bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branding employees
Authors: Cushen Jean
Published: March 2009

Purpose

From the optimistic to the critical, the post‐structural to the market rational there are varied perspectives on normative control at work. The purpose of this paper is to describe a tactical evolution in normative control practices and explore how this development sits with each perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a six month participant ethnography incorporating 75 interviews and document analysis. Data are presented from human resources, executives, managers and employees.

Findings

This paper presents an account of a leading, listed, global firm's attempt to align employees to the organisation's goals through fashioning an ideal employee identity based on the organisation brand. Perspectives are provided on the desired role and ultimate failure of this employee branding initiative. Indeed, branding may be a normative step too far. The paper demonstrates how the workplace comprises of a variety of experiential forces and employees are capable of deciding which are the most substantive. However, the existence of varied perspectives on normative control within the workplace can account for both its failure and perpetuation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight the variety of forces that interact to shape perspectives of normative control within a workplace. Consequently, future research may benefit from adopting a more holistic analytical approach to avoid over or under estimating the role of normative control.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper comes firstly from the account of a tactical normative development and secondly from the demonstration of the value of considering the role and impact of normative control from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
Aqueous‐based freeze‐form extrusion fabrication of alumina components
Authors: Huang Tieshu , Mason Michael S. , Zhao Xiyue , Hilmas Gregory E. , Leu Ming C.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an inexpensive and environmentally friendly solid freeform fabrication technique, called the freeze‐form extrusion fabrication (FEF), and use this technique in advanced ceramic fabrication.

Design/methodology/approach

FEF uses a highly loaded aqueous ceramic paste (≥50 vol.% solids loading) with a small quantity (∼2 vol.%) of organic binder to fabricate a ceramic green part layer by layer with a computer‐controlled 3D gantry machine at a temperature below the freezing point of the paste. Further, a freeze‐drying technique is used for preventing deformation and the formation of cracks during the green part drying process. Following the freeze‐drying, the ceramic green part undergoes binder removal and is sintered to near full density.

Findings

Extrudable, alumina pastes of high solids loading and process parameters for FEF processing of these pastes have been developed. Paste rheological properties and stability, extrusion rate, 3D gantry motion speed and other process parameters strongly affect the quality of the final ceramic parts. The minimum deposition angle, which reflects the maximum amount of extrusion offset to produce components with overhanging features without using support materials, is strongly related to the fabrication (environment) temperature. The lower the fabrication temperature, the lower the minimum deposition angle that could be achieved. Four point bending flexure strengths of the FEF processed Al2O3 test samples were 219 and 198 MPa for longitudinally deposited and transversely deposited samples, respectively. Major defects, which limited the strength of the materials, were due to under‐filling during the extrusion.

Originality/value

Successful development of the FEF technique will introduce a new approach to manufacturing ceramic materials into useful, complex shapes and components. The significant advantages of this technique include the use of environmentally friendly processing medium (water), inexpensive method of medium removal (freeze‐drying), and a much smaller quantity of organic binder to remove by pyrolysis techniques. The products can be sintered to near full density.
Top surface and side roughness of Inconel 625 parts processed using selective laser melting
Authors: Mumtaz Kamran , Hopkinson Neil
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Obtaining the required part top surface roughness and side roughness is critical in some applications. Each of these part properties can often be improved to the detriment of the other during selective laser melting (SLM). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the selective laser melting of Inconel 625 using an Nd:YAG pulsed laser to produce thin wall parts with an emphasis on attaining parts with minimum top surface and side surface roughness.

Design/methodology/approach

A full factorial approach was used to vary process parameters and identify a usable Inconel 625 processing region. The effects laser process parameters had on the formation of part surface roughness for multi‐layer parts were examined. Processing parameters that specifically affected top surface and side roughness were identified.

Findings

Higher peak powers tended to reduce top surface roughness and reduce side roughness as recoil pressures flatten out the melt pool and reduce balling formation by increasing wettability of the melt. Increased repetition rate and reduced scan speed reduced top surface roughness but increased side roughness. A compromise between attaining a relatively low surface roughness and side roughness can be attained by comparing part surface roughness values and understanding the factors that affect them. A sample with 9 μm top surface roughness and 10 μm side roughness was produced.

