bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing leadership skills: online versus face‐to‐face
Authors: Silbergh David , Lennon Kate
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to present final results from an exploratory research project that aimed to compare and contrast the effectiveness of different delivery modes (especially online as opposed to face‐to‐face) when developing leadership skills in established managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study sought to identify whether perceptions of the effectiveness of different delivery modes are statistically related to a variety of independent variables. Data were gathered from three iterations of a quantitative research instrument that was distributed to established managers enrolled on MBA programmes at Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK.

Findings

The main findings are that two inter‐related factors appear to determine perceptions of the effectiveness of mediated online learning environments in developing leadership skills, namely whether students are registered on a face‐to‐face or an online mode and their self‐reported general perceptions of online learning. From the research findings, few other variables appeared to have a statistically significant effect on perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by having been conducted in one institution only and addresses self‐reported perceptions only (i.e. the authors have made no attempt to objectively measure actual changes in managers' skills).

Originality/value

The area of interest is fraught both by the contested nature of the conceptual landscape and by the lack of robust previously published empirical data. The findings of the research contradict several previously published sources that had suggested that many variables would have a statistically significant effect on perceptions.
A learning framework for the small business environment
Authors: Kelliher Felicity , Bernadette Henderson Joan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The aim of this article is to offer insight into the factors affecting individual and organisational learning in a small business; specifically the identification of the learning relationships that are unique to the small business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply Crossanet al.'s (1997, 1999)Organisational Learning Framework. The proposed framework is supported by empirical evidence generated through a longitudinal case study carried out in a small business in the Republic of Ireland over a two‐year period. A learning catalyst, in this case the implementation of a new information system (IS), offered an initial point from which to gauge subsequent learning within the studied case.

Findings

This framework acknowledges the learning impact of a small workforce, an owner‐centred culture and a simple organisational structure, as well as the time and resource constraints specific to small businesses which affect the learning dynamic. The framework also takes account of the learning challenges brought about by external influences unique to a small business environment, such as enforced organisational change created by powerful business partners' commercial requirements.

Research limitations/implications

As this framework was developed based on a single case, similar research may be conducted on additional case studies to determine the learning dynamic in alternative settings and business environments.

Originality/value

This research presents some valuable insights into the ways in which organisational learning can be facilitated and impeded in the largely ignored small business environment.
Training and learning strategies of family businesses: an Irish case
Authors: Birdthistle Naomi
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the training and learning strategies adopted by family businesses in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to implement the study a database of family businesses was compiled. A number of sources were used to compile the database. Primary data from a stratified random sample of independent unquoted businesses were collected. Data were collected from 121 family businesses using a postal questionnaire.

Findings

The key findings of this study are that family SMEs appear to prefer an informal learning strategy than a formal strategy and family SMEs are hindered by the lack of financial resources so as to enable learning and training to occur within the business.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a single‐respondent, self‐administered questionnaire. Future research should incorporate analysing other members of the family business – family and non‐family members – so as to get a “wider” understanding of learning and training in family businesses in Ireland.

Originality/value

This paper presents original findings in a highly relevant, but under‐researched field – family businesses in Ireland, the issue of learning and training of family businesses.
Evidence‐based librarianship:a personal perspective from the medical/nursing realm
Authors: Bayley Liz , McKibbon Ann
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Seeks to spread the concept of evidence‐based practice beyond the health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have worked with physicians and nurses and offer their observations from being part of the development of the skills and tools of evidence‐based practice.

Findings

Librarians need to increase their reliance on sound evidence to support their programs and services. They also need to become more active in producing and publishing evidence for their peers and others outside the profession. The authors feel that librarians have the abilities to do this, especially if supported by their organizations and institutions with respect to education and resources.

Originality/value

The paper should be of use in the development of evidence‐based librarianship.
Research in librarianship: issues to consider
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise , Crumley Ellen
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Attempting to incorporate research into decision making raises several questions about the research that currently exists in librarianship, areas that are most in need of research, obstacles to conducting research, and possible solutions for nurturing a professional environment in which conducting and using research becomes an accepted and expected part of our practice. This article attempts to answer some of those questions.

