bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Audit between Hospitals:
Authors: Black N.A. , Moore L.
Published: July 2002

How useful are routine, comparative audit systems? To attempt to answer
this question, data from a system in North West Thames were used. A
common procedure was selected (appendectomy) and data supplied by 17
surgeons between January and June 1990 were analysed. Aspects of the
case‐mix, clinical management, diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes
for the surgeons were compared. A total of 401 patients had been
treated. All aspects of care varied between surgeons: mean age of
patients (19‐36 years), proportion of female patients (30‐75 per cent),
mean length of stay (2.1‐7.1 days), prophylactic antibiotic use (0‐85
per cent), diagnostic accuracy (40‐100 per cent) and incidence of wound
infections (0‐4 per cent). As a result of the small sample sizes (mean
number of cases per surgeon was 23.6) few of these differences were
statistically significant. In addition, there were some doubts about the
accuracy of some of the data. If such methodological difficulties can be
overcome, comparative audit systems offer a practical and useful way of
uncovering unusual clinical practices and generating hypotheses for
evaluative research.
Health Visiting
Authors: Boyd Maggie , Chubb Adrian
Published: July 2002

Discusses Nottingham’s approach to developing a public health role
explicitly alongside traditional health visiting. Argues that their
approach makes significant improvements to the health status of a
selected deprived area.
Links between clinical audit and contracting systems
Authors: Lord Joanne , Littlejohns Peter
Published: July 2002

In 1989, a programme of clinical audit was introduced throughout
the UK National Health Service (NHS), in an attempt to improve care
through the application of quality methodology to clinical issues.
However, the role of clinical audit in the new NHS “internal
market” is unclear. Reviews evidence on the development of audit
and concludes that it has operated largely in isolation, under
professional control. Central policy is now advocating greater purchaser
and provider management involvement in audit, enabling feedback from and
to service provision and management decisions. Where there are
constructive local relationships the opening up of audit should be
beneficial, but these do not always exist. Discusses a range of models
for the interaction of clinical audit with wider NHS management systems.
Recommends a split system of professionally controlled background audit
and collaborative shared audits to balance conflicting goals.
Economic evaluation of quality assurance programmes
Authors: Robinson M.B.
Published: July 2002

Substantial investments are now being made in quality assurance
programmes throughout the developed world. Proposes that economic
evaluation is one approach to justifying these in terms of value for
money. Three key elements are: comparison with some alternative course
of action; measurement of costs; and measurement of consequences.
Illustrates the difficulties of addressing these by a case‐study –
an audit programme aiming to increase the use of intravenous
thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction. Discusses the production
of accurate costings; the wide confidence limits associated with
regression analysis; and the numerous assumptions required in the
modelling of effectiveness. Economic evaluation of quality assurance
programmes may be useful in future, if the required data can be
collected.
Complaints management – in‐depth review
Authors: Donnelly Brian J.
Published: July 2002

Introduces the Complaints Manager program from Health‐TEC to
address the problems involved in complaints management and control in
the health service. Shows the main screens available for data input.
Demonstrates the wide range of reports which can be generated. Suggests
that the Complaints Manager program provides an efficient and low‐cost
means of keeping complaints under control.
Problem‐based medical education in general practice and health care quality assurance
Authors: Foldevi Mats , Sommansson Göran , Trell Erik
Published: July 2002

States that health systems globally are in transition, for which also a correspondingly reformed education is required, involving new ‐ and renewed ‐ basic sciences, principles, skills and methods. To that end, demonstrates how problem‐based learning in general practice is almost ideal, although still sparsely implemented, and has much in common with health care quality assurance. Contends that primary care in many ways comprises the most important platform and vehicle of modern health services and their interaction with the population. Uses the example of the Faculty of Health Sciences in Linköping, where all curricula are integrated, community‐oriented, problem‐based and have a focus on primary care and general practice. Represents a useful and hitherto insufficiently recognized widening of the overall field of health care quality assurance, and summarizes some of the experiences therein. Also provides a brief overview of the literature.
Drastically improving health care with focus on managing the patient with a disease: the macro and micro perspective
Authors: Dellby Ulrika
Published: July 2002

The disease management approach to improving health care, at the systems as well as the hospital level, has proved to be very powerful, producing unprecedented results in reducing costs while improving quality of care and patient satisfaction. The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), working with a variety of leading managed care providers and pharmaceutical clients, has pioneered the development and dissemination of the disease management concept. Describes the disease management approach at the system level and shows results achieved so far. Shows also how the application of the logic of disease management within the boundaries of a single hospital leads to fundamental changes and quantum‐leap results. In outlining the key success factors for a change process following the disease management approach, focusing on the patient with a disease, shows how the approach differs from traditional hospital re‐engineering.
Evaluating intervention programmes for quality assurance in hospitals
Authors: Fleishman Rachel
Published: July 2002