Originality/value

The research is the first of its kind directly processing Inconel 625 using SLM and investigating processing parameters that affect top surface and side roughness simultaneously. It is a useful aid in unveiling a relationship between process parameters and top/side roughness of thin walled parts.
A study of degradation of laser‐sintered moulds using wear tests
Authors: Kumar S. , Kruth J.‐P. , Van Humbeeck J. , Voet A.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Surface changes like wear or local plastic deformation occurring during service of a mould make it unsuitable for further use and determine its life‐time. The performance of the mould and its design are important aspects that influence its longevity. The purpose of this paper is to study the behaviour of mould materials manufactured by laser sintering, a type of rapid manufacturing process, and to explain their relative in‐service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Mould specimens were made by two laser‐sintering machines (a DTM Sinterstation and an EOSint M250 Xtended equipped with CO2 lasers) using two iron‐based commercial powders, i.e. LaserForm ST‐100 and DirectSteel 20 V1, respectively. They have been subjected to two types of wear tests, i.e. bidirectional fretting and unidirectional pin‐on‐disc tests, under loading conditions leading to wear and/or plastic deformation of the specimens. The results obtained show similar trends to that obtained from the real‐life performance of polymer injection moulds manufactured using such materials and processes.

Findings

LaserForm is a better material for injection moulds material than DirectSteel; however, and its performance will deteriorate under impact injection moulding conditions where plastic surface deformation will occur in addition to abrasive wear. Both materials show high coefficient of friction, their performance will be enhanced by redesigning the composition of the powders by incorporating hard and low friction components. The methodology adopted here for investigating the surface degradation behaviours of materials is able to give sufficient and reliable information about the wear behaviour of mould materials for practical applications.

Originality/value

It is concluded that the wear tests used here are suited to characterize the in‐service mould wear strength, and such tests could be preferably used to shorten the mould development/validation time.
Automated fixture design for a rapid machining process
Authors: Boonsuk Wutthigrai , Frank Matthew C.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for the automated design of a fixturing system for a rapid machining process.

Design/methodology/approach

The method proposed is the use of sacrificial fixturing, similar to the support structures in existing rapid prototyping (RP) processes. During the machining process, sacrificial supports emerge incrementally and, at the end of the process, are the only entities connecting the part to the remaining stock material.

Findings

The support design methods have been shown to be extremely flexible in securing a variety of complex parts with relatively tight part tolerances using a rapid machining process.

Research limitations/implications

The automated design of support structures is currently relegated to use in a CNC rapid prototyping process that uses a fourth axis for rotary setups.

Practical implications

The methods used here make rapid machining feasible, as it solves the daunting problem of automated fixturing.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an innovative solution for an automatic fixturing system in subtractive RP.
Degree of particle melt in Nylon‐12 selective laser‐sintered parts
Authors: Zarringhalam Hadi , Majewski Candice , Hopkinson Neil
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Selective laser‐sintered (SLS) parts are known to include un‐melted regions, where insufficient energy has been input into the powder to fully melt all particles. Previous research has shown the presence of two distinct peaks on a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that these peaks relate to the melted and un‐melted regions of the part.

Design/methodology/approach

SLS specimens were produced under different build parameters, in order to vary the amount of energy input, and DSC traces produced for each. DSC results were also compared with optical microscopy images to confirm the findings.

Findings

DSC analysis of SLS Nylon‐12 parts has shown the presence of two distinct melt peaks. It has been shown that these correspond to the melted and un‐melted regions of the part, and that the amount of energy input in the SLS process affects the degree of melting. It has also been identified, via correlation between DSC charts and optical microscopy images, that the un‐melted, or particle core, peak provides the most adequate indication of the proportion of melting. In order to avoid confusion with the commonly used term “degree of sintering”, which provides only a qualitative description, the new term “degree of particle melt (DPM)” has been defined in order to describe the quantitative variations in the completeness of sintering.

Research limitations/implications

Further work will correlate the DPM, as measured by the core peak height, with the mechanical properties of the parts produced.

