bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using grounded theory to model visitor experiences at heritage sites
Authors: Daengbuppha Jaruwan , Hemmington Nigel , Wilkes Keith
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present grounded theory as an alternative approach for conceptualizing and modelling the consumer experience. The basic theoretical tenets of the grounded theory approach are contrasted with more traditional assumptions and methods used in consumer research.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on qualitative methods and a series of systematic ethnographic procedures, which along with the simultaneous processes of data collection and analysis, lead to the development of an inductive derived grounded theory of the visitor experience. In order to develop a model of the interactive experience of visitors to heritage sites, case studies are conducted at three World Heritage Sites in Thailand.

Findings

The findings indicate that the grounded theory approach has the potential to reveal a rich and deep understanding of visitor experiences, including the ways that visitors interact with the site, their interpretation of the site, and the meaning of the site for them.

Practical implications

It is suggested that the grounded theory approach can be a valuable tool in exploring the insights and meanings of visitors' experience and could be applied to future research in consumer behaviour. There are practical implications of this kind of research for the management of heritage sites in terms of visitor expectations, interactions and interpretations.

Originality/value

This study has developed a model of the experience and interaction of visitors to Thai World Heritage Sites which could be applied to other heritage sites. It illustrates the theoretical and practical issues of grounded theory approach to exploration and inductive development “interactive experience” of visitors at heritage sites. This is a qualitative research approach that could be adopted for a range of experience based industries such tourism, leisure and hospitality.
Using a multi‐method qualitative approach to examine collaborative relationships
Authors: Palakshappa Nitha , Ellen Gordon Mary
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a multi‐method approach for examining collaborative relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Collaborative relationship performance is examined by combining narratives, structured questionnaires, and perceptual mapping within a case‐based approach.

Findings

Details associated with case selection and subsequent analysis are discussed. Themes emerging from the study are used to illustrate the depth of insights that were gained.

Research implications/limitations

The findings demonstrate the value of the approach in discovering insights that would not have emerged from more commonly utilised methodologies.

Practical implications

The methodology described in this paper captures the detailed dynamics of collaborative business relationships. As such, it allowed us to identify specific steps that managers can take to improve the performance of their collaborative relationships: in particular by ensuring that everyone involved in the relationship shares an understanding of the purpose of the relationship, and the roles of the participating individuals and organisations.

Originality/value

The paper describes a new approach to studying collaborative business relationships, which is needed since the overall performance of collaborative business relationships is not improving in spite of extensive previous research trying to uncover the factors that influence performance.
A self‐representation analysis of the effects of individualist–collectivist interactions within organizations in individualistic cultures
Authors: Fujimoto Yuka , Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Increasingly, organizations in the Asia‐Pacific region are recognizing the importance of cross‐cultural management to the sustainability of their competitive edge. Although the literature is replete with cross‐cultural studies of individualism and collectivism, little information is available on the factors that foster effective individualist–collectivist interaction (ICI) within organizations. This paper attempts to provide a theoretical description of individualists and collectivists at the individual level of analysis, which offers specific testable hypotheses about the effect of self‐representation on prejudice between individualists and collectivists (ICs).

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a theoretical model is presented in which intergroup prejudices and interpersonal prejudices mediate the effects of ICI and bicultural orientation toward cross‐cultural experiences and, in which, the dissimilarity openness of the climate moderates the level and outcome of prejudices flowing from ICI.

Findings

The model depicts that the outcomes of ICI are mediated by the intergroup prejudices of collectivists and the interpersonal prejudices of individualists, which are moderated by the extent of diversity‐oriented HRM policies and practices and individuals’ orientation to cross‐cultural experiences. When workforces become culturally diverse, organizations should modify HRM practices to enable the full use of the range of skills and talents available from the diversity, and to ensure affective and behavioral costs are minimized. As globalization and international competition will continue to increase, organizations including those in the Asia‐Pacific region, should seriously re‐evaluate their HRM policies to adapt and take advantage of an increasingly culturally diverse workforce.

