bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance: Risk management starts at the top
Authors: Chong Yen Y.
Published: July 2006

There has been a lot of discussion and controversy surrounding the issue of corporate leadership, the value of the company and the level of executive remuneration. Clearly, there has been great discontent over expectations versus delivered results. The core aim of this article is a targeted examination of the board of directors and corporate strategy with its hit‐or‐miss approach. It is a look at corporate governance and its key stakeholders and what it can mean in the risk management context. The latest International Accounting Standards and the new Basel II banking regulations are examined in passing. This is a review of the haphazard progress in corporate governance and an explanation of some suggestions for risk analysis and management control mechanisms.
Corporate governance: Better financial markets – the technical dimension
Authors: Court John
Published: July 2006

Standards for the electronic recording, processing and distribution of financial and other business reports (“digital reporting”) can bring benefits both for external regulation and investor relations and for financial management and decision‐making within companies.
Frequency‐ and ordering‐based similarity measure for host‐based intrusion detection
Authors: Rawat Sanjay , Gulati V.P. , Pujari Arun K.
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses a new similarity measure for the anomaly‐based intrusion detection scheme using sequences of system calls. With the increasing frequency of new attacks, it is getting difficult to update the signatures database for misuse‐based intrusion detection system (IDS). While anomaly‐based IDS has a very important role to play, the high rate of false positives remains a cause for concern. Defines a similarity measure that considers the number of similar system calls, frequencies of system calls and ordering‐of‐system calls made by the processes to calculate the similarity between the processes. Proposes the use of Kendall Tau distance to calculate the similarity in terms of ordering of system calls in the process. The k nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier is used to categorize a process as either normal or abnormal. The experimental results, performed on 1998 DARPA data, are very promising and show that the proposed scheme results in a high detection rate and low rate of false positives.
Explaining perceived performance of the World Wide Web: uncertainty and the task‐technology fit model
Authors: D'Ambra John , Wilson Concepción S.
Published: July 2006

The performance of the World Wide Web is evaluated as an information resource in a specific information domain. The theoretical framework underpinning this approach recognises the contribution of information‐seeking behaviour from the discipline of information science and models of information systems success from the discipline of information systems in explaining World Wide Web usage as an information resource. A model integrating the construct of uncertainty and the task‐technology fit model is presented. A questionnaire‐based empirical study is used to test this integrated approach. Our results confirm that richer models representing the broad context of World Wide Web usage are required to evaluate usage of the World Wide Web as an information resource. Usage for travel tasks, uncertainty reduction, the Web as an information resource, and mediation all have a significant impact on users' perception of performance, explaining 46 per cent of the variance.
Internet research: privacy, ethics and alienation: an open source approach
Authors: Berry David M.
Published: July 2006

This paper examines some of the ethical problems involved in undertaking Internet research and draws on historical accounts as well as contemporary studies to offer an analysis of the issues raised. It argues that privacy is a misleading and confusing concept to apply to the Internet, and that the concept of non‐alienation is more resourceful in addressing the many ethical issues surrounding Internet research. Using this as a basis, the paper then investigates the Free/Libre and Open Source research model and argues for the principles of “open source ethics” in researching the online world, which includes a participatory and democratic research method.
The journey to steps to six sigma …
Authors: Elliott George
Published: July 2006

Six sigma means less than four (3.4) defects or errors experienced for every 1 million transactions – that is, only one out of every 250,000 parts produced would not fully meet all aspects of the customer’s product specification. Simply put, “first‐time” six sigma performance is a commitment to perfection.
Managing health care costs: back to basics
Authors: Abate Mark A. , Deneen J. Michael
Published: July 2006

The cost of employer‐sponsored health‐care benefits continues to increase at an alarming rate. In its 2002 Annual Survey of Employer Health Benefits, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports an annual rate of increase of 12.7 percent for employer‐sponsored health insurance costs. Kaiser’s findings are corroborated by the survey findings of the large employee benefit consulting firms. Mercer Human Resource Consulting reports an annual rate of increase of 14.7 percent in its recently‐released Mercer/Foster Higgins National Survey of Employer‐Sponsored Health Plans 2002. Most industry experts agree that employers will face double‐digit increases in their health care costs for at least the next three to five years.
Communication with cojones[1]
Authors: Romano Lud
Published: July 2006

