bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of quality management systems on firm performance
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Maiti J. , Gunasekaran Angappa 
Published: March 2018

PurposeWithin the operations management literature, quality management (QM) has been one of the most popular research areas over the last few decades. The impact of QM systems on firm performance has been the subject of constant interest and challenge among researchers. Last such review was done in 2002 based on QM-related articles published between 1994 and 1999 and these were primarily on Total Quality Management (TQM). In the last 18 years, a large number of empirical studies have been attempted to investigate QM system-performance relationships in different contexts, covering not only TQM but also other QM systems such as ISO 9001, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and Six Sigma Continuous Improvement projects. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extensive review of 263 papers published in 17 reputed journals during the period 2000 to 2017, this paper shows the reflections of QM systems with respect to study of different QM systems, type of research designs being used, performance categories and metrics being used, and application of tools/techniques.FindingsThe literature review has revealed several gaps in research in the area of QM and calls for research on: empirical longitudinal case studies; implementation of multiple QM systems; identification of leading indicators of firm’s performance; standardization of performance measures; safety, environment and health-related performance measures; the differences in the QM systems on firm’s performance for manufacturing vs service organizations; application of QM systems in developing countries including Asian countries; and impact of ISO 9001 QM system on firm’s performance.Originality/valueThe literature reviews in the past had considered only the TQM-related articles published in reputed journals and did not cover other QM systems such as TPM, TOC, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 QMS, etc., which have also been widely used in many organizations, more so in the last 15 years.
Role of internal and external organizational factors in TQM implementation
Authors: Nasim Kanwal 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework for the development of total quality management (TQM) model for service organizations considering both internal and external environmental factors.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive literature search, it is found that despite a large body of knowledge on TQM, there is hardly any research undertaken on the model of service quality including all external and internal factors that can affect the impact of soft and hard TQM factors on organizations performance. So, a systematic literature review has been conducted to extract the relevant journal articles for the study purpose.FindingsThe conceptual model fills this yawning gap and presents a framework of integrated relationships based on several constituent models. These are soft TQM factors, hard TQM factors and organizational performance. Moreover, quality improvement, market benefits, R&D performance and quality performance are used as mediators while industry rivalry and entry barriers are used as moderators between soft and hard TQM and organizational performance. The seven propositions, derived from these elements, highlight the dynamic relationship between above mentioned constructs.Research limitations/implicationsOne major limitation is the testing of this model. It has not been tested in any environment or organization to assess its validity. Future research can be done to test the developed hypotheses. Besides three journals, other journals can also be focused in future to get detailed insight into different factors. Impact of IT on organizational processes toward TQM can also be studied in future. More rigorous statistical tests can also be applied to generate more findings with an extension of review time period and selection of more journals.Practical implicationsThe model developed in this study can be applied in any service organization with slight modifications to enhance the service quality of organizations by integrating both internal and external aspects for quality improvement. By adopting this framework, organizations can increase their production quality.Originality/valueThis proposed framework will help organizations to effectively implement TQM in their organizations considering internal and external organizational factors.
Productivity changes in Indian steel plants: DEA approach
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Maiti J. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the technical efficiency and productivity changes in the integrated steel plants in India over a period of five years.

Design/methodology/approach
Since this evaluation of integrated steel plants needs consideration of multiple input and output factors, data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been employed including bootstrapping (to account for statistical noise) to evaluate the relative efficiency of the steel manufacturing units. The efficiency and Malmquist productivity indices of a sample of ten integrated steel plants producing around 55 percent of the industry’s output were determined for the period 2008-2013. The results of these changes were further categorized according to the management control, route followed to produce crude steel, size and age of these steel plants, for gaining insights.

Findings
The study finds that private sector steel plants with larger capacity and which have adopted the latest and most modern technologies are more efficient and productive over the study period.

Practical implications
Public sector steel plants should therefore be provided with more autonomy and delegation of power and should be agiler in responding to market requirements as well as increasing their installed capacities to be competitive in technical efficiency and productivity as well as profitability in the long term to ensure sustainable achievements.

