bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowerment: power, culture and leadership – a strategy or fad for the millennium?
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Hébert Danielle , Leroux Sylvie
Published: July 2002

Since 1990, the number of empirical and applied research dealing with employee empowerment has proliferated. This article will examine four dimensions of power: various resources to influence the outcome of decision‐making; controlling access to those processes; through hegemonic process to legitimize power through culture and norms; and determining the limits of power. A critical perspective from other behavioral sciences will present various designs. Foucauldian Theory will challenge the devolution of power via prior research attempts. Contemporary research on organization culture and structure will be examined via the validation of six hypotheses. Organizational characteristics facilitating empowerment such as vision, openness and teamwork, discipline and control, support and security will be discussed, along with the impact of leadership on an empowered workforce. Psychological dimensions of empowerment: choice, competence, meaningfulness and progress are examined in addition to trust issues. Some conclusions and recommendations will integrate the diverse theories.
Developing capable employees: the work activity briefing
Authors: Davis Lester , Hase Stewart
Published: July 2002

One of the more interesting features of modern human resource development and management is that despite all the evidence that supports “person centred” approaches to these activities the most persistent model applied is based on control. One explanation for this is that the problem is not one of not knowing the theory or the facts since they are common knowledge, rather the problem is that of attitudes. This paper outlines this problem and describes an approach to workplace learning that has been used in the construction industry as an example of how to apply modern ideas of human resource development and management in a simple but very effective way. The outcomes being not only a much more effective workforce but also enlightened managers who make the paradigm shift when they experience the benefits.
Evolution of collaborative distance work at ITESM: structure and process
Authors: Shapiro Leonardo , Carrillo Javier , Velázquez Ciro
Published: July 2002

Evolution of collaborative distance work at the Monterrey Institute of Technology, ITESM, is discussed and analyzed. ITESM’s location, geographic distribution, organizational structure, development strategies and recent expansion throughout the Americas are described. The evolution of the institution’s networking capability from a national and intra‐institutional network of 26 campuses to a complex array of over a thousand inter‐institutional entities of various kinds across the continent is reconstructed. This evolution is reviewed in light of ITESM’s pursuit of an aggressive transformation strategy that includes a shift towards distributed and participative teaching as well as a strong outward‐looking, international approach. The paper discusses some relationships between the deployment of an IT platform and change management of core university processes. Some lessons are drawn from ITESM’s experience, concluding with the unavoidable challenge the higher education establishment faces worldwide to redefine itself as an instrument designed for the knowledge society.
Knowledge and competence management at Ericsson: decentralization and organizational fit
Authors: Hellström Tomas , Kemlin Peter , Malmquist Ulf
Published: July 2002

The present paper is a cross‐sectional case study of knowledge management (KM) initiatives at Ericsson. The general aim of the study was to investigate how a large Swedish telecom corporation developed and integrated KM tools with existing organizational structure, needs and tasks, and to pinpoint opportunities and pitfalls in this regard. In order to do this the authors mapped and categorized the KM initiatives developed in the company. The method used was a series of semi‐structured interviews which focused on, among other things, getting respondents to identify the organizational needs that arise as a result of context and task. The results are presented in a two‐by‐two matrix categorizing KM initiatives as to content and mode of implementation. The paper concludes with a number of hypotheses and propositions that may be used for further investigation into how firms may go about optimally organizing their knowledge management strategies.
Questions in knowledge management: defining and conceptualising a phenomenon
Authors: uit Beijerse Roelof P.
Published: July 2002

This article examines and defines the main concepts in knowledge management. Since our economy has evolved over the last couple of years into a knowledge‐based economy, knowledge has become one of the main assets of companies. Knowledge can be defined as: information; the capability to interpret data and information through a process of giving meaning to these data and information; and an attitude aimed at wanting to do so. In making these factors productive knowledge management can be defined as achieving organisational goals through the strategy‐driven motivation and facilitation of (knowledge) workers to develop, enhance and use their capability to interpret data and information (by using available sources of information, experience, skills, culture, character, etc.) through a process of giving meaning to these data and information. Consultants and managers should ask themselves strategic, organisational and instrumental questions regarding knowledge management to stay competitive in a highly dynamic and changing world.
The art and practice of being a revolutionary
Authors: Allee Verna
Published: July 2002