Describes a methodological framework for evaluating intervention programmes to establish and develop quality assurance systems in general hospitals, based on the authors’ experience in participating in a specific intervention programme in quality assurance. Both the approach and the design of the evaluation programme were shaped by the unique characteristics of this intervention programme. The evaluation programme was based on a model of organizational behaviour and change developed especially for the introduction of quality assurance systems into hospitals. With modification, the programme can also be used to evaluate other intervention programmes.
Continuous quality improvement in health maintenance organizations: an application of the HEDIS model
Authors: Kennedy Kristin , Mirmirani Sam , Spivack Rick
Published: July 2002

One aspect of the Clinton Healthcare Reform programme is to assist health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in collecting and analysing data for the purpose of continuous quality improvement. The HEDIS 2.0 quality performance measurement model is currently in use and endorsed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Outlines a process using HEDIS 2.0 by which an HMO can identify crucial problem areas and track the success of the solution process. Discusses the use of other relevant statistical tools.
Factors influencing audit in general practice
Authors: Davies Carol , Fletcher Joy , Szczepura Ala , Wilmot John
Published: July 2002

Since 1990, the changes introduced in UK general practice, such as fund holding and national incentives, have altered the process of care. Audit, defined as “the systematic critical analysis of the quality of medical care, including the procedures used for diagnosis and treatment, the use of resources, and the resulting outcome and quality of life for patients”, is one method of monitoring change and raising standards. Presents a successful co‐ordinated audit in Warwickshire, 1991‐1993, involving 53 general practices. Highlights the influence of attitudes and communications within practices on the success of audit strategies. Associates aspects of practice culture, such as team working and decision‐making processes, with successful audit. Postulates six descriptive practice types, largely related to cultural factors. Suggests that if cultural factors within practices are identified, external assistance with audit may be more focused and effective.
Developing microcomputer‐based quality assurance systems for health care
Authors: Murray Mary Ann , Lynn Marc P.
Published: July 2002

Points out some important issues that must be dealt with when developing microcomputer‐based QA systems for health care. While no single solution to the problems associated with quality assurance (QA) system development exists, the first step towards an efficient and effective approach is problem identification and commitment to developing a strategy which addresses the issues discussed in this paper. Examines potential solution alternatives and associated pitfalls, and gives an example of designing a QA system, including a database management system with suggestions for spreadsheet templates.
Using simulation in out‐patient queues: a case study
Authors: Huarng Fenghueih , Hou Lee Mong
Published: July 2002

Overwork and overcrowding in some periods was an important issue for the out‐patient department of a local hospital in Chia‐Yi in Taiwan. The hospital administrators wanted to manage the patient flow effectively. Describes a study which focused on the utilization of doctors and staff in the out‐patient department, the time spent in the hospital by an out‐patient, and the length of the out‐patient queue. Explains how a computer simulation model was developed to study how changes in the appointment system, staffing policies and service units would affect the observed bottleneck. The results show that the waiting time was greatly reduced and the workload of the doctor was also reduced to a reasonable rate in the overwork and overcrowding periods.
Patients’ perceptions of quality in a Northern Ireland hospital trust: a focus group study
Authors: Evason Eileen , Whittington Dorothy
Published: July 2002

Explores the value of focus group methodology in a patient satisfaction initiative intended to identify quality improvement targets in a large general hospital. Analyses the transcripts from ten focus groups selected from hospital discharge lists, using simple cut‐and‐paste techniques. Finds that the focus group methodology was successful in amplifying feedback previously gleaned from surveys. Highlights patients’ tolerance of shortcomings and their appreciation of staff providing high quality care while under pressure. Concludes that patients regard the National Health Service as deteriorating generally.
Quantity in health care is not always a substitute for quality
Authors: Israeli Abraham , Penchas amuel
Published: July 2002

Examines the outcomes of attempts to improve health services in the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe and in the West European democracies. Discovers that while the East Europeans focused their efforts on increasing the numbers of doctors and beds per patient, while keeping to relatively low levels of investment in technological advances, West European countries have taken the opposite approach, emphasizing quality of care, particularly advanced care, reducing the numbers of physicians and hospital beds, acquiring advanced technological systems for diagnosis and treatment and spending ten times as much per patient as in Eastern Europe. Concludes that the West European approach has led to far better results.
Quality rehabilitation ‐ oasis or mirage?
Authors: Larner Stuart
Published: July 2002

