AN ANALYSIS OF LOGICAL CONSISTENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF LEAN TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES AND SERVICE DELIVERY: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the logical consistency in the application of lean techniques to improve the DFS business processes and service delivery and to create logistical pinch-points that improved the logistics and physical distribution of goods from the GSC and RSC to Field Missions.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The respondents indicated that the logical consistencies observed needed an understanding, through measurement, a reordering model that included lead time, reorder point, and safety stock.  The respondents also indicated that the consistencies observed mainly relates to the overall approach of being more customer oriented while trying to optimize business processes and workflows. However, the respondents indicated that there were limitations in how the various organizations diversely applied lean concepts. There was no clear guidance provided on areas requiring higher prioritization; consistency throughout the departments, divisions and, missions when changes are applied (i.e. in structures, and functional organizational units). Additionally, lean analyzes were conducted mainly by internal resources that may not have been completely objective on areas being investigated, therefore bringing bias and subjectivity. Internal resources using lean techniques may not have been complete. Finally, the respondents indicated that there is no clear guidance yet. Policies and training have to be provided to staff prior implementing lean techniques.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is need to establish formal strategic plans to direct and align the work of the organization and supported by objectives and data-driven performance monitoring, analysis, and reporting. The study also recommends that there is a need for more efficient monitoring and evaluation of all GA resolutions and audit recommendations. The organization needs to monitor the manner of compliance with the provisions of the memorandums of understanding.

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the logical consistency in the application of lean techniques to improve the DFS business processes and service delivery and to create logistical pinch-points that improved the logistics and physical distribution of goods from the GSC and RSC to Field Missions.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The respondents indicated that the logical consistencies observed needed an understanding, through measurement, a reordering model that included lead time, reorder point, and safety stock.  The respondents also indicated that the consistencies observed mainly relates to the overall approach of being more customer oriented while trying to optimize business processes and workflows. However, the respondents indicated that there were limitations in how the various organizations diversely applied lean concepts. There was no clear guidance provided on areas requiring higher prioritization; consistency throughout the departments, divisions and, missions when changes are applied (i.e. in structures, and functional organizational units). Additionally, lean analyzes were conducted mainly by internal resources that may not have been completely objective on areas being investigated, therefore bringing bias and subjectivity. Internal resources using lean techniques may not have been complete. Finally, the respondents indicated that there is no clear guidance yet. Policies and training have to be provided to staff prior implementing lean techniques.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is need to establish formal strategic plans to direct and align the work of the organization and supported by objectives and data-driven performance monitoring, analysis, and reporting. The study also recommends that there is a need for more efficient monitoring and evaluation of all GA resolutions and audit recommendations. The organization needs to monitor the manner of compliance with the provisions of the memorandums of understanding.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the managerial challenges in using lean techniques in designing a comprehensive characterization of the organization logistics and physical distribution system. The study further sought to determine the extent to which these challenges impact the logistics and physical distribution of goods and informed managerial practices.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03)  Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The results revealed that DFS did face various challenges in the implementation of lean strategies and that the operational difficulties experienced within its operations across field missions resulted in reduced customer satisfaction, increased supplier lead time and increased operational costs. The respondents indicated that they experienced a lack of understanding of the complexity of supply chain at the senior leadership level whereby most initiatives are tainted with personal agenda as a consequent the biggest hurdle to overcome is gaining enthusiasm and trust of the staff. They also indicated that there is a high risk of asset waste and loss due to assets remaining in stock for over one year without use. Further, they indicated that there are weaknesses in the management of construction or “self-constructed” projects; and weaknesses in the restructuring of the department of peacekeeping operations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that     DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staffs through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-54
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the managerial challenges in using lean techniques in designing a comprehensive characterization of the organization logistics and physical distribution system. The study further sought to determine the extent to which these challenges impact the logistics and physical distribution of goods and informed managerial practices.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03)  Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The results revealed that DFS did face various challenges in the implementation of lean strategies and that the operational difficulties experienced within its operations across field missions resulted in reduced customer satisfaction, increased supplier lead time and increased operational costs. The respondents indicated that they experienced a lack of understanding of the complexity of supply chain at the senior leadership level whereby most initiatives are tainted with personal agenda as a consequent the biggest hurdle to overcome is gaining enthusiasm and trust of the staff. They also indicated that there is a high risk of asset waste and loss due to assets remaining in stock for over one year without use. Further, they indicated that there are weaknesses in the management of construction or “self-constructed” projects; and weaknesses in the restructuring of the department of peacekeeping operations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that     DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staffs through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 883
Author(s):  
Francis Kiroro ◽  
Majid Twahir ◽  
Daniel Kiura ◽  
Ann Kamuyu ◽  
Ann Wanyoike

