bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing employee social identification to customer satisfaction research
Authors: Solnet David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the concept of linkage research and propose the addition of social identity theory as an important consideration in managing employee‐customer interactions and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the creation of a conceptual model, this study used an employee questionnaire based on the incorporation of service climate (SERV*OR) and employee identification factors. A total of 314 individual surveys were collected from four hotels in Australia. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine the effects that demographic factors, service climate and different levels of employee identification would have on predictions of customer satisfaction.

Findings

Service climate factors most closely linked to customer‐centric organizational practices were the significant predictors of customer satisfaction perceptions, as was employee identification at the superordinate (company) level.

Practical implications

The framework proposed and the findings of this study provided management with useful information about the important role of service climate and the way in which managers can capitalize on employee identification to enhance organizational practices, which can flow on to customer outcomes.

Originality/value

There is limited previous literature that attempts to incorporate social identity theory as a valuable dimension in the management of employee‐customer interaction.
Parallel computation of two‐dimensional laminar inert and chemically reactive multi‐species gas flows
Authors: Ess P.R. , Allen C.B.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

A computational fluid dynamics code for the calculation of laminar hypersonic multi‐species gas flows in chemical non‐equilibrium in axisymmetric or two‐dimensional configuration on shared and distributed memory parallel computers is presented and validated. The code is designed to work efficiently in combination with an automatic domain decompositioning method developed to facilitate efficient parallel computations of various flow problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The baseline implicit numerical method developed is the lower‐upper symmetric Gauss‐Seidel scheme, which is combined with a sub‐iteration scheme to achieve time‐accuracy up to third‐order. The spatial discretisation is based on Roe's flux‐difference splitting and various non‐linear flux limiters maintaining total‐variation diminishing properties and up to third‐order spatial accuracy in continuous regions of flow. The domain subdivision procedure is designed to work for single‐ and multi‐block domains without being constrained by the block boundaries, and an arbitrary number of processors used for the computation.

Findings

The code developed reproduces accurately various types of flows, e.g. flow over a flat plate, diffusive mixing and oscillating shock induced combustion around a projectile fired into premixed gas, and demonstrates close to linear scalability within limits of load imbalance.

Research limitations/implications

The cases considered are axisymmetric or two‐dimensional, and assume laminar flow. An extension to three‐dimensional turbulent flows is left for future work.

Originality/value

Results of a parallel computation, utilising a newly developed automatic domain subdivision procedure, for oscillating shock‐induced combustion around a projectile and various other cases are presented. The influence of entropy correction in Roe's flux‐difference splitting algorithm on diffusive mixing of multi‐species flows was examined.
Numerical simulation of heat and fluid flow in basic pulse tube refrigerator
Authors: Koshimizu Takao , Kubota Hiromi , Takata Yasuyuki , Ito Takehiro
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To clarify the physical working principle of refrigeration in basic pulse tube refrigerators (BPTRs).

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical simulation was performed. Transient compressible NS equation was solved utilizing the TVD scheme coupled with energy equation.

Findings

The periodic flow and temperature field were obtained. The movement of the gas particles and heat transfer between the gas particles and wall were analyzed. These numerical results explained the mechanism of surface heat pumping (SHP) which is known as the working principle of refrigeration in BPTR.

Research limitations/implications

Pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) is classified into the third generation. BPTR is the first generation. It is needed to clarify the working principle of refrigeration in the second and third generation by analyzing heat and fluid flow in the tube.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information to understand the physical working principle of refrigeration in BPTR.

Originality/value

The mechanism of SHP was shown by analyzing the heat exchange between the gas particles and pulse tube wall.
A model of heat transfer dynamics of coupled multiphase‐flow and neutron‐radiation
Authors: Pain C.C. , Gomes J.L.M.A. , Eaton  , de Oliveira C.R.E. , Goddard A.J.H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present dynamical analysis of axisymmetric and three‐dimensional (3D) simulations of a nuclear fluidized bed reactor. Also to determine the root cause of reactor power fluctuations.

Design/methodology/approach

We have used a coupled neutron radiation (in full phase space) and high resolution multiphase gas‐solid Eulerian‐Eulerian model.