Knowledge management professionals have a unique opportunity to help organizations shift from the mechanistic linear thinking of the industrial age to a more dynamic view of the world being ushered in by discoveries in the new sciences and human behavior fields. Intellectual capital and balanced scorecard approaches are still rooted in industrial age business models. An expanded perspective goes beyond human capital, structural capital and customer capital, to consider social capital and environmental capital. In this more dynamic view the value chain model of the enterprise is superseded by the idea of a value network operating on the principle of fair exchange of not just goods, services and revenue, but also knowledge and intangible benefits.
Ten key ingredients for making SPC successful in organisations
Authors: Antony Jiju
Published: July 2002

Statistical process control (SPC) is a powerful technique for improving process quality by systematically eliminating special or assignable causes of variation. SPC is not a simple and automatic task. The successful application of SPC requires many skills such as engineering, management, statistical, teamwork and planning. Although the use of control charts is a very important aspect of SPC, it is by no means the only one for the implementation of SPC in organisations. Many engineers graduating today from the academic institutions are exposed to only control charts (i.e. different types) and not the other important ingredients for the successful implementation of SPC. This paper will briefly discuss the ten key ingredients that are needed for the effective application of SPC in any organisation.
Achieving performance excellence through an integrated strategy of radical innovation and continuous improvement
Authors: Terziovski Milé
Published: July 2002

Innovation is a complex process, one easily identified as being of critical importance for organisational success yet not easily managed. As international competition intensifies and product life cycles shorten, the pressure to innovate heightens. This paper compares the effectiveness of radical, incremental, and integrated innovation strategies on performance excellence. Hypotheses are tested in a cross‐sectional study of Australian and New Zealand manufacturing companies. Quantitative data was gathered from a large sample in a mail survey of manufacturing site managers and analysed using multivariate analysis techniques. Three performance excellence outcomes (customer satisfaction, productivity, and technological competitiveness) were used as dependent variables in the regression models. The major finding of the study is that a “bottom‐up” continuous improvement strategy is the preferred strategy to improve customer satisfaction and productivity in Australian and New Zealand manufacturing firms. On the other hand, a “top‐down” strategy is considered appropriate for increasing relative technological competitiveness. Surprisingly, an integrated strategy had the least explanatory power on performance excellence. This is consistent with the literature perception that firms have not reached a stage of systems integration and networking. The main implication of the study for practicing managers is that a continuous incremental improvement strategy is the major driving force behind any improvement effort, and that radical innovations should be used to “jump start” critical products, services, and processes intermittently. Once these strategies are in place, managers will be well on their way in achieving systems integration.
Impact of social innovations on French companies’ performance
Authors: Barraud‐Didier Valérie , Guerrero Sylvie
Published: July 2002

This paper studies the relationship between HR practices and firm performance. In that purpose, a list of high‐involvement practices – that is to say aiming to develop employees’ organizational commitment and involvement at work – is proposed. A survey among 180 French HR managers hightlights a significant link between most HR practices and firm performance. Moreover, the results show that these practices, when they are combined into bundles, have a stronger impact on performance than when they are studied individually.
Innovation management education for multicultural organisations: challenges and a role for logistics
Authors: Canen Alberto G. , Canen Ana
Published: July 2002

This paper aims to discuss ways for fostering innovation management and innovation in management education sensitive to cultural diversity. It explores strands in the literature concerning cross‐cultural awareness and undertakes a case study, carried out in a multicultural organisation, aimed at pinpointing challenges faced by managers working in such environments. Argues that logistics could help understanding, sensitising and taking into account cultural diversity in management education. Also claims that cultural plurality is an asset, rather than a constraint. The article concludes by suggesting possible ways ahead in the development of culturally sensitive managers in an increasingly globalised but also highly multicultural world.
The world’s path to the better mousetrap: myth or reality? An empirical investigation into the launch strategies of high and low advantage new products
Authors: Jan Hultink Erik , Hart Susan
Published: July 2002

Focuses on product advantage, a major contributing factor to new product performance, by examining the launch strategies associated with high and low levels of product advantage. Views a launch strategy as integrating protocol decisions, which have steered the course of a product’s development with the tactical marketing mix decisions. Data confirm all associations between key elements of new product protocol and product advantage. Growth‐related objectives guide the development of new products with high advantage, while the speedy development and early timing of the projects, the focus on growth markets, and the use of a niche targeting strategy are the hallmarks of products with high advantage. Contends that companies offering the world a better mousetrap do not believe the myth that a path to its door will be beaten; the better mousetrap requires and receives a different launch treatment from more pedestrian competitors.
Achieving customer service quality through teamwork:
Authors: Pearson Cecil A.L.
Published: July 2002

