Could lean and green be the driver to integrate business improvement throughout the organisation?

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Chaplin ◽  
Simon T.J. O’Rourke
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Lean And Green ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies

Purpose It seems to be the consensus (Zhang et al., 2012; George et al., 2003; Arumugam et al., 2013) that Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has become a beneficial improvement initiative used in a variety of industries. There is a move towards integrating any high-level business improvement methods holistically throughout the whole organisation. Indeed, Hoerl (2014) explored the idea that when using LSS for business improvement, the programme should engage the whole organisation in much the same way as the financial function is present throughout each department. The purpose of this paper is to posit that using the lean and green agenda may be the driver to achieve integration. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a subjective ontological perspective with the researcher using participant observation as the main research instrument. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) note that it is now common for scholars to argue that the only relevant data are those based upon the personal experience of the researcher; this served as an informing foundation for the approach for the exploration of the topic. Based on multiple case studies, chosen because they operate in different sectors, the paper adopted an extended case method (Burawoy, 1998) to analyse and gather the research. The organisations were chosen because they both were at a similar stage in their continuous improvement (CI) journey. The main reasoning behind the selection of the two different organisations is to reach “Thick Description” (Geertz, 1973, p. 3, 2001). Findings The findings suggest that there are still significant benefits of implementing a large-scale lean agenda in particular when using an LSS methodology. The paper finds that there are also significant gaps in achieving full integration within the organisation and argues that lean and CI are still the remit of the operations manager. The document goes on to argue that if the CI initiative is driven by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan, then any lean/lean green implementation will enable the company to drive CI integration with all stakeholders. Research limitations/implications The research has implications for those responsible for the CSR function within the organisation and the operations manager who is charged with implementing any lean/lean and green CI. Practical implications The paper argues that the lean and green agenda can drive integration of any CI activity throughout the organisation and suggests that the way this can be achieved is any CI activity that is included in the wider CSR plan. Social implications This paper contributes to the “lean and green” agenda and offers a solution for the problem of integrating LSS activities throughout the whole organisation by placing CI and LSS within the CSR remit. Originality/value There is little consensus how this holistic integrated approach should be implemented by the company. This research uses multiple case studies to critically examine the application of LSS as an improvement programme within two large UK-based organisations, each company operating in very different industry sectors to identify the benefits of LSS but also the missed “green/societal” opportunities and argues that if any lean and lean and green agenda is to be holistically adopted, then any CI activity should be driven by the CSR department.

How women traverse an upward journey in Indian industry: multiple case studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Chawla ◽  
Radha R. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Women Leaders ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Women In Leadership ◽  
Leadership Positions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Industry ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present multiple case studies of women in leadership roles in India with a view to identifying inhibitors, facilitators and the strategies adopted by them to mitigate the challenges in their odyssey to these positions. The paper contributes to the pivotal subject of under-representation of women in apex positions, which has garnered the attention of researchers in recent years grappling with the identification of the underlying causes. Thus, with a view to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions, a greater understanding of this phenomenon is called for. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts exploratory case study method using multiple case studies. Empirical data were gathered using in-depth semi-structured interviews and personality test (NEO FFI) from women in leadership positions. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The analysis of data has led to the identification of challenges faced by the women that were categorised as personal, professional, organisational and social issues. Further, six themes emerged as the strategies adopted by the women leaders to overcome the challenges. The paper also highlights the critical social, behavioural and organisational facilitators that played an important role in their leadership journey. The paper also includes context-specific findings of women leaders from Indian industry. Practical implications The paper would have relevance for researchers and practitioners in the field of gender diversity, leadership, organisational behaviour and human resource management. The findings of this paper can be leveraged by organisations to retain and manage female talent, which is a focal area in the present dynamic business environment, when a need for gender diversity is widely acknowledged by the top management in organisations. The exploratory case studies provide vistas for gender-based context-specific and cross-cultural research on the challenges faced by women executives in their leadership journey and the strategies adopted to mitigate these. Originality/value Though a great deal has been written about the barriers to women’s career advancement, less is known about the facilitators of women’s advancement. Also, women in the Asian context face unique challenges which present a major problem for multinational companies whose hopes for growth are pinned on emerging markets. The paper has identified new emergent themes, which have not been mentioned in the extant literature nationally or globally. The findings provide inputs to companies to adopt policies and practices to facilitate gender equality in leadership. The paper bridges the knowledge gap and makes conceptual contributions for future research.