Findings

The reactor can take over 5 min after start up to establish a quasi‐steady‐state and the mechanism for the long term oscillations of power have been established as a heat loss/generation mechanism. There is a clear need to parameterize the temperature of the reactor and, therefore, its power output for a given fissile mass or reactivity. The fission‐power fluctuates by an order of magnitude with a frequency of 0.5‐2 Hz. However, the thermal power output from gases is fairly steady.

Research limitation/implications

The applications demonstrate that a simple surrogate of a complex model of a nuclear fluidised bed can have a predictive ability and has similar statistics to the more complex model.

Practical implications

This work can be used to analyze chaotic systems and also how the power is sensitive to fluctuations in key regions of the reactor.

Originality/value

The work presents the first 3D model of a nuclear fluidised bed reactor and demonstrates the value of numerical methods for modelling new and existing nuclear reactors.
Particle number per cell and scaling factor effect on accuracy of DSMC simulation of micro flows
Authors: Shu C. , Mao X.H. , Chew Y.T.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to give some guidance on the selection of particle numbers per cell and the number of molecules per particle in the micro flow simulation by using DSMC method.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical investigation is performed to study the effects of particle number per cell and the scaling factor of real molecules to a simulated particle on accuracy of DSMC simulation of two‐dimensional micro channel flows in the “slip flow” and “transition flow” regimes.

Findings

Numerical results show that both the particle number per cell and the scaling factor have effect on the accuracy of the DSMC results from the statistical error and the physical aspects. In the “slip flow” regime, a larger value of scaling factor can be used to obtain accurate results as compared to the “transition flow” regime. However, in the “transition flow” regime, much less number of particles in each cell can be used to generate accurate DSMC results as compared to the “slip flow” regime.

Research limitations/implications

The present work is limited to the two‐dimensional case.

Practical implications

The results of this paper are very useful for the two‐dimensional micro flow simulation by DSMC.

Originality/value

The work in this paper is original and provides guidance on micro flow simulation.
Numerical investigation of heat transfer on film cooling with shaped holes
Authors: Zhang X.‐Z. , Hassan I.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop a reliable methodology and procedure of simulating the jet‐in‐crossflow using the current turbulence models and numerically investigate the cooling performance of a new scheme for the engines of next generation.

Design/methodology/approach

A new advanced film cooling scheme is proposed based on the literature survey and a systematic methodology developed to successfully predict the right level of heat transfer in the CFD simulation of film cooling.

Findings

The proposed cooling scheme gives considerable lower heat transfer coefficient at the centerline in the near hole region than the traditional cylindrical hole, especially at a high blowing ratio when traditional cylindrical hole undergoes liftoff.

Research limitations/implications

The number of cooling holes in the computational domain is limited by the speed of the computers used.

Practical implications

The new methodology can be used to numerically test new cooling schemes in the design of turbine blades and to provide useful information/data under actual working conditions to design engineers.

Originality/value

This paper provides some useful information on the simulation of film cooling in terms of the performance of different turbulence models and wall treatments and also sends some valuable messages regarding the design of cooling scheme of turbine blades to the technical community.
Modelling of strongly swirling flows in a complex geometry using unstructured meshes
Authors: Wang Junye , Priestman Geoffrey H. , Tippetts John R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Seeks to examine the performance of conventional turbulence models modelling strongly swirling flows within a Symmetrical Turn up Vortex Amplifier, with adjustment of the turbulence model constants to improve agreement with experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the standard k‐ε model and the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) were used with standard values of model constants, using both the first order upwind and the quadratic upstream interpolation for convective kinetics (QUICK) schemes. Then, the swirling effect was corrected by adjusting the model coefficients.

Findings

The standard RSM with the QUICK did produce better predictions but still significantly overestimated the experimental data. Much improved simulation was obtained with the systematic adjustment of the model constants in the standard k‐ε model using the QUICK. The physical significance of the model constants accounted for changes of the eddy viscosity, and the production and destruction of k and ε.

Research limitations/implications

More industrial cases could benefit from this simple and useful approach.

