PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realizatio... more PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realization of quality goods and services; however, they can be rather document intensive. This paper investigates documentation practices used for aligning “light-weight” Scrum methods with ISO 9001 in a leading healthcare software firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated how “light-weight” Scrum approaches fit with organizational documentation practices for ISO 9001 compliance in one leading healthcare software development firm. Three investigative rounds were conducted with software professionals having different Scrum roles to understand their challenges in maintaining process documentation with Scrum methods.FindingsISO standards stipulate certain mandatory documentation as evidence that certain pre-defined processes are followed in the build-up of quality goods and services. However, this may result in “heavy-weight” document driven approaches that interfere with “light-weigh...
2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2018
This paper presents some results of a broader empirical study that examined radical product innov... more This paper presents some results of a broader empirical study that examined radical product innovation determinants in the New Zealand food and beverage (F&B) industry involving 137 F&B companies. Radical product innovation is defined as the introduction of a new product that involves a new-to-market core technology and core value proposition and is an important driver of company growth and new market creation. Three company characteristics-the age, size, and the ownership base-that are posited to influence product innovativeness are investigated. The results show that the company age and size have an effect on product innovativeness. However, the two factors did not show a two-way interaction, implying that their effects are additive. The findings are important because companies grow in size as they age and often attract capital investment from foreign countries.
Using data collected from a large sample of Toyota’s sales and marketing staff (n = 2195) across ... more Using data collected from a large sample of Toyota’s sales and marketing staff (n = 2195) across 22 countries, we tested the nature of the relationships between national culture dimensions (NCDs) and practitioner’s acceptance for lean management (LM) via cause and effect hypotheses formulated via the literature. Our causal hypotheses were supported by data, but we found significant nonlinear relationships characterising the causal relationships. The characteristic curves we derived to represent these relationships (via the partial least squares regression method) help academia and practitioners to better understand how LM works across cultures. We also studied how NCDs and economic development moderate the effectiveness of LM. We did not find any moderation effect. We have suggested that national culture and economy of a country may not constrain LM when it comes to a simple task such as selling Toyota automobiles in the local market. Keywords: Lean management, national culture dime...
The validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Asia Pacific— the Australia... more The validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Asia Pacific— the Australian Business Excellence Framework (Australia), the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (New Zealand) and the Singapore Quality Award Criteria (Singapore)—was examined from a conceptual as well as a predictive standpoint. Unlike in many past studies, in this study the validity of the measurement criteria stipulated in BE models have been directly assessed. The conceptual validity of the three BE models was studied through a generic theoretical model using the partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLSBSEM) method. Apart from measurement validity, the strengths of the hypothesised causal relationships between the constructs of the BE models and their practical implementations were also examined under conceptual validity. The predictive validity of the three BE models was examined through linear predictive models involving enablers—being measures in BE models that...
Worldwide government policy response both to and during the COVID-19 crisis has been variable. Pr... more Worldwide government policy response both to and during the COVID-19 crisis has been variable. Proposing a new model for observing complex adaptive system (CAS) behaviour that is populated with publicly available policy response data from the first five months of 2020, this paper examines the application and effectiveness of different approaches employed by some governments. This study finds evidence of CAS characteristics and a consistent system response function suggesting high sensitivity CAS activity amongst nations successfully responding to COVID-19. The CAS sensitivity is evident across diverse physical geographies, population densities and systems of government. Identification of consistent CAS behaviour patterns under extreme circumstances offers a potentially useful tool that can complement epidemiological management when calibrating
Collaborative product development (CPD) is a vital strategy adopted by many manufacturing firms f... more Collaborative product development (CPD) is a vital strategy adopted by many manufacturing firms for higher competitiveness. Efficient processing of information via information and communication technology (ICT) tools is essential for practicing CPD. Uncovering the impact of ICT usage on performance of CPD projects with varying characteristics will provide valuable insights to CPD practitioners. So far, the practical relevance and appropriateness of criteria used in previous research models evaluating the ICT impact have not been sufficiently confirmed. This study develops a research model based on relational resource-based view and organizational information processing theory to evaluate the impact of ICT usage on CPD performance. The study qualitatively examines this model, using data collected through interviews from manufacturing and ICT vendor firms for assessing various ICT usage dimensions, project characteristics representing information processing requirement, and CPD perfor...
PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realizatio... more PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realization of quality goods and services; however, they can be rather document intensive. This paper investigates documentation practices used for aligning “light-weight” Scrum methods with ISO 9001 in a leading healthcare software firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated how “light-weight” Scrum approaches fit with organizational documentation practices for ISO 9001 compliance in one leading healthcare software development firm. Three investigative rounds were conducted with software professionals having different Scrum roles to understand their challenges in maintaining process documentation with Scrum methods.FindingsISO standards stipulate certain mandatory documentation as evidence that certain pre-defined processes are followed in the build-up of quality goods and services. However, this may result in “heavy-weight” document driven approaches that interfere with “light-weigh...
Traditional cashmere manufacturing is undergoing a paradigm shift in India. The current practices... more Traditional cashmere manufacturing is undergoing a paradigm shift in India. The current practices are not sustainable due to the lack of standards and controls. In this ethnographic case study, an attempt is made to explore and gain deep insights on the use of technological aspects in traditional cashmere processes. A theoretical framework based on Geographical Indication is developed to capture multidimensional facets associated with cashmere industry. The proposed model encourages standard industry practices and paves a way forward to mitigate variations susceptible to the traditional craft.
The key purpose of this study was to examine the empirical validity of three key Business Excelle... more The key purpose of this study was to examine the empirical validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Australasia/Asia Pacific region: the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF); the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (BCPE, used in New Zealand); and the Singapore Quality Award Criteria (SQAC). In addition, the study also assessed the empirical relationships between the enabler items (i.e. measures on leadership and performance management) and the business results items (i.e. those measures that cover key stakeholder outcomes), using predictive linear models. The study is original, in the following respects: (a) it is based on data (item scores) on past Australian/New Zealand/Singaporean BE/Quality Award applicants (N = 113 for the SQAC, N = 110 for the ABEF, and N = 118 for the BCPE) and reflects the true measurement validityof the BE models; (b) it introduces a generic methodology for evaluating the measurement validity of a BE model; and ...
2020 IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on Computer Science and Data Engineering (CSDE)
The manufacturing industry is facing ever increasing adverse challenges of operational waste gene... more The manufacturing industry is facing ever increasing adverse challenges of operational waste generation, environmental issues and inefficient utilization of raw material in the last few decades. These environmental and operational challenges can be minimized by adopting new management strategies and streamlining processes in the manufacturing facilities. An integrated lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an innovative approach can be employed for achieving operational performance, a healthier environment and business profits in manufacturing firms. Literature on a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation is limited, and no research has investigated the barriers which hinder the implementation of these strategies as a holistic approach. This paper explores the potential barriers for deploying an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach for optimizing the manufacturing processes and improving environmental performance. Twenty barriers are identified in areas of management approach, cultural and external aspects, technical aspects and financial resources which if overcome, can lead to the successful implementation of a combined lean and ISO 14001 strategy in manufacturing firms.
Purpose The paper of this paper is to explore the implementation of an integrated lean and Intern... more Purpose The paper of this paper is to explore the implementation of an integrated lean and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 approach in the meat industry for environmental performance and examine a proposed conceptual framework by capturing insights from lean and ISO 14001 experts in New Zealand (NZ). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with a group of consultants (lean and ISO 14001) to evaluate the suitability of an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach in the meat industry for environmental performance. A conceptual framework from literature has guided this study leading to its further development based on the empirical evidence collected. Findings Findings have illustrated a synergistic positive impact of lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an integrated approach for sustaining environmental performance in the meat industry. A joint implementation program provides more clarity in aligning ISO 14001 operational pr...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how successful lean six sigma (LSS) manifests... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how successful lean six sigma (LSS) manifests in the Australasian (Australian and New Zealand) context relative to the context in the USA in terms of LSS project definition, structure and practices. Design/methodology/approach In-depth investigation through case studies – 12 Australian/New Zealand cases and 4 US cases – on the implementation mechanisms of successful LSS initiatives. Findings A significant difference was found between Australasian and US definitions of an LSS project. However, firms in both regions followed similar project selection, initiating and execution practices. LSS reporting structures were found to be well-established in US organizations, but none of the Australasian organizations were found to be equipped with such a structure, although the effectiveness of LSS implementation success remained unaffected. Research limitations/implications Sufficient uniformity of LSS was found across two regions implying it...
