bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cataract surgery: reducing risk through better practice
Authors: Cowan Jane , Kavanagh Sean
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A guideline to the practice of cataract surgery was produced in 2004 by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. This complemented a guideline to best practice produced in 2000 by the NHS Executive. This paper reviews the guidance given by these documents and examines their clinical governance and risk management advice and usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

The guideline is critiqued in terms of its usefulness to clinicians and health‐care managers. Recent research on the consenting process for cataract surgery is used as a benchmark of best practice and compared with the guideline's recommended methods. The medico‐legal caseload experience of The Medical Protection Society (the authors' institution) is used to discuss areas of concern relating to risk management in cataract surgery of interest to clinicians and managers.

Findings

The guideline is felt to be a useful, well‐produced and recommended resource for clinicians and managers with clinical governance responsibilities for cataract surgery services. There was felt to be scope to improve some of the guidance on reporting adverse events following cataract surgery to patients.

Practical implications

This paper will help to inform the gaining of consent for cataract surgery in the light of the latest research in this area, and help train staff in this task.

Originality/value

This paper will be of value to clinicians and managers with responsibility for cataract surgical services. It should help to inform how they set up, review and audit their practice in this area and be useful for staff training. It highlights areas of the guideline which may be of relevance to those without time to read the whole guideline.
Factors facilitating effective use of electronic patient record systems for clinical audit and research in the UK maternity services
Authors: Jones Andrea , Henwood Flis , Hart Angie
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper examines the factors that made services more or less effective in using electronic patient record systems to produce clinical information for clinical audit and research.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of the use of electronic patient record systems in three maternity services in England, using qualitative research methods (semi‐structured interviews, observations and shadowing).

Findings

There were many contributing factors in each case site. The three main groups of determining factors were these: the resources devoted to, and acceptability to midwives of, the “IT midwife”; maternity managers prioritisation of information related matters; the relationship of maternity information systems with Trust‐wide systems.

Originality/value

Provides services with lists of factors they need to consider if they want to maximise the benefits realised for clinical audit and research from existing and new electronic patient record systems.
Informed consent for radiological procedures: a Scottish survey
Authors: Mathers Sandra A. , McKenzie Graham A. , Chesson Rosemary A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The main purpose of the study was to investigate practices relating to informed consent for radiological procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

All Health Boards in Scotland (15) were included in the survey and 62 hospitals were contacted. A questionnaire was developed and sent to superintendent radiographers and radiology managers. Quantitative data were entered in to SPSS‐PC for analysis.

Findings

A response rate of 95.2 per cent (59/62) was achieved. A total of 15 hospitals described having a trust policy document on consent and six hospitals reported departmental policies. The majority of hospitals used consent forms for interventional procedures, but not for conventional procedures, although two hospitals obtained informed consent for intravenous urography, and one for barium enemas. All departments (n=25/25) using consent forms required the patient to sign the consent form and 20 departments retained the form. Nine departments placed these in the patient's medical records.

Research implications/limitations

The survey demonstrated considerable diversity in hospital practices regarding informed consent for radiological procedures. The findings have significant implications for clinical governance, especially regarding risk management. Some staff may be putting themselves at risk in an increasingly litigious society. The transferability of this Scottish study needs to be established through surveys in other parts of the UK.

Practical implications

The study reports diversity in practice when gaining informed consent for radiological procedures and the lack of standardisation for this process.

Originality/value

No previous UK empirical studies on informed consent for radiological procedures has been published.
The Scottish physiotherapy clinical effectiveness network
Authors: Holdsworth Lesley K. , Blair Valerie A. , Miller Jenny
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Physiotherapists throughout the UK have a professional obligation to keep up to date and practice effectively. The Scottish Physiotherapists Clinical Effectiveness Network (SPCEN) was established in 1999 with the aim of providing a mechanism through which physiotherapists could share and learn from experiences, avoid duplication of effort and undertake proactive activities. The purpose of this paper is to report on the experience of the SPCEN and provide an evaluation of the impact the network has made on the clinical effectiveness activities of physiotherapists throughout Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was distributed to 2,118 physiotherapists across Scotland (response rate of 54.5 per cent). It aimed to determine the level of clinical effectiveness activity, the confidence of physiotherapists in engaging in these activities and the extent of involvement with clinical guideline implementation.