This research investigated the effect of changing the workplace of a central administrative cell from a traditional bureaucratic structure to a team orientated quality focused unit. Responses from the members of an university administration group adopting a quality intervention were contrasted with reports from another similar service campus group which continued to operate with the functional structure. Questionnaires were administered annually, on three occasions, to these two groups as well as to the clients of the group that underwent the team quality orientated job redesign. The results showed that only the employees in the group, which adopted the team orientation, perceived features of their jobs improved as did their job satisfaction. Moreover, both objective data and perceptual responses, from the clients, indicated that after entering into the new work arrangements the group provided better service quality. The stimulus for this job intervention, and how it was installed, is described. The study findings are discussed in terms of challenges and issues confronting practitioners in the contemporary workplace.
Creating a winning organization
Authors: Denton D. Keith
Published: July 2002

Discusses those cultural and managerial elements of an organization which can assure vitality and adaption of an organization in difficult times. Managerial radialism, product development, risk, and the creation of a nurturing environment are among the elements discussed in support of an adaptive organization.
The UK context of workplace empowerment
Authors: Foley Malcolm , Maxwell Gill , McGillivray David
Published: July 2002

Offers insights into workplace empowerment by concentrating on the wider contemporary (UK) context of work, conceptualising work in the on‐going debates on human resource management (HRM) and postmodernity. Connections are made between theory and practice in HRM and postmodern critique, drawing on an empirical case study. Compares the postmodern motifs of consumerism and consumption, commodification and image projection and the HRM ideals of commitment, individuality and continuous development. Suggests that viewing HRM as discourse may enable a focus for, if not a reconciliation of, the debate between theoretical HRM and HRM in practice.
Benchmarking in the UK: an empirical study of practitioners and academics
Authors: Longbottom David
Published: July 2002

Presents the results of a study undertaken to investigate the status of benchmarking within the UK. Results from primary research show that some very successful projects have been undertaken, and that levels of interest among practitioners is high. Presents evidence of the impact of benchmarking projects on performance improvement, and identifies the critical factors for transfer of best practices between organizations. Results also reveal, however, that benchmarking may not be so well established as has been suggested within the literature. Presents evidence to show current trends, which reveal that many projects are narrowly focused, may be wrongly selected, and may miss vital opportunities for improvement. Identifies four areas for future discussion and research. These consider the important areas of the link between benchmarking and the strategic planning process, the development of customer benchmarking methods, the critical factors for transferring best practices across organizations, and the adaptation to post‐modern attitudes to benchmarking.
An innovative process improvement approach that integrates ISO 9000 with the Baldrige framework
Authors: Mann Robin , Voss Michael
Published: July 2002

Presents an innovative approach used by one company to integrate its ISO 9000‐certified management system with a recognised TQM framework (the Baldrige model). The company concerned developed its ISO 9000 system to address all elements of the Baldrige criteria. Of particular note is its process improvement approach that prioritises improvement projects based on their expected impact on the company’s Baldrige score. This approach supported by an online Lotus Notes system helps the company to manage over 200 projects, covering different business units, in a systematic, fact‐based way. All projects (with the exception of some strategic projects) pass through this system and therefore this system provides one of the key methods with which the company continuously improves and moves closer to fully satisfying its stakeholders’ needs. A detailed description of this process improvement approach is provided including a number of key measures reporting on the effectiveness of the system.
Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs
Authors: Alstete Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2002

Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs are developed, organized, and implemented by a professional association of member institutions. Methods used often include survey‐type data collection instruments or traditional benchmarking strategies with site visits. These types of programs can be effective tools for identifying and adapting best practices at relatively low cost for association members while generating revenue for the association. However, association benchmarking programs must be carefully planned, properly promoted, implemented in timely manner, and effectively reported to members in order to be successful.
On functional differences and quality understanding
Authors: Foster S. Thomas , Gallup Lyman
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the results of a research project where respondents from a variety of disciplines were questioned about how they perceive quality improvement. Structured interviews were held with top managers from the fields of engineering, operations, strategic planning, marketing, planning, and human resources. We asked the following questions: How is quality defined by someone in (your field)? How do you define quality as it relates to your company’s products and services? What are approaches to quality that you view as leading edge? We find that there are differences in how quality is perceived by different functions. In spite of a long history of definition of quality terms, we find that more work is needed to overcome differences in functional perspectives when communicating quality plans and strategies.
Novel taxonomy for application integration
Authors: Themifstocleous Marinos , Irani Zahir
Published: July 2002

