Research Award Guidelines

 

Thank you for your patience as we worked to improve the criteria and process for the Research and Professional Publication Award.

 

Please note the following important changes:

 

First, we have established a new steering committee for the Research and Professional Publication Award. Over the past few months our steering committee has improved the criteria for the award by giving it more structure and depth to help applicants better understand what we are looking for and how their work will be judged.

 

Second, we have changed our process from batch to flow. In prior years, the deadline for submissions was set for October 1^st of each year; we are now accepting submissions year-round. Applicants should now know their recipient status within three months of applying. This will allow recipients to begin promotion of their work much sooner. Formal recognition will continue to be given at our Annual International Shingo Prize Conference.

 

 

UPDATED AWARD AND CRITERIA

 

The Shingo Research Award recognizes and promotes research and writing regarding new knowledge and understanding of lean and operational excellence. Awards are given in four categories: (1) books (monographs), (2) published articles, (3) case studies, and (4) applied publications/multimedia programs.

 

Only submissions published within the last three years are eligible for consideration. Research or publications submitted should provide new theory or novel application. Reviews, re-statements, textbooks, and/or edited versions will generally not be considered.

 

 

Submit requirements 1 through 4 via electronic copy to shingo.assistant@usu.edu.

 

1. Research Award Application Form – provides information about authors and submitted work

2. Research Award Criteria Questionnaire – detailing how the work meets the criteria

3. Abstract – maximum one page in length

4. Author Biography – maximum two pages in length

5. Copies of the work as defined in the table below

6. Application Fee as defined in the table below

 

 

* $50 nonrefundable handling fee is included in each listed price. Submissions that do not pass the pre-screening process will be refunded the application fee, less the handling fee.  

** Maximum length 30 pages double-sided, with bibliography in Modern Language Association (MLA) standard at end of article.

 

 

 

 

The Shingo Prize uses a principle-based model that is divided into four primary categories: (1) Cultural Enablers, (2) Continuous Process Improvement, (3) Consistent Lean Enterprise, and (4) Business Results. Specific information about The Shingo Prize model can be found on our site at http://www.shingoprize.org/htm/about-us/mission-model. All submissions for the Professional Publication and Research Award should fit into one or more categories and contribute to the philosophy inherent in The Shingo Prize Model.

 

Submissions are assessed based on the following criteria: Content, Potential for Significant Impact, and Presentation. See below for the complete criteria.   

Research and Professional Publication Award Criteria

1. Content

Contribution to new knowledge/understanding of operational excellence

a. Applies operational excellence concepts to a new/different/under-developed environment/business domain
b. Describes/articulates how to achieve a transformative or breakthrough operational excellence/lean concept; does not restate known lore
c. Contributes new insight/concept/practices for enabling continuous improvement
d. Provides a deeper understanding or new theory of operational excellence and/or lean principles
e. Includes a focus on front-line associates, senior management engagement
f. Applies operational excellence from principle/system perspective
g. Represents or encourages scientific thinking

Extensions to existing knowledge

a. Provides evidence of sustainable operational excellence/lean
b. Describes operational excellence success with minimal investment or bureaucratic obstacles to change
c. Expands knowledge of effective operational excellence/lean approaches for improving work; does not merely address analysis/study of work
d. Builds on original work, not just secondary derivative work
e. Addresses effects of supportive/unsupportive conditions for operational excellence/lean implementation
f. Presents edifying, actual case studies that (preferably) identify the organizations and people involved
g. Provides a body of operational excellence work that offers new insight by, for example, articulating a multi-dimensional view of operational excellence/lean or draws on multiple perspectives of operational excellence/lean

2. Potential for significant impact on practice

a. Has widespread application
b. Is relevant to practitioners
c. Adds value to current body of operational excellence knowledge
d. Provides useful and practical information
e. Is engaging and thought provoking, providing new motivational insights

3. Presentation

a. Has clearly stated and realized objectives
b. Uses an appropriate level (frequency and nature) of practical examples
c. Is specific in terms of who, what, why, and how
d. Is well referenced, grounded, and data-based
e. Has a distinctive organization and style that will attract target audience
f. Is visually appealing (especially if multi-media)
g. Contains compelling, clear, precise, and error-free writing that avoids jargon 

 

The examination process has four steps:

 

1.      Submissions are reviewed for merit to determine if further review is warranted.

2.      Meritorious submissions are distributed for review by members of The Shingo Prize Board of Examiners. 

3.      The reviews and group consensus are given to the Research Award Steering Committee.

4.      The Steering Committee validates each review and releases the final recommendation to The Shingo Prize staff.

  

Decisions by the Steering Committee are final and are not subject to appeal. Challengers will receive written feedback along with their recipient status notification.

 

 

Submissions are accepted continuously

Recognition given continuously

Formal recognition given each year at the Annual International Shingo Prize Conference

 

 

All applications, author information, commentaries, and evaluation information are held confidential. All individuals involved with the review, handling, and processing of application reports sign a nondisclosure agreement which is kept on file at The Shingo Prize office. Examiners are assigned in such a manner that conflicts of interest are avoided.

 

 

For questions or comments, please send email inquiry to shingo.assistant@usu.edu.