bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement and the UK emergency ambulance service
Authors: Wankhade Paresh
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance measurement in the UK NHS ambulance service documenting various unintended consequences of the current performance framework and to suggest a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on ambulance performance targets and documents several unintended consequences of the current performance system through an in‐depth case study analysis based on interviews with Trust staff and policy experts along with observation of performance review meetings in the chosen Trust. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from a local NHS research ethics committee.

Findings

Significant unintended consequences of the ambulance performance targets based on response times have been systematically documented, which are likely to put the target under spotlight, especially that of the eight‐minute response. The current policy focus to reform the eight‐minute target by making it more stringent has the potential of jeopardising the reform agenda based on developing clinical skills of the paramedics and introducing clinical management in the service.

Practical implications

The paper makes an objective assessment of the sustainability of the current policy framework and identifies future lines of enquiry for further research.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution in identifying and documenting the disjuncture between stated and unintended consequences of ambulance performance measurement, which will be of value to academics, practitioners and policy makers.
International trends in HRM in the public sector: reform attempts in the Republic of Georgia
Authors: Common Richard
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The overall purpose of this paper is to explore the limits of HRM in public sector organisations, within the context of international public management. The cultural basis of HRM, derived chiefly from North America and Western Europe continues to underpin public sector HR reforms, aided and abetted by the international institutions. The paper seeks to begin with an overview of the impact of wider public sector reform on HR practice by briefly exploring the limitations of orthodox HRM in a public service setting. However, the main argument of the paper aims to follow the conceptual position that an understanding of the institutional and cultural contexts is required before attempting HRM‐type reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author visited the Republic of Georgia in 2008 to work with the Public Service Commission on HRM reforms in central government. Thus, the paper presents the illustrative case of Georgia, which is both a transitional state and susceptible to Western ideas regarding public service reform. The case of Georgia is derived from observation, documentary analysis and correspondence from the Georgian Civil Service.

Findings

The paper found that, despite the acceptability of HRM and the desire by public officials to promote HRM‐based reforms, deep politicisation of the administrative system provided considerable implementation problems.

Research limitations/implications

These took the form of lack of academic literature on Georgia, lack of resources to conduct further in‐depth interviews with key officials and difficulty of applying HR to the public sector in post‐Communist/transitory countries

Practical implications

The findings suggest that alternative approaches to HRM reform will be required in similar institutional contexts to that of the Republic of Georgia.

Originality/value

The paper challenges the popular notion of international convergence around “universally applicable” models of HRM in countries such as the Republic of Georgia, where the post‐Soviet legacy provides significant resistance to any reform momentum, HRM‐based or otherwise.
The effects of perceived funding trends on non‐profit advocacy
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark , Patterson Kelly L.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine executive directors' perceptions of the relationship between access to funding and an organization's programmatic and advocacy activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on data from a national survey of executive directors of non‐profit advocacy organizations in the USA. The organizations were selected because they served minority and disadvantaged groups, and were heavily reliant on public funding.

Findings

The findings indicate that several factors are associated with how organizations balance their programmatic and advocacy activities. They include dependence on public funding, constituencies served, and perception of funders. Despite evidence for institutional pressures to reduce advocacy activities, the results indicate that such activities are sustainable in organizations with a strong individual donor base. In essence, a stable source of grassroots resources can counter institutional pressures to reduce advocacy.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a specific subgroup of advocacy organizations. Although it offers insights into their perceptions, the findings do not necessarily reflect more general perceptions.

Social implications

The findings enhance understanding of impediments to non‐profit advocacy that stem from trends in public funding and regulations related to non‐profit lobbying and advocacy activities. The findings also enhance understanding of the extent to which the influences of the emerging non‐profit industrial complex are offset by traditional grassroots support for non‐profit advocacy.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the body of research on non‐profit decision making in relation to the balance between programmatic and advocacy work. It adds to the understanding of how organizations interface with larger institutions in society and the constraints that institutional ties entail.
The performance of intellectual capital
Authors: Murthy Vijaya , Mouritsen Jan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the relationship between intellectual capital and financial capital using a case study. This makes it possible to discuss how intellectual capital is related to value creation with a degree of nuance that is absent from most statistical studies of relationships between human, organisational, relational and financial capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study of a firm that invests in intellectual capital in order to develop financial capital. It traces the relationship between intellectual capital elements and financial capital via interviews. This allows the development of a nuanced account of the performance of intellectual capital. This account questions the universality of the linear model typically found in statistical studies. The model makes it possible to show how items of intellectual capital not only interact but also compete.

