bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the conceptual divide: lessons from stakeholder analysis
Authors: Simmons John , Lovegrove Ian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To demonstrate that stakeholder analysis has a significant contribution to make as a “middle ground” research method and as a means of organisational change.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of performance appraisal in UK academic institutions uses stakeholder analysis to address issues of organisation performance and development in a way that bridges the divide between theory and practice. This approach is supported by locating stakeholder theory within modes of organisation enquiry, and by positioning it more specifically within its conceptual domain.

Findings

Demonstrates the integrity and value of stakeholder analysis as a “middle ground” research method via development of a stakeholder systems model that identifies design, operation and evaluation stages of the performance management process and links these to measures of effectiveness and equity.

Research limitations/implications

“Joined up thinking” in organisation analysis implies incorporation of quantitative and qualitative research methods in a holistic method of organisation enquiry. Stakeholder analysis illustrates how different research philosophies and methods can be combined in a pragmatic but robust way.

Practical implications

The stakeholder systems model builds on the concept of multi‐source approaches to performance appraisal. Both broaden the basis of assessment by incorporating stakeholder perspectives but, while the former seeks stakeholder consensus at the evaluation stage, the later incorporates multi‐source (stakeholder) perspectives on design, process and evaluation stages and on the system as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how stakeholder theory can draw from the conceptual clarity and intellectual rigour of “objective” epistemologies while retaining acceptance of the “soft”, unstructured and value‐based nature of organisation problems.
Cross‐cultural investigations: emerging concepts
Authors: Jacob Nina
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide an overview of emerging concepts in the field of cross‐cultural management, which could augment/supplant the contributions made by Hofstede and Trompenaars.

Design/methodology/approach

The contributions made by well‐known researchers in the field of cross‐cultural management, such as Hofstede and Trompenaars is critiqued so that the reader can have an idea of what the existing lacuna in this field are. This critique is followed by a discussion of recent research endeavours, which are taking into account these lacuna. A polemic is built around the theme of how the grand typologies of Hofstede and Trompenaars may now have outlived their utility.

Findings

Provides an analysis of the shortcomings of Hofstede's and Trompenaars's contributions. Examines how emerging concepts like crossvergence and multiculturalism serve to make research in the area more meaningful and relevant. Focuses on how management practices found effective in one culture, can be transplanted to other cultures and embedded there.

Research limitations/implications

Only a few selected emerging concepts have been considered.

Practical implications

The direction in which future research should be carried out so as to have practical validity is delineated.

Originality/value

The paper has suggested that it is time to move forward and even away from the contributions made by Hofstede and Trompenaars. It has also pointed out the direction in which current researchers in the field are attempting to do this.
Gender in change: gendering change
Authors: Linstead Stephen , Brewis Joanna , Linstead Alison
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide a critical review of existing contributions to gender and change management and in doing so highlight how organizational change needs to be read more readily from a gendered perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that gender has received little attention regarding the change management side of managerial practice and reviews recent contributions to gender and change to demonstrate this. The paper then questions how men and women both cope with and drive change and whether the identified differences are more than superficial. The concept of gender is then read into management theory in order to understand how gender affects the way managers think and act, and the gendering of management is discussed. The paper concludes by outlining future research areas – change agents, entrepreneurs, female innovators, psychoanalytic treatments of change and gender experiences.

Findings

The paper finds that traditional and dominant conceptions of masculine and feminine values that rely on static conceptions of gender to argue that more attention to be paid to the dynamic and the genderful approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes by outlining future research areas – change agents, entrepreneurs, female innovators, psychoanalytic treatments of change and gender experiences.

Practical implications

Draws much needed attention to the neglect of gender in change theory and practice and suggests some ways forward.

Originality/value

Offers a unique introduction to an important but complex literature that needs to be integrated into change management practice.
Women in change management
Authors: Tyler Melissa
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To consider Simone De Beauvoir's account of woman as Other, and particularly the appropriation of sexual difference, with reference to the gendered bifurcation and hierarchical organization of change management.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of relevant managerial texts, as well as a discussion of De Beauvoir'sThe Second Sexand related scholarship, the paper explores some of the ways in which men and women are “situated” within change management discourse.

