bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving geo‐spatial semantic conflicts – an interoperability issue
Authors: Shahadat Hossain Mohammad , Mustafa Rashed
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Many organizations in the local community environment use and produce geo‐spatial data, so the need for integration of geo‐data is increasing rapidly. Different user groups have different views of the world and information is available in a heterogeneous format. This paper seeks to discuss the need for interoperability in local communities taking Chittagong city of Bangladesh as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

These communities use geo‐spatial data in their own format. This results in semantic conflicts, arising when there is a need for integration of the geo‐spatial data. Consequently, the interaction among the aforesaid organizations in terms of data is difficult to achieve and therefore, it is difficult to share the benefit of the recently evolving Information Technology. Taking the above viewpoint into account, this paper presents a framework to address such semantic data conflicts, considered as an issue of interoperability, using ontology.

Findings

This paper presented an ontology‐based architecture which can be used in resolving semantic conflicts, enabling the tackling of the interoperability issue, faced by the various local communities. The proposed architecture will reduce the computational time significantly because it does not require processing each query every timeResearch limitations/implications– The architecture presented needs to test with real data in the near future.

Practical implications

In order to share the geo‐data available in different formats, there is a need for developing a global community, consisting of an integrator, global schema and common ontology.

Originality/value

It has been shown that the architecture allows the sharing of geo‐data by resolving geo‐semantic conflicts of the local communities. This will in turn play an important role in addressing the interoperability problem, faced by these communities.
Scanning for market threats
Authors: Meredith Lindsay
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to focus more attention on market threat variables, their role in contributing to market risk and how to anticipate them.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected marketing and economics variables are considered in the context of their potentially dangerous or destructive impacts on business markets. Numerous “real world” examples are used to demonstrate the negative effects of these variables.

Findings

A matrix based on market information levels and lead times is introduced to demonstrate how the threat variables can be classified in terms of their potential risk to the business marketer. The threat variables can then be located on the risk matrix and the degree of their potential danger can be defined.

Originality/value

The discussion should hopefully be of use to both students and practitioners. An “early warning” template is provided to help identify specific variables and their risk potential so that scanning efforts can be prioritized according to the most likely sources of market threats.
The role of information technology adoption in the globalization of business buying behavior: a conceptual model and research propositions
Authors: Roy Subroto , Sivakumar K.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Advances in information technology (IT) and the globalization of business are both realities and opportunities of the twenty‐first century. This article aims to examine the role of information technology in the globalization of business buying behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature and theory are used to develop a conceptual model of adoption of information technology (IT) and globalization of business buying behavior. Firm‐level and global moderating factors are also examined.

Findings

IT adoption includes IT adoption by buyer and by seller and the compatibility of both IT systems. Globalizations of buying behavior is moderated by firm‐level factors like perceived risk, digitizability and by task and global moderating factors like availability of alternative suppliers in buyer country, cultural distance and the political stability in the supplier country.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a number of propositions that can be tested empirically, and also extensions for training and skills for business buyers.

Practical implications

The correct choice of IT systems for compatibility with buyers and sellers can mitigate the negative effects of moderating factors.

Originality/value

The paper sets out the impact of IT adoption by buyer and seller firms and its impact on globalization of business buying behavior in the twenty‐first century.
Forecasting sales for a B2B product category: case of auto component product
Authors: Lackman Conway L.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the capability of managers to forecast revenues and develop marketing plans for B2B component products.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is a dynamic market simulation at the product level. A previously developed consumer goods speciality product forecasting model is extensively modified to capture the different parameters (i.e. direct selling) relevant to a business‐to‐business (B2B) component goods product category. A dynamic simulation is developed using a set of equations developed to capture the marketing mix. Using just the demand equation (total supply exogenous) and employing the entire model (supply endogenous), sales are predicted.

Findings

The key findings are that the simulation produced more accurate (lower error) forecasts. The dynamic simulation for total demand for B2B auto components produced a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 8.5 percent, comparing favorably with the average MAPEs of 30 percent achieved by 168 companies forecasting B2B products.

Research limitations/implications

The main research limitation is that the model is limited to B2B component products.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the model is that it improves the ability of marketing managers to successfully reach revenue targets.