Originality/value

The model provides a useful basis upon which organization researchers and practitioners can base their respective agendas.
Strategically optimum maintenance of monitoring‐enabled multi‐component systems using continuous‐time jump deterioration models
Authors: Gupta Aparna , Lawsirirat Chaipal
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This article aims to analyze strategically optimal maintenance actions for a multi‐component system whose deterioration is observed through a monitoring system set in place to support condition‐based maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

Deterioration of a multi‐component system is modeled by a continuous‐time jump diffusion model which incorporates interaction between the components of the system. A simulation‐based optimization heuristic is developed to obtain strategically optimum maintenance actions. The methodology is applied to an illustrative example.

Findings

The article finds that the framework facilitates analyzing at a strategic level the role of degree of response to the deterioration of components for the overall functionality of a multi‐component system. The optimal solution for the illustrative example recommends a provider to perform a variety of opportunistic maintenance.

Practical implications

In this article, a framework is developed to determine strategically optimal maintenance actions for a multi‐component system whose deterioration is observed in real‐time through embedded monitoring units set in place to support condition‐based maintenance (CBM). The framework facilitates analyzing at a strategic level the role of degree of response to the deterioration of components for the overall functionality of a multi‐component system. A strategically optimal maintenance policy can then be enhanced to develop a detailed tactical maintenance strategy. This approach is expected to benefit the management of long‐term service agreements, where a service contract is sold bundled with a product, which makes a provider responsible for maintaining the product over a specified contract period.

Originality/value

Besides a tactical approach for performing maintenance, in order to stay profitable in the long‐run, a decision maker needs to assess the strategic performance of maintenance strategies adopted. This framework is a first attempt to facilitate this analysis at a strategic level for a monitoring‐enabled multi‐component system.
Theory and practice converge: a proposed set of corporate communication principles
Authors: Bishop Bojinka
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To report on empirical research which tested the use and value of ten specific characteristics of communication, the principles of authentic communication, and based on the findings, to recommend them as corporate communication best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The principles of authentic communication were grounded in both professional and academic literature to establish their applicability in corporate communication and their role in cultivating symmetrical communication. A survey was mailed to large US water utilities to determine various aspects of their communication programs. Analyses were conducted using SPSS.

Findings

Data analyses showed that all ten principles of authentic communication were correlated with communication success.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include a fairly low response rate and the self reporting of success. Suggestions for further research are testing the principles with larger samples, in different industries, and/or in a multiple‐industry mix. In addition, defining the concept of success within the survey instrument might render insight into the respondents' interpretations of the term.

Practical implications

Based on this study, it is recommended that the principles of authentic communication be utilized to a high degree in professional practice.

Originality/value

Although each principle has been recognized in communication literature, it is the first time that these ten characteristics have been specified as a set of ten and have been shown through empirical research to be correlated with success. The value of this work is that it provides hard evidence to support the use and value of the principles of authentic communication in corporate communication.
Towards a framework for improvement in the management of demand in agri‐food supply chains
Authors: Taylor David H. , Fearne Andrew
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To highlight the problems with and propose a framework for improving demand management in retail food supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on empirical evidence from multiple case studies and develops a framework for improvement in demand management for retail food supply chains.

Findings

Analysis of the characteristics of demand within a number of retail food supply chains demonstrates a propensity for misalignment of demand and supply due to issues such as demand amplification, inappropriate production policies and inconsistencies with information systems and data handling procedures.

Research limitations/implications

The case study evidence on which the conceptual framework is based is drawn exclusively from the UK, where retail food supply chains are generally more mature than in other parts of the world. The proposed framework is based on empirical evidence but has not been formally tested.

Practical implications

More collaboration, information sharing and joint planning beyond the manufacturer‐retailer interface is critical if retail food supply chains are to function efficiently and effectively in retail environments where promotional activity creates significant uncertainty.