Design/methodology/approach

A general overview of the research base in librarianship is given. Compilation of content analyses and systematic reviews present an argument relating to the need of further research in librarianship. Further examination of potential research questions is conducted, and potential obstacles and solutions to research barriers are presented.

Findings

There is still a need to establish a solid evidence base within our profession. With support from all sectors of librarianship, progress can be made.

Originality/value

This paper points out gaps in our research knowledge, and areas that need to be explored via research in library and information studies. It is hoped that this paper will encourage librarians to think about how they can incorporate research into their daily practice.
Evidence‐based librarianship: the EBL process
Authors: Eldredge Jonathan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the EBL process in sufficient detail that the readers can apply it to their own professional practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a narrative literature review.

Findings

The EBL process can be summarized through its five steps: formulate a clearly defined, relevant, and answerable question; search for an answer in both the published and unpublished literature, plus any other authoritative resources, for the best available evidence; critically appraise the evidence; assess the relative value of expected benefits and costs of any decided upon action plan; and evaluate the effectiveness of the action plan.

Originality/value

References for readers to pursue more in‐depth research into any particular step or a specific aspect of the EBL process are provided. The EBL process assists librarians in applying the best available evidence to answering the more important questions facing their practice, their institutions, and the profession. This evidence can become the basis for making sound decisions.
Approaching librarianship from the data: using bibliomining for evidence‐based librarianship
Authors: Nicholson Scott
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to present an alternative way of considering evidence‐based librarianship (EBL) through an examination of the data that makes up studies used for EBL.

Design/methodology/approach

This piece starts with the standard evidence‐based librarianship definition and deconstructs it down to the level of the individual user, and that data is considered in a different context.

Findings

The bibliomining process, or the combination of data warehousing, data mining, and bibliometrics, is used as a framework to build a different path to EBL. Bibliomining‐based evidence‐based librarianship is not appropriate for all topics; however, when the artifacts of library use can be gathered and explored, this method can provide a different path to reach the goals of EBL.

Originality/value

As the quantity of studies needed for traditional EBL are not currently available, this alternate method provides a way to achieve the goals of EBL through data already in the library systems.
CDSware (CERN Document Server Software)
Authors: Sitas Anestis
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe CDSware (CERN Document Server Software), a software developed at CERN.

Design/methodology/approach

CDSware supports the creation of electronic preprint servers, Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs) and document systems on the web. It complies with the OAI‐PMH (Open Archive Initiative – Protocol for Metadata Harvesting) and uses MARC 21 as its underlying bibliographic standard. It is open source software, licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

Findings

CDSware has been created for the handling of large repositories including various types of materials, like descriptions of museum objects, collections of confidential or public documents, etc.

Practical implications

All technical details of the software are described to enable comparison with all other open source software for managing and bibliographic organization of digitized context.

Originality/value

The paper presents a detailed description of highly (technically and bibliographically) developed software in order to help libraries in deciding which open source software is more suitable for their digitization project.
Writing Publishable Papers by Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals in Nigeria
Authors: Oduwole A.A. , Adediji O.O.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to present the summary of the training workshop on “How to write publishable papers by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals” organized by the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Ogun State Chapter on 25 May 2006 at Simeon Adebo Library, Kuto, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approch

This paper begins by looking into why LIS professionals have to publish in professional journals and then examines factors responsible for manuscript rejection by editors of such journals. Other areas covered include the role of mentoring librarians to publish.

Findings

The main objective of the workshop is to train as well as provide useable guidelines to assist LIS authors in writing publishable manuscripts which they will submit for consideration and publication in professional journals. One of the most significant current discussions in the field of library and information science (LIS) profession is the perception of poor quality in manuscripts submitted for publication by librarians.

Practical implications

Hints for structuring a more nurturing environment for improving writing and perfecting manuscript preparation in the field of Library and Information Science.

