Omar Al-Tabbaa

Excellence models in the non‐profit context: strategies for continuous improvement

Purpose – This paper provides insights into the applicability of excellence models (in particular the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model), for use in the nonprofit context as a strategy for performance improvement aiming to enhance sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an exploratory, qualitative in‐depth case study approach, which includes three UK‐based nonprofit organizations (NPOs) as research case studies.Findings – In general, we found the quality models to be relevant to the NPO context, and potentially effective and useful as a performance improvement strategy for NPOs. However, we also propose some modifications to the EFQM model to address the specific characteristics of this sector. Additionally, we compare two of the most widely used quality models (EFQM and MBNQA), and suggest that although both are relevant for NPOs, the EFQM model has some superior advantages.Originality/value – This paper contributes to the debate about the susta...

General framework for designing multi‐use simulation modules for estimating project durations

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose a general framework to be used in developing multi‐use simulation modules for estimating project durations at the planning phase.Design/methodology/approach – The research method incorporates two main stages. First, conceptualisation of the general framework, and second, implementing the framework in modelling and experimenting simulation modules, which involves data collection, statistical analysis, templates building through the ARENA software, and modules verification and validation.Findings – The framework was found to be effective in providing an approach for building multi‐use simulation modules. The validation and verification processes of the developed simulation module reflect the soundness of the proposed framework.Practical implications – Useful insights have been presented in this research regarding building multi‐use simulation modules in infrastructure construction projects. In addition, the paper demonstrates examples about how simulation interaction in...

On the Role of Proactiveness: Factors to Determine NGOs Effectiveness in Cross-Sector Collaboration

We investigate how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can proactively seek collaboration with the business sector. We suggest a set of interrelated factors as an approach for effective collaboration strategy. Because these factors are derived from the three elements of strategy concept, using this concept to study public service providers might be criticized due to its manufacturing-rooted origin. Therefore, we employ the service management approach to demonstrate how our approach is still relevant to NGOs, thus enhancing its overall validity.

Third Sector and performance

This topical special issue brings together a set of complementary papers that present and examine research findings on the issue of performance in the Third Sector from a variety of theoretical and practical viewpoints. It also identifies topics for future research. It builds on the work presented in a previous IJPPM special issue in 2010 on a similar topic (Manville and Greatbanks, 2010) in order to capture significant additional research that has been more recently conducted. The call for papers for this special issue was motivated by discussions from an “Operations Management in the Third Sector” conference held at Leeds University Business School last year (20th March 2013) and put forward some key questions on Third Sector and performance. A range of strong publications which address some of these questions from an international perspective, and which are summarised below, have been selected for publication in this special issue.

Multi-Use Simulation Models: A Systematic Approach

This research suggests a systematic approach for developing multi-use simulation modules. This includes the development of a general framework which to be used in constructing multi-use simulation modules for the case of estimating project durations during the planning phase. The research method incorporates two main stages. Firstly, conceptualization the framework, and secondly, implementing the framework in modelling and experimenting simulation modules, which involves data collection, statistical analysis, templates building using the ARENA software, and modules verification and validation. As a result, the framework is found to be effective in providing a foundation for developing multi-use simulation modules. It is expected that both academic and practitioners might benefit from this new approach by understanding the mechanism underlying the multi-use model concept as discussed in this paper.