Originality/value
Productivity changes over time, both with respect to technological and efficiency changes, for the Indian integrated steel plants producing comparable products using DEA.
Knowledge transfer between projects within project-based organizations: the project nature perspective
Authors: Ren Xu , Deng Xiaofang , Liang Lihua 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how project nature affects the effectiveness of knowledge transfer between projects in project-based organizations (PBOs) and to analyze the roles of inter-project communication, transfer intention and information technology (IT) in the influencing process.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopted a questionnaire survey method to collect data from construction enterprises in China and subsequently proceeded to structural equation modeling analysis with a total of 261 samples.FindingsThe results indicate that the similarity of projects could promote the inter-project communication and improve transfer intention, which further influences knowledge transfer effectiveness positively within PBOs. The urgency of projects has a negative impact on inter-project communication and transfer intention. The temporality of projects also negatively affects inter-project communication. They consequently hinder the knowledge transfer behaviors between projects. Additionally, the application of IT improves the frequency of communication and makes up for the negative impact of geographical distance between projects on knowledge transfer.Practical implicationsBased on the results, a series of strategies is recommended to improve knowledge transfer effectiveness between projects, including standardizing project management, promoting information construction, establishing a post-project evaluation system and creating a shared culture, so that the competitive advantages of PBOs could be improved.Originality/valueThe study explores the factors influencing knowledge transfer between projects from the perspective of project nature and provides guidance for enhancing knowledge management and project management practices.
Interviewer-respondent interaction and rapport in PIAAC
Authors: Maddox Bryan 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate small-scale, qualitative observations of interviewer–respondent interaction in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses video-ethnographic methods to document talk and gesture in assessment in Slovenian household settings. It presents an in-depth case study of interaction in a single testing situation.

Findings
Observing interaction in assessment captures data on assessment performance that is not available in quantitative analysis of assessment response processes. The character of interviewer–respondent interaction and rapport is shaped by the cognitive demands of assessment and the distinctive ecological setting of the household.

Research limitations/implications
Observational data on assessment response processes and interaction in real-life assessments can be integrated into and synthesized with other sources of “process data”.

Practical implications
Assessment programs such as PIAAC should consider the significance of the household setting on assessment quality and observations of interaction in assessment as a valid source of paradata.

Social implications
There is a place for small-scale observational studies of assessment to inform public understanding of assessment quality and validity.

Originality/value
The paper provides qualitative insights into the significance of interaction and “interviewer effects” in household assessment settings.
Effects of Processing Conditions During Manufacture on Retronasal‐Aroma Compounds from a Milk Coffee Drink
Authors: Ikeda Michio , Akiyama Masayuki , Hirano Yuta , Miyazi Kazuhiro , Kono Masaya , Imayoshi Yuriko , Iwabuchi Hisakatsu , Onodera Takeshi , Toko Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2018