Findings

Results were analysed in two groups. Group 1 consisted of those that reported that they did participate in network activities (40 per cent n=330) and Group 2, those who did not (60 per cent n=686). Participants were significantly more engaged in undertaking a range of clinical effectiveness activities than non‐participants (p<0.0001), had greater confidence in their own ability to engage and were involved in the implementation of clinical guidelines to a greater extent (p<0.0001).

Practical implications

Establishing the SPCEN has resulted in more confident physiotherapists who are engaging in greater levels of clinical effectiveness activity throughout Scotland.

Originality/value

This paper provides the reader with an indication of the value networks can achieve.
Meningococcal disease in primary care: reducing the risk of error
Authors: Cowan Jane , Kavanagh Sean
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To review guidance on the identification and management of meningococcal disease, with particular reference to primary care. To advise on appropriate strategies for training and professional development in this area for primary care teams. To give an overview of common sources of error in this area of practice, based on cases handled by The Medical Protection Society (MPS) and lessons gleaned from current guidance.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of guidance on appropriate approaches to primary care management of this illness and cases of legal claim or complaint handled by MPS.

Findings

Common deficiencies and sources of error in the management of meningococcal disease are discussed and elucidated and strategies suggested to avoid their repetition.

Practical implications

General advice is given on clinical approaches to meningococcal disease in primary care, and on the documentation of relevant features in the clinical record.

Originality/value

This paper highlights simple risk‐management issues relevant to community‐based meningococcal disease and aims to reduce the risk of litigation or complaint against primary care practitioners who are involved in its management.
Improving the reporting of clinical audits in the NHS
Authors: Collins Ros , Lewis Ruth , Flynn Adrian , Emmans Dean Michael , Myers Lindsey , Wilson Paul , Eastwood Alison
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination was commissioned to conduct a systmatic review of clinical audits undertaken to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the National Health Service (NHS) two‐week waiting time policy for cancer referrals in England and Wales. This paper highlights the logistical difficulties experienced by the review team in trying to obtain information from the NHS, and discusses what needs to be done in order to improve the reporting and usefulness of clinical audit reports.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 650 key individuals within NHS Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities were contacted for copies of relevant audits. Other key individuals and organisations across the NHS were also contacted, web sites of key organisations searched, requests for audits on relevant e‐mail discussion lists posted and electronic databases and conference proceedings searched.

Findings

Finds that many trusts do not appear to hold a centralised record of what clinical audits have been performed within the trust. In many instances several follow‐up contacts were necessary. The majority of included audits were poorly reported, with fewer than half providing sufficient detail on methodological aspects for the audit to be reproducible.

Practical implications

There should be a system of recording ongoing and completed audits conducted within the NHS, to ensure that audit reports are produced and accessible. The NHS needs to make sure that not only are appropriate audit methods used but that audit reports are written up in sufficient detail to allow the reader to ascertain how the audit was conducted and to assess the validity of the results. Documentary evidence of action plans would make it easier for those not directly involved in the audit to assess if, and in what ways, the audit findings are being acted upon to improve existing practices and procedures.

Originality/value

This paper discusses what needs to be done in order to improve the reporting and usefulness of clinical audit reports.
Laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Nooh A. , Downey G.P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this audit was to determine if patients with a diagnosis of a suspected ectopic pregnancy had been managed in accordance with the evidence‐based guidelines policy of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at City Hospital, Birmingham. In particular, the authors wished to review the surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors retrospectively analysed 50 cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy managed over 15 months between October 2001 and December 2002.

Findings

A total of 26 patients (52 per cent) were managed successfully by the laparoscopic approach with no major intraoperative or postoperative complications; 24 patients (48 per cent) had a laparotomy. Salpingectomy was the preferred procedure performed either laparoscopically or by traditional open surgery. A total of 30 patients (60 per cent) had their surgery where the registrar at various grades of training was the main surgeon. The estimated blood loss, the need for blood transfusion and the length of hospital stay in the laparoscopy group were significantly less than those in the laparotomy group.

