bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localized impedance measurements of AA2024 and AA2024‐T3 performed by means of AFM in contact mode
Authors: Arutunow Anna , Zieliński Artur , Tobiszewski Mateusz T.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based approach to local impedance spectroscopy (LIS) measurement performed on AA2024 and AA2024‐T3 aluminium alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

AFM‐LIS measurements were performed ex‐situ without the electrolyte environment, so in fact the electrical not electrochemical impedance was obtained.

Findings

Relative local impedance values recorded for AA2024 alloy during the researches carried out were maximally approximately three orders of magnitude higher than the ones obtained for age‐hardened AA2024‐T3 alloy. Moreover, in the case of AA2024‐T3 alloy, a region located in the interior of α crystals exhibited localized impedance one order of magnitude higher than that measured at its grain boundary when affected by intergranular corrosion.

Originality/value

The paper presents differences in localized impedance between grain and grain boundaries activity.
Study of the formation of calcareous deposits on cathodically protected steel in Baltic sea water
Authors: Zakowski K. , Szocinski M. , Narozny M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the sedimentation of calcareous deposits occurs on cathodically protected steel in Baltic sea water.

Design/methodology/approach

Steel electrodes were cathodically polarized in natural Baltic sea water at potential +0.150 V vs Zn electrode in potentiostatic mode. During exposure chronoamperometric measurements were carried out. After the exposure, the electrode's surface was examined by scanning atomic force microscope (AFM) and by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Deposit composition was examined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Comparative investigation was carried out in 1 percent NaCl solution (comparable to the salinity of Baltic sea water).

Findings

During cathodic polarization in Baltic sea water, non‐conducting calcareous deposits developed on steel surface. These deposits significantly lowered the cathodic current demand. Morphology and EDX spectroscopy of the deposit indicated that it was built mainly of aragonite (polymorph of CaCO3). No non‐conducting deposits on cathodically protected steel electrodes developed in 1 percent NaCl solution.

Originality/value

Composition of Baltic sea water favours the formation of calcareous deposits on cathodically protected steel. Sedimentation is a beneficial and desired phenomenon from the point of view of cathodic protection system of maritime construction as it facilitates polarization. Evolution of calcareous deposits should be taken into account as one of the environmental factors when designing a cathodic protection system.
EIS study on the corrosion behavior of rusted carbon steel in 3% NaCl solution
Authors: Hu Jiayuan , Cao Shun‐an , Xie Jianli
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the long‐term corrosion behavior of carbon steel in 3% NaCl solution and evaluate the effect of rust layer on the corrosion process.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of rusted carbon steel in 3% NaCl solution was studied by means of infrared spectroscopy (IR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Findings

The results indicated that the corrosion of carbon steel was affected by chloride ion in initial immersion and then controlled by the rust layer. The rust layer consisted of a thin outer layer (γ‐FeOOH layer) and a thick inner layer (Fe3O4 layer). The outer rust layer facilitated the cathodic process via reduction of γ‐FeOOH, while the inner rust layer provided a large cathode area and oxygen could be reduced on its surface. As a result, the corrosion rate of carbon steel was determined by the limiting diffusion rate of oxygen and stabilized at a high value.

Originality/value

The corrosion model of rusted carbon steel in 3% NaCl solution was established. It is probable that the iron rust in all slightly acidic water with low alkalinity can promote the corrosion process via reduction of γ‐FeOOH. Anti‐corrosion measures for iron in this type of solutions should be aimed to reduce the promoting effect of rust layer on the metal corrosion. The NaCl solution prepared from tap water is more suitable for the substitution of artificial water than that prepared from deionized water.
Atmospheric corrosion map of an oil refinery
Authors: Ghanbarzadeh Ali , Neshati Jaber , Reza Bagherzadeh Mohammad , Ghanizadeh Shahram
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw up an atmospheric corrosion map for an industrial zone to determine the best coating system for each location.

Design/methodology/approach

The outdoor atmospheric corrosion rate was measured at eight locations distributed in an oil refinery during a year. Corrosion rates were measured by weight loss of carbon steel coupons, according to ISO Standard 9223. Weathering conditions, including temperature, time of wetness, and atmospheric pollution such as chloride precipitation and sulfur content also were measured. The results were analyzed using “Surfer 8” software and the corrosion map of the refinery was derived.