Originality/value

The paper makes recommendations on improving the overall quality of manuscripts written by LIS professionals.
Unlocking Scholarly Access: ETDs, Institutional Repositories and Creators: Highlights of ETD 2006, the 9th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Authors: Reeves Sharon , Hagen John , Jewell Christine
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To report on the 9th International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) held at the Universite Laval in Quebec City.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the main activities of the symposium.

Findings

Building on the successes of previous ETD symposia, the content presented at this one demonstrated how the ETD has matured and captured the attention of the higher education communities worldwide. With more organizational interest in the growing Institutional Repository movement, the links between ETDs and institutional repositories is not only natural but well positioned as open access and archival preservation techniques become common in electronic and scholarly publishing.

Originality/value

A piece that of value to all involved with information management.
Evolving Web, Evolving Librarian
Authors: Benson Amy , Favini Robert
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To review and discuss significant developments in the evolving Web environment and how these developments impact librarians and library services.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses how four major information industry trends, personalization, self service, mobility, and technology have helped to create a Web environment that is transforming how users are interacting with information and how libraries must adapt.

Findings

The article puts these four trends in the context of library systems and services, illustrating how the role of the librarian has evolved.

Originality/value

The examination of the evolving web as it relates to librarians and library services can provide a unique perspective for librarians who are thinking about, or are in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of services to users.
The process of ending inter‐organizational cooperation
Authors: Tidström Annika , Åhman Sara
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of the process of ending inter‐organizational cooperation by identifying the underlying reasons and stages of the ending.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical context of this study is a joint company amongst a group of competitors. The findings of this paper are based on a longitudinal case study within the construction industry in the region of Ostrobothnia in Finland. Interviews with managing directors were carried out in 1998, 2000 and 2004.

Findings

The reasons for ending a co‐operational relationship can be found on three levels: external, relational, and organizational. When taking into consideration the underlying reasons as well as time, the process consists of the following stages: pre‐start, harmony, consideration, disengagement, communication and post‐ending.

Research limitations/implications

There are rare opportunities for generalizations, resulting in a risk of a fairly case specific study. Further research on this subject should focus on whether and under which circumstances do similar reasons and stages of the process exist.

Practical implications

The process of ending inter‐organizational cooperation may start at the very beginning of the cooperation. Although a stage of harmony exists the ending process may already have begun. There is a need to invest more resources in order to preserve cooperation.

Originality/value

The empirical context of cooperation between competitors is both unique and important within the research of business relationship ending. A longitudinal perspective was used and the stages of the ending process are based on identified reasons for the ending. Thereby a holistic view of the ending of business relationships is presented.
Sales presentation skills and salesperson job performance
Authors: Johlke Mark C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the relations between important sales presentation skills and salesperson job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on each construct in the model was gathered and the relations analyzed using LISREL software.

Findings

Salesperson experience, and to a lesser degree training, underlie sales presentation skills. Salesperson skill at using adaptive selling techniques and closing are related with increased performance.

Research limitations/implications

Additional sales skills need to be considered and salespeople other than those in the B‐B environment should be studied.

Practical implications

Sales managers are urged to ensure their B‐B salespeople develop their skills in adaptive communication and closing as one means to improve sales performance.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the importance of salesperson experience and training in developing the skills that contribute to sales performance.
Marketing and sales: optimization of a neglected relationship
Authors: Matthyssens Paul , Johnston Wesley J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the importance of good coordination between marketing and sales. It aims to examine the research conducted to date, the area of marketing and sales integration and provide guidance to help integrate these functional areas better in industrial marketing firms. The paper seeks to develop a research agenda to continue this research.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 21 interviews were collected through the use of qualitative research techniques and intensive interviews. The interactions between marketing and sales were modeled for during the marketing management process and the sales management process.

Research limitations/implications

More extensive sample surveys need to be conducted. Exploratory findings should be tested and possible situational differences identified.