Originality/value

This audit demonstrates that, in the hands of trained personnel, laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy is more beneficial with maximum safety and efficacy.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a multi‐professionally agreed list of adverse events for clinical incident reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Authors: Giles S.J. , Cook Gary A. , Jones Michael A. , Todd Brian , Mason Margaret , Muddu B.N. , Walshe Kieran
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The first phase of this study developed a multi‐professionally agreed list of adverse events for clinical incident reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics. This follow‐up study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the adverse event list.

Design/methodology/approach

Two follow‐up questionnaires were sent to healthcare professionals working in Trauma and Orthopaedics in two of the participating National Health Service (NHS) Trusts (n=247 for the first questionnaire and n=240 for the second questionnaire). Trends in routine incident reporting data were also monitored over a two‐year period to determine the impact of the adverse event list on levels of adverse event reporting.

Findings

The questionnaires indicated that awareness about the adverse event list was good and improved between questionnaires. However usage of the adverse event list appeared to be poor. Multiple regression analysis with the dependent variable count of orthopaedic incidents suggested that the adverse event list had little, if any impact on levels of reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

Originality/value

The results of this study suggest that a practical tool, such as the adverse event list has little impact on incident reporting levels.
Foundation years training and patient safety – a comprehensive introduction?
Authors: Cowan Jane , Kavanagh Sean
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To examine the content of the new Foundation Years Curriculum for newly‐qualified medical graduates in terms of its patient‐safety and risk‐management emphases. To examine briefly the impact the curriculum will have on medical trainers responsible for such issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant sections of the curriculum are examined and reproduced within the article, along with the authors' reflections on theoretical and practical implications of its content, as applicable to current National Health Service (NHS) training of doctors. Areas of agreement with previous guidance given to the medical profession from other sources are discussed.

Findings

The curriculum gives an appropriate emphasis to patient‐safety issues. The practical achievement of its broad and ambitious aims will present major, though not insurmountable, challenges to those delivering the training of newly‐qualified doctors within the NHS.

Originality/value

This paper should help those involved in delivering the new curriculum consider the relevant patient‐safety and risk‐management issues that it raises and begin the process of practically achieving them. It should demonstrate the importance of maintaining a patient‐safety outlook as the focus of training for newly‐qualified doctors.
Evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Samanta Ash , Samanta Jo
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a viewpoint on a controversial aspect of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and its application to clinical decision making and healthcare policy. To draw attention to the potential for using EBM as a rationalising tool, as opposed to rationalising treatment options, and to discuss how legitimacy in the decision‐making process may be secured.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of academic commentary and case law is reviewed. A model for the legitimacy of due process is suggested through the application of the framework for the “accountability for reasonableness”.

Findings

Provides information about sources indicating their relevance and where they can be found. Emphasises that NHS organisations and trusts need to enhance the legitimacy of due process through clinical governance.

Research limitations/implications

Presents a viewpoint designed to stimulate debate, which is based on a critical evaluation of the literature as well as contemporary quality initiative issues in the context of clinical governance.

Practical implications

A useful source of guidance for NHS Trust decision makers, healthcare practitioners and those involved with patient support initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper provides an original viewpoint on a topical and important issue and develops the concept of legitimacy and decision making that is delivered by the application of legal principles through clinical governance.
Injecting confidence: anticipating and reducing the risks of childhood immunisation
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assess important changes made to the vaccines used for childhood and adolescent immunisation in August 2004. These changes resulted in a number of patient safety incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

The changes are reviewed for the way that risk assessment and risk management were used in their development. An analysis of recent claims and complaints handled by the Medical Protection Society is then used to broaden the debate.

Findings

The August 2004 changes to the childhood vaccination programme contained unnecessary and avoidable risks of patient safety incidents, which could have been avoided if existing advice had been followed. Errors continue to be seen in the administration of childhood immunisation in primary care. These are driven both by systems and human factors.

Practical implications

This paper will be of use to those working in primary care who wish to ensure that childhood and adolescent immunisations are carried out correctly.

Originality/value

The paper highlights risk‐management issues that are relevant to childhood and adolescent immunisation.
Fostering creativity and productivity through emotional literacy: the organizational context
Authors: Park James
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The research looked at how organizations could enhance productivity and creativity by paying more attention to the quality of communication and relationship between its people.

