ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4547-8513
Current Organisations
Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical College
,
Monash University
,
Monash University - Caulfield Campus
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 06-09-2011
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 07-2005
DOI: 10.1108/09564230510601378
Abstract: This paper seeks to examine the difference between manufacturing and service firms with respect to the implementation of total quality management (TQM) practices, and the relationship of these practices to quality performance. The empirical data were collected from 194 managers of Australian firms with an approximately equal proportion of manufacturing and service firms. The finding indicates no significant difference in the level of most of TQM practices and quality performance between the two sectors. This supports the positive argument concerning the applicability of TQM practices in the service firms despite several differences in the nature of their operations compared to their manufacturing counterparts. Furthermore, using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique, this study has shown that TQM construct based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria is valid across both industry sectors, and its relationship with quality performance also indicates insignificant difference between the two sectors. From a managerial point of view, the results confirm the applicability of TQM principles in both manufacturing and service sectors and the validity of the MBNQA criteria in operationalising TQM principles into a set of organizational practices. The study contributes to the knowledge in terms of cross‐validating the TQM construct in the manufacturing and service sectors. It also differentiates from the earlier studies in the area by simultaneously testing the TQM construct and its relationship with quality performance in both sectors.
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2007
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-06-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-06-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JSCM.12031
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 27-04-2012
DOI: 10.1108/13598541211227135
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose and empirically test a model of different aspects of ISO 9000 implementation in terms of their relationships with three key supply chain (SC) management practices (internal processes, supplier relationships, and customer relationships). In addition, it aims to examine the relationship between the three key SC activities and operational performance. Data were collected from 321 middle and senior managers of ISO 9001 certified firms in Australia who were responsible for managing the quality systems in their organizations. The structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was employed using LISREL software to test the research model and the hypotheses in this study. The results show that advanced implementation of ISO 9000 is positively related to all three aspects of SC activities (internal, customer, and supplier process management), while supportive implementation is positively related to internal and customer process management. However, basic implementation has no direct influence on any SC management practices. The results also indicate that supplier and internal process management both have a positive effect on operational performance, while customer process management has no significant impact on operational performance. The results provide key insights for managers on the extent to which different aspects of the implementation of a quality management system would produce benefits for the organization within the SC context. Despite the central premises of ISO 9000, which are concerned with internal processes and SC management practices, only a few studies have examined this matter to date. The current study seeks to bridge this gap by examining the effect of ISO 9000 implementation on operational and SC management practices that, in turn, will predict the operational benefits within adopting firms.
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2007
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 10-2004
DOI: 10.1108/02656710410551746
Abstract: Addresses the key question of whether there is a link between quality management practices and innovation performance. Presents an empirical case study of a large manufacturing firm in Australia that has been successfully maintaining its competitive advantage and growth. Analysis of the research findings suggests five major lessons that can be learned from the company. First, organisations need to keep vigilant in observing the changes occurring in the business environment and adjust their strategy in accordance with these changes. Second a quality management system needs to be implemented and aligned with the company's business strategy. Third, TQM principles that were developed in the manufacturing area can be adapted in the design and development area and provide a greater leverage for the business in the future. Fourth, the case study demonstrates a recursive learning process. Finally, it is highly important for organisations to redefine and broaden the application of the principles of total quality management and to understand the need to tailor these principles.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 19-06-2008
DOI: 10.1108/01443570810881785
