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The purpose of the article is to develop knowledge from applied research that examined a real-time application of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model in Isfahan Regional Electric Company (IREC). The study objectives include identifying strengths and areas requiring improvement and stimulating a quality culture to address them. The research was conducted in three stages: (1) formation of a focus group to analyze the gap between the desired situation and the current state of IREC, (2) distribution of questionnaires among experts inside and outside the company, and identification of the importance of each factor causing a gap and (3) reestablishment of the focus group to provide strategies to close the gap between the current and desired states. The key findings indicate that (a) employee management, (b) social and customer impact, (c) key performance results, and (d) partnership and resources, have significant gaps with the desired situation. Improvement strategies were recommended to bridge these gaps and improve the IREC performance measurement and evaluation system, its strengths, and areas for improvement. This paper contributes to quality and performance management bodies of knowledge. Our organizational framework and associated contributions serve as a managerial resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Central Asian Economic Review is the property of Narxoz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study investigates the challenges and opportunities that organisations face in implementing Quality 4.0 as an approach to quality management and investigate the current state of Quality 4.0 implementation. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a qualitative research methodology to interview senior managers from globally based manufacturing and service industries. Findings: The study explicates that most organisations implemented Quality 4.0 to improve their flexibility, efficiency, transparency and productivity while focusing on improving service quality, customer satisfaction and reducing cost. In terms of sustainability of Quality 4.0 the key factors found were a consistent effort from the top management, continuous training to employees, building leadership quality and creating a habit of using Quality 4.0. Practical implications: The findings of this study offer useful guidance to organisations desirous of implementing Quality 4.0. In addition, the findings have identified key sustainability factors, helping organisations ensure a successful implementation and long-term returns from Quality 4.0. Originality/value: The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge related to Quality 4.0 and help organisations in their digital transformation journey. In addition, it is one of the first studies to investigate the key factors for Quality 4.0 sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Frugal innovation focuses on the core functionalities with the highest stakeholder benefits and directly targets user requirements. It has been widely adopted in developing countries, and extensively researched from both consumer and sustainable perspectives. However, few studies on frugal innovation consider "quality", a seminal business management concept. This study focuses on this gap and uses a quality lens to understand frugal innovation. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a mixed methodology. The Delphi focus group method is first applied to identify two cases of frugal innovation in the construction industry and a cross-case analysis done. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to examine eight product quality dimensions to draw the final conclusions. Findings: From Garvin's concept of quality, frugal innovation focuses on performance and conformance. Furthermore, it prioritises a value-based approach the most. Research limitations/implications: This study examines frugal innovation from quality perspective. This opens up a new line of research which contributes to both streams. The study is based on construction which is a limitation of the study. Practical implications: A quality-based frugal innovation understanding can be helpful in the conceptualisation, implementation and acceptance of the frugal innovation business model. It can provide clarity on the innovation's value proposition and also help in operationalisation of the business model. Social implications: Frugal encourages social entrepreneurs and understanding of the concept from quality perspective shall facilitate the operationalisation will become easier for them. Originality/value: To the author's knowledge, this is the first study at the interface of frugal innovation and quality management. Furthermore, the use of AHP to prioritise equality approaches and dimensions is an original contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Quality 4.0 is being presented as the new stage of quality development. However, its overlying concept and rationale are still hard to define. To better understand what different authors and studies advocate being Quality 4.0, a systematic literature review was undertaken on the topic. This paper presents the results of such review, providing some avenues for further research on quality management. Design/methodology/approach: The documents for the systematic literature review have been searched on the Scopus database, using the search equation: [TITLE-ABS-KEY ("Quality 4.0") OR TITLE-ABS-KEY (Quality Management" AND ("Industry 4.0" OR "Fourth Industr*" OR i4.0))]. Documents were filtered by language and by type. Of the 367 documents identified, 146 were submitted to exploratory content analysis. Findings: The analyzed documents essentially provide theoretical discussions on what Quality 4.0 is or should be. Five categories have emerged from the content analysis undertaken: Industry 4.0 and the Rise of a New Approach to Quality; Motivations, Readiness Factors and Barriers to a Quality 4.0 Approach; Digital Quality Management Systems; Combination of Quality Tools and Lean Methodologies and Quality 4.0 Professionals. Research limitations/implications: It was hard to find studies reporting how quality is actually being managed in organizations that already operate in the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Answers could not be found to questions regarding actual practices, methodologies and tools being used in Quality 4.0 approaches. However, the research undertaken allowed to identify in the literature different ways of conceptualizing and analyzing Quality 4.0, opening up avenues for further research on quality management in the Industry 4.0 era. Originality/value: This paper offers a broad look at how quality management is changing in response to the affirmation of the Industry 4.0 paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European integration influences the way universities operate. Today the activities of a university are interrelated with market values: individualism, competition, innovation, and efficiency. Faculties, departments and academic units in universities are shaped by the new liberalist policies and managerialism by the top university management. The culture of universities has been viewed as much more complex than