Management Commitment Research Articles

A SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR TQM IN SERVICE SECTOR

A business firm's ability to grow sustainably is based on the core management philosophy of Total Quality Management. TQM is being implemented by several critical success factors such as customer orientation, apex management commitment, training & education, continuous improvement, etc. In an organization, they are collectively referred to as CSFs of TQM. The presence of key CSF can enhance customer focus and quality performance, which will boost long-term survival and profitability.This study uses the Pareto analysis method where the researcher tries to identify the TQM CSFs in service industry with special reference to banking sector. In order to determine TQM CSFs, 33 research publications in all have been examined. The outcome of this investigation will definitely contribute towards the field of research and it offers a structure for conducting an empirical examination based on TQM practices in banking sector in India.

The experience of persons with disabilities as beneficiaries of Ghana's District Assemblies Common Fund.

Ghana's Disability Fund aims to build the capacity of persons with disabilities, particularly those outside of formal employment, to engage in livelihood generation activities as a way to reduce poverty. The objective of this paper is to investigate the kind of knowledge that exists on the District Assemblies Common Fund program, understand the experience of beneficiaries when they access the program, and examine the benefits on beneficiaries' livelihoods. The research consisted of five focus group discussions with 35 beneficiaries, key informant interviews with six member organizations of Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, and interviews with eleven Disability Fund Management Committees members. This research found the experiences of beneficiaries on the program are varied yet the program on the whole has had a positive outcomes on their livelihoods. Persons with disabilities who participated in this study demonstrated knowledge of the program. Beneficiaries further described issues relating to the quality of purchased items, the procurement process, as well as reductions and changes to requested items. Disability-specific issues in accessing the funds were also noted. These limited the effectiveness of the Fund to meet its stated goals. The findings of the study can inform the Common Fund Secretariat efforts to improve the performance of the fund as well as the advocacy of the disability movement. The findings are also relevant to the design and implementation of other social protection programmes in low-and middle-income countries.

School-Parent Engagement on Stimulation Activities in Pre-Primary Schools in Kira Municipality in Wakiso District, Uganda

Stimulation activities are events that parents and other caregivers give to the children to support their cognitive, emotional, and physical needs right from birth onwards. For instance, playing and talking with them (even before children can respond verbally), and exposing them to words, numbers, and simple concepts while engaging in daily routines. Whereas School-parent engagement is where schools tend to create partnerships between themselves and the parents so that they are able to work together, most especially pertaining to their children’s education and holistic development. Schools can work with parents in making decisions, setting goals and attaining academic outcomes. This contributes to the enhancement of children’s holistic growth and development. This research study, therefore, aimed at examining school-parent engagement in Pre-primary schools in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda which has remained a gap for long. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative instruments. These included; Focus group discussion guides, document analysis guide, observation checklist, and questionnaires. The respondents included; headteachers, Centre Management Committee (CMC) chairpersons, parents, and teachers. The findings of this study show that parents were not closely working with the school to stimulate children’s learning. Schools reported significantly lower levels of parents came in to check on their children’s books or to submit homework, or drop and pick a child from school. Parents were majorly coming in for meetings and any event that had been organised by the school or to pay fees dues. Three major recommendations regarding parent engagement in stimulation activities were given. These included; ensuring that parents understand what stimulation activities mean, the materials to use and their role in supporting their children’s learning. Then, it also suggested the best approach to ensure that stimulation activities are provided to the children both at Pre-primary school and at home for continuity of learning. The paper concludes by suggesting recommendations on the need for school-parent engagement to ensure that effective stimulation activities are provided at the Pre-primary schools. Thus, enabling children to receive integrated stimulation opportunities that are contextualised

Top Management Commitment as a Moderator in the Relationship Between Green Banking Adoption Practices and Performance: Evidence from India