Discusses the progress that has been made nationally with quality rehabilitation services for people with physical disabilities in terms of competence, respect, choice, accessibility and responsiveness. Finds implementation to be patchy, but gives examples of good practice. Suggests quality measures for hospital and community care components of rehabilitation services.
Clwydian Community Care Trust: district nursing patients’ questionnaire
Authors: Reid Peter , Pierce Katherine J.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this project was to develop a reliable and valid consumer satisfaction questionnaire for users of the District Nursing Service in Clwyd. During the qualitative phase 18 quality themes were identified. These were used to construct a draft questionnaire. Respondents were to rate their experience of the service (experience scale) as well as the importance to them of each service feature listed (importance scale). Following pilot testing and item analysis the importance scale was dropped. Factor analysis of the resulting 11‐item questionnaire yielded four factors, similar to those identified in other studies. Makes some suggestions to improve the reliability and practical utility of the questionnaire, and describes its use in Clwyd.
“I find the term customer offensive”
Authors: Clarke Doug , Yarrow David
Published: July 2002

Explores the tensions between cost and quality, need and market, and the effects on patient care and service providers within today’s NHS. Builds on research carried out in two hospitals during 1993 to 1995, focusing on perceptions of quality and its management in the context of the nursing discipline. Indicates a divergence of perspectives on “customer requirements” and the emergence of a cultural divide within the total care process. Identifies and illustrates the significant potential for cost savings in health care, which may be achievable while simultaneously improving quality, and suggests that the “prize” for bridging the cultural divide might include a substantial financial gain as well as improved standards of care. In the context of health care, need, expectation, and finite resources are inextricably linked. A shared understanding of the interdependence between the three, and of the balance to be struck, is essential in health care provision today and into the twenty‐first century. Suggests that there is some way to go.
An innovative method of government surveillance of services for the aged in Israel
Authors: Fleishman Rachel
Published: July 2002

Explains the conceptual framework behind and the foundation and implementation of the regulation, assessment, follow‐up (RAF) method, and continuous improvement of quality of care in the Israeli Government surveillance of long‐term care institutions. The RAF method has made crucial changes in the goals, tasks and tools of surveillance and in therapeutic approaches to the elderly. The “maintenance approach” has been replaced by a “rehabilitative approach” bringing about a real improvement in the quality of care in institutions. Presents selected findings from an evaluation of the RAF method’s use in the surveillance system operated by the Israeli Service for the Aged of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Quality of diagnostic services for cancer: a comparison of open access and conventional outpatient clinics
Authors: Davies C. , Grimshaw G. , Kendall M. , Szczepura A. , Griffin C. , Toescu V.
Published: July 2002

Objective and study design: to assess quality of a quick and early diagnosis route (QED) by determining effectiveness and cost‐ effectiveness of five clinics compared with three conventional outpatient clinics. Prospective economic evaluation. Six‐month cohort of all referrals (November 1996‐April 1997). Subjects: all referrals for suspected cancers of: upper gastro‐intestinal tract; urinary tract, prostate and testis; skin. Effectiveness: median days saved between GP referral and date of: diagnostic appointment; consultant decision; intervention. Results: GP referral to diagnostic appointment: QED was effective (median days) for all clinics. Diagnostic appointment to consultant decision: QED was effective for testicular and haematuria clinics. Consultant decision to intervention: QED was effective for haematuria, testicular and melanoma clinics. Cost‐effectiveness: extra (incremental) NHS cost per patient diagnosed. Results: Less than £5 per day saved between GP referral and diagnostic appointment for: endoscopy; haematuria; prostate; testicular; melanoma. Less than £3 per day saved between GP referral and consultant decision for: testicular; haematuria. Less than £3 per day saved between GP referral and intervention for: endoscopy; haematuria; testicular; melanoma. Conclusion: A “quick and early” diagnostic route provides a higher quality service through improved effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness compared to conventional outpatients.
Involving mental health service users in evaluating service quality
Authors: Philip George , Stewart Jonathan
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and use of a modified SERVQUAL research instrument for measuring the service quality of a leading mental health service provider from the perspective of their “customers”. The evaluation focused on the day‐care services provided by the voluntary organisation. In order to identify the appropriate dimensions of service quality, a series of focus group meetings were run with providers of the mental health day‐care service and also with users of the service. These were structured group meetings led by the research team addressing set questions. The meetings enabled the identification of six different dimensions of service quality neatly mapping onto the new P‐C‐P attributes model, which was developed after extensive research of existing models such as SERVQUAL. A questionnaire was then developed to assess the service quality of the service. The main outcome from the research was the development of a research instrument suitable for measuring the service quality of a mental health day‐care service. This instrument can also be adapted to assess the quality of any other service. Implications and limitations of the study are also discussed.
Exploring the possible reasons why the UK Government commended the EFQM excellence model as the framework for delivering governance in the new NHS
Authors: Jackson Sue
Published: July 2002