that of other organizations, despite the fact that this topic has been neglected in academic management debates until recently. Universities possess a number of organisational culture types. These 'subcultures' within the organisation are an outcome of the staff involved in a variety of disciplines and departments. The necessity of analysing the culture of university is acute nowadays because an organization cannot be lead without being aware of its values. Only being acquainted with the culture of the university, it is possible to change, transform or modernize it. The powerful cultures often have a certain degree of rigidity and inflexibility and are often threatened with the loss of sensibility to internal or external changes (i.e. European Union policies). This article intends to contribute to further the understanding about the universities' European integration fundamental issues by providing an interpretation of the fundamental role played by the organizational culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After China entered the WTO, a growing number of Chinese companies have started to employ Six Sigma Management to improve the quality of their products aimed building a Six Sigma Organization. This case study sought to understand the application of a design for Six Sigma methodology (DMADV) for training employees in quality tools in a total quality management adoption in a private organization in China. Problems and barriers, with regard to quality culture, inside the organization were encountered, identified, and reconciled during this project, while building a quality management system. The benefits of the DMADV application and the financial returns from the project are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to offer a new approach to evaluate the index of ISO 9001 standard, as so far countries are listed for the ISO 9001 standard based only on the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued for each country, and this perception does not correspond to reality, because some countries that are listed per alphabetic order on top, doesn't enjoy the property of having a better ranking when it comes to rank countries per number of ISO 9001 certificates issues, or when it comes to rank countries about their weight on the issue. On the other side, listing countries simply by the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued, doesn't reflect the real weight of countries on the issue, because this rank should be adjusted with the number of businesses of countries taken into consideration, better understanding of ranking models used. A new approach to ranking countries about this issue is needed, reflecting the issue of taking into consideration the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued in a country per number of businesses in that country, as a better way of evaluating the index of ISO 9001 standard. The methodology/method used to conduct this study were (1) the data collection on the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued per country, (2) the data collection on the number of businesses in each country, (3) the division of the number of ISO 9001 certificates issued with the number of businesses, (4) construction of a new ranking list of countries based on the ISO 9001 standard index, (5) inversing the list to give the right value/rank of countries, and graphics draw of the new approach for better visualization and understanding the issue. The main conclusion of this study is that a new approach is needed to evaluate the index of ISO 9001 standard as a more appropriate indicator for listing/ranking countries and this serves all those interested in the academic field, public administration, and the reports and studies of the national and international level of organizations, to create a better perception of doing business in general and on the aspects of quality management in particular, especially when it comes to making the most appropriate comparisons between countries on these issues, weighting them numerically and graphically, as well as helps on understanding, and for a better approaching of socio and economic issues related to ISO standards and continuous improvement of people and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The integration of industry 4.0 has become a priority for many organizations. However, not all organizations are suitable and capable of implementing industry 4.0 because it requires a dynamic and flexible implementation strategy. The implementation of industry 4.0 often involves overcoming several tensions between internal and external stakeholders. This paper aims to explore the paradoxical tensions that arise for health-care organizations when integrating industry 4.0. Moreover, it discusses how a paradox lens can support the conceptualization and proposes techniques for handling tensions during the integration of industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative and in-depth study draws upon 32 semi-structured interviews. The empirical case concerns how two health-care organizations handle paradoxical tensions during the integration of industry 4.0. Findings: The exploration resulted in six recurring technology tensions: technology invention (modularized design vs. flexible design), technology collaboration (automation vs. human augmentation), technology-driven patient experience (control vs. autonomy), technology uncertainty (short-term experimentation vs. long-term planning), technology invention and diffusion through collaborative efforts among stakeholders (selective vs. intensive collaboration) and technological innovation (market maintenance vs. disruption). Originality/value: A paradox theory-informed conceptual model is proposed for how to handle tensions during the integration of industry 4.0. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to introduce paradox theory for quality management, including lean and Six Sigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of the quality of the customer service process on the financial condition of a company providing courier services in the era of digital transformation based on a case study. Design/methodology/approach: The article uses a critical analysis of literature in the field of quality management, customer service process and digitalization, an examination of documents concerning the company, a diagnostic survey method conducted among customers of a courier company and statistical research. Findings: The survey results showed that customers assess the quality of customer service and services in the analyzed company at a good level. Considering the lack of precision of this general statement, statistical analyses confirmed the advantage of the competition in the aspect of determinants related to the dimensions of certainty, reliability and materiality. In addition, a more in-depth analysis of the relationship between digitalization and quality showed that the development of digital technologies and the quality of digital services of the analyzed operator negatively affects the use of its offer and increases the advantage of competitors, who are assessed as a better choice. The respondents' answers are influenced to a statistically significant extent by their age and education. Older customers are more