Category Archive: Research

1. Quality and partnership

   July 7, 2021 08:06 Comments Off on Quality and partnership

   Public procurement is often still based on price, although quality is now a key criterion in procurement. There is a strong need for a model with practices that promote dynamic quality with leadership that drives a culture of improvement. One possible such approach to public procurement is to start with a quality model that drives that culture.

   Case study on procurement of elderly care

   In this research project we have in a case study studied in more detail how procurement of elderly care has been improved by using the quality model GUM model, which during the project was developed into SIQ Managementmodell.

   The project included training all parties in the quality model and conducting workshops to see what a well-functioning partnership between the municipality and the tenderer could look like. 

   A partnership based on a quality model presupposes that the municipality making the procurement itself works according to the chosen structure, so that the partnership is built into an already functioning way of working. It is important to discuss what a partnership means and how it should be expressed initially.

   Advice for future public procurement

   Given the results of the research project, some advice for future public procurement has been formulated. Among other things, the parties should consider the following: 

   • A common thread throughout the procurement process 
   • A discussion on the minimum acceptable level of delivery, i.e. which "shall" requirements should be set.
   • To "work in" the quality model and not just add it to the procurement documents.
   • An early integration of partnerships in the procurement documents in order to work in good cooperation during the contract period
   • Training of all stakeholders in the chosen quality model

   The report is written by Carolina Camén as a researcher at CTF, Center for Service Research and associate professor at Karlstad Business School and Anders Fundin who is a research leader at SIQ and professor at Mälardalen University.

2. Decoding sustainable success

   29 December, 2020 11 :28 Comments Off on Decoding sustainable success

   In this conceptual study, we outline a simplistic framework of aspects, variables, and relations constituting a workable definition of 'sustainable success' inspired by previous theoretical models. The aim is to contribute to a pragmatic clarification of how the concept of sustainable development could be more understandable, measurable, and manageable during global uncertainty and rapid change. A theoretical background is presented, followed by an overview of the method of investigation with a subsequent presentation of the results and a reasoning that frames the conceptual framework on critical constructs for measuring sustainable success based on stakeholder perceptions.

3. Quality 2030: quality management for the future

   09:22 Comments Off on Quality 2030: quality management for the future

   This article is based on extensive data gathered during a workshop process conducted in two main steps: (1) a collaborative brainstorming workshop with 22 researchers and practitioners (spring 2019) and (2) an appreciative inquiry summit with 20 researchers and practitioners (autumn 2019). The process produced five collectively elaborated and designed future research themes for QM: (a) systems perspectives applied, (b) stability in change, (c) models for smart self-organizing, (d) integrating sustainable development, and (e) higher purpose as QM booster.

   The process also identified a positive core of QM, defined as core values and aspects in the field and practice that need to be preserved and nurtured in the future.

4. Towards societal satisfaction in a fifth generation of quality - the sustainability model

   09:13 Comments Off on Towards societal satisfaction in a fifth generation of quality - the sustainability model

   In the new generation of quality, societal satisfaction would be a more appropriate way of measuring sustainable success. Consequently, and to support societal satisfaction, additional quality management models that complement current approaches are needed. For organizations to manage current, fast-changing environments successfully, existing management models need to be further developed.

   Hence, to support decision makers in the fifth generation of quality, Quality 5.0, achieve societal satisfaction, this paper proposes a generic model for sustainable development, based on a longitudinal trend analysis of two sequential Delphi studies conducted in 2012 and 2018. The sustainability model supports all organizations-private or public, large or small-on their pathway towards sustainable organizational success and a sustainable future.

5. Inclusion of CSR in the extended performance satisfaction index - new development

   22 December, 2020 11 :36 Comments Off on Inclusion of CSR in the extended performance satisfaction index - new development

   Using customer perception data from the Extended Performance Satisfaction Index (EPSI) Rating database, this study evaluates the relationship between customer satisfaction and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We apply the EPSI model and find a positive relationship between CSR and customer satisfaction, mediated by the effect of CSR on company image.

   Furthermore, there are non-linear relationships between CSR and customer satisfaction, leading to a proposed CSR-effect curve. From a managerial perspective, the effect of CSR on customer satisfaction is a function of the company's perceived efforts related to CSR. Hence, an improvement in CSR ratings from customers is expected to impact the business' bottom line, since improvement in customer satisfaction is known to positively impact financial performance.

6. Does SIQ Management Index simplify quality work for management teams?

   22 October, 2020 14 :31 Comments Off on Does SIQ Management Index make quality work easier for management teams?

   The research focused on two questions:

   • To identify conditions necessary for the successful use of SIQ Management Index that contribute to an ongoing dialog on how to support quality management through the use of measurement tools.
   • To investigate the usefulness of SIQ Management Index as a tool to improve the effectiveness of management teams.