Originality/value

Demand management in retail food supply chains has received little attention from supply chain researchers to date. This paper proposes a framework for improvement based on greater collaboration and joint planning from farm to fork.
Enhancing agility by timely sharing of supply information
Authors: Li Gang , Lin Yi , Wang Shouyang , Yan Hong
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Although a lot of attention has been paid to demand information sharing in the recent decade, few studies look at the value of supply information sharing. The purpose of this paper is to address the importance of timely supply information sharing to the supply chain management under disruption is addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

By introducing a Directed Acyclic Supply Network (DASN) model and an Impact Network (INet) model, the impact of a disruption on the performance of the supply chain is quantified. A comprehensive algorithm is developed to calculate the time and cost impact of the disruption. Insights about the value of timely supply information sharing are further discussed, based on quantitative relationships of material flows. Finally, an application of the above model in a main manufacturer of China is introduced. It is then compared to its performance in the case of timely supply information sharing with cases where information is not shared or is shared late.

Findings

By timely sharing of supply information, firms at downstream stages can alert a disruption at an upstream stage, derive the correct early warning time, and make proper decisions to offset the impact of the disruption. Information sharing therefore enhances the agility of firms while improving the stability and performance of the whole supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only considers the time and cost impact from a single source of disruption. Further work may investigate other disruptions, which may arise from multiple sources.

Practical implications

This paper provides an effective method to quantify the impact of a disruption. The method has been successfully applied in a supply chain management information system.

Originality/value

This paper is among the initial studies of understanding and quantifying the value of supply information sharing. The work indicates the importance of timely supply information sharing to improve the performance of a supply chain.
Niche market strategy in the textile and apparel industry
Authors: Parrish Erin D. , Cassill Nancy L. , Oxenham William
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how the textile and apparel industry can utilize a niche market strategy in order to compete with lower priced imports.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design used for this study was an in‐depth case study method. The sample consisted of selected companies from the fiber, textile, apparel, and auxiliary sectors who are considered leaders in the US textile and apparel industry.

Findings

Results indicated that firms can approach a niche strategy from either a market or a product perspective. Findings also indicated variables that are used by firms for both approaches. The most important factor in which a firm needs to focus is understanding the consumer.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limited sample size of US textile and apparel firms, the results can only be generalized to those companies that participated in the study and not the entire textile and apparel industry.

Practical implications

This research study showed that a niche strategy is a promising global competitive strategy for the textile and apparel industry that can be used to compete with lower priced imports.

Originality/value

This study clarifies not only how a niche market/product is defined by the industry, but also how firms can implement and maintain a successful niche strategy.
Personality predictors of participation as a mentor
Authors: Niehoff Brian P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the personality characteristics of mentors.

Design/methodology/approach

The five factor model of personality was used to examine relationships between personality and participation as a mentor. A sample of 194 practicing veterinarians were surveyed on the five factor model of personality and a scale assessing their participation as a mentor across junior professionals, interns and high school students.

Findings

Results indicated that extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience were positively correlated with participation as a mentor. Personality traits also explained significant variance in participation as a mentor after controlling for prior experience with a mentor. These results suggest that participation as a mentor could be influenced to some degree by personality. Mentoring involves active engagement in an environment requiring social, task, and idea‐related capabilities, thus individuals who are extroverted, conscientious, and open to experience would likely feel more comfortable.

Research implications/limitations

The study was only a survey study with data gathered from a single source, so any causal inferences are limited.

Practical implications

If individuals volunteer for mentoring based primarily on personality tendencies, then it is possible that many talented employees would not be attracted to a mentoring situation due to their personalities. In order to have the best mentors, organizations might have to develop mechanisms to attract, select, motivate, and train talented employees to volunteer for and remain in such service.

Originality/value

Relatively little research has focused on the personality characteristics of mentors.
Gender differences in policing: reasons for optimism?
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Richardsen Astrid M. , Martinussen Monica
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This exploratory study compared job demands, work attitudes and outcomes, social resources and indicators of burnout and psychological health of male and female police officers in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 173 male and 48 female police officers using anonymous questionnaires.

Findings

Many demographic differences were present in that male officers were older, had longer organizational and job tenure, worked more hours and overtime hours, were more likely to work full‐time, worked in smaller units and were at higher organizational levels. Few differences were found on job demands but male officers experienced more autonomy.