A brief introduction into recent developments of the EFQM Excellence Model and the United Kingdom (UK) Government’s agenda for ensuring that quality is at the heart of all decision making is given. In view of the Government explicitly commending the use of the EFQM Excellence Model to all organisations within the National Health Service, the author decides to explore the possible reasons behind the commendation. When comparing the EFQM Excellence Model with the Government’s vision for quality, the former emerges as a more than ideal tool for any organisation wishing to commence or strengthen their journey on the road to quality and/or excellence; particularly as the EFQM Excellence Model is based on the principles of self‐assessment, continuous improvement, learning and innovation, teamwork and a culture totally focused on the customer. Finally, ten possible reasons behind the Government commending the use of the Model are given.
Emergency psychiatric assessments: do outcomes match priorities?
Authors: Green Gill
Published: July 2002

The targeting of scarce mental health resources is currently organised around three broad areas: treating severe mental illness; reducing suicide; and obviating risk to the wider community. High priority clients are those who present with either psychotic symptoms, or who are perceived to be high risk to self or others. This study examined records of emergency assessments at a mental health trust in the south‐east of England over a three‐month period (n = 336) to see whether clients with these characteristics are more likely than others to be offered hospital admission or treatment. It was found that clients presenting with psychosis are much more likely to be offered admission than those assessed as non‐psychotic, that those assessed as a suicide risk are also significantly more likely to be offered admission, and that those assessed as presenting a risk to the public at large are no more likely to be admitted than those presenting no risk. This investigation indicates that the emergency service of the trust studied is addressing the first two target areas, but may be under‐performing in the third.
Clinical governance in Accident and Emergency services
Authors: Ryan Nikki , Hurst Keith
Published: July 2002

Owing to NHS managers’ preponderance with financial issues, the present Government made improving the quality of health services a statutory requirement in 1997. In this article, one means of improving the quality of health services, clinical governance, is examined in detail before some issues related to its implementation are described. The Trust’s A&E services, the context for interpreting and applying clinical governance, are briefly described before introducing a force‐field analysis that demonstrates the different elements when changing services broadly and clinical governance specifically. The final section concentrates on implementing and improving clinical governance in A&E departments.
Auditing the implementation of SIGN clinical guidelines
Authors: Keaney Michael , Lorimer A.R.
Published: July 2002

Clinical practice guidelines are increasingly being recognised as integral to the clinical effectiveness agenda. According to the recent Scottish White Paper, Scotland “leads the way in clinical effectiveness”. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), established in 1993, has produced over 20 clinical practice guidelines, and plans to produce at least as many more, while reviewing existing guidelines at a minimum of every two years. This represents a substantial investment of NHS resources. This paper investigates whether this investment is being recouped in Scottish NHS acute trusts via the implementation of SIGN guidelines, and whether their implementation is being audited properly. It is argued that without clinical audit, guideline implementation is unlikely to succeed. This has important ramifications for the implementation of clinical governance.
Competences
Authors: Munro Andrew , Andrews Brendan
Published: July 2002

Examines the role that competences have played in recent years. While it
is acknowledged that competences have helped integrate human resource
activity, expresses concerns about the capability of competences to help
organizations deliver business success. Specifically, the Competency
Movement has failed to make the linkages between the requirements of
different business strategies and associated management challenges and
demands. As such, competences are like a novel with dialogue but no
plot. Provides a context for competences from research in business
diagnostics.
Faced with a major life or career change? Give yourself the winner’s edge!
Authors: Zajas Jay J.
Published: July 2002

Change is occurring at a dizzying rate for enterprises and managers. Partly owing to technology, competition, and changing demographics, adjusting to change is becoming an essential part of a manager′s life. Without the ability to grow, meet the demands of a changing job market, overcome negative attitudes, and procure the resources needed to perform their jobs, executives may fall short of attaining personal and career success. Explores the major obstacles to career success and offers practical advice to managers facing traumatic change. Through creative and positive thinking, an ability to expect, prepare for, and manage change, a clear vision of what really counts at work and at home, and a strategic career plan to set meaningful, progressive goals in life, executives can overcome whatever obstacles they face on the “road of life”.
Occupational standards for small firms
Authors: Wilson Liz
Published: July 2002