Originality/value

The constant adjustment is regular and directed, based on the eddy viscosity and the production and destruction of k and ε. The regularity of the effect of the model constants on the solutions makes it easier to quickly adjust them for other industrial applications.
Neuro‐genetic optimization of micro compact heat exchanger
Authors: Lee H.W. , Teng Y.J. , Azid I.A. , Seetharamu K.N.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to introduce an optimization method for maximizing the effectiveness of the micro compact heat exchanger (MHE) under various geometrical parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimization is realized using the neuro‐genetic methodology which combines the application of artificial neural network (ANN) together with genetic algorithms (GA). The analyses are divided into two main sections; the first being the modeling and prediction using finite element method, the second being the neuro‐genetic optimization. Initial results obtained from the finite element modeling are utilized for training in ANN. Subsequently, optimization is done using GA, once a well trained ANN is achieved.

Findings

ANN accurately predicts the effectiveness of the MHE and compares well with those obtained from the finite element simulation. Optimization shows a significant improvement in the maximum effectiveness of the MHE achievable for the given range of input parameters. Additionally, computational effort has been minimized and simulation time has been drastically reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is valid for constant fluid properties and for steady‐state conditions. Additionally, optimization is limited to the range of the trained input parameters.

Practical implications

This paper is very useful for practical design of various types of heat exchangers.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful for the design of the MHE where its performance can be analyzed for a given range of geometries with minimal effort. This methodology will also be applicable for other types of heat exchangers.
Numerical simulation of two‐dimensional laminar mixed‐convection in a lid‐driven cavity using the mixed finite element consistent splitting scheme
Authors: Wong Jeff C.‐F.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient/robust numerical algorithm for solving the two‐dimensional laminar mixed‐convection in a lid‐driven cavity using the mixed finite element (FE) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical algorithm was based on the so‐called consistent splitting scheme, which improved the numerical accuracy of the primitive variables. In order to obtain a stable solution, two choices of mixed FEs, the Taylor‐Hood and Crouzeix‐Raviart types, were used. Two mesh layouts were considered; uniform and non‐uniform.

Findings

To verify that the proposed scheme had a second‐order accuracy, some numerical results are presented and compared with the known solution. The answer was confirmative. Numerically accurate solutions were obtained for a fixed Prandtl number, Pr=0.71, for a range of the Reynolds number, Re from 100 to 3,000, and for a range of the Richardson number, Ri from 0.001 to 100. The results from these calculations, using the mixed FE consistent splitting scheme, agreed with the existing ones.

Research limitations/implications

Further extensions of this work could include the influence of various choices of Reynolds numbers, Prandtl numbers and Richardson numbers, and the effect of aspect ratio.

Originality/value

The present work was the first to apply a mixed FE in association with the consistent splitting scheme to the mixed convection problem.
Work/life balance: senior management champions or laggards?
Authors: Drew Eileen , Murtagh Eamonn M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the experience of, and attitudes towards, work/life balance (WLB) by female and male senior managers in a major Irish organisation for which WLB is now a strategic corporate objective.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using an electronic questionnaire survey designed to obtain the views of female and male managers on strategies that would contribute to a better gender balance, promote diversity and raise leadership capacity in the organisation. Work/life balance emerged as a major issue in impeding the career progression of female managers. All female managers and a sample of male managers were surveyed. This paper concentrates on the responses of the two senior management grades below Executive Director on the issue and strategies to promote work/life balance. Additional qualitative data were drawn from interviews (with eight women and five men) and three focus group sessions with all male, all female and mixed gender groups.

Findings

The greatest obstacle to achieving WLB is seen as the “long hours” culture in which availing oneself of flexible options (e.g. working from home/reduced hours/flexitime) is incompatible with holding a senior management post. Many of the senior men have followed the “breadwinner” model by being able to delegate family and caring activities to their wives. This option has not been possible for the majority of women in senior posts. Hence, men seek WLB to resolve commuting/working time issues. Women want to avail themselves of more flexible arrangements for family/quality of life reasons. Both men and women in senior management recognise that their own careers would be seriously jeopardised by taking up WLB arrangements.

Originality/value

In the absence of role models willing to display any contrary behaviour there is a pragmatic need to align corporate policy and practice with prevailing and future family structures and demonstrate, by senior management example, how WLB can work and provide assistance for managers/staff who seek to avail themselves of it. WLB policies are not enough in themselves to ensure take‐up and acceptance. It will require trust, courage and a range of interventions to champion WLB, not just at management level.
Women, work, and Islam in Arab societies
Authors: Sidani Yusuf
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This paper attempts to present varying discourses pertaining to women's work and how it is impacted by interpretations of Islam.

