SIQ

Category Archive: Research

1. Quality across borders - New research shows the way in multinational companies

   27 May, 2025 11 :38 Comments Off on Quality across borders - New research shows the way in multinational companies

   Through a conceptual framework and a case study of Swedish entities in international groups, several crucial insights are identified:

   🔹 National culture shapes perceptions of quality. What is perceived as good quality can differ between countries.
   🔹 Different perceptions of quality challenge global uniformity. Inconsistent QM practices are a common pitfall.
   🔹 Technical standardization as a bridge builder. When focusing on technical aspects of quality work, a common understanding can be promoted, regardless of cultural background.
   🔹 Organizational culture as a unifying force. A strong, quality-driven corporate culture can reduce the effects of national differences and support consistent quality work globally.

   👉 For those who manage or work with quality in an international context, this means concrete tools: Invest not only in processes and systems - but also in cultural understanding and organizational development.

   📌 The article is written by Promporn Wangwacharakul, Linköping University, and is published in the special issue Operational Excellence in Sweden in International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, with Peter Cronemyr and Anders Fundin as guest editors.

   📖 Read the full article here

2. Paradoxical tensions during industry 4.0 integration within health care: managing tensions for quality improvement

   6 May, 2025 15 :26 Comments Off on Paradoxical tensions during industry 4.0 integration within health care: managing tensions for quality improvement

   Three key insights for business developers and policy makers:

   1. Six key areas of tension are identified that need to be strategically addressed - for example, the balance between technology integration and maintaining personal presence in care processes.
   2. Paradox theory serves as a tool to understand and manage conflicting demands in digital transformation in healthcare.
   3. A new conceptual framework is offered to support structuring the implementation of Industry 4.0 with a focus on quality, innovation and collaboration with different stakeholders.

   Read the full article here

   Daan Kabel, Jason Martin and Mattias Elg - Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Sweden
   The article is published within the Special Issue: Operational excellence and quality improvement in Sweden, with guest editors Peter Cronemyr and Anders Fundin.

3. SQMA and new research in focus: Value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean production

   April 6, 2025 16:00 Comments Off on SQMA and new research in focus: Value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean production

   The results show that leaders can create the conditions for value-based leadership by:

   • Clarify and communicate the organization's values and the behaviours required to support the strategic direction.
   • Create forums and spaces for reflection where leaders can understand the why behind decisions and develop their ability to lead change.
   • Using storytelling to build a coaching culture where values and behaviors are linked to ways of working and processes.

   The article, entitled "Developing value-based leadership for sustainable quality development: a meta-analysis from a study of Lean manufacturing", is written by Kristen Snyder, Pernilla Ingelsson and Ingela Bäckström at Mid Sweden University. It is published in the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and can be read here: Read the full article

   The article is part of a recently published special issue focusing on 'Operational Excellence and Quality Improvement in Sweden', with Peter Cronemyr from Linköping University and Anders Fundin from Mälardalen University and SIQ as guest editors.

4. Editorial for the Special section on Operational Excellence and Quality Improvement in Sweden

   18 March, 2025 14 :43 Comments Off on Editorial for the Special section on Operational Excellence and Quality Improvement in Sweden

   Quality management and operational excellence have a long tradition in Sweden, embedded in national values of democracy and pragmatism. Early pioneers of Swedish Quality practice and research were Lennart Sandholm, Bo Bergman and Bengt Klefsjö.

   Today many researchers and practitioners carry the flame. Historically, Swedish products were well-known for high quality, today the quality work has been expanded into sustainability and societal satisfaction. It has been included in many parts of the processes of businesses and public organizations to the extent that quality management has often been incorporated into the normal way of working, sometimes making it almost invisible. Still, the basic values of quality management are as important as ever: focus on customers (now expanded to the stakeholders of society), work with processes, base decisions on facts, improve continuously and, last but not least in Sweden, let everybody be committed. All of these are surrounded by management commitment and systems thinking.

   Cronemyr, P., Fundin, A. (2024) "Editorial for the Special section on Operational Excellence and Quality Improvement in Sweden", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 1157-1161.