Originality/value

This improved ability adds value to the B2B component marketing manager's planning process by providing a method of specifying a marketing plan that is likely to result in revenue that achieves or exceeds the target revenue and knowledge of what marketing mix levels would move present sales to meet or exceed target.
The protection of the trustor through the use of control mechanisms and its performance implications
Authors: Kabadayi Sertan , Ryu Sungmin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The article seeks to explain the impact of the adoption of control mechanisms by a manufacturer as a safeguard against the betrayal of trust, which could consequently have performance implications for its relationship with its supplier.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted within the context of the relationship between a manufacturer and its major supplier and the framework was tested by survey data collected from 174 manufacturers. LISREL was used in the testing of the hypotheses.

Findings

This study reflects that a manufacturer may reduce the risk associated with trusting its suppliers by either monitoring them directly or adopting the norm of information sharing. Alternatively, it could seek to reduce risk by adopting both types of control mechanism simultaneously. Conversely, the results of this study indicate that control mechanisms, when used individually, are not effective in increasing supplier performance. However, when used in combination as plural control mechanisms, increased supplier performance can be attained.

Practical implications

A high level of trust placed in an exchange partner does not necessarily ensure greater success of the relationship. What this means is that firms cannot take performance for granted where trust plays a key role within the professional relationship. Therefore, firms still need to put mechanisms in place to ensure that, in the event of betrayal, their assets are protected. Among the different types of control mechanisms, the plural control mechanism results in enhanced supplier performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses factual performance data but does not use perceptual performance measures. The ideal way to measure channel performance is to measure both perceptual and factual performance data to increase reliability.

Originality/value

There has been little research on control mechanisms that guarantee the protection of the trustor. This study clarifies which control mechanisms manufacturers rely on to protect themselves from breach of trust, and investigates the effects of control mechanisms on supplier performance when used as a safeguard against the betrayal of trust.
Development of performance‐based service strategies for the oil and gas industry: a case study
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Markeset Tore
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of the paper is to present a framework for the development of performance‐based service strategies for the oil and gas industry in Norway. The framework considers various influencing factors and their attributes, as well as performance factors categorized as critical success factors, performance killers and cost drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study has been conducted to map current practices, to validate the influencing factor attributes, and to suggest performance factors. Data have been collected through an e‐mail questionnaire, face‐to‐face interviews, available documents from the industry and a literature survey.

Findings

Operators of complex oil and gas production facilities are becoming increasingly dependent on service providers to support their efforts to perform according to demands. When developing a performance‐based service strategy one needs to consider influencing factors and attributes. Furthermore, one needs to measure the service delivery process performance and the gaps between required and delivered services, and to periodically reassess the service strategy influencing factors.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a case study in the Norwegian oil and gas industry, but the results can be adapted for other industries as well.

Originality/value

The proposed framework can support practitioners in the oil and gas industry to develop performance‐based service strategies and can assist practitioners in reducing costs and improving performance.
The determinants of perceived service quality and its relationship with satisfaction
Authors: Lee Haksik , Lee Yongki , Yoo Dongkeun
Published: June 2007

Deals with three issues in the area of perceived service quality. First, it compares the gap model with the performance model. Second, it investigates the direction of causality between service quality and satisfaction. Finally, it examines whether the influences of some dimensions of service quality vary across service industry types. Three service firms were selected and respondents were interviewed in each firm. As hypothesized, the performance model appeared to be superior to the gap model. In addition, the result shows that perceived service quality is an antecedent of satisfaction, rather than vice versa. Finally, tangibles appeared to be a more important factor in the facility/equipment‐based industries, whereas responsiveness is a more important factor in the people‐based industries. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Consumer education programs for mature consumers
Authors: Ben Oumlil A. , Williams Alvin J.
Published: June 2007

Highlights the role of consumer education in enhancing the capacity of mature consumers to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace. Consumer education programs can provide significant benefits, including identification of market information, complaint and consumer redress procedures, and understanding a more technology‐based consumer environment. A conceptual model of the relationship between consumer education and mature consumers’ ability to manage marketplace dynamics is developed and discussed. Marketing management implications of consumer education for mature segments are posited and discussed.
Barriers to relationship marketing in consumer retailing
Authors: Pressey Andrew D. , Mathews Brian P.
Published: June 2007