Outlines the small business sector and the development of
occupational standards in relation to it. Defines some of the key
concepts underlying national vocational qualifications and standards.
Considers the broad needs of the small business sector in relation to
occupational standards as well as the value of occupational standards to
small firms in helping them improve performance.
Organizational longevity and technological change
Authors: Krell Terence C.
Published: July 2002

Serves as an introduction to the special issue on organizational longevity published in the Journal of Organizational Change Management. The issues of researching and writing about organizational longevity are described and the content of the special issue is related to a theoretical perspective that focuses on the nature of technological, environmental and cultural change.
From threat‐rigidity to flexibility ‐ Toward a learning model of autogenic crisis in organizations
Authors: Barnett Carole K. , Pratt Michael G.
Published: July 2002

Complementing prior research by Staw et al. (“Threat‐rigidity effects in organizational behavior: a multilevel analysis”, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 26 No. 4, 1981, pp. 501‐24), the authors develop a new conceptual model of organizational change, “autogenic crisis”. The authors’ update of Staw et al.’s threat‐rigidity model shows that top managers may initiate strategic “pre‐adaptations” to future crises, thereby using latent threat to generate organizational flexibility, learning, renewal and, possibly, longer life.
Changing the “whole system” in the public sector
Authors: White Leroy
Published: July 2002

New reforms in the public sector mean that many organisations are attempting to cope with turbulent environments. Traditional models of change have been found to be too static and unable to change the “whole system”. Explores processes for changing the whole system for public sector organisations operating in a turbulent environment. A case study is used to discuss the implications.
Emergence and accomplishment in organizational change
Authors: Beeson Ian , Davis Chris
Published: July 2002

Systems theories, because of the emphasis they place on the maintenance of order, have generally given an impoverished account of change. Complexity theory gives an explanation of non‐linear systems which makes change fundamental and strikes a better balance between order and disorder. A theory of change management is outlined which unites a generalized notion of emergence in complex systems with a notion of accomplishment in human action. The analysis is applied to a case study of the introduction of a new information system for fingerprint identification into police forces in England and Wales. The analysis shows change management and strategic activity to be widely distributed in the organization. Explores how new practices and understandings are emerging as the new system is introduced.
Phenomenal complexity theory as informed by Bergson
Authors: Letiche Hugo
Published: July 2002

Though all complexity theory claims to be anti‐reductionist, there are enormous differences in what “emergence” and “self‐organization” mean for the “self” and consciousness in the writings of the one and the other. Phenomenal complexity theory seeks to include the experiencing subject in its epistemology and thereby to neither be one‐sidedly rationalist or subjectivist. The resulting (social science) epistemology of the “in‐between” is mirrored in Bergson’s work. The relationship between complexity theory and Bergson’s concepts of Durée, Élan Vital and Intuition, are explored in this article. The goal is to clarify the relationship between complexity theory and the knowing subject, and to indicate directions for complexity theory’s study of consciousness.
Designing Performance Management Systems for Total Quality
Implementation
Authors: Waldman David A.
Published: July 2002

Based on recently proposed principles of total quality management (TQM),
takes a system‐oriented perspective with regard to the design of
performance management systems in organizations. The underlying premiss
of this orientation is that methods for managing individual and group
performance must be compatible with continuous improvement efforts and
customer‐based TQM strategies.
The Sting of Organization: Command, Reciprocity and Change Management
Authors: Linstead Stephen , Chan Andrew
Published: July 2002

Examines the structure of command in organizations and the use of
“fear” to bring people into line during periods of rapid change. Details
problems experienced by organizations who, though good at coping with
crises, do not know what to do to maintain momentum without engineering
the next crisis. Goes on to consider the implications of structure to
organizational relationships and uses the concept of the “sting” to
illustrate this – whereby an individual acts on a command, but the sting
is an objection to such an obeyed command or act of deference, which can
impede later organizational relationships between individuals and
groups. A short case study of Hong Kong Telecom is used to highlight
reactions to change.
Business school emphasis on teaching, research and service to
industry
Authors: McKenna John F. , Cotton Chester C. , Van Auken Stuart
Published: July 2002