   Issue publication date: 3 October 2024

5. Quality management as a means for micro-level sustainability development in organizations

   14:34 Comments Off on Quality management as a means for micro-level sustainability development in organizations

   Design/methodology/approach
   Five large manufacturing organizations - three from India and two from China - who reported their achievements about using QM in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were studied using multiple sources of data collection. A detailed within-case and cross-case analysis were conducted to unearth this linkage's practical and theoretical aspects.

   Findings
   The study finds that QM methodologies effectively met the five organizations' UNSDGs. These organizations successfully used OPEX (Operational Excellence) methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma to meet UNSDGs 7, 11, 12 and 13. Moreover, UNSG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is the most targeted goal across the case studies. A cross-case analysis revealed that the most frequently used quality tools were Design of Experiments (DoE), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), C&E analysis and Inferential statistics, among other essential tools.

   Research limitations/implications
   The study's sample size was limited to large-scale manufacturing organizations in the two most populous countries in the world. This may limit the study's generalizability to other countries, continents, or micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the study's conclusions would be strengthened if tested as hypotheses in a follow-up survey.

   Practical implications
   This practical paper provides case studies on how to use QM to impact SDGs. It offers both descriptive and prescriptive solutions for practitioners. The study highlights the importance of using essential QM tools in a structured and systematic manner, with effective teams, to meet the SDGs of organizations.

   Social implications
   The study shows how QM can be used to impact UNSDGs, and this is very important because the UNSDGs are a set of global objectives that aim to address a wide range of social and environmental issues. This study could motivate organizations to achieve the UNSDGs using essential QM tools and make the world a better place for the present and future generations.

   Originality/value
   This case study is the first to investigate at a micro-level how QM can impact UNSDGs using live examples. It uses data from the IAQ to demonstrate how QM can be integrated into UNSDGs to ensure sustainable manufacturing.

   Antony, J., Bhat, S., Fundin, A., Sony, M., Sorqvist, L. and Bader, M. (2024) "Quality management as a means for micro-level sustainability development in organizations", The TQM Journal, Vol. 36 No. 8, pp. 2260-2280.

   Article publication date: August 14, 2023

6. Leadership characteristics for implementation and sustainability of quality: an exploratory study and directions for further research

   14:32 Comments Off on Leadership characteristics for implementation and sustainability of quality: an exploratory study and directions for further research

   Design/methodology/approach
   The study is based on one-to-one semi-structured virtual interviews with leaders in the quality field.

   Findings
   Four themes (Customers, Leadership, Quality Culture and Sustainability of Quality) emerged from the post-interview data analysis, illustrating the critical role of Leadership in the successful deployment and sustainment of Quality Management and identifying the leadership traits that are most conducive to successful organizational deployments.

   Originality/value
   Although some of these leadership traits are described in the wider leadership literature as belonging to one or more different leadership styles, there is no existing style of leadership that comprehends all the characteristics; thus, the need for a new leadership paradigm is this paper's theoretical contribution to the literature.

   Laureani, A., Antony, J., Ramadan, M.A., Al Dhaheri, M.K., Fundin, A. and Sörqvist, L. (2024) "Leadership characteristics for implementation and sustainability of quality: an exploratory study and directions for further research", The TQM Journal, Vol. 36 No. 8, pp. 2599-2617.

   Article publication date: September 8, 2023

7. Sustainable Development through Quality Management: A Multiple-Case Study Analysis of Triumphs, Trials and Tribulations

   14:28 Comments Off on Sustainable Development through Quality Management: A Multiple-Case Study Analysis of Triumphs, Trials and Tribulations

   Design/methodology/approach
   Due to the lack of substantial literature connecting QM to sustainability, the current research adopted an explanatory multiple-case study. Six cases were purposively chosen for the study. Three cases of those who have achieved the prestigious IAQ Quality Sustainability Award and remaining have been selected that have fallen short of receiving the award. A detailed within-case and cross-case examinations involving six cases that reported their QM achievements aligned with SDGs.

