Research questions assist researchers in defining the exact scope and aim that the analysis is to follow. The article “Flexibility Versus Efficiency? A Case Study of Model Changeovers in the Toyota Production System” is based on several questions that are mentioned throughout the content. In regards to their structure, the questions do not follow the standard, which implies the mentioning of the object that is being assessed and the focus on measurable variables. Thus, information on the main company that is being examined, the exact variable that is assessed, as well as a clear scope is omitted. The researchers first mention the aim to determine how firms “shift the terms of the efficiency-flexibility trade-off” (Adler et al., 1999, p. 43). Thus, the authors focus on the notions of efficiency and flexibility and the achievement of balance between the two.
The research question is relatively vague in regard to its formulation as well as the scope of the overall paper. Namely, it is implied that the article is a systematic review of multiple companies and their approach to the notion. However, while the content contains information on efficiency and flexibility in multiple corporations, the overall focus is Toyota. As a result, the research question is not associated with the case study of the paper, which is a negative trait as it is not specific enough. Moreover, as mentioned prior, the formulation is somewhat vague and does not highlight an exact paradigm that researchers assess.
The second research question mentioned by the researchers is more specific. Namely, the preposition determines steps firms take to position themselves above the trade-off line (Adler et al., 1999). In this case, the scope is more defined as it allows for an in-depth analysis of business strategies that facilitate both efficiency and resilience. However, as in the first case mentioned previously, the authors have failed to specify that the main analysis is a reflection of Toyota’s experience. Similarly, the arguments persist when it comes to examining the next research question. The authors aimed to determine how companies shift beyond the trade-off despite rivals focusing on the same framework line (Adler et al., 1999). In this case, the authors have effectively highlighted the scope of examining strategies that generate competitive advantage in finding a balance between efficiency and flexibility. Nonetheless, the case study, Toyota, has not been mentioned, which creates a lack of connection between the question and the content itself.
In regards to the arguments, the researchers have, indeed, provided background for each of the questions. In the first case, the authors mention the existing literature highlighting that a firm cannot effectively incorporate efficiency and resiliency as efficiency implies bureaucracy, which hinders change (Adler et al., 1999). In the second case, the authors highlight that existing literature reflects on the fact that trade-offs were implemented in the past and have little to no value currently. Moreover, the third research question is based on the argument that companies engaged in the practice can either be below or above the trade-off line depending on certain circumstances.
Flexibility Versus Efficiency
The researchers have mentioned theories in the existing literature on the subject of tradeoffs between efficiency and resilience. However, the authors mention that the article is composed with the aim of building a theory rather than relying on one (Adler et al., 1999). Thus, the content is not based on a specific framework yet builds an individual model in relation to the subject. In this case, the pro of the approach correlates with the nuance of the findings as well as their importance for the pool of knowledge as it has a unique role. Nonetheless, it is important to mention that since the article in not based on an existing framework, the validity of the findings may be compromised due to the lack of similar studies within the segment.
In regard to data, researchers have conducted interviews with NUMMI, UAW Local 2244, and Cal-OSHA employees alongside existing documents and reports. The researchers have then examined the acquired information and have come to the comprehensive conclusion that metaroutines, non-routine tasks, the separation between routine and non-routine activities, and organizational partitioning have facilitated remarkable achievements in trade-offs between efficiency and flexibility.
The data support the analysis in a logical manner, as the information acquired through interviews and documentation directly correlates with the scope of the review. As a result, the critical examination has established that the researchers have effectively incorporated data manipulation to formulate comprehensive conclusions despite the lack of a theoretical framework. Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that operating without the evidence-based model generates potential validity issues and may imply that the findings cannot necessarily be applied to a broad spectrum of organizations. Instead, the factors that researchers found important in managing efficiency and resilience may be individualized and only applicable within the segment that has been assessed, namely, Toyota.