Design/methodology/approach

Current discourses from various viewpoints are presented including Muslim scholars on the one hand and active feminists on the other. Personalities are presented as being representative of the debate that has been going on pertaining to women in Arab societies.

Findings

Attempts that aim at categorizing Arab thought and activism into two camps, one is religious‐based adverse to women's causes, and the other being secular and supportive of their causes does not present a candid depiction of the different forces.

Research limitations/implications

Personalities chosen represent specific case studies that, although thought to be representative, cannot realistically reflect all the multitudes of views expressed pertaining to the issues discussed. Future studies may cover other relevant personalities in the region.

Practical implications

Developing the status of women in Arab societies requires a major reassessment of Muslim history and traditions. The dialogue and debates going on among religious scholars and feminists should be continuously communicated, discussed and exposed. Readers and mangers would benefit from understanding the complexity of issues and diversity of views presented.

Originality/value

This paper offers a window into the world of women's work and participation in Arab societies and how such participation is impacted by Islam, or its interpretations thereof. In addition to the English sources, this paper offers an opportunity for the reader to get a glimpse of the debate that has been going on in Arabic (especially when it comes to the little known religious discourse).
Exploring gender differences in leaders' occupational self‐efficacy
Authors: Schyns Birgit , Sanders Karin
Published: January 2007

Purpose

This study focuses on gender differences in the relationship between transformational leadership and leader's occupational self‐efficacy. The aim is to explain how female and male leaders develop their self‐efficacy. This knowledge is important for leaders as well as organizations (e.g. human resources departments).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 58 leaders were asked to indicate their transformational leadership as well as their occupational self‐efficacy, and 113 followers to indicate these leaders' transformational leadership. Hypotheses were examined using regression analyses.

Findings

We found no significant relationship between self‐rated transformational leadership and occupational self‐efficacy for women, although we did find a positive relationship for men. No interaction effect with respect to leaders' occupational self‐efficacy could be found between leaders' gender and follower‐rated transformational leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Whereas the relationship between transformational leadership and occupational self‐efficacy was examined for men and women, we could not examine the processes that lead to the differences.

Practical implications

Knowing that female and male leaders differ in the relationship between transformational leadership and occupational self‐efficacy can help organizations to seek ways to build up their occupational self‐efficacy. This is especially important when considering that occupational self‐efficacy is related to performance in organizations.

Originality/value

The paper employs both leader and follower evaluations on leaders' transformational leadership to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and occupational self‐efficacy. The paper sheds light on the different processes involved in establishing occupational self‐efficacy.
Organisational practices supporting women's career advancement and their satisfaction and well‐being in Turkey
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Koyuncu Mustafa , Fiksenbaum Lisa
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of the perceived presence of organisational practices designed to support women's career advancement and their work attitudes and satisfaction and their psychological well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 286 women in managerial and professional jobs working in a large Turkish bank, a 72 percent response rate. Five organisational experiences were considered: negative attitudes towards women, equal treatment, support, career barriers and male standards.

Findings

Women reporting more supportive organisational experiences and practices were more engaged in their work, more job and career satisfied, and indicated greater levels of psychological well‐being.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected at one point in time making it difficult to determine causality. It is important to replicate the study in other industries and countries to verify the generalizability of the conclusions.

Practical implications

Identifies career supports and obstacles and offers guidance for organisations interested in supporting women's career advancement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding of the role of work life experiences in women's work satisfaction and psychological well‐being.
A neuro‐fuzzy theoretic approach to safety control at crude oil exploration platforms
Authors: Oke S.A. , Johnson A.O. , Omogoroye O.O.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach in viewing the control of safety at crude oil exploration platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach utilized in this work is the fusion of artificial neural network and fuzzy logic. The approach is adopted in view of the better presentation of solutions to the safety control problem that neuro‐fuzzy exhibits. It is better than the individual application of either artificial neural network or fuzz logic to the problem at hand. The model captures uncertainties and imprecision that are prevalent in the quantification or data gathering stage of safety control measurement.

Findings

It was demonstrated that the application of neuro‐fuzzy is feasible. The results seem applicable to similar settings with similar system characteristics.

