Gera Welker

Formalising the ordering process to achieve responsiveness

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the question whether formalisation of the ordering process can be helpful in achieving responsiveness, while remaining efficient.Design/methodology/approach – Three dimensions of the ordering process are discussed, namely logistical control, information processing and the organisational setting of the ordering process. Data were gathered from case studies at five different production companies.Findings – It is suggested that a highly formalised logistical control structure is essential in achieving responsiveness and efficiency. From the formalisation strategies applied by the companies it can also be concluded that a formalised organisational setting of the ordering process is necessary for being responsive in case the logistical control is characterised by a low degree of formalisation.Originality/value – The paper presents a detailed operationalisation of the formalisation of three dimensions of the ordering process. This is helpful in formulating guidelines for st...

Understanding how and why audits work: Protocol for a realist review of audit programmes to improve hospital care

Introduction Many types of audits are commonly used in hospital care to promote quality improvements. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of audits is mixed. The objectives of this proposed realist review are (1) to understand how and why audits might, or might not, work in terms of delivering the intended outcome of improved quality of hospital care and (2) to examine under what circumstances audits could potentially be effective. This protocol will provide the rationale for using a realist review approach and outline the method. Methods and analysis This review will be conducted using an iterative four-stage approach. The first and second steps have already been executed. The first step was to develop an initial programme theory based on the literature that explains how audits are supposed to work. Second, a systematic literature search was conducted using relevant databases. Third, data will be extracted and coded for concepts relating to context, outcomes and their interrelatedness. Finally, the data will be synthesised in a five-step process: (1) organising the extracted data into evidence tables, (2) theming, (3) formulating chains of inference from the identified themes, (4) linking the chains of inference and formulating CMO configurations and (5) refining the initial programme theory. The reporting of the review will follow the ‘Realist and Meta-Review Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards’ (RAMESES) publication standards. Ethics and dissemination This review does not require formal ethical approval. A better understanding of how and why these audits work, and how context impacts their effectiveness, will inform stakeholders in deciding how to tailor and implement audits within their local context. We will use a range of dissemination strategies to ensure that findings from this realist review are broadly disseminated to academic and non-academic audiences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016039882.

The role of the operational network in responsive order processing

The operational network is the group of actors involved in order processing. In this paper we focus on understanding its role in realising responsiveness. Based on research in five manufacturing companies, we discuss the relations of three interrelated factors (organisational setting, planning and control framework and information system) and the functioning of the operational network. The results show that a proper functioning of the operational network depends on a well-defined planning and control framework and an efficient information system. If formalisation of the planning and control framework is not possible, the operational network should be organised by means of formalised lateral relations.