This study focuses on the potential difficulties in implementing a relationship marketing strategy within a retail context. We suggest that a number of attributes characterise the nature of the service and market structure are influential in an organisation’s ability to implement relationship marketing. Specifically, these are balance of power; level of involvement with the purchase; professionalism of the service provider; and level of personal contact. Seven dimensions central to relationship marketing in a retail context are derived from the literature. Via survey research, these are evaluated in four service contexts, namely: hairdresser/barber; optician; recreation centre; and supermarket. Findings indicate that because of the influence of the four factors identified above, hairdressers, opticians, and recreation centres are more likely to operate in conditions that give greater support to the development of relationship marketing.
An exploratory study of employee turnover indicators as predictors of customer satisfaction
Authors: Hurley Robert F. , Estelami Hooman
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The service profit chain postulates that higher employee satisfaction levels lead to high customer satisfaction, and ultimately affect consumer loyalty and profitability. One construct that has largely been ignored in most of this research has been the role of employee turnover. This paper proposes that employee turnover can also be a powerful predictor of employee sentiment and resulting customer satisfaction levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between employee satisfaction, employee turnover and customer satisfaction ratings is explored using an extensive data set from a chain of convenience stores. Employee perceptions were obtained from a survey which developed and administered to all store personnel. Turnover data were obtained from archival data. The data are analyzed using path analysis.

Findings

The test of various turnover indicators suggests that certain employee turnover indicators can perform as effectively as single‐item employee satisfaction ratings do in predicting customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The finding that turnover predicts customer satisfaction as effectively as employee satisfaction is new and has important implications. More attention should be paid to managing customer satisfaction through managing turnover. Also, the use of turnover as an indicator of customer satisfaction should be explored in light of the fact that employee turnover is a naturally collected managerial measure, and does not require the costly administration of employee satisfaction surveys.
Theft by library staff
Authors: Holt Glen E.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how an effective library manager can handle the issues of employee theft of material, time, data and money.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews and summarizes some of the literature on the topic and recounts personal experiences.

Findings

There are different types of theft: of physical materials, of non‐financial data, of money, of time.

Originality/value

Presents a useful set of general rules for success in the management of library theft.
The incorporation of market orientation in the school culture
Authors: Oplatka Izhar , Hemsley‐Brown Jane
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the major features of market orientation (MO) and its benefits for schools, suggests an inventory to measure the degree of MO in a school, and provides strategies to incorporate elements of MO into the school culture.

Design/methodology/approach

An instructional, technical approach which is based on empirical literature both from business and service marketing and from the emergent research on educational marketing is taken in this article.

Findings

The paper analyzes the implications of MO for the management of school‐environment relations, and provides an inventory to measure the degree of MO in individual schools. In addition, a stage by stage approach to incorporating MO into the school culture is broadly discussed, with a focus on the principal's key role in this process.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by suggesting some implications for future research on MO in schools and other educational institutions and highlights the significance of MO for our understanding of school marketing in the era of competition and choice.

Originality/value

As MO frequently underpins the development and implementation of successful organization‐environment relationships, the current paper is a first attempt to help principals and administrators incorporate MO into their school, thereby capitalizing on the great advantages of market‐oriented organizational cultures.
Rethinking school and community relations in Hong Kong
Authors: Wai‐ming Tam Frank
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to look at the development of schools in their communities and the tension within it. Existing theories in social development and school administration suggest that community is a place where individuals construct identity, and that a school needs to form partnerships with its community, so that together, they work to improve educational effectiveness. However, current education policies have forced schools to compete among each other for survival in the community.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method is employed, and the sample is two subsidized schools in Hong Kong, one primary and one secondary.

Findings

Findings in the present study suggest that there exists a tension between schools and their community. Pressure to survive has forced schools to try various means to promote their image in order to attract students. This pressure has also forced schools to change from their detached attitude towards the community, to a concern about how to develop productive relations with it.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a conceptual framework for the sustainable development of schools.

