Thesis
A model of continuous improvement for Australia's small service exporters
Southern Cross University, Faculty of Business and Computing
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
1997
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Abstract
This research study aims to identify and test a descriptive model of continuous improvement for Australia's small service exporters. The key elements of the model are; continuous improvement of: flexibility and opportunity; people and learning; and efficiency and productivity. In support of this primary aim the research study also aims to show that small service exporters:
• are innovative,
• are able to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage given the characteristics of the model
• do not generally benchmark, and
• are impacted by the external environment as explained by designated life cycle theories.
The theoretical framework upon which the study is based is presented in Chapters 2 and 3 of this research study. The concept and setting of the small service exporter (SSE) is developed in Chapter 2. Further, the role of small service businesses and their potential contribution to the Australian economy is explored. The function of this Chapter is to define the target population referred to as Small Service Exporters (SSEs). Each aspect of SSEs is explored and defined, culminating in a direct definition of SSEs suited to this research paper.
Once the SSE has been defined, an exploration is made of those environmental factors which influence SSEs. This takes the form of an analysis of the external environment, based largely upon life cycle theories. More particularly, there is a theoretical development contained within this research paper, focussing on the concept of the population of organisations' life cycle (POLC) (Howard & Hine,1997). Sustainable competitive advantage is also defined at the conclusion of Chapter 2.
In Chapter 3, following an assessment of existing quality management approaches and their applicability (or otherwise) to SSEs, quality management concepts relevant to the SSEs are explored, specifically continuous improvement. In these Chapters existing theories and concepts are augmented by the development of new theory.
All the theoretical developments contained within Chapters 2 and 3 are explored and refined through the exploratory research presented in Chapter 4. In Chapter 4 the existing theory is combined with the new theory to develop a model of continuous improvement for SSEs. The model is designed as a descriptive model which defines the continuous improvement system which is most likely to facilitate sustainable competitive advantage for the innovative small service exporter. There is a clear link which flows from the review of the existing literature, the supplementation of new theory, the development of the model and the succeeding Chapters which test the model and provide conclusions and recommendations for future research.
The lack of empirical literature and tested theory, called for an inter-disciplinary approach to build a theoretical framework and the use of exploratory research to assist in developing and administering the quantitative testing instrument. The need for, and development and administration of, the exploratory study are provided, which guide the research to the quantitative survey. With this exploratory research technique chosen, administered and the results extrapolated to theory, the next step was to test the theory and exploratory findings through the quantitative technique through testable hypotheses.
The research propositions developed are described in Chapter 5 and tested in Chapter 6. Chapter 5 describes the research methodology employed in this hypothetico-deductive, confirmatory phase of the research study, where the sample, sampling technique, design and administration of the survey are explained. The analytical techniques used to gain the results are also provided.
During the confirmatory phase of the research, in which the main quantitative survey is analysed, the following analytical techniques are applied to gain the necessary results. Each of the techniques used are the most appropriate and least elaborate for the variable types and the requirements of the hypotheses to achieve the research objectives. The techniques used are:
• Descriptive statistics
• t-tests
• Analysis of variance, with Tukey's b post-hoc test
• Confirmatory factor analysis
• Exploratory factor analysis, and
• Regression analysis
The descriptive statistics provide initial summary data on the demographics and essential features of the sample. The t-tests are used to test whether, in the scale questions, respondents agree or disagree with the statement item. The analysis of variance, using Tukey's b test as a post-hoc test groups respondents on the basis of one important variable and compares their responses. This applies to the extent of benchmarking of respondents, levels of exports, sustainability of 'exports and place on the service continuum. Regression analysis is applied only to test the causal relationship between frequency of; benchmarking and growth and; innovation and growth. The confirmatory factor analysis tests the model developed from the literature and from the exploratory research phase. The exploratory factor analysis is applied to the analysis of the impact of life cycles where no hypothesis could confidently be stated, thus precluding the application of confirmatory factor analysis.
The actual results of the analysis of the survey are presented in Chapter 6. The results of the analysis of the results are presented in summary form in the table on thesis page 290.
These results contribute to the findings of the research which are also provided in Chapter 7. From the results, implications of the study could be assessed with confidence which stressed the need to avoid generic approaches to quality management and to apply a broader definition of innovation. Recommendations are also made for future research, particularly with regard longitudinal and other studies to support the continued development of the Australian economy.
The results of the analysis provide the evidence to establish a model of continuous improvement for small service exporters. To this end, the major thrust of the research study is achieved.
The major research techniques used in this research study, namely convergent interviewing in the exploratory research and confirmatory factor analysis in the confirmatory phase of the research, have not been used in published literature on small business before. The contribution of these techniques extends the contribution to knowledge achieved by the review of literature and the results of analyses within this research study.
Details
- Title
- A model of continuous improvement for Australia's small service exporters
- Creators
- Damian Hine
- Contributors
- Philip Arthur Neck (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, Faculty of Business and Computing
- Number of pages
- 430
- Identifiers
- 991012958499702368
- Copyright
- © Damian Hine 1997
- Academic Unit
- School of Business and Tourism
- Resource Type
- Thesis