bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of process capability indices of linear profiles
Authors: Zahra Hosseinifard Seyedeh , Abbasi Babak 
Published: January 2012

PurposeIn profile monitoring, which is a growing research area in the field of statistical process control, the relationship between response and explanatory variables is monitored over time. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the process capability analysis of linear profiles. Process capability indices give a quick indication of the capability of a manufacturing process.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the proportion of the non‐conformance criteria is employed to estimate process capability index. The paper has considered the cases where specification limits is constant or is a function of explanatory variable X. Moreover, cases where both equal and random design schemes in profile data acquisition is required (as the explanatory variable) is considered. Profiles with the assumption of deterministic design points are usually used in the calibration applications. However, there are other applications where design points within a profile would be i.i.d. random variables from a given distribution.FindingsSimulation studies using simple linear profile processes for both fixed and random explanatory variable with constant and functional specification limits are considered to assess the efficacy of the proposed method.Originality/valueThere are many cases in industries such as semiconductor industries where quality characteristics are in form of profiles. There is no method in the literature to analyze process capability for theses processes, however recently quite a few methods have been presented in monitoring profiles. Proposed methods provide a framework for quality engineers and production engineers to evaluate and analyze capability of the profile processes.
A self‐assessment scheme for an R&D organization based on ISO 9004:2000
Authors: Hwang Young‐Ha , Kim Dong‐Young , Jeong Myong‐Kee 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a self‐assessment scheme and processes that are developed for and applied to a R&D organization based on ISO 9004:2000. The presented self‐assessment has been performed during internal audits based on quality management system in Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Korea.Design/methodology/approachIn order to enhance the reliability of the self‐assessment, the preliminary works such as training, workshop, case study and pre‐assessment rating are performed in advance before self‐assessment. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the reliability of self‐assessment results using Cohen's Kappa coefficient and the observed agreement index.FindingsThe results of this paper present that an organization's performance maturity level evolves sustainably through self‐assessment scheme and processes.Practical implicationsThese results and lessons learned will be very useful to the organization that intends to enhance the performance of its R&D projects and processes and improve its processes continuously.Originality/valueISO 9004:2000 presents the guidelines of self‐assessment for the organization that intend to continually improve its performance considering the effectiveness and efficiency of a quality management system. According to ISO 9004, the range and depth of self‐assessment should be planned in relation to the organization's objectives and priorities. This paper discusses a self‐assessment scheme and processes that are developed for and applied to a R&D organization based on ISO 9004:2000.
Behavior analysis of synthesis unit in fertilizer plant
Authors: Garg Harish , Sharma S.P. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a technique for analyzing the behavior of an industrial system utilizing vague, imprecise, and uncertain data. The synthesis unit of a urea plant situated in northern part of India has been considered to demonstrate the proposed approach. Sensitivity analysis of system's behaviour has also been done in it.Design/methodology/approachIn the proposed approach, traditional Lambda‐Tau technique is used to analyze the behavior of a complex repairable synthesis unit of a fertilizer industry up to a desired degree of accuracy. This technique has been demonstrated by computing eight well‐known reliability indices which are used for behaviour analysis of the considered system in a more promising way.FindingsThe study of analysis of reliability, availability, maintainability etc can help in increasing the production and quality of synthesis. To ensure the system performance throughout its service life, it is necessary to set up proper maintenance, planning and control which can be done after studying the variation of reliability, availability with respect to time. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to access the current system condition and involved uncertainties. The present paper suggested an approach to improve the system's performance.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a technique for analyzing the stochastic behavior of an industrial subsystem by computing eight well‐known reliability indices in the form of fuzzy membership function. The benefits for the methodology include the ability to model and deal with highly complex system as fuzzy sets can deal easily with approximations and it helps in improving and handling the uncertainties and possibilities.