likely to choose the surveyed operator, while more educated customers appreciate the quality of service and the digital offer of competitors. In view of the information presented, it can be concluded that digitalization affects the quality of the customer service process in companies providing courier services. The assessment of quality depends on the age and education of the customer. It is necessary to provide support and education in the aspect of digital services for older customers and increase the attractiveness of digital services for younger customers. The impact of digitalization on the quality of the customer service process also affects the financial condition of the company, and the decreasing revenues from courier shipments have already been identified for reasons, the removal of which can improve the financial efficiency of the company. Research limitations/implications: The presented work may constitute the basis for further research in the field of the courier/postal services market, the impact of digitalization on selected markets and the analysis of changes in consumer preferences in terms of management and marketing. In addition, it may constitute a guide for managers responsible for the effective functioning of courier companies. Practical implications: The article provides information for both courier service companies and companies that are significantly affected by changes due to digitalization, in which customer service is one of the most important processes. Focusing on ensuring high quality of the customer service process within quality management, with particular emphasis on digital changes taking place in the company and on the market, can bring tangible effects in the form of improving the economic situation of the company, which has a significant impact on its functioning on the market. Originality/value: This article fills the identified literature gap. It has been shown that there is a wide range of theoretical studies and research in the field of quality management, customer service process and analysis of the courier services market and the impact of digitalization on business activities. The conducted research indicated that there is a lack of analysis of the connections between the quality of the customer service process and digitalization and the impact of these variables on the financial condition of a company providing courier services. The selection of the type of company is particularly important due to the impact of digitalization on the activities of courier companies and their importance in the modern economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic literature review aims to synthesize, organize, and structure the stock of knowledge relating to Leadership and Quality Management using the systematic literature review method. The authors have identified the main trends and possible gaps requiring further studies, providing a starting point for researchers and practitioners. The research is based on a systematic literature review of 162 papers that were published on Leadership and Quality Management topics in the past 40 years. The key findings show that Leadership is a critical success factor for launching and sustaining a Quality Management deployment in organizations. We have also identified several gaps in the literature that will require further research on the Leadership traits more conducive to a successful implementation of Quality Management – our research will aim to determine how these traits vary across industries, national cultures, organizational sizes and different levels in the management hierarchy, and lay out the foundation of a Leadership Maturity Model for Quality Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: the article attempts to present topics related to quality management and systematize possible future trends in the area of the issue discussed. Moreover, the article indicates the best quality practices used in enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: the presented considerations and the analysis carried out allowed for the identification of possible changes in the subject of quality management in organizations. Findings: the article presents the essence of quality management and the most possible directions of changes in this area. Additionally, the article points to the importance of a comprehensive approach to quality management and attention to meeting all requirements set for the organization. Practical implications: verification of good practices indicates the importance of quality methods used in both production and service organizations. Originality/value: the information contained in the article shows the importance of quality as one of the most important factors in the competition of enterprises. Additionally, the article presents good practices used by companies recognizing the potential of quality, and also complements the literature on the presented topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the number of quality management procedures being currently applied, construction defects in the domestic sector are acknowledged to contribute to the energy performance gap of buildings. This paper investigates the limitations and challenges to the implementation of project quality plans (PQPs) and their impact on the achievement of expected thermal performance in the UK social housing projects. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach, guided by grounded theory, was used in this research. This methodology provided the structure for systematic data analysis iterations, enabling cross-case analysis. An analytic induction process was designed to seek the explanation of the targeted phenomenon and required data collection until no new ideas and concepts emerged from the research iterations. This study collected data from five social housing projects through interviews, site observations and project documentation. Findings: Multiple limitations and challenges were identified in the implementation of PQP to deliver thermal efficient social housing. Generally, there is the need for more objective quality compliance procedures based on required evidence. When investigating the root of the challenges, it was concluded that the adoption of statutory approval as the main quality compliance procedure led to the dilution of the responsibility for prevention and appraisal of defects that compromised the effectiveness of PQP devised by housing associations (HA) and contractors. Originality/value: This study identifies the shortcomings of PQP in addressing quality issues with potential to undermine the thermal performance of social housing projects. The findings could be used by HA, contractors and policymakers as steppingstones to improve the energy efficiency in the domestic sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the development and validation of a survey instrument for measuring the culture of Quality Management (QM) in K-12 educational settings. The intent was to develop an instrument that would tap both the behavioral norms and the underlying values and beliefs associated with a Quality culture. The process used in the development and honing of this measurement instrument included theory review, qualitative data analysis, practitioner