Practical implications

Several required actions were identified for management. These fall into three categories: organizational design; communication; and human resources management. The primary suggestions are to make sure: product management functions effectively as a coordination mechanism; there is central coordination; the organizational structure is customer‐centric; communication is timely and of high quality; and everyone in sales and marketing has an appreciation of the other role.

Originality/value

The research provides one of the earliest efforts to examine this important area from an empirical perspective and provide guidance to marketing and sales managers.
Cultural frames that drive sales and marketing apart: an exploratory study
Authors: Beverland Michael , Steel Marion , Dapiran G. Peter
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Despite the necessity of close integration between marketing and sales, managers report less than satisfactory results in this area. This paper aims to examine what keeps the two functions apart. It proposes going beyond surface level behavior to examine the different sub‐cultural mental frames that characterize the two functions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 44 salespeople and marketers across four different organizations in different industries were interviewed.

Findings

The research finds that conflicts between marketing and sales are driven by differences in beliefs about the valid scope and focus of activity, time focus, valid sources of knowledge, differences in perceived status, and the relationship to the business environment.

Practical implications

Managers need to focus on removing implied status barriers between sales and marketing, provide sales with a strategic voice, and attend to structural issues that drive the two functions apart.

Originality/value

Research on the sales‐marketing interface remains scarce. The paper examines this from a cultural point of view and identifies a number of basic cultural frames that explain behavioral differences between the two functions. Critically, it also identifies significant points of difference on which to build greater understanding between the two functions.
Gender bias in customer evaluations of service quality: an empirical investigation
Authors: Snipes Robin L. , Thomson Neal F. , Oswald Sharon L.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The presence of gender biases in performance evaluations has been previously demonstrated in a number of studies. This study aims to extend current research by examining gender differences in customer ratings of service performance. A secondary research objective of this study is to investigate gender differences in perceptions of service fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the SERVQUAL scale to measure service quality perceptions, responses from a sample of 8,667 customers are examined in a hierarchical regression analysis to determine if gender biases are present.

Findings

The results of this study show that biases exist in service quality evaluations. Specifically, the data show that male service providers will receive higher service quality ratings than female service providers. However, the gender bias seems to diminish when service fairness is considered. It appears that customer perceptions of fair treatment are far more powerful and important determinants of overall satisfaction than the gender of the service provider. Customers expect justice in regards to fair service delivery. Interestingly, a significant difference appears to exist between males and females in their perceptions of service fairness. Males tend to rate the fairness of service encounters higher than females.

Research limitations/implications

This research looked at only one service industry, that of higher education. As with any other study utilizing one industry, this study should be replicated to provide validation across all industries.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights into gender bias in customer evaluations of service quality.
The relationship of the visual element of an advertisement to service quality expectations and source credibility
Authors: Clow Kenneth E. , James Karen E. , Kranenburg Kristine E. , Berry Christine T.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of the visual element in a print advertisement to service quality expectations and to the source credibility score when a model or spokesperson is used in a service ad.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 230 college students at three different Midwestern universities using an experimental design. Three different ads were designed promoting a fictitious brand of automobile insurance, Top Tier. While the copy remained the same, the visual was changed to reflect three different types of visual strategies.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that both source credibility and service quality evaluations have a definite impact on attitude towards the ad and purchase intentions of a service and the type of visual element used is important in the ad evaluation process.

Research limitations/implications

Future research needs to examine the relationship between source credibility and attitude towards the ad to determine which is the antecedent. Because of the student sample, use of only one creative message strategy, and one service industry, future research needs to replicate this study for additional creative message strategies and other service industries.

Practical implications

The findings of this research are important for creatives in designing service ads. If a model or spokesperson is used in the print ad, then source credibility is an important factor. Further, it is important to embed service quality cues in the ad to increase viewers' expectations of the service, thus enhancing purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information to creatives and researchers in the role of the visual element in evaluation of service quality expectations and source credibility. The paper provides an initial foundation for future research and future exploration.
SOX: “best practices” or too much accountability
Authors: Holt Glen E.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview on how the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act may impact on standard library management operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study extracts key elements from the legislation and illustrates how they can be incorporated into library management.