Findings

An atmospheric corrosion map was derived for the oil refinery. By this approach, coating system for equipment can be selected based exactly on where the plant item is located.

Originality/value

Exterior coating systems for equipment now can be selected based on their application, regardless of their position in any refinery. In this article, an atmospheric corrosion map was developed for a refinery for the first time. The position of equipment on the corrosion map is a new parameter that should be considered for coating system selection.
Dynamic publishing: a new breakthrough for learning technologies
Authors: Little Bob
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a new development in learning technology, while also demonstrating detailed knowledge of key developments. The new development in learning technology – known as dynamic publishing – makes possible advances in personalised and mobile learning delivery, among other things.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an explanation of key terms, including LMS, LCMS, static publishing, dynamic publishing – and their key features and benefits.

Findings

Dynamic publishing offers ten key benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Dynamic publishing offers many advantages to both developers of online learning and users of online learning. In particular, it enables innovative business modelling, along with skills and media personalisation solutions – leading to overall content strategy optimisation.

Practical implications

There are a number of practical implications for learning content developers, learning and development managers and learners. At most, dynamic publishing could revolutionise the way that online learning contents are developed, stored, accessed and delivered – on an individualised basis – to learners.

Social implications

This could change not just the world of corporate learning (and online learning especially) but also the way that academic knowledge is imparted.

Originality/value

This learning technology – of dynamic publishing – is, as yet, in its early stages. As with all technologies of recent times, it is set to develop rapidly.
“New leadership” and creating the high performance organisation: part 2
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

In some respects traditional leadership is not working. The two‐part paper summarises key findings of a five‐year investigation into quicker and more affordable routes to creating high performance organisations. The purpose of this paper is to identify some aspects of the “new leadership” that is required and how the strategic adoption of performance support can facilitate the changes required and deliver multiple objectives. This second part aims to consider implementation requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

A programme of critical success factor, “issue” and other surveys was complemented with a five year evaluation of more recent case studies to understand early adoptions of performance support and to assess their results and implications. The applications examined were discussed with the relevant technical architect and the results obtained corroborated with commissioner/user performance data and/or documented assessments/reactions.

Findings

“New leadership” is less about “top‐down” leading and more about providing “bottom‐up” support, particularly of those who contribute to key corporate objectives. It requires a different balance and focus in a number of areas and can be facilitated by the strategic adoption of performance support, which can deliver multiple benefits and offers a quicker and more affordable route to the high performance organisation.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation is required of the implications of the findings for people and organisations.

Practical implications

A cheaper and more cost‐effective alternative to expensive, lengthy and disruptive change and transformation programmes has been demonstrated which can deliver essential elements of “new leadership”, boost performance, cut costs, reduce risks and stress, ensure compliance and generate high returns on investment. Despite its advantages the more widespread adoption of “new leadership” and performance support might require a re‐energising of corporate boards.

Social implications

There is potential for making difficult jobs easier and less stressful for many people.

Originality/value

The paper summarises the main findings of an investigation that has identified a requirement for “new leadership” and an approach, which, if strategically adopted, can facilitate its introduction. Important aspects of the shift of emphasis and focus required by “new leadership” are identified, along with the central contribution that performance support can make to its beneficial adoption.
Interpreting reference work with contemporary practice theory
Authors: Cavanagh Mary F.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

In an increasingly competitive field of socially mediated information and knowledge available online, the public library's traditional services are increasingly questioned for relevancy. Drawing on the core premises of contemporary practice theory to ground the methodological and theoretical perspectives, the aim of this paper is to provide the initial “inside” view of traditional public library face‐to‐face reference work from a practice‐based perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes an ethnographic case study of face‐to‐face reference service in four branches of one urban public library involving 170 hours of participant observation, 24 hours of unobtrusive observation, 480 reference interactions, and 28 participant interviews and analysis of policy documents.