Practical implications

School administration needs to give balanced attention to two needs – an internal need for program differentiation and an external need for integration into the larger community. These two needs can be mutually enhancing.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence to a framework of school development which involves the external community as a critical factor.
The future of our schools
Authors: Stylianides Marios , Pashiardis Petros
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the future of education (pre‐primary, primary and secondary education) in Cyprus until the year 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐round Delphi forecasting technique is used in order to make predictions about the future of schools and schooling in Cyprus based on the opinions of a panel of Cypriot experts.

Findings

Future problems and difficulties, strategies for anticipating the future and possible and desirable features of the Cyprus school until the year 2020 are identified. Among these features are: increased influence of the free market, compatibility of the school with the information society, keeping pace with developments in European schools, re‐planning of the school infrastructure and programs, the increase in pupil violence, emphasis on evaluation procedures and staff development, and increased school “openness” towards society.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in the fact that the only way to verify predictions about the future is to wait until they occur. Moreover, since it is based on the opinions of a select panel of experts, generalization of results must be made with caution.

Practical implications

The future characteristics of Cypriot schools that have been described and the specific predictions that have been made constitute a vast think‐tank of thoughts and opinions for the future state of schools and schooling in Cyprus.

Originality/value

The results of this study constitute a rich setting of future developments for Cyprus schools, which provides a particular source of information for those who have the responsibility of creating educational policy and planning for the years to come. Further, the value of the study as a comparative paper about how educational systems can cope with future challenges is great; additionally, the methodology used was technologically advanced and could easily be imitated by other researchers who would like to utilise it in future studies.
Cultural diversity online: student engagement with learning technologies
Authors: Hannon John , D'Netto Brian
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to focus on how students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds encounter online learning environments, and to assess the extent to which cultural factors impact on learners' engagement with online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores how a culturally diverse cohort of students engage with the organisational, technological and pedagogical aspects of online learning depicted in Conole's (2004) “framework for e‐learning”. A total of 241 students in online learning programs in a large university in South Australia were surveyed, yielding a response rate of 65 percent.

Findings

Analysis indicated that cultural differences do have an impact on participant satisfaction with organisational and technological issues, with local respondents indicating significantly more positive perceptions than international respondents. Significant also was a reported lack of peer engagement and intercultural communication.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study was restricted to students in one large university in Australia, using one in‐house online learning system, and studying business courses. Future research could replicate the study across a range of universities and across different countries, which would enhance generalisability. In addition, researchers can expand the model used in this study, testing other variables which impact on online learning.

Practical implications

These differences in reported engagement with online learning reflect differences in students' experience of online courses as culturally inclusive, and have implications for the quality of online education. These reported experiences may be linked to the amount of communicative interaction among students.

Originality/value

The paper examined the cultural aspects of student engagement with the organisational, technological and pedagogical components of online learning. Its findings suggest a direction to improve the quality of learning for all students by constructing a culturally inclusive online learning environment.
Outsourcing on American campuses
Authors: Glickman Theodore S. , Holm Jennifer , Keating Devlin , Pannait Claudia , White Susan C.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in‐depth examination of the outsourcing of food services on a university campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a detailed case study including interviews with university administrators, contractor administrators, and students and background information taken from student satisfaction surveys and local newspapers.

Findings

A new set of challenges has arisen – both for the university and the corporate partners providing the outsourced services. On the one hand, universities need to ensure the delivery of high‐quality services while operating under increasing fiscal pressures. And, on the other, corporate partners are dealing with unique issues at every different institution they serve, ranging from local competition to labor availability and serviceability and low margins, among others.

Research limitations/implications

This case study examines the events at one private university located in the mid‐Atlantic region in the USA. While many of the findings may be applicable in a variety of settings, it is not possible to draw direct inferences from a case study.

Practical implications

As outsourcing increases at universities, administrators need to consider the unique aspects of the local environment – with respect to labor availability and wage structure, the student population and their relationship with the contracted employees, the surrounding community and the interplay among the local residents, the contractor, and its employees – as they develop the contract and structure long‐term agreements.