Findings

The paper finds that, while there is confusion about the IRS status of libraries and to what extent the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act will directly affect them, there is much in the legislation that can be adopted now for better accountability and governance.

Originality/value

The paper provides examples of key elements in the legislation and how they can be incorporated into library governance now. By proactively complying with the parts of the legislation that are natural fits with library operations, it places the library on a better footing for future needs and demands.
An enlightened use of educational monitoring for Greece
Authors: Korilaki Panayota
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the issues surrounding educational monitoring systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a general review of the situation in Greece.

Findings

This paper suggests that a superior educational monitoring system aiming to alleviate educational and social inequalities as well as discrepancies between schools and/or between classrooms would rely on both attainment and progress criteria, as these criteria operate differently and allow to bring into the fore different aspects of problems/educational inadequacies.

Originality/value

The benefits and pitfalls associated with the employment of different criteria for educational monitoring are discussed, so that a new monitoring system can be suggested for the Greek setting of public primary and secondary schools.
Teachers' sense of collective efficacy: an international view
Authors: Schechter Chen , Tschannen‐Moran Megan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This study explores the notion of collective teacher efficacy, a characteristic of schools that has emerged as a significant factor in school productivity. More specifically, this paper examines the construct validity and reliability of the Israeli Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale and explores variables that may influence teachers' sense of collective efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of teacher respondents from 66 elementary schools (876 teachers) in Israel's central school district was used.

Findings

A comparison of the English (USA) version and the Hebrew (Israel) version of the Collective Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale revealed marked similarities, supporting the constitutive meaning of this construct and the construct validity of its subscales. In the Israeli sample, urban school teachers tended to have a higher sense of collective efficacy than suburban school teachers. Teachers' collective sense of efficacy was unrelated to the demographic variables examined, including the workload of teachers, the longevity of teachers in that particular school setting, and the average number of years of teaching experience of a faculty.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this study was elementary schools, and it may be that a larger study across school levels would have revealed difference across them that play a significant role in shaping teachers' sense of collective efficacy.

Originality/value

The study strengthens the construct validity of the teachers' sense of collective efficacy scale and adds an international perspective to the small but growing body of research on teachers' collective sense of efficacy, which has been found to be significantly related to student achievement.
Influence of managers' empathic skills on school success
Authors: Töremen Fatih , Ekinci Abdurrahman , Karakuş Mehmet
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The main purpose of this investigation is to find out the influence of empathic skills of managers on the success of schools.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, survey based descriptive scanning model was used. This study was fulfilled in Batman city on teachers working at public and private primary schools in 2003‐2004 education year. According to the results of the central evaluation examination, schools were divided into three success groups (each group having seven schools). About 10 teachers were randomly selected from each of these schools, and then the 23 itemed questionnaire was administered.

Findings

As a result of the research it was seen that empathic skills of managers and school success had a very close relationship. There were meaningful differences between the first group and the other two groups. Successful schools' managers clearly had better empathic skills and unsuccessful schools' managers had little empathic skills. The same situation was seen between the second group and the third group as well.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this research may be affected by local conditions in which it was conducted.

Practical implications

The empathic skills which are revealed as important indicators of success should be taken into consideration during the selection and training of managers.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the empathic aspect of school management which has been rarely taken up and displays the importance of empathic skills on school success.
WebTrust and the “commercialistic auditor”
Authors: Barrett Michael , Gendron Yves
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine how auditors sought to establish their trustworthiness as trust providers on the internet; a vision which has remained largely unrealized. The investigation focuses on the WebTrust assurance project, launched by the North American accounting institutes to reinvigorate the alleged declining market for the expertise of external auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth longitudinal case study drew on a social theory of trust to examine the complexity of relations upon which trustworthiness of professional claims is predicated and investigate how commercialism has influenced the development of WebTrust.