To develop a ready‐to‐drink (RTD) milk coffee retaining the original coffee flavor, the effects of processing conditions during manufacture on retronasal‐arma (RA) compounds from the milk coffee were investigated by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry using an RA simulator (RAS). Thirteen of 46 detected compounds in the RAS effluent (RAS compounds) decreased significantly following pH adjustment of coffee (from pH 5.1 to 6.8) and 5 compounds increased. RAS compounds from coffee tended to decrease through the pH adjustment and subsequent sterilization. Significantly higher amounts of 13 RAS compounds were released from the milk coffee produced using a blending‐after‐sterilization (BAS) process without the pH adjustment than from that using a blending‐before‐sterilization (BBS) process with the pH adjustment. In BAS‐processed milk coffee, significantly lower amounts of 8 high‐volatility compounds and 1H‐pyrrole were released from coffee containing infusion‐sterilized (INF) milk than from coffee containing plate‐sterilized (PLT) milk, whereas 3 low‐volatility compounds were released significantly more from coffee using PLT milk. Principal component analysis revealed that the effect of the manufacturing process (BAS, BBS, or homemade (blending unsterilized coffee without pH adjustment with sterilized milk)) on milk coffee volatiles was larger than that of the sterilization method (INF or PLT) for milk, and that the sterilization method could result in different RAS volatile characteristics in BAS and homemade processes. In conclusion, a BAS process was found to be superior to a BBS process for the manufacture of an RTD milk coffee that retains volatile characteristics similar to that of a homemade milk coffee.Practical ApplicationReady‐to‐drink (RTD) milk coffee manufactured using the conventional blending‐before‐sterilization process does not retain its original coffee flavor due to pH adjustment of the coffee during the process. The new blending‐after‐sterilization (BAS) process enabled the production of RTD milk coffee whose volatiles are closer to that of homemade milk coffee, as demonstrated by the results of RAS‐GC‐MS analysis. The BAS process has already been applied to the manufacture of RTD milk coffees in Japan.
Influence of Expectation Measure on the Sensory Acceptance of Petit Suisse Product
Authors: Teixeira Lopes Maria Micheline , Passos Rodrigues Maria do Carmo , Souza de Araújo Ana Maria 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe consumer's expectation has an important role in the consumption of food products. It is one of the factors that influence the perception of sensory attributes and interact with the physiological, behavioral and cognitive factors influencing consumer decisions. The present study aimed to analyze the influence of consumer's expectations on the acceptance of Petit Suisse. Products of 4 different brands were used for the sensory analysis, 2 international brands and 2 regional ones. The 9‐point regular hedonic scale was employed to carry out affective sensory and expectation measure tests (with and without product information). Concerning the present research, photos of the packaging of each product were printed in color and presented to the participants. These photos displayed the following pieces of information: the product brand, pictures, colors, product name, nutritional information and date of manufacture. International samples obtained higher grades when presented with their packaging, and obtained lower values both in the blind test and in the real expectation test evaluation. It can be concluded that the sensory analysis of the expectation measure showed that the brand influences the acceptance of the product, for the consumer's expectations for international brands had positively confirmed and disconfirmed acceptance.Practical ApplicationThis study generated a significant contribution, especially for companies that aim for a wider market. The application of sensory analysis with a focus on expectation measure, it shows that the brand determines the purchase, based on the results of this study. Therefore, the product's visual identity must be invested in; it must arouse children and adults’ attention. That is, it reinforces that the image of the product, the label and what it arouses in the consumers are extremely important for the final choice.
Understanding Kombucha Tea Fermentation: A Review
Authors: Villarreal‐Soto Silvia Alejandra , Beaufort Sandra , Bouajila Jalloul , Souchard Jean‐Pierre , Taillandier Patricia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractKombucha is a beverage of probable Manchurian origins obtained from fermented tea by a microbial consortium composed of several bacteria and yeasts. This mixed consortium forms a powerful symbiosis capable of inhibiting the growth of potentially contaminating bacteria. The fermentation process also leads to the formation of a polymeric cellulose pellicle due to the activity of certain strains of Acetobacter sp. The tea fermentation process by the microbial consortium was able to show an increase in certain biological activities which have been already studied; however, little information is available on the characterization of its active components and their evolution during fermentation. Studies have also reported that the use of infusions from other plants may be a promising alternative.Practical ApplicationKombucha is a traditional fermented tea whose consumption has increased in the recent years due to its multiple functional properties such as anti‐inflammatory potential and antioxidant activity. The microbiological composition of this beverage is quite complex and still more research is needed in order to fully understand its behavior. This study comprises the chemical and microbiological composition of the tea and the main factors that may affect its production.
Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and disability: What is the contribution of diabetes risk factors and diabetes complications?