Findings

This analysis highlights the structuring and mediating role of objects in the enactment of reference work. A practice‐based typology of reference interactions is introduced which characterizes the types of questions asked, knowledge processes in action, interpersonal communication style and mode of practice. The collective organizing actions of reference work are unpackaged in a non‐hierarchical or flattened plane that recognizes the key actors and dynamics of the practice as it endures across time and space.

Originality/value

Evidence and an approach are introduced to support re‐conceptualizing public library reference work as an epistemic practice.
Becoming director: an internal candidate's view
Authors: Newcombe Pat A. , Donovan James M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Within the literature on moving into library directorships, the track of the internal candidate is largely ignored. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap through description and analysis of the experiences of a successful inside candidate for the position of law library director.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a first‐person account of an internal candidate. Accompanying analysis places the narrative into the larger context of relevant literature of personnel and library management.

Findings

The internal candidate is suggested to differ from external applicants in several ways. Most significantly, possessing prior knowledge of the library, she can move quickly to address pressing problems, using that initial success to set the new administration on a productive course. Additional issues include the greater psychological toll of having to distance herself from former colleagues to fulfill administrative duties.

Originality/value

Comparatively little consideration of the internal candidate exists in the library literature. This paper fills an identified gap in the literature on personnel and library management, and suggests relevant directions for future works.
Employee onboarding: identification of best practices in ACRL libraries
Authors: Graybill Jolie O. , Taesil Hudson Carpenter Maria , Offord Jerome , Piorun Mary , Shaffer Gary
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify best practices of employee onboarding, the process by which a new employee is introduced to an organization and its vision, mission, and values.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers requested that members of the Personnel Administrators and Staff Development Officers Discussion Group of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) share documents related to employee onboarding and three researchers independently reviewed the documents. The collected documents were compared to the socialization model proposed by Raymond Noe, including the detailed aspects of the organizational phase and the key components identified in the best practices literature.

Findings

In total, 17 institutions submitted documentation for review. All institutions discussed at least one or more of the key areas identified in the socialization process. Every institution in the study included a discussion of job expectations and evaluation criteria (100 percent); ten (59 percent) discuss mission, vision, and values; however, topics such as culture (five or 29 percent) and politics (one or 6 percent) were infrequently covered. Onboarding programs varied in length (one week to more than six months). Check lists were the most common tool used to manage the onboarding process. Other notable topics covered include dealing with change, understanding the team‐based environment, diversity, library awards and library fundraising.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limited number of documents examined in this study, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

Moving from a traditional new employee orientation model to a best‐practices onboarding model will require HR professionals to conduct an internal assessment of the current program.

Originality/value

Due to the high cost associated with recruiting new employees, the need for new employees to be fully functional and engaged as soon as possible, and the need to communicate performance indicators, the need to share best practices is important.
Who's spinning the library? Responsibilities of academic librarians who promote
Authors: Aaron Polger Mark , Okamoto Karen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the responsibilities and challenges faced by academic librarians whose major responsibilities include the overall promotion of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was sent to seven library listservs asking respondents to describe their work duties, promotional activities, academic background, and professional challenges and concerns.

Findings

This study garnered 215 responses. Respondents who completed the questionnaire identified as academic librarians whose major responsibilities include the overall promotion of the library. Librarians who promote face a plethora of challenges, including time restraints, lack of funding and limited support for their promotional efforts. These barriers place a strain on promotional work in academic libraries.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates the roles and responsibilities of librarians who promote and the challenges and obstacles they deal with on an institutional and departmental level.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique snapshot of marketing initiatives across various academic libraries, in the midst of a global economic recession.
The influence of product life cycle on the efficacy of purchasing practices
Authors: Doha Ahmed , Das Ajay , Pagell Mark
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, to examine the contingent role of the product life cycle on the efficacy of purchasing practices. Second, to use the results of the first investigation to explore the adequacy of the profit‐maximization framework for explaining purchasing decision making. This second investigation is motivated by growing evidence on the role of institutional factors in explaining supply chain management practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from a sample of North American manufacturing firms, across four standard industry sectors, are analysed using ANOVA and linear regression, to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that product life cycle has a contingent effect on the efficacy of some purchasing practices but not on others. Interestingly, the results suggest that the profit‐maximization framework is capable of explaining only some purchasing decisions but not others; firms adopt certain purchasing practices in certain product life cycle stages, even when these practices have no apparent effect on purchasing performance. This raises a need for an alternative framework to profit‐maximization, to better understand purchasing decision making.

