the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.

Findings

The research results show that companies are ill‐prepared for the time when the cooperation between the outsourcing and insourcing company ends.

Originality/value

The initial research has proved that outsourcing can bring about increased short‐term, especially financial, gains. But at the same time, the cause of poor quality and difficulties can also be concealed, and the reputation and success of the company can be ruined. Problems may be revealed later and can exceed the short‐term benefits of outsourcing.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Klemen Kavčič and Andrej Bertoncelj

In a global economic environment, companies most likely to succeed should be, at the same time, big and strong as well as small and flexible. The purpose of this paper is to…

3671

Abstract

Purpose

In a global economic environment, companies most likely to succeed should be, at the same time, big and strong as well as small and flexible. The purpose of this paper is to examine the thesis and the concept of strategic risk analysis of processes regarding the size of corporations and individual companies, both at the level of corporations, where they are mainly based on ownership and legal relationships, and also at the level of companies, where they are based on interests and legal relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the strategic orientation of organizations and importance of risk management. The research methodology is based on the analysis of qualitative data collected through surveys. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is introduced based on a study conducted in the transition economy of Slovenia.

Findings

Within this framework, there is a constant trade‐off between market (flexibility) and hierarchy (control). It is important to set an optimal structure of internal and external sourcing to lower the risk exposure of organizations. The paper finds that companies in Slovenia, a transition economy within the European Union, often enter contractual relationships without sufficient strategic long‐term assessments and are thus faced with high risks.

Originality/value

The rational control of complex organizations is enhanced demand for cognitive capabilities of employees and process capabilities of computers. The variety of organizations and contingencies is immense; it is therefore possible to determine only some dimensions and generic solutions. Two possible approaches to simplification are dealt with in the paper. Many statements in this contribution should be treated as hypotheses, to be explored in detail, confirmed or rejected.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050