Findings

Relationships between intellectual capital and financial capital are challenging to specify because they are complementary rather than causal. Financial capital is not only an effect but also an important input because the development of intellectual capital takes place through the firm's budgeting processes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest future development of accounts of the role and performance (strength) of intellectual capital be developed around imaginative, perhaps recursive and certainly dynamic, statistical models and/or more inclusive case studies of the various elements that influence the development and transformation of intellectual capital.

Originality/value

The case study suggests that investments in intellectual capital happen in the context of many other investments. Bounded by the budgeting process, intellectual capital has no separate agenda and therefore, intellectual capital investments compete with other types of investments.
After the holiday
Authors: Butt Maggie
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This poem aims to capture the sense of being overwhelmed when returning to work after a vacation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a free‐verse poem, reflecting both the modernity of the theme and the undisciplined sense of disorder. However, it is arranged in couplets that perhaps resemble waves running in across sand.

Findings

The use of the sustained metaphor of a tsunami‐like tide suggested the story of King John (of England) and the loss of his jewels. Imagining the horses and spears gave additional vigour to the language about the sea.

Originality/value

This poem aims to take a fresh angle on a universal experience.
Serving as magistrate at the French Cour des comptes
Authors: Morin Danielle
Published: July 2011

Purpose

– This paper seeks to investigate the work performed by French Cour des comptes magistrates as part of performance audits. The research objective is to understand who the magistrates are, what they do, how they do what they do, how they perceive their role, what authority they feel they can claim, and how, through performance audits, they try to influence the way the organisations they visit are run.

Design/methodology/approach

– In addition to 35 interviews conducted with Court magistrates (based on a semi-structured interview questionnaire) and non-participant observation, public documentation was analysed. To understand how magistrates perform their tasks at the Court, basic theories on influence processes and theories on decision making developed by Herbert A. Simon were applied.

Findings

– After exploring the universe in which magistrates of the French Cour des comptes operate, it appears that their undertaking of performance audits has engendered a host of competing visions: the transition to modernity has to occur. The Court presents itself officially as a supreme audit institution but it acts as a grand corps de l
'
État (senior branch of the Civil Service). Magistrates come to the Court of their own accord and make every effort to avoid being viewed as control professionals. The Court openly positions itself as a “judge of management”, wishing to impose its jurisdictional authority on activities that are essentially professional in character. A migration from traditional roles is observed: the role of the Court as a critic of the Administration has been sidelined. In addition, the magistrates claim to be judges when they are in the ambit of the Court, but shed this role for that of “catalysts of change” when they interact with representatives of the organisations audited.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is based on a detailed analysis of a specific context. This may limit the wider applicability of the findings. However, the data gathered from the French experience could be useful for other supreme audit institutions (SAIs) whose status is equivalent to that of the Court, or whose mandate has expanded in the past decade.

Originality/value

– This study lifts the veil on the performance audit practice at one of the numerous supreme audit institutions. In addition, the French context has received scant attention from researchers.
The healthcare off‐shoring industry in developing economies – institutional and economic foundations
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Industrialized world‐based healthcare providers are increasingly off‐shoring low‐end healthcare services such as medical transcription, billing and insurance claims. High‐skill medical jobs such as tele‐imaging and tele‐pathology are also being sub‐contracted to developing countries. Despite its importance, little theory or research exists to explain what factors affect industry growth. The article's goals, therefore, are to examine economic processes associated with developing economies' shift from low‐ to high‐value information technology enabled healthcare services, and to investigate how these differ in terms of legitimacy from regulative, normative and cognitive institutions in the sending country and how healthcare services differ from other services.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conceptual and theory‐building. Broadly, its approach can be described as a positivistic epistemology.