Design/methodology/approach

The project involved ethnographic exploration and action research, leading to the development of an online survey. This tool is designed to discover how far people experience an organization as enabling them to feel capable, listened to, accepted, safe and included – the five dimensions of an emotionally literate organized identified by the research.

Findings

The research found that there was a correlation between the extent to which staff and students in a school experienced the five dimensions described above, and the extent to which they were able to be curious, resilient, creative, strategic and interdependent as well as manifesting other qualities associated with “learning power.”

Practical implications

The implications of the research are that organizations are more likely to enhance productivity and creativity by focusing on the quality of their emotional environment than they are by setting targets towards achieving those outcomes.

Originality/value

The article provides a new set of concepts for exploring the link between an organisation's emotional environment and its performance.
Venture capital support for creating portfolio company organizational capabilities
Authors: Nisar Tahir M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform readers about the pivotal role of venture capitalists in the development of the companies they finance.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is based on interviews with the company and the investor, supplemented by desk research that includes company literature and press reports.

Findings

The paper shows how Care UK, which delivers social services to a number of clients in both the public and private sectors, was able to develop its training function and relevant organizational capabilities with the active support of Sovereign Capital – Care UK's venture capitalist. Training in both basic health and personal care has proved very successful in making the company a market leader in its particular market.

Originality/value

Provides valuable insights into innovative management practices in the social services sector area.
Succession planning: a developmental approach
Authors: Clutterbuck David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Aims to focus on the issue of succession planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides some practical pointers that organisations should do to improve the efficacy of their succession planning processes.

Findings

These include making sponsorship a more open and managed process; stop putting people into boxes; adopt a more systemic view of performance; and continually re‐examine the qualities and experience required for significant roles.

Originality/value

Outlines how the integration of succession planning with both coaching and mentoring is an inevitable outcome of the modern organisation's need to manage its talent pool.
Connecting head and heart: developing leaders in Visa Europe
Authors: Ahlfeldt Derrick , Cramb Jennifer
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper is a case study of Visa Europe's leadership development program. The program is now in its fourth year and has evolved over that time. The paper describes the key elements of the program; its successes and benefits; practical lessons learned; and future plans for the program.

Design/methodology/approach

Both authors are directly involved in the program. The article is based on their experience of working on the program, and interviews with other key stakeholders: the program manager; participants; the program sponsor.

Findings

The paper describes the key business benefits from the program, specifically: better engagement between the business and its managers; the increased confidence and leadership capability of participants; successful promotions; and better cross‐functional networks.

Practical implications

The paper describes lessons learned from Visa Europe's experience. The practical implications for other organisations are: to create an exciting and stimulating program; to link the program directly into the business; to build genuine and visible high level sponsorship; to review and measure the program, and adapt it based on the results.

Originality/value

The paper is the first ever case study of Visa Europe's leadership development program. This practical case study will help to inform other organisations that are planning formal development for their key people.
Effective structuring of coaching: using five questions
Authors: Barlow Liz
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Sharing experience on effective structuring of coaching.

Design/methodology/approach

Using learning goals in coaching.

Findings

Not applicable.

Practical implications

Structured plan for learning through coaching.

Originality/value

Value is to coaches who want to take a different approach to coaching.
How to buy successful e‐Learning: top tips for training buyers
Authors: Page Ian
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To give top tips on how to buy e‐Learning.

Design/methodology/approach

To use five simple rules which will help training buyers to buy e‐Learning.

Findings

Research from SkillGate.

Practical implications

Training buyers will be well informed when buying e‐Learning.

Originality/value

This paper is valuable for those buying training.
An analysis of factors influencing waste minimisation and use of recycled materials for the construction of residential buildings
Authors: Treloar Graham J. , Gupta Hani , Love Peter E.D. , Nguyen Binh
Published: January 2007