   Findings
   The findings demonstrate the significant role of QM adoption in achieving positive results from the perspective of SDGs, such as reduced environmental impacts, improved operational efficiency and enhanced quality of life. Effective stakeholder collaboration, proficiency in analytical tools and strategic alignment with SDGs emerged as critical success factors. Conversely, weak linkage with sustainability and unclear approaches were crucial challenges in attaining the IAQ Quality Sustainability Award.

   Research limitations/implications
   This paper outlines essential commandments for organizations actively seeking to promote sustainability. It offers valuable insights for decision-makers, facilitating a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in pursuing sustainable performance.

   Originality/value
   The distinctive nature of this study lies in its dedicated exploration of the intricate relationship between QM deployment and its true impact on the achievement of the SDGs.

   Anthony, J., Bhat, S., Sony, M., Fundin, A., Sörqvist, L., Molteni, R. (2024) "Sustainable Development through Quality Management: A Multiple-Case Study Analysis of Triumphs, Trials and Tribulations", The TQM Journal (January 4th, 2024).

   Article publication date: 13 February 2024

8. Transcending compliance when managing environmental innovation - Organizational learning from six decades of change

   14:25 Comments Off on Transcending compliance when managing environmental innovation - Organizational learning from six decades of change

   Over the past six decades, critical success factors are identified by applying the positive deviance theory to study cases of environmental innovation, including vision, continuous learning, communication, traceability, extended collaboration, supplier collaboration, testing and verification, systematic working methods, engaged key persons, management, and clear directives. Additionally, a five-step approach for managing environmental innovation is developed to facilitate organizations' transitions towards sustainable development.

   Sannö, A., Fundin, A., Deleryd, M. (2024) "Transcending compliance when managing environmental innovation - Organizational learning from six decades of change",

   Environmental Technology & Innovation, Volume 36, November 2024, 103892.

9. Change-driven process management: exploring a new process paradigm adaptable to societal changes

   14:14 Comments Off on Change-driven process management: exploring a new process paradigm adaptable to societal changes

   Design/methodology/approach
   The research is conducted using holistic multiple case studies of eight Swedish organizations (with employees from Sweden, France and Germany), representing the automotive, energy, medical technology, healthcare, telecom and social services sectors.

   Findings
   A process management model with four change-driven phases is presented. The model fulfills demands for both speed and quality in process changes, providing specific guidance on working methods for (1) control and stability, (2) creativity and stability, (3) creativity and change and (4) control and change.

   Research limitations/implications
   This research is limited to eight organizations in Sweden, France, and Germany that participate in the automotive, energy, medical technology, healthcare, telecom and social services sectors. Future research should explore broader international contexts.

   Practical implications
   The proposed model helps decision-makers adapt process management to evolving business and operational needs; thus, leaders can make grounded decisions on when and how to change operations based on changing internal and external requirements.

   Originality/value
   This study challenges the current process management paradigm with new knowledge of how process management can be adapted to new business opportunities.

   Cronemyr, P., Fundin, A. and Wemme, L. (2024), "Change-driven process management: exploring a new process paradigm adaptable to societal changes", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.

   Article publication date: 31 December 2024

10. Sweden's quality journey - lessons learned and opportunities for the future

    14:05 Comments Off on Sweden's quality journey - lessons learned and opportunities for the future

    A new article, published as part of the special issue Operational Excellence in Sweden in the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, highlights the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century.

    The unique article is written by Bo Bergman, Bengt Klefsjö and Lars Sörqvist and is part of a collection of research contributions with Peter Cronemyr and Anders Fundin as guest editors.

    The study shows how the quality movement has shaped both business and education in Sweden, where business leaders have been particularly successful in learning, adapting and further developing quality work - often in collaboration with academia.

    A key success factor is how the quality principles have been adapted to the Swedish culture, which focuses on innovation and collaboration.

    The article "Swedish Quality: a historical perspective and reflections for the future" is available via the link below.

    Enjoy your reading!