input, and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques. Measures of fit and interpretability as well as reliability and validity evidence suggest the iteratively derived survey largely achieves the goal of providing verified scales for evaluating multiple aspects of a school’s Quality culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A quality-based public organisation creates its own quality culture, which determines the value-giving activities and processes and the behaviour and attitudes of their participants. This culture is created by the commitment of top management through its contribution to promoting a quality approach. An organisation that adheres to the principles of quality management standards is committed to identifying the processes within the quality management system, together with their sequence and interdependencies (process approach). By locating the necessary resources in the processes, it is possible to manage them in such a way as to deliver value and achieve results for the relevant stakeholders (customer orientation, relationship management). At the same time, the systems approach provides an opportunity for top management (leadership) to optimise them in the short and long term as a consequence of decisions taken. The aim is to continuously implement the measures necessary to achieve the set results and continuous improvement (enhancement). The quality management system provides the opportunity to apply the organisation's natural approach to effective and efficient management by defining monitoring methods and ways of evaluating them (fact-based decision-making). Also, in order to manage effectively and efficiently, it is non-negligible to involve employees at all levels. As participants in the processes defined in the sys-tem, they contribute directly to the results achieved (people involvement).

Purpose: The use of quality management (QM) to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) is a topic of growing interest in academia and industry. The IAQ (International Academy for Quality) established Quality Sustainability Award in 2020, a testament to this growing interest. This study aims to investigate how QM philosophies, methodologies and tools can be used to achieve sustainable development in organizations. Design/methodology/approach: Five large manufacturing organizations – three from India and two from China – who reported their achievements about using QM in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were studied using multiple sources of data collection. A detailed within-case and cross-case analysis were conducted to unearth this linkage's practical and theoretical aspects. Findings: The study finds that QM methodologies effectively met the five organizations' UNSDGs. These organizations successfully used OPEX (Operational Excellence) methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma to meet UNSDGs 7, 11, 12 and 13. Moreover, UNSG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is the most targeted goal across the case studies. A cross-case analysis revealed that the most frequently used quality tools were Design of Experiments (DoE), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), C&E analysis and Inferential statistics, among other essential tools. Research limitations/implications: The study's sample size was limited to large-scale manufacturing organizations in the two most populous countries in the world. This may limit the study's generalizability to other countries, continents, or micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the study's conclusions would be strengthened if tested as hypotheses in a follow-up survey. Practical implications: This practical paper provides case studies on how to use QM to impact SDGs. It offers both descriptive and prescriptive solutions for practitioners. The study highlights the importance of using essential QM tools in a structured and systematic manner, with effective teams, to meet the SDGs of organizations. Social implications: The study shows how QM can be used to impact UNSDGs, and this is very important because the UNSDGs are a set of global objectives that aim to address a wide range of social and environmental issues. This study could motivate organizations to achieve the UNSDGs using essential QM tools and make the world a better place for the present and future generations. Originality/value: This case study is the first to investigate at a micro-level how QM can impact UNSDGs using live examples. It uses data from the IAQ to demonstrate how QM can be integrated into UNSDGs to ensure sustainable manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about the extent to which management and engineering publications dedicated to the study of quality management topics make use of mixed methods, what types of studies have been conducted and how effective mixed methods have been. The aim of the current paper is to analyse how mixed methods have been used in quality management research. Design/methodology/approach: To address this purpose, a bibliometric analysis was conducted of papers using mixed methods designs to investigate quality management issues and published in the SCOPUS database. CiteSpace software was used to assist in the categorisation and mapping process. Findings: Ninety articles were identified and analysed. The results show that mixed methods are mainly used either to compare different perspectives drawn from quantitative and qualitative data or to develop better measurement instruments. Sequential mixes occur more often than concurrent approaches. Moreover, there is a link between the purpose of the study and the approaches followed to combine qualitative and quantitative methods. Yet, the contribution of the use of mixed methods to achieving the aims of the study is not easy to assess as the purposes of using mixed methods are often not clearly stated. Originality/value: As one of the first papers to examine how qualitative and quantitative methods are being combined in quality management research, this study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing some insights into how mixed methods can be more effectively used in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the conditions of successful implementation of Quality 4.0 in higher education institutions (HEIs) and the key factors affecting it, as well as the role of the Triple Helix collaborative (THC) framework in enhancing the integration of Quality 4.0 principles and Industry 4.0 technologies. Design/methodology/approach: A survey-based strategy was adopted, adopting questionnaires distributed amongst researchers chosen based on their publications related to the aforementioned fields. Findings: The successful integration of disruptive technologies, Quality 4.0 and THC in HEIs heavily relies on educators' continuous learning and professional development. Faculty members must acquire digital skills and competencies to effectively adopt disruptive technologies and implement Quality 4.0 principles in their teaching practices. HEIs should provide opportunities for faculty members to engage in ongoing training programmes, workshops and communities of practice that focus on enhancing their technological proficiencies, pedagogical strategies and collaborative skills. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported study linking the concepts of Quality 4.0 and the Triple Helix of Innovation in HEIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Management & Business Economics is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices in explaining the relationship between quality management practices (QMPs) and quality performance. Design/methodology/approach: Partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically examine the moderating effect of LSS practices on QMPs and quality performance in Malaysian medical device manufacturing companies. Findings: Findings revealed that both QMPs and LSS practices have a significant and positive effect on quality performance. Furthermore, LSS practices served as a substitute for moderating the positive relationship between QMPs and quality performance in such a way that the relationship becomes weaker as LSS practices increase. Originality/value: LSS is acknowledged as the most well-known hybrid methodology; however, due to its relative newness, it has not been studied in great detail. Unlike previous studies, this paper argued that Lean and Six Sigma practices are distinct from its predecessor TQM practices; moreover, both Lean and Six Sigma practices do not need to substitute QM/TQM practices instead of complimenting the QMPs. In addition, this study adds to the growing body of QM literature by empirically examine the effect of LSS practices in moderating the relationship between QMPs and quality performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To generate value and optimize profitability, building successful partnerships with supply chain organizations is essential. This can be accomplished through training models, knowledge transfer, and support from top management. The implementation of advanced management practices is crucial to achieving these goals. In this context, an integrated approach to quality management, logistics, and supply chain management (SCM) is fundamental. Thus, harnessing the synergy between Quality Management (QM) and SCM is vital to enhance and promote organizational performance. Additionally, this study examines the significance and relationship between knowledge transfer, supply chain management capabilities, and top management support for organizational performance using PLS-SEM and ANN approaches. Primary data were collected through questionnaires from 200 respondents working in the manufacturing industry in Indonesia. Statistical analyses were performed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.0, and ANN with SPSS. The results reveal that supply chain quality management practices and top management support positively impact and have a strong relationship with organizational performance. This study provides insights into the role of supply chain quality management in organizational performance, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. It aims to help all manufacturing companies enhance their organizational performance by optimally combining selected SCQM practices with a focus on organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – In 2000, the Hong Kong Government commissioned the Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC) to provide a thorough review of the strengths/weaknesses of the Hong Kong construction industry and to recommend improvement measures. The CIRC’s report, released in 2001, recommended many improvement measures related to total quality management (TQM) principles. Despite many of these improvement recommendations being fulfilled in the ten years following the release of the report, there is a lack of literature documenting these achievements and the corresponding level of TQM application. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent of TQM application by engineering consultants in Hong Kong using a questionnaire survey. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review was conducted and a survey questionnaire was then designed for a full-scale survey. The data collected from the survey were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Correlations between the respondents’ scores on the survey questions were established. Findings – The survey findings indicate a moderately high level of application of TQM principles, reflecting a moderately high achievement in implementing the CIRC’s intended improvements. The survey findings further suggest that as a short-term need, focussing on top management leadership and supplier management is necessary for current and scheduled projects, and that organizational learning and people management are the two other major TQM principles that engineering consultants should focus on to sustain their long-term business. Practical implications – The Hong Kong experience should be of interest to other countries, both regionally and globally, in search of an improvement framework to enhance their quality culture. Originality/value – This paper is an original contribution. The content of the paper is unique. No one has done this before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the relationship between quality management orientation dimensions and maintenance performance. The concept of quality management orientation is proposed and defined as a set of norms and values regarding customer orientation, quality responsibility, prevention and process orientation. Empirical data were drawn from a sample of Slovenian organisations in order to address the research question. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The findings indicate that quality management orientation is important predictor of maintenance performance. Data analysis results also show that quality management orientation dimensions are positively related to maintenance performance. By testing the impact of quality management orientation on maintenance performance, this study shows that strong foundation on quality management orientation is an effective way of improving maintenance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper aims to instigate discussion and publication of methodologies applied to enhance quality management through comprehensive scientific reports. It provides a detailed description of the design, implementation, and results of the quality control program employed in the SMESH study. Methods: Cross-sectional, multicenter, national study designed to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus in sex workers and in men who have sex with men (MSM). Respondent-driven sampling recruitment was used. An online system was developed for the study and checkpoints were defined for data entry. The system checked the quality of biological samples and performed a retest with part of the sample. Results: A total of 1.598 participants (442 sex workers and 1.156 MSM) were included. Fifty-four health professionals were trained for face-to-face data collection. The retest showed Kappa values ranging between 0.3030 and 0.7663. Conclusion: The retest data were mostly classified as indicating a strong association. The data generated by the checkpoints showed the successful implementation of the quality control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's main purpose is to investigate the impacts of human capital efficiency (HCE) on the firm performance of non-certified and quality-certified