One of the main motivations associated with the adoption of electronic commerce (e‐commerce) is the integration and automation of business processes. Yet, for many years the integration of systems has been a barrier to business process automation. However, a new generation of software called application integration (AI) efficiently addresses integration problems and leads to more flexible and maintainable solutions. AI incorporates functionality from disparate applications through a diversity of integration technologies. Regardless, confusion surrounding terminology in the integration area has led to a debate regarding the capabilities of AI, as each term proposes a different range of AI technologies. Therefore, there appears a clear need to clarify this confusion. In doing so, a novel taxonomy is proposed, which is based on the critical analysis and evaluation of existing case studies extrapolated from the AI literature. The proposed taxonomy separates AI into intra‐organisational AI, hybrid AI and inter‐organisational AI. The novelty of the taxonomy centres on the synthesis of a comprehensive set of systems that efficiently describe the range of AI technology in terms of application. In doing so, the taxonomy presented will allow developers and integrators to navigate better through the portfolio of integration technologies and therefore better understand the integration area. The proposed taxonomy might also be used as a tool for decision making.
Information systems and benchmarking in the credit scoring industry
Authors: Leonard Kevin J.
Published: July 2002

The credit scoring industry has been concerned with the efficiency of scoring‐levels of bad rate, amount of loan losses. Very little concentration, however, has been given to the effectiveness of scoring. Presents the principles of the total quality management model and how the components therein can be explored in an attempt to improve effectiveness. Benchmarking is presented as a method of communicating these components.
Benchmarking: a study in the supply and distribution of spare parts in a utility
Authors: Le Sueur M. , Dale B.G.
Published: July 2002

Focuses on a benchmarking study relating to the supply and distribution of spare parts to the plant maintenance function in a major utility. The key lessons arising from the study include: the importance of clear business goals for a benchmarking project; the need to understand processes before benchmarking them; and the need to undertake process simplification prior to embarking on a formal benchmarking study. Attention to these issues helps to avoid false starts and ensures that the study is both focused and effective. Also points out that unless a benchmarking study is put into a wider business context, its efforts can prove nugatory.
Quality management in Australian service industries
Authors: Beaumont Nicholas , Sohal Amrik
Published: July 2002

Reports the results of a survey of quality management practices (QMP) in Australian service companies. Although service industries are much more important contributors to GNP and employment than manufacturing industries, most quality management literature is oriented toward manufacturing. We review relevant parts of that literature, especially that on QMP, and propose a definition of this concept. Provides basic information on the use of QMP in Australian service industries such as what QM practices are used, what training is undertaken, attitudes to QMP and impediments to its adoption. We draw conclusions and suggest areas of potential improvement. The most interesting findings are that, first, although 94 per cent of the companies used at least one QM practice, there is no link between the use of QMP and company size or success, second, most companies are progressive in their dealings with suppliers and customers and, third, view training positively.
Valuation banding – an international property tax solution?
Authors: Plimmer Frances , McCluskey William , Connellan Owen
Published: July 2002

Since 1993 the UK has used a “banded” property tax as opposed to discrete values for the assessment of residential property. Explains both the advantages and disadvantages of the system. In addition, summarises the main results of empirical research into the use of banded property values which have been unaltered for ten years. In summary, aims to present findings on the continued operation of this unique system, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and its viability/applicability in other countries and jurisdictions in the light of empirical evidence based on the analysis of open market transactions. Discusses both the assessment and administration process and, with the analysis of sales data, demonstrates the importance of regular and frequent revaluations of the tax base in order to ensure a reasonable level of both vertical and horizontal equity. Speculates on the potential application of a banded system of property values in other countries, in the light of the advantages of the banded system which could lend themselves to jurisdictions where an ad valorem system of land taxation is inappropriate; where resources are limited in terms of experienced valuers, or where the availability of technology to undertake mass appraisal would provide added advantages. Concludes by drawing together recommendations in relation to how the system in the UK can be improved and makes recommendations for policy‐makers in other jurisdictions.
The Resolution of Valuation Disputes
Authors: Rees W.H.
Published: July 2002

Discusses why there should be mechanisms for the settlement of valuation
disputes. The various forms are: the Lands Tribunals in the UK; local
tribunals and courts; arbitrations; pre‐trial reviews; mediation or
conciliation; the role of the valuer when involved in litigation; the
role of the bench. Suggests a possible system – local tribunals without
power to award costs; appeals to a technical tribunal, hearings being
de novo, the tribunal having power to award costs; appeals thereafter to
the courts on points of law only. Looks at: the differences between the
roles of the advocate and the expert witness and the duties of an expert
witness. Gives an outline of the rules as to admissibility of valuation
evidence; the leading cases and some practical points about giving
evidence. Discusses combining the roles of expert witness and advocate.
The Legal Implications of Rent‐free Periods at Rent Review
Authors: Murdoch Sandi , Crosby Neil
Published: July 2002