Originality/value

The paper pioneers an empirical examination of how product life cycle moderates the relationship between purchasing practices and purchasing performance. The paper presents novel insights on the inadequacy of the rational profit‐maximization framework to explain purchasing decision making. Furthermore, the paper presents testable propositions on the role of institutional factors that are potentially driving purchasing decision making in managing the product life cycle contingency.
One‐dimensional warranty cost analysis for second‐hand items: an overview
Authors: Chukova Stefanka , Shafiee Mahmood
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and develop stochastic models for the evaluation of the expected warranty cost, from dealer's viewpoint, for second hand items sold under different warranty policies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study makes a useful contribution to the warranty literature by developing a framework to study one dimensional warranty policies for second‐hand products from dealer's viewpoint. Also, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the application of these models.

Findings

Despite the fact that warranties for second‐hand products are commonly used, the accurate pricing of warranties in many situations remains an unsolved problem, for both the dealer and customer. The proposed framework allows the dealer to analyze the cost of alternative warranty policies before deciding on the policy to be offered with the sale of a second‐hand item.

Originality/value

The policies and models developed in this paper can be useful in managerial decisions making related to second‐hand products such as automobiles, home appliances, helicopters, electronic equipment and electronics.
Typology of Kano models: a critical review of literature and proposition of a revised model
Authors: Shahin Arash , Pourhamidi Masoud , Antony Jiju , Hyun Park Sung
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and suggest a reference Kano model.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing Kano models have been classified into three types and, for each type, the curves, together with their corresponding evaluation tables, have been studied and a new type of the Kano model developed.

Findings

Findings imply that the existing types of the Kano model have weaknesses: starting points of the curves are not located in correct position; the sequence and slopes of the curves are not carefully illustrated; and the cells of Kano evaluation table are not coded correctly. Such problems have been resolved in the proposed Kano model.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical research is needed to examine the proposed type of Kano model, and to investigate the differences between the results of the application of the new and other types of Kano model.

Originality/value

This study provides a valuable reference model for researchers and practitioners, to be utilized in future investigations.
Conceptualizing consumers' experiences of product‐harm crises
Authors: Haas‐Kotzegger Ursula , Schlegelmilch Bodo B.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Consumers are constantly confronted with negative information on defective or dangerous products (product‐harm crisis): the car does not stop at the red light due to faulty brakes or the t‐shirt causes the skin to itch. This research aims to provide a holistic picture of consumers' experience of product‐harm crises (p‐h c). The study sets out to investigate under which conditions consumers are impacted by the crisis and how they experience p‐h c in real‐life.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on in‐depth interviews with both experts and consumers in order to investigate factors influencing consumers' experience in crisis situations.

Findings

Based on in‐depth interviews, a theoretical model is developed that captures the impact of p‐h‐c on consumers. Impact consists of personal relevance and perceived severity of the crisis and is a prerequisite for consumers' response. The study finds evidence that the personal impact and the consumer response to crisis situations are influenced by the crisis context, consumer context and company context.

Research limitations/implications

Given the qualitative nature of the study, a quantitative approach should now be used to further substantiate the presented findings and validate the theoretical model.

Practical implications

Consumer response to crises is primarily influenced by the personal impact of the crisis. The nature of the crisis as well as consumer characteristics heavily influence the way a consumer is impacted by a crisis event.

Originality/value

This study illustrates the complexity of consumers' p‐h c experience and contributes to a better understanding of their behavior in p‐h c situations.
Perceived opportunism (PO) in e‐return service encounters
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Ling
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the existence, role, and hidden problems associated with customer perceived opportunism (PO) in e‐return service (e‐RS) encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is proposed linking return policy (RP) and information credibility (IC) with customer PO, trust, and stickiness intention (SI). This study reviews research and concepts from various fields, including marketing, psychology, and information systems and derives six hypotheses. Data from online users are examined using LISREL 8.8.