Financial performance of Baldrige Award winners: a review and synthesis
Authors: Jacob Rudolph A. , Madu Christian N. , Tang Charles 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform recently released a preliminary report with recommendations on cutting costs in the federal government, and one of its recommendations included the elimination of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, formerly known as the Malcolm Baldrige Nationality Quality Award Program. Established by an act of Congress in 1987, during the Reagan Administration, the goal of the Malcolm Baldrige Nationality Quality Award Program was to stimulate and reward product quality excellence. Since the inception of the award, however, there has been a long‐standing controversy among industry leaders and academics on whether winning this award does enhance future financial performance and ultimately shareholders' wealth. This debate has again been recently fueled by the possible elimination of the program by the US government. This study, aims to shed further light on this subject by examining the academic research on the financial performance of the Baldrige Award winners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines academic and professional research on whether the Award adds value to firms and their investors.FindingsThe conclusion, perhaps not surprisingly, is somewhat mixed; although there is parsimonious evidence to suggest that Award winners do witness an increase in market value. By and large, the authors feel that when all the benefits of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program are considered and given the short‐term focus of studies in this area, the elimination of the program would be a terrible mistake.Originality/valueThe paper offers an original review and synthesis.
Perceptions of changes in practice following peer review in the National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Resources and Outcomes Project
Authors: Rivas Carol , Taylor Stephanie , Abbott Stephen , Clarke Aileen , Griffiths Chris , Roberts C. Michael , Stone Robert 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of local service change and concepts of change amongst participants in a UK nationwide randomised controlled trial of informal, structured, reciprocated, multidisciplinary peer review with feedback to promote quality improvement: the National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Resources and Outcomes Project (NCROP).Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a qualitative study, involving semi‐structured interviews with 43 hospital respiratory consultants, nurses and general managers at 24 intervention and 11 control NCROP sites. Thematic analysis resulted in adoption of Joss and Kogan's quality indicators as an analytic framework.FindingsThe paper finds that peer review was associated with positive changes, which may lead to sustained service improvement. Differences existed in perceptions of change among clinicians and between clinicians and managers. “Generic changes” (e.g. changes in interpersonal relations or cultural changes), were often not perceived as change.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the significance of generic change in evaluations of change processes. Most participants were clinicians limiting inter‐professional comparisons. Some clinical staff failed to recognise changes they accomplished or their significance, perceiving change differently to others within their professional group. These findings have implications for policy and research. They should be considered when developing frameworks for assessing quality improvements and staff engagement with change.Originality/valueThis is the first qualitative study exploring participants' experience of peer review for quality improvement in healthcare. The study adds to previous research into UK health service improvement, which has had a more restricted focus on inter‐professional differences.
A pilot study of satisfaction in oncology nursing care: an indirect predictor of quality of care
Authors: Uña Cidón Esther , Cuadrillero Martín Fernando , Hijas Villaizán Milagros , López Lara Francisco 
Published: January 2012

PurposeAlthough “satisfaction” is not easy to define, excellence in health care is impossible without professional/patient satisfaction, so this paper aims to report on a pilot study designed in order to evaluate the degree of nursing staff satisfaction with the implementation of measures to improve quality of care.Design/methodology/approachThe project consisted of several phases: writing protocols of care; training of nursing staff in their management; and a cross‐sectional study to evaluate nursing staff satisfaction with them. The design of the survey consisted of a 16‐item Likert scale, which had to be auto filled. A factorial analysis to simplify and validate the tools was used, using statistical analyses with SPSS software 8.0.Practical implicationsThe results are applicable to young small oncological units with high degree of variability in patient care. The study showed that nursing staff satisfaction with new improvement measures taken improves safety and finally quality of care.FindingsThe study obtained four dimensions (D) explaining 100 percent of variance. Each dimension with several items: D1: “Nursing job quality” explaining 48.4 percent of variance; D2: “Satisfaction with the knowledge”; D3: “Nursing job feelings/perceptions”; D4: “Nursing communication with doctors/patients”. It provided a direct point of view of each nurse, knowledge about problems encountered daily and demonstration of how a simple/convenient method is useful to engage the staff in decision‐making‐process and implementation of new strategies or to promote the integration of basic aspects of health management in daily clinical practice.Originality/valueThis is the first study evaluating nursing staff satisfaction with new improvement measures taken in a small medical unit, aiming at quality of care benefits. Very promising results were obtained although the sample size was small.