One of the features of the UK letting market has been the practice of
giving new tenants a rent‐free period at the commencement of a lease.
Such rent‐free periods seem to fall into one of two types. First, it
appears that, even in a very buoyant market, most tenants are able to
negotiate a modest rent‐free period for fitting out or, where the lease
is a head lease, for arranging sublettings. These rent‐free periods
(even where they are a slice of a longer rent‐free period) can be seen
to have their own characteristics. They can be viewed as a one‐off
concession at the commencement of the lease. Second, in a poor market
rent‐free periods are used as incentives, in the sense that they are a
direct alternative to an explicit reduction in the passing rent, and
often form part of a wider package of inducements. These have an obvious
and direct bearing on true rental value. Critically examines the various
devices which have been used by those drafting rent review clauses to
deal with rent‐free periods at review and comments on how these have
been treated by the courts.
Real Estate as a Hedge against Inflation
Authors: Hoesli Martin
Published: July 2002

Tests the inflation‐hedging ability of Swiss real estate over the
1943‐1991 period and, for comparison purposes, that of stocks. Results
show that in the long run real estate seems to provide a better hedge
against inflation than common stocks. When the inflation rate is broken
down into its expected and unexpected components, all coefficients are
negative for stocks, whereas some coefficients are positive for real
estate. This is particularly true for unexpected inflation. These
results are interesting in that the proxy used for real estate (i.e.
data pertaining to real estate mutual funds) should be a much better
indicator of changes in the underlying real estate than indices which
have been used so far. Moreover, the data exists for a very long time
period, which makes it possible to test the long‐term ability of real
estate to hedge against changes in the purchasing power.
Compensation for the compulsory acquisition of business interests
Authors: Rowan‐Robinson Jeremy , Hutchison Norman
Published: July 2002

Examines the purpose of compensation for compulsory acquisition
using the distinction drawn by Denyer‐Green between pretium and
compensatio. Reports on the findings of a study by the authors
of compensation settlements for business loss following a city centre
redevelopment. Finds that the majority of the claimants in the study
were dissatisfied with their settlement and all were dissatisfied with
the process leading to the settlement. Concludes that the settlements
tend towards compensatio rather than pretium. Suggests
that a number of changes to the compensation arrangement should be
considered to alleviate hardship for claimants.
DCF discounted: further implications for the valuation surveyor
arising from the over‐rented property debate
Authors: Mackmin David
Published: July 2002

Reconsiders some of the market issues surrounding the over‐rented
property valuation problem and extends the discussion to the valuation
of self‐financing properties where the market yield exceeds that of
long‐dated stocks. Emphasizes the problem of using long‐term implied
growth rates in market conditions where short‐term conditions of no
growth or indeed continuing decline may have significant impact on
value. Concludes with the suggestion that those who support a DCF
approach to valuation have still to convince the market of their case.
There is also a need for further study in all areas associated with
implicit valuation and explicit DCF valuations in particular in relation
to the determination of all risk yields, determination of target rates,
assessment of market rental value and the degree to which the market can
accept valuations based on the judgement, intuition, or experience of a
valuer in times of minimal comparable market evidence.
Property indices: a coming of age?
Authors: Morrell Guy
Published: July 2002

While some progress has been made in recent years to treat property
as part of the wider capital markets, the subject of indices largely
remains poorly understood by the surveying profession even though they
play a central role in investment management. Commercial property
indices therefore continue to generate confusion both inside and outside
the property industry. Reviewing the characteristic features of
property, outlines the conceptual and practical problems faced when
constructing property indices which are not encountered in other
markets. These have major implications for index producers and users
alike. Reports on a recent study undertaken by the Society of Property
Researchers. Although significant progress has been made in recent years
towards the provision of more reliable UK property performance data,
further improvements are recommended if property indices are to command
a level of respect comparable with that enjoyed by indices of other
markets.
Obsolescence and performance in the Central London office market
Authors: Barras Richard , Clark Paul
Published: July 2002