Originality/value

Empirical studies have examined broad trends in outsourcing at universities; this research provides valuable insight into specifics – and the insights are instructive to administrators who are in charge of managing the outsourcing.
Instigating change in the early years
Authors: Alexander Gillian
Published: June 2007

Kirklees Early Years Services encompasses all early childhood
services from nursery education, day nurseries, and regulation and
support of the private and voluntary sector – playgroups,
childminders and private and voluntary day nurseries. Reflects on the
financial difficulties of running an integrated early years service,
difficulties compounded by the lack of comparable financial statistics
and conflicts about cost effectiveness across different kinds of
services.
Is it possible to exert influence as a practitioner?
Authors: Whalley Margy
Published: June 2007

Reflects on the experiences of trying to manage a radical
initiative in a traditional organizational setting as co‐ordinator at
Pen Green Nursery Centre, which has tried to reconcile the conflicting
values and practices of education, social work and community
development.
The limits of co‐ordination as a strategy
Authors: Owen Sue
Published: June 2007

Looks at the author′s work as a co‐ordinator of early years
services in an authority which has not integrated care and education
provision. Her job is to liaise between the education and social work
departments of the local authority, and to persuade and negotiate for
changes in practice. In the absence of a true corporate strategy she has
focused her efforts on working in the private and voluntary sector
– often neglected in the power broking of local authority services
– and on the creation of single‐issue projects to further the
development of co‐ordinated services.
The politicians′ view
Authors: Singleton Liz , Craig Lucy
Published: June 2007

Complements the other perspectives that have been put forward about
the development of services to under fives. The two councillors
interviewed are in many ways typical – they have come into
politics as a result of their own interest and expertise in the field
and see local politics as a way of advancing the causes with which they
have also been professionally concerned. They wish to further the
interests of young children but are unsure how to resolve the many
contradictions involved, and to recognize diversity of services while
achieving a coherent approach. They consider that they can exert
influence among their fellow councillors and on the professionals
employed by the council to improve the situation in early years
services. They recognize that in the last resort their actions are
limited, and that the financial constraints and the lack of a national
policy limits what they can do, but find it hard to think or act beyond
immediate local priorities.
IT, culture, context
Authors: Harrop Nick , Gillies Alan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the implementation of a service improvement in the UK National Health Service, relevant to the National Programme for IT in the NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study and semi‐structured interviews, relating users' interaction with information systems to other aspects of a service improvement programme.

Findings

Information technology is a major plank of public sector service reform in general. Its impact will rely on the completeness of cultural reform and the transformation of a reactive information audience into one more proactive in seeking and making opportunities for beneficial change.

Research limitations/implications

The research reported was conducted in a single setting, preliminary to an action research project. The project's aim will be to engage NHS users in a critical appreciation of their information needs, and to contribute this appreciation to the evaluation and refinement of the National Programme for IT and its products. The advantage of a situated study stems from concrete perspective and the capture of detail. These elements are readily understood by the reader, who can then assess the level of relevance to his own situation.

Practical implications

The intervention of a major information project ought to be synchronised in the host community with organisational development and the critical review of information needs.

Originality/value

Inasmuch as the NHS can be said to epitomise the social complexity of other major public sector organisations, the paper will interest readers from outside and inside the NHS. The contribution of a recipient perspective will counterbalance the tendency to “technology push” detectable in the National Programme.
Changing strategic direction for executive development in the public sector
Authors: Hagen Roulla , Liddle Joyce
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the largely ignored executive development needs of the reformed twenty‐first century public sector by executive education providers in business schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is predominantly conceptual exploring the current debates on the effectiveness of public sector management and the requirements for more relevant management and executive education through a literature review. The antecedents of the current position are explored. Hypotheses are developed about the provision of executive education for the public sector within business schools. In the absence of previous investigations in this field, a preliminary survey is conducted employing the Financial Times top 60 ranked executive education, 2006, to test the hypothesis and underpin more in‐depth research.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that almost two‐thirds of the sample did not provide any executive education to the public sector, and most of the provision on offer was for specialised silos within the sector, or borrowed from existing private sector programmes. There was no support found from the sample for public sector new network governance or leadership challenges discussed in the paper. Findings also supported the view that there is a shortage of evidence‐based research for many of the executive programmes that are being offered.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is the first to explore the status of the field under investigation and provide a conceptual framework; whilst the preliminary empirical research has been an initial surface fact‐finding study to establish the level and size of the problem, this has been achieved. This paper will now underpin a rigorous empirical research programme to explore the subject matter in greater detail.