Practical implications

Since more confidence is obtained with the use of this more effective tool, there is improvement in decision making based on reliance on the model. Thus, the improved quality of decision made would positively affect lives of workers at the oil platforms or the materials or equipment used for exploration purposes.

Originality/value

The work is original in that it is the first time the neuro‐fuzzy methodology would be applied to offshore oil platform safety control.
Worldwide security measures for shipping, seafarers and ports
Authors: Goulielmos Alexandros M. , Anastasakos Agisilaos A.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To inform readers comprehensively and sufficiently about the new (July 1, 2004) legal regime of SOLAS/ISPS code concerning security of ports and ships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper estimates the code's impact on vessels' security and on ships' ownership and control as well as on seafarers.

Findings

The maritime security measures costing $626 million (and $168 million per year) had to be seen as the third pillar of the international shipping policy and to facilitate instead of obstructing free flow of international sea transport.

Research limitations/implications

The very recent implementation of ISPS code made this paper prognostic in nature.

Originality/value

This is the first account of the new regime and is of interest to shipowners and ports, US and EU seafarers.
Managing computer security issues: preventing and limiting future threats and disasters
Authors: Trim Peter R.J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make explicit why security needs to be viewed as a core activity and why senior management need to view security from a holistic perspective. Reference is made to various activities carried out by computer hackers and the costs associated with computer related crime.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was undertaken and a conceptual security model was produced. The key elements of the activities associated with security were highlighted and the links between the activities were made clear.

Findings

Organized criminal syndicates and international terrorist groups are increasing their level of activity. Senior managers within companies need to put in place an intelligence and security strategy to counter the activities of criminals and terrorists. Furthermore, senior managers will in the future have to work more closely with law enforcement representatives and industry representatives. They will also have to develop an appreciation of the strategic intelligence objectives of various governments. There is also evidence that senior management need to pay greater attention to identifying future threats associated with advances in internet technology.

Research limitations/implications

More attention will need to be given to how facilitating technology such as the internet is providing computer hackers and criminals with ways to either disrupt business activities or extend the range of criminal activities that they are engaged in.

Practical implications

Senior management will need to refocus on the capability of staff vis‐à‐vis corporate intelligence and security work. The learning organization concept can be embraced and can be used to assist staff to identify the advantages associated with effective knowledge management. Scenario analysis and simulation exercises can be used to train staff in emergency work, and disaster management and prevention.

Originality/value

A diverse range of topics is covered and integrated into a security‐oriented context. Attention is focused on the link between organized criminal syndicates and international terrorist groups, and why senior managers in companies need to be engaged in disaster management recovery planning. The material highlights why senior managers in companies need to develop business contingency plans and embrace the counterintelligence concept.
Complexity theory: a science where historical accidents matter
Authors: Goulielmos Alexander M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To follow the modern movement of using “positive feedback” to explain companies' behaviour with special focus on historical accidents.

Design/methodology/approach

To contribute to the emergence of new complexity theory as applied to management and prove that historical accidents matter, combining and bringing together literature sources.

Findings

The concept of unique equilibrium has been seriously disputed – the selection process is shown, as is the path dependent process using probability theory.

Practical implications

A location theory as case study is outlined – great for those fond of unique equilibrium.

Originality/value

To show another theory, which is dynamic, non‐linear, and complex as reality; to apply it to management underlying at the same time the role of historical accidents (random process).
Effects of 9/11 on individuals and organizations: down but not out!
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this introduction is to review some of the major issues that arose after 9/11 and set the stage for the articles that follow.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was undertaken using both academic and mass media sources.

Findings

The events of 9/11 have produced potentially positive as well as negative consequences, some anticipated and others unforeseen.

Research limitations/implications

Relatively little research has been conducted on the events following 9/11, making it difficult to arrive at solid conclusions at this time.

Practical implications

This special issue links the events of 9/11 with the management of organizations, a topic that has received little attention, and hopefully will encourage more scholarship in this area.

Originality/value

It is important to more fully understand why 9/11 happened and what measures need to be taken to reduce the likelihood of future terrorist attacks, as well as improve the resiliency of both citizens and their organizational employers in dealing with the aftermath of such attacks should they occur again.
International terrorism and threats to security
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review research findings on the effects of a variety of disasters, including the events of 9/11, on the general public and members of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was undertaken. Three areas were targeted: impact on public attitudes and morale, on organizations and human resource management, and on organizational resilience.