The role of internal communications has become a pinnacle for the modern‐day office, where political correctness and contemporary management techniques claim to put employees in the driving seat next to employers. The virtually flat‐structured companies that have emerged proclaim that staff and management are equally responsible for the culture and the course of their companies. Ideas that were previously exclusive to management have gradually been put to the floor and the importance of internal communications recognized. Why then is it executed so poorly?
The enlightening leader and effective learning strategy
Authors: Preston David R.
Published: July 2006

How can a leader accelerate evolution? How can one create radical change that enables people to solve problems, seize opportunities and apply theoretical principles to real‐time situations? By creating a culture of learning. Learning can take place in hours, and like a vine can twist and turn to unexpected heights with little maintenance, unlike adaptation through restructuring and creating alliances or facilities, which can take years and requires a higher degree of vigilance and reinforcement.
Changing the corporate mindset: focus on the external, not the internal
Authors: House Deborah
Published: July 2006

Profit margins are easily destroyed when companies focus on internal issues versus the external conditions that affect customers. Revenue comes from the outside, from customers buying products or services, not from implementing new technology, re‐engineering business processes or building great teams. Focusing on external forces increases the bottom line. In fact, by shifting to an external focus, companies can often increase profits from 5 to 10 percent.
Road map to peace (in the boardroom)
Authors: Rosenbaum Michael
Published: July 2006

The shift in powers and responsibilities of public company boards is likely to change the relationship of management and directors at privately held and non‐profit organizations, as well. Organizations risk substantial disruptions to their business process if they fail to confront the challenges early.
Product development: five keys to increasing speed and predictability
Authors: Covington John
Published: July 2006

The dream scenario for thousands of businesses would be to gain the ability to get their products to market faster, and to know with some certainty that their product‐development projects would be completed on schedule. Speed and predictability are particularly elusive in new‐product development. In heavily regulated industries, for example, the best‐laid plans may fall apart when the rules change. In industries in which products are intimately related to technological advances, the new thing may become obsolete before it gets through research and development. And in some industries, a shortage of workers with specific skills can seem like a permanent guarantee of falling behind schedule.
People, power and profits: linking strategy to business growth
Authors: House Deborah
Published: July 2006

One of the most effective instruments in a CEO’s toolkit is a realistic, actionable strategic plan that is implemented effectively. Unfortunately, many companies spend millions of dollars on strategic plans that reside on bookshelves and never get opened. In addition to not being used, sometimes these plans represent great strategic thinking but aren’t aligned with customers’ critical problems, or they are so generic that any company’s name could be on the title page. Accordingly, it’s not surprising that companies haven’t implemented the plans they already have.
Technology for marketing: new solutions that deliver top and bottom line benefits
Authors: Smith Christine
Published: July 2006

In most organizations, the marketing department is one of the last areas to embrace enterprise technology. Tools and desktop applications have dominated the environment, but with the adoption of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and e‐mail marketing solutions, marketers are starting to see the benefits that large‐scale automation can bring, including increased efficiencies, more accurate reporting capabilities, and reduced costs. However, this is just the beginning. There are a few key marketing technologies that not only improve bottom line results, but also impact on the top line.
Should you be practicing “predictive information integration”?
Authors: Nisbet John
Published: July 2006

ABC, Inc. is taking current concepts of business process analysis to a new level. The company is intentionally building a database of business rules and related information in such a way as to facilitate business growth and change. This undertaking not only uncovers existing business rules, but the information associated with each rule.
Creating the brand‐driven business: it’s the CEO who must lead the way
Authors: Dunn Michael , Davis Scott
Published: July 2006

GE, Sony, Hallmark, Intel, Xerox, Procter & Gamble, IBM, some of these corporations dominate the business‐to‐consumer space. Others, business‐to‐business. What they have in common goes far beyond the fact that they are great companies or the fact that their great brands command a tremendous amount of equity.
Data strategy: a critical component of marketing success
Authors: Hochhauser Richard
Published: July 2006

Companies spend millions of dollars toward the compilation of data, and that doesn’t even include human capital costs. But to what end? Do companies truly make the best use of customer data to reach, influence, and service their customers? Or are they missing the mark in capitalizing on their data assets?
Why “sales force effectiveness” isn’t
Authors: Larson Mary , Resney Romney
Published: July 2006

Is there a management team that hasn’t been seduced by the revenue‐boosting, cost‐slashing mantra “sales force effectiveness”? The phrase, used broadly to encompass both a wide range of sales force automation and related CRM (customer relations management) initiatives, as well as revamped sales‐force training and incentive systems, activity audits, customer satisfaction surveys, and personnel reshufflings, has triggered massive amounts of corporate spending in recent years – nearly $12 billion on CRM applications alone in 2002, according to Forrester Research, a figure that Forrester projects will almost double in the next five years.
Understanding brand’s value: advancing brand equity tracking to brand equity management
Authors: Leiser Michael
Published: July 2006

