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Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Lara Chaplin and Simon T.J. O’Rourke

It seems to be the consensus (Zhang et al., 2012; George et al., 2003; Arumugam et al., 2013) that Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has become a beneficial improvement initiative used in a…

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Abstract

Purpose

It seems to be the consensus (Zhang et al., 2012; George et al., 2003; Arumugam et al., 2013) that Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has become a beneficial improvement initiative used in a variety of industries. There is a move towards integrating any high-level business improvement methods holistically throughout the whole organisation. Indeed, Hoerl (2014) explored the idea that when using LSS for business improvement, the programme should engage the whole organisation in much the same way as the financial function is present throughout each department. The purpose of this paper is to posit that using the lean and green agenda may be the driver to achieve integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a subjective ontological perspective with the researcher using participant observation as the main research instrument. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) note that it is now common for scholars to argue that the only relevant data are those based upon the personal experience of the researcher; this served as an informing foundation for the approach for the exploration of the topic. Based on multiple case studies, chosen because they operate in different sectors, the paper adopted an extended case method (Burawoy, 1998) to analyse and gather the research. The organisations were chosen because they both were at a similar stage in their continuous improvement (CI) journey. The main reasoning behind the selection of the two different organisations is to reach “Thick Description” (Geertz, 1973, p. 3, 2001).

Findings

The findings suggest that there are still significant benefits of implementing a large-scale lean agenda in particular when using an LSS methodology. The paper finds that there are also significant gaps in achieving full integration within the organisation and argues that lean and CI are still the remit of the operations manager. The document goes on to argue that if the CI initiative is driven by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan, then any lean/lean green implementation will enable the company to drive CI integration with all stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The research has implications for those responsible for the CSR function within the organisation and the operations manager who is charged with implementing any lean/lean and green CI.

Practical implications

The paper argues that the lean and green agenda can drive integration of any CI activity throughout the organisation and suggests that the way this can be achieved is any CI activity that is included in the wider CSR plan.

Social implications

This paper contributes to the “lean and green” agenda and offers a solution for the problem of integrating LSS activities throughout the whole organisation by placing CI and LSS within the CSR remit.

Originality/value

There is little consensus how this holistic integrated approach should be implemented by the company. This research uses multiple case studies to critically examine the application of LSS as an improvement programme within two large UK-based organisations, each company operating in very different industry sectors to identify the benefits of LSS but also the missed “green/societal” opportunities and argues that if any lean and lean and green agenda is to be holistically adopted, then any CI activity should be driven by the CSR department.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 11 January 2016

Lara Chaplin, John Heap and Simon T.J. O'Rourke

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a solution to the problem of implementing a full “Lean” methodology for small-/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a solution to the problem of implementing a full “Lean” methodology for small-/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of the financial and resource costs of implementing a full lean programme in a developing country and suggests that using a “Lean Lite” approach may help the consultant/manager introduce lean concepts into a manufacturing organisation in a developing country.

Findings

The paper concludes that “Lean Lite” as an approach that can be used to introduce lean initiatives in an SME in a developing economy by allowing a company with very limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees.

Research limitations/implications

The observations are limited to a single case study, although tempered by the authors’ wider experience. Further empirical research and critique of the original research is required to validate the observations and conclusions.

Practical implications

The proposed “Lean Lite” initiative can help to introduce lean concepts to an organisation with limited financial and other resources. This helps organisations to increase productivity and assists the adoption of the lean philosophy and principles in a developing economy. The approach may also be used to engage in a wider corporate social responsibility strategy at ground level.

Social implications

The social benefits as a result of implementing a Lean Lite approach include improving working conditions and educating employees.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an approach that can be used to widen organisational involvement in lean initiatives in a developing economy by allowing a company with limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees. As such the approach has both economic and social benefits.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 65 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 3 June 2014

Lara Chaplin and Simon T.J. O’Rourke

The purpose of this paper is to assess the current use being made of the sustainability message within business improvement activity and project justification within individual…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the current use being made of the sustainability message within business improvement activity and project justification within individual businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation, market orientation and business improvement initiatives in general.

Findings

The piece discusses the gains derived from the LSS projects and identifies gaps in potential benefits in particular the paper questions how well any potential marketing messages were exploited by the organisation. The findings critically evaluates the impact that marketing function involvement could have in helping to promote the wider productivity message and its contribution to the wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy for the organisation. The document also suggests how the company could leverage internally focused projects to adopt a companywide marketing orientation and use such leverage to support future LSS project selection and justification.