Authors: Tabesh Maryam , Shaw Jonathan E. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Söderberg Stefan , Koye Digsu N. , Kowlessur Sudhir , Timol Maryam , Joonas Noorjehan , Sorefan Ameena , Gayan Praneel , Alberti K. George M.M. , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Magliano Dianna J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between type 2 diabetes and disability in Mauritius and to assess the extent to which the effect of diabetes is explained by diabetes risk factors and concomitant complications.MethodsData from a national survey in the multiethnic nation of Mauritius, which comprises South Asians and African Creoles, were analyzed. Disability was measured using the Katz activities of daily living questionnaire in participants aged >50 years.ResultsAmong 3692 participants, 487 (13.2%) had some level of disability. Diabetes was associated with significantly higher risk of disability (odds ratio [OR] 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–2.08). After adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and metabolic factors, as well as comorbidities, disability was significantly associated with diabetes among African Creoles (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.16–3.56), but not South Asians (OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.98–1.66). Obesity explained much of the association between diabetes and disability (excess percentage of risk: 26.3% in South Asians and 12.1% in African Creoles). Obesity, history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), asthma‐like symptoms, and depression together explained 46.5% and 29.0% of the excess risk in South Asians and African Creoles, respectively.ConclusionsDiabetes is associated with a 67% increased risk of disability. Diabetes risk factors and comorbidities explain more of the association between diabetes and disability among South Asians than Africans. Obesity and history of CVD explained the largest percentage of the relationship between diabetes and disability, indicating that weight and CVD management may be helpful in controlling disability related to diabetes.
Case sharing of a patient re‐challenged with afatinib for EGFR‐mutated advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Victor H.F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA 65‐year‐old female with diabetes mellitus but otherwise good health in the past suffered from cough with occasional blood‐stained sputum during initial presentation. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion and hence received afatinib therapy for 25 months without obvious adverse events except for a grade 1–2 acneiform rash. The disease was stabilized after subsequent cycles of chemotherapy with pemetrexed and carboplatin followed by maintenance pemetrexed. The patient was rechallenged with afatinib treatment as a named‐patient drug in July 2014 (after approval) and later received afatinib in combination with palliative radiation. A blood test confirmed the presence of the T790M mutation and the patient was on osimertinib as part of a compassionate use program. The patient experienced good drug tolerance and eventually had a significant drop in tumor marker levels. This case provides insight into the use of afatinib in first‐line setting of EGFR‐mutated lung cancer.
ARE COOPERATIVES MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN INVESTOR‐OWNED FIRMS? CROSS‐INDUSTRY EVIDENCE FROM PORTUGAL
Authors: MONTEIRO Natália P. , STRAUME Odd Rune 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTWe analyse empirically whether cooperatives and investor‐owned firms differ in terms of productive efficiency. Using rich Portuguese panel data covering a wide range of industries, we apply two different empirical approaches to estimate potential differences in productive efficiency. The results from our benchmark random‐effects model show that cooperatives are significantly less productive, on average, than investor‐owned firms, both at the aggregate level and for most of the industries considered. However, the results derived from a System‐GMM approach, which is our preferred empirical strategy, are much less conclusive, and we cannot conclude that cooperatives are generally less efficient that investor‐owned firms. With either approach, though, we find no evidence that cooperatives are more productive than investor‐owned firms in any industry.
RESILIENCE MEASUREMENT AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: SERFILIPPI Elena , RAMNATH Gayatri 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe lack of consensus and consistency in measuring resilience undermines the ability of the development aid community to objectively monitor and verify the effects of programs that are intentionally designed to build resilience. In this paper we compare conceptual and analytical models of resilience used by various development organizations, critically evaluating their strengths and weaknesses from a program implementation and measurement point of view. We provide the reader with a clear synthesis of the literature and a classification system for these resilience models. Lastly, we bridge the ‘measurement gap’ by mapping each resilience model to their set of indicators and by building a list of indicators and metrics directly distilled from the literature and classified using SMART filters.
Proton pump inhibitor use and risk of hip fractures among community‐dwelling persons with Alzheimer's disease—a nested case‐control study
Authors: Torvinen‐Kiiskinen S. , Tolppanen A.‐M. , Koponen M. , Tanskanen A. , Tiihonen J. , Hartikainen S. , Taipale H. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBackgroundHip fractures are a major health concern among older persons with Alzheimer's disease, who usually use many concomitant drugs for several diseases. Evidence of the association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of hip fracture is contradictory.AimTo investigate whether the long‐term use of proton pump inhibitor is associated with risk of hip fractures among community‐dwelling persons with Alzheimer's disease.MethodsIn this nested case‐control study, the nationwide MEDALZ data were utilised. Community‐dwelling persons with Alzheimer's disease who encountered incident hip fracture (N = 4818; mean age 84.1) were included as cases. Four controls were matched for each case at the date of hip fracture (N = 19 235; mean age 84.0). The association between hip fracture and duration of current PPI use (ongoing use during 0‐30 days before the index date), and cumulative duration of use during 10 years before was investigated with conditional logistic regression.ResultsLong‐term or cumulative proton pump inhibitor use was not associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. Current proton pump inhibitor use was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03‐1.22). The risk was increased in short‐term current use (<1 year) (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10‐1.37).ConclusionsThe increased risk of hip fracture was evident only in short‐term proton pump inhibitor use, but no association was found for long‐term or cumulative use. Thus, our findings do not support previous assumptions that long‐term proton pump inhibitor use would be associated with an increased risk of hip fractures.