Background Establishment of a systematic way of measurement and utilization of indicators for improvement is one of the most challenging issues in monitoring and evaluation of indicators in healthcare settings. In realizing these fundamental challenges, we designed a monitoring and evaluation system incorporating a hospital-wide quality variance report (QVR) system using linked Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets on Microsoft SharePoint®. Methods Indicators were determined at the departmental/unit level in line with the institutional goals, departmental functions, quality expectations, inputs/outputs, clinical priorities, compliance to policies/procedures/protocols/guidelines/pathways as well as in response to gaps in service delivery picked during root cause analyses. The sample design was determined in accordance with the characteristics of the population. Drawing of sample units was done using a simple random sampling technique without replacement or systematic random sampling. The indicator’s monitoring was enhanced visually by allocating colour codes based on performance across the months and quarters. The action plan tab consisted of a platform that aids in documenting corrective actions arising from the performance reviews. Results and discussion The QVR reporting system ensured a standardized format of monitoring throughout the institution with a reduced turnaround time from data collection to analysis. Further, continuity of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system was guaranteed even if an individual left the institution.  The analysis of the QVR allowed hospital-wide trending on cross-cutting indicators with consequent ease of communication to multiple stakeholders.  The automation has saved time and increased accuracy which has enhanced credible engagements during quality meetings. Conclusions Use of this system greatly enhanced quality performance monitoring in the hospital, identification of major bottlenecks that warranted hospital-wide projects or departmental-level projects. The QVR system enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of quality monitoring from data collection through to performance reviews. The QVR structure allows for customized development of an M&E database application software.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of lean strategies on cost and reducing none value added services in the operations of the UN Service Centers and to explore the extent to which the Global Service Center (GSC) and the Regional Service Center (RSC) are useful tools in fostering service delivery through a robust SCM system.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: Results revealed that the use of lean strategies had not produced any noticeable result because of its infancy. Results also revealed that the use of lean strategies assisted the DFS gained economy of scale, centralization, standardization and higher global visibility on resources across Field Missions. Furthermore, results also showed that with the use of lean strategies, the DFS was able to transfer core supply chain functions from LSD to GSC. For instance, Global Asset Management is one example, and it allowed for better global visibility of resources across the organization. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. The results revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools are quite useful, but there is still room for improvement. The results also revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools have strengthened the Department's capacity as well as the asset management.  Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends the incorporation of balanced performance knowledge in the integration of people, processes, technology and customer service level to ensure customer satisfaction while proving economy and effectiveness in dedicated resources. Shared and remote services help optimize resources, minimize the number of support staff in danger zones, balance workload and ensure business continuity. The study also recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staff through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement.


Author(s):  
S. Hamisu ◽  
S. Umar ◽  
Isma’il O. Oladosu ◽  
Gona Ayuba

The study assesses the relevance of Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) programme competency on agricultural extension service delivery in North-Western Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 225 samples of the study. Two categories of respondents were used for data collection namely: SAFE beneficiaries (212) and lecturers’ in the departments of Agricultural Economics and Extension/Extension and Rural Sociology/Extension and Rural Development (13) of the three SAFE participating Universities in North-Western Nigeria. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as percentage counts, means, standard deviation and ranking) and inferential statistics (Logit regression). The study revealed that job competencies identified were highly relevant to extension service delivery and the SAFE beneficiaries were competent enough to handle any agricultural extension role. More so, the beneficiaries had reported a lot of benefits derived from the programme such as increased extension knowledge, field demonstration, job integrity, increased salary and self-esteem. The study established significant influenced of the SAFE beneficiaries’ selected demographic characteristics on their job competency. The study concludes that SAFE programme had positively influenced job competencies and a lot of benefits are derived by the agricultural extension workers as a result of programme participation. The study further recommends that there is need for more female incorporated in agricultural extension services and inclusiveness of the SAFE programme curricula across the Universities in Nigeria.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Doris Wambugu ◽  
Dr. Muturi Wachira ◽  
Mrs. Dorcas Mwamba

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of innovation on service delivery.Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. The study adopted a descriptive analysis by use of descriptive statistics such as mean and frequencies. The target population in this study was 280 employees working in Nairobi GPO. A mixed sampling technique was adopted. The sample size of this study was 65 employees of Nairobi GPO Huduma Centres and 5 members of the public. This study used primary data. Data was collected using questionnaires.Results: These findings imply that products/service innovations carried out at Huduma centers have contributed immensely on performance of the centers in Kenya. The findings indicated that the respondents rated technology innovations to have major positive effects on increasing the number of people served, reducing time of service delivery, increasing accountability and transparency and finally improving public understanding of government activities. These findings imply that Huduma center innovations faced lack of adequate resources during implementations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that Huduma should involve their staff more in the innovation in order to have better service delivery. The study also recommends that Huduma centers should encourage their customers to give their feedback on services and products innovation at the centers for further development. The study also recommends that Huduma centers directors should encourage the employees to come up with new ways to better service delivery. Huduma centers should also address the issue of lack of adequate and sufficient finance since it poses a major challenge to development of innovations at the centers