firms from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model. The study also examines the relationship between firm performance and quality-certificates from the European Foundation. By using a sample of 282 non-certified and 22 quality-certified firms from 2017 to 2021, the current study employed a two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation to analyse the empirical data. The dummy variable is used to examine the relationship between quality-certificates and firm performance. The dummy interaction term is employed to quantify the impacts of HCE on the firm's performance for quality-certified firms. The results revealed that quality-certificates and firm performance have a positive relationship. Quality-certified firms perform better and earn more profits than non-certified firms. HCE has a positive impact on firm performance for both types of firms. Moreover, the quality-certified firms utilize HCE in an efficient way to earn more profits compared to the non-certified firms. This is the first study to use a comprehensive analysis to emphasize the HCE for non-certified and quality-certified firms separately. The effects of quality-certificates on firm performance in the context of HCE are also being highlighted for the first time in this research. The current study's findings are fruitful for academics, managers, researchers, policymakers, and other firm management. The findings will encourage the management of the firms to implement the total quality management (TQM) approach within their firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With global digital transformation and higher education evolution, academic libraries are enhancing their information and knowledge management practices. This study responds to this trend by identifying quality management (QM) models discussed and implemented in Chinese academic libraries, as well as by examining the enablers and challenges associated with QM planning and implementation. A systematic review was executed adhering to the PRISMA guidelines to critically appraise the relevant literature from five international and Chinese scholarly databases. Out of 435 initial records, 52 studies were included based on the established inclusion criteria and quality assessment benchmarks. The results revealed that Chinese academic libraries were increasingly integrating international QM models, including ISO 9000, TQM, and EFQM. This integration was driven by six enablers: four external enablers, including the introduction of QM, government support, technological advancements, and quality assessment practices; and two internal enablers, including developmental needs and cultural emphasis on educational excellence. However, these libraries also encountered six challenges in this process: three external challenges, including rapid industrial evolution, deficiency in comprehensive evaluation indicators, and rigorous ISO audits; and three internal challenges, including resistance to change, insufficiency of motivation for improvement, and inequitable distribution of resources. The findings of the current research could deepen the theoretical understanding of the enablers and challenges of QM in academic libraries from both external and internal dimensions. These findings could also support library management, higher education institution leaders, and policymakers in developing sustainable QM strategies for libraries in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central subject of this study is the economic analysis of Quality Assurance (QA) in the German healthcare system. With the help of the study, an estimate of the total costs in the German healthcare market shall be given. The focus of the analysis is on Companies, Political Bodies, Liberal Professions and Public Corporations which are part of the healthcare system including Certification Bodies, which lead to costs from using QA and interacting with the healthcare system. First, a systematic literature search was conducted to determine the costs. It was found that there are no articles or publications that address the topic of the total cost of QA. A continuation/update of existing studies was therefore not possible. To be able to estimate the total costs of QA in the German healthcare market, the QA costs were surveyed using a bottom-up analysis. After identifying organizations and collecting relevant data, the total costs of QA in the German healthcare market were estimated using a mathematical calculation. In general, ensuring quality is an original part of the actions of all professional groups and institutions working in the health care system. Due to this importance, it is remarkable that an economic analysis of the total costs has never taken place before. One reason for this may be the ”complexity of the German health care system”. Furthermore, the costs of QA are not listed separately, but as part of general administrative expenses. Controlling and transparent presentation of the costs is therefore not possible. The cost estimation and the database created for this study about the parties involved in QA in the German healthcare market can be a useful support for further studies in this field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Despite the potential benefits of total quality management (TQM), many healthcare organisations encountered difficulties in its implementation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to successful implementation of TQM in healthcare organisations of Iran. Design/methodology/approach – This study involved a mixed research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with TQM practitioners to explore TQM implementation obstacles in Iranian healthcare organisations. In addition, this study involved survey-based research on the obstacles associated with successful TQM transformation. Findings – TQM implementation and its impact depend on the ability of managers to adopt and adapt its values and concepts in professional healthcare organisations. Unsuccessful TQM efforts in Iranian healthcare organisations can be attributed to the non-holistic approach adopted in its implementation, inadequate knowledge of managers’ about TQM implementation, frequent top management turnover, poor planning, vague and short-termed improvement goals, lack of consistent managers’ and employees’ commitment to and involvement in TQM implementation, lack of a corporate quality culture, lack of team orientation, lack of continuous education and training and lack of customer focus. Human resource problems, cultural and strategic problems were the most important obstacles to TQM successful implementation, respectively. Practical implications – Understanding the factors that are likely to obstruct TQM implementation would enable managers to develop more viable strategies for achieving business excellence. Originality/value – Understanding the factors that are likely to obstruct TQM implementation will help organisations in planning better TQM models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globalisation is transforming our world into an economic global village. In this environment, both small and large businesses are required to become more efficient and cope with a competitive global market where customers' expectations continually