Practical implications

Results have shown that it is possible to identify the level of melting in SLS parts via the use of a DSC chart. Owing to the small size of specimen required for DSC, and the relatively automated DSC procedure, this has the potential for use as quality control in SLS.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first time that DSC has been used to indicate the DPM within SLS parts.
Fabricating titanium denture base plate by laser rapid forming
Authors: Gao Bo , Wu Jiang , Zhao Xianghui , Tan Hua
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the efficiency and the quality of metal dental prostheses, reporting on the first patient‐fitted titanium (Ti) complete denture base plate fabricated by integrating the technologies of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) and laser rapid forming (LRF).

Design/methodology/approach

To make a complete Ti denture base plate, the traditional lost‐wax‐casting technique is commonly used in dentistry. In order to simplify this labor‐intensive process, a new method combined with LRF was invented. Initially, a maxillary edentulous plaster cast was converted to point cloud data by laser scanning system. Subsequently, point cloud data were reconstructed into a 3D solid digital cast, which is stored in standard triangulation language format. Thereafter the 3D denture base was sliced electronically into a sequence of layers defining the regions of the component and, based on it, the complete Ti denture base plate was built layer‐by‐layer using a laser additive manufacturing technology.

Findings

After CAD/CAM/LRF process, the Ti denture base plate was designed and successfully fabricated layer‐by‐layer. After the traditional dental finishing techniques, the complete Ti denture base plate was made and assessed by clinician and patient. The clinical evaluation on quality of fit was judged to be acceptable.

Originality/value

The CAD/CAM/LRF system is a potential candidate to replace the traditional lost‐wax‐casting technique and provides a new platform for the design and manufacturing of custom‐made Ti denture plates and other restorations especially for implant substructure and framework of partial removal of denture.
Design and analysis of digital materials for physical 3D voxel printing
Authors: Hiller Jonathan , Lipson Hod
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Virtual voxels (3D pixels) have traditionally been used as a graphical data structure for representing 3D geometry. The purpose of this paper is to study the use of pre‐existing physical voxels as a material building‐block for layered manufacturing and present the theoretical underpinnings for a fundamentally new massively parallel additive fabrication process in which 3D matter is digital. The paper also seeks to explore the unique possibilities enabled by this paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

Digital RP is a process whereby a physical 3D object is made of many digital units (voxels) arranged selectively in a 3D lattice, as opposed to analog (continuous) material commonly used in conventional rapid prototyping. The paper draws from fundamentals of 3D space‐filling shapes, large‐scale numerical simulation, and a survey of modern technology to reach conclusions on the feasibility of a fabricator for digital matter.

Findings

Design criteria and appropriate 3D voxel geometries are presented that self‐align and are suitable for rapid parallel assembly and economical manufacturing. Theory and numerical simulation predict dimensional accuracy to scale favorably as the number of voxels increases. Current technology will enable rapid parallel assembly of billions of microscale voxels.

Research limitations/implications

Many novel voxel functions could be realized in the electromechanical and microfluidic domains, enabling inexpensive prototyping of complex 3D integrated systems. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of a 3D digital fabricator, but an instantiation is out of scope and left to future work.

Practical implications

Digital manufacturing offers the possibility of desktop fabrication of perfectly repeatable, precise, multi‐material objects with microscale accuracy.

Originality/value

The paper constitutes a comprehensive review of physical voxel‐based manufacturing and presents the groundwork for an emerging new field of additive manufacturing.
EDM performance of electroformed Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes
Authors: Zhang Min , Guo Dongming , Jin Zhuji
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes were fabricated by composite electroforming to improve the spark‐resistance of the electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes made by rapid tooling.

Design/methodology/approach

Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes were fabricated using composite electroforming, separating and backing. EDM performance evaluation of the Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes is performed using tool steel as the cathode workpiece and the Cu‐ZrB2 composite as the anode tool. The effects of ZrB2 content on the electrode and workpiece removal rate, wear ratio of the electrode to workpiece, and surface quality of workpiece and electrode were studied.

Findings

Compared with the conventional electroformed copper tools, Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes yield higher workpiece removal rate and lower tool wear ratio. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis reveal that, due to the large difference between the melting point of ZrB2 and copper, the heat generated by the sparks is conducted mainly through the copper matrix, reducing the erosion of ZrB2 particles. The refractory ZrB2 particles then act as barriers to the flowing and outburst of melted copper and enhance the resistance to erosion of the electrodes.