Practical implications

The findings support the hypothesis that executive education providers within business schools are failing to address the management development needs of senior executives in the public sector. The paper concludes that there are huge opportunities being missed by business schools both by their management faculty, to investigate and understand the problems of the sector, and by their executive education centres to co‐design and deliver programmes to assist the sector to transform and develop effectively to meet the challenges posed by a more globalized, complex, networked world. The paper invites them to engage.

Originality/value

This paper investigates a subject that has been identified by the Academy of Management as important. It requires further research but has hitherto not received much attention from the research community.
Constructivism and accounting research: towards a trans‐disciplinary perspective
Authors: Quattrone Paolo
Published: June 2007

This paper speculates about the potential of the constructivism of Piaget and Morin to offer a framework which might go beyond dualisms and fragmentation in accounting research. These, it is argued, are because inter‐disciplinary research is still embedded in a hierarchical organization of human knowledge (“Encyclopaedia”). In pursuing this aim, this paper seeks to reformulate the subject‐matter of accounting in the trans‐disciplinary terms of the “knowledge of knowledge”. Such a theoretical framework will introduce the issues of trans‐disciplinarity, evolution and reflexivity into accounting research. Such issues have already been the concern of other disciplines within and outside the field of managerial studies, providing new insights for understanding organizational problems. However, they have not yet been given enough attention within accounting research.
Storing and shielding: financial management behaviour in a church organization
Authors: Lightbody Margaret
Published: June 2007

Financial managers in public entities have been portrayed as acting as “guardians” of the resources of the organization. However, while the private not‐for‐profit literature makes reference to perceptions of such behaviour, it has presented little detailed evidence of these roles. This study utilises a field‐based case study to examine the nature of this behaviour typology within the context of a significant Australian religious organization.
Openness to context‐based research: the gulf between the claims and actions of Big Six firms in the USA
Authors: Gendron Yves
Published: June 2007

This paper has been written following the refusal of US Big Six firms to participate in a context‐based research project on the new‐client‐acceptance decision, in spite of their claims that current audit research is too far removed from the realities of practice. The paper aims to problematise the firms’ refusal, arguing that it exemplifies efforts at policing the development of academic knowledge on the part of gatekeepers who strive to make researchers work on technicalities, thereby mitigating the risk that research may tarnish the profession’s legitimacy. Insights into the social construction of the gatekeepers’ efforts at policing knowledge are provided by the multilateral negotiations with the firms, showing initial differences in gatekeepers’ boundaries of acceptable research, and subsequent between‐firm discussions that resulted in the firms’ joint decision to refuse participation.
Signaling gender diversity through annual report pictures
Authors: Bernardi Richard A. , Bean David F. , Weippert Kristen M.
Published: June 2007

This research examines the differences in presentation of boards of directors in annual reports. Our sample consists of 472 corporations from the Fortune 500; 130 (342) of these corporations included (did not include) pictures of their boards of directors. The proportion of female directors was 11.0 percent for firms that did not include pictures of their boards and 14.5 percent for firms that included pictures of their boards in their annual reports. The difference in the gender mix of these two groups is significant (p = 0.0002). This indicates that firms with a higher percentage of women on their boards signal this fact to stockholders, investors, and other constituents by including pictures of their boards in their annual reports.
Engaging with organisations in pursuit of improved sustainability accounting and performance
Authors: Adams Carol A. , Larrinaga‐González Carlos
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case for research in ethical, social and environmental (or sustainability) accounting and accountability which engages with those organisations claiming to manage and report their sustainability performance. In addition, the paper reviews the contributions in this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an analysis and critique of the extent of engagement research in the field of sustainability accounting and accountability. It draws on the fields of management, management accounting and critical accounting to present a case for further research engagement with sustainability accounting and accountability practice.