Context challenges the champion: improving hip fracture care in a Swedish university hospital
Authors: Löfgren Susanne , Hansson Johan , Øvretveit John , Brommels Mats 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and explain a clinician‐led improvement of a hip fracture care process in a university hospital, and to assess the results and factors helping and hindering change implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has a mixed methods case study design. Data collection was guided by a framework directing attention to the content and process of the change, its context and outcomes.FindingsUsing a multiprofessional project team, beneficial changes in the early parts of the care process were achieved, but inability to change surgical staff work practices meant that the original goal of operating patients within 24 hours was not reached. After three years, top management introduced a hospital‐wide process improvement programme, which “took over” the responsibility for improving hip fracture care.Research implications/limitationsA clear vision why change is needed and what needs to be done, which is well communicated by a respected clinical leader, can motivate personnel, but other influences are also needed to bring about change. Without a plan agreed and supported by top management, changes are likely to be limited to parts of the process and improvements to patient care may be minimal. These and other findings may be applicable to similar situations in other services.Originality/valueThis case study is an illustration of both the strengths and the weaknesses of a “bottom‐up, clinician‐champion‐led improvement initiative” in a complex university hospital.
Estimating ICU bed capacity using discrete event simulation
Authors: Zhu Zhecheng , Hoon Hen Bee , Liang Teow Kiok 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital caters for critically ill patients. The number of the ICU beds has a direct impact on many aspects of hospital performance. Lack of the ICU beds may cause ambulance diversion and surgery cancellation, while an excess of ICU beds may cause a waste of resources. This paper aims to develop a discrete event simulation (DES) model to help the healthcare service providers determine the proper ICU bed capacity which strikes the balance between service level and cost effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe DES model is developed to reflect the complex patient flow of the ICU system. Actual operational data, including emergency arrivals, elective arrivals and length of stay, are directly fed into the DES model to capture the variations in the system. The DES model is validated by open box test and black box test. The validated model is used to test two what‐if scenarios which the healthcare service providers are interested in: the proper number of the ICU beds in service to meet the target rejection rate and the extra ICU beds in service needed to meet the demand growth.FindingsA 12‐month period of actual operational data was collected from an ICU department with 13 ICU beds in service. Comparison between the simulation results and the actual situation shows that the DES model accurately captures the variations in the system, and the DES model is flexible to simulate various what‐if scenarios.Originality/valueDES helps the healthcare service providers describe the current situation, and simulate the what‐if scenarios for future planning.
Ladies' purchase intention during retail shoes sales promotions
Authors: Yoon Kin Tong David , Piew Lai Kim , Fa Tong Xue 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine ladies' buying behaviour during shoes sales promotions in Malaysia, using the highly validated Belk's Model.Design/methodology/approachUsing this validated model, the main research framework consists of Social Surroundings (SS), Temporal Perspective (TP), Task Definition (TD), Physical Surrounding (PS), used as predictors for Sales Promotion Purchase (SPP). Ethnic groups are used as a moderator for this study.FindingsThe results identify few key predictors during shoes sales promotion. Ladies expressed the importance of first day sales for first buyer's advantage, and they preferred large shops with music. Moreover, due to the multi‐racial society in the country, ethnic group interaction on the model did not indicate impact of consumer differences affecting the sales promotion purchase. That is, during a specific festive season sale, all ethnic groups take full advantages of the sale.Research limitations/implicationsThis implies that Belk's Model is still applicable even in multi sales promotions for a specific product – shoes. However, the study may have the slight possibility of biases due to the retrospective accounts of recalling purchase involvement in retails shop(s) during sale promotions. Nevertheless, it is assumed that these biases are minimal as there are six sales per year in the country, averaging one sale per two months.Originality/valueThis study provides an insight of ladies' purchasing behaviour and their preferred types of retail outlets, which contributes to retail owners' sales promotional strategies to attract consumers during festive seasons.