Findings

Anti off‐shoring regulative, normative and cognitive pressures in the sending country are likely to be stronger in healthcare than in most business process outsourcing. Moreover, such pressures are likely to be stronger in high‐value rather than in low‐value healthcare off‐shoring. The findings also indicate that off‐shoring low‐value healthcare services and emergent healthcare industries in a developing economy help accumulate implicit and tacit knowledge required for off‐shoring high‐value healthcare services.

Research limitations/implications

The approach lacks primary data and empirical documentation.

Practical implications

The article helps in understanding industry drivers and its possible future direction. The findings help in understanding the lens through which various institutional actors in a sending country view healthcare service off‐shoring.

Originality/value

The article's value stems from its analytical context, mechanisms and processes associated with developing economies' shift to high‐value healthcare off‐shoring services.
Modifications of the 85/85 test and the temperature cycling test for tantalum capacitors
Authors: Virkki Johanna , Sydänheimo Lauri , Raumonen Pasi
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Accelerated tests are commonly used to evaluate the reliability of electronic components and to detect failures caused by environmental conditions in field use. Many standard accelerated tests are available for evaluating the reliability in a commonly approved way. These tests form a good basis for reliability testing. However, sometimes standard accelerated tests may not be directly used to test the reliability of a certain component. Rather, such tests should be modified for each component, based on the component's structure and field use. The purpose of this paper was to modify two Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard accelerated tests: the steady‐state temperature humidity‐bias life test (the 85/85 test) and the temperature cycling test, for use in testing tantalum capacitors more efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

The 85/85 test was first modified by adding a ripple voltage and then by adding a voltage off‐period. The temperature cycling test was modified by using applied voltage during the test and then by shortening the testing time.

Findings

Standard accelerated tests form a good basis for reliability testing, but accelerated tests should be carefully planned and tailored for each component type, based on structure and conditions of use. Results show that, with minor modifications, standard tests can be diversified into various types of tests.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions are mostly based on a literature review. More testing needs be undertaken in order to collect statistical data to validate the conclusions.

Originality/value

The objective in this paper was to produce more versatile tests for tantalum capacitors, based on two JEDEC standard accelerated tests. The developed tests can help detect failure mechanisms of tantalum capacitors faster and more accurately than standard accelerated tests.
Minimizing the business impact on the natural environment
Authors: Dos Santos Maria A.O.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the sustainable business practices of Woolworths, a major South African retail chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of Woolworths' comprehensive 2008 and 2009 annual reports and press releases was done in order to identify and describe the different sustainable business practices of Woolworths itself. Contact was established with the Good Business Journey Manager of Woolworths when issues in the publications needed further clarification.

Findings

Sustainable business practices are often regarded as a statutory expense in order to meet government legalisation requirements. This case study demonstrates that a business can voluntarily decide to be sustainable and it can use this approach to drive innovation, build its brand image and increase efficiencies and cost savings within the business.

Research limitations/implications

Businesses can be sustainable even in developing countries.

Practical implications

Business can implement sustainable business practices, save money and still make a profit.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the sustainable business practices undertaken by a major South African retail chain.
The marketing practices‐performance relationship in professional service firms
Authors: Sweeney Jillian C. , Soutar Geoffrey N. , McColl‐Kennedy Janet R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate marketing practices in professional service firms (PSFs). PSFs' marketing practices are not well understood, despite their increasing importance to economies worldwide and recognition of their unique characteristics and the marketing challenges they face. The study also examined whether PSF performance outcomes is better modeled through a competency approach suggested by the resource‐based view, or through the extent of use (practices) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected from professional service providers through an online survey of senior professional service providers across a range of services, including law, engineering, accounting and finance and management consultancy.

Findings

Results show interaction marketing was the most common PSF practice and the combination of extent of use and competency, rather than extent of use alone, is a better predictor of firm performance. The results also demonstrate the relevance of the plurality of practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that transaction marketing and database marketing are particularly necessary for financial and market performance, while both interaction marketing and database marketing particularly underpin customer performance. All practices need to be conducted extensively and well for optimum outcomes. The study is cross‐sectional in nature and does not enable a judgment about causal inferences; rather, relationships between constructs are presented.