Once strictly the purview of the marketing department, savvy organizations now see the value in using brand as a focal point for their overall business strategies. Many are using it as a guidepost for internal actions and interactions with customers and other key stakeholders. C‐level executives, led by the chief executive as brand champion, keep a keen eye on how their actions impact on brand equity, which in turn has an effect on the overall value of the business.
Ten steps for surviving a disaster!
Authors: D’Amico Vin
Published: July 2006

If a critical part of your business was knocked out of commission for a few days, would your business survive? What would you do during that time? Close the doors? Take orders by hand? Refer people to a competitor? How much business would you lose? How quickly could you recover?
Return on directors: maximizing return on investment in the board room
Authors: Seymann Marilyn , Kleinhanzi Brian
Published: July 2006

It’s relatively easy to measure the output of a light bulb. Simply flip the switch and see whether it lights up. For greater accuracy, use a light meter. Even the dimmest bulb can pass this test. The measurement task becomes infinitely more complex, though, when assessing the brightest lights of business: corporate directors. In the boardroom, measurement of individual directors and total board effectiveness is both lacking in depth and consistency. While the board might demand financial return statements on other corporate investments, it is a rare board that shines the same light on itself.
Corporate taxonomies can open up the big picture
Authors: Cruz Brant
Published: July 2006

What separates companies that survive from ones in overdrive? One answer is a corporate taxonomy. This new twist on the practice of strategic segmentation helps a diverse company keep its market segments in an overall, strategic perspective, permitting it to adapt more easily to new opportunities. It affords the big picture that allows companies to seize new opportunities.
The new risk imperative – an enterprise‐wide approach
Authors: DeLoach James
Published: July 2006

CEOs face many challenges. They must focus and motivate their organizations to capitalize on emerging opportunities. They must continually invest scarce resources in the pursuit of promising – though uncertain – investments and business activities. They must manage the business in the face of constantly changing circumstances. And as they do all of these things, they must simultaneously be in a position to confidently assure investors, directors and other stakeholders that their organizations manage risk in today’s demanding global marketplace.
CAD model decomposition for WirePATHTM
Authors: Brink James , Lee Alex , Anderson David , Ramani Karthik
Published: July 2006

This paper describes algorithms and software for decomposing CAD models for a new mold manufacturing process called WirePATH™, which uses wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) to reduce mold fabrication time. A decomposition strategy has been developed to account for the limitations of wire EDM. During decomposition, CAD models are separated into manufacturable segments and then layered if they contain curved or relatively flat sloped surfaces because wire EDM is limited to steeply sloped ruled surfaces. A new algorithm for direct adaptive layering of CAD models is developed. The algorithm analyzes surface error by comparing line segments against actual curves from the model surface. Also, the maximum angle needed to produce each layer is checked, and, in some cases, the layers are reconstructed to conform to the maximum angle.
Process build‐time estimator algorithm for laminated object manufacturing
Authors: Kechagias John , Maropoulos Stergios , Karagiannis Stefanos
Published: July 2006

A method for estimating the build‐time required by the laminated object manufacturing (LOM) process is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm – taking into account the real process parameters and the information included in the part's STL‐file – performs a minimum manipulation of the file, and calculates total volume, total surface area and flat areas involved in fine cross‐hatching. A number of experiments performed verify the applicability of the algorithm in process build‐time estimation. The time prediction estimates are within 7.6 per cent of the real build‐times for the LOM process. It is believed that, through specific minor adjustments, the algorithm could well be employed in process build‐time estimation for similar rapid prototyping processes.
Effects of electroplating on the mechanical properties of stereolithography and laser sintered parts
Authors: Saleh N. , Hopkinson N. , Hague R.J.M. , Wise S.
Published: July 2006

This paper provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the effects of electroplating on polymer parts made by stereolithography (SL) and laser sintering. A series of test samples were coated with copper and nickel with varying thickness. Thicker coatings (120 μm) were reproduced with a repeatability that should not adversely affect the tolerances with which such parts may be produced given the tolerances of the initial rapid prototyping processes themselves. Thinner coatings (20 μm) resulted in a smother surface finish than thicker coatings for SL parts, however the converse was true for laser‐sintered parts. Composite theory was used to predict that thicker coating would lead to higher Young's modulus in parts and this was shown to be true in physical tests although the practical values were lower than the predicted values especially for thicker coatings. Physical tests also confirmed that thicker coatings increased UTS and impact energy but had a minimal effect on the ductility of parts.
A processing algorithm for freeform fabrication of heterogeneous structures
Authors: Sun Wei , Jiang Tao , Lin Feng
Published: July 2006