Research limitations/implications

The observations are limited to a single case study, although tempered by the authors’ wider experience. Further empirical research is required to validate the observations and conclusions.

Practical implications

The proposed approach to future improvement initiatives can help to increase the wider productivity message and assist organisations to exploit their internal projects in external communications and wider CSR strategy.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an approach that can be used to widen organisational involvement in improvement initiatives allowing future project justification to be less internally cost focused, more holistic with a focus on customer voice.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 63 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

– This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The piece discusses the gains derived from Lean Six Sigma projects at a UK food manufacturing site and identifies gaps in potential benefits, in particular how well any potential marketing messages were exploited by the organization. The findings critically evaluate the impact that marketing function involvement could have in helping to promote the wider productivity message and its contribution to the wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy for the organisation.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

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Article
Publication date: 6 December 2019

Pranay Sureshbhai Parmar and Tushar N. Desai

The purpose of this study is to determine the current status of Sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) practices execution in the industries by identifying the research gaps and also…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the current status of Sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) practices execution in the industries by identifying the research gaps and also methodologies that are applied by different researchers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

To find the current status of SLSS practices all over world, the literature review of the articles available through SCOPUS data base is given in different categories such as a country-wise and year-wise publication of the articles, journal-wise publication of articles, case study implementation focus in industry and data analysis techniques used by the researchers.

Findings

The different methodologies applied by the researchers and practitioners have been explained and the gaps for further research are identified. The extensive review of articles of last 18 years revealed that there are various opportunities such as quantitative study, framework modeling on the SLSS, and implementation of developed models in different industries, etc. which are required to be explored.

Originality/value

In the present study, a review of 129 articles for the time span of January 2000 to February 2018 is considered. The SCOPUS database was used for selecting the articles for review. A total of 129 articles were considered for the literature review, and the case study implementation in different industries with the focused areas such as cost reduction, defect reduction, economic, environmental and social aspects was explained.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2012

Dave Hearn, David Ndegwa, Philip Norman, Natalie Hammond and Eddie Chaplin

Leave is an important part of life for both patients and clinicians in secure mental health and learning disability settings. Patients breaching leave conditions (i.e. absconding…

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Abstract

Purpose

Leave is an important part of life for both patients and clinicians in secure mental health and learning disability settings. Patients breaching leave conditions (i.e. absconding or failing to return) represent a small percentage of leave episodes; however when incidents occur there can be far reaching negative outcomes for potential victims, the patient and the service. The purpose of this paper is to devise a risk assessment specifically for leave decision making based on the literature available.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the approach followed in the violence risk assessment field, a literature review was carried out of papers relating to absconding. The results were used to develop the leave/abscond risk assessment (LARA).

Findings

There are a number of problems with the available literature: there is a dearth of research, definitions for absconding are varied (often including escape) making comparisons difficult and much of the literature focuses on psychiatric acute wards making it difficult to translate into secure environments. Characteristics of absconders vary and are not idiosyncratic enough from which to develop a risk assessment. Socio‐environmental factors are perhaps more important and so the LARA was devised around assessment of these.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper are clear: a risk assessment tool is proposed that has not been evaluated or validated in any way. The authors feel that the process warrants publication and invite readers to use the tool for clinical and/or research purposes.

Originality/value

The LARA is proposed as a specific leave‐decision‐making risk assessment tool for teams working in secure environments.

Details

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, vol. 6 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1282

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Book part
Publication date: 22 November 2012

Alison Barnes and Lucy Taksa

Misbehavior is ubiquitous. Its occurrence stretches back in time and shows little sign of abating. According to Richards (2008, pp. 653–654), organizational misbehavior “has been…

Abstract

Misbehavior is ubiquitous. Its occurrence stretches back in time and shows little sign of abating. According to Richards (2008, pp. 653–654), organizational misbehavior “has been a prominent feature of organizational studies throughout the twentieth century and continues to command similar attention in the first decade of the twenty-first century.” Early interest has been traced back to F. W. Taylor's criticisms of workers’ restriction of output (Taylor, 2003) in the first two decades of the twentieth century, a phenomenon also considered by Donald Roy (1952, 1959) after World War Two, and subsequently extended by Jason Ditton (1977) and Gerald Mars (1982) to include workplace crimes such as “fiddles and theft.” In more recent times, such fiddles have been extended to the study of “cyberslacking” (Block, 2001), “cyberloafing” (Lim, 2002), and general workplace internet misuse (Lara, Tacoronte, Ding, & Ting, 2006). Yet, despite such interest in “organizational misbehavior,” the scholarship in this field is relatively recent and generally traced back to the work of Vardi and Wiener (1996) and Ackroyd and Thompson (1999).

