Leopoldo Gutierrez

• Business Administration
• Professor (Full) at University of Granada

The markets in which organizations currently operate require them to use behaviour based on both exploitation strategy and exploration strategy, each of which contributes fundamental benefits for the firm's success. Exploitation strategy attempts to obtain the maximum advantage from existing abilities, whereas exploration strategy searches for new...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of the six sigma quality management initiative by investigating the effects of six sigma teamwork and statistical process control (SPC) on organizational‐shared vision. Design/methodology/approach The information used comes from a larger study, the data for which were coll...

In recent years, managers have opted for implementing quality management (QM) in their firms. The market offers different alternatives for QM implementation, such as the EFQM model, ISO standards, the Malcolm Baldrige model or the recent Six Sigma methodology. The difficulty in implementation of each initiative varies from case to case. In this art...

The importance of the six sigma methodology in industry is growing constantly. However, there are few empirical studies that analyse the advantages of this methodology and its positive effects on organisational performance. The purpose of this paper is to extend understanding of the success of six sigma quality management initiatives by investigati...

In analyzing the relationship between outsourcing and firm performance, different authors have studied the effects that outsourcing can have on the firm. Even if we establish an initial link between outsourcing and representative measurements of the results achieved through cost savings or the creation of greater market value, no author seems to ha...

Purpose This editorial for the 6th World Conference on Production and Operations Management (P&OM) 2022 Special Issue delves into the transformative role of advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots in reshaping operations, supply chain management and logistics (OSCM). It aligns with the conference’s theme of exploring the intersection...

Purpose The purpose of this global study is to investigate the critical failure factors (CFFs) in the deployment of operational excellence (OPEX) programs as well as the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to measure OPEX failures. The study also empirically analyzes various OPEX methodologies adopted by various organizations at a gl...

The pertinent literature presents no evidence of the simultaneous effects of leader task-, relations-, or change-oriented behaviors on employee proactivity and extra-role customer service. Nor does it of cultural tightness-looseness as a moderator of the effect of proactivity on extra-role customer service. We propose and test the mediating impact...

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the ethical responses of the fashion industry to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when the entire world was shocked by the rapid spread of the virus. The authors describe lessons from emergency ethics of care in the fashion industry during the initial months of COVID-19, which can assist fashion managers in...

Purpose Design science research (DSR) is a structured approach for solving complex ill-structured problems in organizations through the development of an artefact followed by its validation. This paper aims to evaluate existing DSR methodology and propose specific accents to promote DSR for environmental, social and governance (ESG)-oriented operat...

Collaboration with competitors – coopetition – enables access to valuable knowledge and resources for innovation and is seen as common practice in some knowledge-intensive sectors. Using longitudinal data from the Spanish biotechnology sector (a total of 1605 observations), this study examines the relationship between the international breadth of c...

Purpose This article studies the role played by sustainability operations management (OM) practices in the relationship between governance and environmental and social performance adopting the lenses of the upper echelons theory and the resource-based view. In particular, the authors study three main relationships: (1) the impact of governance on t...

The purpose of this study is to theorize and test the relationships among lean operations and lean supply chain practices, learning- and innovation-oriented lean cultures and dynamic capabilities (DCs) microfoundations. Further, this study aims to assess the association of DCs microfoundations with process innovation. The researchers combine primar...

Extra-role service is currently the keystone that supports hotels' ability to compete. At the same time, extra-role service depends on the discretionary behavior of some employees who perform their duties in a context of stress. Our study investigates the effect of a stressor such as performance pressure on extra-role service, using employee engage...

Purpose This study aims to describe how the Hoshin Kanri (HK) strategic methodology facilitates implementation of lean management (LM), achieving greater integration of the strategic and operational levels, resulting in higher performance level. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an in-depth case study of a top-10 Spanish food retai...

The United Nations’ increasing involvement in global sustainability culminated in 2015 with the release of the 2030 Agenda. This agenda puts businesses in the spotlight, and their innovation and stakeholder partnering activities are portrayed as essential strategies for achieving an ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this...