Considering the emerging global markets for the consumption of cashmere products, current sustain... more Considering the emerging global markets for the consumption of cashmere products, current sustainability issues prevailing in the traditional cashmere industry are explored in this study. To get a deeper understanding of the sustainability concerns in the cashmere industry, it is important to understand the cashmere supply chain operations to uncover the key sustainability issues prevalent in the present-day traditional cashmere industry. For this, a single case study was conducted in Kashmir, India using qualitative approaches. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, observations, cashmere retailer websites and documentary evidence. Due to the impact of mechanization and lack of industry standards, the research findings indicate deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the artisans; especially, women spinners and weavers. Mechanization promotes economic sustainability for the manufacturers and retailers which helps them strengthen their market base. Howe...
Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic system... more Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic systems are influenced by several value and modeling choices. This study, for the first time, quantified the influence of choice of GHG accounting approach, GHG metric, time horizon, climate threshold, global emissions budget calculation method, and effort-sharing approach, taking New Zealand (NZ) as a case study. First, NZ's production- and consumption-based emissions were quantified using multi-regional input-output analysis and applying different GHG metrics (global warming and temperature potentials) and time horizons (20 and 100 years). Second, global emissions budgets for 1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 1 Wm-2 climate thresholds were estimated. Budget shares were then assigned to NZ using two effort-sharing approaches (grandfathering and economic value), and emissions were benchmarked against the assigned shares. Finally, the analysis was undertaken at the NZ sector level. The results showed that, for each GHG accounting approach, NZ's total emissions exceeded their budget shares, irrespective of the choices; the largest source of uncertainty was the choice of global emissions budget calculation method, followed by GHG metric, climate threshold, effort-sharing approach, and reference year for the grandfathering approach. The sector-level analysis showed that, while most sectors exceeded their budget shares, some performed within them. The ranking of uncertainty sources was quite different at the sector level, with the choice of effort-sharing approach providing the largest source of uncertainty. Overall, the study indicates the importance of handling value and modeling choices in a transparent way when quantifying emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic systems.
International Journal of Information Systems and Management
New product development (NPD) practitioners increasingly rely on information and communication te... more New product development (NPD) practitioners increasingly rely on information and communication technology (ICT), aiming to achieve lower costs, higher quality and greater speed to market. Only a little is known about the effect of various ICT tools on NPD performance, and exploring this would ease effective deployment of technological resources in innovation programmes. This study uses data collected in the Product Development Management Association's 2012 Comparative Performance Assessment Study, from 450 firms across different countries and industries. The direct and indirect effects of thirteen ICT tools on overall NPD performance are examined using hierarchical regression analysis. Results suggest that six ICT tools indirectly improve NPD performance by increasing collaboration, while the direct effects of PDM systems and project management systems are significant. The study implies that extensive use of ICT significantly contributes to improve collaboration, which is vital for achieving the NPD programmes' objectives, increasing competitiveness, and improving overall NPD performance.
This paper aims to theorise and test a causal model of predominantly lean-driven quality improvem... more This paper aims to theorise and test a causal model of predominantly lean-driven quality improvement (QI) in the context of health-care clinical microsystems, examining the effects contextual factors in this setting have on improvement activity.,QI practitioners at a New Zealand District Health Board were surveyed on a range of contextual factors hypothesised to influence improvement outcomes. Survey responses were analysed via partial least squares path modelling to test the causal model that was designed to be consistent with the “model for understanding success in quality” (MUSIQ) model (Kaplan et al., 2012) adopted in health-care QI.,Defined variables for teamwork, respect for people, lean actions and negative motivating factors all demonstrated significant effects. These findings support the representation of the microsystem layer within the MUSIQ model. The final model predicted and explained perceived success well (adjusted R2 = 0.58).,The sample was a non-probability sample and the sample size was small (n = 105), although power analysis indicated that we exceeded the minimum sample size (97 cases). Even though health-care processes have universality, this study was conducted in only one district in New Zealand.,The results support highly functional teamwork as the critical contextual factor in health-care QI outcomes and suggest lean-driven process improvement can be a valid mediating mechanism. The key recommendation for practitioners is to increase focus on human resource capability when initiating and supporting QI.,The originality is testing the robustness of the MUSIQ model specifically in a lean environment, which provides the context for QI. The paper provides a more detailed specification of contextual factors acting as exogenous variables that moderate the cause (lean actions) and the effect (perceived success).