   Results from the qualitative data show four primary uses of SIQ Management Index : heart rate monitors, navigation, systematic dialog and management team development.

   In particular, the study supports the need to develop an understanding of the importance of dialogue and process combined with the use of measures to achieve results.

   To identify conditions necessary for the successful use of SIQ Management Index that contribute to an ongoing dialog on how to support quality management through the use of measurement tools.

   The results do not clearly show that SIQ Management Index contributes to improved effectiveness. The maturity of the organization and management team, with open and transparent communication and clear purpose and objectives, seem to be key factors in how well a management team benefits from SIQ Management Index . The tool works best when used in the longer term rather than quick fix use, although this has not yet been validated by further research.

7. SIQ develops management model for micro enterprises

   12 December, 2019 18 :26 Comments Off on SIQ develops management model for micro-enterprises

   The research and development project aims to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness by developing and adapting the SIQ Management Model for Microenterprises. Through an adapted Swedish management model, the project aims to promote the opportunities of digitalization and contribute to digital transformation in rural businesses.

   The project will be carried out in collaboration with several micro-enterprises, Tillväxtverket and Almi Företagspartner. The focus is set on the development of new methods and working methods that provide support for microenterprises to manage a high rate of change and at the same time provide conditions for growth through new innovations.

   The project is co-financed by SIQ Intressentförening.

   - To lead for success in a turbulent world, management models also need to evolve with the times. We are therefore very pleased and proud of Tillväxtverket's confidence and at the same time humbled by the task of developing a new Swedish management model for microenterprises, comments Mats Deleryd, CEO of SIQ. We look forward to a deeper collaboration and co-production with the micro-enterprises, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and Almi Företagspartner.

   SIQ's research director Anders Fundin, who is also a professor at Mälardalen University, is responsible for the project.

8. Quality-based management for future-ready corporations serving society and planet

   April 25, 2019 21:47 Comments Off on Quality-based management for future-ready corporations serving society and planet

   By N. (Ram) Ramanathan

   Quality has always implied the idea of causing no harm. Nevertheless, products do cause damage - by using fossil energy, releasing chemicals that could impair inter-generational health, by needing incineration, or clogging landfills and water bodies while resisting recycling or bio-degradation. These are ecological and societal problems that cannot be slotted away as 'externalities'. The definition of quality must now read as fulfilling the needs of customers and society.

   Quality-based management has the philosophies, systems and techniques to define problems and find causes with long-term customer orientation and respect for humanity. Reduction of wastes is its bread and butter. Corporations have the responsibility to not harm the earth. The twin lack of incentives or coercive regulations and taxes may get rectified soon. Wise businessmen will do well to turn to quality to mitigate harm and thus be future-ready. This paper elaborates the threats and the ways in which corporations can respond through quality.

9. 2017 World state of quality: first worldwide results

   18:05 Comments Off on 2017 World state of quality: first worldwide results

   By Catarina Cubo, Pedro Saraiva, Paulo Sampaio and Marco Reis at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.

   For that purpose, we are now covering one hundred and ten countries, grouped according to five categorizes of overall quality performance (Leading, Follower, Moderate, Lagging, and Beginning). This overall quality performance is computed based on the ranking positions achieved by each country and for each indicator. Statistical data analysis was also carried out, leading to the identification of similar country quality profiles and the identification of a diversity of ways that are being adopted by different countries to pursue their quality journey.

   Following this approach, the characterization of countries in terms of quality strengths and improvement areas can be also achieved, according to the corresponding country quality profiles obtained for the one hundred and ten countries studied.

10. Excellence for sustainability - maintaining the license to operate

    21 March, 2019 21 :53 Comments Off on Excellence for sustainability - maintaining the license to operate

    By Raine Isaksson

    The Planetary Boundaries, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and The Natural Step have been used to identify performance targets for stakeholder needs. Results indicate that People and Planet could be defined as the main stakeholders and that these stakeholders could be further detailed in order to more easily link them with company business. Critical Planet stakeholders could be such as the Atmosphere and Biosphere.

    Based on the Pareto principle, People needs focus should be on alleviating poverty with a highest priority given to those living in extreme poverty. Absolute and relative indicators for sustainability performance with focus on core stakeholders have been proposed. The indication is that a paradigm shift from Profit to Planet and People focus is needed. The proposed strategy is to combine customer wants focus with a focus on defined critical stakeholder needs.