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Mariam Bader

Research

​​​​​Research Title :Mitigating process improvement project failures: leveraging organizational responses and lessons learned

Authors :Mariam Bader, Raja Jayaraman, Jiju Antony, Ravindra S Goonetilleke, Kevin Linderman, Roger Hoerl (2024) ​

Abstract :Purpose- Despite technological advancements within process improvement (PI) projects, two out of three PI projects failed. This paper aims to identify the critical failure factors (CFFs) linked to PI projects and propose suitable mitigation strategies. It also examines how PI practitioners can leverage unsuccessful projects to stimulate learning from failure, turning them into opportunities for development and growth. Design/methodology/approach- A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 21 PI professionals was utilized to capture the CFFs and their corresponding mitigation best practices. Findings- The study reveals 14 CFFs spanning from issues at the top-level management, down to challenges at the project level and shortcomings at the individual level. We uncover new evolving factors related to “big data analysis and technology implementations”, “project scope complexity”, “unrealistic goal setting”, “frequent shifts in management priorities”, “unclear problem definition” and “prolonged execution duration”. Moreover, results emphasize the significance of fostering a “culture of learning from failure” and “transparency in failure acknowledgment” to avert failures. Originality/value- This study is the first to provide real-world solutions and guidelines to proactively mitigate PI failures. It offers insights for PI practitioners and broadens their view on emerging factors to implement preventive strategies, building on learning from failures and those of others.

Keywords :Process improvement, Critical failure factors, Failure mitigation, Learning from failures, Lessons learned

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​​​​​Research Title :Why do process improvement projects fail in organizations? A review and future research agenda

Authors :Mariam Bader, Jiju Antony, Raja Jayaraman, Vikas Swarnakar, Ravindra S Goonetilleke, Maher Maalouf, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Kevin Linderman (2024) ​

Abstract :Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine the critical failure factors (CFFs) linked to various types of process improvement (PI) projects such as Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile. Proposing a mitigation framework accordingly is also an aim of this study. Design/methodology/approach - This research undertakes a systematic literature review of 49 papers that were relevant to the scope of the study and that were published in four prominent databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO. Findings- Further analysis identifies 39 factors that contribute to the failure of PI projects. Among these factors, significant emphasis is placed on issues such as “resistance to cultural change,” “insufficient support from top management,” “inadequate training and education,” “poor communication” and “lack of resources,” as primary causes of PI project failures. To address and overcome the PI project failures, the authors propose a framework for failure mitigation based on change management models. The authors present future research directions that aim to enhance both the theoretical understanding and practical aspects of PI project failures. Practical implications-Through this study, researchers and project managers can benefit from well-structured guidelines and invaluable insights that will help them identify and address potential failures, leading to successful implementation and sustainable improvements within organizations. Originality/value-To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first study of its kind to examine the CFFs of five PI methodologies and introduces a novel approach derived from change management theory as a solution to minimize the risk associated with PI failure.

Keywords :Process improvement, Critical failure factors, Failure mitigation, Change management, Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Sustainable performance

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​​​​​Research Title :Detecting depression severity using weighted random forest and oxidative stress biomarkers

Authors : Mariam Bader, Moustafa Abdelwanis, Maher Maalouf, Herbert F Jelinek (2024)​

Abstract :This study employs machine learning to detect the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD) through binary and multiclass classifications. We compared models that used only biomarkers of oxidative stress with those that incorporate sociodemographic and health-related factors. Data collected from 830 participants, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, inform our analysis. In binary classification, the Random Forest (RF) classifier achieved the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.84 when all features were included. In multiclass classification, the AUC improved from 0.84 with only oxidative stress biomarkers to 0.88 when all characteristics were included. To address data imbalance, weighted classifiers, and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) approaches were applied. Weighted random forest (WRF) improved multiclass classification, achieving an AUC of 0.91. Statistical tests, including the Friedman test and the Conover post-hoc test, confirmed significant differences between model performances, with WRF using all features outperforming others. Feature importance analysis shows that oxidative stress biomarkers, particularly GSH, are top ranked among all features. Clinicians can leverage the results of this study to improve their decision-making processes by incorporating oxidative stress biomarkers in addition to the standard criteria for depression diagnosis.