Originality/value

The use of Cu‐ZrB2 shell electrodes improves the anti‐erosion properties of the EDM electrodes made by rapid tooling, especially in finish machining conditions. Such electrodes will not only reduce the failure of the EDM electrodes but also improve the machining precision due to the less dimension loss of the electrodes during machining.
Item sampling in service quality assessment surveys to improve response rates and reduce respondent burden
Authors: Thompson Bruce , Kyrillidou Martha , Cook Colleen
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Survey researchers sometimes develop large pools of items about which they seek participants' views. As a general proposition, library participants cannot reasonably be expected to respond to 100+ items on a given service quality assessment protocol. This paper seeks to describe the use of matrix sampling to reduce that burden on the participant.

Design/methodology/approach

Matrix sampling is a survey method that can be used to collect data on all survey items without requiring every participant to react to every survey question. Here the features of data are investigated from one such survey, the LibQUAL+® Lite protocol, and the participation rates, completion times, and result comparisons across the two administration protocols – the traditional LibQUAL+® protocol and the LibQUAL+® Lite protocol – at each of the four institutions are explored.

Findings

Greater completion rates were realized with the LibQUAL+® Lite protocol.

Originality/value

The data from the Lite protocol might be the most accurate representation of the views of all the library users in a given community.
Measuring service quality of a public university library in Bangladesh using SERVQUAL
Authors: Zabed Ahmed S.M. , Hossain Shoeb Zahid
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to report on an examination of the service quality of Dhaka University Library (DUL), a premier public university library in Bangladesh, from its users' viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among faculty, graduate and undergraduate students of DUL using a modified version of SERVQUAL. The gap differences between users' expected and perceived services were calculated. The concept of zone of tolerance was applied to see which items of service quality equal, exceed or fall short of user perception. The study analysed the desired service expectations of the users. Finally, the dimensions of service quality were determined through exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

The results of the study showed that DUL services are lagging far behind what is expected by its users. The result of the zone of tolerance showed that most of the items of service quality are not within the range of tolerance. A number of users' desired expectations for service quality are identified. The results obtained through exploratory factor analysis suggest that university library service quality consists of four dimensions – i.e. affect of service (organisational), collection and access, library as a place, and affect of service (personal) – which are different from SERVQUAL's original dimensions.

Originality/value

This is the first time an effort has been made to measure the service quality of a university library in Bangladesh. It is hoped that this study will trigger more research on assessing service quality in various university libraries in Bangladesh.
Libraries, telecentres and cybercafés
Authors: Gomez Ricardo , Ambikar Rucha , Coward Chris
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to offer early insight into ongoing research comparing public access venues such as libraries, cybercafés and telecentres in 25 countries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied information needs and uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in these public access venues, with a particular focus on underserved populations.

Findings

Understanding trends, differences and similarities across venues and across countries offers an emerging map that will help researchers and policymakers conduct future research and make better decisions to strengthen public access to information through ICT.

Originality/value

The research was done in partnership with local research teams in 25 countries around the world, and studied public libraries, telecentres and cybercafés side by side, while most studies in the past have looked at them independently of one another.
Nurses' shop stewards and their collaboration with management
Authors: Hjalager Anne‐Mette , Lassen Morten , Bild Tage
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This study investigates the collaboration between Danish nurses' shop stewards and workplace management. The aim of the study is to track changes in workplace climate after a major structural reform of the health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The data source for the study is a comprehensive survey among union representatives in the health and care sectors.

Findings

Generally, and not surprisingly, shops stewards maintain closer relations and a higher degree of loyalty to the nearest managers rather than management at higher levels in the hierarchy. It can also be demonstrated that more experienced shop stewards, those who have been employed in this position and in the workplace for the longest terms have more affirmative relations to management than less experienced shop stewards with shorter tenure. Those shop stewards who spend much time on the entitled duties are rewarded with positive collaboration with management. Hard times at the workplace and dissatisfied colleagues, who do not support their union representative, often result in less rewarding relations with management. Quite unexpectedly, the intensity of relations with management is not significantly related to structural or other changes that the workplace has experienced over the past two years. Changes are therefore accepted as inevitable and regular occurrences in the health sector.