Practical implications

Professional service providers should focus on competency of practice, as well as extent of practice. However, not all professional service providers do this. Importantly, having a customer service focus is not sufficient to achieve positive market and financial outcomes.

Originality/value

The results presented in the paper have important implications for researchers when modeling and measuring marketing practices and for professional service managers when undertaking marketing activities.
Identifying the comparative academic performance of secondary schools
Authors: Bendikson Linda , Hattie John , Robinson Viviane
Published: July 2011

Purpose

One of the features of the New Zealand secondary schools system is that achievement closely reflects the taught curriculum. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) directly assesses student achievement on the secondary school curriculum through a combination of criterion‐based internal and external assessments. The nature of NCEA means school‐level results not only reflect student achievement but also the ability of leaders to organise, deliver, and monitor a relevant curriculum for students. This paper aims to describe how NCEA data were used to develop a simple but fair system to assess the relative performance of secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

No standardised measures of performance prior to Year 11 are available in New Zealand. Nor are student‐level data available. In the absence of these, multiple indicators of gross performance, added value and improvement over time were analysed using a schools‐of‐similar‐type methodology.

Findings

Results indicated that schools in the low and middle SES communities were more likely to be improving than others, but these improving schools were also more likely to be already high‐ or mid‐performing. Low‐performing schools were least likely to be improving.

Originality/value

Some advantages of this methodology are its ability to be utilised with any publicly available standards‐based achievement data, its validity as an indicator of leadership and organisational performance, and its ability to track school performance trends over time.
A comparative investigation of consumers' attitudes toward marketing practices of hypermarket retailers in Thailand
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu) , Punyapiroje Chompunuch
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of hypermarket retailers' marketing efforts by exploring consumers' attitudes toward marketing practices (CATMPs) of three retailers (Tesco‐Lotus, Big C, and Carrefour) in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A non‐probability convenience sampling procedure was employed. The data were collected from an intercept survey administered face to face. Three versions were tailored to each specific hypermarket retailer using similar questions related to consumers' attitudes toward different areas of marketing practices. The measures were adapted from the Index of Consumer Sentiment toward marketing and consumers' attitudes toward marketing.

Findings

The results showed that although Thai consumers displayed different attitudes toward retail services, positive advertising, and fair price, they expressed similar attitudes toward business provisions and product quality across samples. Main and interaction effects of a limited number of demographic variables were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Multinational hypermarket retailers need to understand the similarities and differences related to areas of their marketing practices to be able to market effectively to Thai consumers. However, since the data were obtained from one city, the major limitation in the study is the generalizability of the findings.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to attempt to investigate CATMPs of multinational hypermarket retailers operating in Thailand.
Dimensions of hotel experience of people with disabilities: an exploratory study
Authors: Poria Yaniv , Reichel Arie , Brandt Yael
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to focus on the challenges arising from the interactions between wheelchair users, individuals using crutches and blind people with the hotel environment as well as on the efforts to overcome these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was gathered through a snowballing technique. The study utilizes in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of 45 participants: 20 used wheelchairs; ten were dependent on crutches; and 15 were blind. The data were subject to thematic content analysis.

Findings

Interpreted by the social model of disability, the results suggest that the challenges participants confront derive from the physical design of the environment as well as staff behaviors. Differences were found between the hotel experiences of people with various types of disabilities.

Research limitation/implications

The sample was limited to Israeli participants.

Practical implications

The paper offers recommendations for hotel management with regard to specific physical as well as interpersonal means to alleviate apparent difficulties faced by people with disabilities in their hotel experiences.

Originality/value

This study broadcasts the genuine voice of people with disabilities. The findings are of special relevance to hospitality researchers, educators, executives, and hotel staff.
Complex service recovery processes: how to avoid triple deviation
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Tronvoll Bård , Höykinpuro Ritva
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This article seeks to develop a new framework to outline factors that influence the resolution of unfavourable service experiences as a result of double deviation. The focus is on understanding and managing complex service recovery processes.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive, explorative and narrative approach was selected. Data were collected in the form of narratives from the field through interviews with actors at various levels in organisations as well as with customers in a high‐touch service industry. The data form the analysis of double and triple deviation situations and complex service recovery processes.