Findings

The results confirmed that PO mediates between e‐RS and trust, as well as the power of the proposed model to predict e‐RS customer behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This work developed a novel customer e‐RS behavioral model to characterize the current online environment. Potential limitations of the proposed method are also described, along with suggestions for further research on sampling and model development, in order to accurately forecast the future development of the online environment.

Practical implications

The study findings remind retailers to understand the inevitability of PO and associated damage when providing e‐RS, and suggest effective measures, such as smooth e‐RS process design and reasonable fee plans, to solve this problem.

Originality/value

This study developed the first behavioral model of the existence of both positive and negative customer perceptions of e‐RS. PO is the key factor for reducing the effect of high‐quality e‐RS on negative perceptions.
Understanding the cultural antecedents of quality management in tourism
Authors: Muskat Birgit , Muskat Matthias , Blackman Deborah
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the causes that have led to a rather fragmented view of quality management among tourism marketing organisations in Germany. The aim is to identify and to interpret the relevant societal cultural factors underpinning German management. The paper examines the influence of culture on the perception and performance of quality management in tourism organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a data set which previously explored and analysed the diffusion of total quality management in German public tourism marketing organisations. In this paper, the data set has been re‐analysed and mapped against societal cultural elements. The analysis evaluates cultural factors that influence perceptions among German tourism marketing organisations on quality management.

Findings

This paper identifies cultural aspects that influence the perception and performance of quality in tourism organisations. The findings relate cultural antecedents in three identified core issues of quality: underdeveloped training and motivational events for staff; unbalanced strategic positioning in terms of quality; and weak commitment to standards and guidelines.

Practical implications

The implications that can be drawn from the findings of this paper are twofold. First, the results could be integrated into future educational policies in tourism. Second, implications and learning for tourism managers from this paper relate to a holistic, integrative, and systems‐based approach to quality management instead of only implementing individual quality aspects.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first studies to consider the influences of societal culture on the perception and performance of quality management in the German tourism sector.
Why Indian talent is going to waste
Authors: Bagga Gaurav
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why India is failing to capitalize on the talent available in the country and considers how reversing this could boost not only employment but also growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on national and regional governments' schemes and plans and how they have largely failed over time.

Findings

The paper describes how the centralization of responsibility for unemployment is essential and considers the need for accurate statistics on joblessness and the relationship between poverty and illiteracy.

Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the need for government to do more to boost potential growth sectors of the economy, such as information technology and tourism.

Social implications

The paper highlights the value of quality education and the need to get more children into school – especially in rural areas.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on ways in which India can increase employment and, through that, economic growth.
Creating human‐resource management value in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Longenecker Clinton O. , Fink Laurence S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to discuss specific HR practices that business leaders must embrace to create HR value and competitive advantage for their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates the authors' previous research on critical HR practices.

Findings

The paper reveals that HR value creation is driven by: progressive HR thinking and planning; staffing for success; talent development; results‐orientated performance management and appraisal systems; aligned compensation and incentive systems; line‐managers acting as HR managers; and fostering an ethical culture.

Practical implications

The paper discusses specific practices directly related to improving an organization's ability to create competitive advantage through its people.

Social implications

The paper contends that better HR practices lead to stronger organizational performance and greater use of human‐resource assets.

Originality/value

The paper reinforces the importance of taking HR beyond administrative activity.
Addressing the boardroom gender gap
Authors: Stephens Nick
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the main findings and recommendations from a study into women on boards in the life‐sciences industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on such questions as: Does the gender imbalance mirror UK plc and if so, what can be done to improve conditions? Is the life‐sciences industry a more favorable place for women to progress to the most senior positions and do senior managers believe more balanced boards bring a competitive edge?

Findings

The paper highlights three major barriers to change: the different work‐life choices facing women; the dominant male culture of the boardroom; and the number of qualified female executives in functions represented on the board.

Practical implications

The paper urges the need to: promote a more empathic business culture and working environment; undertake appropriate and sustained learning and development; and coach female candidates to succeed in the boardroom.

Social implications

The paper highlights the benefits to society as a whole, as well as to organizations and individual women, of having more females on boards of directors.