Findings

Argues that within managerial discourse men are constructed as “effective” managers of change, whereas women are relegated to an “affective” support function, and that this can be understood as an appropriation of women's ascribed Otherness.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the ongoing development of a critical, feminist approach to the study of management. While acknowledging the many limitations of her work, it makes the case for a reappraisal of De Beauvoir's thinking in this respect.
Shifting forms of masculinity in changing organizations: the role of testicularity
Authors: Baxter Lynne F. , MacLeod Alasdair
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to utilize the concept of testicularity put forward by Flannigan‐Saint‐Aubin to explain a shift in the hegemonic masculinities in two organizations which were unusual in being successful in realizing their aims for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach taken is broadly social constructionism. The two organizations featured in the paper are drawn from a more extensive study of 22 organizations studied in the UK and the Netherlands. The first phase of the research consisted of extended interview visits. The visits, lasting two or three days, consisted of a mix of formal interviews and observation of the sites and less formal discussion and observation, frequently during meal breaks.

Findings

The organizations instigated change processes, which created opportunities for women employees, sometimes at the expense of men. Previous work has discussed whether organization change can represent a feminizing of the workplace, but this did not fully encapsulate the present findings – the men remained in charge – and this led the authors to investigate further masculinities. Flannigan‐Saint‐Aubin's concept is rare in that it argues for positive aspects of masculinities in a growing literature which has a tendency to focus on the negative.

Originality/value

The paper argues that shifts in gender performance are a useful way of exploring organization change.
Woman in the ivory tower
Authors: Eveline Joan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To challenge dualistic concepts of masculinity and femininity via a case for understanding gender as a verb.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Deleuzian and feminist frameworks, the paper appraises six plateaus of desire and intensity through which gendered identities are assembled and re‐assembled in binary terms. The case study approach highlights the positioning and repositioning of a woman whose leadership of a leading academic institution involves breaking new ground in a male‐defined occupation, at a time when higher education is undergoing radical restructure.

Findings

The paper shows how masculinised and feminised identity positions are effected through attempts to affix certainty to indistinct and multiple dimensions of being and becoming.

Originality/value

Suggests that if we wish to understand gender in non‐dualistic terms we should think through the body to see both corporeality and identity as ambiguous and always unfinished assemblage
Romania and the Western World from the 1800s
Authors: Iacob George , Gavrilovici Ovidiu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In its modernization and European integration effort, from 1859 to the present, Romania went through a series of transitional periods. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues involved in Romania fighting to regain its identity or in forging a new one.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a cogent but thorough history and examines the relationship of Romania moving into the future.

Findings

Europe itself struggles. Identity does not mean “a difference which separates.” The challenge in Europe now is to find and foster “the difference which unifies.” Europe seems to be an “island of necessary stability” for Romania. Europe of the future can be an area of balance and Romania can become a region of balance within the new European Union.

Originality/value

The paper presents an overview of Romania and the Western World from the 1800s.
Strategic positioning in Romanian higher education
Authors: Niculescu Mihai
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The study presented in this paper is intended to assist the decision‐making process in Romanian higher education institutions on topics such as market structure analysis, market segmentation, positioning of the specializations, and the cannibalization between them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a preliminary qualitative study that examines the primary motives that affect choice of specializations before developing and validating a measurement instrument. The objective of the questionnaire was to help managers collect information regarding perceptions on specializations from a pool of 344 students of a major Romanian business faculty. The data were used to generate a perceptual map, which disclosed a three‐cluster solution. In a parallel study, an internal analysis of preferences on 1,390 subjects revealed the existence of three market segments: “the pragmatics,” “the sociables” and “the diploma hunters.”

Findings

Facing competition, Romanian higher education institutions need to carefully plan their actions, and better manage their scarce resources.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few that tried to develop, to reliability test and to validate a questionnaire in the field of higher education, and the first one that has analyzed the positioning of the specializations at the level of a business faculty.
Managing organizational change in transition economies
Authors: Chiaburu Dan S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a personal reflection on the Romanian post‐communist transition, using an organization theory‐based analytic framework combined with the author's personal experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the authors' experience in Romania during the transition (policy implementation, evaluation projects, and research). The experience is captured using concepts from institutional, organizational change, and critical theories.