Findings

The study identifies four factors that influence complex service recovery processes and outcomes in double deviation situations: communication, competence, time, and service system. The resulting theoretical conceptualisation of the recovery process from the customer's perspective emphasises customer perceived control, sense of coherence, and meaning. Together, these factors shape customers' perception of complex service recovery experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical study is limited to the context of restaurant services. However, the findings might generalise analytically to other labour‐intensive, high‐touch services that rely on face‐to‐face interactions between customers and the service employees in triple deviation situations.

Practical implications

The different roles in a complex service recovery process must be managed constantly and in light of actors' resource integration in double deviation situations, as part of value co‐creation. Service organisations should develop a shared understanding of what factors result in favourable complex service recovery processes, to avoid triple deviations.

Originality/value

The paper offers extended understanding of complex service recovery processes through a new, empirically grounded conceptualisation of double service recovery to avoid a triple deviation.
Reputation attributes in retailing services: managerial perspective
Authors: Järvinen Raija , Suomi Kati
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the construct of reputation in retail services, its dimensions and attributes from the store management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adapts the conceptual model developed by Vidaver‐Cohen who suggests that reputation predictors are formed by eight quality dimensions. In the first stage of the study 18 interviews were carried out. In the second stage a survey containing 170 statements was conducted.

Findings

The main contribution lies on the identification of the context specific attributes of the quality dimensions of reputation and their content in retailing.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on identifying reputation dimensions and their attributes and contents in the retail context. The empirical data were gathered from stores located in shopping centres.

Practical implications

The study suggests that reputation management in the service sector might be easier if managers were better able to recognise the industry‐related quality dimensions of reputation. In addition, stores should be more prepared for unforeseen, even disastrous events and publicity that may ruin their reputation in one way or another.

Originality/value

Numerous researchers have recognised the critical role of reputation in marketing, but as yet empirical reputation studies are scarce, at least in retailing services.
The role of technology readiness in self‐service technology acceptance
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Sheng Chris , Chang Hsing‐Chi
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Notwithstanding a significant amount of literature on the technology acceptance model (TAM), past research has overlooked the role consumers' technology readiness (TR) plays in adoption of self‐service technologies (SSTs). This study aims to fill this research gap by developing and testing a model that integrates the role of TR into the TAM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a research framework to suggest the direct and moderating roles of TR in the TAM. Extant research from various research streams is reviewed, resulting in 13 hypotheses. Data collected from customers with SST experiences are examined through structural equation modeling (SEM) and hierarchical moderated regression analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that customer TR enhances perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward use, and intention to use. Results also show that TR attenuates the positive relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude toward using SSTs.

Research limitations/implications

This research represents an early attempt to explain the role of TR in the TAM in the context of SSTs. Future research directions are discussed, with emphasis on incorporating customer differences and situational factors to better understand this model in various service settings.

Practical implications

Findings show that TR influences perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward using SSTs, and behavioral intentions. Therefore, to achieve better SST service outcomes firms implementing SSTs should give increased attention to customer TR. Firms should stimulate the use of technological services by strengthening positive TR drivers (the optimism and innovativeness dimensions) to encourage use of technological services and positive attitudes toward technology, while also reducing TR inhibitors (the discomfort and insecurity dimensions) to lower reluctance to use technology.

Originality/value

This study is the first to integrate the role of TR into the TAM in the context of SSTs.
Numerical analysis of convective heat transfer enhancement in swirl tubes
Authors: Rainieri Sara , Bozzoli Fabio , Schiavi Linda , Pagliarini Giorgio
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the convective heat transfer in swirl tubes, which are obtained by roto‐translating a circular section eccentric with respect to the rotation axis. The geometry is numerically investigated with the aim of evaluating the convective heat transfer enhancement effect due to the secondary flow induced by the centrifugal force.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations, i.e. continuity, momentum and energy equations, are integrated numerically within Comsol Multiphysics® environment, under the assumption of incompressible Newtonian and constant properties fluid and of periodically fully developed laminar flow for what concerns both the hydrodynamic and the thermal problem under the uniform wall heat flux thermal boundary condition.