Originality/value

The paper argues that executive searchers should: always look for female candidates and ensure that they are brought into the process; scout harder for female talent; and promote the benefits of a mixed board and mentor the business around getting the best mix for their organization.
Team establishment of self‐managed work teams: a model from the field
Authors: Perry Emmett E. , Karney Dennis F. , Spencer Daniel G.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a model of team establishment that emerged from 64 teams comprised of mid‐career working professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 64 similarly configured 18 member teams assembled for work on the same day and, thereafter, worked on similar tasks. A single representative team was observed throughout its process of its formation‐establishment‐using participant observation and interviews. A case report describing the process was co‐constructed afterward. Individuals from remaining teams systematically compared/contrasted their experience with the case report. Qualitative analysis of 874 responses provides the basis for this paper.

Findings

Teams formed very differently than expected. A highly dynamic and rapid process was seen. The model suggests interplay between ongoing assessment of the context and organizing for work while norms emerge and work is performed.

Research limitations/implications

Individual comparisons/contrasts with the case report, unlike the case report itself, were not the result of prolonged engagement, persistent observation, triangulation, and co‐construction processes. The research focus was on team development; implications for performance are not addressed.

Practical implications

Leaders can influence the speed of establishment through intentionality during the establishment phase. The rapid establishment process that emerged here may have application across a wider range of work settings—especially where members are experienced in working collaboratively.

Originality/value

The model of team establishment has likely application in other settings. The study also suggests the valuable insights that study informants can contribute to research.
How local housing can unlock lasting health and care
Authors: Stacey Tony , Hembrow Ian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to suggest that social housing can and should be the local hub for cost‐effective, human‐scale health and wellbeing. It aims to explore the way that community‐based housing providers can help health and social care services to deliver long‐term wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument is illustrated with examples of constructive practice drawn from membership of the PlaceShapers Group of housing associations, across different parts of England.

Findings

Localism and promotion of public health lie at the roots of social housing, dating back more than 150 years. Because of their physical stake and presence in communities, social landlords are able to offer combined homes and support in a way and on a scale that few private operators can match. So social housing providers are in a prime position to add value and recast the relationship between health, wellbeing, social care and housing. But social housing organisations and their leaders will need to be highly inventive, enterprising and determined to reap the full rewards for service users and neighbourhoods.

Practical implications

Changes to the health, wellbeing and social care landscape, coming into effect in England and Wales from April 2013, present a unique opportunity to bridge the “parallel worlds” of housing and health. Local housing providers now have the chance to bond their long‐term presence, commitment and investment in communities to the new outcomes required for health and social care.

Originality/value

The lead author is chair of a grouping of community‐based housing associations working throughout England and is especially well placed to identify examples of innovative practice, such as those described in the paper.
Physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living performance evaluation in state housing for older people in Chile
Authors: Pizzi Marcela , Chalmers John , Bunout Daniel , Osorio Paulina , Fernández Viviana , Cusato Macarena , Avendaño Valentina , Rivera Karen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe an evaluation instrument designed to detect physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) performance by senior citizens and presents findings obtained in a representative sample of older persons living in housing programs provided by the State of Chile. Its aim is to develop an objective instrument which can serve as reference point for housing adaptations and improvement or for the use in new designs, appropriate to the changing functional capacities of this age group.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is broadly framed in an ecological perspective. It draws on an empirical study, observing older people's BADLs performance in selected State provided housing in the Santiago area. The approach includes some quantitative but mainly qualitative aspects from a descriptive, explanatory and cross sectional perspective. Objective observation of functional BADLs performance, as well as subjective users' perspectives, is compared.

Findings

State housing design is significant in BADLs performance, limiting functionality in one third of associated operations observed. These mainly concerned demanding reaching requirements associated with height, but also extended to other inadequacies in design or lack of elements in different situations, which act as barriers or bring potential risks.

Research limitations/implications

Heterogeneity in the functional conditions of older people regardless of age and gender, as well as different housing types makes it difficult to develop standardized recommendations, requiring a tailored approach in the case of adaptations, thus limiting coverage. Further research should be carried out after performing corrective adaptations to evaluate the impact of these interventions.