Findings

Transition economies offer unique settings for building theory that describes the dynamic events situated at the boundary between institutions and organizations. Although this potential has yet to be realized, knowledge can be captured by using less conventional research designs, a critical perspective, and creative concepts and approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has potential implications for researchers conducting studies in transition economies, or in otherwise dynamic environments. The author provides several examples that are not well explained by existing frameworks and models, and offers suggestions for possible designs that might be more appropriate in transition settings.

Practical implications

Both autochthonous and foreign practitioners might find the examples and the analytic framework informative and applicable to the problems they are faced with in transition economies.

Originality/value

The paper combines conventional and critical theory‐based approaches to the study of the Romanian transition. Authors interested in research at the institution – organization boundary can consider some of the suggested for formalizing their research.
Gender discrimination in Romania
Authors: Adriana Prodan , Manolescu Irina
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A general overview of gender disparity in economic and political areas in Romania is the objective of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic perspective of the gender disparity phenomenon is analyzed by means of three main indicators: gender development index, gender empowerment measure and human development index.

Findings

One of the great expectations people have from the transition to democratic governments and market economies in Eastern Europe is the increased opportunity for people to participate in and benefit from a society built by them. In a society that values equality to ensure that people have a voice in making decisions which affect them the decisions made are better informed and effective. In the international arena, there is a growing recognition that women's representative participation in decision making is a fundamental condition of women's equality in a society that values its members.

Originality/value

This paper has application in all areas of discrimination, especially with Romania's projected entry into the European Union in 2007.
Teaching English in post‐modern Romanian education
Authors: Luminita Andrei
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what happened in Romanian education in the post‐modern context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the reactions to the changes in Romanian education.

Findings

Post‐modernism means innovation. Communication, team work, adaptability, flexibility and problem solving are key skills for the post‐modernist workforce and have major implications in the field of education.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the transition from excessively rigid conditions to a more open environment.
Work and education in transition
Authors: Olesia Lupu , Simona Mitocaru
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the change in attitude towards work among younger generations in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses work and education in transition since 1989.

Findings

In the communist age, work was perceived as a time‐consuming activity for students. As a result, in the command economy no job opportunities were offered for this age group. Transition in Romania implied adjustment to the free market economy model, this including the approach to working life and education. At the societal level, job opportunities have been created for the young along with programs that address the needs of this age group by introducing career development skills and entrepreneurial courses into the curricula.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into moving from skills‐based training to the more open education required for survival in the more turbulent world.
Correlation between jamming and skipping during solder paste printing
Authors: Hillman S.R. , Mannan S.H. , Durairaj R. , Seman A. , Ekere N.N. , Dusek M. , Hunt C.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate how jamming of particles in a solder paste varies as a function of the gap through which the particles flow, and to correlate this with skipping defects during the printing process.

Design/methodology/approach

Solder pastes with particle sizes of types 2, 3, 4 and 5 were sheared between the parallel plates of a rheometer. Jamming events that cause the solder particles to be forced against each other were detected by monitoring the electrical current flowing between the plates under a bias of 1.0 V or less. Solder paste printing trials were conducted with the same pastes, and solder paste skipping monitored.

Findings

Jamming was detected when the ratio of plate gap to largest particle diameter is reduced to a value between 3.8 and 5.0. Decreasing the gap further results in increased jamming. A strong correlation between levels of skipping and jamming was found.

Research limitations/implications

More extensive printing trials are required before rheometric jamming detection can be used to predict printing performance.

Practical implications

The common rule of thumb used in solder paste printing that the aperture width should be no smaller than 4‐5 particle diameters is justified.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new technique for detecting jamming events which are too brief to be detected using normal rheometric techniques, but which have long been thought to be responsible for stochastic skipping defects during printing. Evidence supporting the link between jamming and this type of defect is presented.
Investigation of the effect of solder flux residues on RF signal integrity using real circuits
Authors: Geiger David , Shangguan Dongkai
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Provide information on the effects of flux residues from surface mount assembly on radio frequency (RF) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of test vehicles designed to evaluate the RF performance on various test patterns and some simple circuits. Empirical testing is used in determining the data.