Abstract: This paper aims to explore the extent to which four elements of the value chain – marketing, research and development, procurement, and operations – are associated with product quality and product innovation. A survey of 194 managers of Australian firms, and multivariate analysis using structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The elements of the value chain differ in their association with product outcomes. Marketing and production are related to product quality, but surprisingly while research and development is related to product innovation, marketing is not. Procurement is related to both product quality and product innovation. The paper shows that in idual elements of the value chain are related to specific competitive strategies and how these elements are related to each other, suggesting the need to direct effort within the firm for better, targeted performance. The results are limited by the s le size and geography of the survey. Specific value chain functions tend to be associated with specific performance outcomes. This suggests that managers might gain by targeting specific elements of the value chain as their organizations strive for specific competitive goals. This paper seeks to help managers and decision makers to assess the relationship between the different attributes of the value chain and product quality and innovation. It is often not feasible for managers to emphasize all the elements of the value chain simultaneously, and this paper provides an important step in looking at these in idual linkages.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JSCM.12117
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/RADM.12027
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 02-2014
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-01-2007
DOI: 10.1108/02635570710719061
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying strategic intent of quality performance. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the in idual impact of differentiation and cost leadership as well as their interaction effect on quality performance. This study employed a data set drawn from 102 managers of Australian manufacturing firms. Multiple regression analysis with moderating effect was used for analysing the relationship between the competitive strategies and quality performance. The findings indicated that product quality was predicted by differentiation strategy, but not cost leadership strategy. However, the effect of differentiation on quality was moderated by cost leadership whereby the higher the cost leadership, the stronger the effect. The small s le size which was dominated by small‐to‐medium sized firms (SMEs) was the major limitation of the study. The s le size and distribution also inhibited the comparison of the results between industry sectors. The results contribute to a better understanding on how quality can be effectively employed as a base for realising competitive strategy. In particular, the positive interaction between differentiation and cost leadership in predicting quality performance suggests the synergy between the two as well as supporting the cumulative view of competitive strategies. By testing the interaction effect of differentiation and cost leadership in predicting quality performance, this study advances the previous works on the area which looked at the relationship between quality performance and each of the two competitive strategies separately.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-11-2013
DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-08-2010-0228
Abstract: – This paper aims to report the results of a study focusing on the competencies and skills of supply chain managers, their use of supply chain technologies and future challenges in supply chain management (SCM), including issues relating to globalisation, environment, and supply chain integration. – The study uses a questionnaire survey to collect data from Australian supply chain professionals. A total of 921 surveys were mailed out and 148 responses were received, giving a response rate of 16 per cent. – Communication and teamwork is identified as the most important competencies for successful supply chain integration. Knowledge of a broad range of technologies is considered essential however, their use remains somewhat low. Environmental issues relating to the management of scarce resources are identified as having a significant impact on supply chain strategies. – The study adds to the literature on the above issues by providing empirical findings from an Australian context which can be used for comparative assessment against similar studies from other countries. – The study provides insights for firms, industry associations, and governments by identifying the competencies and skills that are required to be developed for supply chain professionals. The findings also indicate the level of awareness and the extent of the adoption of information and communication technologies as well as the perceptions of supply chain professionals on the future challenges of SCM. – The study is timely given the highly dynamic environment that businesses currently operate in and the challenges that it presents to supply chain professionals.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-04-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2004
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-06-2009
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-02-2018
Abstract: While research and adoption of servant leadership are on the increase, little is known about the mechanisms through which it affects organizational performance. Drawing on the contingency theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which organizational strategy and structure affect the relationship between servant leadership and organizational performance. Survey data were collected from 336 direct reports of CEOs/GM/MDs in Australian SMEs, and multiple regression analysis was used in the hypotheses testing. The study found that the relationship between servant leadership and performance is moderated by the three-way interaction effects of differentiation and centralization as well as cost leadership and formalization. This study shows that the positive effects of servant leadership on performance are more pronounced in organizations with minimal organizational structure that are not fixated on cost minimization. To that end, ensuring that there is a fit among organizational strategy, structure, and leadership is a key priority for senior executives. This research is one of the first to examine the boundary conditions of servant leadership, demonstrating the effects organizational structure has on servant leadership’s influence. Further, this research extends the contingency theory by focusing on strategy and structure, rather than just structural impacts.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-11-2022
DOI: 10.1108/IJLM-04-2022-0200