Residential building construction activities, whether it is new build, repair or maintenance, consumes a large amount of natural resources. This has a negative impact on the environment in the form depleting natural resources, increasing waste production and pollution. Previous research has identified the benefits of preventing or reducing material waste, mainly in terms of the limited available space for waste disposal, and escalating costs associated with landfills, waste management and disposal and their impact on a building company's profitability. There has however been little development internationally of innovative waste management strategies aimed at reducing the resource requirement of the construction process. The authors contend that embodied energy is a useful indicator of resource value. Using data provided by a regional high‐volume residential builder in the State of Victoria, Australia, this paper identifies the various types of waste that are generated from the construction of a typical standard house. It was found that in this particular case, wasted amounts of materials were less than those found previously by others for cases in capital cities (5‐10 per cent), suggesting that waste minimisation strategies are successfully being implemented. Cost and embodied energy savings from using materials with recycled content are potentially more beneficial in terms of embodied energy and resource depletion than waste minimisation strategies.
Application and validation of a desertification risk index using data for Lebanon
Authors: Dragan Massimo , Sahsuvaroglu Talar , Gitas Ioannis , Feoli Enrico
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To investigate whether the desertification risk index (DRI) which was originally developed for the coastal area of Turkey in a previous work, could be used as an effective desertification indicator in other Mediterranean areas such as the Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

The calculation of the DRI is based on the use of climatic factors and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). As a result, climatic data were obtained and spatial interpolation techniques were applied to derive temperature and precipitation maps within a GIS environment while the NDVI was derived from satellite imagery. Spatial models were employed in order to produce the DRI map of Lebanon. Geographical analysis and standard statistical techniques were employed to investigate the relationships between: desertification risk and two topographic factors, namely, elevation and distance from the sea and desertification risk and the type of land cover. The accuracy of the index was assessed by comparison with recently published official maps and documents.

Findings

The paper demonstrates the efficiency of a desertification index to identify areas at risk. The DRI map proved to be accurate when compared to the map of desertification prone areas recently produced by the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. The areas with the highest degree of desertification risk are located in the North‐Eastern part of the country, in the area of the Bekaa Valley. This is in agreement with the reports of the United Nations Convention for combating desertification. A strong correlation was found between desertification risk and distance from the sea (the larger the distance the higher the risk) while shrubland appears to be the land cover type with the highest risk of desertification.

Originality/value

This research work demonstrates how satellite imagery and modern spatial analysis techniques could provide an essential alternative to traditional methods.
An appraisal of virtual networks in the environmental sector
Authors: Helling Klaus , Blim Markus , O'Regan Bernadette
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To provide information to practitioners and researchers on how virtual networks can enhance the cooperation between organisations to help find sustainable solutions for complex environmental problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Along with the derivation of a theoretical classification of virtual networks, practical examples of material flow management (MFM) are described. The analysis of best practice is conducted to present actual developments along with virtual forms of cooperation within the environmental community.

Findings

The practical success of virtual networks in the environmental sector shows the direction of the future development. By using internet‐based information and communication tools, virtual networks are not limited by national borders and are able to enhance the cooperation of organisations in a global way. This means that virtual networks are essential instruments in developing complex solutions in the face of the global environmental challenge.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies described are exclusively German in origin, as MFM is a recognised and widely implemented tool for sustainability in Germany.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical information to practitioners and researchers on successful virtual forms of cooperation within the environmental sector and clearly identifies the value in maintaining virtual networks.

Originality/value

The information, and details of case studies, outlined in this paper provide useful advice to organisations seeking information regarding the success of virtual networks within the environmental sector.
Land use, water quality and ecological responses in Lake Colac – trends from Australia
Authors: Khalifé Mohsen , Gwyther Janet , Aberton John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Recently, Colac Otway Shire in Australia released its management plan for Lake Colac, claiming over‐enrichment of the lake with nutrients and degraded water quality. This paper aims to investigate these claims by establishing a correlation between key water and ecological indicators and land uses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the correlation between impairment and stressors in Lake Colac. This was achieved by identifying the likely sources of pollutants into Lake Colac; identifying any existing monitoring program; and characterizing the water and sediment inputs. The likely impacts of increased nutrients and sediment levels on indigenous flora and fauna were also examined. The use of meiofauna (very small benthic metazoan animals) was investigated as an indicator of degraded sites. Plankton diversity as a measure of water health was also assessed.