As one of the luxurious fibres, cashmere is a fine natural fibre extracted from the underbelly of... more As one of the luxurious fibres, cashmere is a fine natural fibre extracted from the underbelly of a unique goat primarily found in Asia. Cashmere fibre is used to make a variety of fashion and luxury woollen products such as scarves, shawls, pullovers and cardigans. Similar to fine wine or cheeses, it can be argued that the inherent value of cashmere to the consumer relates to both the properties of the product itself (softness, fineness), and the traditions and practices associated with its production. India is the traditional hub of cashmere products for centuries, and the handmade Indian cashmere products are unmatched in artisan expertise, range, design, appearance and quality. In the last few decades, due to technological advancements in manufacturing practices, the automation of cashmere manufacturing is fast replacing the centuries-old traditional practices. As a result of these changes, the industry in India is currently facing sustainability issues. This research aims to determine how, and to what extent, automation is impacting traditional cashmere manufacturing processes and how these practices can be integrated for sustainability. To achieve this, we intend to explore cashmere luxury value chains and study the impact of automation on the value generation stages of these chains. This study will be carried out in the context of traditional craft industry making transition to the global, consumer age. Finally, based on the research aim, propositions are presented to address and integrate these aspects for future research. Through this work, a contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding cashmere industry is expected.
PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realizatio... more PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realization of quality goods and services; however, they can be rather document intensive. This paper investigates documentation practices used for aligning “light-weight” Scrum methods with ISO 9001 in a leading healthcare software firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated how “light-weight” Scrum approaches fit with organizational documentation practices for ISO 9001 compliance in one leading healthcare software development firm. Three investigative rounds were conducted with software professionals having different Scrum roles to understand their challenges in maintaining process documentation with Scrum methods.FindingsISO standards stipulate certain mandatory documentation as evidence that certain pre-defined processes are followed in the build-up of quality goods and services. However, this may result in “heavy-weight” document driven approaches that interfere with “light-weigh...
2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), 2018
This paper presents some results of a broader empirical study that examined radical product innov... more This paper presents some results of a broader empirical study that examined radical product innovation determinants in the New Zealand food and beverage (F&B) industry involving 137 F&B companies. Radical product innovation is defined as the introduction of a new product that involves a new-to-market core technology and core value proposition and is an important driver of company growth and new market creation. Three company characteristics-the age, size, and the ownership base-that are posited to influence product innovativeness are investigated. The results show that the company age and size have an effect on product innovativeness. However, the two factors did not show a two-way interaction, implying that their effects are additive. The findings are important because companies grow in size as they age and often attract capital investment from foreign countries.
Using data collected from a large sample of Toyota’s sales and marketing staff (n = 2195) across ... more Using data collected from a large sample of Toyota’s sales and marketing staff (n = 2195) across 22 countries, we tested the nature of the relationships between national culture dimensions (NCDs) and practitioner’s acceptance for lean management (LM) via cause and effect hypotheses formulated via the literature. Our causal hypotheses were supported by data, but we found significant nonlinear relationships characterising the causal relationships. The characteristic curves we derived to represent these relationships (via the partial least squares regression method) help academia and practitioners to better understand how LM works across cultures. We also studied how NCDs and economic development moderate the effectiveness of LM. We did not find any moderation effect. We have suggested that national culture and economy of a country may not constrain LM when it comes to a simple task such as selling Toyota automobiles in the local market. Keywords: Lean management, national culture dime...
The validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Asia Pacific— the Australia... more The validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Asia Pacific— the Australian Business Excellence Framework (Australia), the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (New Zealand) and the Singapore Quality Award Criteria (Singapore)—was examined from a conceptual as well as a predictive standpoint. Unlike in many past studies, in this study the validity of the measurement criteria stipulated in BE models have been directly assessed. The conceptual validity of the three BE models was studied through a generic theoretical model using the partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLSBSEM) method. Apart from measurement validity, the strengths of the hypothesised causal relationships between the constructs of the BE models and their practical implementations were also examined under conceptual validity. The predictive validity of the three BE models was examined through linear predictive models involving enablers—being measures in BE models that...
Worldwide government policy response both to and during the COVID-19 crisis has been variable. Pr... more Worldwide government policy response both to and during the COVID-19 crisis has been variable. Proposing a new model for observing complex adaptive system (CAS) behaviour that is populated with publicly available policy response data from the first five months of 2020, this paper examines the application and effectiveness of different approaches employed by some governments. This study finds evidence of CAS characteristics and a consistent system response function suggesting high sensitivity CAS activity amongst nations successfully responding to COVID-19. The CAS sensitivity is evident across diverse physical geographies, population densities and systems of government. Identification of consistent CAS behaviour patterns under extreme circumstances offers a potentially useful tool that can complement epidemiological management when calibrating
Collaborative product development (CPD) is a vital strategy adopted by many manufacturing firms f... more Collaborative product development (CPD) is a vital strategy adopted by many manufacturing firms for higher competitiveness. Efficient processing of information via information and communication technology (ICT) tools is essential for practicing CPD. Uncovering the impact of ICT usage on performance of CPD projects with varying characteristics will provide valuable insights to CPD practitioners. So far, the practical relevance and appropriateness of criteria used in previous research models evaluating the ICT impact have not been sufficiently confirmed. This study develops a research model based on relational resource-based view and organizational information processing theory to evaluate the impact of ICT usage on CPD performance. The study qualitatively examines this model, using data collected through interviews from manufacturing and ICT vendor firms for assessing various ICT usage dimensions, project characteristics representing information processing requirement, and CPD perfor...
PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realizatio... more PurposeQuality management standards (e.g. ISO 9001) lead to process conformance in the realization of quality goods and services; however, they can be rather document intensive. This paper investigates documentation practices used for aligning “light-weight” Scrum methods with ISO 9001 in a leading healthcare software firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated how “light-weight” Scrum approaches fit with organizational documentation practices for ISO 9001 compliance in one leading healthcare software development firm. Three investigative rounds were conducted with software professionals having different Scrum roles to understand their challenges in maintaining process documentation with Scrum methods.FindingsISO standards stipulate certain mandatory documentation as evidence that certain pre-defined processes are followed in the build-up of quality goods and services. However, this may result in “heavy-weight” document driven approaches that interfere with “light-weigh...
Traditional cashmere manufacturing is undergoing a paradigm shift in India. The current practices... more Traditional cashmere manufacturing is undergoing a paradigm shift in India. The current practices are not sustainable due to the lack of standards and controls. In this ethnographic case study, an attempt is made to explore and gain deep insights on the use of technological aspects in traditional cashmere processes. A theoretical framework based on Geographical Indication is developed to capture multidimensional facets associated with cashmere industry. The proposed model encourages standard industry practices and paves a way forward to mitigate variations susceptible to the traditional craft.
The key purpose of this study was to examine the empirical validity of three key Business Excelle... more The key purpose of this study was to examine the empirical validity of three key Business Excellence (BE) models used in the Australasia/Asia Pacific region: the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF); the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (BCPE, used in New Zealand); and the Singapore Quality Award Criteria (SQAC). In addition, the study also assessed the empirical relationships between the enabler items (i.e. measures on leadership and performance management) and the business results items (i.e. those measures that cover key stakeholder outcomes), using predictive linear models. The study is original, in the following respects: (a) it is based on data (item scores) on past Australian/New Zealand/Singaporean BE/Quality Award applicants (N = 113 for the SQAC, N = 110 for the ABEF, and N = 118 for the BCPE) and reflects the true measurement validityof the BE models; (b) it introduces a generic methodology for evaluating the measurement validity of a BE model; and ...