New AACSB accreditation standards focus on the school′s mission
statement: its emphases on teaching, research, and service to industry;
and, within “research”, on basic and applied research and
instructional development. Deans (n = 275) of accredited and
non‐accredited business schools evaluated the change potential for their
school of the new AACSB accreditation standards. They reported their
schools′ current and future emphases on teaching, research, and service
to industry; and on basic and applied research and instructional
development. As predicted, accredited and non‐accredited schools
responded differently to the revised standards.
The role of creative action in organizational learning and change
Authors: Ford Cameron M. , ogilvie dt
Published: July 2002

Organizational learning is depicted most frequently as an intra‐organizational information processing activity, but the role that experience plays in the development of organizational knowledge has recently become a more central focus of learning theories. The two primary perspectives on organizational learning present strikingly different depictions of the relationship between action and learning: systems‐structural models based on positivist epistemological assumptions emphasize internally‐directed information collection and distribution activities aimed at reducing uncertainty; interpretive models utilize an interpretivist epistemology that emphasizes the necessity of taking action in ambiguous circumstances as a means of creating knowledge. Proposes that neither of these alternative views of organizational learning describe how learning outcomes vary as a consequence of different types of action and that, specifically, previous models of organizational learning have not emphasized the critical role that creative actions play in the development of organizational knowledge. Delineates assumptions which serve to legitimize creative action taking within organizational contexts, and describes the learning outcomes which result from creative and routine actions. Extends previous models of organizational learning which emphasize cognition and communication processes by distinguishing the varied influences that different actions have on the production of knowledge.
Organizational story and storytelling: a critical review
Authors: Boyce Mary E.
Published: July 2002

The stories told in organizations offer researchers and organizational development practitioners a natural entry point to understanding and intervening in the culture(s) of an organization. Informed by perspectives of social constructivism, organizational symbolism, and critical theory, examines key studies of organizational story and storytelling, identifies multidisciplinary foundations, and presents challenges to the application of story work in organizations.
Organizations as places: a metaphor for change
Authors: Walck Christa L.
Published: July 2002

Organizational theorists have used metaphors such as organism, machine and language to understand organizations. Develops a new metaphor of place, based on writing about natural places, to imagine how an organization could radically recreate itself so that a healthy ecology is possible.
Joblessness, pain, power, pathology and promise
Authors: Butts Dan
Published: July 2002

Corporate downsizing has destroyed millions of well‐paying jobs just in the USA. The psychological, medical, and social costs are staggering. Families are fragmented, communities impoverished, democracies weakened by oligopolistic, plutocratic corporarchies, and Third World nations recolonized and their subsistence economies decimated. Most of the employee survivors of this economic and class warfare are working longer and harder and are suffering various stress, burnout, and psychiatric symptoms. In addition to intense global competition, cheap foreign labour, and superefficient technologies, there are psychocultural factors contributing to the “jobless economy”: executive ambition, greed, power‐lust, and winner‐take‐all ideologies. Solutions include changes in tax and other federal policies, restrictive corporate charters, shorter workweeks, community development programmes, and co‐operative, employee‐owned enterprises. The learning organization and fourth‐wave business suggest an evolutionary paradigm for the twenty‐first century based on global responsibility, economic justice, a new bottom line, and a restoration of meaningful, sustainable work.
The stress factor: another item for the change management agenda?
Authors: McHugh Marie
Published: July 2002

Reveals that public sector organizations across the globe have been subject to cuts in government spending, allied to demands for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently many have embarked on radical programmes of change which may adversely affect the psychological wellbeing of employees. Examines linkages between organizational change and the psychological wellbeing of employees within the Swedish social insurance organization “Försäkringskassan”. Gives results which show that the process of organization change is stressful; issues associated with the process of change were linked to employee anxiety and symptoms of being “worn out”. As the pressures facing public sector organizations everywhere bear a high degree of similarity, suggests that management take cognizance of these findings. Argues that when making decisions regarding the planning and implementation of organizational change, the stress factor must receive a prominent place on the change management agenda.
Critical management studies in postmodernity: oxymorons in outer space?
Authors: Grice Shayne , Humphries Maria
Published: July 2002

Critical Management Studies (CMS) in Postmodernity (PM) has been playfully posed as a double oxymoron, i.e. “CMS” to examine the contradiction of an emancipatory discourse predominantly cast in a managerialist tenor; “CMS in PM” to examine the feasibility of taking any position at all in the context postmodern theorizing. Using playful references to Darth Vader’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, proceeds with a deconstruction of the critical theorists’ pursuit of metatheories to explain (true) oppressions to be addressed in the liberation of victims. Teases the postmodernist magical elimination of victims in their discourse of difference. Sadly though, the elimination of “victims” in theorizing does not mean racism, sexism, and economic oppression are no longer experienced by human beings. Takes a light‐hearted but serious approach in regaining the emancipatory potential of Critical Management Studies to inform organizational change.
Organizational learning mechanisms and continuous improvement
Authors: Mitki Yoram , Shani A.B. (Rami) , Meiri Zvi
Published: July 2002