Findings

The heat transfer performance of the geometry is discussed in relation to the flow pattern. In particular, the numerical results show that two different stable flow regimes may exist, according to the ratio of the Reynolds number to the dimensionless helix pitch. The Nusselt number augmentation becomes significant for high Prandtl number fluids when a critical Re/P* value, corresponding to the onset of the centrifugal forces induced secondary flow, is reached.

Originality/value

The geometry here investigated represents an interesting solution to enhance the convective heat transfer in situations in which the flow, although disturbed, persists in the laminar regime. This type of enhanced tubes shows then interesting heat transfer performances (which becomes particularly significant for high Prandtl number values) by thus suggesting convenient applications also for highly viscous fluids which are often treated under the laminar flow regime.
Pattern study of thermal phase separation for binary fluid mixtures
Authors: Tiribocchi Adriano , Piscitelli Antonio , Gonnella Giuseppe , Lamura Antonio
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present numerical results about phase separation of binary fluid mixtures quenched by contact with cold walls.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal phase separation is simulated by using a hybrid lattice Boltzmann method that solves the continuity and the Navier‐Stokes equations. The equations for energy and concentration are solved by using a finite‐difference scheme. This approach provides a complete description of the thermo‐hydrodynamic effects in the mixture.

Findings

A rich variety of domain patterns are found depending on the viscosity and on the heat conductivity of the mixture. Ordered lamellar structures are observed at high viscosity while domains rounded in shape dominate the phase separation at low viscosity, where two scales characterize the growth of domains.

Research limitations/implications

The present approach provides a numerical method that can be extended to other systems such as liquid‐vapor or lamellar systems. Moreover, a three‐dimensional study can give a complete picture of thermo‐hydrodynamic effects.

Originality/value

This paper provides a consistent thermodynamic theoretical framework for a binary fluid mixture and a numerically stable method to simulate them.
Drug markets during the Katrina disaster
Authors: Dunlap Eloise , Golub Andrew
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of poor drug users and sellers who remained in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to identify their special needs and the unique challenges they present to disaster management.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured, open‐ended interviews were conducted with 119 poor, predominantly African‐American, drug users and sellers. Their stories in their own words provide a mosaic of drug‐related experiences from the period immediately preceding the storm through evacuation and reveal the motivations behind their behaviors.

Findings

Many drug users placed partying, maintaining their habits, and making money ahead of personal safety and evacuation. Drug use and sales led many not to evacuate before the storm, to use drugs in congregate shelters, to avoid shelters, to roam through flooded debris‐strewn streets, to loot stores and homes of drug dealers, and to use violence or the threat of violence to achieve their drug‐related aims.

Originality/value

During a disaster, many poor drug users place risks on themselves, their families, their communities and ultimately on rescue workers. The conclusion presents pragmatic and humanitarian guidelines for successfully addressing this additional challenge. The recommendations are consistent with other suggestions concerning the special needs of indigent populations.
Community preparedness for tsunami disaster: a case study
Authors: Mat Said Aini , Ahmadun Fakhru'l‐Razi , Rodzi Mahmud Ahmad , Abas Fuad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to develop a tsunami emergency response plan for a coastal community by adopting a community‐based disaster preparedness approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐strategy research design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The weaknesses and strengths of the different agencies involved in responding to the 2004 tsunami disaster were identified through a focus group discussion. A survey was used to assess the preparedness of the community. Tsunami awareness and education were imparted through lectures, sermons, radio talk shows, informal briefings, workshops and printed materials. Tsunami evacuation routes, safe zones, warning protocols and evacuation plans were finalized through a consultation process with the community. A tsunami evacuation plan was verified during a table‐top exercise and was tested through a drill.

Findings

It is evident from the study that a community‐based approach (where the local community is taken as the primary focus of attention in disaster reduction) to tsunami mitigation and preparedness is viable. This process has provided an opportunity for tapping traditional organizational structures and mechanisms (including formal and informal community leaders) and capability‐building activities with the community disaster committees and volunteers.