Findings

Water quality in Lake Colac was found to vary both temporally and spatially, and exhibited low attainment against acceptable trigger values/objectives. At current levels the lake can be classified as poorly degraded. Likely sources of pollution were identified to be related to land uses in the catchments. The biota of the lake, investigated at four study sites, yielded a sparse, benthic macrofaunal assemblage that was dominated by oligochaetes. In contrast, an abundant and taxonomically diverse meiofaunal assemblage was noted. Future meiofaunal analyses are likely to resolve suitable biotic indicator species of free‐living nematodes in response to land use and waterway threats specified in the study.

Originality value

This work will provide a better understanding of integrated environmental systems to enable development of best management practices, thus transforming the way the land and water are used in the future. Following the present work, other key water and ecological indicators (increased dispersion and dominance of biological species) at five additional sites were studied. Alternative management options for the effluent generated at Colac Sewage Treatment Plant and possible ecological effects of each option were also evaluated. More recently, a sediment characterization study was also carried out at sensitive sites representative of locations where build up of sediments and algae outbreaks are reported. This will enable classification of sediment and evaluation of dredging options.
The appropriateness of CGE modelling in analysing the problem of deforestation
Authors: Centeno Stenberg Luz , Siriwardana Mahinda
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The paper reviews recent developments in utilising computable general equilibrium (CGE) models to analyse forestry policies. The paper highlights the application of CGE modelling to deforestation and forestry issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is carried out by comparing different CGE models available in the literature, which have analysed the economic consequences of deforestation and changes in forestry policies.

Findings

The use of CGE models in analysing forestry issues is still in its early stages. There is room for innovation and improvement in the various models used.

Practical implications

The paper emphasises the relevance of general equilibrium analysis in the evaluation of both micro‐ and macro‐economic policies on forestry. It encourages researchers to use general equilibrium analysis in their study of environmental problems.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the contribution and possible benefits of utilising CGE models in analysing environmental problems such as deforestation, especially in the context of environment‐economics trade‐off.
Determining a quantifiable pollution management model (QPM)
Authors: Rowland‐Jones Rhys , Cresser Malcolm
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this research is to develop a model for environmental management from which quantifiable indication of overall environmental performance for an organisation may be derived.

Design/methodology/approach

The links between environmental performance and financial performance are considered. Several research methods are described which consider pollution performance. However, it is clear that no single method wholly reflects quantitative pollution management (QPM). The initial model for QPM is derived, and the weightings that should be allocated for the individual and combined categories in achieving the indicator of pollution performance are established.

Findings

The paper establishes a methodology for the derivation of a QPM indicator that provides a numeric variable, by using numerical values that have been obtained from a set of linguistic values evaluated against determinations of prescribed events. The robust nature of the developed QPM indicator is provided by means of a prescribed methodology where the outcome indicator is constructed from the results of the audit and the inter‐relationship of the individual components. This inter‐relationship of numeric and linguistic variables encourages the use of modified set theory in which an individual could have a degree of membership ranged over a continuum of values.

Practical implications

The development of a quantifiable pollution indicator enables customers/consumers to make a purchase decision that takes into account environmental concerns. These unique QPM indicators will assist in promoting a sustainable management strategy with preventative approaches to pollution. Under these circumstances, a QPM indicator would allow industrial and regulatory strategies to be implemented beyond the traditional boundaries of pollution control and waste management. It would give a broader perspective on performance, and encourage application of preventive technologies to reduce pollutant and waste loads, while also promoting environment‐friendly products and services through openly available quantitative indicators. The derived indicator will be limited to the state of a particular process at a given point in time, and as such will need recalculation over given time intervals. This methodology enables the organisation to demonstrate improvement, if applicable. Monitoring tools should in any case be an aid to strategy formulation, not a determinant of it.

Originality/value

This study will assist in allowing environmental performance to become a strategic factor in business planning. Direct comparisons may be made between the operational characteristics of organisations, and how those organisations impact on the environment via pollution, providing direct business benefits to organisations that manage their business and protect the environment.
Changing corporate attitudes towards environmental policy
Authors: Faulkner David , Carlisle Ysanne M. , Viney Howard P.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To report findings from an updated survey of environmental policy and practice among UK organizations. To draw conclusions about the relationship between environmental concerns and organizational strategy making.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports findings from a 1999 survey of 911 UK organizations, updated by interviews conducted with participant organizations in 2004. The paper represents an extension of a ten‐year longitudinal study of environmental policy and practice in UK organizations.