A processing algorithm for freeform fabrication of heterogeneous structures is presented. The algorithm was developed based on the heterogeneous fabrication structural model, which was constructed from the STL based multi‐material volume regions and with material identifications. The reasoning Boolean operation based modelling approach was used to construct the heterogeneous CAD assembly and to output the needed STL format. Procedures for generating the database hierarchy and the storage of the heterogeneous structural model, and derivation for developing the processing algorithm for layered fabrication of heterogeneous structure are presented. The developed algorithm was applied to a heterogeneous structure consisting of two discrete material volumes, and the detailed processing path is described.
Ecolabel programmes: a stakeholder (consumer) perspective
Authors: D'Souza Clare
Published: July 2006

The growing global public concern for safety and preservation of the environment has given rise to the perception that consumer purchases may be somewhat influenced by environmental labels. It suggests that accuracy in label information is relevant so as to allow consumers to make an informed choice. This paper proposes that consumers can be grouped using a matrix of four different environmental positions. The results of these grouping are more likely to provide an effective profile of a green consumer, enabling marketers to segment and target these groups based on a clear understanding of consumer behaviour.
Do loose lips sink ships?
Authors: Michelson Grant , Suchitra Mouly V.
Published: July 2006

This paper examines an important, albeit neglected aspect of communication in the workplace, namely, rumour and gossip in organisations. Drawing on literature from multiple disciplines the paper provides an analysis of the role played by rumour and gossip within organisations, including, but not limited to, its meaning, hidden reasons and its management. The paper discusses both antecedent and outcome variables that are associated with organisational rumour and gossip. It is contended that the different types of rumour and gossip serve different purposes which, in turn, result in a range of outcomes. Moreover, and in spite of the tendency to ascribe rumour and gossip as morally reprehensible, not all of these outcomes are shown to be harmful within organisations. The authors use this finding to argue that scholars and managers alike should avoid making negative judgements about rumour and gossip in all such cases.
Film and collective storytelling in corporate identity: a case study
Authors: Kirsch Christina
Published: July 2006

Presents a case study of a new approach to collective storytelling in companies using a highly participative approach in order to create believable and authentic corporate films. An Australian company in the process industry had undergone a large‐scale organizational change project; in order to disseminate the experiences and knowledge gained during the project a corporate film was produced that told the story of the change project. The story and dialogue have been developed by the employees involved in the change project, and shop‐floor workers were cast as the characters of the film. The resulting corporate film has been highly accepted by the employees, who considered it a true and believable representation of their collective experience. Therefore corporate films produced with high levels of employee involvement and participation can provide a powerful and efficient means to capture and disseminate organizational knowledge.
The role of language skills in corporate communication
Authors: Andersen Helle , Rasmussen Erik S.
Published: July 2006

The international firms' management of subsidiaries abroad necessarily implies the question of how to manage language problems. Even if this is obvious, only a few researchers have dealt with the problem of language skills in corporate communications as this paper will show. This paper will furthermore discuss how Danish firms with subsidiaries in France solve their language problems. The paper points out different kinds of solutions to the language problems and shows the consequences of these solutions. Typically the firms have no language strategy, which results in a muddling‐through the day‐to‐day problems of how to communicate.
Supplier alliances: differences in attitudes to supplier and quality management of adopters and non‐adopters
Authors: Kannan Vijay R. , Choon Tan Keah
Published: July 2006

Faced with increasing pressure to improve responsiveness to rapidly changing market needs, firms must respond to the challenge of how to improve supply reliability and quality, while simultaneously reducing costs. This has led to an increase in outsourcing and the adoption of supplier alliances with key suppliers. While much has been written about when and how to form such alliances and the benefits of doing so, little evidence exists of how alliance adopters differ from non‐adopters in their attitudes towards managing suppliers and their efforts to manage quality in the supply process. This study presents results of a survey of supply management professionals that examines attitudes of adopters and non‐adopters of supplier alliances to supplier and quality management. Results indicate that significant differences in attitudes exist between alliance adopters and non‐adopters, and that differences have a direct and significant impact on key measures of a buying firm's business performance.
A conceptual research framework for analyzing online auctions in a B2B environment
Authors: Parente Diane H. , Venkataraman Ray , Fizel John , Millet Ido
Published: July 2006