Findings

Provides a methodology for checking the performance of flux residues as well as information on the performance of a few different flux residue types.

Research limitations/implications

This is not an all encompassing project and the results may not extrapolate out to higher frequency ranges.

Practical implications

A good source of reference that can be used to understand the impacts of the assembly process on RF performance.

Originality/value

This paper shows the effect of assembly materials (flux residues) on a real circuit and not just test patterns. It can give a basic understanding to process engineers of the potential impact of the assembly process on a RF circuit.
Lead‐free PCB assembly and effects of process conditions on the profile and reliability of solder joints
Authors: Zhong Z.W. , Arulvanan P. , Shi X.Q.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To study the effects of design and assembly process conditions on lead‐free solder joints for an area array component.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments using SnAgCu solder for assembling plastic ball grid array components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) were carried out to investigate the reliability of the solder joints made under various conditions. The process variables studied include solder pad diameters, solder paste volume and reflow peak temperatures.

Findings

The average joint diameter increased with the peak reflow temperature, stencil thickness and pad diameter. The average joint height decreased with the increasing peak reflow temperature and pad diameter. However, increased stencil thickness would lead to increased solder paste volume and therefore increases both joint diameter and height. The assembled boards were subjected to a temperature cycling test (−40 to +125°C) for 5,700 cycles and no failures of the daisy chained resistance loops were found, indicating that the thermal fatigue resistance of the SnAgCu solder joints was good.

Originality/value

The findings provide greater confidence to implement a lead‐free soldering process without compromising reliability. Reliable lead free soldering can be made over a wide process window allowing flexibility in design and manufacturing.
Laser soldering control using optical imaging
Authors: Gilbert James M. , Dabestani Zaif
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The use of lasers to selectively solder joints in electronic assemblies has a number of advantages over methods which involve heating of the whole assembly. However, the localised energy delivery means that the heating and melting behaviour of the solder is particularly dependent on external and process influences. This paper aims to propose a new approach to monitoring and feedback control of the melting process through image acquisition and processing.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to evaluate the proposed feedback strategy, a series of experiments have been performed using a semiconductor diode laser controlled by a PC, which also performs image acquisition and processing operations. Two main processing techniques, based on edge detection and Fourier analysis, have been evaluated.

Findings

It has been shown that the proposed technique is capable of controlling laser pulse duration to correct for variations in joint geometry, material parameters and laser energy delivery and results in more consistent solder joint formation than is achieved using fixed pulse durations.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that image processing is a viable technique for the control of laser soldering processes. This could significantly increase the range of applications of laser soldering techniques where determination and control of pulse parameters have been one of the major challenges.

Originality/value

Although some work has been conducted on the use of pyrometer feedback to control laser processing, it appears that no work has been published on the use of image processing. While the processing algorithms themselves are not novel, this is a new application of these algorithms.
Failure analysis techniques for lead‐free solder joints
Authors: Castello Todd , Rooney Dan , Shangguan Dongkai
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe and document the application of commonly utilized solder joint failure analysis techniques to lead‐free solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional failure analysis techniques, including visual inspection, X‐ray radiography, mechanical strength testing, dye and pry, metallography, microscopy and photomicrography, are reviewed. These techniques are demonstrated as applied to lead‐free and tin lead solder joints. Common failure modes observed in lead‐free and tin lead solder joints are described and compared.

Findings

It is shown that the traditional failure analysis techniques previously utilized for tin lead solder joints are widely applicable to the analysis of lead‐free solder joints. The changes required to effectively apply these techniques to the analysis of lead‐free solder joints are described.

Originality/value

This paper will be instrumental to the process, quality, reliability and failure analysis engineering disciplines in furthering understanding of the application of failure analysis techniques of both tin lead and lead‐free solder joints.
The effects of chip and substrate thickness on the reliability of ACA bonded flip chip joints
Authors: Frisk Laura , Kokko Kati
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chip and substrate thickness on the thermal cycling reliability of flip chip joints assembled with anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACA) on FR‐4 substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

Four test lots were assembled with two substrates and two test chips. The thicknesses of the substrates were 710 and 100 μm and the thicknesses of the chips were 480 and 80 μm. To study the effect of the bonding pressure each test lot contained four test series bonded with four different bonding pressures. The reliability of the test samples was studied using a temperature cycling test.

