There is now a widely accepted view among manufacturing and service organisations that 'operations' can provide the means of achieving competitive edge. The OMA-UK Sixth International Conference has taken this view as its theme and focuses in particular on how technology and people can be used to improve manufacturing and service competitiveness. These proceedings have been organised according to the topics addressed within the overall conference theme and generally fall within three broad areas: technology-based topics, human resource-based topics and general topics. The technology-based topics are: Materials Control, Supply Chain Management and Logistics Flexibility in Operations Systems Computer-Aided Management of Operations Design, Process Planning and 'Time to Market' Factors Application of KBS, Expert Systems and Modelling Production Planning and Control The human resource-based topics are: Work Organisation Human Factors Managing the Implementation of Technology Managing the Quality Improvement Process Education Training and Development Employee Participation and Involvement The general topics are: Operations Strategy International Comparisons and Country-based Papers Performance and Productivity Measurement and Improvement A particular feature of all the papers is that they emphasise the application of techniques, technologies and concepts rather than concentrating on specific functional description. The authors are drawn from around 14 countries and represent both the academic and industrial communities. Many are involved in the 'mainstream' of operations management while a number are from other disciplines relevant to the conference theme, such as industrial engineering and organisational behaviour.

"Human Capital Management as a Resource in Achieving Competitive Advantage" is a compelling discourse that delves into the crucial concept of Managing Human Capital (MHC) and its inherent importance in achieving a competitive edge for organizations. This profound exploration taps into the richness of human capital - the unique value added by individuals to their organizations - and underscores the vital need for strategic investments in this human element through commitment, retention, talent management, and learning and development initiatives. The book methodically explains how organizations can utilize their human capital as a powerful resource, employing it to meet organizational objectives and surpass competitors. Based on exhaustive examination of pertinent literature, it validates the correlation between the effective management of human capital and improved business competitiveness. Moreover, the book also gives substantial attention to the critical processes that are pivotal to harnessing the potential of human capital. It delves into how the fostering of commitment can ensure consistent engagement and loyalty towards organizational objectives. Equally significant is the focus on retention strategies, with the goal of preserving valuable talent within the organization and maintaining a competitive advantage. The book elaborates on the significance of apt talent management strategies that include identifying, developing, and providing growth opportunities to high-potential employees within the organization. In a dynamic business environment, it is emphasized that organizations can sustain competitiveness by nurturing and deploying their workforce efficiently. The book also highlights the importance of learning and development programs in the optimization of human capital. It underscores the value of continual learning to ensure that employees remain competent, adaptable, and innovation-driven in a rapidly evolving business landscape. The book examines a plethora of research and literature in the field of human capital management, providing readers with an extensive understanding of the significant role human capital plays in shaping organizational success and competitiveness. In essence, this work argues that businesses can gain a lasting competitive edge by aligning human capital strategies with overall organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, and creating an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best. "Human Capital Management as a Resource in Achieving Competitive Advantage" is a critical resource for leaders, managers, human resource professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding the potential of human capital as a significant lever for organizational success in today's complex and dynamic business environment.

The book "The Competitive Edge: Achieving Equilibrium in Business Feasibility" was written as a guide for entrepreneurs, managers, and anyone involved in the business world to overcome challenges in an increasingly competitive business environment. In this fast-paced and changing era, understanding how to create and maintain balance in competition is the key to long-term success. The main aim of this book is to provide in-depth insight into how a business can not only survive but also thrive by utilizing effective and efficient business viability strategies. The writing team strives to present an in-depth analysis of contemporary market dynamics, practical applications of the latest business theories, and real case studies that will provide concrete learning for readers. Through this book, readers will be invited to explore various strategic aspects in building and running a business. From identifying internal strengths and weaknesses, to recognizing external opportunities and threats, this book covers everything that needs to be considered to achieve competitive equilibrium. Furthermore, readers will also learn about the importance of innovation, sustainability and resilience in facing market changes.

This book examines the ways in which quality management methods, tools, and practices help improve an organization’s performance and achieve sustainable competitive advantages. This volume includes quality techniques and tools such as the EFQM Model, SERVPERF model, E-S-Qual scale and the ISO 9001 certification and provide a wide variety of empirical studies in different economic sectors. In the current economic environment, characterized by economic turmoil and fierce competition, quality management has become a key strategy for organizations to overcome today’s challenges. Organizations benefits from implementing quality management systems by following two approaches. First, they implement quality practices aimed at ensuring customer satisfaction by considering consumer expectations and establishing strategies accordingly. Second, organizations improve processes by establishing efficient and effective process management systems that improve productivity, lower costs, reduce unnecessary expenses, eliminate all non-value added activities, and ultimately maximize excellence and customer satisfaction. Quality management thereby provides tools, techniques, and methods for continuous process improvement in both the professional and academic worlds, which, when implemented by organizations in times of crisis, enable more effective administration of activities undertaken by managers. Containing contributions from various academics and scholars, this new book provides cutting edge research, methods and techniques providing a reference manual for academics, scholars, practitioners and policy-makers.