The rapid growth of online auctions underscores the need to analyze the mechanism of online auctions and to establish a theoretical research framework based on the business models adopted by successful organizations. While the theoretical and empirical research bases for traditional auctions are well established, current understanding of online auctions is still very limited. A broad conceptual model is developed that can form the basis for future research in online auctions. A review of prior research and use systems theory and empirical analysis is presented to identify the potential antecedents to online auction success. Then dimensions of the input, process, and output factors are discussed to develop the conceptual model. The conceptual model provides an impetus and direction for future research into online auctions, taking advantage of existing tradition but also forming the basis for the development and testing of research hypotheses that will expand the frontiers of knowledge in online auctions.
Managing the value of new‐trait varieties in the canola supply chain in Canada
Authors: Phillips Peter W.B. , Smyth Stuart
Published: July 2006

Identifies the drivers, classifies the structures, examines the governance systems and estimates the relative economic costs and benefits of various identity‐preserved production and marketing (IPPM) systems that have evolved in the Canadian canola industry. The systems vary significantly, depending on whether they are managing input‐ or output‐based, traditionally bred or biotechnology‐based traits. Combines transaction costs and principal‐agent theory in a synthesized transaction cost‐agency model that allows for predictions regarding the organizational form of vertical integration based on the degree of asset specificity, task programmability and non‐separability. Transactions for new, proprietary, novel‐trait canola varieties require a more extensive set of institutions than traditional varieties. Identity‐preserved production and marketing systems appear technically feasible for smaller units of production, but it is unclear whether they are economically viable for long‐term or larger‐scale operations. IPPM systems can provide an effective and proven method of controlling risks and liabilities.
Uncertainty and contractual hazard in the film industry: managing adversarial collaboration with dominant suppliers
Authors: Watson Glyn
Published: July 2006

This paper focuses on the problems that arise when there is a power asymmetry between buyers and suppliers that is further complicated by risk and uncertainty. The case study analyses the film or movie industry supply chain and the power regime within it. The paper shows that relationships and contracts in the industry are structured to reflect the dominance of key players seeking to protect their own interests at the expense of others. It is argued that this problem of supplier self‐interest is reinforced for buyers in circumstances of uncertainty with high levels of pre‐ and post‐contractual risk. Buyers must enter into collaborative relationships with their suppliers to minimize risk and uncertainty, but the suppliers can appropriate a disproportionate share of value if a project is successful with the buyer taking all of the upfront risk.
One for all? Philippine police officers' perceptions of civilian review
Authors: de Guzman Melchor C.
Published: July 2006

There is a prevailing perception that police officers are antagonistic to any civilian review process. This perception also includes the assumption that all police officers are one in denouncing any civilian review. This research examines the degree to which these prevailing perceptions about police officers' views of civilian reviews reflect reality. This research contends that there is reason to question the overwhelming assumption in the literature that police officers are united in their views about civilian review. The research found that police officers have varying perceptions about civilian review. Furthermore, these differences in perceptions are correlated with the experience of being subjected to these reviews. The data indicate that experience with civilian review tend to draw positive perceptions from the police. On the other hand, police officers who have never been subjected to civilian review have less than positive perceptions of review boards. The research findings also indicate that civilian review boards need to overcome these initial negative perceptions especially among police officers who have never had a case adjudicated by a civilian review board.
The patchwork shape of reassurance policing in England and Wales
Authors: Crawford Adam , Lister Stuart
Published: July 2006

This article presents an overview and assessment of recent reforms that have contributed to a pluralisation and fragmentation of policing in England and Wales. It considers the emergence of new forms of visible policing both within and beyond the public police. These include the growth of private security guards and patrols, local auxiliaries such as neighbourhood wardens and the introduction of second tier police personnel in the shape of the new police community support officers. To varying degrees plural forms of policing seek to offer public reassurance through visible patrols. The article goes on to explore the complex nature of relations between the “extended police family” and the different modes of governance they suggest. It concludes with a consideration of the future shape of reassurance policing.
Myth and reality in rural policing
Authors: Mawby R.I.
Published: July 2006