Contribution of RFID technology to better management of fashion supply chains
Authors: Garrido Azevedo Susana , Carvalho Helena 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the deployment of RFID technology in fashion supply chain management (FSCM). It highlights the contribution of RFID to FSCM, supporting faster logistics activities, with greater products quality, cheaper and with more responsiveness, improving customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive theory building approach is used to develop a conceptual model for RFID deployment in the FSCM context. Secondary data analysis from a sample of six companies supports the identification and discussion of the real advantages, disadvantages and barriers felt by companies in a fashion supply chain when RFID technology is introduced.FindingsThe logistics activities in the fashion supply chain where RFID technology is most widely deployed are: shipping operations, tracking of raw materials, semi‐finished components and finished garments, collecting finished goods, handling processes, tracking containers, tracking products from factory to store, receiving operations, monitoring, and sorting of merchandise. In most cases, the tagging operation is performed at some stage in the production process and tag reading occurs at distribution centres or at stores. The main barrier identified to the deployment of RFID is the problem of interoperability. The costs associated with the technology are the main disadvantage pointed out by the companies.Practical implicationsA conceptual framework is proposed exploring the RFID advantages and disadvantages across the fashion supply chain, the main barriers to its introduction and the fashion supply chain logistics activities in which RFID could be found. This represents an important contribution to companies in this industry to become more aware of RFID. Also, new companies which are thinking of introducing this technology could overcome its barriers easily, improving its advantages and minimizing its disadvantages.Originality/valueThis paper explores the deployment of RFID in the fashion supply chain from the perspective of technology users.
Interpretation of the retail brand: an SME perspective
Authors: Mitchell Richard , Hutchinson Karise , Bishop Susan 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the meaning of the term “retail brand” to small‐ to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) owner managers and how this impacts upon brand management practice.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilises a case study approach, which involved 12 SME retailers located in two regions of the UK, combining qualitative interview data with desktop research and documentary evidence.FindingsThe findings of this paper confirm that the owner manager is central to the brand management function in SME retail firms. Furthermore, it was found that the retail brand encompasses both symbolic and functional meaning to the owner manager.Research limitations/implicationsThis research contributes to the retail and SME literature by offering a conceptual framework, which presents the interpretation of the retail brand from abstractive, service and environmental perspectives.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that SME owner managers set an overall direction for branding across all aspects of the retail business. In doing so, existing retail brand models may be utilised as a tool kit for SME brand managers.Originality/valueThe research begins to address a significant empirical lacuna in branding at the SME retail marketing interface. This paper also adds to wider marketing discourse, through the presentation of terminological adaptation within a small retailing situ.
Hotel companies' environmental policies and practices: a content analysis of their web pages
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Chin (Jerrie) 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the environmental management policies and practices of the top 50 hotel companies as disclosed on their corporate web sites.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed content analysis to review the web sites of the top 50 hotel companies as defined herein.FindingsOnly 46 per cent of the selected hotel companies used web pages to post information related to environmental issues on their public web sites. The web pages of Wyndham, IHG, Accor, Whitbread, Hyatt, Rezidor, Sol Melia, TUI, and Scandic featured more revealing environmental information than that posted by other companies, which indicated their environmental commitment and engagement. The results of content analysis identified 12 major environmental focus areas in which the sample hotel companies engaged.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings on environmental policies and practices are limited to the environmental information featured on the web sites of the top 50 hotel companies. Some of these companies may have established environmental policies or initiated environmental programs not disseminated on their web sites. In addition, web page information can be changed at any time, and the findings of this study are based upon a snapshot of the web sites as of March 2010.Practical implicationsThis study establishes a benchmark of the dissemination of environmental information on the internet by leading hotels, and provides a preliminary picture of environmental initiatives and engagement among these top hotel companies. The information generated from this study can serve as a guide for hotels that would like to engage in an environmental management program. This study also provides a source of information for hotels that would like to develop environmental web sites to demonstrate their environmental commitment to their stakeholders.Originality/valueInformation concerning the content of environmental information disseminated on the web sites of large hotel companies is sparse. Consequently, this study aims to provide a snapshot of where the hotel industry is with regard to on‐line environmental disclosure and related environmental policies and practices.
Effects of the size of the board of directors and board involvement in strategy on a private club's financial performance
Authors: Hyun Kim Seung , Min Cha Jae , Cichy Ronald F. , Ran Kim Mi , Tkach Julie L. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of the size of the board of directors and board involvement in strategy on financial performance in the private club industry.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in a web‐based survey of chief operating officers (COOs) and general managers (GMs) who are members of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). Hierarchical regression analysis of data from 360 respondents was used to examine the proposed model.FindingsThe results showed that board members' involvement in strategy and the size of the board of directors have a positive influence on a private club's financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is indicated to include other board‐related influences such as group composition and the quality of relationships between board members and GMs/COOs to measure a club's financial performance.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited existing literature on the association between a board of directors and financial performance in the private club industry.