Research on the collaboration–innovation nexus emphasises that collaborations and innovation are multidimensional. Despite this emphasis, there is limited evidence on how firms' collaborative diversity affects their innovation diversity. This paper addresses this gap by examining the relationships between (i) a firm's functional diversity of collab...

Purpose This study aims to test how three types of institutional pressure (normative, coercive, and mimetic) influence supply chain digital embeddedness (SCDE) and how SCDE benefits supply chain (SC) competences. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop and test hypotheses through structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data from 201 Eu...

Critical failure factors (CFFs) are the key factors where “things must go wrong” for the I4.0 implementation to be a failure or that do not meet the intended objectives. CFFs provide a set of indicators or identifiable conditions so that problems can be identified and addressed before they fail. This article uses an exploratory sequential mixed met...

Institutional theory suggests that organizations pursue legitimacy by institutional fit. However, there is a debate about the relationship between institutional fit and performance. Thus, the goal of the present study is to delve more deeply into this issue. Specifically, we evaluate how three dimensions of fit (technology, structure and culture) a...

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of paradoxical leadership (PLSH) on the extra-role service behavior of frontline employees. It analyzes not only direct but also indirect influence through mechanisms that improve the learning (self-improvement) and communication (voice) capabilities of hospitality employees. Design/methodology/appr...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to evaluate the roles of a transactive memory system and the supply network flexibility (SNF) of the firm as antecedents of a firm’s supply chain agility (FSCA), also incorporating the moderating role of the transactive memory system; and, second, to evaluate the relationship between FSCA and ope...

The purpose of this article is to identify and evaluate the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma from the perspectives of Six Sigma experts. The authors developed an online global survey and deployed the survey to 1250 Six Sigma experts of which 307 experts responded. The article finds integration of Six Sigma with Big Data to be the topmos...

Three months ago, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and immediately after the Spanish government declared the state of emergency, we wrote the op-ed “Companies vs Coronavirus: A Call for Responsible Innovation” in which we called for rapid responsible innovation to combat Covid-19. This is defined as innovation developed in a short period of tim...

The social and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on humanity is already devastating. The pandemic demands responsibility from companies to step up for the service of society. Companies must show their commitment not only to shareholders but also to all of their stakeholders, while also putting their resources and expertise at the service of...

Covid-19 Insights from Business Sustainability Scholars

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to analyse the existing literature on continuous improvement (CI) initiatives and dynamic capabilities (DCs) development to explore the question whether CI initiatives foster development of DCs in organisations. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken. Four databases were i...

Purpose Once the operational benefits of Six Sigma are well-recognized in the literature, this research advances the strategic advantages of this initiative. Thus, this paper aims to analyze how dynamic capabilities (DCs) mediates the relationship between Six Sigma implementation and organizational flexibility, not discussed in the literature yet....

In recent years, numerous scandals concerning working conditions in Asia have threatened the reputation of large companies like Wal-Mart and Inditex. Since such scandals call attention to activities harmful to sustainable development, it is very important to study the relationships between concerns for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), su...

This article contributes to research on transactive memory systems (TMSs) by analyzing the relationship between trust, collective mind (CM), and network ties (NT) as antecedents of performance in innovative university research (IUR), and the mediating role of the TMS in these relationships. The conceptual model grounded in seven hypotheses is teste...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to adopt the dynamic capability (DC) view as a theoretical framework to empirically investigate the relationships among human resource (HR)-related quality management (QM) practices: new product development (NPD) as a specific DC, learning orientation, knowledge integration, and strategic flexibility. Learning o...

Purpose The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between Six Sigma methodology and organisational ambidexterity (exploitation and exploration orientations). For this purpose, this study describes how Six Sigma practices may enhance both orientations simultaneously, contributing to organisational ambidexterity and performance improvemen...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between quality ambidexterity, competitive strategies (cost leadership, differentiation, and focus), and firm performance in Palestinian industry, and to analyze the combination of quality exploitation and quality exploration (quality ambidexterity) associated with different levels o...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between network ties (NT) and transactive memory systems (TMS), observed through three dimensions – specialization (TMSS), credibility (TMSCR), and coordination (TMSCO) – in the presence of leadership (LDR) as a moderating variable, in university research-and-development (R&D) groups....