In England and Wales, concern over policing often reflects a perception of a halcyon period, epitomised by community policing, when the police operated on a local level and were well known to the communities they policed. To some extent, images of rural policing are a modern‐day representation of this idyll, and studies certainly show that those living in rural areas hold more favourable views of the police than do their metropolitan counterparts. This paper, however, based on a postal survey in Cornwall, a rural county in England, demonstrates that rural dwellers are also critical of certain aspects of policing, particularly the inaccessibility of the police. It then considers differences between different subsections of the Cornish people. Taken together, the findings indicate that rural residents' concerns over public safety are accentuated by their concerns that the police in Cornwall are less accessible than those in urban areas and are less able to respond in an emergency. This has implications for policy.
How newcomers use role models in organizational socialization
Authors: Filstad Cathrine
Published: July 2006

This study examines how newcomers use colleagues as role models in organizational socialization, taking a multiple level approach to organizational socialization as individual, social and cultural learning processes. The newcomers' most important personal characteristics are expectations, experience, self‐confidence and competitive instinct. These personal characteristics were affected by early experience during the first four to six weeks in their new job. The study shows not only the correlation between early experience and personal characteristics, but also reveals a strong correlation between early experience and organizational socialization outcome. Newcomers rely on role models, and as a result of interaction and observation they acquire different qualifications from several role models. The term “multiple contingent role models” is introduced to explain how newcomers use role models.
Towards knowledge cities: conceptual analysis and success stories
Authors: Ergazakis Kostas , Metaxiotis Kostas , Psarras John
Published: July 2006

Over the past several years, there have been intensive discussions about the importance of knowledge management (KM) in our society. Nowadays, it is commonly accepted that many KM disciplines and practices are relevant to the social‐level knowledge‐based development. In this context, the new theme of “knowledge cities” came to the front. This paper attempts on the one hand to define the concept in a coherent way – presenting also its main implications and benefits – and on the other hand, to examine – on a worldwide scale – the different models of knowledge cities as well as modes of practice. The authors were based on a broad range of published works, including papers, books, reports and Web sites. The main approach was to briefly present the existing views of the concept, accompanied by some criteria determining a knowledge city. The authors also tried to provide a meaningful and concise review of existing cases, avoiding to get into many confusing details. This review provided valuable input for the definition of the key success factors and main benefits related to knowledge cities. This new concept is currently a main topic of interest for the research community and practitioners. It becomes clear that it has important benefits and in this way, focused research is needed towards many directions, in order for it to become a part of our life in near future. This integrated review is a very useful source of information for academics and practitioners who want to be acquainted with the knowledge cities concept.
Innovation engines for knowledge cities: an innovation ecology perspective
Authors: Dvir Ron , Pasher Edna
Published: July 2006

Innovation is the process of turning knowledge and ideas into value. An “urban innovation engine” is a system which can trigger, generate, foster and catalyze innovation in the city. This paper describes the concept of the “urban innovation engine”, provides some historical and contemporary examples, and suggests a set of guidelines for turning ordinary urban institutions into innovation engines. The paper has two purposes: to trigger further theoretic and action research and exploration in the domain of urban innovation. In recent years there has been intensive research about the conditions (“ecology”) which enable and catalyze knowledge development and innovation in the business world. A second new focus area in the research of knowledge development is the role of the city as a hub for intensive flows and exchanges of knowledge among its habitants and additional stakeholders. We suggest weaving the learning from the business and urban worlds by attempting to apply the dimensions of innovation ecology models to knowledge cities. More specifically, we look at multiple traditional urban constructs, and show how they might act as significant drivers for creativity and renewal. Typically an urban innovation engine is a complex system that includes people, relationships, values, processes, tools and technological, physical and financial infrastructure. We suggest that what innovation engines really do is to create conversations – which are the foundation of most innovations. We bring some examples and snap‐shots from several urban innovation engines such as the museum, the library, the stock exchange, the café, the brownfield, the grand fair, the outlook tower, and the industrial district. The paper conceptualizes the notion of “urban innovation engines”. Based on this concept, it provides a set of guidelines for creating a knowledge city using innovation engines as its building blocks, and innovation ecology elements as an important part of its operating system.
Greater Phoenix as a knowledge capital
Authors: Chatzkel Jay
Published: July 2006