The firm’s structural inertia seems to be a crucial roadblock in continuous improvement efforts. The management paradigm shift required in the transition towards a continuous improvement culture is from individual‐based learning to system‐based learning. Explores the role of an organizational learning mechanism in overcoming the barriers for continuous improvement. Examines the implications of the creation of a parallel learning structure mechanism and its concomitant impact on continuous improvement in a paper mill firm over an eight‐year period. Concludes with the identification and discussion of some theoretical issues.
Participative design: linking BPR and SAP with an STS approach
Authors: Taylor James C.
Published: July 2002

The decades‐old paradox of great software promise and its disappointing practice in organizations has been recently increased by the appearance of “enterprise‐wide” systems (often called “enterprise resource planning” or ERP). Obtaining effective user involvement has been problematic in the past and it promises to become worse in the future with larger, more comprehensive software applications. Business process re‐engineering (BPR) adds to this significant problem by exhorting managers to undertake massive change ‐ including new information systems ‐ using autocratic methods. The confluence of management interest in organization change and in new technology has excited the global industrial community, but it has also disappointed in delivering on its promise. Sociotechnical systems (STS) design combines user‐involvement in design with structural change and the effective use of technology. The present paper explores the successful application of STS, with its local participation in organization design, to a centralized and autocratic application of BPR and SAP enterprise‐wide software.
The myth of global competition and the nature of work
Authors: Matthews Robin
Published: July 2002

Competition is viewed as an archetype. Global competition is examined as a closed or narrow version of the archetype, part of a language game that justifies the often ruthless strategies of organizations. More open narratives of competition are discussed. The paper examines the response of individuals to archetypes, the implications for work, and reflects on the foundations of the myth of global competition and the implications for modern business strategy.
Following the crowd:social influence and technology usage
Authors: Segrest Sharon L. , Domke‐Damonte Darla J. , Miles Angela K. , Anthony William P.
Published: July 2002

This study examined the impact of social influence theory on distance education technology (DET) usage. Delineation of university culture types conceptualized by Bergquist (the collegial culture, the managerial culture, the developmental culture, and the negotiating culture) were also examined in relation to technology usage. This study tested the proposed relationships in a survey of distance education technology usage at a major southeastern university, and findings support the influence of past experience with technology and social influence, and provide limited support for the influence of the culture types and individual factors on technology usage. This study encourages administrators to more closely examine their own academic cultures to identify appropriate actions to take before pursuing organizational changes like DET adoption, so that the resulting DET usage might more closely mirror the expected outcomes.
Pollution prevention as corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Lober Douglas J.
Published: July 2002

Environmental entrepreneurship is usually thought of as the creation of new products or services to meet environmental market opportunities. Pollution prevention is a new concept of the idea of environmental entrepreneurship as it is process based and focused on reducing costs rather than increasing revenues. As such, it is consistent both with the notion of entrepreneurship as a new venture and as a self‐renewal of the whole organization. The central research question this study seeks to answer is: why have firms done so little pollution prevention given its many benefits? Using the entrepreneurship literature as a framework, this study examines threats and opportunities of pollution prevention, the marshaling of combinations of resources to pursue it, and barriers to achieving it. The data for this study are collected through content analysis of environmental information contained in voluntary environmental reports issued by companies. The study finds that corporations do not widely view pollution prevention as an opportunity ‐ either as new venture or as self‐renewal. Furthermore, the potential benefits of pollution prevention are not frequently recognized. Finally, corporations do not identify the factors that prevent or allow the marshaling of resources to exploit this potential opportunity. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Information technology and dilemmas in organizational learning
Authors: Masino Giovanni
Published: July 2002

The relevance of information technology is becoming crucial for most organizations. Learning processes and coordination arrangements are deeply influenced by technological advances. Empirical evidence shows that complex and apparently contradictory outcomes usually result from significant investments in new technologies, while traditional conceptual approaches often fail to provide articulated and convincing interpretations of those changes. As a useful starting point to overcome interpretive “dilemmas”, this paper proposes to rethink the concept of technology, and to reconsider the relationship between learning processes and coordination arrangements. If changes are related to the different organizational decision levels, contradictory empirical findings become easier to interpret. Examples taken from research into the use of CAD systems in Italian firms in the packaging machinery industry are given.
Situational strength – A framework for understanding the role of individuals in initiating proactive strategic change
Authors: Mullins John W. , Cummings Larry L.
Published: July 2002

