Development and Validations of a Holistic Service Operations Management Instrument

Studies in manufacturing areas have empirically indicated that good operational practices have led to superior operational performances. However, these studies have been overshadowed by manufacturing based management practices rather than services. In service operations management studies, over emphasis is being placed on service quality which is based on the customer's perceptions and expectations. Thus, there is a need to re-evaluate the approach towards the understanding of service operations management as a mechanism in achieving competitive advantage. To fill the void, this study is carried out in a service setting and is seen from the perspective of the service operations manager. The approach used in the study is both qualitative and quantitative. The procedures employed revealed six factors that are critical for the establishment of a holistic service operations management. Correlations analyses showed relatively strong relationship within the factors. Further unidimensionality, reliability and validity analysis concluded that the factors model fit well and represents a reasonably close approximation in the population. The study offers a systematic approach framework for the empirical understanding of operations management in a service setting.