Abstract: Using a soft-hard continuum of drivers and barriers, this research seeks to explain wood companies' adoption of circular economy (CE) practices. Multiple interviews, complemented by secondary documents and site observations were used to investigate three wood-based companies that have adopted CE practices. The 10R framework and soft-hard continuum are used to guide data analysis. The adoption of 10R practices were explained by soft-factor incentives of leaders' values and vision and openness for innovation, all within a regulatory void, and eventually overcome hard-factor barriers of process development, supply chain capability and customer behaviours at product end-of-life. Crucial for CE model adoption are leaders' positive attitudes, subsequently grown across the companies. The 10Rs are a prompt for CE practice adoption to capture and retain value and generate revenue. Collaboration across the supply chain, including customers and other value capture companies (e.g. repurposing companies), is essential to maximise value retention. Government should play an increased soft-factor incentive regulatory role and support CE practices to overcome hard-factor barriers. This study contributes an explanation of CE adoption within a relatively unsupported context. Despite the regulatory void, CE practice adoption was driven by leader values. To achieve their vision and overcome the numerous barriers, suppliers and customers required a large investment in education. Indeed, customer behaviour, previously thought to be an incentive for CE adoption, is also identified as a barrier.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-03-2014
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-01-2016
DOI: 10.1108/JSTP-02-2015-0044
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of market orientation on exploratory and exploitative innovation, and the moderating effects of family ownership on these relationships. – This study utilizes multi-group path analysis and confirmatory factor analysis in LISREL on data from 228 firms in the Australian service sector. – This study establishes that both customer and competitor innovation are positively related to exploitative and exploratory innovation. However, customer orientation does not lead to significantly stronger effects on exploitative innovation than on exploratory innovation, and competitor orientation does not lead to significantly stronger effects on exploratory innovation than on exploitative innovation. In addition, the study found that the relationship between customer orientation and exploratory innovation was stronger for family firms, while the relationships between competitor orientation and both exploratory and exploitative innovation were stronger for non-family firms. – The cross-sectional design is one weakness of this study. In addition, as firms in the present study came from the service sector the generalizability of the findings to other sectors of the economy need to be determined. – These findings of this study highlight the need for managers to build a strong market orientation in order to promote innovation, and consider the effects of ownership structure on innovation strategies. – This study is the first to measure the relative influence of customer and competitor orientation on a firm’s use of exploitative and exploratory innovation strategies.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 02-1111
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-05-2017
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the multi-level relationship between people-related total quality management (TQM) practices and employee job satisfaction. The authors draw upon organizational climate theory to hypothesize that TQM is related to job satisfaction at the in idual employee level, as well as at the organizational level in the form of shared perceptions of TQM practices in the workplace. Multi-level modelling was used to test the study hypotheses. The s le was drawn from 201 employees working in 23 organizations in Australia. The findings show that people-related TQM practices are positively related to job satisfaction at both in idual and organizational levels, with a stronger effect on employee attitudes observed at the organizational level. The statistically significant multi-level relationship between people-related TQM practices and job satisfaction extends the findings of previous studies conducted only at the in idual level thus, supporting the sustainability of TQM as a management principle at a company-wide level. The findings broadly support the implementation of people-related TQM practices as part of a strategy of creating a “high performance” climate in organizations, which in turn, will likely to positively affect both in idual and organizational performance. From a wider social perspective, the implementation of TQM practices as a company-wide initiative could facilitate greater corporate social responsibility of the organization. Such practices as training, involving, and empowering employees can promote social commitment by valuing employees as one important stakeholder. This is the first empirical study to the best of the author’s knowledge that uses multi-level modelling to examine the relationship between TQM practices and employee attitudes such as job satisfaction.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-09-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2006
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-2004
DOI: 10.1108/14601060410549874
Abstract: This paper examines the respective roles of trading partner relationships and innovation management practices in predicting product and process related innovation performance. The empirical data were drawn from 194 Australian managers. Data analysis using structural equation modelling indicates that supplier relationships and customer relationships have less impact on product and process innovation performance than do knowledge and creativity management. However, the results also indicate that trading partner relationships have a strong and positive association with innovation management practices, meaning that organisations commonly implement both in a synchronous manner.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JSBM.12047
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 07-2006
DOI: 10.1108/14601060610678149
