Mahmoud M. Yasin

The theory and practice of benchmarking: then and now

The literature related to benchmarking practices and theory was reviewed from 1986 to 2000. The earlier stages of benchmarking developments stressed a process and/or activity orientation. Recently, however, the scope of benchmarking appears to have expanded to include strategies and systems. Despite recent advancements, the field of benchmarking still suffers from the lack of theoretical developments which are badly needed to guide its multi‐faceted applications.

A literature review of manufacturing performance measures and measurement in an organizational context: a framework and direction for future research

Competitive pressures in the global manufacturing environment are forcing manufacturing organizations to re‐engineer in order to become more competitive in the marketplace. Toward that end, management of these organizations is paying closer attention to the changing nature of manufacturing performance, and the systems, processes and measures used in its evaluation. Examines the literature concerned with issues related to the different facets of manufacturing organizational performance. Reviews and classifies articles published in relevant journals between 1988 and 2000. Based on this extensive literature review, identifies and discusses several issues relevant to both practice and theory of manufacturing performance measurement. Concludes by presenting a conceptual framework outlining the evolution of manufacturing performance measures and measurement in an organizational context.

Advanced manufacturing technology: Implementation policy and performance

Abstract This article investigates the relationships between adoption of various advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), the way that firms plan for and implement them, and their eventual performance. Data obtained from 125 manufacturing firms in the U.S. is used to test several hypotheses which were derived from an extensive review of the AMT implementation literature. The four research questions that drive this study are: (1) What types of planning and installation activities have firms utilized to support their AMT adoptions?, (2) do differences in the level of effort applied to these activities have any impact on the eventual performance of the systems?, (3) are firms that are using integrated technologies, such as FMC/FMS and CIM, applying higher levels of effort on these planning and installation activities than other firms?, and (4) Are these firms achieving higher levels of success than firms that are not using the integrated technologies. The results indicate that firms adopting integrated technologies had exerted significantly higher levels of effort on strategic planning and team-based project management and had also achieved higher levels of performance across a wider range of performance factors than other firms. In addition, firms that had exerted higher levels of effort on developing human factors appeared to be achieving more of the benefits of AMT than their counterparts. The overall results and the research and practical implications of this study are discussed.

A Leadership Profile of American Project Managers

This paper reports the results of a survey of senior project managers. The results clearly and unequivocally identify positive success and negative leadership as the cause of project failure. The characteristics of leadership are further identified, as well as the project management tools that are most useful and most often used. It can be concluded that organizational effectiveness requires project managers to combine their technical competency with the ability to develop and display leadership.

A framework for benchmarking in the public sector

The literature related to benchmarking since the year 1986 is examined, classified, and analyzed. A total of 415 articles, abstracts, and books are considered for this investigation. The status of benchmarking processes, activities, practices, and developments is examined for the manufacturing, service, and public sectors, while conclusions related to the state of benchmarking are drawn, gaps are identified, and recommendations are made. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of benchmarking in the public sector, with both an example that illustrates the utility of applying benchmarking to the public sector and a set of conceptual frameworks provided.

A literature review of maintenance performance measurement: A conceptual framework and directions for future research

Purpose – This research aims to examine the relevant literature related to maintenance performance measurement in the manufacturing sector. In the process, innovative approaches and models utilized to measure and manage maintenance performance in manufacturing operational settings are classified and examined. Based on this investigation, future research directions and themes are identified.Design/methodology/approach – A database of 251 peer‐reviewed publications, published during the last 30 years, was utilized for the purpose of this research. The published works included contributions from both practitioners and scholars.Findings – This literature review‐based research revealed important themes related to evolution of maintenance performance management. These themes focus on the effective utilization of maintenance resources, information systems support, and human factor management. Based on this literature review, a conceptual framework, which traces the different operational and organizational facets...

A conceptual framework for effective implementation of JIT

The just‐in‐time (JIT) production and inventory philosophy coupled with manufacturing automation in the form of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and its related facets are considered by many as great competitive weapons. The birth of JIT and its positive influence on the global strategic posture of Japanese firms is well‐documented. In the 1980s many US manufacturers regarded JIT manufacturing as a peculiar Japanese contrivance, suited only to the oriental culture. However, as more companies with ever more diverse manufacturing environments successfully applied its principles, manufacturers recognized its inherent wisdom. Today, most US manufacturers have come to regard JIT as vital to their survival. This study examines the problems associated with the implementation of JIT in manufacturing environments and attempts to identify hindering factors for its success. An implementation strategy is proposed so that the organization will achieve the benefits of JIT and ultimately improve its strategic posture.

Enhancing organizational performance in banks: a systematic approach

To enhance their organizational performance, banks can benefit from the experiences of manufacturing firms and gainfully employ quality and process improvement philosophies with proven track records in manufacturing industries. This article presents a framework, which integrates root cause analysis with benchmarking, process reengineering and continuous improvement. A case study is employed to illustrate the application of the framework and to demonstrate how it can benefit a bank in lowering costs, enhancing productivity, responding to customer demands, reducing complaints and improving customer satisfaction.

A Systematic Approach to Tourism Policy

Abstract The Middle East is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of the three major religions practiced today. As such, most countries in the Middle East have a natural competitive advantage in the global tourism industry. However, for many of these countries the potential of this competitive advantage has not been reached. This research is designed to provide policy makers with a systematic approach toward restructuring their tourism strategies. Based on the results of this study, some significant policy implications are identified. While the methodology presented in this study is not without some weakness, it can be easily applied to other countries and regions. In this context, four Middle Eastern countries are used to illustrate the approach proposed in this study.

The role of benchmarking in achieving continuous service quality

Links the application of benchmarking to the hotel′s ability to achieve continuous quality improvements. Defines both the operating and service subsystems of the hotel and clearly indicates specific methods for quality improvement in each. Places emphasis on the role of upper management in the implementation of the benchmarking process, as well as the process reinforcing and supporting the organization′s strategic planning activities. Throughout, the benchmarking process focuses on the need to meet and exceed the expectations of the customer. Provides recommendations and practical guidelines to assist the hospitality executive in implementing a benchmarking programme which is both consistent with the customer‐oriented strategic plan, while also directly impacting on the hotel′s level of service quality and performance.