Presents results of an investigation into the rate of rental and capital obsolescence in the City of London office market. Using a theoretical approach based on a “vintage model” of capital investment and data from the IPD database, assesses the historic rate of obsolescence in the City and draws comparisons with previous studies, finding similar rates of rental obsolescence (1.2 per cent p.a.), but lower rates of capital obsolescence (1.6 per cent p.a.). Considers the potential for an acceleration in the rate of obsolescence resulting from the introduction of new working practices and the emergence of an endemic over‐supply in the market.
The non‐domestic rating appeal system in Northern Ireland
Authors: McCluskey William
Published: July 2002

Currently, within the UK there are in operation three quite distinct rating appeal systems, one each for England and Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland. In each, there are particular rules pertaining to such matters as the rights of a ratepayer to appeal, time limits to instigate appeals and the forums or mechanisms for dealing with appeals. Quinquennial revaluations are now the “norm” for Scotland, England and Wales and potentially for Northern Ireland, with the result that appeals against assessments are increasing across all three jurisdictions. In recognition of the fact that as rating valuers now represent clients across the breadth of the UK, this necessitates a working knowledge of each of the appeal processes. Focuses attention, therefore, on those procedural matters relevant to rating appeals in Northern Ireland.
The valuation of upwards‐ only rent reviews: an option pricing model
Authors: Ward Charles , French Nick
Published: July 2002

The upwards‐only rent review is a characteristic feature of the institutional property lease in the UK. It has been subject to increased attention by investors and regulators in the 1990s with various proposals which sought to make upwards‐only rent reviews illegal. Applies an arbitrage method based on market pricing which enables consistent valuations of different investment opportunities to be compared in a rigorous yet consistent approach. In this way the value of the upwards‐only option can be assessed. Uses the arbitrage approach to value the difference between a lease in which the rents are reviewed upwards‐only and that in which rents can be reviewed upwards or downwards. Starts by applying the arbitrage approach to a simple lease in which rent may take only two values. This simple approach is well established in the finance literature when analysing options, and the valuation of the upwards‐only lease may be seen as a multi‐option contract.
Show me the money: contracts and agents in service level agreement markets
Authors: Lehr William , McKnight Lee W.
Published: July 2002

Delivering real‐time services (Internet telephony, video conferencing, and streaming media as well as business‐critical data applications) across the Internet requires end‐to‐end quality of service (QoS) guarantees, which requires a hierarchy of contracts. These standardized contracts may be referred to as service level agreements (SLAs). SLAs provide a mechanism for service providers and customers to flexibly specify the service to be delivered. The emergence of bandwidth and service agents, traders, brokers, exchanges and contracts can provide an institutional and business framework to support effective competition. This article identifies issues that must be addressed by SLAs for consumer applications. We introduce a simple taxonomy for classifying SLAs based on the identity of the contracting parties. We conclude by discussing implications for public policy, Internet architecture, and competition.
Houston Business Process Re‐engineering Share Group: a case study
Authors: Gupta Vipul K. , Rohe Duke
Published: July 2002

Describes how a group of organizations (consultants, companies and universities) in Houston, Texas, USA created an informal yet organized forum for sharing information, case studies, tools, and methodologies in the area of business process re‐engineering (BPR) to learn from one another’s experiences and to avoid pitfalls in their BPR endeavours. The forum is named “Houston Business Process Re‐engineering Share Group”. Acts as a road‐map for practitioners and academicians who want to establish similar share groups to increase interaction and improve their understanding of principles and methodologies of BPR. Within 40 months of its startup with 24 members, the Houston BPR Share Group membership increased to over 200 ‐ an indication of its utility and the benefits to the participating organizations.
A benchmarking tool for change management
Authors: Clarke Angela , Manton Stan
Published: July 2002

Describes a benchmarking tool to help organizations to be more effective in the way they manage change. The tool, a best practice model for change, links five key success factors with the change process ‐ commitment, social and cultural issues, communication, tools and methodology and interactions. It works on the basis that, by applying these key success factors to the change process itself, more effective change will be achieved. The model has potential use at all levels within an organization. It allows the organization to assess and quantify its “maturity” in change management, using a maturity matrix, and identify subsequent actions for improvement.
Business process re‐engineering in the public sector
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Donaghy John
Published: July 2002

Investigates the perceptions of staff in regard to critical success factors (CSFs) for successful BPR implementation in the public sector. The research methodology involved semi‐structured interviews and staff surveys within a large public sector organisation. The results of the study show that many of the key CSFs identified for BPR in the private sector are equally relevant to the success of BPR in the public domain. The factors deemed most important for successful BPR in the public sector included items such as: top management support, commitment and understanding of BPR; communication; empowerment; and alleviation of downsizing fears. Also identifies a number of unique characteristics of public sector organisations which have a bearing on the application of BPR. These include: the existence of many intricate overlapping processes with multiple stakeholders; the existence of a professional workforce; and the existence of defined internal organisational boundaries.
Hybrid re‐engineering strategies for process improvement
Authors: Prasad B.
Published: July 2002