2020 IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on Computer Science and Data Engineering (CSDE)
The manufacturing industry is facing ever increasing adverse challenges of operational waste gene... more The manufacturing industry is facing ever increasing adverse challenges of operational waste generation, environmental issues and inefficient utilization of raw material in the last few decades. These environmental and operational challenges can be minimized by adopting new management strategies and streamlining processes in the manufacturing facilities. An integrated lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an innovative approach can be employed for achieving operational performance, a healthier environment and business profits in manufacturing firms. Literature on a combined lean and ISO 14001 implementation is limited, and no research has investigated the barriers which hinder the implementation of these strategies as a holistic approach. This paper explores the potential barriers for deploying an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach for optimizing the manufacturing processes and improving environmental performance. Twenty barriers are identified in areas of management approach, cultural and external aspects, technical aspects and financial resources which if overcome, can lead to the successful implementation of a combined lean and ISO 14001 strategy in manufacturing firms.
Purpose The paper of this paper is to explore the implementation of an integrated lean and Intern... more Purpose The paper of this paper is to explore the implementation of an integrated lean and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 approach in the meat industry for environmental performance and examine a proposed conceptual framework by capturing insights from lean and ISO 14001 experts in New Zealand (NZ). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with a group of consultants (lean and ISO 14001) to evaluate the suitability of an integrated lean and ISO 14001 approach in the meat industry for environmental performance. A conceptual framework from literature has guided this study leading to its further development based on the empirical evidence collected. Findings Findings have illustrated a synergistic positive impact of lean and ISO 14001 implementation as an integrated approach for sustaining environmental performance in the meat industry. A joint implementation program provides more clarity in aligning ISO 14001 operational pr...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how successful lean six sigma (LSS) manifests... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how successful lean six sigma (LSS) manifests in the Australasian (Australian and New Zealand) context relative to the context in the USA in terms of LSS project definition, structure and practices. Design/methodology/approach In-depth investigation through case studies – 12 Australian/New Zealand cases and 4 US cases – on the implementation mechanisms of successful LSS initiatives. Findings A significant difference was found between Australasian and US definitions of an LSS project. However, firms in both regions followed similar project selection, initiating and execution practices. LSS reporting structures were found to be well-established in US organizations, but none of the Australasian organizations were found to be equipped with such a structure, although the effectiveness of LSS implementation success remained unaffected. Research limitations/implications Sufficient uniformity of LSS was found across two regions implying it...
Considering the emerging global markets for the consumption of cashmere products, current sustain... more Considering the emerging global markets for the consumption of cashmere products, current sustainability issues prevailing in the traditional cashmere industry are explored in this study. To get a deeper understanding of the sustainability concerns in the cashmere industry, it is important to understand the cashmere supply chain operations to uncover the key sustainability issues prevalent in the present-day traditional cashmere industry. For this, a single case study was conducted in Kashmir, India using qualitative approaches. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, observations, cashmere retailer websites and documentary evidence. Due to the impact of mechanization and lack of industry standards, the research findings indicate deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the artisans; especially, women spinners and weavers. Mechanization promotes economic sustainability for the manufacturers and retailers which helps them strengthen their market base. Howe...
Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic system... more Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic systems are influenced by several value and modeling choices. This study, for the first time, quantified the influence of choice of GHG accounting approach, GHG metric, time horizon, climate threshold, global emissions budget calculation method, and effort-sharing approach, taking New Zealand (NZ) as a case study. First, NZ's production- and consumption-based emissions were quantified using multi-regional input-output analysis and applying different GHG metrics (global warming and temperature potentials) and time horizons (20 and 100 years). Second, global emissions budgets for 1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 1 Wm-2 climate thresholds were estimated. Budget shares were then assigned to NZ using two effort-sharing approaches (grandfathering and economic value), and emissions were benchmarked against the assigned shares. Finally, the analysis was undertaken at the NZ sector level. The results showed that, for each GHG accounting approach, NZ's total emissions exceeded their budget shares, irrespective of the choices; the largest source of uncertainty was the choice of global emissions budget calculation method, followed by GHG metric, climate threshold, effort-sharing approach, and reference year for the grandfathering approach. The sector-level analysis showed that, while most sectors exceeded their budget shares, some performed within them. The ranking of uncertainty sources was quite different at the sector level, with the choice of effort-sharing approach providing the largest source of uncertainty. Overall, the study indicates the importance of handling value and modeling choices in a transparent way when quantifying emissions and setting emissions budgets for anthropogenic systems.