This article aims to investigate the relationship between green banking adoption practices and performance. A conceptual model has been developed to test the moderating effect of top management commitment in the relationship between green banking adoption practices and performance in a lower-middle-income country context, that is, India. Using a survey instrument, data were collected from 393 employees working in banks in southern India. First, the psychometric properties of the survey instrument were checked using LISREL software for structural equation modelling. Second, the hypothesised relationships were tested using hierarchical regression and double-checked with path analysis. The findings indicate that green banking adoption practices are precursors to environmental, operational and financial performance. The results also provide support for the moderating effect of top management commitment in the relationship between green banking adoption practices and (a) environmental performance, (b) operational performance and (c) financial performance. The green adoption practices encompass a range of initiatives to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability and address climate change concerns. Top management commitment is at the forefront of driving these practices, which plays a pivotal role in shaping organisational strategies and fostering a culture of sustainability. To the best of our knowledge, the model developed is the first of its kind, particularly in the context of banks in India. Investigating the interaction effect of top management commitment in enhancing performance is a novel idea and significantly contributes to the literature on sustainability. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.

An implementation model for socio-technical digital tools

PurposeWhile Digitalisation is gaining momentum among practitioners and the scientific world, there is still a struggle to embark on the digitalisation journey successfully. The struggles are more significant for SMEs compared to large companies. Such transformation could face internal resistance, which evokes the need to put it into a socio-technical perspective such as lean. This paper investigates how SMEs could implement digital tools and technologies in their operations.Design/methodology/approachWe relied on a multiple case study design in three SME manufacturing companies in Italy. Based on the experience of those companies, the struggles in the implementation and the lessons learned, we formulate an implementation model of digital tools driven by lean thinking.FindingsCompanies tend to implement first digital tools that help with real-time data collection and stress that introducing digital tools becomes challenging without reducing waste in production. The model stresses top management commitment, middle-line involvement and operator training to resist change. All these factors coincide with socio-technical lean bundles developed by seminal works. In addition, the study highlights that financial incentives are not necessarily the common barrier to digital tools implementation in SMEs but rather the cultural aspect.Originality/valueOur paper enriches the extant body of knowledge by deriving knowledge around digitalisation implementation through lessons learned and corrective actions. It allows managers to benchmark and compare the current state of the implementation process with that of other companies and the one proposed to make corrective actions when necessary.

La gestion paradoxale ou l’art de concilier changements délibérés et changements émergents

<p>The paradoxical approach is attracting increasing attention in management, not least because it seems suited to the turbulent, multidimensional reality of contemporary organizations. Paradox involves the coexistence of apparent contradictions in situations where opposing elements are all important, and choosing between them is not an option (Lewis and Smith, 2023). Consistent with the principles of grounded theorizing methodology, the proposed model is based on the experiences of managers who value their employees' initiative-taking. The simultaneous process of data collection and analysis was based on 21 interviews with managers from five different organizations, 76 hours of observation of management committees and four focus groups. We found that the intention to develop the ability to act (DAA) (i.e. a process that values initiative-taking by focusing on the actualization of skills) can make certain paradoxical tensions salient. More specifically, we have documented four pairs of paradoxical tensions linked to DAA: anticipation/reaction, control/autonomy, collective/individual, and stability/change. In an attempt to understand how managers cope with these tensions, we listed 16 managerial actions grouped on to four axes: alignment, empowerment, buy-in and evolution. In-depth analysis of the four pairs of tensions revealed that each has a deliberate and an emergent pole. The deliberate perspective refers to an articulated intention with a certain level of precision, control mechanisms, and collective agreement, while the emergent perspective is characterized by an absence of prior intention, openness, and responsiveness. Deliberate and emergent poles thus interact to create a constructive tension that makes the organization less vulnerable to extremes (i.e. polarization). We propose that these paradoxical tensions are interdependent, generating a dynamic equilibrium that leads to organizational evolution.</p>

Strategies to enhance employee wellbeing in an institution of higher learning in South Africa

Employee wellbeing is a crucial challenge in many organisations in South Africa and abroad. Interventions at a management level are vital to ensure that organisations do not lose quality employees due to poor employee well-being. Therefore, the paper assessed the strategies that can be used to enhance the well-being of academics in an institution of higher learning in South Africa. The paper employed a qualitative approach to collect data from the Management Committee (MANCO) at the Durban University of Technology in Durban, South Africa. Purposive sampling was be used to collect data directly from the MANCO. All data are analyzed using Nvivo. Findings from the study revealed that leadership plays a pivotal role in the well-being of employees. The findings of the paper can assist the management of the university with solutions related to the turnover of academics and will also be a wake-up call to other universities on the subject matter.