Findings

The reliability of the test lots varied widely during the test. The test lot with a thin substrate and thin chip demonstrated considerably better reliability than the other test lots. In addition, the test lots had different failure mechanisms. After the test delamination was found in every test lot except the one assembled with the thin chip and the thin substrate.

Originality/value

The work shows that the thermal cycling reliability of ACA flip chip joints can be markedly increased by using thinned chips or reducing the thickness of the substrate.
Determining conformal coating protection
Authors: Hunt Christopher , Mensah Angela , Buxton Anthony , Holman Richard
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This work sets out to characterise the protective properties of conformal coatings and how they degrade.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach dosed several commercial coatings with two different contaminants, a synthetic generic flux mixture of dibasic acids in both a solvent‐ and water‐based carrier, and sodium chloride. The protective properties were monitored using three complementary techniques: surface insulation resistance measurements, sequential electrochemical reduction analysis, and diffusion measurements.

Findings

The experimental approach was verified and the SIR measurements were shown to be the most valuable. Coatings offered varying levels of resistance to the contaminants, with the silicone coating being the most resistant. The flux variants generally proved more harmful to the coatings, suggesting that flux diffusion through the coating exceeded that of NaCl and hence led to greater electrochemical corrosion. Flux transmission through the coatings was verified by the diffusion measurements.

Research limitations/implications

The project only investigated a limited number of contaminates on simple single sided boards. Future work will investigate coverage effects and a wider range of contaminants.

Practical implications

The work shows that coatings can allow diffusion of contaminates, particularly organics, which can lead to corrosion. The test methodology described here can be used to characterise coating susceptibility.

Originality/value

This work starts to develop for the first time a test methodology to characterise the protective properties of conformal coatings, and shows that flux, and hence other similar organic contaminants, may represent a protection challenge for some coating chemistries.
An exploratory study of the use of quality tools and techniques in product development
Authors: Thia C.W. , Chai Kah‐Hin , Bauly John , Xin Yan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The exploratory paper investigates the reasons for the adoption or non‐adoption of quality tools in industry. Although quality tools such as statistical process control and failure mode effect analysis are commonly practiced in manufacturing, the same cannot be said for product development.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted a case study approach in this study, which has been found to be the more suitable approach for exploratory research. Semi‐structured interviews ranging from half an hour to one and a half hours were conducted with seven industrialists and three academics. These industrialists are R&D managers, product development managers, project managers and engineers who have been involved in new product development (NPD) in one way or another.

Findings

Building on previous studies, the study identified two categories of factor affecting the adoption of quality tools: internal and external factors. User‐friendliness, usefulness, time, monetary cost, flexibility and popularity of the tools are internal factors which may influence the usage of tools. External factors such as project nature, organization, industries and culture account for the external influence.

Originality/value

By identifying the possible reasons of (non‐)adoption of quality tools in NPD, researchers can better design tools and techniques which would be more readily adopt by companies.
How HR professionals drive TQM: a case study in an Indian organization
Authors: Palo Sasmita , Padhi Nayantara
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main objectives of the present research were to: look at the strategic role‐played by the HR professionals at various stages of TQM implementation; identify precisely how do they operate as internal consultants; study the interface between HRD and other departments to support TQM; and uncover various human resources challenges associated with TQM implementation in the sample organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected both from the primary and secondary sources. The secondary data had been retrieved from the sources like the files, records, and documents, Annual Reports of the Company. Nevertheless, the analysis made is primarily based upon findings of the structured interview held with the senior executives of the HRD and Personnel Department, TQM‐ISO Cell, and other Supporting Departments, and trade unionist leaders.

Findings

The study finds out that the HR professionals helped out the top management in aligning HR and quality policies; formulating quality friendly policies, systems and procedures; crafting and communicating the TQM mission and vision; generating quality awareness among employees; get organized the organization as well as employees for TQM implementation; developing managerial support to quality action plans (QAPs); organizing quality workshops and TQM training programs; and shifting the conventional mind‐set of employees, etc. in the sample organization. They act as internal consultants to other departments in quality matters. Implementation of TQM in the company has engendered a number of HR challenges for instance, motivating knowledge workers, mobilizing key managerial personnel, obtaining employees satisfaction, overcoming communication barriers, resolving problems associated with PSU trappings and vastness of the organization, etc.