Mumbai’s Models of Service Excellence: Quality of Research Questions, Arguments, and Structures
The article “Mumbai’s Models of Service Excellence” is not a peer-reviewed study, which is why the structure and the arguments associated with the research questions differ. Nonetheless, the authors have provided questions that highlight the main topic within the content of the web page and mentioned the main factors that the piece will be focused on. They are placed in the article summary as well as in the introduction. Namely, the authors have highlighted the background for the subject before reflecting on the main topic that will be researched. The first research question is, “Think you need exceptional employees, advanced IT, or rigid controls to build a high-performance organization?” (Thomke, 2012). It includes readers, which is why it has a rather informal yet engaging context. In this question, the researchers provide a background for the article itself. Needless to say, the fact that the article is not peer-reviewed highlights that the nature of the research inquiries has a different purpose.
In this case, its role is engaging, captivating, and motivating individuals to read the content. The argument that is provided is the fact that during crisis situations, certain industries, such as the segment of food deliveries through dabbawalas, remain active on the market despite the lack of technological advancements. Structure-wise, the research question does not follow the framework of a peer-reviewed research inquiry with a subject, quantifiable variable, and potentially a comparative point., However, it has a structure that aligns with the content itself, implying its fulfillment of the role of captivating readers.
The second research question that is provided by the authors relates to the nature of the industry segment and its exceptional qualities. Namely, the authors inquire, “how can a poorly educated, decentralized workforce perform so beautifully in an environment that can charitably be described as unpredictable and challenging?” (Thomke, 2012). The argument of the current question is similar to that of the previously mentioned one. Namely, the authors highlight that crises do not stop certain industries from operating, and it is often the uncentralized ones that are resilient. In this case, the researcher emphasizes the importance of motivated and hardworking workforces rather than setting a question as a basis for the study. Similarly, the inquiry fits the preposition of being motivating for readers to emerge in the text. Structure-wise, it can be mentioned that no components of the peer-reviewed article research question have been followed. Nonetheless, in the context of a newspaper article, the inquiry aligns with the overall nature of the content through its informality and engaging the individual reading it.
Critical Analysis
As a newspaper article, it is essential to highlight that the standard framework and data analysis present in peer-reviewed studies is not followed. The authors have collected certain qualitative data, but it is not presented in a scientific and academic matter. Namely, the author has interviewed employees and has researched current literature on the topic of dabbawalas (Thomke, 2012). Nonetheless, there is no numeric data provided in the article, and only findings and conclusions are included in the text. The only exact data that is provided relates to the historical background of the topic. While it reflects the context of the content, the text itself does not appear to be objective or scientific for the exact reason.
Similarly to data, newspaper articles do not require the presence of a theoretical framework. No mention of a model that has been applied is highlighted within the text. As a result, it can be stated that both the data, or lack thereof, and the theory imply that the content of the article has the role of simply highlighting the judgment. Thus, the predefined objective was to highlight how industries can remain active despite external crises (Thomke, 2012). As a result, the weakness of the theory and data use is the subjective nature of the content which only reinforces the judgment. In this case, the author may be biased and lack objectivity. Without the data analysis mentioned and a theory to frame the content, the article is less valid and is unable to have a peer-reviewed status or recognition in academic circles. Moreover, it cannot be used as a reference in other journals or be
On the other hand, the strength that persists is the captivating context that does not require numeric data and a framework. Newspaper articles are designed to be interesting rather than scientifically informational. In case the author was to induce numeric variables, data analysis, and an evidence-based framework, the text would lack the informal and comprehensive background that it currently has. Thus, since the overall article is published in an electronic newspaper, its main role is to provide insight and inform individuals in an entertaining manner rather than providing a scientific overview of the subject.
References
Adler, P. S., Goldoftas, B., & Levine, D. I. (1999). Flexibility versus efficiency? A case study of model changeovers in the Toyota production system. Organization Science, 10(1), 43–68. Web.
Thomke, S. (2012). Mumbai’s models of service excellence. Harvard Business Review. Web.