Originality/value

Tsunami 2004 is the first ever tsunami disaster experienced in the country and thus the study provides significant lessons learned from the event. The community‐based approach to disaster preparedness is not the current practice in the country. Thus, the study demonstrates that the approach is a viable tool to enhance community preparedness to tsunami and other types of disasters as well.
Understanding and reducing vulnerability: from the approach of liabilities and capabilities
Authors: McEntire David
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to expand comprehension of the concept of vulnerability in order to promote further scholarship in this area and provide policy guidance for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Various findings from the academic literature pertaining to vulnerability are discussed in order to generate a more holistic understanding of this key factor of disaster.

Findings

This exposition defines vulnerability, illustrates the causes of vulnerability, identifies those who may be vulnerable to disasters, and suggests ways to reduce vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

Because this paper offers a preliminary view that both includes and goes beyond the traditional social vulnerability school, additional research on this matter will undoubtedly be required. However, it is hoped that the breadth and complexity of challenges being faced currently will be made manifest in this discussion.

Originality/value

This paper extends the author's prior work in this area and reinforces the need to give greater priority to the concept of vulnerability in disaster research and emergency management.
Using training and development to recover failing projects
Authors: Kilkelly Eddie
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Demonstrates that skill gaps play a critical role in the failure of projects and provides HR specialists, consultants, management‐development specialists and trainers with guidance on how to identify and close such gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

Draws upon personal experience of planning and delivering projects, delivering generic and tailored project‐management training programs and knowledge of the leading best‐practice methods in program and project management. Identifies common problems and outlines how these should be addressed through the involvement of HR and the provision of targeted training and development.

Findings

Reveals that, despite the availability and uptake of project‐management training courses, fundamental skill gaps remain. Argues that these generally take two forms – technical skills and interpersonal or soft skills – and that they are common at every level, from the project sponsor to the project manager, through to the project‐team members.

Practical implications

Explains that: generic training does not help employees to understand how projects should be run within their specific organization; project‐management skills are context‐specific and need to be assessed in relation to the project at hand; and HR has much to offer project managers in helping to deliver project success through people.

Social implications

Indicates how the cost of failed projects – which research puts at billions of dollars a year – could be cut.

Originality/value

Draws on the author's breadth of skill and experience to demonstrate key strategies that can help to reduce project failure and the associated costs.
Chocolate‐making melts away the inhibitions at Takeda
Authors: Whitehead Timmon
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Describes a team‐building training session for ten members of the UK medical affairs and regional medical advisors division of international pharmaceutical company Takeda.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the reasons for the session, the form it took and the results it achieved.

Findings

Details two activities – sculpting a horse's head from a block of ice and designing, making and branding chocolates – which formed the basis of the session.

Practical implications

Reveals that team members learned a lot about themselves and each other during the activities. Participants reported feeling closer as a team and communication within the group is now more relaxed.

Social implications

Highlights the importance of teams “getting away from the work environment” for a while to carry out team‐building activities.

Originality/value

Describes a successful team‐building event carried out in a small division of an international pharmaceutical company.
Getting to grips with stress in the workplace
Authors: Carr Jolynn , Kelley Becky , Keaton Rhett , Albrecht Chad
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to describes the causes of stress, how it is manifested in the workplace and strategies for reducing it.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains what stress is, how to recognize it and how to incorporate programs in order to reduce its negative impact.

Findings

Reveals that the main areas that influence the level of chronic stress felt in the workplace are perception of job demands, individual differences and social demands. Although stress management is often considered important by businesses, action is rarely taken until the damage has been done.

Practical implications

Advances the view that management needs to carefully and regularly monitor stress levels in the workplace, identify what is causing unnecessary stress and implement policies and procedures that will help to both manage and reduce stress.

Social implications

Claims that, while social demands can be psychologically distressing, social support from friends, colleagues and family tends to benefit psychological well‐being.

Originality/value

Reveals how reducing stress in the workplace will contribute to the quality of work life and help to move the company forward.
The future of the employment tribunal?
Authors: James Sarah
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Employment Tribunal.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the Employment Tribunal.