Examining the Influence of Risk Management Committee Dynamics on Financial Performance: A Case Study of Listed Insurance Companies in Nigeria

The Nigerian insurance industry has experienced substantial growth due to factors like increased awareness, regulatory reforms, and technological advancements. This research aimed to explore how the composition, structure, and activities of risk management committees influence key financial performance metrics, focusing on return on assets (ROA). Data from annual reports and audited financial statements of selected insurance companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group from 2013 to 2022 were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that risk management committee size and meeting frequency positively impact financial performance, suggesting that larger committees and more frequent meetings correlate with better financial outcomes. However, factors like committee independence and gender diversity had insignificant effects on financial performance. In conclusion, the presence and effectiveness of risk management committees significantly affect the financial performance of listed insurance companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that insurance companies prioritize diverse committee compositions to benefit from a wider range of expertise and perspectives.

Success Factors of Total Quality Management (TQM) Practices: A Case Study of University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in the Sultanate of Oman

The aim of this study is to examine the Total Quality Management (TQM) procedures at the University of Technology and Applied Science (UTAS). This involves assessing variables such as top management commitment, continuous improvement, employee development and empowerment, and strategic management. Subsequently, the study seeks to determine the essential success factors for implementing the TQM system at UTAS. A questionnaire was created involving TQM at a higher education institution in Oman, specifically focusing at UTAS. It consists of demographic information, top management commitments, continuous improvements, employee development and empowerment, and strategic management. As part of the study's convenient sampling technique, 300 fully completed questionnaires from seven Colleges of Technology functioning within UTAS were gathered. The TQM procedures were evaluated in conjunction with factor analysis which was conducted using the t-test. The survey reveals that there is a significant relationship between TQM practices and top management commitment, continuous improvement, employee development and empowerment, and strategic planning. The study highlights quality as the most crucial method in higher education, sheds light on the essential success factors for implementing TQM at UTAS and provides future improvements in various areas of operations for UTAS.  

Renewable energy supply chain in Malaysia: Fostering energy management practices and ecological performance

The trade-off between environmental issues and economic outcomes has challenged manufacturing firms to manage the renewable energy supply chain (RESC). The Malaysian manufacturing industry has been challenged for its capacity to contribute to renewable energy development and reliance on imported components. The renewable energy supply chain has risks for uncertainty, higher costs, longer lead times, and disruption. Prior studies uncover the impact of fostering energy management practices (EMPs) and ecological performance (EC) in the renewable energy supply chain under a natural resource-based view (RBV). The government has provided the incentive to drive the successful implementation of energy management to obtain clean energy and business sustainability. This study contributes to developing a theoretical model that examines the intervening effect of the RESC on EMPs and EC. This study analysed the responses of 129 manufacturing firms to understand energy management practices. The findings show that energy auditing positively relates to RESC and that government incentives have impacted energy management practices. Management commitment and energy knowledge directly affected manufacturing firms’ ecological performance. The results show that manufacturing firms can best design energy management, green strategy, and competitiveness for business sustainability. Theoretical, policy and managerial implications are discussed.