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between IT implementation and performance with manufacturing flexibility based on a sample drawn from a set of manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: The relationships were analyzed using structural equations modeling (SEM) using EQS 6.2 software. Previously, an explanatory factor analysis c...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the roles played by organizational learning (OL) and innovation in organizations immersed in the processes of adaptation and strategic fit in dynamic and turbulent environments. The authors analyze whether OL and innovation act as sources of strategic fit, and whether strategic fit positively affects...

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework for supporting continuous improvement (CI) in logistics services. Both the lean philosophy and the Six Sigma methodology have become two of the most important initiatives for CI in organizations. The combination of both alternatives – LSS – brings significant benef...

Although the operative benefits of the Six Sigma methodology in the business world are well accepted, the long-term benefits of the initiative are currently under discussion. This paper aims to analyse how Six Sigma methodology is related to the knowledge transfer process, a source of competitive advantage. For this purpose, we observe how team man...

A control chart is a very common tool used to monitor the quality of business processes. An estimator of the process variability is generally considered to obtain the control limits of a inline image chart when parameters of the process are unknown. Assuming Monte Carlo simulations, this paper first compares the efficiency of the various estimators...

This article analyses how Quality Management (QM) practices moderate the relationship between collective mind (CM), and knowledge transfer (KT) and absorption in university research and development (R&D) groups. The data are taken from 257 R&D groups in different Spanish universities. The findings show that the relationship between CM and KT is sig...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the outcomes and role of dynamic capabilities (DCs). To explain the outcomes, the authors study the relationship between new product development (NPD) (an example of DCs) and metaflexibility. To explain the role of DCs, the authors study how human resources and operating routines moderate the role o...

We empirically investigate the relationships among human resource (HR)-related quality management (QM) practices, a dynamic capability (new product development), its two antecedents (learning orientation and knowledge integration) and an outcome (strategic flexibility). To date, a large part of QM literature has focused on the relationship between...

Measurement scales used by many studies in social sciences must satisfy some psychometric conditions to make them valid and reliable. Some conditions are verified by using different statistical techniques within an iterative process, which generally requires a considerable amount of time for the user. We present a computational algorithm for the re...

This article aims to analyze the different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sport, and how they have been treated in the literature. In this case, we made a systematic review about scientific research consulted with the following electronic databases ABI/INFORM, EBSCO and SienceDirect, and how the search strategy, descriptors...

This article aims to analyze the different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sport, and how they have been treated in the literature. In this case, we made a systematic review about scientific research consulted with the following electronic databases ABI/INFORM, EBSCO and SienceDirect, and how the search strategy, descriptors...

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices, competitive strategies – cost leadership and differentiation – and firm performance in the Palestinian economy. Within this study, TQM has been conceptualised as soft and hard practices, in congruence with the literature. An empirical analysis...

This paper studies the effect of external managerial social networks on strategic flexibility and organisational learning, considering three groups of firms (non-quality management (QM) firms, ISO firms and total quality management (TQM) firms). At present, there are a wide variety of alternatives for managing quality in organisations, such as ISO...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how transactive memory systems (TMS) facilitate the transfer and absorption of knowledge in the presence of quality management (QM) within a university research and development (R&D) environment. Design/methodology/approach The data come from a simple random sampling of 257 Spanish university R&D group...

The agricultural producers can increase their income significantly incorporating ethical attributes to their supplied goods. However, the consumers' willingness to purchase products with ethical attributes does not always translate into actual purchase. The purpose of this study was to analyze and measure the components of perceived value in produc...

The agricultural producers can increase their income significantly incorporating ethical attributes to their supplied goods. However, the consumers' willingness to purchase products with ethical attributes does not always translate into actual purchase. The purpose of this study was to analyze and measure the components of perceived value in produc...