Keywords :Depression severity, PHQ-9, Biochemistry, Machine learning, Oxidative stress

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​​​​​Research Title :Quality management as a means for micro-level sustainability development in organizations

Authors : Jiju Antony, Shreeranga Bhat, Anders Fundin, Michael Sony, Lars Sorqvist, Mariam Bader (2024)​

Abstract :Purpose-The use of quality management (QM) to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) is a topic of growing interest in academia and industry. The IAQ (International Academy for Quality) established Quality Sustainability Award in 2020, a testament to this growing interest. This study aims to investigate how QM philosophies, methodologies and tools can be used to achieve sustainable development in organizations. Design/methodology/approach-Five large manufacturing organizations – three from India and two from China – who reported their achievements about using QM in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were studied using multiple sources of data collection. A detailed within-case and cross-case analysis were conducted to unearth this linkage's practical and theoretical aspects. Findings-The study finds that QM methodologies effectively met the five organizations' UNSDGs. These organizations successfully used OPEX (Operational Excellence) methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma to meet UNSDGs 7, 11, 12 and 13. Moreover, UNSG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is the most targeted goal across the case studies. A cross-case analysis revealed that the most frequently used quality tools were Design of Experiments (DoE), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), C&E analysis and Inferential statistics, among other essential tools. Research limitations/implications-The study's sample size was limited to large-scale manufacturing organizations in the two most populous countries in the world. This may limit the study's generalizability to other countries, continents, or micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the study's conclusions would be strengthened if tested as hypotheses in a follow-up survey. Practical implications-This practical paper provides case studies on how to use QM to impact SDGs. It offers both descriptive and prescriptive solutions for practitioners. The study highlights the importance of using essential QM tools in a structured and systematic manner, with effective teams, to meet the SDGs of organizations. Social implications-The study shows how QM can be used to impact UNSDGs, and this is very important because the UNSDGs are a set of global objectives that aim to address a wide range of social and environmental issues. This study could motivate organizations to achieve the UNSDGs using essential QM tools and make the world a better place for the present and future generations. Originality/value-This case study is the first to investigate at a micro-level how QM can impact UNSDGs using live examples. It uses data from the IAQ to demonstrate how QM can be integrated into UNSDGs to ensure sustainable manufacturing

Keywords :Quality management, United Nations sustainable development goals, International academy of quality, Operational excellence

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​​​​​Research Title :A study of deficiencies in teamwork skills among Jordan caregivers

Authors : Omar Al-Araidah, Nader Al Theeb, Mariam Bader, Nabeel Mandahawi (2018)​

Abstract :Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to present the deficiencies in teamwork skills at Jordan hospitals as seen by team members. The study aims to identify training needs to improve teamwork-related soft skills of caregivers to enhance staff satisfaction and improve quality of care. Moreover, the paper provides a methodology to identify the training needs in any healthcare workplace by repeating the same questionnaire. Design/methodology/approach-A self-administrated questionnaire was designed to study deficiencies in teamwork and team leadership at Jordan hospitals as seen by team members. Surveyed care providers included physicians, nursing and anaesthesiologists operating in emergency departments, surgical operating rooms and intensive care units from various hospitals. Findings-With a response rate of 78.8 percent, statistical analysis of collected data of opposing staff members revealed low levels of satisfaction (40.7-48 percent opposing), lack of awareness on the impact of teamwork on quality of care (15.6-22.1 percent opposing), low levels of involvement of top management (27.1-57.3 percent opposing), lack of training (52.5-69.8 percent opposing), lack of leadership skills (29.8-60 percent opposing), lack of communication (22.3-62.1 percent opposing), lack of employee involvement (37.6-50.8 percent opposing) and lack of collaboration among team members (28.6-50 percent opposing). Among the many, results illustrate the need for improving leadership skills of team leaders, improving communication and involving team members in decision making. Originality/value-Several studies investigated relationships between teamwork skills and quality of care in many countries. To the authors’ knowledge, no local study investigated the deficiencies of teamwork skills among Jordan caregivers and its impact on quality of care. The study provides the ground for management at Jordan hospitals and to healthcare academic departments to tailor training courses to improve teamwork skills of caregivers. Data of this study are collected from the society who is working in the field of healthcare. As the results of this are produced from a real data, it is expected that applying the recommendations will impact the society positively by enhancing the patients’ satisfaction.

Keywords : Teamwork, Leadership, Soft skills, Communication, Healthcare quality

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Dr. Mariam Bader

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