Findings

Analysis illustrates the critical role that experts have in professionalization processes in trusting (or not) their own systems of expertise. Also, face‐to‐face relationships continue to play a key role in establishing the trustworthiness of professionals and their systems of expertise – even in the cyberspace domain.

Practical implications

It is argued that the WebTrust case and other commercialistic ventures sustained in accountancy provide a persuasive argument against the benefits of the free‐market logic in professional domains. Professional associations should be more vigorous in defending professionalism.

Originality/value

The research indicates that élite bodies of the profession, including professional associations, conceived of WebTrust mainly through a commercialistic lens – which is particularly revealing of the mindset that seemed to characterize a number of experienced professional accountants across North America shortly before the collapse of Andersen. The WebTrust saga illustrates how the profession has strayed from its ideals, or myths, of service ethic towards more focused efforts in developing “innovative” services based on a commercialistic logic.
Epistemological objectivity in financial reporting
Authors: Baker C. Richard
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate the complexity surrounding the meaning of the terms “economic reality” and “neutral representation” as these terms are applied to the resolution of financial accounting issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the concept of epistemological objectivity in financial reporting through an analysis of issues raised by the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) with respect to accounting for internet activities and the concomitant manner in which the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) approached these issues.

Findings

An analysis of communications between the SEC and the FASB pertaining to accounting for internet activities reveals that, while these bodies seek to resolve issues in a manner that is neutral and objective, they often employ subjective reasoning in pursuing their regulatory purpose, thus raising questions about the extent of their concern with neutral representations of economic reality.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the criticisms of efforts which claim to be neutral representations of economic reality.
The internet and possibilities for counter accounts: some reflections
Authors: Sikka Prem
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the debate about the emancipatory potential of the internet by commenting on the papers in this issue by Gallhofer et al. and by Paisey and Paisey.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper locates the internet within the politics of neoliberalism.

Findings

The internet is just another technology and its use and influence depend on the social and political contexts. The internet is not seen as a panacea but rather as a communicative device which has the potential to facilitate change. Whether that is realised depends upon how the counter accounts and critiques disseminated through it connect with the common sense of the people.

Originality/value

The paper encourages engagement with technology and also persuades readers to develop counter accounts and critiques of contemporary social problems.
Quality assessment of family planning services in urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, 2004
Authors: Simbar Masoumeh , Ahmadi Mahboobeh , Ahmadi Golnoosh , Reza Alavi Majd Hamid
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Quality of family planning services is now considered as a global concern and importance. The purpose of the present study is to assess quality of family planning services in the urban health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a descriptive study to assess structure, process and outcome of the family planning care services. A total of 15 health centers of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University were randomized and the quality of provided care by 65 family planning care providers of these health centers were observed and assessed using checklists. A total of 75 family planning clients were interviewed to assess their knowledge about their selected family planning method all of whom completed the related forms of satisfaction with the services. The tools for data collection were two observational checklists, and two questionnaires with subsequent data analyzed using SPSS 11.5. In total 75 clients with an average age 24 (7±4) (mean±SD) participated in the study. The provision of family planning services by 65 providers was assessed by observation at three intervals. Of the providers, 60 (92.3 per cent) were midwives.

Findings

Mean satisfaction score of clients was 83.3±9.05 percent meaning clients were highly satisfied with the services. Mean knowledge score of clients about their family planning method of use was 59.1±18 percent, which shows their moderate knowledge about their method of use.

Originality/value

A more advanced tool to assess quality of care of family planning services with more focus on special care for the contraceptives was developed. Quality of care in family planning services of Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University health centers showed adequate facilities and equipment and to have trained personnel however their client's knowledge about the selected method was moderate. Therefore, interventional programs are needed to improve counseling and the educational process of clients, which should be considered in future research and planning of the programs.
Under‐reporting of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders in the Veterans Administration
Authors: Siddharthan Kris , Hodgson Michael , Rosenberg Deborah , Haiduven Donna , Nelson Audrey
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders following patient contact represent a major concern for health care workers. Unfortunately, research and prevention have been hampered by difficulties ascertaining true prevalence rates owing to under‐reporting of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors for under‐reporting work‐related musculoskeletal injuries and their reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

Multivariate analysis using data obtained in a survey of Veterans Administration employees in the USA was used to determine underreporting patterns among registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants. Focus groups among health care workers were conducted at one of the largest Veterans Administration hospitals to determine reasons for under‐reporting.