Research limitations/implications

The two groups were generally similar on work attitudes, work and career satisfactions, social resources and psychological health. Female police officers did indicate more psychosomatic symptoms, however. While other studies have reported gender differences, few appeared here.

Originality/value

This research indicates that police forces can create a work environment where males and females are treated similarly.
Consumer beware: a few words about accreditation
Authors: Brownell Sally
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to point out the dangers inherent in choosing schools or programs from the internet, particularly in the field of health services, which may not be accredited, and therefore not recognized either by other institutions or by employers.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is described and some of the better known American accrediting agencies are listed.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications in terms of providing useful steps for anyone interested in exploring a health services career through ongoing education.

Originality/value

The paper represents a viewpoint from the perspective of an American accreditation consultant who is familiar with the organizational and program accreditation system in the USA.
The effect of family business size as firms grow: a USA‐France comparison
Authors: Lussier Robert N. , Sonfield Matthew C.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how family businesses change as they grow in size, and to compare differences between the USA and France.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is survey research, statisticallyt‐testing 12 hypothesized differences between smaller and larger firms in the USA (n=159) and in France (n=116).

Findings

The research finds that both countries' larger firms have significantly (p< 0.05) more non‐family members within top management and make greater use of outside consultants, advisors, and professional services than smaller firms. However, family businesses in France had no other significant differences, while those in the USA had four. Larger US firms have a smaller percentage of women family members working in the firm and less conflict and disagreement between family members; they also spend more time in strategic management activities, and use more sophisticated methods of financing.

Research limitations/implications

There are some variations between the two country samples.

Practical implications

Understanding whether and how family business management activities, styles and characteristics change with growth can help those who own and manage such businesses. It can also be of value to those who advise and assist family businesses, as well as researchers who study them.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze the effect of firm size on family business management and to conduct a cross‐national comparison.
A classification model to support SME e‐commerce adoption initiatives
Authors: Stockdale Rosemary , Standing Craig
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Adoption and effective use of e‐commerce remains low among small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) despite substantial investments. This paper aims to analyse the e‐commerce adoption paths of SMEs to identify a specific group that would benefit the most from e‐commerce initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study builds on a government‐funded research project that aimed to improve SMEs' understanding of on‐line trading. Data were drawn from case studies of smaller businesses, stakeholders and a series of seminars. A literature review supported the empirical data.

Findings

The paper finds that SMEs have significantly different attitudes to online business and cannot be regarded as a homogenous group for e‐commerce initiatives. Rather, specific targeting would enhance participation and lead to more effective use. Using categories derived from the literature, a classification of five SME groupings based on firms' motivations is proposed. It is recommended that adoption initiatives are targeted at two groups which have the need or desire to become e‐enabled.

Research limitations/implications

By providing recommendations for targeted initiatives the paper contributes to the development of effective support for SMEs' e‐commerce adoption. Motivators and inhibitors to adoption are discussed within the context of existing literature to confirm and challenge current thought and present the case for more research into SMEs' motivations.

Originality/value

Value lies in the paper's use of empirical data derived from three separate methods of data collection and informed by the literature. This provides rich data to enable wider implications of the subject area to be discussed and contributes new perspectives to the SME e‐commerce adoption debate.
Value and worth: probability analysis
Authors: French Nick
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider probability analysis in the context of value and worth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the Data table, an inbuilt function of Excel (and Lotus 123), that allows the user to put a table on the input screen and tests the functions against a predetermined matrix of changing inputs.

Findings

The advantage of using a probability based analysis to test the variables is that it allows the user to get a better view of the possible outcomes, in this case the range of IRRs that may be achieved.

Originality/value

This paper looks at the usefulness of using data tables to predict different scenarios and outcomes.
An assessment of property performance forecasts: consensus versus econometric
Authors: Tsolacos Sotiris
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to evaluate accuracy and efficiency of consensus forecasts for all property rents and total returns in the UK. The aim of the paper is to investigate whether consensus forecasts, containing a high degree of judgement, are better than forecasts produced by uncomplicated time‐series and econometric models that practitioners can easily estimate and use for forecasting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates simple models of all property rents and returns and generates forecasts for one‐ and two‐year horizons on a rolling basis over the period 1999 to 2004. These forecasts are real time forecasts. That is they are made using information available to the analyst at the time of the forecast each year and no future knowledge is assumed. The forecasts made by these models are compared with the corresponding consensus forecasts. The comparative assessment is based on conventional tests for bias, variability and efficiency of forecasts.