Pengukuran Kematangan Keamanan Siber pada Perusahaan Teknologi Informasi dengan Framework Center for Internet Security Controls

This research evaluates the cybersecurity maturity of a technology information company in Jakarta, using the CIS Controls framework that encompasses all controls within Implementation Group 1 (IG1). The company has not conducted formal measurements regarding cybersecurity maturity, leading to uncertainty about the effectiveness of security efforts. The aim of this study is to measure, assess, and provide recommendations to enhance cybersecurity within the company. The research methodology involves an assessment of CIS Controls implementation and maturity level measurements. The measurement results indicate a low level of maturity, with an overall score of 0.41. The company needs to make significant improvement efforts in the cybersecurity aspect. Recommendations derived from this analysis emphasize the need for policy enhancements, control improvements, and increased employee training, serving as a guide for the company to strengthen weak cybersecurity aspects. The company should adopt a sustainable approach with management commitment and active engagement of all stakeholders.

Determinants of an auditor’s continuance intention with respect to use of the Audit Tools and Linked Archives System (ATLAS): A model of extended expectation confirmation

The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of the continuance intention with respect to use of the Audit Tools and Linked Archives System (ATLAS) by employing survey methods. These determinants are developed from an Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM). The sample of this study is auditors who use ATLAS in public accounting firms in Indonesia. As many as 356 data points can be processed using smartPLS. This study revealed that perceived usefulness, confirmation, information quality, top management commitment and satisfaction affected the auditor’s intentions when using ATLAS. The implications of this study are (1) Public accounting firms must provide full support to auditors in using ATLAS and equip auditors through training so auditors understand that using ATLAS is very useful; (2) IAPI must pay attention to outputs that are complete, good and appropriate so that the auditor is satisfied when using ATLAS. The auditor has a tendency to continue using ATLAS if he is satisfied.

The Decision Behaviour Evaluation of Interrelationships among Personality, Transformational Leadership, Leadership Self-Efficacy, and Commitment for E-Commerce Administrative Managers

Abstract Due to the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic isolation, the E-commerce market encountered great impact and changes. Faced with such a transformed situation, E-Commerce administrative managers usually have different individual personalities and transformational leadership to enhance leadership self-efficacy and organizational commitment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interrelationships among the personality, transformational leadership, leadership self-efficacy, and commitment of E-Commerce administrative managers. The research population is randomly selected from E-Commerce administrative managers who are responsible for E-Commerce administrative affairs. Based on a sample of 408 participants, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is applied to examine the construct validity. Then, the Structured Equation Modelling (SEM) method is used to estimate a series of interrelated dependent relationships and perform a comprehensive model. The research results show that a leader with Big Five personality traits has a positive influence on transformational leadership and leadership self-efficacy. An E-Commerce administrative manager with transformational leadership behaviours has a positive influence on leadership self-efficacy. In addition, an E-Commerce administrative manager with leadership self-efficacy has a positive influence on commitment. The research results contribute to a better evaluation model of E-Commerce administrative manager’s leadership by applying their personalities and transformational leadership to enhance leadership self-efficacy and increase the level of organizational commitment.

Организационно-экономические и управленческие решения развития розничных услуг торговых сетей на основе внедрения системы управления лояльностью покупателей

The article is devoted to the study of the issue of improving the process of interaction with customers and the development of organizational, economic and managerial solutions for the development of retail services of trading networks based on the development and implementation of modern digital solutions for managing loyalty systems. The work conducts research in the field of improving customer interaction processes, namely maintaining the customer base and attracting new customers, provides an overview of loyalty programs in Russia and digital solutions for automating customer loyalty management systems. The promising areas of customer loyalty management identified during the review were confirmed by data from open sources. The relevance of the topic is due to the proposal to manage a loyalty system based on the digitalization of this business process. The authors examined the problem of increasing the customer focus of retail chains, which is popular in the current economic conditions, based on the introduction of a customer loyalty system. An accessible way to solve the problem was identified, which consists in the development and implementation of an information system for loyalty management. The functional composition of the information system being developed to ensure the effective implementation of the business process is indicated, and a list of organizational and economic measures for the successful implementation of the system is provided.