Findings

The paper finds that the extant literature in the field of sustainability accounting and reporting, in contrast to the fields of management accounting and management, has largely ignored practice within organisations. The lack of “engaging research” is found to be due to concerns about increasing the breadth of participants in the social accounting agenda and “managerial capture”. The paper argues that further research engaging with organisations is needed in order to identify how accounting and management systems might reduce their negative sustainability impacts. The paper argues that such research can benefit from the methodological and theoretical insights of other disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests where further contributions might be made by future research endeavours engaging with organisations.

Practical implications

Engagement research in sustainability accounting and reporting has the potential to improve theorizing, practice and the sustainability performance of organisations.

Originality/value

Drawing on the methods and theories of other disciplines and the papers in the special issue, the paper presents a way forward for researchers engaging with organisations practicing sustainability accounting and reporting.
Service user involvement and integrated care pathways
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Ross Fiona M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Understanding patients' experiences of their interactions with health services is an important step in building quality from within. The purpose of this article is to look at the possibilities for involving service users in the development of the National Health Service in England through the structure of integrated care pathways (ICPs).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify how patient experiences have been attained and used in three clinical areas: cataract care, hip replacement and knee arthroscopy. The information was weighted according to methodological criteria and synthesized according to the typical stages of each pathway. Key issues were summarised thematically across each pathway.

Findings

The findings relate to the use of patient views and experiences within organisational structures, service development, methodological research, education and training. The article identifies important issues of practical significance for involving service users in the planning and development of patient focused ICPs: such as the diversity of patients, perspectives of continuity, information and patient support and the need for methodological research.

Research limitations/implications

The review is limited in that the literature across all three pathways tends to report findings of small studies undertaken in one clinical service or setting and most studies are not randomised or controlled.

Originality/value

The literature identified by the review contains important messages for both NHS policy and future research to involve service users in the planned expansion and plurality of NHS care.
A two‐level EFQM self‐assessment in an Italian hospital
Authors: Vernero Sandra , Nabitz Udo , Bragonzi Gilberto , Rebelli Alessio , Molinari Rita
Published: June 2007

Purpose

An assessment of the EFQM excellence model was carried out in Italy's Udine Hospital, aimed at evaluating how first and second‐level managers perceived their hospital and individual departments. The study objectives also included identifying strengths and areas requiring improvement and stimulating a quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Udine's S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital is a large specialised unit in North East Italy and similar to many regional hospitals throughout the country. The survey is a single case study of the hospital and its ten clinical departments. A 153‐item questionnaire was completed by 201 experienced respondents.

Findings

Leadership, policy and strategy, partnership and resources were rated highly, whereas people, society and customer results received lower ratings. Several improvement actions were planned, primarily with regard to the results criteria.

Practical implications

A two‐level self‐assessment was successfully carried out in a hospital, giving insight into the organisation's strengths and areas requiring improvement. Through the study, a systemic approach was introduced and quality awareness was heightened.

Originality/value

The findings are useful for other hospitals conducting EFQM self‐assessment.
Doctors' service orientation in public, private, and foreign hospitals
Authors: Saad Andaleeb Syed , Siddiqui Nazlee , Khandakar Shahjahan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a doctors' service orientation (DSO) scale and uses it to compare the services received in public, private and foreign hospitals in a developing country from the patient's perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale was derived from the service quality literature and qualitative research. A questionnaire was designed next. Data were collected from patients who had used the services of doctors in a hospital.

Findings

The scale demonstrated appropriate psychometric properties. Two clear patterns emerge from the study results: on 10 out of 12 measures of doctors' service orientation, there was no significant difference in their perceived behaviors between public and private hospitals and foreign doctors were “always” rated significantly higher.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on one major city because of time and resource constraints. The findings are thus not generalizable to hospitals across the country. Also, because of translation and retranslation issues, the scale ought to be further tested for wider use.

Originality/value

The scale may be used periodically in a comprehensive quality assurance program to exhort doctors to become more service oriented and to improve their performance over time.
The future healthcare and quality
Authors: Moumtzoglou Anastasius
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the future of healthcare and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes six future healthcare systems based on four archetypes.