Research limitations/implications

The study on its face appears to be limited as it is carried out in a single Indian organization, i.e. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited/Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant. Thus, its findings cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

The study prescribes certain HR strategies to strengthen the TQM‐HRM bondage in the company.

Originality/value

The findings are very useful from the standpoint of HR professionals.
Graph theory and matrix approach for performance evaluation of TQM in Indian industries
Authors: Kulkarni Sushma
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Once the decision is taken to implement total quality management (TQM) in any organization, achieving TQM is a journey. It takes significant effort over an extended period of time. Seeks to propose a TQM performance index.

Design/methodology/approach

An industry TQM performance index evaluates and ranks the various industries practicing TQM for a given period of time. Uses graph theory and a matrix approach.

Findings

The index is obtained from industry performance function, which is useful for identification and comparison of the different industries for their TQM performance. If the TQM evaluation is done correctly, the evaluation will present the profile of the organization to different audience, i.e. the customers, governments, other industries, funding agencies and public.

Originality/value

The model suggested for evaluation presents a logical approach to rank the industries and other organization practicing TQM or other quality program.
Leadership performance in TQM: a contingency approach
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective is to describe and conceptualize leadership performance in total quality management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

A contingency approach to leadership performance in TQM is undertaken.

Findings

Contingency models of leadership performance in TQM are introduced. Principal parameters in these models are timely contextual accuracies – as well as they contain foresight versus improvidence accuracies – of TQM. A contingency process of leadership performance accuracy in TQM is also introduced. The accuracy parameters are linked by a process accuracy zone. It serves as a descriptive tool of leadership performance. Finally, a typology of leadership performances in TQM is conceptualised.

Research limitations/implications

Generally, this paper is restricted to the core values of TQM, in which a set of core values unites the descriptions of TQM. In particular, this paper is limited to the core value of leadership/management commitment. An important area of further research is to examine the actual accuracy of leadership performance across contexts and over time, as well as foresight versus improvidence accuracy in TQM.

Practical implications

The models, process and typology introduced may be applicable to examine and describe corporate leadership performance in TQM. They may also be used for teaching and training purposes, and in particular as an eye‐opener to the leadership itself, as well as to the employees, the shareholders and other stakeholders (e.g. analysts) in the marketplace. Furthermore, they may be used to position an organisation's specific leadership performance and to compare it with the leadership performance of others (e.g. competitors, suppliers and customers).

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are: two linked contingency models of leadership performance in TQM, a contingency process, and a typology, both of which are of interest to both practitioners and scholars.
TQM implementation and students' satisfaction of academic performance
Authors: Sakthivel P.B. , Rajendran G. , Raju R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of the study is to develop a TQM model of academic excellence and empirically establish a relationship between TQM implementation and students' satisfaction of academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of students from ISO and non‐ISO engineering institutions from South India has been taken for the study. Statistical measures like mean, t‐test, correlation and regression analysis were used.

Findings

The results reflect that ISO 9001:2000 engineering institutions are moving towards the path of TQM offering better quality of educational service than the non‐ISO institutions. A relationship between the five TQM constructs and students' satisfaction of academic performance has also been established.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted in higher engineering education from the students' perspective only. The study is limited to the privately funded engineering institutions. Research relating to other types of institutions namely the government institutions and the deemed universities can be taken up in future.

Practical implications

The academic excellence model developed in this paper can be effectively implemented in the higher educational institutions to enhance the quality of education and students' satisfaction.

Originality/value

5C TQM excellence model is unique. Suggestions to educational authorities interested in improving the quality of education are valuable.
The impact of organizational culture on the successful implementation of total quality management
Authors: Mohammad Mosadegh Rad Ali
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the impact of cultural values on the success of TQM implementation in Isfahan University Hospitals (IUHs), Iran, 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper survey questionnaires were used to elicit responses from hospital managers and employees. Data collected included the characteristics of organizational culture in IUHs and the degree of TQM success and its implementation problems in these hospitals.