This book takes a pragmatic approach to develop the competitive advantage of indigenous construction firms in the Global South, using Ghana as a case study. It provides readers with two major practical insights. The first focuses on the theoretical underpinning of firms’ competitive advantage and develops a competitive advantage model for indigenous construction firms. This competitive advantage conceptual framework aids in explaining the main and sub-attributes underpinning the competitive advantage of indigenous construction firms as well as providing the basis for assessing a firm’s competitiveness. Secondly, it highlights and addresses theoretical gaps in existing competitive advantage studies deemed essential for indigenous construction firms. Finally, a detailed two-stage Delphi study in the Ghanaian construction industry is presented as a case study. The book is therefore of interest to researchers in construction management, strategic management, civil engineering, business administration, marketing, entrepreneurial and economic studies. It is an essential manual for owners and managers of construction businesses. It is also useful for government departments and non-governmental agencies seeking innovative ways to develop the capacity of indigenous firms and/or contractors to make them more responsive to competitive bidding scenarios, delivery of projects, and satisfying the needs of the industry’s stakeholders.

The discontinuation and turbulent nature of business environments make it crucial for organizations to adopt strategic management practices and develop key business policies to be alert to environmental changes. Organizational competitiveness has become the center of strategic management literature as an explanation for organizational success. However, in the past two decades, there has been a shift in the nature of the relationship between business organizations and society, with business organizations increasingly playing a more proactive role in wider societal issues. Strategic Management and International Business Policies for Maintaining Competitive Advantage allows executives to implement the necessary business policies and strategies in order to help the organization maintain a competitive advantage in a global complex environment. By doing this, organizations will be more proactive than reactive in shaping their own futures. This book allows organizations to initiate and influence activities. Covering topics such as ethical business marketing, leadership capabilities, and strategic management, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for business leaders and executives, managers, entrepreneurs, marketers, economists, government officials, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

How many times do we persist to force something to work that we already know won’t work? Like holding views, leadership styles and culture that no longer serve our workforce and businesses? How many times do we conform to being stuck in the rut, the bare minimum, and the comfortable zone over restructuring the organizations to make things work, stopping the production of a product that is a nice-to-have (a money bleeder) and investing in what will give sustainable returns? Sometimes to save yourself, your business, you will need to do the hard things. Most people and businesses didn’t swiftly adapt to the Covid19 induced disruption. There were tears that were shed, short-term mistakes and losses made, anxiety and gut-wrenching fear experienced. However, that knowing that that was going to be the "New Normal" enabled them to do it afraid. And that’s bravery. Leading at the edge of chaos, through crisis and recessions is not easy. Changing organizational culture which at times get you face to face with your own biases and ineffective outlook, is not easy. For a person who’s used to having the final say is not easy to “allow” your workforce to be entrepreneurial and let their innovative ideas catch fire. For an ever-solo entrepreneur may not be easy to start delegating and “losing control”. All these necessary calls for change and transformation require you to be brave and courageous. They require brave leadership and courageous culture. In Gain Competitive Advantage, the author, Kgadi Mmanakana, introduces brave leadership and courageous culture as the birthplace of competitive advantage and shares 10 practical strategies that business leaders, team leaders, managers, divisional directors and executives can use to unlock employee engagement, drive team performance and build resilience to maintain relevance in a constantly changing world.

The field of social entrepreneurship is attracting attention from multiple industries. Social entrepreneurs are responsible for finding ways to creatively contribute to society by providing affordable products and services. Creating Business Value and Competitive Advantage With Social Entrepreneurship is a useful scholarly resource that examines the broad topic of social entrepreneurship by looking at relevant theoretical frameworks and fundamental terms. Focused on topics such as creating business value, promoting social entrepreneurship, and enacting programs of social change, this book provides the latest research and practical solutions concerning social entrepreneurship. The source proves valuable to academicians, researchers, entrepreneurship practitioners, and individuals interested in learning more about social entrepreneurship.