Why Are Companies Still Struggling to Reach Higher Continuous Improvement Maturity Levels? Empirical Evidence from High Performance Companies.
I have chosen the article by Jurburg, Daniel, Elizabeth Viles, Carmen Jaca and Martin Tanco “Why Are Companies Still Struggling to Reach Higher Continuous Improvement Maturity Levels? Empirical Evidence from High Performance Companies.” The TQM Magazine 27.3 (2015): 316-327. A primary goal of this paper is to underline the complexity of the implementation of the continuous improvement technique. In this case, the research was conducted to understand the phenomenon and determine the practical ways to implement the process of continuous improvement (Jurburg et al. 316). Additionally, it was aimed to fulfill the gaps, which are presented in the literature about this topic. It could be said that this article was chosen for this assignment, as it has a high correlation to the subjects discussed in the class. It is apparent that the efficiency and sustainability of the business are dependent on the company’s ability to adapt rapidly and introduce innovations. The article helps see the necessity of the continuous improvement, as this phenomenon determines the company’s success in future.
Nonetheless, the qualitative research method is used to acquire the relevant information about the desired topic. In this case, semi-structured interviews were utilized to gather information about the current state of the companies and evaluate their ability to implement the continuous improvement (Jurburg et al. 319). It is apparent that qualitative research method is the most suitable approach, as the detailed findings were required, and the sample was small. In this case, the companies have to respond to the certain characteristics such as manufacturing activities, “high-quality certifications”, and “efqm recognitions” (Jurburg et al. 319). It could be said that observations also took place, but the interview was primary data collection method. As for the analysis tool, it could be assumed that the case study was used, as only ten companies from the same industrial segment were analyzed. Moreover, Bessant’s model was used for the determination of the maturity levels of the selected companies (Jurburg et al. 319). Nonetheless, the results were divided into the categories to maintain the sufficient and adequate flow of the findings. Moreover, the categorization helps determine the primary gaps, which the companies face during the implementation of continuous improvement.
As for the conclusion, the research revealed that the companies, which participated in the research, are aware of the importance of the continuous improvement (Jurburg et al. 327). Despite being on the level three, there are some characteristics, which slow the development of the company’s processes. Lack of sufficient management and metrics are the primary causes of the inability to reach higher maturity levels (Jurburg et al. 327). It is apparent that the fundamental limitations of the research are its exploratory nature and its focus on the particular industry segment. In this case, careful evaluation of all features is required before generalizing the key concepts of the article.
As for my personal opinion, I entirely agree with the author and the necessity of the research in this sphere. It is apparent that continuous improvement is an essential element in the modern world, as the company’s success is dependent on its ability to adapt to the changes rapidly and propose innovative solutions to the issues (Rogers and Hartzer 4). Additionally, I agree with the findings, which were revealed in the research. It is evident that sufficient management is an essentiality to maintain continuous improvement. Moreover, establishing and using the relevant metrics is necessary to sustain the flow of the processes, measure the success, and determine the strategy of the firm (Askar, Imam and Prabhaker 91). In my opinion, the findings are clear and identify the possible improvements for the companies, which operate in the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the author mentioned the fundamental definitions and the existence of the problem with the assistance of the literature review. It is apparent that the literature review is a necessity since the clear understanding of the terms is vital. In this case, in my opinion, the definitions were clearly established, and the flow of the article was determined. In general, I agree with the findings and proposals of the research, as they contribute to the development of the understanding of the determinants of success in business.
Nonetheless, it is apparent that some of the aspects can be implemented differently to improve the quality of the findings. I suggest developing the literature review section, as some of the aspects have to be discussed in more details. In my opinion, the literature review lacks the detailed explanation of Bessant’s model. In this case, the detailed description is a necessity, as this approach is used as an analytical instrument in the findings section. Although, I would not change the research methodology since the qualitative research method contributes to the development of the relevant findings. Increasing the sample size would not enhance the research process, as the lack of time might lead to the inability to collect the appropriate responses and determine the potential mistakes in managerial actions. However, if the researcher has more time available, the sample size can be increased since the collection of the information from multiple sources will enhance the validity of the findings.
As for the suggestions for the future research, the authors suggest conducting the research, which will combine theoretical and empirical approaches to expand the existing knowledge about the continuous improvement and its implementation in the organization (Jurburg et al. 327). Nonetheless, in my opinion, the future research has to be conducted in the other spheres, as it will help determine differences and similarities between the companies, which actively implement the continuous improvement techniques. It is apparent that the similar research can be used to gather relevant information for the future research. In the end, the findings from all of the studies can be divided into categories, and the most appropriate improvements and advancements can be introduced to cultivate the continuous improvement and elevate the company to the new level of maturity.
In conclusion, it could be said that the article contributes to the understanding of the significance of the continuous improvement. The analysis of the companies helped reveal the primary gaps between the literature review and the practical implementations in the companies. It is apparent that the findings are necessary, as they contribute to the understanding that particular aspects have to be improved. I agree with the necessity to discover the topic and the results. It is apparent that establishment of the metrics and sufficient managerial technique are essentialities for the company’s success. Nonetheless, some changes have to be made to improve the quality of the findings. Moreover, it is evident that the future research is a necessity since the results are limited to the particular industry.
Works Cited
Askar, Mohamed, Syed Imam and Paul Prabhaker. “Business Metrics: A Key to Competitive Advantage.” Advances in Competitive Research 17.1-2 (2009): 91. Print.
Jurburg, Daniel, Elizabeth Viles, Carmen Jaca and Martin Tanco. “Why Are Companies Still Struggling to Reach Higher Continuous Improvement Maturity Levels? Empirical Evidence from High Performance Companies.” The TQM Magazine 27.3 (2015): 316-327. Print.
Rogers, David, and Amy Hartzer. Business Success through Innovation: An Insider’s Guide to the World of United States Patents. Scottsdale: IsoPatent LLC, 2009. Print.