Findings

The Employment Tribunal (known as the Industrial Tribunal until 1998) began life in 1964 as a specialist forum to determine disputes about pay, and has grown, both in terms of the number of cases it handles, and the subject areas covered, until in the period 2009‐2010 it dealt with 236,100 claims. This represented an increase of 56 percent on 2008‐2009, mainly as a result of the rise in multiple equal pay claims in the public sector (which rose by nearly 90 percent on 2008‐2009), but also partly as a result of the changing economic climate. It is now the main forum for dealing with employment disputes, and given the background of current economic pressure on employers, the future direction of the tribunal has become a political “hot potato”.

Originality/value

Discusses the Employment Tribunal.
Interview with Mark Batey, R&D Director of E‐Metrixx and Joint Chairman of the Psychometrics at Work Research Group at Manchester Business School
Authors: by Juliet Harrison Interview
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To provide an interview with Mark Batey, R&D Director of E‐Metrixx & Joint Chairman of the Psychometrics at Work Research Group at Manchester Business School.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Dr Batey is an international authority on the Psychology of Creativity. In 2009, he was ranked second in the world for published research into creativity and in 2010, appeared with Lord Robert Winston on BBC's Child of Our Time. He presented at the 2010 HR Conference on the topic of “Addressing the Creativity Crisis,” looking at what we should be doing to develop creativity within ourselves and our organizations.

Practical implications

Provides guidance on how to change the culture of an organization to encourage creativity and how creativity can help businesses to survive turbulent markets.

Originality/value

Dr Batey draws on his experiences as a Psychologist and Chair of the Psychometrics at Work Research Group to offer businesses a new model for working. His research and training covers areas including: creativity, personality, financial behaviour, risk behaviour; attitudes towards fraud, emotional intelligence, and a whole different range of things related to how individuals can be different from one another. Through his interview, Dr Batey highlights how we can use this knowledge to work more effectively.
Ownership structure, corporate governance and dividend performance on the Ghana Stock Exchange
Authors: Bokpin Godfred A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to document the interaction between ownership structure, corporate governance and dividend performance on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data covering a period from 2002 to 2007 for 23 firms were analyzed within the framework of fixed effects techniques.

Findings

The paper reports that foreign share ownership significantly, positively, influences dividend payment among firms on the GSE. It found board size to have a statistically positive effect on dividend payment among the corporate governance variables. It did not, however, find a significant relationship between inside ownership, board independence, board intensity, CEO duality and dividend performance. The results also indicate that highly leveraged firms will significantly reduce dividend payments. Finally, age and income volatility were found to be significant determinants of dividend performance on the GSE.

Originality/value

The paper considers a much broader approach to investigating the impact of ownership structure and corporate governance on dividend performance on the GSE, a marked departure from other studies conducted on the GSE.
Bringing about positive change in the higher education student experience: a case study
Authors: Brown Sally
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to outline the ways in which staff of a post‐1992 UK university set about enhancing the student experience, at a time when the institution had poor student evaluations as demonstrated by the UK National Student Survey and other indicators. Using a range of interventions led by the PVC (Academic), a concerted effort is made to improve classroom teaching, assessment and feedback, and the ways in which actions taken in response to student feedback were reported back to students.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews some of the literature available on the NSS and on bringing about changes in universities, and demonstrates how such approaches were put in place.

Findings

Over a period of 18 months, it was possible to report significant changes in practice, resulting in demonstrable improvements, both in NSS scores and staff morale.

Research limitations/implications

The article uses a reportage approach, describing the steps taken as part of an evidence‐informed approach: potential future work will be undertaken by a new team, following a wide‐ranging restructuring of the university.

Practical implications

It was necessary to recognise that teaching staff felt they were already working very hard, so changes had to be both manageable for staff and demonstrably leading to measurable improvements.

Social implications

The article argues that a top‐down approach alone is insufficient to bring about rapid changes in a difficult context, and describes how diverse agents' enacted improvements.

Originality/value

The quality enhancement approaches described here are shared by a number of universities with similar aims: the originality of the approach lies in its coherence and collaborative nature, which combined evidence‐led leadership and cross‐institutional commitment.