Practical implications

The paper prompts a reassessment, by State housing providers, of the architectural design of housing types for older people as well as the adaptation of existing units to extend independence in time rather than undermine it.

Social implications

The study of the effects of architectural design of housing on older people's independence when performing BADLs is underdeveloped and should be increased in order to promote a better quality of life for this age group through a more friendly and inclusive environment.

Originality/value

This research attempts to generate an objective instrument, useful to provide evidence for architects, designers and policy makers and suitable to be applied in other housing contexts in order to improve the habitat and older people's quality of life.
Pervasive interactions: a purposive best evidence review with methodological observations on the impact of housing circumstances and housing interventions on adult mental health and well‐being
Authors: Johnson Robin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of the current state of evidence on the effect of housing circumstances, and housing‐related interventions, on adult mental health and well‐being. It covers the entire range of health from chronic illness to positive thriving, and both individual and community‐level/public health.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon a purposive review, commissioned originally for the UK Department of Health; and therefore is selective in giving priority to research relevant to public policy considerations, and to the UK context. Research with a variety of methodological foundations is considered, where robust enough by its own standards.

Findings

The available evidence gives conditional support to policies accentuating empowerment at individual and community levels; early intervention; locality or place‐based interventions; and integrated working practice. The complexity of methodological issues emerges as a key challenge for research in this field, and for the prospect of evidence‐based national policy. Meanwhile local knowledge and interpretation of data in context may be more reliable than context‐blind studies.

Research limitations/implications

Where “hard evidence” is unavailable, reports of the lived experience of individuals and in communities remain a legitimate basis for policy and commissioning.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first attempt in print to cover such a wide canvas in one overview.
Social engagement and healthy ageing in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Beech Roger , Murray Michael
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Social engagement is important for healthy ageing but may be challenging for residents of disadvantaged urban communities. For older residents of one such community, this project aimed to examine levels of social engagement and its link with wellbeing and community attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

The project introduced activities to promote social engagement and used a survey to assess participants' wider involvement in local activities and their feelings of wellbeing and community attachment.

Findings

Sixty five people completed the survey: most lived alone (over 69 per cent) but had contact at least monthly with family, friends and neighbours (over 70 per cent) and made regular use of local amenities (over 79 per cent). Only 34.7 per cent were classified as “not lonely” and participants' mean health related quality of life score was lower than the national average. However, over 65 per cent of participants rated their generic quality of life as good or better and over 67 per cent had a positive sense of community attachment. Statistically significant associations were identified between a person's feelings of loneliness and generic quality of life and their level of contact with relatives, neighbours and friends and their sense of community attachment.

Originality/value

Results confirm the need for strategies to promote the social engagement of older people. The link between community attachment and wellbeing also demonstrates that community wide strategies are required. The importance of maintaining the “corner shop” was evident.
Modeling enablers of TQM to improve airline performance
Authors: Singh Alok Kumar , Sushil
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different enablers of total quality management (TQM) and its outcome variables in service sector specific to Indian domestic airline industry. No study has been done regarding the implementation of TQM in Indian domestic aviation sector. To fill this gap interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) based quality framework model has been developed to understand the mutual interactions among the variables and to identify the driving and dependence power of these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

An ISM and TISM based approach have been used to study and analyze the interactions between identified variables.

Findings

In this research work, a total of 14 variables have been identified based on extensive literature review, brainstorming and experts opining from the Indian airline industry and academia. The result showed that top management commitment, training, continuous improvement, benchmarking, employee involvement and commitment have strong driving power and weak dependence power and are at the lowest level in hierarchy in the ISM and TISM model, while the outcome variables of TQM have low driving power but have high dependence power.

Practical implications

Top management must stress on variables having strong driving power for efficient implementation of TQM. By implementation of TISM model in the Indian airline industry, organizations would become more productive, competitive and would eventually become more profitable.