Research limitations/implications

The response rate is very high in the survey. Further qualitative research may reveal details about the background and implications.

Practical implications

The study suggests that many shop stewards may suffer from a competence gap in terms of more advanced new public management strategies and tools. This gap has not yet been successfully filled by the services and training activities offered by the Danish Nurses Union.

Originality/value

Results from the study are being taken on board in the union's strategies. The evidence is also helpful for the managers in the health sector, as they are seeking to develop a constructive the collaboration with the unions.
The views of physicians and politicians concerning age‐related prioritisation in healthcare
Authors: Werntoft Elisabet , Edberg Anna‐Karin
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The aim of this study is to describe the view of age‐related prioritisation in health care among physicians and healthcare politicians and to compare their views regarding gender and age.

Design/methodology/approach

Swedish physicians (n=390) and politicians (n=310), mean age 52 years, answered an electronic questionnaire concerning age‐related priority setting in healthcare. The questionnaire had fixed response alternatives with possibility of adding comments.

Findings

A majority of the participants thought that age should not influence prioritisation, although more physicians than politicians thought that younger patients should be prioritised. There were also significant differences concerning their views on lifestyle‐related diseases and on who should make decisions concerning both vertical and horizontal prioritisation. The comments indicated that the politicians referred to ethical principles as a basis for their standpoints while the physicians often referred to the importance of biological rather than chronological age.

Research limitations/implications

Web‐based surveys as a method has its limitations as biased samples and biased returns could cause major problems, such as limited control over the drop‐outs. The sample in this study was, however, judged to be representative.

Practical implications

The results indicate that supplementary guiding principles concerning prioritisation in healthcare are needed in order to facilitate decision‐making concerning resource allocation on a local level.

Originality/value

This paper adds important knowledge about decision makers' views on age‐related priorities in healthcare, thus contributing to scientific base for prioritisation in healthcare and the ongoing debate in society.
The effects of burnout and supervisory social support on the relationship between work‐family conflict and intention to leave
Authors: Rani Thanacoody P. , Bartram Timothy , Casimir Gian
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of burnout and supervisory social support on the relationship between work‐family conflict, and intention to leave of cancer workers in an Australian health care setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from a public hospital of 114 cancer workers were used to test a model of the consequences of work‐family conflict. The strength of the indirect effects of work‐family conflict on intention to leave via burnout will depend on supervisor support was tested by conducting a moderated mediation analysis.

Findings

Path analytic tests of moderated mediation supported the hypothesis that burnout mediates the relationship between work‐family conflict (i.e. work‐in‐family conflict and family‐in‐work) and intention to leave the organisation and that the mediation framework is stronger in the presence of higher social supervisory support. Implications are drawn for theory, research and practice.

Originality/value

This study applies the innovative statistical technique of moderated mediation analysis to demonstrate that burnout mediates the relationship between work‐family conflict and intention to leave the organisation and that the mediation framework is stronger in the presence of lower social supervisory support. In the context of the continued shortage of many clinician groups theses results shed further light on the appropriate course of action for hospital management.
Managerial orientation and career success of physicians in hospitals
Authors: Vera Antonio , Hucke Desdemona
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the impact of managerial orientation on the career success of physicians employed in hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data between August and October 2006 using a written questionnaire that was sent to all 278 physicians employed in two German hospitals. The data was analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression.

Findings

The data indicate that a pronounced managerial orientation has indeed a positive impact on the career success of physicians in hospitals. But the results vary with respect to the different dimensions of managerial orientation.

Practical implications

Some aspects of managerial orientation are more compatible with physicians' professional values and, consequently, more relevant for career success than others. The acquisition and improvement of management skills seems to be a crucial factor.

Originality/value

The impact of managerial orientation on the career success of physicians has been unclear so far. Physicians are trained and socialized according to professional values and norms that are considered to be the antithesis of a managerial orientation. Furthermore, the typical career paths of professionals are different from careers of other occupational groups. However, this paper shows that physicians employed in hospitals need a certain degree of managerial orientation to have a successful and satisfying professional career.
Pharmacy career deciding: making choice a “good fit”
Authors: Caroline Willis Sarah , Shann Phillip , Hassell Karen
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore factors influencing career deciding amongst pharmacy students and graduates in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Group interviews were used to devise a topic guide for five subsequent focus groups with pharmacy students and graduates. Focus groups were tape‐recorded, recordings transcribed, and transcripts analysed. Key themes and interlinking factors relating to pharmacy career deciding were identified in the transcripts, following a constructivist approach.