increase. In this new reality, quality is critical for success and yet, many managers ignore this at their own peril. This paper focuses on the philosophy and methods for improving the quality of a product/service, which in turn leads to a good long-term reputation and improved profitability. This philosophy, which leads to the ‘Quality Chain Reaction’ includes: (a) customer-focused strategy and creation of quality culture; (b) emphasising the prevention process; (c) constant improvement of work processes; (d) establishment of employee involvement and commitment; (e) management support and positive leadership. In addition, it presents the rationale and practical implementations of the methods suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this work was the research of the directions for acting of the characteristics of the Japanese concept of quality, of the methods used in Japanese management continuous improvement. By analyzing the contribution of the largest Japanese researchers and trainers in quality (K. Ishikawa, G. Taguchi, S. Shingo, M. Imai, N. Kano) demonstrated that Japanese school is a model of good practice and quality culture quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six Sigma has become increasingly common in China, where the typical management practices are substantially different from those in the US, the original location of Six Sigma. Based upon existing organisational change research, this raises questions as to whether the existing management culture in Chinese organisations influences the success of Six Sigma implementations. This paper demonstrates that the existing organisational culture does have an influence upon Six Sigma implementation within China. In particular, organisations with a Supportive Culture appear more likely to report success, while organisations with an Innovation Culture surprisingly appear to experience difficulties implementing Six Sigma. Additionally, having clear objectives at the start of the project is critical to ultimate Six Sigma implementation success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how the quality practices such as leadership and strategic quality planning, supplier relationship management, customer focus, quality data and reporting, process management and human resource management are as relevant to supply chains as they are to an individual firm. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the review of relevant literature, propositions have been framed to stimulate future research. In order to evaluate the quality management (QM) practices in Pakistani supply chains, three cases have been presented. These cases provide information about QM practices of the case companies with respect to the supply chains they represent. Based on the case comparisons, common themes regarding the state of QM in Pakistani supply chains have been identified. Findings – The current study shows that the state of QM in the supply chain context is at a primitive level in Pakistan. Most organizations have instituted quality departments and devised quality policy and planning inspired by ISO 9000 standards. However, quality culture that promotes bottom-up improvement throughout the organization is nonexistent. Compared with the proposed framework of total supply chain quality management (TSCQM), Pakistani organizations have a long way to go before any significant integration can be achieved in the quality functions at the supply chain level. Originality/value – Building upon the current literature in the field of supply chain and QM, the current study proposes a new, more comprehensive framework TSCQM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated two thirds of the world's population is currently without access to diagnostic radiology services, and most of them live in resource-limited tropical regions with harsh environments. Most patients are diagnosed and treated in poorly equipped government-funded hospitals and clinics that have insufficiently trained staff and are barely operational. Any available imaging equipment is likely to be functioning suboptimally and be poorly maintained. The root of the problem is usually a lack of know-how and a quality culture, combined with insufficient basic equipment and infrastructure. Radiological imaging is an essential aspect of primary care and used in the critical diagnosis and management of trauma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cancer, and other respiratory and abdominal diseases. Considerations such as quality management and infrastructure, personnel, equipment, and radiation protection and safety are important to ensure the proper functioning and rational use of a diagnostic radiology facility in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin and development of the quality management discipline as a practice-oriented approach to management has provided a challenge for academic research that aims at discovering the theoretical foundations of total quality management (TQM). The ISO 9000 family of quality standards and quality award criteria have led to the practical development and diffusion of the discipline, and currently they provide the most comprehensive definition for TQM. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award has been selected as the practical definition of TQM for this study. TQM is studied as a cultural phenomenon. The multiple levels of the discipline are identified and analyzed based on Schein's framework for organizational culture. The focus is on the most comprehensive level, the analysis of basic assumptions underlying the more visible levels of quality management. They include an organization's mission and relationship to external environment, the nature of human nature and relationships, and the nature of reality and nature of time. An integrated set of mutually compatible basic assumptions forms quality culture, which is considered to be the theoretical foundation of quality management. In practice, the implementation of a successful quality management program requires a change in organizational culture to be compatible with quality culture. Theoretical analysis and development of the discipline should focus on understanding the consequences of some superficial assumptions inherent in the discipline, and implementation problems that arise from a mismatch between quality culture and organizational culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As business priorities and customer demands increase, the role of the Company 'quality manager' is changing--from the traditional Chief Inspector to a person with a much wider set of abilities. In particular the predominant role of correction is being replaced by prevention; the emphasis moving from policing product compliance to: • Selling/introducing an effective quality process based approach integral with business strategy. • Producing an efficient Management System that effectively and appropriately controls business processes. • Providing specialist quality consultancy, legal and investigatory advice. • Training, persuading and cajoling managers and staff at all levels within the business to adopt a 'quality' approach. • Using 'softer' skills to support and develop an effective quality culture. Because the business world has never been more demanding and