Findings

Four conclusions were drawn. First, disasters such as 9/11 have immediate negative effects on emotions and behaviors. Second, with the passage of time these effects dissipate for most people. Third, organizations directly affected by 9/11 immediately stopped functioning. Fourth, fortunately many of these firms bounced back surprisingly quickly.

Research limitations/implications

Relatively little research has been conducted on the effects of 9/11, limiting our understanding of it.

Practical implications

The people in these resilient firms, those more directly affected by the terrorist attacks, made the difference. Human resource management practices and cultural values already in place were the key factors in bringing about a speedy recovery. These factors can also be developed in other organizations as a precaution.

Originality/value

This paper explores important yet still under‐researched areas of management and organizational responses to terrorism.
State emergency service local controllers' attitudes towards disaster planning for cultural heritage resources
Authors: Graham Kristy , Spennemann Dirk H.R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Natural disasters exert a continual toll not only on property and public infrastructure, but also on places and items of cultural heritage value. Whereas infrastructure and modern buildings can be rebuilt, archaeological and heritage sites cannot be restored without loss of integrity and authenticity. Often, the impact of management decisions during and following a disaster is greater than the physical impact of the disaster itself. Aims to assess attitudinal barriers that may exist among disaster management professionals, a study of local controllers of the state emergency service of New South Wales (Australia).

Design/methodology/approach

All local controllers of the state emergency service of New South Wales were surveyed by a mail‐out questionnaire as to their knowledge of cultural heritage and their attitudes to the protection of cultural heritage assets during bushfires.

Findings

Key areas identified are a general lack of awareness of the special needs of heritage places, a lack of communication between emergency and heritage managers; an acknowledged need for but decided absence of disaster planning for cultural heritage assets; and a need for training and education.

Research limitations/implications

The study considered the local controllers of the state emergency service of New South Wales. Given the observed attitudinal barriers, there is a need for future research looking at the attitudes held by the various levels in the vertical decision making and authority tree.

Practical implications

The awareness of SES controllers regarding cultural heritage in disaster situations needs to be improved as are the communication channels both in the disaster preparedness and the disaster response phase.

Originality/value

This is the first time research has been carried out into assessing the attitudes and awareness of local controllers of the state emergency service of New South Wales with respect to cultural heritage asset management.
A simple heuristic model for injury prevention
Authors: Blanco José A. , Gillingham David W. , Lewko John H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a simple heuristic model that provides diagnostic capabilities and prevention insights.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper brings together findings from previous research including injury statistics from several industries to illustrate that the model's predicted results can be found in practice. This is a conceptual paper that applies a simple heuristic model to existing data. The model leads to an equation with four parameters: a rate of improvement reflecting prevention, a rate of deterioration reflecting obsolescence and lapsing of procedures and practices, an intrinsic limit reflecting technological capability, and a “viscosity” that adds the impact of management system malfunction to the technological limits and normal delays.

Findings

The model says that, on the average, injury rates decrease with time if the rate of rejection is greater than the rate of mortality. If “r”<“m” injury rates increase exponentially with time, and drastic results can follow. When “r”=”m” the model produces a constant rate of failure that will continue until something is done to increase “r” or decrease “m”. A constant rate of failure means that an apparent safety limit has been reached. Unless this corresponds to the technological limit, a constant rate means that some preventable failures are recurring with regularity: they risk being accepted as “hazards of the job”. Stable periods may be normal, but they can lead to complacency.

Practical implications

The heuristic power of the model is evident in that parameters and insights from applying it can help define prevention activities to reduce the rate of injury and, by implication, to lengthen operational periods between consecutive injuries.

Originality/value

The drum model can help managers understand the separate but related effects of technology and management on injury rates. The model can be used to seek prevention possibilities hidden in the aggregate data, and it can help the manager to use period data to identify areas or groups in need of help.
Redefining disaster: need for managing accidents as disasters
Authors: Rautela Piyoosh
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The cumulative impact of accidents not considered as disasters far surpasses the impact of disasters. Accidents taking toll of human lives and economy are often underreported and go unnoticed and the victims of these incidences are also ill compensated. It is therefore necessary to pay adequate attention to accidents and formulate appropriate policies for giving equal treatment to the victims of these events and also to make efforts for mitigating these. This paper aims to discuss this.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the impact of accidents and attempts to assert that these are a cause of major concern. The database of the disasters (EM‐DAT) of Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Belgium has been utilised for ascertaining the toll of disasters, while for assessing the cumulative toll of the accidents and disasters database available at departmental web sites (Department of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India (www.morth.nic.in) and Railway Ministry, Government of India (www.indianrailways.gov.in) together with some other web sites have been used. The two databases have been correlated to establish that the cumulative toll is far more than what is generally perceived to be the toll of the disasters.