This article brings together research perspectives on strategic change and organizational behavior to construct a series of theoretical propositions regarding the likelihood that a firm will undertake a change in strategy. Drawing on the concept of “situational strength”, it is argued that the personality traits of strategic decision makers interact with environmental conditions faced by the firm to influence the likelihood of a firm’s change in strategy. In weak situations, individual differences are likely to exert significantly more influence on the firm’s likelihood of undertaking a strategic change than in strong situations.
CFD modelling of the flow field inside a reflow oven
Authors: Yu Hao , Kivilathti Jorma
Published: July 2002

Because of new requirements related to the employment of lead‐free manufacturing and the diversity of components and metal finishes on high density printed circuit boards, better understanding and control of the reflow process is required in order to achieve acceptable yields and reliability of SMT assemblies. Accurate control of the temperature distributions within components and boards during the reflow process is one of the major requirements, especially in lead‐free assembly. This paper outlines a scheme for reflow modelling and presents an oven‐level model of the steady state flow‐field inside a reflow oven, which will be needed in subsequent transient analysis and small‐scale modelling. The model is constructed by utilising the advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology using commercial software. The computational results are discussed and compared with measured data.
Numerical modelling of scanned beam laser soldering of fine pitch packages
Authors: Beckett P.M. , Fleming A.R. , Gilbert J.M. , Whitehead D.G.
Published: July 2002

Laser soldering provides a useful tool for the electronics manufacturer and has found a number of successful industrial applications. The laser provides highly controllable localised heating in a manner similar to hand soldering and has distinct advantages over other soldering methods. However, the heating processes that occur in laser soldering are complex making it difficult to predict whether a particular operation will be successful. Numerical modelling provides a valuable tool in answering such questions but the modelling process and the assumptions upon which it is based must be understood if the results are to be reliable.This paper explains the assumptions made in deriving a suitable model and describes the use of a commercial finite element modelling package to aid the understanding of laser soldering processes, with a particular emphasis on single and multi‐pass scanned beam soldering operations.
Innovation versus standardization
Authors: Kondo Yoshio
Published: July 2002

An innovative approach is indispensable, not only for developing new products and technology but also for managing any business for future development resulting in market growth and profitability. Work standardization, on the other hand, is stressed in the ISO 9000 Series Standards to raise work efficiency and to ensure product quality. Although both elements of innovation and standardization are considered indispensable for corporate management, they are often thought to be mutually exclusive, because the remaining space for innovative work is reduced along with the progress of work standardization. It is demonstrated, on the contrary, that they are complementary to each other.
Statistical engineering design
Authors: Morrison S.J.
Published: July 2002

Offers, as a contribution to the debate on probabilistic engineering design, the suggestion that quality problems in development and manufacture can be anticipated and resolved before they occur by applying variance synthesis to the basic design. Only after a satisfactory design has been established should engineering tolerances be applied to control the manufacturing process. Identifies dominant sources of variability variance synthesis in addition to providing a statistical basis for calculating a safety factor. Gives two illustrative examples.
Quality management approach in China
Authors: Zhang Zhihai
Published: July 2002

In order to provide readers with a better understanding of China’s approach to quality management, this paper presents China’s quality management history, the main quality management efforts adopted by the Chinese government, the product quality situation, and the reasons for product quality problems. Finally, it has been concluded that governments can only play a role in shaping the context and institutional structure surrounding companies, while governments cannot create competitive industries; only companies can do that. If the quality of people, especially governmental officials, top management, and employees does not improve, it is very difficult for the country to improve product quality.
Journey towards agility: the agile wheel explored
Authors: Meredith Sandra , Francis David
Published: July 2002

Competitive advantage increasingly rests upon a dynamic capability to compete successfully in an environment of frequent, challenging and, often, unpredictable change. Sustaining competitive advantage through price alone is no longer a viable strategy for most firms. Firms need to succeed in markets where a range of non‐price advantages are expected by customers. Order‐winning criteria include rate of innovation, fitness for purpose, volume flexibility, variety, extreme customisation and, above all, rapid responsiveness. Increasing global and local competition mean that companies unable to respond to these customer demands are unlikely to survive. Deployment of the principles and practices of agile enterprise appears to offer a solution. This paper, based upon preliminary findings of the Agile Manufacturing Research Group (AMRG), discusses these issues and, through the introduction of the agile wheel reference model (AWRM), identifies the specific policies and practices that support agility.