Findings

If attention is focused on rents, the consensus forecast is ranked best for the one‐year horizon but it is outperformed by the regression model and a combination of the statistical models for the two‐year horizon. For the one‐year and two‐year forecasts of total returns a simple regression model with interest rates clearly improves upon the consensus forecasts. There is clear evidence that the consensus forecasts fail to incorporate the information contained in recent interest rate movements. Therefore subject to the sample period for this analysis the survey forecasts of total returns cannot be considered impartial. Analysts should include base rate information into their predictions.

Originality/value

This is one of the few attempts to formally evaluate consensus forecasts in the real estate field and perform a direct comparison with quantitative forecasts. It produces initial evidence suggesting that highly judgemental consensus forecasts do not necessarily outperform quantitative forecasts based on fundamentals. It prompts property forecasters and investors to engage in forecast evaluation and include missing information and past errors in their forecasts.
When foresight seems impeccable, things still go wrong. Why?
Authors: Richardson Jacques
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to provide a systematic examination of the unanticipated results following the introduction of various types of new policy, process, design, product or service.

Design/methodology/approach

A rough taxonomy categorizes the generic kinds of unintentional consequences.

Findings

Careless political, technical, commercial, military or even personal decisions often underlie the most problematic of secondary effects.

Originality/value

Unscheduled second‐ or third‐order effects have often been attributed to a “law” governing such phenomena. Although no such law exists, there exist indeed the unwanted effects – and sometimes on a grand scale, too often a bane of humankind.
A vision for channel strategies
Authors: Pumphrey Stephen
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the golden rules for formulating future channel strategies in consumer‐facing organizations in both commercial and public sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The rules for future channel strategy come to light through practical experience and subsequent critical examination of leading practice in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, and media and entertainment, as well as utilities, retail, retail financial services, travel and the public sector.

Findings

Current trends in channel strategy require a fundamental re‐think of the roles played at the consumer interface by people on one hand, and by machines on the other; leading to social and technological implications respectively. Successful channel strategies will direct the target mix of channels to the serve the most common reasons for contact with customers; taking into account the associated costs, customer segments, and frequency of contact. They will exploit simultaneous channel interactions, higher levels of channel prescription and constraint in the number of customer access points. The emerging strategies will determine refresh of enabling customer‐facing IT systems and, crucially, drive the business transformation required for success in multi‐channel environments.

Originality/value

Organizations that observe the channel strategy rules in this paper will develop superior channel strategies. The rewards include genuine sales volume or margin improvements for retailers, major cost savings in the public sector, and more‐competitive business models in travel and entertainment.
The recovery of BPR implementation through an ERP approach
Authors: Huq Ziaul , Martin Thomas N.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the approaches towards implementation of business process reengineering (BPR), and to provide some evidence as to which approach offers a greater chance of success.

Design/methodology/approach

A hospital case analysis is used to study where both top‐down/participative BPR and enterprise resource planning (ERP)‐driven BPR were used to reengineer its processes.

Findings

With an ERP‐driven BPR, it is easier to define the scope of the project, design of the process changes, mapping of the new system in the software, and to obtain a realistic preview of the outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

ERP‐driven approach to BPR implementation used in this hospital represented a holistic rather than a piecemeal approach to an organization‐wide change effort. There is always a tendency for the motivation and support for such change efforts to dissipate. Research is needed on how to sustain the momentum for such change endeavors.

Practical implications

With ERP‐driven BPR it is easier for management to offer a realistic preview of the expected outcomes, possible changes in the design and scope of the project, and to guard against unrealistic worker expectations. However, the ERP‐driven change approach requires close cooperation and mutual protocols between all the principal stakeholders, i.e. the executive suite, ERP system vendor, business process and support teams, and IT department.