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-85
Author(s):  
Michael Boima Kemokai

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of lean strategies on cost and reducing none value added services in the operations of the UN Service Centers and to explore the extent to which the Global Service Center (GSC) and the Regional Service Center (RSC) are useful tools in fostering service delivery through a robust SCM system.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: Results revealed that the use of lean strategies had not produced any noticeable result because of its infancy. Results also revealed that the use of lean strategies assisted the DFS gained economy of scale, centralization, standardization and higher global visibility on resources across Field Missions. Furthermore, results also showed that with the use of lean strategies, the DFS was able to transfer core supply chain functions from LSD to GSC. For instance, Global Asset Management is one example, and it allowed for better global visibility of resources across the organization. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. Results showed that UN Service Centers and Field Mission did not understand the needs of the end customer. Hence, the DFS ought to make changes on its operations in a bid to achieve customer satisfaction. The results revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools are quite useful, but there is still room for improvement. The results also revealed that GSC and RSC-E as tools have strengthened the Department's capacity as well as the asset management.  Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends the incorporation of balanced performance knowledge in the integration of people, processes, technology and customer service level to ensure customer satisfaction while proving economy and effectiveness in dedicated resources. Shared and remote services help optimize resources, minimize the number of support staff in danger zones, balance workload and ensure business continuity. The study also recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staff through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Ndei Maina ◽  
Kepha Ombui ◽  
Mike Iravo

Purpose- This study focused on establishing the influence of voting in elections on responsive governance in Kenya. Its main objective was to establish the influence of voting in elections on responsive governance in Kenya. Methodology- Descriptive research design and positivism research philosophy were adopted. The study focused on a target population of 680 respondents from Eighty-five wards within Nairobi County, and data was collected from the following groups of respondents; Civil society representative, religious representative, ward administration representative, youth representative, women representative, the special interest group representative, a representative of the citizens’ anticipating county services and a representative of the old aged residents were targeted. A sample size of 139 respondents was determined though purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and secondary data through published materials. Data was analysed through SPSS and presented in tables. Hypothesis testing was done through the use of t-test. F test (ANOVA) was also conducted to ascertain the difference between groups on study variable. Findings- The study found that voting in elections has a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance. The study concluded that that citizen’s education influences their ability and decision to vote in leaders who are effective in service delivery. The study also concluded that incumbent leader performance influences achievement of county goals. Based on the study findings, the researcher recommends that there is need to establish, County, Sub-County and Ward Citizens Forums to enhance voter awareness of residents in local governance. The forums will specifically enable citizens to engage directly in the planning, policy making and monitoring of service delivery accorded to them. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need in understanding how voting in elections can influence responsive governance. The study therefore recommends that all citizens should be empowered and given the rights to vote in their desired leader. Additionally, free and fair elections should be conducted to ensure that candidates with clear manifestos are elected.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-188
Author(s):  
Rizka Adinda ◽  
Cecep Safa'atul Barkah ◽  
Tetty Herawaty ◽  
Lina Auliana

ABSTRAKTujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor yang mempengaruhi minat beli konsumen Brekele Chips dan mengusulkan strategi pemasaran yang tepat untuk dapat Brekele Chips terapkan guna meningkatkan minat beli konsumennya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dan kualitatif deskriptif. Sampel pada penelitian ini berjumlah 123 penduduk Jawa Barat pada kelompok usia remaja yang diperoleh melalui teknik purposive sampling. Jenis data yang digunakan yaitu data primer yang diperoleh dari wawancara mendalam dengan Brekele Chips dan penyebaran kuesioner ke sampel penelitian. Metode analisis data menggunakan analisis internal based resources, analisis valuable, rare, costly to imitate, dan non-substitutable, analisis sustainable competitive advantage, dan analisis strengths, weakness, opportunities, dan threats. Berdasarkan analisis sumber daya internal yang dimiliki, hasil menunjukkan bahwa Brekele Chips dapat menerapkan suatu strategi pemasaran untuk meningkatkan minat beli konsumennya melalui pengadaan event marketing creative challenge. ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that influence the buying interest of Brekele Chips consumers and propose the right marketing strategy to be able to apply Brekele Chips to increase consumer buying interest. This research uses descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample in this study amounted to 123 residents of West Java in the adolescent age group obtained through purposive sampling technique. The type of data used is primary data obtained from in-depth interviews with Brekele Chips and distributing questionnaires to the research sample. The data analysis method uses internal based resources analysis, valuable, rare, costly to imitate, and non-substitutable analysis, analysis of sustainable competitive advantage, and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on the analysis of its internal resources, the results show that Brekele Chips can implement a marketing strategy to increase consumer buying interest through the provision of creative challenge marketing events.


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