Title: Application of implicitly systemic management innovation methods – an empirical study in Slovenia

Authors: Dusko Ursic, Matjaz Mulej

Addresses: University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ' University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Razlagova 14, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Abstract: In this paper, our own definition of systems thinking is briefly described and applied as a basis for investigation of the newer management innovation methods, especially ISO 9000, Total Quality Management (TQM), Business Process Reengineering (BPR), and 20 keys. These implicitly use a kind of systemic/holistic thinking. They are the most influential management innovation methods in Slovenian organisations, as an example of the countries that are now new members of the European Union. BPR was found most popular. The methods presented are compared on the basis of clearly defined criteria, such as targets, initiative, IT role, customer role, degree of BPR, role of implementation, role of management, human resources management (HRM), and rate of project implementation. The results may be widely applicable to other cases of a need for management style to be innovated to support creativity, especially innovation of all employees, more effectively.

Keywords: business process reengineering; BPR; comparative management analysis; ISO 9000; management innovation methods; Slovenia; systems thinking; total quality management; TQM; 20 keys; creativity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2006.009498

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2006 Vol.2 No.2, pp.146 - 167

Published online: 05 Apr 2006 *

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