Findings

Participants' described making a “good fit” between themselves, their experiences, social networks etc. and pharmacy. Central to a coherent career deciding narrative were: having a job on graduation; and the instrumental advantage of studying a vocational course.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing on career deciding of UK pharmacy students and graduates may limit the study's generalisability to other countries. However, our findings are relevant to those interested in understanding students' motivations for healthcare careers, since our results suggest that making a “good fit” describes a general process of matching between a healthcare career and personal experience.

Practical implications

As we have found that pharmacy career deciding was not, usually, a planned activity, career advisors and those involved in higher education recruitment should take into account the roles played by personal preferences and values in choosing a degree course.

Originality/value

A qualitative study like this can illustrate how career deciding occurs and provide insight into the process from a student's perspective. This can help inform guidance processes, selection to healthcare professions courses within the higher education sector, and stimulate debate amongst those involved with recruitment of healthcare workers about desirable motivators for healthcare careers.
Developing leadership interventions for Black and minority ethnic staff
Authors: Kalra V.S. , Abel P. , Esmail A.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK but, despite decades of equal opportunities legislation, its senior management workforce does not reflect the diversity of either the wider NHS workforce or the UK population. The aim of the paper is to consider the range of management interventions available to organisations like the NHS to deliver change in the area of promotion of Black and minority ethnic staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Intervention programmes in a range of public and private organisations are reviewed and the nature of barriers to promotion and the range of interventions to overcome these are explored. The paper uses the paradigm of institutional racism to examine the ways in which the NHS discriminates against certain sections of its workforce. The methods used include a literature review combined with key stakeholder interviews. A comparative dimension which involved a review of research on leadership initiatives in the USA was also undertaken.

Findings

The literature review found that there were a range of initiatives which could be implemented by public organisations such as the NHS to increase the presence of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff in senior management positions. Most of these interventions were largely focused on the individual. Much more progress on institutional or organisational change needed to be made before the NHS could be perceived as a model employer in this area. The literature review also indicated that there is little published research on such initiatives within other European Union countries.

Originality/value

The paper is targeted at both policy makers and human resource officers responsible for equality and diversity issues within large organisations, who have a remit to improve the career pathways of staff. The analysis provided offers a set of critical tools and interventions that have not hitherto been well examined in the UK context.
Clinical microsystems and the NHS
Authors: Williams Iestyn , Dickinson Helen , Robinson Suzanne , Allen Clare
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the claims made for the clinical microsystems approach of healthcare improvement within an English NHS context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a Realistic Evaluation approach to examine a series of pilot clinical microsystems sites to determine what worked for whom, when and within what circumstances. Interviews and group discussions were used to collect qualitative data, whist quantitative outcome data was also collected within each of the sites. Data was triangulated to produce case studies for each of the sites.

Findings

The research concurred with many of the claims for clinical microsystems, particularly that democratic, consensual approaches to change and improvement can be better received than externally derived initiatives with imposed targets. The clinical microsystem approach emphasises identifying and nurturing strengths – of both teams and individuals – and this reinforced these positive aspects. The case study sites demonstrated higher staff morale, empowerment, commitment and clarity of purpose. To a lesser extent the research also indicated an enhanced predisposition towards improvement and innovation and a seemingly embedded sense of improvement as an ongoing (if essentially episodic) process.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation was limited in terms of the numbers of case study sites that it was able to incorporate. This sample represented sites of different sizes, coverage of primary, secondary and tertiary care and those reporting more and less positive experiences of the clinical microsystems approach – but any findings may be limited in their generaliseability and further studies may be needed to test out the relevance of these findings in wider settings.

Practical implications

Future microsystem programmes will need to address components of patient involvement and process/outcome monitoring if the broader legitimacy of the approach is to be cemented and enhanced. In particular, the importance of strong data collection in achieving “high performing” status is emphasised.