Findings

The gap between policy formulation and implementation in the environmental area has continued to narrow, but environmental concerns appear not to have moved towards the centre of the strategy making process in many firms. Organizations are still primarily influenced by short‐term rather than long‐term imperatives, and although recognition of opportunity offered by the environment is increasing, organizations are still liable to adopt a reactive position, increasingly so as the size of the organization decreases.

Research limitations/implications

It offers a contribution to the debate over the ongoing relationship between organizational strategy and environmental factors as a determinant of organizational strategy. It locates the debate in the wider discussion of determinants of organizational strategy.

Practical implications

It highlights the complex decision‐making processes facing managers in satisfying a variety of stakeholders who may be making competing demands of their organization.

Originality/value

The paper offers a longitudinal review of changes to environmental policy and practice among UK organizations, providing an opportunity to explore the nature of change over a ten‐year period.
A short survey on air quality indicators: properties, use, and (mis)use
Authors: Franceschini F. , Galetto M. , Maisano D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Analysis and comparison of three existing indicators of the air quality: the American air quality index, the French Atmo, and the Italian Indice di Qualità dell'Aria.

Design/methodology/approach

International general and organic regulations to control air quality do not exist yet. Consequently many countries have independently implemented specific indicators to monitor the air pollution and then alert people of resulting health risks. The paper focuses on three of them. Each one is independently presented showing the peculiarities. Therefore, these indicators are compared to identify the features they have in common, as well as those that set them apart, and to figure out which are either restrictive or permissive, and what are their qualities and drawbacks.

Findings

The three mentioned indicators convert the real health risk due to air pollution into numerical information, in different ways. Doing this, they carry out some simplifications or assumptions, which can be questionable. The main difficulty is to understand if the indicators aggregate the different pollutant concentrations consistently with the real effects on human health.

Research limitations/implications

This paper analyses only three specific indicators of the air quality, selected among the existing ones.

Practical implications

Indicators should carefully be analysed to understand if they properly represents the real effects of pollutants on human health. The most critical aspect to consider is the aggregation of the different pollutant concentrations in one information.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the efficacy of representation of some air quality indicators. It discusses if indicators aggregation is consistent with the real effects on human health.
Eco‐conception in the industrial firms: methodological proposition
Authors: Bahmed Lylia , Boukhalfa Ali , Djebabra Mebarek
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco‐conception by presenting the eco‐conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this new approach and how one could insert the environmental data in the classical conception process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an eco‐conception methodology is developed. It is about an approach integrating the concepts:quality,safetyandenvironment(QSE). The taking into account simultaneously of these concepts, in the frame of our approach, allows us to conceive clean and durable products. The failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) was used in a case study to validate our approach.

Findings

This paper is a development of an approach with results obligation. Owing to our eco‐conception approach of products, the respect of environment is taken into consideration at the stage of product design. From regulation point of view, we put into reflection the approach with results obligation, i.e. approach by objectives of QSE.

Practical implications

A better definition of products implying functional specifications (products performance) strengthened by others of environmental type. As expected from this full definition of products, we cite the minimisation of products effects by unifying man at work (safety of person and goods), man as manager (quality, availability and reliability), as resident (safety in the vicinity of industrial sites) and as citizen (safeguarding environment).

Originality/value

Taking into account the triptych QSE at the product design stage. Our suggestion necessitates the implication of all the actors. Therefore, efforts must be concentrated on the dynamic and progressive integration of these actors. Our work is a source of information and knowledge. It is a source of information, as it allows to supply necessary data for better definition and conception of products. It is, in the same time, a source of knowledge in the sense where it presents specific methods (FMECA), that allow to put into existence the interest or rather the necessity of merger of the three concepts QSE.
The effects of mining and processing of magnesite on the environment in SMZ JSC Jelšava
Authors: Zeman Róbert , Lörincz Arpád
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to provide primer information about the Dúbravský masív magnesite deposit and its exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifies the location of the Dúbravský masív magnesite deposit, one of the biggest deposits in Slovakia, and indeed the world. Examines extraction of magnesite by mining of the Dúbravský masív deposit and its effect on the environment. Describes processing of the magnesite raw material and heat treatment of the magnesite extract, and their effect on the environment.