Building a comprehensive framework for sustainable education using case studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran ◽  
Abhijit Deshpande
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Education ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Market Needs ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive theory for sustainable education. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used a multiple case studies approach. Findings The authors have identified ten drivers that influence sustainable education. Most of these drivers have been drawn on the basis of extensive literature review; however, some of the drivers are novel to the current study, such as attitude, behavior, and promotion. Research limitations/implications The framework needs to be validated using empirical research with a large-sample size. Practical implications The study offers guidelines to universities and institutions that want to impart sustainable education to their students for better employability. Social implications The study makes an immense contribution to society by recognizing the need for sustainable education and identifying how to achieve better results. Originality/value The current paper contributes to the existing literature by identifying three novel constructs and how the constructs can shape sustainable education to address current market needs.

The case studies of fraud prevention mechanisms in the Malaysian medium enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1024-1038
Author(s):  
Malar Gunasegaran ◽  
Rohaida Basiruddin ◽  
Siti Zaleha Abdul Rasid ◽  
Adriana Mohd Rizal
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Fraud Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the extent and type of fraud scheme, prevention mechanisms and challenges experienced by the Malaysian medium enterprises. Design/methodology/approach The multiple case studies approach has been used in this study. The data were collected through interviews with the directors, owners, managers and supervisors of three medium-size enterprises. Findings The findings suggest that the fraud cases experienced by the enterprises were related to broken trust and non-cash larceny. The implementation of fraud prevention mechanisms in the enterprises seem to be very limited because of resources and budget constraints. Practical implications The findings of the study have an alarming implication for the owners and directors of the selected medium-size organizations. They seem to have shown proactivity and to have responded to fraud in their organizations by implementing fraud prevention mechanisms; however, not to the extent that large organizations have done. This fact may expose the companies to the risk of losing their competitiveness and the ability to survive in the marketplace. Originality/value This paper contributes to the growing literature on the studies of fraud scheme and the fraud prevention mechanism in the medium-size enterprises, particularly in the context of developing country. Prior studies in these areas have predominantly been undertaken by large organizations of developed countries, which offer different environment, litigation and institutional setting thus limits the generalizability of fraud prevention mechanism to small- and medium-size businesses.

Models for understanding the influence of Supply Chain Governance on Supply Chain Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 424-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Cunha Dolci ◽  
Antonio Carlos Gastaud Maçada ◽  
Ely Laureano Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Supply Chain Governance

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop models and analyse the influence of supply chain governance (SCG) and its conceptions (contractual, relational and transactional) on supply chain performance (SCP). Design/methodology/approach Multiple case studies and survey methods were used. Data collection in the multiple case studies was performed by in-depth interviews with supply chain executives from top strategic levels in six companies. The research instrument was applied to 185 executives from large companies that possessed a broad, complex supply chain in Brazil. Findings It was identified that SCG, comprising contractual, relational and transactional aspects, has a positive influence on operational and financial SCP. SCG was found to be a more comprehensive view of the supply chain that focuses on more strategic aspects and long-term inter-organizational relationships. SCG affects SCP, primarily in the operational aspects with regard to global costs and in the financial aspects of investment return. Originality/value SCG is a topic that has been widely studied in recent years for analysing inter-organizational relations as a multi-dimensional phenomenon embedded in the company’s structures and processes. Studies analysing all aspects of SCG at the same time, however, have not been found. Moreover, there are a number of performance indicators, but there is a lack of consensus on what determines the performance of these supply chains. Furthermore, few studies have attempted to understand the effects of SCG on supply chain performance.

scholarly journals The illusive nature of social enterprise at the base of the pyramid

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Panum ◽  
Michael W. Hansen ◽  
Elder Davy
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Orientation ◽  
Base Of The Pyramid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Enterprise ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies

Purpose Based on six case studies of self-proclaimed social enterprises (SEs) in Kenya, this paper aims to critically assess the “SE” concept in a base of the pyramid (BoP) context. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on multiple case studies to challenge traditional notions of SE. Six SEs operating at the BoP in Kenya are analysed. Interviews are conducted with entrepreneurs from each enterprise, during which the enterprises’ business models are mapped and scrutinised. Findings Based on the six case studies, the paper argues that the SE concept is challenged in a BoP context: the six Kenyan SEs viewed social and commercial orientation as equally important and mutually supportive; viewed social orientation as a competitive advantage; and did not consider social objectives as harmonious. These findings corroborate key claims of the BoP literature, e.g. that it is not possible meaningfully to distinguish social and commercial missions at the BoP as they are intertwined; that any company succeeding at the BoP will have a social impact; and that the pursuit of some social objectives may undermine the achievement of other social objectives. The overall conclusion of the paper is that in BoP environments, the concept of SE becomes illusive. Originality/value This paper adds perspective to existing literature on SE at the BoP and provides empirical evidence that can help shape the understanding of social business activities in East Africa. The paper demonstrates that in BoP environments, the boundaries between social and commercial enterprise become illusive.

scholarly journals The relationship between EFQM levels of excellence and CSR development

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1158-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Pérez Martín-Gaitero ◽  
Ana B. Escrig-Tena
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efqm Model ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) development, in accordance with the dimensions of Maonet al.’s (2010) model, which could be achieved when organisations adopt the EFQM model, as well as how the EFQM model can foster this CSR development.Design/methodology/approachThe research method chosen was a qualitative methodology involving multiple case studies. The empirical research relies on an in-depth study of four cases of organisations recognised by the EFQM model in Spain.FindingsThe findings show that, although a higher commitment to the EFQM model implies a greater level of CSR development, with the knowledge and attitudinal dimensions more developed than others, organisations still have to make CSR an internalised management ideology.Research limitations/implicationsThe very nature of the process of EFQM assessment does not ensure uniformity in all aspects of management. Limitations that are inherent to case studies: factors that can be chosen by the researcher, such as geographical location, size, sector and ownership, can have an influence on the characteristics of the CSR practices that are found.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on excellence by approaching the EFQM model as a tool to integrate CSR issues into management.Social implicationsA relationship between commitment to excellence and CSR development does exist.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous analysis has been performed to address the potential relationship between CSR development in accordance with Maonet al.’s (2010) model and commitment to excellence.

Organizations workforce demographic age preferences: multiple case-studies from Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-427
Author(s):  
Anselmo Ferreira Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Age Bias ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Organizational Age ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there is some common pattern between organizations that give primacy either to younger workforce or to older one. Design/methodology/approach – It depicts the empirical evidence of eight case studies and some theoretical contributions thereof. All case units are considered outstanding employers in Brazil business scenario, given the magnitude of their human resource (HR) feats and society acknowledgements. Taken together, they are eight representative cases derived from Época magazine and Great Place to Work® Institute 2013 list. Findings – Case units exhibited strongest group age preferences on an ongoing basis. Rather, they depicted an unbalanced labor force demographic age frame for the sake of their own HR choices. As a result, they all could be labeled as age bias companies in a more or less degree. Given that their options (i.e. percentage of preferences) have been somewhat consistent during the period of analysis, one may therefore infer that such options have been buttressed by the leadership held values. Surprisingly, all case units had not provided logical arguments or wise explanations in light of their decisions related to it. Moreover, the companies had not offered compelling evidence that they were implementing robust diversity and inclusion polices aiming to provide an equalitarian treatment to all age groups or that they were at least paying attention to these issues in a coherent form. In fact, they have been astonishingly silent on these matters. Research limitations/implications – The purposeful sample strategy that was carried out in this study does not permit that the results be generalized. Actually, they are derived from only a specific cohort of companies – to some extent, they are outliers in the list of the best organizations to work for in Brazil – that has been noticeable for their extreme workforce age options. Practical implications – The case units sample showed to have huge difficulties to mitigate organizational age bias effects in their headcount. In fact, the majority of the case units that were perused demonstrated to give a consistent priority for either having either younger workforce or older one. Originality/value – Overall, it is expected that this study may contribute to diversity management theory by bringing further knowledge about how some of the best organizations to work for in Brazil implement their workforce demographic age policies.