Originality/value

In this research work, ISM and TISM based quality framework structural model have been proposed for Indian domestic aviation industry which is a new effort in the area of TQM implementation in this sector.
Knowledge production, communication and utilization: studying biomedical alcohol research
Authors: Bogren Alexandra , Winter Katarina
Published: March 2013

Purpose

A growing body of social research analyzes how the biomedical interest in detailed molecular aspects of people's bodies (genes, biomarkers, DNA) affect everyday notions of health, risk, and responsibility for health problems. However, this research focus has been largely neglected in social alcohol research. The purpose of this paper is to report on some early findings from a study of media portrayals of biomedical alcohol research and to present a rationale for studying biomedical alcohol research more broadly.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical discussion is based on textual analysis of 90 newspaper articles published in Swedish newspapers between 1995 and 2010 and one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews with 24 newspaper readers about their interpretation of the newspaper portrayals. The motives for studying biomedical alcohol research more broadly are discussed in relation to existing research and theories of biomedicalization.

Findings

It is found that a large majority of the newspapers cite biomedical researchers to explain the mechanisms of addiction, and that biomedical research is often presented as revolutionary in scope. However, journalists also act as storytellers who explain the biomedical research results to readers. The reward system proved to be a central notion among the interviewees, who had their own, different and varying definitions of the concept. The authors suggest a framework for analyzing how biomedical knowledge is produced, communicated and utilized by three types of key actors.

Originality/value

The study presents a novel framework for studying biomedical alcohol research.
Collectivist and individualist values traits in Finnish and Italian adolescents' alcohol norms
Authors: Hellman Matilda , Rolando Sara
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The study aims to investigate a possible application of the concepts of individualist and collectivist (I‐C) value traits in inquiries on alcohol drinking norms in different alcohol cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from focus group discussions (n=16) with Italian and Finnish adolescents (aged 13‐16) is trialled against some typical dissimilarities featured in the literature on I‐C cultures.

Findings

The study shows that the features identified in the I‐C dichotomy regarding personality traits and parental goal for children correlate with some culturally anchored meaning‐making of agency and autonomy emphasized in judgements of correct ways of drinking.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that with certain caveats I‐C dichotomy could indeed be applied more in the cross‐cultural alcohol research.
One modification of fuzzy TOPSIS method
Authors: Prascevic Zivojin , Prascevic Natasa
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present one modification of the fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and to develop a corresponding computer program which could be used for the multicriteria decision making for problems in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This method is based on the uncertainties and probabilities of input data for ratings of alternatives with respect to criteria and weights of criteria that are presented by triangular fuzzy numbers as probabilistic fuzzy values. These input data are transformed in the procedure into output data that are relevant for the ranking of alternatives and decision making.

Findings

The proposed method is based on the generalized mean and spread of fuzzy numbers that are calculated according to probability of fuzzy events due to Zadeh. Ranking of alternatives for relevant criteria performs according to relative expected closeness, coefficient of variation and relative standard deviation of distance of alternatives to the ideal solutions. The most acceptable rule is related to the minimal value of the expected relative distance to positive ideal solution, especially when the coefficient of variation of distance to this solution is small. The attached example, related to a real project, confirms these findings.

Originality/value

This paper proposes three novel contributions in this area. Unlike the methods proposed by other authors, the weighted fuzzy decision matrix is expressed by the matrix of generalized expected values and matrix of generalized variances. To compute elements of these two matrices, exact formulae are derived and then the modified fuzzy TOPSIS procedure is carried out.
Public health implications of spiritual healing practice, in conditions such as depression
Authors: Bell Charles J.M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Patient‐defined spiritual aspects of mental health care are an understudied and potentially important aspect to non‐pharmaceutical treatments. A review of this area will lead to improved rigorous research and better patient outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the public health implications of spiritual healing practice, in conditions such as depression.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research into spiritual healing was reviewed, and in particular its use in depression. Scientific and anecdotal evidence was considered, and areas of improvement were identified.

Findings

The attitudes of physicians and patients may affect the efficacy of patient‐defined spiritual healing, which is currently lacking in rigorous academic research. A better scientific understanding may aid in a cost‐benefit analysis of such treatments in the future.

Originality/value

This paper should aid those involved in public health‐care planning or who practice psychotherapeutic methods to ensure they utilise all possible methods, whilst working within a rigorous evidence‐based framework.