Originality/value

There is currently no other empirical studies within the academic literature which investigate the value of the clinical microsystems approach to an English NHS context.
Management capacity assessment for national health programs
Authors: Ramani K.V. , Mavalankar Dileep
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the management capacity assessment of the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program at the state level.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature survey, and discussions with senior officers in charge of RCH program at the central and state level, the authors have developed a conceptual framework for management capacity assessment. Central to their framework are a few determinants of management capacity, a set of indicators to estimate these determinants, and a management capacity assessment tool to be administered by each state. A pilot survey of the management tool in a few states helped the authors to refine each instrument and finalize the same. A suitable management structure is suggested for effective management of the RCH program based on the population in each state.

Findings

The assessment brought out the need to strengthen the planning and monitoring of RCH activities, HR management practices, and inter‐departmental coordination.

Practical implications

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has accepted the management tool and asked each state to administer it. The recommended management structure is used as a guideline by each state to identify the capacity gaps and take necessary steps to augment its management capacity.

Originality/value

The authors’ framework to assess the management capacity of RCH program is very comprehensive, the management tool is easy to administer, and assessment of capacity gaps can be made quickly.
The application of sustainable behaviour change strategies in three built environment companies
Authors: Bichard Erik
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the effect of methods derived from the study of social psychology to motive better sustainable behaviour in the workforces of built environment companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the multi‐methodological approach used to obtain the conclusions about the use of social psychological techniques. It also describes why case studies were the most appropriate framework for the study, based on the complex nature of both the companies that participated in the research, and the complex nature of sustainable development.

Findings

The study shows that the application of motivational methods based on social psychology are effective in raising awareness of sustainability issues and, in one case, had a marked effect on the future path of the company. Leaders of built environment companies that are interested in improving sustainable performance should study these techniques and, in particular, consider their leadership style and method of message transmission. The juxtaposition of hard evidence about the effects the company is having on the environment and on society, combined with the use of theatre and role play to make this serious message palatable and even enjoyable has a significant effect on the way the messages are received, and the ability to receive positive support from the workforce in the future.

Originality/value

The techniques used in the study are based on an understanding that fact‐based motivation alone is insufficient to create lasting sustainable change. The use of techniques that involve more intuitive or emotional methods is unusual in a predominantly conservative sector, and the application of certain theatre‐based techniques, and Forum Theatre in particular is an original approach. The value of showing the efficacy of these techniques may be to accelerate the adaptation of those built environment organisations that have been slowed to adopt a whole company approach (including employee engagement) to sustainable performance.
Decision model for energy performance improvements in existing buildings
Authors: Augenbroe Godfried , Castro Daniel , Ramkrishnan Karthik
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a tool that supports an investment strategy aimed at improving the energy performance of existing buildings. It is particularly aimed at large building portfolios, such as encountered on university and corporate campuses, where typically a plethora of potential refurbishment interventions are candidates for a greening effort.

Design/methodology/approach

The investment optimization strategy is implemented in a web‐based software tool. Under a chosen financial constraint and investment time horizon, the tool empowers campus facility management to make the difficult “greening” decisions as part of their continuous building commissioning. The tool calculates and accepts user data that reflect different types of risks, posed by uncertainties in investment costs, energy performance, and energy cost scenarios. In addition, decision makers (DMs) can set different investment priorities, reflecting their financial risk attitude and commitment to “greenness”.

Findings

The tool helps DMs determine the best investment options from a set of available energy efficiency improvement options in the light of expected long range energy costs. It will enable the choice of the optimal mix of technologies and buildings within a given budget limit and predict the long‐term monetary as well as “green” return on investment.

Research limitations/implications

The tool has been tested on a portfolio of campus buildings, but needs further validation with a larger set of buildings in a real life campus management setting. The tool can become a trusted instrument in the hands of portfolio managers faced with the problem to select the optimal mix of technologies, and buildings within the given budget. It should be noted that “investment returns (IRs)” and “commitment to greenness” are just two elements considered in the broader decision making framework of portfolio energy management.