Findings

This paper contains information on the processing and heat treating of magnesite. The paper also demonstrates the authors' know‐how in the environmental disposal of the unworkable raw ore fraction.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information need regarding the mining and processing of magnesite raw material and its effects on the environment.
An analysis of the sodium chromate production process with chromic waste recycling
Authors: Kowalski Zygmunt , Kulczycka Joanna , Góralczyk Małgorzata
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This work seeks to present results of research which allowed the development of a technological system for the sodium chromate production process on the basis of a semi‐empirical equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed technological method is based on determining the defined process parameters (independent variables) which allow the complicated process to be controlled using only a few parameters that determine the chromate charge composition

Findings

By using the equation it is possible to determine the composition of this charge, knowing only the results of analyses of the main component of the chromic ore (i.e. Cr2O3) and the values of coefficients X, a and b. In this way, the process parameters X, a and b can be adopted as independent control variables of the sodium chromate process.

Practical implications

The proposed method for the sodium chromate production process includes the substitution of natural chromic raw material with waste from different recycling types of chromic waste.

Originality/value

Using the control of sodium chromate production with chromic mud in‐process recycling, the system of process control presented has proved itself in industrial practice for over a year.
Influence of thermal processing of FePO4 · 2H2O with Na2CO3 on solubility of phosphorus compounds in mixtures after sintering
Authors: Wzorek Zbigniew , Gorazda Katarzyna , Minda Dorota , Kulczycka Joanna
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper sets out to observe the changes occurring during thermal processing of Na2CO3 and FePO4 · 2H2O in control trials, then analyses the influence on availability of phosphorus compounds in comparison with pure FePO4 · 2H2O.

Design/methodology/approach

Control trials of Na2CO3/FePO4 · 2H2O with molar ratios in the range 0.5‐5.0 were heated to a temperature of 850°C, then calcined within 3 hours without mixing. Cooled products were submitted for chemical analysis regarding the content of phosphorus soluble in cold water, 0.4 percent HCl, 2 percent citric acid and aqua regia as well as crystallographic identification.

Findings

The addition of Na2CO3 significantly increases the availability of phosphorus compounds from FePO4 · 2H2O. The total amount of phosphorus in control trials after the calcining process is soluble in cold water, citric acid and HCl. The molar ratios used affect the type of crystalline phase formation only in the case of a molar ratio near to 1.0. Near‐perfect phosphorus availability in hematite phase formation was observed.

Practical implications

These preliminary results confirm the necessity for further investigation of the addition of Na2CO3 into industrial sewage sludge before the calcining process. The results may allow for a decrease in energy use during the combustion process and may create the possibility of recovering phosphorus compounds from ash using only cold water instead of mineral acids during the extraction process.

Originality/value

This paper is a new source of information about phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge.
The possibility of recycling flue dust of the ferrochromium productions in Kazakhstan
Authors: Sokolov Vladyslav , Imriš Ivan , Kulczycka Joanna
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a solution for cyclonic flue dust recycling based on the example of ferrochromium producers in Kazakhstan. It includes environmental improvement, which can be assessed in detail based on LCA after the development of a feasibility study of such a proposal.

Design/methodology/approach

Three pyrometallurgical recycling approaches should be achieved. The first approach is reduction smelting of fine waste in a direct current arc furnace without preliminary agglomeration. The second is reduction smelting of agglomerated waste in a submerged arc furnace, and the third is processing of agglomerated waste with liquid cast iron. The last approach facilitates the reactions of metal oxide reduction by carbon and silicon from the iron with a corresponding decrease in energy and auxiliary material consumption.

Findings

Valuable material can be produced from ferrochromium dust waste using environmentally friendly technology, including electric furnaces that can operate in SAF regimes and a simple plasma high‐power DC reactor operating under a neutral or reducing atmosphere. Finally, the investigation of waste recycling has developed a novel approach that facilitates metal oxide reduction and provides low energy and auxiliary materials consumption.

Practical implications

Research into the treatment of flue dust generated in the ferrochromium industry is needed to solve environmental problems not only in Kazakhstan but also in all ferrochromium plants in the world.

Originality/value

The three proposed pyrometallurgical recycling approaches should be achieved on a large scale.