Abstract: The purpose of this paper compares the experience of organizations in Australia and Singapore with respect to the multidimensionality of TQM and its relationship with quality performance and innovation performance. A survey was initially conducted in Australia and replicated in Singapore using the same questionnaire. We obtained a total of 252 responses, 194 from Australia and 58 from Singapore. The respondents were all middle and senior management who had experience and understandings of their organizations' quality management and innovation activities. Results of the survey cross‐validate that TQM practices take place along several dimensions. Relatively more organic dimensions such as leadership and people management are related more to innovation performance, whilst more mechanistic dimensions such as customer focus and process management are significantly related to quality performance. Relatively small s le size, especially that from Singapore limits the generalisation of the findings. The paper supports the compatibility of the best practices modelled in both Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and Singapore Quality Award (SQA). The paper presents a comparative analysis on TQM and innovation between the two countries in terms of both descriptive and structural relationships. Specifically, it confirms the construct validity and criterion validity of TQM practices presented in the earlier studies using scientific method.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-05-2017
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction between personal values and the organizational context in influencing work behaviors. Specifically, it examines the relationships between two dimensions of personal values based on Schwartz’s value theory – self-direction and conformity and two work behaviors – innovation and compliance. Survey data were collected from 187 employees in Australia. Multiple regression method was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that organizational formalization moderated the relationship between self-direction values and innovative behaviors. As hypothesized, the positive effect of self-direction values on innovative behavior was strongest in less formalized organizations. the authors also found that conformity values predicted compliance behaviors, but no evidence of moderation by organizational formalization. It is important for organizations seeking particular work behaviors to ensure they are hiring employees with corresponding values and structuring the degree of formalization in the organization accordingly. This research contributes to the interactionist perspective, demonstrating that formalization interacts with employee values to influence work behaviors. Further, the authors extend previous studies on self-direction values and creative behaviors by understanding how personal values impact innovative behavior.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 07-06-2022
DOI: 10.1108/IMDS-12-2021-0732
Abstract: This study seeks to understand how regulatory and competitive forces impact firms' actions and innovation performance. The study investigates how firms strategize internally and externally to address regulatory and competitive forces, and how such actions influence firms' innovation performance. The data were collected via a survey of 217 managers of business organizations in Nigeria. Regulatory forces have a positive relationship with both absorptive capacity (AC) and information sharing (IS). Competitive forces, on the other hand, only have a negative relationship with IS but not with AC. AC has a positive relationship with innovation performance, while IS, surprisingly, does not have a positive relationship with innovation performance. The study contributes to knowledge by empirically validating the relationships between environmental forces and innovation performance more importantly, the study uncovers the underlying factors, i.e. IS and AC that link environmental forces and firms' innovation performance.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-09-2016
Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the antecedents of supply chain information integration (SCII) and their consequences on company performance from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV). Based on empirical survey data collected from 202 Australian manufacturers, this study examines the effects of strategic supply chain relationship (SCR) and supply chain technology (SCT) internalization on external and internal information integration (II) and the effects of external and internal II on operational (operational efficiency and service quality) and financial performance. Structural equation modeling and the maximum-likelihood estimation methods are used to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate that both strategic SCR and SCT internalization are positively related to external and internal II. Moreover, strategic SCR has a stronger positive relationship with external II than with internal II, and SCT internalization has a stronger positive relationship with internal II than with external II. Internal II is positively related only to service quality, and external II is positively related only to operational efficiency. Both operational efficiency and service quality are positively related to financial performance. This study contributes to the SCII literature and provides significant managerial implications for manufacturers to leverage their supply chain resources and capabilities by establishing a resources-capabilities-performance framework for the antecedents and consequences of SCII.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-2003
DOI: 10.1108/02656710310493625
Abstract: This empirical study examines the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and innovation performance and compares the nature of this relationship against quality performance. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 194 managers in Australian industry encompassing both manufacturing and non‐manufacturing sectors. The structural equation modeling technique was used to examine the relationships between TQM and quality performance as well as innovation performance, simultaneously. The findings suggest that TQM significantly and positively relates to both product quality and product innovation performance although it appears that the magnitude of the relationship is greater against product quality. In addition, significant causal relationships between quality performance and innovation performance were found, suggesting that achievement of one aspect of performance could impact the other.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-03-2014-0129
Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to examine the value chain processes that represent the “black box” between supply logistics integration and competitive operational performance in firms. To realize this objective, the authors develop a research model which comprises a series of linkages from supply logistics integration to operational outcomes using Porter’s concept of value chain and the relational view of resource-based theory as theoretical lenses. – The data set for testing the hypothesized relationships in this study was drawn from 232 Australian manufacturing firms. – The findings show that there is no significant direct relationship between supply logistics integration and competitive operational performance rather, the relationship is fully mediated by inbound supply performance and internal lean production processes. Further, lean production processes have a positive effect on inbound supply performance. – The study shows the importance of managing both internal (production processes) and external processes (logistics and supply chain) of firms’ operations in an integrated manner in which supply logistics integration act through key internal processes to impact competitive performance which the end customers actually experience. – This is the first study which uncovers what happens “in between” the incoming materials and the end outputs delivered by firms into the market. This “in between black box” is important in improving our understanding of how inbound supply activities are translated into outbound competitive performance outcomes.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-01-2007
DOI: 10.1108/02635570710719052
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative study on the impact of manufacturing strategies and resources on innovation performance in two newly industrialised countries in the South East Asian region, Thailand and Vietnam. A quantitative approach was employed. The survey data was drawn from 95 Thai and 44 Vietnamese middle or senior managers in manufacturing firms. Three major findings were noted in this study. First, there were no significant differences between Thai and Vietnamese manufacturing firms with respect to manufacturing strategies, resources, and innovation performance. Second, differentiation strategy is shown to be the strongest predictors for both product and process innovation across both countries. Technology management, however, only shows a significant effect on both product and process innovation among Thai firms. The other three manufacturing strategies (leadership, people management, and R& D) did not show a significant relationship with any of product or process innovations. Finally, the results of the moderating regression analysis, using country as a dummy variable, confirm that the effect of technology on product innovation is significantly stronger among Thai firms than Vietnamese firms. Small s le sizes of both countries are the major limitation of the study. Future studies can advance this research by incorporating a larger s le size as well as focusing on more innovative industries, such as electronics, automotive and food industries. The results provide insights on the status of several key managerial practices among manufacturing firms in Thailand and Vietnam. The study highlights the lack of R& D intensity in manufacturing firms as well as its non‐significant impact on innovation performance. This is the first empirical study to compare two newly industrialised countries in the South East Asian region in regards to manufacturing/operational practices, innovation performances, and differentiation strategy.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2004
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-04-2021
DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-05-2020-0256
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to test the moderated-mediated model using a dataset drawn from 204 manufacturing firms in Australia, and Hayes' PROCESS macro software was used for analyzing the research model. This study examines how firms can leverage the strategic value of their key supplier for improving their product performance by developing strategic collaborations with the key supplier as a mediating factor. Furthermore, it also seeks to understand the role that commitment plays in strategic relationships by testing how the mediating role of strategic collaboration is moderated by the level of buyer-suppliers relational capital. The findings show that strategic collaborations mediate the relationship between the strategic value of key supplier and buyer's product performance, and the mediating effect is moderated by the relational capital between the buyer and the key supplier in such a way that the stronger the relational capital the stronger the indirect effect of strategic value of key supplier on buyer's product performance. The findings show that firms could derive significant benefits from the strategic value of their key supplier in improving their product performance. However, the benefits can only be realized if firms can build successful strategic collaborations in the first place. At the same time, this study also demonstrates the importance of relational capital in terms of commitment and trust with the key supplier that influences the effectiveness of strategic collaborations in realizing the outcome of the collaborations. This study addresses the gap in the literature by disentangling the complex relationship between a key supplier's strategic value and a buyer's product performance and the role that both collaboration and relational capital play in this relationship. By integrating strategic collaborations and relational capital of buyer-supplier relationships, this study not only confirms the links by testing key supplier's strategic value, strategic collaboration and product performance, but also extends the previous studies by incorporating the moderating role of relational capital as a contingent factor.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2001