Describes a set of re‐engineering strategies that critically examine current business policies, practices and procedures (3Ps), rethink these 3Ps and then redesign some mission‐critical “products, processes, and services.” The term process improvement implies that the change or effort is directed towards an array of re‐engineering strategies. Process improvement efforts are categorized into four primary re‐engineering strategies: a set of continuous process improvement (CPI) tactics, a set of restructuring tactics, a set of organizational traits, and a set of renovation tactics. Discusses how these four re‐engineering strategies can be logically combined in a concurrent fashion to achieve significant process improvements. Introduces two new hybrid re‐engineering strategies for process improvements that have been found quite useful at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Accounts.
An agile planning and control framework for customer‐order driven discrete parts manufacturing environments
Authors: van Assen M.F. , Hans E.W. , van de Velde S.L.
Published: July 2002

In this paper, we present a planning and control framework for manufacture‐to‐order environments that enables and supports agile‐based discrete parts manufacturing. The characteristic elements of our framework are that it is decentralized, logistics and business oriented, and that it recognizes that more detailed and more reliable data become available as orders advance through the different manufacturing stages and departments. Furthermore, it is a generic framework in that it applies to any discrete parts manufacturer, ranging from an engineer‐to‐order to an assemble‐to‐order company. We also point out the necessity of an organizational structure that supports and reinforces the framework. Particularly, we discuss the adoption and implementation of the new framework by creating multi‐disciplinary teams and structural and operational supporting groups to strengthen the organization for agile manufacturing.
Object based information modeling of CIM systems
Authors: Sless Avraham , Arzi Yohanan , Sipper Daniel
Published: July 2002

This paper deals with a systematic approach for deriving an object based information model for CIM systems. Owing to the complex nature of CIM environment it is often difficult to identify data structures and functionality of such a system. An object based modeling methodology is presented, along with clustering based procedure for deriving a static structure model from functional requirements. Performance measures for evaluating the “quality” of the derived model are presented and discussed. A sample manufacturing application is provided in order to illustrate the approach.
The viable business structure for managing agility
Authors: Bititci Umit S. , Turner Trevor J. , Ball Peter D.
Published: July 2002

This paper shares the conclusions of the authors with respect to a comparison of Beer’s viable systems model (VSM) and modern business process thinking. These conclusions have been arrived at as a result of extensive empirical research over the past five years. Modern business process thinking and the VSM provides the foundations for a viable business structure which maximises opportunities for managing agility. The paper provides a brief background to the research and explains VSM and modern business process thinking. It then goes on to demonstrate how VSM and modern business process thinking combine to provide a powerful structure for planning and managing today’s modern organisation in an uncertain and dynamic environment. In developing the theorythe paper also provides empirical evidence to support and demonstrate the application of the theory. The paper concludes with a summary of key messages and lessons learned.
Consortia and publishers: a comment
Authors: Hunter Karen
Published: July 2002

A publisher comment on the interaction between consortia and information providers ‐ how they can work together; what it is reasonable to expect; and how far we are towards establishing best practice.
Case study of an inter‐professional and inter‐organisational programme to adapt, implement and evaluate clinical guidelines in secondary care
Authors: Hall Lesley , Eccles Martin
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the implementation of a clinical guideline across three acute Trusts. A Clinical Effectiveness Steering Group identified prevention of venous thromboembolism as a health priority. A local guideline development group adapted the recommendations of an existing review and produced a local guideline. Then, a multidisciplinary implementation group developed the practical aspects of implementing guidelines into routine daily practice. They identified appropriate staff to carry out risk assessment and to administer appropriate prophylaxis, as necessary. They also produced a “guideline pack” containing a training resource manual and implementation aids. Following this a multiple strategy implementation programme was used to introduce the guidelines, and an evaluation was carried out eight to ten months after the introduction of the guidelines. The evaluation identified a number of areas for improving current practice. Guideline implementation is a complex, time‐consuming process.
Inter‐professional learning in primary care: lessons from an action‐learning programme
Authors: Foy Robbie , Tidy Natalie , Hollis Sally
Published: July 2002