Requirements Applying of Six Sigma Methodology to Reduce Productive Wastage at Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies: A Field Study

The Study aimed to identify the impact of Requirements Applying of Six Sigma Methodology with its dimensions (Top Management commitment and support, Continuous Improvement, Human Resources, technology and information systems) on Reducing Productive Wastage, the level of Requirements applying it and the Reducing Productive Wastage at Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies. To achieve the study objectives, the descriptive analytical method was used and the study population consisted of the workers in Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies with a total number of (476) employees. The study questionnaire was distributed on stratified random sample with a total number of (195) employees. By analyzing the data using descriptive analysis methods and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS program, the findings revealed positive impact of Requirements Applying of Six Sigma methodology on the reduction of productive waste in Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies, and also that there is a positive impact of the three Applying of Six Sigma Methodology dimensions: Continuous Improvement, information and technology systems and Human Resources on Reducing Productive Wastage, while there was no impact of the top Management commitment and support on Reducing Productive Wastage in Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies, due to the variation in the workers awareness level of Requirements Applying of Six Sigma Methodology. The findings also showed that the level of Requirements applying of the six-sigma methodology at Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies was high, and the level of Reducing Productive Wastage was high as well in Yemeni Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies.

Preparedness for recurrent drought disaster: insights from the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

ABSTRACT This study examined the drought preparedness of drought-prone communities in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. The study employed a mixed-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, household surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations. The data were then analysed using SPSS for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The results reveal that the respondents primarily rely on their personal and community abilities to prepare for droughts. A significant proportion (χ 2 = 11.676, P = 0.020) of the respondents depend on community leaders for drought information, while others rely on family and friends. They also use indigenous knowledge and construct boreholes/wells to prepare for droughts. However, limited government support, inadequate extension/scientific support services, and insufficient formal training limited drought preparedness. Age, household size, and income significantly influenced perceived preparedness for drought. Based on the findings, the study concludes that informal/locally-driven strategies are important in drought preparedness and should be strengthened. The study recommends the establishment of drought management committees at the grassroots level and the effective use of indigenous knowledge in combination with scientific knowledge for drought planning and adaptation. Given the geographical variation in climatic stressors, a focus on a specific event such as drought has enhanced the understanding of drought disaster preparedness at the community level for effective planning and policy interventions. This study contributes to the literature in the disaster preparedness discipline with a lens on community drought preparedness.

Benchmarking lean construction conformance in Pakistan’s construction industry

PurposeLean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the construction sector of Pakistan, it has not been extensively explored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying and predicting current lean practices and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of LC implementation in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUsing robust statistical methods to analyze 92 valid responses, the study reveals that approximately 54% of lean practices are currently in use in the construction industry of Pakistan, with a population mean ranging from 52.7% to 55.6%.FindingsSurprisingly, the research identifies instances where some construction firms in Pakistan are implementing LC practices, even though they have only a limited understanding of its underlying principles. Notably, certain subprinciples, such as visual management, top management commitment to change, employee training, process cycle time reduction and production optimization, are less integrated within the construction industry. Exploring the possibility of implementing LC, recommendations for strategies to implement LC in Pakistan are suggested, aligning with the conceptual model proposed by the researchers.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work offers insights that can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing nations. It provides a structured approach to assess and benchmark LC practices, which, in turn, can contribute to a more efficient and effective construction industry. Moreover, the strategies proposed in this research can aid developing countries in the efficient implementation of LC. This will have a positive implication for both economic and developmental outcomes.

Understanding the correlates of construction safety of high-rise buildings: A Bayesian perspective

Safety in high-rise building construction is a critical concern, particularly in the densely populated urban areas of Vietnam. Understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing safety on construction sites is essential for reducing accidents and enhancing overall project outcomes. This study aims to identify and analyze key factors impacting safety in high-rise construction projects. Utilizing Bayesian Poisson Regression, the research investigates the relationship between various safety-related factors and the occurrence of non-fatal accidents. The study adopts a comprehensive approach, selecting potential safety factors from the existing literature and developing a rating system validated by site safety managers. Data were collected from 48 high-rise buildingprojects in Vietnam, constructed between 2019 and 2022. Bayesian Poisson Regression was employed to analyze the impact of 15 variables on safety outcomes, including management commitment, worker participation,training programs, emergency preparedness, and safety inspections. The findings underscore the multifacetednature of construction safety and the need for a holistic approach that involves strong safety training, engagedmanagement and workers, protective measures, and proactive safety audits. This research provides actionableinsights for practitioners and contributes to the academic discourse on construction safety, emphasizing theutility of Bayesian methods in unraveling complex safety dynamics in high-rise construction.

