On the meaning and use of excellence in the operations literature: a systematic review

Abstract

Excellence is a term/concept that is widely used in research and practice. Yet although there have been many suggested definitions of excellence and the success factors behind excellence, few organizations have been able to achieve the goal of excellence. It has been argued that this is due to a genuine confusion amongst managers on what excellence means for their business. Using a systematic review of the operations literature on excellence concepts, we identify a plethora of concepts associated with excellence. In response, an overarching definition that seeks to consolidate the different concepts is presented. Excellence is defined as a combination of operational excellence (efficiency) and service excellence (effectiveness). Further analysis warrants that existing business excellence models may be detrimental to sustaining excellence and making good business. More specifically, business excellence models appear to overemphasize the creation of value whilst underemphasizing means of capturing this value. Moreover, they often lack a strategic component, including concepts such as strategic choice, alignment and sustained competitive advantage. This has major implications for research and practice.

Achieving Operational Excellence Through Artificial Intelligence: Driving Forces and Barriers

“…The main advantages of self-hearing artificial intelligence solutions are the potential to lower the problem-solving time, discover the problems before they occur proactively, the critical ability for cost-reduction, and the potential to enhance customer’s experience. IBM is developing the latest technologies to help the organizations align their procedure, lower operating costs, and develop innovative business ideas ( Lee et al, 2018 ; Thürer et al, 2018 ).…”

Monitoring and Evaluation of Transformative Creative Placemaking on University Campuses

“…There is a need to create a monitoring and evaluation system that helps primary stakeholders, implementing partners and project staff to learn together in order to improve their interventions on a continual basis. Investing in monitoring and evaluation allows for a brand of excellency thought of as both efficiency and effectiveness (Thurer et al, 2018). Monitoring and evaluation is defined by the OECD (Development Assistance Committee, 2002: 27) as a continuing function that uses systematic collection of data on specified indicators to provide managers and the main stakeholders of an ongoing development intervention with indications of the extent of progress and achievement of objectives and progress in the use of allocated funds.…”

Influence of Human Resource Management Practices on Competitive Advantage through Operational Excellence: Case study on SME Food and Beverages In Bandung Regency West Java Indonesia

“…Further analysis guarantees that the existing business advantage model can harm maintaining excellence and make good business. [11].…”