The potential of inter‐professional education and training in primary care is increasingly being recognised, especially in light of UK policy developments relating to clinical governance and primary care groups and trusts. Action to Support Practices Implementing Research Evidence (ASPIRE) was set up in North‐west England in 1997 to assist primary care teams in finding, appraising and applying evidence. Outlines some of the lessons learned and questions raised about the feasibility of such inter‐professional initiatives. It was necessary to gear the programme to meet the various expectations and needs of different professionals. Target setting by teams and the provision of protected time within a structured framework appeared to yield direct and indirect benefits to participants. However, there is a need for much more rigorous evaluation of multidisciplinary programmes with regard to their ability to overcome traditional hierarchies and barriers, their effectiveness in improving practice and their longer‐term costs and benefits.
The superiority of action research?
Authors: Earl‐Slater Alan
Published: July 2002

Looks at where action research has been used in health care in the UK and suggests lessons can be learned by looking at action research taking place in other fields, such as education, policing and social services.
Is day case tonsillectomy suitable for children in Cumbria?
Authors: Kubba Haytham , Messersmith Ralph
Published: July 2002

Day case tonsillectomy has been advocated as a means of reducing health care costs associated with inpatient care. The authors studied 74 consecutive children undergoing conventional overnight stay tonsillectomy using a parental questionnaire and a retrospective case note review. Medical exclusion criteria for day surgery were present in 21 per cent, and social exclusion criteria in 82 per cent. Overall, only 16 per cent of children satisfied all the criteria for suitability. On the day of surgery, 29 per cent of children were reported as having poorly controlled pain and 31 per cent as having nausea and vomiting, such that unplanned admission would have been likely had they been done as day cases. In total 63 per cent of parents were unhappy or very unhappy with the possibility of same day discharge. The authors do not plan to introduce day case tonsillectomy in Cumbria.
Nurturing green innovations for academic institutions
Authors: Intrachooto Singh , Arons Daniel
Published: July 2002

This article observes how, in today’s common building practice, design practitioners seldom utilize the expertise of researchers in building‐related fields. The lack of the collaboration may be due as much to the “applicability gap” between research and practice as to the lack of a clearly defined role of researchers in building design. Most institutions’ research groups and facilities planning offices are generally not set up to collaborate with the design and engineering professionals. This study, however, found design teams’ collaboration with academic and research institutions to be instrumental in the successful development and implementation of technological innovations in architectural projects. It discusses the findings and provides partnership strategies between the institutions, as large‐building owners, and the building professionals, as design providers.
A new generation of tools for search, recovery and quality evaluation of World Wide Web medical resources
Authors: Aguillo Isidro
Published: July 2002

Although the Internet is already a valuable information resource in medicine, there are important challenges to be faced before physicians and general users will have extensive access to this information. As a result of a research effort to compile a health‐related Internet directory, new tools and strategies have been developed to solve key problems derived from the explosive growth of medical information on the Net and the great concern over the quality of such critical information. The current Internet search engines lack some important capabilities. We suggest using second generation tools (client‐side based) able to deal with large quantities of data and to increase the usability of the records recovered. We tested the capabilities of these programs to solve health‐related information problems, recognising six groups according to the kind of topics addressed: Z39.50 clients, downloaders, multisearchers, tracing agents, indexers and mappers. The evaluation of the quality of health information available on the Internet could require a large amount of human effort. A possible solution may be to use quantitative indicators based on the hypertext visibility of the Web sites. The cybermetric measures are valid for quality evaluation if they are derived from indirect peer review by experts with Web pages citing the site. The hypertext links acting as citations need to be extracted from a controlled sample of quality super‐sites.
Perspectives on children’s navigation of the World Wide Web: does the type of search task make a difference?
Authors: Bilal Dania
Published: July 2002

Reports the key findings of a three‐part research project that examined the information seeking behaviour and success of 22 seventh grade science students in using the Web. Children used the Yahooligans! search engine/directory to locate information for three different types of search tasks: one assigned fact‐finding task, one assigned research‐oriented task, and one fully self‐generated task. Children’s information‐seeking behaviour was studied from the cognitive, affective, and physical perspectives. Both quantitative and qualitative inquiry methods were employed to collect the data. Children’s behaviour and success were compared on the three tasks. Children were more successful on the fully self‐generated task than the fact‐based and the research‐oriented tasks. Children experienced difficulty in using Yahooligans! Their inadequate knowledge of how to use the engine, their poor level of research skills, as well as the poor structure of Yahooligans! keyword searching all surfaced as problems. Implications for Web training and system design improvements are provided.