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-04-2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-02-2012
DOI: 10.1108/01443571211208632
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between exploration and exploitation innovation, and business performance in small and medium enterprise (SME) service firms. Furthermore, the paper also examines the interaction between the two innovation orientations in predicting business performance, and the influence of size in the effectiveness of each of them in enhancing business performance. Using empirical data drawn from 180 managers in Australian service organisations, this study also compares the effect of ambidextrous innovation on business performance within these SMEs. The findings show that, controlled for size, neither of the innovation orientations show significant, direct relationships with firms' performance. However, ambidextrous innovation was positively associated with business performance, indicating a synergy between exploration and exploitation. Further examination indicates the relationship between exploration/exploitation innovation and performance is moderated by size within the authors' s le of small firms. Taken together, the results point to an interesting and complex relationship within SMEs relating to innovation orientation, size, and performance. This relationship suggests that service SMEs are best served by the simultaneous pursuit of both exploitive and exploratory innovation. This research is original in that it deliberately focuses on innovation in service SMEs, an area that has not seen significant research previously. As such, the authors' insights into the relationship between ambidextrous innovation and performance suggest the need for creating balance and synergy between the two innovation types.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 08-2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-12-2013
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1108/01443570510626916
Abstract: This empirical study explores the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and organizational culture with the purpose of identifying the particular cultures that determine the successful implementation of TQM practices. Specifically, it tests two competing views on the relationship the unitarist and pluralist views. The empirical data was drawn from 194 organizations in Australia. The research model employs the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria as TQM framework and builds on the competing values model to frame organizational culture. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling technique. The findings support the pluralist view, wherein different subsets of TQM practices are determined by different types of cultures. Interestingly, hierarchical culture was found to have a significant relationship with certain practices of TQM. Additionally, the findings indicate that although the cultural factors underpinning different elements of TQM are dissimilar, even antagonistic, organizations can implement them in harmony. The major implication of this study is that organizations need to accommodate ergent goals by developing a system and/or structure that allows enough flexibility for adapting different (even contrasting) management styles, between control and flexibility and between internal and external orientations, so that they may gain benefits from the multiple dimensions of TQM. This paper provides empirical evidence on the multidimensionality of TQM practices along with their association with different types of culture.
Publisher: AIP Publishing
Date: 19-07-2010
DOI: 10.1063/1.3466914
Abstract: The electronic properties of rubrene films exposed to oxygen have been studied by photoemission and x-ray absorption spectroscopies. Oxygen incorporation causes the highest occupied molecular orbital of rubrene to shift to a ∼1.0 eV deep level due to chemical bonds formed by the oxygen atoms with the carbon atoms within the tetracene backbone of rubrene molecules. Deformation of the molecular backbone induced by the C–O bonds destroys the delocalized nature of the molecular orbitals. The oxidized rubrene molecules in a single crystal are proposed to act as point defects that disturb the long-range periodicity and produce localized acceptor states.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 27-05-2022
DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-01-2022-0015
Abstract: This study investigates the role of national culture on the implementation and effectiveness of quality management practices. Specifically, the authors examine the dual roles of two of Hofstede's national culture dimensions (in idualism and indulgence) in driving the implementation of people management practices and in moderating the relationship between people management and product quality performance. The authors’ dataset combines a survey of 976 firms from 22 countries with Hofstede's national culture index. A multi-level analysis, at firm and country levels, is used for investigating the interplay between two dimensions of national culture (in idualism and indulgence) on people management practices and product quality performance. The authors' findings show the negative relationship between indulgence (at country level) and people management practices (at firm level) while in idualism (at country level) strengthens the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level). Furthermore, the finding shows that the joint interaction between in idualism and indulgence (at country level) moderates the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level) where the relationship is strongest when in idualism is high and indulgence is low. Understanding the interplay between national culture and management practices is important for managers in making decisions on the practices managers should implement under different cultural contexts to gain the expected outcomes. The authors' results challenge the universalist view that suggests that quality management practices (in this case people management practices) can be applied in any context effectively to achieve high product quality performance by showing that facets of national culture influence the implementation and effectiveness of people management practices and performance. The results also provide a fresh perspective on the role of indulgence, given that it is the newest dimension in Hofstede's framework. The authors also extend previous studies which commonly only examine the main and not interactive effects of different dimensions of national culture.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-02-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-0002