Findings

The paper finds that TQM success in IUHs was medium. Implementation of TQM was very low, low, medium and highly successful respectively in 16.7, 16.7, 58.3 and 8.3 percent of hospitals. TQM had the most effect on process management, focus on customers and leadership and management and less effect on focus on suppliers, performance results, strategic planning and focus on material resources. Human resource problems, performance appraisal and strategic problems were the most important obstacles to TQM success respectively. A total of 75 and 25 percent of hospitals had mechanistic and organic structure respectively. In total 41.6 percent of hospitals had weak organizational culture versus 58.4 percent medium culture. The success of TQM in hospitals with organic organizational structure and medium organizational culture was higher than mechanistic and bureaucratic hospitals with weak organizational culture (p<0.05).

Originality/value

The paper shows that TQM requires a quality‐oriented organizational culture supported by senior management commitment and involvement, organizational learning and entrepreneurship, team working and collaboration, risk taking, open communication, continuous improvement, customers focus (both internal and external), partnership with suppliers, and monitoring and evaluation of quality. By replicating this study in different countries and contexts the results could be very helpful for developing a model of TQM that can be implemented successfully in a cross‐cultural context.
Quality management through a national quality award framework
Authors: Cauchick Miguel Paulo A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

As the importance of health care is growing worldwide and it has undergone a significant change, this paper aims to report a case study in a hospital complex that implemented an excellence model framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Reported in this paper is a case research approach in a hospital in Brazil. Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews, direct field observation and archival data records. Then, the aggregation of results was done a posteriori to construct the case study.

Findings

The empirical evidence in the paper has shown that the introduction of the quality management framework based on a national quality award enhanced quality awareness and improved service quality and organizational performance. In addition, the use of the framework at the hospital supports organization leadership in the journey towards quality excellence.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to a single case study. Replications among other samples are needed to validate current findings. In addition, because quality management initiatives are not necessarily constant over time, there is a need to conduct longitudinal studies on a periodical basis. Nevertheless, there is a certain degree of generalization of what has been learned from the case study.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few published studies that report and discuss the implementation of a quality management system based on a performance excellence framework in a country in South America.
Assessing managers' awareness of TQM
Authors: Vouzas F. , Psychogios A.G.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to analyze the rationale and the development of a measure that can be used in assessing managerial awareness and understanding of the concept of total quality management (TQM) within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of nine “soft” concepts of TQM were identified among the leading literature in quality management. The awareness of each one of these items was investigated among nearly 400 managers. The quantitative evidence was further analyzed by factor analysis and reliability tests.

Findings

The statistical analysis provided a distinctive and consistent, statistical measurement of the “soft” side of TQM. This measure consists of three items: continuous improvement and training, total employee empowerment and involvement and quality driven culture, which represent the whole concept of TQM approach.

Research limitations/implications

The separate measurement of the “soft” side of TQM can result in a loss of information. It can be argued, however, that this measure can offer information of possibly different facets of a single phenomenon such as TQM.

Originality/value

Whilst, the technical (“hard”) aspects of TQM are well documented and clearly measured, there is a general disagreement of what exactly composes the philosophical (“soft”) side of TQM. This disagreement provokes a major methodological problem with TQM being associated with the statistical measurement of its principles and concepts, which synthesize its whole theory. Thus, this study analyzes the method, which was used to develop a potential quantitative measure of the “soft” side of TQM that could be adopted in assessing managers' awareness of it.
A comparison of customers' readiness for mass‐customisation
Authors: Bardakci Ahmet , Whitelock Jeryl
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine customers' readiness for mass‐customised products in two European countries, Turkey and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the demand side of the market and begins to explore whether mass‐customisation can be implemented as an international product strategy. A questionnaire was developed, pre‐tested and administered in the UK and (after translation) in Turkey to potential new car buyers.