Findings

A significant number of workers reported work‐related musculoskeletal pain, which was not reported as an injury but required rescheduling work such as changing shifts and taking sick leave to recuperate. The findings indicate that older health care workers and those with longer service were less likely to report as were those working in the evening and night shifts. Hispanic workers and personnel who had repetitive injuries were prone to under‐reporting, as were workers in places that lack proper equipment to move and handle patients. Reasons for under‐reporting include the time involved, peer pressure not to report and frustration with workers' compensation procedures.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into under‐reporting musculoskeletal injuries in a major US government organization. The research indicates that current reporting procedures appear to be overtly cumbersome in time and effort. More flexible work assignments are needed to cover staff shortfalls owing to injuries. Health education on the detrimental long‐term effects of ergonomic injuries and the need for prompt attention to injuries should prove useful in improving rates of reporting.
Hospital quality management system in a low income Arabic country: an evaluation
Authors: Øvretveit John , Al Serouri Abdul
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to present findings from an evaluation of a quality management system implemented in a low‐income country hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single‐case before and after evaluation.

Findings

The quality system, although only 70 per cent implemented, resulted in increasing compliance with a few selected standards and produced modest improvements in patient satisfaction and utilisation. Hospital doctors and managers wanted to continue to develop the system and described conditions they thought important to spread to other hospitals.

Research limitations/implications

No objective, clinical outcomes data were gathered, and the short timescale meant that the system was not fully implemented at the time of the evaluation.

Practical implications

It is possible to improve patient care in rural hospitals with a few extra resources, in a culture not familiar with management processes, and to engage otherwise poorly motivated doctors in systematic improvement. However, certain conditions are necessary for introducing, sustaining and spreading quality improvement programmes.

Originality/value

This study and report is one of the first, detailed and systematic evaluations of a hospital quality management system in a highly resourced constrained situation in an Arabic country, which has implications for improving health care in other developing countries.
Quality management standards for facility services in the Italian health care sector
Authors: Cesarotti Vittorio , Di Silvio Bruna
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Health care, one of the most dynamic sectors in Italy, is studied with a particular focus on outsourcing non‐core activities such as facility management (FM) services. The project's goals are to define national standards to balance and control facility service evolution, and to drive FM services towards organisational excellence. The authors, in cooperation with a pool of facility service providers and hospitals managers, studied cleaning services – one of the most critical areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes the research steps and findings following definition and publication of the Italian standard and its application to an international benchmarking process. The method chosen for developing the Italian standard was to merge technical, strategic and organisational aspects with the goal of standardising the contracting system, giving service providers the chance to improve efficiency and quality, while helping healthcare organisations gain from a better, more reliable and less expensive service.

Findings

The Italian standard not only improved services but also provided adequate control systems for outsourcing organisations. In this win‐win context, it is hoped to continually drive FM services towards organisational excellence.

Research limitations/implications

This study is specific to the Italian national healthcare system. However, the strategic dynamics described are common to many other contexts.

Practical implications

A systematic method for improving hospital FM services is presented.

Originality/value

The authors believe that lessons learned from their Italian case study can be used to better understand and drive similar services in other countries or in other FM service outsourcing sectors.
User involvement in healthcare technology development and assessment
Authors: Ghulam Sarwar Shah Syed , Robinson Ian
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Medical device users are one of the principal medical device technology stakeholders. The involvement of users in medical device technology development and assessment is central to meet their needs. This study aims to examine this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured review of the literature published from 1980 to 2005 in peer‐reviewed journals was carried out from a social science perspective to investigate user involvement practice in the development and assessment of medical device technologies. This was followed by a qualitative thematic analysis.