DOI: 10.1111/IJAU.12068
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2006
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 21-06-2011
DOI: 10.1108/01443571111144823
Abstract: This paper aims to examine the relationship between the four cultural dimensions of the competing values framework (CVF) (group, developmental, hierarchical, and rational cultures) and four types of performance: product quality, process quality, product innovation, and process innovation. Theoretically, this represents the contrasts among the four quadrants of CVF in terms of their respective outcomes, with quality and innovation reflecting the contrast between control and flexibility orientations, and product and process reflecting the contrast between external and internal orientations. Data were collected from 194 middle and senior managers of Australian firms who had knowledge of past and present organizational practices relating to quality and innovation‐related aspects in the organization. Developmental culture was found to be the strongest predictor among the four cultural dimensions, as it shows relationships with three of the performance measures: product quality, product innovation, and process innovation. Rational culture shows a relationship with product quality, and along with group and hierarchical cultures, it also plays a role in predicting process quality. The results provide key insights for managers to appropriately understand the fit between the culture and the strategic direction of the firm. The findings also encourage firms to appreciate the balanced view on what seems to be multiple cultural characteristics within the same organization. By simultaneously examining the relationships between different cultural dimensions and different types of performance, this paper extends the previous empirical studies which linked CVF with a specific measure of performance.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-2006
DOI: 10.1108/01443570610710597
Abstract: This paper seeks to present an empirical snapshot of the application of operations management (OM) activities in Australian service firms. The four key areas addressed in this study are the nature or characteristics of services, the level of importance of OM techniques, the level of importance of performance indicators, and the challenges encountered by the management of service firms. The empirical data for this study were drawn from 190 managers of the Australian service organisations whose primary responsibilities were related to the daily operations of the firms. The targeted service organisations encompassed various sectors including transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health care, education, wholesale, retail, and professional services. The results indicate that most services are characterised by high customer contact and a low degree of differentiation. In terms of OM activities, service delivery, customer service and quality control received the highest priority. This result was confirmed by customer retention, on time delivery, and quality which received the highest priority among performance measures. Innovation, on the other hand, surprisingly received the least attention among the surveyed firms. Finally, building service culture appears to be the most challenging issue encountered by managers in dealing with service operations as opposed to managing facilities which raised only little concern from management's point of view. In general, there is no significant difference between Schmenner's four service types with respect to the key issues addressed in this study. From a managerial point of view, this study provides an insight into the importance of key OM practices and strategic performance indicators in the Australian service industry. This study builds on previous studies focusing on the implementation of OM practices carried out in the USA. Therefore, it contributes to knowledge by providing comparison with the Australian context.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0CC01921F
Abstract: Water-soluble hybrid of C 60 on ultrathin graphite enables efficient activation of reactive oxygen species for enhanced phototoxicity to neuroblastoma cells.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-03-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-10-2013
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2008
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-09-2016
DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-11-2014-0537
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of human capital (HC) on service innovation advantage (SIA) and business performance (BP) in service sector firms, and how external environmental factors influence these relationships. This study utilized a cross-sectional mail survey of a random s le of Australian service firms with the unit of analysis being at the firm level. In total, 228 usable responses were received. The overall findings of this study show that HC is positively related to the creation of value or SIA which in turn results in rent generation for firms. The results further show that the effect of SIA on BP is influenced by environmental dynamism and competitiveness with dynamic environments enhancing the effect while competitive environments weakening it. The findings demonstrate the complementarity between the resource based theory and contingency theory as they clearly shows that the value of innovation as a firm’s capability is enhanced or weakened within a business environment that is more dynamic or competitive. The findings demonstrate the importance of HC, and, thus, encourage managers to seek ways to harness and leverage HC for improving innovation and BP. In addition, the study also helps managers to understand the contingency effect of business environment on the effectiveness of innovation, hence, helping them in deliberating firms’ strategy in different business environments. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which examines the effectiveness of HC as organizational resource for building SIA as a source of organizational competitive advantage.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 08-08-2008
