RATIONAL DECISION MODEL FOR SELECTION OF IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE USING EXPERT MAPPING STUDY

Abstract

The rapid interest growth for the adoption of Improvement Initiative (IMI) indicates the importance of improvement to sustain the business and to remain competitive. This phenomenon contributes to the extensive evolution of IMI introduced throughout the recent decades compared to its initial introduction. However, the existence of a bundle of IMI has caused difficulties to organizations to select the most suitable improvement initiative to be adopted. In addition, the failure in the deployment of IMI in numerous organizations has been frequently reported to be associated with a poor selection. In the absence of explicit key decision criteria, decision makers highly depend on subjective judgements which are biased to the experience and which tend to follow the fashion setting. This study aimed to fill the research gap by proposing the rational selection for IMI adoption based on the phenomena and developing a theory of selection by bringing all influential criteria together in one comprehensive model. This study incorporated cross-paradigm (Constructivism & Positivism) as a research paradigm and adopted a mix method research, including quantitative and qualitative to meet its objective. Based on rigorous systematic literature review (SLR) steps, a total of 164 publications were used to extract and synthesize the information. The information from the SLR enables the development of an empirical model for the selection of IMI through the provision of wide angles selection criteria which provide holistic decision supports for decision makers. The quantitative research approach was adopted to ensure generalization of the model, highlighted as limitations by previous researchers with a total of 241 respondents’ feedback from various organizations. The reflective-formative hierarchical model was analyze using structural equation modelling through Smart PLS software in order to develop rational selection model for IMI. Upon validation of the model, six selection views with 33 attributes were decided to be considered by decision makers prior making decisions on the most suitable IMI to be adopted in their organizations. The development of intelligent decision support system for IMI selection was derived from the mapping of IMI with selection criteria based on experience and knowledge of experts. The functionality of the system was tested through Black Box Testing prior measuring the practicality of the system to help the decision makers by using a structured case study protocol. The results from Kendal Coefficient of Concordance analysis indicate that, the system is able to perform well to help decision makers to select the most suitable IMI to be implemented in their organizations. As a conclusion, this empirical study provides rational decision making for the selection of IMI by providing wide angle selection criteria which avoid subjective judgements which could lead to the failure of improvement in the organizations. The rational selection model enables organizations to manage and carefully select improvement initiatives to ensure effectiveness of the selection and a successful implementation of IMI.