Findings

A large proportion of customers from both countries would be willing to pay extra to own a product which exactly meets their needs and preferences. However, more respondents in the Turkish sample were willing to do so than in the UK sample. Additionally, Turkish respondents were keen to update the features of their car over time, which favours mass‐customisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory and limited in terms of research sample. Consequently further research is needed to verify the findings. Second, how far the organisation is ready to adopt a mass‐customised approach is a further question to be answered requiring further research. Future research in contexts other than new cars should also be undertaken. Finally, we have focused on “readiness” for mass‐customisation and do not attempt to provide any link between this “readiness” and behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

There may be a viable market of customers for mass‐customised cars, in both the UK and Turkey. Producers now need to examine the price that would be acceptable to both customers and themselves.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic research study to address the demand side of mass‐customisation in two European countries.
Mutual and interactive trust in business dyads: condition and process
Authors: Svensson Göran
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this research is to describe and develop a conceptual framework that differs between the constructs of mutual and interactive trust in business dyads.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based upon the empirical findings of a survey between a vehicle manufacturer (VM) and its most important suppliers.

Findings

On an overall level, there is both mutual and interactive trust between the VM and its suppliers, although on a specific level there is hardly any mutual trust, while there is interactive trust in the studied dyads, where one's trust is increasing the other's trust is decreasing.

Research limitations/implications

The fact that the research was based upon a VM and its most important suppliers implies that the empirical findings of this research might not be generalised beyond the automotive industry. Another limitation has been the use of a trend dimension to estimate the interactive trust in the studied business dyads. Theoretical and managerial implications, as well as concluding thoughts and suggestions for further research of multidisciplinary and marketing channel aspects, are also provided.

Practical implications

Empirically, the research contributes to explore the constructs of mutual and interactive trust in business dyads. The theoretical and empirical contributions serve as a fundament and a structure for further research of mutual and interactive trust.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the contribution is a conceptual framework that distinguishes between mutual and interactive trust based upon two generic determinants, namely condition and process. A suggestion for further research is therefore to explore the process of interactive trust in business dyads at several occasions, and to match this to the condition of mutual trust. Accordingly, the empirical findings of mutual and interactive trust have to be further explored in different business dyads across industries.
The old, the young and the restless
Authors: Glaveli Niki , Kufidu Stella
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the changes that took place in the Greek banking industry in the last years, their impact on strategy and the role of employees' training and development for strategy implementation and success.

Design/methodology/approach

Using four case studies attempts to investigate the effect of the environmental changes on these particular banks and the role of their training and development strategies in adjusting themselves to the changing industry environment.

Findings

Changes in the external environment have reshaped the banking industry environment. Responding to that Greek banks have adopted new strategies. Differentiation on the basis of quality offered and diversification were the main focus of their competitive strategy. The rapid growth and products diversity engendered by a changing internal and external environment fostered by deregulation created a need for additional and more focused training and development. The beneficial effects of training were expected in terms of skills, cultural and role changes, homogenisation and decrease of tensions and insecurities, motivation, commitment, customer satisfaction, reduction of conflict in the workplace and finally quality improvement.

Originality/value

Shows that the changes in the external environment have initiated an emphasis on more strategic and integrated training and development effort for Greek banks.
Motivation, achievements and failure of strategic alliances
Authors: Zineldin Mosad , Dodourova Mariana
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A large number of industrial manufacturers are forming various types of alliances in a bid to improve their competitive position. The number of strategic alliances has almost doubled in the past ten years and is expected to increase even more in the future. However, while many organisations often rush to jump on the bandwagon of strategic alliances, few succeed. The failure rate of strategic alliances is projected to be as high as 70 percent. Interestingly, marriage relationships are found to have similar failure rate. In spite of the high failure rate of strategic alliances, very little is known about the potential failure factors and their possible correlation with alliance motivation and objectives. This paper aims to examine the importance that industrial manufacturers place on various motives for alliance formation and the potential reasons for alliance failure.

Design/methodology/approach

This is in the form of a case‐ and survey‐based study of two large Swedish auto‐manufacturers in Russia.

Findings

The study demonstrates that strategic and managerial motivations are more important than financial and technological motivations, and that a strategic alliance (joint venture) strategy is better rewarded but riskier than a go‐it alone strategy in Russia.

Originality/value

Surprisingly, the results do not show strong support that a go‐it‐alone strategy is less desirable than a joint venture alliance.