Findings

Based on the correlation of one event each under the category of natural and man made disasters (landslides, transport accidents) it is concluded that these correlations establish that the toll of accidents is many times more than the disaster events and there exists a pressing need to pay adequate attention towards managing accidents that take heavy toll of the global resources.

Research limitations/implications

At present there exists no formal and comprehensive database recording the toll of accidents and the study is based on the database compiled from different sources. The paper establishes beyond doubt that the magnitude of the toll of accidents is far more than that of disasters and there exists pressing need for managing accidents.

Practical implications

This paper would bring forth the importance of managing accidents before the policy makers and initiate advocacy for putting in more resources for managing these events. In the long run the victims would not be differentiated on the basis of the magnitude of the incidents they have faced.

Originality/value

The paper shows the importance of managing major accidents and provides guidance for appropriate changes to be made.
Rural local authorities and disaster resilience in Zimbabwe
Authors: Bernard Manyena S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Building disaster‐resilient communities is one of the strategies of reducing the impact of disasters in marginalised communities. In Zimbabwe, the role of Rural District Councils (RDCs) as facilitating agencies in the realisation of this agenda cannot be overemphasised. However, at present, RDCs are unlikely to be effective towards the realisation of the disaster risk reduction agenda because, in effect, this means finding ways of tackling well known development problems for which there are no easy or obvious solutions. Using case study material from Binga RDC in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, this paper seeks to argue that building institutional capacity for RDCs is fundamental if the disaster resilience agenda has to be realised.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the author's experiences in Binga District in Zimbabwe to show how disaster resilience is linked with capacity building, decentralisation and internal organisational structures of RDCs.

Findings

RDCs are facing a number of challenges, which include inadequate financial and human resources; unstable political system; problems related to decentralisation and the nature and role of RDCs in Zimbabwe. Capacity building, full decentralisation package and internal organisational structure of rural local authorities are some of the central fundamentals for building disaster‐resilient communities

Practical implications

With capacity building being at the centre of the building community resilience, coordination by donors as well as government agencies is fundamental. The circumstances under which RDCs are operating in Zimbabwe, highlights the implicit demand for the government to further consider fiscal and administrative aspects of the decentralisation. Proffering a devolved structure‐participation outcome scenario leaves RDCs in a miserable fiscal and administrative position to tackle issues related to long‐term disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of disaster resilience focusing on Rural Local Authorities. It illuminates the complexities surrounding the delivery of the resilience agenda and how governments, local government authorities, donor community and civil society are implicated.
Trachoma and health education in primary schools in Tanzania: a pointer to community action
Authors: Lansdow Richard , Issae Wahab , Katala Sidney , Mwaisumo Rose
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The primary aim of the work reported here is to determine whether a low cost teaching approach which had been successfully used in one region of Tanzania (Tanga) could be introduced to other teachers in a different region by teachers, rather than outside experts. A second aim is to determine whether changes occurred in children's knowledge and behaviour and a third aim is to determine if the work was sustained.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in ten randomly selected schools in the Dodoma region, where there is a high prevalence rate of trachoma, with the teachers being taught active methods by colleagues from Tanga. Local staff from Helen Keller International had an input in teaching about trachoma itself. Data in the form of environmental, educational and clinical observations and were collected at the beginning, the end and during the programme and information on children's knowledge was obtained at the beginning and the end.

Findings

The results were encouraging in showing that teachers were effective in passing on their skills to other teachers, who in turn were enthusiastic in putting their new knowledge into practice. Equally encouraging was the way in which children's behaviour changed as well as their knowledge. A follow up four years later showed that the work has continued in all ten schools and has and spread to 27 others. Teaching on trachoma will be included in the new national curriculum for primary schools.