Findings

Medical device users include clinicians, patients, carers and others. Different kinds of medical devices are developed and assessed by user involvement. The user involvement occurs at different stages of the medical device technology lifecycle and the degree of user involvement is in the order of: design>testing and trials>deployment>concept stages. The methods most commonly used for capturing users' perspectives are usability tests, interviews and questionnaire surveys.

Research limitations/implications

The relevant engineering, medical and nursing literature, which might have been useful, was not reviewed. However, useful findings emerge that apply to health care generally.

Originality/value

This study shows that medical device users are not homogeneous but heterogeneous in several aspects, such as needs, skills and working environments. This is an important consideration for incorporating users' perspectives in medical device technologies.
Metaphorical mediation of organizational change across space and time
Authors: Waistell Jeff
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how metaphors mediate organizational change across space and time.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of 113 speeches by vice‐chancellors of a distance learning university, recorded in texts. Texts are apposite for this research as they transmit meaning across time and space. Hermeneutics is an appropriate methodology because it enables interpretation across temporal and spatial distance.

Findings

The paper finds that textual metaphors mediate organizational change across space and time in five ways: transferring from familiarity to strangeness, providing coherence, “breaking distance” changing reality through changing language, and recontextualising.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on formal organizational texts and excludes informal texts and conversation. Change outcomes are not studied; there should be further research on how metaphors affect change over time and space.

Practical implications

Metaphors enable managers to communicate change across time and space. Textual metaphors are continuously available and interactive, enabling dialogue between managers and staff across space and time.

Originality/value

The paper furthers our knowledge of how metaphors mediate change across both space and time. Metaphors translate the organization across distance, fusing spatial and temporal horizons, effecting organizational change by changing language. The organization becomes a metaphor of itself, recontextualising across time and space.
Selection of six sigma projects in the UK
Authors: Banuelas Ricardo , Tennant Charles , Tuersley Ian , Tang Shao
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The literature suggests that a key ingredient for the successful six sigma implementation is project prioritisation and selection. The purpose of this paper is to identify what criteria are considered for selecting six sigma projects and how six sigma projects are selected in organisations in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey as a method of investigation, respondents were asked what criteria are considered to select projects and how potential projects are identified, prioritised, selected and evaluated.

Findings

The results of the survey indicate that UK organisations tend to select projects based on criteria such as customer satisfaction, financial benefits, top management commitment and those projects integrated with the company's strategy. Several tools and techniques such as cost benefit analysis, cause and effect matrix, brainstorming, Pareto analysis are employed to identify and prioritise projects.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to the selection of six sigma in the UK. Further, empirical studies using larger sample sizes and greater geographical diversity may be helpful in validating the results of this study.

Practical implications

The identification of the most commonly used criteria to select six sigma projects can aid practitioners to select projects based on multiple criteria and using tools and techniques identified in this survey.

Originality/value

The provision of empirical data on the criteria used to select six sigma projects and how six sigma projects are selected.
Non‐linearity in the hedonic pricing of South African red wines
Authors: Priilaid D.A. , van Rensburg P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Proceeding from the van Rensburg and Priilaid (“An econometric model for identifying value in South African red wine”, International Journal of Wine Marketing, Vol. 16 No. 1, 2004, pp. 37‐53) econometric valuation methodology mapping out the relationship between wine price and value, this paper seeks to explore the relationship between wine value and value‐for‐money.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of regression models are developed from a database of some 537 South African red wines available during the 2004 period. Five cultivars are included here: cabernet, merlot pinotage, pinot noir, and shiraz.

Findings

This research finds that successive increments in wine quality ratings are not equally priced. As a result, the relationship between value and price can be better modelled when increments in wine quality (as measured in stars) are proxied by dummy variables.

Originality/value

Allowing for the possibility of the non‐linear hedonic pricing of wine avoids the bias of value‐for‐money misleadingly being identified excessively at the bottom end of the quality spectrum and neglected at the top end.