Originality/value

The paper offers a rare insight into a company where both approaches to BPR implementation were tried and provides evidence in support of ERP‐driven BPR.
The campus environmental management system cycle in practice
Authors: Clarke Amelia
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To challenge the deliberate strategy approach of the environmental management system (EMS) cycle, and offer a model based on both the practical reality experienced at Dalhousie University and emergent strategy theory. Also, to share some of the lessons learned in the 15 years of environmental management at Dalhousie University.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of environmental management at Dalhousie University between 1990 and 2005 was conducted. Data were collected through 13 interviews with senior management and through 22 interviews with faculty, students and staff.

Findings

Two EMS cycles emerged with an overlap in the policy, planning and implementation phases, as well as unpredicted “maintaining implementation” and “renewing” phases. Emergent plans and best practices from other universities fed into the EMS cycle at the implementation and review stages, respectively.

Practical implications

An improved EMS model is presented. It includes feedback loops, emergent plans, unrealized plans, the renew concept, and best practices. Six practical lessons extracted from the case study are: “early movers”; champions; administrative versus academic versus joint environmental policies; opportunism; and, the change cycle. The sustaining and renewing phases that Dalhousie University experienced are important for practitioners to be aware of. The case itself also presents an overview of numerous initiatives.

Originality/value

Integrates strategic management and campus EMS theory to create a new model, while also outlining 15 years of environmental management and change cycles experienced at Dalhousie University.
Core issues
Authors: Sherren Kate
Published: September 2006

Purpose

In addition to mapping the consistency in rhetoric behind education for sustainability, despite changes in jargon over the past 30 years, this paper endeavours to estimate the degree to which these ideas have been integrated into the Australian tertiary sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of a recent internet‐based audit of tertiary environmental and sustainability offerings are used to reflect upon key ideas associated with a liberal sustainability education: interdisciplinarity, cosmopolitanism and civics.

Findings

Sustainability is not yet well integrated in specialist or generalist coursework programs in Australia, largely due to a “customer”‐focused higher education sector. Additionally, the emphasis of such programs is usually technological solutions and scientific ken, to the detriment of human cultures and behavioural change.

Practical implications

Concrete recommendations are given to inform the development of appropriate generalist sustainability curricula, including liberal characteristics such as broad foundational years, and increased historical, spatial and cultural context.

Originality/value

This paper provides a valuable overview of progress towards sustainability in Australian university programs, based on a comprehensive survey, and with a minimum of new jargon to ensure accessibility for practitioners.
Improving service delivery in FM: case study of a UK hospital facilities directorate
Authors: Sarshar M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study of SPICE FM implementation in the Facilities Directorate of a major UK hospital. SPICE FM is a process improvement framework for FM organisations, which was developed through university research in the UK. SPICE FM identified strengths and weaknesses of the facilities operation and provides specific guidelines for organisational improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was limited to four areas of operations, namely: catering; estates; domestics and portering. A brief organisational strategy is developed, through document review, semi‐structured interviews and a small workshop. A vertical section of staff in the Facilities Directorate participated in the case study to determine the operational capabilities of the organisation. The staff ranged from Director of Facilities to line employees. The managers partook in semi‐structured interviews, while the employees participated in workshops.

Findings

The case study highlights some of the operational deficiencies in the organisation, such as health and safety management, and risk management. It identifies specifically how these processes can be improved, and which improvements are effectively linked to strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only focuses on level 2 of the SPICE FM framework. Level 3 has not been researched yet. Also the SPICE FM approach must be linked to other major organisational development tools, such as EFQM, IIP and ISO.

Practical implications

A very useful approach in linking strategy with operational process improvements.

Originality/value

This case study puts the SPICE FM organisational learning framework in context. Previous papers have not reported on any major case studies, in order to demonstrates how the framework can be implemented.
Managing NHS records: complying with the new code of practice
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assess the new NHS code of practice on records management, published in March 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The guidelines are put into the context of good practice, and changes to the way that medical practice is being delivered. Recent MPS experience of complaints and claims is also used to inform the analysis.