How to effectively manage knowledge in the construction industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Bigliardi ◽  
Francesco Galati ◽  
Alberto Petroni
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Purpose – The aim of this paper is twofold: to understand if it is possible to find similarities and dissimilarities among the construction companies in terms of knowledge management (KM) process, identifying the main tools and techniques adopted by the same companies within this process; second, to emphasize and study more in depth the best KM techniques that emerged from the cases in the context of the Italian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of available studies on KM within the industry investigated, multiple case studies were developed to reach the aforementioned objective, involving 14 Italian construction companies. Findings – The outcomes obtained from the case studies allow drawing some conclusions on the KM process adopted by the companies investigated, as well as on the type of tools and techniques adopted by the same companies in the KM process. Research limitations/implications – The case study is based on 14 single cases and, therefore, we must keep in mind that there may be significant differences between industries, companies, departments and individuals regarding how management tools and technological systems are used in practice. Originality/value – Very few papers are available on the KM process within the Italian construction landscape. This study is expected to encourage future studies in this field.

Reconstructing accountability of the cash waqf (endowment) institution in Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 624-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dodik Siswantoro ◽  
Haula Rosdiana ◽  
Heri Fathurahman
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
The Government ◽  
Different Characteristics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the accountability of the cash waqf institution in Indonesia, including the logic which may refer to the accountability objective. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs the qualitative method with a constructivist paradigm. Four different characteristics of cash waqf institutions in Indonesia serve as the object of this research with other related respondents, such as the government and Islamic banks. These multiple case studies may represent the characteristics of cash waqf institutions. Findings The result shows that the cash waqf institution in Indonesia has unique and different logical characteristics, which is neither unitary nor pluralist. Originality/value This may be the first research which discusses the accountability-based logic for cash waqf institutions in Indonesia. These institutions apply Islamic teaching (Shariah) and must generate big income for social activities. Conditions in other countries may be similar since as waqf institutions have common concepts in general.

Analyzing the agricultural value chain financing: approaches and tools in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vighneswara Swamy ◽  
Dharani M
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies

Purpose – The global demand for food is expected to increase by 60 percent by 2050 when the world’s population reaches 9.1 billion. To meet this challenge significant investment in the agricultural sector is required to embrace innovative financing mechanisms that can benefit sustainable agricultural development, food security and nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the agricultural value chain (AVC) financing approaches and tools in India. It presents a proper understanding of the different case studies of Indian AVC financing models and related instruments. It also offers some useful recommendations to improve their efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ the multiple case studies approach to research which allows for a purposive sample and the potential for generalizability of findings. This provides a more rigorous and inclusive approach than a single case study research due to the triangulation of evidence. Subsequently, the authors offer an explicit description of AVC financing models. In the next phase, a thorough assessment of these models is made. Finally, the authors formulate some useful policy recommendations based on the findings of the analysis. Findings – There is a need to review the value chain models that exist in the context of – lead actors, business model and sustainability strategy. Determining actual and critical points of finance such as the current flows of funds and their sources of financing, what is needed and in what point in time is significant to enhance the effectiveness of the models. Further, there is a need to analyze and compare financing options such as their relative strengths, risks and costs of financing for each level of participant in the chain. The authors observe that rather than investing in one component of the chain, the financial institution can grow expertise in the chain, share this knowledge and provide financing to support services. This not only benefits clients, but also expands lending opportunities while lowering the risks. Research limitations/implications – The study primarily focusses on AVC financing approaches and tools in India and attempts to analyze the inadequacies in the value chain models. The case study approach is adopted as the accurate data on value chain financing are not available for the analysis. Practical implications – The study has come out with the following policy recommendations: the governments (union government as well as state governments) – in partnership with the private sector need to spearhead and develop measures aimed at making the operation of the value chain efficient, fair, profitable and sustainable; governments have to focus on creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment and, providing the necessary support services in order to attract more investments. These will lower the transaction costs, facilitate the smooth flow of finance along the chain and ultimately increase value-added; financing for processing and marketing is particularly crucial for growth and expansion of the chain; bank finance should not be limited to short-term production loans, but also include big-ticket loans with longer maturities to finance investments in farming equipment and machinery, transportation, storage, mills and other processing/post-harvest facilities. Originality/value – This study is the first of its kind as it is based on a multiple case studies approach in understanding and analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of AVC financing models in India by evaluating eight of such models. Besides, it offers quite useful policy recommendations to improve their efficiency.

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