International Journal of Information Systems and Management
New product development (NPD) practitioners increasingly rely on information and communication te... more New product development (NPD) practitioners increasingly rely on information and communication technology (ICT), aiming to achieve lower costs, higher quality and greater speed to market. Only a little is known about the effect of various ICT tools on NPD performance, and exploring this would ease effective deployment of technological resources in innovation programmes. This study uses data collected in the Product Development Management Association's 2012 Comparative Performance Assessment Study, from 450 firms across different countries and industries. The direct and indirect effects of thirteen ICT tools on overall NPD performance are examined using hierarchical regression analysis. Results suggest that six ICT tools indirectly improve NPD performance by increasing collaboration, while the direct effects of PDM systems and project management systems are significant. The study implies that extensive use of ICT significantly contributes to improve collaboration, which is vital for achieving the NPD programmes' objectives, increasing competitiveness, and improving overall NPD performance.
This paper aims to theorise and test a causal model of predominantly lean-driven quality improvem... more This paper aims to theorise and test a causal model of predominantly lean-driven quality improvement (QI) in the context of health-care clinical microsystems, examining the effects contextual factors in this setting have on improvement activity.,QI practitioners at a New Zealand District Health Board were surveyed on a range of contextual factors hypothesised to influence improvement outcomes. Survey responses were analysed via partial least squares path modelling to test the causal model that was designed to be consistent with the “model for understanding success in quality” (MUSIQ) model (Kaplan et al., 2012) adopted in health-care QI.,Defined variables for teamwork, respect for people, lean actions and negative motivating factors all demonstrated significant effects. These findings support the representation of the microsystem layer within the MUSIQ model. The final model predicted and explained perceived success well (adjusted R2 = 0.58).,The sample was a non-probability sample and the sample size was small (n = 105), although power analysis indicated that we exceeded the minimum sample size (97 cases). Even though health-care processes have universality, this study was conducted in only one district in New Zealand.,The results support highly functional teamwork as the critical contextual factor in health-care QI outcomes and suggest lean-driven process improvement can be a valid mediating mechanism. The key recommendation for practitioners is to increase focus on human resource capability when initiating and supporting QI.,The originality is testing the robustness of the MUSIQ model specifically in a lean environment, which provides the context for QI. The paper provides a more detailed specification of contextual factors acting as exogenous variables that moderate the cause (lean actions) and the effect (perceived success).
As one of the luxurious fibres, cashmere is a fine natural fibre extracted from the underbelly of... more As one of the luxurious fibres, cashmere is a fine natural fibre extracted from the underbelly of a unique goat primarily found in Asia. Cashmere fibre is used to make a variety of fashion and luxury woollen products such as scarves, shawls, pullovers and cardigans. Similar to fine wine or cheeses, it can be argued that the inherent value of cashmere to the consumer relates to both the properties of the product itself (softness, fineness), and the traditions and practices associated with its production. India is the traditional hub of cashmere products for centuries, and the handmade Indian cashmere products are unmatched in artisan expertise, range, design, appearance and quality. In the last few decades, due to technological advancements in manufacturing practices, the automation of cashmere manufacturing is fast replacing the centuries-old traditional practices. As a result of these changes, the industry in India is currently facing sustainability issues. This research aims to determine how, and to what extent, automation is impacting traditional cashmere manufacturing processes and how these practices can be integrated for sustainability. To achieve this, we intend to explore cashmere luxury value chains and study the impact of automation on the value generation stages of these chains. This study will be carried out in the context of traditional craft industry making transition to the global, consumer age. Finally, based on the research aim, propositions are presented to address and integrate these aspects for future research. Through this work, a contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding cashmere industry is expected.
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Papers by Nihal Jayamaha