Findings

The code of practice includes much that is useful, in particular reviewing the legislation on the subject and providing more detailed retention schedules than the previous guidance. However, there are also some omissions, and some areas where more detail would have been helpful.

Practical implications

Health professionals can take advantage of the new code of practice to refresh their knowledge and, if they have responsibility, review the records management within their own organisation.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the continuing risks of substandard records management.
Towards lean product lifecycle management
Authors: Hines Peter , Francis Mark , Found Pauline
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a holistic framework for guiding applied research within the field of new product development. This work is a precursor to developing a framework for undertaking lean product lifecycle management (PLM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach taken in this work has been based around theory development from a review and synthesis of a range of primary industry cases, practical approaches and partial solutions available within the existing literature.

Findings

The result is a six‐step theoretical framework that can be used as a point of reference for academics discussing the development of systemic approaches to the subject, as well as those from industry searching for a framework for their new product development activity. At this point the framework as a whole has not been tested, although each of the various elements has been successfully applied in isolation. The implications of this paper are that the existing technical product development literature has a number of gaps and weaknesses. These include, but are not limited to: a propensity to be functionally myopic, tending to be mostly dominated by marketing or quality/engineering perspective; a lack of focus on the human aspects of product development and a lack of focus on real world environments that often involve a high volume of medium to low innovation products being developed simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to space limitations, we have not covered in detail the wider process of lean PLM which will be covered in future work

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is not in its constituent framework elements but more in its synthesis of existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a coherent framework for the achievement of effective lean PLM.
Green productivity indexing
Authors: Mohan Das Gandhi N. , Selladurai V. , Santhi P.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate an approach for developing a framework of indicators for integrating environmental protection into corporate performance. This paper also highlights Green Productivity Index (GPI) of the Continuous Improvement (CI) performed in a foundry casting, which includes both economic and environmental performances.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper data were collected from a foundry and used for developing indicators and Green Productivity Index (GPI). Mass balance concept was used for quantification of environmental indicators.

Findings

The paper finds the approach adopted will provide a clear guidance for developing indicator and GPI to various types of industries. A casting case indicates that the GPI can be used as an actionable feedback for leadership to make effective decisions.

Research limitations/implications

This research in this paper developed a framework of indicators for measuring direct environmental impact from the foundry, while indirect environmental impact due to electricity consumed has yet to be performed. Limited external validity of the indicator framework, as the analysis was performed in a single foundry.

Practical implications

The paper relies on a unique foundry data. Environmental indicators may vary, since the melting furnace used for melting metal and type of molding process used for making molds may vary from one foundry to another.

Originality/value

This paper is a holistic approach of combining theory and practical ideas to cover the scope of sustainable development. From a research perspective, it establishes a framework of indicators for the integration of environment into foundry and creates new research and application opportunities to other pollution‐intensive industries. From a practical perspective, the framework of indicators developed to this point provides a guideline of immediate applicability.
An Egyptian case study: financial services for young people who work
Authors: Hossein Caroline , Redfern Julie , Carothers Richard
Published: September 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show some of the innovative ways loans are being disbursed to help microfinance institutions (MFIs) diversify their portfolios and reach a young and viable market. The paper attempt to highlight how MEDA/PTE's project in Egypt can contribute to the industry learning on microfinance (MF) and occupational hazards and young people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an Egyptian case study to present how financial products can impact social issues such as working children and at – risk youth.

Findings

The study finds that the young people market has been rarely researched in the MF sector. Children and youth like many other groups face a host of issues especially unemployed and poor ones. Program design has often focused on social interventions and keeping young people away from work and in the school system. Through a rights‐based approach, this project is learning that the young people are key actors in many micro enterprises as workers and in some cases as business owners themselves. The market is diverse and so are the needs of the children and youth who are involved. It is time to consider innovation in designing programs for young people. There are alternative learning techniques and skill development for young people in poor countries where school and social services do not meet their needs. Learning within actual workplaces can provide alternate educational opportunities for children provided the work is safe and age appropriate. Programs focused on young people and economic empowerment and job creation will assist many developing nations in stabilizing systems and supporting the productive human assets. The authors have found that despite the rhetoric for youth and employment, the youth arena has been neglected of practical and relevant research. MF industry can advance thinking for young people market. We are finding that MF may impact business owners to improve workplace conditions. Loans also contribute to increase learning, higher wages and lower work hours for young people who work.