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple-indicator multiple-cause model to explain dynamic capabilities generation. We use one of the main common effects of dynamic capabilities (operational, structural and strategic flexibility) to design a measurement tool for dynamic capabilities generation. Based on this measurement tool, we test the...

This paper examines the influence of the innovation process on organisational learning. To achieve this goal, we decompose innovation into two components, innovativeness and the capacity to innovate. This paper proposes theoretically the concept of Operative Real Options (OROs) and empirically seeks to measure their influence on the relationship be...

In recent years, managers have opted for implementing Quality Management in their firms. The market offers different alternatives for QM implementation (EFQM, ISO, Six Sigma, etc.). Benefits of each initiative, varies from case to case. This article designs a criterion for choosing among four alternatives (Quality Control, EFQM, Six Sigma and ISO 9...

Purpose The paper aims to study the effect of external managerial social networks on strategic flexibility for a quality management (QM) perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. QM also contributes to developing these networks. However, there is currently a wide variety of alternatives for managing quality...

This article analyzes outsourcing from a knowledge-based perspective. We investigate how knowledge as an organizational resource and the capabilities to manage this knowledge affect the benefits of outsourcing. Our results indicate that the nature of the knowledge of the outsourced activity affects the success of outsourcing. We also analyze the wa...

RESUMEN En los últimos años, los directivos han optado fuertemente por la Gestión de la Calidad (GC). Como consecuencia, el mercado ha acabado ofreciendo una amplia gama de alternativas para ello (EFQM, ISO, Seis Sigma, etc.), cuyos beneficios difícilmente serán los mismos. Este trabajo diseña un criterio para diferenciar entre cuatro alternativas...

Las asignaturas de Economía y Organización de Empresas impartidas en las titulaciones técnicas tienen, en la mayoría de los casos, un carácter troncal pero son percibidas por el alumnado como distantes respecto a los contenidos generales de sus respectivas titulaciones. En este sentido y dentro de los programas de apoyo a la docencia práctica finan...

Six Sigma positive results are spreading in the business world. Examples such as Samsung, Motorola or American Express, support its organizational implementation. However, little empirical research exists about these positive effects. This paper contributes to Six Sigma empirical literature, analyzing 66 Six Sigma European firms. a model, based on...

Los buenos resultados de la iniciativa de gestión de calidad Seis Sigma comienzan a extenderse con rapidez dentro del entorno empresarial. Numerosas organizaciones como Samsung, Motorola o American Express, aconsejan su implantación. Sin embargo, la investigación empírica que analiza este éxito aún es escasa. Este trabajo contribuye a desarrollar e...

This paper examines the influence of the innovation process on organizational learning. To achieve this goal, we decompose innovation into two components, innovativeness and capacity to innovate. This paper proposes theoretically the concept of Operative Real Options and seeks empirically to measure their influence on the relationship between innov...

This paper poses, from a theoretical perspective, the role that may have Internet as a key factor to foster the cultural convergence among countries. In this regard, we reflect about a central theoretic proposal, taking as main reference the dynamic constructivist approach. The gist of the paper goes down the lines of how shared values generated in...

Este trabajo plantea y analiza, con un enfoque teórico, el papel que puede tener Internet como factor impulsor clave de la convergencia cultural entre países. En este respecto, se reflexiona entorno a una propuesta teórica central, tomando como base principal la aproximación cultural constructivista dinámica. En esencia, se teoriza sobre cómo los v...

In recent years, the management literature has produced various articles on the importance of flexibility for a company and its performance. This paper focuses on the relationship between flexibility and higher performance in companies with flexible manufacturing planning, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This research analyses [JLP5] th...

The buyer–seller relation has become an integral part of business strategy in the service sector. This study begins from the importance of quality of service in the buyer-seller relation and adds evidence concerning an issue missing in other studies performed: the importance that clients attribute to dimensions of perceived quality varies as a func...

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Tesis Univ. Granada. Departamento de Organización de Empresas. Leída el 26 de mayo de 2008