Findings

Instead of dealing with process oriented practice, management participation, financial incentives and capacity management, the emphasis should be on communication, education, shared decisions and quality of life.

Originality/value

The paper makes it clear that quality improvement efforts should be centred on the needs and wishes of patients, recognising patients' expertise, values and preferences.
Quality costs and electronic adverse incident recording and reporting system
Authors: Walsh Kerry , Antony Jiju
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the usability and potential of incorporating quality costs into an electronic adverse incident recording system within a healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a general review and a discussion of an electronic adverse incident‐recording system into the potential benefits and restrictions was undertaken. Articles containing both information systems and quality costs were reviewed in order to explore the potential of linking information against patient safety issues.

Findings

The paper finds that quality costs is a valid and useful approach for measuring the impact of individual adverse incidents or trends in order to support managers and clinicians to develop appropriate action plans to reduce levels of patient harm and thereby improve patient safety. The paper also shows that quality costs can be used to support managers and clinicians and are commercially designed to improve the detection, investigation and action planning to improve service quality and patient safety.

Practical implications

Quality costs can be used as a driver for identifying potential high impact quality and patient safety projects within a healthcare setting.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful information for designers of electronic adverse incident‐reporting systems to support managers and clinicians to utilise the benefits of quality costing in order to strengthen and re‐focus patient safety issues in healthcare.
Timing of antibiotics in CAP
Authors: Reza Shariatzadeh Mohammad , Marrie Thomas J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Timely administration of antimicrobials in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia is now a standard of care. The purpose of this paper is to present a large observational study to understand the issues that result in a delay in the administration of antibiotics to patients with community‐acquired pneumonia

Design/methodology/approach

This prospective study involved all six hospitals in the Edmonton area: patients were enrolled at the time of hospitalization if they were adults aged ≥17 years with a clinical presentation consistent with community‐acquired pneumonia. A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the reasons why it took more than eight hours to administer the first dose of antibiotics.

Findings

The paper finds that of all 3,394 hospitalized patients, 646 (19.0 percent) received antibiotics over four hours after admission to the emergency department and in most instances the delay was more than 12 hours. A total of 30 percent of the delays were justifiable – 17 percent due to diagnostic indecision and 13 percent due to recent receipt of an antibiotic at home or at another institution prior to transfer. All the other delays were unnecessary and easily correctable. In this paper the data indicate that only 5.6 percent of 3,394 patients had an adequate reason for delay in antibiotic administration. Thus a reasonable target for timely administration of antibiotics is at least 90 percent of the patient population.

Originality/value

The strengths of this study lie in its large number of patients, inclusiveness and real world context.
Saved by a Metaphor!
Authors: Stephens Charlotte S.
Published: June 2007

A new executive role has emerged, the chief information officer or CIO.
Five successful CIOs in five different industry types agreed to be
observed for one work week each. Perhaps the most important shared
characteristic among these successful information executives was their
use of figurative or metaphorical language. Anecdotes illustrating this
particularly effective form of communication are provided from each of
the five environments: insurance, university, manufacturing, government
agency, and utilities. The ability to read ongoing situations from
others′ perspective seemed to enable the CIOs to use metaphorical
language more effectively. In turn, seeking the appropriate metaphor or
analogy seemed to sharpen their ability to read situations from others′
perspective.
The Best of Times or the Worst of Times?
Authors: Schmotter James W.
Published: June 2007

Examines reasons for “turmoil” in the US management education market.
Increasing numbers of MBA schools are responding by changing their
programmes, but the pursuit of academic rigour may have prevented
fundamental change. Considers a number of trends affecting the MBA
environment that will continue to reshape business schools. Those that
can take the mandate of change seriously will enjoy the “best of times”.
Custom‐designed Programmes
Authors: Cockerill Tony
Published: June 2007

Management education and training needs to be specific to strategic aims
of organizations. Considers the advantages of company programmes and
examines the experience of Manchester Business School in using real
consultancy assignments for students. Presents a strategic assessment of
the management education sector.