Research limitations/implications

Lack of current studies focused on young people and MF. Studies carried out are based on very small samples and vignettes. A recently completed study carried out by MEDA/PTE with financial support from CIDA shows MF impacts on children as workers and business owners but there is plenty of opportunity for increasing levels of research in this area.

Originality/value

This paper shares original case material from Egypt's project, to share lessons on the ground and design and implementation learnings. This paper will be of interest to youth serving organizations, MFIs, banks, child rights community, donors and governments with an interest in children and youth.
A prospective cohort study on orally administered heroin substitution for severely addicted opioid users
Authors: Frick Ulrich , Rehm Jürgen , Kovacic Susanne , Ammann Jeannine , Uchtenhagen Ambros
Published: September 2006

Aims  To assess the efficacy and safety of orally administered heroin [diacetylmorphine (DAM)] tablets in substitution treatment of severely addicted opioid users.

Design  An open‐label, prospective cohort study with two non‐randomly assigned treatment arms and historical controls: DAM tablets only versus DAM tablets combined with injected DAM and/or other opioids, with an observation period of 1 year.

Setting  Twenty‐one out‐patient treatment centres of the Swiss heroin‐assisted treatment programme.

Participants  A total of 128 patients received DAM tablets only, and 237 patients received a combination of orally and intravenously applied DAM and other opioids.

Measurements  Retention rate after 1 year; number of serious adverse events; dosage of DAM over time; subjective tolerance of study medication.

Findings  In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, 1‐year retention rates after 1 year in the DAM tablets‐only group [0.804, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.735–0.873] as well as in the subgroup combining oral application of DAM with intravenous application or other opioids (0.843, 95% CI = 0.797–0.889) were higher compared to historical controls (Swiss cohort of patients who had been substituted intravenously with DAM; 1‐year retention rate = 0.70). Rates of serious adverse events under study medication (tablets only = 0.038 per application year; tablets in combination = 0.028 per application year) were comparable to the historical rate of the Swiss heroin‐assisted treatment (0.043).

Conclusions  DAM tablets seem to be an effective and safe application mode of heroin‐assisted substitution treatment. Randomized clinical trials to compare its relative efficacy to other substances are necessary.
Temperature‐independent diel variation in soil respiration observed from a temperate deciduous forest
Authors: LIU Q. , EDWARDS N. T. , POST W. M. , GU L. , LEDFORD J. , LENHART S.
Published: September 2006

The response of soil respiration (Rs) to temperature depends largely on the temporal and spatial scales of interest and how other environmental factors interact with this response. They are often represented by empirical exponential equations in many ecosystem analyses because of the difficulties in separating covarying environmental responses and in observing below ground processes. The objective of this study was to quantify a soil temperature‐independent component in Rs by examining the diel variation of an Rs time series measured in a temperate deciduous forest located at Oak Ridge, TN, USA between March and December 2003. By fitting 2 hourly, continuous automatic chamber measurements of CO2 efflux at the soil surface to a Q10 function to obtain the temperature‐dependent respiration (Rt) and plotting the diel cycles of Rt, Rs, and their difference (Ri), we found that an obvious temperature‐independent component exists in Rs during the growing season. The diel cycle of this component has a distinct day/night pattern and agrees well with diel variations in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and air temperature. Elevated canopy CO2 concentration resulted in similar patterns in the diel cycle of the temperature‐independent component but with different daily average rates in different stages of growing season. We speculate that photosynthesis of the stand is one of the main contributors to this temperature‐independent respiration component although more experiments are needed to draw a firm conclusion. We also found that despite its relatively small magnitude compared with the temperature‐dependent component, the diel variation in the temperature‐independent component can lead to significantly different estimates of the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration in the study forest. As a result, the common practice of using fitted temperature‐dependent function from night‐time measurements to extrapolate soil respiration during the daytime may underestimate daytime soil respiration.