Aims to provide a strategic perspective for professionals and practitioners to better understand necessary elements are for building a successful knowledge capital and to demonstrate how holding conversations with key leadership evokes viewpoints and relevant information to take into account. The paper maps out a strategic perspective of the major elements of a knowledge capital and then integrates a series of conversational interviews with regional leaders who have backgrounds in policy, journalism, and technology. The conceptual scope of the paper dealt with mapping out essential principals and practices for the creation of knowledge capitals in general. The particular focus of the paper was on the Greater Phoenix region and the specific efforts underway there to transition into becoming a knowledge capital. The results are an integrated approach delineating the necessary perspective for developing a knowledge capital and a set of views from significant leadership of a region on what its problems are in becoming a knowledge capital and what can be done to achieve that status. The paper finds that there tends to be a split between those people interested in developing and implementing a strategy for knowledge capitals and those concerned with the transforming existing organizations to become knowledge‐based enterprises. The broader reality is that both efforts need to be co‐joint and co‐equal if a region is to become a true knowledge capital over time.
Capital cities: a taxonomy of capital accounts for knowledge cities
Authors: Carrillo Francisco J.
Published: July 2006

Aims to outline a theoretical and methodological framework for the understanding, design, assessment and benchmarking of knowledge cities (KCs) based on social knowledge capital accounts as common ground for interdisciplinary work between KM and the established field of urban studies and planning. The evolution of urban regions throughout history is analyzed from the perspective of value systems. Under this perspective, the basic configuration of human urban settlements is seen to evolve as the forms of production of social value have done. Alternative concepts of KCs are then discussed, allowing the distinction of three stages of development. Based on this distinction, some critical levels of KC analysis as well as some specific dimensions of urban capital are identified. The requirements for a formal structure of KC capital system are then established as a criterion to identify and value the knowledge accounts of urban regions, specifically in the form of KBD indicators. A taxonomy of capital accounts for KCs – the core part of this work – is introduced and main categories described. Based on these capital accounts, the future of cities is perceived as carrying some critical discontinuities in developmental dynamics. Specifically some breaking points which seem to be implicit and embrionic in any third‐stage KC are discussed. KBD emerges as a disruptive approach that may contribute to overcome the exhaustion of the industrial city and therefore the inertial carry over of its decadence into the future and potentially leapfrog urban regions into the next‐level of communitary value systems.
Stumbling along or grave new world? Towards Europe's information society
Authors: Blackman Colin
Published: July 2006

What does the future hold for Europe's ICT sector and how will the information society develop? This article provides a snapshot of the state of Europe's ICT sector and progress towards the information society. The article then considers the major trends and drivers of change shaping the information society and, based on published foresight studies, explores two possible scenarios for the future. Finally, the implications for Europe's policies towards ICT and the information society are discussed.
Creating diversity in the healthcare workforce
Authors: Clinton Michael , Robinson Sara , Murrells Trevor
Published: July 2006

It has been suggested that the introduction of first the diploma pre‐registration course and then the three‐year degree pre‐registration course are likely to have an impact upon the diversity of the future nursing workforce in the UK. Using findings from three large‐scale projects, this paper assesses the nature of these changes by comparing the diversity within recently qualified cohorts of graduate, diplomate and certificate‐qualified nurses. Findings indicate little difference between the three groups in terms of gender and ethnic origin. A higher proportion of graduates had academic qualifications, which were generally higher than the qualifications held by the other groups of nurses. However, diplomates were the most diverse group overall, being older and more likely to have children, and also having greater previous working experiences. The overall conclusion is that, despite qualification differences, the level of diversity amongst degree‐qualifiers was a return to the lower levels associated with qualifiers from certificate courses. Thus the introduction of degree courses may dilute the relative success of the diploma course in terms of the recruitment of a more diverse workforce. The findings are considered in the context of current debates about the future shape of nurse education in the UK.
Perceived potential risk factors in child care
Authors: Ödegård Synnöve , Hallberg Lillemor
Published: July 2006

This study is based on semi‐structured interviews focusing on staff members’ opinions about potential risk factors that could threaten patient safety. The aim was to acquire more in‐depth knowledge about the causes of patient injuries. The study, which was conducted at a children's hospital, has a qualitative approach that is influenced by the critical incident technique. A total of 28 persons were interviewed. Analysis of the data resulted in five qualitatively differentiated categories of potential risk factors: a large influx of patients, a lack of professional experience, a lack of inter‐professional communication and cooperation, and deficiencies related to work hours and to the physical environment. The results reflect a complex picture where the risks, as described by the informants, can either alone or in concert directly or indirectly affect the individual in the practice of his or her profession or contribute to a mistake.
Gender stratification in management
Authors: Brännström Inger A.
Published: July 2006