Practical implications

The investment tool can provide an essential instrument for campus managers who are faced with the task to refurbish buildings in their portfolio to increase their energy performance. In the current business culture of campus management, the decision to investment in energy savings needs to be weighed against competing initiatives that target greener campuses. The target of the research was to develop an instrument that can help DMs to verify rapidly what can be achieved if a budget line item of, say $10 million would be added to the campus budget for energy performance improvements.

Originality/value

The research output from this paper is valuable for continued efforts in the development of indicators that measure “IRs” and “commitment to greenness”. Other elements that impact portfolio decision making can be identified in a common decision framework of which the investment tool will become an integral part over time.
Methodology for estimating emissions in underground utility construction operations
Authors: Sihabuddin Shaik S. , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Today, engineers are faced with engaging the construction option that not only provides the best cost advantage, but also considers environmental sensitivities to create the most sustainable solution. The purpose of this paper is to identify a methodology to determine the pollutant emissions from utility construction methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of the literature was conducted to determine the need and developments in the area of emissions from construction industry. With the use of approved methodologies, an application program that is simple and user friendly was designed to estimate emissions from utility construction projects.

Findings

The results of the research shows that the emissions can be calculated from standard equations using details available at any project site. With minimum effort, construction industry personnel can use available historical project data to determine and quantify emissions from their construction activities.

Research limitations/implications

The research examines the major air pollutants from equipment/trucks burning diesel fuel. The impact of existing climatic conditions, weather and maintenance of machineries is not considered in the emission calculations.

Practical implications

Estimation of emissions during the design phase of a project will help regulators and decision makers choose a construction methodology that not only incorporates time, cost, and social benefits, but also environmental benefits.

Originality/value

Utilization of the tool created by this research should make contractors conscious towards the impact of their activities on their environment by showing them a methodology for estimating such emissions. The research shows the path to promulgate their methodologies in a world that is going “Green”.
The greening of the multifamily residential sector
Authors: Carswell Andrew T. , Smith Stephen
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The green building phenomenon has only recently extended to the residential sector. The purpose of this paper is to provide context on the prevalence of green building within the multifamily residential sector. The decisions on where green apartment buildings are sited are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of comparative analyses are performed on green criteria scorecards provided by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) across property types. Comparisons are made to determine whether the climate and rents differ substantially between green multifamily locations and the area means.

Findings

Green multifamily properties underperform other property types in each of the six categories that the USGBC uses in its green scoring criteria. While the siting of green multifamily properties was inordinately located in areas with high heating degree days during the early years of USGBC certification, green apartment buildings have since diffused to communities with more normal temperature patterns, suggesting an appeal of green buildings beyond simply energy savings. Finally, the median rents for areas where green apartments are located far outpace those of the surrounding areas, raising affordability concerns.

Research limitations/implications

The nascence of the green movement within the multifamily residential sector limits the amount of available data for use within this research project.

Originality/value

This research represents one of the first attempts outside of the housing trade industry at examining green multifamily residential properties. This research helps policy makers understand how the multifamily sector differs from other property sectors seeking green certification.
An integrated assessment of continuously reinforced and jointed plane concrete pavements
Authors: Muga Helen E. , Mukherjee Amlan , Mihelcic James R. , Kueber Melanie J.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an integrated framework of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for assessing alternative technologies, processes, and/or activities, with focus on concrete pavements.

Design/methodology/approach

LCA and LCCA are used to evaluate environmental and economic impacts of substituting different percentages of fly ash and slag into continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) and jointed plane concrete pavement (JPCP). Impacts are determined over different life cycle phases.

Findings

An LCA of the extraction phase indicated that JPCP pavement had 33‐62 percent less emissions than CRCP pavements, when only steel consumption was considered. When cement was considered, JPCP pavement had almost 40 percent greater emissions then CRCP for all mix types. An LCCA showed that over the entire life cycle phases studied, CRCP pavements had about 46 percent more costs than JPCP. However, when only maintenance costs were considered, CRCP pavement cost 80 percent less to maintain than JPCP over the studied period of 35 years.

Originality/value

The study is a step towards using an integrated framework to evaluate the performance of different materials and technology. The same framework could be conducted for different kinds of asphalt pavements and concrete pavements, as well as other infrastructure that makes up the built environment, with the goal of making decisions that take into account design considerations, environmental impacts, and cost effectiveness.