DOI: 10.1108/09564230810891932
Abstract: The present study aims to empirically explore the relationships between selected operations strategies and the associated operations activities. Specifically, for service firms targeting specific competitive priorities, it examines the extent to which there are significant differences in the relationships between these priorities and the operations activities among high‐ versus low‐performing firms. The empirical data for this study were drawn from 190 managers of the Australian service organisations whose primary responsibilities were related to the daily operations of the firms. The targeted service organisations encompassed various sectors including transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health care, education, wholesale, retail, and professional services. The results show that high‐performing firms have stronger relationships between their operations strategies and operations activities than low‐performing firms. The results also reveal how different operations strategies need to be deployed into different operations activities. The design of this study was exploratory in nature, and therefore, can be improved in terms of the robustness of the scales and observations. Also, the cross‐sectional design of the study could not capture potential unique characteristics of some service sectors that affect the examined relationships. These findings suggest the importance of implementing operations activities in the firm's strategic directions. As firms decide how they choose to strategically position their operating systems, they in turn need to decide how to best focus their resources on operational elements that support these goals. From the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study which examines the link between operations strategies and operations activities in service firms.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-09-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1002/KPM.259
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1108/09544780610685476
Abstract: This paper aims to identify changes in quality management practices that occurred in Australian manufacturing firms between 1994 and 2001. This study used two sets of data drawn from two separate surveys. The first survey was conducted in 1994 by the Australian Manufacturing Council (AMC) and the second survey was conducted in the early 2001 among the members of Australian Organisation for Quality (AOQ). After screening both data sets, 336 and 101 responses were usable for analysis using MANOVA. In the year 2001, Australian manufacturing firms were investing less in training and development of employees, and saw themselves as needing to provide greater levels of leadership in pursuing best practice than in 1994. In addition, maintaining a high‐quality of working environment and managing customer relationships were considered far more important in 2001 than previously, and less emphasis was placed on the standardising and documenting of internal procedures. Finally, suppliers were increasingly involved in product development, suggesting a shift of competitive advantage from an internal focus into a supply‐chain orientation. The significant discrepancy in the s le size and the different populations of the two surveys are the major limitations in generalising the findings of this study. The findings would be useful for practitioners who wish to track trends among Australian manufacturing firms and for those who want a benchmark against which to measure an in idual firm's performance. Practitioners may also be interested in issues such as supplier involvement and documentation. This study contributes new knowledge by assessing the trend of adoption of quality management practices in two separate cross‐sectional studies at two different times.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 28-05-2008
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-01-2011
DOI: 10.1108/01443571111098753
Abstract: Firms' motives in adopting ISO 9000 have been considered as one of the primary factors in determining benefits of the implementation of the standard. Literature commonly categorized motives for adopting ISO 9000 into two types, internal and external. The purpose of this paper is to examine three major strategic roles which these two types of motives play in affecting the result of the ISO 9000 adoption, namely goal, driver, and context. As a goal, motives reflect the firms' strategic outcomes in adopting ISO 9000. As a driver, motives determine the way firms implement the standard, and as a context, motives moderate the effect of implementation on firms' performance as the outcomes of ISO 9000 adoption. Data were collected from 328 middle and senior managers of ISO 9001 certified firms in Australia who were responsible for managing quality system in their organizations. Consistent with predictions, internal motives had a positive relationship with operational performance and implementation. Furthermore, from a strategic fit perspective, internal motives strengthened the relationship between implementation and performance. In contrast, external motives had no statistically significant relationship with performance and weakened the relationship between implementation and performance. The results provide key insights for managers to appropriately evaluate their ISO 9000 certification motives and to give attention to the implementation of ISO 9000 standards. Firms can thus gain a better understanding of how performance is shaped from both the motives for and the implementation process of ISO 9000. This paper is the first which articulates the multiple roles of firms' motives for adopting the ISO 9000 standard and examines their effects on firms' performance.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 28-04-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
Location: Indonesia
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Qinghua Li.