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a global organization that nowadays has integrated gender issues into its policy, programmes and budget. How then is the state of affairs in the area of gender equity at the ultimate governing bodies of the modern WHO? This study aims to assess the representation of women and men and their promotion within the supreme decision‐making bodies of the WHO during the year 2000. Information sources used are the official and confirmed protocols of the 53rd World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2000 and of the two Executive Board (EB) meetings of the corresponding year. A descriptive quantitative content analysis approach is used exclusively. The present study demonstrates strikingly skewed gender distribution, with men substantially at an advantage numerically in the prominent positions at the WHA 2000. Additionally, men also hold an advantage in terms of being promoted to leading positions within the bodies examined, notably all upgraded chairs of the EB during 2000. However, the formerly male‐dominated supervisory positions of the WHO are, these days, challenged by women having been elected at the very top of the WHO. The present study stresses the need to elaborate a qualitative research design to advance the understanding of the social construction of gender in supreme governing positions of the modern WHO.
Gender interactions and success
Authors: Wiggins Carla , Peterson Teri
Published: July 2006

Does gender by itself, or does gender's interaction with career variables, better explain the difference between women and men's careers in healthcare management? US healthcare managers were surveyed regarding career and personal experiences. Gender was statistically interacted with explanatory variables. Multiple regression with backwards selection systematically removed non‐significant variables. All gender interaction variables were non‐significant. Much of the literature proposes that work and career factors impact working women differently than working men. We find that while gender alone is a significant predictor of income, it does not significantly interact with other career variables.
Mission statements in Canadian hospitals
Authors: Bart Christopher K. , Hupfer Maureen
Published: July 2006

One of the most popular management tools in the world, the mission statement also is subject to widespread criticism. In order to improve our understanding of the mission statement's strategic value and to provide actionable recommendations for healthcare organizations, the paper adopted a social constructionist perspective in a mission statement study conducted among Canadian hospital executives. The paper found seven factors underlying 23 possible mission statement content items. Four of these (grand inspiration, benefactors, competitive orientation and business definition) corresponded to the dimensions of dominant managerial logic proposed by von Krogh and Grand, and were positively related to various behavioral, financial performance and mission achievement measures. The findings indicate that not all mission statement components are created equal and that the recommendations of major strategy texts may require reconsideration where this particular institutional context is concerned.
Foucault on targets
Authors: Lynch John
Published: July 2006

This paper seeks to gain an insight into the behavior of a large NHS trust, in its attempt to meet a 90 percent patient access target, in a week long national audit in March 2003. Why did individuals act in dramatically different ways to their norm over this period? The work of Michel Foucault is used to explore these issues. The discourses of power, knowledge, discipline and governmentality are identified as key foucaudian themes that offer an alternative interpretation of how individuals behave in their place of work. The importance of the historical context of discourse within the NHS cannot be underestimated in shaping the behavior of individuals and groups today. Power and knowledge permeate NHS organizations through disciplinary practices and dressage. Governmentality seeks to maintain the status quo through disciplinary processes such as national healthcare targets. The natural response of NHS organizations is therefore, to seek order and conformity rather than disorder and conflict.
NHS workforce issues: implications for future practice
Authors: Stubbings Liz , Scott Janet M.
Published: July 2006

This analysis of the literature examines the implications of the changes in the National Health Service workforce and the ramifications for multi‐professional working practices, patient care and delivery of health services. Changes in medical working practices and education, together with the increasing numbers of doctors, have resulted in proposals for nurses to extend their role and the removal of professional restrictions. Whilst the numbers of nurses in the workforce have marginally increased, the qualified nurse ratio has declined, as has the balance between medical and registered nurses. Few attempts have been made to evaluate these changes in relation to the quality of service and patient outcomes. The changing roles of nurses and their value need to be quantified. Demographic trends, together with international shortages and the lack of educational capacity have also been understated. Adequate and accurate workforce information should be regularly collated and analysed.
A management information system to plan and monitor the delivery of health‐care services in government hospitals in India
Authors: Ramani K.V.
Published: July 2006

Governments all over the world are getting increasingly concerned about their ability to meet their social obligations in the health sector. In this paper, we discuss the design and development of a management information system (MIS) to plan and monitor the delivery of healthcare services in government hospitals in India. Our MIS design is based on an understanding of the working of several municipal, district, and state government hospitals. In order to understand the magnitude and complexity of various issues faced by the government hospitals, we analyze the working of three large tertiary care hospitals administered by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The hospital managers are very concerned about the lack of hospital infrastructure and resources to provide a satisfactory level of service. Equally concerned are the government administrators who have limited financial resources to offer healthcare services at subsidized rates. A comprehensive hospital MIS is thus necessary to plan and monitor the delivery of hospital services efficiently and effectively.