Originality/value

It is suggested that teachers should be considered as a significant part of any community based trachoma programme.
Contrasts between didactic and Deweyan approaches to health education
Authors: Brouse Corey H. , Basch Charles E. , Kubara Michael
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Over the past few decades, several theories and models have evolved to guide health education practice. Some of these models are participatory and democratic; nevertheless, much health education practice is based on achieving goals established by “health authorities,” which are called here the didactic model. The purpose of this paper is to consider that model and contrast it with a Deweyan model, based on the pragmatist philosopher, John Dewey.

Design/methodology/approach

First provides a historical perspective on the didactic and Deweyan models stressing their implications for health education. The didactic approach is contrasted with a dialectical approach implied by the Deweyan model. Then briefly discusses pragmatism and cognition noting the importance of emotions in the learning process and consider the implications of various philosophical perspectives for understanding human behavior. The final two sections discuss the goals of health education and the role of the health educator based on the essentials of pragmatism—in which health education is value‐laden and lifestyle specific

Findings

Concludes by advocating for a greater emphasis on a Deweyan philosophy in public health education practice and research.

Originality/value

Over the past several decades, theoretical frameworks for health education have evolved and a wide variety of educational, social‐psychological and program planning frameworks have been proposed and utilized to guide practice, but none specifically follow the philosophy of John Dewey. This paper is original in that it outlines the Deweyan philosophy and relates it to health education. If that philosophy were to guide health education practice and research, it would improve our service to the community as well as our understanding about why people make the choices they do.
Medicine education for schoolchildren: what do the teachers think?
Authors: Hämeen‐Anttila Katri , Airaksinen Marja , Timonen Johanna , Bush Patricia , Ahonen Riitta
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate teachers' attitudes towards medicines and to determine what they are willing to teach children about medicines. This study is part of a larger project where medicine education materials accessible on the internet (www.uku.fi/laakekasvatus, in Finnish with English introduction) were designed, developed, and evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a convenience sample of primary (n=11) and junior secondary (n=3) schoolteachers who attended three focus group discussions (FGDs). Before the FGDs, the teachers had taught three medicine education sessions based on medicine education curriculum materials to their own classes.

Findings

Three different types of teachers were found: empowering (n=6), paternalistic (n=6), and material evaluating (n=2). An empowering teacher was ready to facilitate the empowerment of children as medicine users. A paternalistic teacher wanted to teach children the dangers of medicines and also the importance of a healthful lifestyle. The material evaluating type of teacher commented mainly on the usefulness of the medicine education materials without expressing any attitude towards medicines.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small number of teachers participating in this study, it may be regarded as a pilot study that generated a hypothesis. Results need to be verified with a larger sample of teachers and with quantitative research methods before generalizations can be made.

Originality/value

This study suggests a need to educate teachers about what medicine education is and how it could be taught with an empowering approach.
Teaching social behaviour in schools – what can governments do?
Authors: Allen Graham
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of government and policy making in supporting schools to develop work on social behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is written by a sitting member of Parliament in the UK who is himself supporting work in schools in his constituency of Nottingham North on social behaviour, in order to clarify the role of government and it to do more in this emerging area.

Findings

The paper finds that work on social behaviour in school is urgently needed to address social deprivation and social exclusion. There is a strong role for government in this process. This work needs to be addressed with the same degree of commitment and systematic thinking as has been applied to numeracy and literacy teaching in schools, not least because social behaviour underpins and supports academic learning.

Practical implications

The paper implies that policy makers need to consider the importance of work on social behaviour in schools and their role in supporting it.

Originality/value

The paper is written by a sitting member of Parliament, addressing his fellow politicians, as well as other social policy makers, to tackle an issue of great social and educational significance – and as such is unusual if not unique.
Reinvest, recruit and rebuild to protect the future of IT
Authors: Marshall Rick
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Explores the reasons for, and possible solutions to, the shortage of suitably trained and experienced employees in information technology.

Findings

Discusses the importance of ongoing development for existing IT employees and the need to invest in recruiting new talent for the industry. Explains how internal IT apprenticeship and trainee schemes can help to promote employee retention.

Practical implications

Highlights the benefits that one company, Comunica, has obtained from its employee development and calls for other major employers to follow suit.

Originality/value

Provides a useful reminder of the need for increased investment in developing IT skills.