Comprehensive Public Place Sanitation Evaluation Based on the Complete Component in Community-Based Total Sanitation

Purpose: This study addresses the need for comprehensive analysis of sanitation in public places in Indonesia, particularly focusing on community behavior aspects based on the complete components of Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM). Recognizing the limitations of previous research, which primarily focused on sanitation facilities and affordability, the research aims to provide a holistic evaluation of public place sanitation to better understand the implementation of sanitary community behavior.
  
 Methods: The evaluation of public place sanitation is conducted in various facilities including traditional markets, terminals, stations, and educational institutions such as Islamic boarding schools in Surabaya. A sanitation-inspection instrument, developed based on government regulations, is utilized for the evaluation process. The assessment focuses on different aspects such as physical condition, garbage disposal, bathroom and toilet facilities, waste water disposal, parking, construction, firefighting provisions, medical facilities, and handwashing facilities.
  
 Results and Discussion: The findings reveal areas requiring improvement in public place sanitation across different facilities. Railway stations and bus stations exhibit deficiencies in the physical condition of external buildings, garbage disposal, bathroom and toilet facilities, and waste water disposal. Islamic boarding schools necessitate enhancements in parking lots, construction, firefighting provisions, medical rooms, and handwashing facilities. Traditional markets require improvements in construction, clean water supply facilities, firefighting provisions, and medical rooms. The study emphasizes the importance of managerial commitment to enforcing sanitary conditions to meet environmental health requirements in public places.
  
 Implications of the Research: The research outcomes have implications for public health policymakers, facility managers, and stakeholders involved in environmental health management. By identifying areas for improvement in public place sanitation, the study provides actionable insights for enhancing community health and well-being. The findings underscore the significance of effective sanitation management practices and highlight the role of stakeholders in ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and regulations.
  
 Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a comprehensive evaluation of public place sanitation based on the complete components of STBM in Indonesia. By addressing the gap in research focusing solely on sanitation facilities and affordability, the research provides a holistic perspective on community-based sanitation behavior. The findings offer practical implications for improving sanitation practices in public places, ultimately enhancing environmental health and community well-being.

Assessment of safety climate perception of maintenance workers during major overhauls, outages, shutdowns or turnarounds (MoOSTs)

AbstractMaintenance activities are used to sustain the reliability of physical industrial assets. However, studies indicate that some of the most devastating industrial accidents are attributable to poor safety perceptions of maintenance workers, especially during major overhauls, outages, shutdowns or turnarounds (MoOSTs). Typical MoOSTs involve the harmonisation of regular maintenance endeavours on a large scale, which in turn heighten risks of accidents and costs. Furthermore, MoOSTs are performed over short durations thereby necessitating parallel high‐risk activities by different organisations that have different perceptions of safety and possess different safety cultures. Understanding safety climate can immensely benefit MoOSTs organisations by improving the understanding of attitudes and perceptions that alleviate workplace incidents. This study aimed to establish safety climate that would boost safety culture and positively impact perceived safety performance during MoOSTs. Safety climate questionnaire survey was deployed to MoOSTs workers of leading cement plants in Nigeria. Through exploratory factor analysis, three underlying safety climate factors were identified, which helped to determine that factors such as ‛training and learning from incidents’, ‛commitment of senior management towards ensuring safety and its protocol development process’ and ‛effectiveness of incident reporting systems during MoOSTs’ were significant predictors of workers’ perceptions of safety performance. The findings also pointed out that the inter‐relationship between perceived safety performance, MoOSTs safety training and organisational commitment were positively correlated.