challenging, the importance of the quality manager role has never been so significant. Understanding the elements of this role is a first step in responding to this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Quality management is not just a strategy. It must be a new style of working, even a new style of thinking. A dedication to quality and excellence is more than good business. It is a way of life, giving something back to society, offering your best to others" (George Bush 1991). From this statement it becomes immediately clear that the human factor plays an eminent role in quality management. Therefore, some important relevant aspects of quality management are highlighted which are not so frequently discussed elsewhere. Various definitions and statements on quality lead to the fact that quality depends essentially on people. Some thoughts are developed on the Japanese quality culture which contributed essential impulses to the evolution of certain quality installations such as quality circles. The Japanese also developed a philosophy of quality, Kaizen, which is significantly different from Western industrial quality concepts. Kaizen works well in a slow growth economy, contrary to Western innovation which is more suited to the fast growth economy of the past. Some ideas on the quality control of top management as well as on the quality control of ourselves are expressed and it is shown how this is related to ethical principles. Every human society is as successful as: its intrinsic degree of honesty and righteousness, its degree of prevention of corruption and nepotism, and its readiness to work hard for personal advancement and for the sake of the community. Leadership, political or economic, is a special cultural effort – or at least it should be. But the striving for quality must be everybody's business in a company. It is the old 'pride of workmanship' which is greatly lost in today's industrial structures, and which is so absolutely important to again find satisfaction and contentment in our work. It is shown that the human factor in quality management, apart from all the necessary formal and institutional regulations, is of major importance, but very often neglected, especially in the present situation of over-rationalization. It is shown that dynamic equilibria do not only regulate chemical and biological systems but also operate in our psychic world. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to unhealthy extremes in the latter, e.g. to workaholics or neo-capitalism. Installations of total quality management such as systems, procedural and product audits are important facets of modern quality assurance. They are again closely related to human behaviour, as well as the procedure of company and laboratory accreditation. Finally the "Codex Hammurabi" shows that product liability was a clearly regulated issue in ancient Babylon, 2200 BC. This may be indicative of the fact that many new trends propagated by management gurus usually stem from a very old part of the wisdom of mankind but they are newly decorated and formed to modern slogans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: Although the debate about the interplay between quality management and organizational culture is long established, extant knowledge about their link is not consistent. This article attempts to fill such a gap by integrating current perspectives and insights through a literature review. Design/methodology/approach: A domain-based literature review has been conducted, which followed the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews. The knowledge core consisted of 76 items, which were analysed through bibliographic coupling and co-citation analysis. An interpretive approach was taken to articulate the study findings. Findings: The current scholarly debate unfolds through four research streams, which emphasize the need for joint optimizing quality management and organizational culture embracing a longitudinal perspective. Similarly, the theoretical roots inspiring reviewed contributions are distributed in four clusters, which rely on the assumption that organizational excellence derives from the harmonization of quality management and organizational culture. Practical implications: Quality management necessitates a supportive organizational culture to set the ground for excellence. At the same time, it modifies the inner traits of the organizational culture. Such cultural changes should be carefully handled to ensure a dependable quality orientation. Achieving organizational excellence involves mastering the interplay between quality management and organizational culture. Originality/value: This article delivers an unprecedented systematization of the scientific literature. It identifies the main research streams through which the debate on quality management and culture evolves, shedding light on the main conceptual roots inspiring recent scholarly advancements. Alongside overcoming the fragmentation of the extant debate, this review enables the envisioning of an agenda for further developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States that the importance of leadership in fostering a quality culture in organizations is widely acknowledged. However, research on leadership can be conducted at multiple levels of analysis. This has resulted in the complexity, diversity and ambiguity of information that typifies the leadership task. Identifies the visionary transformer leader as the requisite leadership type for achieving success through quality-led strategic change. In the context of illustrations drawn from organizational experience of the past decade, and using Ansoff's growth vector as an underpinner, discusses how visionary transformer leaders use quality management strategy to secure the future of their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on ISO 9001 certification maintenance, decertification and recertification is fragmented and lacks an integrated theoretical framework. Thus, the aims of this study are to provide an overview of current research, develop an integrated framework and identify research gaps. The research methodology consists of a systematic literature review (SLR) which starts with the definition of a research protocol, proceeds with searches in Web of Science and Scopus, and selects a final sample of 32 articles for analysis. Results show that the research interest in certification maintenance, decertification and recertification is growing, but is still scarce. Extant research focuses on certification maintenance factors, benefits and frameworks; decertification reasons and consequences, and recertification impact on efficiency. There is a lack of consensus on these topics, but the data extracted from the literature is used to develop a theoretical framework of what companies do in the post-certification period. The framework identifies the main variables involved in certification maintenance, decertification and recertification, and establishes the main relationships between them. This is the first SLR conducted on these topics, which provides the first integrated framework of the research phenomena, a comprehensive list of research gaps to guide future studies, and relevant management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]