Details

Rethinking Misbehavior and Resistance in Organizations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-662-1

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Article
Publication date: 16 June 2022

Chang-Hun Lee and Hye-Rhim Kim

This study aims to develop and test a theoretical model postulating that a hotel customer’s brand attachment is reinforced by positive and negative switching barriers, which, in…

1096

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop and test a theoretical model postulating that a hotel customer’s brand attachment is reinforced by positive and negative switching barriers, which, in turn, determine customer citizenship behaviour (CCB) towards hotel brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted and completed by 233 respondents in the USA who had favourite hotel brands and used these brands in the previous year. A framework was developed based on the literature, and eight hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings suggest that a customer’s brand attachment (brand-self connection and brand prominence) to a hotel is strengthened not only by relational benefits (positive switching barriers) but also by switching costs (negative switching barriers). Brand prominence can promote CCB, whereas the impact of brand-self connection on CCB is rather limited.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of affirmative and passive reasons for customers to remain in a relationship with the hotel brand and how sub-dimensions of switching barriers are interrelated to predict a customer’s attitude and behaviour to the brand. By emphasising the role of customers’ hotel brand attachment, this study also ascertains that cognitive and affective bonds towards a hotel brand can be significant antecedents to their extra-role behaviours.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the hospitality literature by expanding the realm of consumer behaviour research on switching barriers, brand attachment and CCB.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 34 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

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Article
Publication date: 9 March 2012

Amily Fikry and Mohd Reeza Bustami

This paper aims to examine the extent of teenagers' influence on family purchase decision of the video game console.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of teenagers' influence on family purchase decision of the video game console.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the significant impact of teenagers' gender and product importance toward their family purchase decision of the video game console. Altogether, 150 respondents (comprising school‐aged teenagers) participated in this survey. Various marketing strategies are suggested to market the video game console to the specific market segment, thus fulfilling these teenagers' wants toward the video game console.

Findings

This research discovers some significant differences between the teenagers' gender and product importance toward their family purchase decision of the video game console. Therefore, there is a need for marketers and managers to understand what these teenagers want. Only then can these marketers be able to direct their marketing strategies to fulfill this teenager segment.

Research limitations/implications

Results are limited to practitioners involved in the electronic games and education industries only.

Practical implications

Managerial implication suggests several strategies to market the game console to these teenagers, with a great emphasis on the impact of technological means toward this particular market.

Originality/value

New approaches are proposed as a means to market electronic games to the teenager segment. A majority of the studies on the game console as one of a number of electronic games have focused on the USA, UK and Japanese markets; thus, there is a lack of studies that focus on the game console in the Malaysian market, which may be due to an underestimation of this young consumer sector.

Details

Business Strategy Series, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-5637

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Book part
Publication date: 9 January 2014

This chapter takes a look at the Social Web. Humanities scholars are, by and large, a fairly social group. Attend any of the Modern Language Association conferences and you will…

Abstract

This chapter takes a look at the Social Web. Humanities scholars are, by and large, a fairly social group. Attend any of the Modern Language Association conferences and you will be inundated with invitations to attend events hosted by publishers, groups within MLA, universities, and alumni organizations. The way we now include apps as an inherent part of our socialization, however, is changing and evolving as a result of some of the tools that are to be associated with the digital humanities, albeit not necessarily as apparently so as some others. This chapter explores the familiar players like Facebook™, Google+™, Twitter™, and others and discusses how they are being used by those in the field, contextualizing them within a variety of disciplines in the humanities through case studies while situating the category alongside theories that make sense of their use. Not as commonly used in academic social networks are vlogging applications along with student blog sites, which are also examined in this chapter. It is in this and subsequent chapters where augmented reality enhancements will be used. Please follow the directions at the beginning of Chapter 2 to access these additions.

Details

Digital Humanities: Current Perspective, Practices, and Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-689-7

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